North Pond

Our visits to North Pond have been nothing short of phenomenal every single time. From the warm & personal hospitality, the thoughtful touches like personalized congratulatory notes on the menus, and the meticulously prepared dishes made with from local & seasonal ingredients, every detail feels special. Our recent experience was no exception. Our server, Charmian, was incredibly warm and attentive, making us feel right at home. The meal was filled with delightful surprises, such as the house roll with beet butter, a flavorful duck wrap, and comforting eggnog. The main courses were equally stunning: the scallop tamale, the pork belly with coffee crumble (beautifully presented), and the sablefish all showcased incredible thought in both design and flavor. Every dish reflected a deep appreciation for the seasonality of ingredients, which added to the charm. North Pond remains one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago and deserves endless praise. Its cozy ambiance, nestled beside the serene North Pond in Lincoln Park, makes every visit feel truly special. I can’t wait to return again and again to experience their ever-changing, whimsical seasonal menus.

Went here for my friends birthday and we had such a special experience!! The staff were incredibly welcoming, thoughtful, and friendly. We ordered different things for the most part. Favorite dishes from the current menu include the crab and corn starter, the pork dish in the second course, and the chicken main. Dessert was extraordinary as well! The cocktails are thoughtful and well made, the wine list offered lots of great options. I would absolutely return for another special occasion.

North Pond is a great choice for a romantic, elegant, leisurely dinner. It's a 4-course tasting meal with optional wine pairing. There's a large wine list with beer, cider and cocktails if you don't choose the wine pairing. In addition to the menu items, you get an amuse bouche, house-made roll with house-made butter, and a little palate cleanser before dessert. If the weather is fine, outdoor tables under red umbrellas have gorgeous views of North Pond and, at night, sparkling lights of nearby high-rises. Big windows in one of the restaurant's 2 rooms have a similar view. The menu changes seasonally; they use local food vendors as much as possible and even make their own honey and grow some of the herbs and flowers they use in the dishes. Each dish is complex and artistically presented, containing numerous ingredients.

Amazing experience with interesting and dynamic courses on this 4 course chefs tasting menu. We had planned to request kids options for our 10 year old which they were happy to provide cut she chose to do the full tasting menu and it was a great experience all around. Beautiful space, dedicated waitstaff and, of course, delicious food. Highly recommend