Esmé

Apr 14
2 min read

Chicago Restaurant Week is the perfect opportunity to explore Michelin Star restaurants without the usual commitment, and Esmé exceeded every expectation. I had passed by this acclaimed Lincoln Park spot many times but finally experienced their seasonal menu — and it was a delicious culinary journey from start to finish.

The evening began with the Orchard Lane cocktail, made with pisco, apple, agave, and habanero. Bright, citrus-forward, and slightly savory, it was the ideal winter cocktail to kick off the night.

Orchard Lane cocktail with pisco, apple, agave, and habanero at Esmé, a Michelin Star restaurant in Chicago.

The first bite of the evening was a salad featuring endive, ricotta, and yuzu vinaigrette. Simple yet elegant, the fresh, subtle flavors provided a light start that highlighted Esmé’s focus on seasonal ingredients.

Salad with endive, ricotta, and yuzu vinaigrette at Esmé Chicago.

Next, a celery root soup with coconut and granola paired with warm brioche arrived. The soup was rich and velvety, with the granola adding a satisfying crunch that elevated each spoonful. It was comforting yet inventive, and the brioche was the perfect accompaniment to soak up every bit of the flavorful broth.

Velvety celery root soup with coconut and granola, served with brioche at Esmé Chicago.

The menu then transitioned to seafood with sturgeon accompanied by spinach, crispy parsnip, and a creamy Normandy sauce. The thick sauce perfectly complemented the tender fish, while the crispy parsnip added texture and a slightly sweet crunch.

Sturgeon with spinach, crispy parsnip, and creamy Normandy sauce at Esmé in Chicago.

Shortly after, a short rib dish was served with radicchio, romaine, and beet bole. Rich, savory, and full of depth, the sauce again stole the spotlight, making every bite indulgent yet balanced.

Short rib with radicchio, romaine, and beet bole at Esmé Michelin Star restaurant Chicago.

For those seeking a lighter alternative, the citrusy, flavorful pesto pasta offered by the waiter was a refreshing contrast and showcased the versatility of the menu.

Citrusy and flavorful pesto pasta option at Esmé in Chicago.

The meal concluded with a Sticky Date Cake topped with banana caramel and cognac ice cream. Sweet, rich, and perfectly balanced, it was an ideal finale to a thoughtfully curated menu that highlighted Esmé’s talent for combining flavors and textures.

Sticky Date Cake with banana caramel and cognac ice cream at Esmé Chicago.

Esmé is a must-visit for Michelin Star dining in Chicago. Every element — from inventive cocktails to elegant plating, from fresh ingredients to rich, comforting sauces — contributed to a memorable dining experience. Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a night of elevated Chicago cuisine, Esmé delivers an unforgettable evening of food, drink, and atmosphere.