The dishes at Apolonia sound amazing on paper and are plated tastefully. However, I was let down by the flavors and textures in the pastas/entrees. We also had some issues with pasta being undercooked and incorrect charges on the receipt too which may have added to my overall disenchantment. I will say that the dessert was fantastic so we did end off on a good note. What we got: Fiorentini al Sugo: 8/10; smoked tomato, catalpa grove sausage. Grilled Mediterranean Branzino: 6/10; marinated olives, dill, caramelized fennel. It was cooked well but kind of one note. Also a pretty small portion given how expensive it was. Black Truffle Puff Bread: 9.5/10; crunchy herbs, toasted garlic. THIS. This dish was the reason I came here and it did not disappoint. Shellfish Tagliolini: 7/10; blue crab, bottarga. Very generous amount of crab. Harissa Spiced Lamb Skewer: 8/10; cucumber tzatziki, lime, dill The Pistachio: 9/10; pistachio done three ways in a dessert (crumble, cake, and gelato?)
Kenyata F.
I returned for dinner the following week after my initial brunch visit and the menu was exciting for me everything was delicious. The lamb skewers and octopus was perfectly cooked and flavored. My main dish the branzino was light perfectly cooked and the olives and fennel complimented the fish wonderfully... a 5 star for me The black truffle puff is a highlight a must perfectly warmed light and airy bread with an excellent taste and perfect crisp. 5 star. The chili garlic oysters, a bit small but tasty and cooked perfectly. 4 stars The almond pastry croissant 5 stars... delicious and the creme inside gave it the right hint of sweetness. The chocolate meringue flambeau was yummy. The piece of caramel inside I wish it had melted but the banana, caramel, chocolate cake bon a petite... 4.5 stars For brunch I had the steak and eggs. It was in a tomato base which I was unaware that it would be served that way, and I'm not a tomato fan, but nonetheless it was decent. 3.75 My bestie ordered warm seafood salad and stated that if was delicious 5 stars . Red blend wine was great Light red for the fish was the perfect bitter without being sour 4.8 stars The mimosas lemon/citrus were also perfect. 5 stars
Shaun B.
The food at this resturant was simply amazing and excellent. I would put this on my list the next time that I am in Chicago. You will spend a few extra dollars but totally worth it.
Kenya M.
I was recently in town for work and we had dinner as a group at Apolonia. When I walked in I was blown away by the beautiful atmosphere and aesthetic. We had reservations and were seated immediately. I took particular notice of the amazing bar area. Our waitress was very attentive, friendly and patient with our large group. The only hiccup was my coworker was served my cocktail and I her mocktail as she's sober. Honest mistake and not on the waitress but remedied quickly. We ordered almost all of appetizers for the table and we enjoyed them all. Everyone raved about their entrees as well. The star was the shellfish tagliolini! It was super delicious and full of flavor!! My friend regretted not ordering it when she tasted mine lol. Everyone enjoyed the desserts as well. I will definitely be visiting again whenever I am back in Chicago!
Jacks C.
I went to Apolonia several times during a work trip. Let me tell you, if you have not tried this place, it is a MUST. The food was amazing, I almost tried the whole dinner menu, cocktails, vermouth and desserts during my 2 weeks there. I am not a fish person, so when I tried the Grilled Mediterranean Branzino, I was in completely in disbelief of how amazing and flavorful it was I wanted to cry... the Black Truffle puff bread was 100/00, Roasted Mussel Toast 100/100, Octopus de Bourgogne 100/100, the Fiorentini al Sugo was delicious and a great portion. I am telling you, I am not a fish person but I put my trust in them and tried the Katafi Crusted Salmon... wow... the presentation was beautiful and the flavors were amazing. So I wanted to try more and got the Roasted Atlantic Cod, and it did not disappoint. I went for lunch and had the Apolonia Cheeseburger and it hit the spot ... The desserts were all amazing and my all time favorite was the cheesecake baklava with the green apple sorbet which was to die for (I wanted to buy a pint of it to take home ) and of course the pistacho dessert was so good, I got it twice. The Vanilla Pain Perdu was the best elevated French toast I had ever tried in my life.... I wish I had tried the Aperitif Tiramisu, so next time I go for sure will get it... I literally did try all the cocktails and had no complaints. They were all well balanced and so good. The service, staff and chef's were all so welcoming and treated me better than family. They were all friendly and accommodating, and they were amazing at giving recommendations and explaining what each item consisted of. I cannot thank them enough for the wonderful dining experience I had at this restaurant. I will definitely be coming back to Chicago just to eat here. And the restaurant aesthetic is so calm andIt is worth every penny I spent. Here are some pictures, I wish I could post everything but this app only allows 10 items.
Jade A.
Superb service and delicious food! I will definitely return again, the space was large and cozy and not difficult to get a reservation! Can't wait to return
Helen L.
I came here for a last minute reservation back in February. When I called in, the person on the phone wasn't very helpful. It seemed like she didn't understand what I was saying. I asked if she had space at 7pm and then asked what happens if I am running late. She then asked for my name and didn't even answer my question. When I arrived at the restaurant, it wasn't packed or full. There were a good amount of people eating. My table decided to share all the plates. So we ordered a mixture of food. Overall, I would say that nothing was mind blowing to me. It seemed pretty average.
Brandy G.
Came here last week and the food was everything and more! Everything from the starters my table and I chose, the main dishes, and dessert were all spectacular. As for the setting, when I first walked in I fell in love with how minimal yet classy the restaurant was. Our server was lovely and the staff was always friendly. My favorite dish from here was the Octopus de Bourgogne.
Lauren M.
We love coming to this restaurant for the atmosphere and great food. My friend and I enjoyed their earl grey and green tea ice tea. For our meal we shared the Brussel sprouts, beet salad, cauliflower, Fiorentini Pasta, steak and salmon. Everything came out perfectly. I also wanna shout them out for having a portable changing table in the bathroom so I could change my daughter. So many places do not have one is I was happy they had a table! We will be back for sure as the service was impeccable as well.
Addison Robles
Steak was cooked to perfection, service was amazing, we will be back.
One of my go-to locations while on a lengthy work project. Excellent food and beverage and a warm, welcoming team! I highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mimi
i couldn’t believe what an amazing tasting experience this was. hands down the best pasta in the city — their signature dish with the hand rolled pasta and the sausage sauce was incredible. i wanted to lick the bowl. they also have a famous appetizer that was like puffed fry bread topped with truffles and we did enjoy it, but it was too much to order with the tasting menu and we thought it was a little salty. the fish served with olives and — i believe fennel — was just sensational. our favorite was the pistachio dessert. and the wine pairings were perfect.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pistachio Ice Cream
Brittany Canty
The food was great. I had the seafood tagolioni, and it was amazing. Other food smelled amazing. Will definitely be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Adam Cohen
A 5 course tasting menu for only $58 sounded too good to be true, so I tried it for myself and wow. No wonder they’re on the michelin guide. The service, attention to detail, intention behind the dishes was all spot on. Would absolutely visit again next time I’m in Chicago. Amazing experience.
Came here for dinner and the dishes were nice to share. The highlight of the night was the desserts! Although the food was good, I felt like there wasn't a dish that was memorable. The black truffle puff bread was really popular and we didn't think it was anything amazing, but it does taste good. The service was good and our server was really attentive with our needs.
The dishes at Apolonia sound amazing on paper and are plated tastefully. However, I was let down by the flavors and textures in the pastas/entrees. We also had some issues with pasta being undercooked and incorrect charges on the receipt too which may have added to my overall disenchantment. I will say that the dessert was fantastic so we did end off on a good note. What we got: Fiorentini al Sugo: 8/10; smoked tomato, catalpa grove sausage. Grilled Mediterranean Branzino: 6/10; marinated olives, dill, caramelized fennel. It was cooked well but kind of one note. Also a pretty small portion given how expensive it was. Black Truffle Puff Bread: 9.5/10; crunchy herbs, toasted garlic. THIS. This dish was the reason I came here and it did not disappoint. Shellfish Tagliolini: 7/10; blue crab, bottarga. Very generous amount of crab. Harissa Spiced Lamb Skewer: 8/10; cucumber tzatziki, lime, dill The Pistachio: 9/10; pistachio done three ways in a dessert (crumble, cake, and gelato?)
I returned for dinner the following week after my initial brunch visit and the menu was exciting for me everything was delicious. The lamb skewers and octopus was perfectly cooked and flavored. My main dish the branzino was light perfectly cooked and the olives and fennel complimented the fish wonderfully... a 5 star for me The black truffle puff is a highlight a must perfectly warmed light and airy bread with an excellent taste and perfect crisp. 5 star. The chili garlic oysters, a bit small but tasty and cooked perfectly. 4 stars The almond pastry croissant 5 stars... delicious and the creme inside gave it the right hint of sweetness. The chocolate meringue flambeau was yummy. The piece of caramel inside I wish it had melted but the banana, caramel, chocolate cake bon a petite... 4.5 stars For brunch I had the steak and eggs. It was in a tomato base which I was unaware that it would be served that way, and I'm not a tomato fan, but nonetheless it was decent. 3.75 My bestie ordered warm seafood salad and stated that if was delicious 5 stars . Red blend wine was great Light red for the fish was the perfect bitter without being sour 4.8 stars The mimosas lemon/citrus were also perfect. 5 stars
The food at this resturant was simply amazing and excellent. I would put this on my list the next time that I am in Chicago. You will spend a few extra dollars but totally worth it.
I was recently in town for work and we had dinner as a group at Apolonia. When I walked in I was blown away by the beautiful atmosphere and aesthetic. We had reservations and were seated immediately. I took particular notice of the amazing bar area. Our waitress was very attentive, friendly and patient with our large group. The only hiccup was my coworker was served my cocktail and I her mocktail as she's sober. Honest mistake and not on the waitress but remedied quickly. We ordered almost all of appetizers for the table and we enjoyed them all. Everyone raved about their entrees as well. The star was the shellfish tagliolini! It was super delicious and full of flavor!! My friend regretted not ordering it when she tasted mine lol. Everyone enjoyed the desserts as well. I will definitely be visiting again whenever I am back in Chicago!
I went to Apolonia several times during a work trip. Let me tell you, if you have not tried this place, it is a MUST. The food was amazing, I almost tried the whole dinner menu, cocktails, vermouth and desserts during my 2 weeks there. I am not a fish person, so when I tried the Grilled Mediterranean Branzino, I was in completely in disbelief of how amazing and flavorful it was I wanted to cry... the Black Truffle puff bread was 100/00, Roasted Mussel Toast 100/100, Octopus de Bourgogne 100/100, the Fiorentini al Sugo was delicious and a great portion. I am telling you, I am not a fish person but I put my trust in them and tried the Katafi Crusted Salmon... wow... the presentation was beautiful and the flavors were amazing. So I wanted to try more and got the Roasted Atlantic Cod, and it did not disappoint. I went for lunch and had the Apolonia Cheeseburger and it hit the spot ... The desserts were all amazing and my all time favorite was the cheesecake baklava with the green apple sorbet which was to die for (I wanted to buy a pint of it to take home ) and of course the pistacho dessert was so good, I got it twice. The Vanilla Pain Perdu was the best elevated French toast I had ever tried in my life.... I wish I had tried the Aperitif Tiramisu, so next time I go for sure will get it... I literally did try all the cocktails and had no complaints. They were all well balanced and so good. The service, staff and chef's were all so welcoming and treated me better than family. They were all friendly and accommodating, and they were amazing at giving recommendations and explaining what each item consisted of. I cannot thank them enough for the wonderful dining experience I had at this restaurant. I will definitely be coming back to Chicago just to eat here. And the restaurant aesthetic is so calm andIt is worth every penny I spent. Here are some pictures, I wish I could post everything but this app only allows 10 items.
Superb service and delicious food! I will definitely return again, the space was large and cozy and not difficult to get a reservation! Can't wait to return
I came here for a last minute reservation back in February. When I called in, the person on the phone wasn't very helpful. It seemed like she didn't understand what I was saying. I asked if she had space at 7pm and then asked what happens if I am running late. She then asked for my name and didn't even answer my question. When I arrived at the restaurant, it wasn't packed or full. There were a good amount of people eating. My table decided to share all the plates. So we ordered a mixture of food. Overall, I would say that nothing was mind blowing to me. It seemed pretty average.
Came here last week and the food was everything and more! Everything from the starters my table and I chose, the main dishes, and dessert were all spectacular. As for the setting, when I first walked in I fell in love with how minimal yet classy the restaurant was. Our server was lovely and the staff was always friendly. My favorite dish from here was the Octopus de Bourgogne.
We love coming to this restaurant for the atmosphere and great food. My friend and I enjoyed their earl grey and green tea ice tea. For our meal we shared the Brussel sprouts, beet salad, cauliflower, Fiorentini Pasta, steak and salmon. Everything came out perfectly. I also wanna shout them out for having a portable changing table in the bathroom so I could change my daughter. So many places do not have one is I was happy they had a table! We will be back for sure as the service was impeccable as well.
Steak was cooked to perfection, service was amazing, we will be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Black Truffle Puff Bread
Restaurantji Recommends
One of my go-to locations while on a lengthy work project. Excellent food and beverage and a warm, welcoming team! I highly recommend!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
i couldn’t believe what an amazing tasting experience this was. hands down the best pasta in the city — their signature dish with the hand rolled pasta and the sausage sauce was incredible. i wanted to lick the bowl. they also have a famous appetizer that was like puffed fry bread topped with truffles and we did enjoy it, but it was too much to order with the tasting menu and we thought it was a little salty. the fish served with olives and — i believe fennel — was just sensational. our favorite was the pistachio dessert. and the wine pairings were perfect.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pistachio Ice Cream
The food was great. I had the seafood tagolioni, and it was amazing. Other food smelled amazing. Will definitely be back.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
A 5 course tasting menu for only $58 sounded too good to be true, so I tried it for myself and wow. No wonder they’re on the michelin guide. The service, attention to detail, intention behind the dishes was all spot on. Would absolutely visit again next time I’m in Chicago. Amazing experience.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Roasted Mussel Toast, Pistachio Ice Cream, Yellowtail Crudo
Came here for dinner and the dishes were nice to share. The highlight of the night was the desserts! Although the food was good, I felt like there wasn't a dish that was memorable. The black truffle puff bread was really popular and we didn't think it was anything amazing, but it does taste good. The service was good and our server was really attentive with our needs.