Aria
Chicago, IL 60601
Phone: (312) 444-9494
- Price:
- $$$
- Cross Street:
- Lake Street
- Directions:
- Bus: 65 to Illinois & Columbus
- Best of Citysearch:
- Hotel Dining 2007, Downtown Restaurant 2007, Date Spot 2006
- Hours:
- Sun-Thu 6am-2:30pm, 5:30pm-10pm, Fri-Sat 6am-2:30pm, 5:30pm-11pm
Editorial Review for Aria – by Robyn Galbos
The Scene
Dark wood and cream-colored accents lend warmth to the modern, serpentine dining room. Convex traffic mirrors and pewter water pitchers in the shape of frogs add whimsy, while the steady techno beat keeps things lively.
The Food
The globetrotting menu features wildly ranging dishes, from Asian stir fry to prime rib to risotto. Hot Indian flatbreads served with flavorful spreads set the tone for the menu. Start with seared scallops layered with foie gras, or fall-off-the-bone duck confit, balanced with sweet port wine reduction. Winning entrees include tender lamb shank served with an aromatic tomato-eggplant relish. Barbecue duck chow mein--a hefty serving of curly noodles stir fried in a spicy-sweet sauce--is liberally laced with large chunks of duck and lobster claw meat. A trio of potatoes served various ways is presented to each table with entrees. Artful desserts are delicious.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
What to DrinkTry the Metrosexual, a classic martini served on a tray with sample-sized skin-care products and a certificate for a free manicure. Or sample a flight of "tiny 'tinis," five different martinis served with two small bites.
The ExtrasReserve the semi-private chef's table (six to eight people) or the private dining room (eight to 12).
Save MoneyA pre-theater menu is offered daily from 5pm to 6:30pm and includes appetizer, entree and dessert ($35). Theatergoers may valet park for $9 with theater validation.
User Reviews for Aria
02/13/2008 Posted by Lionzfan27
-So I took a good friend out on a first date after reviewing a good 45+ restaurants over an 11 hour period (I know that sounds excessive but I'm paticular). -The ambience was great; nice seats, decor, linen, etc. Nothing to complain about there...other than the paper menu's, maybe I'm picky. -The service was poor, maybe better put as unproffesional, poorly trained, or unexperienced. We could tell from the beginning that the service would rank with a restaurant like Bennihanas. He was a nice guy but just didn't have what it takes to serve for this type of restaurant. He pushed menu items, didn't know what was in some dishes, and told us "it'd be a big hassle to also order from the sushi bar across the room" are you kidding me? Not only was he a poor waiter but the person that brought the 'praised' flatbread and four dipping sauces rambled them off so fast I only caught 'yogurt'. Ehhh... -Now to the food(since I am a culinary graduate). We started with an order of Unagi, it was great but I can't say I've ever been dissapointed by Unagi before. The entrees were poor, very poor. We eached ordered fish, mine being Barramundi. Each fish was over cooked and incorrectly paired with sauces to my liking. Her fish was served skin side up! Once again I could just be very picky but would you serve a steak with grill marks down? or a pie with crust up? The desserts were decent. I ordered the apple egg rolls and she had the chocolate cake, adding 'will you be mine?' at request to the Maitre D'. Each dish tasted great, had stylish platings and took away some bitterness from a poor meal. Conclusion- weak meal, poor service, and to my suprise not worthy of the price in the end. I would not recommend this to friends or for that matter anyone who asks for a review. Would I return? No, unless I was treated to the meal. *If you like sushi I would recommend the sushi bar just by looks. It's hip, stylish, and based on my purchase of the Unagi alone, tasty. -Cheers
Pros: Ambience
Cons: Entrees (paticulary the fish) and Service
11/24/2007 Posted by lr18190
Excellent service, wonderful menu and I love the specials. I went here for a holiday and thought I had falled in love. It was quite, romantic and in a great location. The problem arised when I got home! I don't think I have ever gotten so sick and as a result, I don't think I will ever go back. My date and I were both very ill and therefore I do believe it was something to do with the food. I would recommend it, but make sure you get something cooked and keep your fingers crossed! I was sick for the next 24 hours!
Pros: Great service, ambiance
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