North Pond

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1. L

   Lambertvilleres

   New York Area

   11 reviews

   5.0

   11 reviews

   Dined 1 day ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Most wonderful brunch for a birthday. Wonderful food and staff.

   Report
2. L

   Lovetoeat

   San Francisco

   34 reviews

   5.0

   34 reviews

   Dined 1 day ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Lovely environment. Great menu and value.

   Report
3. DF

   DebraF

   Chicago

   3 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   3 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   overall5food4service5ambience5

   Hostess Loretta and server Char were outstanding. Made the experience special and well worth the cost.

   Report
4. D

   Daniel

   Chicago

   48 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   48 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   North Pond is always a great meal with great service; a gem ! The staff is friendly and attentive; the food and win selections are above average. It is a pleasure to eat there.

   Report
5. TS

   TerryS

   Miami

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 4 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   We just move downtown and feel we have discovered a GEM! Eating at North Pond Cafe was one of the best and most delicious restaurant experiences we have ever had! We decided to come back each season to experience the seasonal menus!

   Report
6. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   San Francisco

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 4 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Service started before we even arrived to the restaurant! John called me to make sure we knew how to get there, because it's somewhat of a hidden location. Our server, Michelle was very knowledgeable and most of all, extremely accommodating towards our food preferences. Above all, the food was equally delicious as artistically stunning! This is most definitely our favorite Michelin star restaurant thus far. Most impressive amuse bouche I have ever experienced. Although I thoroughly enjoyed every course, my favorite dish was the Cavatelli, Ramps. Pasta was cooked to a perfect al dente. What a wonderful experience overall!

   Report
7. X

   Xoxo

   Atlanta

   67 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   67 reviews

   Dined on May 16, 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Fabulous food, view, decor, wine pairings. It was our anniversary and this place did not disappoint. Our second visit, and hopefully will not be our last.

   Report
8. OT

   OpenTable Diner

   1 review

   4.0

   1 review

   Dined on May 15, 2022

   overall4food5service3ambience4

   The food was fresh and delicious, and the staffs were very accommodating. However, service was painfully slow - our three course brunch lasted more than 2 hours.

   Report
9. PM

   PeterM

   Chicago

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined on May 15, 2022

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   A perfect spot, and valued treasure in Lincoln Park. Give yourself lots of time to find parking, but it was a very nice experience overall! What a great way to spend an anniversary!

   Report
10. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 15, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Just got engaged, and they did a great job making custom menus and giving us champagne

    Report
11. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 15, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Took out of town relatives, still raving re meal

    Report
12. JS

    JohnS

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 15, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    From foodies to romantics, you can have it all at the North Pond.

    Report
13. c

    colettem

    Chicago

    16 reviews

    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on May 15, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Pros Fresh/ original menu choices Understanding of our late arrival. John was very pleasant Waiter was good. Servers were professional Special occasion l. Made my daughter feel special. Cons. It rained, could not enjoy the view. Obviously not your fault lol

    Report
14. MJ

    MrJS

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 15, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Just amazing from staff to food!

    Report
15. BA

    BANDL

    Chicago

    24 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    24 reviews

    Dined on May 15, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    North Pond is an excellent restaurant. The tasting menu has enough variety to satisfy everyone's taste buds. The presentation is very creative and beautiful. The flavors are delicious. The servers are friendly and helpful in describing the menu. The view of the pond is romantic and peaceful. This is truly a first class restaurant.

    Report
16. MC

    MatthewC

    Seattle

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 15, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Best meal we have ever had.

    Report
17. OS

    OceanSundaeFan

    Chicago

    10 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Amazing! Unbelievably beautiful setting in the heart of Lincoln Park with a magnificent view of the city. A beautifully crafted tasting menu that was paired with perfect wines. All prepared and served by a talented team who provided a memorable meal. North Pond is worth a visit.

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18. M

    Mark

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    3.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 14, 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience5

    It is definitely a beautiful location and the all of the food looked great, but no one dish was all that special and they pretty much forgot we were their after the third course. At that price point you don't expect to be ignored for 45 minutes waiting for the dessert course as its wine pairing sits their in front of you.

    Report
19. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    St. Louis

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 13, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We had an amazing experience here!! The food and service were incredible-we were blown away.

    Report
20. T

    Tucker

    Philadelphia

    275 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    275 reviews

    Dined on May 13, 2022

    overall3food3service4ambience3

    The food was very uneven with some of our choices meeting expectations and others falling well short. We chose to eat outside and were given a table on the west side where the weeds were abundant — the spring landscaping has not taken place. Will it? Michelin star? Not even close!

    Report
21. L

    Luke

    Chicago

    28 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    28 reviews

    Dined on May 12, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Birthday cake and coffee cake.

    Report
22. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 8, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great Everything!

    Report
23. S

    Shelli

    Chicago

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    by far our favorite restaurant! food, service, staff, and ambiance all so wonderful! we did feel a little rushed last night, something that hasn't happened before. Perhaps short staff as everyone is experiencing. all in, we'll be back :)

    Report
24. MM

    MarieM

    Berlin

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 2, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Absolute best meal in a long time, magic atmosphere.

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25. K

    Keith

    Indiana

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 2, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    I took my wife to North Pond for our anniversary. The food was amazing as was the service. Thank you again for a memorable dining experience!

    Report
26. PM

    PaulM

    Milwaukee

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 1, 2022

    overall4food4service5ambience5

    Service was fantastic as were the desserts and feel of the place. We were there for brunch, the options for the first two courses were too similar. The food was solid but the dishes were overcomplicated with too many elements that didn’t add much.

    Report
27. 2

    2plusme

    Chicago

    21 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on May 1, 2022

    overall3food3service4ambience5

    Early Mother’s Day brunch

    Report
28. JA

    JAMES

    Chicago

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 1, 2022

    overall4food4service3ambience3

    Very affordable Service is good too I like the area with natural beaty.

    Report
29. C

    Christine

    New England

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 30, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Possibly the best meal I've ever had in my life. We especially loved the braised beef cheeks. The food was incredible, each dish more flavorful than the last and not a single detail out of place. The service was spot on, just the right amount of care without interrupting our enjoyment of the meal. The location is beautiful and serene and the open kitchen was so quiet as to not miss the very gentle jazz playing in the background. We're so glad to have spent the evening here and would wholeheartedly recommend to anyone, anytime.

    Report
30. A

    Angus

    New York Area

    46 reviews

    5.0

    46 reviews

    Dined on April 30, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    North Pond was one of four restaurants at which I chose to dine when visiting Chicago from New York. It was a rewarding experience and one that should not be missed when visiting Chicago. The restaurant is set in Lincoln Park next to a lovely pond. It was built in 1912 and is an elegant example of Mission architecture. The interior is intimate and faithful to the exterior. Our host and proprietor John and Loretta, the hostess graciously greeted us and set the tone for an enjoyable evening. Jeff, our server was amiable, helpful and professional. The Chef's creative combinations were wonderful culinary treats. I enjoyed every course starting with a unique, delicious amusee. I had a smoked fish appetizer, scallops, duck and a cheese. All made with delicious accompanying preparations. It is a totally wonderful dining experience.

    Report
31. K

    Keoke

    Denver

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on April 30, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Phenomenal food with amazing service and value. The only slight qualm we had was we sat be the windows and there was a cold draft in our spot

    Report
32. S

    Sean

    Minneapolis

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 29, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Went here for my wife's birthday and couldn't have been happier with our choice! We both said this one of the best meals we've ever had. The timing and flow of the tasting menu/service was perfect. We never felt like we were being rushed or that we were waiting too long for the next course or drink. If you are looking for a place that will create a special night this is the place!

    Report
33. CG

    CarlosG

    Washington DC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 29, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    A small, high-scale restaurant nested in a charming corner of Lincoln Park with an incredible view of the skyline and delicious innovative cuisine.

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34. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 28, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    There are not enough superlatives to describe how wonderful our meal was at North Pond. The service was fantastic and the food was exquisite. Each course was a new adventure in taste, texture, and presentation. From the color of the plates to the wine offerings, to the delightful surprises between courses, I felt pampered and appreciated. I’ve eaten at several fine restaurants, but this was hands-down the best meal I’ve ever had. I was visiting from out of town, but it’s worth another trip to Chicago just to experience North Pond again.

    Report
35. AF

    AlbertoF

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 25, 2022

    overall5food3service5ambience5

    The staff was wonderful. The location, one of the coziest and scenic in the city. Perhpas it was the menu on the day we went, but my wife and I found the food to be about average. One of two of the plates were something to speak of, but the rest were mediocre. I hate to have to say that, because the staff and the location made the visit worth it to us. I would recommend it to a friend because I'm confident we may have just passed through a less than stellar night for the kitchen.

    Report
36. KT

    KT88

    New Orleans

    12 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on April 24, 2022

    overall2food2service3ambience5

    There is no denying that this is a beautiful restaurant. However, beyond the fine ambiance, I simply cannot recommend North Pond. My wife and I visit Chicago with some regularity. I had read all the restaurant reviews, as well as the Open Table reviews, and anticipated a fine meal. It was not to be. First the food. The summary is that the flavor combinations were just weird and did not complement each other. For the first course, my wife had the smoked fish and I had the duck. Both looked beautiful on the plate, but neither was very good. My wife reported that the smoked fish was just an odd combination of ingredients without any real character. My duck was really a salad. Most of the dish was greens with a couple of stringy slices of duck mixed in. For the second course, we both had the Cavatelli. It was tasteless with an unpleasant mushy quality to the pasta. For the main course we both had the beef. The striploin was fine, but nothing special. The beef cheeks more closely resembled pot roast, and the winter radishes were sour and did not complement anything else on the plate. But the oddest flavor pairing was my dessert -- Mango Sorbet rolled in puffed wild rice. This was a bizarre flavor combination that just does not work. As they say, "just because you can, doesn't mean you should." As for the wine pairings, they were unexceptional. Probably the biggest disappointment was the Bordeaux served with the beef course. It might be a good wine in another 5 years, but it was far too tannic. That might have been addressed by decanting a couple of hours ahead, but that had not been done. Decanting would have also avoided having my glass full of sediment! Service was polite, but not outstanding. Silverware was not replaced between two of the courses and wine glasses were not changed between first and second course even though different wines were served. North Pond is simply not worth the price charged. Be forewarned!

    Report
37. PG

    PaolaG

    Chicago

    20 reviews

    5.0

    20 reviews

    Dined on April 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Second time in this restaurant, the food was great and the place super nice, also service was fast and the staff very nice. Love the food, I had brunch, options were given and were diverse and high quality.

    Report
38. DD

    DavidD

    Chicago

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on April 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Brunch was delightful. I definitely want to try dinner here...

    Report
39. KO

    KathyO

    Chicago

    43 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    43 reviews

    Dined on April 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Hadn't been to North Pond in years, and it's just as perfect as ever. Service is attentive (but not overbearing), the space is beautiful, and the food is beyond wonderful and imaginative. I noted an "energtic" noise level, but that was because of the nearby table of six baseball-hatted, sweatshirt-wearing twentysomethings who were dressed for lunch at Chili's. Is there a dress code? If so, not enforced. Anyway, it was a lovely dining experience; will be back soon.

    Report
40. C

    Carlos

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on April 24, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Excellent service and atmosphere. Knowledgeable staff and a great dining experience. Food presentation and flavors were excellent.

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