Arun's Restaurant
(773) 539-1909
4156 N Kedzie Ave
Chicago,
IL
60618
41.957
-87.7084
Neighborhoods: Northwest Side, Irving Park
What People Are Saying About Arun's Restaurant
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
The Scene
On a dark, fairly uninviting stretch of Kedzie Avenue, Arun's is an unlikely oasis of culinary excellence. Ornate Thai artifacts and paintings shimmer on golden-yellow walls; two intimate dining areas are separated by a windowed wall. Music is traditional and soft; service is relaxed, friendly and efficient.
The Food
Prepare for a meal you won't soon forget. The chef's special menu (the sole option) is a 12-course dining adventure ($85) that will change the way you think about Thai food. It starts with six appetizers served one at a time, each a perfectly presented treasure: One night's offerings may include rice vermicelli in a crystalline, piquant broth; a combo of delicately fried wonton, egg roll and shrimp pouch; and tender, chilled pork satay salad. Presented banquet-style, entrees are overwhelming: Beef curry in a spicy sauce sneaks up on you, while tender, fatty stewed pork is memorably melt-in-your-mouth.
User Reviews
Foodie1woman
June 30, 2009
I just left arun and felt extremely compelled to share my review. The 12-course tasting was by far one of the worst meals I've ever had. My dining partner, who is a classically trained chef, said the food was no better than what you would eat at a food court. Nothing tasted fresh, many items were soggy, and some were spiced so much that the flavors masked the integrity of the food. As I paid the bill, I felt completely ripped off. Never, never go there. (I should have known upon seeing all the restaurant's empty seats when we entered the establishment).
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josisand
September 11, 2007
I have heard about this restaurant over the years and after seeing it listed in the book "1000 Places to See Before You Die", I made a reservation. It was the worst meal. I could have ordered from my neighborhood thai restuarant and thoroughly enjoyed myself and saved $270.00. The presentation is lovely but if the food doesn't taste fresh, what is the point of carving carrots for hours to look like Nemo. I would rather spend my money at Nomi, Shanghai Terrace or Le Colonial. I felt really bad for the staff. They were very attentive and nice but seem unaware of the horrible food.
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pjs2780
May 10, 2007
When my parents were visiting, my husband and I wanted to take them to the best restaurants Chicago had to offer, and Arun's did not disappoint. Each appetizer was more tasty than the one before (and the presentation was great -- a cute carrot basket on one plate, an abstract fish on another), and the four entrees were each standouts in their own way (I loved the Massman beef and the lobster). And the two desserts were absolutely delicious! It truly was like being royalty in Thailand. I can't wait to go back!
read full reviewThe Details on Arun's Restaurant
The Extras:
Like spicy foods? Let your server know, and Arun will turn up the heat. The kitchen will also accommodate dietary restrictions.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Discover, Diners Club, Visa, MasterCard, Debit Card
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Family-Friendly Dining, Romantic Dining, Quiet, Special Occasion Dining, Fine Dining, Notable Chef, Private Rooms, Hidden Find, Group Dining, Notable Wine List, Prix Fixe Menu
Cuisine:
Notable Chef:
Arun Sampanthavivat
