Vermilion
(312) 527-4060
10 W Hubbard St
Chicago,
IL
60610
41.8901
-87.6285
Neighborhoods: Near North Side, Central

What People Are Saying About Vermilion
The Editor
Jennifer Olvera
Citysearch
The Scene
When pulled, gauzy curtains create intimate nooks within this wood-beamed dining room with black and white photography hung on red-painted and silver brick walls. A well-heeled, multi-generational crowd congregates around a glossy red bar to sip intoxicating herbed, spiced cocktails before sliding into curvaceous white leather banquettes or dark wood chairs at linen-topped tables. Informative, friendly servers up the ante.
The Food
A fiery--not to mention, sexy--blend of Indian and Latin cuisines finds its stride among small plates. Crisp, fragrant potato and garbanzo bean-filled pastry cups have interactive appeal since diners fill them with lush, refreshing cilantro water and pop them into mouths whole. Shrimp slathered with inky, peanut-studded tamarind sauce is brightened by crunchy moong bean-daikon slaw. Tropical lobster, shrimp and tilapia ceviche with mango, mint and ginger belies inclement weather. Among entrees, tender tandoori skirt steak delivers big flavor, but chili-glazed ribs leave a bitter taste.
Hits
Tapas dishes are varied. The wonderful sauces deserve to be sopped up with sides of chewy house-made roti or naan.
Misses
While the specialty "herb and spice" cocktails are interesting, some sound better on paper. For example, the pear and coriander martini is gritty toward the bottom, and the tamarind margarita has a biting edge.
User Reviews
JoeSingh
February 24, 2009
I definately would never ever go there again or would I recommend this resturant to anyone! Tonight was the worst expierence I have had at a resturant in a long long time.
read full reviewkah1100
February 17, 2009
Extremely disappointing. Most food was served tepid; flavors on many dishes bland. Fell very short from the interesting descriptions on the menu. Service was awkward. Took 20 minutes to get 3 drinks--which were weak and missing a key ingredient (the chili pepper). The Lobster (their signature dish) was the worst of all. It was overcooked and the bland sauce was starting to congeal over by the time it was served to us. The restaurant was half empty at 7 pm on a Saturday--should have tipped us off that this was no longer the hot spot all the reviews from a couple of years ago indicated. Way overpriced for the quality.
read full reviewJimmyDavies
February 05, 2009
One recommendation to the owners of Vermillion, as a Indian food connosieur, I recommend you buy round trip tickets to Swagath Restaurant in Defense Colony, New Delhi. This is Indian cuisine executed at its finest.... It is only then that you will see how far you fall short of brilliance.. Come back, and realize that experimentation with discernment is bound to lead to less that stellar results- which is what Vermillion typifies. Indian cuisine can truly be masterful, but it simply is not at Vermillion. Best wishes.
read full reviewThe Details on Vermilion
Where to Sit:
When coming with a small group, snag the curtain-swathed, circular booth opposite the bar for a prime perch.
Save Money:
Tapas selections are especially affordable during lunch. Two cost $12, and four can be had for $22.
Parking:
Metered street parking, while limited, is best found right after street parking restrictions lift at 6pm.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Discover, Visa, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Local Favorite, Late Night Dining, Romantic Dining, Special Occasion Dining, Fine Dining, People Watching, Date Spot, Group Dining, Dine At The Bar







