Les Nomades

06/05/10

Dissapointment Ala Mode

by jw01

Disapointment allamode‎ - ‎ - 2010-06-05

After months of looking forward to using a very generous gift certificate at this restaurant I was expecting the best. Not so much! I was dissapointed immediately with the drab decor of the room and discovered that at ALL tables someone had to face a wall. The place looked old and dreary, frankly much like the customers. The evening continued to sink as tiny tiny amounts of food kept apearing on large plates. The chef had gone to great lengths to make not much look like something. It was somewhat tasty but no where near the $400 bill for just two people. Over all the place is HIGHLY overated. I wouldn't recommend it or return! Ever!

• Pros: I got to leave
• Cons: ????? isn't that a good questions

07/11/09

Classy

by MLicata

Tables are a little close but I still love this place for its sophistication and civilized service. The food is always well prepared.

• Pros: Intimate
• Cons: Hard to have a private conversation

01/06/09

Best elegant dinner around

by drgail31

One of the best fine dining experiences you will ever have. We have been here at least a half dozen times and have never been disappointed. The food and service are always superb. The waitstaff is always on top of everything without being "in your face". There aren't too many places that are worth this much money! The wine list is extensive and has something at every price. The decor is understated- you feel like you are eating in an elegant home. Put it on the top of your list for your next special occasion.

• Cons: expensive

09/16/07

Wonderful experience

by genesasia

When my sister came to visit, I took her and her family to Les Nomades. I was concerned about how it would go because my sister lives in New York and has frequent access to many wonderful restaurants, and so she is not easily impressed. I am happy to say that both the service and the food were outstanding. We had a wonderful meal and I was very satisfied with the experience. I would definitely go back.

• Pros: Outstanding food and service
• Cons: none

05/12/07

Fine French Dining in a Quiet, Civilized Setting

by mrkevin

Our party of four loved the hushed atmosphere in this comfortable, intimate Streeterville townhouse this evening. The clientele at Les Nomades are Chicago's upper crust: established, wealthy, and mature. The new menu under Chris Nugent has a great mix of wild game and fowl, along with signature dishes. We were greeted with knowledgeable, friendly waiters who made us feel at home. Everything at this restaurant has a hand-picked, custom feel to it; even the olives in a martini or the whole grain sourdough bread served in the bread basket. The cuisine soars here, from the amuse bouche of smoked salmon, a sweetbread puff, and a tiny mushroom soup terrine with white truffle foam to the melt-in-your-mouth venison loin. While the portions are small, the flavors are large and satisfy. If you have an appetite, I would opt for the 5 course meal at $112. Among our choices, stand outs were the langoustine and scallop appetizer, the asparagus with poached egg, the hearty lamb portion, and the amazingly light and airy passion fruit souffle. The fish courses were delicious, but rather small, and we all wished there had been more than just two options on the menu. A minor disappointment was my veal loin: ordered medium rare but arrived medium well. The wine list was overwhelming and 90% French.

The service was about 90% perfect, but there were some tiny issues that detract from a restaurant of this quality. While our decanted wine and water was constantly filled, we did wait a bit between our fish and main course, and then waited to have our main course plates cleared. The diner next to us was disappointed that her red wine was served chilled. These are small quibbles, but when everything seems to be designed for a perfect experience, little things stand out.

Dessert course included an extra plate for the table of tiny homemade chocolate mint candies, orange jellies, mini meringues, and cookies. Expect to spend over $200 per person with tip.

• Pros: Ambience, Food Quality and Preparation
• Cons: Service was nearly perfect