(312) 280-9100
749 N Clark St
Chicago,
IL
60610
41.8961
-87.6311
Neighborhoods: Near North Side, Central
Hours:
Friday From 05:00 PM To 10:00 PM Sunday From 05:30 PM To 10:30 PM Monday To Thursday From 05:30 PM To 09:30 PM
Price:
$$$$
Last updated 6.23.11
Category:
Payment Methods:
American Express, Visa, Discover, Diners Club, 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, Bar Scene, Notable Wine List, Prix Fixe Menu
Cuisine:
Smoking Permitted:
No
What People Are Saying About Le Lan Restaurant
Featured Review
Contributor
Contributor
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…
Editor's Tips
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
| ambiance | 96.96999549865723% positive |
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|---|---|---|
| dessert | 100.0% positive |
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| drinks | 100.0% positive |
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| food quality | 92.22000122070312% positive |
|
| menu variety | 100.0% positive |
|
| overall | 83.33000183105469% positive |
|
| service | 90.67000389099121% positive |
|
| value | 83.33000183105469% positive |
|
| wait time | 100.0% positive |
|
Competition for Le Colonial
by FuzzyLogic at Citysearch
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.
- Pros: Chef Starling, the soup
- Cons: a bit pricey
Amazing!
by CapGod at Citysearch
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.
Awful Food
by adrianeleah at Citysearch
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.
- Pros: none
- Cons: Horrible Food, expensive and rude service
Exceptional service slightly overshadows the food
by JeanetteQFR at Citysearch
Wow, talk about A+ service! My husband and I went there for our 4th Anniversary and were blown away by the attentive and thoughful service. Our menus were personalized and we were given a number of complimentary tastings.
For an appetizer, we ordered sashimi over an avocado puree complemented by bl**d oranges and wakame. I tried my best not to lick the plate. For an entree, my husband had the NY Strip Steak, drizzled with curry butter or something. Don't quote me on that. It was served with sauteed greens and a red coconut rice of sorts. Honestly, my husband wasn't very excited about the steak - gave it a so-so review:( He really, really wanted to like it. But, he loved everything else.
I, on the other hand, had the bouillabaise which consisted of 10 different types of seafood. The broth was very tasty and light. I enjoyed it. I also enjoyed eating all of my husbands sides. Oh, and I had the coconut polenta cakes over habanero peppers. That was pretty tasty as well. It would have been better if I had some type of sauce drizzled over it.
And for dessert, we had gingerbread with spiced pear puree and ice cream and probably a few more goodies that I can't remember. The flavor was rich, but the bread was too dense for my taste. I still ate it all. They did give us an anniversary Creme Brulee - which was divine.
Overall, I loved the service. I thought the value was great because of all of the extras. Otherwise, it may have been just slightly overpriced - just a tad. And I can't guarantee if you'll get all the extras. The food was good for the most part. I didn't want to stop eating:)
Nothing great esp if you are vegetarian
by vikarad at Citysearch
We went to Le Lan to celebrate our anniversary, and I had called a month in advance for reservations, letting them know we were celebrating. I also asked about veg food options before making a reservation and they assured me that they did vegetarian all the time and had plenty of options. When we arrived, we had to wait 15 minutes for our table. Then they gave us a table in the corner (they have a cool round table on one end, that of course, they didnt give to us). Although the food was good, I was disappointed that they actually only have a couple dishes that were veg, and only 1 entree option. So although the decor and atmosphere was nice, I would not recommend this place esp if you are vegetarian. There are plenty of other options in Chicago with better service and great food.
The Details on Le Lan Restaurant
Place Categories:
- excellent food
- excellent topnotch service
- fantastic dining experience
- romantic ambience
- not intrusive server
- highly suggest le lan
- very tasty broth
- delicious dumplings
- great place
- truly romantic anniversary celebration
- fresh everything
- nice atmosphere
- wonderful dessert
- great value
- tasteful restful decor
- pretentious staff
- stuffy space
- full restaurant
- great nothing
- favorite wines flowers
- wonderful beef
- delicious house riesling
- great cocktails
- absolutely delicious fabulous prix fixe meal
- great waiter


