Le Lan
Upscale French-Vietnamese restaurant in River North balances both cuisines in rich sauces, balanced spices, fresh seafood and meats.
(312) 957-4497
749 N Clark St
(at Chicago Avenue)
Chicago,
IL
60610
41.8961
-87.6311
Neighborhoods: Near North Side, Central
Hours:
Mon-Wed 11:30am-2pm, 5pm-10pm
Thu-Fri, 11:30am-2pm, 5pm-11pm
Sat 5pm-11pm
Price:
$$$$
Last updated 4.30.09
What People Are Saying About Le Lan
The Owner
Le Lan
Owner
Le Lan, Le meaning French for "The," Lan meaning "Orchid" in Vietnamese depicts the freshness of our restaurant, the delicate balance. Eastern and western food and culture bond together inside these walls, while still maintaining their identities. An orchid is a flowering plant that is not easy to maintain yet it rewards its grower with a distinctive, remarkable and notable one-of-a-kind beauty and elegance.
When approaching Le Lan, guests can see through the large front window shaped like a moon--a tribute to the moon's significance in Vietnamese culture.
The Editor
Contributor
Citysearch
In Short
A large moon-shaped window marks this Asian-inspired restaurant on Clark Street, which is named appropriately after an orchid. Inside, diners find themselves a romantic space complemented by tables topped with the bespoke flower, recessed lighting and dragon-themed artwork. The East-dabbles-with-West menu reflects the savory and sweet nuances of both palates in the forms of rich spices and subtle sauces. Notables include pork belly and pink shrimp spring rolls with hot mustard and green papaya salad or sake-glazed cobia with soba noodles, bok choy and miso broth paired perfectly with a selection from a well-rounded, eclectic wine list.
User Reviews
FuzzyLogic
January 09, 2009
There really aren't many restaurants that do the French Asian cuisine. There's Viet places, but I mean the more elegant French Asian fusion, for which Le Colonial has a fine reputation. Here's what Le Colonial doesn't have: a chef named Chad Starling. He's really doing some fine things in Le Lan's kitchen. I can't wait to go back for more. I went on a Friday night, somewhat concerned that I was underdressed and that the place would be too crowded. It was nice-but-casual, and not too crowded -- just right. I was alone, so I sat at the bar. The house Riesling is delicious. Chef Chad sent out an amuse bouche, which was a melt-in-your-mouth piece of sashimi (I think it was yellowtail) with something frizzy on it, like radish shaving, and a flavored oil, I think. Don't know what the hell it was, but it sure amused my bouche. The entrees looked great, but I was in the mood for appetizers. I started with the Young Thai coconut soup, which was one of the best soups I have ever tasted. I cook a little myself, and I do soups, and this one made me envious. I also sampled some duck dumplings, which I wanted more of. I don't mean the order was small; I mean I wanted seconds. The homemade spring rolls are light for fried food, and the filling once again reflected the chef's knack for marrying flavors. I can't wait to have some of these entrees and will review again when I do. The night I went, the bartender was also waiting tables, and the wait staff sometimes tended their own drinks. They just do it this way. Maybe it fosters helpfulness on the part of the staff, but I don't care for it. It makes the place look harried and short-staffed, even though it's not.
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CapGod
October 28, 2008
I had an amazing time at Le Lan. Everything that needed to go right that night went right. From the amazingly courteous staff (hostess, waiters, sommelier) to the delicious food (we had quail foie gras (sp???) and the venison and it was delicious). I had arranged for the desert before hand and they were very receptive and helpful in assisting me with the surprise. I highly recommend this place for anyone wishing to have a friendly and romantic experience.
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adrianeleah
September 22, 2008
I was excited to try Le Lan for the first day the other night, unfortunately the food was terrible. My soup had far too much salt and tasted as though someone had made some serious mistakes measuring. Even worse, my fish entree was severely undercooked and I had to send it back immediately. Later that night confirmation came in the form of severe food po isoning (won't get in the specifics here but let's just say it wasn't pretty). All in all I would say this was not a good dining experience: the staff was ambivalent, prices were super high and the food was literally sickening.
read full reviewThe Details on Le Lan
The Extras:
Chef Kim offers a tasting menu upon request.
When to Go:
A three-course fixed price menu is available all evening on Tuesdays and from 5pm to 6pm Monday through Friday.
Private Rooms:
An upstairs dining room accommodates up to 60 guests for private parties.
Save Money:
The restaurant features two prix fixe menus: a pre-theater menu served Monday through Thursday between 5pm and 6pm for $38 or a special $38 Tuesday three-course prix-fixe menu.
Know Before You Go:
While not advertised or listed on the menu, you can request either a six- or nine-course tasting menu with wine pairings.
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Diners Club, Discover, Visa, MasterCard
Restaurant Special Features:
Romantic Dining, Special Occasion Dining, Fine Dining, Outdoor Dining, Notable Chef, Private Rooms, Business Dining, Online Reservations, Date Spot, Group Dining, Dine At The Bar, Notable Wine List, Bar Scene, Prix Fixe Menu
Cuisine:
Smoking Permitted:
No
As Seen In…
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Message from Le Lan
- Authentic Atmosphere
- Online Reservations
- Unique Cuisine
Le Lan, Le meaning French for "The," Lan meaning "Orchid" in Vietnamese depicts the freshness of our restaurant, the delicate balance. Eastern and western food and culture bond together inside these walls, while still maintaining their identities. An orchid is a flowering plant that is not easy to maintain yet it rewards its grower with a distinctive, remarkable and notable one-of-a-kind beauty and elegance.
When approaching Le Lan, guests can see through the large front window shaped like a moon--a tribute to the moon's significance in Vietnamese culture.
