Matilda

Belle Kendrick
Aug 28
2 min read

After hearing buzz about the newer Matilda restaurant in River North, I made a Saturday night reservation to see what the hype was all about. And let’s just say—it exceeded every expectation. From bold seafood-forward dishes to beautifully crafted cocktails, Matilda delivers a standout dining experience in Chicago.

We kicked off our evening with drinks, and I ordered the Sombra, made with mezcal, blueberry syrup, lime, and ginger beer. This smoky-sweet cocktail came recommended by our server and had a perfect balance of flavor—refreshing with just the right hint of spice.

Sombra mezcal cocktail with blueberry syrup and lime at Matilda in River North, Chicago.

Our first appetizer, the Conchas Marisqueras, featured scallops, octopus, and white fish served in-shell with salsa negra, lime, and smoked sea salt. The broth was spicy, zesty, and layered with bold flavors. It also came beautifully presented, adding to the experience.

Seafood shells with scallops, octopus, and salsa negra at Matilda Chicago.

Next, we ordered the Scallop & Lychee Ceviche—a standout dish with a creamy, unexpected broth that paired perfectly with the fresh lychee and scallop combination. This was unlike any ceviche I’ve had in the city.

Creamy scallop and lychee ceviche served chilled at Matilda restaurant.

For our first hot plate, we chose the Cheek Birria with handmade corn tortillas. The birria was rich and tender, and it made for a flavorful, build-your-own taco moment at the table.

Rich cheek birria with corn tortillas for DIY tacos at Matilda Chicago.

The highlight of the meal was hands down Matilda’s Paella—a seafood lover’s dream. It featured mahi-mahi, scallops, octopus, and shrimp over creamy, risotto-style rice, all tied together with a Peruvian-Mexican chile salsa madre and Manchego cheese. This dish had bold, complex flavor and felt elevated. Truly one of the best paellas I’ve ever tried.

Seafood paella with scallops, mahi-mahi, and shrimp over risotto rice.

One of the most unique elements of Matilda is the hidden Clandestino cocktail lounge, a speakeasy-style bar tucked near the hostess stand. After dinner, we continued the night here with two more cocktails: the Lychee Martini—sweet and bright—and the Naked and Famous, another mezcal-based drink with citrusy flavors.

Interior of Clandestino cocktail lounge with moody lighting and signature drinks.

Matilda and Clandestino make the perfect River North duo for a full night out—from inventive seafood dishes to artful cocktails in a hidden bar. With fresh flavors, standout presentation, and an atmosphere that blends elegance with edge, this is easily one of the top new restaurants I’ve experienced in Chicago.