The ambiance and vibe is great! Didn't love the restaurant week dishes we ordered but would give it another shot because I've heard great things!
OLGA
That was truly a wonderful experience from start to finish. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with a beautifully designed setting that made the entire evening feel special and memorable. The attention to detail in the décor, lighting, and overall ambiance created the perfect backdrop for a relaxing and enjoyable time. The food was absolutely exquisite — every dish was thoughtfully prepared and full of rich, balanced flavors. The presentation was elegant, and you could really taste the quality of the ingredients in every bite. It wasn't just a meal, but a complete dining experience that I would gladly recommend and look forward to enjoying again.
Marc
First time at Tama, finding it thru a Restaurant Week online guide. After reviewing a dozen restaurants in my neighborhood, their menu selection proved to be the most interesting. I was not disappointed. Food, service and ambiance were on point. The Belluga Lentils were well balanced and flavorful, using only a few ingredients. The highlight was the Pork Belly with a celery puree, a savory delight with a hint of sweetness. Beef tartar was very good, even added a complimentary side of sour dough bread to fully enjoy it. Dessert was delicious Fudge Sundae. I'll be back!
Gabby
I wish I saw the note about the restaurant week menu in advance but it would have been a nice option to be able to order additional dishes especially with allergy specific individuals.
Tania
Went for restaurant week and while they had some dishes that were from their regular menu, half were weren't. So I feel you don't get the same taste of what others love about this restaurant. Some of dishes didn't taste cohesive and lacked umf. Also portion sizes were small. The basque cheesecake was probably the shining star. Hospitality was great
Hannah
Absolutely not worth it, at least for restaurant week. Portions are tiny- and took over 2.5 hours for us to get through the 4 courses. We were frequently forgotten, and the temperature was set at 65 degrees so it was freezing! Food came out cold, service was so slow. Wasn't worth the money or time.
Brianna
Service was not great during restaurant week. We were served the wrong items 3 times. The amount of food we received was definitely on the small size, but the quality was great! I have dined here outside of restaurant week and had a wonderful experience.
deborah
We came for lunch during restaurant week and enjoyed their special menu options. We were seated in the back room which is small with a nice wooden bar and a few tables lined up along a banquette. We each had a cocktail and then proceeded to the three course lunch which was terrific, especially the chicken dish and the Basque cheesecake dessert. Portions were well-suited to three women out for lunch. Will definitely be back - the service was warm and friendly, the atmosphere also warm with a nice mix of color and dark woods. The exterior is absolutely charming as you approach.
Maurice
I went during restaurant week, so I didn't get to experience the full menu. I feel the potential but I didn't appreciate being able to feel that the food was prepared so long ago. However the place looks nice and had a good vibe.
Jack
Great restaurant week menu! I will say there were some dishes that felt stronger and more cohesive than others. However, the service was excellent, and for the price it was a great culinary experience!
Tama is spectacular. We had the bread with the ice cream, the tuna tartare, the Ragu with foam, short rib, deconstructed apple pie, and cheesecake. All or absolutely fantastic. This is one of our favorite restaurants in Chicago. Highly recommend! 
Maria
A complete disaster. No one even came to our table for a full 10 minutes after we arrived. We sat ignored with empty water glasses trying to get anyone's attention. Then they “lost” our order. Took them 40 minutes to realize we were sitting without our food and had to ask us what we wanted again. We were offered a free app that we didn't ask for or want and a discount that didn't even cover one drink. Apps finally came an hour after we arrived. Main courses were another 30 minutes later and we were rushed through them all. They didn't even bother to pick up the dirty dishes. Food was not worth it. The bill was obnoxious and insulting.
Dennis James
This is our favorite restaurant in the city! Excellent food and service. The staff is so friendly! Must visit!
Taylor
My family and I had an incredible dinner at Tama! The food was delicious, and we were huge fans of the beef skewers, empanadas, and patatas bravas. The burnt basque cheesecake was the perfect way to end the night. We also received great service throughout the meal. I will definitely be back!
Mary
My second time here and I already am planning my next visit. The food is consistently outstanding and the head chef / owner is so kind and welcoming.
The ambiance and vibe is great! Didn't love the restaurant week dishes we ordered but would give it another shot because I've heard great things!
That was truly a wonderful experience from start to finish. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with a beautifully designed setting that made the entire evening feel special and memorable. The attention to detail in the décor, lighting, and overall ambiance created the perfect backdrop for a relaxing and enjoyable time. The food was absolutely exquisite — every dish was thoughtfully prepared and full of rich, balanced flavors. The presentation was elegant, and you could really taste the quality of the ingredients in every bite. It wasn't just a meal, but a complete dining experience that I would gladly recommend and look forward to enjoying again.
First time at Tama, finding it thru a Restaurant Week online guide. After reviewing a dozen restaurants in my neighborhood, their menu selection proved to be the most interesting. I was not disappointed. Food, service and ambiance were on point. The Belluga Lentils were well balanced and flavorful, using only a few ingredients. The highlight was the Pork Belly with a celery puree, a savory delight with a hint of sweetness. Beef tartar was very good, even added a complimentary side of sour dough bread to fully enjoy it. Dessert was delicious Fudge Sundae. I'll be back!
I wish I saw the note about the restaurant week menu in advance but it would have been a nice option to be able to order additional dishes especially with allergy specific individuals.
Went for restaurant week and while they had some dishes that were from their regular menu, half were weren't. So I feel you don't get the same taste of what others love about this restaurant. Some of dishes didn't taste cohesive and lacked umf. Also portion sizes were small. The basque cheesecake was probably the shining star. Hospitality was great
Absolutely not worth it, at least for restaurant week. Portions are tiny- and took over 2.5 hours for us to get through the 4 courses. We were frequently forgotten, and the temperature was set at 65 degrees so it was freezing! Food came out cold, service was so slow. Wasn't worth the money or time.
Service was not great during restaurant week. We were served the wrong items 3 times. The amount of food we received was definitely on the small size, but the quality was great! I have dined here outside of restaurant week and had a wonderful experience.
We came for lunch during restaurant week and enjoyed their special menu options. We were seated in the back room which is small with a nice wooden bar and a few tables lined up along a banquette. We each had a cocktail and then proceeded to the three course lunch which was terrific, especially the chicken dish and the Basque cheesecake dessert. Portions were well-suited to three women out for lunch. Will definitely be back - the service was warm and friendly, the atmosphere also warm with a nice mix of color and dark woods. The exterior is absolutely charming as you approach.
I went during restaurant week, so I didn't get to experience the full menu. I feel the potential but I didn't appreciate being able to feel that the food was prepared so long ago. However the place looks nice and had a good vibe.
Great restaurant week menu! I will say there were some dishes that felt stronger and more cohesive than others. However, the service was excellent, and for the price it was a great culinary experience!
Restaurantji Recommends
Tama is spectacular. We had the bread with the ice cream, the tuna tartare, the Ragu with foam, short rib, deconstructed apple pie, and cheesecake. All or absolutely fantastic. This is one of our favorite restaurants in Chicago. Highly recommend! 
A complete disaster. No one even came to our table for a full 10 minutes after we arrived. We sat ignored with empty water glasses trying to get anyone's attention. Then they “lost” our order. Took them 40 minutes to realize we were sitting without our food and had to ask us what we wanted again. We were offered a free app that we didn't ask for or want and a discount that didn't even cover one drink. Apps finally came an hour after we arrived. Main courses were another 30 minutes later and we were rushed through them all. They didn't even bother to pick up the dirty dishes. Food was not worth it. The bill was obnoxious and insulting.
This is our favorite restaurant in the city! Excellent food and service. The staff is so friendly! Must visit!
My family and I had an incredible dinner at Tama! The food was delicious, and we were huge fans of the beef skewers, empanadas, and patatas bravas. The burnt basque cheesecake was the perfect way to end the night. We also received great service throughout the meal. I will definitely be back!
My second time here and I already am planning my next visit. The food is consistently outstanding and the head chef / owner is so kind and welcoming.
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