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Cave - Champagne Cave at Marchesa, Chicago, IL

Champagne Cave at Marchesa

4.6
4.6
85 Reviews
$31 to $50
Contemporary French
The Champagne Cave is a lavish, subterranean lair dedicated to the pursuit of bubbles with gourmet bites. Drinks include boutique wines & modern spirits crafted into classic cocktails, paired with delicious French & Italian fare. Spring small plates include steak tartare, artisan charcuterie, escargots Burgundy & a sublime caviar parfait. Heartier options from sister restaurant Marchesa, above, are available, too. Weekend only table minimums are $50 per person per seating. No minimum for bar seating. Couches in the intimate, boho-chic space, with its own bar and barrel-vaulted ceilings, are designed for comfort. The lush decor is accented with resin tusks, eclectic artwork, velvet Venetian sofas & exotic lanterns. Lounge music keeps the mood chill until the wee hours, DJs rotate in. Now open at 100% capacity. Per protocols, we ask you wear a mask upon arrival & when not eating or drinking. Merci!

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Cuisines

    Contemporary French, Cocktail Bar, European

  • Hours of operation

    Dinner Wed, Thu 5:00 pm–11:30 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–1:00 am

  • Phone number

    (312) 527-9535

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Smart Casual

  • Catering

    Whether looking for an in-home cocktail party or a dinner at your firm, the Champagne Cave at Marchesa culinary team can execute all the details with aplomb! Years of experience catering events around the city -- including art galleries in River North and homes in Lake Forest -- so we can expertly pull together the details so that you can be an impressed guest at your own event! Call our Special Events office at 312.527.9535 for more information and to see photos. Professional staff, banquet tables, chairs and spectacular china, glass and flatware available for one-stop shopping! Event planners on staff, too.

  • Private party facilities

    The Marchesa team, veterans of Chicago's private event industry, have created 3 different enclaves within the restaurant to host your special corporate or social event. On the second floor, The Apartment, channels a Parisian flat, seating for 50, 75 for cocktails. Baby grand piano, sun-dappled interior, fireplace, outdoor courtyard. Separate kitchen means your meal is prepared to order. The Savarin Room offers a view of the Marchesa kitchen (sumptuous curtains can obscure if desired), seating for 4 to 12. Chinoiserie cabinet, hidden television screen, varied tabletop options means you can customize the room. Intimate, great for conversation. The lower level Champagne Cave boasts a fireplace, private bar for 12, luxe velvet banquette, couch seating groups and room for 30 for dinner, cocktails for 50. Private kitchen adds to the convenience, under-the-sidewalk wine vault can be used for pre-dinner cocktails. For a truly spectacular experience, rent out the art-filled Main Dining Room!

  • Neighborhood

    River North (Chicago)

  • Cross street

    Grand Avenue

  • Parking details

    No valet parking currently. There is street parking on Grand Avenue (westbound) & Ohio Street (eastbound), try the ParkChicago app. Also, ParkWhiz & SpotHero can show discounted parking spots within walking distance. There is an outdoor lot at Franklin & Ohio and an indoor lot on Illinois, just west of Wells.

  • Public transit

    Marchesa is blocks from the brown line at Merchandise Mart and also the Grand Avenue stop at State Street. Bus lines all around as well!

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dancing, Entertainment, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Wine

What 85 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6
4.6 based on recent ratings
  • 4.5Food
  • 4.6Service
  • 4.6Ambience
  • 4.2Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Chicago / Illinois

    Romantic

  • Chicago

    Romantic

Sort by

  1. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The server downstairs was amazing, the food was wonderful. I walked by the place for years and never knew how good it was. Will come back.
  2. MBVe

    Washington DC

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on April 23, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic meal that is well set for any special occasion
  3. OpenTable Diner

    Minneapolis

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on April 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was perfect-as usual. Nikki took care of us as if we were family and the champagne and food were amazing. Can’t wait to visit again. Worth the trip from Minneapolis just to go here.
  4. CristinaL

    Chicago

    21 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on April 16, 2023

    overall3food4service4ambience3
    Has potential. The menu is great (huge actually), food is good, cocktails are interesting, and the space is chic and cozy. But a few things felt off: limited reservations available, yet the space was near empty most of the 2 hours we were there (7-9pm). The server offered just still or bubbly water so when we said still, we were surprised to receive an $8 bottle of water. Around 8pm, neon lights hit the ceiling like stars and a disco ball started turning. It gave the room more of a club feel than a swanky hidden champagne cave. Disappointed overall. The upstairs restaurant was hopping.
  5. Sptx

    Dallas

    16 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on April 15, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience2
    Wanted to enjoy a private cocktail area and thought it’d be like a Napa wine cave type experience. Instead this place was cheesy, very 80’s including furniture and over done with laser lights and tv fireplace on loop. Felt like it doesn’t know what it wants to be. Most importantly, for a champagne cave, very limited by the glass selections even wine. Nothing special, no flights like Pop or other well known similar places, and no explanation from the woman working the cave area of restaurant. Purchase a Coravin and offer patrons more selections! Bathroom was even outdated and one ply tissue paper- what fine establishment offers one ply? Honestly, upstairs seemed nicer even for a drink.
  6. BrinsleyK

    Orlando

    30 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on April 15, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience5
    We love Marchesa and this was our first time sitting in the Champagne Cave. It’s a fun experience with cozy seating. The steak frites are always good.
  7. NelaK

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 19, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Definitely going -Good food ;excellent service; lovely atmosphere ; very expensive though
  8. BobC

    Chicago

    21 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on February 19, 2023

    overall3food4service1ambience3
    First time here -- food fine but only one employee in the Cave. She is an obvious pro, but simply was overwhelmed by the dinner rush, as was, apparently, the kitchen. Hour-plus wait for main courses on a Saturday night -- got tired of viewing the backwall video loop of a campfire. An eclectic variety of dishes were well prepared.
  9. Doublej

    Denver

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on February 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A combination of speakeasy and fine dining. It was romantic, quiet, the ambiance was perfect for a date. The food is fantastic and the service was excellent.
  10. ShellyG

    Chicago

    29 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    29 reviews

    Dined on January 22, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Nikki’s place was great! Personal attention with excellent food and drinks!!!! DJ had great mix of music too, we’ll be coming back
  11. Kdmcca

    Amarillo

    18 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined on January 6, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Such a cozy atmosphere! The food and service was outstanding!! Highly recommend for date night
  12. MaryW

    Detroit

    6 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on December 31, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Coolest date spot. Atmosphere was amazing. Pricey but worth it.
  13. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    vip
    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on December 3, 2022

    overall2food1service5ambience5
    Was not impressed with the food, especially for the price. The beef bourguignon was over cooked. The lobster ravioli tasted like frozen ravioli. Very disappointing. Great ambiance but the food really missed the mark.
  14. carlah20

    Chicago

    64 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    64 reviews

    Dined on December 3, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always such a fun time here!! Very cool vibe and great drinks. We'll be back!
  15. NatalieB

    Detroit

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on October 9, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The perfect place for a special occasion! In the champagne cave you have the option of dinner, or just drinks and apps. We got dinner (lobster bisque, seafood risotto and the sea bass) and each dish earned a 10/10 - so good. A bit on the pricier side but so worth it for a special meal (and super cool ambiance).
  16. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 21, 2022

    overall3food4service5ambience3
    The cheese plate was to die for, and a killer martini. The ambience needed a little work
  17. Luis

    New England

    3 reviews

    1.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2022

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    The booking was confirmed for 11:00 pm but the kitchen was closed Too bad to be true!🤦🏻‍♂️
  18. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on July 2, 2022

    overall3food2service5ambience2
    Service was outstanding because the manager or maybe she was the owner took care of us. She really was delightful and worked hard to please us. That said, our experience wasn’t great because of the mediocre drinks and terrible music situation. We came for a nice intimate dinner in an intimate setting and expected to have chill music in the background. That’s what we got until the DJ who we’d seen drinking heavily decided to turn up the music while we were sitting right under a speaker . We asked her to turn it down and she did, but 5 minutes later she turned it right back up and even louder this time. She was trying to create a party atmosphere when there were literally 12 people in the place. Eventually the manager came to turn the speaker down manually, but the DJ proceeded to just crank up the other speaker in response. This place needs to decide if it wants to be a sophisticated laid back hidden gem or a grimy bar blaring music so loud you can’t have a conversation. Sadly I’m Not sure we’ll be back
  19. MatinaH

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 26, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lovely food and atmosphere. Our service was excellent as well!
  20. edav

    Salt Lake City

    6 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on June 12, 2022

    overall3food4service4ambience3
    My husband and I were here for an anniversary dinner. I had the seafood risotto. The risotto and sauce were excellent, but most of my seafood was over cooked and tough. My husband enjoyed his steak a lot. The champagne recommendations were excellent. I did not enjoy the decor or environment, but that's my personal preference.
  21. WesA

    Washington DC

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on June 5, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The atmosphere, the service and food were outstanding. The music was slightly too loud for our liking (we’re gen x’ers so take that how you want!). Highly recommend!
  22. Biberti

    New York Area

    17 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    17 reviews

    Dined on May 22, 2022

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Beautiful space, delicious and well-priced food. The bubbly is a bit overpriced, a bottle of St Hilaire is about $15 when I buy it at the wine store, so the $75 is not necessary. $50-$60 and I wouldn’t say anything… Foie Gras was to die for, so was the Burrata. Steak Tartar was on the chunky and slightly chewy side, otherwise very tasty. And it gets loud in there the later the evening. Still, I’ll be back happily.
  23. OpenTable Diner

    Minneapolis

    16 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on May 11, 2022

    overall3food2service5ambience5
    Ambience and service was very good. Charcuterie and fromage plate was a huge disappointment and not as stated on the menu. The cheeses were low level grocery store quality and the Cristini‘s almost inedible sadly the steak tartare was also disappointing. The caviar parfait was delicious and the bread basket choices very good. The ambience and service made up for a lot but the restaurant should be embarrassed to serve the Fromage and charcuterie they presented considering they are supposed to be a top French restaurant and promised different cheeses on the menu. We wanted it to be so delicious because the menu is wonderful.
  24. bigdawgeats

    Jacksonville

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 7, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Date night
  25. DanielleD

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 1, 2022

    overall5food4service4ambience5
    Absolutely beautiful spot. Love it, will be back.
  26. DaNibbler

    Chicago

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on May 1, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic food, great music, amazing cocktails & fabulous service. Owner accommodated my unexpectedly large group for my birthday, a great time was had by all! Will definitely continue to go there.
  27. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on April 2, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Beautiful space, great food, lovely professional bartender.
  28. Ozzie2ChiTown

    Chicago

    45 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    45 reviews

    Dined on February 18, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wow! Second time here in a month and it did not disappoint. We had the scallops and sea bass. Both were wonderful. You have to get the Brussels sprouts as a side. Delicious. Service is stupendous!
  29. OpenTable Diner

    Minneapolis

    8 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on February 12, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We were treated amazingly by everyone. It was for a birthday and we got a candle and people singing happy birthday. The food was amazing, as was the wine. The atmosphere was great. Can’t wait to visit again.
  30. Ozzie2ChiTown

    Chicago

    45 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    45 reviews

    Dined on February 5, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Definitely a great spot with great food. Very cozy and private. The Steak and frites were perfect, as was the ahi tuna. Drinks and service were superb.
  31. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    1 review

    vip
    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on January 30, 2022

    overall4food2service4ambience5
    Thank you for everything, we had a wonderful time! I understand staff is hard to come by these days and the kind woman downstairs seemed overwhelmed but she did her best! The food came out after a long time and the gnocchi was not good and we did not eat it but we’re still charged for it.
  32. Nora

    Chicago

    31 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    31 reviews

    Dined on January 29, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service that night!
  33. DeniseM

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on January 26, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The ambiance was perfect for a girls dinner night. It was cozy and elegant and felt like we were gathering at our home with the “living room” seating arrangement. A little chilly on the coldest day of the year but still comfortable. The service was top-notch, attentive but not smothering. The food was incredible and we are all looking forward to coming back.
  34. JasonT

    Chicago

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on January 22, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of the best meals of my LIFE. From start to finish. Drinks& appetizers at the bar upstairs. Then to the cave for a superb experience- caviar service, vodka of the day, beef bourguignon, incredible potatoes, dessert, champagne. Seriously EXCEPTIONAL. Every sip, every bite, was exquisite. This is my favorite restaurant in Chicago.
  35. chrismoon23

    Chicago

    9 reviews

    3.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on December 12, 2021

    overall3food3service3ambience4
    For French cuisine, this falls short. The seafood risotto was over cooked, if that is possible with risotto. The steak and pomme frittes failed as well. I found it astounding that this chef would put carmelized onions on top of the tough tasteless steak and then a gob of butter. The steak tare tare was not properly seasoned. Cute and fun concept. Recommend chef go over to Le Buchon and speak to Chef Jean Claude’s wife and learn bistro cuisine from one of the best who I desperately miss.
  36. EricZ

    Chicago

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 26, 2021

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    The food and ambiance was great. Only issue was that the kitchen and service were not on the same page sometimes.
  37. Bren

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 25, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our server Nikki was nothing less than kind, genuine and amazing. She helped us throughout the entire night and made us feel incredibly welcomed. All the staff was so sweet and helpful as well. The food was amazing, the ambiance and the upstairs was beautiful to walk through. I’d give my highest recommendation!
  38. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on November 20, 2021

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    Hi! I booked this reservation for my boyfriends birthday and we were both really looking forward to going. About an hour and a half before the reservation we received a phone call saying the venue was double booked and that our reservation was canceled. We were left scrambling on a Friday night with no reservation and we’re not offered anything for the inconvenience. Very disappointed and sad that we didn’t have the special birthday celebration like we planned.
  39. ThomasF

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on November 13, 2021

    overall3food3service5ambience5
    Very loud down there due to a large party of girls. Be aware there are no dining tables in the cave, so you have to balance your food on your lap and the tables are very small. (Like a small coffee table) I would recommend people to go there for a glass of wine and French rolls; and eat your meal at a table upstairs if you can get a reservation. The service, however, was exceptional.
  40. HaleighR

    Chicago

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on November 7, 2021

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was my and my friend’s first time here and we cannot rave enough! Such a hidden gem. Amazing service, delicious food and beautiful ambiance!

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
  • Protective equipment

    • Waitstaff wear masks
    • Diners must wear masks unless eating or drinking
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Champagne Cave at Marchesa is rated 4.6 stars by 85 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Google Map for Champagne Cave at Marchesa

535 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60654

Additional information

  • Cross street

    Grand Avenue

  • Neighborhood

    River North (Chicago)

  • Hours of operation

    Dinner Wed, Thu 5:00 pm–11:30 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–1:00 am

  • Cuisines

    Contemporary French, Cocktail Bar, European

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Dress code

    Smart Casual

  • Parking details

    No valet parking currently. There is street parking on Grand Avenue (westbound) & Ohio Street (eastbound), try the ParkChicago app. Also, ParkWhiz & SpotHero can show discounted parking spots within walking distance. There is an outdoor lot at Franklin & Ohio and an indoor lot on Illinois, just west of Wells.

  • Public transit

    Marchesa is blocks from the brown line at Merchandise Mart and also the Grand Avenue stop at State Street. Bus lines all around as well!

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Additional

    Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dancing, Entertainment, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Wine

  • Phone number

    (312) 527-9535

  • Catering

    Whether looking for an in-home cocktail party or a dinner at your firm, the Champagne Cave at Marchesa culinary team can execute all the details with aplomb! Years of experience catering events around the city -- including art galleries in River North and homes in Lake Forest -- so we can expertly pull together the details so that you can be an impressed guest at your own event! Call our Special Events office at 312.527.9535 for more information and to see photos. Professional staff, banquet tables, chairs and spectacular china, glass and flatware available for one-stop shopping! Event planners on staff, too.

  • Private party facilities

    The Marchesa team, veterans of Chicago's private event industry, have created 3 different enclaves within the restaurant to host your special corporate or social event. On the second floor, The Apartment, channels a Parisian flat, seating for 50, 75 for cocktails. Baby grand piano, sun-dappled interior, fireplace, outdoor courtyard. Separate kitchen means your meal is prepared to order. The Savarin Room offers a view of the Marchesa kitchen (sumptuous curtains can obscure if desired), seating for 4 to 12. Chinoiserie cabinet, hidden television screen, varied tabletop options means you can customize the room. Intimate, great for conversation. The lower level Champagne Cave boasts a fireplace, private bar for 12, luxe velvet banquette, couch seating groups and room for 30 for dinner, cocktails for 50. Private kitchen adds to the convenience, under-the-sidewalk wine vault can be used for pre-dinner cocktails. For a truly spectacular experience, rent out the art-filled Main Dining Room!

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