It's been awhile, but Tru was far and away* the best dining experience of my lifetime. Food and service both. From the understated unpretentious service, to the cheese flight (*drool*), to the original Warhol looking down on us, to the candy cart after dessert, to the personalized takeaway menu at the end - all of it simply stunning. Saving my pennies to do it again sometime soon! *This reminded me of that terrible early 90s Tom Cruise/Nicole Kidman epic disaster of a film. Made me chuckle.
(5)
Mara S.
Probably the best meal I've ever had... I went to TRU tonight for a business meal with one other person. I was immediately impressed by the kind hostess and the non-pretentiousness of the place (ok, it's a little pretentious, but you're paying for that) - people weren't snotty at all. We were greeted right away with exceptional service (including a chair for my handbag - no really, they brought a stool to our table just for my purse so that it wasn't on the floor) including an escort to the ladies room. He didn't go in, just walked me there. We ate off of the Fixed Price menu and were extremely pleased. My colleague had the Halibut and I had the Ribeye as our main courses - I tasted hers and both were absolutely delicious. We received a pallet cleanser between each course and each was better than the one before. Top off this wonderful dinner with a cheese plate and some amazing desserts. The chocolate mousse was rich and creamy. I thought we were done and then they brought the lollipops and truffles. Oh my word. Overall and wonderful experience complete with a lemon pound cake to take home for breakfast. I was very pleased with my meal and the service and would go back again without hesitation. You should go here expecting your meal to take about 3 hours, but it is time well spent.
(5)
Dane K.
I haven't been here in 2 or 3 years or so but can still remember every little detail (though, conveniently, if I forget they provide you with a take home menu of everything you ate and drank). The best meal I've ever had in my life. We reserved a spot in the upstairs semi-private dining area, a great alternative to the downstairs dining if you can get a spot up there. It's just you and 3 other tables upstairs, it's very very nice. Service was stellar--I can't imagine anything being better. (I think the service was measurably better than other local competitors--Alinea, et al.). The wine service was personal and they had a lot of good selections by the glass or bottle. We opted to go by the glass, and the sommelier helped us pick out wine throughout the dinner. I much preferred ala carte selection of wine by the glass over just having them pair wines. They still ended up choosing much of what we drank, but we were involved and had a say so it wasn't like they were just bringing us bottles and we were drinking whatever they brought. The food itself was outstanding. Everything was perfectly prepared and presented well.... Dessert is fantastic, too. We both had the full chef's collection tasting menu, and even though we both ordered the same thing we got different courses throughout the night... So that was a great advantage as well. Sure, the place is a huge splurge and you could fly to Europe in the off season for almost the same price per person, but this will be equally as memorable 5 years down the line.
(5)
Norbert W.
*giggle* a joke. if you're used to frozen dinners, maybe a place for you. It's all pretension. And it caters to the crowd that likes to pretend it knows what "fine dining" is about. Maybe go in the way-back machine to before it was sold. Maybe then it was good. Now it's just a pathetic, overpriced shell of a restaurant where people from the burbs visit if they can't get a table at ponderosa...errr. gibson's.
(1)
Powell Y.
Date: March 24, 2006 Location: 676 North Saint Clair Corkage: not allowed Cost: $550 - Market Collection Menu & Wine Pairing (includes t & t) Phone: 312.202.0001 Had a 9:45pm reservation at TRU on the Friday I arrived in Chicago. As Crystal and I checked in, we were directed to the bar as the staff gets our table ready. We ordered two glasses of the 2004 K Vintners Viognier to start off the evening. About half way through the glass, we were informed the table is ready and offered a tour of the kitchen before sitting down. The kitchen tour wasn't too interesting, just a standard quick walk-by. The dinner menu was presented to us, one side listing the pre-fixe menu with choices and the other listing the Collection options. Unfortunately the Seafood Collection wasn't available, which was what I wanted to try, but we made do with the Market Collection for the both of us. A different approach to the wine pairing aspect, nothing listed, offered if asked and kind of go on a whim based on the $$ one wants to spend. Not exactly how I would of done if if I owned a restaurant, but that's a different topic. The Market Collection is a nine course menu as listed below, course three through seven were prepared two ways with each of us having a different preparation of the same main ingredient. *** Grand Amuse-Bouche ~Scallop Ceviche, Avocado Puree, Lime Segments ~Tuna, Marinated Trevio, Orange Italian Black Pearl Osetra Caviar, Chilled Cauliflower Creme, Lemon Confit 2002 Selbach-Oste Zetlinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett New Zealand Langoustine ~Fresh New Zealand Langoustine, Thai Chili, Lemon Zest, Watercress ~Roasted New Zealand Langoustine, Baby Carrots, Turnips, Fennel, Langoustine Jus 2003 Hirsch Gruner Veltinger Kammener Heiligenstein Duck ~Duck Bouillon, Duck Prosciutto ~Veloute of Duck, Duck Confit NV Rare Wine Company Charleston Sericial Madeira Special Reserve Nova Scotia Halibut ~Nova Scotia Halibut "a la plancha", Sea Urchin, Preserved Lemon, Citrus Jus ~Roasted Nova Scotia Halibut, Razor Clams Casino, Bacon, Clam & Spinache Sauce 2003 William Fevre Chablis Montmains Pasta Course ~House-made Farfalle, Chicken Wing Confit, Bayonne Ham & Foie Gras Glaze ~Spaghettini, Carbonara Sauce, Parmesan Reggiano, Raw Amish Egg NV Henri Billiot Rose Brut Prime Midwestern Beef Ribeye ~Roasted Prime Midwestern Beef Ribeye, Braised Beef Short Rib, Glazed Pearl Onions, Crispy Bacon Lardons ~Grilled Prime Midwestern Beef Rib Eye, Fondant Potatoes, Bearnaise Reduction 2003 Yann Chave Crozes-Hermitage Tete de Cuvee TRU Collection of Cow, Goat and Sheeps' Milk Cheeses Cherry Mint Soup Duet of Desserts 1999 Chateau Pajzos Tokaji Aszu 5 Puttonyos Mignardises and Lollipops *** While the food was good overall and we got to try two different preparations, not one single dish gave me the wow factor. As usual, the final meat course failed me once again, although good to see it was ribeye rather than the standard filet mignon, but that's about the only compliment I can give the course. The wine pairing choices were nice for the price they charged, but the word pairing should be crossed out as none of the wine paired well with the food. Not saying the pairing was awful, but definitely more thoughts could be put into the process. The service was attentive, prompt and precise, but WAY TOO mechanical and stuffy. Small talk with the Sommelier didn't go anywhere, seem disinterested. None of the staff at the restaurant had a smile on them except for one person. Same type of service as French Laundry, but not what I would enojy as a dining experience. TRU is not a place I would return, just from the food standpoint, French Laundry, LaToque and Cyrus all out performs TRU. I can certainly name a few other places of different type of cuisine that out shine TRU as well, not a difficult task. Perhaps I am a bit spoiled and too critical, but a restaurant of this level should still show better.
(3)
Gracie B.
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH This is simply for having to plan an event here. Just don't do it. I don't know where you should go instead n Chicago. But it is not going well. My event is a week away and while not everything is Tru's fault, they certainly are not making it easy. The biggest issue is that the Chef doesn't want to have to prepare for having choices in private dining meals. So you have to give your guests 1 meal option. Here's where that's a problem for me. 1. I NEVER pick restaurants when friends and I go out to eat cause I don't want the responsibility. and 2. I'm bad at picking my own meals (especially weeks or months in advance) So: therefore, I'm having problems. First I outsourced menu selection to the 2 members of my company's staff actually eating the meal. Then the menu changed. So I made a logical change. Which meant that the entree was going to be beef. Well - the California mentality of my company says that that's bad - people either a) need 2 choices or b) the one choice needs to be something "safe" like chicken. Welll there is no chicken. And the Chef won't make options. And oh! the private dining contact is harder to find than Lindsay Lohan's underwear. I've worked with 8 different private dining contacts at similar restaurants in New York, Philadelphia, Boston, LA, San Francisco, Dallas and Minneapolis. All of them have been gracious and great helps as I plan these events. The contact at Tru has basically been unreachable and when she is reached, she's completely unwilling to help me find solutions So where does that leave me? Sitting in Berkeley 1 week before the event losing my mind about what to feed 18 people that I don't know. Maybe by next weekend it will all be smooth and nice - but for now...no. For now, I'm stressed and completely unimpressed. Edit: 4/28 - Plus 1 star. So I don't know if they read my review but suddenly my contact is much easier to reach and much more willing to help. She helped me find what she and I thought was a great solution. Which my CEO then shot down. Soooooooooo - when I went back and said: we need 2 options and that's that. She said: ok. And now it's happening. Now there's a matter of my event order being about $30 more/person than originally quoted...but we'll talk about that on monday. The event is wednesday - expect an update. Edit: So we ended up cancelling the event (yeah, after all that work) because people waited till the day before to say they weren't coming. Hello! RSVP by X date, means RSVP because I'm dropping mad money on you. Anyway - lost hella cash and went through the madness of the meal for no reason. I think this may be a good place for rehearsal dinners or small business meals or just a nice dinner out, but NOT for special events.
(3)
Aileen O.
My boyfriend and I went to TRU to celebrate our one-year anniversary. We came in with very high expectations. I know the service would be exceptional, but I was a tad worried about the quality of the food. We had a 5:30 dinner reservation so we were one of the first patrons on a Saturday night. It was nice to walk into a spacious and very quiet dining room. It was actually a tad intimidating with the 10+ waitstaff standing around. ;) When we made the reservation, we let them know that we would be celebrating our anniversary. They made the night very special with phenomenal service (the waiters really do synchronize their movements), personalized menus that we could take home, and a small dessert plate that read "Happy 1st Anniversary." I was really surprised by how much effort they put into making it a great evening. The food was good, but as mentioned already, portions are small. We had the three course prix-fixe dinner and ended up getting extra cheese and dessert courses. It's a little tricky when they roll out the cheese and dessert carts. We naively assumed that these goodies were part of our meals, but of course - they weren't! Our bill was pretty high, and I felt a tinge of guilt as my boyfriend forked over his credit card. I didn't get a glance at the check, but I'm pretty sure it was in the $500 range. Would I return? Probably not. But I had a memorable night. If anything the service overcompensated for the food. Plus the personalized menus now sitting on my coffee table will always remind me of the night my boyfriend really showed me what fine dining really was!
(4)
Christine P.
OHMIGOD, what an experience!!! I've never been to such an upscale restaurant. everything was perfect and in sync - the food, wine, table service, etc etc. Desserts to die for, and the suckling pig was FANTASTIC (even though I did feel really bad about eating it afterwards). They really take care of their customers
(5)
Dean K.
I think that I liked the experience more than I did the food, not that there were any complaints in that department. It was all extremely good. But the service? They had bases covered that I didn't even know existed. Sometimes, a little too covered. I was escorted to and from the restroom and I could have done without making a whole production out of it. When we finished eating, though, a hostess was standing by the exit with my coat and bag and how she remembered which were my things or knew that we were getting ready to leave remains a mystery but it was pretty cool. Plus, they had a little baggie of cookies and lollipops for me to take home. It's a special place.
(5)
FelineFluff F.
Tru was all about the experience. The service, absolutely amazing. I was blown away by the perfect timing of things. Still convinced our server had somehow tapped into my thoughts, as nothing was overlooked. I'm usually VERY picky about what I eat, but there were combinations I would have never thought of plating together that amazed my palette. Let's just say I'm truly happy I opened myself up. The food was pure art and handled that way. A bit dainty sometimes, but I appreciated the craft that each dish obviously entailed. If you're looking for a HUNGRY MAN meal, look else where. Yes, the cost of this experience borders on the insane, but for something special. sitting across from the right person, it is so worth it. A place to adorn that perfect dress, sit back and enjoy the whole experience.
(4)
Matthew A.
If you want a Tru(e), top of the line dining experience... The best dining experience I have ever had. But with that said...I don't think I will ever need to go back. If I could give 4.5 stars I would. Let me start by saying that I am not a fancy dinner guy...I would prefer a steak over caviar on a cracker. However, I went to Tru with a totally open mind ready to try everything that they offered. My wife and I went on a Thursday evening, late at 9pm, and we left a little after midnight. We never ever felt rushed, I actually found the pace of the meal very enjoyable. Every single person on staff was providing the best possible service, though I think they could do better with where they store the clean wine glasses, they were constantly restocking a shelf with glasses right near our table. My wife had the Spring Collection and I had the Chef's Market Collection, and overall both were excellent. Each course offered showed GREAT attention to detail and presentation. Each dish had delicate mix of flavors, most of which I had never tasted. High points for us were: -Roasted White Asparagus, Shallots, Parmesan -Rabbit Consomm, Morels, Pea & Lavender Emulsion -Artichoke Emulsion, Trout Roe, Condensed Mint, Dende Oil As an un-experienced diner, I felt that each dish held a rather small portion, though I know that the taste and the presentation are just as important. (A piece of veal the size of a silver dollar is a little on the small side...I think a second piece could be spared.) However, after progressing through to the cheese course, you begin to become full. Then they hit you with a selection from over 15 different offerings of cow/goat/sheep's milk cheese, with widely different tastes. The cheese fills in the gaps in your stomach left by the smaller portions. THEN then hit you with desert, which is just as excellent as any of the dinner courses. And if you couldn't take any more, they bring out some small chocolates and some desert bread to fill in the open space on your plate. Now I can say that I have experienced the top of the line this city has to offer...but would I go back? Probably not, or at least not for a few years. It is just not my thing, and it is fairly cost prohibitive. When I go out for a nice dinner, I think around $100-$150 max for the two of us...and Tru is definitely far above that range. But more than the price, the style is just...too...fancy for me. Each dish is a work of art by itself and I think I would rather look at a pretty picture than stir it up and eat it in one or two bites.
(5)
Meagan F.
Tru is exceptional. The moment you walk in to this very understated restaurant, the hostess greets you, and you feel immediately at ease. The service was impeccable, if not too attentive. The precisely choreographed plate/wine/siverware placement by a pair of servers is a little over the top, but not unappreciated. My fellow diner and I both had the four-course tasting menu with wine pairing. Although it was a year ago since we were there, I still remember the feel of the rich, velvety beef consomme on my tongue. We had a wonderful conversation with the sommelier about food, wine, and life; and they sent us home with a copy of our menu and some financiers for the road. GREAT restaurant. Worth every penny.
(5)
Edward H.
I figured I'd hold off on the big 200 until I've gone to somewhere exceptional. So for my gf's extended birthday celebration, we ended up going to Tru. Tru really impressed me through and through. The service at this place takes dining to a whole new level and their attention to every minute detail never ceases to astound me. It all starts before you even step through their doors - the valet has a list of all the guests for the night. You are immediately greeted with by the host and who takes your coat and then proceeds to whisk you away to your table. Typically, the staff pulls the chair out for the lady - I found it refreshing that they pulled the table out for my lovely date. We then were greeted by our servers who provided our menus for the evening along with a very extensive wine list. It was a nice touch to have a custom printed menu for the birthday girl atop her menu. It took a while for us to decide what to get since literally everything on the menu sounded delicious, but we never felt rushed and our server was very helpful in suggesting items to sample. We decided to skip the marathon dinners (Black Truffle or Chef's Collection) for a lighter fare so we ended up with the caviar staircase and prix fixe meals. For our amuse bouche, we got to sample some delicious melt in our mouth dumplings. The staircase featured four delicious and very fun to look at lumps of deliciousness. I started with their Hawaiian blue prawns accompanied by an aromatic curry sauce - to prepare me for that appetizer. My main course, butter poached Maine lobster, was cooked to absolute perfection and was greatly enhanced by its accompaniments. There was bisque to enhance to sweetness of the meat, a citrus and almond sauce to accentuate, and finally the most well prepared asparagus I've ever had. I capped the dinner off with a beautifully made vanilla parfait with blood orange marmalade and chocolate ganache - it was picture perfect. It was amazing to see completely synchronized service - the removal and placement of our meal was perfectly timed on both sides of the table. In addition to our fare, we were further stuffed with samplings in between each course not to mention post-dessert desserts with things such as lollipops, truffles, caramel corn, variety chocolates. My date enjoyed a beautiful birthday brownie with a birthday message written in icing on the platter. Before heading out, they handed us the custom printed menu signed by all the chefs that helped make the night so memorable - talk about thoughtful! Tru really demonstrated why they are one of the best in world class dining. From the impeccable service to the sample fare pre/during/post dinner, everything was perfectly executed. On the way out the door, they handed us our coats and a complimentary banana bread. All I could think of at that point was "Boy, we're stuffed!... Holy crap, post-dessert desserts and now banana bread? When are they going to stop feeding us?" Tru is a great place to celebrate with that someone special. Go there and you're bound to get an experience to remember.
(5)
Corinne M.
I went to Tru for a work dinner and the food and experience was definitely very creative and exceptional. We got the chance to take a tour of the kitchen, which was really interesting. Apparently, the chef designed the kitchen and used polished granite slabs from the building that preceded Tru as counter tops. The food was very well thought out and created as every dish had several tastes that complemented each other really well. We had Halibut and Smoked Tenderloin. I really loved the Halibut and I'm not really that big on fish. After the dinner and formal dessert, they brought out little candies, including hand made tiny lollipops. At first I thought that wasn't very exciting. But they were so cute, I gave them a try. They were banana and Anise seed and actually changed the taste of the after dinner wine. I thought that was really clever. I really appreciated being taken here, not only because it was a nice experience, but I probably won't be able to spend that much on a dinner myself.
(5)
Rander P.
This is sad, I ate here about six months ago and cannot remember a thing; nothing great, nothing was terribly bad. Tru will just fall into the land of unmemorable meals and I really do not see a reason to go back. I was really hoping to have an experience like at Masa's in SF or the French Laundry, which were both great meals. The only real thing I remember are the two pastries that were given to me on the way out the door :(
(3)
BIREN P.
Impeccable service, just over the top. Food was good but have had better at trotters. Great one time event experience. Probably will not return.
(3)
Carson H.
Dear Tru, Thank you for being so kind and giving my purse it's own little purse chair. I love the caviar on glass staircases, the flourish with which your waiters pour the water in unison. I love the art and the cheese cart. I will keep coming back, and hopefully on someone's expense account. xoxox
(5)
Michael C.
Tenth anniversary dinner here was probably one our best ever. Totally great
(5)
Laura F.
Wonderful dinner! After reading Linday's review I was concerned when my husband surprised me with dinner at Tru. We arrived at 7:30pm on a Wednesday night, and the restaurant was half empty, which was also disconcerting. But once the food began arriving we were happy as could be. We loved every course, including the short ribs Lindsay panned. We chose the 7 course dinner, and the scallops were delicate and divine, the chilled carrot soup with mascarpone and cardamom was delicious, the sunchoke and arctic char dish made me want more, and they served wonderful little slices of brioche with the soup, and mini croissants with the sunchoke dish. I'm not a fan of salmon, so they graciously brought me a divine halibut with fennel in a delectable broth instead. And as mentioned above, the beef 2 ways was fun, especially with the wasabi potato puree (in fact the short rib portion was so generous my husband had to eat half of mine.) The pistachio dessert was inventive, and the apricots in it were the best part. My husband enjoyed the mint pea and strawberry dessert (who knew they worked for dessert??) and since I don't care for mint, they brought me the chocolate dessert that was wonderful. And then come the extras. An assortment of bonbons to choose from. And a surprise chocolate truffle at the end. Service was superb. Presentation was lovely. The ambience could use a little pop on the tables, but that's just a trifle when the dining experience is so much fun and pleasure.
(5)
Peter M.
I do have a culinary background so I can be a little biased...but the best dining experience I have had - EVER!!! The food was exquisite, but I was MORE blown-away by the service. The service was perfectly executed!!! Each course was like a work of art-perfectly blended with aroma, texture, taste, and presentation. Of course, with this type of food expertise and service, it all comes with a price...and it wasn't cheap. But it was well worth it. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS PLACE!
(5)
Tish N.
I love Tru because it was my first experience with french food. The staff was very understanding and helpful and I really appreciated that.
(4)
bettina c.
I'm giving this review 4 stars but with with a major contingency. I would give it 5 stars if I could only rate the desserts, but I can't. My review is going to be kept simple. Skip the meal, go strait for dessert. 4 of us went to dinner & none of us were impressed with the meal. Across the board, it lacked originality & flavor that you expect as a restaurant such as this. However, when it came time for the dessert, it was a completely different story. Delicious, inventive & beautifully presented. I do believe that you can make reservations for dessert only...you'll have to double check.
(4)
Sarah S.
We came here for my dad's birthday dinner on 9/4 and I can definitely say that this was the most incredible meal I've ever had. The service was impeccable and they manage to create an atmosphere where you can have a fine dining experience while still feeling very comfortable and not at all uptight or pretentions, as fine dining restaurants sometimes can feel. Make sure you opt for a cheese course - it was one of the highlights of our meal. I loved the little pound cake they send you home with!
(5)
Derek E.
Early in our meal our attendant asked us where else (in Chicago) we had been. We told him where we had been, what we liked, what we didn't, etc, etc... Of course he asked us what had been our favorite up to that point and we told him Charlie Trotter's. He made the expected comment hoping to change that. I have to say they didn't start strong. But to be fair, they didn't start weak, it's just that we had seen most of their early tricks: Cucumber Mint Juice - seemed like almost every restaurant in Chicago was doing this one; Vermont butter with lots 'O fat - both my wife and I thought immediately of the French Laundry; Sweet Potato Sorbet as an Amuse - reminded me of the Salmon cone at the French Laundry because of the way it was served; Watermelon w/ Balsamic and The Caviar Staircase - I own the Amuse Bouche book that Tramonto wrote, so these were not a surprise; Fighting Fish Bowl - again expected because I'm an information whore and I had scoured the net for pics and reviews before we went. Don't get me wrong, those were great, the Caviar Staircase in particular. I just wasn't wowed, so it wasn't pushing through that barrier to be crowned the Best of Chicago in our minds. That was until... I'm not sure if it was the Souffles or the Homemade Rootbeer Float - which ever one I tried first - the other was just confirmation of that decision. It's hard to describe just how good their desserts are and how deserving Gale Gand is of the praise she receives. I was disappointed that the Bread Pudding wasn't a little more dense and custardy-french-toast like, which is what I'm used to, but everything else was pretty amazing. The cart of Petit Fours and Chocolate just pushed everything else to an almost bliss state. We just couldn't stop smiling. Other highlights of the meal include the Espresso-Roasted Quail, Watermelon-Mint Shooters, the Cheese Cart and the Caviar Staircase which I mentioned before (especially the Wasabi infused Tobiko). What's really neat is the fact that they have about 140 dishes in their arsenal, so you could easily go back several times and never have the same dish twice. Maybe even coming up with your own ultimate menu after you've been there a dozen times! Read the whole review at Gastronomic Fight Club: gastronomicfightclub.com…
(5)
Brandi S.
Tru is modern elegance personified. High ceilings, great art, inventive cuisine and an impeccable wine list all add to the experience that is Tru. The Sashimi appetizer was a table favorite, as were the scallops with avocado dumplings and the cheese selection---brought to your table on a cart and presented and explained by the resident cheese expert (though we thought at $20 a person the three cheese selection was over priced). With two sommeliers on the floor, all wine quandaries are easily answered and attended to. Overall, we can't say enough good things about the dining experience we had at Tru. The crowd was also surprisingly eclectic ranging from museum/artist types to captains of industry to stylish urbanites. **Diners that catch a chill at Tru are offered a Pashmina in the color of their choice out of a box that one might mistake for a cigar box. Pashminas are returned at the end of the meal.
(5)
Joe S.
TRU.....an experience it was. Food was great, no arguments there. Service was interesting if a bit annoying. Following me to the bathroom was a bit odd and then sneaking up on me when I got back to slide my chair in was a bit much. The wine list was absolutely amazing and we took full advantage of it. The only reason I am giving this 3 stars is b/c I almost feel as if TRU is trying to hard. It was almost clinical and the patrons were on pins and needles b/c the atmosphere was so cold. It was like nobody wanted to make a mistake or something and everyone was on their tiptoes. Just a wierd vibe. For those wondering about price, We had 4 people, a drink before, a bottle of wine, and dessert and it was $1000, so prepare to spend some moola.
(3)
Dave H.
Same review as all the other positive ones. If you're going to drop 6 bills on dinner, this is the place to do it and not regret a single dime (or $200 bottle of wine). I love that on your way out, they give you coffee cake for the morning after. I halfway expected our waiter to show up with a cup of coffee at 8 a.m. the next day. One thing, though, Chicago men: this is formal dining. "Jacket required" generally also means "don't wear a polo shirt under your blue polyester jacket." Put on a tie, dudes. Sheesh.
(5)
Rupert V.
Tru-ly amazing. Food: out of this world. We had a regular and a vegetarian menu so that we could have variety (why is it that these places' tasting menus are usually the same?) , and left sated and stuffed. What truly dazzled me about this experience though was the service. Everything was done "in tandem". Two waiters attended to everything. Each of our water glasses were refilled at the same time. Each of our courses were placed in front of us at the same time. Each of our drinks were placed in front of us at the same time. Etcetera. We felt like royalty. Don't get me wrong, they charge royal prices but if you are up for a splurge, in my book it's worth it.
(5)
Simon M.
Fantastic meal!
(5)
Elizabeth D.
tru is hands down my favorite restaurant in chicago! and perhaps top 3 out of anywhere in the world. an elegant restaurant with astoundingly delicious food. my first time at tru was almost 4 years ago for my 18th birthday & they even printed up a personalized menu for me! love love love love. cannot say it enough.
(5)
Julia T.
We went to Tru for my fiance's birthday and it was a wonderful experience. The service is superb and their food is excellent. Its a great place to celebrate intimate events. Definitely on the pricey side but very well worth it!
(4)
Anita P.
Excellent restaurant! We have been to Tru for dinner and for dessert. It is a great place to go for dinner, but I loved the dessert tasting. Who wouldn't want to enjoy course after course of dessert? Such innovative desserts as well as grown-up versions of childhood favorites. (Such as a miniature root beer float made from their own root beer). Lovely!
(5)
Deborah L.
When in a major city for a work obligation...make it count! That is just what I did in going to TRU. I enjoyed the Grand Collection, which was superb! My favorites were the farm ricotta and corn agnolotti with burgundy truffle consomme and the glazed veal ribeye with spring garlic, asparagus and wild mushrooms. I allowed the sommelier to pair my courses. The Knoll Riesling was incredible. I am very pleased that I added the cheese course, which was perfect. I enjoyed watching the impeccable simultaneous service for parties larger than just one...which I was...just one. As a lone diner it would have been lovely if the staff had of broken character a bit and been more personable, but they were efficient and friendly...to a point. I felt comfortable enough to have enjoyed myself immensely. It was a fantastic indulgence and I feel grateful that this is not my usual dining experience....I appreciated it all the more for that. One last thought...as a lone diner in a large city...seeing a familiar wine on the list is like seeing an old friend and suddenly one doesn't feel so alone after all...
(5)
Allie B.
Tru was a wonderful experience. Beautiful space, elegant wait staff. Love the napkin choice - I hate using a white napkin when wearing black slacks. Also thought it was very interesting that they offer a tiny little table for your purse! Nice touches. We opted for the Spring tasting menu. 8 or 9 courses and added a course of sunchoke at the beginning. The sommelier was very knowledgable, but informed us that he was having a difficult time with the chef's selections and the prevelance of spring vegetables (asparagus, artichoke, sunchoke) that are notoriously difficult to pair. Awesome, thanks for letting us know that the wine might not work?? We're paying an arm and a leg for dinner, the least you can do is lie to me and tell me it's all going to be fabulous. Dinner progression was nice, albeit almost entirely protein-free. A dish that had mentioned lamb was actually a lamb broth. A dish that mentioned a cheese was actually a cheese foam. I was having one of those "where's the bread guy" moments - not just b/c I wasn't filling up, but b/c it's hard to drink 8 glasses of wine on an empty stomach and still maintain the kind of decorum required for an evening at Tru. Dessert and cheese were my favorite parts. Although it was probably not the case, I did pretend that Gayle Gand was making the dessert personally for me. All in all - a beautiful evening, but I would definitely recommend Nomades or Alinea over Tru if you're looking to spend that type of money.
(4)
Sony L.
I've been to some amazing restaurants from world-renowned chefs, and was excited to add Tru to my list. I was expecting a lot more, considering the hundreds of dollars dropped on this dinner. I will say that the service was impeccable and the dining experience deserves more than 5 stars. However, the food itself deserves a 2 at best. My husband and I each had the Chefs Collection because we wanted to try everything. Not much seasoning, not very flavorful. Suffice it to say that when you are served rabbit, wagyu beef, halibut and veal and your favorite thing of the night are the the two sauteed mushrooms on your final plate, the food was a disappointment for the price.
went to tru for vday this year using a LEY gift certificate and had a wonderful experience. the service was great and perfectly timed. every one of the 9 courses was excellent. some were more playful than others but nothing was pretentious or unnecessary. they handled the vegetable dishes really well too. all of them really brought out the flavors of each ingredient. it was a great amount of food. everything was well executed. i really loved it and so did my vegetarian husband. i would also highly recommend the wine pairing... they choose really interesting wines that you'd never know to try on your own and all of them brought something new to each course. the strange thing is that after going there for dessert only before, i thought dessert would be my favorite part of the meal this time. but everything else was so good, that i can hardly remember what it was. favorite courses: white sturgeon "caviar" with avocado and hazelnut crackers, potato gnocchi with white veal glaze and fragile lace tuile
(5)
Jess S.
This was a truly incredible dining experience. Once I got over all the rich people who are used to be doted on, I was able to relax and take it all in. Someone mentioned the syncronization. Dear god, it was crazy. The food was absolutely out of this world. It was really nuts. I agree with many other fellow Yelpers - everyone should go to Tru once. You may leave in-debt if you chose to go the full 9, but what an experience. I'm still wow'ed three months later.
(5)
Jo Jo B.
Yay! I'm a fan only when I'm rich for a day unfortunately. :O( When you arrive here, you notice there is not a lot going on when it comes to the decor. When you do sit down and look around you realize the bare walls are needed to present the modern art they have hung here. They have Andy Warhol, Vik Muniz, and other notable artists. Visually all the artwork is stunning. The lighting is dimmed somewhat to create a warm toasty mood. Here is the link for you to check it out and the artwork: trurestaurant.com I took my friend here for a birthday treat. I called in advance and asked if they could do anything special for his birthday and they did. When they presented the menu, in bold letters at the top they printed his name with Happy Birthday on it. Too cool. You have a choice of either a fixed meat or veggie menu or you can order off the menu from what I remember. We both decided to order the 5 course collections menu. Heck if you are there, you might as well do it right. Right? I really did not know what to expect, because after all, this is a Lettuce Entertain You restaurant. I am anti chain with restaurants, but this place has been noted as better than Charlie Trotters, so I had to check it out. Wow! Is all I can say about their food. I really enjoyed the fact their portion sizes were not huge. Throughout the five courses, they really did allow us to pace ourselves. Sometimes the food came out in little gift boxes where you had to open them up to eat them. (This was a dream come true for me. Dinner in gift boxes. Brill!) Of course everyone loves the caviar staircase. (Custom made for Tru I might add) My friend said it was the best tasting caviar he has ever had. All my veggie dishes were seasoned to perfection. I could tell they used the freshest ingredients here. Earth flavours were notable in every bite. The whole experience took about 4 hours. Now that seems a long time, but, when you are spending this amount of money, you really do want to savour the moment. At the end of it all, we both said we felt 'just right' and were very content with the whole experience. The 5 courses with wine came to about $400.00. Does that seem expensive? It does for food but I have to say this was money well spent. From beginning to end it was worth ever penny. Now all I need to do is start saving to I can go again. Bah!
(4)
Anand P.
"tru"ly speechless. This was one of the most elegant and enjoyable dining experiences. Food was unforgettable. And to make sure we didn't forget, they gave us a custom printed menu when we were done that had the date, our name, and everything we ate (including the substitutions). Amazing service.
(5)
Andrea R.
Everyone should experience Tru once, but just once. I went with my coworkers to Tru about a year ago and was very curious to try one of Chicago's most famous restaurants. It was one of the finest dining experiences I've ever had from the caviar staircase to the diploma they gave me at the end of my meal to celebrate 5 hours at the table. I think I may be too ADD for this restaurant, but I definitely app recited the experience.
(4)
steven h.
Chef Tim Graham and pastry Chef Meg Glaus (sp) are some of the finest in our city. So much thought goes into every tasting. I would reccomend reserving the kitchen table for an evening of private dining. You will have a new appreciation for their ingenuity and professionalism.
(5)
Ash T.
This meal was amazing! My boyfriend and I opted for the prix fixe menu and decided to share everything so that we could create our own tasting menu. To start we had the swashimi and the scallops. Sashimi was wonderful, however the scallop dish really stood out. The broccoli and peanut flavors complimented the scallops very well. For the main course, I wanted to try the lobster, however they were out. I expressed my disappointment to the server as I had been looking forward to the lobster all day. To make up for my disappointment, they brought both of us a lobster bisque with huge chunks of lobster. This was a nice touch and tasted great as well. We also had the ribeye and the halibut. The ribeye was delish and cooked to perfection. The puffed potatoes that came with this were yummy and tasted like little potato donuts. The halibut was the standout of the main courses though, very tasty sauce and the leeks tasted awesome with the fish! Amongst our courses, several amuse-bouche came out and I can't remember what they were, but all were little bursts of flavors! Bread they served was also awesome. For dessert, we choose from the cheese cart, and split a chocolate bar. They also brought out a little chocolate treat with candles, as we were celebrating our anniversary. Overall, a ridiculous amount of food, I have never been that full...and everything was right on. Service was good, but the food is what really stood out. Very expensive meal, but very worth it as it was an experience I will remember forever.
(5)
Dan H.
There's a good reason why Tru consistently rates as one of the top restaurants in Chicago and has for years. My wife and I ate here for our first anniversary. And the experience was amazing, even if a little bit jarring (we had spent the summer working in underserved communities but were given a large gift certificate for Tru... so decided to go). Food: The subtlety of the flavors was wonderful. We went with a tasting, which started with an octopus carpaccio. Understandably, for my Midwestern wife, this was a bit unusual. But she ate and enjoyed it. The caviar staircase offered some very tasty experiences. And the food overall was just top notch - as were the desert options from the desert cart they bring around. Their presentation was dramatic yet elegant and simple. I think you can see that from the pictures that have been uploaded here. We were very impressed with the colors used in each dish. Service: Probably the thing that stands out even more than the food was the service. We were treated like royalty... even to the point of it being a little disconcerting. We had brought a camera... and they had a special pillow for cameras. When my wife told me she had to use the restroom and she had looked up and put her napkin down, the waiter was right there and pulled the table out for her and told her where to go. (Creepy? Maybe. But amazingly attentive). Ambiance: The dining environment wad unexpectedly bright. Coming into the entrance, it was dark and dim. But once into the dining area, the room was bright, with lots of glass or crystal. It felt clean and light. Perhaps that is part of the experience... stepping into a bright area after entering though a darker lobby. Summary: Overall we had an amazing experience here. It is out of our natural price range. But because of the gift we received to come here, we were able to enjoy it thoroughly. If we had expendable income, we would go back, no question.
(5)
Missy M.
I wish I could give this more stars... TRU was one of the most magical nights of my entire life! A true foodie experience. It was food art. Every motion of the staff was like a choreographed dance. I just can't say enough great things about this restaurant! My BF and I had the 9-course chef tasting... which turned into 13 courses after all the little extras they throw in. Our waiter even hailed us a cab after our 4-hour dinner. Just when you think it can't get any better (because the food is beyond "so delicious"), they hand you a little muffin to enjoy with your coffee or tea for the morning after. If only I had a money tree, because I could do that once a month if my finances allowed it.... One day I'll be back!
(5)
Monika M.
We sat at the kitchen table. This itself was an experience of a lifetime. Not only did we have our own private table from which we could overlook the kitchen, but we had the most amazing service I've ever experienced. It felt that everyone was basically told to take care of us no matter what. In fact, at a couple of points even the sommelier poured our water for us. On that note, Chad, the sommelier, was fabulous. He did a really great job helping me, a Napa oaked rich wine loving girl, find a lighter wine to better go with the food. Very impressed. And, there were even some affordable bottles of wine on the list. They ranged from $45 to 6,000 (no typos), and the decent selection of wines by the glass allowed me to try more while not spending way too much. The food was pretty good. The only bad thing about the kitchen table is that you don't choose your menu. This means we were exposed to things we probably never would have tried on our own. This is good and bad. I thought the food was just okay (BEAUTIFUL, but not always my taste), but I really enjoyed trying everything and I absolutely feel that I would think it was better had I ordered my own choices. Toward the end of our evening, I needed to use the restroom. When I asked where it was, a server actually took me there and waited until I came out to escort me back. Incredible. We also then received a full kitchen tour, and a tour of each piece of artwork in the restaurant. Very impressed. Will give it 5 stars when I stop regretting the outrageous amount we paid for food we wouldn't have chosen on our own.
(4)
Jamie G.
Tru was enjoyable...but I wouldn't say it is my top pick for fine dining in Chicago. The atmosphere was probably the best part of the dinner. I also enjoyed the chair for my purse, cheese cart and dessert tray. Well, be honest, I enjoyed the cheese cart the most. My foie gras wasn't the best and had a rough patch that appeared to be intentionally hidden. I'm kind of leary of a business (Lettuce Entertain You) that has restaurants on such a low to high spectrum.
(4)
Don M.
Wow, this was truly a unique experience. If you want to spoil youself and enjoy a great evening you must go. When you are being seated they greated us by name and the attention never stopped. The sommelier recommended a bottle of wine and we tried is was very good. On to the food started with prime beef tartar, grilled diver sea scallops and avacado green apple salad. They were just fantastic so much taste and flavor. Then onto the butter poached maine lobster, white asparagus, bisque, orange -almond. Delicious. After your dinner out comes the cheese cart, desert and candies. I will definetly go back the service and food is just outstanding. Happy Aniversary to us.
(5)
Liz L.
Absolutely divine. I went here for my birthday with my family and was utterly amazed. They made us feel like royalty. This was our first fine dining experience and I had heard that upscale restaurants make newbies feel inferior, but that was not the case at all for Tru. We walked in and a group of waiters was all over us, pulling out our chairs, giving us chairs for our purses...when we went to the restroom, they would fold our table napkins and place them on the table again. Our menus were especially made for us and said Happy Birthday Liz. The food was delectable, the presentation was awe-inspiring. Everything looked beautiful and sometimes they would complete the meal in front of you. They would come out with several plates and bowls and add this and that to the main dish, it was truly a magnificent presentation. We had a three course meal, but we got several mini bite things in between that were equally delicious. I can safely say that we got our money's worth. After our meal, i received a little chocolate bar with a candle for my birthday. Then they rolled out the chocolate cart with about 20 delicacies. I had read reviews about this, but some reviews said it was complimentary some didn't. So I only chose one. Let me tell you, the dessert cart is COMPLIMENTARY so dig in! When you walk out they give you little lemon cakes, also complimentary. Seriously, don't be afraid of fine dining. TRU, at least, is not snobby in the least, even though it's obvious that you don't normally engage in fine dining. Plus, they definitely give you your money's worth both food wise and atmosphere wise. It was an amazing experience and I will be returning for my next special occasion.
(5)
Kristin C.
Honestly, I don't even think this place needs a review. Five star food. Five star service. You just have to go there to see how amazing it is. Just grab someone special, your wallet and get ready for incredible dining experience.
(5)
Lisa L.
While the experience of eating at TRU is spectacular, the food is really not. After living in the culinary mecca that is San Francisco, eating a meal at TRU only disappointed me, especially since the prices were similar to eating at for instance, my favorite Gary Danko. Luckily, I didn't have to pay for my meal, otherwise I would have been really upset. My main issue with the food was: why were there foam on everything, even the chocolate cake?
(3)
meenah c.
Service was spotless. We got the 3 course meal + dessert tasting. The food presentation was so beautiful I didn't want to eat it. The dessert was the thing that tipped me off. I expected so much more than what I got. I always had a sweet tooth--I almost always finish dessert. This was an exception. I couldn't finish 2 out of the 3 plates. It just tasted so...strange. I remember one of the plate having custard and ice cream. The Ice cream taste like rust!! When I asked the waiter, he said it was lemon curd flavor. Althought I love the chocolate martini. Best I've ever tasted. Overall, it was a good birthday experience(an expensive one -400 for 2 people) and it seems to me everyone else also celebrated their birthday there also. Oh and we got wrapped cookies on our way out -- how nice.
(4)
Michelle B.
Perfect service, wonderful atmosphere including stunning artwork on the walls. The staff was so informed and helpful and took the time to give you of the best dining experience you could have. The cheese cart was awesome too. It's expensive but worth it! If I only went to one restaurant in Chicago - this would be it. It's pricy but worth every penny.
(5)
peter h.
the only reason this place doesn't get five stars is...well, i guess there are two. one, i was still hungry when the dinner was over...and this should not be after a 9-course meal spanning 4-plus hours; and two, this place was so fancy, i felt very much out of place and uncomfortable at times...though the entire staff was extremely friendly and helpful in making me feel as comfortable as possible. i guess i just wasn't comfortable with someone rushing over to escort me to the restroom as soon as they saw me stand up. but, like i said, this place was a really fancy, upscale place where jackets were required and since i don't frequent places like this much, i guess it would be unfair for me to mark that as a negative. the three of us all ordered the grand chef's collection, which consisted of 9-courses, though with all the in-between freebies, it was more like 13 to 15-courses. after we ordered, the sommelier came over and we left the remainder of the dining experience in his hands by asking him to pair our courses with wines he recommended. he did an excellent job. the wines he paired with the beets (this was actually a sake), gnocchi, lobster, and ribeye were excellent. each wine definitely complimented and brought out the various flavors of each course. he also brought us a dessert wine that i enjoyed so much that i have already started trying to find it at local wine stores. now, onto the food itself, these are the courses that i really enjoyed: white sturgeon "caviar", golden beet collage, english pea soup, la ratte potato gnocchi, veal ribeye, and the dessert course (which included a chocolate explosion). the only course that i really wasn't all that impressed with was the alaskan halibut. the halibut was very flavorless and the accompanying carrot/ginger sauce and foam both had a very overpowering ginger taste, which i was not very fond of. the maine lobster course was delicious, it just didn't stand out. there was this wagu ravioli that my sister and brother-in-law said was very delicious; unfortunately, i cannot confirm this since it slithered its way down my throat before I could taste it... i really enjoyed their cheese course as well. they had a very wide collection of cow, sheep, and goat cheeses from mild to stinky to soft to hard to blue. at the end of the night, they printed out the menu for us to take home to remember the dining experience along with an extra dessert treat, which i thought was a very nice touch. tru is definitely a place i would frequent more often if i had unlimited financial resources. unfortunately, that is not the case. but if you ever have the opportunity to have this kind of a dining experience, i would suggest you take it and soak it all up....especially if it's at tru.
(4)
Pam N.
a 5-Star date for sure! I was taken here last September on a fancy-pants date. The 10-course degustation at Tru is something that I've always wanted to do, so the dude really couldn't fuck up taking me here. I'm not going to go on about how amazing the food was; I think others before me have covered that base much better than I could! So I was the only person under 35, and possibly the only woman, in the whole joint. And wanting to make a real splash I had chosen to wear my sexiest red halter dress & 4.5 inch Kors heels. I left my hair down; I definitely stood out . Now you should know that I love to laugh and smile and I certainly wasn't going to tone down my joy on a night I'd been waiting for for years! I def stuck out like a sore thumb. For a second, I feared my wanton exuberance would cause us to receive bad service and make my date angry with me. But my fears were assuaged at our first interaction with the staff. Everyone was so polite, thorough, attentive, knowledeable--and somehow pulled off this service expertise while making us feel completely comfortable and welcome. Some courses were strange but everything was splendid and exquisitely presented. Something that really sticks out to me: At the end of the meal our maitre'd rolled out a cart full of housemade sweet goodies and encouraged us to try one. And me, being a complete glutton--but a charming one!--sweetly asked if I could have one of each. I expected him sneer at me with disdain, or even say no. But instead he excitedly said, "Yes, please try them all!" And you bet I fucking did. My only complaint was that the remote controlled vibrator my date had inserted in me in the cab on the way over had lost it's shit on course 4 and just went off willy-nilly with no rhyme or reason. And I was even more upset when it died completely at course 7. Oh also, after you eat a goddamn 10-course meal you are definitely gonna be too fat to fuck when you get home.
(5)
Brian G.
I downgraded Naha for the price despite some good to great food. The food here is consistently great and it is even a bit more pricey but they get a five. Did a tasting menu - word of caution it is a LONG meal - but really good. Forgot to take notes - but from Sturgeon "caviar", to a gnocchi that was as light and delightful as my favorite one at Naha which is rich and hearty. A beautiful piece of Foie Gras on a meat dish, an amazing celery root soup, really good bread and incredible desserts by Gale. If money not an object - go! On par with Alinea for taste if not presentation theater, and a bit cheaper. And while a bit less adventuresome there were no misses.
(5)
Gfiddy F.
Honestly, great.
(5)
May S.
I've been here twice...my fiance took me here for our third dating anniversary and then also surprised me on our engagement day :). I cannot say enough about how much I love Tru...the food, the ambiance, the service. It is definitely a great place for a special occasion!
(5)
Tanya L.
My family and I came here with a gift certificate. The service was SNOBBY and they seemed to turn our noses down at us, and we could overhear the servers whispering in worried tones that we would not tip well because we seemed to be wannabe clientele. Although the plates were artistic looking, they were no great shakes when eaten. Um, I'll go to the Art Institute of Chicago instead: thank you very much. One of the courses included a salmon dish that was bland-o-rino. Tru, my readers, is completely false! I seriously think this restaurant gets more credit for its social prestige (Could there be serious groupthink going on mistaking high price for high quality?) Exclusivity in setting soo does not mean excellence. My dears, who are you fooling?!? Compared to the great restaurants in New Orleans and Philadelphia, this wannabe, chic place falls flat on its face.
(2)
Kathleen H.
We went to TRU this past Monday night for my boyfriend's birthday. I wanted a luxurious,delicious, perfect evening. TRU vastly exceeded all expectations!! From the moment we arrived the staff was superb, wishing my bf happy birthday (a personal birthday message was also printed on our menus) and completely attentive all night in an unobtrusive way. They were like friendly, knowledgable ninjas. We started with a trio of caviar with a chilled vodka which came in a stunning presentation and was fantastic. We ordered one of the 6 course tastings, but added a rabbit dish from the prix fixe menu, and one nine course. We skipped the house wine pairings as our server helpfully explained that they were primarily whites and we are red people. We chose a few reds on our own and they were lovely. The pacing of the courses was superb, we had time to open a few gifts and were never rushed. Each presentation was gorgeous, and everything was so delicious it was like having an opera in your mouth... The rabbit, the fois gras, the pork belly... Every course wowed our palates. It was a perfectly magical evening. I had been nervous after reading some negative reviews here, more it seemed than for other restaurants of this caliber... But I found the ambience understated but very elegant. I didn't feel like it was for older people or stuffy at all... Just simple, chic, and perfect for a special occasion. If you get the chance? Go. We have eaten in NYC, LA, London, Paris, all over, we travel a lot and LOVE food, and for both of us this experience was the BEST meal of our lives. Thank u TRU for an unforgettable evening:-)
(5)
Maggie M.
My mother and I make it a point to try new restaurants in the city all the time, and we saved Tru for our birthday celebrations (we both have birthdays in April and we tend to celebrate all month long.) The service was outstanding, the staff is extremely educated on both wine, and preparation techniques of the food. If this review was based on the service alone it would easily be 5 stars. Unfortunately, the driving force behind why I love to eat out is not the service, it's because I love great food. Personally, I feel there is a fine line between tasty and trendy. All to often "fancy" restaurants depart from the culinary basics in favor of more experimental and trendy preparation techniques. Tru has fallen victim to trendiness overpowering tastiness. Three items during out meal really tipped the scale to trendy, not tasty: 1. The excessive use of "froth". When two out of 5 dishes have some form of froth on them, that is one too many for me. Froth is being seen more and more in restaurants, but one dish is plenty. In my eyes it is for presentation, not flavor. 2. Caviar trapped in a bubble of gel floating in Sake. The sake only brought out the fishy taste of the caviar, and I don't think I will ever find a bubble of gel tasty. 3. A dessert amuse that contains Pop Rocks. Yes, you read that right. The same candy that is known for the urban legend that if you drink Coke while you have a mouth filled with Pop Rocks you will die. Dinner was enjoyable, but not as great as I expected. I had a Ribeye, and while it was cooked Medium Rare as requested, I have had a better steak at Wildfire, Ruth's Chris, and Gibson's. We also had Diver Scallops, and my mother and I both agreed that we have had better Diver Scallops at places as unpretentious as Ben Pao and as outstanding as Il Mulino I would recommend going at least once just to try it out, but I can't say that this would be my "go to" restaurant for big occasions.
(3)
Timothy M.
What can you say about Tru besides WOW? The only reason I could see anyone giving this place less than 5 stars is because it is very, very pricey. But everything else is simply impeccible. My date and I got a collection which included: - Raw Maine Diver Scallop, Kumamoto Oyster, Italian Black Pearl Osetra Caviar, Preserved Lemon - Roasted Langoustine, Hearts of Palm, Sunchokes & Brown Butter - Veloute of Summer Corn & Leek, Corn-Herb Fritters - Canadian Foie Gras Torchon, Salad of Rainier Cherries, Hazelnuts & Radish, Country Toast, Cherry Jus - Grilled Loup de Mer, Braised Baby Fennel, Tomato-Orange Nage - Roasted Elysian Fields Lamb, Salt-Poached Potatoes, Petite Summer Vegetables, Lamb Jus - Gale's Dessert Collection - Complimentary birthday chocolate snack - Mignardises & Lollipops - Espresso The service is unbelievable. You are attended to like royalty. Even if you're not used to super-fine dining like this, the waitstaff will go out of their way to help you understand the food, the ettiquette, and anything else. They really are there for you from start to finish. The wine was outstanding as well, and there are some more reasonably priced selections if you're not a millionaire. But it certainly puts a pretty good hole in your pocketbook so be sure to save up for this treat. Seriously, the reviewers who gave 4 stars, I would hate to see what DOES impress you to a five star level.
(5)
Don Q.
I'm not even going to bother talking about the food here. It's obviously pretty amazing. I'm giving them five-stars for the adventure of trying to foil their impeccable service. By the time our food arrived, my companion and I had been seated, served and swaddled by no less than a dozen precisely coordinated dervishes. I'm a pretty low key dude, so all of this attention kind of freaked me out (in a good way, mind you; I mean no disservice to the incredible experience they provide). Of course, given that my bladder is the size of a morel-infused poached fava bean, I inevitably had to use the little pilgrim's room. I waited patiently until all of the visible members of the troupe appeared to be swirling around other patrons to make my break. I made it to within 3 steps from the restroom door when someone LEAPED OUT FROM BEHIND A CURTAIN to show me the rest of the way. Needless to say, it took me a couple of minutes to calm the notion that someone was going to leap out to assist me at the loo, too. That said (tongue-in-cheek, of course), the staff at Tru did an amazing job at removing the pretense and pressure typically associated with fine dining and injecting it with fun and flair, resulting in a fabulous experience neither my friend nor I will soon forget.
(5)
Nicole L.
This is one of the most amazing places i've been. Words cannot describe my experience here. I had the choice to go here for my 8th grade graduation present or throw a party. I'm so glad I made the right choice. They only take reservations and i believe at the time our meal was around $300 a piece. completely worth it for a extravagant experience. It was a 6-8 course meal with the most beautiful presented dishes and china i've ever seen. They give you amazing deserts to take home beautifully wrapped along with specializing your evening if it is for a special event. I remember having the most amazing waiters/servers/valet men ever. I hope i'll be able to afford to come back since it is not a everyday event. At age 14 I could enjoy and admire this I'm sure at 20 will be even better. This pace is a A + with gold stars. Superb!
(5)
Finding N.
Chef Rick Tramonto has a philosophy, "If you can't fix it, feature it." That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard. Tru pretends like its still a top quality restaurant but it lacks in many areas that restaurants a quarter of the price excel. The menu despite being custom printed to celebrate a special occasion, didn't reflect any of the dietary restrictions that were identified when the reservation was placed, which immediately limited our order to one side of the menu. I ordered the salt soup, which would have been great if not for the overwhelming essence of lobster, a distraction from what was clearly the feature of the dish, the salt. The soup was topped with a lobster foam that was easy to inhale and made me cough. At least, you have to appreciate the creative combo though, lobster, lobster and salt; my palette was swimming in a flavor. Main course: Rolled cucumber and peach foam was well placed to hide the lamb, purchased at the end of the day from our neighborhood Jewel butcher. I know him, nice guy but tough meat. For desert the toffee pudding was excellent, I have to admit but if it was 6x bigger we could've found it at TGIFriday's (not trying to diss TGIF, just wondering if they share recipes.) The courses were peppered with complimentary bites one of which was excellent, the Anises Tea. The abalone inside of a jelly floating in sake was just unnecessary. With bright lights, sterile walls and long white curtains against tall white pillars, if the patrons wore gowns open in the back it would've been indistinguishable from a hospital cafeteria. Coincidentally the hospital is across the street. The service, I don't think I've ever been asked so many times if I was done with my plate. Call me silly but if I still have the fork in my hand, there's your answer. There are certain things one expects from a restaurant with such a reputation so in a way Tru faces a high bar but it did at least live up to part of its reputation, it is expensive. Another philosophy of Chef Ricky, "Ensure that guests are happiest right before they leave rather than when they arrive." Let me tell you, I was happy to leave.
(2)
starbrite y.
Looking for a place to feel special and celebrate a special occasion? I'd stop here. Too much food at times and didn't get to really take advantage of the cheese or dessert tray but what a great complaint! Enjoy!
(4)
Patrick N.
my wife and i recently experienced the 9 course chefs tasting with a split wine pairing and the additional 3 course dessert tasting menu. the food, setting, and service were all top notch, and really made for an incredible evening. highly recommended for those looking for progressive cuisine with classic sensibilities. pics are in my blog located in my profile.
(5)
Michelle B.
I enjoyed dinner at Tru last night. I had the spring tasting menu and my husband had the grand tasting menu. It was really lovely. Each course had lovely freshly prepared ingredients. The staff is very attentive and friendly. It's a very approachable fine dining experience. The desserts are always special here and there are so many of them! I was surprised to see foie gras on the menu, but now I understand that the ban isn't in effect yet. It was nice and I enjoyed it all the more since it may be the last time I have it at a restaurant in Chicago. I like this restaurant better than Trotter's. I think it's because the dining room is a more open space. I always like to people watch a bit at these sorts of restaurants. This is an expensive and decadent experience, but you only live once so treat yourself!
(5)
Mika G.
Tru-ly exceptional... hardy har har... ok now that that's out of my system, I have to say that I really enjoyed my meal at Tru... even more than L2O. Both restaurants really outdo themselves as far as service and knowledge of the food but as far as flavor goes, Tru takes the cake. I chose the prix fixe menu. King crab, white asparagus, pineapple and tarragon. Hawaiian ahi a la plancha, radish, leek, sauce provencale. And for dessert, I had some wonderful selections of cheese. I'm not used to eating at such high end restaurants. I am usually into the local places or hole in the wall joints but when on business trips, we get treated to the fancy stuff. It's nice. I think we'll be coming back here again.
(5)
Jack J.
My wife and I went here for our 4th wedding anniversary. Yes, it's worth the hype. Go.
(5)
Jessica S.
I went about a year ago with my family and we all tried on of the gourmet dinners that about eight courses. The staircase caviar was amazing partly just because of the presentation. Every course was more amazing then the next and the five hours we spent there felt like nothing. The food blew me away. The most amazing course to me had to have been the cheese course. They came out with a cheese cart with what must have been 30 cheeses and then I got to choose which cheeses I wanted. After the dessert course be prepared for the mini desserts to come your way. If you are going to go there for dinner I would suggest doing the special menus. Since it's not a place you will go to a lot it pays to do the entire dinner. Beware you will constantly be asked to add thing to your set menu to add to the price. Tru also has several half bottles of wine which is a great way to do it because then you can have a half of white to share and then have some red with the meat courses. The wine can add to the experience but it also adds to the price. I think this is a great experience for everyone to have. It's not a place that you would go to a normal Friday night but for a special occasion I can't imagine eating at a nicer restaurant.
(5)
David W.
There are a few restaurants in Chicago that I have always wanted to go to and for some reason have never made it to. Tru was on that list until last night. Tim W., Mystery Man, and I made 7:30 reservations and when doing so expressed our interest in doing a beer pairing with our meal. We arrived just before 7:30 and were promptly ushered to the perfect table smack dab in the middle of all the action. Our server, Israel, greeted us and inquired about our desire to match beers with our courses. To help make our selections we decided to start the table off with a bottle of Barboursville Viognier from Virginia (yeah, our Virginia!). The wine was absolutely lovely and a great example of how delicious this grape can be. It also helped that the bottle was value priced at just $48. So we enjoyed our breads, lot's of butter, our amuse buche, our bottle of wine, and the table across from us before digging into our first course. Each of us opted for the three course menu for $95 and all ordered different appetizers and entrees. Mystery Man started with the Lobster Soup with Spoonbread. We expected lobster bisque, but the soup itself was a simple delicious broth with chunks of lobster and spoonbreads. I had the Diver Sea Scallops with Red Pepper Essence, Chorizo, and Avocado Dumplings. The scallops were beautifully cooked. The avocado dumplings were unique and delicious. However, the presence of chorizo was not all too apparent and the emulsion didn't add much value to the dish. Both Mystery Man and I's appetizers were paired with Klumbacher Brauerei Eku Pils. I typically don't drink pilsners, but this beer was superb and paired well with our dishes. Tim W. started with the Prime Beef Tartare with Raspberry Powder, Red Pepper, and Zucchini. Tim W. won round one hands down with this dish. The tartare was outstanding on its own, but the accompaniments really made this dish stand out. The tartate was paired beautifully with a bottle of Indica IPA from the Lost Coast Brewery. Mystery Man ordered the Hawaiian Orange Marlin with Heart of Palm, Baby Carrot, Leek, and Sauce Provencale for his entre. None of us had ever eaten Marlin before and the fish was delicate and well cooked. The beer paired with this dish was a bottle of Brasserie Duyck St. Druon de Sebouej. Tim W. once again ordered well by going with the Salt-Crusted Cervena Venison with Cocoa, Olive, and Blood Orange. The venison loin is "unearthed ", carved, and plated table side. Almost every bite presented subtle hints of cocoa, olives, and blood orange. A savory cocoa mousse with cocoa mashed potatoes was another highlight of this dish. I typically don't like venison because of its gamey flavor, but venison was perfectly cooked and the game didn't hit you over the head. They paired the venison with a bottle of Out of Bounds Stout from the Avery Brewing Company in Boulder, CO. Last but not least I ordered the Suckling Pig, Zucchini Pave, Licorice, Kumquats, and Pig Jus. The licorice was actually cooked down black Twizzlers. A bit gimmicky for me, but overall the dish was solid. The highlight of this dish came in the form of Tempura Zucchini. This dish was paired with the hands down best beer of the evening, the Koninjshoeven Quadrupel Trappist Ale. The nose on this beer was almost indescribable and the taste lived up to the noses promise. For dessert, both Tim W. and I ordered the Chocolate Souffl served with Cinnamon Ice Cream and a Camp Fire Marshmallow. The souffl was yummy, but was showed up by the Cinnamon Ice Cream. The ice cream was "Holy Shit!" good. Mystery Man, who doesn't like chocolate or peaches, went with the Roasted Pineapple with Coconut Ice Cream. This dish was another win on the dessert column. The desserts were paired with a bottle of Coffee Porter from Meantime Brewery. The decor at Tru is subtly modern and understated. The restaurant showcases a handful of modern works of art that add the occasional burst of color. For the most part the interior remains a blank canvas that allows the food to shine as it should. The staff was perfect! Our server adapted to our personal style quickly and didn't miss a beat or a subtle dirty joke. Israel also provided outstanding beer pairings and seemed genuinely excited to accept our challenge of pairing their contemporary cuisine with "beer". The chef de cuisine also paid a visit to our table to discuss the food and beer pairing. He also extended us an offer to come back for an even more elaborate beer driven pairing. Solid food paired with exceptional service made Tru worth the wait. 3 Prixe Fixe 6 Beers 1 Bottle of Wine 1 Cappucino ---------------------------- $500.00
(4)
Thy L.
I got engaged at this restaurant, simply put it's best dining experience I've ever had. The decor is very simply and yet exquisite. There are literally a dz servers all dressed in black suits continually replacing silverware, linen, and tableware. We had the chef's prixed menu, it seemed like endless platings of eclectic cuisines. The most memorable had to be the caviar staircase, which is a showcase of abut 8 different caviars sitting on crystal spiral stairs. It was exquisitely presented but taste wise forgetable. I am not a fan of caviars. Overall, I'm truly in love with this restaurant for it's top notch service and sophistications.
(5)
Liz H.
This is probably my favorite restaurant in the entire U.S. Fantastic food and the presentation is amazing. Extensive wine list and the cheese course always offers a wide range of really interesting and unique cheeses. Very expensive but completely worth it.
(5)
Dave C.
We went with the same friends who later accompanied us to Alinea. Tru does not justify itself by comparison. Tru's he service was WAY too self-conscious, the food was good(not amazing), and the bill was titanic. Also despite the place being half-full when we arrived, we got the table right in front of the kitchen doors, which ruined it for me. There were also two egregious service missteps that were so over the top that they became a running joke during the meal: 1) The "water-waiter" (one guy who only poured and re-filled water glasses) literally splashed water all over the table every time he poured, trying to show off how he could hit the glass with the pitcher poised 3 feet above it. He couldn't. 2) The "description waiter" (one guy whose only job was to describe the preparation of each dish) was absolutely unintelligible. English was at best his 2nd language (sounded more like 4th to us), and despite us listening intently and him speaking VERY loudly, we had no idea what we were eating most of the time. Amazing faux-pas, considering the reputation of the place and the guy who owns it. We actually e-mailed the restaurant after the fact, and they replied with an apology and a gift certificate, which was nice. However, the GC can't be used on Saturday nights, making it all-but-worthless for us suburbanites. When all is said and done, we won't go back, GC or not.
(3)
Jaclyn C.
Tru is definitely my number one when it comes to expensive cuisine. I have been to Avenues and Charlie Trotter's and Tru just stands out to me. Don't get me wrong, the food at Avenues and Charlies Trotter's are divine, however the entire experience and Tru definitely blew me away. My Husband and I got a gift card for our wedding and we were so excited cause we'd wanted to try it. Upon arrival you are treated like royalty. EVERYONE, not just your server is helpful and very polite. The place itself is beautifully decorated, very posh and upscale. We ordered a nice bottle of wine and the bread tray comes and you can pick what you want. We chose the Grand Tasting Menu and it was a ton of food. Everything tasted amazing, it was "orgasmic". And being a cheese lover, i was a sucker for the infamous cheese cart. Yes, I couldn't help myself. Then comes the dessert cart, they have so many small bites and varieties. And, they come back if want so if you didn't get everything you wanted, no worries. To top off the evening, they give you a very nice personalized printout with your name, your menu and the date. I know, it's so simple but adds a very nice touch. Now all this does come with a pricey tag. We have a $250 GC and it covered half. It was definitely worth it and a memorable experience. Not a typical dinner/date place but for a very special occasion, I'd go with Tru above the rest.
(5)
Matt G.
Hands down, the best restaurant in Chicago. I've been to Trotter's, Everest, Spiagia, L2O...you name it. This place did it all for me.
(5)
Jennifer C.
Tasty. Luckily, I went on someone elses dime. My one complaint is the number of dessert courses they try to cram down your throat. As for the service-it's impeccable. One of our servers said this as an aside: "Must walk in counterclockwise circle or my head will explode."
(5)
Ryan H.
Rating: Superb Phenomenal, creative, classy. Some of the words that immediately come to mind when I think of my visits to Tru. One of the finest restaurant in the city, without a doubt. Having been fortunate enough to try many top restaurants in the country, Chicago's Tru ranks up there with the best. I first encountered the talented Executive Chef Rick Tramonto at Trio Evanston and his style, selection and implementation of the menu items is truly (sorry-couldn't resist) spectacular. Definitely get the Grand Tasting Menu, incorporating a wide variety of courses giving the customer a solid feel for culinary nirvana. If you go to celebrate a special occaision, be sure to mention it when making a reservation as the staff is extremely attentive and will even create a customized menu for you--a must if you want to recall the whirlwind of preparations and ingredients. A must try, but plan on around $160 per person without drinks for the Grand Tasting Menu, block out 3 hours and Let the Good Times Roll!
(5)
Kelly D.
I went to TRU about 4 years ago. This was my first real fine dining experience. The place felt a little intimidating because I wasn't really sure how to sit, act..eat some of the foods. But once I tried the cavier staircase, it quickly melted away. By far my two favorites were the marinated tuna dish that sat on top of a bowl with a beta fish swimming underneath my plate and the HUGE dessert carts with homemade lollypops and chocolates. My bf at the time had called ahead and the staff was even kind enough to print "Will you go to prom with me?" on my menu. Best dining experience to date.
(5)
katie m.
I wish I could give 3 1/2 stars, but I'll have to go with 3. Admittedly, I generally wasn't a happy camper while living in Chicago. Feel free to add a star to any of my Chicago reviews. Tru just didn't measure up to the standard set by French Laundry (or even Gary Danko). The service was impeccable, but the food didn't blow my mind and the dining area was too large. The bar area and entrance are perfect, but the actual dining room feels cavernous. I am a huge fan of clean, modern lines, but the far-too-high ceiling and lighting distracted me from the food and made me feel somewhat self-conscious. The tables are spaced far enough apart that conversations stay relatively private, but the spaciousness made me more aware of wait staff approaching the table than I would have liked. It was a fun birthday splurge, but I don't think I'll ever be back.
(3)
Stan W.
Is any dinner worth $175-200 a head? This one was...but it was much more than a dinner - just a fantastic experience. I loved how they let us swap in dishes from the main menu into the tastings. So accommodating and flexible, and at no additional cost. The no additional cost thing was one of the themes of my night as they kept piling on the free courses. On top of our 6 course tasting menus, we got 2 amuse bouches, a pre-dessert, all the post dessert candies we could want from a cart, a cake bite with candles for my birthday, a black pepper rootbeer float, some amazing truffles with the check, and muffins to bring home on our way out. That's like 8 extra courses. Some of the high end places only give you a little bit of the fancy bread, but not Tru. DEFINITELY got our money's worth and left with bellies full. The other theme of the night was the service. Completely seamless, high class, and beyond professional (although just a tad bit stuffy). When you go to the bathroom, someone will escort you ALL the way there. Someone else will fold your napkin, brush off your seat with it, then dispose of it, while another person brings in a brand new napkin holding them with a set of tongs so that it is pristine virgin for you to wipe your mouth with when you get back. I loved the tongs trick - hilarious. They sweep the crumbs off your table after every course, even if there aren't any. They will never, ever reach over you to present a dish or clear one. And when they pour your water, they do it in unison with multiple staffers. I've been to plenty of the other fine dining establishments and while most try to achieve a similar level of service none were as top notch as Tru. I imagine this is what being a king is like. And I haven't talked about the food. Every course was simply fantastic. We asked to swap in the ribeye and short rib into our 6 course tastings and they were fantastic - real stand outs. The porcini pasta course was also something to remember. Very complex flavors throughout each dish, but nothing too strange or unfamiliar or trying too hard. The desserts, candies, and truffles were especially good, with distinct, interesting, and sometimes unusual flavors. If I could eat here every week, I would. But for a splurge, this is definitely the place to go. It could even be the place to go for just a plain nice dinner if you don't mind spending a lot and getting a lot.
(5)
Ann S.
Fully expecting to be told No, we contacted TRU two weeks before our wedding anniversary to see if the Kitchen Table was available. Luckily for us, due to a cancellation, it was available! So, we booked the Kitchen Table and were very much looking forward to our evening. Two days later, the private dining coordinator, Ruthann Gagnon called to tell us that she made a mistake, and that the Kitchen Table was not available. A restaurant of this caliber should not make such a mistake in the first place, even worse to take two days to notice the mistake. It seems more likely that we just got bumped for 'important' people. Ruthann did reserve a private dining room for us at TRU's sister restaurant, a seafood place, but the room was not at all what we had in mind - can't see the kitchen, have to sit at floor level, etc. So we made arrangements elsewhere for our anniversary dinner. Extremely disappointing.
(2)
Andrew F.
Maybe a bit past it's prime of a few years ago, but still an excellent choice in the Windy City. Food presentation is a stand-out.
(4)
George D.
I was given a bunch of Lettuce Entertain You gift cards recently, and I decided the right way to use them was to burn them all in a blaze of glory. So that's how my girlfriend and I ended up at Tru on a random Thursday night, celebrating nothing in particular. Now though, I wish I'd split them up and gone with a couple free dinners at Cafe-Ba-Ba-Reeba or Mon Ami Gabi. Or maybe even five free dinners at RJ Grunts. The night started off great-- sitting in an SUV parked right outside the restaurant were Heather Graham and the guy who played Vern in Stand By Me. I'm not sure if that's a permanent gig for them, or what, but I really appreciated the effort Tru made to make the night seem special. Anyway, Tru gets a big A+ for service. All your needs are accounted for, and every function the staff performs is choreographed to perfection. Because of the professionalism of their servers, Tru absolutely shines when it comes to things like the cheese course and the wine list. Our server could speak at length about every bottle of wine I mentioned, and the doling out of cheeses is a ten minute experience in which you learn about things like vegetable ash and it's ability to pull the moisture out of goat cheese. Where Tru does NOT shine is the food. I don't want to be misunderstood-- it's not that I thought any of the food was bad... in fact, everything we had was very good. But make no mistake, this is one of the most expensive restaurants in the city. At this price point, you're not looking for a good dinner, you're expecting culinary artistry. And the flavors here just don't meet the expectation. We both had the Chef's Collection, a 9-course tour of the chef's abilities. It's only about 12 hours after we left the restaurant, and I'm having trouble remembering most of the courses we had. Am I being incredibly hard on Tru? Absolutely. But when dinner approaches $500 for two people, a restaurant should be held to the highest standard. At Alinea, for instance, each of the 12 courses you're served is like a revelation. You find yourself amazed at the genius of the chef, as he combines three and sometimes four distinct flavors into a perfectly balanced single bite of food. Tru, quite frankly, is just not as good. And I may not be the only one who thinks so... We made our reservation only seven days in advance. Alinea or Trotter's would have been impossible on that little notice. But even though Tru appeared to only have half of the seating area open on the weeknight we were there, we were still able to get in at 7:15.
(3)
Steven M.
I thought that I hit the pinnacle of my dining career when I ate at Everest. Ah, No. This was the best vacation that I have ever taken away from the real world. Where do I start? When you walk in through the black curtains and they seat you by name. Or when they poured the water into our glasses, it took two servers. When they gave us our menu's they had Happy Anniversary Don and Steve at the top. The sommelier recommended a bottle of wine that was 100 bucks. No problem, it was very good. But when I saw another bottle go by, and they have quite and extensive list it made me feel had. So for my second try I shot from the hip and ordered a Spanish wine, Dei La Leda. It was 50 bucks and she smiled and told me that she wouldn't be mad for making my own selection because it was a very good choice. And it was better than the first. We started with prime beef tartare, grilled diver sea scallops, avocado green-apple salad and nantucket bay scallops. I can't tell you how much flavor came out of such small portions. They also gave us pumpernickel bread that was delicious. We both had the butter poached maine lobster with white asparagus bisque, orange, almond. I don't think I need to say anymore about that. They bring around a cheese cart when your finished with your main course. Then the dessert menu. My only complaint was the souffle' took 30 minutes. The Everest asked if you want it to order it at the begining of your meal. Yes I wanted it, but I had been there for two and a half hours already. After desert they came out twice with homemade candies that you would kill for. And to top it off they had a torte with our names and anniversary scrolled in frosting on the plate. The Startrak kitchen door was great entertainment. Every time it opened the servers would come out in a straight line and attack your table from every angle. The decor is non existent. Everything that you need to look at is on your plate. I don't know what could have made the night any better. If you ever need to get away from what the world has been flingin at you for a couple of hours, this place will make you forget about it all. This is my new favorite restaurant.
(5)
Eric H.
Technically there was nothing flawed about our experience - there was just nothing exceptional about it either. The service was excellent. But the rigidness of our meals coupled with the unoriginal banality of our food left me contemplating the let down in value moreso than anything. I found the atmosphere to be stiff and pretentious rather than elegant and inspired. The requirement for us to elect the same tasting menu made our dining monotonous. I recollect most courses being predictable and 2 dimensional. For instance, my peeky-toe crab salad tasted of black pepper, watery shell fish, and mayonnaise. My most delectable food - a caviar flight and a bottle of Flowers - was prepackaged and required supplements. In my opinion Tru caters well to traditional-styled executives with parochial tastes. For the same cost, I would much rather opt for 2 meals at most other Chicago 1-star Michelin restaurants or a meal at a more highly rated venue.
(3)
David W.
It works. The atmosphere, detail in service, polished food, as a whole, it works. The wife was impressed with the chair for her purse, I think the replacing of your napkin while you are at the restroom is borderline unnecessary, but from the valet, amuse bouche, polished food and dessert to the little cake (that takes three days to make) they give you to take home to have next morning with your coffee... Everything is thought out... Go on your birthday, they print a menu with a special message. The wife and I have even been just for the dessert only sitting. I think you are allow to book it after 10:30pm or 11pm. We usually goto a play/show or opera, and head there for a late night dessert. Couple a glass or two of champagne with Gand's dessert tasting is the perfect way to end date night.
(5)
Eric F.
Tru is ballet for food. If you have a chance to dine at Tru, go. At first I felt a little silly -- are they serious about this performance they put on? It's just food. I even laughed once. But if you just get into it and accept it for what it is (part food, part performance), you'll have a ball. My only regret is that we didn't spring for the caviar staircase.
(5)
Andrea V.
Tru was just not up to what it should have been. The service was excellent, if a little cold. But the food was not up to snuff for a place like this. When I'm spending $250+ per person, I want to be blown away by the chef's creativity and have a wonderful memory to hold me until I can dine at another super high-end restaurant (which is infrequent, but I have been to several so I know what to expect). Some of the dishes weren't just boring, they were actually bad. If you really want to go, I suggest the dessert tasting. The desserts were wonderful and amazing and didn't disappoint a bit.
(3)
Tom C.
All I can say is 'Wow". This place is hands-down the best place I have ever been to.
(5)
Jennifer G.
This restaurant does not deserve the good reviews it is given in Zagat. The atmosphere is cold to the point of being almost sterile, the service is haughty and the food is only so-so. It does not compare with Nomi, Trotters, Les Nomades, Spring or even North Pond. Seriously, we have been there for dinner three times - only once by choice - and it is totally not worth its 28 food, 27 decor, or 28 service rating by Zagat. Do not waste your time or money.
(3)
Cassie F.
This place was absolutely amazing! The food was beautiful and delicious. Plus the wait staff is knowledgeable and courteous. I felt so well taken care of that I left close to a 50% tip. An enjoyable experience for a dinner that should take a couple hours. A fair warning though, expect to pay about $100 a head, but it is WORTH IT!
(5)
Ace G.
As a graduate student, Tru is not a restaurant that I would get the privilege to frequent often, but a series of happenstance allowed me the opportunity to celebrate a birthday there, and it became a birthday to remember. The food is world class and the service is simply outstanding. My mother, who was treating me, and I were treated as royalty. Every maneuver from the staff was synchronized and choreographed perfectly. Their talent and passion deserve recognition. The food was second to none. Despite the grad student income, I've had the luck and privilege of eating extremely well. I can say without a shadow of a doubt that the non-traditional / contemporary menu served by the chef hit the mark. Every protein came out perfect. The flavors were layered, and the textures of the ingredients worked in harmony. The entire experience lasted perhaps three hours, and we were stuffed by the time we left. Because the menu is always changing, I highly recommend beginning the night with vodka and caviar. And try a couple of cheeses before dessert. Otherwise, like I was saying, this is an experience, so be prepared to settle in for the evening and allow yourself to be spoiled.
(5)
Chris S.
The food is great! Went with 2 cousins and opted for the Pre Fixe menu. Everything was delicious, the different layers of flavors, textures and everything on par. The service was great, choreographed and almost comical at one point. It was nice to see the time and precision they put into the dining experience there. There was only a few other people in the restaurant at the time we went and it was almost too quiet/awkward but after some wine we didn't notice anymore.
(4)
Matthew M.
WOW! WOW! WOW! I am blown away! At Tru you are not just paying for the food but for the experience! Went here with the boss who paid for all of us, thank goodness as I would hate to see the bill! I have never be treated like royalty and it was almost comical to the point of making me wonder just what kind of job interview it takes to work at a place like this! Everything and I mean everything is choreographed! No need to pull back your chair when you sit---that will be done for you---all of the gals together, and then all of the guys---TOGETHER. Napkins on your lap---all together now! Need something to drink? Here comes the water poured into our glasses, and did I say synchronized to a tee???---all the gals together, and then all of the guys. Unreal! Let's just say that the food was 5 star. Chicago, you really know how to impress! Having been to restaurants all over the world I'm happy to call you my new home!
(5)
N D.
Wow what an experience! Everything from start to end was impeccable. The service was amazing and although it was fast, you never feel rushed. We did the eight course menu with the wine pairings. The pairings were well selected and were a nice touch to the already great food. If back in Chicago I will definitely try to come back to this restaurant.
(5)
Adam K.
A culinary experience that is simply divine. Beats every other high end place in the city. Puts Alinea, Next, Everest, Moto and others to shame. Everything about Tru is perfect. From the moment you walk in, you know you're in for an experience that's different. I like that a jacket is required. It automatically classes up the place and puts you in a different state of mind. The food is spectacular and the wine list is nothing short of robust. If you can only eat at 1 upscale place in Chicago, this is the one.
(5)
Steve A.
I've been to Tru four times over a period of seven years, and I think it is the most variable restaurant I've ver been to. One time I'll have a three Michelin star experience, the next I can't imagine what they were thinking. On my first visit, every aspect of the food and service was perfect. Upon returning a year later, virtually every one of nine courses was a saucer of goo. A couple years after that we returned to have one of the most visually stunning meals I've had anywhere, accompanied by perfect (and not stiff) service. But my most recent visit was again a disappointment. Aside from a couple of minor elements (walnut bread with the optional cheese course) nothing stood out gastronomically, and the service was stiff even though it was a quiet night. Worst of all was our inability to keep our wine glasses filled with the two expensive Burgundies we ordered. The sommelier placed them on the far side of the room, and then disappeared for fifteen minutes at a stretch. We finally took to just asking passing waiters to refill our glasses. After the third such time, you'd think someone would have taken the hint. I'm sorry if this seems petty, but when you're spending over $1000 on a dinner for three people, the food and service need to be home runs. I'm sure I'll try Tru again, but I'm going to give them a few years to go through another revolution.
(4)
Valerie J.
Ok, when we were here 6 years ago, this was a restaurant to be reckoned with. Tramonto was at the helm and, while some of his dishes were a bit out there, he was really crushing it. This past weekend, my husband was throwing out ideas for a date night and when he suggested Tru, I jumped on it. Unfortunately I didn't check yelp first to see how far it had fallen. The service was a bit odd - as if the staff were uncertain of themselves, or that many were training still. The sommelier was excellent and knowledgeable. I agree that he tended toward sweet whites, but I still thought most of the wines he chose were very good. What wasn't good? Almost everything else. The star of the night was the foie gras mousse encapsulated in sugar. Fantastic! It tasted divine and was plated beautifully with a slice of blood orange and gorgeous flowers. The only other course of note was the morel dish. I should state that the amuse bouche failed to amuse at all. I think there should be a rule that if the amuse bouche is disappointing - you just get up and leave. Everything else suffered from lack of creativity, or lack of cohesion - sometimes both. Also, since when does fine dining involve serving different breads and butter with each plate? That was, to us, ridiculous. Furthermore, the savory dishes, such as the ribeye (which was bland and somewhat tough) and the halibut (which was boring, plain, and served in far too buttery a broth) were entirely unimaginative and felt like fillers. The pea soup with salmon confit would have been boring, aside from the salmon being overwhelming. The ramp soup with rice was decent, as was the wheatberry dish... but for this caliber of restaurant (or what it used to be) and the price point, these shouldn't even have been memorable. They only were because everything else was so disappointing. The frozen cider topped with warm tea also just didn't work at all as a dish. Tru really needs to get its act together... Or it isn't going to be on the scene for that much longer. Even the floors seemed like they haven't been kept up well. I know, a weird statement, but something I noticed. To see how far they've fallen, at least in my opinion, see my previous review.
(1)
Brian B.
TRU is truly an amazing dining experience! Service and food was excellent throughout the evening. Not many restaurants have the service so synchronized, for example they would pour water for all the women at once and then for all the men. All the plates come down to the table in a similar manner. Very impressive training and etiquette. To start the meal, my bottle of Lewis 2011 Napa cabernet was decanted over candle light. Then the courses began. I will describe those which were highlights through the meal and excited the senses. English pea soup with cured salmon and bacon. The salmon was cooked slow and low till it was as soft and flavorful as could be. Best mushroom dish and presentation I've ever had. Morels and toasted pecans topped with sunflower sprouts. Served on a wooden plate made to represent the forest. Sea urchin (uni) and two kinds of caviar - one cured with special salts - on a lobster flan base with Egyptian star flower garnish. The saltier of the two caviars was the most enjoyable with all the flavored combined together. The scallop topped with an abundance of shaved black truffles and cured Japanese plums smelled and tasted delicious. Can't go wrong with a lot of truffles! The texture and savory flavors truly made this one of the best courses of the meal. The halibut arrived on one of the coolest plated I've ever seen - it could have been used as a decoration. The fish was cooked to an excellent texture, soft on the inside and crispy on top. Ribeye was cooked perfectly sous vide and seared with sunchoke two ways - one crispy and one creamy. Flavors and textures worked well together to add some sweetness to the saltiness of the steak. One of the desserts came on a bed of confetti with liquid nitrogen oozing out of the dish, quite impressive and made for a fun conclusion. A tour at the end of the night of the kitchen capped off an excellent evening. I closed the restaurant down. Great staff at all levels of service. The entire meal was enjoyable and service was superb throughout. I will certainly recommend this meal to others and return again in the future!
(5)
Julia Z.
wonderful experience! wonderful service and nice ambience. The begging course is little bit weired，but the main course,black winter truffle tart and Kobe beef is really great! And the side dish,some bread and butter is great toï¼
(4)
Shahzad S.
One would usually find such a progressing French restaurant in London or well, in Paris but the one in Chicago offers a gastronomic flare that's a rave! Try the 12 course tasting.
(4)
J L.
I took my boyfriend to Tru for his birthday and had everything prearranged from the menu to the champagne through Apatcha, who I believe is the manager at Tru restaurant. She helped me through the whole planning process so that my boyfriend would never have to even see the check. They had pre-printed menus with his name on it saying, "Happy Birthday," and even gave him a card at the end of the meal with a special note from me. The service was spectacular and so synchronized in timing! The dishes were all very well thought out and the presentation was fantastic. The champagne was great and the cheese selection was even better. It was both our first experience at a Michelin star restaurant and we could both see why this restaurant had received it's star. We will definitely be going back but probably in a year because it is definitely pricey but worth it! Thank you so much! It was a wonderful experience that I will look back to for years to come!
Tru is an incredible experience. They fully deserve their coveted 1 Michelin star rating - in fact, I think Tru is more in line with some of the 2 Michelin star restaurants I've been to (but hey, Michelin's not asking me). Michelin defines a 1 star restaurant as "A good place to stop on your journey, indicating a very good restaurant in its category, offering cuisine prepared to a consistently high standard." To me, Tru is a little more of a destination than that. I've been here 3 times, and every single time, the food and service has been flawless. I'm not going to list everything I've had here, because that'd take too long. But I have attached pictures of everything below for you to feast your eyes on. Suffice it to say, Tru's food, service, and attention to detail make it worth a visit (or multiple visits). I love places like this: you can entrust the executive chef to reimagine classics in a new, delicious way, introduce you to incredible new foods that you'd never thought you'd try/like, and present food and ingredients at their finest. You can go to Tru confident that you're getting outstanding cuisine - Truly some of the best in its class.
(5)
Nita Hanqing W.
Yesterday, my friends and I had dinner in TRU at 6pm. Since my friends will leave for China in just few weeks and may not come back in a short term, we did a lot of researches for Michelin restaurants before we booked our dinner in TRU. According to the reviews and comments from yelp, we were very looking forward to this meal. We arrived there at around 5:50. The receptionist lead us to our table and the server got us some drinks including sparkling water, a coconut mixture and champion. The champion was good. Tasted very fruity, a fantastic women drink; my friend had a glass of coconut mixture. It's hard to tell what other ingredients they use in the drink besides coconut. It tasted weird, like coconut water mixed with some kinds of seasonings. It was not a good experience. Speaking of the dishes we had last night, there were both merits and demerits. Before we tried TRU, we had a great experience in Grace. They have similar reputation on Yelp, score 4.5/5, despite one is Michelin 3 star while the other is not. We all had the full menu with duck for the main course which cost $40 each additionally. For the appetizers, I like the smoked salmon steeped in a green soup. The salmon was tender and flavored, and the soup was good if you had some roe with it, it will give you a different taste for both the roes and soup. For the main course, we all had duck because it seemed like the duck was the speciality in this season. It looked brilliant when they showed the whole duck we would had for main course. When the duck was up, it smelled so good that aroused my sense of hunger. The skin was crispy and tasty but honestly I don't like the meat. The meat was raw and it had a special taste that only poultry had it. It's hard for us to eat it up. This Michelin star restaurant experience is not good or bad but it has been a deliberation for us to give it another try.
(3)
DeeMarie W.
We had the most wonderful culinary experience of my life (so far)! The service is impeccable!! First we were greeted at the door by our party name. He took our pictures when asked and made suggestions where to be photographed at. When seated, we all received a purse stool ( how cool is that! ) we had 3 waiters for our table that gave us their full attention. Also if you got up, they were right there to help you get seated again. Unbelievable!! The food was amazing, flavors I never experienced. I enjoyed everything I tasted, especially the duck! Wow the duck! Amazing!! So so flavorful!! Wonderful!! Can I say it again, I loved the duck. Lol!! We did the pre fix menu and got several extras compliments of the chef! Wow!! When we were ready to leave, they had a car ready, we received a special packaged treat, again compliments of the chef! Lastly we got to meet chef Anthony Martin himself. We felt special! Amazing place!!
(5)
Diego C.
I visited TRU for my birthday a few days ago, chose to trust their 1-star michelin rating and enjoy a fancy dinner there. The place is quiet, sophisticated, refined and elegant. Men are even required to wear a jacket! They have spare jackets for men not wearing one, which I found funny. The waiters are all very polite, sometimes even a little too exaggerated on their concierge-like attitude, but overall pleasant and discrete. Their menu offers 3 fixed-priced options: 3 courses, 7 courses and 10 courses (plus amuse bouche, sorbet, etc). We chose the 3-course option and we're not disappointed: portions are relatively larger than on the tasting menus so we were served sufficient food (regular concern on these type if restaurants). Their plates had a very nice presentation, dishes had very interesting and original flavors and portions were just right. We had an overall very pleasant experience, however I did not rate it with 5 stars because, for the price paid and michelin rating, I did expect a little more. Nonetheless, it was definitely worth the visit and would agree on paying TRU another visit once the summer menu changes.
(4)
Summer X.
Surprised that there was only about 10 tables that night, given the great food it offers. I believe a restaurant like this will be filled up with people every night in new york. I was satisfied with every single course. With a bit innovative ideas in the starters, like the kiwi one. I had duck for the main course. It tastes a lot like the one in Eleven Madison Park in new york, which is a michelin 3 star. The side dish came with the duck (i don't remember what they called this) was very delicious, more kind of oriental taste of duck. The desserts were not impressive, but not bad overall!
(5)
Douglas B.
What else can be said about this place that has not been said yet. One of the few Michelin-starred locations that I have been to and with good reason. Wifey and I came here to celebrate her birthday a couple years ago (excuse my late review). The service from getting there, being greeted, sitting down, eating and leaving was all top notch and consistent. The service here was impeccable. We were greeted welcomed and seated right away. The dining room is a beautiful limited seating so makes for great ambiance and the ability to actually have a conversation. We had a nice custom menu printed with our names and especially my wife's name with a happy birthday message on it, nice touch. And we got to take them home a small memento. Our Maitre d' was great, he was helpful in making sure we got exactly wanted that evening. We had great bottle of wine that was recommended to us by a very knowledgeable sommelier, he was very helpful and a pleasure to chat with. We did the full TRU 15 course experience and I am happy we did. The waiters that brought out the food were all on point, everything was brought out with great timing and never a step behind. They were very knowledgeable about the food and made sure we were satisfied with every course. Food... plain amazing. Every single course was well thought out, delicious, beautiful presentation. I enjoyed every single bite I honestly thought I was going to walk out of there hungry.. boy was I wrong! I was stuffed by the end of that amazing meal. Our experience also consisted of a selection of great cheeses and caviar. I had to try a few of the cheeses, they all looked so tasty. Finally dinner came to an end with a beautiful tower of various desserts! There were bites of heaven every single one! There were so many courses, so many presentations... i could go on about every single one... you have to just go there. Its a great place, great service it was just an overall great experience. I loved it and had one of the best meals of my life there! Do it!!
(5)
Stuart M.
Went here awhile ago on a trip and forgot to write a review. Food was terrific but atmosphere was stuffy and the waiter mumbled through the menu as if he was the baron of long tooth. 1k dinner that leaves you hungry and uncomfortable...Just not my kind of place.
(2)
Geoff M.
We came from Hawaii For our Daughter's Grad from Columbia College. Everything was perfect!!!!! Service was orchestrated perfectly We were shown much Aloha from the Staff and found them all to be engaging and interested It was awesome to tour the kitchen & chat with the Chef Food was amazing and we loved the Spring Citrus Menu (we had more than enough & left content) Wine Pairing was amazing The 3 hour experience so much fun!!!!!!!! When we come back to Chicago in a couple of years for Master's Graduation Tru will be our go to place. Aloha, Geoff,Lehua,Hannah,Anna
(5)
Mehran F.
Low value. A bit stuffy. Good enough food but I have had a lot better, and cheaper. Went to Tru with my wife and gorgeous 11 year old son. Ordered tasting menu. A couple of glasses of lower ranked wine. Bill was around 595 + 145$ tip right at $740. $20 valet. Not worth it. Comparing with other meals I have had at L2O and certainly Alinea, I felt it was a bit waste of money. Some of the dishes were good, like the scallop, short rib, and venison. Others OK. Deserts absolutely nothing to write home about. Not bad. Not impressive. The cheese plate reminded me of all the stuff i can get at whole foods. All servers seemed very nice; distant for the most part but good. Emily, the reservationist: high mark. Ratings: Food 7/10 Desert 3/10 Service 8/10 Ambience 7/10 Value 2 or 3/10
(3)
Rachel L.
I think I've found my one Tru north! ...Okay, that was corny, so let's move on. To corn. Specifically, the yellow sweet corn with black truffle, which was the first of three small bites that arrived at our table following our decision to try the "Tru Experience" menu. From the moment that spoon touched my lips, I knew I was in for an exciting ride, but even then, I had yet to realize that over the next three hours, I'd be experiencing a meal that competes with all the three Michelin star restaurants I've dined at around the world. I won't taunt you with the specifics of what we ate because the menu seems to change with some frequency. However, I will say that each course was plated exquisitely, as though a painter had taken his brush to our plates. Though ruining each masterpiece in favor of eating it seemed a bit like sacrilege, we could hesitate for only a moment before unceremoniously devouring every last bite, leaving our tastebuds in a fantastic nirvana-like state. Not to be outdone by the food quality and presentation, the waitstaff went above and beyond, then above again. Besides being quite amicable, they really paid attention to the details, both large and small. Yes, they were consistent about refilling my water glass - and I'm a sponge, so that is no easy task. They also refolded our napkins whenever we stood up, served each dish in perfect unison, and when we mentioned in passing that we were sorry our set menu didn't include the campfire of s'mores, our waiter brought out the chocolatey, marshmallowy dessert in addition to the perfectly tart diverse berries, black pepper, and nasturtium on our table d'hôte. To part, a little-known fact about me: Following a fine dining experience, I always wonder what I'm going to eat for breakfast the next day that won't be a gastronomic disappointment. I think we all want the best experiences in life to linger, and this one surely did... On our way out the door, the maître d' handed us each a small bag of almond mini cakes. And that, my friends, is how you knock someone off their feet without so much as touching them!
(5)
Jason A.
I put a lot of thought into this review, bouncing from a 3 to 4 stars. Ultimately the decor and cost, outweighed the service and food. The set up is a bit too modern for my taste, modern elegance. Its also way too formal, anywhere I have to dress up to pay them money, always gets me in a mood. The atmosphere is big and plain, lots of white, but stuffy. There isn't much to gaze upon, however, the two story windows are mammoth and caught my attention a few times. Service was prompt and knowledgeable and they did all the little things like making our anniversary special with an extra dessert and mentioning it several times. The servers knew the ingredients of the dishes, but didn't show any personality. Too statuesque for my liking. Nor did they show any personality when asking about preferences on dish choices, have an opinion please. The courses were mostly well thought out and executed. The only real misses for me were the 1 stalk of asparagus and last savory course. I didn't get the choice of wheat berry after the duck, its just not something I'd want to to eat, despite an interesting flavor. Lastly, when I have French food, I want real foie, a big ole piece. We got an encapsulated mousse, while good, wasn't what I wanted. Bring me back to France. The morel dish was fabulous, and the duck was succulent and filling. The food, despite being a little too straightforward and classical to me, was great. I'd like to have seen a little more imagination. The portions were nice, I walked away full. Dessert was too plain. Your choices are apple pie or chocolate mousse. They must have changed pastries chefs because I've had several people tell me how innovative the desserts are. Its a let down to the meal after the duck. Luckily the truffle finish was amazing. The wine pairings were quite excellent. You could tell they were well thought out and complimented the dishes. If you don't want wine, there are cocktails but I wasn't too excited about the selections. Despite the excellent wines, the pours were very small and did not present a good value at $125. I could have gotten 5 glasses of wine for that price, and got 5 time as much alcohol, more than enough to light me up or split between 2 or more people. Despite all these positives, Tru is a once in a life time special event dining experience due to the ridiculous prices. I would not spend $700 again to eat here, when I can go to 42 Grams, El Ideas, Schwa, Elizabeth etc etc etc for $300-$400. To upcharge $80 to get their signature duck dish, is just a bait and switch to me. I knew about the surcharge coming in, but for the value, it should be included in the main pairing price. I had a fun time, had a couple very memorable dishes, but its to expensive for what it is and thus cannot recommend.
(3)
Raul S.
Went here on a work dinner, I knew it would be good but it was a really great experience. If u have the time it's worth the most money, I will finish this review soon.
(5)
Young K.
You can really love or hate this place. If you dine out often, you will love this restaurant with the open space the atmosphere provides and the comfortable service that the Staff of TRU brings to the table especially when you begin ordering high quality chardonnays and Grand Cru Burgundies. I enjoyed this restaurant. It's TRUe that nothing feels new, but this is where they perfected the usual and where you feel at home. Our menu was 9 courses long with three or four options. All options were upgrades which is a pain in the rear because it does feel like they are chipping away at your wallet wherever they can like an escort for Senators with all their "extras". In today's price fixe, there should be no supplements... If you are going to serve caviar, serve caviar AND if you wanna serve Truffles or Foie Grois, serve it! Don't give supplement options, just raise the price fixe price. Diners today have No time and little patience for games. I found the perfect pair of red and white wines on their list, but The Wine List did not impress me because I am a wine collector and always looking for the value wine. Their Champagne selection needed a little help, their Napa Cabs were too overpriced and without even going to Italy, their Bordeaux collection was straight on par pathetic. Even so, they had a limited Burgundy list that still met the requirements of minimum. The Burgs too came with heavy price tags but if you were willing to pay, you can find bottles of Burgundies with the right Restau Price tag unlike their horrific Napa Selections. If you know Burgundies, you know that they quickly get pricey with quality. We ended up enjoying a bottle of 2004 Domaine Dujac Clos De La Roche for $379 and a 2010 Aubert Lauren Vineyard for $239 or so. The Dujac Clos De La Roche was priced right and a perfect vintage for the occasion. Overall a fantastic experience for me. Very New York City in style which is my preference. Like I said, if you dine often in high end restaurants, you don't wanna eat a balloon or sweets off of a table. You just wanna eat a good flavored meal with exceptional service in an environment that is super plush and comfortable; and that is exactly how I felt at TRU, like Welcome Home where nothing was a problem.
(5)
Ali C.
Extraordinary service in a beautiful extravagant setting. Excellent foie gras and synchronized service. Food flavors are amazing and somewhat unusual. My favorite items were the dessert flavors - the valrhona chocolate with spearmint ice cream was out of this world.
(4)
Eric B.
One of the nicest meals I've ever had. I suprised the wife with a birthday dinner with some friends and they even made custom menus that we were able to keep. It is pricey but I feel that it is far worth it. Some of the best service I've had or ever seen. Syncronized plate displays with the women going first, men second; cheese tastings that will blow you away, and a wine list that goes on for days. Every single dish was unique, carefully thought out, and the overall experience was amazing. Couldn't reccomend it enough. Expensive but worth it.
(5)
Tammy T.
First class service for sure ! I felt like I was being served by the secret service ! Overall great food . Fine dining at its best. The menu is fixed . Guys if you want to impress a girl , this is the place !
(5)
Robyn C.
I waited to write my review so that I can compare it to another restaurant - Alinea. Is it fair to compare? Price wise yes - Alinea is more expensive, but not that much more expensive so I feel like they can by lumped together in the "Did I really just spend over $500 on food" category. The only thing that Tru trumps over Alinea is their synchronized food serving. We had a table of 4, so 4 servers would come a put our plates of food down at the exact same time and sweep around us in a circle like a dance. That was nice and added to the service a lot. Overall food was amazing except for one thing that still kind of pisses me off to this day. We paid an extra like $120 for a whole roasted muscovy duck to be divided among the table. They brought out the duck to show it and then cut it up in the back and made two dishes out of it. Granted, those two dishes were fantastic, but where was the rest of the duck? If I pay that much for something extra.. I want to eat every part of it down to the bone and yet we were served like 1/3 of it. What a waste! If they boxed up the rest that would have been awesome, but imagine paying extra money for only about 5 bites. It felt like a complete waste of money and I would not do it again. The experience was nice, but atmosphere was kind of stuffy. It makes you feel like you can't laugh and have fun (even though we did). It's the kind of place where you have to sit up straight and eat your soup properly with the soup spoon back facing you and scooping up instead down and towards you. Alinea, I felt like I could be myself, no one would care. I could slouch back into the couch, and it wouldn't be a big deal. There wasn't music, but everyone was being loud and talking a lot and having a great time. I could even eat with my hands and it would be okay... So if I am going to pay this much money, I would rather pay a bit more to have a more impressive laid back experience over a stiff, eat properly, elegant one...
(3)
Rich B.
There's a real wonderful over-the-top chicago-ness insanity about the place. Being from NYC, the first thing I noticed was how spacious the place was. Perfect for a dinner with good friends who want to chat and not disturb people right next to you. The service was impeccable. We did the tasting menu. The chef has fun with the plating (or lack there of - was that one dish served on a rock?) and the visual style of these dishes. Playful. Elegant. There was a small green salad on the tasting menu the night we were there which was outstanding. I should have asked exactly what the greens were because everyone at the table agreed that it was unlike any salad we'd had before (the star was the greens, not the toppings). Grown up. Wear a tie and bring your expense account. Wine list has everything you'd ever need and then some.
(5)
Venice C.
It's quite sad sometimes how customer service ruins it all. We came here for my husband's birthday last November. I must explain that everything was great until we discovered that they had our car TOWED while we valeted our car with them. This is really understandable in Chicago in the city.. however I was disappointed by how they handled the matter. If you ever had the feeling that the waiters are just so nice to you to the point you wonder if they are saying stuff behind your back, that is how we felt. I must say, food was exquisite, service was expectedly good when we dined. Nothing to complain with the food, but the way they handle issues. Before we got our check, the valet guys came in and told us that our car key was not responding. Perhaps the battery died, they suggested. We got the check, got our coats, the manger even talked to us and thanked us. NOT UNTIL WE STEP OUT OF THE RESTAURANT, the manager tried to tell us the car was towed, he said "I am hoping this is the case" meaning that he wishes it is not stolen. Manager asked us to go with the valet guys to the towing pounding area to fetch our car. It was such a mess. And it's late at night you can imagine. I had to say I was rather disappointed that such a nice restaurant would hire such bad valet service. Well, it is really okay if you can handle it well. We called the manager right after we spent 2 hours getting the car back from the pounding area. Told him that we are disappointed. He said he will call us back in the future to explain, apologize, or whatever he meant. Instead he just NEVER called us back. Till now. Such a disappointment. I cannot prevent from thinking that they do not care about anything about customer service once you paid the bill. Sorry. Never ever coming back again. I guess they would not even mind us coming back or not in the first case. We are from California, now residing here in Chicago. I must say place like Addison from the Grand Del Mar, or any Michelin star restaurants we've visited were way more professional in handling issues than this place. I never write reviews, and this just flickers my mind too much that I have to share.
(2)
Kathy S.
Do not go there if you like to eat, because you can spend there 3 hours and leave hungry. Very small portions, but the food was good. Everyone around you is a snob, and it's hard to fine even one person smiling.
(3)
Fei W.
The service was impeccable and the food was good, with the exception of the white asparagus baked in salt. I won't detail the courses as it's available online, but the white asparagus happens somewhere in the middle. This dish was like sucking on a salt block. Very unpleasant and it felt like it pickled my mouth. Being in the middle, it tainted every savory course after as well. Fortunately the dessert courses were a great contrast and possibly made more delicious. Besides the English peas in frost, strawberry, mint dish. That one was too much gastronomy, not enough flavor. As an aside, I made reservations here for an out-of-town friend's visit without noticing that the attire was jackets required for gentleman. Oops. Cue music: I wear your granddad's clothes I look incredible I'm in this big ass coat From that thrift shop down the road Yup, that happened. I have a men's suit jacket from a thrift shop that was left by a random male visitor. For some reason, I kept it in my closet and boy did it come in handy. The jacket was ill-fitting, and clearly too big for my friend. Despite that, everyone there treated us extremely well. The service was attentive, polite, and surprisingly not overly serious. If it hadn't been for the course that was a tribute to saltlicks, this place would've been a solid 4 star.
(3)
Jane W.
Tru has been on my official "Restaurants I REALLY want to go to but I'll be broke after" list for quite a while. I checked Alinea off that list last year for my birthday, and thought it would only be appropriate to visit another for my birthday this year. The restaurant front is unassuming and rather easy to miss, but once you step inside, you're in a very modern, classy, intimate setting. There are several courses to choose from, but I decided to go with the Tru experience ($158 per person). Service, as expected, was phenomenal. They offer you a choice of black or white cloth napkins (don't want white fuzz on a black dress!) and they have a big group of servers going around to make sure plates are served, explained, and cleared (you get new silverware for every course). Everyone was very knowledgable about the food and very polite. I had several people tell me happy birthday, and I even got a little extra dessert. Onto the food: the Tru experience comes with 11 courses, and most were fantastic. 1. Trio of plates (pear/fennel, sorrel/buttermilk, foie gras/honeycrisp apple). The first two of the trio, I did not like. The flavors were rather herbal and almost unpleasant, but the foie gras selection was good. 2. Another trio (main diver scallop/yuzu, caviar/sea urchin, beef/white truffle). Absolutely amazing. The scallops were so fresh and the citrusy flavors of the yuzu really complemented the raw seafood. The caviar/sea urchin was so creamy and the flavors were intense. The beef tartare was amazing as well - tender but with enough texture so it wasn't too slimy. One of my favorite courses! 3. Lite sunchoke, trout roe, oxalis: To be entirely honest, I don't remember loving or hating this dish. Nothing to say. 4. Langoustine: So good. The langoustine itself comes in a fish-bowl-esque jar with smoking juniper. The cabbage on the bottom of the plate really soaked up the flavors of the broth, and this was definitely one of my favorites. 5. Wagyu beef short rib: You have not tried amazing beef until you have tried this dish. Fall apart, absolutely the most tender, flavorful piece of meat I have ever had. Presentation was especially beautiful. 6. Skate wing: great flavors, fish was tender. The croissant that came on the side with truffle butter was SO good (and that's saying something because I'm not usually a fan of croissants). 7. Cervena venison with black trumpet farro and gooseberry: One of my least favorites. Venison was too tough and I didn't like the gooseberry. 8. Artisanal cheese selection: Idea is cool. The servers come by with a cart full of gourmet cheeses, and you get to pick three! I was happy with two of my selections, but the third one (it was coated with paprika)... let's just say smell-wise, I couldn't really distinguish it from poop (juvenile description, I know, but I really don't know how else to put it...) I'd stay away from this cheese if you don't like ridiculously pungent smells/flavors. Desserts: I was rather disappointed. With how well put together the food was, I had high expectations. Also, as someone who has a major sweet tooth, I was really excited. You get 3 dessert courses and a selection of pastries/chocolates at the end. Everything was fruity. SO sad. I guess this is more personal preference, but I do not like fruit with sweet desserts (i.e. fruity sorbet stuffed inside a marshmallow, or a citrus-y ice cream sandwiched between chocolatey wafers). I wouldn't mind sampling 1 or 2 of these types, but literally EVERY single dessert was fruity. Personal preference aside, I also thought the desserts in general were not up to par with the food in terms of presentation and creativity. Minus 1 star for this. All in all, a great experience. Too pricey to promise that I'll come back again, but I'd say it was worth the ~$250 per person (including tip, tax, 2 glasses of wine).
(4)
Chris K.
Food was one of the most original I've had the pleasure of partaking. HOWEVER, the reason I give 4/5 and not the full merit, is because of the lack of SMILES. Yes, I did say smiles and it sounds insane in a food review. However, consider that the most pleasurable dining experience cannot be achieved without a sense of "fun." Sad to say that the staff was stiff, serious, and perceived as a bit haughty. Rarely did we see a smile, or a sense of pleasure escape their tight faces; where was the fun in what they were doing? They are creating some of the best food in Chicago, if not the US. Yet, their passion did not match their creativity. The good news is that this can be taught. Once they learn to smile, and share their infectious passion for creativity, they will have it all.
(4)
Ted H.
Well, this is okay, but not the experience I was hoping for. Positives: Lovely room, lots of sound dampening, room between tables. Service was excellent, teamwork was good, not stuffy. Negatives largely are about the duck, which they offer at a 40.00 surcharge (split for 2). The duck tasted good but either it was too tough or the knives they supplied were not up to the task. You shouldn't have to struggle to eat your main course, the house specialty. Some dishes were wonderful, some were okay. The cheese course (add'l $) was wonderful. At 350+ per person you can do better in this town of great restaurants.
(3)
Jay I.
Well, 2 years after we were so impressed by the perfectly executed food, minimalistic interior and OCD-like servers we decided to try it once again for my wife's birthday. While it was a good dinner, I am taking a star down. The biggest reason I tried this place again was because I read somewhere that this place is closer to 2 michelin stars than before. I can't disagree more. In the last 2 years there 3 course menu became 5, then the price went from 98 to 125. Well, reasonable for a very expensive restaurant. The food, however, didn't deliver up to my expectation. We started with amuse bouche with truffle powder. It was a heaven. My second dish was an array of salmon. While the presentation was great (with dry ice) the food wasn't that great. Didn't feel more than just a piece of raw salmon. Third menu, main, was ribeye for my wife and halibut for me. It smelled great. It tasted good. Perfectly cooked. Still didn't really blow our mind to a way that "man, this is definitely worth 2 stars". Fourth was a grape sorbet, which was very refreshing. Last dish for me was the layer of chocolate, which looked pretty, but wasn't impressive in terms of taste. Another surprising thing was that they were much more relaxed this time. Couldn't find the sign of being OCD-like like 2 years ago. Sometimes the servers were clumsy even. Anyway they still printed the personalized menu for us, which was nice. Overall I don't know if they are really worth 2 stars at this point. Even though I haven't been to that many fancy restaurants, but I have been to enough restaurants to say that one is good enough for them for now.
(4)
Erin Y.
I came here for my birthday dinner. I considered many restaurants before finally deciding on Tru, therefore my expectations were pretty high. That being said, I had an incredible fine dining experience. Tru was a class act to the very end. Swanky but not too swanky. The service was impeccable, extremely polite and respectful. Service ran very smoothly. Short wait in between courses, lots of extra little desserts, and even the servers had servers. They printed out custom menus for us to take home. Impressive. The ambiance was very quiet, though the dining room was relatively empty on a Thursday night. By the end of my meal, I was full, but not stuffed so I'd say it was the perfect amount of food. We had a wonderful dinner at Tru, and I highly recommend it for a special occasion. The food wasn't all perfect, but still as good as it gets. That combined with the top notch service makes this a five-star experience for me. If you'd like to skip my breakdown of the food, you can stop here, but before you do, I have just two words for you: muscovy duck. I will first commend Tru on their bread. They serve bread with almost all of their savory courses and with the cheese. It comes on a separate little dish with butter. We had brioche, onion pumpernickel, fruit and nut bread, and a croissant with black truffle butter. All were delicious and awesome little extras spread throughout the meal. We started with 25 grams of Russian caviar, beautifully presented on a glass coral sculpture. The caviar was delicious. They serve it with blini and a variety of fixings, so I would definitely recommend having caviar to start. First two courses were both salad-esque. The beet with sorbet was very interesting in a good way, and the petite salad with truffles was delicious. Next was the dashi custard, which was one of our favorites of the night. Everyone at my table chose this option. The custard was deliciously creamy and had tons of dashi flavor. Caviar and edamame were nice touches. For the next course, I upgraded to the foie gras. The foie was quite delicious, very rich and seared nicely. The chestnuts and chestnut creams were tasty and went well with the foie gras. We agreed that this dish could have used some acid, but it was delicious nonetheless. Next two courses were the true proteins. The day boat monkfish was nicely prepared, but I think a more delicate fish would have been more appropriate for this dish. The monkfish, being a very firm fish, was difficult to cut into and eat. That aside, it was still a well-cooked and well-seasoned piece of fish. However, the true star of the proteins and of the entire night was the whole roasted MUSCOVY DUCK. You MUST order this. It was completely worth the $40 up charge. It put the beef tournedo (the other option for this course) to shame. This was a huge portion of duck (1/2 a duck + confit per person). It was cooked absolutely perfectly--medium rare with crispy yet sticky skin. I've eaten a lot of duck in my life, but this was by far the best duck I have ever had. Cannot recommend it enough. I was impressed that they also included the confit with mashed potatoes! Moral of the story: upgrade to the duck, it is a must and completely worth the extra money!! 7th course of farro "risotto" with porcelette was delicious. Could have eaten a whole bowl of it. Around this course, we sampled five cheeses from the cheese cart, and all were delicious. Next came the "two" dessert courses. I put "two" in quotes because they give you a ton of extra little things that aren't on the menu, which was awesome and really reflects on the kind of experience you get here. The frozen cider was very interesting, in a good way of course! They brewed a kettle of tea on our table and poured it over cider sorbet. Yummy and somewhat of a palate cleanser. For my last course, I chose the plain of dark valrhona chocolate, which had very strong chocolate flavor. The espresso sorbet on top was delicious. The other option of apple and chestnut strudel was tasty as well. As for the extras, we received a batch of Madeleines, fresh from the oven. These little guys were sooo good. Hot and crispy and delicious! We liked them so much that our server was able to secure us an extra batch. Bonus point right there. Another extra dessert was a sort of platter that included caneles, raspberry jellies, and chocolate rosemary truffles. We enjoyed every bit. And if THAT wasn't enough, there was also a white chocolate and basil liquid truffle presented with smoking dry ice, which was yet another nice and unexpected touch. Of course, they gave us some almond cakes to take home as well. Really had an incredible experience here at TRU. I hope I can come back one day, for the amazing service and of course, their whole roasted Muscovy duck. Five stars.
(5)
Anthony N.
***Tru showcases very good, seasonal and local fruits and vegetables as well as really high quality proteins; Tru utilizes these ingredients and lots of contemporary techniques including molecular gastronomy to produce ambitious, exciting, creative, and delicious cuisine*** Tru has been around for a long time and you feel it in the dining room. While the dining room is contemporary, it is also too big and square (the shape, high ceiling and boring walls make the room feel like a banquet hall). Once the food starts to come though, Tru is anything but dated or old-fashioned. The tasting menu unveils one great course after another and the food is creative and exciting; it kind of took me by surprise, but Tru is definitely one of Chicago's best restaurants. Tru's cuisine is very modern. The plating is clever and whimsical and there are many molecular gastronomy touches throughout the menu. Still, the restaurant never gets too cute. The focus with every course is delivering really pronounced flavors utilizing fresh and local (as well as high quality) ingredients. The tasting menu started with a satisfying gougere and then came a really good beet garnished with horseradish and very good caviar. An incredibly soft and moist day boat scallop sashimi came next and it featured really fresh garnishes including cilantro, ginger and lime. A fun and perfect-for-summer course followed--cool and refreshing cucumber ice cream (a very intense cucumber flavor, which is hard to do given how mild cucumber is). The cucumber dish also featured juicy arctic char roe. A really good carrot soup was next and it was served with tableside green peas croutons--made on the dish with liquid nitrogen to create sorbet-like spheres of green pea puree. A fun mushroom crisp followed. The next substantial course was Atlantic fluke carpaccio, which was garnished with lemongrass and saffron. I really liked the Atlantic fluke. It was nice to get a fish that I do not see that often on the west coast. A really good morel mushroom course followed, which I really liked. The morels were very good and they were served over a rich and savory morel bouillon. A very crispy and buttery croissant accompanied this course. Like great Bay Area fine dining spots (Saison, Atelier Crenn), Tru presents bread as actual courses so that you get fresh, out of the oven bread, which is a rarity these days (even at the best restaurants). A really good square of pork belly came next--very savory, tender and juicy. There were good garnishes including plum and onion. My favorite course followed. It was salmon poached in olive oil. It had a richness, moistness and softness that was truly special (it was one of the best salmon courses I've ever had). The salmon was accompanied by various textures of cauliflower from raw cauliflower to very creamy cauliflower puree. The final savory course was a letdown. The protein itself (veal) was good--tender and moist. I liked the vegetables they used too (asparagus, sugar snap peas). Unfortunately, the soy-based sauce was not good. It was an all-too-familiar Asian sauce that I've had at much lesser restaurants. The sauce also completely enrobed the veal too, which ruined the plate. The menu picked up though with the cheese plate--really great epoisses (creamy and pungent) and great garnishes including a bitter and fragrant herb salad and a great red wine poached pear paste. Both desserts were good. The first dessert featured crispy, buttery and crunchy nuts and oats with very vibrant and fresh berries (some of the best fruit I've had in the Midwest). The second dessert featured good cherries and really good black truffle ice cream. Mignardises and a to-go pound cake finished off the meal. Service was excellent. My server was very personable and knowledgeable about the menu. Despite the many courses, the food came out at an even and quick pace. Prices are high, but you get both an exceptional variety of food as well as generous portions (small plates but many, many courses). Tru has earned a lot of accolades over the years and I've heard some great things too. Even considering all of this, Tru still surprised me. This restaurant showcases really creative and delicious cuisine and the local and seasonal vegetables shined here much more than several other highly rated Chicago restaurants I've been to. Tru reminds me of great Bay Area restaurants like Manresa, Saison and Atelier Crenn (high quality but also creative and push the envelope cuisine). Tru is one of Chicago's best restaurants, but it is also one of the best restaurants in the country. I am not sure what the parking situation is at Tru.
(5)
John D.
Tru was an amazing experience and well worth the money. . I was fortunate to join some guests this last Friday night, 4th of July weekend, at Tru and had a great time. As soon as we entered we were greeted and this ushered into their amazing dinning room that is covered in art work. Our service was very nice and one of them guided us through the menu. All of the staff seemed to work together and help drop off and describe dishes which was very impressive. The food was incredible, my favorites included the morel mushroom flan, and the wheatberry dish. The Halibut entree I dreamed about the sauce the next day. The Sommelier was outstanding, and very personable, he helped us locate an incredible bottle of wine at the price point we were looking for. We all enjoyed the food and service, which was very professional and precise.
(5)
Ashutosh T.
The decor was very bland, and the place looked dead, but later i realized there were a few people around. Slow, maybe cos it was Tuesday? Anyway some courses were salty though stylish. Service was good and the desserts were nice. I enjoyed the percolator that made my tea for palette cleansing, however they just gave me a drop of the tea in a sorbet. I enjoyed the food at girl and the goat more.
(3)
Will K.
Did I want to rate Tru one star and start my review, "One Michelin star? MORE LIKE ONE YELP STAR!" Yup. But one star reviews are generally unhelpful tirades, so I bumped Tru up to two stars in hopes of offering a sober review that will help someone else save $500. My wife and I ate at Tru last night. Tru's ambiance is stiff, yes, but that's personal preference. Tru's staff is even stiffer and most appeared fearful for their jobs. Lots of nervous/shaky hands and voices. But again, that didn't bother me much. The fatal flaw with Tru was how pedestrian and forgettable all the dishes were. Despite the flourishes and upcharges, not a single course blew me away. The vaunted duck dish was okay, at best. To be clear, this isn't a critique of pricing, service or anything other than the taste of the food. Each course was thoroughly underwhelming. Was it a new chef? An off night? A restaurant in decline? Who knows, but at $250+ a person there's no room for error. Based on other reviews, Tru is a hit for some people but I'll strongly recommend my friends stay away. At best, Tru is a risky and expensive bet in a city with a bounty of delicious, sure bets.
(2)
Meredith K.
It pains me to have to remove a star but they made some changes and to me they were not for the good. I was happy to see that great photo of the Eiffel Tower return from Paris Club. We love that picture. The menu format changed. There used to be 2 options and while there is a choice to have an abbreviated dinner - there aren't as many choices and its a lot more expensive. The menu set up is sort of confusing. You have some options but the way they word it, its difficult at first to tell where you need to decide. For the meat course the only option that I could get was the chicken for 2 for an extra $50. I didn't alert them that I don't eat beef or pork before arriving because in the past there were plenty of seafood options. That being said the chicken was amazing. All of the food was still amazing. The other change that we didn't care for is the bread. They don't come around with the tray where you can pick. You do get a piece of bread per course but its matched with what you're eating. You can feel that Gale Gand is no longer there. Its missing the whimsy. Also its missing the candy cart that used to come around after dessert. I loved that cart!! The service is still very good and helpful. I feel a little sad that its not what it used to be. Yes there were changes, and I try to embrace change, but in this case I don't think they're for the better. For the higher price point I might consider something else.
Such a very friendly staff! Beautiful atmosphere, great wine pairings, amazing dessert. I also got a tour of the kitchen and the famous chocolate bar on the house!
(5)
James L.
Dining at Tru was definitely an experience. We had their full tasting menu with wine pairing. The food was excellent and different and the service was great. I had a few issues that pushed the experience from a 5 to a 3.5. 1. Upon seating, there was a glass plate setting with Tru's logo. For our table of 6, 4 of the glass plates were chipped on the corners or edges. For a restaurant that charges $200+ per person, I would expect their logo'd plates to be in perfect condition. 2. Overall, the wine pairing was interesting and skewed toward sweeter wines. While I enjoyed it, some of my colleagues did not. For one of the dish (green asparagus, roasted onion, oxalis), it was paired with a 2011 Coenobium Lazio. I thought the wine tasted weird, and asked the waiter for more information about the wine. Instead of getting the sommelier, the waiter mumbled something and left us. 3. Wait staff was attentive, but rushed to describe the food they were serving. Anytime they tried to articulate something sophisticated, it felt like they rushed through it so we couldn't ask questions. 4. We ordered the whole roasted muscovy duck. When using their silverware, I noticed that the knifes were not sharp at all. At first, I thought it was the duck that was not well cooked. After speaking with my colleague, it seems everyone had dull knifes. I know these are little things, but for the price you pay, I had higher expectation.
(3)
Alanoud A.
It is un forgettable experience !! Such a delicious food ! It is really tasty .. It is my first visit to Chicago and I recommended the restaurant to my father and to my sister to try it in other states ..
(5)
Sherri S.
My (as of that day) fiance and I went to Tru while in Chicago for the weekend. We had just gotten engaged that day and they took special care to make it feel like a very special evening for us both. I gave 4 stars because of the ambiance. It was lacking. I would have loved city views, or any view for that matter, instead of curtains drawn and the feeling of being in a small enclosed room. The food is impeccable. The service is choreographed and never misses a beat. We did the full experience with caviar and the cheese cart and full wine paring. Our dinner took a little over 4 hours to complete, which further enhanced our entire dining "experience" rather than just a formal dinner. We even received a personalized copy of our Tru Experience listing everything that we had eaten and the wine paring with our party name and a congratulations message included. This will make a great keepsake. This was our first Michelin Star restaurant, but it won't be the last. I'm curious as to how other restaurants of the same caliber stack up. Overall, if you are a true foodie who has a wide palate range and are willing to try new experiences, then give Tru a try. If you are expecting a steak dinner, go elsewhere. Also, if you want the full experience (we were stuffed) with wine parings, the recommended reviews stating $500 to burn won't cover it. Just FYI.
(4)
chris c.
Let's just say it's a place for a special occasion. The experience was great. We picked a nine course meal with the wine tasting. Go and you won't be disappointed.
(5)
Eric Y.
Yup, 5 stars. Everything from the staff, room, ambiance, service, food, beverages, even parking was excellent. First, they call you 2 days ahead of time to see if you have any dietary concerns or are celebrating any special occasion. The valet parking takes your name - no ticket - and when you leave, your car is already waiting. All this for $14 in downtown Chicago - that's a deal! When we arrived, they greeted us by name and, since we were there for our twins' birthdays, they greeted each of them by name with a happy birthday as well! The space is a classic "embrace and release" phenomenon where you walk in to a very dark, subdued entryway and then are released into a large main room with soaring ceilings and light. The room is beautiful with sheer floor to ceiling drapes and beautiful artwork on the walls. The tables are covered with white tablecloths and a subdued place holder; not much there to detract from the food. There is some modern background music that is unobtrusive; this is a place that you can actually have a conversation! We had the tasting menu with some upgrades - why not? Also some caviar - again, why not? Cheese? - that's a dumb question. That's 11 courses but there's a lot of extra stuff you get so it's more like 15. The food was uniformly excellent though some items definitely stood out. The dashi custard was super yummy - one of the best chawanmushi dishes I've ever had. The faro risotto with braised baby pig was also excellent. However, the best dish of the night and one of the best things I've ever eaten was the whole muscovy duck. This is an upgrade to the tasting menu and one that YOU MUST GET! This is the best duck I've ever had. They bring the thing out to the table before it's carved so you can see what a work of culinary art it is, then they take it back to the kitchen, carve it, and bring it back out. This duck combines the best of Eastern and Western duck cooking. In the East, it's all about having delicious duck skin - aka Peking duck. In the West, it's about having the most luscious pink duck breast meat. This duck had both - a savory, crispy skin and super tender pink meat. BRAVO! A little later they bring out the confit - so not a bit of that duck is wasted! This place is serious about bread and pastries. Each course comes with a different little bread - brioche, croissant, pumpernickel, fruit/nut, blini, cheese puff. So good. We got a basket of mini madeleines fresh out of the oven - OMG, those were the bomb. At the end of the meal came cannelles, and then a fruit brioche to take home. Our kids got little cupcakes with candles for their birthday - nice touch. The wine list is pricey (no surprise) and there is a by-the-glass list as well. The sommelier is quite helpful. Their coffee is Intelligentsia - always a nice touch. At the end of the meal we received customized birthday menus to take home as well as an array of sweets and cookies. As has been their custom since inception, as you leave, you get a little something to take home and eat in the morning to remind you of the meal. Nice touch.
(5)
erica f.
Came in again about two weeks ago after 4 years and holy shit the caviar. The Russian Royal Imperial Ossetra and California White Sturgeon were so dumb I couldn't even deal. GET some caviar, ok Overall: so rich. so cheese. much good. Alinea is still better tho. Sorry not sorry
(4)
Jennifer W.
Tru has been on my list for a while, and I'm disappointed that it didn't live up to my expectations. I wasn't overly impressed by the service, ambiance or the food. I will say it was very easy to get a reservation on a Friday night, which was nice, and that we were seated immediately. However, once we were seated and placed our drink orders, it was probably close to an hour before we received our first course. The wait staff apologized for the delay, and once the first course came out the rest followed pretty quickly, but it was still disappointing to go to such a nice restaurant and feel like we were ignored for such a long time. The ambiance was just okay. It looks nice and we had plenty of room at our table, but it seemed closed-off with all of the curtains drawn and had an 'empty' feeling to it. The food was good, but again nothing spectacular. A few courses (the petite salad, red curry squash and the beef) were excellent, but the rest I found to be not as great. Basically, I was hoping to be blown away by the experience, and I wasn't. Especially not for the steep price. I'd rather have gone back to Alinea again.
(3)
Henry H.
I had high expectations for this Michelin-starred place but have to say it didn't live up to all of it. My girlfriend and I came in late Friday night. After checking in for our reservation, we waited for about 15 minutes in the lounge before they could seat us. The lounge is quite luring with all the artsy stuff, but we were hungry. Our table was nicely set up (they even have a stool for the ladies' handbags). Since it was late, we went for the abbreviated menu. Somehow they messed up the order of our food, and it ended up being that I was on the third dish while she was on the second. They made an extra dish so we are again in sync. The food itself was good but not mind-blowing, especially if you have experienced other restaurants in this league. What I really enjoyed was the appetizers (trio, lite sunchoke, squash soup). My girlfriend loved the caviar and the monkfish. They changed their menu right before our visit and eliminated some of the options that I was looking for, since I have some diet restrictions. However they were able to accommodate my preferences. Definitely let them know if you are not a fan of certain ingredient. Their service is impeccable. Our waitress was very caring but knew the boundaries. They were patient in explaining all the options and offered some extra sweets at the end for messing up the presentation of some of our food. Clearly one of the best service I've ever received. At restaurants like Tru, you definitely pay a premium for things other than food. Is it worth it? That's definitely personal, but I'd come back if it's a special occasion.
(4)
Sissi L.
Since Alinea needs you to reserve at least 2 month ahead, we decided to go to other michelin starred restaurants. I have read a lot of reviews of michelin starred restaurants in Chicago and chose TRU. Not only because of Food, but also the outstanding service. I have to say, the caviar is the BEST. Kobe beef(made in 2 different ways. as we know, the beef is super organic, the cow was fed with music... lol), ruffles, super cute macaron & other desserts... is a plus. Every course is an art work. The service is incredible. Even though compared to other 1 star michelin restaurants, the price is not that lovely. (about 500 $ in total--for two). WORTH IT!
(5)
Jing C.
My hands-down favorite fancy dining spot in Chicago! Why you ask? Let me count the ways... (1) The Food: It's just plain delicious. The ingredients are really special from the cuts of meat, unusual mushrooms to the high end cheeses on the cheese tray. Unlike other Michelin starred restaurants in Chicago that mess with your mind a bit (tofu that's really seafood that's made into ice-cream etc), the flavors are simple to enjoy. That's not to say the presentation wasn't amazing and artful. Just less of a cerebral experience and more of plain enjoyment. (2) The Service: Is super attentive without being snooty. For example, I love cheese but have a terrible memory for the names beyond Brie and Gruyere. So during the cheese course, I asked a lot of questions not knowing if I'd get a snobby answer back like "obviously the blah blah cheese of the blah blah region is known for it's XYZ properties." Nope, the waiter was really nice and happy to answer questions. I must have looked very conflicted over the choice of two different cheeses so our waiter started cracking up (nicely!) and made me a plate with all of them. (3) The Ambiance: The original, museum quality art has major wow-factor. Look, if I'm going to drop a paycheck on a meal, the setting should be pretty nice. And an original Warhol? That's pretty impressive.... (4) The Extras: Yep, wow factor again. On your way out, they give you cookies to enjoy the next day! And they personalize a copy of the menu with your special occasion as a keepsake. (5) It's a Lettuce Entertain You Okay, so that may seem like a weird plus but consider this. A) The dining points from your meal will definitely pay for a M burger. B)LEYE gift certificates are pretty popular holiday gifts. And with one in hand, the $$$$ cost of the tasting menu seems less well, bank-busting?
(5)
Rob C.
Went back in 2012...as a fairly ignorant chef at the time, a good friend took me to chicago and let me pick..no brainer..(hehee, he had no clue what to expect, pricewise and experience) I could not imagine a better dining experience. The service was like a dance group that had been touring together for 20 years...the food...speachless. Worth saving up for, because 2 people, with a decent bottle of wine, will set you back close to $1k. ..(*learned that black napkins are for women with lipstick, not messy male eaters that didnt want to have dirty napkins in such a serious restaurant) ..My friend has a very small bladder, the poor waiters must have pickedup, refolded, and changed his napkin, while also racing him back to his seat to pull chair, at least 10 times during dinner. Everytime without fail or attitude after the repetition. MindBLOWN It changed my outlook on food presentation, preparation, and service forever! Thanks Chef Martin! Hopefully we cross paths one day:) You guys deserve every michelin star you get. Definitely not comfortable for a casual eater, nor a place to stop by and just "try" (rezo a must...long time before u go..destination status)...all in or go find a diner kiddo..chicago dogs are pretty epic too..#justsayin
(5)
James H.
I've never done this before. Always thought Yelp was like talk radio -- it's okay to listen, but it's weird to actually call in. Tru is amazing. Very expensive, but the definition of "perceived value". The waiters are all wearing matching Joseph Aboud suits, the filtered water is poured in a choreographed, beautiful way... Yada, yada... but what put me over the moon was when my dining companion was fumbling with his camera, looking for a place to put it, a beautiful velveteen stool "appeared". I was impressed. We could have spent a lot more, but they got you for about $230/ person without going crazy. But somehow you feel like it was absolutely worth it. The pastry meant for the next morning was perfect. Go here. It's a treat.
(5)
Jennifer N.
I felt like I was eating in an art museum. White walls, dark curtains, and the only color in the restaurant were the paintings, the lilies and foxtail centerpieces (center of the room, not tables), and the food. The food was pretty much like art. We had a really early dinner at the Girl and the Goat before we ate at TRU and our server actually used to work at TRU. She said the service is like a choreographed dance... and it was. We had a party of six and three waiters came at the beginning and simultaneously poured our waters... it was... different. If you are unfamiliar with table manners, get ready to feel really awkward in this place. I may not be a debutante, but I think I know enough, but there were times when I felt uneasy. I felt I had to sit up straight the entire time and speaking too loudly would've been quite disrespectful. It was hard to carry on a conversation amongst the six of us since our round table was big enough to seat about ten people. Luckily, our maitre d' and waiters were friendly and joked with us every now and then to make us feel more at ease. You had the option of having a seven or thirteen course. We had the seven and it was so filling! The food was creatively plated. Some think it may be pretentious especially for the size of the plates and its price, but I appreciate unique plates presented like art in small portions. America has an issue with serving too much food! (And I always feel the need to finish my plate, aka gain more weight.) Back to the food. Our seven course tasting consisted of: amenity de la terre: beet, ossetra caviar, horseradish, chervil 1. day boat scallop, hon shimeji, cilantro, ginger, lime 2. long carrot soup, glacial orange cardamom 3. light sunchoke, sorrel, arctic char roe 4. scottish salmon, shiitake braised in sake, pickled ginger 5. soy glazed veal, preserved lemon, potato cont, green 6. pistachio in nature 7. english peas in frost, strawberry, mint Tack on some chocolate variations in the end. All of my plates were awesome. TRU likes to give you an "experience" and it was a great experience for my tongue. Some may find it a bit booshie, but just ignore the fact that men need to keep their jackets on, and focus on the food. Definite five stars. However, would I come again, probably not... I felt years getting drained out of me. One time is enough.
(5)
Bolun M.
My first Michelin star dining experience. The amenity and services are phenomenal and definitely worth the money. However in terms of the food, I'm really not a fun of those creative food dish. It might sound stupid, but the truth is whenever the waiter explained each dish to us when he served it, I really didn't know what he was talking about..... And I always finished each dish within a few bite (cause they are so little). I guess that's why I can't be a gastronomist, lol. Bottom lines: The experience overall worth your money, but I'm just not a fun for the food here.
(3)
Mandy C.
Tru was truly a nice fine-dinning restaurant. Guys, remember to bring a jacket that you would want to wear through your whole meal--it is required. And ladies, don't worry about what kind of clutch and purse you're going to bring, the bag get its own special cushiony seat. The place was spacious, grand and very clean cut with very nice drapes on the windows. I felt kind of uncomfortable at first because the wait staffs look super serious, but then later, they turned a little jokey but still professional. They tried to served us all at the same time as well as pushing in back the chair for us as we came back from the bathroom. My friends and I sat a few tables down from the kitchen and boy, I did not like the grease smell that came out of it in the middle of the meal...quite overwhelming. Anyhow, my friends and I went for the full tasting menu. Everything tasted delicious. The menu also played around a lot with special and unique serving dishes, which looked like props. For example, the scallop was served in a shell and the squab was served on a clear vessel that lay on top of a nest. The dishes came out really pretty but at the same time, it seemed like they tried too hard to turn traditional American to new American. All in all, the food was delicious! I enjoyed every single courses.
Outstanding French cuisine in downtown Chicago! No complaints. From appetizer to dessert, the meal was delicious. Exquisite service served with the utmost class.
(5)
Rachael C.
Not sure who could complain about this place. Went here for NYE 2014 - and was not disappointed. Service was traditionally fancy and fantastic. (Hint: Ladies - take the BLACK napkin when offered unless you are wearing a light color!) Food was well played and explained without snoot. Just professionalism. It was one big open room for dining with a seating area separate. Fantastic live music and art. Could be a romantic dinner - but it is very open and not dark. Light and simple. Would love to go again!!
(5)
Michal F.
At Tru the friendly professional service, presentation, taste and ambiance combine for a memorable experience. It's the prefect place for a big celebration with your significant other. The problem with upscale restaurants i usually have is a pretentious ambiance that can override an otherwise good experience no matter the quality of the food. This is not so at TRU. Despite a service that is as fancy as you can get there is still a warmth and acceptance that is readily felt. My wife and I came here for our first wedding anniversary and were wowed by the food quality, presentation and service. Our menu came customize with our names and the event we were celebrating - how cool is that. We ordered the 8 course Chef's special which ended up being 11 courses after the extras everyone gets by dining here. My favorites were the soups. One was a pea soup with a sub zero cream center. The other was a duck soup that was made at our table using a sophisticated bunson burner-esque heater. The savory flavor or this soup made it the best I've ever had. I recommend this restaurant for anyone with something epic to celebrate. The $250 per person we spent makes it the most expensive restaurant I've ever dined at so beware the prices can climb.
(5)
Stephen H.
Food was good, but not awe-inspiring. Over-use of cream and salt, IMHO with little nuance in the flavors. One of our dishes, the beef, was so tough and grisly we were all struggling to cut it, though the flavor and wine pairing were excellent. Service was fantastic until it came time for dessert. We dined early, and while we were finishing our main courses the restaurant became filled to capacity. The level of service plummeted. No matter how busy a restaurant of this caliber gets their kitchen and wait staff should be able to keep up. The experience should be seamless to diners. We waited for at least 30 minutes for our dessert course and because we had cars waiting, we were forced to rush through. Probably will not be back.
(2)
Jennifer C.
This restaurant has the best food I have ever eaten in my life. It is a truly an entertaining and unique dining experience. This is the first Michelin star restaurant I have ever been to and to this day this is the standard I hold all other Restaurants. If you have a special occasion to celebrate this place is truly amazing. You are not just going out to eat at Tru you are having a truly amazing entertainment experience. The service is so good, that I think they knew what I wanted before I did. The cocktail I drank was divine. I forget what it was called because I went a while ago but it was predominantly Apple. Gala, perhaps. BEST. RESTAURANT. EVER.
(5)
Rebecca S.
Valentines day 2013. We were guest chefs for the day. It was a but hectic since the restaurant was fully booked but chef Anthony was on it. We got to see the whole process from prep to execution to the 'oh sh*t' period. It was an amazing experience that I would recommend for a one of a kind date night. And after getting changed, we got to see the fruits of our labor...the food is to die for.
(5)
Annie B.
Let me start off first by saying that Tru is the only michelin-starred restaurant I've ever been to. While I don't have a plethora of other restaurants to compare it to, I still sincerely appreciate the innovative and thoughtful menu. If you're like me, you will be dining here for the experience just as much as the food. We were probably the youngest in the restaurant but I didn't feel out of place. The service is impeccable and you couldn't be better taken care of. I won't go into detail as it's spelled out in the other reviews, but these guys know what they're doing and aren't presumptuous about it. We did the 14-course menu + an additional 3-cheese tasting course (from the amazing cheese cart that should just be posted up in my kitchen at all times). We did not do the wine pairing but instead shared a $50 bottle of gruner veltliner. By the end of the 14 courses (17 if you count the complimentary cheese puff, complimentary extra dessert course, & the additional cheese course), I was beyond stuffed. We were going to walk around the city after our meal but ended up getting a cab to go home and pass out after 1/2 a block because we could barely move.. I am confident that you could do the 7-course menu and be very satisfied. The flavors in every dish are so exciting to eat. My favorites were the sea urchin in a granny smith + watercress avalanche, cool as a cucumber arctic char roe, yellow corn royal chanterelle truffle foie gras, and the scottish salmon poached in olive oil w/ cauliflower in textures. My least favorites were the bright melon in rose essence w/ cured duck breast and the duroc pork belly w/ chambered smoke consomme. Still not sure how I felt about the minimalist decor but the plating for each dish is BEAUTIFUL. If you have $500+ that you won't miss from your bank account, go take your favorite person and have a crazy fun experience.
(5)
Rosie S.
Breath taking from the moment you walk in. The dining experience was exciting , new & almost playful. I think I'll let you experience it and not ruin it for you! GO!
(5)
Sheeva G.
I had an excellent experience at Tru. I got a little carried away with the caviar and I ordered multiple 10g types to enjoy. It filled me up quickly, but the presentation was outstanding, as well as the champagne that was paired with it. I decided to do the entire Tru experience tasting menu, which did not look as big as it actually was. Everything was superb, but I think there were at least 2 sub-courses within each course so I ended up eating a ridiculous amount of food (definitely not complaining though). The presentation for each course was magnificently beautiful and also delicious at the same time. My favorite was probably the smoked langoustine which came out in a glass sphere that was literally smoking in herbs, then placed on the plate with the other goodies of the course. Also, my grand cru Girardin Corton Charlemagne was fantastic. Overall, I would say that Tru was a little stuffy, but I had a grand evening and a lovely dining experience.
I took my boyfriend to Tru for his birthday. What a waste of time and money! First off, if I'm paying $500 for dinner for two, the food and service better be damn good. Food was okay, nothing spectacular. Service was horrible. Our waiter mumbled when he explained our dishes. Maybe he thought we weren't paying attention? Believe me, we were. My boyfriend also pointed out that the servers would roll their eyes whenever they came out with a tray and had to wait for the waiter to serve the plate. At one point, the server waited so long to be relieved of the contents of her tray, she sighed out loud. Right next to our table. Very unprofessional. To top it off, when my boyfriend tried to take of his jacket because the room was too warm, he was told he needed it keep it on during the dinner service. It's his birthday and we're spending $500+ for dinner and he can't take off his jacket? If you're looking for a fine dining experience without the attitude, go to El Ideas. Better food, better environment, better service, better price...better EVERYTHING.
(2)
Raj P.
Okay, instead of going forward, I'm going to take a step back and say this : AMAZING !! First, expect to spend a pretty penny if you're going here. I took my wife there for our 2nd anniversary through a reservation I made through opentable.com . As soon as we walked in, the host told us "Happy Anniversary." Of course, we felt like we were special. After he seated us, one of the waitresses brought the menu. On top of the menu, guess what? Yes, it said "Happy Anniversary." Not going nuts here, but a nice touch again, I thought. The food was amazing. We ordered from the "Prixe Fixe menu" and both had the Thai butternut soup to start. It was amazing. The bowl that is was served in had points of sauce that we could use to make the soup as spicy as we wanted. Then, I had the "Colorado Lamb loin roulade" and my wife had the "Nova Scotia Halibut." Both excellent. The best part of the meal was the desserts, which kept coming and coming, with an accompanying set of instructions from the waiters as to how to eat it. Few things to note: There were four waiters and we were served by all of them. They somehow communicate to each other as the second to fourth ones knew already that my wife was allergic to peanuts. My wife refused wine, due to her pregnancy. We told the second waitress. However, all the others said congratulations as they came up. Overall, amazing experience. Ladies, if a guy takes you there, he likes you a whole lot. Guys, take a girl there only if she's completely worth it. If not, save it for the anniversaries.
(5)
Hannah H.
My friend and I decided to check out Tru, as we've heard so many things about this restaurant, but never had the chance to dine there. Even though Chef Gale Gand and Chef Rick Tramonto are not present and with the restaurant anymore, we were still excited to see what it was all about. Once we arrived, we were greeted promptly by the hostess and was led to the formal dining area. Our first bite was compliments from the chef, which was a cheese puff - it was warm and cheesy, and a nice little morsel to start the night off. We then had an Amenity de la Terre (beet with Ossetra caviar, horseradish, and chervil), which was a nice and refreshing, and great with the horseradish cream; next, we had the Day Boat Scallop with hon shimeji, ginger, and lime (this tasted fresh and was seasoned perfectly); 'Cool as a Cucumber' was next with arctic char roe - this was also refreshing with bits of the cucumber slices - the broth had a strong sake flavor, but when mixed with the other ingredients, it was nice; one of my favorites was the Long Carrot Soup (that had glacial orange cardemom) - it was creamy and it came with a cute little brioche toast with orange butter - yum!; 'Maitake Crunch' with ramp and oxalis was next, which tasted like a mushroom-infused rice cracker; Atlantic Summer Fluke (with saffron mussel veloute and lemongrass) - this was tangy/vinegar-ish; another favorite of mine was the Blonde Morel Royal' which was like a mushroom flan - the flavors were amazing with its saltiness, mushroom-iness, and the nice little custard; Duroc Pork Belly (compressed black plum and onion to the third power) was nice and fatty, but flavorful; Scottish Salmon with shiitake braised in sake and pickled ginger was cooked medium, but it was nice and delicate; the sake also seemed to be too overwhelming for me, but if you mix the flavors, it worked; next was the Soy Glazed Veal with preserved lemon, potato confit, and green - the veal was very tender and great with the au jus sauce that were poured over it, and I loved the little potato balls; next was the Espoisses (herb salad with red wine pear) - the cheese was wicked strong, but with the greens and the jam, it tasted great; our desserts started with the 'Passionate Marshmallow' - this was a homemade marshmallow with passion fruit stuffed inside of it - came on a stick like a s'more on a log and this was absolutely delightful; the 'Melons in Color' with lemon verbena and mint also had that sake flavor to it which seemed overwhelming at first, but melded together with the other ingredients made it refreshing; the 'Cherry Variation' with truffle and almond was also great, as it was halved cherries with an almond pound cake on the bottom, kind of like a cherry shortcake; we then had 'Mignardises,' which we had samplings of their tiny desserts (like square lemon tarts, macarons, dark chocolate truffles, and floral-infused marshmallow). Each plate was plated beautifully (all Earthy/Zen-like decorations and inspirations), and very pleasing visually. The waitstaff were very friendly and nice, very efficient, and we also didn't have to wait too long for our next course. We also were fortunate to take a tour of the kitchen, and the Chef was amazing and so welcoming and friendly. We had a great dining experience. A restaurant that is 1 Michelin starred, we enjoyed each and every dish with no complaints! Loved the high ceilings and the art work (especially the animated woman frame by the bathroom). I suggest parking at 900 N Michigan for validated parking or they also have valet for $14. +lovely tasting menu :D +cheese popover +Duroc Pork Belly +Soy Glazed Veal +'Passionate Marshmallow' +'Cherry Variation' +request a kitchen tour :D +park at 900 N for validated/discount parking
(5)
Agnes L.
A good restaurant has delicious food. A great restaurant has that + good service. A superior restaurant (warranting a four-star status with the Trib and many other accolades) is one in which food, service and atmosphere combine to create a memorable experience. Tru is one of these rare superior restaurants. My husband and I celebrated our first wedding anniversary at Tru with the 9-course tasting menu. The insanely creative and whimsical menu items played with unusual texture, flavor and presentation combinations. We continued to be surprised through each course from the array of river salmon served in a platter mimicking a rushing river with the use of dry ice to the humorous miniature monkey statues garnering our tiny desserts. And, the sophisticated art gallery decor of the restaurant paired well with the food because our plates were honestly works of art in themselves. (Although, one negative would be that it felt a bit superfluous at times. One example of this is the fruit leather hanging on clothes lines - It seemed to be an exaggerated response to what could really be comparable to a lunchbox fruit snack.) In the end, Tru is the most expensive and extravagant restaurant my husband and I had ever set foot in, yet we did not feel out of place, rushed or looked down upon like we have felt in the past at other ritzy restaurants. We were able to take our time, enjoying every tasty bite while joking with our servers. We received additional surprise special treatment with a personalized menu in the beginning of our meal and a celebratory cupcake in honor of our anniversary at the end. For one night, we were able to live like royalty. It is a meal we will hold close to our hearts.
(5)
Vernetta H.
Tru is the quintessential upscale restaurant. I experienced great service, innovative cuisine, and unique wine. I had the full culinary experience. For a foodie, it was among the top three meals that I have experienced in a lifetime worldwide.
(5)
Adam B.
One of the best meals I have ever had and I have been to plenty of restaurants of this caliber. Inventive cuisine that is delicious and for $150 for tasting menu was very worth the price.
(5)
Kathleen C.
Amazing experience for our 10th anniversary. Not surprisingly, service was impeccable, ambience and presentation were amazing, many things on the menu I'd never heard of and couldn't pronounce were delicious, and we LOVED the wine pairings. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because while I recognize that the price reflects the experience (and therefore don't think it is OVER priced, necessarily), I have been just as happy with meals that cost 1/3 the price and liked the food probably more, so can't give it the top review possible. Very glad we went, regardless.
(4)
J T.
Business dinner at Tru. Fantastic service for such a large group, nice environment and creative food. Iconic art, felt like a restaurant meets art museum in the main dining area. If you want to impress business clients, you can't go wrong here. Would like to try again on my own.
(4)
S K.
Fantastic! One of a few places with true service- the kind that would be unaffordably overstaffed in almost all restaurants. Sophisticated atmosphere. Reservations required. Dress shirt at minimum; good sport coat or a properly fitted suit would be perfect. If nothing else, try the 3 course dessert tasting menu; Gale Gand knows what she's doing.
(5)
Audrey J.
Four plus hours of synchronized waitstaffing, water pouring, dish serving, restroom guiding, wine describing, and dessert indulging. My friend and I both had the chef's tasting menu, and it was fascinating to see the two different interpretations of the basic foundation of each course. The location was all about clean lines and contrasting blacks and whites. As a dessert afficionado, however, I feel I can't give the true (hardy har har) full five stars because the dessert, which was much feted, no longer included a separate chocolate selection. Sad. However, I must say that TRU offered a new and exciting handbag experience: each individual's purse gets its own little seat. Charming, non?
I really enjoyed my experience at Tru. As many have stated, the service is immaculate and an experience in itself. The staff is very serious on ensuring that you have the best experience possible. The moment there is a crumb on your table, they will sweep it off. Or if you get up to use the restroom, an employee will escort you the entire way (and also replace your napkin at the table). Although I tend to be more laid-back about service, it was still pretty fun to feel so pampered. The food was also delicious and we left ridiculously full. There were a couple courses that made me almost swoon. Plus I loved the personalized menus and the almond cake that was already packaged up to eat the next day. Note for the ladies: they have cute little ottomans for you to put your purse on!
(4)
Philly G.
An amazing experience. Went for our 6 year anniversary. They create personalized menus for you which they give you in an envelope at the end of your night to take home along with two pastry treats wrapped for you to enjoy the next day. We had champagne to start off. We chose the grand collection with the wine pairing and everything was delicious. I enjoyed the butternut soup, "caviar" over avocado, the fish, and the desserts with all of the perfect wine pairings the best. The servers are extremely attentive and make for a wonderful evening. I'm so glad we celebrated here. Ladies there are little ottomans to put your purse on. They will escort you all the way to the restroom. They will keep your table looking spotless as they take care of every single crumb after every course. I thought the chef was amazing and just wanted to go tell him thank you for such a wonderful meal.
(5)
Lou C. H.
This is where the 1% eat. You walk in, and there are beautiful orchids arranged Mapplethorpe style. There's one server for every person in your party. Dinner is theater, jacket required. At one time, I was freezing, and my DH too hot. DH asked if he could loan me his jacket, matire d' looked horrified. Absolutely not! We ordered a supplement, and one of the servers forgot. He brought over the setting for another dish, so it was I who asked him if that lobster dish was still coming. He was stricken, quickly removed the setting, and thanked me profusely for saving his job. The food is topnotch, super expensive, but the service is a little too uptight for my tastes. We go out to dinner to enjoy ourselves. Not to panic over a crumb. Not to be watched over so closely that when a crumb falls, people swoop in. And guess what, crumbs fall. I've never had a dinner party where a guest hasn't dropped a crumb, and yes, I've groaned the next day when I've had to clean up. I also do not like being escorted the entire way to the bathroom, I'm not five. The worst dish, hands down, the George the banana monkey with banana dessert. Rather pedestrian dessert for a meal that will cost you $500. Second worst dish, the tasteless jidori chicken on a log. The lobster was the best. The "linens" that cleanse your palate fun and playful. You always remember the best, and the worst.
(3)
Kevin A.
The courses were great tasting, but not enough. A spoon held the soup serving. Very expensive and left wanting more. Everst was better in my opinion. My wife did love the purse ottoman.
(3)
S S.
Great dining experience. The atmosphere, service, and food were all superb! The duck is delicious, as we're all the courses. Presentation was amazing! A definite.
(5)
Peter F.
We had the "Tru Experience" option, which included 4 more courses than the half experience. I have to say though, the 4 courses that were included were the best part of the experience, so if you only get the half, you're probably going to leave disappointed and slightly heavier pocketed, though still really really light, since our total came out to half a K for 2 with no pairing, just 2 cocktails. For the most part, food was great! However, there are a few courses that were either lacking 1 or more flavor components or was slightly salty. If only the chef had put in a little more effort, those dishes would've been phenomenal. For example, the first course came out with 3 small dishes, which although tasted the worst, looked the most beautiful. It had the right idea, but was incredibly short on execution. One of the dishes was a "drink" but was void of any flavor. Almost made me gag actually. I thought it was just me, but my wife felt the same way as well as a few tables surrounding us. Unfortunate that it was the first course, because it kinda set the tone for the entire meal. Fortunately, the rest of the meal was great and got us back into the mood, but not entirely. One thing that really stuck with me was the cheese course. I think I spent about 30 percent of the meal enjoying that portion of the meal. It was INCREDIBLE! Overall, good meal. I didn't mind the price tag so much had it not been for a few dishes that made me regret question the decision to go here. The cheese course made me happy though :)
(3)
Sherwin S.
Authentic French cuisine...in America! With so many fine dining establishments in America being touted as New American cuisine, it's refreshing to see a restaurant like Tru staying true (you see what I did there?) to the roots of classic fine dining. You are greeted with a very simplistic door with a very simplistic sign when you enter the establishment. After going through the doors and escaping the Chicago cold, you are greeted with an extremely small check in room, with a very helpful maitre d who checks your coat. The space then opens up to a large restaurant, simplistically yet eclectically decorated. The food though is the star of the restaurant...and you are greeted with dish after dish of classically cooked, elegantly prepared, and perfectly tasting dishes. Though some modernity has crept into the cuisine (they have an amazing hot infuser), the dishes still keep to the classic roots and everything is unequivocally French in inspiration. I love Tru...and Chef Martin has done an amazing job of carrying on the work of Trumonte. I can myself dining here regularly when I am in Chicago...I just need the bank account to order the cavier service next time!!!
(5)
Najia Y.
I came here for the dessert tasting menu. I was happy with the well executed dishes we were served.
(4)
Tiff C.
Great ambience and service and communicative staff. A good experience overall, but not really worth the price. I didn't enjoy the starter and meat as much, but the skate wing was great and the dessert was also good. Not amazing for the price you pay unfortunately.
(3)
Laura A.
We dined at Tru for a special occasion last winter and ordered the tasting menu. Highlights: The presentation throughout the meal was spectacular and even whimsical. For example, the waiter placed a bowl of liquid in front of us, then poured something into it and poof! It turned into a snowy-looking substance! He then put a glass top over the snow and served a little mousse snowman on top. It was magical and delicious. We also enjoyed the cheese course - some of the best cheese I have had in this town. Why only 3 stars: For the price, there is better cuisine in Chicago. For a luxury experience, there is better cuisine (Alinea, L2O, Il Mulino to name a few...). The bottom line is our food was good, but not phenomenal. There are too many amazing restaurants in Chicago and I would not come here again and would only recommend to out-of-town guests who would prefer to stay in close proximity to downtown to eat. Additionally, the decor is a bit too minimal. I like clean and modern spaces just fine, but the decor is too spartan.
(3)
Deb L.
My husband and I went on our anniversary. We didn't have babysitters, so our 5 and 7 year old came with. We were worried that the staff would not want the kids, but the staff was so friendly towards my two boys! The food was the best we have ever had. My two young boys can't stop talking about how it was the best meal they ever had! The desserts were amazing! When the waiter poured my 5 year old water, he splattered water on the glass and got my 5 year old a different glass of water (I had to laugh at that). Very expensive...around $800 for the four of us, but well worth the dining experience! At the end the manager came up to us and complimented us on our well behaved children....made us feel good! Will hopefully be going back again when in Chicago!!! The waiters were not snooty at all!
(5)
Jennifer W.
Three stars are generous. I'm rounding up. Let me begin by stating that I did not pay for my dinner at Tru. The bill for four people (I peeked) was more than I make in a week. That being said, it didn't seem like it SHOULD be that much, except perhaps to pay for the expert wait staff. Oh, the waiters. Three of the people in our party chose the three course meal. Then there was my husband who chose the 35 course meal (maybe it was 10, but it seemed ungodly at the time). Each time he was brought a new plate, the other three people's empty, completely spotless plates were removed and a new empty plate was presented. I could talk about this for another paragraph, but I think that would be as pointless as this aspect of the service. I wasn't impressed with the food. I have a tree nut and tree fruit allergy, and although this was mentioned to the waiter, I was simply told what I couldn't eat, rather than being offered any kind of alternative. The first two courses were fine, but there was fruit and nuts in every one of the deserts that were carted out, so I was stuck choosing the cheese. Yawn. I would never go back on my own dime, but I may not even go back on someone else's.
(3)
Peter H.
Warning: Stay away from this place like a plague. Tru is certainly a unique dining experience in every bad way you can deem possible. Terrible service (this I cannot emphasize enough), bland food and a high price tag. It's what we Chinese people would call the Tuhao of dining - classless and the non-frequent high diners simply go and justify it's worth because it's expensive. I came with high expectations after a friend's recommendation and after reading numerous positive reviews but I left $600 dollars short and extremely disappointed. I'll divide this review in terms of four sections: service, presentation, ambiance and food quality. Service I cannot emphasize how bad the service is at this restaurant. If you can't be bothered reading then this is what happened: male waiter knocks over my full glass of Delamotte champagne, doesn't apologize, drops a bon bon dessert on the table from it's plate and doesn't replace it with a new one, then proceeds to charge me for 2 glasses of Delamotte without acknowledging that he tipped over the first one. Overall, the host, hostesss and other waitresses were all very courteous but what transpired in my 1.5 hours of dining here with that waiter could easily make this the worst restaurant service I have ever experienced. To put it simply, I'd rather go spend $20 at Applebee's and tip $580 because I know at least the staff would treat me with something called respect which Tru is oblivious to. Presentation Food presentation is important for any high-end restaurant, and Tru doesn't disappoint. It isn't as impressive nor innovative as Alinea, such as it's dessert table paintings or its green apple taffy balloons, but Tru does a great job in showcasing each dish. On another note, Tru is known for their levitation dish which I was hoping to see but wasn't offered on my menu. Ambiance Live piano music, candle lights, dim lighting, no city-view backdrop (it's on the first floor) etc. If that floats your boat go ahead. Food I cannot emphasize how bland and unimpressive the food was. I say this in all sincerity because I've ate at Alinea, Next, L20, Sixteen and the list goes on. I came here on 12/31 to celebrate the new years and they only had one set menu available but it was bland in every way. To be honest, I can't even remember what I ate because it was just that unimpressive and disappointing. I even looked across the table to see my friend really disappointed and she usually never complains about food. That's just how disappointed we were. In summary, if you want to get poor service and pay a shit ton then this is the place for you.
(1)
Nelson M.
Restaurant Review Simply exquisite would sum up my experience at Tru.As I walked out the door, i was lucky enough to pull up the restaurant on my Yelp app to realize that a suit was the dress code required for males. I quickly change and ran down the street for dinner. The service is first class and the ambiance of this restaurant is amazing. Our dinner consisted of: 1. Small Amuse-bouche served on a mirror plate. I have no idea what it was except it was a square cube of soft food with light foam. 2. The salad was a heirloom lettuce with baked figs, cripsy prosciutto, and vanilla balsamic vinegrette which was heavenly. The figs and prosciutto great a unique balance of savory and sweet that goes well with the lettuce. This is simply the best salad ever. 3. Grass fed beef tenderloin with caramelized onion tart and cabernet reduction. Simply the the most tender piece of beef ever with a delicate sauce that complemented well with the red wine that evening 4. For dessert, an amazing chocolate tart with raspberry and slight flecks of gold foil. Beautiful and one of the best desserts. Service was great and quick. The food is a fine balance of art and flavors that should be experienced at least once in your lifetime! Pro- food that was amazing well balance with unique ingredients, top notch service Con- Super expensive. Strict dress code i.e. guys you have to wear a suit or they won't let you in. Hidden deal- None
(4)
Gregory S.
Very expensive, especially the wine list but the food and wine and service were outstanding. Timing was perfect, people were great, lots of room between tables. Quiet which was nice. Great restaurant.
(5)
Ellie S.
I was in town for the Hot Chocolate Chicago race and my friends and me for kicks decided to find out if there was an opening at Tru. The staff asked if we could be there in 10 minutes and we obliged. Having not anticipated an elegant meal that evening we were floored by our experience. We were dressed down compared to most patrons yet given the same exquisite service despite going over my two drink limit and penchant for humor. We ordered the full menu and I indulged in two desserts rather than one. If I am going to get the full experience I might as well try everything. I did not like all of the food (I'm a picky eater), however I loved most of the food and really enjoyed the sensory experience the chef provided. The service here is impeccable. From the time we came toward the door until our exit our experience was amazing. I was even given a small "table" for my purse. It is a long dining experience lasting about two and a half hours. Well worth it! The best part was watching the precise choreography utilized by the staff when serving our food. It was beautiful like watching a ballet.
(4)
Robin C.
I went to dinner here last night. I have to say that overall the food was fairly amazing. It wasn't as unique and as fun as Moto, but the flavors in each of the 14 dishes were something that left me speechless at a few points. For a 14 course meal, it took us about 2 hours to cruise through it. Each of the savory courses were so delicious that I wish I could have a had a full sized course of each. Each of the desert courses were so decadent that I felt like I was on a sugar high. The service was flawless. I would highly recommend this to anyone that enjoys experiences like these.
(5)
Lindsay S.
I get the feeling people are afraid of being honest after dropping hundreds of dollars on a meal. It's true that the service, ambiance and presentation are wonderful. But if you ask my boyfriend and I, that's all this place has going for them. We did the 13 course "Tru Experience" with wine pairings. I love pork belly, duck breast, and short rib. They're foods I frequently order if offered on the menu. How did Tru mess up my favorite foods? The short rib was literally the worst I have ever had. We each took a bite and had to abandon it. The pork belly had been morphed into jell-o, and the duck breast was cured and tasted no better than something you could have on your meat/cheese plate at a neighborhood wine bar. In addition to the food we found to be genuinely bad, unfortunately nothing was GOOD either. There were just dishes that were "meh" in which I found *elements* that I liked. Biggest kudos to the sommelier. She did a great job with what she was given. Go to Alinea, Moto, and/or Goosefoot. "Better" isn't a strong enough word to describe how much these places trump Tru.
(2)
Jaime G.
# 3 best meal in chicago is Tru. Loved the service, wine service, and cheese. Every meal and pairing was very well thought thru and very good.
(5)
Kathleen M.
I have a sorority sister who likes to celebrate her birthday. She has a husband who likes to go on fishing trips to Canada. The two collided and he uttered these fateful words. "Invite your sorority sisters for a birthday dinner, anywhere you want, I will pay for it." Done, she invited us and our daughters to dine with her at Tru. It was the most elegant meal and the most giggly fun I have ever had. Heck, I even bought new shoes for it. The restaurant was hidden and elegant and when we left they gave us parting gifts. We did the prix fixe with a couple of Caviar staircases and lots of champagne thrown in. Fab-u-lous! If I got up, they moved my chair. When I came back, they helped me in. I remember all the food as just delicious but we did drink a lot of champagne. Cheers! I wasn't a Yelper then but I have always meant to write about this fantastic birthday party. Yesterday I checked in with my Yelp app to remind me. (I didn't have a smart phone back then.) Today, I get a message on Yelp from the self appointed Yelp police - aka the husband of a FORMER Yelp friend - that he has "noticed" that I did a 10:00 am check in at Hub 51 and a check in shortly after that at Tru. He is "contemplating" turning me into Yelp reps as he knows these check ins are not legit and then I will most likely be deported or possibly shot by a firing squad. Stalk much? Hilarious! It made a memorable evening even more memorable. So be careful, if you dine at Tru, make sure you check in on that exact date or the Barney Fife of Yelp Elites will turn you in. Tru dinner and a true story.
For our last night in Chicago, we stuck with a restaurant closer to our hotel and went to Tru. Making a reservation on OpenTable a couple weeks of time was surprisingly easy (we were able to get a reservation at 7:45 on Saturday night), and showing up and getting seated was a cinch. Similar to Alinea the night before, the dining room has a relatively simple yet modern feel to it, although there is more bright lighting. Although the dining room feels quite big, it never got too noisy, even when it was filled with more people. Service was very good and relatively quick; you aren't left waiting too long between each bite, which is probably a good thing if you go with the 14-course tasting (which you definitely should). The servers also have a good personality about things and talking about the dishes, which is nice in comparison to most upscale places, where waiters can be robotic at times. As for the food - it's hard to state how well and complete the tasting menu feels. Doing the 14-course tasting gives you a chance to sample dishes from all across the spectrum - seafood, meats, appetizers, sweets, and some really cool, innovative dishes in between. Not only that, but the presentation is extremely unique and well-done for each dish - for example, you get served the beef on a glass resting on top of half a wooden log - without being overwrought and feeling over the top. The first course was beet with caviar, which was really good and different, as the caviar paired with a denser vegetable adds a spritz of saltiness, but the flavor of the beet is much lighter than other dishes I've had with caviar. The seafood dishes (both the crab and the Scottish salmon) were very delicious; they tasted fresh, but paired with a clean fruity tastes (for the crab) and with mushroom-infused broth (for the salmon). The clear highlight of the dinner (and it wasn't on the shorter 7-course - just another reason why you should go for the larger tasting) was the foie gras truffle flan. It's the first time these two favorites of mine paired in the dish, and the result is pure magic. Out of the many meals I've eaten over the years, this may very well be the absolute best dish, EVER. The richness of the foie gras gives the dish the depth, but the truffle flavor overlaid on it takes it to another level. I would come back to Tru if the rest of the meal was just okay, because this was otherworldly and so freakin' good. It gets paired with a croissant served with truffle butter, which really helps to highlight the exquisite flavors of the truffle in another light. The butternut squash soup is the other dish that highlights the truffle, with white truffle cream drizzled into the soup to really give the soup (which was solid on its own) an extra kick of flavor. Both meat dishes (the pork belly and duo of wagyu beef) were delicious and succulent in their own right. In particular, the richness of the flavor in the dry-aged beef was so well-done, it hardly required any additional flavoring or marinade. Like any fabulous restaurant, the dessert courses were delicious (one dish with parfait and orange that almost seems like it's ice cream, except it's not; and a chocolate dish)...and then you got served more dessert on top. We were brought out a 3-tier selected of various truffles, macaroons, jellies, and other goodies to select from at the end, and it was topped off by providing us with a pastry with an orange jelly center for later...it was a great thing to wake up to the next morning. In all, Tru is a phenomenal restaurant. The presentation of the food is fantastic, the portions are just right for a larger tasting menu, and the food is phenomenally good across the spectrum. Did I mention the fois gras truffle flan? SO GOOD. I'm definitely coming back here next time I'm in town. Easily my favorite restaurant (of the limited ones I've been to) in Chicago, and one of the best - if not the best - restaurant I've had the privilege of eating at ANYWHERE so far. You have to eat dinner here.
(5)
Betty C.
TRU is a sophisticated, elegant and enjoyable dining experience. That being said you will not be overwhelmed with the magnificent flavor of any of the dishes - they all taste very good but nothing will knock your socks off or leave you feeling like you need to return for that dish. The service is what is amazing and the quite, hushed tones of the other diners makes you feel like you are in a food house of worship. The staff is extremely well trained. You are doted on without it feeling obtrusive. Every plate and utensil is always where it should be. Errant crumbs are whisked away at every course. We were there for a 90th birthday and all the staff greeted us with birthday wishes. The give-away amuse bouches - two to start, were delicious - a Comte Cheese gougere and a lemon mousse with a roasted fennel puree. We ordered the Chef's Collection of 9 courses. The three tastiest were the smoked sturgeon "caviar", the butternut squash soup with ginger marshmallows and the duroc pork belly roulade. The pork had great flavor but was a bit drier than one would expect for pork belly. The bread service is great with buttery mini brioche and crispy cheesy, delicate Parmesan crackers. Our biggest complaint would be that there was never enough delicious sauce served - even when a sauce "pusher"/knife was given to use. After dinner the mignardises were a nice touch - the lemongrass French macaron not so great but the fried thimbles (not that small though) of custardy like dough were really good as well as the apricot soft gummy-like dot. The liquid raspberry filled thin shell of chocolate with hints of gold leaf on top were a nice way to end the meal. As we departed they gave a a customized menu as a momento and a neatly wrapped almond/cherry mini cake sporting a TRU tag. The mini cake was delicious with coffee the next morning and one of those endearing touches that leaves a warm feeling for the place. Special Dishes: Duroc pork belly, butternut squash soup with ginger marshmallows, smoked sturgeon "caviar", mini brioche, Parmesan crackers
(4)
Nathan G.
I don't know what that no-talent ass-clown, Jim H, is talking about. This place is that bomb-diggety, yo! From the empty cream puffs to the tree bark topped with bat guano, I haven't seen anything better. I particularly liked the breadstick pipe cleaner atop the cold butter water.
(5)
Kimmy R.
Seriously I would give this place ten stars if allowed! If you want to be treated like royalty come here... they escort you to the restroom and back to your table AND give you a velour box that sits next to your table to put your purse on so it is at a height where you can get inside it!! Amazing... your car is heated and running and waiting for you as you exit the restaurant! And the food... joyous! Definitely do the tasting menu so you can try lots of different things. The only reason I came here a few years ago was because I used to watch Gale Gand's Sweet Dreams show on the Food Network... so glad I did! I
(5)
Timmy F.
Super food, but very serious dining experience. This is a place for very serious food and wine fans. A once in a while treat though. The food creations were very cool though!
(4)
An N.
This is an experience everyone should have at least once in their life. From the incredibly choreographed service, to the exciting and innovative food, it was worth every penny. Yes this is an investment of a meal. Something that I could never enjoy on a regular basis, but that's part of the fun, right? Knowing that you are saving up and making a celebration something truly romantic and meaningful. My husband was kind enough to book us the "Tru experience", a 14 course chef's tasting menu. When I tell you this is an EXPERIENCE, I mean every single one of those 14 courses came with an elaborate dance from the servers to ensure the utensils, place setting, and setting down of the dish was immaculate. Now the food.. oh the food. I've never been one to use the word titillating, but that's what my tongue was going through. Combinations like "see urchin in a granny smith + watercress avalanche" and "soy glazed veal, preserved lemon, potato confit, green" intrigue all your senses and leave your palate complete satiated. THE WINE!!! We didn't go with the wine pairing- just opted to order a la cart. I can't remember what line we ordered, but I can tell you that was the most amazing tasting pinot noir I have ever had in my life. Still dreaming about it to this day. Their Sommelier is spot on. I really can't say enough about the wonderful servers. So many times the staff at expensive restaurants can't help but evoke the aura of, "Do you know where you are? You are privileged to be here." But that couldn't be further from the truth with Tru. They were genuine, articulate, intelligent and extremely kind. And to top it all off, they gave us a tour of the kitchen at the end of our meal! You think the food is elaborate? Imagine the amount of staff necessary to maintain the timing and execution of the meal. 'PHEW!' I was very grateful my husband was thoughtful enough to splurge on this amazing meal. If you're in town and want something worth dressing up for, this is it.
(5)
Lakeview M.
Outstanding. Inventive, interactive and extraordinary. Felt more like a night at the theater than dinner with family. So rare and hard to have all your expectations fulfilled then surpassed that there is almost an emotional hangover when it's done! A VERY serious food destination that still leaves you feeling amused and amazed, like you just ate all your favorites foods that you never knew about. Argh, would give anything to go again
(5)
Chris D.
Tru is one of the grande dames of the Chicago restaurant scene. It doesn't attract the same buzz as some newer high end places, and it presents a fairly traditional approach to fine dining. No communal table. No open kitchen. No "wear what makes you comfortable" dress code. Fine art on the fall. But Tru clearly belongs to the upper echelon of Chicago restaurants and is still going strong even as it closes in on 20 years in business. The food is not avante garde in the same sense as Alinea or Grace but is still fresh, contemporary, and uniformly excellent. The tasting menu is very well balanced--not too many or too few of any particular type of course. We left satisfied but not overstuffed. The wine pairings complemented the food well. Service was exception. When the captain asked my girlfriend if she wanted another glass of champagne, she said yes and joked that she would also like another serving of the very delicious truffled pasta dish we'd just eaten. It was obviously meant in jest. Nonetheless, five minutes later, out came another helping for both of us. Minor criticisms: the bread selection was less not particularly impressive compared to say, Sixteen, and the chairs are a bit small. Overall, a terrific and memorable meal.
(5)
Lu H.
Over two years after we first dinned here. we decided to come back and celebrate my birthday. I think after all the other dinning experiences we've had in the past two years, I really wanted to try Tru again and see where it stands when compared to other Michelin starred restaurants. By the minute we walked in, they treated you as if you were the only customers and all attention was on you. And it's my birthday, so everyone said happy birthday to me, which made the birthday girl really happy :). The service was top notch, I always appreciate the attentions to details--black napkin for my black dress, purse stool next to my feet, and the happy birthday print on the menu. We went for the Chef's collection, plus some caviar. Needless to say, every course's presentation was beautiful. -Caviar: it has the most memorable presentation as the caviar was presented on some gorgeous white coral. We are rookies when it comes to caviar, so all I can say is, it's YUMMY! :) -White sturgeon "caviar", rested on avocado. This chef's take on caviar is just as delicious as the real caviar we just had, if not better. I think the avocado made it. -Day boat scallop: it had a very profound Asian flavor to it, i think it's the ginger and thai chili. This was the start of this underlying Asian flavor of tonight's dinner. -Summer tomato salad: refreshing, summery, and it preserves the natural flavors of tomatoes while made it more visually appealing. It made me feel less guilty about going out because I was eating all the vitamins! -Dashi flan: i think this might be the least memorable dish of all night. I don't remember what it is... -Foral artichoke: it was some artichoke creamy soup with edible flowers on top. The flavors were amazing, and the presentation was pretty. Loved it! -Alaskan halibut: another dish with more of an Asian twist than French in my mind. It tasted like a Thai halibut curry. Don't get me wrong, I loved it, but I thought Tru is supposed to be more like modern French? I still remember the foie gras ravioli we had at our first visit. Now they went for Thai flavors? -Jidori chicken: very tender, and had foie gras and black truffle shaving. It was the high note of the night. But again, I think there's some soy sauce-ish tasting sauce on the plate. A little odd to couple that with foie gras, but oh well, I loved their chicken. Then comes the cheese cart, then the vanilla parfait and banana ice cream presented by "George", some monkey statue that made me laugh. It's kinda weird to present dessert on a monkey statue, maybe another hint of the thai underlying tone? Last but not least is the dessert cart, I asked for one of each, a girl can never have too many desserts! When we left, they gave us each a treat to take home. Very thoughtful and a nice touch for an amazing dinner! It's definitely worth a Michelin Star, and we will definitely be back again!
(5)
Alicia M.
I had this meal with my office so it was free for me (thankfully). It's a beautiful meal with gracious service and an elegant dinning room. A very formal affair. The panko crusted scallop appetizer was by far my favorite bite. I had the short ribs for an entree which was juicy and flavorful. The wine pairing was phenomenal. I would definitely recommend the pairing. If you're willing to fork out a lot for this meal it is delicious, but I've had meals just as delicious for much less in the city.
(4)
Linda H.
I cannot say enough good things about Tru. Writing this review makes me want to delete all my previous 5-star reviews because nowhere compares to the dining experience I had at Tru. Walking in, the hostess took our coats and escorted us to the lounge to wait for our table. Our table was ready in less than 5 minutes, but I almost wish we had longer to wait because the seating area was very plush and there was a lot to look at, including some unique art pieces. Once seated, we were presented with our selection of napkin colors, my purse was comfortably seated on the ottoman next to me, and the head waiter explained the menu offerings to us. Multiple servers are assigned to each table and each person was extremely knowledgeable and polite. I decided upon the 3 course menu and my BF got the 6 course tasting menu. For his extra courses, they brought me out an empty plate and silverware, which I thought was a nice touch because then I could steal some of his food ;-) As a note, the courses listed on the menu don't include a variety of amuse bouches and palate cleansers, nor the extensive bread service they provide. We left the restaurant full to the brim. The food, which has been explained previously so I won't get into details, was amazing. The one dish we thought fell short was the chicken. It wasn't bad, just not anything to call home about. The best parts were the desserts. And yes, I say plural desserts because they just kept coming. We ordered off the menu, then a dessert cart was presented to us, then we got 3 additional off-the-menu dessert bites and a root beer float. It was heavenly. Lastly, when we left, they had our coats waiting (no coat check ticket here!) and our car valeted outside. We also got a personalized menu to take home and a little breakfast pastry wrapped up for the next morning. A few notes - Tru is a formal restaurant and jackets are required for men. Turn off your cell phone - I'm sure if yours rang, everyone would turn and give you a dirty look. Bring your 12 inch voices, its an extremely intimate dining experience. All in all, Tru is a culinary delight topped off by the most dedicated service I have ever experienced in my life. Truly a wonderful evening. I can't wait to go back!
First off, it's a beautiful restaurant with a modern feel. I would change the music though - techno and a little dated. The staff must have been new or still training because there were numerous mishaps and mistakes. At one point, after laying out flatware for our party of 7, another waiter came and took all of the flatware before we used it. Someone made a comment about how this was new and unused silverware, and a waiter explained it was the wrong type. Perhaps this is true, but we never would have known the difference except they made it so obvious by removing it and re-setting it (and 4 of us got the same silverware again...). Positives: The first course included a crab selection that was fantastic. Another course was monkfish - juicy, flavorful, great. The beef entree was tender, aromatic & perfect. The chocolate truffle was a delicious surprise. Negatives: too many truffles!! if I was a fan, this would've made me happy. Sadly I am not. I was also disappointed with the foie gras. I really love dining in style, but with such high prices I expect that the service and every single dish is going to be top notch. There were some big hits but too many misses.
(3)
Vincent C.
First, I'd like to apologize because I don't remember much about the decor of Tru's dining room. It was modern and the ceilings were high, but that's all I got. I hope this doesn't negatively affect your decision to eat here. Second, I am completely neutral about the service. They were well-synchronized and impeccable, but isn't that to be expected? Don't worry, you'll be taken care of. But in all seriousness, it's abundantly apparent why Tru is considered a standard-bearer for Chicago. What you will dine on is deliciously well-executed, new French cuisine. I'm sure the menu has completely turned over since my dinner here in February, but I'm sure all the delightful surprises are still there. My only critique is that after my meal I felt like I've been to Tru before. There was nothing to truly elevate itself from other fantastic Michelin-starred fine dining restaurants.
(4)
Laura K.
My husband and I decided to make reservations at Tru to use our Let Us Entertain You points for a nice fine dining experience. The food was great and the service was EXCELLENT. The decor is modern and sleek, however the scene is a bit older though thankfully not super stuffy (except for the terrible couple a few tables away from us who complained loudly about EVERYTHING attempting to ruin the experience for everyone around them.) We chose to go with the 6 course meal and added the cheese course and wine pairing. I was really impressed with the pairing - some excellent wines! The food was very good though not overly imaginative. I enjoyed every course though there wasn't a clear stand out. I recommend adding the cheese course for any cheese lover out there like me. They bring out a cart of cheese and let you pick out as much as you want to sample. They do the same thing for dessert which is kind of fun. I would recommend this place if you are looking for a nice, romantic meal and won't have sticker shock with $500+ dinner bill.
(4)
Sunny J.
Amazing dining experience. Every moment of the evening, for the four hours I was there, was as coordinated as carefully as a theatre experience. We had two waiters and they actually poured the water in concerto. There were live fish swimming in the outer bowl of my soup... sanitary, creative, and awesome! The chocolate course was to die for. And then they sent me home with a delicous cinnamon breakfast cake for the morning and a printed copy of the twelve course menu I had just enjoyed... In other words, sheer perfection.
(5)
Alik W.
This review is from stopping by their lounge for a single glass of wine and two small plates, using up some spare Lettuce gift certificates. The small plates (I had the sturgeon "caviar" balls and a slice of foie gras) are, indeed, small. However, they are top-notch in terms of taste and presentation, and you'll want to eat them slowly to really capture all the different textures and flavors. This is definitely modern French; there's a strong note of molecular gastronomy here. The reason this gets five stars is not on the value for money; the lounge prices are almost affordable, but the portions are small enough that they're still insanely expensive. It's four stars on value. However, the service was impeccable, even when it was blatantly clear to my waiter that I was not a high-end customer in any sense. Two nibbles and a glass of wine were accompanied by an amuse-bouche (a series of interesting stacked purees/foams), nicely executed breads, an after-dinner truffle (one of the better and more interesting bits of the evening), and a delightful little lemon-almond cake from the coat stand. By volume, I received more complimentary accompaniments than I actually purchased. Any or all could've been omitted and I probably wouldn't know, but including them and providing the attention I'd get with the $100 prix-fixe was a generous touch. If I ever win the Powerball or otherwise get able to afford an actual meal here, I'd be back.
(5)
Ramya P.
Luxurious n Blissful... the best way to celebrate a special occasion!! Writing this review after experiencing one of the best meals of my life. I made reservations here to celebrate my husband's new gig. Called them to inform that we both were vegetarians and they said there would be no problem accommodating us. Everything from moment we entered the restaurant till we got back into our car made us feel like we were royalty. The personalized menus we were handed are such a classy touch. I was initially intimidated and overwhelmed by the ambiance, the number of servers and the orchestrated service but a meal typically takes 2.5 to 3 hours and we warmed up to all of it after a lil' while. The decor is very modern and elegant. Dress up and feel fly... trust me you will want to feel like a million bucks for this experience. There is no way I can put into words the sensations and joy I felt tasting the food. I am just glad that I had my husband with me while experiencing such pleasure, because I honestly believe that your happiness increases when you share it with someone you love. Does cabbage puree sound appetizing to you?? Oh, but it was!! It was one of the highlights of the evening. I'm a home-cook who loves earthy flavors and to me, molecular gastronomy sounds like lab science but now, I want me a bowlful of amorphous pistachio puree and dehydrated carrots. Our servers not just explained us the dish that were presented to us, but knew in depth how the food was cooked. This made the meal even more exciting. A lonesome Michelin star feels like an injustice! Choose to celebrate your next special occasion at Tru for the most unique experience that will transform your meal into an endorphin-fueled food coma while your minds will be blown by the incredible hospitality.
(5)
Robert F.
We went to Tru to celebrate two birthdays and had a very nice experience. The atmosphere is beautiful, not too stuffy and the art collection is one of the best I have ever seen in a restaurant. We started with the caviar, which I highly recommend. For dinner we had the tasting menu with wine parings, all which were wonderful. We did have one incident with the restaurant, of which most people would have given 1 star, however the chef, manager and staff were all very professional and handled the situation appropriately- so much so that I give this restaurant four stars and would recommend it again. Chicago has a lot of fabulous restaurants, and the fact that Tru has remained over the years is a testament to the quality of food, service and experience. I do warn you, it is expensive. Be prepared to spend!
(4)
Foram B.
This is a late post, but my husband and I dined here last September to celebrate our one year anniversary and his birthday while we were back in Chicago. We were trying to go to Alinea, but with being limited on only dining during the weekend, I can't justify dropping $1k+ on a dinner for two. Instead, we opted for Tru as they have a similar approach but are more attainable. To sum it up..food, service, ambiance, presentation were all spot on! Amazing experience and worth a fine dining night out.
(5)
J B.
So maybe I am a jaded diner, or this was just a poor start to a 2500$ fine dinning weekend, but I was very disappointed in tru...Over the course of 4 days I went to TRU, Alinea, and a lesser known fine dinning establishment called Ambria(which I have since found out is closed : ( , all in Chicago... with TRU being our Thursday night destination, I wasn't surprised to be the first one there, as I always make the earliest reservation when I know I am going to be multi-coursing it... I must say the service was great, yet a bit mechanical...servers may have been friendly, but I am not sure they were aloud to be...The food great(but not to memorable), the kitchen AWESOME, the cheese cart incredible, and the truffle cart, and candy carts at the end was over the top.... My complaint and reason for 4 stars(which i raised from 3 in the middle of writing this)....None of the food was hot(or cold), food that was supposed to be hot was served on cold dishes(like out of the refrigerator cold). Proper Temperature of food and plates is essential for a great meal... Next time in Chicago, eh I probably wont go back as there are other places that I NEED to try (Moto, where even at 2 months out I couldn't get a reso, Everest wasn't open on Sunday when I wanted to go, and then I would want to return to defiantly alinea and ambria!)
(4)
Rich W.
Chef Martin is somewhat of a wunderkind - heading the prestigious Tru kitchen at age 29. I was eager to check out his cooking right before the Michelin release. The amuse bouche was granulated cucumber salad with mussels veloute. The bright-flavored cucumber salad and the umami-abound veloute made an interesting and refreshing start. There were four choices of bread. The cheese crackers and the brioche, the only two that were made in-house - were decent. The other two were made by Red Hen. I actually like Red Hen's French baguette. But Tru's two selections were odd. The white bread had an awkward crust that didn't amount to a real crust and made the bread appear stale. The pumpernickel fared better, but was also a bit stale to my taste. I think Tru should just develop its own bread program. The butter that accompanied the bread was from an unnamed brand from Vermont. It was good, but nothing spectacular. I had the 6-course tasting with an extra cheese course. The first course was sturgeon caviar. Despite the name, it was actually white sturgeon shaped into the droplets and put in a caviar can - on a bed of avocado puree - complete with the pearl spoon. The dish tasted fine, but it was a bit one-note. Beyond the playful concept, there was no nuance in the flavor-profile. I wish it was a real caviar course. The second dish was chilled kohlrabi soup. It was contained in a hallowed kohlrabi - cool presentation. The soup itself was drizzled with curry oil on top. The combination worked, but it was a touch too salty. And frankly the concept of "curry" oil - admittedly a fad in contemporary French cooking nowadays - is funny to people who know a thing or two about spices. But moving on. The third was a pork-belly dish. The pork belly was rolled and cut into a medallion, topped with crisped bacon and shaved truffles. This was fantastic. The pork belly was executed perfectly, and the truffles complemented well with the richness. The accompanying dumpling was also very good. Although this course was oddly placed in the tasting, it was my favorite dish of the night. Fourth course was tilefish. The skin was left on and created a perfect crust. The fish itself was perfectly cooked but under-seasoned. The pickled daikon and the brown butter emulsion helped a bit but ultimately the dish shined on textures but tasted bland. The last savory course was chicken with foie gras rolled into a disc. The presentation was beautiful. It tasted fine but again lacked any nuance beyond salt. Next was the cheese course. I picked one cow, one sheep, and one goat, from creamy to sharp. It was good and fun to pick things out of a cheese cart. But ultimately none of the selections were very memorable or interesting. The palate cleanser was cucumber emulsion. This brought us back to the cucumber amuse bouche - which added some structure to the meal. The emulsion was way too acidic to be pleasant, but it did the job of cleansing my palate. The dessert course was figs, cassis on honey-flavored cream and ice cream. This was a simple dessert that worked on all levels - great produce, great execution, and great combination of flavors and textures. Mignardises came on a trolley. I had one of each. Canele was textbook (rivaled that of L2O). Pomegranate gelee and the chocolate truffle were also excellent. The only item that was sub-par was the macaron, which didn't have the proper airy meringue shell. The take-home snack (fruit-jam muffin) made perfect breakfast the next day. The sommelier recommended the most expensive glass of wine without mentioning the price. I only realized this when I read the bill. I found that to be slightly presumptuous. But the Pommard Noizons Domaine Berthelemot 2007 was excellent - fruit-forward yet complex with hints of spice. It went well with my entire meal. I also had their Intelligentsia proprietary blend coffee - also excellent. The space had vaulted ceiling, clean-line but plush furniture, crisp-white linen, with colorful and provocative arts on the wall. I felt I was in a contemporary art museum. It was a stunning dining room fit for special occasions. Service was professional and the pace of the dinner perfect. They still did synchronized presentation, which I found robotic. I appreciated the effort though. After the meal we met Chef Martin - very friendly and personable. The valet warmed my car for me, which was a nice touch. I did think the waitstaff was too austere and humorless. To get to the next level of service, they need to train the waitstaff to be more than just servers. I was happy with this experience. The execution was good, and the presentation was like artwork. But overall the meal lacked any "wow" moments. My dining companion put it well - everything just tasted "muted." Tru has the fine-dining format down to a tee, but to be a destination you need more. There's still room to grow. But for now, I'd say it is proper Michelin 1-star cooking.
It has been years since I ate here. Beautiful presentation of food. Some of it was a bit much, such as a seafood dish placed on top of a fish bowl with little fishies swimming in it. Some dishes were delicious, but most were ok and some very bland. The bill was close to $500 for two; too expensive for what it offers.
(3)
Jenny L.
mm 3.5 starts. perhaps my expectations were too high. creative presentation. overall, fun experience. the waiters and waitresses were very attentive. At one point, my brother tried to take off his jacket because it was too hot, and one of the staff came over to tell him no no. I looked around and there was a guy wearing a leather jumper. I guess that's still considered a jacket. the fam still laughs about it.
(3)
Erick N.
Dining at Tru is luxurious experience where you pampered from start to finish. We were pleasantly surprised with the ambiance when we arrived; we had expected an old fashioned vibe but Tru manages to fuse classic and modern decor in a manner that works. The symbol of an open box on the menu, charger and elsewhere in the restaurant symbolizes that they will strive to keep taking care of you - and this was definitely case between the ultra attentive service to the never ending extra treats they bring to your table. Tru has a large open main dining room (where we dined) and two smaller rooms that are available for private functions. Our primary waiter thoroughly explained the menu. There is an a la carte option (choice of one of seven appetizers, seven entrees, and cheese cart service or dessert for $98 per/person), two tasting menus (Grand with six courses and Chef's Collection with nine for $110 and $145 respectively) and a menu of Luxury courses you can add to either the a la carte or tasting menus (i.e. Australian Wagyu, Perigord balck truffle shavings, a menu of caviars etc.). The Grand tasting menu is about the same quantity of food as the a la carte option, but you receive double the variety (six versus three courses). Entire table participation is suggested for the tasting menus, but not required. There was no pressure or hard sale to purchase the more expensive options or extras, but simply the information was presented. There also is a vast wine menu with a handful of wines by the glass, handful of cocktails and a plethora wines by the bottle. We opted for a relatively inexpensive bottle of bubbly (there are several bottles of wine priced from $45 to $60 and tons of high end wines for the connoisseur). As a nice touch they offer sparkling water in lieu of still for no extra cost. As there were a couple items on the tasting menus that we did not find appealing, and some of the a la carte options were singing to us went a la carte. I almost chose the Skate for my starter but at the last second selected the Pumpkin Gnocchi in a veal sauce with truffle oil. This dish looked, smelled and tasted phenomenal. For my entree I went the Wild Scottish Hare with Flavors of Winter; I had never eaten hare before so thought I would try something new. While the dish again looked beautiful I found the hare a tad too rich; not at all a fault of the chef, but I learned that hare is not my favorite animal. My wife ordered the prime beef ribeye wish I tasted and was an superb cut of meat and expertly prepared. For dessert we had seen the elegant cheese cart rolled about the restaurant and it had caught our fancy and we both opted for a cheese course. There is wide variety of French cheeses, goat, cow and sheep. The server spends a good deal of time carefully explaining each of the cheeses and you are permitted to each choose three; there are also some fruits, honey and bread to accompany the cheese. All six cheeses we chose were great. I decided to also order one of the desserts (Pumpkin Patch) in addition and am glad I did. The presentation was so beautiful I did not want to eat it at first; there were miniature pumpkins made out of mousse that looked so real; there also was a bruleed layer connecting the pumpkins and homemade chocolate twizzles. Tru is a fine dining experience and as such portions are on the small side, but there are so many complimentary extra treats you receive that you leave very satisfied. Prior to the appetizer we received two amuse bouches, one of which was very fun and memorable. We were informed that the chef wanted us to have some snow since it had been a mild winter and they put a bowl of liquid on front of you and pour a liquid into it and voila, it turns into snow! They then put a glass top over the snow and place a snowman made out of mousse on top. Then there is bread service (four different homemade breads and they will offer you seconds and thirds). After dessert they bring you a cart with several different small treats (i.e. homemade marshmallows, chocolate truffles, apple gummy candy etc.) and encourage you to pick as many as you want. Then they bring you an outstanding delicate piece of chocolate with the bill filled with liquid and on the way out hand you a homemade muffin to take home for breakfast. Service at Tru is also high end; you really feel pampered. Teams of servers present your food in unison. You are escorted to the bathroom. They want to make sure any allergies or personal preferences you have are accommodated. The pace of the meal is relaxed but not slow. While the servers are not quite as personable as those at Alinea, they are otherwise as polished as they come. Many people thought that Tru would be the recipient of a second star from Michelin and after my dinner there tonight I have to put myself in this camp. My wife and I both agreed that this was one of the best overall dining experiences we have and are certain to return.
(5)
Dotty K.
Save your money and spend it on Arun's Thai. The food at Tru is boring, no flavors, cold and they make you pay through the nose. The decor and ambiance is boring as well, does not look classy / upscale, infact it is looks depressing. We went with the 12-course meal with wine pairing. Most of their dishes were ice cold, one of the appetizers was ice-creme. I like my food to be warm and flavorful. Both my needs were not met. The wine pairing was extremely poor. Sweet wine paired with sweet appetizers...sugar rush in the head. My head is still spinning after 2 days. The food was not appetizing at all...I paid $159 (food) + $125 (wine pairing) per person and got to eat crap like cold beet and cold melon balls. I would have given this restaurant a -5 star rating if possible. Not recommended, waste of money, over-hyped and so not worth it.
(1)
Paul M.
Made our 9th anniversary absolutely amazing. We had the semi-private dining table on the second floor overlooking the lounge. It was perfect. They even customized the menus with our names on it and came out with a very nice congratulations desert. Everything about the service, meal and orchestration of the experience was great. We dined directly under a great Vik Muniz art piece. We started with the sturgeon caviar on coral demonstration, it was incredible. Then we proceeded to arctic char and beet salad, which exploded in your mouth and was delicious. From there, we went with the salmon and wagyu beef braised for 72 hours. The desert tower put us over the top. The presentation was perfect the the flavors and tastes were out of this world. Appreciate the attentive, personal and fun wait team we had -- they weren't too stuffy and appreciate my wife's humor. Be prepared for an over the top refined experience here at TRU. But that comes with the turf, nothing to be afraid of. And, be prepared to spend. You get what you pay for and you get a lifetime of memories coming to this restaurant. We will not soon forget this evening.
(5)
Joy M.
Amazing food. Fancy and business like environment rather than romantic one.
(5)
Aaron A.
A dining experience like none other. Go for an evening, take a lot of money, and don't sweat any details. Get what you want, be surprised by the service, serving plateware, and the team of waiters you have (who are multi lingual). Rub elbows with Chicago's rich and dine like a king. Savor the food, because there isn't much of it, but after 7-15+ courses, you'll be full, and you won't want to put a chicken wing in your mouth for days - it'd be like defiling sacred ground!
(5)
Ron A.
The presentation, service, and ambience were great. But the food wasn't that great. Very original and inventive, but nothing amazing. I would have expected more for the $200 per head that we dropped. Also, we were running a little late, and asked to push our reservation 15 min late and were told nothing was available. But the place was empty that night with maybe 4 or 5 tables occupied.
(3)
Nancy T.
This place is ridiculously amazing. I honestly don't feel as though I'm going to do this review any bit of justice, so please...do yourself a favor and just go here at some point. Tru is unlike ANY other restaurant I've ever dined at. I've grown up on quite a bit of fine dining, particularly in Beverly Hills...but this place is unbelievable. From start to finish, the whole experience is just amazing - it's like a production! They treat you like superstars! :) You walk in, get greeted, the lady immediately takes your coat and hangs it. Then you walk into a clean, comfy lounge where you can sit with pretty flower candles & a romantic setting. Immediately thereafter, they walk you to your table! At first, my bf and I felt like this place was pretty pretentious. Everyone was completely dressed up. I saw one guy who failed to bring a suit jacket, so they loaned him one before he entered the dining area. The waiters even spoke in a super formal manner, so we felt even more awkward. However, once the meal started to unfold and we realized that all that glamour is really just unexpectedly grand treatment, we grew more comfortable and actually started to really enjoy the pampering :) We both ordered the 6-course grand collection, but I noted that I have some food allergies, so they adjusted accordingly. As a result, even though we were both supposed to get the exact same courses, we actually both got to try even more food because we had different food for practically every course! It was awesome! While I initially thought that each piece of food was rather small and dinky (exact thought in head: "THAT'S IT?!" *insert utter disappointment*), I actually felt full by the end of the meal. They must do a great job of balancing out the nutritional ingredients or something! The bread was great - I especially liked one that tasted exactly like a freshly made croissant. Their beer selection was excellent, as my bf loved what he ordered. I don't even like beer, but I enjoyed the sip that I had too! I asked them to customize a blackberry mint cooler, which was super yummy and to my surprise, concocted very well. My standout dishes were the beet salad with sour apple gelee, the butternut squash soup, the pork belly with grits and the apple beignets with vanilla bean ice cream were two of the standout courses. TI should note that their menu changes seasonally, so you may not be able to order everything that I got - but keep an open mind! The chefs definitely know what they're doing and again, will gladly adjust anything to your taste if you have any allergies. I think what really made the experience even more amazing was just the fact that they throw in quite a bit of "complimentary" items throughout the meal. Now I know they're not REALLY complimentary because this place is so pricey, but still...it gives the illusion that you're getting more than what you paid for, so in essence, it must be a bargain! First, they gave us some airy puffs, stuffed with cheese at the beginning of the meal. In the middle, they gave us some pear mixtures and cucumber dishes to cleanse our palettes. Following our dessert course, they gave us these special exploding truffles with melted vanilla ice cream inside! These were a great party in my mouth! Immediately thereafter, they brought around this cart with a bunch of homemade treats, compliments of the chef. We tried one of each treat and boy, were these good! They had mini lemongrass macaroons, which tasted just like fruit loops - only fancier! Besides the food, I'm still completely in awe of the service. Throughout the night, they always pulled out the table (since I was sitting on a side with a booth), just so I could get out. Their staff escorted me to the bathroom. When I walked past a group of servers, they immediately stepped to the side and fervently apologized! I have never experienced such polite service in my life! They also changed utensils and plates between every single course. The servers definitely coordinate very well with each other and read cues incredibly well because they were always on top of getting us whatever we needed (i.e. swifty cleaning up our food, bringing us a fresh warm napkin with a pair of tongs, following up with the next course, etc.. They even rushed to make sure they pulled out my bf's chair, which was just exceptional to me - they really care about tending to your every need! I thought the night couldn't get any better, but as we were leaving, they gave us a printed out copy of our menu! This was such a romantic gesture and was such a beautiful way to cap off our trip to Chicago! They also gave us a parting gift, which were these homemade shortbread cookies with jam in them...yum! I can't say enough good things about this place. If you're looking for a great anniversary spot or just some great fine dining, check out TRU! Thanks to my amazing bf for taking me here - he spoils me :)
(5)
Kevin T.
Initially I was a little skeptical about Tru, some had told me not to go as it was dated and there are better places, though I persisted. I wasn't disappointed. Service was excellent, some of the best I've had, very attentive, almost over attentive but not quite. Decor seems a bit dated but simple. The Caviar course was amazing and a great way to try different types. Had the Grand tasting, every course was virtually perfect. Flavors were spot on. Everything was cooked perfectly. The pace was quick (which I like). You were never waiting too long before your next course. The wines were paired meticulously as well and really accompanied the meal. We had an amazing dinner and will definitely return. Personally I think they deserve at least 2, if not 3 Michelin stars...
(5)
Marybeth R.
Without a doubt, best meal in years! Simply impeccable. Service wonderful. Attention to detail, superb. I'll visit over and over...special occasions. Not to be missed.
(5)
Sara C.
My husband surprised me for our anniversary one year by taking us to Tru. Tru is 100% amongst the elite restaurants in Chicago, and it has earned its glowing reputation for a reason. The service is impeccable. The staff printed out a special menu for us that said "Happy Anniversary" with our names across the top, which was very thoughtful At one point, my husband and I noticed that two servers were pouring our water in sync. The entire meal was like a dance, and each entree was to die for. I have a huge sweet tooth, and therefore was pleasantly surprised when our server brought out an amuse bouche dessert and allowed us to select anything we wanted from the dessert cart that passed by our table on more than one occasion. We were stuffed before the dessert courses arrived, but we powered through, because after all, we were dining at Tru. I have to admit that I felt torn about dining at Tru upon departure. On one hand, I just experienced one of the top five best meals of my life so far. On the other hand, I felt guilty about how much money we just paid for one meal. I got over the guilt pretty quickly because the experience was just that freaking good.
(5)
Jasmine S.
My husband and I diner here in March as we celebrated our "Second Honeymoon" in Chicago. I dragged my husband out to Chicago with me while I attended a work conference as we decided to make a mini-vacation out of it. His goal for this whole trip was to eat at as many places as we possibly could. We attempted to check out another restaurant in town, but we were unsuccessful. As we continued to look for a fine dinning venue, we stumbled upon Tru, made our reservation, and even mentioned what we were celebrating. Upon presentation to the restaurant, we walked into a dark room they asked my husband if he had a coat (we failed to read their dress code policy and keep in mind, it is strictly enforced...), and when he mentioned he did not, they quickly offered him one. Once we walked into the main dinning area I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with excitement. The tall ceilings, the white walls, plush window dressings, and the artwork all helped to transport me out of the city and into someplace elegant. We ordered the tasting menu and didn't even realize that our dinner took 3 and a half hours. We just enjoyed everything, even the items we don't normally enjoy, such as caviar. The food and the presentation were executed perfectly. My husband and I still comment on the salmon dish inspired by the Pacific Northwest. And the coral caviar...! Outrageously clever. My favorite dish of the night was a faux essence of sturgeon caviar with avocado, smokey and creamy with orgasmic flavors! Something so simple, yet so ---delicious. The servers at Tru are impeccable. The timing and delivery of all our food and wine made me feel as if I were watching a ballet. Every one was in sync, even to the point that when I went to the restroom, my husband watched the servers return to the kitchen with our food so that we would be served at the same time. This should be common sense, but compared to the norm among other restaurants in the US, it's not. And they actually are polite and manners... Ladies are served first and men last, which was very entertaining to see on tables with 3+ people. The conversation wasn't stuffy and even though my husband and I were probably the youngest couple in the whole restaurant, we didn't feel snubbed at all... While our time in Chi-Town was really limited and we were left wanting to savor more of her culinary offerings, we must admit that our dinner here ranks as one of the best, if not the best, we've ever had. Hopefully we'll get to visit again.
(5)
Grennan K.
My boyfriend and I came here for an early dinner. Due to a time crunch we only did the half menu and added on the pork belly entree. The wine pairing was amazing and the service as expected was very professional. The ambiance of the place is much like a museum quiet and grand. This is definitely not a first date place (says the bf.) would I come back? Hum.... Maybe not.
(4)
Daniel W.
I took my wife here for her birthday. The food was great. We were deciding between the tasting menu and the extended tasting menu. Our 2 favorite dishes ended up being on the extended menu. Definitely worth it!
(5)
Garietta F.
We wanted a "dinner experience" and a dinner experience was gotten... First off, the service was outstanding.From the time we were greeted at the door until the time the restaurant manager walked us to our cab and yelled at the cabbie who nearly ran down my friend, we were treated like queens. The simultaneous serving of dishes did get a little old after the fifth or sixth course. But I was happy to have each and every dish explained to us. Highlights of the meal in order of deliciousness: 9th course - foie gras royal and blonde morel - blew me away; so rich and meaty, enjoyed the flavor, utterly transcendental 7th course - long carrot soup, glacial orange cardamom - this was a fav around the table, I would of licked my bowl if my friend didn't look like she was about to slap me 2nd course - day boat scallop with hon shimeji - complex dish, flavors literally danced over my tongue 10th course - duroc pork belly, compressed black plum and onion - left me speechless 12th course - wagyu beef done two ways - awesome, just the right amount of food Middle of the road courses. I could either take them or leave them. Yummy, but nothing special: 1st course - beet ossetra caviar, chervil - love beets, not a big fan of cavier, but it was a great way to begin the meal 3rd course - ancho cured duck on down, tangerine, sour cherry - I remember liking it, but i don't remember being blown away by it. The Swing and a Miss courses for me: scottish salmon and shitake braised with yadda yadda yadda - I am not a fan of salmon peeky toe crab with lemon vanilla gelee - good flavors but it was too freaking cold. Hurt to eat it. Total fail course: light sunchoke, sorrel, and arctic char roe - Nasty. no one at the table had more than a couple of bites. The cheese and dessert courses were okay. We skipped the wine pairing (which ended up being a very good choice) and proceeded to drink a couple of bottles of "reasonably "wine between the three of us. I said "reasonably" because everything is relative. The cost of the wine was 3 times retail per bottle. Thank god it was delicious and complimented our meal well. I got out under what I budgeted for the night, but my wallet definitely took a hit. However, the experience I shared with my friends was incredible and we will remember it for a long time. Definitely worth it!
(5)
Brad S.
My wife and I went here for a special occasion (40th bday). I have to say I felt like royalty while there. We were greeted the minute we walked in the door and felt very welcome there. The food was fantastic. We went for the full Tru Experience and loved every minute of it. The only complaints I have is at times it was hard to understand the person who brought us our food so I would at times have to ask for it to be repeated by someone else. Great experience and very happy to have done it.
(5)
Sven G.
Ate here last year but had to review it. This is the most memorable meal I have ever had (and I eat out way too much). The food was amazing. The service was impeccable. We did the chefs tasting menu and they gave us a personalized menu at the end to take with us that listed all the dishes. We also had a vegetarian with us and her dishes looked better and according to her, were better that the non veg dishes. I will return every chance I get!
(5)
Nicole L.
Food is 3 stars- I thought their presentation was interesting, but I've had similar dishes at other institutions that were better executed. I felt the course of the meal did not move towards a climax, but all remained rather underwhelming without much diversity of flavor and ingredients. One of the dishes was a baked chicken dish, which I felt was too homey and uninteresting for the price I was paying. However, 5+ stars of service!! I have NEVER had such amazing service at a restaurant in MY LIFE. Upon arrival, we were told to wait in a separate room, where they provided us with a number of house-made finger foods, such as spiced olives and other treats I forgot. When we were seated, they actually asked me what COLOR napkin I wanted, and gave me a plush ottoman specifically for my bag (!?!). The staff was completely attentive, refreshing everything from their 5 types of bread to water throughout the meal so you didn't have to ask for anything. Given our late reservations, we stayed at the restaurant past closing time and nobody rushed us or made us feel uncomfortable. Really, really thoughtful and topnotch service.
(4)
T D.
This was my first time in Chicago, and Tru definitely made this visit 10x better. I honestly have to say it was the best dining experience I've ever had. We had the 6 course menu. Our reservation was at 6PM on a Friday which is when they just open. We had the place to ourselves for a good 20-30 minutes. It was awesome! The atmosphere at Tru was very elegant yet not at all pretentious. The staff was very helpful and out of this world. They had me at "White or Black napkin". Men can't understand this, but for women if you are wearing a black dress and handed a white napkin, consider your dress ruined for the night. I brought this up to explain how meticulous the staff is when it comes to your personal preference. After we ordered our food, they asked if we had any allergies or diet restrictions so they can make the appropriate accommodations. I am usually a stickler for time, but not once did I feel like I was waiting for my food. The flow of the courses was excellent. Bread was always available. Between our dishes, we had some special offerings from the chefs. The food was excellent. We thoroughly enjoyed every dish. At one point, I was cold so I put my coat over my shoulders. A staff member came by the table and asked if I would like a pashmina. I declined because I had my coat, but what a nice gesture! As we were getting ready to leave, the hostesses already had our coats in their hands. They also gave us some parting gifts. My favorite was the menu of our meal with my name on it. Tru certainly puts very detail to consideration when it comes to the comfort of their guests. I am focusing a lot of the service, but don't let that eclipse the quality of their food. They really put a lot of thought into crafting the perfect menu for each guest. I can't compliment this restaurant enough. It was very expensive but worth every penny. I look forward to returning to Chicago and Tru.
(5)
Kent D.
At the end of May, I was heading out to Chicago for a business trip. Of course, my first intention was to nab a ressie at Alinea, but to no avail! What to do? I was meeting up with a good friend, who was also inviting a few guests. So, I wanted some place that would wow me, some place celebratory and memorable! Next on my checklist, was Tru. In addition to Alinea and Frontera, this was a restaurant I've been wanting to try when, and if I was ever in the Chicago area. It was around 8pm Friday night, and my friend arrived at the same time with his guest and her friend. Just a little FYI, this restaurant was very well hidden. I had to circle the area a few times before i finally found it. Upon stepping into the restaurant, we were kindly greeted by the staff and escorted into the waiting area, where we had a few glasses of wine. Gentlemen, unfortunately, this is another one of those 'jacket required' establishments, so be prepared! After about 15 minutes, we were taken to our seats. The dining room was very large and spacious. The atmosphere, although simple and modern, was quite refined and stately. Hanging artwork and sculpture could be seen displayed throughout the restaurant, as well, which gave it an almost "contemporary gallery" type feel. As we glanced through our menus, we all agreed to go with the prix fixe menu with choices of entrees, and i must say, the presentation was spectacular. Each plate that came out was literally like artwork! The plating was both delicate and delectable. With that said, the service was also flawless! The staff handled our table from start to finish with the utmost perfection. In fact,we marveled over the virtually effortless changing of plates and utensils between each individual course. These people were very well trained and skilled in their craft. As soon as our table cloth became slightly soiled, a clean napkin cloth was conveniently placed over the soiled spot. The ladies were escorted to the restroom and seats were pulled out as soon as they returned. As we left, we were cordially given a fond farewell by the staff and given charming little financiers for our trip home. Nice touch! Overall, service was definitely 5 star! I can't say i've had better service anywhere else! Unfortunately, I'd have to say food was more like 3-4. The food was executed beautifully, but for me, with the exception of the deliciously smooth and flavorful beef tartare, there wasn't anything particularly memorable that made the meal spectacular. I would say, if you're searching for a quiet romantic setting that will wow your date with service and ambiance, then this is your place. But, if you're looking for a mind-blowing meal, this may not necessarily fit the bill. Happy Eats!
(4)
Eric F.
Came here after our reservations at another restaurant got screwed up. We were delighted to see that there was plenty of availability here. Unfortunately, we now know what that is the case.... We were among probably 6 tables there out of 20. Throughout the night the place remained empty.....we wondered why but not for long as the food soon came.... It just seemed like there was an overemphasis placed on the presentation and plating of the dishes than the actual flavors. I've honestly had better meals at mcdonalds at 100X cheaper price. Some of the items tasted like they belong in campbells soup The place is simply way overpriced for the flavors you get and expect from a tasting menu. (I can get 10 varieties of campbells soup for 10 dollars) The atmosphere was grand and the service was excellent but the flavors simply do not warrant the price. Will never go back.
(2)
Anne Marie J.
AMAZING service. I would give them 10 stars and hug each of the waitstaff if I could. As upscale as this place is, there was not one hint of pretension. We were prepared to have knowledgeable but stiff servers and were so surprised when we were greeted with warm smiles and friendly banter (that we started). The cheese man, the truffle lady, the bread server, and everyone in between catered to our every need, even my hubbie's requests to eat something twice since it was so delicious. Food: We liked it. We weren't awed, we felt like we had tasted similar flavors at other restaurants. We thought they tried to present the food differently by plating it on interesting servers but that was it as far as it went for unique qualities. I would highly recommend the homemade truffles and chocolates - it was the best part of the meal. And the dessert wines and ports - excellent selection.
(5)
Polly S.
"Tru blue baby I love you!" This is not the type of restaurant where a song like this should be in your head but yet, there it was. This joint is classy, like eating a meal in the Museum of Contemporary Art. My boyfriend brought me here for my birthday (bless his heart and yes, I feel for his wallet) so I would definitely say this is a special occasion restaurant. But perhaps that only applies to a girl like me - who has a Louis Vuitton wallet but keeps coupons for 50 cents off dishwasher detergent in it. Here's a list of who I think you might see while dining at Tru: -the CEO of Citadel -Oprah -Mayor Daley -Michael Jordan Tru is an culinary experience. We were greeted immediately at the door and seated. I appreciated the fact that there was a place to set my purse next to my seat on an elevated platform. All high end places should adopt this model. Like having hooks on the underside of a bar. We had the Chef's Collection (9 courses) and they were able to oblige my Pescatarian diet. So while my boyfriend had the usual menu, they were able to accommodate my no meat, but okay with fish restriction. Every course was well presented and tasty. The pacific halibut course was a little over the top with it's sea conch and fishnet adornments. My favorite was when they wheeled over the cart of cow, goat, and sheep milk cheese. Fantastic! We spent over 3 hours at Tru so again, I elaborate on this being a culinary experience. Will I return on another special occasion? Let's see, pretty interior? Check. Great service? Check. Interesting, tasty food? Check. Yet, I'm still not so sure given that I felt like a sheep dressed in wolf's clothing.
(4)
Karen N.
I probably will never come back unless I hit the multi state jackpot. If you ever have $1000 to spurgle on a special occasion, go with the nine course tasting, wine pairing and cavier staircase. That's what we did. Boy, did the four hours fly by! We enjoyed the service, talking to the sommelier, the courses, the presentation, the cavier staircase. Everything! I truly don't have words to describe the experience!
(4)
Michael U.
Getting out of Trotter's a bit later than expected I said goodbye to my pal and hopped into the waiting car on Armitage. I quickly flipped open my cellphone and placed a call...we were going to be late. "Not a problem" said the voice on the other end, "we'll see you soon." ...and what did you do after the grand tasting and an extra dessert at Charlie Trotter's, sir? I went to TRU with the 3 most important people in my life for the dessert tasting menu - that is what I did. Arriving at TRU a short man in a suit took our car while another held open the door - "You made it, please have a seat in the lounge while we prepare your table" said the hostess. 5 minutes passed and another man appeared to escort us to our table in the main dining room; chairs were pulled out for the ladies and purse-stools impressed my mother and sister while the synchronized pouring of water caused me to chuckle. Napkins - white or black, your choice - were handed out with tongs - menus too were passed out in-synch. Call it contrived, call it unnecessary - I call it an unsurpassed and impressive level of service...especially since this level continued throughout the entire 2 hour experience. Orders were placed - 4 dessert tastings, 3 coffees - and we were off. See profile site for full review with formatted pics.
(5)
Alex D.
I came to Chicago on vacation to watch my Hurricanes take on ND. That was a forgettable event. But this dinner wasn't. Simply spectacular. I had the 6 course tasting menu and each and every bite was other-worldly. I won't even attempt to describe what I ate, as it would do a disservice to my taste buds. The amuse bouche and mignardises were equally phenomenal. The presentation was something you see on "Iron Chef." Innovative and visually stunning. And the service matched the food. The only similar experience I've enjoyed is The French Laundry, but considering the price point ($110 for 6 course, as opposed to $270 at TFL), Tru compares very favorably to TFL. I would strongly, strongly suggest that anyone interested in a fine dining experience in Chicago experience this restaurant.
(5)
ChiTown M.
Restaurant perfection. Impeccable service. Not pretentious. In fact, friendly. Beautifully choreographed. Outstanding cuisine. Every bite was memorable. Luxurious interior. Tasteful fine art. Comfortable seating. Soft banquette. Peaceful atmosphere. Just the right noise level and lighting. Big fan of Gale Gand's sweet treats. She's a sugar goddess. We had the prix fixe tasting menu with about a zillion courses. Excellent sommelier. She was brilliant. Cheese course was sublime. Great for a special occasion. Highly recommend.
(5)
William L.
Divine. Sublime. Superb. I didn't know exactly what to expect about TRU, I had never been to a world class restaurant like this so I was worried my tastes weren't refined enough to appreciate the cuisine. I was wrong. Everything was outstanding, but the highlights for me were the sweet potato soup (sweet, rich, lots of distinct flavors), the grilled foie gras that accompanied my ribeye, and the peppermint indulgence dessert (just get it). Service was stellar; very professional and calculated without being stuffy. Bar none, the best dining experience of my life.
(5)
Kevin B.
Great food and great service. We did the smaller tasting menu with wine pairing. Added the cheese course because we could not resist. Well orchestrated delivery of all dishes. Amazing!!!
(5)
Arthur R.
The most memorable aspect of my experience here was, by far, the fact that the emperor's new clothes could use some mothballs. Our party asked to see the cheese cart, and it arrived with its own party. I'm pretty laid back about things like that--bugs invariably get inside restaurants--but the cart was plagued by multiple, swarming fruit flies. On the plus side, it was pretty entertaining to watch our embarassed server try to keep up the place's classier-than-thou facade while literally swatting at flies throughout the entire presentation of the cheeses. As to the food, I guess I'm just not sophisticated enough to "get it." I enjoy fine food and can even stomach the oft-accompanying pretension of, e.g., Spiaggia or Gary Danko, but that's because the food at those places is excellent. Well thought out and coherent. There were a few good courses here, admittedly, but to my unrefined palate most were just beautifully plated jumbles of ingredients that seemed to have been selected more for their colors than for their flavors. All in all, it was a very unique experience, but I could care less for it. Indeed, Tru nicely demonstrates the fact that--just because excellent things are necessarily exceptional--exceptional things are not necessarily excellent.
(2)
Sahar M.
They make you feel special. Go there when you have a special occasion. Great experience.
(5)
Lee O.
A treat by every definition of the word, and should be treated as such. Frequent visits would burn a cavernous hole in the wallet, the pants carrying the wallet, and those silk boxer shorts you wear when eating at fancy restaurants.
(4)
Megan F.
We went there without reservation. They took us in without problem. It was interesting. Food quality was pretty good. It works well with wine selection. Considering the cost of dinner, I am not sure it was good value. I guess it was a good place to go if you are not the one to pay for the dinner.
(4)
Partha A.
It is less about the food and more about the experience of being pampered and coddled in the warmth of their hospitality. I had reservations for my birthday but as air traffic control would have it, did not make it. I rescheduled it to the next evening without any trouble. the lady who handled the reservations was very understanding. The moment we reached our table, we set off a series of events. Table was moved to let us in. Servers quickly brought cutlery to the table. Two servers came around and drizzled water into our glasses in unison from two sides like a swan dance. I ordered the saffron cocktail with gin in 5 chinese spice. It was worth the $20. A very strong flavor of saffron carried by the rye and the egg. My partner got a glass of wine which was ok. We started off with a tiny gruyere cheese puff. Right after the cocktails were served, things started to trickle in. The best - - Long carrot soup with orange - only a mild earthy taste of carrot. Rest of it was awesome citrusy flavor. - Day boat scallops - simple yet elegant. You can feel the ginger, lemon and sugar - each hitting separately and yet in such coordinated manner. - Asparagus - loked like it was poached. Subtle truffle flavors. - Beef in two forms - liked the strip more. The shortrib was good too. The potato wasabi puree was out of the world. - Cheese plate - they would bring out a cheese cart and you get to choose 3 cheeses for $20. Choose well. All were great. - Salmon - the broth was simply gorgeous - silky with light ginger, lemon flavors. - English peas in frost - the peas when combined with the strawberry on the plate does magic. - Pistachios - light pistachio cakey flakes like dried foam with nasturtium. Light and nice. - Mignardises - How can I forget them. One came out on paper strips with liquid nitrogen spewing fog. It was the best I have had. Light chocolate shell filled with pomegranate and orange probably concoction. Orgasmic. Besides that plenty to choose from - a cake, macaroon, truffle, etc. I chose one of each. Misses - - Sunchoke puree - nothing memorable. Blonde morel - I understand the concept of the flavors - but it was wayy to salty and unidirectional. No parallel flavors. - Maitake crunch - I ended up liking the crunch to a degree and lightness of the dish since it was just around the start of the meal and I was getting warmed up. Crunchy wafer made out of maitake slathered lightly with mushroom mousse (?) and topped with oxalis. - Pork belly - It was flavorless and just salty - quite unidirectional. They handed a financier cake on our way out. That was so thoughtful. So, in my quest of food, I have passed the post of Tru. In all I left a little underwhelmed. Some dishes were indeed unidirectional. Similar meal at Blackbird was more memorable in terms of food. But I might come back for a newer menu someday.
(4)
Dan G.
Call me sloth. After gorging myself at this fantastic restaurant, I don't think I'll be moving much today. As I saw my 10 year anniversary fast approaching, I remembered the incredible food and pampering service of Tru and booked a table to celebrate. I had simply forgotten how much of both we were in for. Decor is artsy and modern. You walk into their lounge and it's like hanging out at the MOMA. There are really cool paintings and sculptures all around. The tables and place settings were really neat too. They even have little "seats" next to the table for ladies purses. The food is delectable. Two sides of our personalized menu featured many appealing and tasty options. Chef's tasting on one side, with a few a la carte indulgences like Kobe beef and foie gras. Prix fixe options on the other side. I consider myself a pretty savvy diner, but I still needed some help in figuring out just what some ingredients were. I started with the langoustine in bouillabaisse and my wife had the heirloom beet and apple salad. Our starters were accompanied by tasty little mousees that were just popping with flavor. Lobster mousee for me and apple, goat cheese and celery for the lady. Don't be shy about sharing. No need to limit yourself to just what's on your plate. Our entrees were the ginger flavored Scottish salmon and the spiced venison with cabbage and pear chutney. The fish was a huge fillet in a kind of Asian preparation that was scrumptious. My venison loin medallion was spice crusted and beautifully bloody. I'm glad that I had the venison, because it was the best thing on our table that night. Next up was the cheese cart featuring a dozen offerings of cow, goat and sheep. We selected a few that appealed to us and made quick work of them. The Cypress Grove Humboldt Fog being the best of our selections. For dessert we opted for the Granny Smith apple and the invigorating peppermint. The apple was a sort of filo dough apple pie with an apple sorbet and port sauce. The peppermint was a dark vahlrona chocolate mousse topped with minty cream. These were both sinful. Just when we thought it could not get any better, we were bombarded by the petit four cart, or what I like to call "How many of those can I have?" Some of these savory little treats included pineapple marshmallows, macaroons, truffles and lollypops. Oh yes, and they also brought over their chocolate explosion and and a caramel cupcake which they personalized for our celebration. I couldn't even get out the door without being handed a to go cake. Truly an amazing meal. Service is spot on and as good as it gets. We were greeted with "Happy Anniversary" the minute we stepped foot inside and they did everything possible to pamper us throughout the evening. We were even presented with an envelope including our keepsake menu. Black or white napkins to match your outfit, which were neatly folded if you left your comfy chair. Servers were dressed in very nice suits and flocked like schools of fish to present dishes to the table with synchronized timing. Everything came out of the kitchen on brass trays and they made quick and polite clearing of dirty dishes and utensils. Everyone was knowledgeable about the entire menu and offered up suggestions and insight to help us along. They really went out of their way to make us feel special, confirming my call to celebrate at their fine restaurant. They even had our car waiting outside for us. I just love being pampered and this was an unrivaled experience in fine dining. Put on your best threads and take someone special here, it's going to be a great evening.
(5)
Angela P.
Wow. That is the best way to start this off. Fred surprised me with a dinner here for my 30th birthday. I first told him I wanted to go here when I used to watch Gale Gand on Food Network back in the day. And he remembered. Awwwwww... The place just looks fabulous even from outside. It was a picturesque setting from the start, with the trees filled with little white lights lining the street and the glorious entryway into the restaurant. Amazing. We were taken to our seats in this open air dining room minimally decorated with EXPENSIVE art and unique plants. Gorgeous. The service is absolutely impeccable. They explain everything to a "t" and serve you simultaneously. I have never felt so special during a meal. But they servers were still light and fun which made it feel so comfortable even though it is a super fine dining restaurant. We, of course, went with the 9 course chef's tasting menu and each had a glass of champagne to toast with (Fred insisted!). The courses were so inventive and so delicious! A few memorable ones were the "caviar" which was a fish that had been cooked in milk, the fish strained out and the remaining infused milk was turned into little pearls that looked like caviar by being dropped into a cold oil solution. This was served on top of a avocado cream which tasted like an amazingly fresh guacamole. The combination of the flavors went so great with the hazelnut crackers served with it...OMG...so so so good!! Another course was foie gras, which was our first time having it, and it was so rich and amazing. The meal ends with a cheese course where you get to pick three cheeses from the cheese cart and is accompanied by honey, compote and breads and crackers. Then you have two dessert courses, but seriously, by that time I was SO stuffed that I could hardly eat them! And to be totally honest, I wasn't that impressed with the desserts. Sorry Gale! I would definitely go back here down the road for another special occasion. Because it is that, a special occasion type of place. The whole meal with the two glasses of champage and tip came out to around $430, but it was SO worth it. And PS...their bread and butters that they keep bringing to you are the best I have ever had! OMG...so good! PPS...they even personalize the menu for each table for whatever occasion you are there for. Mine had the number 30 on it for my 30th and I think a Happy Birthday, too. And they remove the menu from the folder and put it in an envelope so you can take it home with you and do what you want with it. Me...I'm framing that bad boy! =]
(5)
Kathleen C.
I still (after many years) can remember the taste of the octopus here, so I figured I should review it as I'm sure the quality and food have not changed. I think this is one of my very top meals in the city. I had the larger tasting menu when I visited Tru - it was phenomenal. The caviar staircase was so good, I could have eaten 10 of them as my meal instead (or, so I thought before I saw the other courses as they get better throughout the meal). The octopus was so fantastic - I wish I could get it again. It was so thin, it looked like a design on the plate. This dish seemed to have only been seasoned with salt and pepper and it was so.so .good! I hope it's still on the menu! Everything was delicious. We didn't do a full wine pairing, but had the wine director choose appropriate wines as necessary. I liked that we were not pushed to have the most expensive options, but were given true recommendations based upon the food. All of the picks were great. The dessert was out of this world. I have to say, I think Gale Gand is super (I have a cook book of hers) and I've enjoyed both making items from the cookbook and eating her creations at Tru. I especially liked the little take home pastry things (sorry, I don't recall their official name!). Service, as one would expect from this type of restaurant, was perfect. I didn't find it stuffy, but actually quite friendly and warm. The space is beautiful and it's really an enjoyable spot to sit and take in the event that is dinner here. Due to the price, I would consider this a special occasion spot, but it's well worth it. The quality is flawless and this restaurant is definitely worth a visit.
(5)
Kexin Z.
It was my first experience in a Michelin restaurant. I have to say I really love it! We had 7 course menu, although we didn't really understand all the material in every course, they all taste good but nothing surprised. The main courses were less surprise than others, and tasted salty. Desserts were very cute and diverse, we could try a little bit everything. Someone complained food was not enough, but I felt full and not over eat. Every dishes were like art work. However, to be honest, I have tried a lot of restaurants in China, and they can do much better than TRU, both in dish display and cook.
(4)
Amit S.
After I was blown away by RIA the previous night, I was expecting Tru to be up there especially since a couple sitting next to me were saying how good Tru is. I did the chefs tasting menu at both places with the wine pairings. The service was great and the food was really good. I do not think it is worth the price tag, but I did have an overall great dining experience. Had I not gone to RIA the night before I think I would've given this place at least a 4 stars. Doubt that I will go back to Tru
(3)
Vindaloo T.
Simply divine. We had dinner here for a special occasion, and one of our group had extensive dietary restrictions. The staff at Tru was gracious and accommodating to all of our needs. We each had the 5-course Grand tasting, and each course was truly exquisite. The presentation of each course balanced art and whimsy. The halibut in curry broth served in a coconut shell was so tasty that I'm now experimenting with my own version! I've been to Trotter's, Nobu, Daniel, Le Bernardin, Jean Georges, just to name a few on the upper end, but Tru was one of the best experiences yet. We will definitely be back for our next special occasion!
I have a mixed feeling, very complicated mixed feeling toward this place. I am impressed by the service and wait staff, yet disappointed by the cold and uninviting interior decor. Sure, they probably strive for minimalism, but minimalism does not conflict with being warm and inviting. Not to mention you are bound to sit there for at least three hours and to drop more than a few hundred bucks. A warm and fuzzy feeling isn't too much to ask, right?! Food and presentation are substantial, but yet to be exquisite. Good backup plan when you can't get reservation at Alinea or Next ;)
(4)
Winston G.
I've only been to two "fine-dining" restaurants so far in Chicago, Tru being the second (MK was the first). I thought the food and service here were truly exceptional. I ended up here for work-related reasons and was served a four course meal, which included an amuse bouche (not sure what it was), a cream of corn soup, a halibut course, a beef tenderloin course with a caramelized onion tart, a raspberry with baked chocolate mousse, and a dessert platter with macarons and mango flavored marshmallows. I found the cream of corn soup and the halibut to be exceptional, while the beef tenderloin was ordinary. Desserts were also great. I am not too sure of the cost, but I believe the restaurant features prix fixe menus that range from just a regular dinner to a chef's tasting menu. Service and decor were exceptional, and I hope to be back here again for a special occasion.
(5)
Kiera D.
WOW. That is all I have to say. I came here for a celebratory dinner with my parents and The food was spectacular. We started with the oysters which were some of the best I've tasted. Then, we moved on to caviar, which again was superb. We ordered the smaller tasting menu which included an amazing smoked duck dish that still makes my mouth water. I would absolutely recommend this place!
(5)
Scott O.
We ate here about 4 or 5 years ago and the collections were fantastic. The food was well prepared and intriguing, the caviar staircase was the highlight of the meal, and we felt satisified at the end of the meal. Now, they are trying to compete with Alinea and Moto and everything is foamed, dolloped, and the portions are miniscule. I had two courses in my collection that were two of the worst things I've ever eaten in my entire life: Artichoke Consomme with Caramel(!!!) and a lovely piece of sturgeon ruined by being soaked in mushroom tea. My partner and I were starving when we left and have no intention of ever returning there again.
(1)
Rachel S.
So, I had been wanting to come here since before I moved to Chicago (as a child, I watched Gale Gand on Food Network a bit too much) To my utter surprise and pleasure, BF took me here for Valentines Day! When we walked in, I said "I didn't even know that you knew that Tru was a thing!" To which he replied "I didn't!" Yay for happy coincidences. We chose the 9 course tasting, which I believe is worth the price when considering other options. I've heard people leave after the 3 or 6 course menus a bit hungry still. We were NOT hungry in the LEAST after the 9 courses (plus lots of tiny things in between). The food was solid, for sure. I think I've probably had slightly better elements here and there, but this was definitely worth it for the experience and the decadence. One of our dishes came with gold-freakin-leaf as a garnish... The service... here... I'm torn. I appreciate an attentive wait-staff, and the synchronized serving, etc was fun the first couple of times, but it ended up feeling a little contrived and awkward. Also, I felt like every time I tried to rest my elbows on the table between courses, someone came by to scrape crumbs off the table (invisible crumbs, I suppose, I never saw any). Also, after BF spilled something on the table cloth, they spread a napkin over the soiled portion of table cloth, which was kind of weird. I have to say I would have enjoyed my evening much more had the service been dialed back a notch. I hope that management reads their reviews, although they probably don't considering it's Tru. What I will remember the most about this meal was the exploding chocolates at the end. Literally a crisp chocolate shell encasing a flavor-du-jour liquid. Thankfully the waitress counseled us that "exploding" wasn't an exaggeration and they should be eaten in one bite. Our flavor was passion fruit, and although I was feeling extremely full to the point of being uncomfortable, I could have eaten like 100 more of those passion fruit exploding chocolates. So refreshing and delicious. Personally, I think they made passion-fruit ice cubes, then dipped in tempered chocolate, and let the ice slowly melt in the fridge. That's how I would do it, anyway. Also, the financiers they sent us home with were quite delicious, although in my time living in Paris, I never saw a financier bigger than a small bite-size, these mamas were like baseballs. Tasty though. Will we be back? Not sure. Was it an excellent experience worth every one of BF's pennies? You betcher.
(4)
Cristina T.
Let me start this review by saying that I went into my Tru experience being pretty sick with a mild stomach flu. A friend had made a reservation which included a VIP experience-tour of the restaurant, champagne & a tour of the kitchen. Being the foodie freak I am, I waited a week in anticipation to eat at one of the top restaurants in Chicago. Then it hit. Stomach flu-crippling pain and near death sickness. I asked my friend if the restaurant could re-schedule. Nope. If I opted out, I would end up costing my group the price of the entire meal. After taking a 5 hour nap I got up and went to Tru. Upon walking in, one is immediately taken aback by the decor. Simple furniture and white walls showcased the brilliant artwork in this restaurant. Check out the light fixture called "stay" and be sure to check out Warhol's Marilyn. Upon being seated, we received our glass of champagne. We were given a while to think about what we wanted to order and trying to suck it up and be a champ, I ordered the 6 course tasting menu. I wasn't sure if I could stomach it all, but at least Tru offers an excellent selection of in-house made breads. Try the fleur de sel brioche and the pumpernickel. Onto dinner: We started with the sturgeon "caviar", which was smoky and clever, placed atop an avocado mixture. I loved its presentation inside a caviar tin. My favorite course. We moved onto a soup which was artfully presented in a kohlrabi fruit with dry ice. The pork belly was rich and unctuous-my taste buds were happy, but my stomach was not. When we got to the whitefish, I took a few bites and had to hand it to my bf. Now for the low point of my dining experience at Tru-the chicken with foie gras. There was no way I could eat that. Too sick. The waiter asked me a couple times if something was wrong and I kept telling them no. Although it was nice of them to inquire, it honestly made me feel like a jerk for not eating it. Onto dessert: the tasting menu included a quince and marscarpone mini-dessert that was delicious. Then came my favorite part of the meal-the mini-dessert cart. Now I was feeling better. I tried the truffle, homemade egg nog marshmallows, mini-macaron(size of a dime) and a tiny bread pudding. These were all phenomenal. As an ending to a meal we were handed "exploding truffles" that were so beautifully topped with gold leaf. Popped it into my mouth and it literally gushed out peppermint liquid. So cool. We were then given the bill(not cheap, kiddos), and lead into the kitchen for our tour. We got to see everything from the Versace tea set to the bartenders and even meet the chef. Honestly I thought this was the best part of the meal. Upon leaving we were given a little tea cake to eat the next morning with coffee. Cute. Overall, I am not sure this restaurant lives up to the hype it is given around Chicago. Although inventive, there were no stand-out flavors worth remembering. For the price of this meal I would have expected something phenomenal. Also, the fact that I couldn't change my reservation without being charged the price of the entire meal because of extreme sickness kind of turned me off. Once again, this could be completely based on my personal situation that day, but I am not sure I will be back.
(3)
Mike S.
TRU is serving up some of the most playful, original food we've seen anywhere. Not what we were expecting, but we were very pleasantly surprised! I won't spoil the surprise of how each dish is plated, but I will say that the chef is definitely having some fun in the kitchen. The amuse bouche was awesome! We chose from the 3-course pre-fixe menu and added a cheese course between the entree and dessert. The grass-fed beef carpaccio and duck consomme were delicious and perfectly prepared. The only course that I didn't love was the wild scottish hare. It was a beautifully crafted plate and the accompanying vegetables were perfect, but the portion was small and the jus that the server added table-side overwhelmed the dish with smokiness. My wife loved her truffled lobster and it was definitely a larger portion than the hare. The cheese course was better than I expected from previous reviewers' comments. I liked being able to choose from the cheeses right in front of you, as opposed to simply ordering off a menu or having the server choose for you. The server presenting the cheese cart was very knowledgeable and helpful, too. We enjoyed everything we tried, and the cheeses paired well with the provided chutney and honey. Dessert was the highlight of the evening for me. My wife loved her campfire of s'more, but the pumpkin patch blew me away. The different flavors and textures all combined together to make a very unique and wonderful dish. Super creative and fun plating!! The service was perfect. Besides flawless service throughout the meal, we really appreciated how each staff member greeted us on the way in and said "goodnight" or "goodbye" on the way out. A lot of little touches like that add up to a great experience as the night goes on. They had my wife's coat ready for us at the front desk, along with some treats for the next day's breakfast. Plus, the valet already had our car pulled up to the front door! It's also worth noting that the crowd was very mixed age-wise, something you don't tend to see when you visit restaurants at this price point. It was nice to NOT be the youngest person in the room by 20 years, for a change. Very highly recommended!
(5)
Kate D.
I considered taking off a star due to the price tag that goes along with the Tru experience, but ended up with 5. Because it's just that: an experience. And a well-executed one to be sure. Bravo, Chef Martin! The single misstep of the night was the utter lack of a valet. We waited at the curb for several minutes before I finally went in and asked. Might have cost them if it had been -12 outside or sleeting, but I'm in my twenties. I can handle the walk. Throughout the evening, I was delighted by the staff. I didn't encounter a single pretentious person, and instead felt that they enjoyed our enthusiasm and wonder at the whole place. We were the youngest patrons by about 20 years, and everyone else looked bored and like they hated their dining companion. Our lead server, David, made the experience fun, and the sommelier Jen was spot on with her recommendations. From the coordinated water pour to service of courses, the Tru staff is a well-oiled machine. Side note: Tru's art collection includes Adam Fuss's "My Ghost" series. One of my personal favorites. A real treat if you get to see it, as the collection rotates and often copies are displayed over originals. Food: We chose the grand collection. First: comte cheese gougere. Loved the lightness, was a bit iffy on the Ritz cracker flavor. As it was a bonus, I'll go easy on this one. Amuse Bouche: cucumber salad on gelee, bouchot mussel veloute. Fairly insubstantial in comparison to other courses but well-balanced. Second: white sturgeon "caviar", avocado, hazelnut, with herbed crackers. My husband had never tried caviar so Chef Martin's pearled sturgeon was the perfect gateway drug. Husband says:"My favorite course of the whole meal." Success! Third: chilled kohlrabi contained within itself with curry oil. SO COOL. This dish is served in a hollowed out kohlrabi with dry ice, so it comes out bubbling. The complex pyrotechnical presentation paired perfectly with the singular flavor of the kohlrabi. Fourth: duroc pork belly, potato two ways, black truffle. I am not a truffle fan. I think they're overrated. However, I love all things resembling bacon. Maybe I'm trashy. Whatever. The pork belly was flavorful and the starch complimented it well. Yum. Fifth: roasted golden tilefish, banyuls brown butter emulsion, pickled daikon. The tilefish is cooked skin-side down, providing a crisp contrast to the tender fish. Bravo. Probably my favorite of the night. Sixth: jidori chicken, foie gras, wild mushroom, salsify. I wasn't a huge fan of this course. The chicken was a little undercooked for me. Husband liked it. A draw. Seventh: We were given the choice between dessert and the cheese cart. Naturally, I dove for the cheese. I chose four selections and David recommended a couple more. They were served with fruit bread and honey. The sheep's milk cheese came in second, with a simple herbed Mallorca taking the gold medal. So glad I chose cheese (as always). Husband went for dessert. I don't recall what it was but he liked my cheese better. The meal ended with coffee and mignardises. Our car was waiting (valet: redeemed!). We were sent off with a breakfast nibble for the next morning. The Grand Collection, a cosmopolitan, Manhattan, half bottle of wine, and tip came out to $475. Worth it? YEP.
(5)
Alyssa E.
Words cannot describe this meal. It was mind blowing, as each course was served in a different way . One dish had hidden dry ice, creating a vapor from the dish! This meal was definitely worth the high sticker price if you are looking for a fine dining tasting experience. You definitely will not be disappointed!
(5)
Caroline C.
TRUly mediocre. I wish I could have dined here in the days where Rick Tramonto was still at the helm (TRU stands for TRamonto Unlimited, afterall), but alas, our experience here was forgettable. The decor looked dated and tired, without the grand opulence and just falling short of the minimalistic elegance that some higher end restaurants have. Our waiter appeared to have woken from a pre-dinner service nap, stumbling over the obligatory menu overview and appearing quite confused when we asked about selections on the wine list. We ended up getting the 9-course tasting menu and the caviar staircase - the staircase itself was beautiful, but I can honestly say that my palate does not appreciate fine caviar enough to justify the obscene amount of money we dropped on it. Later, we heard our waiter, who had apparently woken up and learned his script after taking our orders, tell another table of 5 that the staircase was meant to be shared by a larger group, and they had a half portion size that was not offered on the menu for half the price. Would that have been nice a tid-bit for my dining companion and I?? Yes!!! As for the tasting itself, there was not a single dish out of the nine that was memorable, and most were generally uninspired. My pork belly was hard as a rock, the veal was on the bland side, and as for a salmon and sorrel dish? Can't we be a little more inventive than that? Isn't a tasting menu supposed to showcase a chef's creativity and skills? The dishes where the chef did flex his creative muscles did not "wow" as expected - the suspended foie gras changed the texture of a creamy, decadent piece of meat to something resembling (and tasting of) canned tuna. All in all, nothing was terrible, but at the same time nothing was amazing. In a city that offers so many world-class dining options, we won't be back to Tru anytime soon.
(3)
William H.
I wasn't able to fit Alinea into my schedule this time in Chicago so I gave up on the search for perfect restaurant. TRU gave me hope! I was there for about 4 hours and eventually closed down the restaurant with the 10 course tasting menu. They did everything perfect, reminiscent of French Laundry perfection. Service was great, down to every little detail. Their wine list is huge, but well worth the effort to read up ahead of time and prepare to know what to order. This is a must try place in Chicago if you are into food!
(5)
Nate P.
Before going into my review for my recent visit (in February 2012) I have to say that I used to have a lot of skepticism about Tru. I first went to the restaurant in 2008 with my family and was frankly unimpressed compared to other comparable restaurants in Chicago. I ranked the likes of Charlie Trotter's, Alinea, Spiaggia, Ria, Next and others all above Tru. Having been back in 2012 for the six-course tasting, I couldn't feel more different about the experience. My first experience at Tru featured rather simple and unimpressive ingredient combinations, lackluster platings and a stale and uninventive menu. The new tasting reflects a much more adventurous, playful, creative and interesting concept entirely. Dishes featured some of the latest techniques pioneered by chefs like Ferran Adria while (largely) eschewing overly gimmicky shows of liquid nitrogen and the like. The amuse was a cute winter scene complete with a snowman - this was the one dish that didn't quite hit the mark as far as flavor goes (somewhat lackluster) and was heavy on the showmanship but enjoyable nonetheless as an amuse. The first course, tru's creme caviar was PHENOMENAL. This was the perfect intersection of modern technique to create the "caviar" while still packing in excellent balance, flavor, and purpose. The creamy avacado paired perfectly with the rich but mellow caviar and crackers. I wish I could buy this. The next course, a hazelnut soup with foie gras was also excellent. The emphasis was moreso on the nutty flavor than foie which I was thankful for. I had an overly rich foie soup in San Fran last year that I couldn't finish. This dish on the otherhand was well balanced and great for the cold weather. The next dish was an excellent pork belly dish with potato (and truffle I believe). Not as memorable as some but I recall enjoying it very much. Up next was my least favorite dish - a white fish (halibut or seabass I think) served with the skin. The smoky flavor was overpowering for me and as I'm not a huge fan of eating fish with the skin on, the texture was too much. Following the fish was a saving grace: squab. This was my favorite dish on the menu and one I can still remember. It reminded me of a squab dish I had at alinea back in 2010 and made the trip back to Tru worth the effort, price, and risk. Not much to say on the cheese course as it varies by what you choose but Tru has one of the best cheese carts in the city. I'm not as much of a sweet tooth so while the dessert and candies were excellent, they didn't make the meal (granted they didn't fail either - excellent balance, flavor, composition and presentation). Overall well worth a re-examination if you haven't been in a while and ABSOLUTELY a must if you've never been.
(5)
A. B.
It was good but not earth shattering. Great service and presentation though. Really good for those who are interested in trying caviar. They were also helpful when I feel in love with caviar at recommending where I can find it in a pinch (Whole foods, who knew?!)
(4)
Stephen S.
The presentation: Inspirational. The service: Attentive and pampering yet oppressive and stifling. The ambiance: stark. The food presentation: A beautiful work of art. The staff's knowledge: PhD. The taste: Just not as good as it looks. But, far above average. Would I return? Not really. There was NOTHING wrong with this swanky spot in Streeterville. It is a definitely a food-lover's delight for the eyes as well as for the taste buds. But, expect to shell out a pretty good wad of cash (especially if you enjoy your wine lists). And, if you are looking for a lively and fun dining environment ... well, not so much. You'll have to look elsewhere.
(3)
Rachel W.
I am hugely not a fan of these uber prix fixed meals with 9000 servers and molecular gastronomy, so wasn't expecting to be blown away. But I was...I came here w/my family for my mom's birthday, we did the wine pairing as well, and it was the perfect complement to the meal. Everything from the amuse bouche to the personalized birthday menus to the bread courses to the wine was fabulous. Food was actually delicious, and you didn't feel like you were eating out of a science lab. Obviously not the kind of place you go on a regular basis, but of the restaurants in this category, I would definitely recommend. We had a wonderful night, were able to have conversation without being constantly interrupted, and felt like the food complemented our experience, as opposed to being the only thing you could talk about because it was so strange.
(5)
Erin J.
Tru deserves every star that they get. This is a phenomenal culinary experience. If you are a foodie, Tru will not let you down. The wine parings were lovely, and the staff exceptionally friendly for an establishment that one might think of as uptight. If you have the honor of having the Chamomile cremeux, peaches, dried apricot vanilla desert paired with the Bonny Doon vineyard le vol des anges. Your palette will never me the same! Bravo!
(5)
Eric M.
Tru continues to be my favorite restaurant in Chicago. It's "tried & true" if you'll pardon the pun. I know there are other rock star chef's doing their thing at "Next" and "Trotter's" but Tru has been quietly producing top shelf meals with a flourish for years and it shows. The "Obama-like" master of ceremonies is my favorite character in the staff line up. He's smooth, cool and knows his food. He manages your meal like a commander in chief. I love how the servers surround the table with each course and present them simultaneously....it's like "synchronized serving", it should be an Olympic event! Our table had the Chef's tasting menu which is a 3 hour affair that includes these highlights: -white sturgeon caviar- a play on caviar, the sturgeon is formed into little balls and then served in a caviar tin, they are over an avocado puree- this was a delight for the eyes and the taste buds -Dashi flan, edamame, yuzu- an "Umami bomb" that left you wanting seconds -Scottish salmon served on a tray of clear glass with a still smoking cedar "log" underneath, great flavors and texture, presentation was memorable -Jidori chicken with asparagus and foie gras, black truffles- presented as an oblong cube, not what I expected but the flavor was wonderful and the presentation made you think -vegetable "leather" of tomato, basil and other spices on separate sheets, served on a "clothesline" over lawn (turf) held on by tiny clothespins. Artful, tasty and imaginative. -dessert was a tropical selection of flavors- pineapple sorbet, banana creme served by a porcelain monkey. It was tasty and whimsical. A large selection of petite fors was served after and nobody went away hungry. Tru is still my favorite place in Chicago and I can't wait to go back.
(5)
Ariel L.
Lots of reviews for this place so i'm going to keep mine short. The service was outstanding. The food was good, but not amazing. Desserts were outstanding. Wine list was outsanding. People were super great. But for the price, we did the six course taster which cost $110 a person, I wasn't impressed (and it won't be worth repeating). I consider myself a bit of a foodie, and as there is so much good food in this city, it isn't worth going back unless someone else is picking up the tab. Entrees: 1. Wagyu Beef Ravioli, Foie Gras and Chive 2. Alaskan Halibut, Young Carrot, Ginger 3. Glazed Veal Ribeye, Spring Garlic, Asparagus, Wild Mushroom Of the three entrees we ate, only the first was really interesting. The other two were good but could have been cooked anywhere. To sum it up, its worth trying if you have never been, but if you have been to Charlie Trotters, Schwa or other places like it, you won't be blown away.
(4)
Glen W.
Solid, but over-priced. If you are going to go for a degustation menu like this in Chicago you can do better.
(4)
Jamie O.
Tru competes in a league of extraordinary restaurants and I felt lucky to be enjoying their world-class service. The menu provides pre-fixed menus of 3-8 courses as well as a vegetarian menu option that was not a second thought to the meat centerpieces. The wine pairings were thoughtful and the sommelier was extremely knowledgeable. To leave room for my future experience at Alinea and because of a few minor execution issues, I'm going to give Tru 4.5 stars. white sturgeon "caviar", avocado, hazelnut - I loved the frivolity of this innovative dish. They pureed sturgeon and mixed it into cream. Then with a dropper, they submerged the cream droplets into highly chilled grapeseed oil so that they formed perfect round balls. They served the crème fish balls as 'caviar' on top of avocado puree in a caviar dish. For the vegetarian menu they kept the same concept but used cilantro essence instead of fish in the cream balls. Great start to the meal. chilled kohlrabi contained within itself, curry oil - A play on chilled potato soup, vichyssoise, but exchange potato with kohlrabi. Kohlrabi tastes like the stem of broccoli and can be found at many summer farmers markets. The soup was refreshing but a little over salted. The presentation was impressive with the carved out kohlrabi sitting on a bed of dry ice. duroc pork belly, yellow sweet corn, black truffle - This may have been one of my least favorite dishes. The pork belly was dried out and pounded into the shape of a flat lollipop with its meat and fat layers mimicking flavor swirls. Some of the accompanying sauces were tasty but I missed the juicy flavor that makes pork belly so amazing, as well as acidity on the plate. Also, the black truffle was good but could have been substituted with a flavorful funghi. roasted wild striped bass, banyuls brown butter emulsion, daikon - The plate had a minimalist appeal to it. Unfortunately the fish was overcooked and so lacked the tender flake that you expect with a morsel of fish fillet. jidori chicken, foie gras, wild mushroom, salsify - A beautiful dish with the tender chicken breast slice likely cooked in a sous vide method. The chicken rolled around a foie gras mousse which cannot help but be delicious. This was a lovely dish. poached quince, wildflower honey, cassis - Again, beautiful presentation. I have never eaten a quince fruit whole but rather only in its quince paste form. I could have this dessert multiple times and maybe will attempt it at home. Thanks chef!
(5)
Olen A.
TRU is TRUly a great experience. Although this place is a little hidden, we managed to find it. Once we stepped inside, we were greeted not only by the amazing staff, but also by a mesmerizing piece by Gerhard Richter, as an artist, I appreciate this already. Although we had to wait for our table to be prepared, we were told to wait in the front room with beautiful ambiance and not to mention their art collection that is comparable to high-end art museums (Yves Klein). The atmosphere inside the dining room is fantastic, and the food gets as good as it get. I very much favor the seared foie gras, cooked to perfection, and they wowed me with their fancy utensils and plating. It is so apparent they pay much attention to detail, I dined with two of my guy friends, and when they served apple beignet, my utensil was red, while the boys' were blue. And the service, it's impeccable. I have so much love for this restaurant, and definitely has higher standards than usual one-star Michelins.
(5)
Ryan P.
Awesome and amazing are really all I can say for this. This is another of my top 5 restaurants of Michelin star rank. Everything was beyond perfect. If you want a place to go to and don't want to deal with the lottery drawing of next, which I still recommend anyways, I suggest coming here. I took my preparatory friend and his family here on our second night of the trip and everyone enjoyed themselves immensely. The senator was beside himself with the desserts, which is his weak spot and I have to say the exploding chocolate ginger cubes are to die for.
(5)
Leslie L.
Oh, where to begin with a review of Tru. The decor is something out of an 80's horror flick. The meal is a long one so be ready. The courses never stop. The service is the best I've ever had, and it will probably always be the best I've ever had. It was like everyone that worked there had choreographed the serving process. Almost scarey. It's what I like to call ART FOOD. I'm not much for art food. It was beautiful, and almost everything tasted ok. Nothing wowed we with taste. It's like presentation over shadows the taste so you kind of forget the food is just good at best. There was a lot of gelatin going on. I had 3 course that had some sort of jell-o like substance in them. Everyone dining there seemed a bit pretentious. I laughed alot while I was there. It was an experience for sure.
(4)
John T.
AMAZING!! I love everything about this place, minus the price! Nonetheless, it is a great place that people should definitely go to at least once! Try it out for a special occassion!
(5)
Harpreet K.
Set: American Psycho meets Men in Black. Far too serious and humorless; lighten up! It's just food. This is clearly the Cali in me, but I feel like food should be presented from a "warm" place - not cold and sterile and littered w/ financiers from London. (Then again, if they didn't have this place, where would said financiers eat? Touche, inner voice! Touche!) The food was well-presented and executed; dessert was exceptional (chocolate bar!); and my company was delightful, so three stars. That being said, places like this make me die a little inside. A cold, bleak, plane-crashes-into-jagged-snow-capped-peaks-with-Âno-survivors kinda death. No offense.
(3)
CJ S.
It took me a long time to get to writing this review mainly to the laziness of creating a yelp account. My girlfriend and I dined at Tru during the summer of 2011. This was unfortunately one of our most disappointing dining experiences. This really surprised us how unimpressed we were given that multiple friends of ours consider Tru their favorite restaurant. We opted for the tasting menu. Most of the courses were average. A couple of courses could have been special with some modifications. The white sturgeon "caviar" course was creative in making fake caviar eggs from a sturgeon puree, but it lacked flavor to take it to the next level. The fois gras with mango and pineapple was overloaded with too much sweet and only needed one fruit to go with it. The scottish salmon with sorrel was one of the worst courses that I have had at a fine dining restaurant. The salmon was cooked perfectly but both of us found the sorrel cream sauce to be unpalatable. It paired with the salmon horribly. The cheese course was very good, and the chocolate truffles at the end of the meal were fantastic. The truly most disappointing part of the meal was actually the wine. We ordered a bottle of a nice pinot noir. We both had never had pinot noir so wasn't quite sure what to expect. The sommelier brought the bottle over, took the cork out looked at it and then left it on a tray for us to examine. Noticed a couple of crystals on the side of the cork that was in the bottle. Not knowing what it was suppose to taste like didn't say anything. Looking back on it I know the wine was off. There is fault on my part for not saying something at the time, but I do believe this is something the sommelier should have noticed. We plan to give Tru another shot some time, but it is far from the top of list of places for us to go to in the near future.
(1)
Stephanie L.
Tru is truly a fine dining experience. The high cielings, widely-spread tables, and approximate room for 15 parties in the whole restaurant quickly reminds you that you are in a city where space isn't so limited. The Gold Coast location with highly attentive service quickly reminds you just how great dining can be in Chicago. We both had the chef's tasting menus - there are 2 or 3 options, but go for the splurge. Cucumber gelatin... a cold soup (and I'm not usually a fan, but this one was great!)... foie gras... oh my gosh, the list is endless. My ultimate favorite was the smoked halibut made to resemble a small tin of caviar eggs -- this was creativity at its ultimate best. We also loved the cheese course, it was so much fun: lots of amazing cheese to pick from, a fig-based marmalade, yummy honey. And then for dessert you get a gamut of everything (as if you have saved room for anything else)! We had some fumbles in our service (forgot to bring napkins, brought our neighbors dish that was incorrect, some errors in plating) ... but nothing to alter or ruin our meal. All in all we are glad to have had the Tru experience. A TRU 5-star joint.
(5)
Albert H.
This is one of the few restaurants I've been in where it took two servers working in sync to clear our plates after every single course. It doesn't matter, of course. Doesn't make the food taste any better. But it *does* point out a certain dedication to doing everything right. And on our visit, Tru basically did everything exactly right. That matters a lot. It was the first night of a week-long vacation in Chicago, our first reservation on our first visit to what has become a city of some very fine restaurants. We were not expecting quite this much formality from a restaurant with just a single Michelin star. In fact, I felt quite lucky to have checked the dress code before our arrival and dressed in a suit and tie. It was, bar none, and quite unexpectedly, the most formal experience of our trip. I say it was formal, but it was hardly stuffy, not even pretentious, really. The servers we ended up with were accommodating, took the time to answer our questions, and were truly friendly. Formality in this case was treated not as an excuse to act all fancy, but as a set of codified methods of providing a comfortable, relaxing and intimate experience. And that's how it *should* be. We had the Chef's Collection of nine courses, to which we added the Caviar Staircase ( my companion felt this was particularly necessary). The Caviar Staircase plating still carries Rick Tramanto's engraved signature, despite his no longer being with the restaurant ... it was a good, though expensive survey of several different caviars, and cemented my belief that I cannot really tell the good stuff from the much less expensive and merely okay stuff. The dishes in the Chef's Collection were excellent in flavor and somewhat playful, using both modern and traditional methods in a balanced and purposeful way with a nice blend of European and Asian flavors. A good survey, and pretty even in quality in that there were no failures and equally no dish which really stood out from the others. The amount of food ended up being just right, which can be a difficult thing to do with so many courses. I have rarely had more perfect service, from making decisions about wine by the glass to the presentation of the cheese cart. There were, of course, a few things that could have been done better, but the overall effect was very positive. We arrived a few minutes early and were briefly seated in the waiting/lounge area and offered a drink before being seated basically on time. We did note that during some particularly busy times of the evening, the pacing was slightly slower than we would have liked, and there was some amount of delay and confusion when we requested copies of the menu to take home that actually represented what we had ordered. But these are very minor things. This was one of the best restaurant experiences we had in a week of good experiences in Chicago.
(5)
Lindsey F.
I was hear 5 years ago with my husband (then boyfriend). For us, this was a once in a lifetime meal, and they didn't miss a beat. I remember being treated like a queen and not one bump along the way. I think we chose the 10-course offering and also got a cheese plate at the end of the meal. When we were on our way out we were also given a little loaf of lemon bread for breakfast the next morning. Of all the places we have traveled to and eaten out at this is one of the most memorable of all!
(5)
Paige K.
Very nice! but VERY VERY expensive. Prepare for a $500 meal for 2 and 4 hours of dining. :)
(3)
Jennifer L.
*Drinks/Bar Considering that the attire is formal meaning men need jackets as a requisite for entry, the bar/waiting area isn't all stuck up and stuffy. Drinks were well made and quickly served. I started with a martini while waiting for our table then moved on to wine during dinner. The wine list is extensive and between the six bottles of wine we had as a party of eight, they were all on point. *Food I have to start by saying that my dreams (or we could say nightmares since I wake up knowing that I'm not able to satisfy my desire) are haunted by the caviar staircase. It's a journey towards heaven as you work your way up the staircase. Heaven does exist on Earth... in my mouth through this dish. Now with that said, I don't know that I would be able to reach these celestial heights again due to the price. Good thing I didn't pay for this dinner. Caviar is delicious but you cannot live on it alone and hungry equals not happy. The collection dinners are the way to go. The prix-fixe menu only offers three courses so you might as well splurge the little bit extra to get the full experience of a collection tasting menu. Courses are based off of season and availability so you know that you're getting fresh ingredients. Some of the tasting menu that I had included white sturgeon "caviar", beet salad, wagu beef raviolis topped with truffles, halibut served with carrot foam, and a four berry dessert. I would pay out of my own pocket for just dinner many times over. *Service/Ambiance This is by far one of the best experiences in service I have ever received to date. It was amazing how there was always someone there for every whim that you thought of. Examples: chairs were pulled in and out, an escort to the restroom, napkin folded neatly on the table with plate cover over the next course upon my return from the restroom, four food runners for eight people so everyone is served simultaneously, and the executive chef greeted us at the end of dinner with signed menus of our collection. The ambiance is romantic and classy without being stuck up. It's very lively in a calm cozy sort of way. I'd say it's comparative to how a bee colony runs, humming along efficiently. You feel very taken care of and that everyone is there to serve your every need. *Overall A wonderful place to spend a special occasion or a special place to spend any occasion. It's not a restaurant for the light wallet hearted individual nor a place to show up in flip flops (which was sad because I do love a good pair of flip flops like a good California girl should). Try this place if you can spare the change and if you do then definitely go for the full nine course meal. Rating: 5
(5)
Victoria P.
Delicious and fresh food. Come here for a great filling meal.
(4)
Charles K.
The first thing wrong with Tru is that it is VERY expensive. Over $680 for two people! This should be a dinner to remember for ever and a few days later I can hardly remember what I was served. Everything was a disappointment. My partner and I opted for the 10 course tasting and boy were we disappointed! Please see my bullet points below about our disappointment. 1. Fake Caviar (Seriously) 2. Salty Soup, yet no flavor. 3. Tiny portions. (Is this why it's called a tasting?I had ten courses and opted for a burrito after I left only 45 minutes later.) 4. Terrible wine (may have been vinegar perhaps?) 5. Tru is all about the presentation, not the food. If they spent less time trying to get it so perfect on the plate, it may have come out at least warm. Snobby waitstaff. (they do realize they work at a restaurant?) 6. Left feeling like I totally wasted my money. 7. And most importantly.... I don't remember one good thing about the place. Only the bad. I may have had an experience that was worse however, I never paid so much for it. How is this place in business? I gave the W concierge a piece of my mind for recommending this place. I assume they get some sort of kick back.
(1)
Grace L.
I came here for my anniversary with my boyfriend. My only goal was to have a memorable eating experience as special as the occasion! Tru completely lived up to the expectation and more! The attention to detail was phenomenal. They had printed "Happy Anniversary" with my boyfriend's and my name on it at the top of our very own personalized menus! And at the end of the dinner they gave them to us in lovely envelopes for our future scrapbooking :) We loved it! The service was probably the best I've ever seen. From 2 waiters coming out simultaneously to pour our waters at the same time at the same rate to the elegant way they presented each of our dishes... amazing. There was never a missed step and the attention made it so that we felt like we were the only people in the restaurant. The waiters were also incredibly knowledgeable and kind, never rushing us to finish our plates and were never overbearing. The food was great to excellent. We got the prix fixe menus which we thought were actually reasonably priced with great options. I got the bay scallops wrapped in bacon - unbelievable. Probably my favorite dish of the evening! The scallops were cooked to perfection and had a lovely bacon flavor which was not too salty or overbearing. It was perfect. I got the prime beef ribeye for the main course which was also very good. Overall, a great experience and very nice for special occasions. Happy celebrating!
(5)
Andrew T.
After almost 5 years and a lot of other (newly minted) Michelin star winners, I finally made it back to Tru to see if the restaurant I always thought was the best...was the best. And I was not disappointed. I visited with three other friends who hadn't been previously, and we tried valiantly to behave ourselves in the world of adults. To address a few comments, Tru might be a bit stuffy, but I don't think it's over the top. We had a pleasantly playful waiter that cracked a few jokes, and used a napkin to dramatically cover the small spill we were joking about. Nice touch. I'll let other diners review what they ordered, but mine was, once again, fantastic. My appetizer, a seared foie gras and duck confit, was superb. Rich, silky foie gras, along with the dense, salty confit was a great match, mixed with caramelized pears and a sort of pureed cauliflower/pear mixture. The puree especially was outstanding with the foie gras, cutting through the salt in both meats and adding a sweet flavor with all the savory. Thank goodness Chicago allows foie gras to be served again - Tru's is outstanding and was prominently featured on several of the items. My entree was wagyu beef shortrib - the server said braised for almost 72 hours (holy cow) and covered with the broth reduction, along side pureed potato/apple/jalapeno and little balls of green apple, hollowed and sprinkled with a basil flavored olive oil. The meat was...let's just say tender. Bringing my knife nearby caused it to automatically cut itself. Incredibly delicious, but maybe a little on the salty side. The puree, again, was a perfect counterpoint to counter some of the salt, with a tiny bit of heat from the jalapeno as the perfect touch. Even the little apple/basil deals provided a surprising treat, with the sour apple and savory basil a unique combination. And finally, my desert was a very good vanilla risotto with apricot and fig, creme anglaise, and a little scoop of clove ice cream. The risotto was just the right texture - every bit as good as the world class lobster risotto I enjoyed on my first visit, and just this side of warm. Unfortunately, that melted the wonderful clove ice cream and with the addition of the creme anglaise, the mixture got a little runny, Flavor was outstanding - I can't resist risotto. In between all of this were chocolates, candies, pear emulsion with spiced berry sauce, a beef gelee and pureed cauliflower amouse bouche, their spectacular cheese course, wonderful house made breads and crackers, plus truly excellent coffee. Service was superb - attentive without being smothering, with a very helpful sommelier and friendly wait staff. Although, their synchronized service theatrics were not in as full effect this time - one lady and three gentlemen probably threw off their system. And the "purse chair" for the lady's pocketbook didn't arrive until a little bit in to the meal (which the waiter apologized for - BUT IT IS TOO LATE FOR EXCUSES ONE STAR). I will say that I ordered appetizer and entree that were similar - salty, savory meats, with a semi-sweet puree accompaniment. I enjoyed both very much, but if I had been cautioned as to their similarity, I might have changed my order slightly. Frankly, when I have to nitpick a restaurant because their service isn't like a synchronized swimming routine, and because someone didn't have a pedestal for their handbag...then the rest of the experience was pretty fantastic. It's still a lot of money, but when I look at what it has cost to eat at other places like Alinea and Trotter's, and consider how much more I have enjoyed the food and the general experience at Tru, I know where I'd go again.
(5)
Olivia D.
My bf and I had our one year anniversary dinner here. It was a wonderful experience, very luxurious, and it definitely worked as VERY special occasion dining. We had the 9 course Chef's selection menu with one wine pairing to split. That being said, I really wished that it had felt worth the price tag. There are a few restaurants which can build up a price tag of $500+ for two, and it saddens me that I have to wonder whether one of those others would have been a better choice. It is very quiet in the dining room, we were the youngest diners there, and I felt a little as if I was not allowed to talk during my meal. Shhhh... There were a couple of dishes that were overly salted, or not enough. With this kind of craft I think seasoning should not be an issue. Also our venison was a little over, but that might be a preference as the bf and I like our meat to be on the south side of mid rare. Also the foie gras presentation... a torchon? But it was a very long tube, kind of looked like toothpaste, quite salty, although creative, was it was a miss for me. There was a beautiful chawumushi (no idea how to spell that), and of course the caviar whitefish "pearls" or whatever you call them were great! So light and the flavor was brilliant. The wine pairing was so complimentary I almost couldn't taste each selection against the plate it was sipped alongside. Seriously, flavors so melding that I could not tell where the food ended and wine began. Kind of cool actually, but perhaps the wines selected were a little on the light side for the dishes...sometimes I like my wine to butt heads with my food just a little, so that the pairing will bring out hidden flavors in each...The dessert wine was the exception of course. There was a cool brown rice junmai sake that I liked a lot. But only 1 red wine in the whole 9 courses! They were very sweet to us and sent out a complimentary little cupcake, with "Happy Anniversary" on the plate. Definitely not edible though, ha! I don't know if I will ever go back, being that it is sooo expensive and the next time I have a chance to have such an extravagent dinner I will probably want to try somewhere new...
(4)
Tim Y.
There's no point in saying much about Tru since everything has already been said. Whatever your adjective of choice, Tru really does live up to the hype. That said, it's much like Moto -- you'll love it once, but chances are pretty good you'll not go back for a good long while. Don't show up hungry; you'll eat too fast and you'll want more before it's ready. Show up sated, with belly room and desire to eat.
(5)
Tiffany C.
I would give 6 stars if I could. It was not a dining but rather an experience. Not another typical upscale restuarant. Be sure to try if you get a chance.
(5)
S to the izzo F.
An Fantastic dining experience! The lighting and black and white decor give Tru an art gallery feel and the food is the art! I took a tour of the kitchen and it's run to perfection. Clean and very quite. It was like watching a artist in his Studio. But more than anything, even better than the food, was the Service. Absolutely top notch. You have to be willing to sit and enjoy. The experience took a little over three hours. Slow eating can be very fun especially if you have the right person/persons to enjoy it with. Very expensive. Some might feel that no food is worth this expense, not this individual. Tru is one of Chicago's best.
(5)
Jonathan C.
It's so over priced, and none of the dishes are really memorable. Maybe due to the fact that we just had Daniel and Jean Georges in NYC, and Salts in Cambridge, Tru really was a bad finale for my graduation gastronomic trip. The service was slow, probably because there were two large tables of corporate clients, but still... 5 courses for 3.5 hours? Alinea does 17 courses for 3.5 hours... Water glasses were left empty from time to time. Out of the 5 course tasting menu, the worst thing was the pork belly. It was just a piece of fat meet, fried in Oliver oil... It was an one bite dish, really, not even an appetizer. Beef was bad, too. Overcooked and flavorless. The fish course was OK, but it's just a piece of cheap Salmon, and as long as you do not over cook it, it's gonna be OK anyway. I know it's only an one star restaurant, but the 5 course tasting menu is 110 bucks, and Daniel's three course pre fix is the same price. Daniel's three courses and complimentary pastry items completely filled us up, and Tru's five "courses" left us in hungry. Daniel gave me a very very nice complimentary dessert for my graduation, and Tru gave me a tiny piece of butter cake for my birthday and graduation celebration. The decor was not as good as some people described, either. We had seared foie gras, wagyu beef, and a nice bottle of 2009 Beaujolais Cruz at Daniel, for less than 800. We paid almost 700 bucks at Tru, with a cheaper bottle of wine, worse service, and definitely worse food. Do yourself a favor and go to Alinea!!!
(2)
Farrah D.
What an experience! My first time in a place like this--we had a 6 course meal with wine pairings. Everything had exquisite presentation and was explained so well by the staff. It was truly an educational culinary adventure in proper French dining. Excellent service, excellent extras!
(5)
Lauren C.
I enjoyed 95% of my Tru dining experience. The food was amazing; flavor presentation, portions, and constuction get A's. There was no shortage of beverage selection; the wine list was atleast 50 pages. Tru is tastefully decorated. The service was outstanding; the wait staff was truly on-top of their game. However, it was eerily quiet. I was afraid to talk it was so quiet. Most places it is too loud to have a conversation, but here it is the exact opposite. I had to hold in laughs for fear of disrupting other patrons. I would not suggest this place for a group larger than 4. The only reason I didn't give Tru 5 stars is because I am afraid to talk inside.
(4)
Kwoky L.
There's never a shortage of good restaurants in Chicago. We have Charlie Trotters, Alinea, L2O etc but Tru is an old school classic for fine dining. It's as representative of Chicago as Bears in sports or the Sears Tower in architecture. When my friends came to visit, I had to bring them there. We went on a Sunday night. The decor was very modern and sharp, just what I expected. Once we were seated, we immediately noticed that we were a little out of place. Our table of 20 somethings were surrounded by older customers, who were in their 50s or 60s, dressed in business attire. I felt a tiny bit intimidated. The service was very formal, I thought. A little pretentious if you ask me, with all the synchronized serving by our two servers or the way they spoke to us. I felt like a commoner trapped in the body of Louis VI. The tasting menu was excellent and lavish but not a whole lot of surprises. I was not getting a taste of Tramanto/Gale Gand's creations like I expected. Perhaps it was not a very good idea to have gone to Alinea the night before. Tru was very good but just pale in comparison. Then I realized, Tru was just not the same anymore. It's not the Tru that Gale/Rick made famous. I wished I could turn back time.
(5)
Charles A.
Top notch experience, customized menu, impeccable attention to details and service.
(5)
Sarah L.
For a place hidden amidst Northwestern medical buildings and scrub-clad physicians, this place is an unassuming oasis. We walked by it three or so times before entering this dim lit Narnia. I'm not a foodie, but going to Tru will make you one. Upon ordering from the Prix Fixe menu, my palette encountered the most incredible Carpaccio, halibut and cheese with fruit I've ever had in all 27years of existence. I mean, shit. Pardon my french, or don't because what better time for an expletive than after a coup de foudre? Here are some highlights: The Carpaccio was served with a 25yr. aged balsamic and taste that'll turn an avid vegan into a carnivore. The Halibut, oh Laws knows it was good. I shall from this day forward snub all other attempts at this dish. Finally, their exclusive cheese selection left me in awe and was what finally turned me into a monster. I am no longer content as a freezer box connoisseur. I now bitch down supermarket aisles, disgusted by processed goods. "Excuse me. Yes you Jewel stock boy---What the hell are those? Kraft sliced singles... No, no no. This is not happening. Where are your $300 french imports?"
(5)
Adam B.
Tru is a very fine restaurant and, based on my experience dining at many Michellin-starred restaurants in Europe, certainly deserves its 1 star. There are plenty of previous detailed reviews on Yelp, so this review tries to capture the overall experience. Tru is all about luxury: The menu is heavy on dishes with foie gras and truffles and there is a dedicated caviar menu. The wine list is extensive but emphasizes high-end wines. You could pick something for $80 or $90 a bottle, but they are pushing the $200+ bottles. Oh, and $20 cocktails. Corkage is an excessive $50/bottle. (Obviously they are forcing you to give them the profit they would make on a minimum $80 bottle.) The room is elegant and high-ceilinged, with notable modern art (but a few of the pieces are copies, while the originals hide in the owner's residence.) You are warned multiple times there is a dress code requiring jackets for men - fair enough. There are 3 prix fixe menus: The standard 3 courses for $96 or tasting menus "Collections" for $110 or $145 with extra foie gras and truffle dishes. (We had both the $96 and $110 options.) The cooking is sometimes very creative (for example, sturgeon "caviar", which is a confection of white fish essence pearls), but not always, and the flavors can be on the muted side. A nice touch is the ability to select any dessert instead of the one in your Collection or to substitute a cheese course (as many cheeses from the cart as you like). The service is polished and somewhat stilted in a formal, deferential way, and is team-based, i.e. you will see (at least) 5 or 6 different people bringing items to the table. While we expected the support servers to bring breads or manage the wine, unlike some other star-level service teams, at Tru we experienced a fragmentation of the service, where we lost the feeling that one waiter was looking after us. So in summary, expect to spend (at least) $400 to $500 for a couple and get a competent and luxurious meal, but don't expect culinary fireworks.
I had the Grand Collection tasting menu at Tru last night, and was greatly disappointed. Service was exceedingly slow; we arrived at 8:30, and left shortly after midnight. We waited almost an hour to receive our first course, and the wait for the larger dishes was terribly long. One of our servers apologized for the wait, and they tried to appease us with some truffles at the end, but it was really a drag. The first course-- the Sturgeon "caviar"-- was delicious; the subsequent courses were not very memorable. The Halibut and chicken were cooked to perfection, but there was nothing particularly impressive or interesting about them. The chicken was served on a log; but the log was just...a log. I would have been more impressed, had not Next recently wowed me with their own take on the log-serving dish: the gorgeous and aromatic "autumn scene", where the serving-log in question was cradling smoking apples, leaves, hay. If you're going to have a log, there might as well be fire! Dessert was served on some strange monkey candelabras. It was an attempt to be whimsical, but in the staid atmosphere of Tru, the monkeys just seemed ridiculous. They added nothing to the dish. At this price point, Next, ELideas, Bonsoiree etc beat out Tru, hands down. When the Michelin guide awarded one star to both Tru and Longman & Eagle, I was a little befuddled-- can these paces really be of the same calibre?-- and last night confirmed my doubts. They are not of the same calibre. One is delicious, creative, decadent, satisfying, welcoming, enjoyable, and worth the price. The other isn't.
(2)
Britt W.
Suit Up! Grab your billfold! Clear the next four hours on your calendar! TRU is a special restaurant that pleases on several different levels. Right off the bat I felt like I was dining in heaven. There were no windows to the outside reminding me I was in Chicago. The white curtains that cover the walls from floor to ceiling let you know that you are in the world of TRU. Table for two? Make that two and a half because the lady's purse gets its own seat too. Take that coat check girl! Owner and executive chef Rick Tramonto is the master of the amuse bouche and you definitely get to experience his skills from the first course to the last. While it is possible to order a la carte I don't know why anyone would want to do so at a restaurant of this caliber. If you are going to go you should go big and get the Sommelier's Collection or one of the other grand tastings. Let's face it, how often do you get to eat caviar off of a glass staircase or sip soup from a Versace tea cup? The service at TRU is perfect. Attentive, polite and friendly. It's so easy to be intimidated by a restaurant of this caliber but the staff will make you feel welcome and appreciated. There are no too-cool-for-school wannabe actor types at TRU. TRU has always managed to deliver some surprises. Whether it's an impromptu meet and greet with the chef of a little gift bag of goodies for later, I always leave TRU feeling very special.
(5)
Jonathan C.
Excellent food, presentation, services, and drinks. Overall, Tru lived up to its expectation. Needless to go into each dish since most people already did. You must at least try this place once. p.s. love the versace cup they used to serve the soup!
(4)
Molly L.
For Christmas, the boyfriend's mother gifted us with a certificate for free glasses of champagne, a tour of the kitchen, a tour of the art, and personalized commemorative menus to take home. We decided to save it for a special occasion, and so we went for my birthday last weekend. Fortunately, we got reservations when we called about 2 months ahead of time, but it was close, so plan ahead! When we arrived, we were taken on a tour of the kitchen. If you have the opportunity to do this, I recommend taking advantage. It was really neat to see how efficient this kitchen was. It's not at all like those cooking shows where everyone is yelling and chopping vegetables (and possibly fingers) with sharp knives in the intense heat. No, this was a zen kitchen. Very cool. We were then seated in the minimalist dining room. Extra points for having special stool things just for ladies' purses. We ordered the 9-course Chef's Collection tasting menu. You don't have to order the same menu as your dining companions, but we did. We also ordered a nice bottle of pinot noir to accompany our meal. In case you can't decide what you want from the giant encyclopedia of wine, they have a sommelier on hand to guide you. Because, why wouldn't they have a roving sommelier? Later in the evening, he helped us select glasses of wine for dessert, and my glass of chardonnay was the best chardonnay I've ever had. I won't go into detail about every single course because this review is already really long. My favorite courses were the white sturgeon "caviar," the pork belly, and the veal ribeye. The appetizers were very creatively presented. The proteins were less fancy, but it didn't matter because they were delicious. Dessert was about 3 courses long, and they were all great. The food was good, but not overwhelmingly so. There were a couple of dishes that I didn't care for, namely the flan and the pea soup. The service was impeccable. Not a single detail went unattended. We went for my birthday, and every staff member wished me a happy birthday. My menu said "Happy Birthday Molly" on it, and I was even brought a little cake with "Happy Birthday Molly" written on the plate. It made me feel very welcome and appreciated. 5 stars for the service. It was pricey (around $600 with tip and tax), but I felt that everything was priced about right. I certainly didn't feel like our meal was a rip-off. Overall, I would say that Tru lived up to my expectations, but didn't exceed them. It was a nice introduction to molecular gastronomy, and I had a wonderful time. I definitely recommend Tru if you're looking for a very special culinary experience.
(4)
Jim H.
WTF is up with this place??? This was the single worst restaurant I've ever been to. Way expensive, uber stuffy and all of the food tastes like dirt or weeds. No thanks!
(1)
Sophy B.
My husband and I truly enjoyed dining here. The food was very good most notably the lobster and the pumpkin patch dessert which incorporated foie gras. The tables were placed far enough from each other to ensure privacy which was much appreciated as I'm used to cramped surroundings when dining at restaurants of this caliber in the Bay Area. The staff were very attentive the sommelier stopped by towards the end of the meal with dessert wine compliments of the house because he had enjoyed our company so much. How nice is that! Will return on my next visit to town
(5)
Mandy C.
Although the staff was extremely friendly and accommodating, I did not have a great experience at Tru. It had all of the ambiance of fine dining, but none of the flavors that go along with it. My dining partner and I walked in and were immediately greeted by staff and escorted into a waiting area. The dining room, although mostly full, was silent and remained so for most of the evening. The atmosphere was very uptight. That said, the waiter and the rest of the staff was attentive and helpful throughout the meal. My partner had the lobster; it was a little tough and bland. I had the jidori slow cooked chicken and it wasn't just bland, it was bad. The chicken was rubbery and had no flavor. Since the menu lacked anything interesting or risk-taking, I assumed it would be the basics cooked to perfection. Unfortunately, it was not. There wasn't anything about Tru that lived up to its hype. Tru is a place you'd take your parents to show that that you have a real job now and are no longer eating ramen for dinner. It's not a place you'd take someone looking for interesting flavors or food combinations.
(2)
Katie H.
First off, if you think $250 is a completely acceptable rate for a hotel room, if you own $500 shoes, and if your monthly dining budget rivals the GDP of a small country, you can stop reading my review now. If dropping a few hundred dollars on dinner is a very special occasion for you, if you live on a smaller budget and if you balk at spending $20 on a single glass of wine, then you and I have something in common and you might find my review useful. For our 3 year anniversary, my husband and I decided to bite the bullet and cough up the cash for Tru. He'd been wanting to come here for ages, and it was either here or L20 (despite my repeated suggestion that we go back to Bonsoiree, which we loved and is BYOB and is only $85 for 8 courses). To stretch out the evening a bit, since we knew Tru would be our only activity for the night, we decided to arrive a few minutes early and have a drink in the lounge. Don't bother. 1) The lounge isn't like a bar, it's really just a collection of love tables with kind of uncomfortably soft chairs. 2) it's insanely expensive. The cheapest beer was like $12. $14 for a Sam Smith Porter?! So I ordered a glass of wine, Barbera d'Asti, which was phenomenal and I think around $12. My husband's drink, the apertif, was $17 (but excellent). Once sat at our table, we were asked if we wanted champagne. As the cheapest glass was $20 and the bottle of Barbera d'Asti was $60, we decided to jump right into the bottle. We started our three course prix fix with an amuse bouche, which was not very amuse-ing and then out came the appetizers. I went with the langoustine, which was one big langoustine in a boulliabasse broth with some kind of mouse and boiled potatoes. The langoustine was good, but I've actually had better prepared much more simply. Husband had the steak tartare with egg and truffle. It was fantastic, and the first time we'd ever had tartare. We also added in another course - the wagyu beef ravioli with foie gras in a beef broth (for $25). Skip it. The pasta was a bit overdone, the wagyu didn't taste like anything more than beef, and the broth was underwhelming. The foie was awesome, but...it's foie, it's easy for it to be awesome. For our entrees, I had the beef ribeye with foie gras. The beef was good, the jus was good, the mushrooms were well done, and the foie again was great. It was all good. But I didn't take a bite and think "oh my god, is the good". Luckily, my husband's lamb was fanfreakingtastic. I stole about half of it with no shame. When it was time for dessert, I was presented with a problem. I hate fruit desserts. To me, it's not dessert unless it's chocolate, and all the desserts had fruit in them. We'd made a note of this when we made the reservation, but still they could do nothing for me.....except tell me I should have come last week when they had a amazing chocolate mousse. Um, thanks. So I had a small cheese plate while my husband enjoyed his apple dessert. He had a fantastic Irish coffee while I had a glass of Muscato d'Asti. Then came the famed dessert cart. It had about 6 or 7 offerings on it. I took the only 3 that didn't have fruit in them - a champagne macaron (meh, and I love macarons), a chocolate truffle which it turns out did have raspberry in it, and a canele, which was just okay. So no, I didn't get to experience any of Gale's famous amazing desserts. On the way out, they also gave us a fruit muffin to take home. It was good, but no better than what you'd find at most bakeries. So the food....it was okay. 3.5 maybe 4 stars. But the service, hot damn the service was amazing. We sat right by the service station and loved being able to watch the orchestration of the service. The servers always arrived in tandem to remove plates, as soon as you stood up, your napkin would be removed and replaced with a new one. On my way to the bathroom I was asked 3 times if I needed assistance. As soon as I re-entered the room, someone arrived at my table to pull out my chair. I literally felt like we were being waited on hand and foot. The level of service was simply outstanding, and I get that part of the food and drink prices reflect that, but still, when my dinner clocks in at $440 (with tax and tip), I just expect a little more. I should have a meal that tastes so good I'm still thinking about it weeks later. It's the next morning and already the details are getting fuzzy. Maybe I'm being a bit harsh, but for the price, I just expected more.
(4)
Alex H.
I'm about as close to 4.5 stars as you can be without bumping it up to 5. Here's why: The food itself was phenomenal. I'm not going to go into specific detail as the menu is likely to change by the time you'll go there anyway, just know that it is equal parts playful, beautiful, and delicious. The service was beyond impeccable. By far the best service I've had a a single-Michelin star restaurant. Everyone is friendly. The timing is perfect. They really get the details right. Here's where I take issue with Tru: 1. Decor. I like minimalism. I like modern. And I even like the idea of letting the food, and not the space, be the star of the show. Unfortunately, Tru has taken the idea just a little too far, and the result is a strange waiting area (not a bar) inside from the entrance where you wait for your table, followed by a large dining room that is just a bit too open and generally lacking in character. 2. Proteins. As I said, the food was amazing, and I'd happily order any of the 6 courses we enjoyed again. My problem is that out of those 6 courses (as well as some lovely and unexpected amuse-style interjections between courses), only one was protein based. And that protein wasn't wagyu beef, wasn't sweetbreads, wasn't even pork belly or something similar. It was chicken. Delicious chicken, with some lovely accompaniments to be sure. But chicken is still just chicken at the end of the day. And when you drop in excess of $500 for two for a meal, I don't think its unfair to ask for some elevated protein options. Among Chicago foodie circles these days its almost impossible to have a culinary discussion without talking about Alinea and Next. I'd humbly submit that despite my minor complaints, Tru still belongs in any serious foodie conversation.
(4)
Erica M.
This is by far my favorite upscale restaurant. I have been there about 5 times now and everytime is out of this world. It is very pricey especially if you get the wine pairings, but it is well worth the experience. I would highly recommend trying this place at least once. With the wine pairings and the chef's selection, you are looking at about $500 for two people. That is of course the biggest chef's station they offer, but if you are going to go that is the way to go for sure.
(5)
SAMANTHA P.
what else can i say that hasn't already been said? just go to tru...... simply superb.
(5)
Rebecca W.
I choose this restaraunt because I wanted a super-special place where I could propose to my girlfriend. The folks at Tru were fantastic about it...very patient with my nervous phone calls; they brought the champagne perfectly on cue, and overall were really sweet. This isn't the sort of place we normally go to, but the service people were gracious and explained everything without a hint of condescension. We went with the prix-fixe menu - we both had seafood appetizers, and for the entree I had the ribeye while my girlfriend had the prime rib. For dessert we had the dark gleaming chocolate, and the ice cream with chicory texture was possibly the best thing I have ever eaten. I can taste it as I think about it now! The little "candy shop" dessert cart was also wonderful. In particular I was delighted to try the Canelle de Bourdeaux. Divine - perfect creaminess with just a touch of crunch and honey! You *must* try some of the cheeses, especially the sheep's milk cheese; they serve it with sweet bread and a little honey and it's, again, amazing. I said I went here to propose, and I want to make a special note of how extremely nice they were about us being a same-sex couple. Frankly, when I was calling places to set the proposal up, a lot of places were incredibly rude. A few places were surprised that a woman was proposing (assuming I had a boyfriend), and then when I explained I had a *girlfriend*, two places hung up on me and a third gave me a lecture! Tru, however, was absolutely professional, sweet, and sincerely congratulatory. (Also, reassuring, when my nervousness almost got the better of me!) If you are looking for a memorable, relaxing, unique experience, try here.
(5)
matthew S.
Very expensive, but worth it. Not as cutting edge as some others but excellent food and service in a classy atmosphere. Appears to be ADA compliant.
(5)
David G.
Really, really good. Creative cuisine, great ambiance and warm service. Among the top 1 star restaurants in Chicago, without a doubt.
(4)
DAVID G.
Couldn't have been more impressed and suprised! Putting aside the incredible cuisine for a moment (if one can), what was truly amazing was the clear attention to detail and impeccable service from the entire staff. The staff works and communicates like a well-oiled machine; they take customer service to heart and do so in a way that is almost mystifying. We never had to ask for a thing and they anticipated our every need, right down to having our coats ready to slide our arms into at the end of the evening. As far as the cuisine goes, it is hard to know where to begin with my compliments to the chef. The range and mixture of flavors and textures was splendid, portions were perfect and the courses were magnificently arranged! Bravo!
(5)
Elizabeth R.
I enjoyed the atmosphere and the service, however, the food wasn't as good as I expected. They missed the mark on some dishes, particularly the jidori chicken, which was pretty much dry and tasteless. The wine tasting selection was good, with a lot of white wines, which paired very well with the dishes. Honestly, Tru earned an extra star with their cheese selection at the end of the meal - cheese is the way to my heart. If I wasn't paying next time, I'd definitely go back!
(4)
Jigar P.
This is one of the very special place. I went here for dinner with my best friend to celebrate her acceptance to Med school at UIC. This place is upscale downtown resturant with great sense of richness in flavor, taste and ambiance. I really like the theramasu here. Honestly I liked all the dishes I ate here. It feels like its systematically designed restaurant since every details has taken into consideration like we were given enough time for making choice, the suggestions by server was really helpful, the light music. I think this place has very special because after dinner we went to just walk in downtown and it was cold and we still do some dancing on way back to car it was sooo much fun.. The only problem with such places is to get reservation. I was flying to chicago and my schedule was very tentive so can not visit this place again. But I will visit it again. Also they are very limited in veg choices. And parking as you all know is big time in Chicago downtown.. Also places like these are really very very expensive.
(5)
nikki s.
Tru is a must-do! I expected the dry, hoity-toity snootisms, but I was wrong. We were pleasantly welcomed in, seated immediately and our waiter made us very comfortable. I scanned the room and it was a nice ecclectic mix of people. We did the 10 course tasting which was a bit more elaborate than the prixe fixe menu. I'm a sucker for truffle, so the standout for me was the risotto with black truffle shavings. Exquisite! Don't get me wrong, though, every single course was mmm mmm good with creative presentation, from the squash soup housed in a hollowed mini- pumpkin to the decadent chocolates. Service was impeccable with not only attentive servers but synchronized serving. I'm talking about coordinated timing of the setting down of flatware. Nice touch. We were there for a special occasion so the menus had been customized with well wishes in acknowledgement. Another nice gesture. It's definitely a place for a special time, as I couldn't imagine a 3-hour meal on the regular. However, for a memorable fine dining experience, Tru is one of the best.
(5)
Amy S.
My fiance and I were taken here as an anniversary present by my boss and his wife. I had heard rumors that Tru was stuffy and stuck up....that they weren't very nice and that they just weren't friendly. I beg to differ. I didn't feel that at all. I felt the atmosphere was actually very pleasant. The tables were spread apart perfectly and you felt like you could have a conversation without everyone in the restaurant listening. Also, if you talk to the servers like normal people, they talk to you normal also. We had our sommelier telling us hilarious stories about wine regions and types of wines. The food was fantastic. We did the 9 course menu and I loved each course! And we did the wine pairings (those were HUGE pours!). I loved the personalized menu (Congrats Amy and Greg) and the fact that they reprinted out exactly what everyone ordered on a special menu at the end of the night. Truly great food and service and a very memorable experience.
(5)
A N.
This is one of those reviews that really deserves 3.5 stars. My husband and I finally had a good reason to try some very fine dining in Chicago - our 5th wedding anniversary. We dressed up all fancy and took a cab downtown like real adults. It was nice to have an occasion to dress up for. We ordered the 6 course Grand Collection and a bottle of Moscato since we were celebrating but don't really care for Champagne. I didn't take pictures of every course, but I still remember most of them, so here it goes: White sturgeon "caviar": very pretty and cool in concept. in reality, too salty. Also, we only got 3 tiny crackers with it. Say what? Not enough crackers with a course of any kind, at any restaurant is a major pet peeve of mine. I'd give this one an A-. one the most memorable courses. Amuse bouche: not a course exactly, but it was still served. Twas disgusting. Really. We both had to consume an entire glass of wine to get the icky taste out of our mouths. F- English Pea Soup: Yummy! I liked the peas. It was very beautiful, looked like a spring wreath at the bottom of the bowl. It had these micro croutons were really good and we could have used a few more. It was missing something, flavor-wise. B+ fava bean cappeletti: I don't care for ham but it was very delicate, pretty and tasty, but not very memorable or super interesting. B+ alaskan halibut: Fish was delicious and cooked perfectly. The mushrooms were also very yummy. But again, not mind blowing or anything. B+ Jidori Chicken: What can I say? It's chicken. It wasn't special chicken. The plating was fun and cool. The fiddlehead ferns were my favorite part of the dish. B At some point we also received a fun grass + ultra tiny clothes pins + dried fruit paper hanging like laundry. Tasty and very cute. Solid A for the expensive fruit roll up. Dessert was campfire s'mores and a chocolate with red pear sorbet. Both were quite tasty. We also received a special happy anniversary plate with mini-cake. The cake was dry. A- They brought around a dessert cart, which was has probably 1 dozen different chocolates and candies. The server explains what they all are and then says "would you care for any of these desserts (or something like that), it's our compliment". I wasn't sure if I should say "sure, i'll take all of them" or what. So I instead I was like "ok, I'll take one of those *points*". And she says "would care for another?" and i say "ok, I'll take one of those *points*". And so on, until we had all but 2 of every confectionary from the cart. Awkward. Finally they bring us two chocolates, laden with gold. They are pretty. And filled with cinnamon liquid. Delicious! I can only compare my experience at Tru to one other restaurant - Europea in Montreal. I am sorry to say Europea kind of kicked Tru's ass. We had many more courses at Europea, they were all really interesting AND delicious, and the service wasn't nearly as fussy. I would still recommend Tru for a very special occasion because it was a fun experience, but it just wasn't what you might expect for the money. If you are counting on your money going a long way, you might want to consider going elsewhere.
(4)
Jennifer S.
I feel like we totally wasted our money. Overall we were really impressed by the service, but the food was a big let down. We went there to celebrate my birthday. They printed up a special menu with my name and a birthday wish in it, which was a really nice touch. We ordered off the Prix Fixe Menu. The amuse-bouche was bland, our appetizers were good, but the entrees were a total miss (no taste, the lobster, which I paid extra for, was rubbery and the portions were really small). After our main course we were still hungry, so we ordered an additional cheese course served with a side of honey and chutney (the cheese plate was the best thing we had all night). Our desserts were also a big disappointment -pretty to look at but bland and unimaginative in taste.
(2)
Charin K.
My husband and I went to Tru for our anniversary last week and were thoroughly impressed. We have been to a good number of Chicago's nice restaurants and were excited to dine at the well known Tru and compare it to our other dining experiences. The thing that most stands out about Tru is the attention to flavor that they give. No, the dishes aren't crazy spins on the homey classics like you will find at Graham Elliot or Schwa, but they hone in on the flavor of every bite with carefully picked ingredients and methods of cooking that make for an outstanding meal and because of this it's modern French cuisine at its finest and deserves 5 stars. If you are looking for an incredibly posh fine dining meal experience, this is the place to indulge in. On the flip side though, if you are looking for a fun and relaxed atmosphere to go with a gourmet dining experience, this may not be the place for you. The restaurants I mentioned above have an atmosphere of warmth and fun that Tru lacks. This is not a negative feedback point of Tru by any means, there is a time and place for each of these experiences and I only mention this so that you know going in what to be expecting and can enjoy your experience to the fullest. We had a splendid time and will never forget the glazed veal or white sturgeon caviar... aMAZing!
(5)
Barbara C.
I had the pleasure of eating at TRU recently. I've never eaten there even though it seems like it's been a Chicago icon forever. I understand why. The food, the service, the presentation, the atmosphere is simply fabulous. They all work beautifully together to create a unique and memorable dining experience. Flavors come together in unique and surprising ways. Each course was more delightful than the last! Worth a splurge.
(5)
Toby S.
Extremely Good. Chicago Really has more than its fair share of fine dining experiences. TRU is formal and a bit of a old business type crowd but the food and service were exceptional. You leave having spend a crap load of money without any remorse. Just a body perfectly filled with highly technical and wonderfully executed food. All washed down with a superb complement of booze. (Note - If it were my restaurant I might work on the decor slightly)
(5)
Cory A.
It isn't too often that I feel a restaurant truly lives up to the hype and the aclaim that it's been given, but this time, this place just had to be one of them. My table had the Chef's tasting menu, featuring foie gras mousse, seared wagyu, and crispy bork belly, along with the sommelier's wine pairings. They wagyu was so tender and juicy, it practically fell apart before I could chew it. I can't say that the entire tasting meny was excellent, though. There were a couple things that tasted great, but were largely forgettable. The care and creativity that went into the dishes that "mattered" were nothing compared to the execution of them in the kitchen. However, the dishes that fell short, although tasting, great, did not live up to the calliber of the ones that made the evening. The dessert was the biggest let down. It was seriously just of scoop of ice cream over melon balls...no more, no less. I really expected something creative. In addition to the food, the service was exceptional. There were moments when I forgot the servers were serving, because their performance was immaculate. I'm glad I had the pleasure of dining at TRU recently, and if I am ever able to afford the bill again, I'd be there in a skinny minute to see and taste what else the chef has to offer.
(4)
Margaret T.
The food here is good, and the acrobatic display of service is interesting, however I am left uninspired by the stiffness of said servers. I also think the mood could be improved, as well as a few other things. It's almost like eating at a museum, and the times I have been there, I've been worried about my servers having a nervous breakdown behind their painted smiles. Tip toe service, I'd call it. I am just so uncomfortable when no one is having fun. But if you want to be treated like royalty, this is the place to do it. Meh.
(2)
Tim R.
Truly innovative food. I took my wife here for her birthday and we both loved it. They made a menu with her name on it which makes you feel all special. I recommend the chefs tasting menu. It is quite expensive so keep that in mind.
(5)
Juliette C.
Went to Tru with some friends (including Elisa O.) recently. I was super excited to go back but the dinner was a really big miss. First and foremost the dinner took nearly 4 hours! for the 6 course menu. So technically we got super bored and hungry! They apologized etc and gave us some truffles at the end - which btw where super delicious - but what can you do, the experience was marred. Second the food was rather good, I did not like the halibut, the chicken was not really interesting (though I liked the presentation). The caviar is awesome and I was happy to have it again, dessert was great too. The ham pasta with a fancy name tasted like ham pasta, it was good but kinda rustic. Ok and then there was the sake. First we paid $50 for a very small bottle of sake that costs $11 online. It was good, but wtf?? 400% mark up? That's ridiculous. The second bottle which was less crazily marked up just tasted like white wine... not what you want when you order sake... My friends were disappointed and me too. Would have rather spent my $180 somewhere else! Oh I was forgetting, a staff member explained to me what fish utensils were, because I was saying the fork looked weird. I know what fish utensils are thanks very much, the fork just had a really weird shape... last time I went they explained to us what a prix fixe menu was... It's not because we are under 30 that we are ignorant... The monkey was a little ridiculous too...
Food is awesome. One can't deny that. The tasting menu is an all evening entertaining event. Make sure to go with a fellow foodie so they don't get bored during the 4 hours. I cant give 5 stars because it's still hard to spend $450 on dinner for two.
(4)
Tina K.
Tru is our favorite special occasion restaurant! We've been here a number of times and have never been disappointed. The food and service are top-notch, the decor is sophisticated and elegant. Most recently, we spent New Year's Eve at Tru and the dinner went beyond our expectations. We had the 8-course tasting menu with wine pairings. The "wine" pairings were divine, including everything from sake to a 1976 Bordeaux.
(5)
Tricia C.
As seems to be the trend with a lot of the reviews here, service was 5 star but food was more like 3-4 (depending on the course). Don't get me wrong, it was good, just not as good, for example, as the meal I paid about half the price for the day before at Bonsoiree. Everything executed well, it just wasn't super exciting and nothing really made us do a double take. We did the Grand Collection and added the seared Foie Gras from the a la carte menu. We also swapped one of the beignet desserts for the fall fruit risotto I had seen on the menu online during my "research period." Funny enough, that addition and substitution were probably the best things we had. You definitely want the risotto--it's a whole deal where they assemble it tableside and it's the perfect balance of sweetness for a dessert. There were lots of extras thrown in before, during, and after our meal that were pretty cool also, and we were DEFINITELY full by the end of it. So, if you've never experienced the caliber of the wait staff at TRU, it's definitely worth it for a special occasion. But, we likely now can cross it off our list and will explore elsewhere on our next visit. Also note, there's really no sign outside, except a small logo obscured by some topiaries next to the revolving door. Just go where the address is and you'll figure it out.
(4)
Chester W.
Sort of in a secluded area at night, but overall I really enjoyed my meal. Went for a business dinner and had a great meal. Definitely pricey, but you should realize that before going in. Good drink selection, good food, and excellent service despite the fact that my waiter kept confusing my orders with the only other Asian in the dinner party.
(4)
Gazelle T.
For days I waffled about whether or not we should go here on our Chicago trip--would it really be worth the hefty price tag? For the same cost you could get a number of good or even fantastic meals at other restaurants after all. Well, we went and I'm happy to say it was indeed worth it! As others have noted the service is impeccable--indeed it borders on intimidating! But once I got over it being insanely attentive I realized it wasn't just service, it was Kabuki Theater. Then I was able to get into the spirit of the thing. Food and cocktails (ranging from $18-$22 for the curious) were excellent! And in addition to your regular courses there is an amuse included, and bread service (the pumpernickel onion bread was to die for. I could happily eat it every day of my life!), and a palate-cleansing interlude. You begin to feel that the prix fixe is not only worth it, but something of a bargain ;) After trying my boyfriend's Scotchman Can Take a Punch (one of their signature cocktails) I decided I wanted one for myself, even though if you had asked my I would have told you I didn't like any of the ingredients in it. THAT is high praise for a restaurant--making you eat or drink something you were sure you didn't like! I even had a second one. For food I had the chestnut soup, which was wonderful, and the short ribs, which were some of the best I've ever had. Our server explained they sous vide and seared, so they were like no short ribs I've ever had before. An amazing dish. They were sauced tableside, and the accompaniments were beautiful. I was particularly impressed by the tiny carved apple cups holding herb oil. Tru pays attention to every last detail. The cheese cart was also a treat. Another server brought it around, and he was extremely well-informed about everything. I was impressed by his memory, to say the least! The dessert was the only misstep--I got the "s'mores" and I found the different chocolate mousses and cakes to be rather one note, and presentation wasn't as interesting either. I've had much better desserts at other restaurants, and I have to say the ones I make are better as well :P But I didn't mind. The rest of the meal was fabulous.
(5)
Barack O.
Delicious food. Fantastic service. Taste everything and go as often as you can afford to. Worth every penny. Disregard any review under 5 stars,
(5)
Natalie B.
Completely decadent! This is a great special occasion type restaurant. The food is inventive and fun. I couldn't get enough to the caviar staircase. Aside from being a great presentation, the caviar was just darn good. We had the Chef Tramonto's Market Collection which was amazing. I especially loved the soup served in the Limoge teacups. The dessert is obviously amazing since Gale Gand is a pastry genius. If money is no object, pair chilled vodka with the caviar and change up your wine with each course. There is a dessert tasting whoch I would love to try!
(5)
Ren B.
at tru, the food is tasty, the service is great--everyone knows this. the place wins james beard awards for a reason. so many of the dishes i've had here are permanently seared into my brain as being the best i have ever had or will ever have. however, many people gripe about the overly formal and "stuffy" service and ambiance. well, i am here to blow tru's cover! i have been here twice now (last sept and this june) and got the same server both times--and she remembered! we had a last-minute reservation in the lounge and the main dining room was full, but she negotiated with the chef and we were still able to partake in the 9 course grand collection. very cool. she was friendly and conversational and hardly pretentious, yet we received the same level of service we would have received in the main dining room (except for the purse stool, but i'm sure my purse will forgive me for putting it on the floor :P). at the end of the dinner, i asked if i could show my bf the warhol marilyn print in the main dining room. she personally walked us around and showed us all the art pieces, including one in the upstairs private room. my bf then casually mentioned that i hoped to see the kitchen someday--and she offered us a tour! if you are an aspiring chef like i am, or even just an huge foodie, this kitchen will knock your socks off. it is enormous and even has a separate pastry kitchen. the kitchen staff hardly minded we were there, and in fact, were quite nice! the moral of this story is, if you are intimidated or turned off by the potential stuffyness of this place--don't be. if you're not a total neanderthal and you're polite (and have a coupla bucks to blow!), you will not be out of place. two grand collections + 4 glasses of sake + 2 tastings of wine + tour of dining room and kitchen + tax + tip = $400.
(5)
Marie L.
I went to Tru with my husband to celebrate New Year's and we absolutely loved the experience. They strive....no...achieve perfection in every way. The waistaff were so attentive; the courses were delish. We ordered the collection with the 6 entrees and we also had cheese and chocolates - lots of chocolates...yummy! Our dinner was a little over 3 hours...so worth it!! We will definitely go back!
(5)
Dru G.
Not sure how anyone could not like Tru. I've been there a few times now and I always get the chef's choice because I figure I"m already splurging by coming here so I may as well splurge all the way. I can't say whether the presentation or the food is better because both are top notch- it doesn't get any better than Tru.
(5)
choad x.
Service was Awesome! Synchronized water refills! 4-5 waiters for just our table! The dessert and the Madeleine Cookies to go were the best. The prixe-fix food itself was visually incredible, but so-so on the palette. She was impressed, however, I wouldn't go again unless they improved the menu.
(4)
a h.
I went to TRU about 5 years ago for my birthday. I still think back fondly on that night as THE greatest dining experience I've ever had...and I've eaten at a lot of restaurants in Chicago and throughout the world. Bill was $300 per head (with tip), but it was completely worth it. They have trained their staff so that serving is an ART. The food is so imaginative, presented so beautifully, and so delicious. I still think about the caviar staircase, the most amazing soup I have ever had, and the phenomenal dessert. I think I've talked myself into splurging again at TRU very soon!
(5)
James K.
Ah Tru. What more can I say about this Shrine to Cuisine? Dining at Tru is far from just eating dinner; it's more like an adventure (especially for those brave enough to trust their palates and Amex bills to Mr. Tramanto and go for the spontanteous collection.) I've tried about 100 courses at Tru and almost all of them were truly excellent, with none being less than very good. The decadent and beautiful Caviar Staircase is a fantastic way to begin your palate's journey to Heaven, while the Tuna Tartare 'garnished' with a beautiful live fish swimming in a small bowl under it is a breathtaking way to spend your time there, both visually and viscerally. Tru hits all the little touches to make dining their memorable. From a modern, elegant dining room filled with lovely art, to having the class to include bottled water with the price of the meals, and using fun Versace china, Laguiole steak knives, and having a dedicated staff member whose sole job is to polish their lovely stemware, servers that seem to truly love and revere the kitchen's creations while they extol each course in detail, and sending you home with a sweet little "Gift of Tru" (note: temporarily being redesigned,) and sending Christmas cards signed by both the Chef de Cuisine and the Pastry chef to frequent diners, Tru does it all to perfection. My only regret is that the whole roasted lobe of foie gras prepared tableside is no longer available. Aldermen really need to reassess their priorities, eh? Tru is also a Wine Spectator Grand Award winner with the tome-like wine list to prove it. With such a vast selection, it's understandable that they do not permit corkage, but their list is heavily weighted towards pricier bottles, which at a price of roughly 3 times retail, can get out of control quickly. Nevertheless, a savvy wine shopper can still find some good wines that won't break the bank, especially in the half bottle area of the list.
(5)
patty l.
At Tru, you will find full of surprises! Until today, this is still by far the best restaurants that I have ever been to. It is expensive, but it's definitely a very unique dining experience, and I would return if I ever visit Chicago again. The service was outstanding, it's almost surreal. Restaurant itself is like a gallery, and food is the art. Everything is perfectly measured. The tasting menu is what you want to order, and don't forget to order the melted chocolate cake with ice cream. It was too good to be "TRUe"! The day when I went, Nicolas Cage was there with his Korean gf (4 years ago)! I can't say enough good things about this restaurant; you will have to experience it yourself. I highly recommend this restaurant for any special formal occasions.
(5)
Jason A.
After talking to a couple of folks in Chicago on what is thee restaurant to visit on our trip over there, the restaurant that came up was Tru. First off, gentlemen need to wear a jacket at all times. A little more strict than French Laundry. The service was out of this world. For example when they filled my fiance and my glass of water, two waiters came up from both sides of the table and at the same time filled our glass doing a courtesy once they were done. The food was French Fusion and we opted with the 3 entree dinner. it started off with beef tartar (excellent presentation and mixture of flavors) and foie gras (nothing too special). Main dishes were the veal trio (a little disappointing and the sweetbread sucked) and the lobster (can I please have a little more lobster meat?) In between we were given soups on a spoon here and there. The stand out of this place was dessert. Dessert included: cheese plate small root beer floats chocolate and blueberry souffl espresso mouse chocolate indulgence little French cookies chocolates to go All we requested was for cheese and chocolate indulgence. It helps to talk about the Cubs in this town. Overall, food was slightly above average, dessert was excellent and service was outstanding. PRICEY $$$$
(4)
Grace L.
We've been here for dinner and just for dessert. Here's the thing, you hear all the hoopla and I think it's easy to get disappointed. The service here is impeccable, the room is classic, attention to detail is fascinating, and the delivery of the food is smooth. The food is not so up to par, albeit interesting combinations and tastes. For example, I had the short rib with unagi...wonderful food, but not close your eyes savory good. In fact, I separated the food on my plates and it was amazing just on its' own. It was definitely more appealing to your eyes than your stomach. Now, that being said, the desserts are worth the couple hour seating. We went to celebrate a birthday and we had the three course dessert. The desserts were amazing little pieces of art themselves and the taste so much more pleasurable. They had printed out a little copy of the menu of the night with the birthday person's name and date...it was a nice touch.
(4)
Laura P.
I haven't been here in years but still remember the stellar food, service, caviar staircase, whimsical desserts by Gale Gand, and the cute purse stools. One detail that I love most about Tru are the restrooms! The waterfall sink is enough to inspire jealously or a trip to Kohler, Wisconsin. Seriously. After all these years, I've made mental notes on how much or how little detail is put into a restaurant's bathroom. Tru is tops on my list.
(5)
Cynthia L.
I have dreamed of eating here for several years before I finally had the opportunity this past birthday. Oprah raved about Tru, friends raved about Tru, but sadly, I am not going to 'rave' about Tru. I was disappointed. Perhaps I expected more than it could produce. But come on, it's TRU!! The 3 course prix fixe menu was ok for me but we ordered an extra appetizer. Why do the apps always sound more appealing than the entrees?? Anyway, we ordered the prime beef tartare with a golden egg, the peeky toe crab salad, prime beef ribeye, and moroccan lamb three ways. The prime beef tartare was by far the tastiest. The golden egg is worth it! It's a raw egg yolk enveloped by edible gold leaf. How euphoric!! It was well-seasoned and accented by the saltiness of the parmesan tuile. I could eat this over and over again. The peeky toe salad was fresh tasting. Not particular satisfying in any way. The eggplant, crab and vinaigrette all had about the same taste. I must not have gotten enough of the acid on my plate because it tasted bland to me. I love peeky toe which on its own is very sweet but the eggplant puree took away from the peeky toe. The entrees were not memorable therefore I won't really write about them. Needless to say not the best performance by Rick Tramonto (I don't know even know if he was working that night)! Plus our waiter was a little odd and unattentive. Not really worth the price.
(2)
Jennifer S.
I am going to mention the importance of making a reservation way way in advance for Tru. We called in Nov to get the reservation for end of Jan on a Saturday night and the best they had was 8:45 which is a touch on the late side for us. So, that being said--if you want a Saturday night @8pm, I would say call 4 months in advance to be safe. Our head waiter/captain was wonderful...His name is Israel. My husband and I each had a "collection" but it all needed to be modified as we are vegetarians who do not eat shellfish. The food was delicious. The sashimi course was great, the fish just about melted on our tongues. There was also a salmon course and a black cod- both were prepared beautifully and tasted excellent. There was a mushroom ravioli course that I did find a bit odd. It was essentially 2 mini crepes with some sauteed mushroom in between them. The taste was good but I wouldn't call it "ravioli". The two standouts of the evening for us were: the dessert cart and the cheese cart. Both are wheeled over to the table and the cheese selections were prepared tableside. Very charming. And, a great selection of cheeses. The dessert cart is adorable, complete with "gourmet" lollipops. I didn't love anything that I ate from the dessert cart but it was cute! Then, they come around with truffles. The "elvis" is not to be missed- its banana and peanut butter! We also had a dessert off the menu that was pretty forgettable---we were very dissapointed in that. It was pumpkin something and average at best. The service is impeccable, they are extremely attentive and it is worth it to go and just get pampered. Their attention to detail is almost flawless, in that respect. We were given a banana cake (mini) when we left and it was DELCIOUS! We were surprised that the dining room was so bare/minimalistic/modern but it only causes you to focus on the food more so I do understand what they're doing... I would have liked to see a little more color though. If you are looking for a wonderful/expensive night out with inventive cuisine, I would suggest Alinea but if you aren't quite that adventerous--- go to Tru! Enjoy.
(5)
Ken A.
I agree with some prior reviews. The staff is very professional, very polished, maybe a bit too much, as my wife and I felt a little bit awkward especially at the beginning of the meal. We ordered the 9 course menu. There were a few highlights that I still remember months after the fact: an amazing first course with sturgeon caviar and avocado. Also, a venison that was perfectly cooked and delicious (not part of the normal menu, but they nicely agreed to throw it in there at my request). On the other hand, a few of the plates were only OK (I remember a chicken dish that was mediocre), and the cheese course was disappointing. The sommelier was very nice and recommended some nice half bottles that went well with the food. Overall, I can't complain too much, totally deserving of its 4 stars, but recalling Charlie Trotter and Alinea, I think Tru falls one star short.
(4)
Lo M.
Just went Friday night for my birthday. A couple of reviews down from a couple that went a day after on the 22nd is pretty much the same exerience I had. Ordered the exact same thing, the grand selection. It takes about 3-3 1/2 hours from beginning to end. Each portion that comes out is small but towards desert, the amount of food almost got to be too much. The service is top notch and the food is cooked to perfection. To me it just didn't seem to be innovative enough. I preferred Moto over this for the same prices. The room was nice and it wasn't stuffy at all despite the requirement of a jacket. I would just suggest a few of the other 5 star restaraunts before tru. It was definetly good-thus the 4 star rating.
(4)
Lisa B.
My sister and I went to Tru last night expecting a mind-blowing culinary experience. We left Tru confused and full of shame for spending BIG bucks on such a disappointing self-indulgent meal. The gnocchi appetizer I had tasted like watered down Arthur (moms - you know what I'm talking about) macaroni and cheese - not kidding. For my entree, I ordered beef short ribs. While the meat was extremely tender and delicious, the portion was shockingly tiny. The "small vegetables" that accompanied the short ribs were almost microscopic; so small that I couldn't tell what they were. The dessert - some kind of almond cake - was truly horrible. I can honestly say that it was the worst dessert I have ever had at a restaurant. The "cake" was not presented as a slice, but rather, scrapings that looked and tasted like the crumbs from a week-old cake made from an Easy Bake Oven. There was a little swirl of cherry sauce and a teaspoon of ice cream that I guess were there to moisten the dry scrapings that were on my plate. On the bright side, the wine was spectacular and my sister liked most of the items from her Tasting Menu. If you're into stuffy, formal, over-priced food (and don't like to eat much) - this is the place for you!
(2)
Joao G.
The best restaurant I know in Chicago. The food is just amazing, the service is very good and the ambiance is great - a little more modern, not as formal as most restaurants like this.
(5)
Alexandra C.
I have always had a pleasant meal at Tru, but I do have to admit that the staff can sometimes get on my nerves. For instance: I had a party upstairs for my mother's birthday and at the last minute wanted to get a cake but most bakeries needed at least 1 week to create the cake I wanted. So I thought I would call Tru and see if they could bring out a birthday cake for my mother or recommend someone for me...well when I asked them for this request they were insulted that I would have their pastry chef make a birthday cake. They kept asking me if I knew who their pastry chef was, yes I did and honestly I didn't care. Finally they gave me the name of a bakery that was able to produce a wonderful 3-tired cake for the 20 guests and they even delivered it to the restaurant. Well the dinner was going wonderful till we got to desert when the restaurant informs us that they don't have any candles after they bring out the cake. Are you serious? So after a few handshakes we have candles on the cake and are able to sing happy birthday. Other then that one night dealing with the staff, I have always enjoyed my experiences at Tru.
(4)
J K.
there's a dearth of synonyms for "excellent" to describe tru.
(5)
sandra h.
We went about a year ago and it truly was an experience . . . a very long experience. The meal was an amazing melange of fresh flavors and artistic presentation, but by the end it was a blur. Thank goodness for the print out at the end of the meal describing each course in the tasting menu! We got such a kick out of the service. . . It was like a well rehearsed ballet - each move was choreographed. As dishes arrived at the table they were served in unison and revealed with a flick of the wrist. I have to admit that the service was borderline intimidating and definitely too stuffy for my taste.
(4)
Mark P.
Top notch service. Excellent presentation. Enjoyed the scallops and beef cheek ravioli, even though the bone marrow foam over the latter didn't look too appetizing. Short rib with unagi entree was excellent. Venison was cooked nicely, but the accompanying sauces were suspect. Banana crepes and chocolate souffle for dessert were well-executed. Food/flavors though weren't as mind-blowing as Alinea or even Charlie Trotter's.
(4)
Jessica N.
I made the mistake of trying Tru before Charlie Trotter's. I did the kitchen table in both instances and the difference was AMAZING! I understand when you are in the "kitchen table" you are supposed to be getting the experience of being in the kitchen- I really do get that. At Tru, they actually treat you like some kind of royalty who are watching them prepare a feast. You are in a room surrounded by bowls of Japanese Fighting fish. You get a stool for your purse. They put a JUG(I mean JUG) of about 5 pounds of caviar on your table and tell you that you are welcome to eat as much as you would like, just make sure the waiter serves it to you. They serve you tiny ice cream cones with pea flavored ice cream. It was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had. Unfortunately I then went to eat at Charlie Trotter's where we were seated next to the dish washing machine. The experience was sub par compared to the dining extravaganza at Tru. Everyone should try Tru once, forget the competition.
(5)
Ravi B.
If one were to write a book on how a dining SHOULD be, they'd need the imagination of **** and the skill of **** to come anywhere near describing the experience offered by Tru.
(5)
Robin D.
Went to TRU last night and everything else was exactly the same.... The service is still truly impeccable (if I can give 10 stars for it then I would), the ambience untouched but the food really wasnt as good as it was years ago. I had the 95 dollar prix fix menu and chose the lobster soup with Ground Hominy, Lobster emulsion and spoon breat (didnt really care for it), my bf had the beef cheek ravioli, marrow and orange bordelaise (delish). For the main course I had the Alaskan Halibut with Leek emulsion reduced Chardonnay and bacon vinaigrette (yummo) while he had the scottish king salmon, granny smith apples, coconut and thai long peppercorn (soso). I had the Dense chocolate for Dessert while he had the cheese plate. Mind you, the cheese plate had the most incredible cheese that I ever had. We are both not dessert lovers but I sampled some and they were just ok for me nothing wanting me to have more. Forget about the ambience and service but from the food per ce, I cant help but compare this place to Charlie Trotters and I have to say that Trotters would still be my choice. The restaurant is French progressive which means that they follow the culinary principles of french cooking and the cuisine is french-based but the end results are fusion so in short it is FRENCH FUSION. So dont get me wrong, FOOD is really good but it does not blow you taste buds like Charlie does I have been here 7 years ago and I loved it. I would recommend this place for the experience because it is a gastronomical one but for the amount of money we spent, I will try new places like Alinea or just try to make a reservatio n at Trotters. I like TRU but not enough to lure me back over and over again. If the price is not so high I would have given this place 4 stars or even 5 but for this price, I expect a bit more.
(3)
susan w.
Without a doubt...FABULOUS! Not only was the food impeccable, but the service was exceptional. The several courses of dessert satisfied everyones sweet tooth! No detail is overlooked. If you haven't been...run, don't walk!
(5)
Timothy F.
First, not sure where the perception that Rich T. has anything to do with this restaurant but he left like two years ago. Unfortunately the portion size issue has not changed since he left the kitchen...it was a problem when he was there and is since he was gone. Unfortunately I made reservations to go with a client who wanted to go while he was in town and found out after we went that the current Chef left about two weeks ago which explains why the food was uneven and my client was completely disappointed also which did not make the bill any easier to swallow. I heard Les Francais closed recently...maybe they could get the chef from there...at least the food would meet the price then...The reason I gave three stars was that for that type of money the place should provide superb dishes every course and some of them were just okay...one was undercooked...However when it comes to service there still is no better place in the city, starting with the valet through the meal...
(3)
Paul B.
To go to Tru and give it anything other than 5 starts would be churlish. I went with my Wife last night, the food is exceptional, certainly as good if not better than Trotters. Without pontificating about the various courses I would just say go try it, but make it for a special occasion. The tasting menus are about as good as it get. The bill's not bad either, about $250 a head. If I were pressed my favourite restaurant would still be Everest, the view gets it for me. I would go back again and fully intend to. Chicago certainly has some fabulous places to wine and dine!!
(5)
Joan M.
Went for my 50th. My husband and I are TOUGH critics and foodies to boot. Tru blew us away !!! The staff ,attention to detail, food etc.. We could not find a fault with anything.. This is a MUST go.. If you are looking for somewhere $$$ but worth it for a special evening chose TRU... Besides the French Laundry in Napa this is the BEST restaurant we have found ANYWHERE in the world......Not cheap but worth the price... The cheese course option is amazing if you are cheese head like I am and the option to chose a taste of dessert at the end of the meal a charming touch along with the muffins given for breakfast the next morning.. Not a big fan of "the foam" on some dishes but that is just me and I am sure they would be happy to not do it if asked. Just watching the staff work in sync was unlike anything I have seen. Guys if your trying to impress someone this is the place. They will even do a custom menu mine said Happy 50th.. If I wasn't married this is where I would want to be proposed to and then come back year after year . AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!
(5)
Helen H.
Dining at Tru ended up being a bizarre experience that left a wicked bad taste in my mouth. My two friends and I had an extraordinary dinner (Full Chef Collection with wine pairings) at Tru. We had no idea what we were getting into when we went there, but decided to go for it once we realized what an great opportunity this was to have a truly special experience. The food, service and presentation were all out of this world.... UNTIL THE VERY END. After spending over $1000 for a dinner for 3 (gladly, mind you as it was a once in a lifetime experience for us) the waiter came rushing after us in a panic accusing us of stealing the pen we had signed our checks with. It was the most bizarre thing imaginable. We had just paid over $1000 to eat one meal and he was worried about his PEN?!?! Seriously, a pen? I was so profoundly insulted, I can not even begin to express the impact of this. I wrote a letter to the management within a week of returning home and heard nothing back from them. For a restaurant so exquisitely focused on perfect pairings giving the taste buds a glorious experience, this left the most disgusting taste in our mouths. I would have loved to be able to give this restaurant 5 stars as on so many levels it deserves it. Yet, there is no excuse for this behavior at a restaurant of this caliber.
(2)
DQ F.
We went there for dinner without reservation. They were nice enough to accomandate us. We took the courses with paired wine. It was nicely paired. Each course likes an artwork. Nothing more to say. I have waited a few month to write this, especially after a bit traveling around. I finally come back to think about this dinner, it is probably one of the best meals I had. I have mad respect for the people respect food as they do. Even I may not justify spend so much on one dinner, but life is short after all. It is really worth it if you run into it.
(4)
Caroline A.
Saving the big 300 for an exceptional dining experience. All restaurants should have service of this level. Five stars all the way for TRU. Service, ambiance, food quality and aesthetics - every aspect of our experience was magnificent. Upon walking in, we were immediately shown to our table (we were seated in an intimate corner of the restaurant) and two servers lifted and moved the table so I could be seated and get comfortable. Yes, all of the other tables had stools for pocketbooks (very thoughtful), but I didn't need one as I was sitting on one of their benches. The ambiance is perfect. Clean lines, contemporary, luxurious and modern, but with a bit of traditionalism. Tables are spaced perfectly so we could share an intimate dinner. BF had called ahead and had them personalize our menu for our celebration (we later took home the menu and they printed out a separate menu for us with all the dishes we had). It was truly special. Immediately we were served a buffalo mozzarella palette cleanser, a great way to start the evening. We decide to go with the Chef's collection as it was more in line with our palettes. 16-courses of delight. My personal favorites were: Selection of Sashimi Grade Fish, Complementary Garnishes Rabbit Consomm, Morels, Pea & Lavender Emulsion Whipped Salt Cod, Creamy Potato, Smoked Gele, Caviar Tagliolini, Peeky Toe Crab, Uni Poached American Red Snapper, Green Papaya, Fennel, Thai Nage Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse, Orange Sherbet, Cardamom Scented Oranges - This may be the best chocolate dessert I've ever experienced. Fresh ingredients, incredible flavor profiles, perfect amount of innovation and a great balance of light and heavier courses. They brought out a special dessert to celebrate our occasion, which was a fantastic little chocolate cake. Just when we thought we were done, they came by with a plate of truffles... and then the cart of pastries and candies. We were so full, we asked if we could have a doggie bag. Sure enough, they brought out two boxes and sent us home with a great assortment of chocolate and candies. I cannot say enough about the service we received. Approximately 5-7 people served our table, perfectly synchronized from clearing our plates, filling our wine and water to describing each dish to perfection. Staff was very courteous, delightfully charming and always smiling. On our way out, they gave us two loaves of iced lemon pound cake for breakfast! 48 hours later, and I'm still thinking about our experience at TRU...
(5)
Belina B.
A wonderful experience on our Anniversary . Went for a 9 course Vegetarian meal with wine pairing. Felt like we were indulging in a artful dining experience. Everything was just perfect from portions, to the presentation . The Kohlrabi cold soup was excellent. Only wished they did not charge extra for the dessert instead of the cheese sampler we opted for, Overall a great experience.
(5)
Emily C.
I've been agonizing for days at how to sum up my experience at Tru and all I can come up with is something I have already said: it's an experience. It's an experience that, if you love food, you need to have at least once. The place is the picture of simple elegance in every aspect considerable. Actually, it was so elegant I found myself whispering to my friend and partner in fine dining, Stacey A., "Why are we whispering?" Can't help it. It just seems like a place where you whisper. Kind of like having dinner with the president, I'd imagine (I haven't gotten my invite yet, President Obama...still waiting). Long white curtains covering the walls, which are adorned with little else but some abstract art pieces, deep, dark and comfy suede covered chairs, and they give you a little ottoman thing for your purse too, which is something I wish other restaurants would cotton onto stat. So classy. The food is something I can go on and on and on about, so I will just say I had the Chef's Collection - nine courses of gorgeous, sumptuous food designed around what's in season this spring & summer - and here were some highlights: -Smoked sturgeon "caviar" in avocado and hazelnut. I don't know why "caviar" is in quotes; I suppose this may not have been the real deal and I don't even care. The combo of these flavors tasted like a rounder, richer, and more delicious guacamole than I'd ever imagined. -Porcini tagliatelle with condensed tomato, asparagus cream, and fresh shaved parmesean. I heard rabbit wasn't good to eat; kind of gamy. They LIED! Rabbit may not be good other places besides Tru. At Tru, it's roasted to a tender consistency reminiscent of a perfect pot roast or pulled pork, set atop a small mound of pasta, and complimented by a fabulous trio of flavors. -Pan-seared foie gras with lemon confit. This literally made my eyes pop out of my head. Soft, buttery, and amazing. Didn't think lemon would go with it, but it did to an absolute tee. Oh man. This dish will haunt my dreams for a long, long time. -Duet of lamb with daikon, watermelon radish, olive, and star anise aus jus. This lamb was cooked to a melt-in-your-mouth PERFECTION. I can't say it any more succinctly than that, so I'll just let it lie. So after that all (and then some), just when I'm considering potential fullness, they bring out a cheese cart with fabulous selections of goat, sheep, and cow's cheeses (the sheep's cheeses were my favorite - who knew?). I also was utterly unaware of the little dessert cart. There was a dessert factored into the nine courses, but the little cart with the small petit fors and candies was what really wowed me. I had a tiny little coffee cup shaped from dark chocolate, filled with Bailey's Irish Creme, and a dark-chocolate covered honey lollipop. Then, once you think it's all over and done with, they bring an exploding truffle - cocoa powder and a thin layer of chocolate containing vanilla liquor of some sort. It's so delicate that when you bite into it, the liquor completely floods into your mouth, hence the "exploding" part. Of course, to dine like this is extravagant. It costs an arm and a leg. I certainly can't afford to eat like this monthly or maybe even yearly on my salary, but was it worth it? Am I glad I did it? Is the experience worth the hefty price tag? Absolutely. Yes, yes, yes.
(5)
Nils E.
Tru is short for truly fantastical. From the moment you walk in and hand the keys to your Benz (or in my case, a hotel room) to the maitre d', you feel as though you want to kick off your shoes and unbuckle your belt. Trust me on this, though, it's better to wait until you are seated. The setting is very spacious, dimly-lit and perfect for couples or small groups. There's enough room for cheese and digestif carts to be wheeled from table to table while allowing for servers and patrons to walk past without difficulty. Carts are also very handy for wheeling you out of the restaurant once you've been suitably plied with food and drink, as is inevitably the case at this Bacchanalian temple. It's true that the service is impeccable; the choreography textbook French, but the attitude...surprisingly unstuffy. The wait staff achieved the perfect blend of civility, appreciation, attentiveness and almost (almost) a sense of humor. I got the manager to crack a smile, but the servers refused to go off script. Tru stands out from the pack of Chicago food Meccas for its creativity and imagination. There was little room for doubt that each dish was given hours of thought, twice as many hours of trial and error, and what is finally delivered to you with alacrity and painstaking attention to detail is a culinary triumph. The tasting menu is well worth the hole burning in your wallet/purse, and if you're as much of a glutton for financial punishment as I am when it comes to dining, then I'd suggest the wine pairing. The sommelier, Chad Ellegood, knows his cellar, and he'll pick some truly wonderful - and surprising - compliments to your meal. As for the food...where to begin? The "faux" sturgeon caviar was a playful and beautiful alternative to the real thing; ramp & rabbit risotto with morels and marscarpone was heavenly, with perfect starch consistency and a beautiful blend of flavors; the spring lamb with daikon and star anis jus was plate-licking good; and the salt-crusted venison was absolutely gorgeous, especially when paired with the flavors of cocoa and orange. Rick Tramonto has taken some very challenging flavor pairings and methods of preparation and combined them to make unique and highly memorable dishes. But it doesn't stop there. Gale Gand, not to be outshined by her partner, presents cartwheel inducing flavors. The almond-violet mousse with rhubarb and lemon was eye-rolling. The explosive mint chocolate truffle was one of the happiest endings to a meal that I can recall in recent memory. I was half tempted to pull a "When Harry Met Sally" diner scene after the fact, but I settled for seeking out the chef and kissing her firmly on the lips. No, wait, that didn't actually happen either, but the thought crossed my mind. Tru is a special occasion experience. For me, it was my first time in Chicago in years, and Tru had been on my "must try" list for almost a decade. It lived up to the hype, and the food is in fine company with the artwork that adorns the walls of the restaurant. Now, if I can just swap my room key for one of those Benz's...I'll have what she's having.
(5)
matt b.
Tru's simple stark elegance seems to encourage diners to whisper politely to their companions so as to not disturb other tables. Attention to detail has been paid on everything. We got the Grand Collection with cheese course, which ended up being about 12 courses, a handful of which they modified or created to be "pescetarian"-friendly. Dishes ranged from understated perfection to aggressively creative, one of which was some insane preparation of smoked sturgeon made to look like caviar, presented in a Tru branded "caviar" tin with a mother of pearl spoon, true to it's shapeshifted inspiration. Don't gild the lily that is Tru by waiting for a formal special occasion, as the experience is one in and of itself.
(5)
Greg H.
I've dined at Tru at least four times, but possibly more like eight (I can't quite remember) - so I feel pretty confident about my feeling that it is the best restaurant I've ever been to (and that list includes French Laundry, and multiple trips to Charlie Trotters). Every little touch is brilliant. Every taste is superb. The four most memorable items from my Tru experiences are: -The Pain Perdu with Fois Gras and chocolate sauce that my wife had. -Rose lollipop. Delicious, and so fun to eat as I strolled up Michigan Avenue on my way back to work. -A creme brulee with slices of banana below the crust, which was embedded with macadamia nuts, and then the whole thing topped with macerated stone fruits. Awesome. -The mushroom risotto. Typically risotto is something I can only eat so much of - it's usually better as side for me - especially mushroom risotto. There's just something kind of one dimensional about risotto that makes me crave some variety. I could have eaten a gallon of Tru's mushroom risotto.
(5)
Bradley J.
Finally spent our $350 gift certificate last night - and let me tell you, spending someone else's money at TRU is the way to go. We like Sauvignon Blanc, and the sommelier recommended a $69 bottle of Sancerre Domaine Vacheron 2007 that was very nice - and seemed to never end! Not all bread is created equal at TRU: Sea Salt Brioche beat Warm Pumpernickel, which beat the Beer Bread We both did the Prix Fixe menu, and here are the results: Prime Beef Tartare bested the Hawaiian Blue Prawns Braised Beef Short Rib was superior to the Nova Scotia Halibut Chocolate Bar and Gianduja Crèmeux were a tie In addition to these, there were five other amuse-bouche that were fun surprises - I wonder how they make an exploding mint truffle? We were definitely bringing down the age curve at TRU, and couldn't help but feel like the staff preferred to "chat it up" with the older patrons and make quick work of us. Perhaps it was comments like this that exposed our naivete? Me: "It seems like they made vegetables into some sort of pudding." Sommelier: "It's miso, sir."
(5)
Miguel R.
After years of living in Chicago, I finally made it to this place - and - OH -MY - GOD was it an experience! You get the choice of a 3 course, 6 course and 8 course meal. Well, me being the lush I am - we went with the 8 course! I swear the heavens opened, and angels came down and kissed this food. We started with some white caviar (now normally I'm not one to eat raw fish eggs, but delicious!) then got some mixture of beats and a truffle soup. The party in my mouth was then joined by a main lobster and some potato's (not mashed, not the fries of the French, nor of the simple baked - but a masterpiece of taste perfection). My favorite though was by far the Rib eye steak. Melt in your mouth tender!!! By this time I was SOO full, I didn't want to keep eating - but I couldn't help myself, I had to finish the desserts.... If you have a special occasion, or just the taking that special someone out, or even just to have an experience - this is a must. Don't wait like I did.... Go..... NOW....
(5)
Max M.
THE REVIEW Is fine dining dead? Not as long as Tru is still around. I'm not talking about the molecular gastronomy version of fine dining. I'm talking about a restaurant experience where the classic pillars of fine dining are in perfect harmony: Food, Wine, Decor, Service. Tru restores the grace and beauty of fine dining. I had a wonderful evening that lasted 3 hours. Tru is located on a very posh street. The very prestigious Relais & Chateaux plaque adorns the outside entrance. A Gerhard Richter piece hangs on the wall behind the reservationist. A Bang and Olufson CD Player resides in the bar area. The main dining room is very dramatic with high ceilings. The tables are all well spaced. The decor has a very subdued color palette---the only bursts of color coming from two floral arrangements in the center of the dining room and the ornately presented food flowing out the kitchen from the uber modern glass sliding doors. I sat at a deuce that allowed me to view the enormous dining room. There are only 24 tables! The menu book has the soothing feel of soft leather. The menus are printed on thick high quality paper stock. The table linens are neatly pressed. Tru rewards highly perceptive diners that appreciate all these subtle nuances. The staff is very professional---leaning towards a bit too serious. You get the vibe that the servers just might correct you on the pronounciation of certain menu items. However, once engaged, the staff members warm up and allow their passion for good service to shine. Some reviews have criticized the food. The food was excellent. My friend was treating so we both elected to order the 3 course Prix Fixe which I highly recommend. $95 gets you 3 courses. The non-prix fixe menu titled "Collections" is well organized. There's a little bit of everything for everyone.: Luxury, Grand Tasting (6 courses), Chef's Tasting (9 courses). The Luxury collection offers a trifecta of luxury: Genuine Wagyu Beef (3 oz) $70, Caviar with Garnishes $250, and Whole Roasted Foie Gras ($145). I'll have to save up for that type of indulgence. Luckily, the 3 course menu offers just as much excitement. I ordered the Alaskan King Crab Leg, with fresh whipped cream, Osetra caviar. My buddy ordered Seared Foie Gras with white bean puree and Dashi gel. Dee-lish! The King Crab was a beautiful composition of the plump leg sliced on a bias nestled on a warm puree of onion or leek. The server gently drapes the caviar sauce on top of the crab pieces. SO YUMMY! We each had a wine pairing. For main course, I had the Swan Creek Farm Suckling Pig with zucchini pave, licorice, kumquats, and pork jus. This was insane! Pork dishes these days tend to be too greasy. DOn't get me wrong. I love pork fat! I just don't love eating a chunk of fat in one bite. The kitchen did an awesome job of rendering enough fat; preserving just enough to keep the meat moist and succulent. The skin was crispy and wafer thin. This was one gentrified piece of pork heaven. My friend ordered the Braised Short Rib with Unagi, scallion pistou, and miso emulsion. Glazed unagi pieces rested on top of equally glazed tender pieces of Short rib. I didn't sample, but the dish was also a winner. One of the highlights was my red wine pairing: 2004 Bell Hill Pinot Noir Old Weka Pass Road. Now, this wine was awesome! Inspires me to start collecting wine. Our server gave us a tour of the kitchen before dessert. The kitchen was immaculate. The Executive Chef, Tim Graham, was very gracious. It was a pleasure meeting him and his team. For dessert, I ordered the Chocolate Bar. My friend had the milk chocolate-bergamot cream. What do i need to say about chocolate that hasn't already been said? Tru offers a generous array of mignardises. I don't remember them all, but the liquid truffle and the lollipop were my faves. And if you were still hungry, the restaurant places miniature individually wrapped financiers by the exit. They even walked me out to my cab with an umbrella because it was raining. Now that is service! The check was probably $400 with tax and tip. Just remember that this is a special occasion restaurant. So that price tag is well worth what you get in return. Tru is a winner, period. I'll be back.
(5)
Melissa M.
I have been to Tru three times in the past 2 years. Every time I have been there it has been pure perfection. The service is unparalleled. The food is fantastic. The atmosphere is chic, sophisticated and modern. I can't wait until I get to go back -- hopefully someone will take me soon! :) Ohhhhhh caviar staircase -- you are haunting my dreams.
(5)
Matthew T.
Probably one of THE BEST RUN restaurants in existence. Minimalistic interior decoration, which for a restaurant, is perfectly fine. Some Andy Warhol art nonchalantly adorns the walls, I appreciated it. There's also a really interesting infiniti type of light/wall hanging in the sitting area before the dining room. The bathrooms, simply put, are gorgeous. So the menu. You can choose from a few different options; they have smaller two or three course options as well as larger tasting menus. Decided to go for their larger tasting menu which included seafood. I do not eat seafood so I was very impressed when told that the chef would re-create a menu without the inclusion of seafood. The staff will basically do anything for you here, from what I've experienced at least. We had a modified 13 course tasting menu; my standout favorites were the Frog Leg, the Liquid Parmesan Gnocchi, the Beef Cheek Ravioli, and the Roasted Squab. Supposedly Gale Gand's homemade rootbeer floats are supposed to be absolutely delicious, but I missed out on having one :( Definitely going back for that, and I believe that they offer a 'just dessert' dining experience as well. I believe the truffles and chocolates are also available for purchase if you want to take some home, and there's also a chef's table if you want to entertain a small group in exquisite fashion. Anyway, if you're looking for a restaurant that will give you the absolute best service imaginable paired with some of the most creative dishes possible, definitely make your booking asap and bring your credit card because Tru is absolutely phenomenal.
(5)
Ben S.
Judging by the reviews, sounds like Tru is great on the right night. Unfortunately I clearly did not have the pleasure of enjoying one of those evenings. Service is terrific except when mistakes were made. Frustrated looks on servers faces. Our server seemed to have very little passion for food or fine dining . . . just doing the job. Did not know some basic information about certain elements of the meal. What is worse, he asked if I would like him to find out. Seriously? I do not remember anything about the food. It kept on coming (10 course with wine pairing), that part was good. There is no doubt the food passes as very good food, just did not make an impression. Sommelier was terrific. Great person with great insight, quite impressed. Decor, nice, fine. Expected more. The issue is that for $600+ (for 2), looking for a lot more. I don't believe an off night should be an option. There is a lot more to service than a purse stand and coordinated dish delivery. Not impressed b/c they have both a black and white option for a napkin. Was looking for a lot more.
(3)
Jaime M.
I had a pretty good experience at Tru. 5 Stars for the service... 3.5-4 stars for the food. I was not THAT wowed with my beet apple goat cheese salad app (too predictable) and seared tuna entree (weird flavor combos) I did love the de-constructed chocolate bar for dessert. & The "dessert cart" of goodies at the end of the meal was lovely. As were the exploding truffles at the end... and by this time I was ready to explode with FOOD! If I had my pick for the evening I would go to L20 instead.
(4)
Sonja H.
I've wanted to eat at Tru ever since I bought Rick Trumonto's Amuse Bouche recipe book (due to a Tumblr recommendation years ago). Even though Rick apparently severed ties with Tru since then in order to make his way down to New Orleans, I was still interested in visiting his former home, especially after my dad had proclaimed Tru to be the best restaurant that he's ever eaten at in the US. And I do have to say, when it was all said and done, our dinner was pretty legen-wait for it-dary. But I'm getting ahead of myself. We opted for the menu with the most food on it (it was called something much more elegant than that, but the name escapes me right now) and were quickly onslaught with 16 dishes, all of which fortunately were manageable because (1) I can eat a lot and (2) except for the main fish and beef plates, the dishes were each only a couple of bites, stemming from the Thomas Keller school of thought about providing small bites to leave the customer wanting more. And while the food itself focused on showcasing how well they could cook wagyu beef and salmon and less on the gimmicks of molecular gastronomy, the serving platters took on a modern flair as they changed from glow in the dark bowls and split logs to a huge cocoa bean on a cocoa bean leaf. The service was outstanding and yet relaxed at the same time, something I personally appreciate because it makes me feel less like an impostor dressing up in her mother's clothes. This one poor girl had me cracking up the entire night. Cute, short and blond, she must have been low man on the totem pole as her job was to lug out every dish from the kitchen, including the heavy logs of meat, while the muscular guys (albeit top-notch waiters whom clearly earned their way to their seniority status) waited patiently for her to make her way towards them before raising a finger. At one of her exasperated rolling-of-eyes and sighs I couldn't help myself, I burst at laughing at her distress (wow, that sounds horrible - really my heart was going out to her!). But much to my chagrin, my laughter brought the attention of the higher-ups down on her - and they did not look pleased. I hope I didn't get her in trouble, since I found the entire situation enchanting. The whole night was!
(5)
John B.
What can you say but awesome!
(5)
George L.
+0.5 awesome services and food. quite and lovely deco
(4)
Cat C.
Note: This review is for August 2008. I hope people don't find this too offensive, but dinner was soooo good that looking back on it, I think I just jizzed in my pants at the mere memory of that delicious evening. Service was impeccable. Hands down, some of the best service I've received. Some highlights of the dinner: 1. Tuna belly from a special farm in Japan served with White Soy. 2. The delicious desserts 3. The fun Mignardise cart that they rolled around to your table as a delicious ending to your dinner. I have never been soo deliriously happy as I was when I realized that I was allowed to take a little bit of each tasty sweet from the cart home with me.
(5)
Kara K.
Spandau Ballet said it best: Huh huh huh huhhhhhh huh I knowwwww this muuuuch is TRU! To celebrate the big 4-0, my favorite foodie friend said I could pick any restaurant in the city and he would take me. "Anywhere?" I asked in my best Marilyn Monroe voice. "Anywhere," he reassured me. Tru had been on my hit list since he took me to a Hart Davis Hart wine auction last year and now it was my opportunity to dine there. Hoo. Ray. All I can say is I NOW know what it feels like to be a princess. From the moment we arrived and I was handed a menu that read "Happy BIrthday Kara", I knew it was going to be a fabulous night. Service was beyond impeccable, as a team of well-dressed and unnervingly polite servers attended to our every need. When my friend spilled a glass of champagne on his pants, I hadn't finished gasping before one of the uber-attentive garcons appeared with a cloth napkin and club soda! I also honestly believe the waitstaff has to rehearse for hours on a daily basis to perfect their patented water-pouring technique. I wish I brought my video camera. For dinner, we both went with the three course prix fixe. For an appetizer I had the scallops and polenta (and we all know polenta is just a fancy word for grits, right?) and for my main course I had the lobster, of course, and wanted to just die from acute foodbliss. My friend chose the carpaccio appetizer and the wagyu beef short rib entree and I, of course, sampled the goods. ALL THAT! For our liquid pleasure, the sommelier recommended a lovely bottle of chamPONya, which had me nice and giddy before I was presented with my birthday present--a bottle of 2002 Petrus! At that point, I wanted to jump up on the table and do that Russian dance where they fold their arms, drop down, pop back up and kick out their legs repeatedly. Well, maybe I actually did do that but I'm just pretending like I only wanted to. I might add that the Petrus is not on the menu but came from my friend's personal collection (for those of you who may be looking for it next time you dine there). I calmed down just in time for dessert-- a delightful selection of cheeses and I had my own personal sinfully delicious chocolate lava cake! My only complaint is-- and I guess it really isn't a complaint, more a matter of personal taste--is that it was too darned bright in there and the decor was kind of bland. Also, while very on top of things, some of the waitstaff were a bit too austere for me. I'm not into the whole hoity-toity act. Nevertheless, I had a wonderful time and it was a great birthday present. I would love to go back.
(4)
Daniel F.
My sister spent a lot of money and effort to make this a special graduation dinner for her daughter. We were in a very nice private room upstair but the main track lighting in the middle of the room had 3 bad bulbs out of a total of 7. That to me was absolutely not acceptable for the caliber of restaurant that they tried to be. The salmon entree choice was overcooked and the meat was luke warm. The wine list was way overpriced for mediocre selections. This restaurant is just appealing to people that want to spend a lot of money. They did a lot of fancy stuff that added nothing to the taste but only for show. They are definitely good marketers. Sorry but our family had a great time because we always create our own party anyway.
(2)
V V.
This review is for the dessert tasting menu which when I went was a shockingly low $25 per person, but may have been raised recently. They do it after 9pm daily I believe, and it is 3 (but really more like 5) very generous courses of fruit, chocolate, cake/pastry confections and candies. Each dish looked like a work of art and tasted just as good. I was unbelievably stuffed after the nearly 3 hour experience. I'd say go ahead and forget having dinner beforehand. It was such a shame I couldn't eat any more by the time the dessert cart laden with truffles, caramels, cookies and lollipops rolled around. They even gave us mini loaves of banana nut bread on the way out. The staff truly went above and beyond the call of duty here to make sure we felt waited on hand and foot from the moment we walked in to the moment we teetered out in a haze of sugary bliss. Every move our two servers made seemed like a choreographed "dance" around our table, pouring each person's water simultaneously, changing our silverware sets between each course simultaneously, etc. It was pretty amusing. The service was flawless, and without a hint of snottiness! Now, if only I can find a dressy outfit with an elastic waist band...
(5)
Len L.
Tru is truly exceptional. There are no words that can sum up the experiences you will receive at this place. I've dined at Tru more than once and every time is a new experience. We sat in the private room near the kitchen. The service and hospitality is impeccable. We had 8 courses paired with 8 variety of Bordeaux, after the 8 courses came desert and cheese pairings. After the dining experiences, everyone received an autographed (chef and master somnier) menu.
(5)
Ziggy K.
The dining experience was good overall. But when you're spending this kind of money you need to be blown away. Given the coinage we dropped here, this place was a disappointment. I'm sure that people will drone on and on about how great this place is, but it's the Tim Tebow of restaurants. Totally over-hyped.
(2)
M J.
Like Tru very much. Service, of course, is impeccable (but for this much money it better be !) We went a bit early - 5:30 and ppl didn't start getting in until about 6:30. Not sure if there was music, but I remeber it being so quiet when we came in, that literally even wispering, all waitstaff could hear what we are talking about. AKWARD! We asked for a vegeterian option, and I must say they prepared the menu well. The food was VERY VERY good, but for some reason there was really nothing that I trully said wow about (except for the dessert)- out of all our courses I remeber only a few. Nontheless everything was good and I could not say that I really disliked anything. Now the dessert was AMAZING. It was nothing new - vanilla ice cream with little fried apple cakes drizzled with some kind of a sauce. I have never in my life eaten such good vanilla ice cream - so delicate and well prepared! After dinner we had two drinks. Mine was a Flip... Flop ... something like that and it was not that good at all... not sure what the flavor in there was, but I was not a fan of it. My friend's tasted like a very well prepared pinapple martini. Overall I would say I'm glad I tried it, but I don't think I'll be going back every week.
(4)
Sara D.
This review is specifically for the dessert tasting. I took my friend here last night, a special treat for her birthday. The atmosphere here is pretty serious and the whole experience is very coordinated. The waiters actually poured our water in unison. We ordered a pomegranite old fashioned and cappuccino to drink. The old fashioned rocked the house - wow. If you come to Tru, you must order this drink. Onto the dessert orgy....after a delicious amuse bouche of a frozen tortoni/ice cream concoction and mini madeline cookies (still warm), we proceeded through 3 delicious dessert courses. Two cake plates, fruit desserts, and chocolate. The dishes were too complicated that I don't recall specifically all of the components. The dessert cart was wheeled over and we sampled everything: lemon gelee, homemade marshmallow, several types of chocolates, and a meringue cookie. We thought we were all done but oh no, the waiter brought out two exploding chocolate/carmel truffles. (PS they really do explode in your mouth) A wonderful evening, delicious food and excellent service. The dessert tasting is $40 per person - a fantastic value.
(5)
sarah b.
$50 cancellation fee PER PERSON!! I made a last-minute reservation at TRU for 9PM(table would have gone unused), changed my mind and when I called to cancel, they said they would charge $100 for the late cancellation!!!! I called back and talked to the manager and after debate, he cancelled my reservation without charge. I personally find this fee excessive, but appreciate their waiver. Here is their confirmation email from OpenTable, sounds like it was written by an English professor in the 19th century: Thank you for your reservation at TRU. Please be apprised of the following: 1. Jackets are required for gentleman at all times in all areas of TRU. 2. There is no smoking in any area of TRU. 3. We call to confirm all reservations. If no confirmation is received by the date of the reservation we will have presumed that youE(tm)ve made other dining arrangements. 4. Your dining experience will be two to three hours depending on your menu selection. 5. Valet parking is available. 6. With courtesy and respect to all guests please refrain from the use of cell phones or pagers within TRU. 7. Dessert reservations can only be made by calling TRU.
(2)
Kelli Ann L.
The presentation of food at TRU is absolutely spectacular -and the Sommelier is a MASTER at wine pairings! I found the ambiance to be a 'bit' stuffy at times - like people are afraid to laugh.....I enjoy adult eating - but to truly enjoy everything on my plate, it helps to see a few smiles. :0) The one issue I had was....a few things were too salty. Especially the Veal Consume dish we had. However, the Vin Santo might be one of my top 10 wines of all time. It is obvious that most people going to Tru are going there for the name and the "I am so awesome I went to Tru" thing....but I didn't feel like most of the people were there to enjoy the food....just to be snobby about the food. I enjoyed most of it - loved all the wines - and had a great time. By the way - I did laugh out loud - HA! :0)
(4)
Ying X.
Feb. 14 2009 Menu options: Aphrodisiac - $250 Chef's - $200 I took my boyfriend there for Valentine's Day and needless to say, reservations were literally impossible to find. Picked the last time available (10:30pm). We were there until 1:30am. We both had the Chef's collection and share the 3oz. Kobe beef fillet. On the whole, the food and service were spectacular. However, the waiter seemed a bit "cocky".... and BF had a slight problem with it. I didn't really mind..... E.g. If it's your first time in an upscale French restaurant, you barely understand French, and you rarely eat liver, you probably won't know what foie gras is. And when we asked, we got almost a slightly sarcastic answer... 1 star off! I would love to go back for the food, but racking up a $700 check for 2 is not exactly what I had in mind. On the website, the two tours are priced around $140-$100.... but because it was Valentine's day, they were marked up an extra $100!!! I feel cheated out of my hard earned money!! Another star off!!! Flowers and confectionery are marked up during Valentine's Day... but this was a total rip-off!!!
(3)
Anna B.
Wow! We came here to celebrate our one year wedding anniversary last night. We had the grand tasting option at the Chef's table. The experience and the food were first class. The timing of the entrees was perfect down to a second. We were never without something in front of us, even if it was only getting a refill on the wine or extra bread. The Chef's table comes with a private valet who catered to our every whim. Prior to the dinner, we received a full tour of the restaurant, met most of the staff, and we were even given a brief history of the stemware and china used. The Chef and Pastry Chef introduced themselves and chatted with us. Tru really made us feel like royalty. The service really is exceptional! The meal takes about 4 hours from start to finish. You even get a keepsake at the end! The Valet took our picture when we first came in, and then we received a keepsake menu with our names and picture on it. Looking at the list of food, we were astonished at how much we ate! Be very prepared to leave very very satiated.
(5)
Chirag P.
Amazing place with even better food, everything was cooked to perfection and looked like a work of art. Definitely a fan.
(5)
Yanni N.
This is my second visit to Tru - The first time was for a special cheese event - but this time I was able to try the Chef's Collection It goes without saying that the presentation was nothing short of spectacular. The food was very flavorful of course - Every course was well built on the last although I'm not a big quince fan- everything else was great. Tru is always a great experience and the service has been A+ for me on both visits. I'm still a little more drawn to Trotters.
(4)
Not Eileen R.
Simply - the best meal I ever ate! It is elegant and every last detail from decor to the gourmet aesthetic of each dish is engaging. My fiance and I had the tasting with the wine pairing. PLUS the cheese, dessert cart, and truffles to go. Our first time spending 4 digits on a dinning experience. Worth it...YES!! We went a little overboard getting everything in tru epicurean fashion, but you have to treat yourself once in a while right! I want to go back - SO BAD!
(5)
Emily Y.
Hands down, one of the top three meals of my life. Dining at Tru can only be explained in one way: An Experience. From the moment you walk in the unmarked entrance (stashed between Northwestern hospital buildings, it is extremely easy to miss -- we passed by it twice before finally figuring it out), the service is a theatrical wonder that will keep you amused all night long. It's no wonder this place won the James Beard award for service last year. Every movement of the waiters is synchronized and they lay down and take away each plate at the exact same moment from both diners. As a theater person, I wonder how much they had to rehearse to get that right?! Every single person who worked in that place made it their personal mission to make our experience amazing, from the valet to the coat check person to the sommelier. The decor is beautiful, understated, modern, elegant. Floor to ceiling black and white drapes, deep purple velvet booths, interesting art, the coolest bathroom sink ever. Make sure you go to the bathroom, even if you don't have to go. The food was amazing and interesting and novel and grand. We had the grand collection. Here's a rundown of the courses: 1. duck confit, red wine duck gelee, brussel sprout 2. tete de cochon, lentil salad, white truffle powder 3. selection of sashimi-grade fish, complementary garnish 4. beef bullion, carmelized onion, gruyere custard, crouton 5. squid ink tagliatelle, matsutake, grains of paradise 6. mushroom poached striped bass, winter root vegetables, ginger turnip broth 7. proscuitto-wrapped beef ribeye, yukon gold potato, whipped raclette, paprika jus 8. ginger-lim soda, honeydew soup 9. roasted plum, vanilla brown butter, brioche 10. mignardises &lollipops (or in my words...candy cart!) My fiance and I were celebrating our anniversary, and they printed out a very nice souvenir menu that said happy anniversary and listed everything we had. Additionally, they brought out a plate with a little chocolate with a candle in it with Happy Anniversary piped on to the plate. Very nice touches. My favorite course was the striped bass. The sauce it was in was heavenly. Second favorite was the beef bullion, which was a very unique version of french onion soup. The desserts were also heaven, and I wished I'd had more room to try everything on the candy cart. Also, the truffle powders will really something -- they felt like nothing as soon as they hit your tongue but then you are hit with an intense flavor. amazing. Yes, this place is insanely expensive. Nobody should spend that much on dinner, but I reasoned that it was basically dinner and a show, and an opera ticket can set you back a pretty penny, so....there's my justification. :) And the three hours we spent at Tru was worth it. Neither of us will ever forget it, that's for sure! I forgot to mention the wine we had, which was recommended by the sommelier. It was an Alsatian white, and it was terrific. Kudos to the sommelier. If you are even remotely into food and dining out, and especially if you are a self proclaimed "foodie" such as myself, save up your dining out dollars for awhile and splurge on Tru.
Went for Valentines Day. Now, normally I don't really do fine dining. I really thought I'd be uncomfortable. But that was not the case. It was definitely one of the best dinner experiences I've ever had
(5)
Don H.
I've had a few of these higher-end eating experiences. Here in the city, I thought Charlie Trotters was the pinnacle. In Detroit, it was The Whitney. But it wasn't until dinner a few nights ago at Tru did I truly understand that "surprise and delight" is still alive and kicking. The valet checks our name on the list, takes the car. When we walked in, I didn't have a jacket so they were kind enough to supply one for me. We joined our party in the ante room. The maitrè d' came by, took us to our table, where the pageantry began. We started with champagne -- without ordering, of course. Then we got the first of what we counted as 11 visits from the server: a delicious cucumber bubble with salmon roe on top served on a curvy spoon that looked like a high-heel shoe. This was followed by a series of delicious "treats" through our appetizer and, finally, to the entreè. For me, it was venison. Even afterward, when we ordered dessert, we were treated to two additional desserts. I felt satisfied with the portions and didn't feel like rolling out. Every dish was memorable. I don't give it five stars because of the stature of the place -- but I have to say that I was just delighted course after course. The kitchen tour was stunning and very welcoming.
(5)
Jen W.
We came here for our 3 year anniversary and was pleasantly surprised at the efforts to personalize our experience. I wasn't expecting a fancy, stuffy place would take the time to print personalized menus with or to bring a special dessert saying Happy 3rd anniversary. The waitstaff was amazing, they were always available for questions and loosened up with jokes once they realized we were there to have a good time. We went for the Chef's Collection with Wayagu beef add-on, which was perfection! Each plate keep getting better and better, with both beef plates being the highlight of the meal. Desserts were to die for and we stumbled out of Tru with dazed looks of satisfaction along with baked treats for breakfast the next morning. What an amazing experience.
(5)
Tracy F.
If I could pick one place to eat a superb meal, it would be Tru. The room is open and light. The service is impeccable without being stuffy. There are probably 1.5 servers to customers. The food is absolutely outstanding. You can't go wrong no matter what you choose. Tru is particularly good for special occassions. They'll personalize your menu and greet you with a congratulations. I only hope I get to return again.
(5)
J W.
great service and dining environment. food was innovative and tasty. overall a great dining experience. however, for the price that's kind of to be expected?
(4)
Danielle D.
Single worst tasting menu experience I have EVER had.... And I have been around the culinary block. From Daniel to French Laundry to Per Se- WD50 to Eleven Madison Park to all of the Momofuku restaurants... I have been a silent observer on Yelp till now. I cannot let anyone make the same mistake we have. First, let me say the service was fine, albeit canned at best. Completely generic fine dining, no bit of personality present whatsoever. But again, fine. Then it got ugly. So help me God if I ever see another piece of gold leaf on a plate again I will stab the nearest victim in the eye with whatever semi sharp implement I may have within arm's reach. I felt as though I was in podunkville Arkansas (no offense Arkansas) circa 1988. All that was missing was a few mullets and some bad shoulderpads. Seriously, if Don Johnson walked out with my food I can't say i would have been surprised. So the plating was horrific. One dish actually had a blown glass conch type shell housing the scallop dish.. I mean it's not even the same mollusk, people, what do you take me for?! Gold leaf, luster dust, and contrived table side service abounded. Is this the caliber of haute cuisine Chicagoans accept? I truly hope not. THE FOOD Well, note to any Michelin rated, Relais & Chateau establishment - if you can't make a freaking brioche ( our neighbor called it a pretzel and wasn't joking) or petit chapeau there are PLENTY of places you can purchase from. Just don't bother because Au Bon Pain can do a more acceptable job. First course was 'faux caviar' - oh hi Thomas Keller circa 1997 didn't see you there... Tapioca'd pearls of white sturgeon served in a kitchy branded caviar tin over (brown) avocado bs. Been done, thousands of times, better. The caviar was overly salty and the avocado was nothing of any remembrance that you haven't tasted at your local taquieria. On no planet should the mediocre wine have been served with the dish. Next was a celeriac soup. The time warp continued with undercooked potato, tasteless truffle chip, overcooked quail egg and crispy something stupid. Tableside pouring of flavorless soup lacking any personality or consistency whatsoever. Now I'm getting feisty. Again a pooooooor wine pairing, completely unmemorable and young. Did I mentioned the plate was covered in a vomitous smattering of gold leaf? Who even does that any more?! Well hello there David Hasselhoff, is Knight Rider waiting outside for you? I couldn't tell based on our asinine third course. Presentation was cute but dated, 'flavors of fall' - a bunch of crap served in a small pumpkin with some pinecones (AND LUSTERDUST) on a piece of slate. Medjool dates, chestnuts, pears and pumpkin in a curry broth so lacking in flavor it was nearly impossible to differentiate one bite from the next. Now I'm pissed. Wine = gruner - fine but uncharacteristic and poorly paired. Next up... Cod. Yes cod. How on earth could a high end restaurant screw cod up, you say? Oh, well they did... My portion was grossly overcooked on the edges and well cooked in the middle, but completely flavorless on one side and so damned salty on the other it was nearly inedible. My partner's was so completely overcooked he barely touched it and when asked he politely lied and said he was saving room. It was served with a mussel veloute (hi there 1994) which was just embarrassing.The chosen wine this time was red, Pinot noir in style, once again too young but tasty. Perhaps good in theory with the dish - if it had been properly seasoned, prepared, or any combination... Venison. My most favorite game there is. Ever. And they destroyed it. Unseasoned, flavorless, served on some horrendous brussels sprouts (blame them for why people treat them as the redheaded stepchild of veggies) and some haphazard red currants (yes it's December, seasonal people?!) nonexistent alleged broth. Gag. Wine= mediocre which at this point was a happy surprise. Dessert- if you can't make a culinary school pate a fruits - DON'T. For christ's sake it's a rookie thing to overdevelop the gelatin, I'll go to cvs and get some jujubees, thanks. Apple beignets - great beignets, apple tasted like water - how hard would it have been to cook it in ANYTHING?! Vanilla ice cream - once I got past the ice crystals it was bland and your local grocery store has more interesting vanilla. Lettuce Entertain You - is this what you do to an alleged fine dining experience? Or is Tru just coasting on false reputation? Do yourself a favor and don't waste $500+ on dinner for two, or if you do I have a pretty fancy bridge to sell you...
(1)
Abby W.
My Fiance surprised me with dinner at Tru on the night he proposed. It was very fitting, a very special occasion type of place. if you dont appreciate the culinary arts, and are a steak and potato kind of a person, Tru is not the place for you. It was very inventive and creative and is a once in a lifetime kind of a spot (well unless you can afford $500.00 dinners on the reg) Will I be back to Tru. Probably not. But I would recommend this place to anyone to try once for the level of service and experience we received. It was awesome!
(4)
Chadwick T.
It's hard to begin reviewing such a well documented eatery in the culinary world...let's try though, shall we? To review a restaurant of this caliber, it's broken it a few groups...atmosphere, cuisine and service. If you are worried about price, I suggest you keep strolling down Clair St to "C-House" in the Affinia hotel. Atmosphere - This sophisticated hot spot in downtown Chicago has a beautiful all black window entrance that does not allow you to see in. The rotating doors bring you into a small lobby to meet the host and hostess who will insist on taking care of your jackets for you. The french inspiration of the restaurant sifts through you as they each have the beautiful authentic french accent to put you into the frame of mind for your dining experience. As you are lead to your table, you walk into the dining room. A large calmly lit room with elegance and style is home to an array of full tables and half tables. The backs of the chairs a lush blue velvet to offer a flash of color. The table is pulled completely out so you can be seated and then returned in front of you. Settled in? Let's talk about the food! Cuisine - TRU was an absolute gourmet foodie's delight. This restaurant has it all. You do have some options for ordering and it's all based off how much your budget is...they have two different 'collections' that offer multiple courses as well as a la carte. You can't go wrong with either, they will delight you to no end. The portions are pleasantly larger than I would have expected after eating at other truly 5 star restaurants, though still properly sized. The food was prepared to perfection while the wine list varied from as little as $85 for a decent bottle of wine. The courses are timed perfectly so can enjoy each course without feeling rushed or without feeling like time is running away from you. The food is a wonderful blend of fresh ingredients and classic culinary techniques that will wow you from the start, before sending you to heaven for dessert. Service - The wait staff is extremely informed about not only what is in each dish but how it is prepared should you have any allergies or concerns about what you are interested in. Unsure? Allow them to suggest and you will not be disappointed. Expect the 5 star treatment without feeling suffocated or as though they are hovering. They show extreme attention to detail and want your evening to be perfect. Don't forget to tell them your story...I flew into Chicago specifically for this restaurant, after telling my waiter he disappeared for a few moments. He came back and said he would love for the matradee to give us a personal showing of the kitchen and to meet the executive chef! What an amazing night... You have done yourself a disservice if you do not have the following items: Waygu beef tartar Seared Fois Gras Chocolate Bar - As featured by Iron Chef Cat Cora on "Best Thing I've Ever Ate" Expect to spend about 2 hours eating your way to bliss. So make your month-in-advance reservations and start to savor the thought of trying one our countries most highlighted restaurants! The bill might be a bit pricey but I suppose the French said it best....C'est la Vie!
(5)
Cat D.
Of all of the restaurants that I have been to...this is the BEST dining experience I have EVER had. I went on my birthday....they had a special menu printed for me.....it was fabulous. The food was AMAZING...I agree...the caviar..TO...DIE...FOR!! And I am NOT a caviar fan. The ambiance is amazing...just an amazing dining experience all the way around. The chef had prepared a special dessert for me, with my name written in chocolate. The details were perfection. It is pricey but WELL worth the money.... Attention MEN.....Take your girls there.....you won't be disappointed!!
(5)
Ben P.
If I was to design a lounge from scratch, it might look very close to the lounge at Tru. It's very close to having drinks in an art museum. The photos on the website aren't accurate, and I can't find any new ones or I'd upload them. Small tables, individually lit by small halogen spots, surrounded by art, with a Bang CD player on the wall providing a quiet backbeat to the conversation. I could hear my compatriots without raising my voice at all. My only complaint is that the drink menu is a bit limited. And I'm glad they gave me a menu, because had I not looked at the menu, the waiter and I would likely have agreed on a Booker's bourbon on the rocks, which would have turned out to be $64 a glass. Turns out, there's Booker's, and then there's Booker's Master Artisan Distiller's Hyper-Select Special Import Release, or some such thing. My score coming into Tru: 2 Ketel One martinis, 2 Crown & Cokes, 1 glass of zin. It was time to slow down. So I had Johnnie Walker Black on the rocks. 4 of them. They came in 8 ounce tumblers, and the bartender had a HEAVY hand. My traveling companion and I were meeting two friends of his here. He neglected to mention that his friends were of the genus femalia, species modelous. Thankfully, I get better looking as I drink. I would say I also get more charming, but that's hardly possible. Two hours into the event, everyone decided to get dessert. I was in no position (or, frankly, state) to argue, so I had the strawberry soup. A fascinating idea, reasonably well executed. My one suggestion: the lemongrass gelee cubes want to stick to the bowl, and necessitated some help from my finger in order to crawl into my spoon. This had nothing to do with my close relationship with Johnnie Walker and everything to do with the power of wet suction [get your mind out of the gutter and Google it, troglodyte]. This could be solved by including a rolled white-chocolate tube, which could be used to help push the gelee cubes into the spoon. See---I come with solutions, not just problems. We eventually left at least 5 minutes before they would have thrown us out. I will be back the very next time I'm in Chicago. It was just that good. If there was a place like this in SF, I'd have a chair with my name on it.
(5)
Christine T.
*4.5 stars* I blame TRU for my gaining 5 lbs during my trip to Chicago... OK, to be fair, it probably wasn't all of TRU's fault... But those damn good desserts probably did some of the damage! I had the scallops to start and the orange marlin for my main. The husband started with the smoked salmon and had the suckling pig for his main. Everything was delicious and well prepared, especially husband's suckling pig. I should have ordered that! YUM! For dessert (YEA FOR DESSERT!!!!!!!!!!), oh what the hell?! Let's go for the dessert tasting! WOW! So glad that we did. It was basically five tastings; 1) fruity palate cleanser shot, 2) fruit, 3) chocolate, 4) root beer float, and 5) candies off the candy cart. Different tastings for the both of us for the fruit and the chocolate "dishes". Some of the items we had: the vanilla cream (my favorite of all and I'm a chocolate lover), sticky pudding, chocolate semifreddo (also YUM!), bittersweet chocolate mousse. Everything really was delicious. So happy that we came to TRU. Quite the class act. We even got a yummy parting gift (lemon pound cake) and a ride back to our hotel in the restaurant's car. Thank you, TRU for a great dining experience!
Tru was a memorable dining experience, but I think I was expecting more. I wish I could give it 4.5 stars. My husband and I ate here for our two-year anniversary. The service was impeccable and decor was beautiful. Every course was put together with painstaking effort-- I felt like every plate was a delicate work of art. My husband ordered the venison and I ordered the ribeye. The presentation and plating were more memorable than the taste of the food. The best part of the meal were the desserts. Gale Gand is absolutely brilliant. We tried the semifreddo and the chocolate bar and both were outstanding. Coupled with the candy cart and a perfectly wrapped pastry to go, it was a great way to end the meal. I took a star away because I wanted a course or two that absolutely blew me away as far as taste...a plate that completely surprises you. I didn't get that at Tru unfortunately, and when you're paying premium dollar, I expect to get it.
(4)
MJ d.
I feel very guilty for giving this place two stars. No doubt the food was very well prepared but it was an excruciating four-and-a-half long dinner. We ordered the nine-course meal and the highlights were the sturgeon and the lamb, which were perfectly cooked. The frog leg tempura with this green, garlicky sauce was also delicious. Dessert featured their homemade nutella. We even saw ROD F'ING STEWART with his new, uglier, wife. My heart was fluttering the whole night. The food was good but it was a little frustrating that portions were excruciatingly small. Meh. It was good, but I probably would not jump at the chance to return despite the delicious muffing they gave as a parting gift. ROD STEWART!!! Does anybody care???
(3)
Steve J.
A good dining experience, but seemed off its game in little ways. The waiter was distracted and kept looking at other stables while speaking to us, then forgot to give us napkins before the first course arrived. The service was friendly and effective after that. The food was excellent. The sweet potato soup was spectacular, will dozens of unique flavors combining perfectly. The decor is kinda modern, but kinda outdated at the same time. It's quiet inside. I felt like this was a place that should be a "5", but just couldn't quite get there.
(4)
Wil T.
I really enjoyed the food here except for the sable fish. There was something odd tasting about it. The staff was very professional and polite. They do go out of their way though to personalize the experience if you are there to celebrate a special occasion. Not sure if I would make a return visit, as there are many other places of the same or higher caliber, but definitely worth a try.
(4)
James C.
One of the best restaurants. The food and service were impeccable.
(5)
Ray C.
OMG!!!!!!!! blown away,,, The service here is ULBELIEVABLE it was like if you just thought of something you might want they where there saying "hey would you like this".. This is a dining experience that is not for the casual diner, what I mean is you don't just say let's go to TRU tonight. We got there at 7 and left about 11:30, it is like going to/ watching a show. It is expensive so be prepared, I think dinner for 2 was about $650 with the tip (lucky for me someone else was paying)... It was worth every penny in my mind and I would do it again!! It is everything it says it is.
(5)
Richard S.
Wow, this was a wonderful dining experience! Came here on the recommendation of Tony from L2O. As a matter of fact, he got me in. Thanks Tony! I had the Chef's Collection with wine pairings. 1. Preserved Baby Artichoke, Blood Orange, White Anchovy, Chervil Not a Big Anchovy fan, but this was excellent. 2.Strawberry-Tomato Gelee Fava Bean, Parmesan Sounds weird Tasted Great! 3. Sashimi with Complementary Garnishes Light and Dark Soy Sauces I love Sashimi and this was one of my favorite ever. With these three courses I had a 2006 Bruna Pigato Le Russghine Riviera Ligure di Ponente. It was light and refreshing and started the evening off on a great note! 4. Boneless Frog Leg, Spring Garlic, Carrot, Watercress Really fun...Deep fried, Yum! 2006 Palmina Arneis 5. Artichoke Consomme, Cucumber, Turnip Caramel, Cinnamon Mustard, Grilled Peanut Lustau Papirusa Manzanilla This was an inspired dish and wine pairing! 6. Antiqua Tagliatelle, Spinach, Summer Truffle, Pecorino 2007 Bridge Lane White Merlot Even with the Truffle, this course missed the mark. The wine was outstanding though. 7.Pan seared Foie Gras, Morel, Pecan, Raspberry, Purslane. 2005 Cantine del Notaio L'Autentica Basilicata Another winner! God I am glad they brought Foie back. Even though this is a dessert wine it worked very well with the richness and sweetness of the dish. 8. Halibut, Leek Emulsion, Reduced Chardonnay, Bacon Vinaigrette. I was catching up on my wines from the other courses;) I usually find Halibut boring, but this was really good, but anything with Bacon usually is! 9. Salt -Crusted Venison, Cocoa, Olive, Blood Orange 2005 Cousino Macul Finis Interesting...actually had a savory Chocolate "pudding". Wine worked well with the gaminess of the Venison. 10. Cheese Cart. Eric Bordelet Poire Granit MV I tried 4 different Cheeses and loved it! Hey I am From Wisconsin After all! The wine was like drinking a fresh pear! 11. Rhubarb Consomme, Lemon Ginger Tapioca Another fun course served in a shot glass so no wine! 12 Greek Yogurt, Honey, Grape,Frozen Mint Julep. 20006 Banyuls Coume Del Mas Nice light sweet ending to a wonderful meal! 13. A surprise selection of wonderful chocolates As you can tell, I loved my food and the service matched it at every turn! At one point my waiter even brought me a book on Chicago Architecture so I wouldn't be uncomfortable between courses.(I was dining alone.) They even gave me a muffin for the morning and called a wheelchair accessible cab for me so I would not need to transfer into a regular one. That is definitely going beyond the call of duty! Even though I have seen some less than stellar reviews here,Tru was Definitely a Five Star experience for me!
(5)
Matt L.
Boyfriends Birthday: Was top notch from start to finish. When we arrive at Tru we feel like dignitary as soon as we walked in the lobby. We choose the 9-course with wine pairing. The food was second to none and prepared perfectly and the sommelier's pairings were spot on target. The service was spectacular and with all of the timing and coordination that goes on with a 9 course meal (9 place setting, 9 tastings, 9 pairings) the presentation was flawless. They custom printed a menu in his honor that we were able to take home as a keep sake. In addition, they brought out an extra dessert surprise for him. All in all, and experience to remember!!!!
(5)
Tamara B.
4.5 stars. A really lovely experience that exceeded my expectations. I am a spoiled foodie and a wine snob but I don't like stuffy or formal atmospheres. Going in to dinner, I was worried that the food and wine wouldn't live up to the hype and/or it would be an uncomfortably formal experience. I am pleased to say that the service was perfect- very attentive but in no way cloying. 5 stars here. I loved the French wine selection- particularly from the Rhone and Languedoc. Kudos to Tru for having lesser known boutique bottles as well as the traditional greats. They also have a full range of prices and I saw bottles from 60 dollars that I was really excited about. 5 stars here too. The food was very good but a little uneven. Presentation was always gorgeous. Duck confit and foie gras appetizer was great but curried lobster main was just good. Iberico pork was awesome. 4 stars here. We had a wonderful night and will be very excited to go back in a month or two.
(4)
Mark S.
I will start by saying that the kitchen at Tru continues to perform at an extremely high level and all the dishes were spot on this past Saturday night. One piece of advice, do NOT pay for the wine pairings with the menu. The pairings were average at best and you could do better with what must be one of the best wine cellars in the city. I also have to say that at this price point the service should be flawless. There were several misses over the course of the night that were surpising for a place of this caliber (e.g. replacing of napkins - needed to ask after one had been swept away and waiters struggled to keep straight who had still vs sparkling water and mixed them). This may be nit-picky but previous times at Tru have been the total package. Hope this was just a night off for them.
(3)
Sandy N.
My boyfriend took me to Tru for my birthday this year. Knowing this a day in advance, I looked at the menu and Yelped it (of course!) and was a little disappointed at the reviews, which mentioned that, while the experience was good, the food was pretty non-spectacular. Also, the collection didn't seem so inventive, and for $110 I thought that they should have given more than 6 courses (I know, I've been to Alinea and so my standards are ridiculously high) or at least 6 really really cool sounding courses. I had just made an heirloom tomato salad (from the Momofuku cookbook) earlier in the week as well so the idea that an heirloom tomato salad would be one of the 6 courses didn't sit too well. However, I didn't want to second guess his choice (turns out he saved my Yelp password when I logged into his computer and he browsed through my bookmarks to pick a place.. genius, right?!) so I figured I could just go for a prix fixe and pick stuff I knew I would like even if I was limited to 3 courses (which in my opinion is not as good as a tasting menu because a few bites is all you need to really love a dish, so why waste all the stomach space for one type of taste?). ANYWAY, so we went to Tru, which really did impress right when I walked in. It seemed like a boardroom meeting type of room, and the glass place settings we had in front of us looked really cool. They handed us our menus, and I saw the the one I got was more or less what I had seen on the website. My boyfriend, on the other hand, is a vegetarian, so his collection menu was a Vegetable Collection with.. 9 courses! They sounded super creative and interesting. Looking back and forth between our menus, the answer was clear--we were both getting the Vegetarian Collection. OMG, such a good decision! The dishes were well thought out and delicious (my point of comparison is Green Zebra.. Tru totally tops Green Zebra!). They gave us 3 extra dessert courses.. Mmmm. I was SO happy with their hospitality. They also gave me a copy of the menu so I will list for you here what I had: Comte Cheese Gougere - puff pastry with cheese (amuse bouche) Fennel panna cotta, bonito - I'm a sucker for savory custard.. win! Cilantro "caviar", avocado - VERY creative and yummy! Red ace, candystripe, + golden beet collage, apple, microgreens - looked nothing like anything I'd ever seen, very futuristic.. but good! Yellow corn soup, olive oil, brioche - really good corn soup, although a little salty. We sipped it out of a teacup which was a really fun way to eat soup. Glazed artichoke, parsley, parmesan - good because I like artichoke, but nothing spectacular about the flavor La ratte potato gnocchi, vegetable glaze, carrot - yum! carrot three ways, sesame, ginger - here, the carrot was presented whole, pureed, and in a foam form. everything tasted pretty good except for the foam, which tasted like soap. weird. green asparagus and morel mushroom feuillette - i actually made something similar for my boyfriend for valentine's day a few years ago, so I appreciated the combination of asparagus, puff pastry, and cream. My first time having morels--approve! A little too much asparagus for me to finish, but I think this course was supposed to be the "main course" of the collection. Overall, yummy. Strawberry consomme, rhubarb foam - very light amuse bouche. Good palate cleanser, especially if you don't have stomach room (we didn't) since it was mostly air. I liked the combo of rhubarb and strawberry in air form. =] Granny smith apple, red + white port, apple sorbet - yum! The apple sorbet was very refreshing and the combination of puff pastry and port-compressed apples was a total hit. They also gave us a few other desserts, just because. One was a chocolate custard covered with menthol whipped cream and crunchy little chocolate balls -- I love chocolate and mint so it was really good. They also gave us tiny root beer floats with house-made root beer -- super cute and also good. Lastly, we got some blueberry exploding chocolate truffles, which were reminiscent of the exploding melon ball at Alinea -- very cool. Overall, had an AMAZING time despite my initial hesitation. My advice is to skip the prix fixe and regular collection if you want to try some new and interesting cuisine (I mean, ribeye and lobster taste the same everywhere, don't they? How many times have you had golden beets in a gelatinous form with horseradish cream?) that happens to not have meat in it. Anyway, I'm obviously biased, but if you like MG, you should definitely try the road less traveled here. I had a GREAT birthday. =]
(5)
Van D.
Came here just before christmas. I have been here a few times in the past but it had been at least 3 years. Was a little hesistant after reading that it got only one michelin star. Had the chef lost his marbles? Were the staff resting on their laurels? I felt this was my best experience at Tru. All the dishes tasted great and were very creative. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Yes, its not a cheap meal but I don't mind shelling out some $$$ for gourmet dining. I have been to a couple of 3 star michelin restaurants and honestly this place was right on par.
(5)
jason e.
Excellent food, the best service around, and a memory more than a meal. I would give five stars but sometimes the food feels like an afterthought... and wow is it expensive. 6 bucks for a coke? Maybe with rum in it. Not to sound like a peasant, but there is cheaper and better food to be had in Chicago. However, you will never have a more memorable dining experience, anywhere.
(4)
Graham S.
My wife and I recently took a weekend trip to Chicago. A big part of the trip was going to taste the various culinary treats that range from Al's Beef to Gino's East, Blackbird and Tru. My first impression was that there seemed to be a very up-tight vibe to the dining room that night. My wife semi-agreed, but not as much. I understand fine dining and the associated feel, but this still seemed stuffy to me. We chose the standard five-course tasting menu, which goes for $110. There was no pre-set wine pairings, which would have been a nice option, but oh well. The wine list was EXTENSIVE and very high-end. Almost so that I don't believe there was an option under $100. To me, that's just not providing options for your diners. I've been to the Napa region many times and there are quality wines to be had under $100. Whatever, it's wine and again, it's fine dining. Understandable. As for the food... overall it was great. Very refined and showed a great amount of skill in it's preperation. However, I felt that the meal lacked a true inspiration or soul. I did not feel like the chef was truly inspired by the menu or wowed me with much. Yes, it was one of the best gnocchi I have ever tasted and well executed. However, it was a gnocchi in broth. Ok... ? I mean, it was good, but thank you for the potato dumplings in broth with a parmesan twille? Have we not seen a twille for about 10 years now? Anyway, the meal had it's highlights. Specifically, the caviar with avocado puree was delightful. The main courses (Ribeye and Venison) were perfectly cooked and delicious. The pastry chef needs to be recognized nationally for his/her skill. Also, the service was absolutely impeccable and the front of the house was on-point. So, to wrap it up. If you want to taste the best version you've ever tasted of something... go to Tru. If you want to be inspired by interesting combinations and enlightened to new tecniques or styles, go elsewhere.
(4)
Erin P.
I have bumped this review up to 5 stars since my experience here it has been that which I compare all other fine dining experience to.
(5)
Lisa V.
Instead of dining with the riffraff downstairs.... you can rent the room upstairs for 50 of your closest friends. Our catering manager that made sure the room was arranged how we liked, coordinated the service of passed little bites of yummy food and of course all the wine glasses filled. They definitely have service with a capital S here.
(4)
Lindsay S.
Basically, the best food and service my husband and I have ever had. From the first course to the dessert tray they bring around (which is complimentary - so don't feel bad for trying everything) the food was delicious. The flavors were out of the ordinary, but complimented each other perfectly. The service was second-to-none as well. The wait staff was knowledgeable and extremely friendly. The sommelier was spot on with his recommendation for both myself and my husband. If you are looking for somewhere to go for a special occasion (dinner will be an expense) this is well worth the dining investment.
(5)
Ellen O.
Just returned from our trip to Chicago. Tru was very good/excellent (food was very good; service was excellent). If you're familiar with the high level of service at Eleven Madison Park, Tru's service follows the same high standard. There was nothing that our captain wouldn't and didn't do for us. We liked a number of things on the prix fixe menu. We also wanted to try some of the things on the luxury menu (foie gras and wagyu beef). We asked about the foie gras, and our captain told us it's a whole lobe usually served to a table of 4. We asked whether the chef could make us a smaller portion for an appetizer, and our captain said certainly. We also wanted to try the wagyu beef. My sister also wanted 2 appetizers. We asked whether we could have 2 appetizers from the prix fixe, an additional foie gras appetizer, and the 3 oz. wagyu beef. Again, our captain said this would be no problem for the chef. My sister started with the heirloom beets and apple salad with a trio of mousses (celery root, goat cheese, and I forgot the third). She loved everything about the dish. I started with the scallops, osetra caviar and lemongrass that was wonderful. The lemongrass worked beautifully with the scallops, and you can never go wrong with osetra caviar. My sister's second course was the green asparagus and morel mushroom feuillette. This was another winner for my sister since she loves both asparagus and morel mushrooms. My second course was the langoustine, lobster quenelles, saffron potato and bouillabaisse. This was a nice course (only one smallish langoustine). The lobster quenelles were lovely and was the bouillabaisse. Our third course was the special seared foie gras course. The portion size was generous, but my sister's portion was slightly underdone (blood in her piece). The wagyu beef was next and looked lovely. It was served with cippolini onions and shaved truffles. Unfortunately, the beef was not as tender as other wagyu beef dishes that I've had. Service was wonderful all through dinner. Bread was great too. We loved the brioche rolls. It was a bit warm in the restaurant, and we must have drunk a half dozen bottles of water. The A/C is controlled by the office building, and hopefully, now that the hot weather has settled in, the building will up the A/C. We shared a cheese course, and following the cheese, I chose the sorbets that were very refreshing. The dessert trolley was rolled over, and we were full, but chose the pate de fruits and macarons. While the food was not as amazing as I remember it from seven years ago, the service was phenomenal, and I look forward to returning to Tru on my next visit to Chicago.
(4)
Lauren H.
Everyone should experience Tru at least once. I went with some friends a couple of years ago and it was incredible. It isn't dinner, it is a theatrical experience. The service is amazing, impeccably timed (every water glass was filled at the same moment, plates were placed in unison, etc). They even escorted me to the ladies room (which was beautiful). We were there 4 1/2 hours and could barely get up after! Not only do you get all the courses of the tasting menu, but they threw in a few amuse-bouches as well. The food was delicious and artfully presented. I am going to have to go back and try the new lounge menu, it sounds really good. I wish I could afford to dine at Tru more often!
(5)
XO K.
Tru is one of those restaurants that goes beyond just being a place to grab some dinner. You truly DINE at Tru. Granted, it is way too expensive a place to frequent, at least for us, but if you can stand facing the check at the end of the night, it is quite an experience. We went on our anniversary and they printed our names on the menu, which was kind of cool. It's such an easy thing to do and makes the clientele feel special - very clever. We had cocktails to start and mine was a martini involving Hendrick's gin and saki and it was delicious and beautifully presented. When they brought the napkins, there was a choice of white or black, so you wouldn't get contrasting lint on your clothes, which was unnecessary for us, but a nice touch that just reminds you what a classy place you are in and is also perhaps another attempt to justify the price. I suppose it doesn't hurt. The food was amazing and my wagyu beef short rib was maybe the best piece of meat I have ever eaten in my entire life. So often, it is disappointing, after all the fuss and high prices and the food is good, even very good, but not great. The short rib there is great. I had to take off a star, though, after the waiter hesitated to bring me a Grand Marnier instead of whatever the cake or tort was that was included in our prix fixe menu. He actually said it might be a dollar or two difference in price. Here, we are spending that kind of money and he is going to be a stickler for $2. That was weak, especially after they go to the trouble to see to all the other little details and everything. They also wrote a personalized "Happy Anniversary" message on the glass plate the dessert was served on, which was a nice touch. It's crazy expensive, but if you are going to go out and spend $400 - $500+ on dinner somewhere in Chicago (that's with one of the more reasonably priced bottles of wine), I recommend it.
(4)
SeaElle R.
Fancy-pants dining at its best. Men must wear jackets. You get your choice of white or black napkins - I love that! Purses get their own seat at the table. Courses are served by choreographed, synchronized waiters. Caviar is superb. Fabulous experience. For over-the-top fine dining, choose Tru.
(5)
christine c.
this place was good, but service was strange. maybe i've just never been to a place this nice or something but i showed up for my 930pm reservation and still had to wait and we were the only 2 people sitting in this huge waiting room really far apart and it was really quiet, so i didn't even feel comfortable talking. anyway, service and food was really great (but that dessert truck/tray thing at the end was SUPER disappointing. i tried one of each thing on there (probably 6 or 7 things) and i didn't even want to finish any single item. also the main fish dish was absolutely tasteless. i understand that you have to use the sauce but they really should have somehow marinated that fish or something
(4)
Jasmine S.
Tru is a great Chicago restaurant! It is one of those places you go for the first time, and you do not feel out of place. It is pricey, but not over the top. Go in knowing that you will spend a cool $500 for 2 easy...but that is what you should expect from a restaurant with their caliber... I recommend you go with the Sommelier Collection...their wine pairings were fantastic!!! Overall, just save your pennies, and splurge, enjoy every moment! I highly recommend Tru!
(5)
Timothy W.
This will be the condensed version of my pal David W.'s review because he beat me to the punch, I will be giving my thoughful insight along with some of the random points in the night that were not yet mentioned in his Yelp. The three of us arrived and were greeted by a friendly server who promptly took our belongings to store and told us to wait in the lounge. The lounge is a narrow space adorned with a variety of modern art which leads to what looks like a fun upstairs private dining room, the kitchen or the main dining area. We were seating soon after coming into the lobby and I speak for all of us when I say we had the best table in the house. We were against a window so there was not a lot of people traffic yet we faced the whole of the dining room. A table next to us probably contained one of the better pleasantries of the night aka 2 latin PYTs and I'd give all of my 4 stars to them even if the food was terrible - which it was quite the opposite. We all did beer pairings with our pre fixe 3 course meals and enjoyed great conversation all around. Our waiter was friendly and impressively knowledgable about the cuisine and drinks, I mistook him for the manager at first. Now onto some of the small details that made this an exceptional experience. The staff, to me, went above and beyond. Our waiter was impressive. Whenever I left to use the restroom (we were there for 3.5 hours) a new, neatly folded and nicely starched napkin was left on the table - every time. When my main course was served, the waiter plated the venison for me after taking it out of a choco crust on a tray, tableside, and as he handed me my dish both of my friends were handed theirs at the same time by waiters who came out of nowhere. After we finished our deserts there were more waitstaff who brought us complimentary chocolates and other assorted sweets. This was a nice touch and we were able to try almost all of the assortment. Overall this was the nicest restaurant I've ever been to.. now I just gotta bring the girlfriend next
(4)
Brendan M.
Not much to add. I will say it's the best service in town (maybe second to Ria.) They treat everyone with the same class and respect and don't really distinguish between regulars and special occasion people (we were the latter.) They do a great time with timing and pacing, you never feel rushed or interrupted. Like a lot of the high-end LEYE places you are served by a team, but they pull it off better than anyone else. Perfect for intimate gatherings where you want to enjoy the company of your guests and some of the best food in the world.
(5)
Colin D.
I went to TRU with my girlfriend on her birthday last year and the experience was definitely mixed. The staff is over-the-top and, in my opinion, obnoxious. If you get up they come over, fold up your napkin, remove it, and bring you a new one with tongs. My girlfriend got a DRIP of sauce on the table and they immediately swarmed her, picked up her plate, put down a napkin, straightened it, wiped off the plate, and put it back down - all without saying a word! Jesus christ, chill out! As for the food, our main courses of lamb and beef were quite good. My scallop appetizer wasn't that impressive, I think my girlfriend had bone marrow ravioli which was great. The desserts were good, but I expected to be blown away and I definitely was not. I had a good time there but for what it cost I would not go back.
(3)
Arjan B.
Although it's been about half a year since we had dinner at tru, i felt i still had to write a review on the place. this place has everything you'd expect from a great gourmet restaurant: welcoming host, impeccable waiters, beautiful interior, fantastic wine list and, not to forget, truly excellent food. So is tru just another (very) fancy restaurant? I think its better than that and here's why. The decor of the place is just astonishing with a range of beautiful contemporary pieces creating an environment that is very special. As mentioned, service is impeccable and they really make you feel welcome and comfortable - not as stuck-up as you'll find in many equally priced restaurants. At the same time your table is extremely well managed in terms of timing of the various delicious dishes and 'synchronized' pooring of the drinks ( which is quite funny). And then there is the food itself... Heavenly! Traditional french cuisine meets contemporary fusion, just mouth-watering delicious!
(5)
Stephanie S.
I really wanted to love Tru after all I have heard, but my husband and I had a very disappointing experience. I had called months in advance to reserve a table for our one-year anniversary. I gave my name and AMEX number to secure the reservation, and told them it was a special celebration (i.e., 1st anniversary). I received a call a few days beforehand asking to confirm. I called back and was told that the reservation had been canceled. I told them that was impossible as I was just calling now to confirm. The man on the phone was curt and told me my husband must have called to cancel so I should check with him. I told him that I was managing this and no, there must be a mistake. He told me that was highly unlikely but if I still wanted to come he could fit us in a later seating. I was ticked, I should have canceled then, but this was something I had wanted to try for years. So I swallowed my irritation and agreed to the later seating. When we arrived at the restaurant were were asked to wait in the bar while they prepared our table. After 10 minutes, we were taken to a table right next to the wait-station - not the best seat for sure. Then we were handed menus congratulating "Michelle and Adam on their anniversary." Our names are not Michelle and Adam - it was so awkward and uncomfortable. We ordered the tasting menu with wine pairings, and the food was good but having a small group of wait staff standing kitty-corner to you talking amongst themselves put a damper on things. Not the romantic, sophisticated experience I had wished for. The cheese service was also very disappointing given the price, and I really love cheese.... We finally mustered up the courage to mention to the waiters that we were not Michelle and Adam (the waiter had called me Michelle at one point...). He apologized and then it clicked in my mind that Michelle and Adam had canceled. The waiter shared the last name of Adam with me - alphabetically adjacent to mine. They must have accidentally canceled my reservation instead of Adam's. Made me even more annoyed with the attitude I got over the phone implying I was out of touch with my husband! After paying over $600 I just wanted the night to be over. Very sad experience....
(1)
Steve G.
My wife and I got married a few days ago, and wanted to celebrate with a nice dinner. Tru is about as perfect a place for this sort of thing as one could ever hope for. We walked in, and the hostess told my wife that she looked pretty. The table was pulled out for her, and they asked her if it was set at a comfortable distance. They give you an option of black or white napkin. The wait for drinks was basically zero. I'm not a wine expert by any stretch, so I asked the sommelier to suggest a glass; her suggestion was very good and relatively inexpensive. Breads offered were all very good. The Sea Salt Brioche was fabulous. Salted and unsalted butter from Vermont were placed on the table in blue and clear dishes. I really could've eaten the salted butter with a spoon. Prix Fixe. Hawaiian blue prawns in creole sauce and jalapeno oil, with grits and miniature buttermilk biscuit was the winner of my wife's very good beet salad with granny smith apples and trio of mousses (including goat cheese mousse; I've forgotten the other two). Main courses were a terrific duck breast roulade with swiss chard, wild rice, mushroom custard, and a stuffed brussels sprout for me; braised short rib w/ unagi (eel) and miso emulsion for her. Both outstanding. I had the chocolate bar and wattleseed ice cream with malted caramel and caramel mousse -- incredible. My wife ordered the grape sorbet w/ nutella chocolate, manchego cheese, and basil. The sorbet was phenomenal -- overwhelming flavor when put in your mouth, but somehow didn't overpower the other flavors on the plate. Service was impeccable every step of the way. The servers were coordinated, and there was very little wait between courses; any wait at all was alleviated by several memorable amuse-bouche. The exploding mint truffle mentioned by the previous review was a really nice and exciting way to end the meal. As we walked out, the host handed us two rhubarb muffins "for your coffee tomorrow morning." Felt 100 percent justified in spending the $350. A great special-occasion restaurant.
(5)
Kevin W.
The evening started amazingly. We ordered the tasting menu and after some various drinks, we were presented with a beautiful amuse. I picked up the spoon of pea soup, and tried to convince myself it was good. I failed, because it wasn't good, and my date noted the same problem. Thankfully, this was the only bad moment at all during our evening. The courses were varied and interesting. The only complaint I could've possibly registered was that by the end of the evening I felt a bit like a foie gras goose. I was very happy, but those little courses add up fast. It was a fun and memorable meal, well worth making a quick jaunt to Chicago to enjoy it. I'd happily go back.
(5)
Megan R.
Tru's service is impeccable, but the food leaves much to be desired. I was impressed by the choice of black and white napkins (not even Alinea offers that choice) and even more pleased by the cashmere pashmina they brought me when they noticed I was chilly. I was less impressed by the amuse bouche that was several bites, the cheese offerings that overwhelmingly tasted of dirty diaper, and the assortment of summer melon dessert that tasted of cleaning products. Since this was our first time we opted to add on the Caviar Staircase to our nine course meal. It was lovely and had the appropriate accoutrements, but $280 is a bit high for what amounts to one ounce of caviar.
(3)
Stacey B.
I really, really love food and truly appreciate the art of creating a wonderful meal and am more than happy to pay for the experience, so I was very much looking forward to a memorable dining experience at Tru. The host and wait staff were awesome and definitely elevated the overall experience which results in a higher rating. Unfortunately the food part was a bit disappointing. Wine sommelier = 5 stars; she was awesome-listened to our preferences and made the right on recommendation. Caviar=2 stars; California caviar didn't possess nearly the expected quality. 3/4 of it tasted "off" (overly fishy). I know this is vague, but while I've had very, very good caviar, I'm definitely not a caviar pro so this is the best descriptor I can come up with. I opted to not say anything because I figured the kitchen/chef should have previously ensured its quality before sending it out to our table so I was erring on the side of my possibly being mistaken by its poor quality. Duck Consomme-2 stars; wow, so looking forward to confit+foie gras ravioli+fragrant julienne...really reminded me of an okay beef based broth and not much more. Grilled Rabbit Loin-2 stars; flavors on the plate were all over the place. No focus whatsoever and there wasn't a flavor progression either. The plate looked pretty but chaotic and the flavors were rather bland. (Friend had the heirloom beet salad and loup de mer - liked both but nothing memorable.) I've had "top 5" dining experiences in my life and was certain this would be one of them - boy, was I wrong! One of my "top 5" experiences was at a Chicago restaurant - Charlie Trotters about 11 years ago. Perhaps the new generation of Chicago chefs could learn a thing or two from an "old" Master??? (Sorry to see Trotters go) As I mentioned, I'm more than happy to pay for an elevated dining experience, but unfortunately our Tru experience definitely didn't live up to my expectations or the prices and seems to be a bit overly-hyped. (BTW, the fruit roll-up like extras on the clothes line gimmick at the end of the meal are rather forgettable.)
(2)
Michael P.
Tru was one of my favorite tasting menus of the year. I was sad to hear Rick Tramonto has left the restaurant and I can only hope his successor can live up to his reputation. However, with today's celebrity chef B.S., who knows how involved he was in the kitchen by the time I ate there anyway. Chef Tramonto may have already been too wrapped up with his other restaurants in the northwest suburbs and I'm giving him more credit than I should. I went to Tru with a large group and was pleasantly surprised that they let 1/2 the table order the Chef's tasting menu and the other 1/2 order the 3 course "regular" menu. This is a pretty uncommon practice in fine dining because it disrupts the timing of the meal, but Tru gets points for allowing it to happen since not everyone at a table wants to drop $300+ on a tasting menu. What surprised me even further was that those members at the table that did not get the chef's tasting menu received a couple of "freebie" courses with those of us that did do the tasting just to keep things flowing smoothly. Completely unheard of in any fine dining establishment I've ever been in. Kudos to our server for putting that together! The dining room was great at Tru, from the large open space, to the artwork on the walls (sure it's a little dated, but Tru has been around for quite a long time and it still looks great). Lighting is a LITTLE too bright for my tastes, but that's because of all the white in the room. Service is where Tru excels. As a table of 10 with 5 people doing the chef's tasting and 5 people doing the 3 course meal, each course came out exactly on time and plates were presented all at once in the perfectly timed manner that could only be described as "a well oiled machine". The servers are like a little military operation trained to be perfectly synchronized together. It's quite fun to watch. Each course was presented impeccably and explained from ingredients to preparation in detail. At the end of the meal after two pastry courses, the server brings a small cart to the table with mignardises for you to pick a few from and he didn't even bat an eye when my dessert whore ass asked for one of each of the 12 plus varieties! I'm sure I'm only 1 of 4 patrons that asks for each kind every month and there was no judgment that came with the request. Now for the food. I have no idea where the people on yelp who rate this restaurant as a 1 have been eating, but I'd like to know where your 5's are because I personally have only had a handful of tasting menus better than the one I had at Tru. The tasting was perfectly balanced in a well orchestrated progression that ended with some of the best pastries I've ever had. I wish I were independantly wealthy so that I could have added the cavier staircase, the foie gras, the wagyu beef, and/or the white truffle shavings to my tasting, but alas, I am but a simple man without a trust fund. Each course was plated perfectly on dinner ware that was a little outdated, but I didn't mind that at all. There's nothing here that compares to Alinea or Moto as far as mind blowing molecular gastronomy type courses, but the food is very modern french preparation and it's all perfectly seasoned and tastes great. One of the stand out things for me was the cheese course. The server brings a cart to the table and you can choose as many or as few cheeses as you would like to sample before pastry is served. It's a wonderful treat for anyone who appreciates good cheese in the place of pastry without having to forgo the pastry. I've been in my fair share of restaurants that force you to choose between cheese and pastry or cheese is a supplemental charge. After the cheese, there is a palette cleanser and then some of the best pastries I've ever been served. Gale Gand is a master among her peers. Only pastries at Le Bernardine, WD-50, Graham Elliott and Alinea rank better than hers that I've ever had. I LOVE dessert and to be ranked in my top 5 is a big deal to me. Tru has a dessert only tasting that you can call and ask for and I couldn't recommend it more. It's very affordable and the perfect treat after a meal in the downtown Chicago area if you don't want to spend $300+ for the entire Tru experience. As I mentioned before, the meal ends perfectly with the mignardises service. Tiny bite sized treats that are perfectly decadent and flavorful to end a perfect meal, a sure 5 out of 5 rating. Are there cheaper tasting menus to be had n the city of Chicago? Sure, but there's also some that are much more expensive as well. For all the people that have rated Tru poorly for value, you probably didn't have the money to spend on the meal in the first place. I've eaten over 100 tasting menus at restaurants all over the world, Tru isn't over priced for what you receive. You aren't supposed to walk out of the restaurant feeling as though you just finished Thanksgiving dinner. I feel as though there is a pretty good value for what you pay and what you eat at Tru.
(5)
sarah l.
Wow! It's been a few years since I've been here, but had to write a review. My husband and I get together w/ another couple twice a year, and experience an "upscale" restaurant. We've been to Charlie Trotters (just awful!), Everest (very good), etc. By far...Tru is the best. From service, to the clean , crisp decor, to the bathrooms...everything is fantastic! The food, in my opinion, is superb! Definately a special occasion place, but if you have the opportunity, you should experience Tru.
(5)
A R.
Was treated to an awesome dinner here. Had a lamb dish IIRC. The dessert was great. The cheese cart was full of baller cheeses I ain't even ever heard of before. Toured the kitchen like a boss. The room itself was kind of plain and felt like it was a sectioned off portion of a hotel ballroom, but it was still nice. Service was precise and almost military-like. A great place to eat, though I wouldn't recommend it if you're looking for something intimate. The room just doesn't have that vibe.
(5)
Jennifer S.
I have eaten at a lot of AMAZING restaurants all over the world, but this is by far one of the best if not the best I have ever eaten at. The service was also one of the best I have ever had. I would eat here every night (if I could afford it). Definitely a must if in Chicago.
(5)
Jeff K.
I think this is one of the great dining experiences in this country. We have been to several excellent restaurants, and this rates above all of them in our estimation. This was our second time at Tru, and the wait staff (I don't know what to call them really; they are true professional servers with vast knowledge of the food) remembered us from our previous time there. The service is beyond excellent; nothing is left to chance. On this night, the food was as exceptional as the first time. The fusion of flavors, the mousse with the halibut, the foie gras, the caviar with avocado, it was all very good and like nothing we had tasted before. The sommelier was very helpful and talked to us about various wines to drink with our dinner. We chose a French Chablis and it was the perfect accompaniment. Tru is very pricey; there is no getting around that. But for that one dinner per year where you really want to splurge and enjoy yourself with no looking back, this is an exceptional choice.
(5)
Jim W.
I haven't been to many top-notch dining establishments, but this was definitely an experience. I'd say the service is superb - came here for a surprise birthday and while the staff ruined my not-so-complete surprise by wishing the birthday girl "Happy Birthday" I thought it was very cool that all our servers were aware of it and greeted her that way. The menu was customized to include the birthday girl's name...later on, there was the tiniest piece of cake I've ever seen, but it was all done very tastefully and artistically. They also saved a copy of the menu with her name on it and included the menu of what we ate along with it as a parting gift. The decor at Tru was very cool, seemed like an art gallery, me being my simple self was in awe at some weird neon light fixture which had an amazing depth to it. I also really liked, what appeared to be a painting of shadows of Tinkerbells. I was a bit surprised that the dining population did not include many old dudes with young knockouts, but maybe it was an off night =p Did notice that over half of the clientele were bald/balding. The food itself I had mixed thoughts on - had the Market 6 course tasting. The main courses were both very good, particularly the squab. Other dishes were very interesting and culinary creations, but not so dear to my palette. There were so many items I documented with pictures but I can't recall them all. The candy cart at the end on the pushcart was quite fun. Oddly enough, I came away quite satisfied and not hungry as I would have thought about a tasting menu going in. Again though, I thought the service was fantastic, did not experience the pompousness expressed by some yelpers - in fact, did not really get any weird treatment at all, which I might have expected since both my companion and I look like young kids. Thoroughly enjoyed the evening.
(5)
Lana C.
If you are wondering where to dine in Chicago, TRU is a must. Absolutely a memorable experience. Intimate restaurant, elegant and thoughtful in every single detail. You have to appreciate the unconventional taste in their design- with fresh almond branches as floral arrangements and artichoke table top pieces... Unparalleled dining, service and ambiance. Simplistic room with sophistication. Discriminate taste in art pieces displayed; consistent theme in their presentation as each dish served. Fixed menu. Menu changes up every time so I won't waste my time on the details of what we ordered. Small portions/ 9 course meals- but you'll be stuffed!! For a party of three- The Chef's Market Collection = $500
(5)
Robert F.
Ever wonder what an Iron Chef judge feels like? If you're a foodie, and you can afford it, then you should visit Tru and find out. One thing you'll get, that the poor Iron Chef judges won't, is a spectacular atmosphere. No kitchen stadium here. Pure white and black everything. Live pianist, impeccably dressed waitstaff, and all the convention and protocol of fine dining, including escorts to the washrooms. And speaking of service, when you walk through the door, you can actually feel the ground shift as the world starts to revolve around you. But lets talk about food. Tru's $125 prix fixe offers a wide variety of spectacularly displayed food experiences you can write home about (I'd recommend the beef cheek ravioli). You pick an appetizer, entre, and a cheeze or desert course. Between each course a mini-course is offered as well. Though it doesn't look like much, you will leave feeling sated. Delivers exceptional atmosphere? Tru Delivers exceptional food experience? Tru Delivers exceptional service? Tru Delivers? Unfortunately, there's no take out or delivery. :(
(5)
Yan G.
A thoroughly disappointing dining experience throughout. The service was immaculately orchestrated and beyond reproach in its timing and willingness to accommodate, but it could not pull this off without making us painfully aware of itself as such. All gestures were grandiose and the atmosphere became overbearing because the staff was so conspicuous in all its activities. Descriptions of dishes were given with the gravity of a military report and yet, still left us wondering about the exact preparation and ingredients used for each dish. Worst of all, we were constantly made aware of the corporate nature of TRU and this slick feeling of propriety and normalcy permeated every activity. Smiling, socializing, or any other deviation from the staff's beautifully choreographed routine is not permitted. But all this would have been gladly forgiven if the food would have been commensurate with our expectations (not to mention the prices). Long story short, it did not. Far and away the best part of our dinner was the wine, a hauntingly beautiful 2003 Grace Family cab that my friend picked out from the vast, well-chosen, reasonably priced, and overwhelmingly Francocentric wine list. We ordered the Market menu; a brief rundown of our courses follows: Amuse Bouche Thin slice of pear layered with a touch of olive oil and a shaving of aged Parmesan. Quite unspectacular, although the serving was very whimsical - the ingredients were layered in an oversized silver spoon (insert joke of choice here). The pear was under-ripe and unseasoned. Neither the ingredients nor the preparation were up to par. Sashimi Knife skills were flawless but once again, the ingredients were pedestrian at best. The fish was incredibly fresh but poorly sourced. The flounder had a pleasant mouth feel and an alluring richness but the tuna and yellowtail were lean and flavorless. The tuna especially felt like a blank canvass for the duo of sauces, both of which thoroughly overpowered the fish. The Uni sauce itself was quite pleasant but it had nothing on the authenticity and complexity of the Uni sauce we had in Mirai the next night. Oyster and Uni Tempura A definite upturn. The oyster was pristine and this was the only execution of Uni tempura I have ever had that really worked. The sorrel puree at the bottom was also very fresh and flavorful. Good. Rabbit Consomm The broth was deliciously complex and concentrated, if a bit overly salted. The rabbit torchon, however, was completely bland, as if the over-salted consomm was supposed to compensate for this. The puree was quite tasty but it and the nearly flavorless lavender foam were completely extraneous. Mediocre. Ricotta Tagliolini Turning ricotta cheese into extruded noodles was a neat trick but the resulting noodle had an unpleasantly slimy texture, a lukewarm temperature, and not an ounce of flavor. It made a suitable sponge for the basil and acacia foam but this dish didn't come together well. The charred cherry tomato was exceptional. Mediocre. Whipped Salt Cod The unquestioned star of the evening. This dish was absolutely perfect in conception and execution, the whipped brandade was intoxicatingly rich and creamy and the smoked, gelatinized potato noodles added greatly to the flavor and texture of the dish. Great Hawaiian Mong Chong The fish was expertly trimmed and quite generous for a tasting menu portion but the fish was over-poached to the point of being dried out and flaky and the Thai spices overwhelmed any nuance the dish may have had. Bad. Roasted Squab The squab was severely overcooked and just not good; the elaborate presentation (the bird was cooked whole, with the breast then being removed, boned, and served) meant that the dish was barely room temperature. The accompanying faro was delicious and toothsome but was also lukewarm. The pepper sauce did an admirable job of masking the taste of the squab, however. Terrible. Selection of Cheeses Solid choices, headed by Humboldt Fog, possibly my favorite cheese. No complaints here and the accompaniments were tasty and appropriate. Good. Bittersweet Chocolate Mousse, Lime, Milk Chocolate, Thyme Gale Gand is a master of her craft and the dessert course was absolutely sensational; several layers of chocolate, each with a markedly different flavor, barely accentuated by fragrant herb and citrus. Great. Sweets from the dessert cart. Great confections from the pastry chef. Nothing as rousing as the dessert course but very good nonetheless. Good. Out of the seven savory courses, one was great, one was very good, and the rest ranged between mediocre and inedible. The meal was marked by lackluster ingredients and strongly flavored sauces and accompaniments. Surprisingly, with all the intricate machinations of the wait staff, not once were we asked if we enjoyed the food, as if a question such as this would be beneath a well-oiled machine such as TRU.
(2)
lucky r.
ok Service was impeccable! It was a great dining experience. Go there for dessert only if you want, you won't regret it! I can't say enough about this place. Venison and the pork duroc are to die for. Didn't think food would stop coming...
(4)
Elizabeth P.
I came here for New Years Eve '08 and overall was a tad disappointed in the whole "experience." I'd give the Thyme Infused Martini 5 stars! and that is really the only thing I'd go back for. The food was good, but it didn't blow me away. Perhaps after reading all the reviews I knew too much going in. At times I felt like I was in an episode of gossip girls. Overall, as a person that loves good food and a great dining out experience, I felt it was too much money to spend on one night for what we got, and I wasn't even the one paying.
(3)
Tiffany K.
You could not pay me to go back to this place. The server was absolutely horrible. I have never experienced anything so uncomfortable and never been treated so terrible in my life. The amount of money we spent was fine, however, the food was not even that good and the server actually talked crap about us in the corner the entire meal. For that money, i should be at least told 'thank you'. Not to add drama, but it was my mother's birthday (she is a chef) and her only request was to have dinner here and she even got a hotel to come. She was disappointed and my father was insulted by the wait staff. One star is too much. Never go.
(1)
Kristy H.
This is a must if you consider yourself a foodie. From the moment my hubby and I walked we knew we were in for a treat. The staff was extremely knowledgeable as well as friendly. I recommend the chef's tasting and wine pairing. Every time we visit Chicago this will be one of our first stops!!
(5)
Shen L.
I was introduced to Tru because my roommate had brought home a few financiers, which were delicious and definitely heightened my expectations of Tru. My friend and I each ordered the 3-course tasting menu, and got to sample 5 of the 6 desserts on the menu, among other things small amuse bouches. My favorites were the lime & blueberry "vacherin," and the gianduja souffle. The service throughout the dessert tasting was painstakingly perfect, and it was almost perplexing for me to figure out how the waitstaff would so carefully and silently coordinate their service for my table. I would strongly suggest coming here for a very occasion...because if you're like me (and didn't really come for a particular special occasion), you'll wonder what type of place would top this for an even more romantic evening.
(4)
Lauren T.
TRUly an amazing experience! We started with the caviar staircase and did the large tasting menu along with the wine pairing. Probably safe to say we won't be ordering caviar again anytime soon but still a fun, yet pricy, first experience. The 9 course tasting menu was unbelievable. It was by far the most adventurous meal we've eaten. The service was outstanding along with the ambiance. We will be back sooner than later.
(5)
Jean M.
I'll keep this review short. AVOID!!! Poor service, rude staff, with an unearned air of pretentiousness. There are much better dining choices in Chicago!
(1)
Suzy C.
This place costs an arm and a leg, but was it worth it? Yes, but for a once in a lifetime sort of thing. Even if I had tons of money, I wouldn't necessarily keep coming back to this place because I wasn't that impressed with the food. Presentation was amazing, obviously, but I felt that a lot of dishes were lacking in bold flavors. The service is what you are really paying for, in my opinion. There is no experience like it and it was definitely worth a try to have come here and experienced it first hand. I had the Chef's course and was unimpressed with most of the flavors. The desserts, however were a different story. WOW, the most amazing desserts I have ever had. Big applause to Gale Gand for her amazing and delicious creations. I am glad to have been here at least once, the experience itself was really amazing and stays with me to this day. I really can't describe it, you have to be there to experience the whole thing. Food itself was a disappointment and I personally think it's ridiculous that anyone would drop two to three hundred dollars for one meal, but if it's a special occasion and something you'll do just few times in your lifetime, I say go with Tru and enjoy yourself!
(4)
Ricky B.
Id probaly more likely go with a 3 and 1/2 stars. The food was good, but not amazing. Its been about a month since ive been there so I cant remember everything. It was definetly worth it for the experience. Our water was very friendly and helpful, while I have been to alot of nice resteraunts, I had never been to one of this caliber. The waiter could tell of that for sure, but he was really cool about it. I wasnt to fond of sitting there for about 4 hours, but I knew what I was getting myself into beforehand, so I cant really complain about that. All in all, I would definetly check it out if you can afford it just once, but after being there I probably wont go back.
(4)
Molly D.
Our experience at Tru for New Year's was very underwhelming. While we had the pleasure of enjoying a world class meal several years ago under Rick Tramato's leadership, our most recent meal was very lackluster, especially for the close to $1000 price tag for 2 people. We did a 7 course NYE special dinner & only 1 of us participated in the wine parings. None of the courses were memorable, and there was 1 substitution that should have been a downright embarrassment. While my fellow diners enjoyed a course of lobster with truffles, I had 3 small fingerling potatoes with a couple onions....doesn't seem like a fair trade for someone with a shellfish allergy. Guess I should have just kept with the lobster & given it to my husband to enjoy. After 7 courses, I expect to be satiated, but I was still hungry and ate more bread than I ever thought would be needed to fill up. Not to mention, the courses were spread so far apart to make the time last (3.5 hours) that we were looking at our watches and even had the temptation to pull out our phones to pass the time waiting. The sommelier had decent wine pairings for the full tasting, but the recommendation for just a single glass of wine was way off. I've had a ton of excellent New Zealand Chardonnays, but the one she recommended tasted more like a bad Sauvignon Blanc...just the opposite of what I was going for. She didn't even come back to check whether we enjoyed the wine, especially since it took 4 courses get finally get it down. Had much better luck selecting my own bottle later in the meal, and it actually complimented the courses we were eating. The other thing that was odd was that when the sommelier poured the wines, she only gave 1/2 to 2/3 of a pour that a sommelier in any other restaurant would pour for a tasting. In fact, a couple times, the other servers poured the wine, and we were hoping to not see the sommelier again since she didn't add any value or information on what we were drinking. All in all, we did enjoy the atmosphere, the company of our friends, and the main waiter was a pretty nice guy, but my former love of Tru was ruined by an extremely overpriced NYE dinner that left a lot to be desired. For a better value, service, food quality, and wine selection, I would definitely stick with Girl & the Goat, Longman & Eagle, or (my current favorite) Alinea.
(2)
Char Y.
We went for my birthday and chose the grand collection. I thought the restaurant atmosphere was very serious and quiet. It almost felt like I was in church, and my every move was being watched by many servers/management/misc people walking around. The restaurant employee to customer ratio was almost 1:1. It was almost uncomfortable to eat while being watched by so many eyes. The service was excellent, the food was excellent (but small), and the dessert was plentiful and good. It is an experience to remember, but I wouldn't go back.
(3)
Eric M.
If the economy is good and you have $200+ to spare, this is a must-have indulgence. The service alone is better than Disney World and the food is just amazing. I went with my fiance and we each ordered a separate tasting menu (that way we could share). The staff was intelligent and not stuffy, constantly checking to make sure our wine and water were full, and we got to pick which napkin color we wanted! Know going in this is going to cost A LOT but believe me it is worth it.
(5)
Julie C.
I visited Tru about 2 years ago with a friend of mine who was in from out of town. We are both young, he had just started his first job after law school and I was doing pretty well in my previous job, so we thought, let's get dressed up and go have a "fancy pants" dinner. Well, this was just beyond a "fancy" dinner. This was my first foray into "fine" dining, and so needless to say I was impressed if not a bit overwhelmed. The service was impeccable, I got a kick out of the "synchronized water pour". We had one of their less expensive bottles of wine, and decided to go for the gold with the 9 course Chef's Market Collection. The only thing I didn't like the entire evening was the amuse bouche. I'm not sure what was in it, but it wasn't good. I even liked the crab cake, and I don't usually like crab cakes. The halibut dish I had was the most amazing thing I've ever eaten, I still think about it to this day. The squab with strawberries came in a close second. I sadly tried to replicate it with chicken and a strawberry sauce at home, and it was disgusting. Now, the best part about this meal was I never felt full until it was time to go. And then I felt like absolute crap. But the good kind of "I just had an amazing meal and I will now sleep for 12 hours" kind of crap. Our bill was around $400 before tip, but it was completely and utterly worth it.
(5)
Kristen C.
So I'll first say that we were probably the cheapest customers in there. We were all about the cheapest wine and the prix fixe menu. Hey, it wasn't a business dinner, sadly. Despite that, we were given the same top-notch service as the high rollers. This is they way it should always be, but heck, sometimes it's just not. The food was just delicious - you get a lot of extras...the spoonful of soup, the candies at the end of the meal... Everything is simply top of the line, as it should be at a restaurant of this caliber. As I said, we were the cheapest customers, and our bill came to over a hundred bucks a person (pre-tip). But it was worth every penny.
(5)
Drew B.
This was certainly one of the best meals I've ever eaten. We went on a Monday night, so can't speak for weekends there, but when we arrived the host and doorman both met us at the entrance, and we were immediately seated. I was very happy with the ambiance. I tend to feel a little ripped off when I go to a "fancy" restaurant and face a dining area packed like a can of sardines. The dining area was roomy, just elegant enough, contemporary, and understated. I would venture to say that there was about 10' between us and the next closest table. I only know ever so vaguely what I like in a wine, and was a bit overwhelmed by their extensive wine list, but the wine steward was immensely helpful in finding wines that we both loved. I believe that we ordered an 8-course meal. Each of the courses was inventive (hedgehog mousse? pop rocks in Champagne?), and used obviously fresh and top-quality ingredients. Without question, the scallops that I had were the best of my life. In addition to the courses listed on the menu, our waiters brought out at least an additional half dozen dishes in between (all in all, I believe we managed 4 or 5 dessert courses alone). I would certainly go back very regularly if I could afford it. The bill for two came out to be about $375 after a few glasses of wine each. All in all, the meal was well worth the price, and if you can find the occasion to splurge on a meal, I highly recommend Tru.
(5)
Diana S.
Tru was one of my first real fine dining experiences. I had heard so much about it and I was also pretty obsessed with Gale Gand. She use to have this show called "Sweet Dreams" on the Food Network. Well I had the three course menu and it was very inventive and delicious.The portions were a bit on the small side, but I think that is to be expected. The service was a bit too attentive for me. When I needed to go to the restroom, a waiter would completely remove the table so that I could get up. I thought that was a little dramatic. Also, the lighting was really really bright. A nice little touch is that they have a few sample courses that they give you in between the courses you choose. These are on the house. They also give you a little treat bag to take home. Overall, it was a great experience, but I think I liked Gary Danko in San Francisco better. It was more comfortable for me.
(4)
Matt W.
Took my girlfriend there because she had always wanted to go. The service was very on point. I almost felt like they bugged the table because every time we mentioned something to each other that we wanted someone would come along and give it to us. You go to the bathroom and when you come back they are waiting to tuck you back into the table when you sit down. The service is just completely different from most every other fine dinning restaurant I've been to. We both had the Prix Fixe menu that was not the most expensive but the one in the middle of the three. The food was very unique, very good. For the dessert they let one of us get the Prix Fixe dessert and one of us get the cheese but I don't think they like doing that. Anyway, definitely something to try and your girlfriend will have something to brag about at work for a couple weeks. Just know that you will spend about $400 or more and that is conservative
(4)
A L.
Ever heard of the pity pound cake (hereforth known as the PPC)? Well, that is what we got when my friend and I tried to go and eat there tonight... My friend and I were dressed in business attire, just having left our clinic after a long day. We just wanted to enjoy some good food and drink and were prepared to pay for just that... Enter the hoity-toity host - I guess he took one look at us and decided that we were not worthy - and how did we know? Could it be the look of disdain when we walked in? The way he talked over the other (nice) hostess who would have let us eat but he said no? The way that he even prevented her from letting us eat in the lounge ("I'll have to check with the kitchen!" - as a note, they DO serve the lounge, unless, I guess, if they think you are unworthy.) And this is where the PPC comes into play - at this point, I was actually still willing to consider giving this establishment a try... but then he was like, wait, here, you can have this - along with our card so that you can TRY to make a reservation. It was a mini pound cake with their business card attached to it. I could have spent hundreds of dollars there (and even more in the future). But apparently, he has some better ideas of who he wants to let in his door. That's too bad, some other establisment will just get to enjoy the $$$$ that I would have spent at this restaurant. Oh, and the PPC wasn't even that good (it made my friend choke).
(1)
Eric M.
I ate at Tru a few months ago, but Yelp was acting really flaky and ate 2 of my previous attempts to review, so let's hope a) Yelp is fixing their technical issues and b) this review gets posted and not minced up by their web servers. The service was quite nice and the pacing was perfect. The only thing I might mention as being not quite what I expected was when I asked the guy with the cheese cart about a lapel pin he was wearing, I expected something along the lines of a two sentence answer, but got about a five minute description on how certification for sommeliers works. It was interesting, but I really just wanted the two sentence answer and to go back to eating my cheeses. Food-wise, I enjoyed all the dishes. They bought out a little Comte cheese gougene, which was nice but not too exciting. This was followed by a fennel panna cotta with bonito, which I really liked a lot. Next was white sturgeon "caviar," avocado puree and hazelnut. I'd recently gotten tools to do food "spherification," so it was cool to see a good restaurant to it for comparison to my own efforts. The linear foie gras with blackberry ice wine vinegar and caramelized popcorn wasn't really to my taste. I feel like vinegar is a little too pungent to really be appropriate for foie gras, but it was an interesting experiment nonetheless. An heirloom tomato "salad" with white tomato mousse followed. I put salad in quotes because it was really more like a soup or almost even a granita it was so chilled. I love gazpacho, though, so I loved this dish. Next, the braised Duroc pork belly with illuminated vegetables was delicious. The fresh farm ricotta and corn agnolotti with summer truffle consomme had a lot of flavor and was quite luxurious. As a fish course, the Alaskan halibut with gingered young carrot was one of the most perfectly cooked pieces of fish I've ever had. It was so spot on. The "main course," if there can be such a thing among so many courses, was a glazed veal ribeye with spring garlic, asparagus, and wild mushroom. It was quite nice, with really great umami flavors. They offered a nice selection of cow, goat and sheep's milk cheeses, followed by a strawberry consomme with rhubarb foam. My dish only had the rhubarb foam, but it was still nice. The final actual course was a Grand Marnier poached peach with honey and vanilla ice cream. This was expertly prepared, if bordering on boring because everything was just kind of soft, sweet goodness. Finally, they offer an array of mignardises as a final bit of sweetness. I would go back to Tru. It does require a jacket, however it doesn't come across as overly stuffy or pretentious. The food is expertly executed and I think any dislike I had with food items simply boiled down to my personal taste and not any misstep on the part of the chefs. The evening overall went really well from the moment we stepped inside, to the moment they handed us a little cornbread/jam muffin for the next morning as we left.
(5)
Marcel M.
You have to go at least once. If you are going to Chili's for your wedding anniversary, suggest this place instead. It is a long experience, but you leave stuffed! p.s. opt for the cheese.
(5)
Matt B.
This is probably the fining dining experience I've ever had. From the moment you walk in, the entire staff is there to serve your every need. Tables are pulled out so you can easily sit down. The staff is more than willing to help you get to the bathroom while replacing your napkin...and that's before we even talk about the food! The sommelier had a fine list of recommendations that perfectly complimented their menu. The scallops, salmon and lamb were all out of this world not just in taste, but in presentation, too. I'd highly recommend the prix fixe menu. The selection and quantities were grea, not to mention the additional courses that came unannounced. With the quiet atmosphere of pure professionalism with the spectacular service, it would be tough to ask for a more perfect evening. From the welcome to the waiters who worked in perfect synchronization who were also more than happy to hail a cab for you, Tru provides an unforgettable dining experience if you're okay with paying a bit more for it.
(5)
Frankie S.
Great, great, great, creative menu, definitely a treat. I loved the atmosphere. The service is what makes this place stand out from many fine dining establishments in Chicago and New York, it was such fun to watch, like synchronized swimming. Impeccable. I loved having the menu with our anniversary date on it as well as our names, so sweet, and something to cherish and remember the night by. Fine dining at its best.
(4)
Erin C.
Definitely glad I had the chance to experience dining at Tru, but don't know that I would ever feel the need to go back (unless someone wants to take me??). The service was impeccable - I dropped a wine glass soon after arriving and they quickly took care of it like it was no big deal. They were attentive throughout the meal, although our somewhat rowdy group seemed to irritate them a bit. The standout item on our tasting menu was the lobster in a champagne & mushroom "broth". Phenomenal and a favorite among our entire group. The meat dish was lamb but since I don't eat it, I had the halibut instead. Probably my second favorite part of the meal. Otherwise, the rest of the items on the menu were somewhat forgettable (although the jellied amuse bouche was a bit odd and everyone just sort of picked at it). And dinner takes awhile.... The restaurant was very quiet and museum-like, but since we sat in the private room upstairs, I didn't experience much of that atmosphere.
(4)
Krista H.
AMAZING! The food, the ambiance, the art work, the staff - all fabu! The event (not just dinner) started at Valet as they asked us for us by name. Seating was quick and the service was unbelievable. It is VERY expensive (1000 for 3 people), but if you can afford it, it is worth the cost. You even get an escort to the washroom. The waitstaff orchestrated every detail to down to how and when water was poured! As we left, we even got fresh muffins for breakfast! If I had the money, I would go back again! Hmmm....Tru caviar staircase! I must say that even after the very lenghty meal (3 plus hours and 10 plus courses), we were still hungry and headed to Sullivans for a nice juicy steak:) The staff was better than the actual food, but it was an amazing experience.
(4)
Ryan T.
Tru was the one restaurant I really wanted to go, but missed out on during my first food trip to Chicago. When I finally did go I was pleased I waited because they recently introduced a Sommelier's Collection where the wines have at least equal importance. The Sommelier's Collection has one more course than the Chef's Collection which my girlfriend went with The Sommelier's Collection: Amuse: Jasmine-Scented Pear - Fennel Parmigiano-Reggiano, Smoked Paprika 01 SC: Grape Gelee - Crab Salad, Cucumber, Honeysuckle 02 SC: Veal Sausage - Sunchoke Cream, Celery, White Peppercorn 03 SC: Pheasant Consomme - Pomegranate Gelee, Cote De Brouilly 04 SC: Pork Belly - Corn Pudding, Granny Smith Apple, Pickled Leeks 05 SC: Hot and Cold King Oyster Mushroom - Avocado, Grapefruit, Caviar 06 SC: Smoked Bass - Carrot Puree, Harissa Panisse 07 SC: Venison - Blood Orange, Cocoa, Condensed Black Olive 08 SC: Bison Ribeye - Smoked Paprika, Blackberry, Parsnip, Malabar Spinach 09 SC: Duet of Brillat Savarin 10 SC: Red Wine Sorbet - Passionfruit Caramel, Plantain Chip 11 SC: White Chocolate Mille-Feuille - Apricot, Lychee, Strawberry, Cinnamon Mignardises and Lollipops The quality of the food seemed to vary wildly from dish to dish, with the standouts being the Pheasant Consomme, Pork Belly, and Bison and the low points being the Smoked Bass and Venison. Overall I enjoyed the Sommelier's pairing even though I thought the execution was a bit off. The complete review with photos and a description of the Chef's Collection can be found here tangbro1.blogspot.com/20…
(4)
Ameer G.
We went to Tru for my sister in laws birthday. What an experience. This was one of my first experiences at dining in a restaurant of this caliber. Since going to tru, I have also been to alinea, and comparing the two, i would say food wise, tru comes out ahead. While alinea is amazing in its own right, the concept of the restaurant is just different. Tru is all about a great meal, no theatrics. Everything is very calculated at tru, If I had any advice, it would be to get as many courses as you could, because who knows when you will be back. The entire evening was very memorable, from the synchronized water pouring to the synchronized serving for the entire table. This would be difficult to appreciate in a smaller group, so I would suggest going with 5-6 people.
(5)
Tom S.
This is a 4 1/2 star rating. Not as memorably or delicious as Charlie Trotter's, but a foodie's dream come true nonetheless. If you order the chef's menu, get ready for a never-ending event. By the time the dessert cart and then the candy cart came around I was about to bust out of my pants; portions throughout are generous, if not delicious and creative. The room is decidedly minimalist almost to the point of being austere. I did feel like maybe we were being rushed through such a big meal and the service was a bit staid, but this is a recommendation for Tru.
(4)
Mike W.
My very generous girlfriend took me for my birthday last weekend and I couldn't have had a better time. Prime 112 in SoBe is the only other place I've had actual Kobe and TRU certainly didn't disappoint. A5 Kobe topped with foie gras is about as decadent a dish as you can create. Everything after that is a blur, but I would recommend this as a "dining experience" rather than simply a meal. And for the price, I suppose it had better be. Splurge a little, go to TRU at least once in your life, but do yourself a favor and wear a proper jacket and tie. The kid dressed like Harry Potter two tables over looked like an idiot.
(5)
Ken L.
It's a high 5 stars before I went to Alinea. I'd give the food 4.5 stars but 6 stars for their service. Atmosphere and decoration are good. I always like the contemporary/modern style. I went there twice and the food were good specially the desert cart. I ordered the collection menu both time. Good things they change the menu every season. If you close your eyes and taste the food, you can tell what season it is. Service is top notch. All servers are nice and professional. Everytime when we lean forward and about 1" detached from the chair. 2 servers will come and move the table and pull the chair for you. Overall experience was great. I'd recommend to others. It worth for the price and you won't expect less.
(5)
Dina I.
Classic Chicago. Have dined here once back in 2007. Good fine dining but not the best in Chicago.
(4)
Erin W.
One of the finest meals you can enjoy in chicago. We did the prefixed menu. If memory servers there there over 9 courses when you count all the "extras". The service was amazing...it almost felt choreographed. Favorite entree item were the waygu short ribs!
(5)
Leon D.
Ha! You're kidding, right? Never had a better meal in six years I've lived in the city of Chicago. Pricey? Yeah. A little snobby? Sure. Will you see at least one guy being accompanied by a "professional" date? Probably. All that makes for good food and good fun. Been there more than ten times, and it's never disappointed me.
(5)
Candy K.
The experience was amazing and the grand collection....to die for. Had a lovely Valentine's day celebration at Tru.
(5)
Kim P.
There are so many things to cherish about the Tru experience that it's hard to know where to start. But for those who often feel like good service is dead in the states, here is someplace that can show you the stark difference between eating and dining. You are warmly received by name as if they've been expecting you because you always show up at that time and date. Graciously you're shown to your table and seated like a perfect lady (or gentleman). Almost instantly two servers arrive on opposite sides of the table, in perfect sync and begin pouring bottled water into your glasses (reaching the top at the same moment) then stepping back - as if in a dance, only to melt back into the background. The food is amazing. You can feel the various layers of flavor unfold as the food dissolves in your mouth. The seasonal offerings are unique and inspired. Despite all the courses of food, I didn't feel overly full or uncomfortable. It's a luxury to dine this way, so don't come in a hurry expecting to get in and out quickly. But why would you want to leave? The desert carts are just over the top, and the presentation of every little thing is so artfully done, that you haven't just enjoyed a good meal, you've enjoyed a good evening.
(5)
Nina B.
Why only 4 stars? TRU is a delightful indulgence in many, many respects: impeccable and gracious service, playful and intriguing menu, all amidst comfortable and modern surroundings. I give it only four stars because, while it was the most expensive meal I've had the pleasure of eating ($900 for two people), it was not the best meal. I went expecting ambrosial bliss, but came away noting it _only_ as a very pleasant meal and fantastic experience. My husband and I each ordered the Chef's Market Collection and accompanying wine pairings, as well as the near-famous caviar staircase. In the end we were served 12 courses, plus amuse bouche and other "little bites." It was truly a night of food! There were two courses that very nearly sent me into the foodie heaven I was hungering for: the roasted asparagus with shallots and parmesan; and the braised veal shank with sweetbread cappelli, carrots and veal bouillon. Both dishes were prepared with delightful layers of tongue dancing flavor that sent my head spinning. Oh, and I mustn't forget the dessert! An awe-inspiring accomplishment composed of chocolate hazelnut mousse, orange sherbet, and cardamom-scented oranges. Wow! Additionally I should note the buffalo mozzarella dumpling with green olive emulsion & black olive powder, served as an amuse bouche -- quite enchanting. As was the cheese course (the four cheeses I selected have disappeared from memory, quite upsetting). The wine pairing with each course was also delightful as an accompaniment (of which I was grateful), but perhaps not awe-inspiring in their own right. The much talked about caviar staircase was a bit of a disappointment, however. Perhaps it is my own fault -- while I am quite fond of caviar, I found the sturgeon caviar lacking a bit in texture and "pop." The slightly blander nature of this type of caviar truly needed the accompaniments of creme fraiche, red onions, and capers that were served. But what was lost in actual flavor was in part made up for in the overtly decadent presentation. The disappointments of the evening's meal came in the form of an over-abundance of foams and gelees. Every dish, it seemed, was steeped in this trendy food preparation, and as the evening wore on it became rather boring. The foam less so -- every preparation was at least ripe with exciting flavor. But the gelee turned ugly with the course of whipped salt cod and creamy potato -- a foul taste and texture approximating "fishy jello" as though whipped in the Bass-o-matic of SNL legend. One dish I wish I had sent back. Overall, however, the experience was quite positive. I imagine I will be back. And I will remember to order the wine pairings with each course, and to pass on the caviar. (And if at all possible, avoid the gelee!).
(4)
Samantha H.
If you can actually justify spending over $600 for dinner for two, you know it's amazing. That's what it was! We did the prix fixe but added the Kobe beef as an appetizer, which was just amazing. The au jus was just okay for me, but the beef itself melted in your mouth. The sommelier is just wonderful. You can tell he spends a large amount of time pairing wines with each dish (what a horrible job, lol) as every single wine he picked (we agreed to let him choose for each course) was perfectly matched to the dish. He came out to describe them to us before he poured and they were all amazing! The markup was what you'd expect. I could never have paired wines that well on my own. He goes around to each table and asks if you would like his service and, if you do, he just keeps coming back each course. The service was amazing. The ratio of staff to guests was probably 1:1.5, which I've never experienced before. At one point the waiter came out to ask my husband (who is a picky eater) if there was something wrong with the cabbage he left on his plate. He felt awful and said no, he just doesn't care for cabbage. But I thought that was thoughtful of the chef (who I've seen compete on Iron Chef) to really want to know what the guests like/dislike. Unless you're rich, this isn't a place you'll visit frequently, but would highly recommend for special occasions. The service is by far the best I've ever had and the food was fabulous!
(5)
RJ W.
Had a very good, but not superior, experience here. The food was excellent, aside from the souffle that never appeared. That is why it gets 4, instead of 5 stars. When one is spending over $1,000 for 3, the service should be perfect. And while it was very very good, we ordered the souffle for dessert while ordering dinner. When it was time to be served after a 2 plus hour dinner, we were told it would be another 30 minutes. Now, I am fairly well traveled and have dined everywhere from Alinea, Daniels in NY, Gary Danko's in SF, etc.. and the one thing they had in common, was impeccable timing. Tru disappointed on this throughout the night. It seemed as though we were never a priority. It was a Wednesday night, but last I checked, the prices are the same as a weekend. The food, however, was phenomenal. Not a single complaint there. And perhaps they have one of the finest cheese courses in the country. I only wish we had the wait experience that matched the dining experience........
(4)
James B.
TOO pricey!! Good place to impress people who worship wealth or enjoy small portion sizes on large plates...
(2)
Diana S.
By far the best experience I have ever had at a restaurant in Chicago. It is beyond memorable. It has gone beyond staying in my memory to entering my dreams. This place is the epitome of perfection in execution. The service is extremely meticulous. You are taken care of from the moment you enter. The food is intelligent. It is delicate and seemingly lacking in ammunition; however, each bite provides a whirlwind of euphoria. Ever been to a restaurant where everything has the same taste and feel to it? If you've only eaten at Tru, the answer is no. The only constant between the courses is the attention to detail; each course was a new challenge for my mind - which was unexpectedly put through a lot of work in order to process what my tastebuds got to experience first hand. If I could give more than 5 stars for the service, I would. I would give the absolute maximum. It would get the full 5 stars for service factors I would consider to be expected from this type of establishment. With reservations, your table is ready the moment you arrive. As soon as you get up, someone will ask if you are looking for the ladies' room and basically escort you there. They re-fold your napkin for you to return to whenever you excuse yourself from the table. All the plates go down at your table in time synchronization. You will NEVER have to wave down the waiter - one look and someone appears. They explain the dishes in great detail as they are presented to you. They have a great sommelier who is extremely patient and knowledgeable. I could go on and on for pages about how wonderful the service is but I won't. However, there is one more point I want to make in regards to service. There is one factor in the service that was extremely special to me and makes me want to give more than 5 stars. To preface, I look extremely young. I am - in fact - past my quarter life. However, I do not look like it at all. This is not currently a blessing - maybe in 20 years - but in my 20's - it is a disadvantage. Not only do I get carded 3 times in a bar the size of my bathroom (door, both bartenders) - I get treated like a spoiled teen who has watched too much Gossip Girl. I am dismissed often and given under-par service. This not only ruins my experience (although many times I forgive it - as shown by the high ratings I often give on Yelp) - but it is sometimes unfair to the person I am out with. TRU did NOT treat me like I was somehow "below" them - which yes, I've gotten even gotten at Cheesecake Factory (understandable - it's the downtown mecca of teenage diners). They treated me the same way as the rest of the patrons in the restaurant which means they treated me like gold. This place treats you like royalty. If you are looking to impress your date or make your wife/gf feel like a princess for ~2-3hrs. This is the place. If you got laid off from your job and want to have one "eff you" dinner using your severance - this is the place. It'll make you feel like you are worth everything in this world. Yeah. I had no idea a restaurant could do that either. After your courses, they roll over a dessert cart and formage cart. Everything is just *sigh* amazing. If you are full, they even pack up small dessert pieces of your choice into deep-purple-colored jewelry boxes and provide you with small home-made lollipops. If you think that's it, wait until you leave back through the black curtains - the host will give you a copy of the menu in a large envelope and a mini breakfast muffin for the next morning. What better way to leave an amazing experience than to be provided with goodies to extend that experience onto the next day? All those reviews that complain about how small the food is and how it's not worth the buck - I am completely confused. I was very full at the conclusion of our meal and based on the full experience, it is 110% worth the buck. But then again, I didn't pay. But I was happier than I've ever been leaving a restaurant - probably the happiest I have ever been. I'd hate to kill this review with an over exuberant display of fondness for this restaurant but it really deserves it.
(5)
Marissa D.
you know how sometimes you meet people who are attractive, smart, successful, funny, etc. but no matter what, no matter how many times you tell yourself "JUST FALL IN LOVE WITH THEM AND BE DONE WITH IT!" - something just doesn't click? this is how i feel about tru. the service is, without a doubt, exceptional. the food, unfortunately, did not blow me away as i expected it to. halfway through the 3 hour meal i was ready to be done. and the desserts did not make me happy. i hate giving tru only 3 stars because i see how it could be a truly exceptional experience. unfortunately, it wasn't - and i still feel a little peeved that this potential epicurean dinner left me with a sour taste in my mouth.
(3)
Brett F.
Drum Roll please..... for my 100th review I found it most fitting to review my favorite restaurant in Chicago, Tru. Technically this isn't even a review.... the menu is ever-changing so I'm not going to drone on about food that will likely no longer be featured by the time you get there. What you do need to know about is the impeccable level of service demanded of the staff at Tru. You will not feel more important or pampered ANYWHERE... the staff times everything in carefully orchestrated maneuvers to create a seamless experience of culinary and visual delight. Be prepared to have Tru be the only thing you do in an evening... there will be no bars, movies or anything after this meal. It will take several hours and you'll be in such a state of food ecstasy that the thought of putting one more thing in your belly will be unbearable. Rick Tramonto does such an amazing job with the food, it's not only artistic and beautiful but even more delicious than it is aesthetically pleasing (ding! ding! ding! this is how food should be done people). Be sure to choose a prix fixe option as dining a la carte here is for amateurs... you don't come here to compromise on quality or selection. The Gale Gand dessert cart will really drive the point home with tons of hand crafted goodies and lavender lollipops... Gale is also known to pre-package little desert cakes that they send you home with. I can not think of anything else I would rather pair my morning coffee with.... Tru is my one and only choice for special occasions and milestone dinners - anyone who knows me knows that this is my answer to treating myself or my friends to something decadent and extremely fabulous. As a Chicagoan or someone traveling in our fair city, you owe it to yourself to sample a Tru caviar staircase at least once. And to dine among the fine art original Warhols, Ruschas, and Kleins... tres chic!!
(5)
jennifer l.
this place is hidden without any indication where it's located. It took awhile and walked around the same block prob 5 times before someone pointed to a door that took us to this ultimate place called "TRU" First, it's been about 8 months since I've been here but I still remember it like it just happened. this truly is what you call a fancy wancy no music, have 5 waiters for each table, everything white and silver kinda place. We had the 9 course, wine pairing ultimate course. Everything is portioned like an aneroxic model eats her food but it was perfect since we had so many courses to look forward to. Caviar with teeny tiny spoons? you are a God-send! Each wine pairing was brought out by a personal sommelier and was explained to us the region, ingredients and such. I just love listening to someone talk about food in European accent. Please sir, do go on~ Each course was amazing and made me really appreciate food like I never did before. Dessert was brought out in a rolling tray and we got to choose the ones we wanted. Of course, I only decided on 2 since I didn't want to seem like I'm at a Chinese buffet... The best experience about this place was my date. I have to admit, we were giddy and giggling about how quiet and stuffy the place was however, the conversation and how he looked that night I will never forget. More so than the place itself. When you are walking out, they will hand you a paper that has a listing of your complete meal with your name on it. BTW, it' pretty pricey. It's as much as an average person's month rent. So be ready to open up your wallet, and enjoy the ride~
(5)
Shawn m.
Charlie Trotter's is gone! but TRU is here and it's TRULY amazing!!! This restaraunt is like a well oiled machine! Great food, Great staff...it doesn't get better than that! Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Christopher G.
I have been to Tru twice. The first time was the night I put the ring on my wife's finger, the second time was to celebrate a new job. Tru is a choreographed experience from the beginning to the end. Everything is seamless as they take your coat, escort you to your table, to your fabulous dinner. My wife and I loved every piece of it, and it is a three hour experience (don't plan on dinner and a show). Tru is expensive, but it is very very special. Do not expect to see Gale Gand (from Sweet Dreams) or Rick (famous Chef) on-site . . but that doesn't hurt the food. Both times my wife and I went to Tru we ordered a three course menu and added an optional course (1st time Cheese, 2nd time upgraded the dessert to a 3 course chocolate tasting). Though the courses themselves are balanced (not cheesecake factory huge), we did not go away hungry. . .and I'm a big guy :) Nice Touches: Setting the plate for all members of your party simultaneously, the coffee cake for the next days breakfast, an amazing bathroom (if not that functional). Tru will always have a special place in our hearts. My wife and I love great restaurants and Tru beat Paris' Tour D'Argent hands down (ripoff), and is a little bit more of an experience than Gary Danko's in San Fran. Now that I live in Chicago I look forward to trying Aliena and Charlie Trotters
(5)
Maria C.
I have never had a dinner like before. It was more than a meal, it was an experience. We started with the caviar staircase and that was amazing to look at and to taste. Each course was so beautifully presented that you almost didn't want to eat it. I hope my company sends me back to entertain more customers soon.
(5)
Andrew A.
I am not a food groupie, I don't fawn at some pretentious display of food. If you are easily swayed by that, and you have dining plans immediately before or after your visit, Tru might be the place for you. I went in a group, and went along with the consensus, not knowing what to order. I had about six kinds of caviar in very small amount. Next, was some kind of foam or reduction, not really sure what the hell that is, but it was unique. After, I had what looked like glazed salmon and blackened chicken, without their respective flavors. The service was rude and condescending, which I suppose is obligatory for a restaurant of its type. A few of us went out for gyros after the Tru experience. We were really hungry and frustrated.
(1)
Cathleen F.
"This is where really wealthy people go when they want to have a nice night out." --Joe, my husband, commenting on the over-the-top, upscale atmosphere of Tru. Bottom line: The food is amazing and worth the price; the service is fantastic; the drinks are far too expensive. We arrived a little early and were seated in the "lounge" while they set up our table. The waiter handed us a drink menu, and this was when we experienced serious sticker shock! A bottle of beer was $14. It was good beer (Three Floyd's Pride & Joy), and we're not opposed to paying for alcohol, but as my husband put it, "this was just offensive." It was unfortunate that this happened immediately, because it set a tone for the next half hour. It was at this point that my husband made the above comment. We sat at the table and the wait staff handed us our menus. The three-course option was reasonably priced, and included an amuse bouche, substantial bread choices, course 1, course 2, pallet cleanser, course 3 (dessert) and chocolates. Except for the pallet cleanser (which tasted like what I assume a lime-scented candle may taste like), the food was phenomenal. My husband and I shared all of our courses, so we were actually able to taste 2 appetizers (scallops and foie gras), 2 mains (lobster and wagyu spare ribs) and 2 desserts. One disappointment about the menu was there wasn't a wine-pairing option. That, I believe, would be a nice way to offer smaller amounts of good wine, paired by a sommelier (now that I think about it, I never saw a sommelier the entire night) at an affordable price. (Topolobampo has this option with its 5-course tasting menu, and we don't hesitate to do it every time we're there.) As for the service, our waiter really couldn't have been better. I believe he recognized when we sat down that we were feeling a little out of our element, and adjusted his behavior to be more relaxed to make us comfortable. It worked, and we began to relax almost right away. When my husband joked with him, he laughed and joked back. I was as impressed with his (and the others') service as I was with the food. The people are true (Tru) professionals. We had wanted to go to Tru for many years now, and I'm glad we did. I recommend it for the experience alone. However, one of our favorite things about going out for a nice dinner is enjoying cocktails and wine, and it was just way too expensive at Tru for us to do that. I found myself sticking to the one $11 glass of wine they had on the menu--regardless of what I was eating. So, unless the price of drinks comes down, we won't be going back. Which is sad, because I'll be thinking about that foie gras, those spare ribs, the sauce on the lobster and that chocolate cake for years to come.
(4)
Peter C.
The food here was perhaps not as good as the price tag suggests, but the service makes the restaurant a definite must. I've eaten at many fine dining establishments, but I hadn't even realized service could be so good. I love the table settings too.
(5)
A K.
Our visit to TRU was outstanding. We opted for a shorter menu but also indulged ourselves in a 10 gram service of the golden imperial caviar. Both dinner and caviar were exceptional. Every dish stood out with both presentation and taste. Really, one of the best and unique restaurants in Chicago, and well worth the money!
(5)
Srini V.
One of the advantages of eating out in a large group is that one tends to get a range of perspectives on the dining experience, and that makes for interesting listening. And one gets to try a larger subset of the menu than when you are dining as a couple or in a small group. The disadvantages are all too familiar -- coordination trouble, lack of intimacy for personal or business conversation, "group think" leading to more leftovers, and so on. I particularly remember the Tru group dining experience for three reasons: 1) The sychronized serving 2) The rejected proposal 3) "Whale of a time" Tru represents the best that downtown Chicago has to offer. Soon as our group of eight arrived, we announced in true group fashion "One of us has to leave in an hour, three others will skip the dessert, ... ". They took it all in their stride. The servers worked as a team, placing the plates and silverware, and pouring water in a synchronized fashion. Tru was not particularly vegetarian-friendly as I discovered. But they were very accommodating of my requirements. For the appetizer, I had the apple salad. The "one hour guy" was served a sushi plate. And the rest of the group tried various seafood options. The wine pairings were done tastefully. And my vegetable plate was cooked to perfection. Even as my colleagues feasted on the halibut and ribeye, and generally appeared very happy, we witnessed something quite upsetting. A guy at the next table brought out a ring and proposed to his dining companion, who calmly rejected him. The rest of their dinner was seemingly quiet. Our conversation sauntered along on even keel, notwithstanding the incident. And the cheese selection that came at the end of the meal was the best I have ever experienced, anywhere. Quite an incredible array of cheeses from across Europe and outside. " " " " " " " " " " " .- , " " " .-----./ / _.--''""--., ' -. (___ ...-- " \ \ (o) | ' , .___. ,__ .---' / '---- /__. '--------' ` We each had our take on the Tru experience. And as one colorful member of the group announced upon leaving Tru, "That was great! We had a whale of a time!" I would like to return to Tru!
(5)
Scott C.
We went to Tru to celebrate our 9th wedding anniversary not too long ago. It was quite nice to dress up and go out for a very nice dinner - we felt so grown up. The selling point of Tru is their service and it came through with flying colors - it was fantastic from the moment we stepped through the door to the time we left. Everyone from the hostess to the wait staff to the valet were attentive, friendly and helpful the entire evening. The food was good. It was not spectacular, unbelievable or mind-blowing. We did not have the 6 or 8 course menu since neither of us liked a couple items from each menu, so instead we ate from the fixed menu. We enjoyed the butternut squash soup (fantastic!) and the bacon wrapped scallops for appetizers. Then we moved to the braised short rib and curry lobster for our main course - both very good, but did not have a WOW factor to them. We finished up with dessert - sorbet served in spoons and chocolate mousse. The little side dishes in between courses were a nice touch, but the gelatinous meat side was forgettable at best. We enjoyed a wonderful bottle of wine with the help of the wine staff at the restaurant that really complimented our meal. Again, the staff was great and friendly the entire evening. When we left we were given pastries for breakfast the next day and our car was waiting for us. It was a great dining experience - if only the food was a touch more imaginative.
(4)
Stacey W.
I recently attended a company holiday party held in the private upstairs seating room at Tru. I had been so excited to try Tru because of all the wonderful reviews I had read here on Yelp plus, Tru recently received three Michelin stars. This place should be great right??? Well, from my experience it is not. We had a five course menu with wine pairing, started out with an amuse bouche which was fun and tasty. Overall the food was good however, nothing that I would write home about. What really put a bad taste in my mouth about this place was the service. On several occasions people in my party had to ask to have refills on their water and wine and the wait time between courses was ridiculously long (between the first and second course the wait time was 45 minutes). I'm assuming that this restaurant holds itself to a higher level of service if you are sitting in the traditional dining area however due to the service that I experienced in the private dining room, I wont be returning.
(2)
It's Me Nhi L.
Intimidating but one of the most amazing meals ever. It doesn't hurt that we had our beautiful friends around us to enjoy the evening. We ordered from the Collections menu. Simply amazing and decadent.
(5)
Gina H.
Last night I went to Tru for my 30th birthday...forever I've been curious about this place after hearing about the impeccable service you receive, and I wasn't disappointed. First of all, after we were seated, I received a menu that read "Happy Birthday Gina!" which I thought was awesome (yes, I am easily amused, little things like a personalized menu will make me get excited). The wine list was extensive....and definitely skewed to the expensive 'untouchable' side (ie $500+ per bottle), but had some options on there that we common folk can stomach a little better ($35-$80 per bottle), or you could order single glasses. After choosing the wine selection we were asked if we preferred a white or a black napkin - having worn a black skirt I happily accepted the black napkin to avoid that nasty white fuzz you get...amazing! (again, easily impressed). As for the meal, it was superb - I started with scallops that were topped with a crunchy topping with caviar on top, and as a main course had some delicious venison (I've only ever had it once before in my life, and it's pivotal to have it prepared correctly - so this was definitely the place to get it!). For desert I had an apple crisp with apple sorbet - and the waitress sent out a special St. Patrick's birthday dessert for my birthday, which was also fantastic. Finally, (at this point I was ready to pop!) they roll around a little cart with various candies and treats that you can pick from (ie handmade butterscotch lollipops, little chocolate bon bons etc). The service is absolutely impeccable - these people really know what they are doing, which I suppose is important if you're planning on dropping some cash on a nice dinner. The atmosphere definitely skews to the older crowd, and was a little 'stuffy' in terms of the low music and extreme formality - however, it was overall a fantastic experience!
Beautiful dining room, impeccable service, and outstanding food. One of the best. Not sure if they still offer this, but the "stairways to heaven" caviar was amazing (and very memorable).
(4)
Dan F.
I ate here a few months ago, and I keep forgetting to write a review. I visited on Tuesday night, and I hope for the sake of this place that they were breaking in someone new on the line. The food does not even come close to being worth the money. I ate there a few months ago, and only 2 dishes from the 6 course tasting stick out in my mind: The lobster was chewy, awfully prepared for a restaurant that is charging the prices they are. The cheese course was excellent. They do things like printing you a custom menu to commemorate your experience. This is something that might impress a suburban housewife that gets out twice a year, but honestly just seems kitschy. Go to Les Nomades instead. It's less expensive, and the food is WAY better.
(1)
Rich F.
I went here with a group of business friends. We were all delighted with the evening. 3 of us did the 9 courses with Wine and 2 did the 5 courses with wine. The staff performed pretty much flawlessly with humor and professionalism balance perfectly. The food was excellent. the wine pairings were not only good but with some nice surprises as well. My only puzzlement is the one Michelin Star. Having eaten at Alinia and many Stared Restaurants here and in Europe it seemed to me to deserve at least a 2 star Rating
(5)
Amin S.
I took my wife to Tru for our wedding anniversary, although we had a great evening base on our opinion and in comparison to several other high end restaurants in US, Tru is over rated and expensive! Decoration and the ambiance of this restaurant was wonderful however I was disappointed for the chef to serve a piece of chicken breast as part of the main course!! I would recommend Tru for Caviar and cheese but for the price you can have a much better dining experience at L2O or Next!
(3)
christine r.
We went there for a special occasion and we had a remarkable meal: chefs collection with the wine pairing. The food was delicious, beautifully plated and elegantly presented. The staff focus on YOU, and are welcoming and extremely attentive, but not stuffy. I really felt like I was a special guest in their restaurant. The wine pairing really did enhance all aspects of each course, and was expertly paired to the foods. If I could offer one small improvement, I felt that each course came so quickly after the other, that we hardly had time to fully relax and anticipate the next course. Maybe that was because the valet told us that their service included 3 hours in the parking garage....maybe that was a factor? By the way, how great is that they provide you with a beautiful litlle pound cake/cookie to take home and enjoy the next morning with a cup of coffee! A reminder of an elegant night enjoyed!
(5)
George M.
I have a long history with Tru. I've been trying to recreate one of the most memorable dining experiences and one of the best dishes for the last seven years to disappointingly medicore results. As a consequence, I cannot recommend Tru due to its inconsistency and high price. The sexy but overly theatrical wall street circa 1986 inspired decor is a bit much. There are one or two too many servers per table. This gang bang approach to service seems to only work well in Asia and I would recommend they scale it back here in Chicago. Very tasty desserts are a consistently great finish to the meal, however.
(3)
Vaidehi T.
I would give Tru 10 stars if I could :) That's how outstanding our experience at Tru was. I chose this restaurant to celebrate our anniversary and was a little apprehensive as my husband is a vegetarian. But they assured me when I made reservations that they could make 9 courses all vegetarian. From the minute we gave our car to the valet till the end when we got our coats back - it was an amazing and the most luxurious evening. It's not just about the food or the ambience - it is truly an experience. I was warned that our whole dinner would take around 2.5 hours at least. As soon as we gave our car to the valet (who also wished us a Happy Anniversary) - we were walked to our table, and on our way we were wished at least by 5 different people a Happy Anniversary. The place has a dress code - it deserves a dress code :) We were a little intimidated at first, but after a few minutes we were put at ease. We were waited on by 5 people during dinner. We chose the 8 course vegetarian grand menu. I will not go into the details of all the courses, but let me say that the food was outstanding. It looked like art, and there were a couple of courses where my husband and me did not want to put our forks on the plate - because it was soo pretty! You always have 2 people working in sync : to bring out a course or to pour water or clear the table ware - it is like a synchronized and orchestrated show but without being too pompous and pretentious. The service was impeccable and the attention to detail was truly commendable. The servers were very knowledgeable about the food being put out in front of us and answered all our questions patiently. As for the food, let's say we ate the fluffiest of gnocchi, tastiest of potatoes and the earthiest of mushrooms. We tasted flavor profiles that we didn't know could be put together so well. It was an excellent menu and put together beautifully. Chef Martin is a genius. It was an amazing dinner, and was made special because of the impeccable service. It was a great choice for our anniversary date. I have never been to a Michelin-star restaurant, but Tru totally deserves it. What else can you say about a place that gives you personalized menus with your names printed on it to take home.
(5)
Christian H.
Though Tru was a great meal, you should never go to Tru after going to Alinea. Tru had a great multi-course menu with some amazing flavors. The waiting staff were very kind, which you should expect for the price of the luxurious meal. The decor was very modern and relaxing. I went to Tru with three of my other upper 20's friends and we notice very quickly that we were the youngest people in the place. Tru was a great dinning experience for those who can't afford Alinea. I would recommend experiencing Tru at least once while you are in Chicago.
(4)
Joe P.
Top of the line service and staff!! Made everything enjoyable and unbelievable for me!
(5)
Kevin A.
This may be the best food I've ever had. Ever. If you're hungry for a huge italian or steak dinner, this isn't it. If you're in for a dining experience to blow away your tastebuds. WOW. I've eaten at Charlie Trotter's and I know that Rick Tramonto came from there, but to me, Tru is head and shoulders above. It's a "forever memory experience". Get the 9 course option. Heaven. A meal fit for God. The taste is wonderful but the texture is unexplainable.
(5)
Miles H.
Oh dear again!? My experience tonight reminds me of the last time I went to Trotters (pre-Yelp) in 2002 where mid way through my 12 course seafood degustation the waiter announced 'they ran out of seafood (9:00).' Needless to say that was the last time I went there. TRU (no longer in intent, purpose, or name, apparently) Seated: Is Rick here and/or does he spend much time here v. his Northshore property? Not so much, but he's still a partner... Ok... Comment to stately server: only in Chicago would they serve a dried out, flavorless, insipid cheese puff as an amuse bouche. Oh no, the 'real' amuse bouche will be served next (!?), a tantalizing gilded cup of chestnut soup. And then the uncompromised beauty of their now-famous caviar staircase. Followed by 'a play on caviar' (read: fake) with many of the same set up accoutrements. Now I'm getting pissed. This is roughly equivalent to serving $100 an ounce Kobe beef and following it with 'a play' on beef of veggie burger. Talked to the server stating my concerns with what's going on and how we expect at these prices and our admittedly and necessarily high expectations that there's intelligence at work in the kitchen and the choices they make. He assures me, he'll get it back on track. Next course, hold your breath folks...another soup...here it comes...wait...of squash with the EXACT appearance, presentation, and by initial sense, flavor mix as the course we had moments ago. I mean what, is Kevin Brown advising on food here now!? 'twas with this, we said, let's cut our losses and get out of here before I go crazy. And we left, with nary a sorry, a 'we screwed up,' a 'please come back.' It was as if they were intentionally screwing with us and hoped to never have us back. They win. I guess what concerns me at a greater level is, are we losing it in Chicago? Yes we have Alinea and the ever-trendy food-science wave, but are we at risk of losing our midwest, thoughtful, adventurous, quality over trendy soul? This was nearly heartbreaking.
(1)
Christian A.
Top notch service! The kind of place where they pull all your parties plates simultaneously and replace all your utensils so they are specific to your next dish. Lots of surprises and palate cleansers between meals. It looks at first like you're gonna be hungry right after your meal, but you actually leave pretty satisfied. The food was creatively presented and everything tasted very good. An awesome experience i would definitely try again!!
(5)
Stacey A.
My friend and I refer to amazing food experiences as "foodsex" - because everything is SO GOOD that your eyeballs roll back in your head and you need to take a breather to calm down afterwards. Going to Tru is like, "foodlovemaking against a wall and then you black out and your knees give out and you need to be revived". Because it is THAT good. The service is impeccable - it's like a ballet of silverware and plates. Things are set down and taken away simultaneously, and every single person who works there knows more about food than I could ever DREAM to know about food. I literally cannot say enough good things about this place. It was my first five-star experience and it absolutely blew me away. So uh...here's a SAMPLING of what I ate: -- knob onion poached halibut, hearts of palm, pickled carrots, english pea nage -- duet of lamb, daikon, watermelon radish, olive, star anis lamb jus -- house-made porcini tagliatelle, condensed tomato, asparagus cream, parmesian -- frog leg, roasted garlic, carrot, watercress -- pan-seared foie gras, lemon confit, green vegetables Kids, I died and went to heaven at Tru. Most amazing dining experience of my LIFE.
(5)
T D.
I'm not going to bother focusing this review on the food; you can read everyone else's review to get an idea of how exquisite and flavorful their chef, Anthony Martin, injects into his creations. But I will comment on how awesome their basil is. Seriously, it's like they infused basil into their basil leaves! Why can't I get those kind of results from my garden?!?! The wife and I decided to celebrate our 7 year anniversary here and we will NEVER forget our experience thanks to the staff and chef! When we were seated at our table the server provided us their menus, leather booklets with simple, yet elegant looking descriptions of their offerings. Upon closer examination, we realized they printed our names into the menu and wished us a happy anniversary! Holy cow! From there, we decided to order the 9 course Chef's Collection where the chef pretty much throws his entire arsenal at you; a full frontal assault on your taste buds. They say it's a 9 course meal, but they don't count the pre-appetizer, pre-mains courses, pre-desserts, post-desserts, etc, etc, etc, as a course! Needless to say, while the portions were small, the flavors were large and we did NOT leave hungry! So, not only did they provide us with customized personal menus, but they even brought out a mini-cupcake-thing served on a plate with a hand-drawn happy anniversary message with our names drawn on it prior to our dessert! Now, I feel like I have to comment on their service. Everyone working there is a professional and knows how to make their customers feel special. They were extremely friendly, yet personable and showed a genuine interest in making sure your short time with them would be the absolute best dinner experience you will ever have. Everything, from the non-soap stained silverware (I couldn't believe how spotless everything was), to the elegant crystal drinking glasses, was marked for excellence. For a special occasion place I couldn't recommend this place any more than I already have to every one of my friends! Seriously guys, if you're looking for somewhere exceptional to take your significant other and have some coin to spare and a suit/dress that you've been meaning to wear since last winter, give this place a shot. And then afterwards go for a stroll down Michigan Ave. This is seriously one of the best Chicago has to offer.
(5)
Mark D.
This was once of the best meals I have ever had in my life. Service was top notch, presentation was incredible and the food was amazing. They really wow you here. One course was a caviar staircase that was delicious and I'm not even a fan of caviar. Loved the beta fish swimming in the glass bowl under the tuna tar tare! Truly a dining event to experience. I can't wait to make a special trip to this city just to dine here again. Tru is one of my favorite restaurants in the country. Keep up the good work!
(5)
Milly P.
To be quite frank, I didn't go into Tru with the highest expectations. I had mixed feelings about Rick Trumonto after seeing him on Iron Chef and Top Chef Masters, but Tru has been on our list of restaurants to try for a long time, so in the name of crossing things off lists, we went. It has been a while since we did a tasting, so we did the Chef's Tasting menu. I also had two drinks, a sake-martini and the aperitif, both were phenomenal, especially the aperitif. The Chef's Tasting menu started with the faux caviar, which was very good. It surprisingly did taste like caviar. It was on a layer of avocado which I probably could have done without. It also came with some crackers that were pure buttery goodness. The next dish was the beet dish. I am not a big fan of beets, this was however, my favorite beet preparation to date. The beets tasted like fruit, rather than a funky root. The third item was the pea soup, I'm a HUGE fan of pea soup, and this one did not disappoint. The next dishes were two "meat" dishes which were not as great as the first three. The rabbit dish was a little bland, the wagyu beef ravioli was a little salty (the medallion of foie gras in the middle was still heavenly) and there was nothing remarkable about the broth. The next dish was a halibut and carrot dish, while I'm not a huge carrot fan either; I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed the concentrated carrot sauce. The fish was cooked perfectly; it practically melted in your mouth. The veal dish was very good as well, I especially enjoyed the selection of mushrooms it came with. The next dish was the cheese course. While we could barely understand the "cheese expert," we managed to order three different cheeses each. All the cheese were significantly different and all so very delicious. We ended with the desert course which was raspberry sorbet and yuzu crème, quite satisfying. We also got to have a selection of dessert candies from the pastry chef and a earl grey tea filled truffle - all very good. I also want to say, we really liked our server and the support serving staff. I just felt that they all just seemed in sync - no one was really off or strayed from the "mood" of the servers. Like many of my 4-star reviews, I was torn between 4 and 5 stars. In these situations, I tend to give 4 stars. Maybe there is a fatal flaw in going to these types of "fancy" restaurants in that I set my expectations too high. I wish the rabbit and wagyu dishes stood out more, and I wish there was a chocolate dessert.
(4)
Jen A.
One of the best restaurant experiences of my life. Be prepared for a 4-hour dining adventure.
(5)
Allen T.
I am confused. Very confused. How can a place like this possibly be a one star establishment? That's right. It should really be a two star establishment. I had enjoyed my meal here more than at Alinea the night before. Lemon vanilla mousse was amazing. Sweet and sour, perfectly blended together. White sturgeon "caviar", avocado, and hazelnut. Nice play on caviar, had a great sturgeon flavor with avocado, felt like a very good guacamole. Atlantic Skate was executed perfectly. Crispy skin, great flavor. I could go on forever, and ever. A lot of hits, some ok's but excellent value for the money. It was pretty darn amazing, you should go! Ambiance was super comfortable, service excellent.
(5)
Brian C.
We went this Saturday for my 40th birthday celebration. I felt like we were on the set of Iron Chef. The plates were that out there. My appetizer was the scallops crusted with quinoa. It kind of had the texture of sesame chicken. This was a homerun dish. My wife had the Thai butternut soup. That dish had a presentation like no other. They brought the bowl out with the mussels and the lobster and the other ingredients in the bowl, then poured the soup on it, and added the foam. Food porn at its finest. My main course was the venison. I loved the way it was prepared, and all the different flavor options that came with the dish. My wife loved her halibut. Given what each of us ordered, I had no idea what wine would be compatible with both dishes. Chad, the sommelier, came over and helped us pick a wine that worked. It was a Sicilian red that featured the nerello moscalese grape. Given that I always want to try a new grape, it was a perfect choice. It went great with both of our meals. I had to tease him about all the Nacionals offered on the port list. ('Has anybody really ordered one of these bottles?' I asked him.) We had a nice discussion about the uniqueness of the Nacional vines. We ordered the dessert collection. This was probably the part of the meal that my wife was most looking forward to, as Gale Gand is her idol. We each had three desserts brought to us, along with a few other things thrown in, like Gale's infamous root beer float. I had a late harvest Malbec to go with the dessert (another Chad recommendation), and it really shined with one of the berry dishes. We would definitely come back here just to have dessert, if nothing else (because it ain't cheap to do the whole production). I don't think there is another dessert experience like this anywhere, period. It's funny, because these dishes all look so small, and you wonder how you can possibly be stuffed by the end of the meal, but it really adds up in the end. At the end, I could barely get out of my chair. We really liked the service there. There was none of the snooty treatment that one might fear at such an upscale establishment. If you're planning a special occasion, this is a great place to do it.
(5)
Dave K.
The service was extremely attentive, the food was average and the decor kind of sterile. The exploding chocolate candy served after the meal was quite tasty, but I'm not compelled to return.
(3)
Ann S.
I agree, the service was impeccable. The food was good, but not life changing. It was a nice special event place, but I won't return.
(3)
Raquel D.
This was where my now hubby took me for my 25th bday. It is by far the best service I have received when dining. They pay such careful attention to you w/o being intrusive. My menu was personalized with a "Happy Birthday, Raquel". Nice touch. I rem the food being good - not the "omg, I've died and gone to heaven good" but better than average for sure. Your obviously paying for the stellar treatment, fancy food combos...and the overall experience, but hey, you should have known that already. They do have a chocolate truffle cart that comes by at the end of your meal - which is pretty cool. We got a little goodie on our way out and it was def a nice experience, but for that pricetag, it may be just once in this lifetime for us.
(4)
tracy r.
Meal was very good although dessert was mediochre. The only hiccup is the wine pairing...so off...overall I'd definitely consider going back. I hear people go here strictly for dessert, and as someone who is a huge sweets person I'd say hold off....
(4)
R K.
Disclaimer: I went here for a drug rep dinner. The food served at these things is usually inferior to what a restaurant normally serves. I'm pretty sure this was the case when I went. The meal started with a lobster bisque which was wonderfully rich but a bit too salty. This was followed by the main course, a beef tenderloin with onion tart. The tenderloin was not overdone, but tasted more like a sirloin than a tenderloin. How can a restaurant like Tru serve a cut of steak that is too tough?! It made me sad. The onion tart was delicious. Highlight of the meal: dessert. Gale Gand did not disappoint! I had had a terrible day prior to dining here and the baked chocolate mousse with raspberries made me completely forget this. I went home and had a dream about this phenomenal dish. I have a list of restaurants I would try if I ever felt inclined to drop $100+ on my dinner. This is still on my list. I really believe (and hope) a regular (non drug rep) dinner would be an overall outstanding experience.
(3)
Whitney J.
Oh, Tru. You were one of two saving moments of my entire Chicago trip and for that, thank you. It is always a good sign when my Yelp review of a restaurant is short and to the point. That means you were top-notch in my book. So, here we go. We ordered the tasting menu and the chef was more than accommodating to the fiance's pescetarian diet... and even generous enough to keep one animal protein dish on the menu for him (because he is in the process of slowly incorporating some animal protein back into his diet after over a decade). The Sommelier was an incredible help, especially considering that when we ordered wine on our own accord, we ordered the last bottle so we had no idea where to start next. The service was impeccable and the food was out of this world. The wine pairings made the experience complete. Oh, the wine. That guy really, really knows his stuff. And the 125yr (or was it 150) Madeira was incredible... especially when given a much younger one to compare to. BTW, my new Madeira infatuation is credited to the Somm at Galatoire's in New Orleans (thanks, Coz), and I'm so happy about it! Our server was from Algiers! He was incredible! Tru was a wonderful experience that *almost* rivals Stella! GASP!
(5)
R. E.
We had not been to Tru for several years, but had fond memories there of several wonderful meals. It did not disappoint tonight! Both the food and the service were spectacular. We are lucky enough to have dined at most top restaurants in Chicago and many others across the country. Tru remains a favorite and deserves to rank among the very best restaurants in Chicago.
(5)
Mark P.
Simply the best service and food I've ever had. I wish there was another rating level because my other five star restaurants don't compare. Phenomenal experience all the way around.
(5)
Evan L.
Went for the fixed price menu. After a couple of great martinis I had the scallops and ribeye and my date had soup and salmon. I would be more specific but I was in the moment. I look for value and got it even with the hefty price. It helps if youre nice with the wait staff but dont let them take over, have fun. Then theyre attentive without the pretentiousness. I will dream of this meal, loved the service. Won't be back soon only because its not a meal I can regularly afford.
(5)
Summer P.
This is one of the restaurants that I've been wanting/waiting to check off my list for a long, long while. Expectations were high and I was really hoping/expecting to have the experience that so many other Yelpers have written about. In the interest of full disclosure, we were a large group (around 20) and we had the private room upstairs -- potentially leading to a somewhat different experience. First the service...it started out quite well...very attentive during our cocktail hour and for most of the dinner (though one of my co-diners had some wine spilled on her -- they felt REALLY bad). I did enjoy how calculated the presentation of our food was - always symmetrical. My personal bugaboo was that prior to the dinner, they asked if we had any special dietary needs/considerations; one of our courses was lamb and I mentioned that I don't eat lamb (we knew ahead of time that they would have a fish substitute for this situation). Now, what I probably SHOULD have said is..."I don't eat lamb or red meat," but hind-sight is 20/20; regardless, my lamb substitute was beef. It remained untouched for a good 5 to 10 minutes (which I know that our wait staff observed) until I offered it up to the others at my table. I was a bit surprised that they never asked if everything was alright or if there was something amiss. In addition, they also became obviously irritated that we were there so late. Now to the food...our passed hors d'Oeuvres were a combination of Toasted Shrimp and Herb Wonton, Lobster Roll, and I think the Mushroom Bouchee -- I enjoyed all three, though the Shrimp/Herb Wonton was my favorite. Our menu consisted of Seared Ahi Tuna with Hearts of Palm, Spring Pea Veloute (surprisingly good), Butter-Poached Maine Lobster (so, so good -- my favorite), Roasted Lamb Ribeye, and a dessert of Roasted Pineapple & Dense Chocolate. The presentation of each course was quite nice and I enjoyed being taken slightly out of my food comfort zone with the Ahi Tuna and Spring Pea Veloute options. However, it wasn't one of the best meals of my life (and I was still on the hungry side) -- which makes me kind of sad. Am I just a victim of having too high of expectations (like when everyone told me that "40 Year Old Virgin" was the funniest movie EVER)? Nevertheless, I'd like to try Tru in a smaller group and sit in the main dining room...I'm curious to see if my experience would be at all different (I suspect slightly so). Officially 3.5 stars but I'm marking as 3 since they made me feel bad for staying late and enjoying quality time with some of my favorite clients.
(3)
Mai T.
I went here with my boyfriend for their dessert menu. We were seated in the lounge and our table was already set. The decor is very cool, modern and fancy at the same time. We had the dessert tasting menu and each ordered a dish! They were all so good and fun to try. Our waiter was especially nice and attentive to the both of us. The desserts was soo good, I am looking forward to coming back and trying their fixed dinner menu!
(5)
jordan h.
I wish everyone could go to this place just once... I would rate this restaurant the best in Chicago - Trotters has great food also, but Tru has better ambiance and service. Don't miss the caviar staircase, and especially the cheese plate. Just don't eat out for a month to save up cash, and set aside five hours for the full degustation menu...it is SO worth it.
(5)
Christmas D.
You don't go to Tru to "go out to dinner". Eating at Tru is more like an event in-an-of itself, like going to an art show or the theatre. A museum of consumable food-as-art, where the chef is the artist, the server a tour-guide. Which is good 'cause it's incredibly expensive. My husband and I went there for our 1 year anniversary. They had custom-printed menus wishing us a happy anniversary at the ready (impressive). I was 8 months pregnant at the time (so, sadly, no wine for me) and my husband doesn't drink but the check for the both of us STILL exceeded $400! We chose the chef's tasting menu in which we each received several courses (It's supposed to be 7 but was really more like 9), each using the same base but interpreted differently for each of us. Chef was very careful of taking my condition into consideration and not serving me anything raw (drag for me...I love raw fish). It was a 4 hour gastronomic ballet of tastes, colors and textures. The minute we walked in we immediately noted the seeming somber calm of the place, how quiet it was and the lack of color and adornment to the decor. That in itself was, for some reason, intimidating. We fully expected the staff to be snobby but were pleasantly surprised that they were not, but very friendly, smiling, incredibly attentive and accomodating. As we were experiencing our meal it dawned on me why they chose the atmoshere they did: so that it would not compete, in any way, with the food! They created a comfortable but bland environment to enable all of your senses to focus on what was in front of you. pretty brilliant, I think. The timing of the courses was impeccable. We were never left with nothing in front of us for more than a minute or two. A visit to Tru is something you save for a very special occasion or to really impress someone. Don't bother scheduling anything else around the experience...there's no need.
(5)
Beth A.
Wow--so I'm definitely in the minority here, but I felt I needed to write a review because my and my husband's experience at Tru was so disappointing. We've been to many of the best restaurants in New York City, and when we had the opportunity to try Tru, we jumped at the chance. The prices were definitely befitting of a "top" restaurant, but the food could only be described as bizarre, even for our "try-anything" tastes. Most of the food we had there was cold, and the chef, whoever it was that cold winter night, thought it fitting to serve us everything in a cold, gelatinous bubble. I don't know where he/she got that idea, but it wasn't creative or fitting for a night where something warm and comforting would have been more appropriate. The wait staff, while EXTREMELY (almost to a fault) attentive, became more of entertainment for us, as every time they came to the table, it was in pairs, and almost as if they were counting in their heads, "1..2..3...AND....set plates on table", or "1....2....3....AND.....fill water glasses". There is something to be said for great, understated service, as if you almost don't even remember they've come and removed a plate, or filled your wine glass, etc. It shouldn't look like the "synchronized waiter games". Again, for the food, we were definitely disappointed, especially knowing that this seems to get universally good ratings, and because we spent as much as we did. I'm hoping that, as one reviewer noted, since the menu changes, others won't have the experience we had. Unfortunately, we'll never know....
(1)
Cassandra O.
An amazing evening. Four of us dined for a special birthday dinner, and we found the service spectacular, which of course everyone notes. We loved though that while the servers were incredibly attentive, they were also not pretentious, and were able to joke around with us too. I admit I was a little nervous as many reviews have indicated that the food didn't live up to expectations....but we found that was not the case for us...the food was amazing!!! We just did the prixe-fixe menu and we all loved it! Words like...mouthwatering, so tender, you have to try this....were uttered continuously. The presentation of the food was of course exquisite, but the taste was also! This is a fine-dining experience, so of course the portions are smaller-sized....but iall four of us were absolutely stuffed at the end of our meal - to the point 2 of us couldn't even eat the little chocolates provided at the end. The sommelier was perfect in his recommendations - we left the decision-making to him, within a price range, and he absolutely delivered - the wine choices fit our food and our palates and our budgets. Overall, a truly magnificent experience!
(5)
Anna V.
A foodie restaurant as it's mostly about the presentation, well worth the splurge! Wonderful wine list and desserts!
(4)
abs t.
excellent ambience and service...the choreographed waitstaff is something to see... that alone gets an extra star :) The food.. was good, but not great. The appetizer I had I wasn't a big fan of (jalepeno, avocado, apple, something) - it sounded like it would be good, but wasn't (presentation was nice, though). The entree was quite tasty , but you can't really go wrong with salmon. And the "sticky toffee pudding" dessert was DELICIOUS! (I know it sounds scary, but it wasn't at all.. it was really good). Overall, great atmosphere, but just good food. The 4 stars rating is not so much for the food (food would only get 3 stars), but mainly because Tru is far and away one of the best service/atmospheres you'll experience
(4)
Melissa P.
The food is great here but what really stands out is the service and the decor. When you're eating in Tru you eating in the presence of Warhols and other great pieces of art. The service here is excellent. The best I've ever seen in my life. When I ate here at the end of our dinner they gave us little cakes to take home and eat for breakfast. I was so impressed by that gesture.
(5)
N D.
Wow what an experience! Everything from start to end was impeccable. The service was amazing and although it was fast, you never feel rushed. We did the eight course menu with the wine pairings. The pairings were well selected and were a nice touch to the already great food. If back in Chicago I will definitely try to come back to this restaurant.
(5)
Jennifer C.
This restaurant has the best food I have ever eaten in my life. It is a truly an entertaining and unique dining experience. This is the first Michelin star restaurant I have ever been to and to this day this is the standard I hold all other Restaurants. If you have a special occasion to celebrate this place is truly amazing. You are not just going out to eat at Tru you are having a truly amazing entertainment experience. The service is so good, that I think they knew what I wanted before I did. The cocktail I drank was divine. I forget what it was called because I went a while ago but it was predominantly Apple. Gala, perhaps. BEST. RESTAURANT. EVER.
(5)
Kimmy R.
Seriously I would give this place ten stars if allowed! If you want to be treated like royalty come here... they escort you to the restroom and back to your table AND give you a velour box that sits next to your table to put your purse on so it is at a height where you can get inside it!! Amazing... your car is heated and running and waiting for you as you exit the restaurant! And the food... joyous! Definitely do the tasting menu so you can try lots of different things. The only reason I came here a few years ago was because I used to watch Gale Gand's Sweet Dreams show on the Food Network... so glad I did! I
(5)
Timmy F.
Super food, but very serious dining experience. This is a place for very serious food and wine fans. A once in a while treat though. The food creations were very cool though!
(4)
A K.
Our visit to TRU was outstanding. We opted for a shorter menu but also indulged ourselves in a 10 gram service of the golden imperial caviar. Both dinner and caviar were exceptional. Every dish stood out with both presentation and taste. Really, one of the best and unique restaurants in Chicago, and well worth the money!
(5)
Audrey J.
Four plus hours of synchronized waitstaffing, water pouring, dish serving, restroom guiding, wine describing, and dessert indulging. My friend and I both had the chef's tasting menu, and it was fascinating to see the two different interpretations of the basic foundation of each course. The location was all about clean lines and contrasting blacks and whites. As a dessert afficionado, however, I feel I can't give the true (hardy har har) full five stars because the dessert, which was much feted, no longer included a separate chocolate selection. Sad. However, I must say that TRU offered a new and exciting handbag experience: each individual's purse gets its own little seat. Charming, non?
(4)
Lana C.
If you are wondering where to dine in Chicago, TRU is a must. Absolutely a memorable experience. Intimate restaurant, elegant and thoughtful in every single detail. You have to appreciate the unconventional taste in their design- with fresh almond branches as floral arrangements and artichoke table top pieces... Unparalleled dining, service and ambiance. Simplistic room with sophistication. Discriminate taste in art pieces displayed; consistent theme in their presentation as each dish served. Fixed menu. Menu changes up every time so I won't waste my time on the details of what we ordered. Small portions/ 9 course meals- but you'll be stuffed!! For a party of three- The Chef's Market Collection = $500
(5)
Jess S.
This was a truly incredible dining experience. Once I got over all the rich people who are used to be doted on, I was able to relax and take it all in. Someone mentioned the syncronization. Dear god, it was crazy. The food was absolutely out of this world. It was really nuts. I agree with many other fellow Yelpers - everyone should go to Tru once. You may leave in-debt if you chose to go the full 9, but what an experience. I'm still wow'ed three months later.
(5)
Don M.
Wow, this was truly a unique experience. If you want to spoil youself and enjoy a great evening you must go. When you are being seated they greated us by name and the attention never stopped. The sommelier recommended a bottle of wine and we tried is was very good. On to the food started with prime beef tartar, grilled diver sea scallops and avacado green apple salad. They were just fantastic so much taste and flavor. Then onto the butter poached maine lobster, white asparagus, bisque, orange -almond. Delicious. After your dinner out comes the cheese cart, desert and candies. I will definetly go back the service and food is just outstanding. Happy Aniversary to us.
(5)
Not Eileen R.
Simply - the best meal I ever ate! It is elegant and every last detail from decor to the gourmet aesthetic of each dish is engaging. My fiance and I had the tasting with the wine pairing. PLUS the cheese, dessert cart, and truffles to go. Our first time spending 4 digits on a dinning experience. Worth it...YES!! We went a little overboard getting everything in tru epicurean fashion, but you have to treat yourself once in a while right! I want to go back - SO BAD!
(5)
Lauren T.
TRUly an amazing experience! We started with the caviar staircase and did the large tasting menu along with the wine pairing. Probably safe to say we won't be ordering caviar again anytime soon but still a fun, yet pricy, first experience. The 9 course tasting menu was unbelievable. It was by far the most adventurous meal we've eaten. The service was outstanding along with the ambiance. We will be back sooner than later.
(5)
Jean M.
I'll keep this review short. AVOID!!! Poor service, rude staff, with an unearned air of pretentiousness. There are much better dining choices in Chicago!
(1)
Andrea R.
Everyone should experience Tru once, but just once. I went with my coworkers to Tru about a year ago and was very curious to try one of Chicago's most famous restaurants. It was one of the finest dining experiences I've ever had from the caviar staircase to the diploma they gave me at the end of my meal to celebrate 5 hours at the table. I think I may be too ADD for this restaurant, but I definitely app recited the experience.
(4)
steven h.
Chef Tim Graham and pastry Chef Meg Glaus (sp) are some of the finest in our city. So much thought goes into every tasting. I would reccomend reserving the kitchen table for an evening of private dining. You will have a new appreciation for their ingenuity and professionalism.
(5)
Adam K.
A culinary experience that is simply divine. Beats every other high end place in the city. Puts Alinea, Next, Everest, Moto and others to shame. Everything about Tru is perfect. From the moment you walk in, you know you're in for an experience that's different. I like that a jacket is required. It automatically classes up the place and puts you in a different state of mind. The food is spectacular and the wine list is nothing short of robust. If you can only eat at 1 upscale place in Chicago, this is the one.
(5)
Aaron A.
A dining experience like none other. Go for an evening, take a lot of money, and don't sweat any details. Get what you want, be surprised by the service, serving plateware, and the team of waiters you have (who are multi lingual). Rub elbows with Chicago's rich and dine like a king. Savor the food, because there isn't much of it, but after 7-15+ courses, you'll be full, and you won't want to put a chicken wing in your mouth for days - it'd be like defiling sacred ground!
(5)
Kathleen C.
Amazing experience for our 10th anniversary. Not surprisingly, service was impeccable, ambience and presentation were amazing, many things on the menu I'd never heard of and couldn't pronounce were delicious, and we LOVED the wine pairings. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because while I recognize that the price reflects the experience (and therefore don't think it is OVER priced, necessarily), I have been just as happy with meals that cost 1/3 the price and liked the food probably more, so can't give it the top review possible. Very glad we went, regardless.
(4)
Anand P.
"tru"ly speechless. This was one of the most elegant and enjoyable dining experiences. Food was unforgettable. And to make sure we didn't forget, they gave us a custom printed menu when we were done that had the date, our name, and everything we ate (including the substitutions). Amazing service.
(5)
jason e.
Excellent food, the best service around, and a memory more than a meal. I would give five stars but sometimes the food feels like an afterthought... and wow is it expensive. 6 bucks for a coke? Maybe with rum in it. Not to sound like a peasant, but there is cheaper and better food to be had in Chicago. However, you will never have a more memorable dining experience, anywhere.
(4)
Shen L.
I was introduced to Tru because my roommate had brought home a few financiers, which were delicious and definitely heightened my expectations of Tru. My friend and I each ordered the 3-course tasting menu, and got to sample 5 of the 6 desserts on the menu, among other things small amuse bouches. My favorites were the lime & blueberry "vacherin," and the gianduja souffle. The service throughout the dessert tasting was painstakingly perfect, and it was almost perplexing for me to figure out how the waitstaff would so carefully and silently coordinate their service for my table. I would strongly suggest coming here for a very occasion...because if you're like me (and didn't really come for a particular special occasion), you'll wonder what type of place would top this for an even more romantic evening.
(4)
Erica M.
This is by far my favorite upscale restaurant. I have been there about 5 times now and everytime is out of this world. It is very pricey especially if you get the wine pairings, but it is well worth the experience. I would highly recommend trying this place at least once. With the wine pairings and the chef's selection, you are looking at about $500 for two people. That is of course the biggest chef's station they offer, but if you are going to go that is the way to go for sure.
(5)
Geoff M.
We came from Hawaii For our Daughter's Grad from Columbia College. Everything was perfect!!!!! Service was orchestrated perfectly We were shown much Aloha from the Staff and found them all to be engaging and interested It was awesome to tour the kitchen & chat with the Chef Food was amazing and we loved the Spring Citrus Menu (we had more than enough & left content) Wine Pairing was amazing The 3 hour experience so much fun!!!!!!!! When we come back to Chicago in a couple of years for Master's Graduation Tru will be our go to place. Aloha, Geoff,Lehua,Hannah,Anna
(5)
J T.
Business dinner at Tru. Fantastic service for such a large group, nice environment and creative food. Iconic art, felt like a restaurant meets art museum in the main dining area. If you want to impress business clients, you can't go wrong here. Would like to try again on my own.
(4)
Ron A.
The presentation, service, and ambience were great. But the food wasn't that great. Very original and inventive, but nothing amazing. I would have expected more for the $200 per head that we dropped. Also, we were running a little late, and asked to push our reservation 15 min late and were told nothing was available. But the place was empty that night with maybe 4 or 5 tables occupied.
(3)
Nancy T.
This place is ridiculously amazing. I honestly don't feel as though I'm going to do this review any bit of justice, so please...do yourself a favor and just go here at some point. Tru is unlike ANY other restaurant I've ever dined at. I've grown up on quite a bit of fine dining, particularly in Beverly Hills...but this place is unbelievable. From start to finish, the whole experience is just amazing - it's like a production! They treat you like superstars! :) You walk in, get greeted, the lady immediately takes your coat and hangs it. Then you walk into a clean, comfy lounge where you can sit with pretty flower candles & a romantic setting. Immediately thereafter, they walk you to your table! At first, my bf and I felt like this place was pretty pretentious. Everyone was completely dressed up. I saw one guy who failed to bring a suit jacket, so they loaned him one before he entered the dining area. The waiters even spoke in a super formal manner, so we felt even more awkward. However, once the meal started to unfold and we realized that all that glamour is really just unexpectedly grand treatment, we grew more comfortable and actually started to really enjoy the pampering :) We both ordered the 6-course grand collection, but I noted that I have some food allergies, so they adjusted accordingly. As a result, even though we were both supposed to get the exact same courses, we actually both got to try even more food because we had different food for practically every course! It was awesome! While I initially thought that each piece of food was rather small and dinky (exact thought in head: "THAT'S IT?!" *insert utter disappointment*), I actually felt full by the end of the meal. They must do a great job of balancing out the nutritional ingredients or something! The bread was great - I especially liked one that tasted exactly like a freshly made croissant. Their beer selection was excellent, as my bf loved what he ordered. I don't even like beer, but I enjoyed the sip that I had too! I asked them to customize a blackberry mint cooler, which was super yummy and to my surprise, concocted very well. My standout dishes were the beet salad with sour apple gelee, the butternut squash soup, the pork belly with grits and the apple beignets with vanilla bean ice cream were two of the standout courses. TI should note that their menu changes seasonally, so you may not be able to order everything that I got - but keep an open mind! The chefs definitely know what they're doing and again, will gladly adjust anything to your taste if you have any allergies. I think what really made the experience even more amazing was just the fact that they throw in quite a bit of "complimentary" items throughout the meal. Now I know they're not REALLY complimentary because this place is so pricey, but still...it gives the illusion that you're getting more than what you paid for, so in essence, it must be a bargain! First, they gave us some airy puffs, stuffed with cheese at the beginning of the meal. In the middle, they gave us some pear mixtures and cucumber dishes to cleanse our palettes. Following our dessert course, they gave us these special exploding truffles with melted vanilla ice cream inside! These were a great party in my mouth! Immediately thereafter, they brought around this cart with a bunch of homemade treats, compliments of the chef. We tried one of each treat and boy, were these good! They had mini lemongrass macaroons, which tasted just like fruit loops - only fancier! Besides the food, I'm still completely in awe of the service. Throughout the night, they always pulled out the table (since I was sitting on a side with a booth), just so I could get out. Their staff escorted me to the bathroom. When I walked past a group of servers, they immediately stepped to the side and fervently apologized! I have never experienced such polite service in my life! They also changed utensils and plates between every single course. The servers definitely coordinate very well with each other and read cues incredibly well because they were always on top of getting us whatever we needed (i.e. swifty cleaning up our food, bringing us a fresh warm napkin with a pair of tongs, following up with the next course, etc.. They even rushed to make sure they pulled out my bf's chair, which was just exceptional to me - they really care about tending to your every need! I thought the night couldn't get any better, but as we were leaving, they gave us a printed out copy of our menu! This was such a romantic gesture and was such a beautiful way to cap off our trip to Chicago! They also gave us a parting gift, which were these homemade shortbread cookies with jam in them...yum! I can't say enough good things about this place. If you're looking for a great anniversary spot or just some great fine dining, check out TRU! Thanks to my amazing bf for taking me here - he spoils me :)
(5)
Tina K.
Tru is our favorite special occasion restaurant! We've been here a number of times and have never been disappointed. The food and service are top-notch, the decor is sophisticated and elegant. Most recently, we spent New Year's Eve at Tru and the dinner went beyond our expectations. We had the 8-course tasting menu with wine pairings. The "wine" pairings were divine, including everything from sake to a 1976 Bordeaux.
(5)
Natalie B.
Completely decadent! This is a great special occasion type restaurant. The food is inventive and fun. I couldn't get enough to the caviar staircase. Aside from being a great presentation, the caviar was just darn good. We had the Chef Tramonto's Market Collection which was amazing. I especially loved the soup served in the Limoge teacups. The dessert is obviously amazing since Gale Gand is a pastry genius. If money is no object, pair chilled vodka with the caviar and change up your wine with each course. There is a dessert tasting whoch I would love to try!
(5)
choad x.
Service was Awesome! Synchronized water refills! 4-5 waiters for just our table! The dessert and the Madeleine Cookies to go were the best. The prixe-fix food itself was visually incredible, but so-so on the palette. She was impressed, however, I wouldn't go again unless they improved the menu.
(4)
Rebecca S.
Valentines day 2013. We were guest chefs for the day. It was a but hectic since the restaurant was fully booked but chef Anthony was on it. We got to see the whole process from prep to execution to the 'oh sh*t' period. It was an amazing experience that I would recommend for a one of a kind date night. And after getting changed, we got to see the fruits of our labor...the food is to die for.
(5)
Harpreet K.
Set: American Psycho meets Men in Black. Far too serious and humorless; lighten up! It's just food. This is clearly the Cali in me, but I feel like food should be presented from a "warm" place - not cold and sterile and littered w/ financiers from London. (Then again, if they didn't have this place, where would said financiers eat? Touche, inner voice! Touche!) The food was well-presented and executed; dessert was exceptional (chocolate bar!); and my company was delightful, so three stars. That being said, places like this make me die a little inside. A cold, bleak, plane-crashes-into-jagged-snow-capped-peaks-with-Âno-survivors kinda death. No offense.
(3)
Belina B.
A wonderful experience on our Anniversary . Went for a 9 course Vegetarian meal with wine pairing. Felt like we were indulging in a artful dining experience. Everything was just perfect from portions, to the presentation . The Kohlrabi cold soup was excellent. Only wished they did not charge extra for the dessert instead of the cheese sampler we opted for, Overall a great experience.
(5)
Frankie S.
Great, great, great, creative menu, definitely a treat. I loved the atmosphere. The service is what makes this place stand out from many fine dining establishments in Chicago and New York, it was such fun to watch, like synchronized swimming. Impeccable. I loved having the menu with our anniversary date on it as well as our names, so sweet, and something to cherish and remember the night by. Fine dining at its best.
(4)
Marissa D.
you know how sometimes you meet people who are attractive, smart, successful, funny, etc. but no matter what, no matter how many times you tell yourself "JUST FALL IN LOVE WITH THEM AND BE DONE WITH IT!" - something just doesn't click? this is how i feel about tru. the service is, without a doubt, exceptional. the food, unfortunately, did not blow me away as i expected it to. halfway through the 3 hour meal i was ready to be done. and the desserts did not make me happy. i hate giving tru only 3 stars because i see how it could be a truly exceptional experience. unfortunately, it wasn't - and i still feel a little peeved that this potential epicurean dinner left me with a sour taste in my mouth.
(3)
SAMANTHA P.
what else can i say that hasn't already been said? just go to tru...... simply superb.
(5)
Eric B.
One of the nicest meals I've ever had. I suprised the wife with a birthday dinner with some friends and they even made custom menus that we were able to keep. It is pricey but I feel that it is far worth it. Some of the best service I've had or ever seen. Syncronized plate displays with the women going first, men second; cheese tastings that will blow you away, and a wine list that goes on for days. Every single dish was unique, carefully thought out, and the overall experience was amazing. Couldn't reccomend it enough. Expensive but worth it.
(5)
Tammy T.
First class service for sure ! I felt like I was being served by the secret service ! Overall great food . Fine dining at its best. The menu is fixed . Guys if you want to impress a girl , this is the place !
(5)
Robin C.
I went to dinner here last night. I have to say that overall the food was fairly amazing. It wasn't as unique and as fun as Moto, but the flavors in each of the 14 dishes were something that left me speechless at a few points. For a 14 course meal, it took us about 2 hours to cruise through it. Each of the savory courses were so delicious that I wish I could have a had a full sized course of each. Each of the desert courses were so decadent that I felt like I was on a sugar high. The service was flawless. I would highly recommend this to anyone that enjoys experiences like these.
(5)
Daniel W.
I took my wife here for her birthday. The food was great. We were deciding between the tasting menu and the extended tasting menu. Our 2 favorite dishes ended up being on the extended menu. Definitely worth it!
(5)
Jonathan C.
Excellent food, presentation, services, and drinks. Overall, Tru lived up to its expectation. Needless to go into each dish since most people already did. You must at least try this place once. p.s. love the versace cup they used to serve the soup!
(4)
a h.
I went to TRU about 5 years ago for my birthday. I still think back fondly on that night as THE greatest dining experience I've ever had...and I've eaten at a lot of restaurants in Chicago and throughout the world. Bill was $300 per head (with tip), but it was completely worth it. They have trained their staff so that serving is an ART. The food is so imaginative, presented so beautifully, and so delicious. I still think about the caviar staircase, the most amazing soup I have ever had, and the phenomenal dessert. I think I've talked myself into splurging again at TRU very soon!
(5)
Tiffany C.
I would give 6 stars if I could. It was not a dining but rather an experience. Not another typical upscale restuarant. Be sure to try if you get a chance.
(5)
Jaclyn C.
Tru is definitely my number one when it comes to expensive cuisine. I have been to Avenues and Charlie Trotter's and Tru just stands out to me. Don't get me wrong, the food at Avenues and Charlies Trotter's are divine, however the entire experience and Tru definitely blew me away. My Husband and I got a gift card for our wedding and we were so excited cause we'd wanted to try it. Upon arrival you are treated like royalty. EVERYONE, not just your server is helpful and very polite. The place itself is beautifully decorated, very posh and upscale. We ordered a nice bottle of wine and the bread tray comes and you can pick what you want. We chose the Grand Tasting Menu and it was a ton of food. Everything tasted amazing, it was "orgasmic". And being a cheese lover, i was a sucker for the infamous cheese cart. Yes, I couldn't help myself. Then comes the dessert cart, they have so many small bites and varieties. And, they come back if want so if you didn't get everything you wanted, no worries. To top off the evening, they give you a very nice personalized printout with your name, your menu and the date. I know, it's so simple but adds a very nice touch. Now all this does come with a pricey tag. We have a $250 GC and it covered half. It was definitely worth it and a memorable experience. Not a typical dinner/date place but for a very special occasion, I'd go with Tru above the rest.
(5)
Matt G.
Hands down, the best restaurant in Chicago. I've been to Trotter's, Everest, Spiagia, L2O...you name it. This place did it all for me.
(5)
Jennifer C.
Tasty. Luckily, I went on someone elses dime. My one complaint is the number of dessert courses they try to cram down your throat. As for the service-it's impeccable. One of our servers said this as an aside: "Must walk in counterclockwise circle or my head will explode."
(5)
Ryan H.
Rating: Superb Phenomenal, creative, classy. Some of the words that immediately come to mind when I think of my visits to Tru. One of the finest restaurant in the city, without a doubt. Having been fortunate enough to try many top restaurants in the country, Chicago's Tru ranks up there with the best. I first encountered the talented Executive Chef Rick Tramonto at Trio Evanston and his style, selection and implementation of the menu items is truly (sorry-couldn't resist) spectacular. Definitely get the Grand Tasting Menu, incorporating a wide variety of courses giving the customer a solid feel for culinary nirvana. If you go to celebrate a special occaision, be sure to mention it when making a reservation as the staff is extremely attentive and will even create a customized menu for you--a must if you want to recall the whirlwind of preparations and ingredients. A must try, but plan on around $160 per person without drinks for the Grand Tasting Menu, block out 3 hours and Let the Good Times Roll!
(5)
Kelly D.
I went to TRU about 4 years ago. This was my first real fine dining experience. The place felt a little intimidating because I wasn't really sure how to sit, act..eat some of the foods. But once I tried the cavier staircase, it quickly melted away. By far my two favorites were the marinated tuna dish that sat on top of a bowl with a beta fish swimming underneath my plate and the HUGE dessert carts with homemade lollypops and chocolates. My bf at the time had called ahead and the staff was even kind enough to print "Will you go to prom with me?" on my menu. Best dining experience to date.
(5)
katie m.
I wish I could give 3 1/2 stars, but I'll have to go with 3. Admittedly, I generally wasn't a happy camper while living in Chicago. Feel free to add a star to any of my Chicago reviews. Tru just didn't measure up to the standard set by French Laundry (or even Gary Danko). The service was impeccable, but the food didn't blow my mind and the dining area was too large. The bar area and entrance are perfect, but the actual dining room feels cavernous. I am a huge fan of clean, modern lines, but the far-too-high ceiling and lighting distracted me from the food and made me feel somewhat self-conscious. The tables are spaced far enough apart that conversations stay relatively private, but the spaciousness made me more aware of wait staff approaching the table than I would have liked. It was a fun birthday splurge, but I don't think I'll ever be back.
(3)
Stan W.
Is any dinner worth $175-200 a head? This one was...but it was much more than a dinner - just a fantastic experience. I loved how they let us swap in dishes from the main menu into the tastings. So accommodating and flexible, and at no additional cost. The no additional cost thing was one of the themes of my night as they kept piling on the free courses. On top of our 6 course tasting menus, we got 2 amuse bouches, a pre-dessert, all the post dessert candies we could want from a cart, a cake bite with candles for my birthday, a black pepper rootbeer float, some amazing truffles with the check, and muffins to bring home on our way out. That's like 8 extra courses. Some of the high end places only give you a little bit of the fancy bread, but not Tru. DEFINITELY got our money's worth and left with bellies full. The other theme of the night was the service. Completely seamless, high class, and beyond professional (although just a tad bit stuffy). When you go to the bathroom, someone will escort you ALL the way there. Someone else will fold your napkin, brush off your seat with it, then dispose of it, while another person brings in a brand new napkin holding them with a set of tongs so that it is pristine virgin for you to wipe your mouth with when you get back. I loved the tongs trick - hilarious. They sweep the crumbs off your table after every course, even if there aren't any. They will never, ever reach over you to present a dish or clear one. And when they pour your water, they do it in unison with multiple staffers. I've been to plenty of the other fine dining establishments and while most try to achieve a similar level of service none were as top notch as Tru. I imagine this is what being a king is like. And I haven't talked about the food. Every course was simply fantastic. We asked to swap in the ribeye and short rib into our 6 course tastings and they were fantastic - real stand outs. The porcini pasta course was also something to remember. Very complex flavors throughout each dish, but nothing too strange or unfamiliar or trying too hard. The desserts, candies, and truffles were especially good, with distinct, interesting, and sometimes unusual flavors. If I could eat here every week, I would. But for a splurge, this is definitely the place to go. It could even be the place to go for just a plain nice dinner if you don't mind spending a lot and getting a lot.
(5)
Ann S.
Fully expecting to be told No, we contacted TRU two weeks before our wedding anniversary to see if the Kitchen Table was available. Luckily for us, due to a cancellation, it was available! So, we booked the Kitchen Table and were very much looking forward to our evening. Two days later, the private dining coordinator, Ruthann Gagnon called to tell us that she made a mistake, and that the Kitchen Table was not available. A restaurant of this caliber should not make such a mistake in the first place, even worse to take two days to notice the mistake. It seems more likely that we just got bumped for 'important' people. Ruthann did reserve a private dining room for us at TRU's sister restaurant, a seafood place, but the room was not at all what we had in mind - can't see the kitchen, have to sit at floor level, etc. So we made arrangements elsewhere for our anniversary dinner. Extremely disappointing.
(2)
Andrew F.
Maybe a bit past it's prime of a few years ago, but still an excellent choice in the Windy City. Food presentation is a stand-out.
(4)
George D.
I was given a bunch of Lettuce Entertain You gift cards recently, and I decided the right way to use them was to burn them all in a blaze of glory. So that's how my girlfriend and I ended up at Tru on a random Thursday night, celebrating nothing in particular. Now though, I wish I'd split them up and gone with a couple free dinners at Cafe-Ba-Ba-Reeba or Mon Ami Gabi. Or maybe even five free dinners at RJ Grunts. The night started off great-- sitting in an SUV parked right outside the restaurant were Heather Graham and the guy who played Vern in Stand By Me. I'm not sure if that's a permanent gig for them, or what, but I really appreciated the effort Tru made to make the night seem special. Anyway, Tru gets a big A+ for service. All your needs are accounted for, and every function the staff performs is choreographed to perfection. Because of the professionalism of their servers, Tru absolutely shines when it comes to things like the cheese course and the wine list. Our server could speak at length about every bottle of wine I mentioned, and the doling out of cheeses is a ten minute experience in which you learn about things like vegetable ash and it's ability to pull the moisture out of goat cheese. Where Tru does NOT shine is the food. I don't want to be misunderstood-- it's not that I thought any of the food was bad... in fact, everything we had was very good. But make no mistake, this is one of the most expensive restaurants in the city. At this price point, you're not looking for a good dinner, you're expecting culinary artistry. And the flavors here just don't meet the expectation. We both had the Chef's Collection, a 9-course tour of the chef's abilities. It's only about 12 hours after we left the restaurant, and I'm having trouble remembering most of the courses we had. Am I being incredibly hard on Tru? Absolutely. But when dinner approaches $500 for two people, a restaurant should be held to the highest standard. At Alinea, for instance, each of the 12 courses you're served is like a revelation. You find yourself amazed at the genius of the chef, as he combines three and sometimes four distinct flavors into a perfectly balanced single bite of food. Tru, quite frankly, is just not as good. And I may not be the only one who thinks so... We made our reservation only seven days in advance. Alinea or Trotter's would have been impossible on that little notice. But even though Tru appeared to only have half of the seating area open on the weeknight we were there, we were still able to get in at 7:15.
(3)
Steven M.
I thought that I hit the pinnacle of my dining career when I ate at Everest. Ah, No. This was the best vacation that I have ever taken away from the real world. Where do I start? When you walk in through the black curtains and they seat you by name. Or when they poured the water into our glasses, it took two servers. When they gave us our menu's they had Happy Anniversary Don and Steve at the top. The sommelier recommended a bottle of wine that was 100 bucks. No problem, it was very good. But when I saw another bottle go by, and they have quite and extensive list it made me feel had. So for my second try I shot from the hip and ordered a Spanish wine, Dei La Leda. It was 50 bucks and she smiled and told me that she wouldn't be mad for making my own selection because it was a very good choice. And it was better than the first. We started with prime beef tartare, grilled diver sea scallops, avocado green-apple salad and nantucket bay scallops. I can't tell you how much flavor came out of such small portions. They also gave us pumpernickel bread that was delicious. We both had the butter poached maine lobster with white asparagus bisque, orange, almond. I don't think I need to say anymore about that. They bring around a cheese cart when your finished with your main course. Then the dessert menu. My only complaint was the souffle' took 30 minutes. The Everest asked if you want it to order it at the begining of your meal. Yes I wanted it, but I had been there for two and a half hours already. After desert they came out twice with homemade candies that you would kill for. And to top it off they had a torte with our names and anniversary scrolled in frosting on the plate. The Startrak kitchen door was great entertainment. Every time it opened the servers would come out in a straight line and attack your table from every angle. The decor is non existent. Everything that you need to look at is on your plate. I don't know what could have made the night any better. If you ever need to get away from what the world has been flingin at you for a couple of hours, this place will make you forget about it all. This is my new favorite restaurant.
(5)
Eric H.
Technically there was nothing flawed about our experience - there was just nothing exceptional about it either. The service was excellent. But the rigidness of our meals coupled with the unoriginal banality of our food left me contemplating the let down in value moreso than anything. I found the atmosphere to be stiff and pretentious rather than elegant and inspired. The requirement for us to elect the same tasting menu made our dining monotonous. I recollect most courses being predictable and 2 dimensional. For instance, my peeky-toe crab salad tasted of black pepper, watery shell fish, and mayonnaise. My most delectable food - a caviar flight and a bottle of Flowers - was prepackaged and required supplements. In my opinion Tru caters well to traditional-styled executives with parochial tastes. For the same cost, I would much rather opt for 2 meals at most other Chicago 1-star Michelin restaurants or a meal at a more highly rated venue.
(3)
David W.
It works. The atmosphere, detail in service, polished food, as a whole, it works. The wife was impressed with the chair for her purse, I think the replacing of your napkin while you are at the restroom is borderline unnecessary, but from the valet, amuse bouche, polished food and dessert to the little cake (that takes three days to make) they give you to take home to have next morning with your coffee... Everything is thought out... Go on your birthday, they print a menu with a special message. The wife and I have even been just for the dessert only sitting. I think you are allow to book it after 10:30pm or 11pm. We usually goto a play/show or opera, and head there for a late night dessert. Couple a glass or two of champagne with Gand's dessert tasting is the perfect way to end date night.
(5)
Eric F.
Tru is ballet for food. If you have a chance to dine at Tru, go. At first I felt a little silly -- are they serious about this performance they put on? It's just food. I even laughed once. But if you just get into it and accept it for what it is (part food, part performance), you'll have a ball. My only regret is that we didn't spring for the caviar staircase.
(5)
Andrea V.
Tru was just not up to what it should have been. The service was excellent, if a little cold. But the food was not up to snuff for a place like this. When I'm spending $250+ per person, I want to be blown away by the chef's creativity and have a wonderful memory to hold me until I can dine at another super high-end restaurant (which is infrequent, but I have been to several so I know what to expect). Some of the dishes weren't just boring, they were actually bad. If you really want to go, I suggest the dessert tasting. The desserts were wonderful and amazing and didn't disappoint a bit.
(3)
Tom C.
All I can say is 'Wow". This place is hands-down the best place I have ever been to.
(5)
Jennifer G.
This restaurant does not deserve the good reviews it is given in Zagat. The atmosphere is cold to the point of being almost sterile, the service is haughty and the food is only so-so. It does not compare with Nomi, Trotters, Les Nomades, Spring or even North Pond. Seriously, we have been there for dinner three times - only once by choice - and it is totally not worth its 28 food, 27 decor, or 28 service rating by Zagat. Do not waste your time or money.
(3)
Jason A.
After talking to a couple of folks in Chicago on what is thee restaurant to visit on our trip over there, the restaurant that came up was Tru. First off, gentlemen need to wear a jacket at all times. A little more strict than French Laundry. The service was out of this world. For example when they filled my fiance and my glass of water, two waiters came up from both sides of the table and at the same time filled our glass doing a courtesy once they were done. The food was French Fusion and we opted with the 3 entree dinner. it started off with beef tartar (excellent presentation and mixture of flavors) and foie gras (nothing too special). Main dishes were the veal trio (a little disappointing and the sweetbread sucked) and the lobster (can I please have a little more lobster meat?) In between we were given soups on a spoon here and there. The stand out of this place was dessert. Dessert included: cheese plate small root beer floats chocolate and blueberry souffl espresso mouse chocolate indulgence little French cookies chocolates to go All we requested was for cheese and chocolate indulgence. It helps to talk about the Cubs in this town. Overall, food was slightly above average, dessert was excellent and service was outstanding. PRICEY $$$$
(4)
Grace L.
We've been here for dinner and just for dessert. Here's the thing, you hear all the hoopla and I think it's easy to get disappointed. The service here is impeccable, the room is classic, attention to detail is fascinating, and the delivery of the food is smooth. The food is not so up to par, albeit interesting combinations and tastes. For example, I had the short rib with unagi...wonderful food, but not close your eyes savory good. In fact, I separated the food on my plates and it was amazing just on its' own. It was definitely more appealing to your eyes than your stomach. Now, that being said, the desserts are worth the couple hour seating. We went to celebrate a birthday and we had the three course dessert. The desserts were amazing little pieces of art themselves and the taste so much more pleasurable. They had printed out a little copy of the menu of the night with the birthday person's name and date...it was a nice touch.
(4)
Laura P.
I haven't been here in years but still remember the stellar food, service, caviar staircase, whimsical desserts by Gale Gand, and the cute purse stools. One detail that I love most about Tru are the restrooms! The waterfall sink is enough to inspire jealously or a trip to Kohler, Wisconsin. Seriously. After all these years, I've made mental notes on how much or how little detail is put into a restaurant's bathroom. Tru is tops on my list.
(5)
S K.
Fantastic! One of a few places with true service- the kind that would be unaffordably overstaffed in almost all restaurants. Sophisticated atmosphere. Reservations required. Dress shirt at minimum; good sport coat or a properly fitted suit would be perfect. If nothing else, try the 3 course dessert tasting menu; Gale Gand knows what she's doing.
(5)
Cynthia L.
I have dreamed of eating here for several years before I finally had the opportunity this past birthday. Oprah raved about Tru, friends raved about Tru, but sadly, I am not going to 'rave' about Tru. I was disappointed. Perhaps I expected more than it could produce. But come on, it's TRU!! The 3 course prix fixe menu was ok for me but we ordered an extra appetizer. Why do the apps always sound more appealing than the entrees?? Anyway, we ordered the prime beef tartare with a golden egg, the peeky toe crab salad, prime beef ribeye, and moroccan lamb three ways. The prime beef tartare was by far the tastiest. The golden egg is worth it! It's a raw egg yolk enveloped by edible gold leaf. How euphoric!! It was well-seasoned and accented by the saltiness of the parmesan tuile. I could eat this over and over again. The peeky toe salad was fresh tasting. Not particular satisfying in any way. The eggplant, crab and vinaigrette all had about the same taste. I must not have gotten enough of the acid on my plate because it tasted bland to me. I love peeky toe which on its own is very sweet but the eggplant puree took away from the peeky toe. The entrees were not memorable therefore I won't really write about them. Needless to say not the best performance by Rick Tramonto (I don't know even know if he was working that night)! Plus our waiter was a little odd and unattentive. Not really worth the price.
(2)
Jennifer S.
I am going to mention the importance of making a reservation way way in advance for Tru. We called in Nov to get the reservation for end of Jan on a Saturday night and the best they had was 8:45 which is a touch on the late side for us. So, that being said--if you want a Saturday night @8pm, I would say call 4 months in advance to be safe. Our head waiter/captain was wonderful...His name is Israel. My husband and I each had a "collection" but it all needed to be modified as we are vegetarians who do not eat shellfish. The food was delicious. The sashimi course was great, the fish just about melted on our tongues. There was also a salmon course and a black cod- both were prepared beautifully and tasted excellent. There was a mushroom ravioli course that I did find a bit odd. It was essentially 2 mini crepes with some sauteed mushroom in between them. The taste was good but I wouldn't call it "ravioli". The two standouts of the evening for us were: the dessert cart and the cheese cart. Both are wheeled over to the table and the cheese selections were prepared tableside. Very charming. And, a great selection of cheeses. The dessert cart is adorable, complete with "gourmet" lollipops. I didn't love anything that I ate from the dessert cart but it was cute! Then, they come around with truffles. The "elvis" is not to be missed- its banana and peanut butter! We also had a dessert off the menu that was pretty forgettable---we were very dissapointed in that. It was pumpkin something and average at best. The service is impeccable, they are extremely attentive and it is worth it to go and just get pampered. Their attention to detail is almost flawless, in that respect. We were given a banana cake (mini) when we left and it was DELCIOUS! We were surprised that the dining room was so bare/minimalistic/modern but it only causes you to focus on the food more so I do understand what they're doing... I would have liked to see a little more color though. If you are looking for a wonderful/expensive night out with inventive cuisine, I would suggest Alinea but if you aren't quite that adventerous--- go to Tru! Enjoy.
(5)
Ken A.
I agree with some prior reviews. The staff is very professional, very polished, maybe a bit too much, as my wife and I felt a little bit awkward especially at the beginning of the meal. We ordered the 9 course menu. There were a few highlights that I still remember months after the fact: an amazing first course with sturgeon caviar and avocado. Also, a venison that was perfectly cooked and delicious (not part of the normal menu, but they nicely agreed to throw it in there at my request). On the other hand, a few of the plates were only OK (I remember a chicken dish that was mediocre), and the cheese course was disappointing. The sommelier was very nice and recommended some nice half bottles that went well with the food. Overall, I can't complain too much, totally deserving of its 4 stars, but recalling Charlie Trotter and Alinea, I think Tru falls one star short.
(4)
Lo M.
Just went Friday night for my birthday. A couple of reviews down from a couple that went a day after on the 22nd is pretty much the same exerience I had. Ordered the exact same thing, the grand selection. It takes about 3-3 1/2 hours from beginning to end. Each portion that comes out is small but towards desert, the amount of food almost got to be too much. The service is top notch and the food is cooked to perfection. To me it just didn't seem to be innovative enough. I preferred Moto over this for the same prices. The room was nice and it wasn't stuffy at all despite the requirement of a jacket. I would just suggest a few of the other 5 star restaraunts before tru. It was definetly good-thus the 4 star rating.
(4)
Lisa B.
My sister and I went to Tru last night expecting a mind-blowing culinary experience. We left Tru confused and full of shame for spending BIG bucks on such a disappointing self-indulgent meal. The gnocchi appetizer I had tasted like watered down Arthur (moms - you know what I'm talking about) macaroni and cheese - not kidding. For my entree, I ordered beef short ribs. While the meat was extremely tender and delicious, the portion was shockingly tiny. The "small vegetables" that accompanied the short ribs were almost microscopic; so small that I couldn't tell what they were. The dessert - some kind of almond cake - was truly horrible. I can honestly say that it was the worst dessert I have ever had at a restaurant. The "cake" was not presented as a slice, but rather, scrapings that looked and tasted like the crumbs from a week-old cake made from an Easy Bake Oven. There was a little swirl of cherry sauce and a teaspoon of ice cream that I guess were there to moisten the dry scrapings that were on my plate. On the bright side, the wine was spectacular and my sister liked most of the items from her Tasting Menu. If you're into stuffy, formal, over-priced food (and don't like to eat much) - this is the place for you!
(2)
Joao G.
The best restaurant I know in Chicago. The food is just amazing, the service is very good and the ambiance is great - a little more modern, not as formal as most restaurants like this.
(5)
Alexandra C.
I have always had a pleasant meal at Tru, but I do have to admit that the staff can sometimes get on my nerves. For instance: I had a party upstairs for my mother's birthday and at the last minute wanted to get a cake but most bakeries needed at least 1 week to create the cake I wanted. So I thought I would call Tru and see if they could bring out a birthday cake for my mother or recommend someone for me...well when I asked them for this request they were insulted that I would have their pastry chef make a birthday cake. They kept asking me if I knew who their pastry chef was, yes I did and honestly I didn't care. Finally they gave me the name of a bakery that was able to produce a wonderful 3-tired cake for the 20 guests and they even delivered it to the restaurant. Well the dinner was going wonderful till we got to desert when the restaurant informs us that they don't have any candles after they bring out the cake. Are you serious? So after a few handshakes we have candles on the cake and are able to sing happy birthday. Other then that one night dealing with the staff, I have always enjoyed my experiences at Tru.
(4)
J K.
there's a dearth of synonyms for "excellent" to describe tru.
(5)
sandra h.
We went about a year ago and it truly was an experience . . . a very long experience. The meal was an amazing melange of fresh flavors and artistic presentation, but by the end it was a blur. Thank goodness for the print out at the end of the meal describing each course in the tasting menu! We got such a kick out of the service. . . It was like a well rehearsed ballet - each move was choreographed. As dishes arrived at the table they were served in unison and revealed with a flick of the wrist. I have to admit that the service was borderline intimidating and definitely too stuffy for my taste.
(4)
Mark P.
Top notch service. Excellent presentation. Enjoyed the scallops and beef cheek ravioli, even though the bone marrow foam over the latter didn't look too appetizing. Short rib with unagi entree was excellent. Venison was cooked nicely, but the accompanying sauces were suspect. Banana crepes and chocolate souffle for dessert were well-executed. Food/flavors though weren't as mind-blowing as Alinea or even Charlie Trotter's.
(4)
Jessica N.
I made the mistake of trying Tru before Charlie Trotter's. I did the kitchen table in both instances and the difference was AMAZING! I understand when you are in the "kitchen table" you are supposed to be getting the experience of being in the kitchen- I really do get that. At Tru, they actually treat you like some kind of royalty who are watching them prepare a feast. You are in a room surrounded by bowls of Japanese Fighting fish. You get a stool for your purse. They put a JUG(I mean JUG) of about 5 pounds of caviar on your table and tell you that you are welcome to eat as much as you would like, just make sure the waiter serves it to you. They serve you tiny ice cream cones with pea flavored ice cream. It was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had. Unfortunately I then went to eat at Charlie Trotter's where we were seated next to the dish washing machine. The experience was sub par compared to the dining extravaganza at Tru. Everyone should try Tru once, forget the competition.
(5)
Ravi B.
If one were to write a book on how a dining SHOULD be, they'd need the imagination of **** and the skill of **** to come anywhere near describing the experience offered by Tru.
(5)
Robin D.
Went to TRU last night and everything else was exactly the same.... The service is still truly impeccable (if I can give 10 stars for it then I would), the ambience untouched but the food really wasnt as good as it was years ago. I had the 95 dollar prix fix menu and chose the lobster soup with Ground Hominy, Lobster emulsion and spoon breat (didnt really care for it), my bf had the beef cheek ravioli, marrow and orange bordelaise (delish). For the main course I had the Alaskan Halibut with Leek emulsion reduced Chardonnay and bacon vinaigrette (yummo) while he had the scottish king salmon, granny smith apples, coconut and thai long peppercorn (soso). I had the Dense chocolate for Dessert while he had the cheese plate. Mind you, the cheese plate had the most incredible cheese that I ever had. We are both not dessert lovers but I sampled some and they were just ok for me nothing wanting me to have more. Forget about the ambience and service but from the food per ce, I cant help but compare this place to Charlie Trotters and I have to say that Trotters would still be my choice. The restaurant is French progressive which means that they follow the culinary principles of french cooking and the cuisine is french-based but the end results are fusion so in short it is FRENCH FUSION. So dont get me wrong, FOOD is really good but it does not blow you taste buds like Charlie does I have been here 7 years ago and I loved it. I would recommend this place for the experience because it is a gastronomical one but for the amount of money we spent, I will try new places like Alinea or just try to make a reservatio n at Trotters. I like TRU but not enough to lure me back over and over again. If the price is not so high I would have given this place 4 stars or even 5 but for this price, I expect a bit more.
(3)
susan w.
Without a doubt...FABULOUS! Not only was the food impeccable, but the service was exceptional. The several courses of dessert satisfied everyones sweet tooth! No detail is overlooked. If you haven't been...run, don't walk!
(5)
Timothy F.
First, not sure where the perception that Rich T. has anything to do with this restaurant but he left like two years ago. Unfortunately the portion size issue has not changed since he left the kitchen...it was a problem when he was there and is since he was gone. Unfortunately I made reservations to go with a client who wanted to go while he was in town and found out after we went that the current Chef left about two weeks ago which explains why the food was uneven and my client was completely disappointed also which did not make the bill any easier to swallow. I heard Les Francais closed recently...maybe they could get the chef from there...at least the food would meet the price then...The reason I gave three stars was that for that type of money the place should provide superb dishes every course and some of them were just okay...one was undercooked...However when it comes to service there still is no better place in the city, starting with the valet through the meal...
(3)
Paul B.
To go to Tru and give it anything other than 5 starts would be churlish. I went with my Wife last night, the food is exceptional, certainly as good if not better than Trotters. Without pontificating about the various courses I would just say go try it, but make it for a special occasion. The tasting menus are about as good as it get. The bill's not bad either, about $250 a head. If I were pressed my favourite restaurant would still be Everest, the view gets it for me. I would go back again and fully intend to. Chicago certainly has some fabulous places to wine and dine!!
(5)
Joan M.
Went for my 50th. My husband and I are TOUGH critics and foodies to boot. Tru blew us away !!! The staff ,attention to detail, food etc.. We could not find a fault with anything.. This is a MUST go.. If you are looking for somewhere $$$ but worth it for a special evening chose TRU... Besides the French Laundry in Napa this is the BEST restaurant we have found ANYWHERE in the world......Not cheap but worth the price... The cheese course option is amazing if you are cheese head like I am and the option to chose a taste of dessert at the end of the meal a charming touch along with the muffins given for breakfast the next morning.. Not a big fan of "the foam" on some dishes but that is just me and I am sure they would be happy to not do it if asked. Just watching the staff work in sync was unlike anything I have seen. Guys if your trying to impress someone this is the place. They will even do a custom menu mine said Happy 50th.. If I wasn't married this is where I would want to be proposed to and then come back year after year . AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!
(5)
Ace G.
As a graduate student, Tru is not a restaurant that I would get the privilege to frequent often, but a series of happenstance allowed me the opportunity to celebrate a birthday there, and it became a birthday to remember. The food is world class and the service is simply outstanding. My mother, who was treating me, and I were treated as royalty. Every maneuver from the staff was synchronized and choreographed perfectly. Their talent and passion deserve recognition. The food was second to none. Despite the grad student income, I've had the luck and privilege of eating extremely well. I can say without a shadow of a doubt that the non-traditional / contemporary menu served by the chef hit the mark. Every protein came out perfect. The flavors were layered, and the textures of the ingredients worked in harmony. The entire experience lasted perhaps three hours, and we were stuffed by the time we left. Because the menu is always changing, I highly recommend beginning the night with vodka and caviar. And try a couple of cheeses before dessert. Otherwise, like I was saying, this is an experience, so be prepared to settle in for the evening and allow yourself to be spoiled.
(5)
Chris S.
The food is great! Went with 2 cousins and opted for the Pre Fixe menu. Everything was delicious, the different layers of flavors, textures and everything on par. The service was great, choreographed and almost comical at one point. It was nice to see the time and precision they put into the dining experience there. There was only a few other people in the restaurant at the time we went and it was almost too quiet/awkward but after some wine we didn't notice anymore.
(4)
Matthew M.
WOW! WOW! WOW! I am blown away! At Tru you are not just paying for the food but for the experience! Went here with the boss who paid for all of us, thank goodness as I would hate to see the bill! I have never be treated like royalty and it was almost comical to the point of making me wonder just what kind of job interview it takes to work at a place like this! Everything and I mean everything is choreographed! No need to pull back your chair when you sit---that will be done for you---all of the gals together, and then all of the guys---TOGETHER. Napkins on your lap---all together now! Need something to drink? Here comes the water poured into our glasses, and did I say synchronized to a tee???---all the gals together, and then all of the guys. Unreal! Let's just say that the food was 5 star. Chicago, you really know how to impress! Having been to restaurants all over the world I'm happy to call you my new home!
(5)
Steve A.
I've been to Tru four times over a period of seven years, and I think it is the most variable restaurant I've ver been to. One time I'll have a three Michelin star experience, the next I can't imagine what they were thinking. On my first visit, every aspect of the food and service was perfect. Upon returning a year later, virtually every one of nine courses was a saucer of goo. A couple years after that we returned to have one of the most visually stunning meals I've had anywhere, accompanied by perfect (and not stiff) service. But my most recent visit was again a disappointment. Aside from a couple of minor elements (walnut bread with the optional cheese course) nothing stood out gastronomically, and the service was stiff even though it was a quiet night. Worst of all was our inability to keep our wine glasses filled with the two expensive Burgundies we ordered. The sommelier placed them on the far side of the room, and then disappeared for fifteen minutes at a stretch. We finally took to just asking passing waiters to refill our glasses. After the third such time, you'd think someone would have taken the hint. I'm sorry if this seems petty, but when you're spending over $1000 on a dinner for three people, the food and service need to be home runs. I'm sure I'll try Tru again, but I'm going to give them a few years to go through another revolution.
(4)
Valerie J.
Ok, when we were here 6 years ago, this was a restaurant to be reckoned with. Tramonto was at the helm and, while some of his dishes were a bit out there, he was really crushing it. This past weekend, my husband was throwing out ideas for a date night and when he suggested Tru, I jumped on it. Unfortunately I didn't check yelp first to see how far it had fallen. The service was a bit odd - as if the staff were uncertain of themselves, or that many were training still. The sommelier was excellent and knowledgeable. I agree that he tended toward sweet whites, but I still thought most of the wines he chose were very good. What wasn't good? Almost everything else. The star of the night was the foie gras mousse encapsulated in sugar. Fantastic! It tasted divine and was plated beautifully with a slice of blood orange and gorgeous flowers. The only other course of note was the morel dish. I should state that the amuse bouche failed to amuse at all. I think there should be a rule that if the amuse bouche is disappointing - you just get up and leave. Everything else suffered from lack of creativity, or lack of cohesion - sometimes both. Also, since when does fine dining involve serving different breads and butter with each plate? That was, to us, ridiculous. Furthermore, the savory dishes, such as the ribeye (which was bland and somewhat tough) and the halibut (which was boring, plain, and served in far too buttery a broth) were entirely unimaginative and felt like fillers. The pea soup with salmon confit would have been boring, aside from the salmon being overwhelming. The ramp soup with rice was decent, as was the wheatberry dish... but for this caliber of restaurant (or what it used to be) and the price point, these shouldn't even have been memorable. They only were because everything else was so disappointing. The frozen cider topped with warm tea also just didn't work at all as a dish. Tru really needs to get its act together... Or it isn't going to be on the scene for that much longer. Even the floors seemed like they haven't been kept up well. I know, a weird statement, but something I noticed. To see how far they've fallen, at least in my opinion, see my previous review.
(1)
Brian B.
TRU is truly an amazing dining experience! Service and food was excellent throughout the evening. Not many restaurants have the service so synchronized, for example they would pour water for all the women at once and then for all the men. All the plates come down to the table in a similar manner. Very impressive training and etiquette. To start the meal, my bottle of Lewis 2011 Napa cabernet was decanted over candle light. Then the courses began. I will describe those which were highlights through the meal and excited the senses. English pea soup with cured salmon and bacon. The salmon was cooked slow and low till it was as soft and flavorful as could be. Best mushroom dish and presentation I've ever had. Morels and toasted pecans topped with sunflower sprouts. Served on a wooden plate made to represent the forest. Sea urchin (uni) and two kinds of caviar - one cured with special salts - on a lobster flan base with Egyptian star flower garnish. The saltier of the two caviars was the most enjoyable with all the flavored combined together. The scallop topped with an abundance of shaved black truffles and cured Japanese plums smelled and tasted delicious. Can't go wrong with a lot of truffles! The texture and savory flavors truly made this one of the best courses of the meal. The halibut arrived on one of the coolest plated I've ever seen - it could have been used as a decoration. The fish was cooked to an excellent texture, soft on the inside and crispy on top. Ribeye was cooked perfectly sous vide and seared with sunchoke two ways - one crispy and one creamy. Flavors and textures worked well together to add some sweetness to the saltiness of the steak. One of the desserts came on a bed of confetti with liquid nitrogen oozing out of the dish, quite impressive and made for a fun conclusion. A tour at the end of the night of the kitchen capped off an excellent evening. I closed the restaurant down. Great staff at all levels of service. The entire meal was enjoyable and service was superb throughout. I will certainly recommend this meal to others and return again in the future!
(5)
Julia Z.
wonderful experience! wonderful service and nice ambience. The begging course is little bit weired，but the main course,black winter truffle tart and Kobe beef is really great! And the side dish,some bread and butter is great toï¼
(4)
Shahzad S.
One would usually find such a progressing French restaurant in London or well, in Paris but the one in Chicago offers a gastronomic flare that's a rave! Try the 12 course tasting.
(4)
J L.
I took my boyfriend to Tru for his birthday and had everything prearranged from the menu to the champagne through Apatcha, who I believe is the manager at Tru restaurant. She helped me through the whole planning process so that my boyfriend would never have to even see the check. They had pre-printed menus with his name on it saying, "Happy Birthday," and even gave him a card at the end of the meal with a special note from me. The service was spectacular and so synchronized in timing! The dishes were all very well thought out and the presentation was fantastic. The champagne was great and the cheese selection was even better. It was both our first experience at a Michelin star restaurant and we could both see why this restaurant had received it's star. We will definitely be going back but probably in a year because it is definitely pricey but worth it! Thank you so much! It was a wonderful experience that I will look back to for years to come!
Tru is an incredible experience. They fully deserve their coveted 1 Michelin star rating - in fact, I think Tru is more in line with some of the 2 Michelin star restaurants I've been to (but hey, Michelin's not asking me). Michelin defines a 1 star restaurant as "A good place to stop on your journey, indicating a very good restaurant in its category, offering cuisine prepared to a consistently high standard." To me, Tru is a little more of a destination than that. I've been here 3 times, and every single time, the food and service has been flawless. I'm not going to list everything I've had here, because that'd take too long. But I have attached pictures of everything below for you to feast your eyes on. Suffice it to say, Tru's food, service, and attention to detail make it worth a visit (or multiple visits). I love places like this: you can entrust the executive chef to reimagine classics in a new, delicious way, introduce you to incredible new foods that you'd never thought you'd try/like, and present food and ingredients at their finest. You can go to Tru confident that you're getting outstanding cuisine - Truly some of the best in its class.
(5)
Nita Hanqing W.
Yesterday, my friends and I had dinner in TRU at 6pm. Since my friends will leave for China in just few weeks and may not come back in a short term, we did a lot of researches for Michelin restaurants before we booked our dinner in TRU. According to the reviews and comments from yelp, we were very looking forward to this meal. We arrived there at around 5:50. The receptionist lead us to our table and the server got us some drinks including sparkling water, a coconut mixture and champion. The champion was good. Tasted very fruity, a fantastic women drink; my friend had a glass of coconut mixture. It's hard to tell what other ingredients they use in the drink besides coconut. It tasted weird, like coconut water mixed with some kinds of seasonings. It was not a good experience. Speaking of the dishes we had last night, there were both merits and demerits. Before we tried TRU, we had a great experience in Grace. They have similar reputation on Yelp, score 4.5/5, despite one is Michelin 3 star while the other is not. We all had the full menu with duck for the main course which cost $40 each additionally. For the appetizers, I like the smoked salmon steeped in a green soup. The salmon was tender and flavored, and the soup was good if you had some roe with it, it will give you a different taste for both the roes and soup. For the main course, we all had duck because it seemed like the duck was the speciality in this season. It looked brilliant when they showed the whole duck we would had for main course. When the duck was up, it smelled so good that aroused my sense of hunger. The skin was crispy and tasty but honestly I don't like the meat. The meat was raw and it had a special taste that only poultry had it. It's hard for us to eat it up. This Michelin star restaurant experience is not good or bad but it has been a deliberation for us to give it another try.
(3)
DeeMarie W.
We had the most wonderful culinary experience of my life (so far)! The service is impeccable!! First we were greeted at the door by our party name. He took our pictures when asked and made suggestions where to be photographed at. When seated, we all received a purse stool ( how cool is that! ) we had 3 waiters for our table that gave us their full attention. Also if you got up, they were right there to help you get seated again. Unbelievable!! The food was amazing, flavors I never experienced. I enjoyed everything I tasted, especially the duck! Wow the duck! Amazing!! So so flavorful!! Wonderful!! Can I say it again, I loved the duck. Lol!! We did the pre fix menu and got several extras compliments of the chef! Wow!! When we were ready to leave, they had a car ready, we received a special packaged treat, again compliments of the chef! Lastly we got to meet chef Anthony Martin himself. We felt special! Amazing place!!
(5)
Diego C.
I visited TRU for my birthday a few days ago, chose to trust their 1-star michelin rating and enjoy a fancy dinner there. The place is quiet, sophisticated, refined and elegant. Men are even required to wear a jacket! They have spare jackets for men not wearing one, which I found funny. The waiters are all very polite, sometimes even a little too exaggerated on their concierge-like attitude, but overall pleasant and discrete. Their menu offers 3 fixed-priced options: 3 courses, 7 courses and 10 courses (plus amuse bouche, sorbet, etc). We chose the 3-course option and we're not disappointed: portions are relatively larger than on the tasting menus so we were served sufficient food (regular concern on these type if restaurants). Their plates had a very nice presentation, dishes had very interesting and original flavors and portions were just right. We had an overall very pleasant experience, however I did not rate it with 5 stars because, for the price paid and michelin rating, I did expect a little more. Nonetheless, it was definitely worth the visit and would agree on paying TRU another visit once the summer menu changes.
(4)
Summer X.
Surprised that there was only about 10 tables that night, given the great food it offers. I believe a restaurant like this will be filled up with people every night in new york. I was satisfied with every single course. With a bit innovative ideas in the starters, like the kiwi one. I had duck for the main course. It tastes a lot like the one in Eleven Madison Park in new york, which is a michelin 3 star. The side dish came with the duck (i don't remember what they called this) was very delicious, more kind of oriental taste of duck. The desserts were not impressive, but not bad overall!
(5)
Douglas B.
What else can be said about this place that has not been said yet. One of the few Michelin-starred locations that I have been to and with good reason. Wifey and I came here to celebrate her birthday a couple years ago (excuse my late review). The service from getting there, being greeted, sitting down, eating and leaving was all top notch and consistent. The service here was impeccable. We were greeted welcomed and seated right away. The dining room is a beautiful limited seating so makes for great ambiance and the ability to actually have a conversation. We had a nice custom menu printed with our names and especially my wife's name with a happy birthday message on it, nice touch. And we got to take them home a small memento. Our Maitre d' was great, he was helpful in making sure we got exactly wanted that evening. We had great bottle of wine that was recommended to us by a very knowledgeable sommelier, he was very helpful and a pleasure to chat with. We did the full TRU 15 course experience and I am happy we did. The waiters that brought out the food were all on point, everything was brought out with great timing and never a step behind. They were very knowledgeable about the food and made sure we were satisfied with every course. Food... plain amazing. Every single course was well thought out, delicious, beautiful presentation. I enjoyed every single bite I honestly thought I was going to walk out of there hungry.. boy was I wrong! I was stuffed by the end of that amazing meal. Our experience also consisted of a selection of great cheeses and caviar. I had to try a few of the cheeses, they all looked so tasty. Finally dinner came to an end with a beautiful tower of various desserts! There were bites of heaven every single one! There were so many courses, so many presentations... i could go on about every single one... you have to just go there. Its a great place, great service it was just an overall great experience. I loved it and had one of the best meals of my life there! Do it!!
(5)
Stuart M.
Went here awhile ago on a trip and forgot to write a review. Food was terrific but atmosphere was stuffy and the waiter mumbled through the menu as if he was the baron of long tooth. 1k dinner that leaves you hungry and uncomfortable...Just not my kind of place.
(2)
Rachel L.
I think I've found my one Tru north! ...Okay, that was corny, so let's move on. To corn. Specifically, the yellow sweet corn with black truffle, which was the first of three small bites that arrived at our table following our decision to try the "Tru Experience" menu. From the moment that spoon touched my lips, I knew I was in for an exciting ride, but even then, I had yet to realize that over the next three hours, I'd be experiencing a meal that competes with all the three Michelin star restaurants I've dined at around the world. I won't taunt you with the specifics of what we ate because the menu seems to change with some frequency. However, I will say that each course was plated exquisitely, as though a painter had taken his brush to our plates. Though ruining each masterpiece in favor of eating it seemed a bit like sacrilege, we could hesitate for only a moment before unceremoniously devouring every last bite, leaving our tastebuds in a fantastic nirvana-like state. Not to be outdone by the food quality and presentation, the waitstaff went above and beyond, then above again. Besides being quite amicable, they really paid attention to the details, both large and small. Yes, they were consistent about refilling my water glass - and I'm a sponge, so that is no easy task. They also refolded our napkins whenever we stood up, served each dish in perfect unison, and when we mentioned in passing that we were sorry our set menu didn't include the campfire of s'mores, our waiter brought out the chocolatey, marshmallowy dessert in addition to the perfectly tart diverse berries, black pepper, and nasturtium on our table d'hôte. To part, a little-known fact about me: Following a fine dining experience, I always wonder what I'm going to eat for breakfast the next day that won't be a gastronomic disappointment. I think we all want the best experiences in life to linger, and this one surely did... On our way out the door, the maître d' handed us each a small bag of almond mini cakes. And that, my friends, is how you knock someone off their feet without so much as touching them!
(5)
Jason A.
I put a lot of thought into this review, bouncing from a 3 to 4 stars. Ultimately the decor and cost, outweighed the service and food. The set up is a bit too modern for my taste, modern elegance. Its also way too formal, anywhere I have to dress up to pay them money, always gets me in a mood. The atmosphere is big and plain, lots of white, but stuffy. There isn't much to gaze upon, however, the two story windows are mammoth and caught my attention a few times. Service was prompt and knowledgeable and they did all the little things like making our anniversary special with an extra dessert and mentioning it several times. The servers knew the ingredients of the dishes, but didn't show any personality. Too statuesque for my liking. Nor did they show any personality when asking about preferences on dish choices, have an opinion please. The courses were mostly well thought out and executed. The only real misses for me were the 1 stalk of asparagus and last savory course. I didn't get the choice of wheat berry after the duck, its just not something I'd want to to eat, despite an interesting flavor. Lastly, when I have French food, I want real foie, a big ole piece. We got an encapsulated mousse, while good, wasn't what I wanted. Bring me back to France. The morel dish was fabulous, and the duck was succulent and filling. The food, despite being a little too straightforward and classical to me, was great. I'd like to have seen a little more imagination. The portions were nice, I walked away full. Dessert was too plain. Your choices are apple pie or chocolate mousse. They must have changed pastries chefs because I've had several people tell me how innovative the desserts are. Its a let down to the meal after the duck. Luckily the truffle finish was amazing. The wine pairings were quite excellent. You could tell they were well thought out and complimented the dishes. If you don't want wine, there are cocktails but I wasn't too excited about the selections. Despite the excellent wines, the pours were very small and did not present a good value at $125. I could have gotten 5 glasses of wine for that price, and got 5 time as much alcohol, more than enough to light me up or split between 2 or more people. Despite all these positives, Tru is a once in a life time special event dining experience due to the ridiculous prices. I would not spend $700 again to eat here, when I can go to 42 Grams, El Ideas, Schwa, Elizabeth etc etc etc for $300-$400. To upcharge $80 to get their signature duck dish, is just a bait and switch to me. I knew about the surcharge coming in, but for the value, it should be included in the main pairing price. I had a fun time, had a couple very memorable dishes, but its to expensive for what it is and thus cannot recommend.
(3)
Raul S.
Went here on a work dinner, I knew it would be good but it was a really great experience. If u have the time it's worth the most money, I will finish this review soon.
(5)
Young K.
You can really love or hate this place. If you dine out often, you will love this restaurant with the open space the atmosphere provides and the comfortable service that the Staff of TRU brings to the table especially when you begin ordering high quality chardonnays and Grand Cru Burgundies. I enjoyed this restaurant. It's TRUe that nothing feels new, but this is where they perfected the usual and where you feel at home. Our menu was 9 courses long with three or four options. All options were upgrades which is a pain in the rear because it does feel like they are chipping away at your wallet wherever they can like an escort for Senators with all their "extras". In today's price fixe, there should be no supplements... If you are going to serve caviar, serve caviar AND if you wanna serve Truffles or Foie Grois, serve it! Don't give supplement options, just raise the price fixe price. Diners today have No time and little patience for games. I found the perfect pair of red and white wines on their list, but The Wine List did not impress me because I am a wine collector and always looking for the value wine. Their Champagne selection needed a little help, their Napa Cabs were too overpriced and without even going to Italy, their Bordeaux collection was straight on par pathetic. Even so, they had a limited Burgundy list that still met the requirements of minimum. The Burgs too came with heavy price tags but if you were willing to pay, you can find bottles of Burgundies with the right Restau Price tag unlike their horrific Napa Selections. If you know Burgundies, you know that they quickly get pricey with quality. We ended up enjoying a bottle of 2004 Domaine Dujac Clos De La Roche for $379 and a 2010 Aubert Lauren Vineyard for $239 or so. The Dujac Clos De La Roche was priced right and a perfect vintage for the occasion. Overall a fantastic experience for me. Very New York City in style which is my preference. Like I said, if you dine often in high end restaurants, you don't wanna eat a balloon or sweets off of a table. You just wanna eat a good flavored meal with exceptional service in an environment that is super plush and comfortable; and that is exactly how I felt at TRU, like Welcome Home where nothing was a problem.
(5)
Ali C.
Extraordinary service in a beautiful extravagant setting. Excellent foie gras and synchronized service. Food flavors are amazing and somewhat unusual. My favorite items were the dessert flavors - the valrhona chocolate with spearmint ice cream was out of this world.
(4)
Robyn C.
I waited to write my review so that I can compare it to another restaurant - Alinea. Is it fair to compare? Price wise yes - Alinea is more expensive, but not that much more expensive so I feel like they can by lumped together in the "Did I really just spend over $500 on food" category. The only thing that Tru trumps over Alinea is their synchronized food serving. We had a table of 4, so 4 servers would come a put our plates of food down at the exact same time and sweep around us in a circle like a dance. That was nice and added to the service a lot. Overall food was amazing except for one thing that still kind of pisses me off to this day. We paid an extra like $120 for a whole roasted muscovy duck to be divided among the table. They brought out the duck to show it and then cut it up in the back and made two dishes out of it. Granted, those two dishes were fantastic, but where was the rest of the duck? If I pay that much for something extra.. I want to eat every part of it down to the bone and yet we were served like 1/3 of it. What a waste! If they boxed up the rest that would have been awesome, but imagine paying extra money for only about 5 bites. It felt like a complete waste of money and I would not do it again. The experience was nice, but atmosphere was kind of stuffy. It makes you feel like you can't laugh and have fun (even though we did). It's the kind of place where you have to sit up straight and eat your soup properly with the soup spoon back facing you and scooping up instead down and towards you. Alinea, I felt like I could be myself, no one would care. I could slouch back into the couch, and it wouldn't be a big deal. There wasn't music, but everyone was being loud and talking a lot and having a great time. I could even eat with my hands and it would be okay... So if I am going to pay this much money, I would rather pay a bit more to have a more impressive laid back experience over a stiff, eat properly, elegant one...
(3)
Rich B.
There's a real wonderful over-the-top chicago-ness insanity about the place. Being from NYC, the first thing I noticed was how spacious the place was. Perfect for a dinner with good friends who want to chat and not disturb people right next to you. The service was impeccable. We did the tasting menu. The chef has fun with the plating (or lack there of - was that one dish served on a rock?) and the visual style of these dishes. Playful. Elegant. There was a small green salad on the tasting menu the night we were there which was outstanding. I should have asked exactly what the greens were because everyone at the table agreed that it was unlike any salad we'd had before (the star was the greens, not the toppings). Grown up. Wear a tie and bring your expense account. Wine list has everything you'd ever need and then some.
(5)
Venice C.
It's quite sad sometimes how customer service ruins it all. We came here for my husband's birthday last November. I must explain that everything was great until we discovered that they had our car TOWED while we valeted our car with them. This is really understandable in Chicago in the city.. however I was disappointed by how they handled the matter. If you ever had the feeling that the waiters are just so nice to you to the point you wonder if they are saying stuff behind your back, that is how we felt. I must say, food was exquisite, service was expectedly good when we dined. Nothing to complain with the food, but the way they handle issues. Before we got our check, the valet guys came in and told us that our car key was not responding. Perhaps the battery died, they suggested. We got the check, got our coats, the manger even talked to us and thanked us. NOT UNTIL WE STEP OUT OF THE RESTAURANT, the manager tried to tell us the car was towed, he said "I am hoping this is the case" meaning that he wishes it is not stolen. Manager asked us to go with the valet guys to the towing pounding area to fetch our car. It was such a mess. And it's late at night you can imagine. I had to say I was rather disappointed that such a nice restaurant would hire such bad valet service. Well, it is really okay if you can handle it well. We called the manager right after we spent 2 hours getting the car back from the pounding area. Told him that we are disappointed. He said he will call us back in the future to explain, apologize, or whatever he meant. Instead he just NEVER called us back. Till now. Such a disappointment. I cannot prevent from thinking that they do not care about anything about customer service once you paid the bill. Sorry. Never ever coming back again. I guess they would not even mind us coming back or not in the first case. We are from California, now residing here in Chicago. I must say place like Addison from the Grand Del Mar, or any Michelin star restaurants we've visited were way more professional in handling issues than this place. I never write reviews, and this just flickers my mind too much that I have to share.
(2)
Jane W.
Tru has been on my official "Restaurants I REALLY want to go to but I'll be broke after" list for quite a while. I checked Alinea off that list last year for my birthday, and thought it would only be appropriate to visit another for my birthday this year. The restaurant front is unassuming and rather easy to miss, but once you step inside, you're in a very modern, classy, intimate setting. There are several courses to choose from, but I decided to go with the Tru experience ($158 per person). Service, as expected, was phenomenal. They offer you a choice of black or white cloth napkins (don't want white fuzz on a black dress!) and they have a big group of servers going around to make sure plates are served, explained, and cleared (you get new silverware for every course). Everyone was very knowledgable about the food and very polite. I had several people tell me happy birthday, and I even got a little extra dessert. Onto the food: the Tru experience comes with 11 courses, and most were fantastic. 1. Trio of plates (pear/fennel, sorrel/buttermilk, foie gras/honeycrisp apple). The first two of the trio, I did not like. The flavors were rather herbal and almost unpleasant, but the foie gras selection was good. 2. Another trio (main diver scallop/yuzu, caviar/sea urchin, beef/white truffle). Absolutely amazing. The scallops were so fresh and the citrusy flavors of the yuzu really complemented the raw seafood. The caviar/sea urchin was so creamy and the flavors were intense. The beef tartare was amazing as well - tender but with enough texture so it wasn't too slimy. One of my favorite courses! 3. Lite sunchoke, trout roe, oxalis: To be entirely honest, I don't remember loving or hating this dish. Nothing to say. 4. Langoustine: So good. The langoustine itself comes in a fish-bowl-esque jar with smoking juniper. The cabbage on the bottom of the plate really soaked up the flavors of the broth, and this was definitely one of my favorites. 5. Wagyu beef short rib: You have not tried amazing beef until you have tried this dish. Fall apart, absolutely the most tender, flavorful piece of meat I have ever had. Presentation was especially beautiful. 6. Skate wing: great flavors, fish was tender. The croissant that came on the side with truffle butter was SO good (and that's saying something because I'm not usually a fan of croissants). 7. Cervena venison with black trumpet farro and gooseberry: One of my least favorites. Venison was too tough and I didn't like the gooseberry. 8. Artisanal cheese selection: Idea is cool. The servers come by with a cart full of gourmet cheeses, and you get to pick three! I was happy with two of my selections, but the third one (it was coated with paprika)... let's just say smell-wise, I couldn't really distinguish it from poop (juvenile description, I know, but I really don't know how else to put it...) I'd stay away from this cheese if you don't like ridiculously pungent smells/flavors. Desserts: I was rather disappointed. With how well put together the food was, I had high expectations. Also, as someone who has a major sweet tooth, I was really excited. You get 3 dessert courses and a selection of pastries/chocolates at the end. Everything was fruity. SO sad. I guess this is more personal preference, but I do not like fruit with sweet desserts (i.e. fruity sorbet stuffed inside a marshmallow, or a citrus-y ice cream sandwiched between chocolatey wafers). I wouldn't mind sampling 1 or 2 of these types, but literally EVERY single dessert was fruity. Personal preference aside, I also thought the desserts in general were not up to par with the food in terms of presentation and creativity. Minus 1 star for this. All in all, a great experience. Too pricey to promise that I'll come back again, but I'd say it was worth the ~$250 per person (including tip, tax, 2 glasses of wine).
(4)
Chris K.
Food was one of the most original I've had the pleasure of partaking. HOWEVER, the reason I give 4/5 and not the full merit, is because of the lack of SMILES. Yes, I did say smiles and it sounds insane in a food review. However, consider that the most pleasurable dining experience cannot be achieved without a sense of "fun." Sad to say that the staff was stiff, serious, and perceived as a bit haughty. Rarely did we see a smile, or a sense of pleasure escape their tight faces; where was the fun in what they were doing? They are creating some of the best food in Chicago, if not the US. Yet, their passion did not match their creativity. The good news is that this can be taught. Once they learn to smile, and share their infectious passion for creativity, they will have it all.
(4)
Ted H.
Well, this is okay, but not the experience I was hoping for. Positives: Lovely room, lots of sound dampening, room between tables. Service was excellent, teamwork was good, not stuffy. Negatives largely are about the duck, which they offer at a 40.00 surcharge (split for 2). The duck tasted good but either it was too tough or the knives they supplied were not up to the task. You shouldn't have to struggle to eat your main course, the house specialty. Some dishes were wonderful, some were okay. The cheese course (add'l $) was wonderful. At 350+ per person you can do better in this town of great restaurants.
(3)
Jay I.
Well, 2 years after we were so impressed by the perfectly executed food, minimalistic interior and OCD-like servers we decided to try it once again for my wife's birthday. While it was a good dinner, I am taking a star down. The biggest reason I tried this place again was because I read somewhere that this place is closer to 2 michelin stars than before. I can't disagree more. In the last 2 years there 3 course menu became 5, then the price went from 98 to 125. Well, reasonable for a very expensive restaurant. The food, however, didn't deliver up to my expectation. We started with amuse bouche with truffle powder. It was a heaven. My second dish was an array of salmon. While the presentation was great (with dry ice) the food wasn't that great. Didn't feel more than just a piece of raw salmon. Third menu, main, was ribeye for my wife and halibut for me. It smelled great. It tasted good. Perfectly cooked. Still didn't really blow our mind to a way that "man, this is definitely worth 2 stars". Fourth was a grape sorbet, which was very refreshing. Last dish for me was the layer of chocolate, which looked pretty, but wasn't impressive in terms of taste. Another surprising thing was that they were much more relaxed this time. Couldn't find the sign of being OCD-like like 2 years ago. Sometimes the servers were clumsy even. Anyway they still printed the personalized menu for us, which was nice. Overall I don't know if they are really worth 2 stars at this point. Even though I haven't been to that many fancy restaurants, but I have been to enough restaurants to say that one is good enough for them for now.
(4)
Erin Y.
I came here for my birthday dinner. I considered many restaurants before finally deciding on Tru, therefore my expectations were pretty high. That being said, I had an incredible fine dining experience. Tru was a class act to the very end. Swanky but not too swanky. The service was impeccable, extremely polite and respectful. Service ran very smoothly. Short wait in between courses, lots of extra little desserts, and even the servers had servers. They printed out custom menus for us to take home. Impressive. The ambiance was very quiet, though the dining room was relatively empty on a Thursday night. By the end of my meal, I was full, but not stuffed so I'd say it was the perfect amount of food. We had a wonderful dinner at Tru, and I highly recommend it for a special occasion. The food wasn't all perfect, but still as good as it gets. That combined with the top notch service makes this a five-star experience for me. If you'd like to skip my breakdown of the food, you can stop here, but before you do, I have just two words for you: muscovy duck. I will first commend Tru on their bread. They serve bread with almost all of their savory courses and with the cheese. It comes on a separate little dish with butter. We had brioche, onion pumpernickel, fruit and nut bread, and a croissant with black truffle butter. All were delicious and awesome little extras spread throughout the meal. We started with 25 grams of Russian caviar, beautifully presented on a glass coral sculpture. The caviar was delicious. They serve it with blini and a variety of fixings, so I would definitely recommend having caviar to start. First two courses were both salad-esque. The beet with sorbet was very interesting in a good way, and the petite salad with truffles was delicious. Next was the dashi custard, which was one of our favorites of the night. Everyone at my table chose this option. The custard was deliciously creamy and had tons of dashi flavor. Caviar and edamame were nice touches. For the next course, I upgraded to the foie gras. The foie was quite delicious, very rich and seared nicely. The chestnuts and chestnut creams were tasty and went well with the foie gras. We agreed that this dish could have used some acid, but it was delicious nonetheless. Next two courses were the true proteins. The day boat monkfish was nicely prepared, but I think a more delicate fish would have been more appropriate for this dish. The monkfish, being a very firm fish, was difficult to cut into and eat. That aside, it was still a well-cooked and well-seasoned piece of fish. However, the true star of the proteins and of the entire night was the whole roasted MUSCOVY DUCK. You MUST order this. It was completely worth the $40 up charge. It put the beef tournedo (the other option for this course) to shame. This was a huge portion of duck (1/2 a duck + confit per person). It was cooked absolutely perfectly--medium rare with crispy yet sticky skin. I've eaten a lot of duck in my life, but this was by far the best duck I have ever had. Cannot recommend it enough. I was impressed that they also included the confit with mashed potatoes! Moral of the story: upgrade to the duck, it is a must and completely worth the extra money!! 7th course of farro "risotto" with porcelette was delicious. Could have eaten a whole bowl of it. Around this course, we sampled five cheeses from the cheese cart, and all were delicious. Next came the "two" dessert courses. I put "two" in quotes because they give you a ton of extra little things that aren't on the menu, which was awesome and really reflects on the kind of experience you get here. The frozen cider was very interesting, in a good way of course! They brewed a kettle of tea on our table and poured it over cider sorbet. Yummy and somewhat of a palate cleanser. For my last course, I chose the plain of dark valrhona chocolate, which had very strong chocolate flavor. The espresso sorbet on top was delicious. The other option of apple and chestnut strudel was tasty as well. As for the extras, we received a batch of Madeleines, fresh from the oven. These little guys were sooo good. Hot and crispy and delicious! We liked them so much that our server was able to secure us an extra batch. Bonus point right there. Another extra dessert was a sort of platter that included caneles, raspberry jellies, and chocolate rosemary truffles. We enjoyed every bit. And if THAT wasn't enough, there was also a white chocolate and basil liquid truffle presented with smoking dry ice, which was yet another nice and unexpected touch. Of course, they gave us some almond cakes to take home as well. Really had an incredible experience here at TRU. I hope I can come back one day, for the amazing service and of course, their whole roasted Muscovy duck. Five stars.
(5)
Anthony N.
***Tru showcases very good, seasonal and local fruits and vegetables as well as really high quality proteins; Tru utilizes these ingredients and lots of contemporary techniques including molecular gastronomy to produce ambitious, exciting, creative, and delicious cuisine*** Tru has been around for a long time and you feel it in the dining room. While the dining room is contemporary, it is also too big and square (the shape, high ceiling and boring walls make the room feel like a banquet hall). Once the food starts to come though, Tru is anything but dated or old-fashioned. The tasting menu unveils one great course after another and the food is creative and exciting; it kind of took me by surprise, but Tru is definitely one of Chicago's best restaurants. Tru's cuisine is very modern. The plating is clever and whimsical and there are many molecular gastronomy touches throughout the menu. Still, the restaurant never gets too cute. The focus with every course is delivering really pronounced flavors utilizing fresh and local (as well as high quality) ingredients. The tasting menu started with a satisfying gougere and then came a really good beet garnished with horseradish and very good caviar. An incredibly soft and moist day boat scallop sashimi came next and it featured really fresh garnishes including cilantro, ginger and lime. A fun and perfect-for-summer course followed--cool and refreshing cucumber ice cream (a very intense cucumber flavor, which is hard to do given how mild cucumber is). The cucumber dish also featured juicy arctic char roe. A really good carrot soup was next and it was served with tableside green peas croutons--made on the dish with liquid nitrogen to create sorbet-like spheres of green pea puree. A fun mushroom crisp followed. The next substantial course was Atlantic fluke carpaccio, which was garnished with lemongrass and saffron. I really liked the Atlantic fluke. It was nice to get a fish that I do not see that often on the west coast. A really good morel mushroom course followed, which I really liked. The morels were very good and they were served over a rich and savory morel bouillon. A very crispy and buttery croissant accompanied this course. Like great Bay Area fine dining spots (Saison, Atelier Crenn), Tru presents bread as actual courses so that you get fresh, out of the oven bread, which is a rarity these days (even at the best restaurants). A really good square of pork belly came next--very savory, tender and juicy. There were good garnishes including plum and onion. My favorite course followed. It was salmon poached in olive oil. It had a richness, moistness and softness that was truly special (it was one of the best salmon courses I've ever had). The salmon was accompanied by various textures of cauliflower from raw cauliflower to very creamy cauliflower puree. The final savory course was a letdown. The protein itself (veal) was good--tender and moist. I liked the vegetables they used too (asparagus, sugar snap peas). Unfortunately, the soy-based sauce was not good. It was an all-too-familiar Asian sauce that I've had at much lesser restaurants. The sauce also completely enrobed the veal too, which ruined the plate. The menu picked up though with the cheese plate--really great epoisses (creamy and pungent) and great garnishes including a bitter and fragrant herb salad and a great red wine poached pear paste. Both desserts were good. The first dessert featured crispy, buttery and crunchy nuts and oats with very vibrant and fresh berries (some of the best fruit I've had in the Midwest). The second dessert featured good cherries and really good black truffle ice cream. Mignardises and a to-go pound cake finished off the meal. Service was excellent. My server was very personable and knowledgeable about the menu. Despite the many courses, the food came out at an even and quick pace. Prices are high, but you get both an exceptional variety of food as well as generous portions (small plates but many, many courses). Tru has earned a lot of accolades over the years and I've heard some great things too. Even considering all of this, Tru still surprised me. This restaurant showcases really creative and delicious cuisine and the local and seasonal vegetables shined here much more than several other highly rated Chicago restaurants I've been to. Tru reminds me of great Bay Area restaurants like Manresa, Saison and Atelier Crenn (high quality but also creative and push the envelope cuisine). Tru is one of Chicago's best restaurants, but it is also one of the best restaurants in the country. I am not sure what the parking situation is at Tru.
(5)
John D.
Tru was an amazing experience and well worth the money. . I was fortunate to join some guests this last Friday night, 4th of July weekend, at Tru and had a great time. As soon as we entered we were greeted and this ushered into their amazing dinning room that is covered in art work. Our service was very nice and one of them guided us through the menu. All of the staff seemed to work together and help drop off and describe dishes which was very impressive. The food was incredible, my favorites included the morel mushroom flan, and the wheatberry dish. The Halibut entree I dreamed about the sauce the next day. The Sommelier was outstanding, and very personable, he helped us locate an incredible bottle of wine at the price point we were looking for. We all enjoyed the food and service, which was very professional and precise.
(5)
Ashutosh T.
The decor was very bland, and the place looked dead, but later i realized there were a few people around. Slow, maybe cos it was Tuesday? Anyway some courses were salty though stylish. Service was good and the desserts were nice. I enjoyed the percolator that made my tea for palette cleansing, however they just gave me a drop of the tea in a sorbet. I enjoyed the food at girl and the goat more.
(3)
Will K.
Did I want to rate Tru one star and start my review, "One Michelin star? MORE LIKE ONE YELP STAR!" Yup. But one star reviews are generally unhelpful tirades, so I bumped Tru up to two stars in hopes of offering a sober review that will help someone else save $500. My wife and I ate at Tru last night. Tru's ambiance is stiff, yes, but that's personal preference. Tru's staff is even stiffer and most appeared fearful for their jobs. Lots of nervous/shaky hands and voices. But again, that didn't bother me much. The fatal flaw with Tru was how pedestrian and forgettable all the dishes were. Despite the flourishes and upcharges, not a single course blew me away. The vaunted duck dish was okay, at best. To be clear, this isn't a critique of pricing, service or anything other than the taste of the food. Each course was thoroughly underwhelming. Was it a new chef? An off night? A restaurant in decline? Who knows, but at $250+ a person there's no room for error. Based on other reviews, Tru is a hit for some people but I'll strongly recommend my friends stay away. At best, Tru is a risky and expensive bet in a city with a bounty of delicious, sure bets.
(2)
Sissi L.
Since Alinea needs you to reserve at least 2 month ahead, we decided to go to other michelin starred restaurants. I have read a lot of reviews of michelin starred restaurants in Chicago and chose TRU. Not only because of Food, but also the outstanding service. I have to say, the caviar is the BEST. Kobe beef(made in 2 different ways. as we know, the beef is super organic, the cow was fed with music... lol), ruffles, super cute macaron & other desserts... is a plus. Every course is an art work. The service is incredible. Even though compared to other 1 star michelin restaurants, the price is not that lovely. (about 500 $ in total--for two). WORTH IT!
(5)
Meredith K.
It pains me to have to remove a star but they made some changes and to me they were not for the good. I was happy to see that great photo of the Eiffel Tower return from Paris Club. We love that picture. The menu format changed. There used to be 2 options and while there is a choice to have an abbreviated dinner - there aren't as many choices and its a lot more expensive. The menu set up is sort of confusing. You have some options but the way they word it, its difficult at first to tell where you need to decide. For the meat course the only option that I could get was the chicken for 2 for an extra $50. I didn't alert them that I don't eat beef or pork before arriving because in the past there were plenty of seafood options. That being said the chicken was amazing. All of the food was still amazing. The other change that we didn't care for is the bread. They don't come around with the tray where you can pick. You do get a piece of bread per course but its matched with what you're eating. You can feel that Gale Gand is no longer there. Its missing the whimsy. Also its missing the candy cart that used to come around after dessert. I loved that cart!! The service is still very good and helpful. I feel a little sad that its not what it used to be. Yes there were changes, and I try to embrace change, but in this case I don't think they're for the better. For the higher price point I might consider something else.
Such a very friendly staff! Beautiful atmosphere, great wine pairings, amazing dessert. I also got a tour of the kitchen and the famous chocolate bar on the house!
(5)
James L.
Dining at Tru was definitely an experience. We had their full tasting menu with wine pairing. The food was excellent and different and the service was great. I had a few issues that pushed the experience from a 5 to a 3.5. 1. Upon seating, there was a glass plate setting with Tru's logo. For our table of 6, 4 of the glass plates were chipped on the corners or edges. For a restaurant that charges $200+ per person, I would expect their logo'd plates to be in perfect condition. 2. Overall, the wine pairing was interesting and skewed toward sweeter wines. While I enjoyed it, some of my colleagues did not. For one of the dish (green asparagus, roasted onion, oxalis), it was paired with a 2011 Coenobium Lazio. I thought the wine tasted weird, and asked the waiter for more information about the wine. Instead of getting the sommelier, the waiter mumbled something and left us. 3. Wait staff was attentive, but rushed to describe the food they were serving. Anytime they tried to articulate something sophisticated, it felt like they rushed through it so we couldn't ask questions. 4. We ordered the whole roasted muscovy duck. When using their silverware, I noticed that the knifes were not sharp at all. At first, I thought it was the duck that was not well cooked. After speaking with my colleague, it seems everyone had dull knifes. I know these are little things, but for the price you pay, I had higher expectation.
(3)
Alanoud A.
It is un forgettable experience !! Such a delicious food ! It is really tasty .. It is my first visit to Chicago and I recommended the restaurant to my father and to my sister to try it in other states ..
(5)
Sherri S.
My (as of that day) fiance and I went to Tru while in Chicago for the weekend. We had just gotten engaged that day and they took special care to make it feel like a very special evening for us both. I gave 4 stars because of the ambiance. It was lacking. I would have loved city views, or any view for that matter, instead of curtains drawn and the feeling of being in a small enclosed room. The food is impeccable. The service is choreographed and never misses a beat. We did the full experience with caviar and the cheese cart and full wine paring. Our dinner took a little over 4 hours to complete, which further enhanced our entire dining "experience" rather than just a formal dinner. We even received a personalized copy of our Tru Experience listing everything that we had eaten and the wine paring with our party name and a congratulations message included. This will make a great keepsake. This was our first Michelin Star restaurant, but it won't be the last. I'm curious as to how other restaurants of the same caliber stack up. Overall, if you are a true foodie who has a wide palate range and are willing to try new experiences, then give Tru a try. If you are expecting a steak dinner, go elsewhere. Also, if you want the full experience (we were stuffed) with wine parings, the recommended reviews stating $500 to burn won't cover it. Just FYI.
(4)
chris c.
Let's just say it's a place for a special occasion. The experience was great. We picked a nine course meal with the wine tasting. Go and you won't be disappointed.
(5)
Mehran F.
Low value. A bit stuffy. Good enough food but I have had a lot better, and cheaper. Went to Tru with my wife and gorgeous 11 year old son. Ordered tasting menu. A couple of glasses of lower ranked wine. Bill was around 595 + 145$ tip right at $740. $20 valet. Not worth it. Comparing with other meals I have had at L2O and certainly Alinea, I felt it was a bit waste of money. Some of the dishes were good, like the scallop, short rib, and venison. Others OK. Deserts absolutely nothing to write home about. Not bad. Not impressive. The cheese plate reminded me of all the stuff i can get at whole foods. All servers seemed very nice; distant for the most part but good. Emily, the reservationist: high mark. Ratings: Food 7/10 Desert 3/10 Service 8/10 Ambience 7/10 Value 2 or 3/10
(3)
Kathy S.
Do not go there if you like to eat, because you can spend there 3 hours and leave hungry. Very small portions, but the food was good. Everyone around you is a snob, and it's hard to fine even one person smiling.
(3)
Fei W.
The service was impeccable and the food was good, with the exception of the white asparagus baked in salt. I won't detail the courses as it's available online, but the white asparagus happens somewhere in the middle. This dish was like sucking on a salt block. Very unpleasant and it felt like it pickled my mouth. Being in the middle, it tainted every savory course after as well. Fortunately the dessert courses were a great contrast and possibly made more delicious. Besides the English peas in frost, strawberry, mint dish. That one was too much gastronomy, not enough flavor. As an aside, I made reservations here for an out-of-town friend's visit without noticing that the attire was jackets required for gentleman. Oops. Cue music: I wear your granddad's clothes I look incredible I'm in this big ass coat From that thrift shop down the road Yup, that happened. I have a men's suit jacket from a thrift shop that was left by a random male visitor. For some reason, I kept it in my closet and boy did it come in handy. The jacket was ill-fitting, and clearly too big for my friend. Despite that, everyone there treated us extremely well. The service was attentive, polite, and surprisingly not overly serious. If it hadn't been for the course that was a tribute to saltlicks, this place would've been a solid 4 star.
(3)
Eric Y.
Yup, 5 stars. Everything from the staff, room, ambiance, service, food, beverages, even parking was excellent. First, they call you 2 days ahead of time to see if you have any dietary concerns or are celebrating any special occasion. The valet parking takes your name - no ticket - and when you leave, your car is already waiting. All this for $14 in downtown Chicago - that's a deal! When we arrived, they greeted us by name and, since we were there for our twins' birthdays, they greeted each of them by name with a happy birthday as well! The space is a classic "embrace and release" phenomenon where you walk in to a very dark, subdued entryway and then are released into a large main room with soaring ceilings and light. The room is beautiful with sheer floor to ceiling drapes and beautiful artwork on the walls. The tables are covered with white tablecloths and a subdued place holder; not much there to detract from the food. There is some modern background music that is unobtrusive; this is a place that you can actually have a conversation! We had the tasting menu with some upgrades - why not? Also some caviar - again, why not? Cheese? - that's a dumb question. That's 11 courses but there's a lot of extra stuff you get so it's more like 15. The food was uniformly excellent though some items definitely stood out. The dashi custard was super yummy - one of the best chawanmushi dishes I've ever had. The faro risotto with braised baby pig was also excellent. However, the best dish of the night and one of the best things I've ever eaten was the whole muscovy duck. This is an upgrade to the tasting menu and one that YOU MUST GET! This is the best duck I've ever had. They bring the thing out to the table before it's carved so you can see what a work of culinary art it is, then they take it back to the kitchen, carve it, and bring it back out. This duck combines the best of Eastern and Western duck cooking. In the East, it's all about having delicious duck skin - aka Peking duck. In the West, it's about having the most luscious pink duck breast meat. This duck had both - a savory, crispy skin and super tender pink meat. BRAVO! A little later they bring out the confit - so not a bit of that duck is wasted! This place is serious about bread and pastries. Each course comes with a different little bread - brioche, croissant, pumpernickel, fruit/nut, blini, cheese puff. So good. We got a basket of mini madeleines fresh out of the oven - OMG, those were the bomb. At the end of the meal came cannelles, and then a fruit brioche to take home. Our kids got little cupcakes with candles for their birthday - nice touch. The wine list is pricey (no surprise) and there is a by-the-glass list as well. The sommelier is quite helpful. Their coffee is Intelligentsia - always a nice touch. At the end of the meal we received customized birthday menus to take home as well as an array of sweets and cookies. As has been their custom since inception, as you leave, you get a little something to take home and eat in the morning to remind you of the meal. Nice touch.
(5)
erica f.
Came in again about two weeks ago after 4 years and holy shit the caviar. The Russian Royal Imperial Ossetra and California White Sturgeon were so dumb I couldn't even deal. GET some caviar, ok Overall: so rich. so cheese. much good. Alinea is still better tho. Sorry not sorry
(4)
Jennifer W.
Tru has been on my list for a while, and I'm disappointed that it didn't live up to my expectations. I wasn't overly impressed by the service, ambiance or the food. I will say it was very easy to get a reservation on a Friday night, which was nice, and that we were seated immediately. However, once we were seated and placed our drink orders, it was probably close to an hour before we received our first course. The wait staff apologized for the delay, and once the first course came out the rest followed pretty quickly, but it was still disappointing to go to such a nice restaurant and feel like we were ignored for such a long time. The ambiance was just okay. It looks nice and we had plenty of room at our table, but it seemed closed-off with all of the curtains drawn and had an 'empty' feeling to it. The food was good, but again nothing spectacular. A few courses (the petite salad, red curry squash and the beef) were excellent, but the rest I found to be not as great. Basically, I was hoping to be blown away by the experience, and I wasn't. Especially not for the steep price. I'd rather have gone back to Alinea again.
(3)
Henry H.
I had high expectations for this Michelin-starred place but have to say it didn't live up to all of it. My girlfriend and I came in late Friday night. After checking in for our reservation, we waited for about 15 minutes in the lounge before they could seat us. The lounge is quite luring with all the artsy stuff, but we were hungry. Our table was nicely set up (they even have a stool for the ladies' handbags). Since it was late, we went for the abbreviated menu. Somehow they messed up the order of our food, and it ended up being that I was on the third dish while she was on the second. They made an extra dish so we are again in sync. The food itself was good but not mind-blowing, especially if you have experienced other restaurants in this league. What I really enjoyed was the appetizers (trio, lite sunchoke, squash soup). My girlfriend loved the caviar and the monkfish. They changed their menu right before our visit and eliminated some of the options that I was looking for, since I have some diet restrictions. However they were able to accommodate my preferences. Definitely let them know if you are not a fan of certain ingredient. Their service is impeccable. Our waitress was very caring but knew the boundaries. They were patient in explaining all the options and offered some extra sweets at the end for messing up the presentation of some of our food. Clearly one of the best service I've ever received. At restaurants like Tru, you definitely pay a premium for things other than food. Is it worth it? That's definitely personal, but I'd come back if it's a special occasion.
(4)
Nathan G.
I don't know what that no-talent ass-clown, Jim H, is talking about. This place is that bomb-diggety, yo! From the empty cream puffs to the tree bark topped with bat guano, I haven't seen anything better. I particularly liked the breadstick pipe cleaner atop the cold butter water.
(5)
Van D.
Came here just before christmas. I have been here a few times in the past but it had been at least 3 years. Was a little hesistant after reading that it got only one michelin star. Had the chef lost his marbles? Were the staff resting on their laurels? I felt this was my best experience at Tru. All the dishes tasted great and were very creative. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Yes, its not a cheap meal but I don't mind shelling out some $$$ for gourmet dining. I have been to a couple of 3 star michelin restaurants and honestly this place was right on par.
(5)
Jing C.
My hands-down favorite fancy dining spot in Chicago! Why you ask? Let me count the ways... (1) The Food: It's just plain delicious. The ingredients are really special from the cuts of meat, unusual mushrooms to the high end cheeses on the cheese tray. Unlike other Michelin starred restaurants in Chicago that mess with your mind a bit (tofu that's really seafood that's made into ice-cream etc), the flavors are simple to enjoy. That's not to say the presentation wasn't amazing and artful. Just less of a cerebral experience and more of plain enjoyment. (2) The Service: Is super attentive without being snooty. For example, I love cheese but have a terrible memory for the names beyond Brie and Gruyere. So during the cheese course, I asked a lot of questions not knowing if I'd get a snobby answer back like "obviously the blah blah cheese of the blah blah region is known for it's XYZ properties." Nope, the waiter was really nice and happy to answer questions. I must have looked very conflicted over the choice of two different cheeses so our waiter started cracking up (nicely!) and made me a plate with all of them. (3) The Ambiance: The original, museum quality art has major wow-factor. Look, if I'm going to drop a paycheck on a meal, the setting should be pretty nice. And an original Warhol? That's pretty impressive.... (4) The Extras: Yep, wow factor again. On your way out, they give you cookies to enjoy the next day! And they personalize a copy of the menu with your special occasion as a keepsake. (5) It's a Lettuce Entertain You Okay, so that may seem like a weird plus but consider this. A) The dining points from your meal will definitely pay for a M burger. B)LEYE gift certificates are pretty popular holiday gifts. And with one in hand, the $$$$ cost of the tasting menu seems less well, bank-busting?
(5)
Rob C.
Went back in 2012...as a fairly ignorant chef at the time, a good friend took me to chicago and let me pick..no brainer..(hehee, he had no clue what to expect, pricewise and experience) I could not imagine a better dining experience. The service was like a dance group that had been touring together for 20 years...the food...speachless. Worth saving up for, because 2 people, with a decent bottle of wine, will set you back close to $1k. ..(*learned that black napkins are for women with lipstick, not messy male eaters that didnt want to have dirty napkins in such a serious restaurant) ..My friend has a very small bladder, the poor waiters must have pickedup, refolded, and changed his napkin, while also racing him back to his seat to pull chair, at least 10 times during dinner. Everytime without fail or attitude after the repetition. MindBLOWN It changed my outlook on food presentation, preparation, and service forever! Thanks Chef Martin! Hopefully we cross paths one day:) You guys deserve every michelin star you get. Definitely not comfortable for a casual eater, nor a place to stop by and just "try" (rezo a must...long time before u go..destination status)...all in or go find a diner kiddo..chicago dogs are pretty epic too..#justsayin
(5)
James H.
I've never done this before. Always thought Yelp was like talk radio -- it's okay to listen, but it's weird to actually call in. Tru is amazing. Very expensive, but the definition of "perceived value". The waiters are all wearing matching Joseph Aboud suits, the filtered water is poured in a choreographed, beautiful way... Yada, yada... but what put me over the moon was when my dining companion was fumbling with his camera, looking for a place to put it, a beautiful velveteen stool "appeared". I was impressed. We could have spent a lot more, but they got you for about $230/ person without going crazy. But somehow you feel like it was absolutely worth it. The pastry meant for the next morning was perfect. Go here. It's a treat.
(5)
Jennifer N.
I felt like I was eating in an art museum. White walls, dark curtains, and the only color in the restaurant were the paintings, the lilies and foxtail centerpieces (center of the room, not tables), and the food. The food was pretty much like art. We had a really early dinner at the Girl and the Goat before we ate at TRU and our server actually used to work at TRU. She said the service is like a choreographed dance... and it was. We had a party of six and three waiters came at the beginning and simultaneously poured our waters... it was... different. If you are unfamiliar with table manners, get ready to feel really awkward in this place. I may not be a debutante, but I think I know enough, but there were times when I felt uneasy. I felt I had to sit up straight the entire time and speaking too loudly would've been quite disrespectful. It was hard to carry on a conversation amongst the six of us since our round table was big enough to seat about ten people. Luckily, our maitre d' and waiters were friendly and joked with us every now and then to make us feel more at ease. You had the option of having a seven or thirteen course. We had the seven and it was so filling! The food was creatively plated. Some think it may be pretentious especially for the size of the plates and its price, but I appreciate unique plates presented like art in small portions. America has an issue with serving too much food! (And I always feel the need to finish my plate, aka gain more weight.) Back to the food. Our seven course tasting consisted of: amenity de la terre: beet, ossetra caviar, horseradish, chervil 1. day boat scallop, hon shimeji, cilantro, ginger, lime 2. long carrot soup, glacial orange cardamom 3. light sunchoke, sorrel, arctic char roe 4. scottish salmon, shiitake braised in sake, pickled ginger 5. soy glazed veal, preserved lemon, potato cont, green 6. pistachio in nature 7. english peas in frost, strawberry, mint Tack on some chocolate variations in the end. All of my plates were awesome. TRU likes to give you an "experience" and it was a great experience for my tongue. Some may find it a bit booshie, but just ignore the fact that men need to keep their jackets on, and focus on the food. Definite five stars. However, would I come again, probably not... I felt years getting drained out of me. One time is enough.
(5)
Bolun M.
My first Michelin star dining experience. The amenity and services are phenomenal and definitely worth the money. However in terms of the food, I'm really not a fun of those creative food dish. It might sound stupid, but the truth is whenever the waiter explained each dish to us when he served it, I really didn't know what he was talking about..... And I always finished each dish within a few bite (cause they are so little). I guess that's why I can't be a gastronomist, lol. Bottom lines: The experience overall worth your money, but I'm just not a fun for the food here.
(3)
Mandy C.
Tru was truly a nice fine-dinning restaurant. Guys, remember to bring a jacket that you would want to wear through your whole meal--it is required. And ladies, don't worry about what kind of clutch and purse you're going to bring, the bag get its own special cushiony seat. The place was spacious, grand and very clean cut with very nice drapes on the windows. I felt kind of uncomfortable at first because the wait staffs look super serious, but then later, they turned a little jokey but still professional. They tried to served us all at the same time as well as pushing in back the chair for us as we came back from the bathroom. My friends and I sat a few tables down from the kitchen and boy, I did not like the grease smell that came out of it in the middle of the meal...quite overwhelming. Anyhow, my friends and I went for the full tasting menu. Everything tasted delicious. The menu also played around a lot with special and unique serving dishes, which looked like props. For example, the scallop was served in a shell and the squab was served on a clear vessel that lay on top of a nest. The dishes came out really pretty but at the same time, it seemed like they tried too hard to turn traditional American to new American. All in all, the food was delicious! I enjoyed every single courses.
Outstanding French cuisine in downtown Chicago! No complaints. From appetizer to dessert, the meal was delicious. Exquisite service served with the utmost class.
(5)
Rachael C.
Not sure who could complain about this place. Went here for NYE 2014 - and was not disappointed. Service was traditionally fancy and fantastic. (Hint: Ladies - take the BLACK napkin when offered unless you are wearing a light color!) Food was well played and explained without snoot. Just professionalism. It was one big open room for dining with a seating area separate. Fantastic live music and art. Could be a romantic dinner - but it is very open and not dark. Light and simple. Would love to go again!!
(5)
Michal F.
At Tru the friendly professional service, presentation, taste and ambiance combine for a memorable experience. It's the prefect place for a big celebration with your significant other. The problem with upscale restaurants i usually have is a pretentious ambiance that can override an otherwise good experience no matter the quality of the food. This is not so at TRU. Despite a service that is as fancy as you can get there is still a warmth and acceptance that is readily felt. My wife and I came here for our first wedding anniversary and were wowed by the food quality, presentation and service. Our menu came customize with our names and the event we were celebrating - how cool is that. We ordered the 8 course Chef's special which ended up being 11 courses after the extras everyone gets by dining here. My favorites were the soups. One was a pea soup with a sub zero cream center. The other was a duck soup that was made at our table using a sophisticated bunson burner-esque heater. The savory flavor or this soup made it the best I've ever had. I recommend this restaurant for anyone with something epic to celebrate. The $250 per person we spent makes it the most expensive restaurant I've ever dined at so beware the prices can climb.
(5)
Stephen H.
Food was good, but not awe-inspiring. Over-use of cream and salt, IMHO with little nuance in the flavors. One of our dishes, the beef, was so tough and grisly we were all struggling to cut it, though the flavor and wine pairing were excellent. Service was fantastic until it came time for dessert. We dined early, and while we were finishing our main courses the restaurant became filled to capacity. The level of service plummeted. No matter how busy a restaurant of this caliber gets their kitchen and wait staff should be able to keep up. The experience should be seamless to diners. We waited for at least 30 minutes for our dessert course and because we had cars waiting, we were forced to rush through. Probably will not be back.
(2)
Annie B.
Let me start off first by saying that Tru is the only michelin-starred restaurant I've ever been to. While I don't have a plethora of other restaurants to compare it to, I still sincerely appreciate the innovative and thoughtful menu. If you're like me, you will be dining here for the experience just as much as the food. We were probably the youngest in the restaurant but I didn't feel out of place. The service is impeccable and you couldn't be better taken care of. I won't go into detail as it's spelled out in the other reviews, but these guys know what they're doing and aren't presumptuous about it. We did the 14-course menu + an additional 3-cheese tasting course (from the amazing cheese cart that should just be posted up in my kitchen at all times). We did not do the wine pairing but instead shared a $50 bottle of gruner veltliner. By the end of the 14 courses (17 if you count the complimentary cheese puff, complimentary extra dessert course, & the additional cheese course), I was beyond stuffed. We were going to walk around the city after our meal but ended up getting a cab to go home and pass out after 1/2 a block because we could barely move.. I am confident that you could do the 7-course menu and be very satisfied. The flavors in every dish are so exciting to eat. My favorites were the sea urchin in a granny smith + watercress avalanche, cool as a cucumber arctic char roe, yellow corn royal chanterelle truffle foie gras, and the scottish salmon poached in olive oil w/ cauliflower in textures. My least favorites were the bright melon in rose essence w/ cured duck breast and the duroc pork belly w/ chambered smoke consomme. Still not sure how I felt about the minimalist decor but the plating for each dish is BEAUTIFUL. If you have $500+ that you won't miss from your bank account, go take your favorite person and have a crazy fun experience.
(5)
Rosie S.
Breath taking from the moment you walk in. The dining experience was exciting , new & almost playful. I think I'll let you experience it and not ruin it for you! GO!
(5)
Sheeva G.
I had an excellent experience at Tru. I got a little carried away with the caviar and I ordered multiple 10g types to enjoy. It filled me up quickly, but the presentation was outstanding, as well as the champagne that was paired with it. I decided to do the entire Tru experience tasting menu, which did not look as big as it actually was. Everything was superb, but I think there were at least 2 sub-courses within each course so I ended up eating a ridiculous amount of food (definitely not complaining though). The presentation for each course was magnificently beautiful and also delicious at the same time. My favorite was probably the smoked langoustine which came out in a glass sphere that was literally smoking in herbs, then placed on the plate with the other goodies of the course. Also, my grand cru Girardin Corton Charlemagne was fantastic. Overall, I would say that Tru was a little stuffy, but I had a grand evening and a lovely dining experience.
I took my boyfriend to Tru for his birthday. What a waste of time and money! First off, if I'm paying $500 for dinner for two, the food and service better be damn good. Food was okay, nothing spectacular. Service was horrible. Our waiter mumbled when he explained our dishes. Maybe he thought we weren't paying attention? Believe me, we were. My boyfriend also pointed out that the servers would roll their eyes whenever they came out with a tray and had to wait for the waiter to serve the plate. At one point, the server waited so long to be relieved of the contents of her tray, she sighed out loud. Right next to our table. Very unprofessional. To top it off, when my boyfriend tried to take of his jacket because the room was too warm, he was told he needed it keep it on during the dinner service. It's his birthday and we're spending $500+ for dinner and he can't take off his jacket? If you're looking for a fine dining experience without the attitude, go to El Ideas. Better food, better environment, better service, better price...better EVERYTHING.
(2)
Agnes L.
A good restaurant has delicious food. A great restaurant has that + good service. A superior restaurant (warranting a four-star status with the Trib and many other accolades) is one in which food, service and atmosphere combine to create a memorable experience. Tru is one of these rare superior restaurants. My husband and I celebrated our first wedding anniversary at Tru with the 9-course tasting menu. The insanely creative and whimsical menu items played with unusual texture, flavor and presentation combinations. We continued to be surprised through each course from the array of river salmon served in a platter mimicking a rushing river with the use of dry ice to the humorous miniature monkey statues garnering our tiny desserts. And, the sophisticated art gallery decor of the restaurant paired well with the food because our plates were honestly works of art in themselves. (Although, one negative would be that it felt a bit superfluous at times. One example of this is the fruit leather hanging on clothes lines - It seemed to be an exaggerated response to what could really be comparable to a lunchbox fruit snack.) In the end, Tru is the most expensive and extravagant restaurant my husband and I had ever set foot in, yet we did not feel out of place, rushed or looked down upon like we have felt in the past at other ritzy restaurants. We were able to take our time, enjoying every tasty bite while joking with our servers. We received additional surprise special treatment with a personalized menu in the beginning of our meal and a celebratory cupcake in honor of our anniversary at the end. For one night, we were able to live like royalty. It is a meal we will hold close to our hearts.
(5)
Vernetta H.
Tru is the quintessential upscale restaurant. I experienced great service, innovative cuisine, and unique wine. I had the full culinary experience. For a foodie, it was among the top three meals that I have experienced in a lifetime worldwide.
(5)
Adam B.
One of the best meals I have ever had and I have been to plenty of restaurants of this caliber. Inventive cuisine that is delicious and for $150 for tasting menu was very worth the price.
(5)
Hannah H.
My friend and I decided to check out Tru, as we've heard so many things about this restaurant, but never had the chance to dine there. Even though Chef Gale Gand and Chef Rick Tramonto are not present and with the restaurant anymore, we were still excited to see what it was all about. Once we arrived, we were greeted promptly by the hostess and was led to the formal dining area. Our first bite was compliments from the chef, which was a cheese puff - it was warm and cheesy, and a nice little morsel to start the night off. We then had an Amenity de la Terre (beet with Ossetra caviar, horseradish, and chervil), which was a nice and refreshing, and great with the horseradish cream; next, we had the Day Boat Scallop with hon shimeji, ginger, and lime (this tasted fresh and was seasoned perfectly); 'Cool as a Cucumber' was next with arctic char roe - this was also refreshing with bits of the cucumber slices - the broth had a strong sake flavor, but when mixed with the other ingredients, it was nice; one of my favorites was the Long Carrot Soup (that had glacial orange cardemom) - it was creamy and it came with a cute little brioche toast with orange butter - yum!; 'Maitake Crunch' with ramp and oxalis was next, which tasted like a mushroom-infused rice cracker; Atlantic Summer Fluke (with saffron mussel veloute and lemongrass) - this was tangy/vinegar-ish; another favorite of mine was the Blonde Morel Royal' which was like a mushroom flan - the flavors were amazing with its saltiness, mushroom-iness, and the nice little custard; Duroc Pork Belly (compressed black plum and onion to the third power) was nice and fatty, but flavorful; Scottish Salmon with shiitake braised in sake and pickled ginger was cooked medium, but it was nice and delicate; the sake also seemed to be too overwhelming for me, but if you mix the flavors, it worked; next was the Soy Glazed Veal with preserved lemon, potato confit, and green - the veal was very tender and great with the au jus sauce that were poured over it, and I loved the little potato balls; next was the Espoisses (herb salad with red wine pear) - the cheese was wicked strong, but with the greens and the jam, it tasted great; our desserts started with the 'Passionate Marshmallow' - this was a homemade marshmallow with passion fruit stuffed inside of it - came on a stick like a s'more on a log and this was absolutely delightful; the 'Melons in Color' with lemon verbena and mint also had that sake flavor to it which seemed overwhelming at first, but melded together with the other ingredients made it refreshing; the 'Cherry Variation' with truffle and almond was also great, as it was halved cherries with an almond pound cake on the bottom, kind of like a cherry shortcake; we then had 'Mignardises,' which we had samplings of their tiny desserts (like square lemon tarts, macarons, dark chocolate truffles, and floral-infused marshmallow). Each plate was plated beautifully (all Earthy/Zen-like decorations and inspirations), and very pleasing visually. The waitstaff were very friendly and nice, very efficient, and we also didn't have to wait too long for our next course. We also were fortunate to take a tour of the kitchen, and the Chef was amazing and so welcoming and friendly. We had a great dining experience. A restaurant that is 1 Michelin starred, we enjoyed each and every dish with no complaints! Loved the high ceilings and the art work (especially the animated woman frame by the bathroom). I suggest parking at 900 N Michigan for validated parking or they also have valet for $14. +lovely tasting menu :D +cheese popover +Duroc Pork Belly +Soy Glazed Veal +'Passionate Marshmallow' +'Cherry Variation' +request a kitchen tour :D +park at 900 N for validated/discount parking
I really enjoyed my experience at Tru. As many have stated, the service is immaculate and an experience in itself. The staff is very serious on ensuring that you have the best experience possible. The moment there is a crumb on your table, they will sweep it off. Or if you get up to use the restroom, an employee will escort you the entire way (and also replace your napkin at the table). Although I tend to be more laid-back about service, it was still pretty fun to feel so pampered. The food was also delicious and we left ridiculously full. There were a couple courses that made me almost swoon. Plus I loved the personalized menus and the almond cake that was already packaged up to eat the next day. Note for the ladies: they have cute little ottomans for you to put your purse on!
(4)
Philly G.
An amazing experience. Went for our 6 year anniversary. They create personalized menus for you which they give you in an envelope at the end of your night to take home along with two pastry treats wrapped for you to enjoy the next day. We had champagne to start off. We chose the grand collection with the wine pairing and everything was delicious. I enjoyed the butternut soup, "caviar" over avocado, the fish, and the desserts with all of the perfect wine pairings the best. The servers are extremely attentive and make for a wonderful evening. I'm so glad we celebrated here. Ladies there are little ottomans to put your purse on. They will escort you all the way to the restroom. They will keep your table looking spotless as they take care of every single crumb after every course. I thought the chef was amazing and just wanted to go tell him thank you for such a wonderful meal.
(5)
Lou C. H.
This is where the 1% eat. You walk in, and there are beautiful orchids arranged Mapplethorpe style. There's one server for every person in your party. Dinner is theater, jacket required. At one time, I was freezing, and my DH too hot. DH asked if he could loan me his jacket, matire d' looked horrified. Absolutely not! We ordered a supplement, and one of the servers forgot. He brought over the setting for another dish, so it was I who asked him if that lobster dish was still coming. He was stricken, quickly removed the setting, and thanked me profusely for saving his job. The food is topnotch, super expensive, but the service is a little too uptight for my tastes. We go out to dinner to enjoy ourselves. Not to panic over a crumb. Not to be watched over so closely that when a crumb falls, people swoop in. And guess what, crumbs fall. I've never had a dinner party where a guest hasn't dropped a crumb, and yes, I've groaned the next day when I've had to clean up. I also do not like being escorted the entire way to the bathroom, I'm not five. The worst dish, hands down, the George the banana monkey with banana dessert. Rather pedestrian dessert for a meal that will cost you $500. Second worst dish, the tasteless jidori chicken on a log. The lobster was the best. The "linens" that cleanse your palate fun and playful. You always remember the best, and the worst.
(3)
Kevin A.
The courses were great tasting, but not enough. A spoon held the soup serving. Very expensive and left wanting more. Everst was better in my opinion. My wife did love the purse ottoman.
(3)
S S.
Great dining experience. The atmosphere, service, and food were all superb! The duck is delicious, as we're all the courses. Presentation was amazing! A definite.
(5)
Peter F.
We had the "Tru Experience" option, which included 4 more courses than the half experience. I have to say though, the 4 courses that were included were the best part of the experience, so if you only get the half, you're probably going to leave disappointed and slightly heavier pocketed, though still really really light, since our total came out to half a K for 2 with no pairing, just 2 cocktails. For the most part, food was great! However, there are a few courses that were either lacking 1 or more flavor components or was slightly salty. If only the chef had put in a little more effort, those dishes would've been phenomenal. For example, the first course came out with 3 small dishes, which although tasted the worst, looked the most beautiful. It had the right idea, but was incredibly short on execution. One of the dishes was a "drink" but was void of any flavor. Almost made me gag actually. I thought it was just me, but my wife felt the same way as well as a few tables surrounding us. Unfortunate that it was the first course, because it kinda set the tone for the entire meal. Fortunately, the rest of the meal was great and got us back into the mood, but not entirely. One thing that really stuck with me was the cheese course. I think I spent about 30 percent of the meal enjoying that portion of the meal. It was INCREDIBLE! Overall, good meal. I didn't mind the price tag so much had it not been for a few dishes that made me regret question the decision to go here. The cheese course made me happy though :)
(3)
Sherwin S.
Authentic French cuisine...in America! With so many fine dining establishments in America being touted as New American cuisine, it's refreshing to see a restaurant like Tru staying true (you see what I did there?) to the roots of classic fine dining. You are greeted with a very simplistic door with a very simplistic sign when you enter the establishment. After going through the doors and escaping the Chicago cold, you are greeted with an extremely small check in room, with a very helpful maitre d who checks your coat. The space then opens up to a large restaurant, simplistically yet eclectically decorated. The food though is the star of the restaurant...and you are greeted with dish after dish of classically cooked, elegantly prepared, and perfectly tasting dishes. Though some modernity has crept into the cuisine (they have an amazing hot infuser), the dishes still keep to the classic roots and everything is unequivocally French in inspiration. I love Tru...and Chef Martin has done an amazing job of carrying on the work of Trumonte. I can myself dining here regularly when I am in Chicago...I just need the bank account to order the cavier service next time!!!
(5)
Najia Y.
I came here for the dessert tasting menu. I was happy with the well executed dishes we were served.
(4)
Tiff C.
Great ambience and service and communicative staff. A good experience overall, but not really worth the price. I didn't enjoy the starter and meat as much, but the skate wing was great and the dessert was also good. Not amazing for the price you pay unfortunately.
(3)
Laura A.
We dined at Tru for a special occasion last winter and ordered the tasting menu. Highlights: The presentation throughout the meal was spectacular and even whimsical. For example, the waiter placed a bowl of liquid in front of us, then poured something into it and poof! It turned into a snowy-looking substance! He then put a glass top over the snow and served a little mousse snowman on top. It was magical and delicious. We also enjoyed the cheese course - some of the best cheese I have had in this town. Why only 3 stars: For the price, there is better cuisine in Chicago. For a luxury experience, there is better cuisine (Alinea, L2O, Il Mulino to name a few...). The bottom line is our food was good, but not phenomenal. There are too many amazing restaurants in Chicago and I would not come here again and would only recommend to out-of-town guests who would prefer to stay in close proximity to downtown to eat. Additionally, the decor is a bit too minimal. I like clean and modern spaces just fine, but the decor is too spartan.
(3)
Deb L.
My husband and I went on our anniversary. We didn't have babysitters, so our 5 and 7 year old came with. We were worried that the staff would not want the kids, but the staff was so friendly towards my two boys! The food was the best we have ever had. My two young boys can't stop talking about how it was the best meal they ever had! The desserts were amazing! When the waiter poured my 5 year old water, he splattered water on the glass and got my 5 year old a different glass of water (I had to laugh at that). Very expensive...around $800 for the four of us, but well worth the dining experience! At the end the manager came up to us and complimented us on our well behaved children....made us feel good! Will hopefully be going back again when in Chicago!!! The waiters were not snooty at all!
(5)
Jennifer W.
Three stars are generous. I'm rounding up. Let me begin by stating that I did not pay for my dinner at Tru. The bill for four people (I peeked) was more than I make in a week. That being said, it didn't seem like it SHOULD be that much, except perhaps to pay for the expert wait staff. Oh, the waiters. Three of the people in our party chose the three course meal. Then there was my husband who chose the 35 course meal (maybe it was 10, but it seemed ungodly at the time). Each time he was brought a new plate, the other three people's empty, completely spotless plates were removed and a new empty plate was presented. I could talk about this for another paragraph, but I think that would be as pointless as this aspect of the service. I wasn't impressed with the food. I have a tree nut and tree fruit allergy, and although this was mentioned to the waiter, I was simply told what I couldn't eat, rather than being offered any kind of alternative. The first two courses were fine, but there was fruit and nuts in every one of the deserts that were carted out, so I was stuck choosing the cheese. Yawn. I would never go back on my own dime, but I may not even go back on someone else's.
(3)
Peter H.
Warning: Stay away from this place like a plague. Tru is certainly a unique dining experience in every bad way you can deem possible. Terrible service (this I cannot emphasize enough), bland food and a high price tag. It's what we Chinese people would call the Tuhao of dining - classless and the non-frequent high diners simply go and justify it's worth because it's expensive. I came with high expectations after a friend's recommendation and after reading numerous positive reviews but I left $600 dollars short and extremely disappointed. I'll divide this review in terms of four sections: service, presentation, ambiance and food quality. Service I cannot emphasize how bad the service is at this restaurant. If you can't be bothered reading then this is what happened: male waiter knocks over my full glass of Delamotte champagne, doesn't apologize, drops a bon bon dessert on the table from it's plate and doesn't replace it with a new one, then proceeds to charge me for 2 glasses of Delamotte without acknowledging that he tipped over the first one. Overall, the host, hostesss and other waitresses were all very courteous but what transpired in my 1.5 hours of dining here with that waiter could easily make this the worst restaurant service I have ever experienced. To put it simply, I'd rather go spend $20 at Applebee's and tip $580 because I know at least the staff would treat me with something called respect which Tru is oblivious to. Presentation Food presentation is important for any high-end restaurant, and Tru doesn't disappoint. It isn't as impressive nor innovative as Alinea, such as it's dessert table paintings or its green apple taffy balloons, but Tru does a great job in showcasing each dish. On another note, Tru is known for their levitation dish which I was hoping to see but wasn't offered on my menu. Ambiance Live piano music, candle lights, dim lighting, no city-view backdrop (it's on the first floor) etc. If that floats your boat go ahead. Food I cannot emphasize how bland and unimpressive the food was. I say this in all sincerity because I've ate at Alinea, Next, L20, Sixteen and the list goes on. I came here on 12/31 to celebrate the new years and they only had one set menu available but it was bland in every way. To be honest, I can't even remember what I ate because it was just that unimpressive and disappointing. I even looked across the table to see my friend really disappointed and she usually never complains about food. That's just how disappointed we were. In summary, if you want to get poor service and pay a shit ton then this is the place for you.
(1)
Nelson M.
Restaurant Review Simply exquisite would sum up my experience at Tru.As I walked out the door, i was lucky enough to pull up the restaurant on my Yelp app to realize that a suit was the dress code required for males. I quickly change and ran down the street for dinner. The service is first class and the ambiance of this restaurant is amazing. Our dinner consisted of: 1. Small Amuse-bouche served on a mirror plate. I have no idea what it was except it was a square cube of soft food with light foam. 2. The salad was a heirloom lettuce with baked figs, cripsy prosciutto, and vanilla balsamic vinegrette which was heavenly. The figs and prosciutto great a unique balance of savory and sweet that goes well with the lettuce. This is simply the best salad ever. 3. Grass fed beef tenderloin with caramelized onion tart and cabernet reduction. Simply the the most tender piece of beef ever with a delicate sauce that complemented well with the red wine that evening 4. For dessert, an amazing chocolate tart with raspberry and slight flecks of gold foil. Beautiful and one of the best desserts. Service was great and quick. The food is a fine balance of art and flavors that should be experienced at least once in your lifetime! Pro- food that was amazing well balance with unique ingredients, top notch service Con- Super expensive. Strict dress code i.e. guys you have to wear a suit or they won't let you in. Hidden deal- None
(4)
Gregory S.
Very expensive, especially the wine list but the food and wine and service were outstanding. Timing was perfect, people were great, lots of room between tables. Quiet which was nice. Great restaurant.
(5)
Ellie S.
I was in town for the Hot Chocolate Chicago race and my friends and me for kicks decided to find out if there was an opening at Tru. The staff asked if we could be there in 10 minutes and we obliged. Having not anticipated an elegant meal that evening we were floored by our experience. We were dressed down compared to most patrons yet given the same exquisite service despite going over my two drink limit and penchant for humor. We ordered the full menu and I indulged in two desserts rather than one. If I am going to get the full experience I might as well try everything. I did not like all of the food (I'm a picky eater), however I loved most of the food and really enjoyed the sensory experience the chef provided. The service here is impeccable. From the time we came toward the door until our exit our experience was amazing. I was even given a small "table" for my purse. It is a long dining experience lasting about two and a half hours. Well worth it! The best part was watching the precise choreography utilized by the staff when serving our food. It was beautiful like watching a ballet.
(4)
Lindsay S.
I get the feeling people are afraid of being honest after dropping hundreds of dollars on a meal. It's true that the service, ambiance and presentation are wonderful. But if you ask my boyfriend and I, that's all this place has going for them. We did the 13 course "Tru Experience" with wine pairings. I love pork belly, duck breast, and short rib. They're foods I frequently order if offered on the menu. How did Tru mess up my favorite foods? The short rib was literally the worst I have ever had. We each took a bite and had to abandon it. The pork belly had been morphed into jell-o, and the duck breast was cured and tasted no better than something you could have on your meat/cheese plate at a neighborhood wine bar. In addition to the food we found to be genuinely bad, unfortunately nothing was GOOD either. There were just dishes that were "meh" in which I found *elements* that I liked. Biggest kudos to the sommelier. She did a great job with what she was given. Go to Alinea, Moto, and/or Goosefoot. "Better" isn't a strong enough word to describe how much these places trump Tru.
(2)
Jaime G.
# 3 best meal in chicago is Tru. Loved the service, wine service, and cheese. Every meal and pairing was very well thought thru and very good.
(5)
Kathleen M.
I have a sorority sister who likes to celebrate her birthday. She has a husband who likes to go on fishing trips to Canada. The two collided and he uttered these fateful words. "Invite your sorority sisters for a birthday dinner, anywhere you want, I will pay for it." Done, she invited us and our daughters to dine with her at Tru. It was the most elegant meal and the most giggly fun I have ever had. Heck, I even bought new shoes for it. The restaurant was hidden and elegant and when we left they gave us parting gifts. We did the prix fixe with a couple of Caviar staircases and lots of champagne thrown in. Fab-u-lous! If I got up, they moved my chair. When I came back, they helped me in. I remember all the food as just delicious but we did drink a lot of champagne. Cheers! I wasn't a Yelper then but I have always meant to write about this fantastic birthday party. Yesterday I checked in with my Yelp app to remind me. (I didn't have a smart phone back then.) Today, I get a message on Yelp from the self appointed Yelp police - aka the husband of a FORMER Yelp friend - that he has "noticed" that I did a 10:00 am check in at Hub 51 and a check in shortly after that at Tru. He is "contemplating" turning me into Yelp reps as he knows these check ins are not legit and then I will most likely be deported or possibly shot by a firing squad. Stalk much? Hilarious! It made a memorable evening even more memorable. So be careful, if you dine at Tru, make sure you check in on that exact date or the Barney Fife of Yelp Elites will turn you in. Tru dinner and a true story.
For our last night in Chicago, we stuck with a restaurant closer to our hotel and went to Tru. Making a reservation on OpenTable a couple weeks of time was surprisingly easy (we were able to get a reservation at 7:45 on Saturday night), and showing up and getting seated was a cinch. Similar to Alinea the night before, the dining room has a relatively simple yet modern feel to it, although there is more bright lighting. Although the dining room feels quite big, it never got too noisy, even when it was filled with more people. Service was very good and relatively quick; you aren't left waiting too long between each bite, which is probably a good thing if you go with the 14-course tasting (which you definitely should). The servers also have a good personality about things and talking about the dishes, which is nice in comparison to most upscale places, where waiters can be robotic at times. As for the food - it's hard to state how well and complete the tasting menu feels. Doing the 14-course tasting gives you a chance to sample dishes from all across the spectrum - seafood, meats, appetizers, sweets, and some really cool, innovative dishes in between. Not only that, but the presentation is extremely unique and well-done for each dish - for example, you get served the beef on a glass resting on top of half a wooden log - without being overwrought and feeling over the top. The first course was beet with caviar, which was really good and different, as the caviar paired with a denser vegetable adds a spritz of saltiness, but the flavor of the beet is much lighter than other dishes I've had with caviar. The seafood dishes (both the crab and the Scottish salmon) were very delicious; they tasted fresh, but paired with a clean fruity tastes (for the crab) and with mushroom-infused broth (for the salmon). The clear highlight of the dinner (and it wasn't on the shorter 7-course - just another reason why you should go for the larger tasting) was the foie gras truffle flan. It's the first time these two favorites of mine paired in the dish, and the result is pure magic. Out of the many meals I've eaten over the years, this may very well be the absolute best dish, EVER. The richness of the foie gras gives the dish the depth, but the truffle flavor overlaid on it takes it to another level. I would come back to Tru if the rest of the meal was just okay, because this was otherworldly and so freakin' good. It gets paired with a croissant served with truffle butter, which really helps to highlight the exquisite flavors of the truffle in another light. The butternut squash soup is the other dish that highlights the truffle, with white truffle cream drizzled into the soup to really give the soup (which was solid on its own) an extra kick of flavor. Both meat dishes (the pork belly and duo of wagyu beef) were delicious and succulent in their own right. In particular, the richness of the flavor in the dry-aged beef was so well-done, it hardly required any additional flavoring or marinade. Like any fabulous restaurant, the dessert courses were delicious (one dish with parfait and orange that almost seems like it's ice cream, except it's not; and a chocolate dish)...and then you got served more dessert on top. We were brought out a 3-tier selected of various truffles, macaroons, jellies, and other goodies to select from at the end, and it was topped off by providing us with a pastry with an orange jelly center for later...it was a great thing to wake up to the next morning. In all, Tru is a phenomenal restaurant. The presentation of the food is fantastic, the portions are just right for a larger tasting menu, and the food is phenomenally good across the spectrum. Did I mention the fois gras truffle flan? SO GOOD. I'm definitely coming back here next time I'm in town. Easily my favorite restaurant (of the limited ones I've been to) in Chicago, and one of the best - if not the best - restaurant I've had the privilege of eating at ANYWHERE so far. You have to eat dinner here.
(5)
Betty C.
TRU is a sophisticated, elegant and enjoyable dining experience. That being said you will not be overwhelmed with the magnificent flavor of any of the dishes - they all taste very good but nothing will knock your socks off or leave you feeling like you need to return for that dish. The service is what is amazing and the quite, hushed tones of the other diners makes you feel like you are in a food house of worship. The staff is extremely well trained. You are doted on without it feeling obtrusive. Every plate and utensil is always where it should be. Errant crumbs are whisked away at every course. We were there for a 90th birthday and all the staff greeted us with birthday wishes. The give-away amuse bouches - two to start, were delicious - a Comte Cheese gougere and a lemon mousse with a roasted fennel puree. We ordered the Chef's Collection of 9 courses. The three tastiest were the smoked sturgeon "caviar", the butternut squash soup with ginger marshmallows and the duroc pork belly roulade. The pork had great flavor but was a bit drier than one would expect for pork belly. The bread service is great with buttery mini brioche and crispy cheesy, delicate Parmesan crackers. Our biggest complaint would be that there was never enough delicious sauce served - even when a sauce "pusher"/knife was given to use. After dinner the mignardises were a nice touch - the lemongrass French macaron not so great but the fried thimbles (not that small though) of custardy like dough were really good as well as the apricot soft gummy-like dot. The liquid raspberry filled thin shell of chocolate with hints of gold leaf on top were a nice way to end the meal. As we departed they gave a a customized menu as a momento and a neatly wrapped almond/cherry mini cake sporting a TRU tag. The mini cake was delicious with coffee the next morning and one of those endearing touches that leaves a warm feeling for the place. Special Dishes: Duroc pork belly, butternut squash soup with ginger marshmallows, smoked sturgeon "caviar", mini brioche, Parmesan crackers
(4)
An N.
This is an experience everyone should have at least once in their life. From the incredibly choreographed service, to the exciting and innovative food, it was worth every penny. Yes this is an investment of a meal. Something that I could never enjoy on a regular basis, but that's part of the fun, right? Knowing that you are saving up and making a celebration something truly romantic and meaningful. My husband was kind enough to book us the "Tru experience", a 14 course chef's tasting menu. When I tell you this is an EXPERIENCE, I mean every single one of those 14 courses came with an elaborate dance from the servers to ensure the utensils, place setting, and setting down of the dish was immaculate. Now the food.. oh the food. I've never been one to use the word titillating, but that's what my tongue was going through. Combinations like "see urchin in a granny smith + watercress avalanche" and "soy glazed veal, preserved lemon, potato confit, green" intrigue all your senses and leave your palate complete satiated. THE WINE!!! We didn't go with the wine pairing- just opted to order a la cart. I can't remember what line we ordered, but I can tell you that was the most amazing tasting pinot noir I have ever had in my life. Still dreaming about it to this day. Their Sommelier is spot on. I really can't say enough about the wonderful servers. So many times the staff at expensive restaurants can't help but evoke the aura of, "Do you know where you are? You are privileged to be here." But that couldn't be further from the truth with Tru. They were genuine, articulate, intelligent and extremely kind. And to top it all off, they gave us a tour of the kitchen at the end of our meal! You think the food is elaborate? Imagine the amount of staff necessary to maintain the timing and execution of the meal. 'PHEW!' I was very grateful my husband was thoughtful enough to splurge on this amazing meal. If you're in town and want something worth dressing up for, this is it.
(5)
Lakeview M.
Outstanding. Inventive, interactive and extraordinary. Felt more like a night at the theater than dinner with family. So rare and hard to have all your expectations fulfilled then surpassed that there is almost an emotional hangover when it's done! A VERY serious food destination that still leaves you feeling amused and amazed, like you just ate all your favorites foods that you never knew about. Argh, would give anything to go again
(5)
Chris D.
Tru is one of the grande dames of the Chicago restaurant scene. It doesn't attract the same buzz as some newer high end places, and it presents a fairly traditional approach to fine dining. No communal table. No open kitchen. No "wear what makes you comfortable" dress code. Fine art on the fall. But Tru clearly belongs to the upper echelon of Chicago restaurants and is still going strong even as it closes in on 20 years in business. The food is not avante garde in the same sense as Alinea or Grace but is still fresh, contemporary, and uniformly excellent. The tasting menu is very well balanced--not too many or too few of any particular type of course. We left satisfied but not overstuffed. The wine pairings complemented the food well. Service was exception. When the captain asked my girlfriend if she wanted another glass of champagne, she said yes and joked that she would also like another serving of the very delicious truffled pasta dish we'd just eaten. It was obviously meant in jest. Nonetheless, five minutes later, out came another helping for both of us. Minor criticisms: the bread selection was less not particularly impressive compared to say, Sixteen, and the chairs are a bit small. Overall, a terrific and memorable meal.
(5)
Lu H.
Over two years after we first dinned here. we decided to come back and celebrate my birthday. I think after all the other dinning experiences we've had in the past two years, I really wanted to try Tru again and see where it stands when compared to other Michelin starred restaurants. By the minute we walked in, they treated you as if you were the only customers and all attention was on you. And it's my birthday, so everyone said happy birthday to me, which made the birthday girl really happy :). The service was top notch, I always appreciate the attentions to details--black napkin for my black dress, purse stool next to my feet, and the happy birthday print on the menu. We went for the Chef's collection, plus some caviar. Needless to say, every course's presentation was beautiful. -Caviar: it has the most memorable presentation as the caviar was presented on some gorgeous white coral. We are rookies when it comes to caviar, so all I can say is, it's YUMMY! :) -White sturgeon "caviar", rested on avocado. This chef's take on caviar is just as delicious as the real caviar we just had, if not better. I think the avocado made it. -Day boat scallop: it had a very profound Asian flavor to it, i think it's the ginger and thai chili. This was the start of this underlying Asian flavor of tonight's dinner. -Summer tomato salad: refreshing, summery, and it preserves the natural flavors of tomatoes while made it more visually appealing. It made me feel less guilty about going out because I was eating all the vitamins! -Dashi flan: i think this might be the least memorable dish of all night. I don't remember what it is... -Foral artichoke: it was some artichoke creamy soup with edible flowers on top. The flavors were amazing, and the presentation was pretty. Loved it! -Alaskan halibut: another dish with more of an Asian twist than French in my mind. It tasted like a Thai halibut curry. Don't get me wrong, I loved it, but I thought Tru is supposed to be more like modern French? I still remember the foie gras ravioli we had at our first visit. Now they went for Thai flavors? -Jidori chicken: very tender, and had foie gras and black truffle shaving. It was the high note of the night. But again, I think there's some soy sauce-ish tasting sauce on the plate. A little odd to couple that with foie gras, but oh well, I loved their chicken. Then comes the cheese cart, then the vanilla parfait and banana ice cream presented by "George", some monkey statue that made me laugh. It's kinda weird to present dessert on a monkey statue, maybe another hint of the thai underlying tone? Last but not least is the dessert cart, I asked for one of each, a girl can never have too many desserts! When we left, they gave us each a treat to take home. Very thoughtful and a nice touch for an amazing dinner! It's definitely worth a Michelin Star, and we will definitely be back again!
(5)
Alicia M.
I had this meal with my office so it was free for me (thankfully). It's a beautiful meal with gracious service and an elegant dinning room. A very formal affair. The panko crusted scallop appetizer was by far my favorite bite. I had the short ribs for an entree which was juicy and flavorful. The wine pairing was phenomenal. I would definitely recommend the pairing. If you're willing to fork out a lot for this meal it is delicious, but I've had meals just as delicious for much less in the city.
(4)
Linda H.
I cannot say enough good things about Tru. Writing this review makes me want to delete all my previous 5-star reviews because nowhere compares to the dining experience I had at Tru. Walking in, the hostess took our coats and escorted us to the lounge to wait for our table. Our table was ready in less than 5 minutes, but I almost wish we had longer to wait because the seating area was very plush and there was a lot to look at, including some unique art pieces. Once seated, we were presented with our selection of napkin colors, my purse was comfortably seated on the ottoman next to me, and the head waiter explained the menu offerings to us. Multiple servers are assigned to each table and each person was extremely knowledgeable and polite. I decided upon the 3 course menu and my BF got the 6 course tasting menu. For his extra courses, they brought me out an empty plate and silverware, which I thought was a nice touch because then I could steal some of his food ;-) As a note, the courses listed on the menu don't include a variety of amuse bouches and palate cleansers, nor the extensive bread service they provide. We left the restaurant full to the brim. The food, which has been explained previously so I won't get into details, was amazing. The one dish we thought fell short was the chicken. It wasn't bad, just not anything to call home about. The best parts were the desserts. And yes, I say plural desserts because they just kept coming. We ordered off the menu, then a dessert cart was presented to us, then we got 3 additional off-the-menu dessert bites and a root beer float. It was heavenly. Lastly, when we left, they had our coats waiting (no coat check ticket here!) and our car valeted outside. We also got a personalized menu to take home and a little breakfast pastry wrapped up for the next morning. A few notes - Tru is a formal restaurant and jackets are required for men. Turn off your cell phone - I'm sure if yours rang, everyone would turn and give you a dirty look. Bring your 12 inch voices, its an extremely intimate dining experience. All in all, Tru is a culinary delight topped off by the most dedicated service I have ever experienced in my life. Truly a wonderful evening. I can't wait to go back!
First off, it's a beautiful restaurant with a modern feel. I would change the music though - techno and a little dated. The staff must have been new or still training because there were numerous mishaps and mistakes. At one point, after laying out flatware for our party of 7, another waiter came and took all of the flatware before we used it. Someone made a comment about how this was new and unused silverware, and a waiter explained it was the wrong type. Perhaps this is true, but we never would have known the difference except they made it so obvious by removing it and re-setting it (and 4 of us got the same silverware again...). Positives: The first course included a crab selection that was fantastic. Another course was monkfish - juicy, flavorful, great. The beef entree was tender, aromatic & perfect. The chocolate truffle was a delicious surprise. Negatives: too many truffles!! if I was a fan, this would've made me happy. Sadly I am not. I was also disappointed with the foie gras. I really love dining in style, but with such high prices I expect that the service and every single dish is going to be top notch. There were some big hits but too many misses.
(3)
Vincent C.
First, I'd like to apologize because I don't remember much about the decor of Tru's dining room. It was modern and the ceilings were high, but that's all I got. I hope this doesn't negatively affect your decision to eat here. Second, I am completely neutral about the service. They were well-synchronized and impeccable, but isn't that to be expected? Don't worry, you'll be taken care of. But in all seriousness, it's abundantly apparent why Tru is considered a standard-bearer for Chicago. What you will dine on is deliciously well-executed, new French cuisine. I'm sure the menu has completely turned over since my dinner here in February, but I'm sure all the delightful surprises are still there. My only critique is that after my meal I felt like I've been to Tru before. There was nothing to truly elevate itself from other fantastic Michelin-starred fine dining restaurants.
(4)
Laura K.
My husband and I decided to make reservations at Tru to use our Let Us Entertain You points for a nice fine dining experience. The food was great and the service was EXCELLENT. The decor is modern and sleek, however the scene is a bit older though thankfully not super stuffy (except for the terrible couple a few tables away from us who complained loudly about EVERYTHING attempting to ruin the experience for everyone around them.) We chose to go with the 6 course meal and added the cheese course and wine pairing. I was really impressed with the pairing - some excellent wines! The food was very good though not overly imaginative. I enjoyed every course though there wasn't a clear stand out. I recommend adding the cheese course for any cheese lover out there like me. They bring out a cart of cheese and let you pick out as much as you want to sample. They do the same thing for dessert which is kind of fun. I would recommend this place if you are looking for a nice, romantic meal and won't have sticker shock with $500+ dinner bill.
(4)
Sunny J.
Amazing dining experience. Every moment of the evening, for the four hours I was there, was as coordinated as carefully as a theatre experience. We had two waiters and they actually poured the water in concerto. There were live fish swimming in the outer bowl of my soup... sanitary, creative, and awesome! The chocolate course was to die for. And then they sent me home with a delicous cinnamon breakfast cake for the morning and a printed copy of the twelve course menu I had just enjoyed... In other words, sheer perfection.
(5)
Alik W.
This review is from stopping by their lounge for a single glass of wine and two small plates, using up some spare Lettuce gift certificates. The small plates (I had the sturgeon "caviar" balls and a slice of foie gras) are, indeed, small. However, they are top-notch in terms of taste and presentation, and you'll want to eat them slowly to really capture all the different textures and flavors. This is definitely modern French; there's a strong note of molecular gastronomy here. The reason this gets five stars is not on the value for money; the lounge prices are almost affordable, but the portions are small enough that they're still insanely expensive. It's four stars on value. However, the service was impeccable, even when it was blatantly clear to my waiter that I was not a high-end customer in any sense. Two nibbles and a glass of wine were accompanied by an amuse-bouche (a series of interesting stacked purees/foams), nicely executed breads, an after-dinner truffle (one of the better and more interesting bits of the evening), and a delightful little lemon-almond cake from the coat stand. By volume, I received more complimentary accompaniments than I actually purchased. Any or all could've been omitted and I probably wouldn't know, but including them and providing the attention I'd get with the $100 prix-fixe was a generous touch. If I ever win the Powerball or otherwise get able to afford an actual meal here, I'd be back.
(5)
Ramya P.
Luxurious n Blissful... the best way to celebrate a special occasion!! Writing this review after experiencing one of the best meals of my life. I made reservations here to celebrate my husband's new gig. Called them to inform that we both were vegetarians and they said there would be no problem accommodating us. Everything from moment we entered the restaurant till we got back into our car made us feel like we were royalty. The personalized menus we were handed are such a classy touch. I was initially intimidated and overwhelmed by the ambiance, the number of servers and the orchestrated service but a meal typically takes 2.5 to 3 hours and we warmed up to all of it after a lil' while. The decor is very modern and elegant. Dress up and feel fly... trust me you will want to feel like a million bucks for this experience. There is no way I can put into words the sensations and joy I felt tasting the food. I am just glad that I had my husband with me while experiencing such pleasure, because I honestly believe that your happiness increases when you share it with someone you love. Does cabbage puree sound appetizing to you?? Oh, but it was!! It was one of the highlights of the evening. I'm a home-cook who loves earthy flavors and to me, molecular gastronomy sounds like lab science but now, I want me a bowlful of amorphous pistachio puree and dehydrated carrots. Our servers not just explained us the dish that were presented to us, but knew in depth how the food was cooked. This made the meal even more exciting. A lonesome Michelin star feels like an injustice! Choose to celebrate your next special occasion at Tru for the most unique experience that will transform your meal into an endorphin-fueled food coma while your minds will be blown by the incredible hospitality.
(5)
Robert F.
We went to Tru to celebrate two birthdays and had a very nice experience. The atmosphere is beautiful, not too stuffy and the art collection is one of the best I have ever seen in a restaurant. We started with the caviar, which I highly recommend. For dinner we had the tasting menu with wine parings, all which were wonderful. We did have one incident with the restaurant, of which most people would have given 1 star, however the chef, manager and staff were all very professional and handled the situation appropriately- so much so that I give this restaurant four stars and would recommend it again. Chicago has a lot of fabulous restaurants, and the fact that Tru has remained over the years is a testament to the quality of food, service and experience. I do warn you, it is expensive. Be prepared to spend!
(4)
Foram B.
This is a late post, but my husband and I dined here last September to celebrate our one year anniversary and his birthday while we were back in Chicago. We were trying to go to Alinea, but with being limited on only dining during the weekend, I can't justify dropping $1k+ on a dinner for two. Instead, we opted for Tru as they have a similar approach but are more attainable. To sum it up..food, service, ambiance, presentation were all spot on! Amazing experience and worth a fine dining night out.
(5)
Dotty K.
Save your money and spend it on Arun's Thai. The food at Tru is boring, no flavors, cold and they make you pay through the nose. The decor and ambiance is boring as well, does not look classy / upscale, infact it is looks depressing. We went with the 12-course meal with wine pairing. Most of their dishes were ice cold, one of the appetizers was ice-creme. I like my food to be warm and flavorful. Both my needs were not met. The wine pairing was extremely poor. Sweet wine paired with sweet appetizers...sugar rush in the head. My head is still spinning after 2 days. The food was not appetizing at all...I paid $159 (food) + $125 (wine pairing) per person and got to eat crap like cold beet and cold melon balls. I would have given this restaurant a -5 star rating if possible. Not recommended, waste of money, over-hyped and so not worth it.
(1)
Paul M.
Made our 9th anniversary absolutely amazing. We had the semi-private dining table on the second floor overlooking the lounge. It was perfect. They even customized the menus with our names on it and came out with a very nice congratulations desert. Everything about the service, meal and orchestration of the experience was great. We dined directly under a great Vik Muniz art piece. We started with the sturgeon caviar on coral demonstration, it was incredible. Then we proceeded to arctic char and beet salad, which exploded in your mouth and was delicious. From there, we went with the salmon and wagyu beef braised for 72 hours. The desert tower put us over the top. The presentation was perfect the the flavors and tastes were out of this world. Appreciate the attentive, personal and fun wait team we had -- they weren't too stuffy and appreciate my wife's humor. Be prepared for an over the top refined experience here at TRU. But that comes with the turf, nothing to be afraid of. And, be prepared to spend. You get what you pay for and you get a lifetime of memories coming to this restaurant. We will not soon forget this evening.
(5)
Joy M.
Amazing food. Fancy and business like environment rather than romantic one.
It has been years since I ate here. Beautiful presentation of food. Some of it was a bit much, such as a seafood dish placed on top of a fish bowl with little fishies swimming in it. Some dishes were delicious, but most were ok and some very bland. The bill was close to $500 for two; too expensive for what it offers.
(3)
Jenny L.
mm 3.5 starts. perhaps my expectations were too high. creative presentation. overall, fun experience. the waiters and waitresses were very attentive. At one point, my brother tried to take off his jacket because it was too hot, and one of the staff came over to tell him no no. I looked around and there was a guy wearing a leather jumper. I guess that's still considered a jacket. the fam still laughs about it.
(3)
Erick N.
Dining at Tru is luxurious experience where you pampered from start to finish. We were pleasantly surprised with the ambiance when we arrived; we had expected an old fashioned vibe but Tru manages to fuse classic and modern decor in a manner that works. The symbol of an open box on the menu, charger and elsewhere in the restaurant symbolizes that they will strive to keep taking care of you - and this was definitely case between the ultra attentive service to the never ending extra treats they bring to your table. Tru has a large open main dining room (where we dined) and two smaller rooms that are available for private functions. Our primary waiter thoroughly explained the menu. There is an a la carte option (choice of one of seven appetizers, seven entrees, and cheese cart service or dessert for $98 per/person), two tasting menus (Grand with six courses and Chef's Collection with nine for $110 and $145 respectively) and a menu of Luxury courses you can add to either the a la carte or tasting menus (i.e. Australian Wagyu, Perigord balck truffle shavings, a menu of caviars etc.). The Grand tasting menu is about the same quantity of food as the a la carte option, but you receive double the variety (six versus three courses). Entire table participation is suggested for the tasting menus, but not required. There was no pressure or hard sale to purchase the more expensive options or extras, but simply the information was presented. There also is a vast wine menu with a handful of wines by the glass, handful of cocktails and a plethora wines by the bottle. We opted for a relatively inexpensive bottle of bubbly (there are several bottles of wine priced from $45 to $60 and tons of high end wines for the connoisseur). As a nice touch they offer sparkling water in lieu of still for no extra cost. As there were a couple items on the tasting menus that we did not find appealing, and some of the a la carte options were singing to us went a la carte. I almost chose the Skate for my starter but at the last second selected the Pumpkin Gnocchi in a veal sauce with truffle oil. This dish looked, smelled and tasted phenomenal. For my entree I went the Wild Scottish Hare with Flavors of Winter; I had never eaten hare before so thought I would try something new. While the dish again looked beautiful I found the hare a tad too rich; not at all a fault of the chef, but I learned that hare is not my favorite animal. My wife ordered the prime beef ribeye wish I tasted and was an superb cut of meat and expertly prepared. For dessert we had seen the elegant cheese cart rolled about the restaurant and it had caught our fancy and we both opted for a cheese course. There is wide variety of French cheeses, goat, cow and sheep. The server spends a good deal of time carefully explaining each of the cheeses and you are permitted to each choose three; there are also some fruits, honey and bread to accompany the cheese. All six cheeses we chose were great. I decided to also order one of the desserts (Pumpkin Patch) in addition and am glad I did. The presentation was so beautiful I did not want to eat it at first; there were miniature pumpkins made out of mousse that looked so real; there also was a bruleed layer connecting the pumpkins and homemade chocolate twizzles. Tru is a fine dining experience and as such portions are on the small side, but there are so many complimentary extra treats you receive that you leave very satisfied. Prior to the appetizer we received two amuse bouches, one of which was very fun and memorable. We were informed that the chef wanted us to have some snow since it had been a mild winter and they put a bowl of liquid on front of you and pour a liquid into it and voila, it turns into snow! They then put a glass top over the snow and place a snowman made out of mousse on top. Then there is bread service (four different homemade breads and they will offer you seconds and thirds). After dessert they bring you a cart with several different small treats (i.e. homemade marshmallows, chocolate truffles, apple gummy candy etc.) and encourage you to pick as many as you want. Then they bring you an outstanding delicate piece of chocolate with the bill filled with liquid and on the way out hand you a homemade muffin to take home for breakfast. Service at Tru is also high end; you really feel pampered. Teams of servers present your food in unison. You are escorted to the bathroom. They want to make sure any allergies or personal preferences you have are accommodated. The pace of the meal is relaxed but not slow. While the servers are not quite as personable as those at Alinea, they are otherwise as polished as they come. Many people thought that Tru would be the recipient of a second star from Michelin and after my dinner there tonight I have to put myself in this camp. My wife and I both agreed that this was one of the best overall dining experiences we have and are certain to return.
(5)
Kevin T.
Initially I was a little skeptical about Tru, some had told me not to go as it was dated and there are better places, though I persisted. I wasn't disappointed. Service was excellent, some of the best I've had, very attentive, almost over attentive but not quite. Decor seems a bit dated but simple. The Caviar course was amazing and a great way to try different types. Had the Grand tasting, every course was virtually perfect. Flavors were spot on. Everything was cooked perfectly. The pace was quick (which I like). You were never waiting too long before your next course. The wines were paired meticulously as well and really accompanied the meal. We had an amazing dinner and will definitely return. Personally I think they deserve at least 2, if not 3 Michelin stars...
(5)
Marybeth R.
Without a doubt, best meal in years! Simply impeccable. Service wonderful. Attention to detail, superb. I'll visit over and over...special occasions. Not to be missed.
(5)
Sara C.
My husband surprised me for our anniversary one year by taking us to Tru. Tru is 100% amongst the elite restaurants in Chicago, and it has earned its glowing reputation for a reason. The service is impeccable. The staff printed out a special menu for us that said "Happy Anniversary" with our names across the top, which was very thoughtful At one point, my husband and I noticed that two servers were pouring our water in sync. The entire meal was like a dance, and each entree was to die for. I have a huge sweet tooth, and therefore was pleasantly surprised when our server brought out an amuse bouche dessert and allowed us to select anything we wanted from the dessert cart that passed by our table on more than one occasion. We were stuffed before the dessert courses arrived, but we powered through, because after all, we were dining at Tru. I have to admit that I felt torn about dining at Tru upon departure. On one hand, I just experienced one of the top five best meals of my life so far. On the other hand, I felt guilty about how much money we just paid for one meal. I got over the guilt pretty quickly because the experience was just that freaking good.
(5)
Jasmine S.
My husband and I diner here in March as we celebrated our "Second Honeymoon" in Chicago. I dragged my husband out to Chicago with me while I attended a work conference as we decided to make a mini-vacation out of it. His goal for this whole trip was to eat at as many places as we possibly could. We attempted to check out another restaurant in town, but we were unsuccessful. As we continued to look for a fine dinning venue, we stumbled upon Tru, made our reservation, and even mentioned what we were celebrating. Upon presentation to the restaurant, we walked into a dark room they asked my husband if he had a coat (we failed to read their dress code policy and keep in mind, it is strictly enforced...), and when he mentioned he did not, they quickly offered him one. Once we walked into the main dinning area I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with excitement. The tall ceilings, the white walls, plush window dressings, and the artwork all helped to transport me out of the city and into someplace elegant. We ordered the tasting menu and didn't even realize that our dinner took 3 and a half hours. We just enjoyed everything, even the items we don't normally enjoy, such as caviar. The food and the presentation were executed perfectly. My husband and I still comment on the salmon dish inspired by the Pacific Northwest. And the coral caviar...! Outrageously clever. My favorite dish of the night was a faux essence of sturgeon caviar with avocado, smokey and creamy with orgasmic flavors! Something so simple, yet so ---delicious. The servers at Tru are impeccable. The timing and delivery of all our food and wine made me feel as if I were watching a ballet. Every one was in sync, even to the point that when I went to the restroom, my husband watched the servers return to the kitchen with our food so that we would be served at the same time. This should be common sense, but compared to the norm among other restaurants in the US, it's not. And they actually are polite and manners... Ladies are served first and men last, which was very entertaining to see on tables with 3+ people. The conversation wasn't stuffy and even though my husband and I were probably the youngest couple in the whole restaurant, we didn't feel snubbed at all... While our time in Chi-Town was really limited and we were left wanting to savor more of her culinary offerings, we must admit that our dinner here ranks as one of the best, if not the best, we've ever had. Hopefully we'll get to visit again.
(5)
Garietta F.
We wanted a "dinner experience" and a dinner experience was gotten... First off, the service was outstanding.From the time we were greeted at the door until the time the restaurant manager walked us to our cab and yelled at the cabbie who nearly ran down my friend, we were treated like queens. The simultaneous serving of dishes did get a little old after the fifth or sixth course. But I was happy to have each and every dish explained to us. Highlights of the meal in order of deliciousness: 9th course - foie gras royal and blonde morel - blew me away; so rich and meaty, enjoyed the flavor, utterly transcendental 7th course - long carrot soup, glacial orange cardamom - this was a fav around the table, I would of licked my bowl if my friend didn't look like she was about to slap me 2nd course - day boat scallop with hon shimeji - complex dish, flavors literally danced over my tongue 10th course - duroc pork belly, compressed black plum and onion - left me speechless 12th course - wagyu beef done two ways - awesome, just the right amount of food Middle of the road courses. I could either take them or leave them. Yummy, but nothing special: 1st course - beet ossetra caviar, chervil - love beets, not a big fan of cavier, but it was a great way to begin the meal 3rd course - ancho cured duck on down, tangerine, sour cherry - I remember liking it, but i don't remember being blown away by it. The Swing and a Miss courses for me: scottish salmon and shitake braised with yadda yadda yadda - I am not a fan of salmon peeky toe crab with lemon vanilla gelee - good flavors but it was too freaking cold. Hurt to eat it. Total fail course: light sunchoke, sorrel, and arctic char roe - Nasty. no one at the table had more than a couple of bites. The cheese and dessert courses were okay. We skipped the wine pairing (which ended up being a very good choice) and proceeded to drink a couple of bottles of "reasonably "wine between the three of us. I said "reasonably" because everything is relative. The cost of the wine was 3 times retail per bottle. Thank god it was delicious and complimented our meal well. I got out under what I budgeted for the night, but my wallet definitely took a hit. However, the experience I shared with my friends was incredible and we will remember it for a long time. Definitely worth it!
(5)
Brad S.
My wife and I went here for a special occasion (40th bday). I have to say I felt like royalty while there. We were greeted the minute we walked in the door and felt very welcome there. The food was fantastic. We went for the full Tru Experience and loved every minute of it. The only complaints I have is at times it was hard to understand the person who brought us our food so I would at times have to ask for it to be repeated by someone else. Great experience and very happy to have done it.
(5)
Nicole L.
Food is 3 stars- I thought their presentation was interesting, but I've had similar dishes at other institutions that were better executed. I felt the course of the meal did not move towards a climax, but all remained rather underwhelming without much diversity of flavor and ingredients. One of the dishes was a baked chicken dish, which I felt was too homey and uninteresting for the price I was paying. However, 5+ stars of service!! I have NEVER had such amazing service at a restaurant in MY LIFE. Upon arrival, we were told to wait in a separate room, where they provided us with a number of house-made finger foods, such as spiced olives and other treats I forgot. When we were seated, they actually asked me what COLOR napkin I wanted, and gave me a plush ottoman specifically for my bag (!?!). The staff was completely attentive, refreshing everything from their 5 types of bread to water throughout the meal so you didn't have to ask for anything. Given our late reservations, we stayed at the restaurant past closing time and nobody rushed us or made us feel uncomfortable. Really, really thoughtful and topnotch service.
(4)
T D.
This was my first time in Chicago, and Tru definitely made this visit 10x better. I honestly have to say it was the best dining experience I've ever had. We had the 6 course menu. Our reservation was at 6PM on a Friday which is when they just open. We had the place to ourselves for a good 20-30 minutes. It was awesome! The atmosphere at Tru was very elegant yet not at all pretentious. The staff was very helpful and out of this world. They had me at "White or Black napkin". Men can't understand this, but for women if you are wearing a black dress and handed a white napkin, consider your dress ruined for the night. I brought this up to explain how meticulous the staff is when it comes to your personal preference. After we ordered our food, they asked if we had any allergies or diet restrictions so they can make the appropriate accommodations. I am usually a stickler for time, but not once did I feel like I was waiting for my food. The flow of the courses was excellent. Bread was always available. Between our dishes, we had some special offerings from the chefs. The food was excellent. We thoroughly enjoyed every dish. At one point, I was cold so I put my coat over my shoulders. A staff member came by the table and asked if I would like a pashmina. I declined because I had my coat, but what a nice gesture! As we were getting ready to leave, the hostesses already had our coats in their hands. They also gave us some parting gifts. My favorite was the menu of our meal with my name on it. Tru certainly puts very detail to consideration when it comes to the comfort of their guests. I am focusing a lot of the service, but don't let that eclipse the quality of their food. They really put a lot of thought into crafting the perfect menu for each guest. I can't compliment this restaurant enough. It was very expensive but worth every penny. I look forward to returning to Chicago and Tru.
(5)
Kent D.
At the end of May, I was heading out to Chicago for a business trip. Of course, my first intention was to nab a ressie at Alinea, but to no avail! What to do? I was meeting up with a good friend, who was also inviting a few guests. So, I wanted some place that would wow me, some place celebratory and memorable! Next on my checklist, was Tru. In addition to Alinea and Frontera, this was a restaurant I've been wanting to try when, and if I was ever in the Chicago area. It was around 8pm Friday night, and my friend arrived at the same time with his guest and her friend. Just a little FYI, this restaurant was very well hidden. I had to circle the area a few times before i finally found it. Upon stepping into the restaurant, we were kindly greeted by the staff and escorted into the waiting area, where we had a few glasses of wine. Gentlemen, unfortunately, this is another one of those 'jacket required' establishments, so be prepared! After about 15 minutes, we were taken to our seats. The dining room was very large and spacious. The atmosphere, although simple and modern, was quite refined and stately. Hanging artwork and sculpture could be seen displayed throughout the restaurant, as well, which gave it an almost "contemporary gallery" type feel. As we glanced through our menus, we all agreed to go with the prix fixe menu with choices of entrees, and i must say, the presentation was spectacular. Each plate that came out was literally like artwork! The plating was both delicate and delectable. With that said, the service was also flawless! The staff handled our table from start to finish with the utmost perfection. In fact,we marveled over the virtually effortless changing of plates and utensils between each individual course. These people were very well trained and skilled in their craft. As soon as our table cloth became slightly soiled, a clean napkin cloth was conveniently placed over the soiled spot. The ladies were escorted to the restroom and seats were pulled out as soon as they returned. As we left, we were cordially given a fond farewell by the staff and given charming little financiers for our trip home. Nice touch! Overall, service was definitely 5 star! I can't say i've had better service anywhere else! Unfortunately, I'd have to say food was more like 3-4. The food was executed beautifully, but for me, with the exception of the deliciously smooth and flavorful beef tartare, there wasn't anything particularly memorable that made the meal spectacular. I would say, if you're searching for a quiet romantic setting that will wow your date with service and ambiance, then this is your place. But, if you're looking for a mind-blowing meal, this may not necessarily fit the bill. Happy Eats!
(4)
Eric F.
Came here after our reservations at another restaurant got screwed up. We were delighted to see that there was plenty of availability here. Unfortunately, we now know what that is the case.... We were among probably 6 tables there out of 20. Throughout the night the place remained empty.....we wondered why but not for long as the food soon came.... It just seemed like there was an overemphasis placed on the presentation and plating of the dishes than the actual flavors. I've honestly had better meals at mcdonalds at 100X cheaper price. Some of the items tasted like they belong in campbells soup The place is simply way overpriced for the flavors you get and expect from a tasting menu. (I can get 10 varieties of campbells soup for 10 dollars) The atmosphere was grand and the service was excellent but the flavors simply do not warrant the price. Will never go back.
(2)
Anne Marie J.
AMAZING service. I would give them 10 stars and hug each of the waitstaff if I could. As upscale as this place is, there was not one hint of pretension. We were prepared to have knowledgeable but stiff servers and were so surprised when we were greeted with warm smiles and friendly banter (that we started). The cheese man, the truffle lady, the bread server, and everyone in between catered to our every need, even my hubbie's requests to eat something twice since it was so delicious. Food: We liked it. We weren't awed, we felt like we had tasted similar flavors at other restaurants. We thought they tried to present the food differently by plating it on interesting servers but that was it as far as it went for unique qualities. I would highly recommend the homemade truffles and chocolates - it was the best part of the meal. And the dessert wines and ports - excellent selection.
(5)
Polly S.
"Tru blue baby I love you!" This is not the type of restaurant where a song like this should be in your head but yet, there it was. This joint is classy, like eating a meal in the Museum of Contemporary Art. My boyfriend brought me here for my birthday (bless his heart and yes, I feel for his wallet) so I would definitely say this is a special occasion restaurant. But perhaps that only applies to a girl like me - who has a Louis Vuitton wallet but keeps coupons for 50 cents off dishwasher detergent in it. Here's a list of who I think you might see while dining at Tru: -the CEO of Citadel -Oprah -Mayor Daley -Michael Jordan Tru is an culinary experience. We were greeted immediately at the door and seated. I appreciated the fact that there was a place to set my purse next to my seat on an elevated platform. All high end places should adopt this model. Like having hooks on the underside of a bar. We had the Chef's Collection (9 courses) and they were able to oblige my Pescatarian diet. So while my boyfriend had the usual menu, they were able to accommodate my no meat, but okay with fish restriction. Every course was well presented and tasty. The pacific halibut course was a little over the top with it's sea conch and fishnet adornments. My favorite was when they wheeled over the cart of cow, goat, and sheep milk cheese. Fantastic! We spent over 3 hours at Tru so again, I elaborate on this being a culinary experience. Will I return on another special occasion? Let's see, pretty interior? Check. Great service? Check. Interesting, tasty food? Check. Yet, I'm still not so sure given that I felt like a sheep dressed in wolf's clothing.
(4)
Karen N.
I probably will never come back unless I hit the multi state jackpot. If you ever have $1000 to spurgle on a special occasion, go with the nine course tasting, wine pairing and cavier staircase. That's what we did. Boy, did the four hours fly by! We enjoyed the service, talking to the sommelier, the courses, the presentation, the cavier staircase. Everything! I truly don't have words to describe the experience!
(4)
Michael U.
Getting out of Trotter's a bit later than expected I said goodbye to my pal and hopped into the waiting car on Armitage. I quickly flipped open my cellphone and placed a call...we were going to be late. "Not a problem" said the voice on the other end, "we'll see you soon." ...and what did you do after the grand tasting and an extra dessert at Charlie Trotter's, sir? I went to TRU with the 3 most important people in my life for the dessert tasting menu - that is what I did. Arriving at TRU a short man in a suit took our car while another held open the door - "You made it, please have a seat in the lounge while we prepare your table" said the hostess. 5 minutes passed and another man appeared to escort us to our table in the main dining room; chairs were pulled out for the ladies and purse-stools impressed my mother and sister while the synchronized pouring of water caused me to chuckle. Napkins - white or black, your choice - were handed out with tongs - menus too were passed out in-synch. Call it contrived, call it unnecessary - I call it an unsurpassed and impressive level of service...especially since this level continued throughout the entire 2 hour experience. Orders were placed - 4 dessert tastings, 3 coffees - and we were off. See profile site for full review with formatted pics.
(5)
Alex D.
I came to Chicago on vacation to watch my Hurricanes take on ND. That was a forgettable event. But this dinner wasn't. Simply spectacular. I had the 6 course tasting menu and each and every bite was other-worldly. I won't even attempt to describe what I ate, as it would do a disservice to my taste buds. The amuse bouche and mignardises were equally phenomenal. The presentation was something you see on "Iron Chef." Innovative and visually stunning. And the service matched the food. The only similar experience I've enjoyed is The French Laundry, but considering the price point ($110 for 6 course, as opposed to $270 at TFL), Tru compares very favorably to TFL. I would strongly, strongly suggest that anyone interested in a fine dining experience in Chicago experience this restaurant.
(5)
ChiTown M.
Restaurant perfection. Impeccable service. Not pretentious. In fact, friendly. Beautifully choreographed. Outstanding cuisine. Every bite was memorable. Luxurious interior. Tasteful fine art. Comfortable seating. Soft banquette. Peaceful atmosphere. Just the right noise level and lighting. Big fan of Gale Gand's sweet treats. She's a sugar goddess. We had the prix fixe tasting menu with about a zillion courses. Excellent sommelier. She was brilliant. Cheese course was sublime. Great for a special occasion. Highly recommend.
(5)
William L.
Divine. Sublime. Superb. I didn't know exactly what to expect about TRU, I had never been to a world class restaurant like this so I was worried my tastes weren't refined enough to appreciate the cuisine. I was wrong. Everything was outstanding, but the highlights for me were the sweet potato soup (sweet, rich, lots of distinct flavors), the grilled foie gras that accompanied my ribeye, and the peppermint indulgence dessert (just get it). Service was stellar; very professional and calculated without being stuffy. Bar none, the best dining experience of my life.
(5)
Kevin B.
Great food and great service. We did the smaller tasting menu with wine pairing. Added the cheese course because we could not resist. Well orchestrated delivery of all dishes. Amazing!!!
(5)
Arthur R.
The most memorable aspect of my experience here was, by far, the fact that the emperor's new clothes could use some mothballs. Our party asked to see the cheese cart, and it arrived with its own party. I'm pretty laid back about things like that--bugs invariably get inside restaurants--but the cart was plagued by multiple, swarming fruit flies. On the plus side, it was pretty entertaining to watch our embarassed server try to keep up the place's classier-than-thou facade while literally swatting at flies throughout the entire presentation of the cheeses. As to the food, I guess I'm just not sophisticated enough to "get it." I enjoy fine food and can even stomach the oft-accompanying pretension of, e.g., Spiaggia or Gary Danko, but that's because the food at those places is excellent. Well thought out and coherent. There were a few good courses here, admittedly, but to my unrefined palate most were just beautifully plated jumbles of ingredients that seemed to have been selected more for their colors than for their flavors. All in all, it was a very unique experience, but I could care less for it. Indeed, Tru nicely demonstrates the fact that--just because excellent things are necessarily exceptional--exceptional things are not necessarily excellent.
(2)
Sahar M.
They make you feel special. Go there when you have a special occasion. Great experience.
(5)
Lee O.
A treat by every definition of the word, and should be treated as such. Frequent visits would burn a cavernous hole in the wallet, the pants carrying the wallet, and those silk boxer shorts you wear when eating at fancy restaurants.
(4)
Megan F.
We went there without reservation. They took us in without problem. It was interesting. Food quality was pretty good. It works well with wine selection. Considering the cost of dinner, I am not sure it was good value. I guess it was a good place to go if you are not the one to pay for the dinner.
(4)
Sven G.
Ate here last year but had to review it. This is the most memorable meal I have ever had (and I eat out way too much). The food was amazing. The service was impeccable. We did the chefs tasting menu and they gave us a personalized menu at the end to take with us that listed all the dishes. We also had a vegetarian with us and her dishes looked better and according to her, were better that the non veg dishes. I will return every chance I get!
(5)
Grennan K.
My boyfriend and I came here for an early dinner. Due to a time crunch we only did the half menu and added on the pork belly entree. The wine pairing was amazing and the service as expected was very professional. The ambiance of the place is much like a museum quiet and grand. This is definitely not a first date place (says the bf.) would I come back? Hum.... Maybe not.
(4)
Partha A.
It is less about the food and more about the experience of being pampered and coddled in the warmth of their hospitality. I had reservations for my birthday but as air traffic control would have it, did not make it. I rescheduled it to the next evening without any trouble. the lady who handled the reservations was very understanding. The moment we reached our table, we set off a series of events. Table was moved to let us in. Servers quickly brought cutlery to the table. Two servers came around and drizzled water into our glasses in unison from two sides like a swan dance. I ordered the saffron cocktail with gin in 5 chinese spice. It was worth the $20. A very strong flavor of saffron carried by the rye and the egg. My partner got a glass of wine which was ok. We started off with a tiny gruyere cheese puff. Right after the cocktails were served, things started to trickle in. The best - - Long carrot soup with orange - only a mild earthy taste of carrot. Rest of it was awesome citrusy flavor. - Day boat scallops - simple yet elegant. You can feel the ginger, lemon and sugar - each hitting separately and yet in such coordinated manner. - Asparagus - loked like it was poached. Subtle truffle flavors. - Beef in two forms - liked the strip more. The shortrib was good too. The potato wasabi puree was out of the world. - Cheese plate - they would bring out a cheese cart and you get to choose 3 cheeses for $20. Choose well. All were great. - Salmon - the broth was simply gorgeous - silky with light ginger, lemon flavors. - English peas in frost - the peas when combined with the strawberry on the plate does magic. - Pistachios - light pistachio cakey flakes like dried foam with nasturtium. Light and nice. - Mignardises - How can I forget them. One came out on paper strips with liquid nitrogen spewing fog. It was the best I have had. Light chocolate shell filled with pomegranate and orange probably concoction. Orgasmic. Besides that plenty to choose from - a cake, macaroon, truffle, etc. I chose one of each. Misses - - Sunchoke puree - nothing memorable. Blonde morel - I understand the concept of the flavors - but it was wayy to salty and unidirectional. No parallel flavors. - Maitake crunch - I ended up liking the crunch to a degree and lightness of the dish since it was just around the start of the meal and I was getting warmed up. Crunchy wafer made out of maitake slathered lightly with mushroom mousse (?) and topped with oxalis. - Pork belly - It was flavorless and just salty - quite unidirectional. They handed a financier cake on our way out. That was so thoughtful. So, in my quest of food, I have passed the post of Tru. In all I left a little underwhelmed. Some dishes were indeed unidirectional. Similar meal at Blackbird was more memorable in terms of food. But I might come back for a newer menu someday.
(4)
Dan G.
Call me sloth. After gorging myself at this fantastic restaurant, I don't think I'll be moving much today. As I saw my 10 year anniversary fast approaching, I remembered the incredible food and pampering service of Tru and booked a table to celebrate. I had simply forgotten how much of both we were in for. Decor is artsy and modern. You walk into their lounge and it's like hanging out at the MOMA. There are really cool paintings and sculptures all around. The tables and place settings were really neat too. They even have little "seats" next to the table for ladies purses. The food is delectable. Two sides of our personalized menu featured many appealing and tasty options. Chef's tasting on one side, with a few a la carte indulgences like Kobe beef and foie gras. Prix fixe options on the other side. I consider myself a pretty savvy diner, but I still needed some help in figuring out just what some ingredients were. I started with the langoustine in bouillabaisse and my wife had the heirloom beet and apple salad. Our starters were accompanied by tasty little mousees that were just popping with flavor. Lobster mousee for me and apple, goat cheese and celery for the lady. Don't be shy about sharing. No need to limit yourself to just what's on your plate. Our entrees were the ginger flavored Scottish salmon and the spiced venison with cabbage and pear chutney. The fish was a huge fillet in a kind of Asian preparation that was scrumptious. My venison loin medallion was spice crusted and beautifully bloody. I'm glad that I had the venison, because it was the best thing on our table that night. Next up was the cheese cart featuring a dozen offerings of cow, goat and sheep. We selected a few that appealed to us and made quick work of them. The Cypress Grove Humboldt Fog being the best of our selections. For dessert we opted for the Granny Smith apple and the invigorating peppermint. The apple was a sort of filo dough apple pie with an apple sorbet and port sauce. The peppermint was a dark vahlrona chocolate mousse topped with minty cream. These were both sinful. Just when we thought it could not get any better, we were bombarded by the petit four cart, or what I like to call "How many of those can I have?" Some of these savory little treats included pineapple marshmallows, macaroons, truffles and lollypops. Oh yes, and they also brought over their chocolate explosion and and a caramel cupcake which they personalized for our celebration. I couldn't even get out the door without being handed a to go cake. Truly an amazing meal. Service is spot on and as good as it gets. We were greeted with "Happy Anniversary" the minute we stepped foot inside and they did everything possible to pamper us throughout the evening. We were even presented with an envelope including our keepsake menu. Black or white napkins to match your outfit, which were neatly folded if you left your comfy chair. Servers were dressed in very nice suits and flocked like schools of fish to present dishes to the table with synchronized timing. Everything came out of the kitchen on brass trays and they made quick and polite clearing of dirty dishes and utensils. Everyone was knowledgeable about the entire menu and offered up suggestions and insight to help us along. They really went out of their way to make us feel special, confirming my call to celebrate at their fine restaurant. They even had our car waiting outside for us. I just love being pampered and this was an unrivaled experience in fine dining. Put on your best threads and take someone special here, it's going to be a great evening.
(5)
Angela P.
Wow. That is the best way to start this off. Fred surprised me with a dinner here for my 30th birthday. I first told him I wanted to go here when I used to watch Gale Gand on Food Network back in the day. And he remembered. Awwwwww... The place just looks fabulous even from outside. It was a picturesque setting from the start, with the trees filled with little white lights lining the street and the glorious entryway into the restaurant. Amazing. We were taken to our seats in this open air dining room minimally decorated with EXPENSIVE art and unique plants. Gorgeous. The service is absolutely impeccable. They explain everything to a "t" and serve you simultaneously. I have never felt so special during a meal. But they servers were still light and fun which made it feel so comfortable even though it is a super fine dining restaurant. We, of course, went with the 9 course chef's tasting menu and each had a glass of champagne to toast with (Fred insisted!). The courses were so inventive and so delicious! A few memorable ones were the "caviar" which was a fish that had been cooked in milk, the fish strained out and the remaining infused milk was turned into little pearls that looked like caviar by being dropped into a cold oil solution. This was served on top of a avocado cream which tasted like an amazingly fresh guacamole. The combination of the flavors went so great with the hazelnut crackers served with it...OMG...so so so good!! Another course was foie gras, which was our first time having it, and it was so rich and amazing. The meal ends with a cheese course where you get to pick three cheeses from the cheese cart and is accompanied by honey, compote and breads and crackers. Then you have two dessert courses, but seriously, by that time I was SO stuffed that I could hardly eat them! And to be totally honest, I wasn't that impressed with the desserts. Sorry Gale! I would definitely go back here down the road for another special occasion. Because it is that, a special occasion type of place. The whole meal with the two glasses of champage and tip came out to around $430, but it was SO worth it. And PS...their bread and butters that they keep bringing to you are the best I have ever had! OMG...so good! PPS...they even personalize the menu for each table for whatever occasion you are there for. Mine had the number 30 on it for my 30th and I think a Happy Birthday, too. And they remove the menu from the folder and put it in an envelope so you can take it home with you and do what you want with it. Me...I'm framing that bad boy! =]
(5)
Kathleen C.
I still (after many years) can remember the taste of the octopus here, so I figured I should review it as I'm sure the quality and food have not changed. I think this is one of my very top meals in the city. I had the larger tasting menu when I visited Tru - it was phenomenal. The caviar staircase was so good, I could have eaten 10 of them as my meal instead (or, so I thought before I saw the other courses as they get better throughout the meal). The octopus was so fantastic - I wish I could get it again. It was so thin, it looked like a design on the plate. This dish seemed to have only been seasoned with salt and pepper and it was so.so .good! I hope it's still on the menu! Everything was delicious. We didn't do a full wine pairing, but had the wine director choose appropriate wines as necessary. I liked that we were not pushed to have the most expensive options, but were given true recommendations based upon the food. All of the picks were great. The dessert was out of this world. I have to say, I think Gale Gand is super (I have a cook book of hers) and I've enjoyed both making items from the cookbook and eating her creations at Tru. I especially liked the little take home pastry things (sorry, I don't recall their official name!). Service, as one would expect from this type of restaurant, was perfect. I didn't find it stuffy, but actually quite friendly and warm. The space is beautiful and it's really an enjoyable spot to sit and take in the event that is dinner here. Due to the price, I would consider this a special occasion spot, but it's well worth it. The quality is flawless and this restaurant is definitely worth a visit.
(5)
Kexin Z.
It was my first experience in a Michelin restaurant. I have to say I really love it! We had 7 course menu, although we didn't really understand all the material in every course, they all taste good but nothing surprised. The main courses were less surprise than others, and tasted salty. Desserts were very cute and diverse, we could try a little bit everything. Someone complained food was not enough, but I felt full and not over eat. Every dishes were like art work. However, to be honest, I have tried a lot of restaurants in China, and they can do much better than TRU, both in dish display and cook.
(4)
Amit S.
After I was blown away by RIA the previous night, I was expecting Tru to be up there especially since a couple sitting next to me were saying how good Tru is. I did the chefs tasting menu at both places with the wine pairings. The service was great and the food was really good. I do not think it is worth the price tag, but I did have an overall great dining experience. Had I not gone to RIA the night before I think I would've given this place at least a 4 stars. Doubt that I will go back to Tru
(3)
Vindaloo T.
Simply divine. We had dinner here for a special occasion, and one of our group had extensive dietary restrictions. The staff at Tru was gracious and accommodating to all of our needs. We each had the 5-course Grand tasting, and each course was truly exquisite. The presentation of each course balanced art and whimsy. The halibut in curry broth served in a coconut shell was so tasty that I'm now experimenting with my own version! I've been to Trotter's, Nobu, Daniel, Le Bernardin, Jean Georges, just to name a few on the upper end, but Tru was one of the best experiences yet. We will definitely be back for our next special occasion!
(5)
Ariel L.
Lots of reviews for this place so i'm going to keep mine short. The service was outstanding. The food was good, but not amazing. Desserts were outstanding. Wine list was outsanding. People were super great. But for the price, we did the six course taster which cost $110 a person, I wasn't impressed (and it won't be worth repeating). I consider myself a bit of a foodie, and as there is so much good food in this city, it isn't worth going back unless someone else is picking up the tab. Entrees: 1. Wagyu Beef Ravioli, Foie Gras and Chive 2. Alaskan Halibut, Young Carrot, Ginger 3. Glazed Veal Ribeye, Spring Garlic, Asparagus, Wild Mushroom Of the three entrees we ate, only the first was really interesting. The other two were good but could have been cooked anywhere. To sum it up, its worth trying if you have never been, but if you have been to Charlie Trotters, Schwa or other places like it, you won't be blown away.
(4)
Glen W.
Solid, but over-priced. If you are going to go for a degustation menu like this in Chicago you can do better.
(4)
Jamie O.
Tru competes in a league of extraordinary restaurants and I felt lucky to be enjoying their world-class service. The menu provides pre-fixed menus of 3-8 courses as well as a vegetarian menu option that was not a second thought to the meat centerpieces. The wine pairings were thoughtful and the sommelier was extremely knowledgeable. To leave room for my future experience at Alinea and because of a few minor execution issues, I'm going to give Tru 4.5 stars. white sturgeon "caviar", avocado, hazelnut - I loved the frivolity of this innovative dish. They pureed sturgeon and mixed it into cream. Then with a dropper, they submerged the cream droplets into highly chilled grapeseed oil so that they formed perfect round balls. They served the crème fish balls as 'caviar' on top of avocado puree in a caviar dish. For the vegetarian menu they kept the same concept but used cilantro essence instead of fish in the cream balls. Great start to the meal. chilled kohlrabi contained within itself, curry oil - A play on chilled potato soup, vichyssoise, but exchange potato with kohlrabi. Kohlrabi tastes like the stem of broccoli and can be found at many summer farmers markets. The soup was refreshing but a little over salted. The presentation was impressive with the carved out kohlrabi sitting on a bed of dry ice. duroc pork belly, yellow sweet corn, black truffle - This may have been one of my least favorite dishes. The pork belly was dried out and pounded into the shape of a flat lollipop with its meat and fat layers mimicking flavor swirls. Some of the accompanying sauces were tasty but I missed the juicy flavor that makes pork belly so amazing, as well as acidity on the plate. Also, the black truffle was good but could have been substituted with a flavorful funghi. roasted wild striped bass, banyuls brown butter emulsion, daikon - The plate had a minimalist appeal to it. Unfortunately the fish was overcooked and so lacked the tender flake that you expect with a morsel of fish fillet. jidori chicken, foie gras, wild mushroom, salsify - A beautiful dish with the tender chicken breast slice likely cooked in a sous vide method. The chicken rolled around a foie gras mousse which cannot help but be delicious. This was a lovely dish. poached quince, wildflower honey, cassis - Again, beautiful presentation. I have never eaten a quince fruit whole but rather only in its quince paste form. I could have this dessert multiple times and maybe will attempt it at home. Thanks chef!
(5)
Olen A.
TRU is TRUly a great experience. Although this place is a little hidden, we managed to find it. Once we stepped inside, we were greeted not only by the amazing staff, but also by a mesmerizing piece by Gerhard Richter, as an artist, I appreciate this already. Although we had to wait for our table to be prepared, we were told to wait in the front room with beautiful ambiance and not to mention their art collection that is comparable to high-end art museums (Yves Klein). The atmosphere inside the dining room is fantastic, and the food gets as good as it get. I very much favor the seared foie gras, cooked to perfection, and they wowed me with their fancy utensils and plating. It is so apparent they pay much attention to detail, I dined with two of my guy friends, and when they served apple beignet, my utensil was red, while the boys' were blue. And the service, it's impeccable. I have so much love for this restaurant, and definitely has higher standards than usual one-star Michelins.
(5)
Ryan P.
Awesome and amazing are really all I can say for this. This is another of my top 5 restaurants of Michelin star rank. Everything was beyond perfect. If you want a place to go to and don't want to deal with the lottery drawing of next, which I still recommend anyways, I suggest coming here. I took my preparatory friend and his family here on our second night of the trip and everyone enjoyed themselves immensely. The senator was beside himself with the desserts, which is his weak spot and I have to say the exploding chocolate ginger cubes are to die for.
(5)
Leslie L.
Oh, where to begin with a review of Tru. The decor is something out of an 80's horror flick. The meal is a long one so be ready. The courses never stop. The service is the best I've ever had, and it will probably always be the best I've ever had. It was like everyone that worked there had choreographed the serving process. Almost scarey. It's what I like to call ART FOOD. I'm not much for art food. It was beautiful, and almost everything tasted ok. Nothing wowed we with taste. It's like presentation over shadows the taste so you kind of forget the food is just good at best. There was a lot of gelatin going on. I had 3 course that had some sort of jell-o like substance in them. Everyone dining there seemed a bit pretentious. I laughed alot while I was there. It was an experience for sure.
(4)
CJ S.
It took me a long time to get to writing this review mainly to the laziness of creating a yelp account. My girlfriend and I dined at Tru during the summer of 2011. This was unfortunately one of our most disappointing dining experiences. This really surprised us how unimpressed we were given that multiple friends of ours consider Tru their favorite restaurant. We opted for the tasting menu. Most of the courses were average. A couple of courses could have been special with some modifications. The white sturgeon "caviar" course was creative in making fake caviar eggs from a sturgeon puree, but it lacked flavor to take it to the next level. The fois gras with mango and pineapple was overloaded with too much sweet and only needed one fruit to go with it. The scottish salmon with sorrel was one of the worst courses that I have had at a fine dining restaurant. The salmon was cooked perfectly but both of us found the sorrel cream sauce to be unpalatable. It paired with the salmon horribly. The cheese course was very good, and the chocolate truffles at the end of the meal were fantastic. The truly most disappointing part of the meal was actually the wine. We ordered a bottle of a nice pinot noir. We both had never had pinot noir so wasn't quite sure what to expect. The sommelier brought the bottle over, took the cork out looked at it and then left it on a tray for us to examine. Noticed a couple of crystals on the side of the cork that was in the bottle. Not knowing what it was suppose to taste like didn't say anything. Looking back on it I know the wine was off. There is fault on my part for not saying something at the time, but I do believe this is something the sommelier should have noticed. We plan to give Tru another shot some time, but it is far from the top of list of places for us to go to in the near future.
(1)
Stephanie L.
Tru is truly a fine dining experience. The high cielings, widely-spread tables, and approximate room for 15 parties in the whole restaurant quickly reminds you that you are in a city where space isn't so limited. The Gold Coast location with highly attentive service quickly reminds you just how great dining can be in Chicago. We both had the chef's tasting menus - there are 2 or 3 options, but go for the splurge. Cucumber gelatin... a cold soup (and I'm not usually a fan, but this one was great!)... foie gras... oh my gosh, the list is endless. My ultimate favorite was the smoked halibut made to resemble a small tin of caviar eggs -- this was creativity at its ultimate best. We also loved the cheese course, it was so much fun: lots of amazing cheese to pick from, a fig-based marmalade, yummy honey. And then for dessert you get a gamut of everything (as if you have saved room for anything else)! We had some fumbles in our service (forgot to bring napkins, brought our neighbors dish that was incorrect, some errors in plating) ... but nothing to alter or ruin our meal. All in all we are glad to have had the Tru experience. A TRU 5-star joint.
(5)
Albert H.
This is one of the few restaurants I've been in where it took two servers working in sync to clear our plates after every single course. It doesn't matter, of course. Doesn't make the food taste any better. But it *does* point out a certain dedication to doing everything right. And on our visit, Tru basically did everything exactly right. That matters a lot. It was the first night of a week-long vacation in Chicago, our first reservation on our first visit to what has become a city of some very fine restaurants. We were not expecting quite this much formality from a restaurant with just a single Michelin star. In fact, I felt quite lucky to have checked the dress code before our arrival and dressed in a suit and tie. It was, bar none, and quite unexpectedly, the most formal experience of our trip. I say it was formal, but it was hardly stuffy, not even pretentious, really. The servers we ended up with were accommodating, took the time to answer our questions, and were truly friendly. Formality in this case was treated not as an excuse to act all fancy, but as a set of codified methods of providing a comfortable, relaxing and intimate experience. And that's how it *should* be. We had the Chef's Collection of nine courses, to which we added the Caviar Staircase ( my companion felt this was particularly necessary). The Caviar Staircase plating still carries Rick Tramanto's engraved signature, despite his no longer being with the restaurant ... it was a good, though expensive survey of several different caviars, and cemented my belief that I cannot really tell the good stuff from the much less expensive and merely okay stuff. The dishes in the Chef's Collection were excellent in flavor and somewhat playful, using both modern and traditional methods in a balanced and purposeful way with a nice blend of European and Asian flavors. A good survey, and pretty even in quality in that there were no failures and equally no dish which really stood out from the others. The amount of food ended up being just right, which can be a difficult thing to do with so many courses. I have rarely had more perfect service, from making decisions about wine by the glass to the presentation of the cheese cart. There were, of course, a few things that could have been done better, but the overall effect was very positive. We arrived a few minutes early and were briefly seated in the waiting/lounge area and offered a drink before being seated basically on time. We did note that during some particularly busy times of the evening, the pacing was slightly slower than we would have liked, and there was some amount of delay and confusion when we requested copies of the menu to take home that actually represented what we had ordered. But these are very minor things. This was one of the best restaurant experiences we had in a week of good experiences in Chicago.
(5)
Lindsey F.
I was hear 5 years ago with my husband (then boyfriend). For us, this was a once in a lifetime meal, and they didn't miss a beat. I remember being treated like a queen and not one bump along the way. I think we chose the 10-course offering and also got a cheese plate at the end of the meal. When we were on our way out we were also given a little loaf of lemon bread for breakfast the next morning. Of all the places we have traveled to and eaten out at this is one of the most memorable of all!
(5)
Paige K.
Very nice! but VERY VERY expensive. Prepare for a $500 meal for 2 and 4 hours of dining. :)
(3)
Jennifer L.
*Drinks/Bar Considering that the attire is formal meaning men need jackets as a requisite for entry, the bar/waiting area isn't all stuck up and stuffy. Drinks were well made and quickly served. I started with a martini while waiting for our table then moved on to wine during dinner. The wine list is extensive and between the six bottles of wine we had as a party of eight, they were all on point. *Food I have to start by saying that my dreams (or we could say nightmares since I wake up knowing that I'm not able to satisfy my desire) are haunted by the caviar staircase. It's a journey towards heaven as you work your way up the staircase. Heaven does exist on Earth... in my mouth through this dish. Now with that said, I don't know that I would be able to reach these celestial heights again due to the price. Good thing I didn't pay for this dinner. Caviar is delicious but you cannot live on it alone and hungry equals not happy. The collection dinners are the way to go. The prix-fixe menu only offers three courses so you might as well splurge the little bit extra to get the full experience of a collection tasting menu. Courses are based off of season and availability so you know that you're getting fresh ingredients. Some of the tasting menu that I had included white sturgeon "caviar", beet salad, wagu beef raviolis topped with truffles, halibut served with carrot foam, and a four berry dessert. I would pay out of my own pocket for just dinner many times over. *Service/Ambiance This is by far one of the best experiences in service I have ever received to date. It was amazing how there was always someone there for every whim that you thought of. Examples: chairs were pulled in and out, an escort to the restroom, napkin folded neatly on the table with plate cover over the next course upon my return from the restroom, four food runners for eight people so everyone is served simultaneously, and the executive chef greeted us at the end of dinner with signed menus of our collection. The ambiance is romantic and classy without being stuck up. It's very lively in a calm cozy sort of way. I'd say it's comparative to how a bee colony runs, humming along efficiently. You feel very taken care of and that everyone is there to serve your every need. *Overall A wonderful place to spend a special occasion or a special place to spend any occasion. It's not a restaurant for the light wallet hearted individual nor a place to show up in flip flops (which was sad because I do love a good pair of flip flops like a good California girl should). Try this place if you can spare the change and if you do then definitely go for the full nine course meal. Rating: 5
(5)
Victoria P.
Delicious and fresh food. Come here for a great filling meal.
(4)
Charles K.
The first thing wrong with Tru is that it is VERY expensive. Over $680 for two people! This should be a dinner to remember for ever and a few days later I can hardly remember what I was served. Everything was a disappointment. My partner and I opted for the 10 course tasting and boy were we disappointed! Please see my bullet points below about our disappointment. 1. Fake Caviar (Seriously) 2. Salty Soup, yet no flavor. 3. Tiny portions. (Is this why it's called a tasting?I had ten courses and opted for a burrito after I left only 45 minutes later.) 4. Terrible wine (may have been vinegar perhaps?) 5. Tru is all about the presentation, not the food. If they spent less time trying to get it so perfect on the plate, it may have come out at least warm. Snobby waitstaff. (they do realize they work at a restaurant?) 6. Left feeling like I totally wasted my money. 7. And most importantly.... I don't remember one good thing about the place. Only the bad. I may have had an experience that was worse however, I never paid so much for it. How is this place in business? I gave the W concierge a piece of my mind for recommending this place. I assume they get some sort of kick back.
(1)
Grace L.
I came here for my anniversary with my boyfriend. My only goal was to have a memorable eating experience as special as the occasion! Tru completely lived up to the expectation and more! The attention to detail was phenomenal. They had printed "Happy Anniversary" with my boyfriend's and my name on it at the top of our very own personalized menus! And at the end of the dinner they gave them to us in lovely envelopes for our future scrapbooking :) We loved it! The service was probably the best I've ever seen. From 2 waiters coming out simultaneously to pour our waters at the same time at the same rate to the elegant way they presented each of our dishes... amazing. There was never a missed step and the attention made it so that we felt like we were the only people in the restaurant. The waiters were also incredibly knowledgeable and kind, never rushing us to finish our plates and were never overbearing. The food was great to excellent. We got the prix fixe menus which we thought were actually reasonably priced with great options. I got the bay scallops wrapped in bacon - unbelievable. Probably my favorite dish of the evening! The scallops were cooked to perfection and had a lovely bacon flavor which was not too salty or overbearing. It was perfect. I got the prime beef ribeye for the main course which was also very good. Overall, a great experience and very nice for special occasions. Happy celebrating!
(5)
Andrew T.
After almost 5 years and a lot of other (newly minted) Michelin star winners, I finally made it back to Tru to see if the restaurant I always thought was the best...was the best. And I was not disappointed. I visited with three other friends who hadn't been previously, and we tried valiantly to behave ourselves in the world of adults. To address a few comments, Tru might be a bit stuffy, but I don't think it's over the top. We had a pleasantly playful waiter that cracked a few jokes, and used a napkin to dramatically cover the small spill we were joking about. Nice touch. I'll let other diners review what they ordered, but mine was, once again, fantastic. My appetizer, a seared foie gras and duck confit, was superb. Rich, silky foie gras, along with the dense, salty confit was a great match, mixed with caramelized pears and a sort of pureed cauliflower/pear mixture. The puree especially was outstanding with the foie gras, cutting through the salt in both meats and adding a sweet flavor with all the savory. Thank goodness Chicago allows foie gras to be served again - Tru's is outstanding and was prominently featured on several of the items. My entree was wagyu beef shortrib - the server said braised for almost 72 hours (holy cow) and covered with the broth reduction, along side pureed potato/apple/jalapeno and little balls of green apple, hollowed and sprinkled with a basil flavored olive oil. The meat was...let's just say tender. Bringing my knife nearby caused it to automatically cut itself. Incredibly delicious, but maybe a little on the salty side. The puree, again, was a perfect counterpoint to counter some of the salt, with a tiny bit of heat from the jalapeno as the perfect touch. Even the little apple/basil deals provided a surprising treat, with the sour apple and savory basil a unique combination. And finally, my desert was a very good vanilla risotto with apricot and fig, creme anglaise, and a little scoop of clove ice cream. The risotto was just the right texture - every bit as good as the world class lobster risotto I enjoyed on my first visit, and just this side of warm. Unfortunately, that melted the wonderful clove ice cream and with the addition of the creme anglaise, the mixture got a little runny, Flavor was outstanding - I can't resist risotto. In between all of this were chocolates, candies, pear emulsion with spiced berry sauce, a beef gelee and pureed cauliflower amouse bouche, their spectacular cheese course, wonderful house made breads and crackers, plus truly excellent coffee. Service was superb - attentive without being smothering, with a very helpful sommelier and friendly wait staff. Although, their synchronized service theatrics were not in as full effect this time - one lady and three gentlemen probably threw off their system. And the "purse chair" for the lady's pocketbook didn't arrive until a little bit in to the meal (which the waiter apologized for - BUT IT IS TOO LATE FOR EXCUSES ONE STAR). I will say that I ordered appetizer and entree that were similar - salty, savory meats, with a semi-sweet puree accompaniment. I enjoyed both very much, but if I had been cautioned as to their similarity, I might have changed my order slightly. Frankly, when I have to nitpick a restaurant because their service isn't like a synchronized swimming routine, and because someone didn't have a pedestal for their handbag...then the rest of the experience was pretty fantastic. It's still a lot of money, but when I look at what it has cost to eat at other places like Alinea and Trotter's, and consider how much more I have enjoyed the food and the general experience at Tru, I know where I'd go again.
(5)
Olivia D.
My bf and I had our one year anniversary dinner here. It was a wonderful experience, very luxurious, and it definitely worked as VERY special occasion dining. We had the 9 course Chef's selection menu with one wine pairing to split. That being said, I really wished that it had felt worth the price tag. There are a few restaurants which can build up a price tag of $500+ for two, and it saddens me that I have to wonder whether one of those others would have been a better choice. It is very quiet in the dining room, we were the youngest diners there, and I felt a little as if I was not allowed to talk during my meal. Shhhh... There were a couple of dishes that were overly salted, or not enough. With this kind of craft I think seasoning should not be an issue. Also our venison was a little over, but that might be a preference as the bf and I like our meat to be on the south side of mid rare. Also the foie gras presentation... a torchon? But it was a very long tube, kind of looked like toothpaste, quite salty, although creative, was it was a miss for me. There was a beautiful chawumushi (no idea how to spell that), and of course the caviar whitefish "pearls" or whatever you call them were great! So light and the flavor was brilliant. The wine pairing was so complimentary I almost couldn't taste each selection against the plate it was sipped alongside. Seriously, flavors so melding that I could not tell where the food ended and wine began. Kind of cool actually, but perhaps the wines selected were a little on the light side for the dishes...sometimes I like my wine to butt heads with my food just a little, so that the pairing will bring out hidden flavors in each...The dessert wine was the exception of course. There was a cool brown rice junmai sake that I liked a lot. But only 1 red wine in the whole 9 courses! They were very sweet to us and sent out a complimentary little cupcake, with "Happy Anniversary" on the plate. Definitely not edible though, ha! I don't know if I will ever go back, being that it is sooo expensive and the next time I have a chance to have such an extravagent dinner I will probably want to try somewhere new...
(4)
Tim Y.
There's no point in saying much about Tru since everything has already been said. Whatever your adjective of choice, Tru really does live up to the hype. That said, it's much like Moto -- you'll love it once, but chances are pretty good you'll not go back for a good long while. Don't show up hungry; you'll eat too fast and you'll want more before it's ready. Show up sated, with belly room and desire to eat.
(5)
Jonathan C.
It's so over priced, and none of the dishes are really memorable. Maybe due to the fact that we just had Daniel and Jean Georges in NYC, and Salts in Cambridge, Tru really was a bad finale for my graduation gastronomic trip. The service was slow, probably because there were two large tables of corporate clients, but still... 5 courses for 3.5 hours? Alinea does 17 courses for 3.5 hours... Water glasses were left empty from time to time. Out of the 5 course tasting menu, the worst thing was the pork belly. It was just a piece of fat meet, fried in Oliver oil... It was an one bite dish, really, not even an appetizer. Beef was bad, too. Overcooked and flavorless. The fish course was OK, but it's just a piece of cheap Salmon, and as long as you do not over cook it, it's gonna be OK anyway. I know it's only an one star restaurant, but the 5 course tasting menu is 110 bucks, and Daniel's three course pre fix is the same price. Daniel's three courses and complimentary pastry items completely filled us up, and Tru's five "courses" left us in hungry. Daniel gave me a very very nice complimentary dessert for my graduation, and Tru gave me a tiny piece of butter cake for my birthday and graduation celebration. The decor was not as good as some people described, either. We had seared foie gras, wagyu beef, and a nice bottle of 2009 Beaujolais Cruz at Daniel, for less than 800. We paid almost 700 bucks at Tru, with a cheaper bottle of wine, worse service, and definitely worse food. Do yourself a favor and go to Alinea!!!
(2)
Farrah D.
What an experience! My first time in a place like this--we had a 6 course meal with wine pairings. Everything had exquisite presentation and was explained so well by the staff. It was truly an educational culinary adventure in proper French dining. Excellent service, excellent extras!
(5)
Lauren C.
I enjoyed 95% of my Tru dining experience. The food was amazing; flavor presentation, portions, and constuction get A's. There was no shortage of beverage selection; the wine list was atleast 50 pages. Tru is tastefully decorated. The service was outstanding; the wait staff was truly on-top of their game. However, it was eerily quiet. I was afraid to talk it was so quiet. Most places it is too loud to have a conversation, but here it is the exact opposite. I had to hold in laughs for fear of disrupting other patrons. I would not suggest this place for a group larger than 4. The only reason I didn't give Tru 5 stars is because I am afraid to talk inside.
(4)
Stephen S.
The presentation: Inspirational. The service: Attentive and pampering yet oppressive and stifling. The ambiance: stark. The food presentation: A beautiful work of art. The staff's knowledge: PhD. The taste: Just not as good as it looks. But, far above average. Would I return? Not really. There was NOTHING wrong with this swanky spot in Streeterville. It is a definitely a food-lover's delight for the eyes as well as for the taste buds. But, expect to shell out a pretty good wad of cash (especially if you enjoy your wine lists). And, if you are looking for a lively and fun dining environment ... well, not so much. You'll have to look elsewhere.
(3)
Cassie F.
This place was absolutely amazing! The food was beautiful and delicious. Plus the wait staff is knowledgeable and courteous. I felt so well taken care of that I left close to a 50% tip. An enjoyable experience for a dinner that should take a couple hours. A fair warning though, expect to pay about $100 a head, but it is WORTH IT!
(5)
Kwoky L.
There's never a shortage of good restaurants in Chicago. We have Charlie Trotters, Alinea, L2O etc but Tru is an old school classic for fine dining. It's as representative of Chicago as Bears in sports or the Sears Tower in architecture. When my friends came to visit, I had to bring them there. We went on a Sunday night. The decor was very modern and sharp, just what I expected. Once we were seated, we immediately noticed that we were a little out of place. Our table of 20 somethings were surrounded by older customers, who were in their 50s or 60s, dressed in business attire. I felt a tiny bit intimidated. The service was very formal, I thought. A little pretentious if you ask me, with all the synchronized serving by our two servers or the way they spoke to us. I felt like a commoner trapped in the body of Louis VI. The tasting menu was excellent and lavish but not a whole lot of surprises. I was not getting a taste of Tramanto/Gale Gand's creations like I expected. Perhaps it was not a very good idea to have gone to Alinea the night before. Tru was very good but just pale in comparison. Then I realized, Tru was just not the same anymore. It's not the Tru that Gale/Rick made famous. I wished I could turn back time.
(5)
Charles A.
Top notch experience, customized menu, impeccable attention to details and service.
(5)
Sarah L.
For a place hidden amidst Northwestern medical buildings and scrub-clad physicians, this place is an unassuming oasis. We walked by it three or so times before entering this dim lit Narnia. I'm not a foodie, but going to Tru will make you one. Upon ordering from the Prix Fixe menu, my palette encountered the most incredible Carpaccio, halibut and cheese with fruit I've ever had in all 27years of existence. I mean, shit. Pardon my french, or don't because what better time for an expletive than after a coup de foudre? Here are some highlights: The Carpaccio was served with a 25yr. aged balsamic and taste that'll turn an avid vegan into a carnivore. The Halibut, oh Laws knows it was good. I shall from this day forward snub all other attempts at this dish. Finally, their exclusive cheese selection left me in awe and was what finally turned me into a monster. I am no longer content as a freezer box connoisseur. I now bitch down supermarket aisles, disgusted by processed goods. "Excuse me. Yes you Jewel stock boy---What the hell are those? Kraft sliced singles... No, no no. This is not happening. Where are your $300 french imports?"
(5)
Adam B.
Tru is a very fine restaurant and, based on my experience dining at many Michellin-starred restaurants in Europe, certainly deserves its 1 star. There are plenty of previous detailed reviews on Yelp, so this review tries to capture the overall experience. Tru is all about luxury: The menu is heavy on dishes with foie gras and truffles and there is a dedicated caviar menu. The wine list is extensive but emphasizes high-end wines. You could pick something for $80 or $90 a bottle, but they are pushing the $200+ bottles. Oh, and $20 cocktails. Corkage is an excessive $50/bottle. (Obviously they are forcing you to give them the profit they would make on a minimum $80 bottle.) The room is elegant and high-ceilinged, with notable modern art (but a few of the pieces are copies, while the originals hide in the owner's residence.) You are warned multiple times there is a dress code requiring jackets for men - fair enough. There are 3 prix fixe menus: The standard 3 courses for $96 or tasting menus "Collections" for $110 or $145 with extra foie gras and truffle dishes. (We had both the $96 and $110 options.) The cooking is sometimes very creative (for example, sturgeon "caviar", which is a confection of white fish essence pearls), but not always, and the flavors can be on the muted side. A nice touch is the ability to select any dessert instead of the one in your Collection or to substitute a cheese course (as many cheeses from the cart as you like). The service is polished and somewhat stilted in a formal, deferential way, and is team-based, i.e. you will see (at least) 5 or 6 different people bringing items to the table. While we expected the support servers to bring breads or manage the wine, unlike some other star-level service teams, at Tru we experienced a fragmentation of the service, where we lost the feeling that one waiter was looking after us. So in summary, expect to spend (at least) $400 to $500 for a couple and get a competent and luxurious meal, but don't expect culinary fireworks.
I had the Grand Collection tasting menu at Tru last night, and was greatly disappointed. Service was exceedingly slow; we arrived at 8:30, and left shortly after midnight. We waited almost an hour to receive our first course, and the wait for the larger dishes was terribly long. One of our servers apologized for the wait, and they tried to appease us with some truffles at the end, but it was really a drag. The first course-- the Sturgeon "caviar"-- was delicious; the subsequent courses were not very memorable. The Halibut and chicken were cooked to perfection, but there was nothing particularly impressive or interesting about them. The chicken was served on a log; but the log was just...a log. I would have been more impressed, had not Next recently wowed me with their own take on the log-serving dish: the gorgeous and aromatic "autumn scene", where the serving-log in question was cradling smoking apples, leaves, hay. If you're going to have a log, there might as well be fire! Dessert was served on some strange monkey candelabras. It was an attempt to be whimsical, but in the staid atmosphere of Tru, the monkeys just seemed ridiculous. They added nothing to the dish. At this price point, Next, ELideas, Bonsoiree etc beat out Tru, hands down. When the Michelin guide awarded one star to both Tru and Longman & Eagle, I was a little befuddled-- can these paces really be of the same calibre?-- and last night confirmed my doubts. They are not of the same calibre. One is delicious, creative, decadent, satisfying, welcoming, enjoyable, and worth the price. The other isn't.
(2)
Britt W.
Suit Up! Grab your billfold! Clear the next four hours on your calendar! TRU is a special restaurant that pleases on several different levels. Right off the bat I felt like I was dining in heaven. There were no windows to the outside reminding me I was in Chicago. The white curtains that cover the walls from floor to ceiling let you know that you are in the world of TRU. Table for two? Make that two and a half because the lady's purse gets its own seat too. Take that coat check girl! Owner and executive chef Rick Tramonto is the master of the amuse bouche and you definitely get to experience his skills from the first course to the last. While it is possible to order a la carte I don't know why anyone would want to do so at a restaurant of this caliber. If you are going to go you should go big and get the Sommelier's Collection or one of the other grand tastings. Let's face it, how often do you get to eat caviar off of a glass staircase or sip soup from a Versace tea cup? The service at TRU is perfect. Attentive, polite and friendly. It's so easy to be intimidated by a restaurant of this caliber but the staff will make you feel welcome and appreciated. There are no too-cool-for-school wannabe actor types at TRU. TRU has always managed to deliver some surprises. Whether it's an impromptu meet and greet with the chef of a little gift bag of goodies for later, I always leave TRU feeling very special.
(5)
Sophy B.
My husband and I truly enjoyed dining here. The food was very good most notably the lobster and the pumpkin patch dessert which incorporated foie gras. The tables were placed far enough from each other to ensure privacy which was much appreciated as I'm used to cramped surroundings when dining at restaurants of this caliber in the Bay Area. The staff were very attentive the sommelier stopped by towards the end of the meal with dessert wine compliments of the house because he had enjoyed our company so much. How nice is that! Will return on my next visit to town
(5)
Molly L.
For Christmas, the boyfriend's mother gifted us with a certificate for free glasses of champagne, a tour of the kitchen, a tour of the art, and personalized commemorative menus to take home. We decided to save it for a special occasion, and so we went for my birthday last weekend. Fortunately, we got reservations when we called about 2 months ahead of time, but it was close, so plan ahead! When we arrived, we were taken on a tour of the kitchen. If you have the opportunity to do this, I recommend taking advantage. It was really neat to see how efficient this kitchen was. It's not at all like those cooking shows where everyone is yelling and chopping vegetables (and possibly fingers) with sharp knives in the intense heat. No, this was a zen kitchen. Very cool. We were then seated in the minimalist dining room. Extra points for having special stool things just for ladies' purses. We ordered the 9-course Chef's Collection tasting menu. You don't have to order the same menu as your dining companions, but we did. We also ordered a nice bottle of pinot noir to accompany our meal. In case you can't decide what you want from the giant encyclopedia of wine, they have a sommelier on hand to guide you. Because, why wouldn't they have a roving sommelier? Later in the evening, he helped us select glasses of wine for dessert, and my glass of chardonnay was the best chardonnay I've ever had. I won't go into detail about every single course because this review is already really long. My favorite courses were the white sturgeon "caviar," the pork belly, and the veal ribeye. The appetizers were very creatively presented. The proteins were less fancy, but it didn't matter because they were delicious. Dessert was about 3 courses long, and they were all great. The food was good, but not overwhelmingly so. There were a couple of dishes that I didn't care for, namely the flan and the pea soup. The service was impeccable. Not a single detail went unattended. We went for my birthday, and every staff member wished me a happy birthday. My menu said "Happy Birthday Molly" on it, and I was even brought a little cake with "Happy Birthday Molly" written on the plate. It made me feel very welcome and appreciated. 5 stars for the service. It was pricey (around $600 with tip and tax), but I felt that everything was priced about right. I certainly didn't feel like our meal was a rip-off. Overall, I would say that Tru lived up to my expectations, but didn't exceed them. It was a nice introduction to molecular gastronomy, and I had a wonderful time. I definitely recommend Tru if you're looking for a very special culinary experience.
(4)
Jim H.
WTF is up with this place??? This was the single worst restaurant I've ever been to. Way expensive, uber stuffy and all of the food tastes like dirt or weeds. No thanks!
(1)
Kathleen H.
We went to TRU this past Monday night for my boyfriend's birthday. I wanted a luxurious,delicious, perfect evening. TRU vastly exceeded all expectations!! From the moment we arrived the staff was superb, wishing my bf happy birthday (a personal birthday message was also printed on our menus) and completely attentive all night in an unobtrusive way. They were like friendly, knowledgable ninjas. We started with a trio of caviar with a chilled vodka which came in a stunning presentation and was fantastic. We ordered one of the 6 course tastings, but added a rabbit dish from the prix fixe menu, and one nine course. We skipped the house wine pairings as our server helpfully explained that they were primarily whites and we are red people. We chose a few reds on our own and they were lovely. The pacing of the courses was superb, we had time to open a few gifts and were never rushed. Each presentation was gorgeous, and everything was so delicious it was like having an opera in your mouth... The rabbit, the fois gras, the pork belly... Every course wowed our palates. It was a perfectly magical evening. I had been nervous after reading some negative reviews here, more it seemed than for other restaurants of this caliber... But I found the ambience understated but very elegant. I didn't feel like it was for older people or stuffy at all... Just simple, chic, and perfect for a special occasion. If you get the chance? Go. We have eaten in NYC, LA, London, Paris, all over, we travel a lot and LOVE food, and for both of us this experience was the BEST meal of our lives. Thank u TRU for an unforgettable evening:-)
(5)
Jamie G.
Tru was enjoyable...but I wouldn't say it is my top pick for fine dining in Chicago. The atmosphere was probably the best part of the dinner. I also enjoyed the chair for my purse, cheese cart and dessert tray. Well, be honest, I enjoyed the cheese cart the most. My foie gras wasn't the best and had a rough patch that appeared to be intentionally hidden. I'm kind of leary of a business (Lettuce Entertain You) that has restaurants on such a low to high spectrum.
(4)
Maggie M.
My mother and I make it a point to try new restaurants in the city all the time, and we saved Tru for our birthday celebrations (we both have birthdays in April and we tend to celebrate all month long.) The service was outstanding, the staff is extremely educated on both wine, and preparation techniques of the food. If this review was based on the service alone it would easily be 5 stars. Unfortunately, the driving force behind why I love to eat out is not the service, it's because I love great food. Personally, I feel there is a fine line between tasty and trendy. All to often "fancy" restaurants depart from the culinary basics in favor of more experimental and trendy preparation techniques. Tru has fallen victim to trendiness overpowering tastiness. Three items during out meal really tipped the scale to trendy, not tasty: 1. The excessive use of "froth". When two out of 5 dishes have some form of froth on them, that is one too many for me. Froth is being seen more and more in restaurants, but one dish is plenty. In my eyes it is for presentation, not flavor. 2. Caviar trapped in a bubble of gel floating in Sake. The sake only brought out the fishy taste of the caviar, and I don't think I will ever find a bubble of gel tasty. 3. A dessert amuse that contains Pop Rocks. Yes, you read that right. The same candy that is known for the urban legend that if you drink Coke while you have a mouth filled with Pop Rocks you will die. Dinner was enjoyable, but not as great as I expected. I had a Ribeye, and while it was cooked Medium Rare as requested, I have had a better steak at Wildfire, Ruth's Chris, and Gibson's. We also had Diver Scallops, and my mother and I both agreed that we have had better Diver Scallops at places as unpretentious as Ben Pao and as outstanding as Il Mulino I would recommend going at least once just to try it out, but I can't say that this would be my "go to" restaurant for big occasions.
(3)
Timothy M.
What can you say about Tru besides WOW? The only reason I could see anyone giving this place less than 5 stars is because it is very, very pricey. But everything else is simply impeccible. My date and I got a collection which included: - Raw Maine Diver Scallop, Kumamoto Oyster, Italian Black Pearl Osetra Caviar, Preserved Lemon - Roasted Langoustine, Hearts of Palm, Sunchokes & Brown Butter - Veloute of Summer Corn & Leek, Corn-Herb Fritters - Canadian Foie Gras Torchon, Salad of Rainier Cherries, Hazelnuts & Radish, Country Toast, Cherry Jus - Grilled Loup de Mer, Braised Baby Fennel, Tomato-Orange Nage - Roasted Elysian Fields Lamb, Salt-Poached Potatoes, Petite Summer Vegetables, Lamb Jus - Gale's Dessert Collection - Complimentary birthday chocolate snack - Mignardises & Lollipops - Espresso The service is unbelievable. You are attended to like royalty. Even if you're not used to super-fine dining like this, the waitstaff will go out of their way to help you understand the food, the ettiquette, and anything else. They really are there for you from start to finish. The wine was outstanding as well, and there are some more reasonably priced selections if you're not a millionaire. But it certainly puts a pretty good hole in your pocketbook so be sure to save up for this treat. Seriously, the reviewers who gave 4 stars, I would hate to see what DOES impress you to a five star level.
(5)
Don Q.
I'm not even going to bother talking about the food here. It's obviously pretty amazing. I'm giving them five-stars for the adventure of trying to foil their impeccable service. By the time our food arrived, my companion and I had been seated, served and swaddled by no less than a dozen precisely coordinated dervishes. I'm a pretty low key dude, so all of this attention kind of freaked me out (in a good way, mind you; I mean no disservice to the incredible experience they provide). Of course, given that my bladder is the size of a morel-infused poached fava bean, I inevitably had to use the little pilgrim's room. I waited patiently until all of the visible members of the troupe appeared to be swirling around other patrons to make my break. I made it to within 3 steps from the restroom door when someone LEAPED OUT FROM BEHIND A CURTAIN to show me the rest of the way. Needless to say, it took me a couple of minutes to calm the notion that someone was going to leap out to assist me at the loo, too. That said (tongue-in-cheek, of course), the staff at Tru did an amazing job at removing the pretense and pressure typically associated with fine dining and injecting it with fun and flair, resulting in a fabulous experience neither my friend nor I will soon forget.
(5)
Nicole L.
This is one of the most amazing places i've been. Words cannot describe my experience here. I had the choice to go here for my 8th grade graduation present or throw a party. I'm so glad I made the right choice. They only take reservations and i believe at the time our meal was around $300 a piece. completely worth it for a extravagant experience. It was a 6-8 course meal with the most beautiful presented dishes and china i've ever seen. They give you amazing deserts to take home beautifully wrapped along with specializing your evening if it is for a special event. I remember having the most amazing waiters/servers/valet men ever. I hope i'll be able to afford to come back since it is not a everyday event. At age 14 I could enjoy and admire this I'm sure at 20 will be even better. This pace is a A + with gold stars. Superb!
(5)
Finding N.
Chef Rick Tramonto has a philosophy, "If you can't fix it, feature it." That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard. Tru pretends like its still a top quality restaurant but it lacks in many areas that restaurants a quarter of the price excel. The menu despite being custom printed to celebrate a special occasion, didn't reflect any of the dietary restrictions that were identified when the reservation was placed, which immediately limited our order to one side of the menu. I ordered the salt soup, which would have been great if not for the overwhelming essence of lobster, a distraction from what was clearly the feature of the dish, the salt. The soup was topped with a lobster foam that was easy to inhale and made me cough. At least, you have to appreciate the creative combo though, lobster, lobster and salt; my palette was swimming in a flavor. Main course: Rolled cucumber and peach foam was well placed to hide the lamb, purchased at the end of the day from our neighborhood Jewel butcher. I know him, nice guy but tough meat. For desert the toffee pudding was excellent, I have to admit but if it was 6x bigger we could've found it at TGIFriday's (not trying to diss TGIF, just wondering if they share recipes.) The courses were peppered with complimentary bites one of which was excellent, the Anises Tea. The abalone inside of a jelly floating in sake was just unnecessary. With bright lights, sterile walls and long white curtains against tall white pillars, if the patrons wore gowns open in the back it would've been indistinguishable from a hospital cafeteria. Coincidentally the hospital is across the street. The service, I don't think I've ever been asked so many times if I was done with my plate. Call me silly but if I still have the fork in my hand, there's your answer. There are certain things one expects from a restaurant with such a reputation so in a way Tru faces a high bar but it did at least live up to part of its reputation, it is expensive. Another philosophy of Chef Ricky, "Ensure that guests are happiest right before they leave rather than when they arrive." Let me tell you, I was happy to leave.
(2)
starbrite y.
Looking for a place to feel special and celebrate a special occasion? I'd stop here. Too much food at times and didn't get to really take advantage of the cheese or dessert tray but what a great complaint! Enjoy!
(4)
Patrick N.
my wife and i recently experienced the 9 course chefs tasting with a split wine pairing and the additional 3 course dessert tasting menu. the food, setting, and service were all top notch, and really made for an incredible evening. highly recommended for those looking for progressive cuisine with classic sensibilities. pics are in my blog located in my profile.
(5)
Michelle B.
I enjoyed dinner at Tru last night. I had the spring tasting menu and my husband had the grand tasting menu. It was really lovely. Each course had lovely freshly prepared ingredients. The staff is very attentive and friendly. It's a very approachable fine dining experience. The desserts are always special here and there are so many of them! I was surprised to see foie gras on the menu, but now I understand that the ban isn't in effect yet. It was nice and I enjoyed it all the more since it may be the last time I have it at a restaurant in Chicago. I like this restaurant better than Trotter's. I think it's because the dining room is a more open space. I always like to people watch a bit at these sorts of restaurants. This is an expensive and decadent experience, but you only live once so treat yourself!
(5)
Mika G.
Tru-ly exceptional... hardy har har... ok now that that's out of my system, I have to say that I really enjoyed my meal at Tru... even more than L2O. Both restaurants really outdo themselves as far as service and knowledge of the food but as far as flavor goes, Tru takes the cake. I chose the prix fixe menu. King crab, white asparagus, pineapple and tarragon. Hawaiian ahi a la plancha, radish, leek, sauce provencale. And for dessert, I had some wonderful selections of cheese. I'm not used to eating at such high end restaurants. I am usually into the local places or hole in the wall joints but when on business trips, we get treated to the fancy stuff. It's nice. I think we'll be coming back here again.
(5)
Jack J.
My wife and I went here for our 4th wedding anniversary. Yes, it's worth the hype. Go.
(5)
Jessica S.
I went about a year ago with my family and we all tried on of the gourmet dinners that about eight courses. The staircase caviar was amazing partly just because of the presentation. Every course was more amazing then the next and the five hours we spent there felt like nothing. The food blew me away. The most amazing course to me had to have been the cheese course. They came out with a cheese cart with what must have been 30 cheeses and then I got to choose which cheeses I wanted. After the dessert course be prepared for the mini desserts to come your way. If you are going to go there for dinner I would suggest doing the special menus. Since it's not a place you will go to a lot it pays to do the entire dinner. Beware you will constantly be asked to add thing to your set menu to add to the price. Tru also has several half bottles of wine which is a great way to do it because then you can have a half of white to share and then have some red with the meat courses. The wine can add to the experience but it also adds to the price. I think this is a great experience for everyone to have. It's not a place that you would go to a normal Friday night but for a special occasion I can't imagine eating at a nicer restaurant.
(5)
David W.
There are a few restaurants in Chicago that I have always wanted to go to and for some reason have never made it to. Tru was on that list until last night. Tim W., Mystery Man, and I made 7:30 reservations and when doing so expressed our interest in doing a beer pairing with our meal. We arrived just before 7:30 and were promptly ushered to the perfect table smack dab in the middle of all the action. Our server, Israel, greeted us and inquired about our desire to match beers with our courses. To help make our selections we decided to start the table off with a bottle of Barboursville Viognier from Virginia (yeah, our Virginia!). The wine was absolutely lovely and a great example of how delicious this grape can be. It also helped that the bottle was value priced at just $48. So we enjoyed our breads, lot's of butter, our amuse buche, our bottle of wine, and the table across from us before digging into our first course. Each of us opted for the three course menu for $95 and all ordered different appetizers and entrees. Mystery Man started with the Lobster Soup with Spoonbread. We expected lobster bisque, but the soup itself was a simple delicious broth with chunks of lobster and spoonbreads. I had the Diver Sea Scallops with Red Pepper Essence, Chorizo, and Avocado Dumplings. The scallops were beautifully cooked. The avocado dumplings were unique and delicious. However, the presence of chorizo was not all too apparent and the emulsion didn't add much value to the dish. Both Mystery Man and I's appetizers were paired with Klumbacher Brauerei Eku Pils. I typically don't drink pilsners, but this beer was superb and paired well with our dishes. Tim W. started with the Prime Beef Tartare with Raspberry Powder, Red Pepper, and Zucchini. Tim W. won round one hands down with this dish. The tartare was outstanding on its own, but the accompaniments really made this dish stand out. The tartate was paired beautifully with a bottle of Indica IPA from the Lost Coast Brewery. Mystery Man ordered the Hawaiian Orange Marlin with Heart of Palm, Baby Carrot, Leek, and Sauce Provencale for his entre. None of us had ever eaten Marlin before and the fish was delicate and well cooked. The beer paired with this dish was a bottle of Brasserie Duyck St. Druon de Sebouej. Tim W. once again ordered well by going with the Salt-Crusted Cervena Venison with Cocoa, Olive, and Blood Orange. The venison loin is "unearthed ", carved, and plated table side. Almost every bite presented subtle hints of cocoa, olives, and blood orange. A savory cocoa mousse with cocoa mashed potatoes was another highlight of this dish. I typically don't like venison because of its gamey flavor, but venison was perfectly cooked and the game didn't hit you over the head. They paired the venison with a bottle of Out of Bounds Stout from the Avery Brewing Company in Boulder, CO. Last but not least I ordered the Suckling Pig, Zucchini Pave, Licorice, Kumquats, and Pig Jus. The licorice was actually cooked down black Twizzlers. A bit gimmicky for me, but overall the dish was solid. The highlight of this dish came in the form of Tempura Zucchini. This dish was paired with the hands down best beer of the evening, the Koninjshoeven Quadrupel Trappist Ale. The nose on this beer was almost indescribable and the taste lived up to the noses promise. For dessert, both Tim W. and I ordered the Chocolate Souffl served with Cinnamon Ice Cream and a Camp Fire Marshmallow. The souffl was yummy, but was showed up by the Cinnamon Ice Cream. The ice cream was "Holy Shit!" good. Mystery Man, who doesn't like chocolate or peaches, went with the Roasted Pineapple with Coconut Ice Cream. This dish was another win on the dessert column. The desserts were paired with a bottle of Coffee Porter from Meantime Brewery. The decor at Tru is subtly modern and understated. The restaurant showcases a handful of modern works of art that add the occasional burst of color. For the most part the interior remains a blank canvas that allows the food to shine as it should. The staff was perfect! Our server adapted to our personal style quickly and didn't miss a beat or a subtle dirty joke. Israel also provided outstanding beer pairings and seemed genuinely excited to accept our challenge of pairing their contemporary cuisine with "beer". The chef de cuisine also paid a visit to our table to discuss the food and beer pairing. He also extended us an offer to come back for an even more elaborate beer driven pairing. Solid food paired with exceptional service made Tru worth the wait. 3 Prixe Fixe 6 Beers 1 Bottle of Wine 1 Cappucino ---------------------------- $500.00
(4)
Thy L.
I got engaged at this restaurant, simply put it's best dining experience I've ever had. The decor is very simply and yet exquisite. There are literally a dz servers all dressed in black suits continually replacing silverware, linen, and tableware. We had the chef's prixed menu, it seemed like endless platings of eclectic cuisines. The most memorable had to be the caviar staircase, which is a showcase of abut 8 different caviars sitting on crystal spiral stairs. It was exquisitely presented but taste wise forgetable. I am not a fan of caviars. Overall, I'm truly in love with this restaurant for it's top notch service and sophistications.
(5)
Liz H.
This is probably my favorite restaurant in the entire U.S. Fantastic food and the presentation is amazing. Extensive wine list and the cheese course always offers a wide range of really interesting and unique cheeses. Very expensive but completely worth it.
(5)
Dave C.
We went with the same friends who later accompanied us to Alinea. Tru does not justify itself by comparison. Tru's he service was WAY too self-conscious, the food was good(not amazing), and the bill was titanic. Also despite the place being half-full when we arrived, we got the table right in front of the kitchen doors, which ruined it for me. There were also two egregious service missteps that were so over the top that they became a running joke during the meal: 1) The "water-waiter" (one guy who only poured and re-filled water glasses) literally splashed water all over the table every time he poured, trying to show off how he could hit the glass with the pitcher poised 3 feet above it. He couldn't. 2) The "description waiter" (one guy whose only job was to describe the preparation of each dish) was absolutely unintelligible. English was at best his 2nd language (sounded more like 4th to us), and despite us listening intently and him speaking VERY loudly, we had no idea what we were eating most of the time. Amazing faux-pas, considering the reputation of the place and the guy who owns it. We actually e-mailed the restaurant after the fact, and they replied with an apology and a gift certificate, which was nice. However, the GC can't be used on Saturday nights, making it all-but-worthless for us suburbanites. When all is said and done, we won't go back, GC or not.
(3)
Matt W.
Took my girlfriend there because she had always wanted to go. The service was very on point. I almost felt like they bugged the table because every time we mentioned something to each other that we wanted someone would come along and give it to us. You go to the bathroom and when you come back they are waiting to tuck you back into the table when you sit down. The service is just completely different from most every other fine dinning restaurant I've been to. We both had the Prix Fixe menu that was not the most expensive but the one in the middle of the three. The food was very unique, very good. For the dessert they let one of us get the Prix Fixe dessert and one of us get the cheese but I don't think they like doing that. Anyway, definitely something to try and your girlfriend will have something to brag about at work for a couple weeks. Just know that you will spend about $400 or more and that is conservative
(4)
A L.
Ever heard of the pity pound cake (hereforth known as the PPC)? Well, that is what we got when my friend and I tried to go and eat there tonight... My friend and I were dressed in business attire, just having left our clinic after a long day. We just wanted to enjoy some good food and drink and were prepared to pay for just that... Enter the hoity-toity host - I guess he took one look at us and decided that we were not worthy - and how did we know? Could it be the look of disdain when we walked in? The way he talked over the other (nice) hostess who would have let us eat but he said no? The way that he even prevented her from letting us eat in the lounge ("I'll have to check with the kitchen!" - as a note, they DO serve the lounge, unless, I guess, if they think you are unworthy.) And this is where the PPC comes into play - at this point, I was actually still willing to consider giving this establishment a try... but then he was like, wait, here, you can have this - along with our card so that you can TRY to make a reservation. It was a mini pound cake with their business card attached to it. I could have spent hundreds of dollars there (and even more in the future). But apparently, he has some better ideas of who he wants to let in his door. That's too bad, some other establisment will just get to enjoy the $$$$ that I would have spent at this restaurant. Oh, and the PPC wasn't even that good (it made my friend choke).
(1)
Matt B.
This is probably the fining dining experience I've ever had. From the moment you walk in, the entire staff is there to serve your every need. Tables are pulled out so you can easily sit down. The staff is more than willing to help you get to the bathroom while replacing your napkin...and that's before we even talk about the food! The sommelier had a fine list of recommendations that perfectly complimented their menu. The scallops, salmon and lamb were all out of this world not just in taste, but in presentation, too. I'd highly recommend the prix fixe menu. The selection and quantities were grea, not to mention the additional courses that came unannounced. With the quiet atmosphere of pure professionalism with the spectacular service, it would be tough to ask for a more perfect evening. From the welcome to the waiters who worked in perfect synchronization who were also more than happy to hail a cab for you, Tru provides an unforgettable dining experience if you're okay with paying a bit more for it.
(5)
Erin C.
Definitely glad I had the chance to experience dining at Tru, but don't know that I would ever feel the need to go back (unless someone wants to take me??). The service was impeccable - I dropped a wine glass soon after arriving and they quickly took care of it like it was no big deal. They were attentive throughout the meal, although our somewhat rowdy group seemed to irritate them a bit. The standout item on our tasting menu was the lobster in a champagne & mushroom "broth". Phenomenal and a favorite among our entire group. The meat dish was lamb but since I don't eat it, I had the halibut instead. Probably my second favorite part of the meal. Otherwise, the rest of the items on the menu were somewhat forgettable (although the jellied amuse bouche was a bit odd and everyone just sort of picked at it). And dinner takes awhile.... The restaurant was very quiet and museum-like, but since we sat in the private room upstairs, I didn't experience much of that atmosphere.
(4)
Krista H.
AMAZING! The food, the ambiance, the art work, the staff - all fabu! The event (not just dinner) started at Valet as they asked us for us by name. Seating was quick and the service was unbelievable. It is VERY expensive (1000 for 3 people), but if you can afford it, it is worth the cost. You even get an escort to the washroom. The waitstaff orchestrated every detail to down to how and when water was poured! As we left, we even got fresh muffins for breakfast! If I had the money, I would go back again! Hmmm....Tru caviar staircase! I must say that even after the very lenghty meal (3 plus hours and 10 plus courses), we were still hungry and headed to Sullivans for a nice juicy steak:) The staff was better than the actual food, but it was an amazing experience.
(4)
Eric M.
If the economy is good and you have $200+ to spare, this is a must-have indulgence. The service alone is better than Disney World and the food is just amazing. I went with my fiance and we each ordered a separate tasting menu (that way we could share). The staff was intelligent and not stuffy, constantly checking to make sure our wine and water were full, and we got to pick which napkin color we wanted! Know going in this is going to cost A LOT but believe me it is worth it.
(5)
Ryan T.
Tru was the one restaurant I really wanted to go, but missed out on during my first food trip to Chicago. When I finally did go I was pleased I waited because they recently introduced a Sommelier's Collection where the wines have at least equal importance. The Sommelier's Collection has one more course than the Chef's Collection which my girlfriend went with The Sommelier's Collection: Amuse: Jasmine-Scented Pear - Fennel Parmigiano-Reggiano, Smoked Paprika 01 SC: Grape Gelee - Crab Salad, Cucumber, Honeysuckle 02 SC: Veal Sausage - Sunchoke Cream, Celery, White Peppercorn 03 SC: Pheasant Consomme - Pomegranate Gelee, Cote De Brouilly 04 SC: Pork Belly - Corn Pudding, Granny Smith Apple, Pickled Leeks 05 SC: Hot and Cold King Oyster Mushroom - Avocado, Grapefruit, Caviar 06 SC: Smoked Bass - Carrot Puree, Harissa Panisse 07 SC: Venison - Blood Orange, Cocoa, Condensed Black Olive 08 SC: Bison Ribeye - Smoked Paprika, Blackberry, Parsnip, Malabar Spinach 09 SC: Duet of Brillat Savarin 10 SC: Red Wine Sorbet - Passionfruit Caramel, Plantain Chip 11 SC: White Chocolate Mille-Feuille - Apricot, Lychee, Strawberry, Cinnamon Mignardises and Lollipops The quality of the food seemed to vary wildly from dish to dish, with the standouts being the Pheasant Consomme, Pork Belly, and Bison and the low points being the Smoked Bass and Venison. Overall I enjoyed the Sommelier's pairing even though I thought the execution was a bit off. The complete review with photos and a description of the Chef's Collection can be found here tangbro1.blogspot.com/20…
(4)
Ameer G.
We went to Tru for my sister in laws birthday. What an experience. This was one of my first experiences at dining in a restaurant of this caliber. Since going to tru, I have also been to alinea, and comparing the two, i would say food wise, tru comes out ahead. While alinea is amazing in its own right, the concept of the restaurant is just different. Tru is all about a great meal, no theatrics. Everything is very calculated at tru, If I had any advice, it would be to get as many courses as you could, because who knows when you will be back. The entire evening was very memorable, from the synchronized water pouring to the synchronized serving for the entire table. This would be difficult to appreciate in a smaller group, so I would suggest going with 5-6 people.
(5)
Tom S.
This is a 4 1/2 star rating. Not as memorably or delicious as Charlie Trotter's, but a foodie's dream come true nonetheless. If you order the chef's menu, get ready for a never-ending event. By the time the dessert cart and then the candy cart came around I was about to bust out of my pants; portions throughout are generous, if not delicious and creative. The room is decidedly minimalist almost to the point of being austere. I did feel like maybe we were being rushed through such a big meal and the service was a bit staid, but this is a recommendation for Tru.
(4)
Mike W.
My very generous girlfriend took me for my birthday last weekend and I couldn't have had a better time. Prime 112 in SoBe is the only other place I've had actual Kobe and TRU certainly didn't disappoint. A5 Kobe topped with foie gras is about as decadent a dish as you can create. Everything after that is a blur, but I would recommend this as a "dining experience" rather than simply a meal. And for the price, I suppose it had better be. Splurge a little, go to TRU at least once in your life, but do yourself a favor and wear a proper jacket and tie. The kid dressed like Harry Potter two tables over looked like an idiot.
(5)
Ken L.
It's a high 5 stars before I went to Alinea. I'd give the food 4.5 stars but 6 stars for their service. Atmosphere and decoration are good. I always like the contemporary/modern style. I went there twice and the food were good specially the desert cart. I ordered the collection menu both time. Good things they change the menu every season. If you close your eyes and taste the food, you can tell what season it is. Service is top notch. All servers are nice and professional. Everytime when we lean forward and about 1" detached from the chair. 2 servers will come and move the table and pull the chair for you. Overall experience was great. I'd recommend to others. It worth for the price and you won't expect less.
(5)
Dina I.
Classic Chicago. Have dined here once back in 2007. Good fine dining but not the best in Chicago.
(4)
Erin W.
One of the finest meals you can enjoy in chicago. We did the prefixed menu. If memory servers there there over 9 courses when you count all the "extras". The service was amazing...it almost felt choreographed. Favorite entree item were the waygu short ribs!
(5)
Leon D.
Ha! You're kidding, right? Never had a better meal in six years I've lived in the city of Chicago. Pricey? Yeah. A little snobby? Sure. Will you see at least one guy being accompanied by a "professional" date? Probably. All that makes for good food and good fun. Been there more than ten times, and it's never disappointed me.
(5)
Candy K.
The experience was amazing and the grand collection....to die for. Had a lovely Valentine's day celebration at Tru.
(5)
Kim P.
There are so many things to cherish about the Tru experience that it's hard to know where to start. But for those who often feel like good service is dead in the states, here is someplace that can show you the stark difference between eating and dining. You are warmly received by name as if they've been expecting you because you always show up at that time and date. Graciously you're shown to your table and seated like a perfect lady (or gentleman). Almost instantly two servers arrive on opposite sides of the table, in perfect sync and begin pouring bottled water into your glasses (reaching the top at the same moment) then stepping back - as if in a dance, only to melt back into the background. The food is amazing. You can feel the various layers of flavor unfold as the food dissolves in your mouth. The seasonal offerings are unique and inspired. Despite all the courses of food, I didn't feel overly full or uncomfortable. It's a luxury to dine this way, so don't come in a hurry expecting to get in and out quickly. But why would you want to leave? The desert carts are just over the top, and the presentation of every little thing is so artfully done, that you haven't just enjoyed a good meal, you've enjoyed a good evening.
(5)
Nina B.
Why only 4 stars? TRU is a delightful indulgence in many, many respects: impeccable and gracious service, playful and intriguing menu, all amidst comfortable and modern surroundings. I give it only four stars because, while it was the most expensive meal I've had the pleasure of eating ($900 for two people), it was not the best meal. I went expecting ambrosial bliss, but came away noting it _only_ as a very pleasant meal and fantastic experience. My husband and I each ordered the Chef's Market Collection and accompanying wine pairings, as well as the near-famous caviar staircase. In the end we were served 12 courses, plus amuse bouche and other "little bites." It was truly a night of food! There were two courses that very nearly sent me into the foodie heaven I was hungering for: the roasted asparagus with shallots and parmesan; and the braised veal shank with sweetbread cappelli, carrots and veal bouillon. Both dishes were prepared with delightful layers of tongue dancing flavor that sent my head spinning. Oh, and I mustn't forget the dessert! An awe-inspiring accomplishment composed of chocolate hazelnut mousse, orange sherbet, and cardamom-scented oranges. Wow! Additionally I should note the buffalo mozzarella dumpling with green olive emulsion & black olive powder, served as an amuse bouche -- quite enchanting. As was the cheese course (the four cheeses I selected have disappeared from memory, quite upsetting). The wine pairing with each course was also delightful as an accompaniment (of which I was grateful), but perhaps not awe-inspiring in their own right. The much talked about caviar staircase was a bit of a disappointment, however. Perhaps it is my own fault -- while I am quite fond of caviar, I found the sturgeon caviar lacking a bit in texture and "pop." The slightly blander nature of this type of caviar truly needed the accompaniments of creme fraiche, red onions, and capers that were served. But what was lost in actual flavor was in part made up for in the overtly decadent presentation. The disappointments of the evening's meal came in the form of an over-abundance of foams and gelees. Every dish, it seemed, was steeped in this trendy food preparation, and as the evening wore on it became rather boring. The foam less so -- every preparation was at least ripe with exciting flavor. But the gelee turned ugly with the course of whipped salt cod and creamy potato -- a foul taste and texture approximating "fishy jello" as though whipped in the Bass-o-matic of SNL legend. One dish I wish I had sent back. Overall, however, the experience was quite positive. I imagine I will be back. And I will remember to order the wine pairings with each course, and to pass on the caviar. (And if at all possible, avoid the gelee!).
(4)
Samantha H.
If you can actually justify spending over $600 for dinner for two, you know it's amazing. That's what it was! We did the prix fixe but added the Kobe beef as an appetizer, which was just amazing. The au jus was just okay for me, but the beef itself melted in your mouth. The sommelier is just wonderful. You can tell he spends a large amount of time pairing wines with each dish (what a horrible job, lol) as every single wine he picked (we agreed to let him choose for each course) was perfectly matched to the dish. He came out to describe them to us before he poured and they were all amazing! The markup was what you'd expect. I could never have paired wines that well on my own. He goes around to each table and asks if you would like his service and, if you do, he just keeps coming back each course. The service was amazing. The ratio of staff to guests was probably 1:1.5, which I've never experienced before. At one point the waiter came out to ask my husband (who is a picky eater) if there was something wrong with the cabbage he left on his plate. He felt awful and said no, he just doesn't care for cabbage. But I thought that was thoughtful of the chef (who I've seen compete on Iron Chef) to really want to know what the guests like/dislike. Unless you're rich, this isn't a place you'll visit frequently, but would highly recommend for special occasions. The service is by far the best I've ever had and the food was fabulous!
(5)
RJ W.
Had a very good, but not superior, experience here. The food was excellent, aside from the souffle that never appeared. That is why it gets 4, instead of 5 stars. When one is spending over $1,000 for 3, the service should be perfect. And while it was very very good, we ordered the souffle for dessert while ordering dinner. When it was time to be served after a 2 plus hour dinner, we were told it would be another 30 minutes. Now, I am fairly well traveled and have dined everywhere from Alinea, Daniels in NY, Gary Danko's in SF, etc.. and the one thing they had in common, was impeccable timing. Tru disappointed on this throughout the night. It seemed as though we were never a priority. It was a Wednesday night, but last I checked, the prices are the same as a weekend. The food, however, was phenomenal. Not a single complaint there. And perhaps they have one of the finest cheese courses in the country. I only wish we had the wait experience that matched the dining experience........
(4)
James B.
TOO pricey!! Good place to impress people who worship wealth or enjoy small portion sizes on large plates...
(2)
Diana S.
By far the best experience I have ever had at a restaurant in Chicago. It is beyond memorable. It has gone beyond staying in my memory to entering my dreams. This place is the epitome of perfection in execution. The service is extremely meticulous. You are taken care of from the moment you enter. The food is intelligent. It is delicate and seemingly lacking in ammunition; however, each bite provides a whirlwind of euphoria. Ever been to a restaurant where everything has the same taste and feel to it? If you've only eaten at Tru, the answer is no. The only constant between the courses is the attention to detail; each course was a new challenge for my mind - which was unexpectedly put through a lot of work in order to process what my tastebuds got to experience first hand. If I could give more than 5 stars for the service, I would. I would give the absolute maximum. It would get the full 5 stars for service factors I would consider to be expected from this type of establishment. With reservations, your table is ready the moment you arrive. As soon as you get up, someone will ask if you are looking for the ladies' room and basically escort you there. They re-fold your napkin for you to return to whenever you excuse yourself from the table. All the plates go down at your table in time synchronization. You will NEVER have to wave down the waiter - one look and someone appears. They explain the dishes in great detail as they are presented to you. They have a great sommelier who is extremely patient and knowledgeable. I could go on and on for pages about how wonderful the service is but I won't. However, there is one more point I want to make in regards to service. There is one factor in the service that was extremely special to me and makes me want to give more than 5 stars. To preface, I look extremely young. I am - in fact - past my quarter life. However, I do not look like it at all. This is not currently a blessing - maybe in 20 years - but in my 20's - it is a disadvantage. Not only do I get carded 3 times in a bar the size of my bathroom (door, both bartenders) - I get treated like a spoiled teen who has watched too much Gossip Girl. I am dismissed often and given under-par service. This not only ruins my experience (although many times I forgive it - as shown by the high ratings I often give on Yelp) - but it is sometimes unfair to the person I am out with. TRU did NOT treat me like I was somehow "below" them - which yes, I've gotten even gotten at Cheesecake Factory (understandable - it's the downtown mecca of teenage diners). They treated me the same way as the rest of the patrons in the restaurant which means they treated me like gold. This place treats you like royalty. If you are looking to impress your date or make your wife/gf feel like a princess for ~2-3hrs. This is the place. If you got laid off from your job and want to have one "eff you" dinner using your severance - this is the place. It'll make you feel like you are worth everything in this world. Yeah. I had no idea a restaurant could do that either. After your courses, they roll over a dessert cart and formage cart. Everything is just *sigh* amazing. If you are full, they even pack up small dessert pieces of your choice into deep-purple-colored jewelry boxes and provide you with small home-made lollipops. If you think that's it, wait until you leave back through the black curtains - the host will give you a copy of the menu in a large envelope and a mini breakfast muffin for the next morning. What better way to leave an amazing experience than to be provided with goodies to extend that experience onto the next day? All those reviews that complain about how small the food is and how it's not worth the buck - I am completely confused. I was very full at the conclusion of our meal and based on the full experience, it is 110% worth the buck. But then again, I didn't pay. But I was happier than I've ever been leaving a restaurant - probably the happiest I have ever been. I'd hate to kill this review with an over exuberant display of fondness for this restaurant but it really deserves it.
(5)
Johnny B.
It's been awhile, but Tru was far and away* the best dining experience of my lifetime. Food and service both. From the understated unpretentious service, to the cheese flight (*drool*), to the original Warhol looking down on us, to the candy cart after dessert, to the personalized takeaway menu at the end - all of it simply stunning. Saving my pennies to do it again sometime soon! *This reminded me of that terrible early 90s Tom Cruise/Nicole Kidman epic disaster of a film. Made me chuckle.
(5)
Mara S.
Probably the best meal I've ever had... I went to TRU tonight for a business meal with one other person. I was immediately impressed by the kind hostess and the non-pretentiousness of the place (ok, it's a little pretentious, but you're paying for that) - people weren't snotty at all. We were greeted right away with exceptional service (including a chair for my handbag - no really, they brought a stool to our table just for my purse so that it wasn't on the floor) including an escort to the ladies room. He didn't go in, just walked me there. We ate off of the Fixed Price menu and were extremely pleased. My colleague had the Halibut and I had the Ribeye as our main courses - I tasted hers and both were absolutely delicious. We received a pallet cleanser between each course and each was better than the one before. Top off this wonderful dinner with a cheese plate and some amazing desserts. The chocolate mousse was rich and creamy. I thought we were done and then they brought the lollipops and truffles. Oh my word. Overall and wonderful experience complete with a lemon pound cake to take home for breakfast. I was very pleased with my meal and the service and would go back again without hesitation. You should go here expecting your meal to take about 3 hours, but it is time well spent.
(5)
Dane K.
I haven't been here in 2 or 3 years or so but can still remember every little detail (though, conveniently, if I forget they provide you with a take home menu of everything you ate and drank). The best meal I've ever had in my life. We reserved a spot in the upstairs semi-private dining area, a great alternative to the downstairs dining if you can get a spot up there. It's just you and 3 other tables upstairs, it's very very nice. Service was stellar--I can't imagine anything being better. (I think the service was measurably better than other local competitors--Alinea, et al.). The wine service was personal and they had a lot of good selections by the glass or bottle. We opted to go by the glass, and the sommelier helped us pick out wine throughout the dinner. I much preferred ala carte selection of wine by the glass over just having them pair wines. They still ended up choosing much of what we drank, but we were involved and had a say so it wasn't like they were just bringing us bottles and we were drinking whatever they brought. The food itself was outstanding. Everything was perfectly prepared and presented well.... Dessert is fantastic, too. We both had the full chef's collection tasting menu, and even though we both ordered the same thing we got different courses throughout the night... So that was a great advantage as well. Sure, the place is a huge splurge and you could fly to Europe in the off season for almost the same price per person, but this will be equally as memorable 5 years down the line.
(5)
Powell Y.
Date: March 24, 2006 Location: 676 North Saint Clair Corkage: not allowed Cost: $550 - Market Collection Menu & Wine Pairing (includes t & t) Phone: 312.202.0001 Had a 9:45pm reservation at TRU on the Friday I arrived in Chicago. As Crystal and I checked in, we were directed to the bar as the staff gets our table ready. We ordered two glasses of the 2004 K Vintners Viognier to start off the evening. About half way through the glass, we were informed the table is ready and offered a tour of the kitchen before sitting down. The kitchen tour wasn't too interesting, just a standard quick walk-by. The dinner menu was presented to us, one side listing the pre-fixe menu with choices and the other listing the Collection options. Unfortunately the Seafood Collection wasn't available, which was what I wanted to try, but we made do with the Market Collection for the both of us. A different approach to the wine pairing aspect, nothing listed, offered if asked and kind of go on a whim based on the $$ one wants to spend. Not exactly how I would of done if if I owned a restaurant, but that's a different topic. The Market Collection is a nine course menu as listed below, course three through seven were prepared two ways with each of us having a different preparation of the same main ingredient. *** Grand Amuse-Bouche ~Scallop Ceviche, Avocado Puree, Lime Segments ~Tuna, Marinated Trevio, Orange Italian Black Pearl Osetra Caviar, Chilled Cauliflower Creme, Lemon Confit 2002 Selbach-Oste Zetlinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett New Zealand Langoustine ~Fresh New Zealand Langoustine, Thai Chili, Lemon Zest, Watercress ~Roasted New Zealand Langoustine, Baby Carrots, Turnips, Fennel, Langoustine Jus 2003 Hirsch Gruner Veltinger Kammener Heiligenstein Duck ~Duck Bouillon, Duck Prosciutto ~Veloute of Duck, Duck Confit NV Rare Wine Company Charleston Sericial Madeira Special Reserve Nova Scotia Halibut ~Nova Scotia Halibut "a la plancha", Sea Urchin, Preserved Lemon, Citrus Jus ~Roasted Nova Scotia Halibut, Razor Clams Casino, Bacon, Clam & Spinache Sauce 2003 William Fevre Chablis Montmains Pasta Course ~House-made Farfalle, Chicken Wing Confit, Bayonne Ham & Foie Gras Glaze ~Spaghettini, Carbonara Sauce, Parmesan Reggiano, Raw Amish Egg NV Henri Billiot Rose Brut Prime Midwestern Beef Ribeye ~Roasted Prime Midwestern Beef Ribeye, Braised Beef Short Rib, Glazed Pearl Onions, Crispy Bacon Lardons ~Grilled Prime Midwestern Beef Rib Eye, Fondant Potatoes, Bearnaise Reduction 2003 Yann Chave Crozes-Hermitage Tete de Cuvee TRU Collection of Cow, Goat and Sheeps' Milk Cheeses Cherry Mint Soup Duet of Desserts 1999 Chateau Pajzos Tokaji Aszu 5 Puttonyos Mignardises and Lollipops *** While the food was good overall and we got to try two different preparations, not one single dish gave me the wow factor. As usual, the final meat course failed me once again, although good to see it was ribeye rather than the standard filet mignon, but that's about the only compliment I can give the course. The wine pairing choices were nice for the price they charged, but the word pairing should be crossed out as none of the wine paired well with the food. Not saying the pairing was awful, but definitely more thoughts could be put into the process. The service was attentive, prompt and precise, but WAY TOO mechanical and stuffy. Small talk with the Sommelier didn't go anywhere, seem disinterested. None of the staff at the restaurant had a smile on them except for one person. Same type of service as French Laundry, but not what I would enojy as a dining experience. TRU is not a place I would return, just from the food standpoint, French Laundry, LaToque and Cyrus all out performs TRU. I can certainly name a few other places of different type of cuisine that out shine TRU as well, not a difficult task. Perhaps I am a bit spoiled and too critical, but a restaurant of this level should still show better.
(3)
Gracie B.
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH This is simply for having to plan an event here. Just don't do it. I don't know where you should go instead n Chicago. But it is not going well. My event is a week away and while not everything is Tru's fault, they certainly are not making it easy. The biggest issue is that the Chef doesn't want to have to prepare for having choices in private dining meals. So you have to give your guests 1 meal option. Here's where that's a problem for me. 1. I NEVER pick restaurants when friends and I go out to eat cause I don't want the responsibility. and 2. I'm bad at picking my own meals (especially weeks or months in advance) So: therefore, I'm having problems. First I outsourced menu selection to the 2 members of my company's staff actually eating the meal. Then the menu changed. So I made a logical change. Which meant that the entree was going to be beef. Well - the California mentality of my company says that that's bad - people either a) need 2 choices or b) the one choice needs to be something "safe" like chicken. Welll there is no chicken. And the Chef won't make options. And oh! the private dining contact is harder to find than Lindsay Lohan's underwear. I've worked with 8 different private dining contacts at similar restaurants in New York, Philadelphia, Boston, LA, San Francisco, Dallas and Minneapolis. All of them have been gracious and great helps as I plan these events. The contact at Tru has basically been unreachable and when she is reached, she's completely unwilling to help me find solutions So where does that leave me? Sitting in Berkeley 1 week before the event losing my mind about what to feed 18 people that I don't know. Maybe by next weekend it will all be smooth and nice - but for now...no. For now, I'm stressed and completely unimpressed. Edit: 4/28 - Plus 1 star. So I don't know if they read my review but suddenly my contact is much easier to reach and much more willing to help. She helped me find what she and I thought was a great solution. Which my CEO then shot down. Soooooooooo - when I went back and said: we need 2 options and that's that. She said: ok. And now it's happening. Now there's a matter of my event order being about $30 more/person than originally quoted...but we'll talk about that on monday. The event is wednesday - expect an update. Edit: So we ended up cancelling the event (yeah, after all that work) because people waited till the day before to say they weren't coming. Hello! RSVP by X date, means RSVP because I'm dropping mad money on you. Anyway - lost hella cash and went through the madness of the meal for no reason. I think this may be a good place for rehearsal dinners or small business meals or just a nice dinner out, but NOT for special events.
(3)
Aileen O.
My boyfriend and I went to TRU to celebrate our one-year anniversary. We came in with very high expectations. I know the service would be exceptional, but I was a tad worried about the quality of the food. We had a 5:30 dinner reservation so we were one of the first patrons on a Saturday night. It was nice to walk into a spacious and very quiet dining room. It was actually a tad intimidating with the 10+ waitstaff standing around. ;) When we made the reservation, we let them know that we would be celebrating our anniversary. They made the night very special with phenomenal service (the waiters really do synchronize their movements), personalized menus that we could take home, and a small dessert plate that read "Happy 1st Anniversary." I was really surprised by how much effort they put into making it a great evening. The food was good, but as mentioned already, portions are small. We had the three course prix-fixe dinner and ended up getting extra cheese and dessert courses. It's a little tricky when they roll out the cheese and dessert carts. We naively assumed that these goodies were part of our meals, but of course - they weren't! Our bill was pretty high, and I felt a tinge of guilt as my boyfriend forked over his credit card. I didn't get a glance at the check, but I'm pretty sure it was in the $500 range. Would I return? Probably not. But I had a memorable night. If anything the service overcompensated for the food. Plus the personalized menus now sitting on my coffee table will always remind me of the night my boyfriend really showed me what fine dining really was!
(4)
Christine P.
OHMIGOD, what an experience!!! I've never been to such an upscale restaurant. everything was perfect and in sync - the food, wine, table service, etc etc. Desserts to die for, and the suckling pig was FANTASTIC (even though I did feel really bad about eating it afterwards). They really take care of their customers
(5)
Dean K.
I think that I liked the experience more than I did the food, not that there were any complaints in that department. It was all extremely good. But the service? They had bases covered that I didn't even know existed. Sometimes, a little too covered. I was escorted to and from the restroom and I could have done without making a whole production out of it. When we finished eating, though, a hostess was standing by the exit with my coat and bag and how she remembered which were my things or knew that we were getting ready to leave remains a mystery but it was pretty cool. Plus, they had a little baggie of cookies and lollipops for me to take home. It's a special place.
(5)
FelineFluff F.
Tru was all about the experience. The service, absolutely amazing. I was blown away by the perfect timing of things. Still convinced our server had somehow tapped into my thoughts, as nothing was overlooked. I'm usually VERY picky about what I eat, but there were combinations I would have never thought of plating together that amazed my palette. Let's just say I'm truly happy I opened myself up. The food was pure art and handled that way. A bit dainty sometimes, but I appreciated the craft that each dish obviously entailed. If you're looking for a HUNGRY MAN meal, look else where. Yes, the cost of this experience borders on the insane, but for something special. sitting across from the right person, it is so worth it. A place to adorn that perfect dress, sit back and enjoy the whole experience.
(4)
Matthew A.
If you want a Tru(e), top of the line dining experience... The best dining experience I have ever had. But with that said...I don't think I will ever need to go back. If I could give 4.5 stars I would. Let me start by saying that I am not a fancy dinner guy...I would prefer a steak over caviar on a cracker. However, I went to Tru with a totally open mind ready to try everything that they offered. My wife and I went on a Thursday evening, late at 9pm, and we left a little after midnight. We never ever felt rushed, I actually found the pace of the meal very enjoyable. Every single person on staff was providing the best possible service, though I think they could do better with where they store the clean wine glasses, they were constantly restocking a shelf with glasses right near our table. My wife had the Spring Collection and I had the Chef's Market Collection, and overall both were excellent. Each course offered showed GREAT attention to detail and presentation. Each dish had delicate mix of flavors, most of which I had never tasted. High points for us were: -Roasted White Asparagus, Shallots, Parmesan -Rabbit Consomm, Morels, Pea & Lavender Emulsion -Artichoke Emulsion, Trout Roe, Condensed Mint, Dende Oil As an un-experienced diner, I felt that each dish held a rather small portion, though I know that the taste and the presentation are just as important. (A piece of veal the size of a silver dollar is a little on the small side...I think a second piece could be spared.) However, after progressing through to the cheese course, you begin to become full. Then they hit you with a selection from over 15 different offerings of cow/goat/sheep's milk cheese, with widely different tastes. The cheese fills in the gaps in your stomach left by the smaller portions. THEN then hit you with desert, which is just as excellent as any of the dinner courses. And if you couldn't take any more, they bring out some small chocolates and some desert bread to fill in the open space on your plate. Now I can say that I have experienced the top of the line this city has to offer...but would I go back? Probably not, or at least not for a few years. It is just not my thing, and it is fairly cost prohibitive. When I go out for a nice dinner, I think around $100-$150 max for the two of us...and Tru is definitely far above that range. But more than the price, the style is just...too...fancy for me. Each dish is a work of art by itself and I think I would rather look at a pretty picture than stir it up and eat it in one or two bites.
(5)
Meagan F.
Tru is exceptional. The moment you walk in to this very understated restaurant, the hostess greets you, and you feel immediately at ease. The service was impeccable, if not too attentive. The precisely choreographed plate/wine/siverware placement by a pair of servers is a little over the top, but not unappreciated. My fellow diner and I both had the four-course tasting menu with wine pairing. Although it was a year ago since we were there, I still remember the feel of the rich, velvety beef consomme on my tongue. We had a wonderful conversation with the sommelier about food, wine, and life; and they sent us home with a copy of our menu and some financiers for the road. GREAT restaurant. Worth every penny.
(5)
Edward H.
I figured I'd hold off on the big 200 until I've gone to somewhere exceptional. So for my gf's extended birthday celebration, we ended up going to Tru. Tru really impressed me through and through. The service at this place takes dining to a whole new level and their attention to every minute detail never ceases to astound me. It all starts before you even step through their doors - the valet has a list of all the guests for the night. You are immediately greeted with by the host and who takes your coat and then proceeds to whisk you away to your table. Typically, the staff pulls the chair out for the lady - I found it refreshing that they pulled the table out for my lovely date. We then were greeted by our servers who provided our menus for the evening along with a very extensive wine list. It was a nice touch to have a custom printed menu for the birthday girl atop her menu. It took a while for us to decide what to get since literally everything on the menu sounded delicious, but we never felt rushed and our server was very helpful in suggesting items to sample. We decided to skip the marathon dinners (Black Truffle or Chef's Collection) for a lighter fare so we ended up with the caviar staircase and prix fixe meals. For our amuse bouche, we got to sample some delicious melt in our mouth dumplings. The staircase featured four delicious and very fun to look at lumps of deliciousness. I started with their Hawaiian blue prawns accompanied by an aromatic curry sauce - to prepare me for that appetizer. My main course, butter poached Maine lobster, was cooked to absolute perfection and was greatly enhanced by its accompaniments. There was bisque to enhance to sweetness of the meat, a citrus and almond sauce to accentuate, and finally the most well prepared asparagus I've ever had. I capped the dinner off with a beautifully made vanilla parfait with blood orange marmalade and chocolate ganache - it was picture perfect. It was amazing to see completely synchronized service - the removal and placement of our meal was perfectly timed on both sides of the table. In addition to our fare, we were further stuffed with samplings in between each course not to mention post-dessert desserts with things such as lollipops, truffles, caramel corn, variety chocolates. My date enjoyed a beautiful birthday brownie with a birthday message written in icing on the platter. Before heading out, they handed us the custom printed menu signed by all the chefs that helped make the night so memorable - talk about thoughtful! Tru really demonstrated why they are one of the best in world class dining. From the impeccable service to the sample fare pre/during/post dinner, everything was perfectly executed. On the way out the door, they handed us our coats and a complimentary banana bread. All I could think of at that point was "Boy, we're stuffed!... Holy crap, post-dessert desserts and now banana bread? When are they going to stop feeding us?" Tru is a great place to celebrate with that someone special. Go there and you're bound to get an experience to remember.
(5)
Norbert W.
*giggle* a joke. if you're used to frozen dinners, maybe a place for you. It's all pretension. And it caters to the crowd that likes to pretend it knows what "fine dining" is about. Maybe go in the way-back machine to before it was sold. Maybe then it was good. Now it's just a pathetic, overpriced shell of a restaurant where people from the burbs visit if they can't get a table at ponderosa...errr. gibson's.
(1)
S to the izzo F.
An Fantastic dining experience! The lighting and black and white decor give Tru an art gallery feel and the food is the art! I took a tour of the kitchen and it's run to perfection. Clean and very quite. It was like watching a artist in his Studio. But more than anything, even better than the food, was the Service. Absolutely top notch. You have to be willing to sit and enjoy. The experience took a little over three hours. Slow eating can be very fun especially if you have the right person/persons to enjoy it with. Very expensive. Some might feel that no food is worth this expense, not this individual. Tru is one of Chicago's best.
(5)
patty l.
At Tru, you will find full of surprises! Until today, this is still by far the best restaurants that I have ever been to. It is expensive, but it's definitely a very unique dining experience, and I would return if I ever visit Chicago again. The service was outstanding, it's almost surreal. Restaurant itself is like a gallery, and food is the art. Everything is perfectly measured. The tasting menu is what you want to order, and don't forget to order the melted chocolate cake with ice cream. It was too good to be "TRUe"! The day when I went, Nicolas Cage was there with his Korean gf (4 years ago)! I can't say enough good things about this restaurant; you will have to experience it yourself. I highly recommend this restaurant for any special formal occasions.
I have a mixed feeling, very complicated mixed feeling toward this place. I am impressed by the service and wait staff, yet disappointed by the cold and uninviting interior decor. Sure, they probably strive for minimalism, but minimalism does not conflict with being warm and inviting. Not to mention you are bound to sit there for at least three hours and to drop more than a few hundred bucks. A warm and fuzzy feeling isn't too much to ask, right?! Food and presentation are substantial, but yet to be exquisite. Good backup plan when you can't get reservation at Alinea or Next ;)
(4)
Winston G.
I've only been to two "fine-dining" restaurants so far in Chicago, Tru being the second (MK was the first). I thought the food and service here were truly exceptional. I ended up here for work-related reasons and was served a four course meal, which included an amuse bouche (not sure what it was), a cream of corn soup, a halibut course, a beef tenderloin course with a caramelized onion tart, a raspberry with baked chocolate mousse, and a dessert platter with macarons and mango flavored marshmallows. I found the cream of corn soup and the halibut to be exceptional, while the beef tenderloin was ordinary. Desserts were also great. I am not too sure of the cost, but I believe the restaurant features prix fixe menus that range from just a regular dinner to a chef's tasting menu. Service and decor were exceptional, and I hope to be back here again for a special occasion.
(5)
Kiera D.
WOW. That is all I have to say. I came here for a celebratory dinner with my parents and The food was spectacular. We started with the oysters which were some of the best I've tasted. Then, we moved on to caviar, which again was superb. We ordered the smaller tasting menu which included an amazing smoked duck dish that still makes my mouth water. I would absolutely recommend this place!
(5)
Scott O.
We ate here about 4 or 5 years ago and the collections were fantastic. The food was well prepared and intriguing, the caviar staircase was the highlight of the meal, and we felt satisified at the end of the meal. Now, they are trying to compete with Alinea and Moto and everything is foamed, dolloped, and the portions are miniscule. I had two courses in my collection that were two of the worst things I've ever eaten in my entire life: Artichoke Consomme with Caramel(!!!) and a lovely piece of sturgeon ruined by being soaked in mushroom tea. My partner and I were starving when we left and have no intention of ever returning there again.
(1)
Rachel S.
So, I had been wanting to come here since before I moved to Chicago (as a child, I watched Gale Gand on Food Network a bit too much) To my utter surprise and pleasure, BF took me here for Valentines Day! When we walked in, I said "I didn't even know that you knew that Tru was a thing!" To which he replied "I didn't!" Yay for happy coincidences. We chose the 9 course tasting, which I believe is worth the price when considering other options. I've heard people leave after the 3 or 6 course menus a bit hungry still. We were NOT hungry in the LEAST after the 9 courses (plus lots of tiny things in between). The food was solid, for sure. I think I've probably had slightly better elements here and there, but this was definitely worth it for the experience and the decadence. One of our dishes came with gold-freakin-leaf as a garnish... The service... here... I'm torn. I appreciate an attentive wait-staff, and the synchronized serving, etc was fun the first couple of times, but it ended up feeling a little contrived and awkward. Also, I felt like every time I tried to rest my elbows on the table between courses, someone came by to scrape crumbs off the table (invisible crumbs, I suppose, I never saw any). Also, after BF spilled something on the table cloth, they spread a napkin over the soiled portion of table cloth, which was kind of weird. I have to say I would have enjoyed my evening much more had the service been dialed back a notch. I hope that management reads their reviews, although they probably don't considering it's Tru. What I will remember the most about this meal was the exploding chocolates at the end. Literally a crisp chocolate shell encasing a flavor-du-jour liquid. Thankfully the waitress counseled us that "exploding" wasn't an exaggeration and they should be eaten in one bite. Our flavor was passion fruit, and although I was feeling extremely full to the point of being uncomfortable, I could have eaten like 100 more of those passion fruit exploding chocolates. So refreshing and delicious. Personally, I think they made passion-fruit ice cubes, then dipped in tempered chocolate, and let the ice slowly melt in the fridge. That's how I would do it, anyway. Also, the financiers they sent us home with were quite delicious, although in my time living in Paris, I never saw a financier bigger than a small bite-size, these mamas were like baseballs. Tasty though. Will we be back? Not sure. Was it an excellent experience worth every one of BF's pennies? You betcher.
(4)
Cristina T.
Let me start this review by saying that I went into my Tru experience being pretty sick with a mild stomach flu. A friend had made a reservation which included a VIP experience-tour of the restaurant, champagne & a tour of the kitchen. Being the foodie freak I am, I waited a week in anticipation to eat at one of the top restaurants in Chicago. Then it hit. Stomach flu-crippling pain and near death sickness. I asked my friend if the restaurant could re-schedule. Nope. If I opted out, I would end up costing my group the price of the entire meal. After taking a 5 hour nap I got up and went to Tru. Upon walking in, one is immediately taken aback by the decor. Simple furniture and white walls showcased the brilliant artwork in this restaurant. Check out the light fixture called "stay" and be sure to check out Warhol's Marilyn. Upon being seated, we received our glass of champagne. We were given a while to think about what we wanted to order and trying to suck it up and be a champ, I ordered the 6 course tasting menu. I wasn't sure if I could stomach it all, but at least Tru offers an excellent selection of in-house made breads. Try the fleur de sel brioche and the pumpernickel. Onto dinner: We started with the sturgeon "caviar", which was smoky and clever, placed atop an avocado mixture. I loved its presentation inside a caviar tin. My favorite course. We moved onto a soup which was artfully presented in a kohlrabi fruit with dry ice. The pork belly was rich and unctuous-my taste buds were happy, but my stomach was not. When we got to the whitefish, I took a few bites and had to hand it to my bf. Now for the low point of my dining experience at Tru-the chicken with foie gras. There was no way I could eat that. Too sick. The waiter asked me a couple times if something was wrong and I kept telling them no. Although it was nice of them to inquire, it honestly made me feel like a jerk for not eating it. Onto dessert: the tasting menu included a quince and marscarpone mini-dessert that was delicious. Then came my favorite part of the meal-the mini-dessert cart. Now I was feeling better. I tried the truffle, homemade egg nog marshmallows, mini-macaron(size of a dime) and a tiny bread pudding. These were all phenomenal. As an ending to a meal we were handed "exploding truffles" that were so beautifully topped with gold leaf. Popped it into my mouth and it literally gushed out peppermint liquid. So cool. We were then given the bill(not cheap, kiddos), and lead into the kitchen for our tour. We got to see everything from the Versace tea set to the bartenders and even meet the chef. Honestly I thought this was the best part of the meal. Upon leaving we were given a little tea cake to eat the next morning with coffee. Cute. Overall, I am not sure this restaurant lives up to the hype it is given around Chicago. Although inventive, there were no stand-out flavors worth remembering. For the price of this meal I would have expected something phenomenal. Also, the fact that I couldn't change my reservation without being charged the price of the entire meal because of extreme sickness kind of turned me off. Once again, this could be completely based on my personal situation that day, but I am not sure I will be back.
(3)
Mike S.
TRU is serving up some of the most playful, original food we've seen anywhere. Not what we were expecting, but we were very pleasantly surprised! I won't spoil the surprise of how each dish is plated, but I will say that the chef is definitely having some fun in the kitchen. The amuse bouche was awesome! We chose from the 3-course pre-fixe menu and added a cheese course between the entree and dessert. The grass-fed beef carpaccio and duck consomme were delicious and perfectly prepared. The only course that I didn't love was the wild scottish hare. It was a beautifully crafted plate and the accompanying vegetables were perfect, but the portion was small and the jus that the server added table-side overwhelmed the dish with smokiness. My wife loved her truffled lobster and it was definitely a larger portion than the hare. The cheese course was better than I expected from previous reviewers' comments. I liked being able to choose from the cheeses right in front of you, as opposed to simply ordering off a menu or having the server choose for you. The server presenting the cheese cart was very knowledgeable and helpful, too. We enjoyed everything we tried, and the cheeses paired well with the provided chutney and honey. Dessert was the highlight of the evening for me. My wife loved her campfire of s'more, but the pumpkin patch blew me away. The different flavors and textures all combined together to make a very unique and wonderful dish. Super creative and fun plating!! The service was perfect. Besides flawless service throughout the meal, we really appreciated how each staff member greeted us on the way in and said "goodnight" or "goodbye" on the way out. A lot of little touches like that add up to a great experience as the night goes on. They had my wife's coat ready for us at the front desk, along with some treats for the next day's breakfast. Plus, the valet already had our car pulled up to the front door! It's also worth noting that the crowd was very mixed age-wise, something you don't tend to see when you visit restaurants at this price point. It was nice to NOT be the youngest person in the room by 20 years, for a change. Very highly recommended!
(5)
Kate D.
I considered taking off a star due to the price tag that goes along with the Tru experience, but ended up with 5. Because it's just that: an experience. And a well-executed one to be sure. Bravo, Chef Martin! The single misstep of the night was the utter lack of a valet. We waited at the curb for several minutes before I finally went in and asked. Might have cost them if it had been -12 outside or sleeting, but I'm in my twenties. I can handle the walk. Throughout the evening, I was delighted by the staff. I didn't encounter a single pretentious person, and instead felt that they enjoyed our enthusiasm and wonder at the whole place. We were the youngest patrons by about 20 years, and everyone else looked bored and like they hated their dining companion. Our lead server, David, made the experience fun, and the sommelier Jen was spot on with her recommendations. From the coordinated water pour to service of courses, the Tru staff is a well-oiled machine. Side note: Tru's art collection includes Adam Fuss's "My Ghost" series. One of my personal favorites. A real treat if you get to see it, as the collection rotates and often copies are displayed over originals. Food: We chose the grand collection. First: comte cheese gougere. Loved the lightness, was a bit iffy on the Ritz cracker flavor. As it was a bonus, I'll go easy on this one. Amuse Bouche: cucumber salad on gelee, bouchot mussel veloute. Fairly insubstantial in comparison to other courses but well-balanced. Second: white sturgeon "caviar", avocado, hazelnut, with herbed crackers. My husband had never tried caviar so Chef Martin's pearled sturgeon was the perfect gateway drug. Husband says:"My favorite course of the whole meal." Success! Third: chilled kohlrabi contained within itself with curry oil. SO COOL. This dish is served in a hollowed out kohlrabi with dry ice, so it comes out bubbling. The complex pyrotechnical presentation paired perfectly with the singular flavor of the kohlrabi. Fourth: duroc pork belly, potato two ways, black truffle. I am not a truffle fan. I think they're overrated. However, I love all things resembling bacon. Maybe I'm trashy. Whatever. The pork belly was flavorful and the starch complimented it well. Yum. Fifth: roasted golden tilefish, banyuls brown butter emulsion, pickled daikon. The tilefish is cooked skin-side down, providing a crisp contrast to the tender fish. Bravo. Probably my favorite of the night. Sixth: jidori chicken, foie gras, wild mushroom, salsify. I wasn't a huge fan of this course. The chicken was a little undercooked for me. Husband liked it. A draw. Seventh: We were given the choice between dessert and the cheese cart. Naturally, I dove for the cheese. I chose four selections and David recommended a couple more. They were served with fruit bread and honey. The sheep's milk cheese came in second, with a simple herbed Mallorca taking the gold medal. So glad I chose cheese (as always). Husband went for dessert. I don't recall what it was but he liked my cheese better. The meal ended with coffee and mignardises. Our car was waiting (valet: redeemed!). We were sent off with a breakfast nibble for the next morning. The Grand Collection, a cosmopolitan, Manhattan, half bottle of wine, and tip came out to $475. Worth it? YEP.
(5)
Alyssa E.
Words cannot describe this meal. It was mind blowing, as each course was served in a different way . One dish had hidden dry ice, creating a vapor from the dish! This meal was definitely worth the high sticker price if you are looking for a fine dining tasting experience. You definitely will not be disappointed!
(5)
Caroline C.
TRUly mediocre. I wish I could have dined here in the days where Rick Tramonto was still at the helm (TRU stands for TRamonto Unlimited, afterall), but alas, our experience here was forgettable. The decor looked dated and tired, without the grand opulence and just falling short of the minimalistic elegance that some higher end restaurants have. Our waiter appeared to have woken from a pre-dinner service nap, stumbling over the obligatory menu overview and appearing quite confused when we asked about selections on the wine list. We ended up getting the 9-course tasting menu and the caviar staircase - the staircase itself was beautiful, but I can honestly say that my palate does not appreciate fine caviar enough to justify the obscene amount of money we dropped on it. Later, we heard our waiter, who had apparently woken up and learned his script after taking our orders, tell another table of 5 that the staircase was meant to be shared by a larger group, and they had a half portion size that was not offered on the menu for half the price. Would that have been nice a tid-bit for my dining companion and I?? Yes!!! As for the tasting itself, there was not a single dish out of the nine that was memorable, and most were generally uninspired. My pork belly was hard as a rock, the veal was on the bland side, and as for a salmon and sorrel dish? Can't we be a little more inventive than that? Isn't a tasting menu supposed to showcase a chef's creativity and skills? The dishes where the chef did flex his creative muscles did not "wow" as expected - the suspended foie gras changed the texture of a creamy, decadent piece of meat to something resembling (and tasting of) canned tuna. All in all, nothing was terrible, but at the same time nothing was amazing. In a city that offers so many world-class dining options, we won't be back to Tru anytime soon.
(3)
William H.
I wasn't able to fit Alinea into my schedule this time in Chicago so I gave up on the search for perfect restaurant. TRU gave me hope! I was there for about 4 hours and eventually closed down the restaurant with the 10 course tasting menu. They did everything perfect, reminiscent of French Laundry perfection. Service was great, down to every little detail. Their wine list is huge, but well worth the effort to read up ahead of time and prepare to know what to order. This is a must try place in Chicago if you are into food!
(5)
Nate P.
Before going into my review for my recent visit (in February 2012) I have to say that I used to have a lot of skepticism about Tru. I first went to the restaurant in 2008 with my family and was frankly unimpressed compared to other comparable restaurants in Chicago. I ranked the likes of Charlie Trotter's, Alinea, Spiaggia, Ria, Next and others all above Tru. Having been back in 2012 for the six-course tasting, I couldn't feel more different about the experience. My first experience at Tru featured rather simple and unimpressive ingredient combinations, lackluster platings and a stale and uninventive menu. The new tasting reflects a much more adventurous, playful, creative and interesting concept entirely. Dishes featured some of the latest techniques pioneered by chefs like Ferran Adria while (largely) eschewing overly gimmicky shows of liquid nitrogen and the like. The amuse was a cute winter scene complete with a snowman - this was the one dish that didn't quite hit the mark as far as flavor goes (somewhat lackluster) and was heavy on the showmanship but enjoyable nonetheless as an amuse. The first course, tru's creme caviar was PHENOMENAL. This was the perfect intersection of modern technique to create the "caviar" while still packing in excellent balance, flavor, and purpose. The creamy avacado paired perfectly with the rich but mellow caviar and crackers. I wish I could buy this. The next course, a hazelnut soup with foie gras was also excellent. The emphasis was moreso on the nutty flavor than foie which I was thankful for. I had an overly rich foie soup in San Fran last year that I couldn't finish. This dish on the otherhand was well balanced and great for the cold weather. The next dish was an excellent pork belly dish with potato (and truffle I believe). Not as memorable as some but I recall enjoying it very much. Up next was my least favorite dish - a white fish (halibut or seabass I think) served with the skin. The smoky flavor was overpowering for me and as I'm not a huge fan of eating fish with the skin on, the texture was too much. Following the fish was a saving grace: squab. This was my favorite dish on the menu and one I can still remember. It reminded me of a squab dish I had at alinea back in 2010 and made the trip back to Tru worth the effort, price, and risk. Not much to say on the cheese course as it varies by what you choose but Tru has one of the best cheese carts in the city. I'm not as much of a sweet tooth so while the dessert and candies were excellent, they didn't make the meal (granted they didn't fail either - excellent balance, flavor, composition and presentation). Overall well worth a re-examination if you haven't been in a while and ABSOLUTELY a must if you've never been.
(5)
A. B.
It was good but not earth shattering. Great service and presentation though. Really good for those who are interested in trying caviar. They were also helpful when I feel in love with caviar at recommending where I can find it in a pinch (Whole foods, who knew?!)
(4)
Rachel W.
I am hugely not a fan of these uber prix fixed meals with 9000 servers and molecular gastronomy, so wasn't expecting to be blown away. But I was...I came here w/my family for my mom's birthday, we did the wine pairing as well, and it was the perfect complement to the meal. Everything from the amuse bouche to the personalized birthday menus to the bread courses to the wine was fabulous. Food was actually delicious, and you didn't feel like you were eating out of a science lab. Obviously not the kind of place you go on a regular basis, but of the restaurants in this category, I would definitely recommend. We had a wonderful night, were able to have conversation without being constantly interrupted, and felt like the food complemented our experience, as opposed to being the only thing you could talk about because it was so strange.
(5)
Erin J.
Tru deserves every star that they get. This is a phenomenal culinary experience. If you are a foodie, Tru will not let you down. The wine parings were lovely, and the staff exceptionally friendly for an establishment that one might think of as uptight. If you have the honor of having the Chamomile cremeux, peaches, dried apricot vanilla desert paired with the Bonny Doon vineyard le vol des anges. Your palette will never me the same! Bravo!
(5)
Eric M.
Tru continues to be my favorite restaurant in Chicago. It's "tried & true" if you'll pardon the pun. I know there are other rock star chef's doing their thing at "Next" and "Trotter's" but Tru has been quietly producing top shelf meals with a flourish for years and it shows. The "Obama-like" master of ceremonies is my favorite character in the staff line up. He's smooth, cool and knows his food. He manages your meal like a commander in chief. I love how the servers surround the table with each course and present them simultaneously....it's like "synchronized serving", it should be an Olympic event! Our table had the Chef's tasting menu which is a 3 hour affair that includes these highlights: -white sturgeon caviar- a play on caviar, the sturgeon is formed into little balls and then served in a caviar tin, they are over an avocado puree- this was a delight for the eyes and the taste buds -Dashi flan, edamame, yuzu- an "Umami bomb" that left you wanting seconds -Scottish salmon served on a tray of clear glass with a still smoking cedar "log" underneath, great flavors and texture, presentation was memorable -Jidori chicken with asparagus and foie gras, black truffles- presented as an oblong cube, not what I expected but the flavor was wonderful and the presentation made you think -vegetable "leather" of tomato, basil and other spices on separate sheets, served on a "clothesline" over lawn (turf) held on by tiny clothespins. Artful, tasty and imaginative. -dessert was a tropical selection of flavors- pineapple sorbet, banana creme served by a porcelain monkey. It was tasty and whimsical. A large selection of petite fors was served after and nobody went away hungry. Tru is still my favorite place in Chicago and I can't wait to go back.
(5)
Mandy C.
Although the staff was extremely friendly and accommodating, I did not have a great experience at Tru. It had all of the ambiance of fine dining, but none of the flavors that go along with it. My dining partner and I walked in and were immediately greeted by staff and escorted into a waiting area. The dining room, although mostly full, was silent and remained so for most of the evening. The atmosphere was very uptight. That said, the waiter and the rest of the staff was attentive and helpful throughout the meal. My partner had the lobster; it was a little tough and bland. I had the jidori slow cooked chicken and it wasn't just bland, it was bad. The chicken was rubbery and had no flavor. Since the menu lacked anything interesting or risk-taking, I assumed it would be the basics cooked to perfection. Unfortunately, it was not. There wasn't anything about Tru that lived up to its hype. Tru is a place you'd take your parents to show that that you have a real job now and are no longer eating ramen for dinner. It's not a place you'd take someone looking for interesting flavors or food combinations.
(2)
Katie H.
First off, if you think $250 is a completely acceptable rate for a hotel room, if you own $500 shoes, and if your monthly dining budget rivals the GDP of a small country, you can stop reading my review now. If dropping a few hundred dollars on dinner is a very special occasion for you, if you live on a smaller budget and if you balk at spending $20 on a single glass of wine, then you and I have something in common and you might find my review useful. For our 3 year anniversary, my husband and I decided to bite the bullet and cough up the cash for Tru. He'd been wanting to come here for ages, and it was either here or L20 (despite my repeated suggestion that we go back to Bonsoiree, which we loved and is BYOB and is only $85 for 8 courses). To stretch out the evening a bit, since we knew Tru would be our only activity for the night, we decided to arrive a few minutes early and have a drink in the lounge. Don't bother. 1) The lounge isn't like a bar, it's really just a collection of love tables with kind of uncomfortably soft chairs. 2) it's insanely expensive. The cheapest beer was like $12. $14 for a Sam Smith Porter?! So I ordered a glass of wine, Barbera d'Asti, which was phenomenal and I think around $12. My husband's drink, the apertif, was $17 (but excellent). Once sat at our table, we were asked if we wanted champagne. As the cheapest glass was $20 and the bottle of Barbera d'Asti was $60, we decided to jump right into the bottle. We started our three course prix fix with an amuse bouche, which was not very amuse-ing and then out came the appetizers. I went with the langoustine, which was one big langoustine in a boulliabasse broth with some kind of mouse and boiled potatoes. The langoustine was good, but I've actually had better prepared much more simply. Husband had the steak tartare with egg and truffle. It was fantastic, and the first time we'd ever had tartare. We also added in another course - the wagyu beef ravioli with foie gras in a beef broth (for $25). Skip it. The pasta was a bit overdone, the wagyu didn't taste like anything more than beef, and the broth was underwhelming. The foie was awesome, but...it's foie, it's easy for it to be awesome. For our entrees, I had the beef ribeye with foie gras. The beef was good, the jus was good, the mushrooms were well done, and the foie again was great. It was all good. But I didn't take a bite and think "oh my god, is the good". Luckily, my husband's lamb was fanfreakingtastic. I stole about half of it with no shame. When it was time for dessert, I was presented with a problem. I hate fruit desserts. To me, it's not dessert unless it's chocolate, and all the desserts had fruit in them. We'd made a note of this when we made the reservation, but still they could do nothing for me.....except tell me I should have come last week when they had a amazing chocolate mousse. Um, thanks. So I had a small cheese plate while my husband enjoyed his apple dessert. He had a fantastic Irish coffee while I had a glass of Muscato d'Asti. Then came the famed dessert cart. It had about 6 or 7 offerings on it. I took the only 3 that didn't have fruit in them - a champagne macaron (meh, and I love macarons), a chocolate truffle which it turns out did have raspberry in it, and a canele, which was just okay. So no, I didn't get to experience any of Gale's famous amazing desserts. On the way out, they also gave us a fruit muffin to take home. It was good, but no better than what you'd find at most bakeries. So the food....it was okay. 3.5 maybe 4 stars. But the service, hot damn the service was amazing. We sat right by the service station and loved being able to watch the orchestration of the service. The servers always arrived in tandem to remove plates, as soon as you stood up, your napkin would be removed and replaced with a new one. On my way to the bathroom I was asked 3 times if I needed assistance. As soon as I re-entered the room, someone arrived at my table to pull out my chair. I literally felt like we were being waited on hand and foot. The level of service was simply outstanding, and I get that part of the food and drink prices reflect that, but still, when my dinner clocks in at $440 (with tax and tip), I just expect a little more. I should have a meal that tastes so good I'm still thinking about it weeks later. It's the next morning and already the details are getting fuzzy. Maybe I'm being a bit harsh, but for the price, I just expected more.
(4)
Alex H.
I'm about as close to 4.5 stars as you can be without bumping it up to 5. Here's why: The food itself was phenomenal. I'm not going to go into specific detail as the menu is likely to change by the time you'll go there anyway, just know that it is equal parts playful, beautiful, and delicious. The service was beyond impeccable. By far the best service I've had a a single-Michelin star restaurant. Everyone is friendly. The timing is perfect. They really get the details right. Here's where I take issue with Tru: 1. Decor. I like minimalism. I like modern. And I even like the idea of letting the food, and not the space, be the star of the show. Unfortunately, Tru has taken the idea just a little too far, and the result is a strange waiting area (not a bar) inside from the entrance where you wait for your table, followed by a large dining room that is just a bit too open and generally lacking in character. 2. Proteins. As I said, the food was amazing, and I'd happily order any of the 6 courses we enjoyed again. My problem is that out of those 6 courses (as well as some lovely and unexpected amuse-style interjections between courses), only one was protein based. And that protein wasn't wagyu beef, wasn't sweetbreads, wasn't even pork belly or something similar. It was chicken. Delicious chicken, with some lovely accompaniments to be sure. But chicken is still just chicken at the end of the day. And when you drop in excess of $500 for two for a meal, I don't think its unfair to ask for some elevated protein options. Among Chicago foodie circles these days its almost impossible to have a culinary discussion without talking about Alinea and Next. I'd humbly submit that despite my minor complaints, Tru still belongs in any serious foodie conversation.
(4)
Mark D.
This was once of the best meals I have ever had in my life. Service was top notch, presentation was incredible and the food was amazing. They really wow you here. One course was a caviar staircase that was delicious and I'm not even a fan of caviar. Loved the beta fish swimming in the glass bowl under the tuna tar tare! Truly a dining event to experience. I can't wait to make a special trip to this city just to dine here again. Tru is one of my favorite restaurants in the country. Keep up the good work!
(5)
Rebecca W.
I choose this restaraunt because I wanted a super-special place where I could propose to my girlfriend. The folks at Tru were fantastic about it...very patient with my nervous phone calls; they brought the champagne perfectly on cue, and overall were really sweet. This isn't the sort of place we normally go to, but the service people were gracious and explained everything without a hint of condescension. We went with the prix-fixe menu - we both had seafood appetizers, and for the entree I had the ribeye while my girlfriend had the prime rib. For dessert we had the dark gleaming chocolate, and the ice cream with chicory texture was possibly the best thing I have ever eaten. I can taste it as I think about it now! The little "candy shop" dessert cart was also wonderful. In particular I was delighted to try the Canelle de Bourdeaux. Divine - perfect creaminess with just a touch of crunch and honey! You *must* try some of the cheeses, especially the sheep's milk cheese; they serve it with sweet bread and a little honey and it's, again, amazing. I said I went here to propose, and I want to make a special note of how extremely nice they were about us being a same-sex couple. Frankly, when I was calling places to set the proposal up, a lot of places were incredibly rude. A few places were surprised that a woman was proposing (assuming I had a boyfriend), and then when I explained I had a *girlfriend*, two places hung up on me and a third gave me a lecture! Tru, however, was absolutely professional, sweet, and sincerely congratulatory. (Also, reassuring, when my nervousness almost got the better of me!) If you are looking for a memorable, relaxing, unique experience, try here.
(5)
matthew S.
Very expensive, but worth it. Not as cutting edge as some others but excellent food and service in a classy atmosphere. Appears to be ADA compliant.
(5)
David G.
Really, really good. Creative cuisine, great ambiance and warm service. Among the top 1 star restaurants in Chicago, without a doubt.
(4)
DAVID G.
Couldn't have been more impressed and suprised! Putting aside the incredible cuisine for a moment (if one can), what was truly amazing was the clear attention to detail and impeccable service from the entire staff. The staff works and communicates like a well-oiled machine; they take customer service to heart and do so in a way that is almost mystifying. We never had to ask for a thing and they anticipated our every need, right down to having our coats ready to slide our arms into at the end of the evening. As far as the cuisine goes, it is hard to know where to begin with my compliments to the chef. The range and mixture of flavors and textures was splendid, portions were perfect and the courses were magnificently arranged! Bravo!
(5)
Elizabeth R.
I enjoyed the atmosphere and the service, however, the food wasn't as good as I expected. They missed the mark on some dishes, particularly the jidori chicken, which was pretty much dry and tasteless. The wine tasting selection was good, with a lot of white wines, which paired very well with the dishes. Honestly, Tru earned an extra star with their cheese selection at the end of the meal - cheese is the way to my heart. If I wasn't paying next time, I'd definitely go back!
(4)
Jigar P.
This is one of the very special place. I went here for dinner with my best friend to celebrate her acceptance to Med school at UIC. This place is upscale downtown resturant with great sense of richness in flavor, taste and ambiance. I really like the theramasu here. Honestly I liked all the dishes I ate here. It feels like its systematically designed restaurant since every details has taken into consideration like we were given enough time for making choice, the suggestions by server was really helpful, the light music. I think this place has very special because after dinner we went to just walk in downtown and it was cold and we still do some dancing on way back to car it was sooo much fun.. The only problem with such places is to get reservation. I was flying to chicago and my schedule was very tentive so can not visit this place again. But I will visit it again. Also they are very limited in veg choices. And parking as you all know is big time in Chicago downtown.. Also places like these are really very very expensive.
(5)
nikki s.
Tru is a must-do! I expected the dry, hoity-toity snootisms, but I was wrong. We were pleasantly welcomed in, seated immediately and our waiter made us very comfortable. I scanned the room and it was a nice ecclectic mix of people. We did the 10 course tasting which was a bit more elaborate than the prixe fixe menu. I'm a sucker for truffle, so the standout for me was the risotto with black truffle shavings. Exquisite! Don't get me wrong, though, every single course was mmm mmm good with creative presentation, from the squash soup housed in a hollowed mini- pumpkin to the decadent chocolates. Service was impeccable with not only attentive servers but synchronized serving. I'm talking about coordinated timing of the setting down of flatware. Nice touch. We were there for a special occasion so the menus had been customized with well wishes in acknowledgement. Another nice gesture. It's definitely a place for a special time, as I couldn't imagine a 3-hour meal on the regular. However, for a memorable fine dining experience, Tru is one of the best.
(5)
Amy S.
My fiance and I were taken here as an anniversary present by my boss and his wife. I had heard rumors that Tru was stuffy and stuck up....that they weren't very nice and that they just weren't friendly. I beg to differ. I didn't feel that at all. I felt the atmosphere was actually very pleasant. The tables were spread apart perfectly and you felt like you could have a conversation without everyone in the restaurant listening. Also, if you talk to the servers like normal people, they talk to you normal also. We had our sommelier telling us hilarious stories about wine regions and types of wines. The food was fantastic. We did the 9 course menu and I loved each course! And we did the wine pairings (those were HUGE pours!). I loved the personalized menu (Congrats Amy and Greg) and the fact that they reprinted out exactly what everyone ordered on a special menu at the end of the night. Truly great food and service and a very memorable experience.
(5)
A N.
This is one of those reviews that really deserves 3.5 stars. My husband and I finally had a good reason to try some very fine dining in Chicago - our 5th wedding anniversary. We dressed up all fancy and took a cab downtown like real adults. It was nice to have an occasion to dress up for. We ordered the 6 course Grand Collection and a bottle of Moscato since we were celebrating but don't really care for Champagne. I didn't take pictures of every course, but I still remember most of them, so here it goes: White sturgeon "caviar": very pretty and cool in concept. in reality, too salty. Also, we only got 3 tiny crackers with it. Say what? Not enough crackers with a course of any kind, at any restaurant is a major pet peeve of mine. I'd give this one an A-. one the most memorable courses. Amuse bouche: not a course exactly, but it was still served. Twas disgusting. Really. We both had to consume an entire glass of wine to get the icky taste out of our mouths. F- English Pea Soup: Yummy! I liked the peas. It was very beautiful, looked like a spring wreath at the bottom of the bowl. It had these micro croutons were really good and we could have used a few more. It was missing something, flavor-wise. B+ fava bean cappeletti: I don't care for ham but it was very delicate, pretty and tasty, but not very memorable or super interesting. B+ alaskan halibut: Fish was delicious and cooked perfectly. The mushrooms were also very yummy. But again, not mind blowing or anything. B+ Jidori Chicken: What can I say? It's chicken. It wasn't special chicken. The plating was fun and cool. The fiddlehead ferns were my favorite part of the dish. B At some point we also received a fun grass + ultra tiny clothes pins + dried fruit paper hanging like laundry. Tasty and very cute. Solid A for the expensive fruit roll up. Dessert was campfire s'mores and a chocolate with red pear sorbet. Both were quite tasty. We also received a special happy anniversary plate with mini-cake. The cake was dry. A- They brought around a dessert cart, which was has probably 1 dozen different chocolates and candies. The server explains what they all are and then says "would you care for any of these desserts (or something like that), it's our compliment". I wasn't sure if I should say "sure, i'll take all of them" or what. So I instead I was like "ok, I'll take one of those *points*". And she says "would care for another?" and i say "ok, I'll take one of those *points*". And so on, until we had all but 2 of every confectionary from the cart. Awkward. Finally they bring us two chocolates, laden with gold. They are pretty. And filled with cinnamon liquid. Delicious! I can only compare my experience at Tru to one other restaurant - Europea in Montreal. I am sorry to say Europea kind of kicked Tru's ass. We had many more courses at Europea, they were all really interesting AND delicious, and the service wasn't nearly as fussy. I would still recommend Tru for a very special occasion because it was a fun experience, but it just wasn't what you might expect for the money. If you are counting on your money going a long way, you might want to consider going elsewhere.
(4)
Jennifer S.
I feel like we totally wasted our money. Overall we were really impressed by the service, but the food was a big let down. We went there to celebrate my birthday. They printed up a special menu with my name and a birthday wish in it, which was a really nice touch. We ordered off the Prix Fixe Menu. The amuse-bouche was bland, our appetizers were good, but the entrees were a total miss (no taste, the lobster, which I paid extra for, was rubbery and the portions were really small). After our main course we were still hungry, so we ordered an additional cheese course served with a side of honey and chutney (the cheese plate was the best thing we had all night). Our desserts were also a big disappointment -pretty to look at but bland and unimaginative in taste.
(2)
Charin K.
My husband and I went to Tru for our anniversary last week and were thoroughly impressed. We have been to a good number of Chicago's nice restaurants and were excited to dine at the well known Tru and compare it to our other dining experiences. The thing that most stands out about Tru is the attention to flavor that they give. No, the dishes aren't crazy spins on the homey classics like you will find at Graham Elliot or Schwa, but they hone in on the flavor of every bite with carefully picked ingredients and methods of cooking that make for an outstanding meal and because of this it's modern French cuisine at its finest and deserves 5 stars. If you are looking for an incredibly posh fine dining meal experience, this is the place to indulge in. On the flip side though, if you are looking for a fun and relaxed atmosphere to go with a gourmet dining experience, this may not be the place for you. The restaurants I mentioned above have an atmosphere of warmth and fun that Tru lacks. This is not a negative feedback point of Tru by any means, there is a time and place for each of these experiences and I only mention this so that you know going in what to be expecting and can enjoy your experience to the fullest. We had a splendid time and will never forget the glazed veal or white sturgeon caviar... aMAZing!
(5)
Barbara C.
I had the pleasure of eating at TRU recently. I've never eaten there even though it seems like it's been a Chicago icon forever. I understand why. The food, the service, the presentation, the atmosphere is simply fabulous. They all work beautifully together to create a unique and memorable dining experience. Flavors come together in unique and surprising ways. Each course was more delightful than the last! Worth a splurge.
(5)
Toby S.
Extremely Good. Chicago Really has more than its fair share of fine dining experiences. TRU is formal and a bit of a old business type crowd but the food and service were exceptional. You leave having spend a crap load of money without any remorse. Just a body perfectly filled with highly technical and wonderfully executed food. All washed down with a superb complement of booze. (Note - If it were my restaurant I might work on the decor slightly)
(5)
Cory A.
It isn't too often that I feel a restaurant truly lives up to the hype and the aclaim that it's been given, but this time, this place just had to be one of them. My table had the Chef's tasting menu, featuring foie gras mousse, seared wagyu, and crispy bork belly, along with the sommelier's wine pairings. They wagyu was so tender and juicy, it practically fell apart before I could chew it. I can't say that the entire tasting meny was excellent, though. There were a couple things that tasted great, but were largely forgettable. The care and creativity that went into the dishes that "mattered" were nothing compared to the execution of them in the kitchen. However, the dishes that fell short, although tasting, great, did not live up to the calliber of the ones that made the evening. The dessert was the biggest let down. It was seriously just of scoop of ice cream over melon balls...no more, no less. I really expected something creative. In addition to the food, the service was exceptional. There were moments when I forgot the servers were serving, because their performance was immaculate. I'm glad I had the pleasure of dining at TRU recently, and if I am ever able to afford the bill again, I'd be there in a skinny minute to see and taste what else the chef has to offer.
(4)
Margaret T.
The food here is good, and the acrobatic display of service is interesting, however I am left uninspired by the stiffness of said servers. I also think the mood could be improved, as well as a few other things. It's almost like eating at a museum, and the times I have been there, I've been worried about my servers having a nervous breakdown behind their painted smiles. Tip toe service, I'd call it. I am just so uncomfortable when no one is having fun. But if you want to be treated like royalty, this is the place to do it. Meh.
(2)
Tim R.
Truly innovative food. I took my wife here for her birthday and we both loved it. They made a menu with her name on it which makes you feel all special. I recommend the chefs tasting menu. It is quite expensive so keep that in mind.
(5)
Juliette C.
Went to Tru with some friends (including Elisa O.) recently. I was super excited to go back but the dinner was a really big miss. First and foremost the dinner took nearly 4 hours! for the 6 course menu. So technically we got super bored and hungry! They apologized etc and gave us some truffles at the end - which btw where super delicious - but what can you do, the experience was marred. Second the food was rather good, I did not like the halibut, the chicken was not really interesting (though I liked the presentation). The caviar is awesome and I was happy to have it again, dessert was great too. The ham pasta with a fancy name tasted like ham pasta, it was good but kinda rustic. Ok and then there was the sake. First we paid $50 for a very small bottle of sake that costs $11 online. It was good, but wtf?? 400% mark up? That's ridiculous. The second bottle which was less crazily marked up just tasted like white wine... not what you want when you order sake... My friends were disappointed and me too. Would have rather spent my $180 somewhere else! Oh I was forgetting, a staff member explained to me what fish utensils were, because I was saying the fork looked weird. I know what fish utensils are thanks very much, the fork just had a really weird shape... last time I went they explained to us what a prix fixe menu was... It's not because we are under 30 that we are ignorant... The monkey was a little ridiculous too...
Food is awesome. One can't deny that. The tasting menu is an all evening entertaining event. Make sure to go with a fellow foodie so they don't get bored during the 4 hours. I cant give 5 stars because it's still hard to spend $450 on dinner for two.
(4)
Tricia C.
As seems to be the trend with a lot of the reviews here, service was 5 star but food was more like 3-4 (depending on the course). Don't get me wrong, it was good, just not as good, for example, as the meal I paid about half the price for the day before at Bonsoiree. Everything executed well, it just wasn't super exciting and nothing really made us do a double take. We did the Grand Collection and added the seared Foie Gras from the a la carte menu. We also swapped one of the beignet desserts for the fall fruit risotto I had seen on the menu online during my "research period." Funny enough, that addition and substitution were probably the best things we had. You definitely want the risotto--it's a whole deal where they assemble it tableside and it's the perfect balance of sweetness for a dessert. There were lots of extras thrown in before, during, and after our meal that were pretty cool also, and we were DEFINITELY full by the end of it. So, if you've never experienced the caliber of the wait staff at TRU, it's definitely worth it for a special occasion. But, we likely now can cross it off our list and will explore elsewhere on our next visit. Also note, there's really no sign outside, except a small logo obscured by some topiaries next to the revolving door. Just go where the address is and you'll figure it out.
(4)
Chester W.
Sort of in a secluded area at night, but overall I really enjoyed my meal. Went for a business dinner and had a great meal. Definitely pricey, but you should realize that before going in. Good drink selection, good food, and excellent service despite the fact that my waiter kept confusing my orders with the only other Asian in the dinner party.
(4)
Brett F.
Drum Roll please..... for my 100th review I found it most fitting to review my favorite restaurant in Chicago, Tru. Technically this isn't even a review.... the menu is ever-changing so I'm not going to drone on about food that will likely no longer be featured by the time you get there. What you do need to know about is the impeccable level of service demanded of the staff at Tru. You will not feel more important or pampered ANYWHERE... the staff times everything in carefully orchestrated maneuvers to create a seamless experience of culinary and visual delight. Be prepared to have Tru be the only thing you do in an evening... there will be no bars, movies or anything after this meal. It will take several hours and you'll be in such a state of food ecstasy that the thought of putting one more thing in your belly will be unbearable. Rick Tramonto does such an amazing job with the food, it's not only artistic and beautiful but even more delicious than it is aesthetically pleasing (ding! ding! ding! this is how food should be done people). Be sure to choose a prix fixe option as dining a la carte here is for amateurs... you don't come here to compromise on quality or selection. The Gale Gand dessert cart will really drive the point home with tons of hand crafted goodies and lavender lollipops... Gale is also known to pre-package little desert cakes that they send you home with. I can not think of anything else I would rather pair my morning coffee with.... Tru is my one and only choice for special occasions and milestone dinners - anyone who knows me knows that this is my answer to treating myself or my friends to something decadent and extremely fabulous. As a Chicagoan or someone traveling in our fair city, you owe it to yourself to sample a Tru caviar staircase at least once. And to dine among the fine art original Warhols, Ruschas, and Kleins... tres chic!!
(5)
Gazelle T.
For days I waffled about whether or not we should go here on our Chicago trip--would it really be worth the hefty price tag? For the same cost you could get a number of good or even fantastic meals at other restaurants after all. Well, we went and I'm happy to say it was indeed worth it! As others have noted the service is impeccable--indeed it borders on intimidating! But once I got over it being insanely attentive I realized it wasn't just service, it was Kabuki Theater. Then I was able to get into the spirit of the thing. Food and cocktails (ranging from $18-$22 for the curious) were excellent! And in addition to your regular courses there is an amuse included, and bread service (the pumpernickel onion bread was to die for. I could happily eat it every day of my life!), and a palate-cleansing interlude. You begin to feel that the prix fixe is not only worth it, but something of a bargain ;) After trying my boyfriend's Scotchman Can Take a Punch (one of their signature cocktails) I decided I wanted one for myself, even though if you had asked my I would have told you I didn't like any of the ingredients in it. THAT is high praise for a restaurant--making you eat or drink something you were sure you didn't like! I even had a second one. For food I had the chestnut soup, which was wonderful, and the short ribs, which were some of the best I've ever had. Our server explained they sous vide and seared, so they were like no short ribs I've ever had before. An amazing dish. They were sauced tableside, and the accompaniments were beautiful. I was particularly impressed by the tiny carved apple cups holding herb oil. Tru pays attention to every last detail. The cheese cart was also a treat. Another server brought it around, and he was extremely well-informed about everything. I was impressed by his memory, to say the least! The dessert was the only misstep--I got the "s'mores" and I found the different chocolate mousses and cakes to be rather one note, and presentation wasn't as interesting either. I've had much better desserts at other restaurants, and I have to say the ones I make are better as well :P But I didn't mind. The rest of the meal was fabulous.
(5)
Barack O.
Delicious food. Fantastic service. Taste everything and go as often as you can afford to. Worth every penny. Disregard any review under 5 stars,
(5)
jennifer l.
this place is hidden without any indication where it's located. It took awhile and walked around the same block prob 5 times before someone pointed to a door that took us to this ultimate place called "TRU" First, it's been about 8 months since I've been here but I still remember it like it just happened. this truly is what you call a fancy wancy no music, have 5 waiters for each table, everything white and silver kinda place. We had the 9 course, wine pairing ultimate course. Everything is portioned like an aneroxic model eats her food but it was perfect since we had so many courses to look forward to. Caviar with teeny tiny spoons? you are a God-send! Each wine pairing was brought out by a personal sommelier and was explained to us the region, ingredients and such. I just love listening to someone talk about food in European accent. Please sir, do go on~ Each course was amazing and made me really appreciate food like I never did before. Dessert was brought out in a rolling tray and we got to choose the ones we wanted. Of course, I only decided on 2 since I didn't want to seem like I'm at a Chinese buffet... The best experience about this place was my date. I have to admit, we were giddy and giggling about how quiet and stuffy the place was however, the conversation and how he looked that night I will never forget. More so than the place itself. When you are walking out, they will hand you a paper that has a listing of your complete meal with your name on it. BTW, it' pretty pricey. It's as much as an average person's month rent. So be ready to open up your wallet, and enjoy the ride~
(5)
Shawn m.
Charlie Trotter's is gone! but TRU is here and it's TRULY amazing!!! This restaraunt is like a well oiled machine! Great food, Great staff...it doesn't get better than that! Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Christopher G.
I have been to Tru twice. The first time was the night I put the ring on my wife's finger, the second time was to celebrate a new job. Tru is a choreographed experience from the beginning to the end. Everything is seamless as they take your coat, escort you to your table, to your fabulous dinner. My wife and I loved every piece of it, and it is a three hour experience (don't plan on dinner and a show). Tru is expensive, but it is very very special. Do not expect to see Gale Gand (from Sweet Dreams) or Rick (famous Chef) on-site . . but that doesn't hurt the food. Both times my wife and I went to Tru we ordered a three course menu and added an optional course (1st time Cheese, 2nd time upgraded the dessert to a 3 course chocolate tasting). Though the courses themselves are balanced (not cheesecake factory huge), we did not go away hungry. . .and I'm a big guy :) Nice Touches: Setting the plate for all members of your party simultaneously, the coffee cake for the next days breakfast, an amazing bathroom (if not that functional). Tru will always have a special place in our hearts. My wife and I love great restaurants and Tru beat Paris' Tour D'Argent hands down (ripoff), and is a little bit more of an experience than Gary Danko's in San Fran. Now that I live in Chicago I look forward to trying Aliena and Charlie Trotters
(5)
Maria C.
I have never had a dinner like before. It was more than a meal, it was an experience. We started with the caviar staircase and that was amazing to look at and to taste. Each course was so beautifully presented that you almost didn't want to eat it. I hope my company sends me back to entertain more customers soon.
(5)
Andrew A.
I am not a food groupie, I don't fawn at some pretentious display of food. If you are easily swayed by that, and you have dining plans immediately before or after your visit, Tru might be the place for you. I went in a group, and went along with the consensus, not knowing what to order. I had about six kinds of caviar in very small amount. Next, was some kind of foam or reduction, not really sure what the hell that is, but it was unique. After, I had what looked like glazed salmon and blackened chicken, without their respective flavors. The service was rude and condescending, which I suppose is obligatory for a restaurant of its type. A few of us went out for gyros after the Tru experience. We were really hungry and frustrated.
(1)
Cathleen F.
"This is where really wealthy people go when they want to have a nice night out." --Joe, my husband, commenting on the over-the-top, upscale atmosphere of Tru. Bottom line: The food is amazing and worth the price; the service is fantastic; the drinks are far too expensive. We arrived a little early and were seated in the "lounge" while they set up our table. The waiter handed us a drink menu, and this was when we experienced serious sticker shock! A bottle of beer was $14. It was good beer (Three Floyd's Pride & Joy), and we're not opposed to paying for alcohol, but as my husband put it, "this was just offensive." It was unfortunate that this happened immediately, because it set a tone for the next half hour. It was at this point that my husband made the above comment. We sat at the table and the wait staff handed us our menus. The three-course option was reasonably priced, and included an amuse bouche, substantial bread choices, course 1, course 2, pallet cleanser, course 3 (dessert) and chocolates. Except for the pallet cleanser (which tasted like what I assume a lime-scented candle may taste like), the food was phenomenal. My husband and I shared all of our courses, so we were actually able to taste 2 appetizers (scallops and foie gras), 2 mains (lobster and wagyu spare ribs) and 2 desserts. One disappointment about the menu was there wasn't a wine-pairing option. That, I believe, would be a nice way to offer smaller amounts of good wine, paired by a sommelier (now that I think about it, I never saw a sommelier the entire night) at an affordable price. (Topolobampo has this option with its 5-course tasting menu, and we don't hesitate to do it every time we're there.) As for the service, our waiter really couldn't have been better. I believe he recognized when we sat down that we were feeling a little out of our element, and adjusted his behavior to be more relaxed to make us comfortable. It worked, and we began to relax almost right away. When my husband joked with him, he laughed and joked back. I was as impressed with his (and the others') service as I was with the food. The people are true (Tru) professionals. We had wanted to go to Tru for many years now, and I'm glad we did. I recommend it for the experience alone. However, one of our favorite things about going out for a nice dinner is enjoying cocktails and wine, and it was just way too expensive at Tru for us to do that. I found myself sticking to the one $11 glass of wine they had on the menu--regardless of what I was eating. So, unless the price of drinks comes down, we won't be going back. Which is sad, because I'll be thinking about that foie gras, those spare ribs, the sauce on the lobster and that chocolate cake for years to come.
(4)
Peter C.
The food here was perhaps not as good as the price tag suggests, but the service makes the restaurant a definite must. I've eaten at many fine dining establishments, but I hadn't even realized service could be so good. I love the table settings too.
(5)
Srini V.
One of the advantages of eating out in a large group is that one tends to get a range of perspectives on the dining experience, and that makes for interesting listening. And one gets to try a larger subset of the menu than when you are dining as a couple or in a small group. The disadvantages are all too familiar -- coordination trouble, lack of intimacy for personal or business conversation, "group think" leading to more leftovers, and so on. I particularly remember the Tru group dining experience for three reasons: 1) The sychronized serving 2) The rejected proposal 3) "Whale of a time" Tru represents the best that downtown Chicago has to offer. Soon as our group of eight arrived, we announced in true group fashion "One of us has to leave in an hour, three others will skip the dessert, ... ". They took it all in their stride. The servers worked as a team, placing the plates and silverware, and pouring water in a synchronized fashion. Tru was not particularly vegetarian-friendly as I discovered. But they were very accommodating of my requirements. For the appetizer, I had the apple salad. The "one hour guy" was served a sushi plate. And the rest of the group tried various seafood options. The wine pairings were done tastefully. And my vegetable plate was cooked to perfection. Even as my colleagues feasted on the halibut and ribeye, and generally appeared very happy, we witnessed something quite upsetting. A guy at the next table brought out a ring and proposed to his dining companion, who calmly rejected him. The rest of their dinner was seemingly quiet. Our conversation sauntered along on even keel, notwithstanding the incident. And the cheese selection that came at the end of the meal was the best I have ever experienced, anywhere. Quite an incredible array of cheeses from across Europe and outside. " " " " " " " " " " " .- , " " " .-----./ / _.--''""--., ' -. (___ ...-- " \ \ (o) | ' , .___. ,__ .---' / '---- /__. '--------' ` We each had our take on the Tru experience. And as one colorful member of the group announced upon leaving Tru, "That was great! We had a whale of a time!" I would like to return to Tru!
(5)
Scott C.
We went to Tru to celebrate our 9th wedding anniversary not too long ago. It was quite nice to dress up and go out for a very nice dinner - we felt so grown up. The selling point of Tru is their service and it came through with flying colors - it was fantastic from the moment we stepped through the door to the time we left. Everyone from the hostess to the wait staff to the valet were attentive, friendly and helpful the entire evening. The food was good. It was not spectacular, unbelievable or mind-blowing. We did not have the 6 or 8 course menu since neither of us liked a couple items from each menu, so instead we ate from the fixed menu. We enjoyed the butternut squash soup (fantastic!) and the bacon wrapped scallops for appetizers. Then we moved to the braised short rib and curry lobster for our main course - both very good, but did not have a WOW factor to them. We finished up with dessert - sorbet served in spoons and chocolate mousse. The little side dishes in between courses were a nice touch, but the gelatinous meat side was forgettable at best. We enjoyed a wonderful bottle of wine with the help of the wine staff at the restaurant that really complimented our meal. Again, the staff was great and friendly the entire evening. When we left we were given pastries for breakfast the next day and our car was waiting for us. It was a great dining experience - if only the food was a touch more imaginative.
(4)
Stacey W.
I recently attended a company holiday party held in the private upstairs seating room at Tru. I had been so excited to try Tru because of all the wonderful reviews I had read here on Yelp plus, Tru recently received three Michelin stars. This place should be great right??? Well, from my experience it is not. We had a five course menu with wine pairing, started out with an amuse bouche which was fun and tasty. Overall the food was good however, nothing that I would write home about. What really put a bad taste in my mouth about this place was the service. On several occasions people in my party had to ask to have refills on their water and wine and the wait time between courses was ridiculously long (between the first and second course the wait time was 45 minutes). I'm assuming that this restaurant holds itself to a higher level of service if you are sitting in the traditional dining area however due to the service that I experienced in the private dining room, I wont be returning.
(2)
It's Me Nhi L.
Intimidating but one of the most amazing meals ever. It doesn't hurt that we had our beautiful friends around us to enjoy the evening. We ordered from the Collections menu. Simply amazing and decadent.
(5)
Dan F.
I ate here a few months ago, and I keep forgetting to write a review. I visited on Tuesday night, and I hope for the sake of this place that they were breaking in someone new on the line. The food does not even come close to being worth the money. I ate there a few months ago, and only 2 dishes from the 6 course tasting stick out in my mind: The lobster was chewy, awfully prepared for a restaurant that is charging the prices they are. The cheese course was excellent. They do things like printing you a custom menu to commemorate your experience. This is something that might impress a suburban housewife that gets out twice a year, but honestly just seems kitschy. Go to Les Nomades instead. It's less expensive, and the food is WAY better.
(1)
Rich F.
I went here with a group of business friends. We were all delighted with the evening. 3 of us did the 9 courses with Wine and 2 did the 5 courses with wine. The staff performed pretty much flawlessly with humor and professionalism balance perfectly. The food was excellent. the wine pairings were not only good but with some nice surprises as well. My only puzzlement is the one Michelin Star. Having eaten at Alinia and many Stared Restaurants here and in Europe it seemed to me to deserve at least a 2 star Rating
(5)
Amin S.
I took my wife to Tru for our wedding anniversary, although we had a great evening base on our opinion and in comparison to several other high end restaurants in US, Tru is over rated and expensive! Decoration and the ambiance of this restaurant was wonderful however I was disappointed for the chef to serve a piece of chicken breast as part of the main course!! I would recommend Tru for Caviar and cheese but for the price you can have a much better dining experience at L2O or Next!
Beautiful dining room, impeccable service, and outstanding food. One of the best. Not sure if they still offer this, but the "stairways to heaven" caviar was amazing (and very memorable).
(4)
christine r.
We went there for a special occasion and we had a remarkable meal: chefs collection with the wine pairing. The food was delicious, beautifully plated and elegantly presented. The staff focus on YOU, and are welcoming and extremely attentive, but not stuffy. I really felt like I was a special guest in their restaurant. The wine pairing really did enhance all aspects of each course, and was expertly paired to the foods. If I could offer one small improvement, I felt that each course came so quickly after the other, that we hardly had time to fully relax and anticipate the next course. Maybe that was because the valet told us that their service included 3 hours in the parking garage....maybe that was a factor? By the way, how great is that they provide you with a beautiful litlle pound cake/cookie to take home and enjoy the next morning with a cup of coffee! A reminder of an elegant night enjoyed!
(5)
George M.
I have a long history with Tru. I've been trying to recreate one of the most memorable dining experiences and one of the best dishes for the last seven years to disappointingly medicore results. As a consequence, I cannot recommend Tru due to its inconsistency and high price. The sexy but overly theatrical wall street circa 1986 inspired decor is a bit much. There are one or two too many servers per table. This gang bang approach to service seems to only work well in Asia and I would recommend they scale it back here in Chicago. Very tasty desserts are a consistently great finish to the meal, however.
(3)
John T.
AMAZING!! I love everything about this place, minus the price! Nonetheless, it is a great place that people should definitely go to at least once! Try it out for a special occassion!
(5)
R K.
Disclaimer: I went here for a drug rep dinner. The food served at these things is usually inferior to what a restaurant normally serves. I'm pretty sure this was the case when I went. The meal started with a lobster bisque which was wonderfully rich but a bit too salty. This was followed by the main course, a beef tenderloin with onion tart. The tenderloin was not overdone, but tasted more like a sirloin than a tenderloin. How can a restaurant like Tru serve a cut of steak that is too tough?! It made me sad. The onion tart was delicious. Highlight of the meal: dessert. Gale Gand did not disappoint! I had had a terrible day prior to dining here and the baked chocolate mousse with raspberries made me completely forget this. I went home and had a dream about this phenomenal dish. I have a list of restaurants I would try if I ever felt inclined to drop $100+ on my dinner. This is still on my list. I really believe (and hope) a regular (non drug rep) dinner would be an overall outstanding experience.
(3)
Vaidehi T.
I would give Tru 10 stars if I could :) That's how outstanding our experience at Tru was. I chose this restaurant to celebrate our anniversary and was a little apprehensive as my husband is a vegetarian. But they assured me when I made reservations that they could make 9 courses all vegetarian. From the minute we gave our car to the valet till the end when we got our coats back - it was an amazing and the most luxurious evening. It's not just about the food or the ambience - it is truly an experience. I was warned that our whole dinner would take around 2.5 hours at least. As soon as we gave our car to the valet (who also wished us a Happy Anniversary) - we were walked to our table, and on our way we were wished at least by 5 different people a Happy Anniversary. The place has a dress code - it deserves a dress code :) We were a little intimidated at first, but after a few minutes we were put at ease. We were waited on by 5 people during dinner. We chose the 8 course vegetarian grand menu. I will not go into the details of all the courses, but let me say that the food was outstanding. It looked like art, and there were a couple of courses where my husband and me did not want to put our forks on the plate - because it was soo pretty! You always have 2 people working in sync : to bring out a course or to pour water or clear the table ware - it is like a synchronized and orchestrated show but without being too pompous and pretentious. The service was impeccable and the attention to detail was truly commendable. The servers were very knowledgeable about the food being put out in front of us and answered all our questions patiently. As for the food, let's say we ate the fluffiest of gnocchi, tastiest of potatoes and the earthiest of mushrooms. We tasted flavor profiles that we didn't know could be put together so well. It was an excellent menu and put together beautifully. Chef Martin is a genius. It was an amazing dinner, and was made special because of the impeccable service. It was a great choice for our anniversary date. I have never been to a Michelin-star restaurant, but Tru totally deserves it. What else can you say about a place that gives you personalized menus with your names printed on it to take home.
(5)
Christian H.
Though Tru was a great meal, you should never go to Tru after going to Alinea. Tru had a great multi-course menu with some amazing flavors. The waiting staff were very kind, which you should expect for the price of the luxurious meal. The decor was very modern and relaxing. I went to Tru with three of my other upper 20's friends and we notice very quickly that we were the youngest people in the place. Tru was a great dinning experience for those who can't afford Alinea. I would recommend experiencing Tru at least once while you are in Chicago.
(4)
Joe P.
Top of the line service and staff!! Made everything enjoyable and unbelievable for me!
(5)
Kevin A.
This may be the best food I've ever had. Ever. If you're hungry for a huge italian or steak dinner, this isn't it. If you're in for a dining experience to blow away your tastebuds. WOW. I've eaten at Charlie Trotter's and I know that Rick Tramonto came from there, but to me, Tru is head and shoulders above. It's a "forever memory experience". Get the 9 course option. Heaven. A meal fit for God. The taste is wonderful but the texture is unexplainable.
(5)
Miles H.
Oh dear again!? My experience tonight reminds me of the last time I went to Trotters (pre-Yelp) in 2002 where mid way through my 12 course seafood degustation the waiter announced 'they ran out of seafood (9:00).' Needless to say that was the last time I went there. TRU (no longer in intent, purpose, or name, apparently) Seated: Is Rick here and/or does he spend much time here v. his Northshore property? Not so much, but he's still a partner... Ok... Comment to stately server: only in Chicago would they serve a dried out, flavorless, insipid cheese puff as an amuse bouche. Oh no, the 'real' amuse bouche will be served next (!?), a tantalizing gilded cup of chestnut soup. And then the uncompromised beauty of their now-famous caviar staircase. Followed by 'a play on caviar' (read: fake) with many of the same set up accoutrements. Now I'm getting pissed. This is roughly equivalent to serving $100 an ounce Kobe beef and following it with 'a play' on beef of veggie burger. Talked to the server stating my concerns with what's going on and how we expect at these prices and our admittedly and necessarily high expectations that there's intelligence at work in the kitchen and the choices they make. He assures me, he'll get it back on track. Next course, hold your breath folks...another soup...here it comes...wait...of squash with the EXACT appearance, presentation, and by initial sense, flavor mix as the course we had moments ago. I mean what, is Kevin Brown advising on food here now!? 'twas with this, we said, let's cut our losses and get out of here before I go crazy. And we left, with nary a sorry, a 'we screwed up,' a 'please come back.' It was as if they were intentionally screwing with us and hoped to never have us back. They win. I guess what concerns me at a greater level is, are we losing it in Chicago? Yes we have Alinea and the ever-trendy food-science wave, but are we at risk of losing our midwest, thoughtful, adventurous, quality over trendy soul? This was nearly heartbreaking.
(1)
Christian A.
Top notch service! The kind of place where they pull all your parties plates simultaneously and replace all your utensils so they are specific to your next dish. Lots of surprises and palate cleansers between meals. It looks at first like you're gonna be hungry right after your meal, but you actually leave pretty satisfied. The food was creatively presented and everything tasted very good. An awesome experience i would definitely try again!!
(5)
Stacey A.
My friend and I refer to amazing food experiences as "foodsex" - because everything is SO GOOD that your eyeballs roll back in your head and you need to take a breather to calm down afterwards. Going to Tru is like, "foodlovemaking against a wall and then you black out and your knees give out and you need to be revived". Because it is THAT good. The service is impeccable - it's like a ballet of silverware and plates. Things are set down and taken away simultaneously, and every single person who works there knows more about food than I could ever DREAM to know about food. I literally cannot say enough good things about this place. It was my first five-star experience and it absolutely blew me away. So uh...here's a SAMPLING of what I ate: -- knob onion poached halibut, hearts of palm, pickled carrots, english pea nage -- duet of lamb, daikon, watermelon radish, olive, star anis lamb jus -- house-made porcini tagliatelle, condensed tomato, asparagus cream, parmesian -- frog leg, roasted garlic, carrot, watercress -- pan-seared foie gras, lemon confit, green vegetables Kids, I died and went to heaven at Tru. Most amazing dining experience of my LIFE.
(5)
T D.
I'm not going to bother focusing this review on the food; you can read everyone else's review to get an idea of how exquisite and flavorful their chef, Anthony Martin, injects into his creations. But I will comment on how awesome their basil is. Seriously, it's like they infused basil into their basil leaves! Why can't I get those kind of results from my garden?!?! The wife and I decided to celebrate our 7 year anniversary here and we will NEVER forget our experience thanks to the staff and chef! When we were seated at our table the server provided us their menus, leather booklets with simple, yet elegant looking descriptions of their offerings. Upon closer examination, we realized they printed our names into the menu and wished us a happy anniversary! Holy cow! From there, we decided to order the 9 course Chef's Collection where the chef pretty much throws his entire arsenal at you; a full frontal assault on your taste buds. They say it's a 9 course meal, but they don't count the pre-appetizer, pre-mains courses, pre-desserts, post-desserts, etc, etc, etc, as a course! Needless to say, while the portions were small, the flavors were large and we did NOT leave hungry! So, not only did they provide us with customized personal menus, but they even brought out a mini-cupcake-thing served on a plate with a hand-drawn happy anniversary message with our names drawn on it prior to our dessert! Now, I feel like I have to comment on their service. Everyone working there is a professional and knows how to make their customers feel special. They were extremely friendly, yet personable and showed a genuine interest in making sure your short time with them would be the absolute best dinner experience you will ever have. Everything, from the non-soap stained silverware (I couldn't believe how spotless everything was), to the elegant crystal drinking glasses, was marked for excellence. For a special occasion place I couldn't recommend this place any more than I already have to every one of my friends! Seriously guys, if you're looking for somewhere exceptional to take your significant other and have some coin to spare and a suit/dress that you've been meaning to wear since last winter, give this place a shot. And then afterwards go for a stroll down Michigan Ave. This is seriously one of the best Chicago has to offer.
(5)
Milly P.
To be quite frank, I didn't go into Tru with the highest expectations. I had mixed feelings about Rick Trumonto after seeing him on Iron Chef and Top Chef Masters, but Tru has been on our list of restaurants to try for a long time, so in the name of crossing things off lists, we went. It has been a while since we did a tasting, so we did the Chef's Tasting menu. I also had two drinks, a sake-martini and the aperitif, both were phenomenal, especially the aperitif. The Chef's Tasting menu started with the faux caviar, which was very good. It surprisingly did taste like caviar. It was on a layer of avocado which I probably could have done without. It also came with some crackers that were pure buttery goodness. The next dish was the beet dish. I am not a big fan of beets, this was however, my favorite beet preparation to date. The beets tasted like fruit, rather than a funky root. The third item was the pea soup, I'm a HUGE fan of pea soup, and this one did not disappoint. The next dishes were two "meat" dishes which were not as great as the first three. The rabbit dish was a little bland, the wagyu beef ravioli was a little salty (the medallion of foie gras in the middle was still heavenly) and there was nothing remarkable about the broth. The next dish was a halibut and carrot dish, while I'm not a huge carrot fan either; I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed the concentrated carrot sauce. The fish was cooked perfectly; it practically melted in your mouth. The veal dish was very good as well, I especially enjoyed the selection of mushrooms it came with. The next dish was the cheese course. While we could barely understand the "cheese expert," we managed to order three different cheeses each. All the cheese were significantly different and all so very delicious. We ended with the desert course which was raspberry sorbet and yuzu crème, quite satisfying. We also got to have a selection of dessert candies from the pastry chef and a earl grey tea filled truffle - all very good. I also want to say, we really liked our server and the support serving staff. I just felt that they all just seemed in sync - no one was really off or strayed from the "mood" of the servers. Like many of my 4-star reviews, I was torn between 4 and 5 stars. In these situations, I tend to give 4 stars. Maybe there is a fatal flaw in going to these types of "fancy" restaurants in that I set my expectations too high. I wish the rabbit and wagyu dishes stood out more, and I wish there was a chocolate dessert.
(4)
Jen A.
One of the best restaurant experiences of my life. Be prepared for a 4-hour dining adventure.
(5)
Allen T.
I am confused. Very confused. How can a place like this possibly be a one star establishment? That's right. It should really be a two star establishment. I had enjoyed my meal here more than at Alinea the night before. Lemon vanilla mousse was amazing. Sweet and sour, perfectly blended together. White sturgeon "caviar", avocado, and hazelnut. Nice play on caviar, had a great sturgeon flavor with avocado, felt like a very good guacamole. Atlantic Skate was executed perfectly. Crispy skin, great flavor. I could go on forever, and ever. A lot of hits, some ok's but excellent value for the money. It was pretty darn amazing, you should go! Ambiance was super comfortable, service excellent.
(5)
Brian C.
We went this Saturday for my 40th birthday celebration. I felt like we were on the set of Iron Chef. The plates were that out there. My appetizer was the scallops crusted with quinoa. It kind of had the texture of sesame chicken. This was a homerun dish. My wife had the Thai butternut soup. That dish had a presentation like no other. They brought the bowl out with the mussels and the lobster and the other ingredients in the bowl, then poured the soup on it, and added the foam. Food porn at its finest. My main course was the venison. I loved the way it was prepared, and all the different flavor options that came with the dish. My wife loved her halibut. Given what each of us ordered, I had no idea what wine would be compatible with both dishes. Chad, the sommelier, came over and helped us pick a wine that worked. It was a Sicilian red that featured the nerello moscalese grape. Given that I always want to try a new grape, it was a perfect choice. It went great with both of our meals. I had to tease him about all the Nacionals offered on the port list. ('Has anybody really ordered one of these bottles?' I asked him.) We had a nice discussion about the uniqueness of the Nacional vines. We ordered the dessert collection. This was probably the part of the meal that my wife was most looking forward to, as Gale Gand is her idol. We each had three desserts brought to us, along with a few other things thrown in, like Gale's infamous root beer float. I had a late harvest Malbec to go with the dessert (another Chad recommendation), and it really shined with one of the berry dishes. We would definitely come back here just to have dessert, if nothing else (because it ain't cheap to do the whole production). I don't think there is another dessert experience like this anywhere, period. It's funny, because these dishes all look so small, and you wonder how you can possibly be stuffed by the end of the meal, but it really adds up in the end. At the end, I could barely get out of my chair. We really liked the service there. There was none of the snooty treatment that one might fear at such an upscale establishment. If you're planning a special occasion, this is a great place to do it.
(5)
Dave K.
The service was extremely attentive, the food was average and the decor kind of sterile. The exploding chocolate candy served after the meal was quite tasty, but I'm not compelled to return.
(3)
Ann S.
I agree, the service was impeccable. The food was good, but not life changing. It was a nice special event place, but I won't return.
(3)
Raquel D.
This was where my now hubby took me for my 25th bday. It is by far the best service I have received when dining. They pay such careful attention to you w/o being intrusive. My menu was personalized with a "Happy Birthday, Raquel". Nice touch. I rem the food being good - not the "omg, I've died and gone to heaven good" but better than average for sure. Your obviously paying for the stellar treatment, fancy food combos...and the overall experience, but hey, you should have known that already. They do have a chocolate truffle cart that comes by at the end of your meal - which is pretty cool. We got a little goodie on our way out and it was def a nice experience, but for that pricetag, it may be just once in this lifetime for us.
(4)
tracy r.
Meal was very good although dessert was mediochre. The only hiccup is the wine pairing...so off...overall I'd definitely consider going back. I hear people go here strictly for dessert, and as someone who is a huge sweets person I'd say hold off....
(4)
Whitney J.
Oh, Tru. You were one of two saving moments of my entire Chicago trip and for that, thank you. It is always a good sign when my Yelp review of a restaurant is short and to the point. That means you were top-notch in my book. So, here we go. We ordered the tasting menu and the chef was more than accommodating to the fiance's pescetarian diet... and even generous enough to keep one animal protein dish on the menu for him (because he is in the process of slowly incorporating some animal protein back into his diet after over a decade). The Sommelier was an incredible help, especially considering that when we ordered wine on our own accord, we ordered the last bottle so we had no idea where to start next. The service was impeccable and the food was out of this world. The wine pairings made the experience complete. Oh, the wine. That guy really, really knows his stuff. And the 125yr (or was it 150) Madeira was incredible... especially when given a much younger one to compare to. BTW, my new Madeira infatuation is credited to the Somm at Galatoire's in New Orleans (thanks, Coz), and I'm so happy about it! Our server was from Algiers! He was incredible! Tru was a wonderful experience that *almost* rivals Stella! GASP!
(5)
R. E.
We had not been to Tru for several years, but had fond memories there of several wonderful meals. It did not disappoint tonight! Both the food and the service were spectacular. We are lucky enough to have dined at most top restaurants in Chicago and many others across the country. Tru remains a favorite and deserves to rank among the very best restaurants in Chicago.
(5)
Mark P.
Simply the best service and food I've ever had. I wish there was another rating level because my other five star restaurants don't compare. Phenomenal experience all the way around.
(5)
Evan L.
Went for the fixed price menu. After a couple of great martinis I had the scallops and ribeye and my date had soup and salmon. I would be more specific but I was in the moment. I look for value and got it even with the hefty price. It helps if youre nice with the wait staff but dont let them take over, have fun. Then theyre attentive without the pretentiousness. I will dream of this meal, loved the service. Won't be back soon only because its not a meal I can regularly afford.
(5)
Summer P.
This is one of the restaurants that I've been wanting/waiting to check off my list for a long, long while. Expectations were high and I was really hoping/expecting to have the experience that so many other Yelpers have written about. In the interest of full disclosure, we were a large group (around 20) and we had the private room upstairs -- potentially leading to a somewhat different experience. First the service...it started out quite well...very attentive during our cocktail hour and for most of the dinner (though one of my co-diners had some wine spilled on her -- they felt REALLY bad). I did enjoy how calculated the presentation of our food was - always symmetrical. My personal bugaboo was that prior to the dinner, they asked if we had any special dietary needs/considerations; one of our courses was lamb and I mentioned that I don't eat lamb (we knew ahead of time that they would have a fish substitute for this situation). Now, what I probably SHOULD have said is..."I don't eat lamb or red meat," but hind-sight is 20/20; regardless, my lamb substitute was beef. It remained untouched for a good 5 to 10 minutes (which I know that our wait staff observed) until I offered it up to the others at my table. I was a bit surprised that they never asked if everything was alright or if there was something amiss. In addition, they also became obviously irritated that we were there so late. Now to the food...our passed hors d'Oeuvres were a combination of Toasted Shrimp and Herb Wonton, Lobster Roll, and I think the Mushroom Bouchee -- I enjoyed all three, though the Shrimp/Herb Wonton was my favorite. Our menu consisted of Seared Ahi Tuna with Hearts of Palm, Spring Pea Veloute (surprisingly good), Butter-Poached Maine Lobster (so, so good -- my favorite), Roasted Lamb Ribeye, and a dessert of Roasted Pineapple & Dense Chocolate. The presentation of each course was quite nice and I enjoyed being taken slightly out of my food comfort zone with the Ahi Tuna and Spring Pea Veloute options. However, it wasn't one of the best meals of my life (and I was still on the hungry side) -- which makes me kind of sad. Am I just a victim of having too high of expectations (like when everyone told me that "40 Year Old Virgin" was the funniest movie EVER)? Nevertheless, I'd like to try Tru in a smaller group and sit in the main dining room...I'm curious to see if my experience would be at all different (I suspect slightly so). Officially 3.5 stars but I'm marking as 3 since they made me feel bad for staying late and enjoying quality time with some of my favorite clients.
(3)
Mai T.
I went here with my boyfriend for their dessert menu. We were seated in the lounge and our table was already set. The decor is very cool, modern and fancy at the same time. We had the dessert tasting menu and each ordered a dish! They were all so good and fun to try. Our waiter was especially nice and attentive to the both of us. The desserts was soo good, I am looking forward to coming back and trying their fixed dinner menu!
(5)
jordan h.
I wish everyone could go to this place just once... I would rate this restaurant the best in Chicago - Trotters has great food also, but Tru has better ambiance and service. Don't miss the caviar staircase, and especially the cheese plate. Just don't eat out for a month to save up cash, and set aside five hours for the full degustation menu...it is SO worth it.
(5)
Christmas D.
You don't go to Tru to "go out to dinner". Eating at Tru is more like an event in-an-of itself, like going to an art show or the theatre. A museum of consumable food-as-art, where the chef is the artist, the server a tour-guide. Which is good 'cause it's incredibly expensive. My husband and I went there for our 1 year anniversary. They had custom-printed menus wishing us a happy anniversary at the ready (impressive). I was 8 months pregnant at the time (so, sadly, no wine for me) and my husband doesn't drink but the check for the both of us STILL exceeded $400! We chose the chef's tasting menu in which we each received several courses (It's supposed to be 7 but was really more like 9), each using the same base but interpreted differently for each of us. Chef was very careful of taking my condition into consideration and not serving me anything raw (drag for me...I love raw fish). It was a 4 hour gastronomic ballet of tastes, colors and textures. The minute we walked in we immediately noted the seeming somber calm of the place, how quiet it was and the lack of color and adornment to the decor. That in itself was, for some reason, intimidating. We fully expected the staff to be snobby but were pleasantly surprised that they were not, but very friendly, smiling, incredibly attentive and accomodating. As we were experiencing our meal it dawned on me why they chose the atmoshere they did: so that it would not compete, in any way, with the food! They created a comfortable but bland environment to enable all of your senses to focus on what was in front of you. pretty brilliant, I think. The timing of the courses was impeccable. We were never left with nothing in front of us for more than a minute or two. A visit to Tru is something you save for a very special occasion or to really impress someone. Don't bother scheduling anything else around the experience...there's no need.
(5)
Beth A.
Wow--so I'm definitely in the minority here, but I felt I needed to write a review because my and my husband's experience at Tru was so disappointing. We've been to many of the best restaurants in New York City, and when we had the opportunity to try Tru, we jumped at the chance. The prices were definitely befitting of a "top" restaurant, but the food could only be described as bizarre, even for our "try-anything" tastes. Most of the food we had there was cold, and the chef, whoever it was that cold winter night, thought it fitting to serve us everything in a cold, gelatinous bubble. I don't know where he/she got that idea, but it wasn't creative or fitting for a night where something warm and comforting would have been more appropriate. The wait staff, while EXTREMELY (almost to a fault) attentive, became more of entertainment for us, as every time they came to the table, it was in pairs, and almost as if they were counting in their heads, "1..2..3...AND....set plates on table", or "1....2....3....AND.....fill water glasses". There is something to be said for great, understated service, as if you almost don't even remember they've come and removed a plate, or filled your wine glass, etc. It shouldn't look like the "synchronized waiter games". Again, for the food, we were definitely disappointed, especially knowing that this seems to get universally good ratings, and because we spent as much as we did. I'm hoping that, as one reviewer noted, since the menu changes, others won't have the experience we had. Unfortunately, we'll never know....
(1)
Cassandra O.
An amazing evening. Four of us dined for a special birthday dinner, and we found the service spectacular, which of course everyone notes. We loved though that while the servers were incredibly attentive, they were also not pretentious, and were able to joke around with us too. I admit I was a little nervous as many reviews have indicated that the food didn't live up to expectations....but we found that was not the case for us...the food was amazing!!! We just did the prixe-fixe menu and we all loved it! Words like...mouthwatering, so tender, you have to try this....were uttered continuously. The presentation of the food was of course exquisite, but the taste was also! This is a fine-dining experience, so of course the portions are smaller-sized....but iall four of us were absolutely stuffed at the end of our meal - to the point 2 of us couldn't even eat the little chocolates provided at the end. The sommelier was perfect in his recommendations - we left the decision-making to him, within a price range, and he absolutely delivered - the wine choices fit our food and our palates and our budgets. Overall, a truly magnificent experience!
(5)
Anna V.
A foodie restaurant as it's mostly about the presentation, well worth the splurge! Wonderful wine list and desserts!
(4)
abs t.
excellent ambience and service...the choreographed waitstaff is something to see... that alone gets an extra star :) The food.. was good, but not great. The appetizer I had I wasn't a big fan of (jalepeno, avocado, apple, something) - it sounded like it would be good, but wasn't (presentation was nice, though). The entree was quite tasty , but you can't really go wrong with salmon. And the "sticky toffee pudding" dessert was DELICIOUS! (I know it sounds scary, but it wasn't at all.. it was really good). Overall, great atmosphere, but just good food. The 4 stars rating is not so much for the food (food would only get 3 stars), but mainly because Tru is far and away one of the best service/atmospheres you'll experience
(4)
Melissa P.
The food is great here but what really stands out is the service and the decor. When you're eating in Tru you eating in the presence of Warhols and other great pieces of art. The service here is excellent. The best I've ever seen in my life. When I ate here at the end of our dinner they gave us little cakes to take home and eat for breakfast. I was so impressed by that gesture.
(5)
Ren B.
at tru, the food is tasty, the service is great--everyone knows this. the place wins james beard awards for a reason. so many of the dishes i've had here are permanently seared into my brain as being the best i have ever had or will ever have. however, many people gripe about the overly formal and "stuffy" service and ambiance. well, i am here to blow tru's cover! i have been here twice now (last sept and this june) and got the same server both times--and she remembered! we had a last-minute reservation in the lounge and the main dining room was full, but she negotiated with the chef and we were still able to partake in the 9 course grand collection. very cool. she was friendly and conversational and hardly pretentious, yet we received the same level of service we would have received in the main dining room (except for the purse stool, but i'm sure my purse will forgive me for putting it on the floor :P). at the end of the dinner, i asked if i could show my bf the warhol marilyn print in the main dining room. she personally walked us around and showed us all the art pieces, including one in the upstairs private room. my bf then casually mentioned that i hoped to see the kitchen someday--and she offered us a tour! if you are an aspiring chef like i am, or even just an huge foodie, this kitchen will knock your socks off. it is enormous and even has a separate pastry kitchen. the kitchen staff hardly minded we were there, and in fact, were quite nice! the moral of this story is, if you are intimidated or turned off by the potential stuffyness of this place--don't be. if you're not a total neanderthal and you're polite (and have a coupla bucks to blow!), you will not be out of place. two grand collections + 4 glasses of sake + 2 tastings of wine + tour of dining room and kitchen + tax + tip = $400.
(5)
Marie L.
I went to Tru with my husband to celebrate New Year's and we absolutely loved the experience. They strive....no...achieve perfection in every way. The waistaff were so attentive; the courses were delish. We ordered the collection with the 6 entrees and we also had cheese and chocolates - lots of chocolates...yummy! Our dinner was a little over 3 hours...so worth it!! We will definitely go back!
(5)
Dru G.
Not sure how anyone could not like Tru. I've been there a few times now and I always get the chef's choice because I figure I"m already splurging by coming here so I may as well splurge all the way. I can't say whether the presentation or the food is better because both are top notch- it doesn't get any better than Tru.
(5)
James K.
Ah Tru. What more can I say about this Shrine to Cuisine? Dining at Tru is far from just eating dinner; it's more like an adventure (especially for those brave enough to trust their palates and Amex bills to Mr. Tramanto and go for the spontanteous collection.) I've tried about 100 courses at Tru and almost all of them were truly excellent, with none being less than very good. The decadent and beautiful Caviar Staircase is a fantastic way to begin your palate's journey to Heaven, while the Tuna Tartare 'garnished' with a beautiful live fish swimming in a small bowl under it is a breathtaking way to spend your time there, both visually and viscerally. Tru hits all the little touches to make dining their memorable. From a modern, elegant dining room filled with lovely art, to having the class to include bottled water with the price of the meals, and using fun Versace china, Laguiole steak knives, and having a dedicated staff member whose sole job is to polish their lovely stemware, servers that seem to truly love and revere the kitchen's creations while they extol each course in detail, and sending you home with a sweet little "Gift of Tru" (note: temporarily being redesigned,) and sending Christmas cards signed by both the Chef de Cuisine and the Pastry chef to frequent diners, Tru does it all to perfection. My only regret is that the whole roasted lobe of foie gras prepared tableside is no longer available. Aldermen really need to reassess their priorities, eh? Tru is also a Wine Spectator Grand Award winner with the tome-like wine list to prove it. With such a vast selection, it's understandable that they do not permit corkage, but their list is heavily weighted towards pricier bottles, which at a price of roughly 3 times retail, can get out of control quickly. Nevertheless, a savvy wine shopper can still find some good wines that won't break the bank, especially in the half bottle area of the list.
(5)
Helen H.
Dining at Tru ended up being a bizarre experience that left a wicked bad taste in my mouth. My two friends and I had an extraordinary dinner (Full Chef Collection with wine pairings) at Tru. We had no idea what we were getting into when we went there, but decided to go for it once we realized what an great opportunity this was to have a truly special experience. The food, service and presentation were all out of this world.... UNTIL THE VERY END. After spending over $1000 for a dinner for 3 (gladly, mind you as it was a once in a lifetime experience for us) the waiter came rushing after us in a panic accusing us of stealing the pen we had signed our checks with. It was the most bizarre thing imaginable. We had just paid over $1000 to eat one meal and he was worried about his PEN?!?! Seriously, a pen? I was so profoundly insulted, I can not even begin to express the impact of this. I wrote a letter to the management within a week of returning home and heard nothing back from them. For a restaurant so exquisitely focused on perfect pairings giving the taste buds a glorious experience, this left the most disgusting taste in our mouths. I would have loved to be able to give this restaurant 5 stars as on so many levels it deserves it. Yet, there is no excuse for this behavior at a restaurant of this caliber.
(2)
DQ F.
We went there for dinner without reservation. They were nice enough to accomandate us. We took the courses with paired wine. It was nicely paired. Each course likes an artwork. Nothing more to say. I have waited a few month to write this, especially after a bit traveling around. I finally come back to think about this dinner, it is probably one of the best meals I had. I have mad respect for the people respect food as they do. Even I may not justify spend so much on one dinner, but life is short after all. It is really worth it if you run into it.
(4)
Cat C.
Note: This review is for August 2008. I hope people don't find this too offensive, but dinner was soooo good that looking back on it, I think I just jizzed in my pants at the mere memory of that delicious evening. Service was impeccable. Hands down, some of the best service I've received. Some highlights of the dinner: 1. Tuna belly from a special farm in Japan served with White Soy. 2. The delicious desserts 3. The fun Mignardise cart that they rolled around to your table as a delicious ending to your dinner. I have never been soo deliriously happy as I was when I realized that I was allowed to take a little bit of each tasty sweet from the cart home with me.
(5)
Caroline A.
Saving the big 300 for an exceptional dining experience. All restaurants should have service of this level. Five stars all the way for TRU. Service, ambiance, food quality and aesthetics - every aspect of our experience was magnificent. Upon walking in, we were immediately shown to our table (we were seated in an intimate corner of the restaurant) and two servers lifted and moved the table so I could be seated and get comfortable. Yes, all of the other tables had stools for pocketbooks (very thoughtful), but I didn't need one as I was sitting on one of their benches. The ambiance is perfect. Clean lines, contemporary, luxurious and modern, but with a bit of traditionalism. Tables are spaced perfectly so we could share an intimate dinner. BF had called ahead and had them personalize our menu for our celebration (we later took home the menu and they printed out a separate menu for us with all the dishes we had). It was truly special. Immediately we were served a buffalo mozzarella palette cleanser, a great way to start the evening. We decide to go with the Chef's collection as it was more in line with our palettes. 16-courses of delight. My personal favorites were: Selection of Sashimi Grade Fish, Complementary Garnishes Rabbit Consomm, Morels, Pea & Lavender Emulsion Whipped Salt Cod, Creamy Potato, Smoked Gele, Caviar Tagliolini, Peeky Toe Crab, Uni Poached American Red Snapper, Green Papaya, Fennel, Thai Nage Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse, Orange Sherbet, Cardamom Scented Oranges - This may be the best chocolate dessert I've ever experienced. Fresh ingredients, incredible flavor profiles, perfect amount of innovation and a great balance of light and heavier courses. They brought out a special dessert to celebrate our occasion, which was a fantastic little chocolate cake. Just when we thought we were done, they came by with a plate of truffles... and then the cart of pastries and candies. We were so full, we asked if we could have a doggie bag. Sure enough, they brought out two boxes and sent us home with a great assortment of chocolate and candies. I cannot say enough about the service we received. Approximately 5-7 people served our table, perfectly synchronized from clearing our plates, filling our wine and water to describing each dish to perfection. Staff was very courteous, delightfully charming and always smiling. On our way out, they gave us two loaves of iced lemon pound cake for breakfast! 48 hours later, and I'm still thinking about our experience at TRU...
(5)
Emily C.
I've been agonizing for days at how to sum up my experience at Tru and all I can come up with is something I have already said: it's an experience. It's an experience that, if you love food, you need to have at least once. The place is the picture of simple elegance in every aspect considerable. Actually, it was so elegant I found myself whispering to my friend and partner in fine dining, Stacey A., "Why are we whispering?" Can't help it. It just seems like a place where you whisper. Kind of like having dinner with the president, I'd imagine (I haven't gotten my invite yet, President Obama...still waiting). Long white curtains covering the walls, which are adorned with little else but some abstract art pieces, deep, dark and comfy suede covered chairs, and they give you a little ottoman thing for your purse too, which is something I wish other restaurants would cotton onto stat. So classy. The food is something I can go on and on and on about, so I will just say I had the Chef's Collection - nine courses of gorgeous, sumptuous food designed around what's in season this spring & summer - and here were some highlights: -Smoked sturgeon "caviar" in avocado and hazelnut. I don't know why "caviar" is in quotes; I suppose this may not have been the real deal and I don't even care. The combo of these flavors tasted like a rounder, richer, and more delicious guacamole than I'd ever imagined. -Porcini tagliatelle with condensed tomato, asparagus cream, and fresh shaved parmesean. I heard rabbit wasn't good to eat; kind of gamy. They LIED! Rabbit may not be good other places besides Tru. At Tru, it's roasted to a tender consistency reminiscent of a perfect pot roast or pulled pork, set atop a small mound of pasta, and complimented by a fabulous trio of flavors. -Pan-seared foie gras with lemon confit. This literally made my eyes pop out of my head. Soft, buttery, and amazing. Didn't think lemon would go with it, but it did to an absolute tee. Oh man. This dish will haunt my dreams for a long, long time. -Duet of lamb with daikon, watermelon radish, olive, and star anise aus jus. This lamb was cooked to a melt-in-your-mouth PERFECTION. I can't say it any more succinctly than that, so I'll just let it lie. So after that all (and then some), just when I'm considering potential fullness, they bring out a cheese cart with fabulous selections of goat, sheep, and cow's cheeses (the sheep's cheeses were my favorite - who knew?). I also was utterly unaware of the little dessert cart. There was a dessert factored into the nine courses, but the little cart with the small petit fors and candies was what really wowed me. I had a tiny little coffee cup shaped from dark chocolate, filled with Bailey's Irish Creme, and a dark-chocolate covered honey lollipop. Then, once you think it's all over and done with, they bring an exploding truffle - cocoa powder and a thin layer of chocolate containing vanilla liquor of some sort. It's so delicate that when you bite into it, the liquor completely floods into your mouth, hence the "exploding" part. Of course, to dine like this is extravagant. It costs an arm and a leg. I certainly can't afford to eat like this monthly or maybe even yearly on my salary, but was it worth it? Am I glad I did it? Is the experience worth the hefty price tag? Absolutely. Yes, yes, yes.
(5)
Nils E.
Tru is short for truly fantastical. From the moment you walk in and hand the keys to your Benz (or in my case, a hotel room) to the maitre d', you feel as though you want to kick off your shoes and unbuckle your belt. Trust me on this, though, it's better to wait until you are seated. The setting is very spacious, dimly-lit and perfect for couples or small groups. There's enough room for cheese and digestif carts to be wheeled from table to table while allowing for servers and patrons to walk past without difficulty. Carts are also very handy for wheeling you out of the restaurant once you've been suitably plied with food and drink, as is inevitably the case at this Bacchanalian temple. It's true that the service is impeccable; the choreography textbook French, but the attitude...surprisingly unstuffy. The wait staff achieved the perfect blend of civility, appreciation, attentiveness and almost (almost) a sense of humor. I got the manager to crack a smile, but the servers refused to go off script. Tru stands out from the pack of Chicago food Meccas for its creativity and imagination. There was little room for doubt that each dish was given hours of thought, twice as many hours of trial and error, and what is finally delivered to you with alacrity and painstaking attention to detail is a culinary triumph. The tasting menu is well worth the hole burning in your wallet/purse, and if you're as much of a glutton for financial punishment as I am when it comes to dining, then I'd suggest the wine pairing. The sommelier, Chad Ellegood, knows his cellar, and he'll pick some truly wonderful - and surprising - compliments to your meal. As for the food...where to begin? The "faux" sturgeon caviar was a playful and beautiful alternative to the real thing; ramp & rabbit risotto with morels and marscarpone was heavenly, with perfect starch consistency and a beautiful blend of flavors; the spring lamb with daikon and star anis jus was plate-licking good; and the salt-crusted venison was absolutely gorgeous, especially when paired with the flavors of cocoa and orange. Rick Tramonto has taken some very challenging flavor pairings and methods of preparation and combined them to make unique and highly memorable dishes. But it doesn't stop there. Gale Gand, not to be outshined by her partner, presents cartwheel inducing flavors. The almond-violet mousse with rhubarb and lemon was eye-rolling. The explosive mint chocolate truffle was one of the happiest endings to a meal that I can recall in recent memory. I was half tempted to pull a "When Harry Met Sally" diner scene after the fact, but I settled for seeking out the chef and kissing her firmly on the lips. No, wait, that didn't actually happen either, but the thought crossed my mind. Tru is a special occasion experience. For me, it was my first time in Chicago in years, and Tru had been on my "must try" list for almost a decade. It lived up to the hype, and the food is in fine company with the artwork that adorns the walls of the restaurant. Now, if I can just swap my room key for one of those Benz's...I'll have what she's having.
(5)
matt b.
Tru's simple stark elegance seems to encourage diners to whisper politely to their companions so as to not disturb other tables. Attention to detail has been paid on everything. We got the Grand Collection with cheese course, which ended up being about 12 courses, a handful of which they modified or created to be "pescetarian"-friendly. Dishes ranged from understated perfection to aggressively creative, one of which was some insane preparation of smoked sturgeon made to look like caviar, presented in a Tru branded "caviar" tin with a mother of pearl spoon, true to it's shapeshifted inspiration. Don't gild the lily that is Tru by waiting for a formal special occasion, as the experience is one in and of itself.
(5)
Raj P.
Okay, instead of going forward, I'm going to take a step back and say this : AMAZING !! First, expect to spend a pretty penny if you're going here. I took my wife there for our 2nd anniversary through a reservation I made through opentable.com . As soon as we walked in, the host told us "Happy Anniversary." Of course, we felt like we were special. After he seated us, one of the waitresses brought the menu. On top of the menu, guess what? Yes, it said "Happy Anniversary." Not going nuts here, but a nice touch again, I thought. The food was amazing. We ordered from the "Prixe Fixe menu" and both had the Thai butternut soup to start. It was amazing. The bowl that is was served in had points of sauce that we could use to make the soup as spicy as we wanted. Then, I had the "Colorado Lamb loin roulade" and my wife had the "Nova Scotia Halibut." Both excellent. The best part of the meal was the desserts, which kept coming and coming, with an accompanying set of instructions from the waiters as to how to eat it. Few things to note: There were four waiters and we were served by all of them. They somehow communicate to each other as the second to fourth ones knew already that my wife was allergic to peanuts. My wife refused wine, due to her pregnancy. We told the second waitress. However, all the others said congratulations as they came up. Overall, amazing experience. Ladies, if a guy takes you there, he likes you a whole lot. Guys, take a girl there only if she's completely worth it. If not, save it for the anniversaries.
(5)
J B.
So maybe I am a jaded diner, or this was just a poor start to a 2500$ fine dinning weekend, but I was very disappointed in tru...Over the course of 4 days I went to TRU, Alinea, and a lesser known fine dinning establishment called Ambria(which I have since found out is closed : ( , all in Chicago... with TRU being our Thursday night destination, I wasn't surprised to be the first one there, as I always make the earliest reservation when I know I am going to be multi-coursing it... I must say the service was great, yet a bit mechanical...servers may have been friendly, but I am not sure they were aloud to be...The food great(but not to memorable), the kitchen AWESOME, the cheese cart incredible, and the truffle cart, and candy carts at the end was over the top.... My complaint and reason for 4 stars(which i raised from 3 in the middle of writing this)....None of the food was hot(or cold), food that was supposed to be hot was served on cold dishes(like out of the refrigerator cold). Proper Temperature of food and plates is essential for a great meal... Next time in Chicago, eh I probably wont go back as there are other places that I NEED to try (Moto, where even at 2 months out I couldn't get a reso, Everest wasn't open on Sunday when I wanted to go, and then I would want to return to defiantly alinea and ambria!)
(4)
Rich W.
Chef Martin is somewhat of a wunderkind - heading the prestigious Tru kitchen at age 29. I was eager to check out his cooking right before the Michelin release. The amuse bouche was granulated cucumber salad with mussels veloute. The bright-flavored cucumber salad and the umami-abound veloute made an interesting and refreshing start. There were four choices of bread. The cheese crackers and the brioche, the only two that were made in-house - were decent. The other two were made by Red Hen. I actually like Red Hen's French baguette. But Tru's two selections were odd. The white bread had an awkward crust that didn't amount to a real crust and made the bread appear stale. The pumpernickel fared better, but was also a bit stale to my taste. I think Tru should just develop its own bread program. The butter that accompanied the bread was from an unnamed brand from Vermont. It was good, but nothing spectacular. I had the 6-course tasting with an extra cheese course. The first course was sturgeon caviar. Despite the name, it was actually white sturgeon shaped into the droplets and put in a caviar can - on a bed of avocado puree - complete with the pearl spoon. The dish tasted fine, but it was a bit one-note. Beyond the playful concept, there was no nuance in the flavor-profile. I wish it was a real caviar course. The second dish was chilled kohlrabi soup. It was contained in a hallowed kohlrabi - cool presentation. The soup itself was drizzled with curry oil on top. The combination worked, but it was a touch too salty. And frankly the concept of "curry" oil - admittedly a fad in contemporary French cooking nowadays - is funny to people who know a thing or two about spices. But moving on. The third was a pork-belly dish. The pork belly was rolled and cut into a medallion, topped with crisped bacon and shaved truffles. This was fantastic. The pork belly was executed perfectly, and the truffles complemented well with the richness. The accompanying dumpling was also very good. Although this course was oddly placed in the tasting, it was my favorite dish of the night. Fourth course was tilefish. The skin was left on and created a perfect crust. The fish itself was perfectly cooked but under-seasoned. The pickled daikon and the brown butter emulsion helped a bit but ultimately the dish shined on textures but tasted bland. The last savory course was chicken with foie gras rolled into a disc. The presentation was beautiful. It tasted fine but again lacked any nuance beyond salt. Next was the cheese course. I picked one cow, one sheep, and one goat, from creamy to sharp. It was good and fun to pick things out of a cheese cart. But ultimately none of the selections were very memorable or interesting. The palate cleanser was cucumber emulsion. This brought us back to the cucumber amuse bouche - which added some structure to the meal. The emulsion was way too acidic to be pleasant, but it did the job of cleansing my palate. The dessert course was figs, cassis on honey-flavored cream and ice cream. This was a simple dessert that worked on all levels - great produce, great execution, and great combination of flavors and textures. Mignardises came on a trolley. I had one of each. Canele was textbook (rivaled that of L2O). Pomegranate gelee and the chocolate truffle were also excellent. The only item that was sub-par was the macaron, which didn't have the proper airy meringue shell. The take-home snack (fruit-jam muffin) made perfect breakfast the next day. The sommelier recommended the most expensive glass of wine without mentioning the price. I only realized this when I read the bill. I found that to be slightly presumptuous. But the Pommard Noizons Domaine Berthelemot 2007 was excellent - fruit-forward yet complex with hints of spice. It went well with my entire meal. I also had their Intelligentsia proprietary blend coffee - also excellent. The space had vaulted ceiling, clean-line but plush furniture, crisp-white linen, with colorful and provocative arts on the wall. I felt I was in a contemporary art museum. It was a stunning dining room fit for special occasions. Service was professional and the pace of the dinner perfect. They still did synchronized presentation, which I found robotic. I appreciated the effort though. After the meal we met Chef Martin - very friendly and personable. The valet warmed my car for me, which was a nice touch. I did think the waitstaff was too austere and humorless. To get to the next level of service, they need to train the waitstaff to be more than just servers. I was happy with this experience. The execution was good, and the presentation was like artwork. But overall the meal lacked any "wow" moments. My dining companion put it well - everything just tasted "muted." Tru has the fine-dining format down to a tee, but to be a destination you need more. There's still room to grow. But for now, I'd say it is proper Michelin 1-star cooking.
(4)
Gina H.
Last night I went to Tru for my 30th birthday...forever I've been curious about this place after hearing about the impeccable service you receive, and I wasn't disappointed. First of all, after we were seated, I received a menu that read "Happy Birthday Gina!" which I thought was awesome (yes, I am easily amused, little things like a personalized menu will make me get excited). The wine list was extensive....and definitely skewed to the expensive 'untouchable' side (ie $500+ per bottle), but had some options on there that we common folk can stomach a little better ($35-$80 per bottle), or you could order single glasses. After choosing the wine selection we were asked if we preferred a white or a black napkin - having worn a black skirt I happily accepted the black napkin to avoid that nasty white fuzz you get...amazing! (again, easily impressed). As for the meal, it was superb - I started with scallops that were topped with a crunchy topping with caviar on top, and as a main course had some delicious venison (I've only ever had it once before in my life, and it's pivotal to have it prepared correctly - so this was definitely the place to get it!). For desert I had an apple crisp with apple sorbet - and the waitress sent out a special St. Patrick's birthday dessert for my birthday, which was also fantastic. Finally, (at this point I was ready to pop!) they roll around a little cart with various candies and treats that you can pick from (ie handmade butterscotch lollipops, little chocolate bon bons etc). The service is absolutely impeccable - these people really know what they are doing, which I suppose is important if you're planning on dropping some cash on a nice dinner. The atmosphere definitely skews to the older crowd, and was a little 'stuffy' in terms of the low music and extreme formality - however, it was overall a fantastic experience!
(5)
Greg H.
I've dined at Tru at least four times, but possibly more like eight (I can't quite remember) - so I feel pretty confident about my feeling that it is the best restaurant I've ever been to (and that list includes French Laundry, and multiple trips to Charlie Trotters). Every little touch is brilliant. Every taste is superb. The four most memorable items from my Tru experiences are: -The Pain Perdu with Fois Gras and chocolate sauce that my wife had. -Rose lollipop. Delicious, and so fun to eat as I strolled up Michigan Avenue on my way back to work. -A creme brulee with slices of banana below the crust, which was embedded with macadamia nuts, and then the whole thing topped with macerated stone fruits. Awesome. -The mushroom risotto. Typically risotto is something I can only eat so much of - it's usually better as side for me - especially mushroom risotto. There's just something kind of one dimensional about risotto that makes me crave some variety. I could have eaten a gallon of Tru's mushroom risotto.
(5)
Bradley J.
Finally spent our $350 gift certificate last night - and let me tell you, spending someone else's money at TRU is the way to go. We like Sauvignon Blanc, and the sommelier recommended a $69 bottle of Sancerre Domaine Vacheron 2007 that was very nice - and seemed to never end! Not all bread is created equal at TRU: Sea Salt Brioche beat Warm Pumpernickel, which beat the Beer Bread We both did the Prix Fixe menu, and here are the results: Prime Beef Tartare bested the Hawaiian Blue Prawns Braised Beef Short Rib was superior to the Nova Scotia Halibut Chocolate Bar and Gianduja Crèmeux were a tie In addition to these, there were five other amuse-bouche that were fun surprises - I wonder how they make an exploding mint truffle? We were definitely bringing down the age curve at TRU, and couldn't help but feel like the staff preferred to "chat it up" with the older patrons and make quick work of us. Perhaps it was comments like this that exposed our naivete? Me: "It seems like they made vegetables into some sort of pudding." Sommelier: "It's miso, sir."
(5)
Miguel R.
After years of living in Chicago, I finally made it to this place - and - OH -MY - GOD was it an experience! You get the choice of a 3 course, 6 course and 8 course meal. Well, me being the lush I am - we went with the 8 course! I swear the heavens opened, and angels came down and kissed this food. We started with some white caviar (now normally I'm not one to eat raw fish eggs, but delicious!) then got some mixture of beats and a truffle soup. The party in my mouth was then joined by a main lobster and some potato's (not mashed, not the fries of the French, nor of the simple baked - but a masterpiece of taste perfection). My favorite though was by far the Rib eye steak. Melt in your mouth tender!!! By this time I was SOO full, I didn't want to keep eating - but I couldn't help myself, I had to finish the desserts.... If you have a special occasion, or just the taking that special someone out, or even just to have an experience - this is a must. Don't wait like I did.... Go..... NOW....
(5)
Max M.
THE REVIEW Is fine dining dead? Not as long as Tru is still around. I'm not talking about the molecular gastronomy version of fine dining. I'm talking about a restaurant experience where the classic pillars of fine dining are in perfect harmony: Food, Wine, Decor, Service. Tru restores the grace and beauty of fine dining. I had a wonderful evening that lasted 3 hours. Tru is located on a very posh street. The very prestigious Relais & Chateaux plaque adorns the outside entrance. A Gerhard Richter piece hangs on the wall behind the reservationist. A Bang and Olufson CD Player resides in the bar area. The main dining room is very dramatic with high ceilings. The tables are all well spaced. The decor has a very subdued color palette---the only bursts of color coming from two floral arrangements in the center of the dining room and the ornately presented food flowing out the kitchen from the uber modern glass sliding doors. I sat at a deuce that allowed me to view the enormous dining room. There are only 24 tables! The menu book has the soothing feel of soft leather. The menus are printed on thick high quality paper stock. The table linens are neatly pressed. Tru rewards highly perceptive diners that appreciate all these subtle nuances. The staff is very professional---leaning towards a bit too serious. You get the vibe that the servers just might correct you on the pronounciation of certain menu items. However, once engaged, the staff members warm up and allow their passion for good service to shine. Some reviews have criticized the food. The food was excellent. My friend was treating so we both elected to order the 3 course Prix Fixe which I highly recommend. $95 gets you 3 courses. The non-prix fixe menu titled "Collections" is well organized. There's a little bit of everything for everyone.: Luxury, Grand Tasting (6 courses), Chef's Tasting (9 courses). The Luxury collection offers a trifecta of luxury: Genuine Wagyu Beef (3 oz) $70, Caviar with Garnishes $250, and Whole Roasted Foie Gras ($145). I'll have to save up for that type of indulgence. Luckily, the 3 course menu offers just as much excitement. I ordered the Alaskan King Crab Leg, with fresh whipped cream, Osetra caviar. My buddy ordered Seared Foie Gras with white bean puree and Dashi gel. Dee-lish! The King Crab was a beautiful composition of the plump leg sliced on a bias nestled on a warm puree of onion or leek. The server gently drapes the caviar sauce on top of the crab pieces. SO YUMMY! We each had a wine pairing. For main course, I had the Swan Creek Farm Suckling Pig with zucchini pave, licorice, kumquats, and pork jus. This was insane! Pork dishes these days tend to be too greasy. DOn't get me wrong. I love pork fat! I just don't love eating a chunk of fat in one bite. The kitchen did an awesome job of rendering enough fat; preserving just enough to keep the meat moist and succulent. The skin was crispy and wafer thin. This was one gentrified piece of pork heaven. My friend ordered the Braised Short Rib with Unagi, scallion pistou, and miso emulsion. Glazed unagi pieces rested on top of equally glazed tender pieces of Short rib. I didn't sample, but the dish was also a winner. One of the highlights was my red wine pairing: 2004 Bell Hill Pinot Noir Old Weka Pass Road. Now, this wine was awesome! Inspires me to start collecting wine. Our server gave us a tour of the kitchen before dessert. The kitchen was immaculate. The Executive Chef, Tim Graham, was very gracious. It was a pleasure meeting him and his team. For dessert, I ordered the Chocolate Bar. My friend had the milk chocolate-bergamot cream. What do i need to say about chocolate that hasn't already been said? Tru offers a generous array of mignardises. I don't remember them all, but the liquid truffle and the lollipop were my faves. And if you were still hungry, the restaurant places miniature individually wrapped financiers by the exit. They even walked me out to my cab with an umbrella because it was raining. Now that is service! The check was probably $400 with tax and tip. Just remember that this is a special occasion restaurant. So that price tag is well worth what you get in return. Tru is a winner, period. I'll be back.
(5)
Melissa M.
I have been to Tru three times in the past 2 years. Every time I have been there it has been pure perfection. The service is unparalleled. The food is fantastic. The atmosphere is chic, sophisticated and modern. I can't wait until I get to go back -- hopefully someone will take me soon! :) Ohhhhhh caviar staircase -- you are haunting my dreams.
(5)
Matthew T.
Probably one of THE BEST RUN restaurants in existence. Minimalistic interior decoration, which for a restaurant, is perfectly fine. Some Andy Warhol art nonchalantly adorns the walls, I appreciated it. There's also a really interesting infiniti type of light/wall hanging in the sitting area before the dining room. The bathrooms, simply put, are gorgeous. So the menu. You can choose from a few different options; they have smaller two or three course options as well as larger tasting menus. Decided to go for their larger tasting menu which included seafood. I do not eat seafood so I was very impressed when told that the chef would re-create a menu without the inclusion of seafood. The staff will basically do anything for you here, from what I've experienced at least. We had a modified 13 course tasting menu; my standout favorites were the Frog Leg, the Liquid Parmesan Gnocchi, the Beef Cheek Ravioli, and the Roasted Squab. Supposedly Gale Gand's homemade rootbeer floats are supposed to be absolutely delicious, but I missed out on having one :( Definitely going back for that, and I believe that they offer a 'just dessert' dining experience as well. I believe the truffles and chocolates are also available for purchase if you want to take some home, and there's also a chef's table if you want to entertain a small group in exquisite fashion. Anyway, if you're looking for a restaurant that will give you the absolute best service imaginable paired with some of the most creative dishes possible, definitely make your booking asap and bring your credit card because Tru is absolutely phenomenal.
(5)
Ben S.
Judging by the reviews, sounds like Tru is great on the right night. Unfortunately I clearly did not have the pleasure of enjoying one of those evenings. Service is terrific except when mistakes were made. Frustrated looks on servers faces. Our server seemed to have very little passion for food or fine dining . . . just doing the job. Did not know some basic information about certain elements of the meal. What is worse, he asked if I would like him to find out. Seriously? I do not remember anything about the food. It kept on coming (10 course with wine pairing), that part was good. There is no doubt the food passes as very good food, just did not make an impression. Sommelier was terrific. Great person with great insight, quite impressed. Decor, nice, fine. Expected more. The issue is that for $600+ (for 2), looking for a lot more. I don't believe an off night should be an option. There is a lot more to service than a purse stand and coordinated dish delivery. Not impressed b/c they have both a black and white option for a napkin. Was looking for a lot more.
(3)
Jaime M.
I had a pretty good experience at Tru. 5 Stars for the service... 3.5-4 stars for the food. I was not THAT wowed with my beet apple goat cheese salad app (too predictable) and seared tuna entree (weird flavor combos) I did love the de-constructed chocolate bar for dessert. & The "dessert cart" of goodies at the end of the meal was lovely. As were the exploding truffles at the end... and by this time I was ready to explode with FOOD! If I had my pick for the evening I would go to L20 instead.
(4)
Sonja H.
I've wanted to eat at Tru ever since I bought Rick Trumonto's Amuse Bouche recipe book (due to a Tumblr recommendation years ago). Even though Rick apparently severed ties with Tru since then in order to make his way down to New Orleans, I was still interested in visiting his former home, especially after my dad had proclaimed Tru to be the best restaurant that he's ever eaten at in the US. And I do have to say, when it was all said and done, our dinner was pretty legen-wait for it-dary. But I'm getting ahead of myself. We opted for the menu with the most food on it (it was called something much more elegant than that, but the name escapes me right now) and were quickly onslaught with 16 dishes, all of which fortunately were manageable because (1) I can eat a lot and (2) except for the main fish and beef plates, the dishes were each only a couple of bites, stemming from the Thomas Keller school of thought about providing small bites to leave the customer wanting more. And while the food itself focused on showcasing how well they could cook wagyu beef and salmon and less on the gimmicks of molecular gastronomy, the serving platters took on a modern flair as they changed from glow in the dark bowls and split logs to a huge cocoa bean on a cocoa bean leaf. The service was outstanding and yet relaxed at the same time, something I personally appreciate because it makes me feel less like an impostor dressing up in her mother's clothes. This one poor girl had me cracking up the entire night. Cute, short and blond, she must have been low man on the totem pole as her job was to lug out every dish from the kitchen, including the heavy logs of meat, while the muscular guys (albeit top-notch waiters whom clearly earned their way to their seniority status) waited patiently for her to make her way towards them before raising a finger. At one of her exasperated rolling-of-eyes and sighs I couldn't help myself, I burst at laughing at her distress (wow, that sounds horrible - really my heart was going out to her!). But much to my chagrin, my laughter brought the attention of the higher-ups down on her - and they did not look pleased. I hope I didn't get her in trouble, since I found the entire situation enchanting. The whole night was!
(5)
John B.
What can you say but awesome!
(5)
George L.
+0.5 awesome services and food. quite and lovely deco
(4)
Kara K.
Spandau Ballet said it best: Huh huh huh huhhhhhh huh I knowwwww this muuuuch is TRU! To celebrate the big 4-0, my favorite foodie friend said I could pick any restaurant in the city and he would take me. "Anywhere?" I asked in my best Marilyn Monroe voice. "Anywhere," he reassured me. Tru had been on my hit list since he took me to a Hart Davis Hart wine auction last year and now it was my opportunity to dine there. Hoo. Ray. All I can say is I NOW know what it feels like to be a princess. From the moment we arrived and I was handed a menu that read "Happy BIrthday Kara", I knew it was going to be a fabulous night. Service was beyond impeccable, as a team of well-dressed and unnervingly polite servers attended to our every need. When my friend spilled a glass of champagne on his pants, I hadn't finished gasping before one of the uber-attentive garcons appeared with a cloth napkin and club soda! I also honestly believe the waitstaff has to rehearse for hours on a daily basis to perfect their patented water-pouring technique. I wish I brought my video camera. For dinner, we both went with the three course prix fixe. For an appetizer I had the scallops and polenta (and we all know polenta is just a fancy word for grits, right?) and for my main course I had the lobster, of course, and wanted to just die from acute foodbliss. My friend chose the carpaccio appetizer and the wagyu beef short rib entree and I, of course, sampled the goods. ALL THAT! For our liquid pleasure, the sommelier recommended a lovely bottle of chamPONya, which had me nice and giddy before I was presented with my birthday present--a bottle of 2002 Petrus! At that point, I wanted to jump up on the table and do that Russian dance where they fold their arms, drop down, pop back up and kick out their legs repeatedly. Well, maybe I actually did do that but I'm just pretending like I only wanted to. I might add that the Petrus is not on the menu but came from my friend's personal collection (for those of you who may be looking for it next time you dine there). I calmed down just in time for dessert-- a delightful selection of cheeses and I had my own personal sinfully delicious chocolate lava cake! My only complaint is-- and I guess it really isn't a complaint, more a matter of personal taste--is that it was too darned bright in there and the decor was kind of bland. Also, while very on top of things, some of the waitstaff were a bit too austere for me. I'm not into the whole hoity-toity act. Nevertheless, I had a wonderful time and it was a great birthday present. I would love to go back.
(4)
Daniel F.
My sister spent a lot of money and effort to make this a special graduation dinner for her daughter. We were in a very nice private room upstair but the main track lighting in the middle of the room had 3 bad bulbs out of a total of 7. That to me was absolutely not acceptable for the caliber of restaurant that they tried to be. The salmon entree choice was overcooked and the meat was luke warm. The wine list was way overpriced for mediocre selections. This restaurant is just appealing to people that want to spend a lot of money. They did a lot of fancy stuff that added nothing to the taste but only for show. They are definitely good marketers. Sorry but our family had a great time because we always create our own party anyway.
(2)
V V.
This review is for the dessert tasting menu which when I went was a shockingly low $25 per person, but may have been raised recently. They do it after 9pm daily I believe, and it is 3 (but really more like 5) very generous courses of fruit, chocolate, cake/pastry confections and candies. Each dish looked like a work of art and tasted just as good. I was unbelievably stuffed after the nearly 3 hour experience. I'd say go ahead and forget having dinner beforehand. It was such a shame I couldn't eat any more by the time the dessert cart laden with truffles, caramels, cookies and lollipops rolled around. They even gave us mini loaves of banana nut bread on the way out. The staff truly went above and beyond the call of duty here to make sure we felt waited on hand and foot from the moment we walked in to the moment we teetered out in a haze of sugary bliss. Every move our two servers made seemed like a choreographed "dance" around our table, pouring each person's water simultaneously, changing our silverware sets between each course simultaneously, etc. It was pretty amusing. The service was flawless, and without a hint of snottiness! Now, if only I can find a dressy outfit with an elastic waist band...
(5)
Len L.
Tru is truly exceptional. There are no words that can sum up the experiences you will receive at this place. I've dined at Tru more than once and every time is a new experience. We sat in the private room near the kitchen. The service and hospitality is impeccable. We had 8 courses paired with 8 variety of Bordeaux, after the 8 courses came desert and cheese pairings. After the dining experiences, everyone received an autographed (chef and master somnier) menu.
(5)
Ziggy K.
The dining experience was good overall. But when you're spending this kind of money you need to be blown away. Given the coinage we dropped here, this place was a disappointment. I'm sure that people will drone on and on about how great this place is, but it's the Tim Tebow of restaurants. Totally over-hyped.
(2)
M J.
Like Tru very much. Service, of course, is impeccable (but for this much money it better be !) We went a bit early - 5:30 and ppl didn't start getting in until about 6:30. Not sure if there was music, but I remeber it being so quiet when we came in, that literally even wispering, all waitstaff could hear what we are talking about. AKWARD! We asked for a vegeterian option, and I must say they prepared the menu well. The food was VERY VERY good, but for some reason there was really nothing that I trully said wow about (except for the dessert)- out of all our courses I remeber only a few. Nontheless everything was good and I could not say that I really disliked anything. Now the dessert was AMAZING. It was nothing new - vanilla ice cream with little fried apple cakes drizzled with some kind of a sauce. I have never in my life eaten such good vanilla ice cream - so delicate and well prepared! After dinner we had two drinks. Mine was a Flip... Flop ... something like that and it was not that good at all... not sure what the flavor in there was, but I was not a fan of it. My friend's tasted like a very well prepared pinapple martini. Overall I would say I'm glad I tried it, but I don't think I'll be going back every week.
(4)
Sara D.
This review is specifically for the dessert tasting. I took my friend here last night, a special treat for her birthday. The atmosphere here is pretty serious and the whole experience is very coordinated. The waiters actually poured our water in unison. We ordered a pomegranite old fashioned and cappuccino to drink. The old fashioned rocked the house - wow. If you come to Tru, you must order this drink. Onto the dessert orgy....after a delicious amuse bouche of a frozen tortoni/ice cream concoction and mini madeline cookies (still warm), we proceeded through 3 delicious dessert courses. Two cake plates, fruit desserts, and chocolate. The dishes were too complicated that I don't recall specifically all of the components. The dessert cart was wheeled over and we sampled everything: lemon gelee, homemade marshmallow, several types of chocolates, and a meringue cookie. We thought we were all done but oh no, the waiter brought out two exploding chocolate/carmel truffles. (PS they really do explode in your mouth) A wonderful evening, delicious food and excellent service. The dessert tasting is $40 per person - a fantastic value.
(5)
sarah b.
$50 cancellation fee PER PERSON!! I made a last-minute reservation at TRU for 9PM(table would have gone unused), changed my mind and when I called to cancel, they said they would charge $100 for the late cancellation!!!! I called back and talked to the manager and after debate, he cancelled my reservation without charge. I personally find this fee excessive, but appreciate their waiver. Here is their confirmation email from OpenTable, sounds like it was written by an English professor in the 19th century: Thank you for your reservation at TRU. Please be apprised of the following: 1. Jackets are required for gentleman at all times in all areas of TRU. 2. There is no smoking in any area of TRU. 3. We call to confirm all reservations. If no confirmation is received by the date of the reservation we will have presumed that youE(tm)ve made other dining arrangements. 4. Your dining experience will be two to three hours depending on your menu selection. 5. Valet parking is available. 6. With courtesy and respect to all guests please refrain from the use of cell phones or pagers within TRU. 7. Dessert reservations can only be made by calling TRU.
(2)
Kelli Ann L.
The presentation of food at TRU is absolutely spectacular -and the Sommelier is a MASTER at wine pairings! I found the ambiance to be a 'bit' stuffy at times - like people are afraid to laugh.....I enjoy adult eating - but to truly enjoy everything on my plate, it helps to see a few smiles. :0) The one issue I had was....a few things were too salty. Especially the Veal Consume dish we had. However, the Vin Santo might be one of my top 10 wines of all time. It is obvious that most people going to Tru are going there for the name and the "I am so awesome I went to Tru" thing....but I didn't feel like most of the people were there to enjoy the food....just to be snobby about the food. I enjoyed most of it - loved all the wines - and had a great time. By the way - I did laugh out loud - HA! :0)
(4)
Ying X.
Feb. 14 2009 Menu options: Aphrodisiac - $250 Chef's - $200 I took my boyfriend there for Valentine's Day and needless to say, reservations were literally impossible to find. Picked the last time available (10:30pm). We were there until 1:30am. We both had the Chef's collection and share the 3oz. Kobe beef fillet. On the whole, the food and service were spectacular. However, the waiter seemed a bit "cocky".... and BF had a slight problem with it. I didn't really mind..... E.g. If it's your first time in an upscale French restaurant, you barely understand French, and you rarely eat liver, you probably won't know what foie gras is. And when we asked, we got almost a slightly sarcastic answer... 1 star off! I would love to go back for the food, but racking up a $700 check for 2 is not exactly what I had in mind. On the website, the two tours are priced around $140-$100.... but because it was Valentine's day, they were marked up an extra $100!!! I feel cheated out of my hard earned money!! Another star off!!! Flowers and confectionery are marked up during Valentine's Day... but this was a total rip-off!!!
(3)
Anna B.
Wow! We came here to celebrate our one year wedding anniversary last night. We had the grand tasting option at the Chef's table. The experience and the food were first class. The timing of the entrees was perfect down to a second. We were never without something in front of us, even if it was only getting a refill on the wine or extra bread. The Chef's table comes with a private valet who catered to our every whim. Prior to the dinner, we received a full tour of the restaurant, met most of the staff, and we were even given a brief history of the stemware and china used. The Chef and Pastry Chef introduced themselves and chatted with us. Tru really made us feel like royalty. The service really is exceptional! The meal takes about 4 hours from start to finish. You even get a keepsake at the end! The Valet took our picture when we first came in, and then we received a keepsake menu with our names and picture on it. Looking at the list of food, we were astonished at how much we ate! Be very prepared to leave very very satiated.
(5)
Chirag P.
Amazing place with even better food, everything was cooked to perfection and looked like a work of art. Definitely a fan.
(5)
Yanni N.
This is my second visit to Tru - The first time was for a special cheese event - but this time I was able to try the Chef's Collection It goes without saying that the presentation was nothing short of spectacular. The food was very flavorful of course - Every course was well built on the last although I'm not a big quince fan- everything else was great. Tru is always a great experience and the service has been A+ for me on both visits. I'm still a little more drawn to Trotters.
(4)
Emily Y.
Hands down, one of the top three meals of my life. Dining at Tru can only be explained in one way: An Experience. From the moment you walk in the unmarked entrance (stashed between Northwestern hospital buildings, it is extremely easy to miss -- we passed by it twice before finally figuring it out), the service is a theatrical wonder that will keep you amused all night long. It's no wonder this place won the James Beard award for service last year. Every movement of the waiters is synchronized and they lay down and take away each plate at the exact same moment from both diners. As a theater person, I wonder how much they had to rehearse to get that right?! Every single person who worked in that place made it their personal mission to make our experience amazing, from the valet to the coat check person to the sommelier. The decor is beautiful, understated, modern, elegant. Floor to ceiling black and white drapes, deep purple velvet booths, interesting art, the coolest bathroom sink ever. Make sure you go to the bathroom, even if you don't have to go. The food was amazing and interesting and novel and grand. We had the grand collection. Here's a rundown of the courses: 1. duck confit, red wine duck gelee, brussel sprout 2. tete de cochon, lentil salad, white truffle powder 3. selection of sashimi-grade fish, complementary garnish 4. beef bullion, carmelized onion, gruyere custard, crouton 5. squid ink tagliatelle, matsutake, grains of paradise 6. mushroom poached striped bass, winter root vegetables, ginger turnip broth 7. proscuitto-wrapped beef ribeye, yukon gold potato, whipped raclette, paprika jus 8. ginger-lim soda, honeydew soup 9. roasted plum, vanilla brown butter, brioche 10. mignardises &lollipops (or in my words...candy cart!) My fiance and I were celebrating our anniversary, and they printed out a very nice souvenir menu that said happy anniversary and listed everything we had. Additionally, they brought out a plate with a little chocolate with a candle in it with Happy Anniversary piped on to the plate. Very nice touches. My favorite course was the striped bass. The sauce it was in was heavenly. Second favorite was the beef bullion, which was a very unique version of french onion soup. The desserts were also heaven, and I wished I'd had more room to try everything on the candy cart. Also, the truffle powders will really something -- they felt like nothing as soon as they hit your tongue but then you are hit with an intense flavor. amazing. Yes, this place is insanely expensive. Nobody should spend that much on dinner, but I reasoned that it was basically dinner and a show, and an opera ticket can set you back a pretty penny, so....there's my justification. :) And the three hours we spent at Tru was worth it. Neither of us will ever forget it, that's for sure! I forgot to mention the wine we had, which was recommended by the sommelier. It was an Alsatian white, and it was terrific. Kudos to the sommelier. If you are even remotely into food and dining out, and especially if you are a self proclaimed "foodie" such as myself, save up your dining out dollars for awhile and splurge on Tru.
Went for Valentines Day. Now, normally I don't really do fine dining. I really thought I'd be uncomfortable. But that was not the case. It was definitely one of the best dinner experiences I've ever had
(5)
Don H.
I've had a few of these higher-end eating experiences. Here in the city, I thought Charlie Trotters was the pinnacle. In Detroit, it was The Whitney. But it wasn't until dinner a few nights ago at Tru did I truly understand that "surprise and delight" is still alive and kicking. The valet checks our name on the list, takes the car. When we walked in, I didn't have a jacket so they were kind enough to supply one for me. We joined our party in the ante room. The maitrè d' came by, took us to our table, where the pageantry began. We started with champagne -- without ordering, of course. Then we got the first of what we counted as 11 visits from the server: a delicious cucumber bubble with salmon roe on top served on a curvy spoon that looked like a high-heel shoe. This was followed by a series of delicious "treats" through our appetizer and, finally, to the entreè. For me, it was venison. Even afterward, when we ordered dessert, we were treated to two additional desserts. I felt satisfied with the portions and didn't feel like rolling out. Every dish was memorable. I don't give it five stars because of the stature of the place -- but I have to say that I was just delighted course after course. The kitchen tour was stunning and very welcoming.
(5)
Jen W.
We came here for our 3 year anniversary and was pleasantly surprised at the efforts to personalize our experience. I wasn't expecting a fancy, stuffy place would take the time to print personalized menus with or to bring a special dessert saying Happy 3rd anniversary. The waitstaff was amazing, they were always available for questions and loosened up with jokes once they realized we were there to have a good time. We went for the Chef's Collection with Wayagu beef add-on, which was perfection! Each plate keep getting better and better, with both beef plates being the highlight of the meal. Desserts were to die for and we stumbled out of Tru with dazed looks of satisfaction along with baked treats for breakfast the next morning. What an amazing experience.
(5)
Tracy F.
If I could pick one place to eat a superb meal, it would be Tru. The room is open and light. The service is impeccable without being stuffy. There are probably 1.5 servers to customers. The food is absolutely outstanding. You can't go wrong no matter what you choose. Tru is particularly good for special occassions. They'll personalize your menu and greet you with a congratulations. I only hope I get to return again.
(5)
J W.
great service and dining environment. food was innovative and tasty. overall a great dining experience. however, for the price that's kind of to be expected?
(4)
Danielle D.
Single worst tasting menu experience I have EVER had.... And I have been around the culinary block. From Daniel to French Laundry to Per Se- WD50 to Eleven Madison Park to all of the Momofuku restaurants... I have been a silent observer on Yelp till now. I cannot let anyone make the same mistake we have. First, let me say the service was fine, albeit canned at best. Completely generic fine dining, no bit of personality present whatsoever. But again, fine. Then it got ugly. So help me God if I ever see another piece of gold leaf on a plate again I will stab the nearest victim in the eye with whatever semi sharp implement I may have within arm's reach. I felt as though I was in podunkville Arkansas (no offense Arkansas) circa 1988. All that was missing was a few mullets and some bad shoulderpads. Seriously, if Don Johnson walked out with my food I can't say i would have been surprised. So the plating was horrific. One dish actually had a blown glass conch type shell housing the scallop dish.. I mean it's not even the same mollusk, people, what do you take me for?! Gold leaf, luster dust, and contrived table side service abounded. Is this the caliber of haute cuisine Chicagoans accept? I truly hope not. THE FOOD Well, note to any Michelin rated, Relais & Chateau establishment - if you can't make a freaking brioche ( our neighbor called it a pretzel and wasn't joking) or petit chapeau there are PLENTY of places you can purchase from. Just don't bother because Au Bon Pain can do a more acceptable job. First course was 'faux caviar' - oh hi Thomas Keller circa 1997 didn't see you there... Tapioca'd pearls of white sturgeon served in a kitchy branded caviar tin over (brown) avocado bs. Been done, thousands of times, better. The caviar was overly salty and the avocado was nothing of any remembrance that you haven't tasted at your local taquieria. On no planet should the mediocre wine have been served with the dish. Next was a celeriac soup. The time warp continued with undercooked potato, tasteless truffle chip, overcooked quail egg and crispy something stupid. Tableside pouring of flavorless soup lacking any personality or consistency whatsoever. Now I'm getting feisty. Again a pooooooor wine pairing, completely unmemorable and young. Did I mentioned the plate was covered in a vomitous smattering of gold leaf? Who even does that any more?! Well hello there David Hasselhoff, is Knight Rider waiting outside for you? I couldn't tell based on our asinine third course. Presentation was cute but dated, 'flavors of fall' - a bunch of crap served in a small pumpkin with some pinecones (AND LUSTERDUST) on a piece of slate. Medjool dates, chestnuts, pears and pumpkin in a curry broth so lacking in flavor it was nearly impossible to differentiate one bite from the next. Now I'm pissed. Wine = gruner - fine but uncharacteristic and poorly paired. Next up... Cod. Yes cod. How on earth could a high end restaurant screw cod up, you say? Oh, well they did... My portion was grossly overcooked on the edges and well cooked in the middle, but completely flavorless on one side and so damned salty on the other it was nearly inedible. My partner's was so completely overcooked he barely touched it and when asked he politely lied and said he was saving room. It was served with a mussel veloute (hi there 1994) which was just embarrassing.The chosen wine this time was red, Pinot noir in style, once again too young but tasty. Perhaps good in theory with the dish - if it had been properly seasoned, prepared, or any combination... Venison. My most favorite game there is. Ever. And they destroyed it. Unseasoned, flavorless, served on some horrendous brussels sprouts (blame them for why people treat them as the redheaded stepchild of veggies) and some haphazard red currants (yes it's December, seasonal people?!) nonexistent alleged broth. Gag. Wine= mediocre which at this point was a happy surprise. Dessert- if you can't make a culinary school pate a fruits - DON'T. For christ's sake it's a rookie thing to overdevelop the gelatin, I'll go to cvs and get some jujubees, thanks. Apple beignets - great beignets, apple tasted like water - how hard would it have been to cook it in ANYTHING?! Vanilla ice cream - once I got past the ice crystals it was bland and your local grocery store has more interesting vanilla. Lettuce Entertain You - is this what you do to an alleged fine dining experience? Or is Tru just coasting on false reputation? Do yourself a favor and don't waste $500+ on dinner for two, or if you do I have a pretty fancy bridge to sell you...
(1)
Abby W.
My Fiance surprised me with dinner at Tru on the night he proposed. It was very fitting, a very special occasion type of place. if you dont appreciate the culinary arts, and are a steak and potato kind of a person, Tru is not the place for you. It was very inventive and creative and is a once in a lifetime kind of a spot (well unless you can afford $500.00 dinners on the reg) Will I be back to Tru. Probably not. But I would recommend this place to anyone to try once for the level of service and experience we received. It was awesome!
(4)
Chadwick T.
It's hard to begin reviewing such a well documented eatery in the culinary world...let's try though, shall we? To review a restaurant of this caliber, it's broken it a few groups...atmosphere, cuisine and service. If you are worried about price, I suggest you keep strolling down Clair St to "C-House" in the Affinia hotel. Atmosphere - This sophisticated hot spot in downtown Chicago has a beautiful all black window entrance that does not allow you to see in. The rotating doors bring you into a small lobby to meet the host and hostess who will insist on taking care of your jackets for you. The french inspiration of the restaurant sifts through you as they each have the beautiful authentic french accent to put you into the frame of mind for your dining experience. As you are lead to your table, you walk into the dining room. A large calmly lit room with elegance and style is home to an array of full tables and half tables. The backs of the chairs a lush blue velvet to offer a flash of color. The table is pulled completely out so you can be seated and then returned in front of you. Settled in? Let's talk about the food! Cuisine - TRU was an absolute gourmet foodie's delight. This restaurant has it all. You do have some options for ordering and it's all based off how much your budget is...they have two different 'collections' that offer multiple courses as well as a la carte. You can't go wrong with either, they will delight you to no end. The portions are pleasantly larger than I would have expected after eating at other truly 5 star restaurants, though still properly sized. The food was prepared to perfection while the wine list varied from as little as $85 for a decent bottle of wine. The courses are timed perfectly so can enjoy each course without feeling rushed or without feeling like time is running away from you. The food is a wonderful blend of fresh ingredients and classic culinary techniques that will wow you from the start, before sending you to heaven for dessert. Service - The wait staff is extremely informed about not only what is in each dish but how it is prepared should you have any allergies or concerns about what you are interested in. Unsure? Allow them to suggest and you will not be disappointed. Expect the 5 star treatment without feeling suffocated or as though they are hovering. They show extreme attention to detail and want your evening to be perfect. Don't forget to tell them your story...I flew into Chicago specifically for this restaurant, after telling my waiter he disappeared for a few moments. He came back and said he would love for the matradee to give us a personal showing of the kitchen and to meet the executive chef! What an amazing night... You have done yourself a disservice if you do not have the following items: Waygu beef tartar Seared Fois Gras Chocolate Bar - As featured by Iron Chef Cat Cora on "Best Thing I've Ever Ate" Expect to spend about 2 hours eating your way to bliss. So make your month-in-advance reservations and start to savor the thought of trying one our countries most highlighted restaurants! The bill might be a bit pricey but I suppose the French said it best....C'est la Vie!
(5)
Cat D.
Of all of the restaurants that I have been to...this is the BEST dining experience I have EVER had. I went on my birthday....they had a special menu printed for me.....it was fabulous. The food was AMAZING...I agree...the caviar..TO...DIE...FOR!! And I am NOT a caviar fan. The ambiance is amazing...just an amazing dining experience all the way around. The chef had prepared a special dessert for me, with my name written in chocolate. The details were perfection. It is pricey but WELL worth the money.... Attention MEN.....Take your girls there.....you won't be disappointed!!
(5)
Ben P.
If I was to design a lounge from scratch, it might look very close to the lounge at Tru. It's very close to having drinks in an art museum. The photos on the website aren't accurate, and I can't find any new ones or I'd upload them. Small tables, individually lit by small halogen spots, surrounded by art, with a Bang CD player on the wall providing a quiet backbeat to the conversation. I could hear my compatriots without raising my voice at all. My only complaint is that the drink menu is a bit limited. And I'm glad they gave me a menu, because had I not looked at the menu, the waiter and I would likely have agreed on a Booker's bourbon on the rocks, which would have turned out to be $64 a glass. Turns out, there's Booker's, and then there's Booker's Master Artisan Distiller's Hyper-Select Special Import Release, or some such thing. My score coming into Tru: 2 Ketel One martinis, 2 Crown & Cokes, 1 glass of zin. It was time to slow down. So I had Johnnie Walker Black on the rocks. 4 of them. They came in 8 ounce tumblers, and the bartender had a HEAVY hand. My traveling companion and I were meeting two friends of his here. He neglected to mention that his friends were of the genus femalia, species modelous. Thankfully, I get better looking as I drink. I would say I also get more charming, but that's hardly possible. Two hours into the event, everyone decided to get dessert. I was in no position (or, frankly, state) to argue, so I had the strawberry soup. A fascinating idea, reasonably well executed. My one suggestion: the lemongrass gelee cubes want to stick to the bowl, and necessitated some help from my finger in order to crawl into my spoon. This had nothing to do with my close relationship with Johnnie Walker and everything to do with the power of wet suction [get your mind out of the gutter and Google it, troglodyte]. This could be solved by including a rolled white-chocolate tube, which could be used to help push the gelee cubes into the spoon. See---I come with solutions, not just problems. We eventually left at least 5 minutes before they would have thrown us out. I will be back the very next time I'm in Chicago. It was just that good. If there was a place like this in SF, I'd have a chair with my name on it.
(5)
Christine T.
*4.5 stars* I blame TRU for my gaining 5 lbs during my trip to Chicago... OK, to be fair, it probably wasn't all of TRU's fault... But those damn good desserts probably did some of the damage! I had the scallops to start and the orange marlin for my main. The husband started with the smoked salmon and had the suckling pig for his main. Everything was delicious and well prepared, especially husband's suckling pig. I should have ordered that! YUM! For dessert (YEA FOR DESSERT!!!!!!!!!!), oh what the hell?! Let's go for the dessert tasting! WOW! So glad that we did. It was basically five tastings; 1) fruity palate cleanser shot, 2) fruit, 3) chocolate, 4) root beer float, and 5) candies off the candy cart. Different tastings for the both of us for the fruit and the chocolate "dishes". Some of the items we had: the vanilla cream (my favorite of all and I'm a chocolate lover), sticky pudding, chocolate semifreddo (also YUM!), bittersweet chocolate mousse. Everything really was delicious. So happy that we came to TRU. Quite the class act. We even got a yummy parting gift (lemon pound cake) and a ride back to our hotel in the restaurant's car. Thank you, TRU for a great dining experience!
Tru was a memorable dining experience, but I think I was expecting more. I wish I could give it 4.5 stars. My husband and I ate here for our two-year anniversary. The service was impeccable and decor was beautiful. Every course was put together with painstaking effort-- I felt like every plate was a delicate work of art. My husband ordered the venison and I ordered the ribeye. The presentation and plating were more memorable than the taste of the food. The best part of the meal were the desserts. Gale Gand is absolutely brilliant. We tried the semifreddo and the chocolate bar and both were outstanding. Coupled with the candy cart and a perfectly wrapped pastry to go, it was a great way to end the meal. I took a star away because I wanted a course or two that absolutely blew me away as far as taste...a plate that completely surprises you. I didn't get that at Tru unfortunately, and when you're paying premium dollar, I expect to get it.
(4)
MJ d.
I feel very guilty for giving this place two stars. No doubt the food was very well prepared but it was an excruciating four-and-a-half long dinner. We ordered the nine-course meal and the highlights were the sturgeon and the lamb, which were perfectly cooked. The frog leg tempura with this green, garlicky sauce was also delicious. Dessert featured their homemade nutella. We even saw ROD F'ING STEWART with his new, uglier, wife. My heart was fluttering the whole night. The food was good but it was a little frustrating that portions were excruciatingly small. Meh. It was good, but I probably would not jump at the chance to return despite the delicious muffing they gave as a parting gift. ROD STEWART!!! Does anybody care???
(3)
Steve J.
A good dining experience, but seemed off its game in little ways. The waiter was distracted and kept looking at other stables while speaking to us, then forgot to give us napkins before the first course arrived. The service was friendly and effective after that. The food was excellent. The sweet potato soup was spectacular, will dozens of unique flavors combining perfectly. The decor is kinda modern, but kinda outdated at the same time. It's quiet inside. I felt like this was a place that should be a "5", but just couldn't quite get there.
(4)
Wil T.
I really enjoyed the food here except for the sable fish. There was something odd tasting about it. The staff was very professional and polite. They do go out of their way though to personalize the experience if you are there to celebrate a special occasion. Not sure if I would make a return visit, as there are many other places of the same or higher caliber, but definitely worth a try.
(4)
James C.
One of the best restaurants. The food and service were impeccable.
(5)
Ray C.
OMG!!!!!!!! blown away,,, The service here is ULBELIEVABLE it was like if you just thought of something you might want they where there saying "hey would you like this".. This is a dining experience that is not for the casual diner, what I mean is you don't just say let's go to TRU tonight. We got there at 7 and left about 11:30, it is like going to/ watching a show. It is expensive so be prepared, I think dinner for 2 was about $650 with the tip (lucky for me someone else was paying)... It was worth every penny in my mind and I would do it again!! It is everything it says it is.
(5)
Richard S.
Wow, this was a wonderful dining experience! Came here on the recommendation of Tony from L2O. As a matter of fact, he got me in. Thanks Tony! I had the Chef's Collection with wine pairings. 1. Preserved Baby Artichoke, Blood Orange, White Anchovy, Chervil Not a Big Anchovy fan, but this was excellent. 2.Strawberry-Tomato Gelee Fava Bean, Parmesan Sounds weird Tasted Great! 3. Sashimi with Complementary Garnishes Light and Dark Soy Sauces I love Sashimi and this was one of my favorite ever. With these three courses I had a 2006 Bruna Pigato Le Russghine Riviera Ligure di Ponente. It was light and refreshing and started the evening off on a great note! 4. Boneless Frog Leg, Spring Garlic, Carrot, Watercress Really fun...Deep fried, Yum! 2006 Palmina Arneis 5. Artichoke Consomme, Cucumber, Turnip Caramel, Cinnamon Mustard, Grilled Peanut Lustau Papirusa Manzanilla This was an inspired dish and wine pairing! 6. Antiqua Tagliatelle, Spinach, Summer Truffle, Pecorino 2007 Bridge Lane White Merlot Even with the Truffle, this course missed the mark. The wine was outstanding though. 7.Pan seared Foie Gras, Morel, Pecan, Raspberry, Purslane. 2005 Cantine del Notaio L'Autentica Basilicata Another winner! God I am glad they brought Foie back. Even though this is a dessert wine it worked very well with the richness and sweetness of the dish. 8. Halibut, Leek Emulsion, Reduced Chardonnay, Bacon Vinaigrette. I was catching up on my wines from the other courses;) I usually find Halibut boring, but this was really good, but anything with Bacon usually is! 9. Salt -Crusted Venison, Cocoa, Olive, Blood Orange 2005 Cousino Macul Finis Interesting...actually had a savory Chocolate "pudding". Wine worked well with the gaminess of the Venison. 10. Cheese Cart. Eric Bordelet Poire Granit MV I tried 4 different Cheeses and loved it! Hey I am From Wisconsin After all! The wine was like drinking a fresh pear! 11. Rhubarb Consomme, Lemon Ginger Tapioca Another fun course served in a shot glass so no wine! 12 Greek Yogurt, Honey, Grape,Frozen Mint Julep. 20006 Banyuls Coume Del Mas Nice light sweet ending to a wonderful meal! 13. A surprise selection of wonderful chocolates As you can tell, I loved my food and the service matched it at every turn! At one point my waiter even brought me a book on Chicago Architecture so I wouldn't be uncomfortable between courses.(I was dining alone.) They even gave me a muffin for the morning and called a wheelchair accessible cab for me so I would not need to transfer into a regular one. That is definitely going beyond the call of duty! Even though I have seen some less than stellar reviews here,Tru was Definitely a Five Star experience for me!
(5)
Matt L.
Boyfriends Birthday: Was top notch from start to finish. When we arrive at Tru we feel like dignitary as soon as we walked in the lobby. We choose the 9-course with wine pairing. The food was second to none and prepared perfectly and the sommelier's pairings were spot on target. The service was spectacular and with all of the timing and coordination that goes on with a 9 course meal (9 place setting, 9 tastings, 9 pairings) the presentation was flawless. They custom printed a menu in his honor that we were able to take home as a keep sake. In addition, they brought out an extra dessert surprise for him. All in all, and experience to remember!!!!
(5)
Tamara B.
4.5 stars. A really lovely experience that exceeded my expectations. I am a spoiled foodie and a wine snob but I don't like stuffy or formal atmospheres. Going in to dinner, I was worried that the food and wine wouldn't live up to the hype and/or it would be an uncomfortably formal experience. I am pleased to say that the service was perfect- very attentive but in no way cloying. 5 stars here. I loved the French wine selection- particularly from the Rhone and Languedoc. Kudos to Tru for having lesser known boutique bottles as well as the traditional greats. They also have a full range of prices and I saw bottles from 60 dollars that I was really excited about. 5 stars here too. The food was very good but a little uneven. Presentation was always gorgeous. Duck confit and foie gras appetizer was great but curried lobster main was just good. Iberico pork was awesome. 4 stars here. We had a wonderful night and will be very excited to go back in a month or two.
(4)
Mark S.
I will start by saying that the kitchen at Tru continues to perform at an extremely high level and all the dishes were spot on this past Saturday night. One piece of advice, do NOT pay for the wine pairings with the menu. The pairings were average at best and you could do better with what must be one of the best wine cellars in the city. I also have to say that at this price point the service should be flawless. There were several misses over the course of the night that were surpising for a place of this caliber (e.g. replacing of napkins - needed to ask after one had been swept away and waiters struggled to keep straight who had still vs sparkling water and mixed them). This may be nit-picky but previous times at Tru have been the total package. Hope this was just a night off for them.
(3)
Sandy N.
My boyfriend took me to Tru for my birthday this year. Knowing this a day in advance, I looked at the menu and Yelped it (of course!) and was a little disappointed at the reviews, which mentioned that, while the experience was good, the food was pretty non-spectacular. Also, the collection didn't seem so inventive, and for $110 I thought that they should have given more than 6 courses (I know, I've been to Alinea and so my standards are ridiculously high) or at least 6 really really cool sounding courses. I had just made an heirloom tomato salad (from the Momofuku cookbook) earlier in the week as well so the idea that an heirloom tomato salad would be one of the 6 courses didn't sit too well. However, I didn't want to second guess his choice (turns out he saved my Yelp password when I logged into his computer and he browsed through my bookmarks to pick a place.. genius, right?!) so I figured I could just go for a prix fixe and pick stuff I knew I would like even if I was limited to 3 courses (which in my opinion is not as good as a tasting menu because a few bites is all you need to really love a dish, so why waste all the stomach space for one type of taste?). ANYWAY, so we went to Tru, which really did impress right when I walked in. It seemed like a boardroom meeting type of room, and the glass place settings we had in front of us looked really cool. They handed us our menus, and I saw the the one I got was more or less what I had seen on the website. My boyfriend, on the other hand, is a vegetarian, so his collection menu was a Vegetable Collection with.. 9 courses! They sounded super creative and interesting. Looking back and forth between our menus, the answer was clear--we were both getting the Vegetarian Collection. OMG, such a good decision! The dishes were well thought out and delicious (my point of comparison is Green Zebra.. Tru totally tops Green Zebra!). They gave us 3 extra dessert courses.. Mmmm. I was SO happy with their hospitality. They also gave me a copy of the menu so I will list for you here what I had: Comte Cheese Gougere - puff pastry with cheese (amuse bouche) Fennel panna cotta, bonito - I'm a sucker for savory custard.. win! Cilantro "caviar", avocado - VERY creative and yummy! Red ace, candystripe, + golden beet collage, apple, microgreens - looked nothing like anything I'd ever seen, very futuristic.. but good! Yellow corn soup, olive oil, brioche - really good corn soup, although a little salty. We sipped it out of a teacup which was a really fun way to eat soup. Glazed artichoke, parsley, parmesan - good because I like artichoke, but nothing spectacular about the flavor La ratte potato gnocchi, vegetable glaze, carrot - yum! carrot three ways, sesame, ginger - here, the carrot was presented whole, pureed, and in a foam form. everything tasted pretty good except for the foam, which tasted like soap. weird. green asparagus and morel mushroom feuillette - i actually made something similar for my boyfriend for valentine's day a few years ago, so I appreciated the combination of asparagus, puff pastry, and cream. My first time having morels--approve! A little too much asparagus for me to finish, but I think this course was supposed to be the "main course" of the collection. Overall, yummy. Strawberry consomme, rhubarb foam - very light amuse bouche. Good palate cleanser, especially if you don't have stomach room (we didn't) since it was mostly air. I liked the combo of rhubarb and strawberry in air form. =] Granny smith apple, red + white port, apple sorbet - yum! The apple sorbet was very refreshing and the combination of puff pastry and port-compressed apples was a total hit. They also gave us a few other desserts, just because. One was a chocolate custard covered with menthol whipped cream and crunchy little chocolate balls -- I love chocolate and mint so it was really good. They also gave us tiny root beer floats with house-made root beer -- super cute and also good. Lastly, we got some blueberry exploding chocolate truffles, which were reminiscent of the exploding melon ball at Alinea -- very cool. Overall, had an AMAZING time despite my initial hesitation. My advice is to skip the prix fixe and regular collection if you want to try some new and interesting cuisine (I mean, ribeye and lobster taste the same everywhere, don't they? How many times have you had golden beets in a gelatinous form with horseradish cream?) that happens to not have meat in it. Anyway, I'm obviously biased, but if you like MG, you should definitely try the road less traveled here. I had a GREAT birthday. =]
(5)
Kevin W.
The evening started amazingly. We ordered the tasting menu and after some various drinks, we were presented with a beautiful amuse. I picked up the spoon of pea soup, and tried to convince myself it was good. I failed, because it wasn't good, and my date noted the same problem. Thankfully, this was the only bad moment at all during our evening. The courses were varied and interesting. The only complaint I could've possibly registered was that by the end of the evening I felt a bit like a foie gras goose. I was very happy, but those little courses add up fast. It was a fun and memorable meal, well worth making a quick jaunt to Chicago to enjoy it. I'd happily go back.
(5)
Megan R.
Tru's service is impeccable, but the food leaves much to be desired. I was impressed by the choice of black and white napkins (not even Alinea offers that choice) and even more pleased by the cashmere pashmina they brought me when they noticed I was chilly. I was less impressed by the amuse bouche that was several bites, the cheese offerings that overwhelmingly tasted of dirty diaper, and the assortment of summer melon dessert that tasted of cleaning products. Since this was our first time we opted to add on the Caviar Staircase to our nine course meal. It was lovely and had the appropriate accoutrements, but $280 is a bit high for what amounts to one ounce of caviar.
(3)
Graham S.
My wife and I recently took a weekend trip to Chicago. A big part of the trip was going to taste the various culinary treats that range from Al's Beef to Gino's East, Blackbird and Tru. My first impression was that there seemed to be a very up-tight vibe to the dining room that night. My wife semi-agreed, but not as much. I understand fine dining and the associated feel, but this still seemed stuffy to me. We chose the standard five-course tasting menu, which goes for $110. There was no pre-set wine pairings, which would have been a nice option, but oh well. The wine list was EXTENSIVE and very high-end. Almost so that I don't believe there was an option under $100. To me, that's just not providing options for your diners. I've been to the Napa region many times and there are quality wines to be had under $100. Whatever, it's wine and again, it's fine dining. Understandable. As for the food... overall it was great. Very refined and showed a great amount of skill in it's preperation. However, I felt that the meal lacked a true inspiration or soul. I did not feel like the chef was truly inspired by the menu or wowed me with much. Yes, it was one of the best gnocchi I have ever tasted and well executed. However, it was a gnocchi in broth. Ok... ? I mean, it was good, but thank you for the potato dumplings in broth with a parmesan twille? Have we not seen a twille for about 10 years now? Anyway, the meal had it's highlights. Specifically, the caviar with avocado puree was delightful. The main courses (Ribeye and Venison) were perfectly cooked and delicious. The pastry chef needs to be recognized nationally for his/her skill. Also, the service was absolutely impeccable and the front of the house was on-point. So, to wrap it up. If you want to taste the best version you've ever tasted of something... go to Tru. If you want to be inspired by interesting combinations and enlightened to new tecniques or styles, go elsewhere.
(4)
Erin P.
I have bumped this review up to 5 stars since my experience here it has been that which I compare all other fine dining experience to.
(5)
Lisa V.
Instead of dining with the riffraff downstairs.... you can rent the room upstairs for 50 of your closest friends. Our catering manager that made sure the room was arranged how we liked, coordinated the service of passed little bites of yummy food and of course all the wine glasses filled. They definitely have service with a capital S here.
(4)
Lindsay S.
Basically, the best food and service my husband and I have ever had. From the first course to the dessert tray they bring around (which is complimentary - so don't feel bad for trying everything) the food was delicious. The flavors were out of the ordinary, but complimented each other perfectly. The service was second-to-none as well. The wait staff was knowledgeable and extremely friendly. The sommelier was spot on with his recommendation for both myself and my husband. If you are looking for somewhere to go for a special occasion (dinner will be an expense) this is well worth the dining investment.
(5)
Ellen O.
Just returned from our trip to Chicago. Tru was very good/excellent (food was very good; service was excellent). If you're familiar with the high level of service at Eleven Madison Park, Tru's service follows the same high standard. There was nothing that our captain wouldn't and didn't do for us. We liked a number of things on the prix fixe menu. We also wanted to try some of the things on the luxury menu (foie gras and wagyu beef). We asked about the foie gras, and our captain told us it's a whole lobe usually served to a table of 4. We asked whether the chef could make us a smaller portion for an appetizer, and our captain said certainly. We also wanted to try the wagyu beef. My sister also wanted 2 appetizers. We asked whether we could have 2 appetizers from the prix fixe, an additional foie gras appetizer, and the 3 oz. wagyu beef. Again, our captain said this would be no problem for the chef. My sister started with the heirloom beets and apple salad with a trio of mousses (celery root, goat cheese, and I forgot the third). She loved everything about the dish. I started with the scallops, osetra caviar and lemongrass that was wonderful. The lemongrass worked beautifully with the scallops, and you can never go wrong with osetra caviar. My sister's second course was the green asparagus and morel mushroom feuillette. This was another winner for my sister since she loves both asparagus and morel mushrooms. My second course was the langoustine, lobster quenelles, saffron potato and bouillabaisse. This was a nice course (only one smallish langoustine). The lobster quenelles were lovely and was the bouillabaisse. Our third course was the special seared foie gras course. The portion size was generous, but my sister's portion was slightly underdone (blood in her piece). The wagyu beef was next and looked lovely. It was served with cippolini onions and shaved truffles. Unfortunately, the beef was not as tender as other wagyu beef dishes that I've had. Service was wonderful all through dinner. Bread was great too. We loved the brioche rolls. It was a bit warm in the restaurant, and we must have drunk a half dozen bottles of water. The A/C is controlled by the office building, and hopefully, now that the hot weather has settled in, the building will up the A/C. We shared a cheese course, and following the cheese, I chose the sorbets that were very refreshing. The dessert trolley was rolled over, and we were full, but chose the pate de fruits and macarons. While the food was not as amazing as I remember it from seven years ago, the service was phenomenal, and I look forward to returning to Tru on my next visit to Chicago.
(4)
Lauren H.
Everyone should experience Tru at least once. I went with some friends a couple of years ago and it was incredible. It isn't dinner, it is a theatrical experience. The service is amazing, impeccably timed (every water glass was filled at the same moment, plates were placed in unison, etc). They even escorted me to the ladies room (which was beautiful). We were there 4 1/2 hours and could barely get up after! Not only do you get all the courses of the tasting menu, but they threw in a few amuse-bouches as well. The food was delicious and artfully presented. I am going to have to go back and try the new lounge menu, it sounds really good. I wish I could afford to dine at Tru more often!
(5)
XO K.
Tru is one of those restaurants that goes beyond just being a place to grab some dinner. You truly DINE at Tru. Granted, it is way too expensive a place to frequent, at least for us, but if you can stand facing the check at the end of the night, it is quite an experience. We went on our anniversary and they printed our names on the menu, which was kind of cool. It's such an easy thing to do and makes the clientele feel special - very clever. We had cocktails to start and mine was a martini involving Hendrick's gin and saki and it was delicious and beautifully presented. When they brought the napkins, there was a choice of white or black, so you wouldn't get contrasting lint on your clothes, which was unnecessary for us, but a nice touch that just reminds you what a classy place you are in and is also perhaps another attempt to justify the price. I suppose it doesn't hurt. The food was amazing and my wagyu beef short rib was maybe the best piece of meat I have ever eaten in my entire life. So often, it is disappointing, after all the fuss and high prices and the food is good, even very good, but not great. The short rib there is great. I had to take off a star, though, after the waiter hesitated to bring me a Grand Marnier instead of whatever the cake or tort was that was included in our prix fixe menu. He actually said it might be a dollar or two difference in price. Here, we are spending that kind of money and he is going to be a stickler for $2. That was weak, especially after they go to the trouble to see to all the other little details and everything. They also wrote a personalized "Happy Anniversary" message on the glass plate the dessert was served on, which was a nice touch. It's crazy expensive, but if you are going to go out and spend $400 - $500+ on dinner somewhere in Chicago (that's with one of the more reasonably priced bottles of wine), I recommend it.
(4)
SeaElle R.
Fancy-pants dining at its best. Men must wear jackets. You get your choice of white or black napkins - I love that! Purses get their own seat at the table. Courses are served by choreographed, synchronized waiters. Caviar is superb. Fabulous experience. For over-the-top fine dining, choose Tru.
(5)
christine c.
this place was good, but service was strange. maybe i've just never been to a place this nice or something but i showed up for my 930pm reservation and still had to wait and we were the only 2 people sitting in this huge waiting room really far apart and it was really quiet, so i didn't even feel comfortable talking. anyway, service and food was really great (but that dessert truck/tray thing at the end was SUPER disappointing. i tried one of each thing on there (probably 6 or 7 things) and i didn't even want to finish any single item. also the main fish dish was absolutely tasteless. i understand that you have to use the sauce but they really should have somehow marinated that fish or something
(4)
Jasmine S.
Tru is a great Chicago restaurant! It is one of those places you go for the first time, and you do not feel out of place. It is pricey, but not over the top. Go in knowing that you will spend a cool $500 for 2 easy...but that is what you should expect from a restaurant with their caliber... I recommend you go with the Sommelier Collection...their wine pairings were fantastic!!! Overall, just save your pennies, and splurge, enjoy every moment! I highly recommend Tru!
(5)
Timothy W.
This will be the condensed version of my pal David W.'s review because he beat me to the punch, I will be giving my thoughful insight along with some of the random points in the night that were not yet mentioned in his Yelp. The three of us arrived and were greeted by a friendly server who promptly took our belongings to store and told us to wait in the lounge. The lounge is a narrow space adorned with a variety of modern art which leads to what looks like a fun upstairs private dining room, the kitchen or the main dining area. We were seating soon after coming into the lobby and I speak for all of us when I say we had the best table in the house. We were against a window so there was not a lot of people traffic yet we faced the whole of the dining room. A table next to us probably contained one of the better pleasantries of the night aka 2 latin PYTs and I'd give all of my 4 stars to them even if the food was terrible - which it was quite the opposite. We all did beer pairings with our pre fixe 3 course meals and enjoyed great conversation all around. Our waiter was friendly and impressively knowledgable about the cuisine and drinks, I mistook him for the manager at first. Now onto some of the small details that made this an exceptional experience. The staff, to me, went above and beyond. Our waiter was impressive. Whenever I left to use the restroom (we were there for 3.5 hours) a new, neatly folded and nicely starched napkin was left on the table - every time. When my main course was served, the waiter plated the venison for me after taking it out of a choco crust on a tray, tableside, and as he handed me my dish both of my friends were handed theirs at the same time by waiters who came out of nowhere. After we finished our deserts there were more waitstaff who brought us complimentary chocolates and other assorted sweets. This was a nice touch and we were able to try almost all of the assortment. Overall this was the nicest restaurant I've ever been to.. now I just gotta bring the girlfriend next
(4)
Brendan M.
Not much to add. I will say it's the best service in town (maybe second to Ria.) They treat everyone with the same class and respect and don't really distinguish between regulars and special occasion people (we were the latter.) They do a great time with timing and pacing, you never feel rushed or interrupted. Like a lot of the high-end LEYE places you are served by a team, but they pull it off better than anyone else. Perfect for intimate gatherings where you want to enjoy the company of your guests and some of the best food in the world.
(5)
Colin D.
I went to TRU with my girlfriend on her birthday last year and the experience was definitely mixed. The staff is over-the-top and, in my opinion, obnoxious. If you get up they come over, fold up your napkin, remove it, and bring you a new one with tongs. My girlfriend got a DRIP of sauce on the table and they immediately swarmed her, picked up her plate, put down a napkin, straightened it, wiped off the plate, and put it back down - all without saying a word! Jesus christ, chill out! As for the food, our main courses of lamb and beef were quite good. My scallop appetizer wasn't that impressive, I think my girlfriend had bone marrow ravioli which was great. The desserts were good, but I expected to be blown away and I definitely was not. I had a good time there but for what it cost I would not go back.
(3)
Arjan B.
Although it's been about half a year since we had dinner at tru, i felt i still had to write a review on the place. this place has everything you'd expect from a great gourmet restaurant: welcoming host, impeccable waiters, beautiful interior, fantastic wine list and, not to forget, truly excellent food. So is tru just another (very) fancy restaurant? I think its better than that and here's why. The decor of the place is just astonishing with a range of beautiful contemporary pieces creating an environment that is very special. As mentioned, service is impeccable and they really make you feel welcome and comfortable - not as stuck-up as you'll find in many equally priced restaurants. At the same time your table is extremely well managed in terms of timing of the various delicious dishes and 'synchronized' pooring of the drinks ( which is quite funny). And then there is the food itself... Heavenly! Traditional french cuisine meets contemporary fusion, just mouth-watering delicious!
(5)
Stephanie S.
I really wanted to love Tru after all I have heard, but my husband and I had a very disappointing experience. I had called months in advance to reserve a table for our one-year anniversary. I gave my name and AMEX number to secure the reservation, and told them it was a special celebration (i.e., 1st anniversary). I received a call a few days beforehand asking to confirm. I called back and was told that the reservation had been canceled. I told them that was impossible as I was just calling now to confirm. The man on the phone was curt and told me my husband must have called to cancel so I should check with him. I told him that I was managing this and no, there must be a mistake. He told me that was highly unlikely but if I still wanted to come he could fit us in a later seating. I was ticked, I should have canceled then, but this was something I had wanted to try for years. So I swallowed my irritation and agreed to the later seating. When we arrived at the restaurant were were asked to wait in the bar while they prepared our table. After 10 minutes, we were taken to a table right next to the wait-station - not the best seat for sure. Then we were handed menus congratulating "Michelle and Adam on their anniversary." Our names are not Michelle and Adam - it was so awkward and uncomfortable. We ordered the tasting menu with wine pairings, and the food was good but having a small group of wait staff standing kitty-corner to you talking amongst themselves put a damper on things. Not the romantic, sophisticated experience I had wished for. The cheese service was also very disappointing given the price, and I really love cheese.... We finally mustered up the courage to mention to the waiters that we were not Michelle and Adam (the waiter had called me Michelle at one point...). He apologized and then it clicked in my mind that Michelle and Adam had canceled. The waiter shared the last name of Adam with me - alphabetically adjacent to mine. They must have accidentally canceled my reservation instead of Adam's. Made me even more annoyed with the attitude I got over the phone implying I was out of touch with my husband! After paying over $600 I just wanted the night to be over. Very sad experience....
(1)
Steve G.
My wife and I got married a few days ago, and wanted to celebrate with a nice dinner. Tru is about as perfect a place for this sort of thing as one could ever hope for. We walked in, and the hostess told my wife that she looked pretty. The table was pulled out for her, and they asked her if it was set at a comfortable distance. They give you an option of black or white napkin. The wait for drinks was basically zero. I'm not a wine expert by any stretch, so I asked the sommelier to suggest a glass; her suggestion was very good and relatively inexpensive. Breads offered were all very good. The Sea Salt Brioche was fabulous. Salted and unsalted butter from Vermont were placed on the table in blue and clear dishes. I really could've eaten the salted butter with a spoon. Prix Fixe. Hawaiian blue prawns in creole sauce and jalapeno oil, with grits and miniature buttermilk biscuit was the winner of my wife's very good beet salad with granny smith apples and trio of mousses (including goat cheese mousse; I've forgotten the other two). Main courses were a terrific duck breast roulade with swiss chard, wild rice, mushroom custard, and a stuffed brussels sprout for me; braised short rib w/ unagi (eel) and miso emulsion for her. Both outstanding. I had the chocolate bar and wattleseed ice cream with malted caramel and caramel mousse -- incredible. My wife ordered the grape sorbet w/ nutella chocolate, manchego cheese, and basil. The sorbet was phenomenal -- overwhelming flavor when put in your mouth, but somehow didn't overpower the other flavors on the plate. Service was impeccable every step of the way. The servers were coordinated, and there was very little wait between courses; any wait at all was alleviated by several memorable amuse-bouche. The exploding mint truffle mentioned by the previous review was a really nice and exciting way to end the meal. As we walked out, the host handed us two rhubarb muffins "for your coffee tomorrow morning." Felt 100 percent justified in spending the $350. A great special-occasion restaurant.
(5)
Stacey B.
I really, really love food and truly appreciate the art of creating a wonderful meal and am more than happy to pay for the experience, so I was very much looking forward to a memorable dining experience at Tru. The host and wait staff were awesome and definitely elevated the overall experience which results in a higher rating. Unfortunately the food part was a bit disappointing. Wine sommelier = 5 stars; she was awesome-listened to our preferences and made the right on recommendation. Caviar=2 stars; California caviar didn't possess nearly the expected quality. 3/4 of it tasted "off" (overly fishy). I know this is vague, but while I've had very, very good caviar, I'm definitely not a caviar pro so this is the best descriptor I can come up with. I opted to not say anything because I figured the kitchen/chef should have previously ensured its quality before sending it out to our table so I was erring on the side of my possibly being mistaken by its poor quality. Duck Consomme-2 stars; wow, so looking forward to confit+foie gras ravioli+fragrant julienne...really reminded me of an okay beef based broth and not much more. Grilled Rabbit Loin-2 stars; flavors on the plate were all over the place. No focus whatsoever and there wasn't a flavor progression either. The plate looked pretty but chaotic and the flavors were rather bland. (Friend had the heirloom beet salad and loup de mer - liked both but nothing memorable.) I've had "top 5" dining experiences in my life and was certain this would be one of them - boy, was I wrong! One of my "top 5" experiences was at a Chicago restaurant - Charlie Trotters about 11 years ago. Perhaps the new generation of Chicago chefs could learn a thing or two from an "old" Master??? (Sorry to see Trotters go) As I mentioned, I'm more than happy to pay for an elevated dining experience, but unfortunately our Tru experience definitely didn't live up to my expectations or the prices and seems to be a bit overly-hyped. (BTW, the fruit roll-up like extras on the clothes line gimmick at the end of the meal are rather forgettable.)
(2)
Michael P.
Tru was one of my favorite tasting menus of the year. I was sad to hear Rick Tramonto has left the restaurant and I can only hope his successor can live up to his reputation. However, with today's celebrity chef B.S., who knows how involved he was in the kitchen by the time I ate there anyway. Chef Tramonto may have already been too wrapped up with his other restaurants in the northwest suburbs and I'm giving him more credit than I should. I went to Tru with a large group and was pleasantly surprised that they let 1/2 the table order the Chef's tasting menu and the other 1/2 order the 3 course "regular" menu. This is a pretty uncommon practice in fine dining because it disrupts the timing of the meal, but Tru gets points for allowing it to happen since not everyone at a table wants to drop $300+ on a tasting menu. What surprised me even further was that those members at the table that did not get the chef's tasting menu received a couple of "freebie" courses with those of us that did do the tasting just to keep things flowing smoothly. Completely unheard of in any fine dining establishment I've ever been in. Kudos to our server for putting that together! The dining room was great at Tru, from the large open space, to the artwork on the walls (sure it's a little dated, but Tru has been around for quite a long time and it still looks great). Lighting is a LITTLE too bright for my tastes, but that's because of all the white in the room. Service is where Tru excels. As a table of 10 with 5 people doing the chef's tasting and 5 people doing the 3 course meal, each course came out exactly on time and plates were presented all at once in the perfectly timed manner that could only be described as "a well oiled machine". The servers are like a little military operation trained to be perfectly synchronized together. It's quite fun to watch. Each course was presented impeccably and explained from ingredients to preparation in detail. At the end of the meal after two pastry courses, the server brings a small cart to the table with mignardises for you to pick a few from and he didn't even bat an eye when my dessert whore ass asked for one of each of the 12 plus varieties! I'm sure I'm only 1 of 4 patrons that asks for each kind every month and there was no judgment that came with the request. Now for the food. I have no idea where the people on yelp who rate this restaurant as a 1 have been eating, but I'd like to know where your 5's are because I personally have only had a handful of tasting menus better than the one I had at Tru. The tasting was perfectly balanced in a well orchestrated progression that ended with some of the best pastries I've ever had. I wish I were independantly wealthy so that I could have added the cavier staircase, the foie gras, the wagyu beef, and/or the white truffle shavings to my tasting, but alas, I am but a simple man without a trust fund. Each course was plated perfectly on dinner ware that was a little outdated, but I didn't mind that at all. There's nothing here that compares to Alinea or Moto as far as mind blowing molecular gastronomy type courses, but the food is very modern french preparation and it's all perfectly seasoned and tastes great. One of the stand out things for me was the cheese course. The server brings a cart to the table and you can choose as many or as few cheeses as you would like to sample before pastry is served. It's a wonderful treat for anyone who appreciates good cheese in the place of pastry without having to forgo the pastry. I've been in my fair share of restaurants that force you to choose between cheese and pastry or cheese is a supplemental charge. After the cheese, there is a palette cleanser and then some of the best pastries I've ever been served. Gale Gand is a master among her peers. Only pastries at Le Bernardine, WD-50, Graham Elliott and Alinea rank better than hers that I've ever had. I LOVE dessert and to be ranked in my top 5 is a big deal to me. Tru has a dessert only tasting that you can call and ask for and I couldn't recommend it more. It's very affordable and the perfect treat after a meal in the downtown Chicago area if you don't want to spend $300+ for the entire Tru experience. As I mentioned before, the meal ends perfectly with the mignardises service. Tiny bite sized treats that are perfectly decadent and flavorful to end a perfect meal, a sure 5 out of 5 rating. Are there cheaper tasting menus to be had n the city of Chicago? Sure, but there's also some that are much more expensive as well. For all the people that have rated Tru poorly for value, you probably didn't have the money to spend on the meal in the first place. I've eaten over 100 tasting menus at restaurants all over the world, Tru isn't over priced for what you receive. You aren't supposed to walk out of the restaurant feeling as though you just finished Thanksgiving dinner. I feel as though there is a pretty good value for what you pay and what you eat at Tru.
(5)
sarah l.
Wow! It's been a few years since I've been here, but had to write a review. My husband and I get together w/ another couple twice a year, and experience an "upscale" restaurant. We've been to Charlie Trotters (just awful!), Everest (very good), etc. By far...Tru is the best. From service, to the clean , crisp decor, to the bathrooms...everything is fantastic! The food, in my opinion, is superb! Definately a special occasion place, but if you have the opportunity, you should experience Tru.
(5)
A R.
Was treated to an awesome dinner here. Had a lamb dish IIRC. The dessert was great. The cheese cart was full of baller cheeses I ain't even ever heard of before. Toured the kitchen like a boss. The room itself was kind of plain and felt like it was a sectioned off portion of a hotel ballroom, but it was still nice. Service was precise and almost military-like. A great place to eat, though I wouldn't recommend it if you're looking for something intimate. The room just doesn't have that vibe.
(5)
Jennifer S.
I have eaten at a lot of AMAZING restaurants all over the world, but this is by far one of the best if not the best I have ever eaten at. The service was also one of the best I have ever had. I would eat here every night (if I could afford it). Definitely a must if in Chicago.
(5)
Jeff K.
I think this is one of the great dining experiences in this country. We have been to several excellent restaurants, and this rates above all of them in our estimation. This was our second time at Tru, and the wait staff (I don't know what to call them really; they are true professional servers with vast knowledge of the food) remembered us from our previous time there. The service is beyond excellent; nothing is left to chance. On this night, the food was as exceptional as the first time. The fusion of flavors, the mousse with the halibut, the foie gras, the caviar with avocado, it was all very good and like nothing we had tasted before. The sommelier was very helpful and talked to us about various wines to drink with our dinner. We chose a French Chablis and it was the perfect accompaniment. Tru is very pricey; there is no getting around that. But for that one dinner per year where you really want to splurge and enjoy yourself with no looking back, this is an exceptional choice.
(5)
Jim W.
I haven't been to many top-notch dining establishments, but this was definitely an experience. I'd say the service is superb - came here for a surprise birthday and while the staff ruined my not-so-complete surprise by wishing the birthday girl "Happy Birthday" I thought it was very cool that all our servers were aware of it and greeted her that way. The menu was customized to include the birthday girl's name...later on, there was the tiniest piece of cake I've ever seen, but it was all done very tastefully and artistically. They also saved a copy of the menu with her name on it and included the menu of what we ate along with it as a parting gift. The decor at Tru was very cool, seemed like an art gallery, me being my simple self was in awe at some weird neon light fixture which had an amazing depth to it. I also really liked, what appeared to be a painting of shadows of Tinkerbells. I was a bit surprised that the dining population did not include many old dudes with young knockouts, but maybe it was an off night =p Did notice that over half of the clientele were bald/balding. The food itself I had mixed thoughts on - had the Market 6 course tasting. The main courses were both very good, particularly the squab. Other dishes were very interesting and culinary creations, but not so dear to my palette. There were so many items I documented with pictures but I can't recall them all. The candy cart at the end on the pushcart was quite fun. Oddly enough, I came away quite satisfied and not hungry as I would have thought about a tasting menu going in. Again though, I thought the service was fantastic, did not experience the pompousness expressed by some yelpers - in fact, did not really get any weird treatment at all, which I might have expected since both my companion and I look like young kids. Thoroughly enjoyed the evening.
(5)
Robert F.
Ever wonder what an Iron Chef judge feels like? If you're a foodie, and you can afford it, then you should visit Tru and find out. One thing you'll get, that the poor Iron Chef judges won't, is a spectacular atmosphere. No kitchen stadium here. Pure white and black everything. Live pianist, impeccably dressed waitstaff, and all the convention and protocol of fine dining, including escorts to the washrooms. And speaking of service, when you walk through the door, you can actually feel the ground shift as the world starts to revolve around you. But lets talk about food. Tru's $125 prix fixe offers a wide variety of spectacularly displayed food experiences you can write home about (I'd recommend the beef cheek ravioli). You pick an appetizer, entre, and a cheeze or desert course. Between each course a mini-course is offered as well. Though it doesn't look like much, you will leave feeling sated. Delivers exceptional atmosphere? Tru Delivers exceptional food experience? Tru Delivers exceptional service? Tru Delivers? Unfortunately, there's no take out or delivery. :(
(5)
Yan G.
A thoroughly disappointing dining experience throughout. The service was immaculately orchestrated and beyond reproach in its timing and willingness to accommodate, but it could not pull this off without making us painfully aware of itself as such. All gestures were grandiose and the atmosphere became overbearing because the staff was so conspicuous in all its activities. Descriptions of dishes were given with the gravity of a military report and yet, still left us wondering about the exact preparation and ingredients used for each dish. Worst of all, we were constantly made aware of the corporate nature of TRU and this slick feeling of propriety and normalcy permeated every activity. Smiling, socializing, or any other deviation from the staff's beautifully choreographed routine is not permitted. But all this would have been gladly forgiven if the food would have been commensurate with our expectations (not to mention the prices). Long story short, it did not. Far and away the best part of our dinner was the wine, a hauntingly beautiful 2003 Grace Family cab that my friend picked out from the vast, well-chosen, reasonably priced, and overwhelmingly Francocentric wine list. We ordered the Market menu; a brief rundown of our courses follows: Amuse Bouche Thin slice of pear layered with a touch of olive oil and a shaving of aged Parmesan. Quite unspectacular, although the serving was very whimsical - the ingredients were layered in an oversized silver spoon (insert joke of choice here). The pear was under-ripe and unseasoned. Neither the ingredients nor the preparation were up to par. Sashimi Knife skills were flawless but once again, the ingredients were pedestrian at best. The fish was incredibly fresh but poorly sourced. The flounder had a pleasant mouth feel and an alluring richness but the tuna and yellowtail were lean and flavorless. The tuna especially felt like a blank canvass for the duo of sauces, both of which thoroughly overpowered the fish. The Uni sauce itself was quite pleasant but it had nothing on the authenticity and complexity of the Uni sauce we had in Mirai the next night. Oyster and Uni Tempura A definite upturn. The oyster was pristine and this was the only execution of Uni tempura I have ever had that really worked. The sorrel puree at the bottom was also very fresh and flavorful. Good. Rabbit Consomm The broth was deliciously complex and concentrated, if a bit overly salted. The rabbit torchon, however, was completely bland, as if the over-salted consomm was supposed to compensate for this. The puree was quite tasty but it and the nearly flavorless lavender foam were completely extraneous. Mediocre. Ricotta Tagliolini Turning ricotta cheese into extruded noodles was a neat trick but the resulting noodle had an unpleasantly slimy texture, a lukewarm temperature, and not an ounce of flavor. It made a suitable sponge for the basil and acacia foam but this dish didn't come together well. The charred cherry tomato was exceptional. Mediocre. Whipped Salt Cod The unquestioned star of the evening. This dish was absolutely perfect in conception and execution, the whipped brandade was intoxicatingly rich and creamy and the smoked, gelatinized potato noodles added greatly to the flavor and texture of the dish. Great Hawaiian Mong Chong The fish was expertly trimmed and quite generous for a tasting menu portion but the fish was over-poached to the point of being dried out and flaky and the Thai spices overwhelmed any nuance the dish may have had. Bad. Roasted Squab The squab was severely overcooked and just not good; the elaborate presentation (the bird was cooked whole, with the breast then being removed, boned, and served) meant that the dish was barely room temperature. The accompanying faro was delicious and toothsome but was also lukewarm. The pepper sauce did an admirable job of masking the taste of the squab, however. Terrible. Selection of Cheeses Solid choices, headed by Humboldt Fog, possibly my favorite cheese. No complaints here and the accompaniments were tasty and appropriate. Good. Bittersweet Chocolate Mousse, Lime, Milk Chocolate, Thyme Gale Gand is a master of her craft and the dessert course was absolutely sensational; several layers of chocolate, each with a markedly different flavor, barely accentuated by fragrant herb and citrus. Great. Sweets from the dessert cart. Great confections from the pastry chef. Nothing as rousing as the dessert course but very good nonetheless. Good. Out of the seven savory courses, one was great, one was very good, and the rest ranged between mediocre and inedible. The meal was marked by lackluster ingredients and strongly flavored sauces and accompaniments. Surprisingly, with all the intricate machinations of the wait staff, not once were we asked if we enjoyed the food, as if a question such as this would be beneath a well-oiled machine such as TRU.
(2)
lucky r.
ok Service was impeccable! It was a great dining experience. Go there for dessert only if you want, you won't regret it! I can't say enough about this place. Venison and the pork duroc are to die for. Didn't think food would stop coming...
(4)
Elizabeth P.
I came here for New Years Eve '08 and overall was a tad disappointed in the whole "experience." I'd give the Thyme Infused Martini 5 stars! and that is really the only thing I'd go back for. The food was good, but it didn't blow me away. Perhaps after reading all the reviews I knew too much going in. At times I felt like I was in an episode of gossip girls. Overall, as a person that loves good food and a great dining out experience, I felt it was too much money to spend on one night for what we got, and I wasn't even the one paying.
(3)
Tiffany K.
You could not pay me to go back to this place. The server was absolutely horrible. I have never experienced anything so uncomfortable and never been treated so terrible in my life. The amount of money we spent was fine, however, the food was not even that good and the server actually talked crap about us in the corner the entire meal. For that money, i should be at least told 'thank you'. Not to add drama, but it was my mother's birthday (she is a chef) and her only request was to have dinner here and she even got a hotel to come. She was disappointed and my father was insulted by the wait staff. One star is too much. Never go.
(1)
Kristy H.
This is a must if you consider yourself a foodie. From the moment my hubby and I walked we knew we were in for a treat. The staff was extremely knowledgeable as well as friendly. I recommend the chef's tasting and wine pairing. Every time we visit Chicago this will be one of our first stops!!
(5)
Molly D.
Our experience at Tru for New Year's was very underwhelming. While we had the pleasure of enjoying a world class meal several years ago under Rick Tramato's leadership, our most recent meal was very lackluster, especially for the close to $1000 price tag for 2 people. We did a 7 course NYE special dinner & only 1 of us participated in the wine parings. None of the courses were memorable, and there was 1 substitution that should have been a downright embarrassment. While my fellow diners enjoyed a course of lobster with truffles, I had 3 small fingerling potatoes with a couple onions....doesn't seem like a fair trade for someone with a shellfish allergy. Guess I should have just kept with the lobster & given it to my husband to enjoy. After 7 courses, I expect to be satiated, but I was still hungry and ate more bread than I ever thought would be needed to fill up. Not to mention, the courses were spread so far apart to make the time last (3.5 hours) that we were looking at our watches and even had the temptation to pull out our phones to pass the time waiting. The sommelier had decent wine pairings for the full tasting, but the recommendation for just a single glass of wine was way off. I've had a ton of excellent New Zealand Chardonnays, but the one she recommended tasted more like a bad Sauvignon Blanc...just the opposite of what I was going for. She didn't even come back to check whether we enjoyed the wine, especially since it took 4 courses get finally get it down. Had much better luck selecting my own bottle later in the meal, and it actually complimented the courses we were eating. The other thing that was odd was that when the sommelier poured the wines, she only gave 1/2 to 2/3 of a pour that a sommelier in any other restaurant would pour for a tasting. In fact, a couple times, the other servers poured the wine, and we were hoping to not see the sommelier again since she didn't add any value or information on what we were drinking. All in all, we did enjoy the atmosphere, the company of our friends, and the main waiter was a pretty nice guy, but my former love of Tru was ruined by an extremely overpriced NYE dinner that left a lot to be desired. For a better value, service, food quality, and wine selection, I would definitely stick with Girl & the Goat, Longman & Eagle, or (my current favorite) Alinea.
(2)
Char Y.
We went for my birthday and chose the grand collection. I thought the restaurant atmosphere was very serious and quiet. It almost felt like I was in church, and my every move was being watched by many servers/management/misc people walking around. The restaurant employee to customer ratio was almost 1:1. It was almost uncomfortable to eat while being watched by so many eyes. The service was excellent, the food was excellent (but small), and the dessert was plentiful and good. It is an experience to remember, but I wouldn't go back.
(3)
Suzy C.
This place costs an arm and a leg, but was it worth it? Yes, but for a once in a lifetime sort of thing. Even if I had tons of money, I wouldn't necessarily keep coming back to this place because I wasn't that impressed with the food. Presentation was amazing, obviously, but I felt that a lot of dishes were lacking in bold flavors. The service is what you are really paying for, in my opinion. There is no experience like it and it was definitely worth a try to have come here and experienced it first hand. I had the Chef's course and was unimpressed with most of the flavors. The desserts, however were a different story. WOW, the most amazing desserts I have ever had. Big applause to Gale Gand for her amazing and delicious creations. I am glad to have been here at least once, the experience itself was really amazing and stays with me to this day. I really can't describe it, you have to be there to experience the whole thing. Food itself was a disappointment and I personally think it's ridiculous that anyone would drop two to three hundred dollars for one meal, but if it's a special occasion and something you'll do just few times in your lifetime, I say go with Tru and enjoy yourself!
(4)
Julie C.
I visited Tru about 2 years ago with a friend of mine who was in from out of town. We are both young, he had just started his first job after law school and I was doing pretty well in my previous job, so we thought, let's get dressed up and go have a "fancy pants" dinner. Well, this was just beyond a "fancy" dinner. This was my first foray into "fine" dining, and so needless to say I was impressed if not a bit overwhelmed. The service was impeccable, I got a kick out of the "synchronized water pour". We had one of their less expensive bottles of wine, and decided to go for the gold with the 9 course Chef's Market Collection. The only thing I didn't like the entire evening was the amuse bouche. I'm not sure what was in it, but it wasn't good. I even liked the crab cake, and I don't usually like crab cakes. The halibut dish I had was the most amazing thing I've ever eaten, I still think about it to this day. The squab with strawberries came in a close second. I sadly tried to replicate it with chicken and a strawberry sauce at home, and it was disgusting. Now, the best part about this meal was I never felt full until it was time to go. And then I felt like absolute crap. But the good kind of "I just had an amazing meal and I will now sleep for 12 hours" kind of crap. Our bill was around $400 before tip, but it was completely and utterly worth it.
(5)
Kristen C.
So I'll first say that we were probably the cheapest customers in there. We were all about the cheapest wine and the prix fixe menu. Hey, it wasn't a business dinner, sadly. Despite that, we were given the same top-notch service as the high rollers. This is they way it should always be, but heck, sometimes it's just not. The food was just delicious - you get a lot of extras...the spoonful of soup, the candies at the end of the meal... Everything is simply top of the line, as it should be at a restaurant of this caliber. As I said, we were the cheapest customers, and our bill came to over a hundred bucks a person (pre-tip). But it was worth every penny.
(5)
Drew B.
This was certainly one of the best meals I've ever eaten. We went on a Monday night, so can't speak for weekends there, but when we arrived the host and doorman both met us at the entrance, and we were immediately seated. I was very happy with the ambiance. I tend to feel a little ripped off when I go to a "fancy" restaurant and face a dining area packed like a can of sardines. The dining area was roomy, just elegant enough, contemporary, and understated. I would venture to say that there was about 10' between us and the next closest table. I only know ever so vaguely what I like in a wine, and was a bit overwhelmed by their extensive wine list, but the wine steward was immensely helpful in finding wines that we both loved. I believe that we ordered an 8-course meal. Each of the courses was inventive (hedgehog mousse? pop rocks in Champagne?), and used obviously fresh and top-quality ingredients. Without question, the scallops that I had were the best of my life. In addition to the courses listed on the menu, our waiters brought out at least an additional half dozen dishes in between (all in all, I believe we managed 4 or 5 dessert courses alone). I would certainly go back very regularly if I could afford it. The bill for two came out to be about $375 after a few glasses of wine each. All in all, the meal was well worth the price, and if you can find the occasion to splurge on a meal, I highly recommend Tru.
(5)
Ricky B.
Id probaly more likely go with a 3 and 1/2 stars. The food was good, but not amazing. Its been about a month since ive been there so I cant remember everything. It was definetly worth it for the experience. Our water was very friendly and helpful, while I have been to alot of nice resteraunts, I had never been to one of this caliber. The waiter could tell of that for sure, but he was really cool about it. I wasnt to fond of sitting there for about 4 hours, but I knew what I was getting myself into beforehand, so I cant really complain about that. All in all, I would definetly check it out if you can afford it just once, but after being there I probably wont go back.
(4)
Diana S.
Tru was one of my first real fine dining experiences. I had heard so much about it and I was also pretty obsessed with Gale Gand. She use to have this show called "Sweet Dreams" on the Food Network. Well I had the three course menu and it was very inventive and delicious.The portions were a bit on the small side, but I think that is to be expected. The service was a bit too attentive for me. When I needed to go to the restroom, a waiter would completely remove the table so that I could get up. I thought that was a little dramatic. Also, the lighting was really really bright. A nice little touch is that they have a few sample courses that they give you in between the courses you choose. These are on the house. They also give you a little treat bag to take home. Overall, it was a great experience, but I think I liked Gary Danko in San Francisco better. It was more comfortable for me.
(4)
Eric M.
I ate at Tru a few months ago, but Yelp was acting really flaky and ate 2 of my previous attempts to review, so let's hope a) Yelp is fixing their technical issues and b) this review gets posted and not minced up by their web servers. The service was quite nice and the pacing was perfect. The only thing I might mention as being not quite what I expected was when I asked the guy with the cheese cart about a lapel pin he was wearing, I expected something along the lines of a two sentence answer, but got about a five minute description on how certification for sommeliers works. It was interesting, but I really just wanted the two sentence answer and to go back to eating my cheeses. Food-wise, I enjoyed all the dishes. They bought out a little Comte cheese gougene, which was nice but not too exciting. This was followed by a fennel panna cotta with bonito, which I really liked a lot. Next was white sturgeon "caviar," avocado puree and hazelnut. I'd recently gotten tools to do food "spherification," so it was cool to see a good restaurant to it for comparison to my own efforts. The linear foie gras with blackberry ice wine vinegar and caramelized popcorn wasn't really to my taste. I feel like vinegar is a little too pungent to really be appropriate for foie gras, but it was an interesting experiment nonetheless. An heirloom tomato "salad" with white tomato mousse followed. I put salad in quotes because it was really more like a soup or almost even a granita it was so chilled. I love gazpacho, though, so I loved this dish. Next, the braised Duroc pork belly with illuminated vegetables was delicious. The fresh farm ricotta and corn agnolotti with summer truffle consomme had a lot of flavor and was quite luxurious. As a fish course, the Alaskan halibut with gingered young carrot was one of the most perfectly cooked pieces of fish I've ever had. It was so spot on. The "main course," if there can be such a thing among so many courses, was a glazed veal ribeye with spring garlic, asparagus, and wild mushroom. It was quite nice, with really great umami flavors. They offered a nice selection of cow, goat and sheep's milk cheeses, followed by a strawberry consomme with rhubarb foam. My dish only had the rhubarb foam, but it was still nice. The final actual course was a Grand Marnier poached peach with honey and vanilla ice cream. This was expertly prepared, if bordering on boring because everything was just kind of soft, sweet goodness. Finally, they offer an array of mignardises as a final bit of sweetness. I would go back to Tru. It does require a jacket, however it doesn't come across as overly stuffy or pretentious. The food is expertly executed and I think any dislike I had with food items simply boiled down to my personal taste and not any misstep on the part of the chefs. The evening overall went really well from the moment we stepped inside, to the moment they handed us a little cornbread/jam muffin for the next morning as we left.
(5)
Marcel M.
You have to go at least once. If you are going to Chili's for your wedding anniversary, suggest this place instead. It is a long experience, but you leave stuffed! p.s. opt for the cheese.
(5)
Corinne M.
I went to Tru for a work dinner and the food and experience was definitely very creative and exceptional. We got the chance to take a tour of the kitchen, which was really interesting. Apparently, the chef designed the kitchen and used polished granite slabs from the building that preceded Tru as counter tops. The food was very well thought out and created as every dish had several tastes that complemented each other really well. We had Halibut and Smoked Tenderloin. I really loved the Halibut and I'm not really that big on fish. After the dinner and formal dessert, they brought out little candies, including hand made tiny lollipops. At first I thought that wasn't very exciting. But they were so cute, I gave them a try. They were banana and Anise seed and actually changed the taste of the after dinner wine. I thought that was really clever. I really appreciated being taken here, not only because it was a nice experience, but I probably won't be able to spend that much on a dinner myself.
(5)
Rander P.
This is sad, I ate here about six months ago and cannot remember a thing; nothing great, nothing was terribly bad. Tru will just fall into the land of unmemorable meals and I really do not see a reason to go back. I was really hoping to have an experience like at Masa's in SF or the French Laundry, which were both great meals. The only real thing I remember are the two pastries that were given to me on the way out the door :(
(3)
BIREN P.
Impeccable service, just over the top. Food was good but have had better at trotters. Great one time event experience. Probably will not return.
(3)
Carson H.
Dear Tru, Thank you for being so kind and giving my purse it's own little purse chair. I love the caviar on glass staircases, the flourish with which your waiters pour the water in unison. I love the art and the cheese cart. I will keep coming back, and hopefully on someone's expense account. xoxox
(5)
Michael C.
Tenth anniversary dinner here was probably one our best ever. Totally great
(5)
Laura F.
Wonderful dinner! After reading Linday's review I was concerned when my husband surprised me with dinner at Tru. We arrived at 7:30pm on a Wednesday night, and the restaurant was half empty, which was also disconcerting. But once the food began arriving we were happy as could be. We loved every course, including the short ribs Lindsay panned. We chose the 7 course dinner, and the scallops were delicate and divine, the chilled carrot soup with mascarpone and cardamom was delicious, the sunchoke and arctic char dish made me want more, and they served wonderful little slices of brioche with the soup, and mini croissants with the sunchoke dish. I'm not a fan of salmon, so they graciously brought me a divine halibut with fennel in a delectable broth instead. And as mentioned above, the beef 2 ways was fun, especially with the wasabi potato puree (in fact the short rib portion was so generous my husband had to eat half of mine.) The pistachio dessert was inventive, and the apricots in it were the best part. My husband enjoyed the mint pea and strawberry dessert (who knew they worked for dessert??) and since I don't care for mint, they brought me the chocolate dessert that was wonderful. And then come the extras. An assortment of bonbons to choose from. And a surprise chocolate truffle at the end. Service was superb. Presentation was lovely. The ambience could use a little pop on the tables, but that's just a trifle when the dining experience is so much fun and pleasure.
(5)
Peter M.
I do have a culinary background so I can be a little biased...but the best dining experience I have had - EVER!!! The food was exquisite, but I was MORE blown-away by the service. The service was perfectly executed!!! Each course was like a work of art-perfectly blended with aroma, texture, taste, and presentation. Of course, with this type of food expertise and service, it all comes with a price...and it wasn't cheap. But it was well worth it. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS PLACE!
(5)
Tish N.
I love Tru because it was my first experience with french food. The staff was very understanding and helpful and I really appreciated that.
(4)
bettina c.
I'm giving this review 4 stars but with with a major contingency. I would give it 5 stars if I could only rate the desserts, but I can't. My review is going to be kept simple. Skip the meal, go strait for dessert. 4 of us went to dinner & none of us were impressed with the meal. Across the board, it lacked originality & flavor that you expect as a restaurant such as this. However, when it came time for the dessert, it was a completely different story. Delicious, inventive & beautifully presented. I do believe that you can make reservations for dessert only...you'll have to double check.
(4)
Sarah S.
We came here for my dad's birthday dinner on 9/4 and I can definitely say that this was the most incredible meal I've ever had. The service was impeccable and they manage to create an atmosphere where you can have a fine dining experience while still feeling very comfortable and not at all uptight or pretentions, as fine dining restaurants sometimes can feel. Make sure you opt for a cheese course - it was one of the highlights of our meal. I loved the little pound cake they send you home with!
(5)
Derek E.
Early in our meal our attendant asked us where else (in Chicago) we had been. We told him where we had been, what we liked, what we didn't, etc, etc... Of course he asked us what had been our favorite up to that point and we told him Charlie Trotter's. He made the expected comment hoping to change that. I have to say they didn't start strong. But to be fair, they didn't start weak, it's just that we had seen most of their early tricks: Cucumber Mint Juice - seemed like almost every restaurant in Chicago was doing this one; Vermont butter with lots 'O fat - both my wife and I thought immediately of the French Laundry; Sweet Potato Sorbet as an Amuse - reminded me of the Salmon cone at the French Laundry because of the way it was served; Watermelon w/ Balsamic and The Caviar Staircase - I own the Amuse Bouche book that Tramonto wrote, so these were not a surprise; Fighting Fish Bowl - again expected because I'm an information whore and I had scoured the net for pics and reviews before we went. Don't get me wrong, those were great, the Caviar Staircase in particular. I just wasn't wowed, so it wasn't pushing through that barrier to be crowned the Best of Chicago in our minds. That was until... I'm not sure if it was the Souffles or the Homemade Rootbeer Float - which ever one I tried first - the other was just confirmation of that decision. It's hard to describe just how good their desserts are and how deserving Gale Gand is of the praise she receives. I was disappointed that the Bread Pudding wasn't a little more dense and custardy-french-toast like, which is what I'm used to, but everything else was pretty amazing. The cart of Petit Fours and Chocolate just pushed everything else to an almost bliss state. We just couldn't stop smiling. Other highlights of the meal include the Espresso-Roasted Quail, Watermelon-Mint Shooters, the Cheese Cart and the Caviar Staircase which I mentioned before (especially the Wasabi infused Tobiko). What's really neat is the fact that they have about 140 dishes in their arsenal, so you could easily go back several times and never have the same dish twice. Maybe even coming up with your own ultimate menu after you've been there a dozen times! Read the whole review at Gastronomic Fight Club: gastronomicfightclub.com…
(5)
Brandi S.
Tru is modern elegance personified. High ceilings, great art, inventive cuisine and an impeccable wine list all add to the experience that is Tru. The Sashimi appetizer was a table favorite, as were the scallops with avocado dumplings and the cheese selection---brought to your table on a cart and presented and explained by the resident cheese expert (though we thought at $20 a person the three cheese selection was over priced). With two sommeliers on the floor, all wine quandaries are easily answered and attended to. Overall, we can't say enough good things about the dining experience we had at Tru. The crowd was also surprisingly eclectic ranging from museum/artist types to captains of industry to stylish urbanites. **Diners that catch a chill at Tru are offered a Pashmina in the color of their choice out of a box that one might mistake for a cigar box. Pashminas are returned at the end of the meal.
(5)
Joe S.
TRU.....an experience it was. Food was great, no arguments there. Service was interesting if a bit annoying. Following me to the bathroom was a bit odd and then sneaking up on me when I got back to slide my chair in was a bit much. The wine list was absolutely amazing and we took full advantage of it. The only reason I am giving this 3 stars is b/c I almost feel as if TRU is trying to hard. It was almost clinical and the patrons were on pins and needles b/c the atmosphere was so cold. It was like nobody wanted to make a mistake or something and everyone was on their tiptoes. Just a wierd vibe. For those wondering about price, We had 4 people, a drink before, a bottle of wine, and dessert and it was $1000, so prepare to spend some moola.
(3)
Dave H.
Same review as all the other positive ones. If you're going to drop 6 bills on dinner, this is the place to do it and not regret a single dime (or $200 bottle of wine). I love that on your way out, they give you coffee cake for the morning after. I halfway expected our waiter to show up with a cup of coffee at 8 a.m. the next day. One thing, though, Chicago men: this is formal dining. "Jacket required" generally also means "don't wear a polo shirt under your blue polyester jacket." Put on a tie, dudes. Sheesh.
(5)
Rupert V.
Tru-ly amazing. Food: out of this world. We had a regular and a vegetarian menu so that we could have variety (why is it that these places' tasting menus are usually the same?) , and left sated and stuffed. What truly dazzled me about this experience though was the service. Everything was done "in tandem". Two waiters attended to everything. Each of our water glasses were refilled at the same time. Each of our courses were placed in front of us at the same time. Each of our drinks were placed in front of us at the same time. Etcetera. We felt like royalty. Don't get me wrong, they charge royal prices but if you are up for a splurge, in my book it's worth it.
(5)
Simon M.
Fantastic meal!
(5)
Deborah L.
When in a major city for a work obligation...make it count! That is just what I did in going to TRU. I enjoyed the Grand Collection, which was superb! My favorites were the farm ricotta and corn agnolotti with burgundy truffle consomme and the glazed veal ribeye with spring garlic, asparagus and wild mushrooms. I allowed the sommelier to pair my courses. The Knoll Riesling was incredible. I am very pleased that I added the cheese course, which was perfect. I enjoyed watching the impeccable simultaneous service for parties larger than just one...which I was...just one. As a lone diner it would have been lovely if the staff had of broken character a bit and been more personable, but they were efficient and friendly...to a point. I felt comfortable enough to have enjoyed myself immensely. It was a fantastic indulgence and I feel grateful that this is not my usual dining experience....I appreciated it all the more for that. One last thought...as a lone diner in a large city...seeing a familiar wine on the list is like seeing an old friend and suddenly one doesn't feel so alone after all...
(5)
Allie B.
Tru was a wonderful experience. Beautiful space, elegant wait staff. Love the napkin choice - I hate using a white napkin when wearing black slacks. Also thought it was very interesting that they offer a tiny little table for your purse! Nice touches. We opted for the Spring tasting menu. 8 or 9 courses and added a course of sunchoke at the beginning. The sommelier was very knowledgable, but informed us that he was having a difficult time with the chef's selections and the prevelance of spring vegetables (asparagus, artichoke, sunchoke) that are notoriously difficult to pair. Awesome, thanks for letting us know that the wine might not work?? We're paying an arm and a leg for dinner, the least you can do is lie to me and tell me it's all going to be fabulous. Dinner progression was nice, albeit almost entirely protein-free. A dish that had mentioned lamb was actually a lamb broth. A dish that mentioned a cheese was actually a cheese foam. I was having one of those "where's the bread guy" moments - not just b/c I wasn't filling up, but b/c it's hard to drink 8 glasses of wine on an empty stomach and still maintain the kind of decorum required for an evening at Tru. Dessert and cheese were my favorite parts. Although it was probably not the case, I did pretend that Gayle Gand was making the dessert personally for me. All in all - a beautiful evening, but I would definitely recommend Nomades or Alinea over Tru if you're looking to spend that type of money.
(4)
Sony L.
I've been to some amazing restaurants from world-renowned chefs, and was excited to add Tru to my list. I was expecting a lot more, considering the hundreds of dollars dropped on this dinner. I will say that the service was impeccable and the dining experience deserves more than 5 stars. However, the food itself deserves a 2 at best. My husband and I each had the Chefs Collection because we wanted to try everything. Not much seasoning, not very flavorful. Suffice it to say that when you are served rabbit, wagyu beef, halibut and veal and your favorite thing of the night are the the two sauteed mushrooms on your final plate, the food was a disappointment for the price.
went to tru for vday this year using a LEY gift certificate and had a wonderful experience. the service was great and perfectly timed. every one of the 9 courses was excellent. some were more playful than others but nothing was pretentious or unnecessary. they handled the vegetable dishes really well too. all of them really brought out the flavors of each ingredient. it was a great amount of food. everything was well executed. i really loved it and so did my vegetarian husband. i would also highly recommend the wine pairing... they choose really interesting wines that you'd never know to try on your own and all of them brought something new to each course. the strange thing is that after going there for dessert only before, i thought dessert would be my favorite part of the meal this time. but everything else was so good, that i can hardly remember what it was. favorite courses: white sturgeon "caviar" with avocado and hazelnut crackers, potato gnocchi with white veal glaze and fragile lace tuile
(5)
Jo Jo B.
Yay! I'm a fan only when I'm rich for a day unfortunately. :O( When you arrive here, you notice there is not a lot going on when it comes to the decor. When you do sit down and look around you realize the bare walls are needed to present the modern art they have hung here. They have Andy Warhol, Vik Muniz, and other notable artists. Visually all the artwork is stunning. The lighting is dimmed somewhat to create a warm toasty mood. Here is the link for you to check it out and the artwork: trurestaurant.com I took my friend here for a birthday treat. I called in advance and asked if they could do anything special for his birthday and they did. When they presented the menu, in bold letters at the top they printed his name with Happy Birthday on it. Too cool. You have a choice of either a fixed meat or veggie menu or you can order off the menu from what I remember. We both decided to order the 5 course collections menu. Heck if you are there, you might as well do it right. Right? I really did not know what to expect, because after all, this is a Lettuce Entertain You restaurant. I am anti chain with restaurants, but this place has been noted as better than Charlie Trotters, so I had to check it out. Wow! Is all I can say about their food. I really enjoyed the fact their portion sizes were not huge. Throughout the five courses, they really did allow us to pace ourselves. Sometimes the food came out in little gift boxes where you had to open them up to eat them. (This was a dream come true for me. Dinner in gift boxes. Brill!) Of course everyone loves the caviar staircase. (Custom made for Tru I might add) My friend said it was the best tasting caviar he has ever had. All my veggie dishes were seasoned to perfection. I could tell they used the freshest ingredients here. Earth flavours were notable in every bite. The whole experience took about 4 hours. Now that seems a long time, but, when you are spending this amount of money, you really do want to savour the moment. At the end of it all, we both said we felt 'just right' and were very content with the whole experience. The 5 courses with wine came to about $400.00. Does that seem expensive? It does for food but I have to say this was money well spent. From beginning to end it was worth ever penny. Now all I need to do is start saving to I can go again. Bah!
(4)
Ash T.
This meal was amazing! My boyfriend and I opted for the prix fixe menu and decided to share everything so that we could create our own tasting menu. To start we had the swashimi and the scallops. Sashimi was wonderful, however the scallop dish really stood out. The broccoli and peanut flavors complimented the scallops very well. For the main course, I wanted to try the lobster, however they were out. I expressed my disappointment to the server as I had been looking forward to the lobster all day. To make up for my disappointment, they brought both of us a lobster bisque with huge chunks of lobster. This was a nice touch and tasted great as well. We also had the ribeye and the halibut. The ribeye was delish and cooked to perfection. The puffed potatoes that came with this were yummy and tasted like little potato donuts. The halibut was the standout of the main courses though, very tasty sauce and the leeks tasted awesome with the fish! Amongst our courses, several amuse-bouche came out and I can't remember what they were, but all were little bursts of flavors! Bread they served was also awesome. For dessert, we choose from the cheese cart, and split a chocolate bar. They also brought out a little chocolate treat with candles, as we were celebrating our anniversary. Overall, a ridiculous amount of food, I have never been that full...and everything was right on. Service was good, but the food is what really stood out. Very expensive meal, but very worth it as it was an experience I will remember forever.
(5)
Dan H.
There's a good reason why Tru consistently rates as one of the top restaurants in Chicago and has for years. My wife and I ate here for our first anniversary. And the experience was amazing, even if a little bit jarring (we had spent the summer working in underserved communities but were given a large gift certificate for Tru... so decided to go). Food: The subtlety of the flavors was wonderful. We went with a tasting, which started with an octopus carpaccio. Understandably, for my Midwestern wife, this was a bit unusual. But she ate and enjoyed it. The caviar staircase offered some very tasty experiences. And the food overall was just top notch - as were the desert options from the desert cart they bring around. Their presentation was dramatic yet elegant and simple. I think you can see that from the pictures that have been uploaded here. We were very impressed with the colors used in each dish. Service: Probably the thing that stands out even more than the food was the service. We were treated like royalty... even to the point of it being a little disconcerting. We had brought a camera... and they had a special pillow for cameras. When my wife told me she had to use the restroom and she had looked up and put her napkin down, the waiter was right there and pulled the table out for her and told her where to go. (Creepy? Maybe. But amazingly attentive). Ambiance: The dining environment wad unexpectedly bright. Coming into the entrance, it was dark and dim. But once into the dining area, the room was bright, with lots of glass or crystal. It felt clean and light. Perhaps that is part of the experience... stepping into a bright area after entering though a darker lobby. Summary: Overall we had an amazing experience here. It is out of our natural price range. But because of the gift we received to come here, we were able to enjoy it thoroughly. If we had expendable income, we would go back, no question.
(5)
Missy M.
I wish I could give this more stars... TRU was one of the most magical nights of my entire life! A true foodie experience. It was food art. Every motion of the staff was like a choreographed dance. I just can't say enough great things about this restaurant! My BF and I had the 9-course chef tasting... which turned into 13 courses after all the little extras they throw in. Our waiter even hailed us a cab after our 4-hour dinner. Just when you think it can't get any better (because the food is beyond "so delicious"), they hand you a little muffin to enjoy with your coffee or tea for the morning after. If only I had a money tree, because I could do that once a month if my finances allowed it.... One day I'll be back!
(5)
Monika M.
We sat at the kitchen table. This itself was an experience of a lifetime. Not only did we have our own private table from which we could overlook the kitchen, but we had the most amazing service I've ever experienced. It felt that everyone was basically told to take care of us no matter what. In fact, at a couple of points even the sommelier poured our water for us. On that note, Chad, the sommelier, was fabulous. He did a really great job helping me, a Napa oaked rich wine loving girl, find a lighter wine to better go with the food. Very impressed. And, there were even some affordable bottles of wine on the list. They ranged from $45 to 6,000 (no typos), and the decent selection of wines by the glass allowed me to try more while not spending way too much. The food was pretty good. The only bad thing about the kitchen table is that you don't choose your menu. This means we were exposed to things we probably never would have tried on our own. This is good and bad. I thought the food was just okay (BEAUTIFUL, but not always my taste), but I really enjoyed trying everything and I absolutely feel that I would think it was better had I ordered my own choices. Toward the end of our evening, I needed to use the restroom. When I asked where it was, a server actually took me there and waited until I came out to escort me back. Incredible. We also then received a full kitchen tour, and a tour of each piece of artwork in the restaurant. Very impressed. Will give it 5 stars when I stop regretting the outrageous amount we paid for food we wouldn't have chosen on our own.
(4)
Elizabeth D.
tru is hands down my favorite restaurant in chicago! and perhaps top 3 out of anywhere in the world. an elegant restaurant with astoundingly delicious food. my first time at tru was almost 4 years ago for my 18th birthday & they even printed up a personalized menu for me! love love love love. cannot say it enough.
(5)
Julia T.
We went to Tru for my fiance's birthday and it was a wonderful experience. The service is superb and their food is excellent. Its a great place to celebrate intimate events. Definitely on the pricey side but very well worth it!
(4)
Anita P.
Excellent restaurant! We have been to Tru for dinner and for dessert. It is a great place to go for dinner, but I loved the dessert tasting. Who wouldn't want to enjoy course after course of dessert? Such innovative desserts as well as grown-up versions of childhood favorites. (Such as a miniature root beer float made from their own root beer). Lovely!
(5)
Liz L.
Absolutely divine. I went here for my birthday with my family and was utterly amazed. They made us feel like royalty. This was our first fine dining experience and I had heard that upscale restaurants make newbies feel inferior, but that was not the case at all for Tru. We walked in and a group of waiters was all over us, pulling out our chairs, giving us chairs for our purses...when we went to the restroom, they would fold our table napkins and place them on the table again. Our menus were especially made for us and said Happy Birthday Liz. The food was delectable, the presentation was awe-inspiring. Everything looked beautiful and sometimes they would complete the meal in front of you. They would come out with several plates and bowls and add this and that to the main dish, it was truly a magnificent presentation. We had a three course meal, but we got several mini bite things in between that were equally delicious. I can safely say that we got our money's worth. After our meal, i received a little chocolate bar with a candle for my birthday. Then they rolled out the chocolate cart with about 20 delicacies. I had read reviews about this, but some reviews said it was complimentary some didn't. So I only chose one. Let me tell you, the dessert cart is COMPLIMENTARY so dig in! When you walk out they give you little lemon cakes, also complimentary. Seriously, don't be afraid of fine dining. TRU, at least, is not snobby in the least, even though it's obvious that you don't normally engage in fine dining. Plus, they definitely give you your money's worth both food wise and atmosphere wise. It was an amazing experience and I will be returning for my next special occasion.
(5)
Kristin C.
Honestly, I don't even think this place needs a review. Five star food. Five star service. You just have to go there to see how amazing it is. Just grab someone special, your wallet and get ready for incredible dining experience.
(5)
Lisa L.
While the experience of eating at TRU is spectacular, the food is really not. After living in the culinary mecca that is San Francisco, eating a meal at TRU only disappointed me, especially since the prices were similar to eating at for instance, my favorite Gary Danko. Luckily, I didn't have to pay for my meal, otherwise I would have been really upset. My main issue with the food was: why were there foam on everything, even the chocolate cake?
(3)
meenah c.
Service was spotless. We got the 3 course meal + dessert tasting. The food presentation was so beautiful I didn't want to eat it. The dessert was the thing that tipped me off. I expected so much more than what I got. I always had a sweet tooth--I almost always finish dessert. This was an exception. I couldn't finish 2 out of the 3 plates. It just tasted so...strange. I remember one of the plate having custard and ice cream. The Ice cream taste like rust!! When I asked the waiter, he said it was lemon curd flavor. Althought I love the chocolate martini. Best I've ever tasted. Overall, it was a good birthday experience(an expensive one -400 for 2 people) and it seems to me everyone else also celebrated their birthday there also. Oh and we got wrapped cookies on our way out -- how nice.
(4)
Michelle B.
Perfect service, wonderful atmosphere including stunning artwork on the walls. The staff was so informed and helpful and took the time to give you of the best dining experience you could have. The cheese cart was awesome too. It's expensive but worth it! If I only went to one restaurant in Chicago - this would be it. It's pricy but worth every penny.
(5)
peter h.
the only reason this place doesn't get five stars is...well, i guess there are two. one, i was still hungry when the dinner was over...and this should not be after a 9-course meal spanning 4-plus hours; and two, this place was so fancy, i felt very much out of place and uncomfortable at times...though the entire staff was extremely friendly and helpful in making me feel as comfortable as possible. i guess i just wasn't comfortable with someone rushing over to escort me to the restroom as soon as they saw me stand up. but, like i said, this place was a really fancy, upscale place where jackets were required and since i don't frequent places like this much, i guess it would be unfair for me to mark that as a negative. the three of us all ordered the grand chef's collection, which consisted of 9-courses, though with all the in-between freebies, it was more like 13 to 15-courses. after we ordered, the sommelier came over and we left the remainder of the dining experience in his hands by asking him to pair our courses with wines he recommended. he did an excellent job. the wines he paired with the beets (this was actually a sake), gnocchi, lobster, and ribeye were excellent. each wine definitely complimented and brought out the various flavors of each course. he also brought us a dessert wine that i enjoyed so much that i have already started trying to find it at local wine stores. now, onto the food itself, these are the courses that i really enjoyed: white sturgeon "caviar", golden beet collage, english pea soup, la ratte potato gnocchi, veal ribeye, and the dessert course (which included a chocolate explosion). the only course that i really wasn't all that impressed with was the alaskan halibut. the halibut was very flavorless and the accompanying carrot/ginger sauce and foam both had a very overpowering ginger taste, which i was not very fond of. the maine lobster course was delicious, it just didn't stand out. there was this wagu ravioli that my sister and brother-in-law said was very delicious; unfortunately, i cannot confirm this since it slithered its way down my throat before I could taste it... i really enjoyed their cheese course as well. they had a very wide collection of cow, sheep, and goat cheeses from mild to stinky to soft to hard to blue. at the end of the night, they printed out the menu for us to take home to remember the dining experience along with an extra dessert treat, which i thought was a very nice touch. tru is definitely a place i would frequent more often if i had unlimited financial resources. unfortunately, that is not the case. but if you ever have the opportunity to have this kind of a dining experience, i would suggest you take it and soak it all up....especially if it's at tru.
(4)
Pam N.
a 5-Star date for sure! I was taken here last September on a fancy-pants date. The 10-course degustation at Tru is something that I've always wanted to do, so the dude really couldn't fuck up taking me here. I'm not going to go on about how amazing the food was; I think others before me have covered that base much better than I could! So I was the only person under 35, and possibly the only woman, in the whole joint. And wanting to make a real splash I had chosen to wear my sexiest red halter dress & 4.5 inch Kors heels. I left my hair down; I definitely stood out . Now you should know that I love to laugh and smile and I certainly wasn't going to tone down my joy on a night I'd been waiting for for years! I def stuck out like a sore thumb. For a second, I feared my wanton exuberance would cause us to receive bad service and make my date angry with me. But my fears were assuaged at our first interaction with the staff. Everyone was so polite, thorough, attentive, knowledeable--and somehow pulled off this service expertise while making us feel completely comfortable and welcome. Some courses were strange but everything was splendid and exquisitely presented. Something that really sticks out to me: At the end of the meal our maitre'd rolled out a cart full of housemade sweet goodies and encouraged us to try one. And me, being a complete glutton--but a charming one!--sweetly asked if I could have one of each. I expected him sneer at me with disdain, or even say no. But instead he excitedly said, "Yes, please try them all!" And you bet I fucking did. My only complaint was that the remote controlled vibrator my date had inserted in me in the cab on the way over had lost it's shit on course 4 and just went off willy-nilly with no rhyme or reason. And I was even more upset when it died completely at course 7. Oh also, after you eat a goddamn 10-course meal you are definitely gonna be too fat to fuck when you get home.
(5)
Brian G.
I downgraded Naha for the price despite some good to great food. The food here is consistently great and it is even a bit more pricey but they get a five. Did a tasting menu - word of caution it is a LONG meal - but really good. Forgot to take notes - but from Sturgeon "caviar", to a gnocchi that was as light and delightful as my favorite one at Naha which is rich and hearty. A beautiful piece of Foie Gras on a meat dish, an amazing celery root soup, really good bread and incredible desserts by Gale. If money not an object - go! On par with Alinea for taste if not presentation theater, and a bit cheaper. And while a bit less adventuresome there were no misses.
(5)
Gfiddy F.
Honestly, great.
(5)
May S.
I've been here twice...my fiance took me here for our third dating anniversary and then also surprised me on our engagement day :). I cannot say enough about how much I love Tru...the food, the ambiance, the service. It is definitely a great place for a special occasion!
(5)
Tanya L.
My family and I came here with a gift certificate. The service was SNOBBY and they seemed to turn our noses down at us, and we could overhear the servers whispering in worried tones that we would not tip well because we seemed to be wannabe clientele. Although the plates were artistic looking, they were no great shakes when eaten. Um, I'll go to the Art Institute of Chicago instead: thank you very much. One of the courses included a salmon dish that was bland-o-rino. Tru, my readers, is completely false! I seriously think this restaurant gets more credit for its social prestige (Could there be serious groupthink going on mistaking high price for high quality?) Exclusivity in setting soo does not mean excellence. My dears, who are you fooling?!? Compared to the great restaurants in New Orleans and Philadelphia, this wannabe, chic place falls flat on its face.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : No Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Valet Bike Parking : No Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : No Attire : Formal (Jacket Required) Ambience : Upscale Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Johnny B.
It's been awhile, but Tru was far and away* the best dining experience of my lifetime. Food and service both. From the understated unpretentious service, to the cheese flight (*drool*), to the original Warhol looking down on us, to the candy cart after dessert, to the personalized takeaway menu at the end - all of it simply stunning. Saving my pennies to do it again sometime soon! *This reminded me of that terrible early 90s Tom Cruise/Nicole Kidman epic disaster of a film. Made me chuckle.
(5)Mara S.
Probably the best meal I've ever had... I went to TRU tonight for a business meal with one other person. I was immediately impressed by the kind hostess and the non-pretentiousness of the place (ok, it's a little pretentious, but you're paying for that) - people weren't snotty at all. We were greeted right away with exceptional service (including a chair for my handbag - no really, they brought a stool to our table just for my purse so that it wasn't on the floor) including an escort to the ladies room. He didn't go in, just walked me there. We ate off of the Fixed Price menu and were extremely pleased. My colleague had the Halibut and I had the Ribeye as our main courses - I tasted hers and both were absolutely delicious. We received a pallet cleanser between each course and each was better than the one before. Top off this wonderful dinner with a cheese plate and some amazing desserts. The chocolate mousse was rich and creamy. I thought we were done and then they brought the lollipops and truffles. Oh my word. Overall and wonderful experience complete with a lemon pound cake to take home for breakfast. I was very pleased with my meal and the service and would go back again without hesitation. You should go here expecting your meal to take about 3 hours, but it is time well spent.
(5)Dane K.
I haven't been here in 2 or 3 years or so but can still remember every little detail (though, conveniently, if I forget they provide you with a take home menu of everything you ate and drank). The best meal I've ever had in my life. We reserved a spot in the upstairs semi-private dining area, a great alternative to the downstairs dining if you can get a spot up there. It's just you and 3 other tables upstairs, it's very very nice. Service was stellar--I can't imagine anything being better. (I think the service was measurably better than other local competitors--Alinea, et al.). The wine service was personal and they had a lot of good selections by the glass or bottle. We opted to go by the glass, and the sommelier helped us pick out wine throughout the dinner. I much preferred ala carte selection of wine by the glass over just having them pair wines. They still ended up choosing much of what we drank, but we were involved and had a say so it wasn't like they were just bringing us bottles and we were drinking whatever they brought. The food itself was outstanding. Everything was perfectly prepared and presented well.... Dessert is fantastic, too. We both had the full chef's collection tasting menu, and even though we both ordered the same thing we got different courses throughout the night... So that was a great advantage as well. Sure, the place is a huge splurge and you could fly to Europe in the off season for almost the same price per person, but this will be equally as memorable 5 years down the line.
(5)Norbert W.
*giggle* a joke. if you're used to frozen dinners, maybe a place for you. It's all pretension. And it caters to the crowd that likes to pretend it knows what "fine dining" is about. Maybe go in the way-back machine to before it was sold. Maybe then it was good. Now it's just a pathetic, overpriced shell of a restaurant where people from the burbs visit if they can't get a table at ponderosa...errr. gibson's.
(1)Powell Y.
Date: March 24, 2006 Location: 676 North Saint Clair Corkage: not allowed Cost: $550 - Market Collection Menu & Wine Pairing (includes t & t) Phone: 312.202.0001 Had a 9:45pm reservation at TRU on the Friday I arrived in Chicago. As Crystal and I checked in, we were directed to the bar as the staff gets our table ready. We ordered two glasses of the 2004 K Vintners Viognier to start off the evening. About half way through the glass, we were informed the table is ready and offered a tour of the kitchen before sitting down. The kitchen tour wasn't too interesting, just a standard quick walk-by. The dinner menu was presented to us, one side listing the pre-fixe menu with choices and the other listing the Collection options. Unfortunately the Seafood Collection wasn't available, which was what I wanted to try, but we made do with the Market Collection for the both of us. A different approach to the wine pairing aspect, nothing listed, offered if asked and kind of go on a whim based on the $$ one wants to spend. Not exactly how I would of done if if I owned a restaurant, but that's a different topic. The Market Collection is a nine course menu as listed below, course three through seven were prepared two ways with each of us having a different preparation of the same main ingredient. *** Grand Amuse-Bouche ~Scallop Ceviche, Avocado Puree, Lime Segments ~Tuna, Marinated Trevio, Orange Italian Black Pearl Osetra Caviar, Chilled Cauliflower Creme, Lemon Confit 2002 Selbach-Oste Zetlinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett New Zealand Langoustine ~Fresh New Zealand Langoustine, Thai Chili, Lemon Zest, Watercress ~Roasted New Zealand Langoustine, Baby Carrots, Turnips, Fennel, Langoustine Jus 2003 Hirsch Gruner Veltinger Kammener Heiligenstein Duck ~Duck Bouillon, Duck Prosciutto ~Veloute of Duck, Duck Confit NV Rare Wine Company Charleston Sericial Madeira Special Reserve Nova Scotia Halibut ~Nova Scotia Halibut "a la plancha", Sea Urchin, Preserved Lemon, Citrus Jus ~Roasted Nova Scotia Halibut, Razor Clams Casino, Bacon, Clam & Spinache Sauce 2003 William Fevre Chablis Montmains Pasta Course ~House-made Farfalle, Chicken Wing Confit, Bayonne Ham & Foie Gras Glaze ~Spaghettini, Carbonara Sauce, Parmesan Reggiano, Raw Amish Egg NV Henri Billiot Rose Brut Prime Midwestern Beef Ribeye ~Roasted Prime Midwestern Beef Ribeye, Braised Beef Short Rib, Glazed Pearl Onions, Crispy Bacon Lardons ~Grilled Prime Midwestern Beef Rib Eye, Fondant Potatoes, Bearnaise Reduction 2003 Yann Chave Crozes-Hermitage Tete de Cuvee TRU Collection of Cow, Goat and Sheeps' Milk Cheeses Cherry Mint Soup Duet of Desserts 1999 Chateau Pajzos Tokaji Aszu 5 Puttonyos Mignardises and Lollipops *** While the food was good overall and we got to try two different preparations, not one single dish gave me the wow factor. As usual, the final meat course failed me once again, although good to see it was ribeye rather than the standard filet mignon, but that's about the only compliment I can give the course. The wine pairing choices were nice for the price they charged, but the word pairing should be crossed out as none of the wine paired well with the food. Not saying the pairing was awful, but definitely more thoughts could be put into the process. The service was attentive, prompt and precise, but WAY TOO mechanical and stuffy. Small talk with the Sommelier didn't go anywhere, seem disinterested. None of the staff at the restaurant had a smile on them except for one person. Same type of service as French Laundry, but not what I would enojy as a dining experience. TRU is not a place I would return, just from the food standpoint, French Laundry, LaToque and Cyrus all out performs TRU. I can certainly name a few other places of different type of cuisine that out shine TRU as well, not a difficult task. Perhaps I am a bit spoiled and too critical, but a restaurant of this level should still show better.
(3)Gracie B.
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH This is simply for having to plan an event here. Just don't do it. I don't know where you should go instead n Chicago. But it is not going well. My event is a week away and while not everything is Tru's fault, they certainly are not making it easy. The biggest issue is that the Chef doesn't want to have to prepare for having choices in private dining meals. So you have to give your guests 1 meal option. Here's where that's a problem for me. 1. I NEVER pick restaurants when friends and I go out to eat cause I don't want the responsibility. and 2. I'm bad at picking my own meals (especially weeks or months in advance) So: therefore, I'm having problems. First I outsourced menu selection to the 2 members of my company's staff actually eating the meal. Then the menu changed. So I made a logical change. Which meant that the entree was going to be beef. Well - the California mentality of my company says that that's bad - people either a) need 2 choices or b) the one choice needs to be something "safe" like chicken. Welll there is no chicken. And the Chef won't make options. And oh! the private dining contact is harder to find than Lindsay Lohan's underwear. I've worked with 8 different private dining contacts at similar restaurants in New York, Philadelphia, Boston, LA, San Francisco, Dallas and Minneapolis. All of them have been gracious and great helps as I plan these events. The contact at Tru has basically been unreachable and when she is reached, she's completely unwilling to help me find solutions So where does that leave me? Sitting in Berkeley 1 week before the event losing my mind about what to feed 18 people that I don't know. Maybe by next weekend it will all be smooth and nice - but for now...no. For now, I'm stressed and completely unimpressed. Edit: 4/28 - Plus 1 star. So I don't know if they read my review but suddenly my contact is much easier to reach and much more willing to help. She helped me find what she and I thought was a great solution. Which my CEO then shot down. Soooooooooo - when I went back and said: we need 2 options and that's that. She said: ok. And now it's happening. Now there's a matter of my event order being about $30 more/person than originally quoted...but we'll talk about that on monday. The event is wednesday - expect an update. Edit: So we ended up cancelling the event (yeah, after all that work) because people waited till the day before to say they weren't coming. Hello! RSVP by X date, means RSVP because I'm dropping mad money on you. Anyway - lost hella cash and went through the madness of the meal for no reason. I think this may be a good place for rehearsal dinners or small business meals or just a nice dinner out, but NOT for special events.
(3)Aileen O.
My boyfriend and I went to TRU to celebrate our one-year anniversary. We came in with very high expectations. I know the service would be exceptional, but I was a tad worried about the quality of the food. We had a 5:30 dinner reservation so we were one of the first patrons on a Saturday night. It was nice to walk into a spacious and very quiet dining room. It was actually a tad intimidating with the 10+ waitstaff standing around. ;) When we made the reservation, we let them know that we would be celebrating our anniversary. They made the night very special with phenomenal service (the waiters really do synchronize their movements), personalized menus that we could take home, and a small dessert plate that read "Happy 1st Anniversary." I was really surprised by how much effort they put into making it a great evening. The food was good, but as mentioned already, portions are small. We had the three course prix-fixe dinner and ended up getting extra cheese and dessert courses. It's a little tricky when they roll out the cheese and dessert carts. We naively assumed that these goodies were part of our meals, but of course - they weren't! Our bill was pretty high, and I felt a tinge of guilt as my boyfriend forked over his credit card. I didn't get a glance at the check, but I'm pretty sure it was in the $500 range. Would I return? Probably not. But I had a memorable night. If anything the service overcompensated for the food. Plus the personalized menus now sitting on my coffee table will always remind me of the night my boyfriend really showed me what fine dining really was!
(4)Christine P.
OHMIGOD, what an experience!!! I've never been to such an upscale restaurant. everything was perfect and in sync - the food, wine, table service, etc etc. Desserts to die for, and the suckling pig was FANTASTIC (even though I did feel really bad about eating it afterwards). They really take care of their customers
(5)Dean K.
I think that I liked the experience more than I did the food, not that there were any complaints in that department. It was all extremely good. But the service? They had bases covered that I didn't even know existed. Sometimes, a little too covered. I was escorted to and from the restroom and I could have done without making a whole production out of it. When we finished eating, though, a hostess was standing by the exit with my coat and bag and how she remembered which were my things or knew that we were getting ready to leave remains a mystery but it was pretty cool. Plus, they had a little baggie of cookies and lollipops for me to take home. It's a special place.
(5)FelineFluff F.
Tru was all about the experience. The service, absolutely amazing. I was blown away by the perfect timing of things. Still convinced our server had somehow tapped into my thoughts, as nothing was overlooked. I'm usually VERY picky about what I eat, but there were combinations I would have never thought of plating together that amazed my palette. Let's just say I'm truly happy I opened myself up. The food was pure art and handled that way. A bit dainty sometimes, but I appreciated the craft that each dish obviously entailed. If you're looking for a HUNGRY MAN meal, look else where. Yes, the cost of this experience borders on the insane, but for something special. sitting across from the right person, it is so worth it. A place to adorn that perfect dress, sit back and enjoy the whole experience.
(4)Matthew A.
If you want a Tru(e), top of the line dining experience... The best dining experience I have ever had. But with that said...I don't think I will ever need to go back. If I could give 4.5 stars I would. Let me start by saying that I am not a fancy dinner guy...I would prefer a steak over caviar on a cracker. However, I went to Tru with a totally open mind ready to try everything that they offered. My wife and I went on a Thursday evening, late at 9pm, and we left a little after midnight. We never ever felt rushed, I actually found the pace of the meal very enjoyable. Every single person on staff was providing the best possible service, though I think they could do better with where they store the clean wine glasses, they were constantly restocking a shelf with glasses right near our table. My wife had the Spring Collection and I had the Chef's Market Collection, and overall both were excellent. Each course offered showed GREAT attention to detail and presentation. Each dish had delicate mix of flavors, most of which I had never tasted. High points for us were: -Roasted White Asparagus, Shallots, Parmesan -Rabbit Consomm, Morels, Pea & Lavender Emulsion -Artichoke Emulsion, Trout Roe, Condensed Mint, Dende Oil As an un-experienced diner, I felt that each dish held a rather small portion, though I know that the taste and the presentation are just as important. (A piece of veal the size of a silver dollar is a little on the small side...I think a second piece could be spared.) However, after progressing through to the cheese course, you begin to become full. Then they hit you with a selection from over 15 different offerings of cow/goat/sheep's milk cheese, with widely different tastes. The cheese fills in the gaps in your stomach left by the smaller portions. THEN then hit you with desert, which is just as excellent as any of the dinner courses. And if you couldn't take any more, they bring out some small chocolates and some desert bread to fill in the open space on your plate. Now I can say that I have experienced the top of the line this city has to offer...but would I go back? Probably not, or at least not for a few years. It is just not my thing, and it is fairly cost prohibitive. When I go out for a nice dinner, I think around $100-$150 max for the two of us...and Tru is definitely far above that range. But more than the price, the style is just...too...fancy for me. Each dish is a work of art by itself and I think I would rather look at a pretty picture than stir it up and eat it in one or two bites.
(5)Meagan F.
Tru is exceptional. The moment you walk in to this very understated restaurant, the hostess greets you, and you feel immediately at ease. The service was impeccable, if not too attentive. The precisely choreographed plate/wine/siverware placement by a pair of servers is a little over the top, but not unappreciated. My fellow diner and I both had the four-course tasting menu with wine pairing. Although it was a year ago since we were there, I still remember the feel of the rich, velvety beef consomme on my tongue. We had a wonderful conversation with the sommelier about food, wine, and life; and they sent us home with a copy of our menu and some financiers for the road. GREAT restaurant. Worth every penny.
(5)Edward H.
I figured I'd hold off on the big 200 until I've gone to somewhere exceptional. So for my gf's extended birthday celebration, we ended up going to Tru. Tru really impressed me through and through. The service at this place takes dining to a whole new level and their attention to every minute detail never ceases to astound me. It all starts before you even step through their doors - the valet has a list of all the guests for the night. You are immediately greeted with by the host and who takes your coat and then proceeds to whisk you away to your table. Typically, the staff pulls the chair out for the lady - I found it refreshing that they pulled the table out for my lovely date. We then were greeted by our servers who provided our menus for the evening along with a very extensive wine list. It was a nice touch to have a custom printed menu for the birthday girl atop her menu. It took a while for us to decide what to get since literally everything on the menu sounded delicious, but we never felt rushed and our server was very helpful in suggesting items to sample. We decided to skip the marathon dinners (Black Truffle or Chef's Collection) for a lighter fare so we ended up with the caviar staircase and prix fixe meals. For our amuse bouche, we got to sample some delicious melt in our mouth dumplings. The staircase featured four delicious and very fun to look at lumps of deliciousness. I started with their Hawaiian blue prawns accompanied by an aromatic curry sauce - to prepare me for that appetizer. My main course, butter poached Maine lobster, was cooked to absolute perfection and was greatly enhanced by its accompaniments. There was bisque to enhance to sweetness of the meat, a citrus and almond sauce to accentuate, and finally the most well prepared asparagus I've ever had. I capped the dinner off with a beautifully made vanilla parfait with blood orange marmalade and chocolate ganache - it was picture perfect. It was amazing to see completely synchronized service - the removal and placement of our meal was perfectly timed on both sides of the table. In addition to our fare, we were further stuffed with samplings in between each course not to mention post-dessert desserts with things such as lollipops, truffles, caramel corn, variety chocolates. My date enjoyed a beautiful birthday brownie with a birthday message written in icing on the platter. Before heading out, they handed us the custom printed menu signed by all the chefs that helped make the night so memorable - talk about thoughtful! Tru really demonstrated why they are one of the best in world class dining. From the impeccable service to the sample fare pre/during/post dinner, everything was perfectly executed. On the way out the door, they handed us our coats and a complimentary banana bread. All I could think of at that point was "Boy, we're stuffed!... Holy crap, post-dessert desserts and now banana bread? When are they going to stop feeding us?" Tru is a great place to celebrate with that someone special. Go there and you're bound to get an experience to remember.
(5)Corinne M.
I went to Tru for a work dinner and the food and experience was definitely very creative and exceptional. We got the chance to take a tour of the kitchen, which was really interesting. Apparently, the chef designed the kitchen and used polished granite slabs from the building that preceded Tru as counter tops. The food was very well thought out and created as every dish had several tastes that complemented each other really well. We had Halibut and Smoked Tenderloin. I really loved the Halibut and I'm not really that big on fish. After the dinner and formal dessert, they brought out little candies, including hand made tiny lollipops. At first I thought that wasn't very exciting. But they were so cute, I gave them a try. They were banana and Anise seed and actually changed the taste of the after dinner wine. I thought that was really clever. I really appreciated being taken here, not only because it was a nice experience, but I probably won't be able to spend that much on a dinner myself.
(5)Rander P.
This is sad, I ate here about six months ago and cannot remember a thing; nothing great, nothing was terribly bad. Tru will just fall into the land of unmemorable meals and I really do not see a reason to go back. I was really hoping to have an experience like at Masa's in SF or the French Laundry, which were both great meals. The only real thing I remember are the two pastries that were given to me on the way out the door :(
(3)BIREN P.
Impeccable service, just over the top. Food was good but have had better at trotters. Great one time event experience. Probably will not return.
(3)Carson H.
Dear Tru, Thank you for being so kind and giving my purse it's own little purse chair. I love the caviar on glass staircases, the flourish with which your waiters pour the water in unison. I love the art and the cheese cart. I will keep coming back, and hopefully on someone's expense account. xoxox
(5)Michael C.
Tenth anniversary dinner here was probably one our best ever. Totally great
(5)Laura F.
Wonderful dinner! After reading Linday's review I was concerned when my husband surprised me with dinner at Tru. We arrived at 7:30pm on a Wednesday night, and the restaurant was half empty, which was also disconcerting. But once the food began arriving we were happy as could be. We loved every course, including the short ribs Lindsay panned. We chose the 7 course dinner, and the scallops were delicate and divine, the chilled carrot soup with mascarpone and cardamom was delicious, the sunchoke and arctic char dish made me want more, and they served wonderful little slices of brioche with the soup, and mini croissants with the sunchoke dish. I'm not a fan of salmon, so they graciously brought me a divine halibut with fennel in a delectable broth instead. And as mentioned above, the beef 2 ways was fun, especially with the wasabi potato puree (in fact the short rib portion was so generous my husband had to eat half of mine.) The pistachio dessert was inventive, and the apricots in it were the best part. My husband enjoyed the mint pea and strawberry dessert (who knew they worked for dessert??) and since I don't care for mint, they brought me the chocolate dessert that was wonderful. And then come the extras. An assortment of bonbons to choose from. And a surprise chocolate truffle at the end. Service was superb. Presentation was lovely. The ambience could use a little pop on the tables, but that's just a trifle when the dining experience is so much fun and pleasure.
(5)Peter M.
I do have a culinary background so I can be a little biased...but the best dining experience I have had - EVER!!! The food was exquisite, but I was MORE blown-away by the service. The service was perfectly executed!!! Each course was like a work of art-perfectly blended with aroma, texture, taste, and presentation. Of course, with this type of food expertise and service, it all comes with a price...and it wasn't cheap. But it was well worth it. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS PLACE!
(5)Tish N.
I love Tru because it was my first experience with french food. The staff was very understanding and helpful and I really appreciated that.
(4)bettina c.
I'm giving this review 4 stars but with with a major contingency. I would give it 5 stars if I could only rate the desserts, but I can't. My review is going to be kept simple. Skip the meal, go strait for dessert. 4 of us went to dinner & none of us were impressed with the meal. Across the board, it lacked originality & flavor that you expect as a restaurant such as this. However, when it came time for the dessert, it was a completely different story. Delicious, inventive & beautifully presented. I do believe that you can make reservations for dessert only...you'll have to double check.
(4)Sarah S.
We came here for my dad's birthday dinner on 9/4 and I can definitely say that this was the most incredible meal I've ever had. The service was impeccable and they manage to create an atmosphere where you can have a fine dining experience while still feeling very comfortable and not at all uptight or pretentions, as fine dining restaurants sometimes can feel. Make sure you opt for a cheese course - it was one of the highlights of our meal. I loved the little pound cake they send you home with!
(5)Derek E.
Early in our meal our attendant asked us where else (in Chicago) we had been. We told him where we had been, what we liked, what we didn't, etc, etc... Of course he asked us what had been our favorite up to that point and we told him Charlie Trotter's. He made the expected comment hoping to change that. I have to say they didn't start strong. But to be fair, they didn't start weak, it's just that we had seen most of their early tricks: Cucumber Mint Juice - seemed like almost every restaurant in Chicago was doing this one; Vermont butter with lots 'O fat - both my wife and I thought immediately of the French Laundry; Sweet Potato Sorbet as an Amuse - reminded me of the Salmon cone at the French Laundry because of the way it was served; Watermelon w/ Balsamic and The Caviar Staircase - I own the Amuse Bouche book that Tramonto wrote, so these were not a surprise; Fighting Fish Bowl - again expected because I'm an information whore and I had scoured the net for pics and reviews before we went. Don't get me wrong, those were great, the Caviar Staircase in particular. I just wasn't wowed, so it wasn't pushing through that barrier to be crowned the Best of Chicago in our minds. That was until... I'm not sure if it was the Souffles or the Homemade Rootbeer Float - which ever one I tried first - the other was just confirmation of that decision. It's hard to describe just how good their desserts are and how deserving Gale Gand is of the praise she receives. I was disappointed that the Bread Pudding wasn't a little more dense and custardy-french-toast like, which is what I'm used to, but everything else was pretty amazing. The cart of Petit Fours and Chocolate just pushed everything else to an almost bliss state. We just couldn't stop smiling. Other highlights of the meal include the Espresso-Roasted Quail, Watermelon-Mint Shooters, the Cheese Cart and the Caviar Staircase which I mentioned before (especially the Wasabi infused Tobiko). What's really neat is the fact that they have about 140 dishes in their arsenal, so you could easily go back several times and never have the same dish twice. Maybe even coming up with your own ultimate menu after you've been there a dozen times! Read the whole review at Gastronomic Fight Club: gastronomicfightclub.com…
(5)Brandi S.
Tru is modern elegance personified. High ceilings, great art, inventive cuisine and an impeccable wine list all add to the experience that is Tru. The Sashimi appetizer was a table favorite, as were the scallops with avocado dumplings and the cheese selection---brought to your table on a cart and presented and explained by the resident cheese expert (though we thought at $20 a person the three cheese selection was over priced). With two sommeliers on the floor, all wine quandaries are easily answered and attended to. Overall, we can't say enough good things about the dining experience we had at Tru. The crowd was also surprisingly eclectic ranging from museum/artist types to captains of industry to stylish urbanites. **Diners that catch a chill at Tru are offered a Pashmina in the color of their choice out of a box that one might mistake for a cigar box. Pashminas are returned at the end of the meal.
(5)Joe S.
TRU.....an experience it was. Food was great, no arguments there. Service was interesting if a bit annoying. Following me to the bathroom was a bit odd and then sneaking up on me when I got back to slide my chair in was a bit much. The wine list was absolutely amazing and we took full advantage of it. The only reason I am giving this 3 stars is b/c I almost feel as if TRU is trying to hard. It was almost clinical and the patrons were on pins and needles b/c the atmosphere was so cold. It was like nobody wanted to make a mistake or something and everyone was on their tiptoes. Just a wierd vibe. For those wondering about price, We had 4 people, a drink before, a bottle of wine, and dessert and it was $1000, so prepare to spend some moola.
(3)Dave H.
Same review as all the other positive ones. If you're going to drop 6 bills on dinner, this is the place to do it and not regret a single dime (or $200 bottle of wine). I love that on your way out, they give you coffee cake for the morning after. I halfway expected our waiter to show up with a cup of coffee at 8 a.m. the next day. One thing, though, Chicago men: this is formal dining. "Jacket required" generally also means "don't wear a polo shirt under your blue polyester jacket." Put on a tie, dudes. Sheesh.
(5)Rupert V.
Tru-ly amazing. Food: out of this world. We had a regular and a vegetarian menu so that we could have variety (why is it that these places' tasting menus are usually the same?) , and left sated and stuffed. What truly dazzled me about this experience though was the service. Everything was done "in tandem". Two waiters attended to everything. Each of our water glasses were refilled at the same time. Each of our courses were placed in front of us at the same time. Each of our drinks were placed in front of us at the same time. Etcetera. We felt like royalty. Don't get me wrong, they charge royal prices but if you are up for a splurge, in my book it's worth it.
(5)Simon M.
Fantastic meal!
(5)Elizabeth D.
tru is hands down my favorite restaurant in chicago! and perhaps top 3 out of anywhere in the world. an elegant restaurant with astoundingly delicious food. my first time at tru was almost 4 years ago for my 18th birthday & they even printed up a personalized menu for me! love love love love. cannot say it enough.
(5)Julia T.
We went to Tru for my fiance's birthday and it was a wonderful experience. The service is superb and their food is excellent. Its a great place to celebrate intimate events. Definitely on the pricey side but very well worth it!
(4)Anita P.
Excellent restaurant! We have been to Tru for dinner and for dessert. It is a great place to go for dinner, but I loved the dessert tasting. Who wouldn't want to enjoy course after course of dessert? Such innovative desserts as well as grown-up versions of childhood favorites. (Such as a miniature root beer float made from their own root beer). Lovely!
(5)Deborah L.
When in a major city for a work obligation...make it count! That is just what I did in going to TRU. I enjoyed the Grand Collection, which was superb! My favorites were the farm ricotta and corn agnolotti with burgundy truffle consomme and the glazed veal ribeye with spring garlic, asparagus and wild mushrooms. I allowed the sommelier to pair my courses. The Knoll Riesling was incredible. I am very pleased that I added the cheese course, which was perfect. I enjoyed watching the impeccable simultaneous service for parties larger than just one...which I was...just one. As a lone diner it would have been lovely if the staff had of broken character a bit and been more personable, but they were efficient and friendly...to a point. I felt comfortable enough to have enjoyed myself immensely. It was a fantastic indulgence and I feel grateful that this is not my usual dining experience....I appreciated it all the more for that. One last thought...as a lone diner in a large city...seeing a familiar wine on the list is like seeing an old friend and suddenly one doesn't feel so alone after all...
(5)Allie B.
Tru was a wonderful experience. Beautiful space, elegant wait staff. Love the napkin choice - I hate using a white napkin when wearing black slacks. Also thought it was very interesting that they offer a tiny little table for your purse! Nice touches. We opted for the Spring tasting menu. 8 or 9 courses and added a course of sunchoke at the beginning. The sommelier was very knowledgable, but informed us that he was having a difficult time with the chef's selections and the prevelance of spring vegetables (asparagus, artichoke, sunchoke) that are notoriously difficult to pair. Awesome, thanks for letting us know that the wine might not work?? We're paying an arm and a leg for dinner, the least you can do is lie to me and tell me it's all going to be fabulous. Dinner progression was nice, albeit almost entirely protein-free. A dish that had mentioned lamb was actually a lamb broth. A dish that mentioned a cheese was actually a cheese foam. I was having one of those "where's the bread guy" moments - not just b/c I wasn't filling up, but b/c it's hard to drink 8 glasses of wine on an empty stomach and still maintain the kind of decorum required for an evening at Tru. Dessert and cheese were my favorite parts. Although it was probably not the case, I did pretend that Gayle Gand was making the dessert personally for me. All in all - a beautiful evening, but I would definitely recommend Nomades or Alinea over Tru if you're looking to spend that type of money.
(4)Sony L.
I've been to some amazing restaurants from world-renowned chefs, and was excited to add Tru to my list. I was expecting a lot more, considering the hundreds of dollars dropped on this dinner. I will say that the service was impeccable and the dining experience deserves more than 5 stars. However, the food itself deserves a 2 at best. My husband and I each had the Chefs Collection because we wanted to try everything. Not much seasoning, not very flavorful. Suffice it to say that when you are served rabbit, wagyu beef, halibut and veal and your favorite thing of the night are the the two sauteed mushrooms on your final plate, the food was a disappointment for the price.
(3)Adam L.
Best dining experience of my life. My fiancée and I dined there an hour after I proposed. We had the chef's tasting menu with wine-pairings. For four hours we were nothing but impressed. The wait-staff was so kind. It was just fun to watch them operate. Everyone's movements seemed choreographed. The food was absolutely amazing. The wine pairings were things we would never have tried but certainly glad we did. My fiancée was cold at one point, so I took off my jacket to give it to her. The staff insisted I wear my jacket, and brought her a pashmina that matched her dress. Everything about this place was impressive. Long and short: we were treated like rock-stars, ate amazing food, drank amazing wine, and tell all of our friends about it. If you're celebrating something special, treat yourself to a memorable experience at Tru.
(5)Madelyn H.
went to tru for vday this year using a LEY gift certificate and had a wonderful experience. the service was great and perfectly timed. every one of the 9 courses was excellent. some were more playful than others but nothing was pretentious or unnecessary. they handled the vegetable dishes really well too. all of them really brought out the flavors of each ingredient. it was a great amount of food. everything was well executed. i really loved it and so did my vegetarian husband. i would also highly recommend the wine pairing... they choose really interesting wines that you'd never know to try on your own and all of them brought something new to each course. the strange thing is that after going there for dessert only before, i thought dessert would be my favorite part of the meal this time. but everything else was so good, that i can hardly remember what it was. favorite courses: white sturgeon "caviar" with avocado and hazelnut crackers, potato gnocchi with white veal glaze and fragile lace tuile
(5)Jess S.
This was a truly incredible dining experience. Once I got over all the rich people who are used to be doted on, I was able to relax and take it all in. Someone mentioned the syncronization. Dear god, it was crazy. The food was absolutely out of this world. It was really nuts. I agree with many other fellow Yelpers - everyone should go to Tru once. You may leave in-debt if you chose to go the full 9, but what an experience. I'm still wow'ed three months later.
(5)Jo Jo B.
Yay! I'm a fan only when I'm rich for a day unfortunately. :O( When you arrive here, you notice there is not a lot going on when it comes to the decor. When you do sit down and look around you realize the bare walls are needed to present the modern art they have hung here. They have Andy Warhol, Vik Muniz, and other notable artists. Visually all the artwork is stunning. The lighting is dimmed somewhat to create a warm toasty mood. Here is the link for you to check it out and the artwork: trurestaurant.com I took my friend here for a birthday treat. I called in advance and asked if they could do anything special for his birthday and they did. When they presented the menu, in bold letters at the top they printed his name with Happy Birthday on it. Too cool. You have a choice of either a fixed meat or veggie menu or you can order off the menu from what I remember. We both decided to order the 5 course collections menu. Heck if you are there, you might as well do it right. Right? I really did not know what to expect, because after all, this is a Lettuce Entertain You restaurant. I am anti chain with restaurants, but this place has been noted as better than Charlie Trotters, so I had to check it out. Wow! Is all I can say about their food. I really enjoyed the fact their portion sizes were not huge. Throughout the five courses, they really did allow us to pace ourselves. Sometimes the food came out in little gift boxes where you had to open them up to eat them. (This was a dream come true for me. Dinner in gift boxes. Brill!) Of course everyone loves the caviar staircase. (Custom made for Tru I might add) My friend said it was the best tasting caviar he has ever had. All my veggie dishes were seasoned to perfection. I could tell they used the freshest ingredients here. Earth flavours were notable in every bite. The whole experience took about 4 hours. Now that seems a long time, but, when you are spending this amount of money, you really do want to savour the moment. At the end of it all, we both said we felt 'just right' and were very content with the whole experience. The 5 courses with wine came to about $400.00. Does that seem expensive? It does for food but I have to say this was money well spent. From beginning to end it was worth ever penny. Now all I need to do is start saving to I can go again. Bah!
(4)Anand P.
"tru"ly speechless. This was one of the most elegant and enjoyable dining experiences. Food was unforgettable. And to make sure we didn't forget, they gave us a custom printed menu when we were done that had the date, our name, and everything we ate (including the substitutions). Amazing service.
(5)Andrea R.
Everyone should experience Tru once, but just once. I went with my coworkers to Tru about a year ago and was very curious to try one of Chicago's most famous restaurants. It was one of the finest dining experiences I've ever had from the caviar staircase to the diploma they gave me at the end of my meal to celebrate 5 hours at the table. I think I may be too ADD for this restaurant, but I definitely app recited the experience.
(4)steven h.
Chef Tim Graham and pastry Chef Meg Glaus (sp) are some of the finest in our city. So much thought goes into every tasting. I would reccomend reserving the kitchen table for an evening of private dining. You will have a new appreciation for their ingenuity and professionalism.
(5)Ash T.
This meal was amazing! My boyfriend and I opted for the prix fixe menu and decided to share everything so that we could create our own tasting menu. To start we had the swashimi and the scallops. Sashimi was wonderful, however the scallop dish really stood out. The broccoli and peanut flavors complimented the scallops very well. For the main course, I wanted to try the lobster, however they were out. I expressed my disappointment to the server as I had been looking forward to the lobster all day. To make up for my disappointment, they brought both of us a lobster bisque with huge chunks of lobster. This was a nice touch and tasted great as well. We also had the ribeye and the halibut. The ribeye was delish and cooked to perfection. The puffed potatoes that came with this were yummy and tasted like little potato donuts. The halibut was the standout of the main courses though, very tasty sauce and the leeks tasted awesome with the fish! Amongst our courses, several amuse-bouche came out and I can't remember what they were, but all were little bursts of flavors! Bread they served was also awesome. For dessert, we choose from the cheese cart, and split a chocolate bar. They also brought out a little chocolate treat with candles, as we were celebrating our anniversary. Overall, a ridiculous amount of food, I have never been that full...and everything was right on. Service was good, but the food is what really stood out. Very expensive meal, but very worth it as it was an experience I will remember forever.
(5)Dan H.
There's a good reason why Tru consistently rates as one of the top restaurants in Chicago and has for years. My wife and I ate here for our first anniversary. And the experience was amazing, even if a little bit jarring (we had spent the summer working in underserved communities but were given a large gift certificate for Tru... so decided to go). Food: The subtlety of the flavors was wonderful. We went with a tasting, which started with an octopus carpaccio. Understandably, for my Midwestern wife, this was a bit unusual. But she ate and enjoyed it. The caviar staircase offered some very tasty experiences. And the food overall was just top notch - as were the desert options from the desert cart they bring around. Their presentation was dramatic yet elegant and simple. I think you can see that from the pictures that have been uploaded here. We were very impressed with the colors used in each dish. Service: Probably the thing that stands out even more than the food was the service. We were treated like royalty... even to the point of it being a little disconcerting. We had brought a camera... and they had a special pillow for cameras. When my wife told me she had to use the restroom and she had looked up and put her napkin down, the waiter was right there and pulled the table out for her and told her where to go. (Creepy? Maybe. But amazingly attentive). Ambiance: The dining environment wad unexpectedly bright. Coming into the entrance, it was dark and dim. But once into the dining area, the room was bright, with lots of glass or crystal. It felt clean and light. Perhaps that is part of the experience... stepping into a bright area after entering though a darker lobby. Summary: Overall we had an amazing experience here. It is out of our natural price range. But because of the gift we received to come here, we were able to enjoy it thoroughly. If we had expendable income, we would go back, no question.
(5)Missy M.
I wish I could give this more stars... TRU was one of the most magical nights of my entire life! A true foodie experience. It was food art. Every motion of the staff was like a choreographed dance. I just can't say enough great things about this restaurant! My BF and I had the 9-course chef tasting... which turned into 13 courses after all the little extras they throw in. Our waiter even hailed us a cab after our 4-hour dinner. Just when you think it can't get any better (because the food is beyond "so delicious"), they hand you a little muffin to enjoy with your coffee or tea for the morning after. If only I had a money tree, because I could do that once a month if my finances allowed it.... One day I'll be back!
(5)Monika M.
We sat at the kitchen table. This itself was an experience of a lifetime. Not only did we have our own private table from which we could overlook the kitchen, but we had the most amazing service I've ever experienced. It felt that everyone was basically told to take care of us no matter what. In fact, at a couple of points even the sommelier poured our water for us. On that note, Chad, the sommelier, was fabulous. He did a really great job helping me, a Napa oaked rich wine loving girl, find a lighter wine to better go with the food. Very impressed. And, there were even some affordable bottles of wine on the list. They ranged from $45 to 6,000 (no typos), and the decent selection of wines by the glass allowed me to try more while not spending way too much. The food was pretty good. The only bad thing about the kitchen table is that you don't choose your menu. This means we were exposed to things we probably never would have tried on our own. This is good and bad. I thought the food was just okay (BEAUTIFUL, but not always my taste), but I really enjoyed trying everything and I absolutely feel that I would think it was better had I ordered my own choices. Toward the end of our evening, I needed to use the restroom. When I asked where it was, a server actually took me there and waited until I came out to escort me back. Incredible. We also then received a full kitchen tour, and a tour of each piece of artwork in the restaurant. Very impressed. Will give it 5 stars when I stop regretting the outrageous amount we paid for food we wouldn't have chosen on our own.
(4)Jamie G.
Tru was enjoyable...but I wouldn't say it is my top pick for fine dining in Chicago. The atmosphere was probably the best part of the dinner. I also enjoyed the chair for my purse, cheese cart and dessert tray. Well, be honest, I enjoyed the cheese cart the most. My foie gras wasn't the best and had a rough patch that appeared to be intentionally hidden. I'm kind of leary of a business (Lettuce Entertain You) that has restaurants on such a low to high spectrum.
(4)Don M.
Wow, this was truly a unique experience. If you want to spoil youself and enjoy a great evening you must go. When you are being seated they greated us by name and the attention never stopped. The sommelier recommended a bottle of wine and we tried is was very good. On to the food started with prime beef tartar, grilled diver sea scallops and avacado green apple salad. They were just fantastic so much taste and flavor. Then onto the butter poached maine lobster, white asparagus, bisque, orange -almond. Delicious. After your dinner out comes the cheese cart, desert and candies. I will definetly go back the service and food is just outstanding. Happy Aniversary to us.
(5)Liz L.
Absolutely divine. I went here for my birthday with my family and was utterly amazed. They made us feel like royalty. This was our first fine dining experience and I had heard that upscale restaurants make newbies feel inferior, but that was not the case at all for Tru. We walked in and a group of waiters was all over us, pulling out our chairs, giving us chairs for our purses...when we went to the restroom, they would fold our table napkins and place them on the table again. Our menus were especially made for us and said Happy Birthday Liz. The food was delectable, the presentation was awe-inspiring. Everything looked beautiful and sometimes they would complete the meal in front of you. They would come out with several plates and bowls and add this and that to the main dish, it was truly a magnificent presentation. We had a three course meal, but we got several mini bite things in between that were equally delicious. I can safely say that we got our money's worth. After our meal, i received a little chocolate bar with a candle for my birthday. Then they rolled out the chocolate cart with about 20 delicacies. I had read reviews about this, but some reviews said it was complimentary some didn't. So I only chose one. Let me tell you, the dessert cart is COMPLIMENTARY so dig in! When you walk out they give you little lemon cakes, also complimentary. Seriously, don't be afraid of fine dining. TRU, at least, is not snobby in the least, even though it's obvious that you don't normally engage in fine dining. Plus, they definitely give you your money's worth both food wise and atmosphere wise. It was an amazing experience and I will be returning for my next special occasion.
(5)Kristin C.
Honestly, I don't even think this place needs a review. Five star food. Five star service. You just have to go there to see how amazing it is. Just grab someone special, your wallet and get ready for incredible dining experience.
(5)Lisa L.
While the experience of eating at TRU is spectacular, the food is really not. After living in the culinary mecca that is San Francisco, eating a meal at TRU only disappointed me, especially since the prices were similar to eating at for instance, my favorite Gary Danko. Luckily, I didn't have to pay for my meal, otherwise I would have been really upset. My main issue with the food was: why were there foam on everything, even the chocolate cake?
(3)meenah c.
Service was spotless. We got the 3 course meal + dessert tasting. The food presentation was so beautiful I didn't want to eat it. The dessert was the thing that tipped me off. I expected so much more than what I got. I always had a sweet tooth--I almost always finish dessert. This was an exception. I couldn't finish 2 out of the 3 plates. It just tasted so...strange. I remember one of the plate having custard and ice cream. The Ice cream taste like rust!! When I asked the waiter, he said it was lemon curd flavor. Althought I love the chocolate martini. Best I've ever tasted. Overall, it was a good birthday experience(an expensive one -400 for 2 people) and it seems to me everyone else also celebrated their birthday there also. Oh and we got wrapped cookies on our way out -- how nice.
(4)Michelle B.
Perfect service, wonderful atmosphere including stunning artwork on the walls. The staff was so informed and helpful and took the time to give you of the best dining experience you could have. The cheese cart was awesome too. It's expensive but worth it! If I only went to one restaurant in Chicago - this would be it. It's pricy but worth every penny.
(5)peter h.
the only reason this place doesn't get five stars is...well, i guess there are two. one, i was still hungry when the dinner was over...and this should not be after a 9-course meal spanning 4-plus hours; and two, this place was so fancy, i felt very much out of place and uncomfortable at times...though the entire staff was extremely friendly and helpful in making me feel as comfortable as possible. i guess i just wasn't comfortable with someone rushing over to escort me to the restroom as soon as they saw me stand up. but, like i said, this place was a really fancy, upscale place where jackets were required and since i don't frequent places like this much, i guess it would be unfair for me to mark that as a negative. the three of us all ordered the grand chef's collection, which consisted of 9-courses, though with all the in-between freebies, it was more like 13 to 15-courses. after we ordered, the sommelier came over and we left the remainder of the dining experience in his hands by asking him to pair our courses with wines he recommended. he did an excellent job. the wines he paired with the beets (this was actually a sake), gnocchi, lobster, and ribeye were excellent. each wine definitely complimented and brought out the various flavors of each course. he also brought us a dessert wine that i enjoyed so much that i have already started trying to find it at local wine stores. now, onto the food itself, these are the courses that i really enjoyed: white sturgeon "caviar", golden beet collage, english pea soup, la ratte potato gnocchi, veal ribeye, and the dessert course (which included a chocolate explosion). the only course that i really wasn't all that impressed with was the alaskan halibut. the halibut was very flavorless and the accompanying carrot/ginger sauce and foam both had a very overpowering ginger taste, which i was not very fond of. the maine lobster course was delicious, it just didn't stand out. there was this wagu ravioli that my sister and brother-in-law said was very delicious; unfortunately, i cannot confirm this since it slithered its way down my throat before I could taste it... i really enjoyed their cheese course as well. they had a very wide collection of cow, sheep, and goat cheeses from mild to stinky to soft to hard to blue. at the end of the night, they printed out the menu for us to take home to remember the dining experience along with an extra dessert treat, which i thought was a very nice touch. tru is definitely a place i would frequent more often if i had unlimited financial resources. unfortunately, that is not the case. but if you ever have the opportunity to have this kind of a dining experience, i would suggest you take it and soak it all up....especially if it's at tru.
(4)Pam N.
a 5-Star date for sure! I was taken here last September on a fancy-pants date. The 10-course degustation at Tru is something that I've always wanted to do, so the dude really couldn't fuck up taking me here. I'm not going to go on about how amazing the food was; I think others before me have covered that base much better than I could! So I was the only person under 35, and possibly the only woman, in the whole joint. And wanting to make a real splash I had chosen to wear my sexiest red halter dress & 4.5 inch Kors heels. I left my hair down; I definitely stood out . Now you should know that I love to laugh and smile and I certainly wasn't going to tone down my joy on a night I'd been waiting for for years! I def stuck out like a sore thumb. For a second, I feared my wanton exuberance would cause us to receive bad service and make my date angry with me. But my fears were assuaged at our first interaction with the staff. Everyone was so polite, thorough, attentive, knowledeable--and somehow pulled off this service expertise while making us feel completely comfortable and welcome. Some courses were strange but everything was splendid and exquisitely presented. Something that really sticks out to me: At the end of the meal our maitre'd rolled out a cart full of housemade sweet goodies and encouraged us to try one. And me, being a complete glutton--but a charming one!--sweetly asked if I could have one of each. I expected him sneer at me with disdain, or even say no. But instead he excitedly said, "Yes, please try them all!" And you bet I fucking did. My only complaint was that the remote controlled vibrator my date had inserted in me in the cab on the way over had lost it's shit on course 4 and just went off willy-nilly with no rhyme or reason. And I was even more upset when it died completely at course 7. Oh also, after you eat a goddamn 10-course meal you are definitely gonna be too fat to fuck when you get home.
(5)Brian G.
I downgraded Naha for the price despite some good to great food. The food here is consistently great and it is even a bit more pricey but they get a five. Did a tasting menu - word of caution it is a LONG meal - but really good. Forgot to take notes - but from Sturgeon "caviar", to a gnocchi that was as light and delightful as my favorite one at Naha which is rich and hearty. A beautiful piece of Foie Gras on a meat dish, an amazing celery root soup, really good bread and incredible desserts by Gale. If money not an object - go! On par with Alinea for taste if not presentation theater, and a bit cheaper. And while a bit less adventuresome there were no misses.
(5)Gfiddy F.
Honestly, great.
(5)May S.
I've been here twice...my fiance took me here for our third dating anniversary and then also surprised me on our engagement day :). I cannot say enough about how much I love Tru...the food, the ambiance, the service. It is definitely a great place for a special occasion!
(5)Tanya L.
My family and I came here with a gift certificate. The service was SNOBBY and they seemed to turn our noses down at us, and we could overhear the servers whispering in worried tones that we would not tip well because we seemed to be wannabe clientele. Although the plates were artistic looking, they were no great shakes when eaten. Um, I'll go to the Art Institute of Chicago instead: thank you very much. One of the courses included a salmon dish that was bland-o-rino. Tru, my readers, is completely false! I seriously think this restaurant gets more credit for its social prestige (Could there be serious groupthink going on mistaking high price for high quality?) Exclusivity in setting soo does not mean excellence. My dears, who are you fooling?!? Compared to the great restaurants in New Orleans and Philadelphia, this wannabe, chic place falls flat on its face.
(2)Kathleen H.
We went to TRU this past Monday night for my boyfriend's birthday. I wanted a luxurious,delicious, perfect evening. TRU vastly exceeded all expectations!! From the moment we arrived the staff was superb, wishing my bf happy birthday (a personal birthday message was also printed on our menus) and completely attentive all night in an unobtrusive way. They were like friendly, knowledgable ninjas. We started with a trio of caviar with a chilled vodka which came in a stunning presentation and was fantastic. We ordered one of the 6 course tastings, but added a rabbit dish from the prix fixe menu, and one nine course. We skipped the house wine pairings as our server helpfully explained that they were primarily whites and we are red people. We chose a few reds on our own and they were lovely. The pacing of the courses was superb, we had time to open a few gifts and were never rushed. Each presentation was gorgeous, and everything was so delicious it was like having an opera in your mouth... The rabbit, the fois gras, the pork belly... Every course wowed our palates. It was a perfectly magical evening. I had been nervous after reading some negative reviews here, more it seemed than for other restaurants of this caliber... But I found the ambience understated but very elegant. I didn't feel like it was for older people or stuffy at all... Just simple, chic, and perfect for a special occasion. If you get the chance? Go. We have eaten in NYC, LA, London, Paris, all over, we travel a lot and LOVE food, and for both of us this experience was the BEST meal of our lives. Thank u TRU for an unforgettable evening:-)
(5)Maggie M.
My mother and I make it a point to try new restaurants in the city all the time, and we saved Tru for our birthday celebrations (we both have birthdays in April and we tend to celebrate all month long.) The service was outstanding, the staff is extremely educated on both wine, and preparation techniques of the food. If this review was based on the service alone it would easily be 5 stars. Unfortunately, the driving force behind why I love to eat out is not the service, it's because I love great food. Personally, I feel there is a fine line between tasty and trendy. All to often "fancy" restaurants depart from the culinary basics in favor of more experimental and trendy preparation techniques. Tru has fallen victim to trendiness overpowering tastiness. Three items during out meal really tipped the scale to trendy, not tasty: 1. The excessive use of "froth". When two out of 5 dishes have some form of froth on them, that is one too many for me. Froth is being seen more and more in restaurants, but one dish is plenty. In my eyes it is for presentation, not flavor. 2. Caviar trapped in a bubble of gel floating in Sake. The sake only brought out the fishy taste of the caviar, and I don't think I will ever find a bubble of gel tasty. 3. A dessert amuse that contains Pop Rocks. Yes, you read that right. The same candy that is known for the urban legend that if you drink Coke while you have a mouth filled with Pop Rocks you will die. Dinner was enjoyable, but not as great as I expected. I had a Ribeye, and while it was cooked Medium Rare as requested, I have had a better steak at Wildfire, Ruth's Chris, and Gibson's. We also had Diver Scallops, and my mother and I both agreed that we have had better Diver Scallops at places as unpretentious as Ben Pao and as outstanding as Il Mulino I would recommend going at least once just to try it out, but I can't say that this would be my "go to" restaurant for big occasions.
(3)Timothy M.
What can you say about Tru besides WOW? The only reason I could see anyone giving this place less than 5 stars is because it is very, very pricey. But everything else is simply impeccible. My date and I got a collection which included: - Raw Maine Diver Scallop, Kumamoto Oyster, Italian Black Pearl Osetra Caviar, Preserved Lemon - Roasted Langoustine, Hearts of Palm, Sunchokes & Brown Butter - Veloute of Summer Corn & Leek, Corn-Herb Fritters - Canadian Foie Gras Torchon, Salad of Rainier Cherries, Hazelnuts & Radish, Country Toast, Cherry Jus - Grilled Loup de Mer, Braised Baby Fennel, Tomato-Orange Nage - Roasted Elysian Fields Lamb, Salt-Poached Potatoes, Petite Summer Vegetables, Lamb Jus - Gale's Dessert Collection - Complimentary birthday chocolate snack - Mignardises & Lollipops - Espresso The service is unbelievable. You are attended to like royalty. Even if you're not used to super-fine dining like this, the waitstaff will go out of their way to help you understand the food, the ettiquette, and anything else. They really are there for you from start to finish. The wine was outstanding as well, and there are some more reasonably priced selections if you're not a millionaire. But it certainly puts a pretty good hole in your pocketbook so be sure to save up for this treat. Seriously, the reviewers who gave 4 stars, I would hate to see what DOES impress you to a five star level.
(5)Don Q.
I'm not even going to bother talking about the food here. It's obviously pretty amazing. I'm giving them five-stars for the adventure of trying to foil their impeccable service. By the time our food arrived, my companion and I had been seated, served and swaddled by no less than a dozen precisely coordinated dervishes. I'm a pretty low key dude, so all of this attention kind of freaked me out (in a good way, mind you; I mean no disservice to the incredible experience they provide). Of course, given that my bladder is the size of a morel-infused poached fava bean, I inevitably had to use the little pilgrim's room. I waited patiently until all of the visible members of the troupe appeared to be swirling around other patrons to make my break. I made it to within 3 steps from the restroom door when someone LEAPED OUT FROM BEHIND A CURTAIN to show me the rest of the way. Needless to say, it took me a couple of minutes to calm the notion that someone was going to leap out to assist me at the loo, too. That said (tongue-in-cheek, of course), the staff at Tru did an amazing job at removing the pretense and pressure typically associated with fine dining and injecting it with fun and flair, resulting in a fabulous experience neither my friend nor I will soon forget.
(5)Nicole L.
This is one of the most amazing places i've been. Words cannot describe my experience here. I had the choice to go here for my 8th grade graduation present or throw a party. I'm so glad I made the right choice. They only take reservations and i believe at the time our meal was around $300 a piece. completely worth it for a extravagant experience. It was a 6-8 course meal with the most beautiful presented dishes and china i've ever seen. They give you amazing deserts to take home beautifully wrapped along with specializing your evening if it is for a special event. I remember having the most amazing waiters/servers/valet men ever. I hope i'll be able to afford to come back since it is not a everyday event. At age 14 I could enjoy and admire this I'm sure at 20 will be even better. This pace is a A + with gold stars. Superb!
(5)Finding N.
Chef Rick Tramonto has a philosophy, "If you can't fix it, feature it." That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard. Tru pretends like its still a top quality restaurant but it lacks in many areas that restaurants a quarter of the price excel. The menu despite being custom printed to celebrate a special occasion, didn't reflect any of the dietary restrictions that were identified when the reservation was placed, which immediately limited our order to one side of the menu. I ordered the salt soup, which would have been great if not for the overwhelming essence of lobster, a distraction from what was clearly the feature of the dish, the salt. The soup was topped with a lobster foam that was easy to inhale and made me cough. At least, you have to appreciate the creative combo though, lobster, lobster and salt; my palette was swimming in a flavor. Main course: Rolled cucumber and peach foam was well placed to hide the lamb, purchased at the end of the day from our neighborhood Jewel butcher. I know him, nice guy but tough meat. For desert the toffee pudding was excellent, I have to admit but if it was 6x bigger we could've found it at TGIFriday's (not trying to diss TGIF, just wondering if they share recipes.) The courses were peppered with complimentary bites one of which was excellent, the Anises Tea. The abalone inside of a jelly floating in sake was just unnecessary. With bright lights, sterile walls and long white curtains against tall white pillars, if the patrons wore gowns open in the back it would've been indistinguishable from a hospital cafeteria. Coincidentally the hospital is across the street. The service, I don't think I've ever been asked so many times if I was done with my plate. Call me silly but if I still have the fork in my hand, there's your answer. There are certain things one expects from a restaurant with such a reputation so in a way Tru faces a high bar but it did at least live up to part of its reputation, it is expensive. Another philosophy of Chef Ricky, "Ensure that guests are happiest right before they leave rather than when they arrive." Let me tell you, I was happy to leave.
(2)starbrite y.
Looking for a place to feel special and celebrate a special occasion? I'd stop here. Too much food at times and didn't get to really take advantage of the cheese or dessert tray but what a great complaint! Enjoy!
(4)Patrick N.
my wife and i recently experienced the 9 course chefs tasting with a split wine pairing and the additional 3 course dessert tasting menu. the food, setting, and service were all top notch, and really made for an incredible evening. highly recommended for those looking for progressive cuisine with classic sensibilities. pics are in my blog located in my profile.
(5)Michelle B.
I enjoyed dinner at Tru last night. I had the spring tasting menu and my husband had the grand tasting menu. It was really lovely. Each course had lovely freshly prepared ingredients. The staff is very attentive and friendly. It's a very approachable fine dining experience. The desserts are always special here and there are so many of them! I was surprised to see foie gras on the menu, but now I understand that the ban isn't in effect yet. It was nice and I enjoyed it all the more since it may be the last time I have it at a restaurant in Chicago. I like this restaurant better than Trotter's. I think it's because the dining room is a more open space. I always like to people watch a bit at these sorts of restaurants. This is an expensive and decadent experience, but you only live once so treat yourself!
(5)Mika G.
Tru-ly exceptional... hardy har har... ok now that that's out of my system, I have to say that I really enjoyed my meal at Tru... even more than L2O. Both restaurants really outdo themselves as far as service and knowledge of the food but as far as flavor goes, Tru takes the cake. I chose the prix fixe menu. King crab, white asparagus, pineapple and tarragon. Hawaiian ahi a la plancha, radish, leek, sauce provencale. And for dessert, I had some wonderful selections of cheese. I'm not used to eating at such high end restaurants. I am usually into the local places or hole in the wall joints but when on business trips, we get treated to the fancy stuff. It's nice. I think we'll be coming back here again.
(5)Jack J.
My wife and I went here for our 4th wedding anniversary. Yes, it's worth the hype. Go.
(5)Jessica S.
I went about a year ago with my family and we all tried on of the gourmet dinners that about eight courses. The staircase caviar was amazing partly just because of the presentation. Every course was more amazing then the next and the five hours we spent there felt like nothing. The food blew me away. The most amazing course to me had to have been the cheese course. They came out with a cheese cart with what must have been 30 cheeses and then I got to choose which cheeses I wanted. After the dessert course be prepared for the mini desserts to come your way. If you are going to go there for dinner I would suggest doing the special menus. Since it's not a place you will go to a lot it pays to do the entire dinner. Beware you will constantly be asked to add thing to your set menu to add to the price. Tru also has several half bottles of wine which is a great way to do it because then you can have a half of white to share and then have some red with the meat courses. The wine can add to the experience but it also adds to the price. I think this is a great experience for everyone to have. It's not a place that you would go to a normal Friday night but for a special occasion I can't imagine eating at a nicer restaurant.
(5)David W.
There are a few restaurants in Chicago that I have always wanted to go to and for some reason have never made it to. Tru was on that list until last night. Tim W., Mystery Man, and I made 7:30 reservations and when doing so expressed our interest in doing a beer pairing with our meal. We arrived just before 7:30 and were promptly ushered to the perfect table smack dab in the middle of all the action. Our server, Israel, greeted us and inquired about our desire to match beers with our courses. To help make our selections we decided to start the table off with a bottle of Barboursville Viognier from Virginia (yeah, our Virginia!). The wine was absolutely lovely and a great example of how delicious this grape can be. It also helped that the bottle was value priced at just $48. So we enjoyed our breads, lot's of butter, our amuse buche, our bottle of wine, and the table across from us before digging into our first course. Each of us opted for the three course menu for $95 and all ordered different appetizers and entrees. Mystery Man started with the Lobster Soup with Spoonbread. We expected lobster bisque, but the soup itself was a simple delicious broth with chunks of lobster and spoonbreads. I had the Diver Sea Scallops with Red Pepper Essence, Chorizo, and Avocado Dumplings. The scallops were beautifully cooked. The avocado dumplings were unique and delicious. However, the presence of chorizo was not all too apparent and the emulsion didn't add much value to the dish. Both Mystery Man and I's appetizers were paired with Klumbacher Brauerei Eku Pils. I typically don't drink pilsners, but this beer was superb and paired well with our dishes. Tim W. started with the Prime Beef Tartare with Raspberry Powder, Red Pepper, and Zucchini. Tim W. won round one hands down with this dish. The tartare was outstanding on its own, but the accompaniments really made this dish stand out. The tartate was paired beautifully with a bottle of Indica IPA from the Lost Coast Brewery. Mystery Man ordered the Hawaiian Orange Marlin with Heart of Palm, Baby Carrot, Leek, and Sauce Provencale for his entre. None of us had ever eaten Marlin before and the fish was delicate and well cooked. The beer paired with this dish was a bottle of Brasserie Duyck St. Druon de Sebouej. Tim W. once again ordered well by going with the Salt-Crusted Cervena Venison with Cocoa, Olive, and Blood Orange. The venison loin is "unearthed ", carved, and plated table side. Almost every bite presented subtle hints of cocoa, olives, and blood orange. A savory cocoa mousse with cocoa mashed potatoes was another highlight of this dish. I typically don't like venison because of its gamey flavor, but venison was perfectly cooked and the game didn't hit you over the head. They paired the venison with a bottle of Out of Bounds Stout from the Avery Brewing Company in Boulder, CO. Last but not least I ordered the Suckling Pig, Zucchini Pave, Licorice, Kumquats, and Pig Jus. The licorice was actually cooked down black Twizzlers. A bit gimmicky for me, but overall the dish was solid. The highlight of this dish came in the form of Tempura Zucchini. This dish was paired with the hands down best beer of the evening, the Koninjshoeven Quadrupel Trappist Ale. The nose on this beer was almost indescribable and the taste lived up to the noses promise. For dessert, both Tim W. and I ordered the Chocolate Souffl served with Cinnamon Ice Cream and a Camp Fire Marshmallow. The souffl was yummy, but was showed up by the Cinnamon Ice Cream. The ice cream was "Holy Shit!" good. Mystery Man, who doesn't like chocolate or peaches, went with the Roasted Pineapple with Coconut Ice Cream. This dish was another win on the dessert column. The desserts were paired with a bottle of Coffee Porter from Meantime Brewery. The decor at Tru is subtly modern and understated. The restaurant showcases a handful of modern works of art that add the occasional burst of color. For the most part the interior remains a blank canvas that allows the food to shine as it should. The staff was perfect! Our server adapted to our personal style quickly and didn't miss a beat or a subtle dirty joke. Israel also provided outstanding beer pairings and seemed genuinely excited to accept our challenge of pairing their contemporary cuisine with "beer". The chef de cuisine also paid a visit to our table to discuss the food and beer pairing. He also extended us an offer to come back for an even more elaborate beer driven pairing. Solid food paired with exceptional service made Tru worth the wait. 3 Prixe Fixe 6 Beers 1 Bottle of Wine 1 Cappucino ---------------------------- $500.00
(4)Thy L.
I got engaged at this restaurant, simply put it's best dining experience I've ever had. The decor is very simply and yet exquisite. There are literally a dz servers all dressed in black suits continually replacing silverware, linen, and tableware. We had the chef's prixed menu, it seemed like endless platings of eclectic cuisines. The most memorable had to be the caviar staircase, which is a showcase of abut 8 different caviars sitting on crystal spiral stairs. It was exquisitely presented but taste wise forgetable. I am not a fan of caviars. Overall, I'm truly in love with this restaurant for it's top notch service and sophistications.
(5)Liz H.
This is probably my favorite restaurant in the entire U.S. Fantastic food and the presentation is amazing. Extensive wine list and the cheese course always offers a wide range of really interesting and unique cheeses. Very expensive but completely worth it.
(5)Dave C.
We went with the same friends who later accompanied us to Alinea. Tru does not justify itself by comparison. Tru's he service was WAY too self-conscious, the food was good(not amazing), and the bill was titanic. Also despite the place being half-full when we arrived, we got the table right in front of the kitchen doors, which ruined it for me. There were also two egregious service missteps that were so over the top that they became a running joke during the meal: 1) The "water-waiter" (one guy who only poured and re-filled water glasses) literally splashed water all over the table every time he poured, trying to show off how he could hit the glass with the pitcher poised 3 feet above it. He couldn't. 2) The "description waiter" (one guy whose only job was to describe the preparation of each dish) was absolutely unintelligible. English was at best his 2nd language (sounded more like 4th to us), and despite us listening intently and him speaking VERY loudly, we had no idea what we were eating most of the time. Amazing faux-pas, considering the reputation of the place and the guy who owns it. We actually e-mailed the restaurant after the fact, and they replied with an apology and a gift certificate, which was nice. However, the GC can't be used on Saturday nights, making it all-but-worthless for us suburbanites. When all is said and done, we won't go back, GC or not.
(3)Jaclyn C.
Tru is definitely my number one when it comes to expensive cuisine. I have been to Avenues and Charlie Trotter's and Tru just stands out to me. Don't get me wrong, the food at Avenues and Charlies Trotter's are divine, however the entire experience and Tru definitely blew me away. My Husband and I got a gift card for our wedding and we were so excited cause we'd wanted to try it. Upon arrival you are treated like royalty. EVERYONE, not just your server is helpful and very polite. The place itself is beautifully decorated, very posh and upscale. We ordered a nice bottle of wine and the bread tray comes and you can pick what you want. We chose the Grand Tasting Menu and it was a ton of food. Everything tasted amazing, it was "orgasmic". And being a cheese lover, i was a sucker for the infamous cheese cart. Yes, I couldn't help myself. Then comes the dessert cart, they have so many small bites and varieties. And, they come back if want so if you didn't get everything you wanted, no worries. To top off the evening, they give you a very nice personalized printout with your name, your menu and the date. I know, it's so simple but adds a very nice touch. Now all this does come with a pricey tag. We have a $250 GC and it covered half. It was definitely worth it and a memorable experience. Not a typical dinner/date place but for a very special occasion, I'd go with Tru above the rest.
(5)Matt G.
Hands down, the best restaurant in Chicago. I've been to Trotter's, Everest, Spiagia, L2O...you name it. This place did it all for me.
(5)Jennifer C.
Tasty. Luckily, I went on someone elses dime. My one complaint is the number of dessert courses they try to cram down your throat. As for the service-it's impeccable. One of our servers said this as an aside: "Must walk in counterclockwise circle or my head will explode."
(5)Ryan H.
Rating: Superb Phenomenal, creative, classy. Some of the words that immediately come to mind when I think of my visits to Tru. One of the finest restaurant in the city, without a doubt. Having been fortunate enough to try many top restaurants in the country, Chicago's Tru ranks up there with the best. I first encountered the talented Executive Chef Rick Tramonto at Trio Evanston and his style, selection and implementation of the menu items is truly (sorry-couldn't resist) spectacular. Definitely get the Grand Tasting Menu, incorporating a wide variety of courses giving the customer a solid feel for culinary nirvana. If you go to celebrate a special occaision, be sure to mention it when making a reservation as the staff is extremely attentive and will even create a customized menu for you--a must if you want to recall the whirlwind of preparations and ingredients. A must try, but plan on around $160 per person without drinks for the Grand Tasting Menu, block out 3 hours and Let the Good Times Roll!
(5)Kelly D.
I went to TRU about 4 years ago. This was my first real fine dining experience. The place felt a little intimidating because I wasn't really sure how to sit, act..eat some of the foods. But once I tried the cavier staircase, it quickly melted away. By far my two favorites were the marinated tuna dish that sat on top of a bowl with a beta fish swimming underneath my plate and the HUGE dessert carts with homemade lollypops and chocolates. My bf at the time had called ahead and the staff was even kind enough to print "Will you go to prom with me?" on my menu. Best dining experience to date.
(5)katie m.
I wish I could give 3 1/2 stars, but I'll have to go with 3. Admittedly, I generally wasn't a happy camper while living in Chicago. Feel free to add a star to any of my Chicago reviews. Tru just didn't measure up to the standard set by French Laundry (or even Gary Danko). The service was impeccable, but the food didn't blow my mind and the dining area was too large. The bar area and entrance are perfect, but the actual dining room feels cavernous. I am a huge fan of clean, modern lines, but the far-too-high ceiling and lighting distracted me from the food and made me feel somewhat self-conscious. The tables are spaced far enough apart that conversations stay relatively private, but the spaciousness made me more aware of wait staff approaching the table than I would have liked. It was a fun birthday splurge, but I don't think I'll ever be back.
(3)Stan W.
Is any dinner worth $175-200 a head? This one was...but it was much more than a dinner - just a fantastic experience. I loved how they let us swap in dishes from the main menu into the tastings. So accommodating and flexible, and at no additional cost. The no additional cost thing was one of the themes of my night as they kept piling on the free courses. On top of our 6 course tasting menus, we got 2 amuse bouches, a pre-dessert, all the post dessert candies we could want from a cart, a cake bite with candles for my birthday, a black pepper rootbeer float, some amazing truffles with the check, and muffins to bring home on our way out. That's like 8 extra courses. Some of the high end places only give you a little bit of the fancy bread, but not Tru. DEFINITELY got our money's worth and left with bellies full. The other theme of the night was the service. Completely seamless, high class, and beyond professional (although just a tad bit stuffy). When you go to the bathroom, someone will escort you ALL the way there. Someone else will fold your napkin, brush off your seat with it, then dispose of it, while another person brings in a brand new napkin holding them with a set of tongs so that it is pristine virgin for you to wipe your mouth with when you get back. I loved the tongs trick - hilarious. They sweep the crumbs off your table after every course, even if there aren't any. They will never, ever reach over you to present a dish or clear one. And when they pour your water, they do it in unison with multiple staffers. I've been to plenty of the other fine dining establishments and while most try to achieve a similar level of service none were as top notch as Tru. I imagine this is what being a king is like. And I haven't talked about the food. Every course was simply fantastic. We asked to swap in the ribeye and short rib into our 6 course tastings and they were fantastic - real stand outs. The porcini pasta course was also something to remember. Very complex flavors throughout each dish, but nothing too strange or unfamiliar or trying too hard. The desserts, candies, and truffles were especially good, with distinct, interesting, and sometimes unusual flavors. If I could eat here every week, I would. But for a splurge, this is definitely the place to go. It could even be the place to go for just a plain nice dinner if you don't mind spending a lot and getting a lot.
(5)Ann S.
Fully expecting to be told No, we contacted TRU two weeks before our wedding anniversary to see if the Kitchen Table was available. Luckily for us, due to a cancellation, it was available! So, we booked the Kitchen Table and were very much looking forward to our evening. Two days later, the private dining coordinator, Ruthann Gagnon called to tell us that she made a mistake, and that the Kitchen Table was not available. A restaurant of this caliber should not make such a mistake in the first place, even worse to take two days to notice the mistake. It seems more likely that we just got bumped for 'important' people. Ruthann did reserve a private dining room for us at TRU's sister restaurant, a seafood place, but the room was not at all what we had in mind - can't see the kitchen, have to sit at floor level, etc. So we made arrangements elsewhere for our anniversary dinner. Extremely disappointing.
(2)Andrew F.
Maybe a bit past it's prime of a few years ago, but still an excellent choice in the Windy City. Food presentation is a stand-out.
(4)George D.
I was given a bunch of Lettuce Entertain You gift cards recently, and I decided the right way to use them was to burn them all in a blaze of glory. So that's how my girlfriend and I ended up at Tru on a random Thursday night, celebrating nothing in particular. Now though, I wish I'd split them up and gone with a couple free dinners at Cafe-Ba-Ba-Reeba or Mon Ami Gabi. Or maybe even five free dinners at RJ Grunts. The night started off great-- sitting in an SUV parked right outside the restaurant were Heather Graham and the guy who played Vern in Stand By Me. I'm not sure if that's a permanent gig for them, or what, but I really appreciated the effort Tru made to make the night seem special. Anyway, Tru gets a big A+ for service. All your needs are accounted for, and every function the staff performs is choreographed to perfection. Because of the professionalism of their servers, Tru absolutely shines when it comes to things like the cheese course and the wine list. Our server could speak at length about every bottle of wine I mentioned, and the doling out of cheeses is a ten minute experience in which you learn about things like vegetable ash and it's ability to pull the moisture out of goat cheese. Where Tru does NOT shine is the food. I don't want to be misunderstood-- it's not that I thought any of the food was bad... in fact, everything we had was very good. But make no mistake, this is one of the most expensive restaurants in the city. At this price point, you're not looking for a good dinner, you're expecting culinary artistry. And the flavors here just don't meet the expectation. We both had the Chef's Collection, a 9-course tour of the chef's abilities. It's only about 12 hours after we left the restaurant, and I'm having trouble remembering most of the courses we had. Am I being incredibly hard on Tru? Absolutely. But when dinner approaches $500 for two people, a restaurant should be held to the highest standard. At Alinea, for instance, each of the 12 courses you're served is like a revelation. You find yourself amazed at the genius of the chef, as he combines three and sometimes four distinct flavors into a perfectly balanced single bite of food. Tru, quite frankly, is just not as good. And I may not be the only one who thinks so... We made our reservation only seven days in advance. Alinea or Trotter's would have been impossible on that little notice. But even though Tru appeared to only have half of the seating area open on the weeknight we were there, we were still able to get in at 7:15.
(3)Steven M.
I thought that I hit the pinnacle of my dining career when I ate at Everest. Ah, No. This was the best vacation that I have ever taken away from the real world. Where do I start? When you walk in through the black curtains and they seat you by name. Or when they poured the water into our glasses, it took two servers. When they gave us our menu's they had Happy Anniversary Don and Steve at the top. The sommelier recommended a bottle of wine that was 100 bucks. No problem, it was very good. But when I saw another bottle go by, and they have quite and extensive list it made me feel had. So for my second try I shot from the hip and ordered a Spanish wine, Dei La Leda. It was 50 bucks and she smiled and told me that she wouldn't be mad for making my own selection because it was a very good choice. And it was better than the first. We started with prime beef tartare, grilled diver sea scallops, avocado green-apple salad and nantucket bay scallops. I can't tell you how much flavor came out of such small portions. They also gave us pumpernickel bread that was delicious. We both had the butter poached maine lobster with white asparagus bisque, orange, almond. I don't think I need to say anymore about that. They bring around a cheese cart when your finished with your main course. Then the dessert menu. My only complaint was the souffle' took 30 minutes. The Everest asked if you want it to order it at the begining of your meal. Yes I wanted it, but I had been there for two and a half hours already. After desert they came out twice with homemade candies that you would kill for. And to top it off they had a torte with our names and anniversary scrolled in frosting on the plate. The Startrak kitchen door was great entertainment. Every time it opened the servers would come out in a straight line and attack your table from every angle. The decor is non existent. Everything that you need to look at is on your plate. I don't know what could have made the night any better. If you ever need to get away from what the world has been flingin at you for a couple of hours, this place will make you forget about it all. This is my new favorite restaurant.
(5)Eric H.
Technically there was nothing flawed about our experience - there was just nothing exceptional about it either. The service was excellent. But the rigidness of our meals coupled with the unoriginal banality of our food left me contemplating the let down in value moreso than anything. I found the atmosphere to be stiff and pretentious rather than elegant and inspired. The requirement for us to elect the same tasting menu made our dining monotonous. I recollect most courses being predictable and 2 dimensional. For instance, my peeky-toe crab salad tasted of black pepper, watery shell fish, and mayonnaise. My most delectable food - a caviar flight and a bottle of Flowers - was prepackaged and required supplements. In my opinion Tru caters well to traditional-styled executives with parochial tastes. For the same cost, I would much rather opt for 2 meals at most other Chicago 1-star Michelin restaurants or a meal at a more highly rated venue.
(3)David W.
It works. The atmosphere, detail in service, polished food, as a whole, it works. The wife was impressed with the chair for her purse, I think the replacing of your napkin while you are at the restroom is borderline unnecessary, but from the valet, amuse bouche, polished food and dessert to the little cake (that takes three days to make) they give you to take home to have next morning with your coffee... Everything is thought out... Go on your birthday, they print a menu with a special message. The wife and I have even been just for the dessert only sitting. I think you are allow to book it after 10:30pm or 11pm. We usually goto a play/show or opera, and head there for a late night dessert. Couple a glass or two of champagne with Gand's dessert tasting is the perfect way to end date night.
(5)Eric F.
Tru is ballet for food. If you have a chance to dine at Tru, go. At first I felt a little silly -- are they serious about this performance they put on? It's just food. I even laughed once. But if you just get into it and accept it for what it is (part food, part performance), you'll have a ball. My only regret is that we didn't spring for the caviar staircase.
(5)Andrea V.
Tru was just not up to what it should have been. The service was excellent, if a little cold. But the food was not up to snuff for a place like this. When I'm spending $250+ per person, I want to be blown away by the chef's creativity and have a wonderful memory to hold me until I can dine at another super high-end restaurant (which is infrequent, but I have been to several so I know what to expect). Some of the dishes weren't just boring, they were actually bad. If you really want to go, I suggest the dessert tasting. The desserts were wonderful and amazing and didn't disappoint a bit.
(3)Tom C.
All I can say is 'Wow". This place is hands-down the best place I have ever been to.
(5)Jennifer G.
This restaurant does not deserve the good reviews it is given in Zagat. The atmosphere is cold to the point of being almost sterile, the service is haughty and the food is only so-so. It does not compare with Nomi, Trotters, Les Nomades, Spring or even North Pond. Seriously, we have been there for dinner three times - only once by choice - and it is totally not worth its 28 food, 27 decor, or 28 service rating by Zagat. Do not waste your time or money.
(3)Cassie F.
This place was absolutely amazing! The food was beautiful and delicious. Plus the wait staff is knowledgeable and courteous. I felt so well taken care of that I left close to a 50% tip. An enjoyable experience for a dinner that should take a couple hours. A fair warning though, expect to pay about $100 a head, but it is WORTH IT!
(5)Ace G.
As a graduate student, Tru is not a restaurant that I would get the privilege to frequent often, but a series of happenstance allowed me the opportunity to celebrate a birthday there, and it became a birthday to remember. The food is world class and the service is simply outstanding. My mother, who was treating me, and I were treated as royalty. Every maneuver from the staff was synchronized and choreographed perfectly. Their talent and passion deserve recognition. The food was second to none. Despite the grad student income, I've had the luck and privilege of eating extremely well. I can say without a shadow of a doubt that the non-traditional / contemporary menu served by the chef hit the mark. Every protein came out perfect. The flavors were layered, and the textures of the ingredients worked in harmony. The entire experience lasted perhaps three hours, and we were stuffed by the time we left. Because the menu is always changing, I highly recommend beginning the night with vodka and caviar. And try a couple of cheeses before dessert. Otherwise, like I was saying, this is an experience, so be prepared to settle in for the evening and allow yourself to be spoiled.
(5)Chris S.
The food is great! Went with 2 cousins and opted for the Pre Fixe menu. Everything was delicious, the different layers of flavors, textures and everything on par. The service was great, choreographed and almost comical at one point. It was nice to see the time and precision they put into the dining experience there. There was only a few other people in the restaurant at the time we went and it was almost too quiet/awkward but after some wine we didn't notice anymore.
(4)Matthew M.
WOW! WOW! WOW! I am blown away! At Tru you are not just paying for the food but for the experience! Went here with the boss who paid for all of us, thank goodness as I would hate to see the bill! I have never be treated like royalty and it was almost comical to the point of making me wonder just what kind of job interview it takes to work at a place like this! Everything and I mean everything is choreographed! No need to pull back your chair when you sit---that will be done for you---all of the gals together, and then all of the guys---TOGETHER. Napkins on your lap---all together now! Need something to drink? Here comes the water poured into our glasses, and did I say synchronized to a tee???---all the gals together, and then all of the guys. Unreal! Let's just say that the food was 5 star. Chicago, you really know how to impress! Having been to restaurants all over the world I'm happy to call you my new home!
(5)N D.
Wow what an experience! Everything from start to end was impeccable. The service was amazing and although it was fast, you never feel rushed. We did the eight course menu with the wine pairings. The pairings were well selected and were a nice touch to the already great food. If back in Chicago I will definitely try to come back to this restaurant.
(5)Adam K.
A culinary experience that is simply divine. Beats every other high end place in the city. Puts Alinea, Next, Everest, Moto and others to shame. Everything about Tru is perfect. From the moment you walk in, you know you're in for an experience that's different. I like that a jacket is required. It automatically classes up the place and puts you in a different state of mind. The food is spectacular and the wine list is nothing short of robust. If you can only eat at 1 upscale place in Chicago, this is the one.
(5)Steve A.
I've been to Tru four times over a period of seven years, and I think it is the most variable restaurant I've ver been to. One time I'll have a three Michelin star experience, the next I can't imagine what they were thinking. On my first visit, every aspect of the food and service was perfect. Upon returning a year later, virtually every one of nine courses was a saucer of goo. A couple years after that we returned to have one of the most visually stunning meals I've had anywhere, accompanied by perfect (and not stiff) service. But my most recent visit was again a disappointment. Aside from a couple of minor elements (walnut bread with the optional cheese course) nothing stood out gastronomically, and the service was stiff even though it was a quiet night. Worst of all was our inability to keep our wine glasses filled with the two expensive Burgundies we ordered. The sommelier placed them on the far side of the room, and then disappeared for fifteen minutes at a stretch. We finally took to just asking passing waiters to refill our glasses. After the third such time, you'd think someone would have taken the hint. I'm sorry if this seems petty, but when you're spending over $1000 on a dinner for three people, the food and service need to be home runs. I'm sure I'll try Tru again, but I'm going to give them a few years to go through another revolution.
(4)Valerie J.
Ok, when we were here 6 years ago, this was a restaurant to be reckoned with. Tramonto was at the helm and, while some of his dishes were a bit out there, he was really crushing it. This past weekend, my husband was throwing out ideas for a date night and when he suggested Tru, I jumped on it. Unfortunately I didn't check yelp first to see how far it had fallen. The service was a bit odd - as if the staff were uncertain of themselves, or that many were training still. The sommelier was excellent and knowledgeable. I agree that he tended toward sweet whites, but I still thought most of the wines he chose were very good. What wasn't good? Almost everything else. The star of the night was the foie gras mousse encapsulated in sugar. Fantastic! It tasted divine and was plated beautifully with a slice of blood orange and gorgeous flowers. The only other course of note was the morel dish. I should state that the amuse bouche failed to amuse at all. I think there should be a rule that if the amuse bouche is disappointing - you just get up and leave. Everything else suffered from lack of creativity, or lack of cohesion - sometimes both. Also, since when does fine dining involve serving different breads and butter with each plate? That was, to us, ridiculous. Furthermore, the savory dishes, such as the ribeye (which was bland and somewhat tough) and the halibut (which was boring, plain, and served in far too buttery a broth) were entirely unimaginative and felt like fillers. The pea soup with salmon confit would have been boring, aside from the salmon being overwhelming. The ramp soup with rice was decent, as was the wheatberry dish... but for this caliber of restaurant (or what it used to be) and the price point, these shouldn't even have been memorable. They only were because everything else was so disappointing. The frozen cider topped with warm tea also just didn't work at all as a dish. Tru really needs to get its act together... Or it isn't going to be on the scene for that much longer. Even the floors seemed like they haven't been kept up well. I know, a weird statement, but something I noticed. To see how far they've fallen, at least in my opinion, see my previous review.
(1)Brian B.
TRU is truly an amazing dining experience! Service and food was excellent throughout the evening. Not many restaurants have the service so synchronized, for example they would pour water for all the women at once and then for all the men. All the plates come down to the table in a similar manner. Very impressive training and etiquette. To start the meal, my bottle of Lewis 2011 Napa cabernet was decanted over candle light. Then the courses began. I will describe those which were highlights through the meal and excited the senses. English pea soup with cured salmon and bacon. The salmon was cooked slow and low till it was as soft and flavorful as could be. Best mushroom dish and presentation I've ever had. Morels and toasted pecans topped with sunflower sprouts. Served on a wooden plate made to represent the forest. Sea urchin (uni) and two kinds of caviar - one cured with special salts - on a lobster flan base with Egyptian star flower garnish. The saltier of the two caviars was the most enjoyable with all the flavored combined together. The scallop topped with an abundance of shaved black truffles and cured Japanese plums smelled and tasted delicious. Can't go wrong with a lot of truffles! The texture and savory flavors truly made this one of the best courses of the meal. The halibut arrived on one of the coolest plated I've ever seen - it could have been used as a decoration. The fish was cooked to an excellent texture, soft on the inside and crispy on top. Ribeye was cooked perfectly sous vide and seared with sunchoke two ways - one crispy and one creamy. Flavors and textures worked well together to add some sweetness to the saltiness of the steak. One of the desserts came on a bed of confetti with liquid nitrogen oozing out of the dish, quite impressive and made for a fun conclusion. A tour at the end of the night of the kitchen capped off an excellent evening. I closed the restaurant down. Great staff at all levels of service. The entire meal was enjoyable and service was superb throughout. I will certainly recommend this meal to others and return again in the future!
(5)Julia Z.
wonderful experience! wonderful service and nice ambience. The begging course is little bit weired，but the main course,black winter truffle tart and Kobe beef is really great! And the side dish,some bread and butter is great toï¼
(4)Shahzad S.
One would usually find such a progressing French restaurant in London or well, in Paris but the one in Chicago offers a gastronomic flare that's a rave! Try the 12 course tasting.
(4)J L.
I took my boyfriend to Tru for his birthday and had everything prearranged from the menu to the champagne through Apatcha, who I believe is the manager at Tru restaurant. She helped me through the whole planning process so that my boyfriend would never have to even see the check. They had pre-printed menus with his name on it saying, "Happy Birthday," and even gave him a card at the end of the meal with a special note from me. The service was spectacular and so synchronized in timing! The dishes were all very well thought out and the presentation was fantastic. The champagne was great and the cheese selection was even better. It was both our first experience at a Michelin star restaurant and we could both see why this restaurant had received it's star. We will definitely be going back but probably in a year because it is definitely pricey but worth it! Thank you so much! It was a wonderful experience that I will look back to for years to come!
(5)Dawn T.
Tl;dr version: INCREDIBLE food, ambiance and service.. Whatever you do, get the foie gras and muscovy duck!!! See below for detailed review! ----- Husband and I planned a quick weekend trip to Chicago to celebrate our first wedding anniversary. My main concern for the trip? Which of Chicago's numerous Michelin star rated restaurants would we be having dinner at, of course! I am so happy we ended up choosing Tru. Ambiance: Great atmosphere for a special dinner. The restaurant is elegant and modern. Tables are spaced far enough apart so that you have your own space and privacy. Service: Amazing, as all the previous reviews have already mentioned. Yes, they really do pour your water and bring out your dishes in unison. We had several different servers come by throughout the course of our meal and they were all attentive, knowledgeable, and professional without being snooty or stuffy. [Side note: you're offered the choice of a black or white napkin. For the love of gosh, if you're wearing dark attire, choose the black napkin!!] Drinks: Extremely extensive wine list. We started off with some delicious rose champagne to celebrate and also had a bottle of pinot noir per recommendation of our server. Both were great. Now, onto the FOOD! We ordered from the prix-fixe menu. Our menus had "Happy Anniversary" printed at the top and we were given a copy to take home. Such a lovely touch! Amuse bouche: - Yellow sweet corn + black truffle: Good! Perfect little teaser to start out with. First course: - Array of river salmon: Husband's choice. The presentation of this dish is absolutely spectacular. Salmon is placed on a plate of beautiful, smooth river rocks with dry ice creating the effect of a river. I tried a little bit and the salmon was flavorful and fresh. - Seared foie gras, yellow peach, gem lettuce, pecan: I flipping love foie gras and of course, Tru's is phenomenal. The foie gras was melt-in-your mouth amazing. The peach and pecans it was paired with created the most perfect bites. Main course: - Whole roasted muscovy duck, caramelized belgium endive, quince + ginger chutney: There are three offers for your main course. The muscovy duck is served for two people so do WHATEVER YOU CAN to convince your dining partner to agree to this dish!! I really enjoy duck and this dish is the hands-down best duck dish I have ever had. I am so glad our server recommended this. He told us that the chef has partnered with a farm in upstate New York that raises muscovy ducks SOLELY for the purpose of this dish. If that doesn't convince you....I don't even know what else to say! The duck was juicy, tender, and cooked perfectly. The skin was crispy and the seasoning blend on top was ridiculously good. Endive and chutney were perfect with it. Mint + verjus, grape, consommé: Light and refreshing. Dessert: - Campfire of s'more: Delicious! Chef's play on s'mores definitely did not disappoint. We also received another small dessert plate with an assortment of sweets, compliments of the chef, along with a mini cupcake with a candle for our anniversary. Such sweet touches that were very much appreciated. Tru is a splurge meal but I wouldn't hesitate to come here again for a special occasion. This place is the whole package from food to service to atmosphere. It was quite honestly, one of the best meals I've ever had. Thank you, Tru, for making our first anniversary dinner absolute perfection!
(5)Alex C.
Tru is an incredible experience. They fully deserve their coveted 1 Michelin star rating - in fact, I think Tru is more in line with some of the 2 Michelin star restaurants I've been to (but hey, Michelin's not asking me). Michelin defines a 1 star restaurant as "A good place to stop on your journey, indicating a very good restaurant in its category, offering cuisine prepared to a consistently high standard." To me, Tru is a little more of a destination than that. I've been here 3 times, and every single time, the food and service has been flawless. I'm not going to list everything I've had here, because that'd take too long. But I have attached pictures of everything below for you to feast your eyes on. Suffice it to say, Tru's food, service, and attention to detail make it worth a visit (or multiple visits). I love places like this: you can entrust the executive chef to reimagine classics in a new, delicious way, introduce you to incredible new foods that you'd never thought you'd try/like, and present food and ingredients at their finest. You can go to Tru confident that you're getting outstanding cuisine - Truly some of the best in its class.
(5)Nita Hanqing W.
Yesterday, my friends and I had dinner in TRU at 6pm. Since my friends will leave for China in just few weeks and may not come back in a short term, we did a lot of researches for Michelin restaurants before we booked our dinner in TRU. According to the reviews and comments from yelp, we were very looking forward to this meal. We arrived there at around 5:50. The receptionist lead us to our table and the server got us some drinks including sparkling water, a coconut mixture and champion. The champion was good. Tasted very fruity, a fantastic women drink; my friend had a glass of coconut mixture. It's hard to tell what other ingredients they use in the drink besides coconut. It tasted weird, like coconut water mixed with some kinds of seasonings. It was not a good experience. Speaking of the dishes we had last night, there were both merits and demerits. Before we tried TRU, we had a great experience in Grace. They have similar reputation on Yelp, score 4.5/5, despite one is Michelin 3 star while the other is not. We all had the full menu with duck for the main course which cost $40 each additionally. For the appetizers, I like the smoked salmon steeped in a green soup. The salmon was tender and flavored, and the soup was good if you had some roe with it, it will give you a different taste for both the roes and soup. For the main course, we all had duck because it seemed like the duck was the speciality in this season. It looked brilliant when they showed the whole duck we would had for main course. When the duck was up, it smelled so good that aroused my sense of hunger. The skin was crispy and tasty but honestly I don't like the meat. The meat was raw and it had a special taste that only poultry had it. It's hard for us to eat it up. This Michelin star restaurant experience is not good or bad but it has been a deliberation for us to give it another try.
(3)DeeMarie W.
We had the most wonderful culinary experience of my life (so far)! The service is impeccable!! First we were greeted at the door by our party name. He took our pictures when asked and made suggestions where to be photographed at. When seated, we all received a purse stool ( how cool is that! ) we had 3 waiters for our table that gave us their full attention. Also if you got up, they were right there to help you get seated again. Unbelievable!! The food was amazing, flavors I never experienced. I enjoyed everything I tasted, especially the duck! Wow the duck! Amazing!! So so flavorful!! Wonderful!! Can I say it again, I loved the duck. Lol!! We did the pre fix menu and got several extras compliments of the chef! Wow!! When we were ready to leave, they had a car ready, we received a special packaged treat, again compliments of the chef! Lastly we got to meet chef Anthony Martin himself. We felt special! Amazing place!!
(5)Diego C.
I visited TRU for my birthday a few days ago, chose to trust their 1-star michelin rating and enjoy a fancy dinner there. The place is quiet, sophisticated, refined and elegant. Men are even required to wear a jacket! They have spare jackets for men not wearing one, which I found funny. The waiters are all very polite, sometimes even a little too exaggerated on their concierge-like attitude, but overall pleasant and discrete. Their menu offers 3 fixed-priced options: 3 courses, 7 courses and 10 courses (plus amuse bouche, sorbet, etc). We chose the 3-course option and we're not disappointed: portions are relatively larger than on the tasting menus so we were served sufficient food (regular concern on these type if restaurants). Their plates had a very nice presentation, dishes had very interesting and original flavors and portions were just right. We had an overall very pleasant experience, however I did not rate it with 5 stars because, for the price paid and michelin rating, I did expect a little more. Nonetheless, it was definitely worth the visit and would agree on paying TRU another visit once the summer menu changes.
(4)Summer X.
Surprised that there was only about 10 tables that night, given the great food it offers. I believe a restaurant like this will be filled up with people every night in new york. I was satisfied with every single course. With a bit innovative ideas in the starters, like the kiwi one. I had duck for the main course. It tastes a lot like the one in Eleven Madison Park in new york, which is a michelin 3 star. The side dish came with the duck (i don't remember what they called this) was very delicious, more kind of oriental taste of duck. The desserts were not impressive, but not bad overall!
(5)Douglas B.
What else can be said about this place that has not been said yet. One of the few Michelin-starred locations that I have been to and with good reason. Wifey and I came here to celebrate her birthday a couple years ago (excuse my late review). The service from getting there, being greeted, sitting down, eating and leaving was all top notch and consistent. The service here was impeccable. We were greeted welcomed and seated right away. The dining room is a beautiful limited seating so makes for great ambiance and the ability to actually have a conversation. We had a nice custom menu printed with our names and especially my wife's name with a happy birthday message on it, nice touch. And we got to take them home a small memento. Our Maitre d' was great, he was helpful in making sure we got exactly wanted that evening. We had great bottle of wine that was recommended to us by a very knowledgeable sommelier, he was very helpful and a pleasure to chat with. We did the full TRU 15 course experience and I am happy we did. The waiters that brought out the food were all on point, everything was brought out with great timing and never a step behind. They were very knowledgeable about the food and made sure we were satisfied with every course. Food... plain amazing. Every single course was well thought out, delicious, beautiful presentation. I enjoyed every single bite I honestly thought I was going to walk out of there hungry.. boy was I wrong! I was stuffed by the end of that amazing meal. Our experience also consisted of a selection of great cheeses and caviar. I had to try a few of the cheeses, they all looked so tasty. Finally dinner came to an end with a beautiful tower of various desserts! There were bites of heaven every single one! There were so many courses, so many presentations... i could go on about every single one... you have to just go there. Its a great place, great service it was just an overall great experience. I loved it and had one of the best meals of my life there! Do it!!
(5)Stuart M.
Went here awhile ago on a trip and forgot to write a review. Food was terrific but atmosphere was stuffy and the waiter mumbled through the menu as if he was the baron of long tooth. 1k dinner that leaves you hungry and uncomfortable...Just not my kind of place.
(2)Geoff M.
We came from Hawaii For our Daughter's Grad from Columbia College. Everything was perfect!!!!! Service was orchestrated perfectly We were shown much Aloha from the Staff and found them all to be engaging and interested It was awesome to tour the kitchen & chat with the Chef Food was amazing and we loved the Spring Citrus Menu (we had more than enough & left content) Wine Pairing was amazing The 3 hour experience so much fun!!!!!!!! When we come back to Chicago in a couple of years for Master's Graduation Tru will be our go to place. Aloha, Geoff,Lehua,Hannah,Anna
(5)Mehran F.
Low value. A bit stuffy. Good enough food but I have had a lot better, and cheaper. Went to Tru with my wife and gorgeous 11 year old son. Ordered tasting menu. A couple of glasses of lower ranked wine. Bill was around 595 + 145$ tip right at $740. $20 valet. Not worth it. Comparing with other meals I have had at L2O and certainly Alinea, I felt it was a bit waste of money. Some of the dishes were good, like the scallop, short rib, and venison. Others OK. Deserts absolutely nothing to write home about. Not bad. Not impressive. The cheese plate reminded me of all the stuff i can get at whole foods. All servers seemed very nice; distant for the most part but good. Emily, the reservationist: high mark. Ratings: Food 7/10 Desert 3/10 Service 8/10 Ambience 7/10 Value 2 or 3/10
(3)Rachel L.
I think I've found my one Tru north! ...Okay, that was corny, so let's move on. To corn. Specifically, the yellow sweet corn with black truffle, which was the first of three small bites that arrived at our table following our decision to try the "Tru Experience" menu. From the moment that spoon touched my lips, I knew I was in for an exciting ride, but even then, I had yet to realize that over the next three hours, I'd be experiencing a meal that competes with all the three Michelin star restaurants I've dined at around the world. I won't taunt you with the specifics of what we ate because the menu seems to change with some frequency. However, I will say that each course was plated exquisitely, as though a painter had taken his brush to our plates. Though ruining each masterpiece in favor of eating it seemed a bit like sacrilege, we could hesitate for only a moment before unceremoniously devouring every last bite, leaving our tastebuds in a fantastic nirvana-like state. Not to be outdone by the food quality and presentation, the waitstaff went above and beyond, then above again. Besides being quite amicable, they really paid attention to the details, both large and small. Yes, they were consistent about refilling my water glass - and I'm a sponge, so that is no easy task. They also refolded our napkins whenever we stood up, served each dish in perfect unison, and when we mentioned in passing that we were sorry our set menu didn't include the campfire of s'mores, our waiter brought out the chocolatey, marshmallowy dessert in addition to the perfectly tart diverse berries, black pepper, and nasturtium on our table d'hôte. To part, a little-known fact about me: Following a fine dining experience, I always wonder what I'm going to eat for breakfast the next day that won't be a gastronomic disappointment. I think we all want the best experiences in life to linger, and this one surely did... On our way out the door, the maître d' handed us each a small bag of almond mini cakes. And that, my friends, is how you knock someone off their feet without so much as touching them!
(5)Jason A.
I put a lot of thought into this review, bouncing from a 3 to 4 stars. Ultimately the decor and cost, outweighed the service and food. The set up is a bit too modern for my taste, modern elegance. Its also way too formal, anywhere I have to dress up to pay them money, always gets me in a mood. The atmosphere is big and plain, lots of white, but stuffy. There isn't much to gaze upon, however, the two story windows are mammoth and caught my attention a few times. Service was prompt and knowledgeable and they did all the little things like making our anniversary special with an extra dessert and mentioning it several times. The servers knew the ingredients of the dishes, but didn't show any personality. Too statuesque for my liking. Nor did they show any personality when asking about preferences on dish choices, have an opinion please. The courses were mostly well thought out and executed. The only real misses for me were the 1 stalk of asparagus and last savory course. I didn't get the choice of wheat berry after the duck, its just not something I'd want to to eat, despite an interesting flavor. Lastly, when I have French food, I want real foie, a big ole piece. We got an encapsulated mousse, while good, wasn't what I wanted. Bring me back to France. The morel dish was fabulous, and the duck was succulent and filling. The food, despite being a little too straightforward and classical to me, was great. I'd like to have seen a little more imagination. The portions were nice, I walked away full. Dessert was too plain. Your choices are apple pie or chocolate mousse. They must have changed pastries chefs because I've had several people tell me how innovative the desserts are. Its a let down to the meal after the duck. Luckily the truffle finish was amazing. The wine pairings were quite excellent. You could tell they were well thought out and complimented the dishes. If you don't want wine, there are cocktails but I wasn't too excited about the selections. Despite the excellent wines, the pours were very small and did not present a good value at $125. I could have gotten 5 glasses of wine for that price, and got 5 time as much alcohol, more than enough to light me up or split between 2 or more people. Despite all these positives, Tru is a once in a life time special event dining experience due to the ridiculous prices. I would not spend $700 again to eat here, when I can go to 42 Grams, El Ideas, Schwa, Elizabeth etc etc etc for $300-$400. To upcharge $80 to get their signature duck dish, is just a bait and switch to me. I knew about the surcharge coming in, but for the value, it should be included in the main pairing price. I had a fun time, had a couple very memorable dishes, but its to expensive for what it is and thus cannot recommend.
(3)Raul S.
Went here on a work dinner, I knew it would be good but it was a really great experience. If u have the time it's worth the most money, I will finish this review soon.
(5)Young K.
You can really love or hate this place. If you dine out often, you will love this restaurant with the open space the atmosphere provides and the comfortable service that the Staff of TRU brings to the table especially when you begin ordering high quality chardonnays and Grand Cru Burgundies. I enjoyed this restaurant. It's TRUe that nothing feels new, but this is where they perfected the usual and where you feel at home. Our menu was 9 courses long with three or four options. All options were upgrades which is a pain in the rear because it does feel like they are chipping away at your wallet wherever they can like an escort for Senators with all their "extras". In today's price fixe, there should be no supplements... If you are going to serve caviar, serve caviar AND if you wanna serve Truffles or Foie Grois, serve it! Don't give supplement options, just raise the price fixe price. Diners today have No time and little patience for games. I found the perfect pair of red and white wines on their list, but The Wine List did not impress me because I am a wine collector and always looking for the value wine. Their Champagne selection needed a little help, their Napa Cabs were too overpriced and without even going to Italy, their Bordeaux collection was straight on par pathetic. Even so, they had a limited Burgundy list that still met the requirements of minimum. The Burgs too came with heavy price tags but if you were willing to pay, you can find bottles of Burgundies with the right Restau Price tag unlike their horrific Napa Selections. If you know Burgundies, you know that they quickly get pricey with quality. We ended up enjoying a bottle of 2004 Domaine Dujac Clos De La Roche for $379 and a 2010 Aubert Lauren Vineyard for $239 or so. The Dujac Clos De La Roche was priced right and a perfect vintage for the occasion. Overall a fantastic experience for me. Very New York City in style which is my preference. Like I said, if you dine often in high end restaurants, you don't wanna eat a balloon or sweets off of a table. You just wanna eat a good flavored meal with exceptional service in an environment that is super plush and comfortable; and that is exactly how I felt at TRU, like Welcome Home where nothing was a problem.
(5)Ali C.
Extraordinary service in a beautiful extravagant setting. Excellent foie gras and synchronized service. Food flavors are amazing and somewhat unusual. My favorite items were the dessert flavors - the valrhona chocolate with spearmint ice cream was out of this world.
(4)Eric B.
One of the nicest meals I've ever had. I suprised the wife with a birthday dinner with some friends and they even made custom menus that we were able to keep. It is pricey but I feel that it is far worth it. Some of the best service I've had or ever seen. Syncronized plate displays with the women going first, men second; cheese tastings that will blow you away, and a wine list that goes on for days. Every single dish was unique, carefully thought out, and the overall experience was amazing. Couldn't reccomend it enough. Expensive but worth it.
(5)Tammy T.
First class service for sure ! I felt like I was being served by the secret service ! Overall great food . Fine dining at its best. The menu is fixed . Guys if you want to impress a girl , this is the place !
(5)Robyn C.
I waited to write my review so that I can compare it to another restaurant - Alinea. Is it fair to compare? Price wise yes - Alinea is more expensive, but not that much more expensive so I feel like they can by lumped together in the "Did I really just spend over $500 on food" category. The only thing that Tru trumps over Alinea is their synchronized food serving. We had a table of 4, so 4 servers would come a put our plates of food down at the exact same time and sweep around us in a circle like a dance. That was nice and added to the service a lot. Overall food was amazing except for one thing that still kind of pisses me off to this day. We paid an extra like $120 for a whole roasted muscovy duck to be divided among the table. They brought out the duck to show it and then cut it up in the back and made two dishes out of it. Granted, those two dishes were fantastic, but where was the rest of the duck? If I pay that much for something extra.. I want to eat every part of it down to the bone and yet we were served like 1/3 of it. What a waste! If they boxed up the rest that would have been awesome, but imagine paying extra money for only about 5 bites. It felt like a complete waste of money and I would not do it again. The experience was nice, but atmosphere was kind of stuffy. It makes you feel like you can't laugh and have fun (even though we did). It's the kind of place where you have to sit up straight and eat your soup properly with the soup spoon back facing you and scooping up instead down and towards you. Alinea, I felt like I could be myself, no one would care. I could slouch back into the couch, and it wouldn't be a big deal. There wasn't music, but everyone was being loud and talking a lot and having a great time. I could even eat with my hands and it would be okay... So if I am going to pay this much money, I would rather pay a bit more to have a more impressive laid back experience over a stiff, eat properly, elegant one...
(3)Rich B.
There's a real wonderful over-the-top chicago-ness insanity about the place. Being from NYC, the first thing I noticed was how spacious the place was. Perfect for a dinner with good friends who want to chat and not disturb people right next to you. The service was impeccable. We did the tasting menu. The chef has fun with the plating (or lack there of - was that one dish served on a rock?) and the visual style of these dishes. Playful. Elegant. There was a small green salad on the tasting menu the night we were there which was outstanding. I should have asked exactly what the greens were because everyone at the table agreed that it was unlike any salad we'd had before (the star was the greens, not the toppings). Grown up. Wear a tie and bring your expense account. Wine list has everything you'd ever need and then some.
(5)Venice C.
It's quite sad sometimes how customer service ruins it all. We came here for my husband's birthday last November. I must explain that everything was great until we discovered that they had our car TOWED while we valeted our car with them. This is really understandable in Chicago in the city.. however I was disappointed by how they handled the matter. If you ever had the feeling that the waiters are just so nice to you to the point you wonder if they are saying stuff behind your back, that is how we felt. I must say, food was exquisite, service was expectedly good when we dined. Nothing to complain with the food, but the way they handle issues. Before we got our check, the valet guys came in and told us that our car key was not responding. Perhaps the battery died, they suggested. We got the check, got our coats, the manger even talked to us and thanked us. NOT UNTIL WE STEP OUT OF THE RESTAURANT, the manager tried to tell us the car was towed, he said "I am hoping this is the case" meaning that he wishes it is not stolen. Manager asked us to go with the valet guys to the towing pounding area to fetch our car. It was such a mess. And it's late at night you can imagine. I had to say I was rather disappointed that such a nice restaurant would hire such bad valet service. Well, it is really okay if you can handle it well. We called the manager right after we spent 2 hours getting the car back from the pounding area. Told him that we are disappointed. He said he will call us back in the future to explain, apologize, or whatever he meant. Instead he just NEVER called us back. Till now. Such a disappointment. I cannot prevent from thinking that they do not care about anything about customer service once you paid the bill. Sorry. Never ever coming back again. I guess they would not even mind us coming back or not in the first case. We are from California, now residing here in Chicago. I must say place like Addison from the Grand Del Mar, or any Michelin star restaurants we've visited were way more professional in handling issues than this place. I never write reviews, and this just flickers my mind too much that I have to share.
(2)Kathy S.
Do not go there if you like to eat, because you can spend there 3 hours and leave hungry. Very small portions, but the food was good. Everyone around you is a snob, and it's hard to fine even one person smiling.
(3)Fei W.
The service was impeccable and the food was good, with the exception of the white asparagus baked in salt. I won't detail the courses as it's available online, but the white asparagus happens somewhere in the middle. This dish was like sucking on a salt block. Very unpleasant and it felt like it pickled my mouth. Being in the middle, it tainted every savory course after as well. Fortunately the dessert courses were a great contrast and possibly made more delicious. Besides the English peas in frost, strawberry, mint dish. That one was too much gastronomy, not enough flavor. As an aside, I made reservations here for an out-of-town friend's visit without noticing that the attire was jackets required for gentleman. Oops. Cue music: I wear your granddad's clothes I look incredible I'm in this big ass coat From that thrift shop down the road Yup, that happened. I have a men's suit jacket from a thrift shop that was left by a random male visitor. For some reason, I kept it in my closet and boy did it come in handy. The jacket was ill-fitting, and clearly too big for my friend. Despite that, everyone there treated us extremely well. The service was attentive, polite, and surprisingly not overly serious. If it hadn't been for the course that was a tribute to saltlicks, this place would've been a solid 4 star.
(3)Jane W.
Tru has been on my official "Restaurants I REALLY want to go to but I'll be broke after" list for quite a while. I checked Alinea off that list last year for my birthday, and thought it would only be appropriate to visit another for my birthday this year. The restaurant front is unassuming and rather easy to miss, but once you step inside, you're in a very modern, classy, intimate setting. There are several courses to choose from, but I decided to go with the Tru experience ($158 per person). Service, as expected, was phenomenal. They offer you a choice of black or white cloth napkins (don't want white fuzz on a black dress!) and they have a big group of servers going around to make sure plates are served, explained, and cleared (you get new silverware for every course). Everyone was very knowledgable about the food and very polite. I had several people tell me happy birthday, and I even got a little extra dessert. Onto the food: the Tru experience comes with 11 courses, and most were fantastic. 1. Trio of plates (pear/fennel, sorrel/buttermilk, foie gras/honeycrisp apple). The first two of the trio, I did not like. The flavors were rather herbal and almost unpleasant, but the foie gras selection was good. 2. Another trio (main diver scallop/yuzu, caviar/sea urchin, beef/white truffle). Absolutely amazing. The scallops were so fresh and the citrusy flavors of the yuzu really complemented the raw seafood. The caviar/sea urchin was so creamy and the flavors were intense. The beef tartare was amazing as well - tender but with enough texture so it wasn't too slimy. One of my favorite courses! 3. Lite sunchoke, trout roe, oxalis: To be entirely honest, I don't remember loving or hating this dish. Nothing to say. 4. Langoustine: So good. The langoustine itself comes in a fish-bowl-esque jar with smoking juniper. The cabbage on the bottom of the plate really soaked up the flavors of the broth, and this was definitely one of my favorites. 5. Wagyu beef short rib: You have not tried amazing beef until you have tried this dish. Fall apart, absolutely the most tender, flavorful piece of meat I have ever had. Presentation was especially beautiful. 6. Skate wing: great flavors, fish was tender. The croissant that came on the side with truffle butter was SO good (and that's saying something because I'm not usually a fan of croissants). 7. Cervena venison with black trumpet farro and gooseberry: One of my least favorites. Venison was too tough and I didn't like the gooseberry. 8. Artisanal cheese selection: Idea is cool. The servers come by with a cart full of gourmet cheeses, and you get to pick three! I was happy with two of my selections, but the third one (it was coated with paprika)... let's just say smell-wise, I couldn't really distinguish it from poop (juvenile description, I know, but I really don't know how else to put it...) I'd stay away from this cheese if you don't like ridiculously pungent smells/flavors. Desserts: I was rather disappointed. With how well put together the food was, I had high expectations. Also, as someone who has a major sweet tooth, I was really excited. You get 3 dessert courses and a selection of pastries/chocolates at the end. Everything was fruity. SO sad. I guess this is more personal preference, but I do not like fruit with sweet desserts (i.e. fruity sorbet stuffed inside a marshmallow, or a citrus-y ice cream sandwiched between chocolatey wafers). I wouldn't mind sampling 1 or 2 of these types, but literally EVERY single dessert was fruity. Personal preference aside, I also thought the desserts in general were not up to par with the food in terms of presentation and creativity. Minus 1 star for this. All in all, a great experience. Too pricey to promise that I'll come back again, but I'd say it was worth the ~$250 per person (including tip, tax, 2 glasses of wine).
(4)Chris K.
Food was one of the most original I've had the pleasure of partaking. HOWEVER, the reason I give 4/5 and not the full merit, is because of the lack of SMILES. Yes, I did say smiles and it sounds insane in a food review. However, consider that the most pleasurable dining experience cannot be achieved without a sense of "fun." Sad to say that the staff was stiff, serious, and perceived as a bit haughty. Rarely did we see a smile, or a sense of pleasure escape their tight faces; where was the fun in what they were doing? They are creating some of the best food in Chicago, if not the US. Yet, their passion did not match their creativity. The good news is that this can be taught. Once they learn to smile, and share their infectious passion for creativity, they will have it all.
(4)Ted H.
Well, this is okay, but not the experience I was hoping for. Positives: Lovely room, lots of sound dampening, room between tables. Service was excellent, teamwork was good, not stuffy. Negatives largely are about the duck, which they offer at a 40.00 surcharge (split for 2). The duck tasted good but either it was too tough or the knives they supplied were not up to the task. You shouldn't have to struggle to eat your main course, the house specialty. Some dishes were wonderful, some were okay. The cheese course (add'l $) was wonderful. At 350+ per person you can do better in this town of great restaurants.
(3)Jay I.
Well, 2 years after we were so impressed by the perfectly executed food, minimalistic interior and OCD-like servers we decided to try it once again for my wife's birthday. While it was a good dinner, I am taking a star down. The biggest reason I tried this place again was because I read somewhere that this place is closer to 2 michelin stars than before. I can't disagree more. In the last 2 years there 3 course menu became 5, then the price went from 98 to 125. Well, reasonable for a very expensive restaurant. The food, however, didn't deliver up to my expectation. We started with amuse bouche with truffle powder. It was a heaven. My second dish was an array of salmon. While the presentation was great (with dry ice) the food wasn't that great. Didn't feel more than just a piece of raw salmon. Third menu, main, was ribeye for my wife and halibut for me. It smelled great. It tasted good. Perfectly cooked. Still didn't really blow our mind to a way that "man, this is definitely worth 2 stars". Fourth was a grape sorbet, which was very refreshing. Last dish for me was the layer of chocolate, which looked pretty, but wasn't impressive in terms of taste. Another surprising thing was that they were much more relaxed this time. Couldn't find the sign of being OCD-like like 2 years ago. Sometimes the servers were clumsy even. Anyway they still printed the personalized menu for us, which was nice. Overall I don't know if they are really worth 2 stars at this point. Even though I haven't been to that many fancy restaurants, but I have been to enough restaurants to say that one is good enough for them for now.
(4)Erin Y.
I came here for my birthday dinner. I considered many restaurants before finally deciding on Tru, therefore my expectations were pretty high. That being said, I had an incredible fine dining experience. Tru was a class act to the very end. Swanky but not too swanky. The service was impeccable, extremely polite and respectful. Service ran very smoothly. Short wait in between courses, lots of extra little desserts, and even the servers had servers. They printed out custom menus for us to take home. Impressive. The ambiance was very quiet, though the dining room was relatively empty on a Thursday night. By the end of my meal, I was full, but not stuffed so I'd say it was the perfect amount of food. We had a wonderful dinner at Tru, and I highly recommend it for a special occasion. The food wasn't all perfect, but still as good as it gets. That combined with the top notch service makes this a five-star experience for me. If you'd like to skip my breakdown of the food, you can stop here, but before you do, I have just two words for you: muscovy duck. I will first commend Tru on their bread. They serve bread with almost all of their savory courses and with the cheese. It comes on a separate little dish with butter. We had brioche, onion pumpernickel, fruit and nut bread, and a croissant with black truffle butter. All were delicious and awesome little extras spread throughout the meal. We started with 25 grams of Russian caviar, beautifully presented on a glass coral sculpture. The caviar was delicious. They serve it with blini and a variety of fixings, so I would definitely recommend having caviar to start. First two courses were both salad-esque. The beet with sorbet was very interesting in a good way, and the petite salad with truffles was delicious. Next was the dashi custard, which was one of our favorites of the night. Everyone at my table chose this option. The custard was deliciously creamy and had tons of dashi flavor. Caviar and edamame were nice touches. For the next course, I upgraded to the foie gras. The foie was quite delicious, very rich and seared nicely. The chestnuts and chestnut creams were tasty and went well with the foie gras. We agreed that this dish could have used some acid, but it was delicious nonetheless. Next two courses were the true proteins. The day boat monkfish was nicely prepared, but I think a more delicate fish would have been more appropriate for this dish. The monkfish, being a very firm fish, was difficult to cut into and eat. That aside, it was still a well-cooked and well-seasoned piece of fish. However, the true star of the proteins and of the entire night was the whole roasted MUSCOVY DUCK. You MUST order this. It was completely worth the $40 up charge. It put the beef tournedo (the other option for this course) to shame. This was a huge portion of duck (1/2 a duck + confit per person). It was cooked absolutely perfectly--medium rare with crispy yet sticky skin. I've eaten a lot of duck in my life, but this was by far the best duck I have ever had. Cannot recommend it enough. I was impressed that they also included the confit with mashed potatoes! Moral of the story: upgrade to the duck, it is a must and completely worth the extra money!! 7th course of farro "risotto" with porcelette was delicious. Could have eaten a whole bowl of it. Around this course, we sampled five cheeses from the cheese cart, and all were delicious. Next came the "two" dessert courses. I put "two" in quotes because they give you a ton of extra little things that aren't on the menu, which was awesome and really reflects on the kind of experience you get here. The frozen cider was very interesting, in a good way of course! They brewed a kettle of tea on our table and poured it over cider sorbet. Yummy and somewhat of a palate cleanser. For my last course, I chose the plain of dark valrhona chocolate, which had very strong chocolate flavor. The espresso sorbet on top was delicious. The other option of apple and chestnut strudel was tasty as well. As for the extras, we received a batch of Madeleines, fresh from the oven. These little guys were sooo good. Hot and crispy and delicious! We liked them so much that our server was able to secure us an extra batch. Bonus point right there. Another extra dessert was a sort of platter that included caneles, raspberry jellies, and chocolate rosemary truffles. We enjoyed every bit. And if THAT wasn't enough, there was also a white chocolate and basil liquid truffle presented with smoking dry ice, which was yet another nice and unexpected touch. Of course, they gave us some almond cakes to take home as well. Really had an incredible experience here at TRU. I hope I can come back one day, for the amazing service and of course, their whole roasted Muscovy duck. Five stars.
(5)Anthony N.
***Tru showcases very good, seasonal and local fruits and vegetables as well as really high quality proteins; Tru utilizes these ingredients and lots of contemporary techniques including molecular gastronomy to produce ambitious, exciting, creative, and delicious cuisine*** Tru has been around for a long time and you feel it in the dining room. While the dining room is contemporary, it is also too big and square (the shape, high ceiling and boring walls make the room feel like a banquet hall). Once the food starts to come though, Tru is anything but dated or old-fashioned. The tasting menu unveils one great course after another and the food is creative and exciting; it kind of took me by surprise, but Tru is definitely one of Chicago's best restaurants. Tru's cuisine is very modern. The plating is clever and whimsical and there are many molecular gastronomy touches throughout the menu. Still, the restaurant never gets too cute. The focus with every course is delivering really pronounced flavors utilizing fresh and local (as well as high quality) ingredients. The tasting menu started with a satisfying gougere and then came a really good beet garnished with horseradish and very good caviar. An incredibly soft and moist day boat scallop sashimi came next and it featured really fresh garnishes including cilantro, ginger and lime. A fun and perfect-for-summer course followed--cool and refreshing cucumber ice cream (a very intense cucumber flavor, which is hard to do given how mild cucumber is). The cucumber dish also featured juicy arctic char roe. A really good carrot soup was next and it was served with tableside green peas croutons--made on the dish with liquid nitrogen to create sorbet-like spheres of green pea puree. A fun mushroom crisp followed. The next substantial course was Atlantic fluke carpaccio, which was garnished with lemongrass and saffron. I really liked the Atlantic fluke. It was nice to get a fish that I do not see that often on the west coast. A really good morel mushroom course followed, which I really liked. The morels were very good and they were served over a rich and savory morel bouillon. A very crispy and buttery croissant accompanied this course. Like great Bay Area fine dining spots (Saison, Atelier Crenn), Tru presents bread as actual courses so that you get fresh, out of the oven bread, which is a rarity these days (even at the best restaurants). A really good square of pork belly came next--very savory, tender and juicy. There were good garnishes including plum and onion. My favorite course followed. It was salmon poached in olive oil. It had a richness, moistness and softness that was truly special (it was one of the best salmon courses I've ever had). The salmon was accompanied by various textures of cauliflower from raw cauliflower to very creamy cauliflower puree. The final savory course was a letdown. The protein itself (veal) was good--tender and moist. I liked the vegetables they used too (asparagus, sugar snap peas). Unfortunately, the soy-based sauce was not good. It was an all-too-familiar Asian sauce that I've had at much lesser restaurants. The sauce also completely enrobed the veal too, which ruined the plate. The menu picked up though with the cheese plate--really great epoisses (creamy and pungent) and great garnishes including a bitter and fragrant herb salad and a great red wine poached pear paste. Both desserts were good. The first dessert featured crispy, buttery and crunchy nuts and oats with very vibrant and fresh berries (some of the best fruit I've had in the Midwest). The second dessert featured good cherries and really good black truffle ice cream. Mignardises and a to-go pound cake finished off the meal. Service was excellent. My server was very personable and knowledgeable about the menu. Despite the many courses, the food came out at an even and quick pace. Prices are high, but you get both an exceptional variety of food as well as generous portions (small plates but many, many courses). Tru has earned a lot of accolades over the years and I've heard some great things too. Even considering all of this, Tru still surprised me. This restaurant showcases really creative and delicious cuisine and the local and seasonal vegetables shined here much more than several other highly rated Chicago restaurants I've been to. Tru reminds me of great Bay Area restaurants like Manresa, Saison and Atelier Crenn (high quality but also creative and push the envelope cuisine). Tru is one of Chicago's best restaurants, but it is also one of the best restaurants in the country. I am not sure what the parking situation is at Tru.
(5)John D.
Tru was an amazing experience and well worth the money. . I was fortunate to join some guests this last Friday night, 4th of July weekend, at Tru and had a great time. As soon as we entered we were greeted and this ushered into their amazing dinning room that is covered in art work. Our service was very nice and one of them guided us through the menu. All of the staff seemed to work together and help drop off and describe dishes which was very impressive. The food was incredible, my favorites included the morel mushroom flan, and the wheatberry dish. The Halibut entree I dreamed about the sauce the next day. The Sommelier was outstanding, and very personable, he helped us locate an incredible bottle of wine at the price point we were looking for. We all enjoyed the food and service, which was very professional and precise.
(5)Ashutosh T.
The decor was very bland, and the place looked dead, but later i realized there were a few people around. Slow, maybe cos it was Tuesday? Anyway some courses were salty though stylish. Service was good and the desserts were nice. I enjoyed the percolator that made my tea for palette cleansing, however they just gave me a drop of the tea in a sorbet. I enjoyed the food at girl and the goat more.
(3)Will K.
Did I want to rate Tru one star and start my review, "One Michelin star? MORE LIKE ONE YELP STAR!" Yup. But one star reviews are generally unhelpful tirades, so I bumped Tru up to two stars in hopes of offering a sober review that will help someone else save $500. My wife and I ate at Tru last night. Tru's ambiance is stiff, yes, but that's personal preference. Tru's staff is even stiffer and most appeared fearful for their jobs. Lots of nervous/shaky hands and voices. But again, that didn't bother me much. The fatal flaw with Tru was how pedestrian and forgettable all the dishes were. Despite the flourishes and upcharges, not a single course blew me away. The vaunted duck dish was okay, at best. To be clear, this isn't a critique of pricing, service or anything other than the taste of the food. Each course was thoroughly underwhelming. Was it a new chef? An off night? A restaurant in decline? Who knows, but at $250+ a person there's no room for error. Based on other reviews, Tru is a hit for some people but I'll strongly recommend my friends stay away. At best, Tru is a risky and expensive bet in a city with a bounty of delicious, sure bets.
(2)Meredith K.
It pains me to have to remove a star but they made some changes and to me they were not for the good. I was happy to see that great photo of the Eiffel Tower return from Paris Club. We love that picture. The menu format changed. There used to be 2 options and while there is a choice to have an abbreviated dinner - there aren't as many choices and its a lot more expensive. The menu set up is sort of confusing. You have some options but the way they word it, its difficult at first to tell where you need to decide. For the meat course the only option that I could get was the chicken for 2 for an extra $50. I didn't alert them that I don't eat beef or pork before arriving because in the past there were plenty of seafood options. That being said the chicken was amazing. All of the food was still amazing. The other change that we didn't care for is the bread. They don't come around with the tray where you can pick. You do get a piece of bread per course but its matched with what you're eating. You can feel that Gale Gand is no longer there. Its missing the whimsy. Also its missing the candy cart that used to come around after dessert. I loved that cart!! The service is still very good and helpful. I feel a little sad that its not what it used to be. Yes there were changes, and I try to embrace change, but in this case I don't think they're for the better. For the higher price point I might consider something else.
(4)Norm J.
I took a special someone to Tru because I wanted to be all fancy and make a good impression (the jury is still out on if a good impression was made). We did the Tru Experience and while the food presentation and service was impeccable, I wasn't overly thrilled with meal for the amount of money that I spent. There are some other tasting menus out there in Chicago that are superior to Tru in my opinion. The best thing about my experience at Tru, besides my date of course, was that we were sitting next to a couple from Denver who had just flown into town earlier that day and got engaged in front of the Buckingham Fountain. 1st course: amenity de la terre: beet, ossetra caviar, horseradish, chervil 2nd course: sea urchin in a granny smith + watercress avalanche 3rd course: bright melon in rose essence, cured duck breast 4th course: cool as a cucumber, arctic char roe 5th course: maitake crunch, ramp, oxalis 6th course: atlantic summer fluke, saffron mussel veloute, lemongrass 7th course: yellow corn royal, chanterelle, truffle, foie gras 8th course: duroc pork belly, chambered smoke consommé 9th course: scottish salmon poached in olive oil, cauliflower in textures 10th course: soy gazed veal crispy sweetbread, matsutake 11th course: epoisses, herd salad, red wine pear 12th: passionate marshmallow 13th wild berries, yellow peach, honey oats 14th chocolate in layers, sudachi
(3)Tracy L.
Such a very friendly staff! Beautiful atmosphere, great wine pairings, amazing dessert. I also got a tour of the kitchen and the famous chocolate bar on the house!
(5)James L.
Dining at Tru was definitely an experience. We had their full tasting menu with wine pairing. The food was excellent and different and the service was great. I had a few issues that pushed the experience from a 5 to a 3.5. 1. Upon seating, there was a glass plate setting with Tru's logo. For our table of 6, 4 of the glass plates were chipped on the corners or edges. For a restaurant that charges $200+ per person, I would expect their logo'd plates to be in perfect condition. 2. Overall, the wine pairing was interesting and skewed toward sweeter wines. While I enjoyed it, some of my colleagues did not. For one of the dish (green asparagus, roasted onion, oxalis), it was paired with a 2011 Coenobium Lazio. I thought the wine tasted weird, and asked the waiter for more information about the wine. Instead of getting the sommelier, the waiter mumbled something and left us. 3. Wait staff was attentive, but rushed to describe the food they were serving. Anytime they tried to articulate something sophisticated, it felt like they rushed through it so we couldn't ask questions. 4. We ordered the whole roasted muscovy duck. When using their silverware, I noticed that the knifes were not sharp at all. At first, I thought it was the duck that was not well cooked. After speaking with my colleague, it seems everyone had dull knifes. I know these are little things, but for the price you pay, I had higher expectation.
(3)Alanoud A.
It is un forgettable experience !! Such a delicious food ! It is really tasty .. It is my first visit to Chicago and I recommended the restaurant to my father and to my sister to try it in other states ..
(5)Sherri S.
My (as of that day) fiance and I went to Tru while in Chicago for the weekend. We had just gotten engaged that day and they took special care to make it feel like a very special evening for us both. I gave 4 stars because of the ambiance. It was lacking. I would have loved city views, or any view for that matter, instead of curtains drawn and the feeling of being in a small enclosed room. The food is impeccable. The service is choreographed and never misses a beat. We did the full experience with caviar and the cheese cart and full wine paring. Our dinner took a little over 4 hours to complete, which further enhanced our entire dining "experience" rather than just a formal dinner. We even received a personalized copy of our Tru Experience listing everything that we had eaten and the wine paring with our party name and a congratulations message included. This will make a great keepsake. This was our first Michelin Star restaurant, but it won't be the last. I'm curious as to how other restaurants of the same caliber stack up. Overall, if you are a true foodie who has a wide palate range and are willing to try new experiences, then give Tru a try. If you are expecting a steak dinner, go elsewhere. Also, if you want the full experience (we were stuffed) with wine parings, the recommended reviews stating $500 to burn won't cover it. Just FYI.
(4)chris c.
Let's just say it's a place for a special occasion. The experience was great. We picked a nine course meal with the wine tasting. Go and you won't be disappointed.
(5)Eric Y.
Yup, 5 stars. Everything from the staff, room, ambiance, service, food, beverages, even parking was excellent. First, they call you 2 days ahead of time to see if you have any dietary concerns or are celebrating any special occasion. The valet parking takes your name - no ticket - and when you leave, your car is already waiting. All this for $14 in downtown Chicago - that's a deal! When we arrived, they greeted us by name and, since we were there for our twins' birthdays, they greeted each of them by name with a happy birthday as well! The space is a classic "embrace and release" phenomenon where you walk in to a very dark, subdued entryway and then are released into a large main room with soaring ceilings and light. The room is beautiful with sheer floor to ceiling drapes and beautiful artwork on the walls. The tables are covered with white tablecloths and a subdued place holder; not much there to detract from the food. There is some modern background music that is unobtrusive; this is a place that you can actually have a conversation! We had the tasting menu with some upgrades - why not? Also some caviar - again, why not? Cheese? - that's a dumb question. That's 11 courses but there's a lot of extra stuff you get so it's more like 15. The food was uniformly excellent though some items definitely stood out. The dashi custard was super yummy - one of the best chawanmushi dishes I've ever had. The faro risotto with braised baby pig was also excellent. However, the best dish of the night and one of the best things I've ever eaten was the whole muscovy duck. This is an upgrade to the tasting menu and one that YOU MUST GET! This is the best duck I've ever had. They bring the thing out to the table before it's carved so you can see what a work of culinary art it is, then they take it back to the kitchen, carve it, and bring it back out. This duck combines the best of Eastern and Western duck cooking. In the East, it's all about having delicious duck skin - aka Peking duck. In the West, it's about having the most luscious pink duck breast meat. This duck had both - a savory, crispy skin and super tender pink meat. BRAVO! A little later they bring out the confit - so not a bit of that duck is wasted! This place is serious about bread and pastries. Each course comes with a different little bread - brioche, croissant, pumpernickel, fruit/nut, blini, cheese puff. So good. We got a basket of mini madeleines fresh out of the oven - OMG, those were the bomb. At the end of the meal came cannelles, and then a fruit brioche to take home. Our kids got little cupcakes with candles for their birthday - nice touch. The wine list is pricey (no surprise) and there is a by-the-glass list as well. The sommelier is quite helpful. Their coffee is Intelligentsia - always a nice touch. At the end of the meal we received customized birthday menus to take home as well as an array of sweets and cookies. As has been their custom since inception, as you leave, you get a little something to take home and eat in the morning to remind you of the meal. Nice touch.
(5)erica f.
Came in again about two weeks ago after 4 years and holy shit the caviar. The Russian Royal Imperial Ossetra and California White Sturgeon were so dumb I couldn't even deal. GET some caviar, ok Overall: so rich. so cheese. much good. Alinea is still better tho. Sorry not sorry
(4)Jennifer W.
Tru has been on my list for a while, and I'm disappointed that it didn't live up to my expectations. I wasn't overly impressed by the service, ambiance or the food. I will say it was very easy to get a reservation on a Friday night, which was nice, and that we were seated immediately. However, once we were seated and placed our drink orders, it was probably close to an hour before we received our first course. The wait staff apologized for the delay, and once the first course came out the rest followed pretty quickly, but it was still disappointing to go to such a nice restaurant and feel like we were ignored for such a long time. The ambiance was just okay. It looks nice and we had plenty of room at our table, but it seemed closed-off with all of the curtains drawn and had an 'empty' feeling to it. The food was good, but again nothing spectacular. A few courses (the petite salad, red curry squash and the beef) were excellent, but the rest I found to be not as great. Basically, I was hoping to be blown away by the experience, and I wasn't. Especially not for the steep price. I'd rather have gone back to Alinea again.
(3)Henry H.
I had high expectations for this Michelin-starred place but have to say it didn't live up to all of it. My girlfriend and I came in late Friday night. After checking in for our reservation, we waited for about 15 minutes in the lounge before they could seat us. The lounge is quite luring with all the artsy stuff, but we were hungry. Our table was nicely set up (they even have a stool for the ladies' handbags). Since it was late, we went for the abbreviated menu. Somehow they messed up the order of our food, and it ended up being that I was on the third dish while she was on the second. They made an extra dish so we are again in sync. The food itself was good but not mind-blowing, especially if you have experienced other restaurants in this league. What I really enjoyed was the appetizers (trio, lite sunchoke, squash soup). My girlfriend loved the caviar and the monkfish. They changed their menu right before our visit and eliminated some of the options that I was looking for, since I have some diet restrictions. However they were able to accommodate my preferences. Definitely let them know if you are not a fan of certain ingredient. Their service is impeccable. Our waitress was very caring but knew the boundaries. They were patient in explaining all the options and offered some extra sweets at the end for messing up the presentation of some of our food. Clearly one of the best service I've ever received. At restaurants like Tru, you definitely pay a premium for things other than food. Is it worth it? That's definitely personal, but I'd come back if it's a special occasion.
(4)Sissi L.
Since Alinea needs you to reserve at least 2 month ahead, we decided to go to other michelin starred restaurants. I have read a lot of reviews of michelin starred restaurants in Chicago and chose TRU. Not only because of Food, but also the outstanding service. I have to say, the caviar is the BEST. Kobe beef(made in 2 different ways. as we know, the beef is super organic, the cow was fed with music... lol), ruffles, super cute macaron & other desserts... is a plus. Every course is an art work. The service is incredible. Even though compared to other 1 star michelin restaurants, the price is not that lovely. (about 500 $ in total--for two). WORTH IT!
(5)Jing C.
My hands-down favorite fancy dining spot in Chicago! Why you ask? Let me count the ways... (1) The Food: It's just plain delicious. The ingredients are really special from the cuts of meat, unusual mushrooms to the high end cheeses on the cheese tray. Unlike other Michelin starred restaurants in Chicago that mess with your mind a bit (tofu that's really seafood that's made into ice-cream etc), the flavors are simple to enjoy. That's not to say the presentation wasn't amazing and artful. Just less of a cerebral experience and more of plain enjoyment. (2) The Service: Is super attentive without being snooty. For example, I love cheese but have a terrible memory for the names beyond Brie and Gruyere. So during the cheese course, I asked a lot of questions not knowing if I'd get a snobby answer back like "obviously the blah blah cheese of the blah blah region is known for it's XYZ properties." Nope, the waiter was really nice and happy to answer questions. I must have looked very conflicted over the choice of two different cheeses so our waiter started cracking up (nicely!) and made me a plate with all of them. (3) The Ambiance: The original, museum quality art has major wow-factor. Look, if I'm going to drop a paycheck on a meal, the setting should be pretty nice. And an original Warhol? That's pretty impressive.... (4) The Extras: Yep, wow factor again. On your way out, they give you cookies to enjoy the next day! And they personalize a copy of the menu with your special occasion as a keepsake. (5) It's a Lettuce Entertain You Okay, so that may seem like a weird plus but consider this. A) The dining points from your meal will definitely pay for a M burger. B)LEYE gift certificates are pretty popular holiday gifts. And with one in hand, the $$$$ cost of the tasting menu seems less well, bank-busting?
(5)Rob C.
Went back in 2012...as a fairly ignorant chef at the time, a good friend took me to chicago and let me pick..no brainer..(hehee, he had no clue what to expect, pricewise and experience) I could not imagine a better dining experience. The service was like a dance group that had been touring together for 20 years...the food...speachless. Worth saving up for, because 2 people, with a decent bottle of wine, will set you back close to $1k. ..(*learned that black napkins are for women with lipstick, not messy male eaters that didnt want to have dirty napkins in such a serious restaurant) ..My friend has a very small bladder, the poor waiters must have pickedup, refolded, and changed his napkin, while also racing him back to his seat to pull chair, at least 10 times during dinner. Everytime without fail or attitude after the repetition. MindBLOWN It changed my outlook on food presentation, preparation, and service forever! Thanks Chef Martin! Hopefully we cross paths one day:) You guys deserve every michelin star you get. Definitely not comfortable for a casual eater, nor a place to stop by and just "try" (rezo a must...long time before u go..destination status)...all in or go find a diner kiddo..chicago dogs are pretty epic too..#justsayin
(5)James H.
I've never done this before. Always thought Yelp was like talk radio -- it's okay to listen, but it's weird to actually call in. Tru is amazing. Very expensive, but the definition of "perceived value". The waiters are all wearing matching Joseph Aboud suits, the filtered water is poured in a choreographed, beautiful way... Yada, yada... but what put me over the moon was when my dining companion was fumbling with his camera, looking for a place to put it, a beautiful velveteen stool "appeared". I was impressed. We could have spent a lot more, but they got you for about $230/ person without going crazy. But somehow you feel like it was absolutely worth it. The pastry meant for the next morning was perfect. Go here. It's a treat.
(5)Jennifer N.
I felt like I was eating in an art museum. White walls, dark curtains, and the only color in the restaurant were the paintings, the lilies and foxtail centerpieces (center of the room, not tables), and the food. The food was pretty much like art. We had a really early dinner at the Girl and the Goat before we ate at TRU and our server actually used to work at TRU. She said the service is like a choreographed dance... and it was. We had a party of six and three waiters came at the beginning and simultaneously poured our waters... it was... different. If you are unfamiliar with table manners, get ready to feel really awkward in this place. I may not be a debutante, but I think I know enough, but there were times when I felt uneasy. I felt I had to sit up straight the entire time and speaking too loudly would've been quite disrespectful. It was hard to carry on a conversation amongst the six of us since our round table was big enough to seat about ten people. Luckily, our maitre d' and waiters were friendly and joked with us every now and then to make us feel more at ease. You had the option of having a seven or thirteen course. We had the seven and it was so filling! The food was creatively plated. Some think it may be pretentious especially for the size of the plates and its price, but I appreciate unique plates presented like art in small portions. America has an issue with serving too much food! (And I always feel the need to finish my plate, aka gain more weight.) Back to the food. Our seven course tasting consisted of: amenity de la terre: beet, ossetra caviar, horseradish, chervil 1. day boat scallop, hon shimeji, cilantro, ginger, lime 2. long carrot soup, glacial orange cardamom 3. light sunchoke, sorrel, arctic char roe 4. scottish salmon, shiitake braised in sake, pickled ginger 5. soy glazed veal, preserved lemon, potato cont, green 6. pistachio in nature 7. english peas in frost, strawberry, mint Tack on some chocolate variations in the end. All of my plates were awesome. TRU likes to give you an "experience" and it was a great experience for my tongue. Some may find it a bit booshie, but just ignore the fact that men need to keep their jackets on, and focus on the food. Definite five stars. However, would I come again, probably not... I felt years getting drained out of me. One time is enough.
(5)Bolun M.
My first Michelin star dining experience. The amenity and services are phenomenal and definitely worth the money. However in terms of the food, I'm really not a fun of those creative food dish. It might sound stupid, but the truth is whenever the waiter explained each dish to us when he served it, I really didn't know what he was talking about..... And I always finished each dish within a few bite (cause they are so little). I guess that's why I can't be a gastronomist, lol. Bottom lines: The experience overall worth your money, but I'm just not a fun for the food here.
(3)Mandy C.
Tru was truly a nice fine-dinning restaurant. Guys, remember to bring a jacket that you would want to wear through your whole meal--it is required. And ladies, don't worry about what kind of clutch and purse you're going to bring, the bag get its own special cushiony seat. The place was spacious, grand and very clean cut with very nice drapes on the windows. I felt kind of uncomfortable at first because the wait staffs look super serious, but then later, they turned a little jokey but still professional. They tried to served us all at the same time as well as pushing in back the chair for us as we came back from the bathroom. My friends and I sat a few tables down from the kitchen and boy, I did not like the grease smell that came out of it in the middle of the meal...quite overwhelming. Anyhow, my friends and I went for the full tasting menu. Everything tasted delicious. The menu also played around a lot with special and unique serving dishes, which looked like props. For example, the scallop was served in a shell and the squab was served on a clear vessel that lay on top of a nest. The dishes came out really pretty but at the same time, it seemed like they tried too hard to turn traditional American to new American. All in all, the food was delicious! I enjoyed every single courses.
(5)Mela D.
We have been curios what "molecular gastronomy" is all about. Well, whatever that was, we liked it. I believe it mostly refers to mousses, soufflés and just about any food has has been beaten or shaken a certain way. Nine course dinner was served along with multiple complimentary goodies from the chef. Little warm Madeleine's were delicious. Presentation was excellent and all courses had a very refined taste. With that being said, the first course was a beet sorbet. Maybe it is my personal opinion based on the fact that beets are good as a small addition to a dish, but it was all full blown beet that's been processed in an ice cream machine with salt (I'm sure there were other goodies mixed in, but the thing did not agree with my palate). The goat cheese pearls accompanying it were wonderful, and so was everything else. The treat of the night was a heavenly white chocolate truffle with a basil(!) liquid inside. After dinner we were presented with a personalized menu of the dishes that were served and some desert to take home as a souvenir. We were very pleased to find it the next morning when coffee got done brewing. Waitstaff was great and service was impeccable. Would definitely recommend TRU if you don't mind the cost that's a bit on the higher end.
(5)Todd C.
Outstanding French cuisine in downtown Chicago! No complaints. From appetizer to dessert, the meal was delicious. Exquisite service served with the utmost class.
(5)Rachael C.
Not sure who could complain about this place. Went here for NYE 2014 - and was not disappointed. Service was traditionally fancy and fantastic. (Hint: Ladies - take the BLACK napkin when offered unless you are wearing a light color!) Food was well played and explained without snoot. Just professionalism. It was one big open room for dining with a seating area separate. Fantastic live music and art. Could be a romantic dinner - but it is very open and not dark. Light and simple. Would love to go again!!
(5)Michal F.
At Tru the friendly professional service, presentation, taste and ambiance combine for a memorable experience. It's the prefect place for a big celebration with your significant other. The problem with upscale restaurants i usually have is a pretentious ambiance that can override an otherwise good experience no matter the quality of the food. This is not so at TRU. Despite a service that is as fancy as you can get there is still a warmth and acceptance that is readily felt. My wife and I came here for our first wedding anniversary and were wowed by the food quality, presentation and service. Our menu came customize with our names and the event we were celebrating - how cool is that. We ordered the 8 course Chef's special which ended up being 11 courses after the extras everyone gets by dining here. My favorites were the soups. One was a pea soup with a sub zero cream center. The other was a duck soup that was made at our table using a sophisticated bunson burner-esque heater. The savory flavor or this soup made it the best I've ever had. I recommend this restaurant for anyone with something epic to celebrate. The $250 per person we spent makes it the most expensive restaurant I've ever dined at so beware the prices can climb.
(5)Stephen H.
Food was good, but not awe-inspiring. Over-use of cream and salt, IMHO with little nuance in the flavors. One of our dishes, the beef, was so tough and grisly we were all struggling to cut it, though the flavor and wine pairing were excellent. Service was fantastic until it came time for dessert. We dined early, and while we were finishing our main courses the restaurant became filled to capacity. The level of service plummeted. No matter how busy a restaurant of this caliber gets their kitchen and wait staff should be able to keep up. The experience should be seamless to diners. We waited for at least 30 minutes for our dessert course and because we had cars waiting, we were forced to rush through. Probably will not be back.
(2)Jennifer C.
This restaurant has the best food I have ever eaten in my life. It is a truly an entertaining and unique dining experience. This is the first Michelin star restaurant I have ever been to and to this day this is the standard I hold all other Restaurants. If you have a special occasion to celebrate this place is truly amazing. You are not just going out to eat at Tru you are having a truly amazing entertainment experience. The service is so good, that I think they knew what I wanted before I did. The cocktail I drank was divine. I forget what it was called because I went a while ago but it was predominantly Apple. Gala, perhaps. BEST. RESTAURANT. EVER.
(5)Rebecca S.
Valentines day 2013. We were guest chefs for the day. It was a but hectic since the restaurant was fully booked but chef Anthony was on it. We got to see the whole process from prep to execution to the 'oh sh*t' period. It was an amazing experience that I would recommend for a one of a kind date night. And after getting changed, we got to see the fruits of our labor...the food is to die for.
(5)Annie B.
Let me start off first by saying that Tru is the only michelin-starred restaurant I've ever been to. While I don't have a plethora of other restaurants to compare it to, I still sincerely appreciate the innovative and thoughtful menu. If you're like me, you will be dining here for the experience just as much as the food. We were probably the youngest in the restaurant but I didn't feel out of place. The service is impeccable and you couldn't be better taken care of. I won't go into detail as it's spelled out in the other reviews, but these guys know what they're doing and aren't presumptuous about it. We did the 14-course menu + an additional 3-cheese tasting course (from the amazing cheese cart that should just be posted up in my kitchen at all times). We did not do the wine pairing but instead shared a $50 bottle of gruner veltliner. By the end of the 14 courses (17 if you count the complimentary cheese puff, complimentary extra dessert course, & the additional cheese course), I was beyond stuffed. We were going to walk around the city after our meal but ended up getting a cab to go home and pass out after 1/2 a block because we could barely move.. I am confident that you could do the 7-course menu and be very satisfied. The flavors in every dish are so exciting to eat. My favorites were the sea urchin in a granny smith + watercress avalanche, cool as a cucumber arctic char roe, yellow corn royal chanterelle truffle foie gras, and the scottish salmon poached in olive oil w/ cauliflower in textures. My least favorites were the bright melon in rose essence w/ cured duck breast and the duroc pork belly w/ chambered smoke consomme. Still not sure how I felt about the minimalist decor but the plating for each dish is BEAUTIFUL. If you have $500+ that you won't miss from your bank account, go take your favorite person and have a crazy fun experience.
(5)Rosie S.
Breath taking from the moment you walk in. The dining experience was exciting , new & almost playful. I think I'll let you experience it and not ruin it for you! GO!
(5)Sheeva G.
I had an excellent experience at Tru. I got a little carried away with the caviar and I ordered multiple 10g types to enjoy. It filled me up quickly, but the presentation was outstanding, as well as the champagne that was paired with it. I decided to do the entire Tru experience tasting menu, which did not look as big as it actually was. Everything was superb, but I think there were at least 2 sub-courses within each course so I ended up eating a ridiculous amount of food (definitely not complaining though). The presentation for each course was magnificently beautiful and also delicious at the same time. My favorite was probably the smoked langoustine which came out in a glass sphere that was literally smoking in herbs, then placed on the plate with the other goodies of the course. Also, my grand cru Girardin Corton Charlemagne was fantastic. Overall, I would say that Tru was a little stuffy, but I had a grand evening and a lovely dining experience.
(5)Stefan W.
Not only 5 star dining but also a 5 star dining experience you dont want to miss if you are in town! Booked this place a while back when we couldnt get a reservation at dum du da da (drumroll....) yes the famous Alinea. Was i bit disappinted at first but changed my midn after our excellent 3 dish evening at this classy establishment. *First of all, dont forget a jacket! (yes you are required to wear it through the complete dinner) The dining room is nice looking though a bit too formal for my taste even though we are talking about fine dining. We decided on the 3 course set menu where you have 2-3 items to choose from each on the appetizer, main and dessert. As they change menus a few times a year im sure they changed it after we where there. Anywho lets get to the food the shall we. As an appetizer i had the fois gras and duck ravioli in a duch consomé. This was a fun sight. the servers (note there was always more then one serving us) brought something that looked like a timeglass in a a bigger size with the consomé/stock in the lower glass and some herbs/spices in the top glass. When putting a blowtorch under the "timeglass" the consomé was rising up in the top glass with all the herbs when it was heating up! As it was ready the servers poured it simultaniously (od course!) over our plates with the ravioli and small cubes of fois gras. Did it taste good you might ask? Oh yes it was marvelicious with subtle and refined flavors blending nively together. And yes i do love the goose liver! My main was the 72 h braised short ribs with a cauliflower/jalepeno purée and some red wine reduction among other things. Wow how good it was! Its amazing that long hours in the oven can make such a cheap cut som amazingly tender that it almost falls apart just by looking at it. The cauliflower/jalepeno purée was silky smooth in texture and great in taste though it wouldnt have hurt with a little bigger chili kick. My dessert was some chocolaty cake that was almost as good as the above mentioned masterpieces though im not much of a dessertperson. We also had some wonderful freshly baked bread before the appetizer, some beatiful looking amuse bouche*s and when we had our espresso at the end teh server brought a wagon full of small petit fours, chocolate pralines and devine french macarons. You could pick as many as you wanted but how many can you swallow after a tree course meal with bread and some extra small dishes, right? = ) The food was gorgeous looking, tha food was absolutely superb. I think we paid aabout 350 $ for 2 with a bottle of red, tax and tips inc. Ok so its not cheap but considering this is a Michelin starred restaurant that will make you satisfied even with high initial expectations i would say its worth it. My only personal complain and im sure there are people who loves this is the ridicilous level of the service. You ALWAYS have 1 server each at the table and they do everything simultaniously. Filling the wine, the water, scraping of breadcrumbs of the table every 5 minutes.......... One might say that this is excellent service, theres nothing to complain about etc etc. But i dont mind pouring myself a glass of wine or refilling my water...... I doesnt have to be refilled with every sip if you get my point....... Conclusion: You love great food and dont mind paying for a great experiend or have something to celeberate? Go to "Tru" and have a memorable night with some great dishes!!
(5)Kim B.
I took my boyfriend to Tru for his birthday. What a waste of time and money! First off, if I'm paying $500 for dinner for two, the food and service better be damn good. Food was okay, nothing spectacular. Service was horrible. Our waiter mumbled when he explained our dishes. Maybe he thought we weren't paying attention? Believe me, we were. My boyfriend also pointed out that the servers would roll their eyes whenever they came out with a tray and had to wait for the waiter to serve the plate. At one point, the server waited so long to be relieved of the contents of her tray, she sighed out loud. Right next to our table. Very unprofessional. To top it off, when my boyfriend tried to take of his jacket because the room was too warm, he was told he needed it keep it on during the dinner service. It's his birthday and we're spending $500+ for dinner and he can't take off his jacket? If you're looking for a fine dining experience without the attitude, go to El Ideas. Better food, better environment, better service, better price...better EVERYTHING.
(2)Raj P.
Okay, instead of going forward, I'm going to take a step back and say this : AMAZING !! First, expect to spend a pretty penny if you're going here. I took my wife there for our 2nd anniversary through a reservation I made through opentable.com . As soon as we walked in, the host told us "Happy Anniversary." Of course, we felt like we were special. After he seated us, one of the waitresses brought the menu. On top of the menu, guess what? Yes, it said "Happy Anniversary." Not going nuts here, but a nice touch again, I thought. The food was amazing. We ordered from the "Prixe Fixe menu" and both had the Thai butternut soup to start. It was amazing. The bowl that is was served in had points of sauce that we could use to make the soup as spicy as we wanted. Then, I had the "Colorado Lamb loin roulade" and my wife had the "Nova Scotia Halibut." Both excellent. The best part of the meal was the desserts, which kept coming and coming, with an accompanying set of instructions from the waiters as to how to eat it. Few things to note: There were four waiters and we were served by all of them. They somehow communicate to each other as the second to fourth ones knew already that my wife was allergic to peanuts. My wife refused wine, due to her pregnancy. We told the second waitress. However, all the others said congratulations as they came up. Overall, amazing experience. Ladies, if a guy takes you there, he likes you a whole lot. Guys, take a girl there only if she's completely worth it. If not, save it for the anniversaries.
(5)Hannah H.
My friend and I decided to check out Tru, as we've heard so many things about this restaurant, but never had the chance to dine there. Even though Chef Gale Gand and Chef Rick Tramonto are not present and with the restaurant anymore, we were still excited to see what it was all about. Once we arrived, we were greeted promptly by the hostess and was led to the formal dining area. Our first bite was compliments from the chef, which was a cheese puff - it was warm and cheesy, and a nice little morsel to start the night off. We then had an Amenity de la Terre (beet with Ossetra caviar, horseradish, and chervil), which was a nice and refreshing, and great with the horseradish cream; next, we had the Day Boat Scallop with hon shimeji, ginger, and lime (this tasted fresh and was seasoned perfectly); 'Cool as a Cucumber' was next with arctic char roe - this was also refreshing with bits of the cucumber slices - the broth had a strong sake flavor, but when mixed with the other ingredients, it was nice; one of my favorites was the Long Carrot Soup (that had glacial orange cardemom) - it was creamy and it came with a cute little brioche toast with orange butter - yum!; 'Maitake Crunch' with ramp and oxalis was next, which tasted like a mushroom-infused rice cracker; Atlantic Summer Fluke (with saffron mussel veloute and lemongrass) - this was tangy/vinegar-ish; another favorite of mine was the Blonde Morel Royal' which was like a mushroom flan - the flavors were amazing with its saltiness, mushroom-iness, and the nice little custard; Duroc Pork Belly (compressed black plum and onion to the third power) was nice and fatty, but flavorful; Scottish Salmon with shiitake braised in sake and pickled ginger was cooked medium, but it was nice and delicate; the sake also seemed to be too overwhelming for me, but if you mix the flavors, it worked; next was the Soy Glazed Veal with preserved lemon, potato confit, and green - the veal was very tender and great with the au jus sauce that were poured over it, and I loved the little potato balls; next was the Espoisses (herb salad with red wine pear) - the cheese was wicked strong, but with the greens and the jam, it tasted great; our desserts started with the 'Passionate Marshmallow' - this was a homemade marshmallow with passion fruit stuffed inside of it - came on a stick like a s'more on a log and this was absolutely delightful; the 'Melons in Color' with lemon verbena and mint also had that sake flavor to it which seemed overwhelming at first, but melded together with the other ingredients made it refreshing; the 'Cherry Variation' with truffle and almond was also great, as it was halved cherries with an almond pound cake on the bottom, kind of like a cherry shortcake; we then had 'Mignardises,' which we had samplings of their tiny desserts (like square lemon tarts, macarons, dark chocolate truffles, and floral-infused marshmallow). Each plate was plated beautifully (all Earthy/Zen-like decorations and inspirations), and very pleasing visually. The waitstaff were very friendly and nice, very efficient, and we also didn't have to wait too long for our next course. We also were fortunate to take a tour of the kitchen, and the Chef was amazing and so welcoming and friendly. We had a great dining experience. A restaurant that is 1 Michelin starred, we enjoyed each and every dish with no complaints! Loved the high ceilings and the art work (especially the animated woman frame by the bathroom). I suggest parking at 900 N Michigan for validated parking or they also have valet for $14. +lovely tasting menu :D +cheese popover +Duroc Pork Belly +Soy Glazed Veal +'Passionate Marshmallow' +'Cherry Variation' +request a kitchen tour :D +park at 900 N for validated/discount parking
(5)Agnes L.
A good restaurant has delicious food. A great restaurant has that + good service. A superior restaurant (warranting a four-star status with the Trib and many other accolades) is one in which food, service and atmosphere combine to create a memorable experience. Tru is one of these rare superior restaurants. My husband and I celebrated our first wedding anniversary at Tru with the 9-course tasting menu. The insanely creative and whimsical menu items played with unusual texture, flavor and presentation combinations. We continued to be surprised through each course from the array of river salmon served in a platter mimicking a rushing river with the use of dry ice to the humorous miniature monkey statues garnering our tiny desserts. And, the sophisticated art gallery decor of the restaurant paired well with the food because our plates were honestly works of art in themselves. (Although, one negative would be that it felt a bit superfluous at times. One example of this is the fruit leather hanging on clothes lines - It seemed to be an exaggerated response to what could really be comparable to a lunchbox fruit snack.) In the end, Tru is the most expensive and extravagant restaurant my husband and I had ever set foot in, yet we did not feel out of place, rushed or looked down upon like we have felt in the past at other ritzy restaurants. We were able to take our time, enjoying every tasty bite while joking with our servers. We received additional surprise special treatment with a personalized menu in the beginning of our meal and a celebratory cupcake in honor of our anniversary at the end. For one night, we were able to live like royalty. It is a meal we will hold close to our hearts.
(5)Vernetta H.
Tru is the quintessential upscale restaurant. I experienced great service, innovative cuisine, and unique wine. I had the full culinary experience. For a foodie, it was among the top three meals that I have experienced in a lifetime worldwide.
(5)Adam B.
One of the best meals I have ever had and I have been to plenty of restaurants of this caliber. Inventive cuisine that is delicious and for $150 for tasting menu was very worth the price.
(5)Kathleen C.
Amazing experience for our 10th anniversary. Not surprisingly, service was impeccable, ambience and presentation were amazing, many things on the menu I'd never heard of and couldn't pronounce were delicious, and we LOVED the wine pairings. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because while I recognize that the price reflects the experience (and therefore don't think it is OVER priced, necessarily), I have been just as happy with meals that cost 1/3 the price and liked the food probably more, so can't give it the top review possible. Very glad we went, regardless.
(4)J T.
Business dinner at Tru. Fantastic service for such a large group, nice environment and creative food. Iconic art, felt like a restaurant meets art museum in the main dining area. If you want to impress business clients, you can't go wrong here. Would like to try again on my own.
(4)S K.
Fantastic! One of a few places with true service- the kind that would be unaffordably overstaffed in almost all restaurants. Sophisticated atmosphere. Reservations required. Dress shirt at minimum; good sport coat or a properly fitted suit would be perfect. If nothing else, try the 3 course dessert tasting menu; Gale Gand knows what she's doing.
(5)Audrey J.
Four plus hours of synchronized waitstaffing, water pouring, dish serving, restroom guiding, wine describing, and dessert indulging. My friend and I both had the chef's tasting menu, and it was fascinating to see the two different interpretations of the basic foundation of each course. The location was all about clean lines and contrasting blacks and whites. As a dessert afficionado, however, I feel I can't give the true (hardy har har) full five stars because the dessert, which was much feted, no longer included a separate chocolate selection. Sad. However, I must say that TRU offered a new and exciting handbag experience: each individual's purse gets its own little seat. Charming, non?
(4)Lisa S.
Seriously. Incredible. I have had the pleasure of enjoying fine dining experiences from St. Tropez to Vegas to Miami to NYC and everywhere in between...I had no idea that Chicago had cuisine like this. We ordered the Chef's Tasting Menu (9 courses) plus a special wagyu course as an add-on, totaling 10 courses plus wine pairings for each course. My caloric intake for the entire month was satisfied. We started with glasses of prosecco and needless to say, as each course came out, along with its wine pairing, things got a little fuzzy...thankfully Tru lists their Chef's Tasting Menu online: -white sturgeon "caviar", avocado, hazelnut -ancho cured duck breast on down, tangerine, sour cherry -butternut squash soup, alba white trufe, parmesan tuile -seared foie gras, 10 grapes, crisp chestnut -jidori chicken roulade, petit cabbage, banyuls gastrique -arctic char, light jerusalem artichoke dots, broken sorrel -prime beef ribeye, maitake mushroom, wasabi potato purée -choice of: cow, goat + sheep's milk cheeses -vanilla parfait, compressed pineapple, banana compliments of george + the special wagyu course with a wine pairing as well. A little dessert tray was brought over after all of the above was consumed. We took some treats to go. I will upload some pictures. The service was impeccable and the synchronized plate settings reminded me of Sinatra's in the Wynn. I can't wait to come back.
(5)Kathy S.
I really enjoyed my experience at Tru. As many have stated, the service is immaculate and an experience in itself. The staff is very serious on ensuring that you have the best experience possible. The moment there is a crumb on your table, they will sweep it off. Or if you get up to use the restroom, an employee will escort you the entire way (and also replace your napkin at the table). Although I tend to be more laid-back about service, it was still pretty fun to feel so pampered. The food was also delicious and we left ridiculously full. There were a couple courses that made me almost swoon. Plus I loved the personalized menus and the almond cake that was already packaged up to eat the next day. Note for the ladies: they have cute little ottomans for you to put your purse on!
(4)Philly G.
An amazing experience. Went for our 6 year anniversary. They create personalized menus for you which they give you in an envelope at the end of your night to take home along with two pastry treats wrapped for you to enjoy the next day. We had champagne to start off. We chose the grand collection with the wine pairing and everything was delicious. I enjoyed the butternut soup, "caviar" over avocado, the fish, and the desserts with all of the perfect wine pairings the best. The servers are extremely attentive and make for a wonderful evening. I'm so glad we celebrated here. Ladies there are little ottomans to put your purse on. They will escort you all the way to the restroom. They will keep your table looking spotless as they take care of every single crumb after every course. I thought the chef was amazing and just wanted to go tell him thank you for such a wonderful meal.
(5)Lou C. H.
This is where the 1% eat. You walk in, and there are beautiful orchids arranged Mapplethorpe style. There's one server for every person in your party. Dinner is theater, jacket required. At one time, I was freezing, and my DH too hot. DH asked if he could loan me his jacket, matire d' looked horrified. Absolutely not! We ordered a supplement, and one of the servers forgot. He brought over the setting for another dish, so it was I who asked him if that lobster dish was still coming. He was stricken, quickly removed the setting, and thanked me profusely for saving his job. The food is topnotch, super expensive, but the service is a little too uptight for my tastes. We go out to dinner to enjoy ourselves. Not to panic over a crumb. Not to be watched over so closely that when a crumb falls, people swoop in. And guess what, crumbs fall. I've never had a dinner party where a guest hasn't dropped a crumb, and yes, I've groaned the next day when I've had to clean up. I also do not like being escorted the entire way to the bathroom, I'm not five. The worst dish, hands down, the George the banana monkey with banana dessert. Rather pedestrian dessert for a meal that will cost you $500. Second worst dish, the tasteless jidori chicken on a log. The lobster was the best. The "linens" that cleanse your palate fun and playful. You always remember the best, and the worst.
(3)Kevin A.
The courses were great tasting, but not enough. A spoon held the soup serving. Very expensive and left wanting more. Everst was better in my opinion. My wife did love the purse ottoman.
(3)S S.
Great dining experience. The atmosphere, service, and food were all superb! The duck is delicious, as we're all the courses. Presentation was amazing! A definite.
(5)Peter F.
We had the "Tru Experience" option, which included 4 more courses than the half experience. I have to say though, the 4 courses that were included were the best part of the experience, so if you only get the half, you're probably going to leave disappointed and slightly heavier pocketed, though still really really light, since our total came out to half a K for 2 with no pairing, just 2 cocktails. For the most part, food was great! However, there are a few courses that were either lacking 1 or more flavor components or was slightly salty. If only the chef had put in a little more effort, those dishes would've been phenomenal. For example, the first course came out with 3 small dishes, which although tasted the worst, looked the most beautiful. It had the right idea, but was incredibly short on execution. One of the dishes was a "drink" but was void of any flavor. Almost made me gag actually. I thought it was just me, but my wife felt the same way as well as a few tables surrounding us. Unfortunate that it was the first course, because it kinda set the tone for the entire meal. Fortunately, the rest of the meal was great and got us back into the mood, but not entirely. One thing that really stuck with me was the cheese course. I think I spent about 30 percent of the meal enjoying that portion of the meal. It was INCREDIBLE! Overall, good meal. I didn't mind the price tag so much had it not been for a few dishes that made me regret question the decision to go here. The cheese course made me happy though :)
(3)Sherwin S.
Authentic French cuisine...in America! With so many fine dining establishments in America being touted as New American cuisine, it's refreshing to see a restaurant like Tru staying true (you see what I did there?) to the roots of classic fine dining. You are greeted with a very simplistic door with a very simplistic sign when you enter the establishment. After going through the doors and escaping the Chicago cold, you are greeted with an extremely small check in room, with a very helpful maitre d who checks your coat. The space then opens up to a large restaurant, simplistically yet eclectically decorated. The food though is the star of the restaurant...and you are greeted with dish after dish of classically cooked, elegantly prepared, and perfectly tasting dishes. Though some modernity has crept into the cuisine (they have an amazing hot infuser), the dishes still keep to the classic roots and everything is unequivocally French in inspiration. I love Tru...and Chef Martin has done an amazing job of carrying on the work of Trumonte. I can myself dining here regularly when I am in Chicago...I just need the bank account to order the cavier service next time!!!
(5)Najia Y.
I came here for the dessert tasting menu. I was happy with the well executed dishes we were served.
(4)Tiff C.
Great ambience and service and communicative staff. A good experience overall, but not really worth the price. I didn't enjoy the starter and meat as much, but the skate wing was great and the dessert was also good. Not amazing for the price you pay unfortunately.
(3)Laura A.
We dined at Tru for a special occasion last winter and ordered the tasting menu. Highlights: The presentation throughout the meal was spectacular and even whimsical. For example, the waiter placed a bowl of liquid in front of us, then poured something into it and poof! It turned into a snowy-looking substance! He then put a glass top over the snow and served a little mousse snowman on top. It was magical and delicious. We also enjoyed the cheese course - some of the best cheese I have had in this town. Why only 3 stars: For the price, there is better cuisine in Chicago. For a luxury experience, there is better cuisine (Alinea, L2O, Il Mulino to name a few...). The bottom line is our food was good, but not phenomenal. There are too many amazing restaurants in Chicago and I would not come here again and would only recommend to out-of-town guests who would prefer to stay in close proximity to downtown to eat. Additionally, the decor is a bit too minimal. I like clean and modern spaces just fine, but the decor is too spartan.
(3)Deb L.
My husband and I went on our anniversary. We didn't have babysitters, so our 5 and 7 year old came with. We were worried that the staff would not want the kids, but the staff was so friendly towards my two boys! The food was the best we have ever had. My two young boys can't stop talking about how it was the best meal they ever had! The desserts were amazing! When the waiter poured my 5 year old water, he splattered water on the glass and got my 5 year old a different glass of water (I had to laugh at that). Very expensive...around $800 for the four of us, but well worth the dining experience! At the end the manager came up to us and complimented us on our well behaved children....made us feel good! Will hopefully be going back again when in Chicago!!! The waiters were not snooty at all!
(5)Jennifer W.
Three stars are generous. I'm rounding up. Let me begin by stating that I did not pay for my dinner at Tru. The bill for four people (I peeked) was more than I make in a week. That being said, it didn't seem like it SHOULD be that much, except perhaps to pay for the expert wait staff. Oh, the waiters. Three of the people in our party chose the three course meal. Then there was my husband who chose the 35 course meal (maybe it was 10, but it seemed ungodly at the time). Each time he was brought a new plate, the other three people's empty, completely spotless plates were removed and a new empty plate was presented. I could talk about this for another paragraph, but I think that would be as pointless as this aspect of the service. I wasn't impressed with the food. I have a tree nut and tree fruit allergy, and although this was mentioned to the waiter, I was simply told what I couldn't eat, rather than being offered any kind of alternative. The first two courses were fine, but there was fruit and nuts in every one of the deserts that were carted out, so I was stuck choosing the cheese. Yawn. I would never go back on my own dime, but I may not even go back on someone else's.
(3)Peter H.
Warning: Stay away from this place like a plague. Tru is certainly a unique dining experience in every bad way you can deem possible. Terrible service (this I cannot emphasize enough), bland food and a high price tag. It's what we Chinese people would call the Tuhao of dining - classless and the non-frequent high diners simply go and justify it's worth because it's expensive. I came with high expectations after a friend's recommendation and after reading numerous positive reviews but I left $600 dollars short and extremely disappointed. I'll divide this review in terms of four sections: service, presentation, ambiance and food quality. Service I cannot emphasize how bad the service is at this restaurant. If you can't be bothered reading then this is what happened: male waiter knocks over my full glass of Delamotte champagne, doesn't apologize, drops a bon bon dessert on the table from it's plate and doesn't replace it with a new one, then proceeds to charge me for 2 glasses of Delamotte without acknowledging that he tipped over the first one. Overall, the host, hostesss and other waitresses were all very courteous but what transpired in my 1.5 hours of dining here with that waiter could easily make this the worst restaurant service I have ever experienced. To put it simply, I'd rather go spend $20 at Applebee's and tip $580 because I know at least the staff would treat me with something called respect which Tru is oblivious to. Presentation Food presentation is important for any high-end restaurant, and Tru doesn't disappoint. It isn't as impressive nor innovative as Alinea, such as it's dessert table paintings or its green apple taffy balloons, but Tru does a great job in showcasing each dish. On another note, Tru is known for their levitation dish which I was hoping to see but wasn't offered on my menu. Ambiance Live piano music, candle lights, dim lighting, no city-view backdrop (it's on the first floor) etc. If that floats your boat go ahead. Food I cannot emphasize how bland and unimpressive the food was. I say this in all sincerity because I've ate at Alinea, Next, L20, Sixteen and the list goes on. I came here on 12/31 to celebrate the new years and they only had one set menu available but it was bland in every way. To be honest, I can't even remember what I ate because it was just that unimpressive and disappointing. I even looked across the table to see my friend really disappointed and she usually never complains about food. That's just how disappointed we were. In summary, if you want to get poor service and pay a shit ton then this is the place for you.
(1)Nelson M.
Restaurant Review Simply exquisite would sum up my experience at Tru.As I walked out the door, i was lucky enough to pull up the restaurant on my Yelp app to realize that a suit was the dress code required for males. I quickly change and ran down the street for dinner. The service is first class and the ambiance of this restaurant is amazing. Our dinner consisted of: 1. Small Amuse-bouche served on a mirror plate. I have no idea what it was except it was a square cube of soft food with light foam. 2. The salad was a heirloom lettuce with baked figs, cripsy prosciutto, and vanilla balsamic vinegrette which was heavenly. The figs and prosciutto great a unique balance of savory and sweet that goes well with the lettuce. This is simply the best salad ever. 3. Grass fed beef tenderloin with caramelized onion tart and cabernet reduction. Simply the the most tender piece of beef ever with a delicate sauce that complemented well with the red wine that evening 4. For dessert, an amazing chocolate tart with raspberry and slight flecks of gold foil. Beautiful and one of the best desserts. Service was great and quick. The food is a fine balance of art and flavors that should be experienced at least once in your lifetime! Pro- food that was amazing well balance with unique ingredients, top notch service Con- Super expensive. Strict dress code i.e. guys you have to wear a suit or they won't let you in. Hidden deal- None
(4)Gregory S.
Very expensive, especially the wine list but the food and wine and service were outstanding. Timing was perfect, people were great, lots of room between tables. Quiet which was nice. Great restaurant.
(5)Ellie S.
I was in town for the Hot Chocolate Chicago race and my friends and me for kicks decided to find out if there was an opening at Tru. The staff asked if we could be there in 10 minutes and we obliged. Having not anticipated an elegant meal that evening we were floored by our experience. We were dressed down compared to most patrons yet given the same exquisite service despite going over my two drink limit and penchant for humor. We ordered the full menu and I indulged in two desserts rather than one. If I am going to get the full experience I might as well try everything. I did not like all of the food (I'm a picky eater), however I loved most of the food and really enjoyed the sensory experience the chef provided. The service here is impeccable. From the time we came toward the door until our exit our experience was amazing. I was even given a small "table" for my purse. It is a long dining experience lasting about two and a half hours. Well worth it! The best part was watching the precise choreography utilized by the staff when serving our food. It was beautiful like watching a ballet.
(4)Robin C.
I went to dinner here last night. I have to say that overall the food was fairly amazing. It wasn't as unique and as fun as Moto, but the flavors in each of the 14 dishes were something that left me speechless at a few points. For a 14 course meal, it took us about 2 hours to cruise through it. Each of the savory courses were so delicious that I wish I could have a had a full sized course of each. Each of the desert courses were so decadent that I felt like I was on a sugar high. The service was flawless. I would highly recommend this to anyone that enjoys experiences like these.
(5)Lindsay S.
I get the feeling people are afraid of being honest after dropping hundreds of dollars on a meal. It's true that the service, ambiance and presentation are wonderful. But if you ask my boyfriend and I, that's all this place has going for them. We did the 13 course "Tru Experience" with wine pairings. I love pork belly, duck breast, and short rib. They're foods I frequently order if offered on the menu. How did Tru mess up my favorite foods? The short rib was literally the worst I have ever had. We each took a bite and had to abandon it. The pork belly had been morphed into jell-o, and the duck breast was cured and tasted no better than something you could have on your meat/cheese plate at a neighborhood wine bar. In addition to the food we found to be genuinely bad, unfortunately nothing was GOOD either. There were just dishes that were "meh" in which I found *elements* that I liked. Biggest kudos to the sommelier. She did a great job with what she was given. Go to Alinea, Moto, and/or Goosefoot. "Better" isn't a strong enough word to describe how much these places trump Tru.
(2)Jaime G.
# 3 best meal in chicago is Tru. Loved the service, wine service, and cheese. Every meal and pairing was very well thought thru and very good.
(5)Kathleen M.
I have a sorority sister who likes to celebrate her birthday. She has a husband who likes to go on fishing trips to Canada. The two collided and he uttered these fateful words. "Invite your sorority sisters for a birthday dinner, anywhere you want, I will pay for it." Done, she invited us and our daughters to dine with her at Tru. It was the most elegant meal and the most giggly fun I have ever had. Heck, I even bought new shoes for it. The restaurant was hidden and elegant and when we left they gave us parting gifts. We did the prix fixe with a couple of Caviar staircases and lots of champagne thrown in. Fab-u-lous! If I got up, they moved my chair. When I came back, they helped me in. I remember all the food as just delicious but we did drink a lot of champagne. Cheers! I wasn't a Yelper then but I have always meant to write about this fantastic birthday party. Yesterday I checked in with my Yelp app to remind me. (I didn't have a smart phone back then.) Today, I get a message on Yelp from the self appointed Yelp police - aka the husband of a FORMER Yelp friend - that he has "noticed" that I did a 10:00 am check in at Hub 51 and a check in shortly after that at Tru. He is "contemplating" turning me into Yelp reps as he knows these check ins are not legit and then I will most likely be deported or possibly shot by a firing squad. Stalk much? Hilarious! It made a memorable evening even more memorable. So be careful, if you dine at Tru, make sure you check in on that exact date or the Barney Fife of Yelp Elites will turn you in. Tru dinner and a true story.
(5)Rena P.
So I finally got Tru out of my system and off my list. Honestly? Meh. I TRUly expected more. Don't get me wrong, the place is gorgeous. Simple decor, spotlights over each table, excellent host service. The actual meal experience was, unfortunately, lacking. Let me get this one point out of the way before I discuss the food. If you're going to have a complex menu, don't have a waiter who barely pronounces regular English words explain it. Seriously. When I was on the cheese course, he rattled off names for probably 3 min. nonstop; at which point, I just had to ask him to choose for me. I'm not joking. I'm also not trying to be rude. I come from a long line of non-English speaking folks, so I'm VERY used to hearing and understanding heavy accents. This, however, was on another level. Considering the fact that each table has about 3-4 servers servicing them, one of them should be a native English speaker to explain the menu options. With that out of my system, on to the food. Another slight...meh... My guest and I ordered from two separate sections of the menu, so taste as much as we could. My guest had the Prix Fixe menu and I opted for the Chef's Collection. Reviews below. PRIX FIXE: DUCK CONSOMMÉ, CONFIT + FOIE GRAS RAVIOLI, FRAGRANT JULIENNE The preparation of this course was the interesting part. Similar to a chemistry experiment, watching the consommé being prepare in front of our eyes, infusing itself with truffle, celery and other such yummies was thrilling. The taste? Well, it was mostly truffle-flavored. FALLOW DEER, CELERIES, CHESTNUT, RED CURRANT Cooked exceptionally, but deer is definitely not a flavor I will go back to. Super gamey. VANILLA PARFAIT, COMPRESSED PINEAPPLE, BANANA COMPLIMENTS OF GEORGE George rocked my world on this one. Honestly. Served up on a white ceramic monkey statue, I tried to find the reason behind the monkey, but to no avail. Nonetheless, this dish is phenomenal IMO. CHEF'S COLLECTION: WHITE STURGEON "CAVIAR", AVOCADO, HAZELNUT Unique, creative and (somewhat) tasty. What you're eating, essentially, is fish jelly. The actual sturgeon made to look like white caviar, serve in a caviar container atop an avocado spread. Let's just say its much more visually appealing. ANCHO CURED DUCK BREAST ON DOWN, TANGERINE, SOUR CHERRY This dish made me want more. It was delicious and cooked to perfection. Fatty, like duck ought to be and delicate. BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP, ALBA WHITE TRUFLE, PARMESAN TUILE Again, a miss for me. More truffle and a lack in texture. The Parmesan was not enough. SEARED FOIE GRAS, 10 GRAPES, CRISP CHESTNUT I feel that this dish would have been much more appealing had there been a variance in texture. The flavors were spot on, but the soft creamy texture of the foie gras alongside the soft texture of the grapes did not allow for the "crispy" chestnuts to leave their mark. JIDORI CHICKEN ROULADE, PETIT CABBAGE, BANYULS GASTRIQUE Honestly? This tasted like a small bite of my mother's chicken cutlet. Presentationally this dish is exquisite. It's just edible artwork. Google the name of this dish for photos, they'll stun you. ARCTIC CHAR, LIGHT JERUSALEM ARTICHOKE DOTS, BROKEN SORREL I'm remembering nothing of this dish; it seems to have blended with the other course (not a good sign) PRIME BEEF RIBEYE, MAITAKE MUSHROOM, WASABI POTATO PURÉE Alright, finally something I could sink my teeth into. A beautiful, well-portioned piece of ribeye; served on a block of chopped wood. Love. Love. LOVE. CHOICE OF: COW, GOAT + SHEEP'S MILK CHEESES I love cheese. VANILLA PARFAIT, COMPRESSED PINEAPPLE, BANANA COMPLIMENTS OF GEORGE (see above review) In addition to the mentioned, items like a ginormous pine cone with mini meringue was served. A tasting of the dessert cart minis were made available. All these tastings were quite honestly... orgasmic. If I had to recommend this restaurant, I would strongly suggest going for dessert. To sound crude, HOT DAMN!
(3)Asuka N.
For our last night in Chicago, we stuck with a restaurant closer to our hotel and went to Tru. Making a reservation on OpenTable a couple weeks of time was surprisingly easy (we were able to get a reservation at 7:45 on Saturday night), and showing up and getting seated was a cinch. Similar to Alinea the night before, the dining room has a relatively simple yet modern feel to it, although there is more bright lighting. Although the dining room feels quite big, it never got too noisy, even when it was filled with more people. Service was very good and relatively quick; you aren't left waiting too long between each bite, which is probably a good thing if you go with the 14-course tasting (which you definitely should). The servers also have a good personality about things and talking about the dishes, which is nice in comparison to most upscale places, where waiters can be robotic at times. As for the food - it's hard to state how well and complete the tasting menu feels. Doing the 14-course tasting gives you a chance to sample dishes from all across the spectrum - seafood, meats, appetizers, sweets, and some really cool, innovative dishes in between. Not only that, but the presentation is extremely unique and well-done for each dish - for example, you get served the beef on a glass resting on top of half a wooden log - without being overwrought and feeling over the top. The first course was beet with caviar, which was really good and different, as the caviar paired with a denser vegetable adds a spritz of saltiness, but the flavor of the beet is much lighter than other dishes I've had with caviar. The seafood dishes (both the crab and the Scottish salmon) were very delicious; they tasted fresh, but paired with a clean fruity tastes (for the crab) and with mushroom-infused broth (for the salmon). The clear highlight of the dinner (and it wasn't on the shorter 7-course - just another reason why you should go for the larger tasting) was the foie gras truffle flan. It's the first time these two favorites of mine paired in the dish, and the result is pure magic. Out of the many meals I've eaten over the years, this may very well be the absolute best dish, EVER. The richness of the foie gras gives the dish the depth, but the truffle flavor overlaid on it takes it to another level. I would come back to Tru if the rest of the meal was just okay, because this was otherworldly and so freakin' good. It gets paired with a croissant served with truffle butter, which really helps to highlight the exquisite flavors of the truffle in another light. The butternut squash soup is the other dish that highlights the truffle, with white truffle cream drizzled into the soup to really give the soup (which was solid on its own) an extra kick of flavor. Both meat dishes (the pork belly and duo of wagyu beef) were delicious and succulent in their own right. In particular, the richness of the flavor in the dry-aged beef was so well-done, it hardly required any additional flavoring or marinade. Like any fabulous restaurant, the dessert courses were delicious (one dish with parfait and orange that almost seems like it's ice cream, except it's not; and a chocolate dish)...and then you got served more dessert on top. We were brought out a 3-tier selected of various truffles, macaroons, jellies, and other goodies to select from at the end, and it was topped off by providing us with a pastry with an orange jelly center for later...it was a great thing to wake up to the next morning. In all, Tru is a phenomenal restaurant. The presentation of the food is fantastic, the portions are just right for a larger tasting menu, and the food is phenomenally good across the spectrum. Did I mention the fois gras truffle flan? SO GOOD. I'm definitely coming back here next time I'm in town. Easily my favorite restaurant (of the limited ones I've been to) in Chicago, and one of the best - if not the best - restaurant I've had the privilege of eating at ANYWHERE so far. You have to eat dinner here.
(5)Betty C.
TRU is a sophisticated, elegant and enjoyable dining experience. That being said you will not be overwhelmed with the magnificent flavor of any of the dishes - they all taste very good but nothing will knock your socks off or leave you feeling like you need to return for that dish. The service is what is amazing and the quite, hushed tones of the other diners makes you feel like you are in a food house of worship. The staff is extremely well trained. You are doted on without it feeling obtrusive. Every plate and utensil is always where it should be. Errant crumbs are whisked away at every course. We were there for a 90th birthday and all the staff greeted us with birthday wishes. The give-away amuse bouches - two to start, were delicious - a Comte Cheese gougere and a lemon mousse with a roasted fennel puree. We ordered the Chef's Collection of 9 courses. The three tastiest were the smoked sturgeon "caviar", the butternut squash soup with ginger marshmallows and the duroc pork belly roulade. The pork had great flavor but was a bit drier than one would expect for pork belly. The bread service is great with buttery mini brioche and crispy cheesy, delicate Parmesan crackers. Our biggest complaint would be that there was never enough delicious sauce served - even when a sauce "pusher"/knife was given to use. After dinner the mignardises were a nice touch - the lemongrass French macaron not so great but the fried thimbles (not that small though) of custardy like dough were really good as well as the apricot soft gummy-like dot. The liquid raspberry filled thin shell of chocolate with hints of gold leaf on top were a nice way to end the meal. As we departed they gave a a customized menu as a momento and a neatly wrapped almond/cherry mini cake sporting a TRU tag. The mini cake was delicious with coffee the next morning and one of those endearing touches that leaves a warm feeling for the place. Special Dishes: Duroc pork belly, butternut squash soup with ginger marshmallows, smoked sturgeon "caviar", mini brioche, Parmesan crackers
(4)Nathan G.
I don't know what that no-talent ass-clown, Jim H, is talking about. This place is that bomb-diggety, yo! From the empty cream puffs to the tree bark topped with bat guano, I haven't seen anything better. I particularly liked the breadstick pipe cleaner atop the cold butter water.
(5)Kimmy R.
Seriously I would give this place ten stars if allowed! If you want to be treated like royalty come here... they escort you to the restroom and back to your table AND give you a velour box that sits next to your table to put your purse on so it is at a height where you can get inside it!! Amazing... your car is heated and running and waiting for you as you exit the restaurant! And the food... joyous! Definitely do the tasting menu so you can try lots of different things. The only reason I came here a few years ago was because I used to watch Gale Gand's Sweet Dreams show on the Food Network... so glad I did! I
(5)Timmy F.
Super food, but very serious dining experience. This is a place for very serious food and wine fans. A once in a while treat though. The food creations were very cool though!
(4)An N.
This is an experience everyone should have at least once in their life. From the incredibly choreographed service, to the exciting and innovative food, it was worth every penny. Yes this is an investment of a meal. Something that I could never enjoy on a regular basis, but that's part of the fun, right? Knowing that you are saving up and making a celebration something truly romantic and meaningful. My husband was kind enough to book us the "Tru experience", a 14 course chef's tasting menu. When I tell you this is an EXPERIENCE, I mean every single one of those 14 courses came with an elaborate dance from the servers to ensure the utensils, place setting, and setting down of the dish was immaculate. Now the food.. oh the food. I've never been one to use the word titillating, but that's what my tongue was going through. Combinations like "see urchin in a granny smith + watercress avalanche" and "soy glazed veal, preserved lemon, potato confit, green" intrigue all your senses and leave your palate complete satiated. THE WINE!!! We didn't go with the wine pairing- just opted to order a la cart. I can't remember what line we ordered, but I can tell you that was the most amazing tasting pinot noir I have ever had in my life. Still dreaming about it to this day. Their Sommelier is spot on. I really can't say enough about the wonderful servers. So many times the staff at expensive restaurants can't help but evoke the aura of, "Do you know where you are? You are privileged to be here." But that couldn't be further from the truth with Tru. They were genuine, articulate, intelligent and extremely kind. And to top it all off, they gave us a tour of the kitchen at the end of our meal! You think the food is elaborate? Imagine the amount of staff necessary to maintain the timing and execution of the meal. 'PHEW!' I was very grateful my husband was thoughtful enough to splurge on this amazing meal. If you're in town and want something worth dressing up for, this is it.
(5)Lakeview M.
Outstanding. Inventive, interactive and extraordinary. Felt more like a night at the theater than dinner with family. So rare and hard to have all your expectations fulfilled then surpassed that there is almost an emotional hangover when it's done! A VERY serious food destination that still leaves you feeling amused and amazed, like you just ate all your favorites foods that you never knew about. Argh, would give anything to go again
(5)Chris D.
Tru is one of the grande dames of the Chicago restaurant scene. It doesn't attract the same buzz as some newer high end places, and it presents a fairly traditional approach to fine dining. No communal table. No open kitchen. No "wear what makes you comfortable" dress code. Fine art on the fall. But Tru clearly belongs to the upper echelon of Chicago restaurants and is still going strong even as it closes in on 20 years in business. The food is not avante garde in the same sense as Alinea or Grace but is still fresh, contemporary, and uniformly excellent. The tasting menu is very well balanced--not too many or too few of any particular type of course. We left satisfied but not overstuffed. The wine pairings complemented the food well. Service was exception. When the captain asked my girlfriend if she wanted another glass of champagne, she said yes and joked that she would also like another serving of the very delicious truffled pasta dish we'd just eaten. It was obviously meant in jest. Nonetheless, five minutes later, out came another helping for both of us. Minor criticisms: the bread selection was less not particularly impressive compared to say, Sixteen, and the chairs are a bit small. Overall, a terrific and memorable meal.
(5)Lu H.
Over two years after we first dinned here. we decided to come back and celebrate my birthday. I think after all the other dinning experiences we've had in the past two years, I really wanted to try Tru again and see where it stands when compared to other Michelin starred restaurants. By the minute we walked in, they treated you as if you were the only customers and all attention was on you. And it's my birthday, so everyone said happy birthday to me, which made the birthday girl really happy :). The service was top notch, I always appreciate the attentions to details--black napkin for my black dress, purse stool next to my feet, and the happy birthday print on the menu. We went for the Chef's collection, plus some caviar. Needless to say, every course's presentation was beautiful. -Caviar: it has the most memorable presentation as the caviar was presented on some gorgeous white coral. We are rookies when it comes to caviar, so all I can say is, it's YUMMY! :) -White sturgeon "caviar", rested on avocado. This chef's take on caviar is just as delicious as the real caviar we just had, if not better. I think the avocado made it. -Day boat scallop: it had a very profound Asian flavor to it, i think it's the ginger and thai chili. This was the start of this underlying Asian flavor of tonight's dinner. -Summer tomato salad: refreshing, summery, and it preserves the natural flavors of tomatoes while made it more visually appealing. It made me feel less guilty about going out because I was eating all the vitamins! -Dashi flan: i think this might be the least memorable dish of all night. I don't remember what it is... -Foral artichoke: it was some artichoke creamy soup with edible flowers on top. The flavors were amazing, and the presentation was pretty. Loved it! -Alaskan halibut: another dish with more of an Asian twist than French in my mind. It tasted like a Thai halibut curry. Don't get me wrong, I loved it, but I thought Tru is supposed to be more like modern French? I still remember the foie gras ravioli we had at our first visit. Now they went for Thai flavors? -Jidori chicken: very tender, and had foie gras and black truffle shaving. It was the high note of the night. But again, I think there's some soy sauce-ish tasting sauce on the plate. A little odd to couple that with foie gras, but oh well, I loved their chicken. Then comes the cheese cart, then the vanilla parfait and banana ice cream presented by "George", some monkey statue that made me laugh. It's kinda weird to present dessert on a monkey statue, maybe another hint of the thai underlying tone? Last but not least is the dessert cart, I asked for one of each, a girl can never have too many desserts! When we left, they gave us each a treat to take home. Very thoughtful and a nice touch for an amazing dinner! It's definitely worth a Michelin Star, and we will definitely be back again!
(5)Alicia M.
I had this meal with my office so it was free for me (thankfully). It's a beautiful meal with gracious service and an elegant dinning room. A very formal affair. The panko crusted scallop appetizer was by far my favorite bite. I had the short ribs for an entree which was juicy and flavorful. The wine pairing was phenomenal. I would definitely recommend the pairing. If you're willing to fork out a lot for this meal it is delicious, but I've had meals just as delicious for much less in the city.
(4)Linda H.
I cannot say enough good things about Tru. Writing this review makes me want to delete all my previous 5-star reviews because nowhere compares to the dining experience I had at Tru. Walking in, the hostess took our coats and escorted us to the lounge to wait for our table. Our table was ready in less than 5 minutes, but I almost wish we had longer to wait because the seating area was very plush and there was a lot to look at, including some unique art pieces. Once seated, we were presented with our selection of napkin colors, my purse was comfortably seated on the ottoman next to me, and the head waiter explained the menu offerings to us. Multiple servers are assigned to each table and each person was extremely knowledgeable and polite. I decided upon the 3 course menu and my BF got the 6 course tasting menu. For his extra courses, they brought me out an empty plate and silverware, which I thought was a nice touch because then I could steal some of his food ;-) As a note, the courses listed on the menu don't include a variety of amuse bouches and palate cleansers, nor the extensive bread service they provide. We left the restaurant full to the brim. The food, which has been explained previously so I won't get into details, was amazing. The one dish we thought fell short was the chicken. It wasn't bad, just not anything to call home about. The best parts were the desserts. And yes, I say plural desserts because they just kept coming. We ordered off the menu, then a dessert cart was presented to us, then we got 3 additional off-the-menu dessert bites and a root beer float. It was heavenly. Lastly, when we left, they had our coats waiting (no coat check ticket here!) and our car valeted outside. We also got a personalized menu to take home and a little breakfast pastry wrapped up for the next morning. A few notes - Tru is a formal restaurant and jackets are required for men. Turn off your cell phone - I'm sure if yours rang, everyone would turn and give you a dirty look. Bring your 12 inch voices, its an extremely intimate dining experience. All in all, Tru is a culinary delight topped off by the most dedicated service I have ever experienced in my life. Truly a wonderful evening. I can't wait to go back!
(5)D K.
TRU is my wife's favorite restaurant. Although, now I am sure I can say, was my wife's favorite restaurant. Since we had not been in a while, I decided to take her for Valentine's Day...Oh how the might have fallen! This one perennial powerhouse of Chicago fine dining that put it's main rival, Charlie Trotter's, to shame for years is a mere fraction of it's former self. The evening only reminded us of why we stopped coming here. It is not that chef Anthony Martin is not very good. He is incompetent! On a special occasion evening where there is a set menu, he chose to serve chicken as the main course. Yes, roasted chicken! Any chef that does not have the culinary intellect to understand that no matter what you do to chicken, it is still chicken can only be described as incompetent. And; yes, even with the shaved truffles it still tasted like chicken! What a shame too, because the other course were prepared beautifully and held their own. The wine pairings were also very good. Other positives were the minimalist décor, which still makes for an excellent dining setting; and while there are not many familiar faces on the wait staff, they get the job done. Hopefully the general manager wakes up and recognizes that it is time to make a change at chef. So this once excellent restaurant can get back to being a showcase for Chicago fining dining, instead of the embarrassment it is today.
(2)Marya F.
First off, it's a beautiful restaurant with a modern feel. I would change the music though - techno and a little dated. The staff must have been new or still training because there were numerous mishaps and mistakes. At one point, after laying out flatware for our party of 7, another waiter came and took all of the flatware before we used it. Someone made a comment about how this was new and unused silverware, and a waiter explained it was the wrong type. Perhaps this is true, but we never would have known the difference except they made it so obvious by removing it and re-setting it (and 4 of us got the same silverware again...). Positives: The first course included a crab selection that was fantastic. Another course was monkfish - juicy, flavorful, great. The beef entree was tender, aromatic & perfect. The chocolate truffle was a delicious surprise. Negatives: too many truffles!! if I was a fan, this would've made me happy. Sadly I am not. I was also disappointed with the foie gras. I really love dining in style, but with such high prices I expect that the service and every single dish is going to be top notch. There were some big hits but too many misses.
(3)Vincent C.
First, I'd like to apologize because I don't remember much about the decor of Tru's dining room. It was modern and the ceilings were high, but that's all I got. I hope this doesn't negatively affect your decision to eat here. Second, I am completely neutral about the service. They were well-synchronized and impeccable, but isn't that to be expected? Don't worry, you'll be taken care of. But in all seriousness, it's abundantly apparent why Tru is considered a standard-bearer for Chicago. What you will dine on is deliciously well-executed, new French cuisine. I'm sure the menu has completely turned over since my dinner here in February, but I'm sure all the delightful surprises are still there. My only critique is that after my meal I felt like I've been to Tru before. There was nothing to truly elevate itself from other fantastic Michelin-starred fine dining restaurants.
(4)Laura K.
My husband and I decided to make reservations at Tru to use our Let Us Entertain You points for a nice fine dining experience. The food was great and the service was EXCELLENT. The decor is modern and sleek, however the scene is a bit older though thankfully not super stuffy (except for the terrible couple a few tables away from us who complained loudly about EVERYTHING attempting to ruin the experience for everyone around them.) We chose to go with the 6 course meal and added the cheese course and wine pairing. I was really impressed with the pairing - some excellent wines! The food was very good though not overly imaginative. I enjoyed every course though there wasn't a clear stand out. I recommend adding the cheese course for any cheese lover out there like me. They bring out a cart of cheese and let you pick out as much as you want to sample. They do the same thing for dessert which is kind of fun. I would recommend this place if you are looking for a nice, romantic meal and won't have sticker shock with $500+ dinner bill.
(4)Sunny J.
Amazing dining experience. Every moment of the evening, for the four hours I was there, was as coordinated as carefully as a theatre experience. We had two waiters and they actually poured the water in concerto. There were live fish swimming in the outer bowl of my soup... sanitary, creative, and awesome! The chocolate course was to die for. And then they sent me home with a delicous cinnamon breakfast cake for the morning and a printed copy of the twelve course menu I had just enjoyed... In other words, sheer perfection.
(5)Alik W.
This review is from stopping by their lounge for a single glass of wine and two small plates, using up some spare Lettuce gift certificates. The small plates (I had the sturgeon "caviar" balls and a slice of foie gras) are, indeed, small. However, they are top-notch in terms of taste and presentation, and you'll want to eat them slowly to really capture all the different textures and flavors. This is definitely modern French; there's a strong note of molecular gastronomy here. The reason this gets five stars is not on the value for money; the lounge prices are almost affordable, but the portions are small enough that they're still insanely expensive. It's four stars on value. However, the service was impeccable, even when it was blatantly clear to my waiter that I was not a high-end customer in any sense. Two nibbles and a glass of wine were accompanied by an amuse-bouche (a series of interesting stacked purees/foams), nicely executed breads, an after-dinner truffle (one of the better and more interesting bits of the evening), and a delightful little lemon-almond cake from the coat stand. By volume, I received more complimentary accompaniments than I actually purchased. Any or all could've been omitted and I probably wouldn't know, but including them and providing the attention I'd get with the $100 prix-fixe was a generous touch. If I ever win the Powerball or otherwise get able to afford an actual meal here, I'd be back.
(5)Ramya P.
Luxurious n Blissful... the best way to celebrate a special occasion!! Writing this review after experiencing one of the best meals of my life. I made reservations here to celebrate my husband's new gig. Called them to inform that we both were vegetarians and they said there would be no problem accommodating us. Everything from moment we entered the restaurant till we got back into our car made us feel like we were royalty. The personalized menus we were handed are such a classy touch. I was initially intimidated and overwhelmed by the ambiance, the number of servers and the orchestrated service but a meal typically takes 2.5 to 3 hours and we warmed up to all of it after a lil' while. The decor is very modern and elegant. Dress up and feel fly... trust me you will want to feel like a million bucks for this experience. There is no way I can put into words the sensations and joy I felt tasting the food. I am just glad that I had my husband with me while experiencing such pleasure, because I honestly believe that your happiness increases when you share it with someone you love. Does cabbage puree sound appetizing to you?? Oh, but it was!! It was one of the highlights of the evening. I'm a home-cook who loves earthy flavors and to me, molecular gastronomy sounds like lab science but now, I want me a bowlful of amorphous pistachio puree and dehydrated carrots. Our servers not just explained us the dish that were presented to us, but knew in depth how the food was cooked. This made the meal even more exciting. A lonesome Michelin star feels like an injustice! Choose to celebrate your next special occasion at Tru for the most unique experience that will transform your meal into an endorphin-fueled food coma while your minds will be blown by the incredible hospitality.
(5)Robert F.
We went to Tru to celebrate two birthdays and had a very nice experience. The atmosphere is beautiful, not too stuffy and the art collection is one of the best I have ever seen in a restaurant. We started with the caviar, which I highly recommend. For dinner we had the tasting menu with wine parings, all which were wonderful. We did have one incident with the restaurant, of which most people would have given 1 star, however the chef, manager and staff were all very professional and handled the situation appropriately- so much so that I give this restaurant four stars and would recommend it again. Chicago has a lot of fabulous restaurants, and the fact that Tru has remained over the years is a testament to the quality of food, service and experience. I do warn you, it is expensive. Be prepared to spend!
(4)Foram B.
This is a late post, but my husband and I dined here last September to celebrate our one year anniversary and his birthday while we were back in Chicago. We were trying to go to Alinea, but with being limited on only dining during the weekend, I can't justify dropping $1k+ on a dinner for two. Instead, we opted for Tru as they have a similar approach but are more attainable. To sum it up..food, service, ambiance, presentation were all spot on! Amazing experience and worth a fine dining night out.
(5)J B.
So maybe I am a jaded diner, or this was just a poor start to a 2500$ fine dinning weekend, but I was very disappointed in tru...Over the course of 4 days I went to TRU, Alinea, and a lesser known fine dinning establishment called Ambria(which I have since found out is closed : ( , all in Chicago... with TRU being our Thursday night destination, I wasn't surprised to be the first one there, as I always make the earliest reservation when I know I am going to be multi-coursing it... I must say the service was great, yet a bit mechanical...servers may have been friendly, but I am not sure they were aloud to be...The food great(but not to memorable), the kitchen AWESOME, the cheese cart incredible, and the truffle cart, and candy carts at the end was over the top.... My complaint and reason for 4 stars(which i raised from 3 in the middle of writing this)....None of the food was hot(or cold), food that was supposed to be hot was served on cold dishes(like out of the refrigerator cold). Proper Temperature of food and plates is essential for a great meal... Next time in Chicago, eh I probably wont go back as there are other places that I NEED to try (Moto, where even at 2 months out I couldn't get a reso, Everest wasn't open on Sunday when I wanted to go, and then I would want to return to defiantly alinea and ambria!)
(4)Rich W.
Chef Martin is somewhat of a wunderkind - heading the prestigious Tru kitchen at age 29. I was eager to check out his cooking right before the Michelin release. The amuse bouche was granulated cucumber salad with mussels veloute. The bright-flavored cucumber salad and the umami-abound veloute made an interesting and refreshing start. There were four choices of bread. The cheese crackers and the brioche, the only two that were made in-house - were decent. The other two were made by Red Hen. I actually like Red Hen's French baguette. But Tru's two selections were odd. The white bread had an awkward crust that didn't amount to a real crust and made the bread appear stale. The pumpernickel fared better, but was also a bit stale to my taste. I think Tru should just develop its own bread program. The butter that accompanied the bread was from an unnamed brand from Vermont. It was good, but nothing spectacular. I had the 6-course tasting with an extra cheese course. The first course was sturgeon caviar. Despite the name, it was actually white sturgeon shaped into the droplets and put in a caviar can - on a bed of avocado puree - complete with the pearl spoon. The dish tasted fine, but it was a bit one-note. Beyond the playful concept, there was no nuance in the flavor-profile. I wish it was a real caviar course. The second dish was chilled kohlrabi soup. It was contained in a hallowed kohlrabi - cool presentation. The soup itself was drizzled with curry oil on top. The combination worked, but it was a touch too salty. And frankly the concept of "curry" oil - admittedly a fad in contemporary French cooking nowadays - is funny to people who know a thing or two about spices. But moving on. The third was a pork-belly dish. The pork belly was rolled and cut into a medallion, topped with crisped bacon and shaved truffles. This was fantastic. The pork belly was executed perfectly, and the truffles complemented well with the richness. The accompanying dumpling was also very good. Although this course was oddly placed in the tasting, it was my favorite dish of the night. Fourth course was tilefish. The skin was left on and created a perfect crust. The fish itself was perfectly cooked but under-seasoned. The pickled daikon and the brown butter emulsion helped a bit but ultimately the dish shined on textures but tasted bland. The last savory course was chicken with foie gras rolled into a disc. The presentation was beautiful. It tasted fine but again lacked any nuance beyond salt. Next was the cheese course. I picked one cow, one sheep, and one goat, from creamy to sharp. It was good and fun to pick things out of a cheese cart. But ultimately none of the selections were very memorable or interesting. The palate cleanser was cucumber emulsion. This brought us back to the cucumber amuse bouche - which added some structure to the meal. The emulsion was way too acidic to be pleasant, but it did the job of cleansing my palate. The dessert course was figs, cassis on honey-flavored cream and ice cream. This was a simple dessert that worked on all levels - great produce, great execution, and great combination of flavors and textures. Mignardises came on a trolley. I had one of each. Canele was textbook (rivaled that of L2O). Pomegranate gelee and the chocolate truffle were also excellent. The only item that was sub-par was the macaron, which didn't have the proper airy meringue shell. The take-home snack (fruit-jam muffin) made perfect breakfast the next day. The sommelier recommended the most expensive glass of wine without mentioning the price. I only realized this when I read the bill. I found that to be slightly presumptuous. But the Pommard Noizons Domaine Berthelemot 2007 was excellent - fruit-forward yet complex with hints of spice. It went well with my entire meal. I also had their Intelligentsia proprietary blend coffee - also excellent. The space had vaulted ceiling, clean-line but plush furniture, crisp-white linen, with colorful and provocative arts on the wall. I felt I was in a contemporary art museum. It was a stunning dining room fit for special occasions. Service was professional and the pace of the dinner perfect. They still did synchronized presentation, which I found robotic. I appreciated the effort though. After the meal we met Chef Martin - very friendly and personable. The valet warmed my car for me, which was a nice touch. I did think the waitstaff was too austere and humorless. To get to the next level of service, they need to train the waitstaff to be more than just servers. I was happy with this experience. The execution was good, and the presentation was like artwork. But overall the meal lacked any "wow" moments. My dining companion put it well - everything just tasted "muted." Tru has the fine-dining format down to a tee, but to be a destination you need more. There's still room to grow. But for now, I'd say it is proper Michelin 1-star cooking.
(4)Dennis S.
Fabulous decor, very professional service, but not a place I'd rate tops for food. For the right guests, this is one of the places I'd consider taking them. But I don't expect to bother again just for us. The wait staff dripped attitude, like answering my question about if a certain item is moist or dry in the middle with "We have a professional staff in the kitchen. It's prepared properly." Emphasis on the word "properly." But beyond the attitude the service was impeccable. The décor is very appealing. Elegant is a good description. Tables are well spaced, so everyone has privacy. It's a contemporary, open setting, not unlike Four Seasons in New York. Part of the Lettuce Entertain You empire, they've thought of everything. Like bring a tray with black and white napkins so that my wife can pick which color lint to have on her dress. The clientele is definitely upscale, regulated by the "jacket required" notice. Their wine list is gigantic - I've never seen so many wines priced over $300 a bottle. Of course the one wine we picked they were out of, but the replacement wine was nice. And I appreciate the wine sommelier recommending a replacement that was less expensive than our original choice. I had their crispy veal sweetbreads as a starter. This is the item I do not like dried out and overcooked, and the subject of the pompous answer from the waiter. "moist" was assured, but not delivered. They'd more appropriately be named veal McNuggets. Tasteless. Across the table my wife loved her bay scallops, the smallest bay scallops you've ever seen with small thin strips of bacon on top of each. She said they were perfect. My main was the Atlantic halibut with braised fennel and olive. Fabulous, thick yet still cooked through, moist, and flavorful. My wife also liked her Wagyu beef short ribs, and went crazy for the small cups carved from apple with a jalapeno puree inside each apple cup. Bite size and delicious. I went with the cheese cart instead of dessert, a disastrous choice. I won't bore you with the story - if you enjoy a good cheese cart, don't be looking for it here. We enjoyed the prix fixe menu, with seven appetizers and seven mains to pick from. Each was a generous serving. The evening ended with a wonderful conversation with the general manager and a tour of the kitchen. It was a delightful evening, but I'll be surprised if we make another reservation here. Too many other good choices in Chicago.
(4)Emmanuel B.
It has been years since I ate here. Beautiful presentation of food. Some of it was a bit much, such as a seafood dish placed on top of a fish bowl with little fishies swimming in it. Some dishes were delicious, but most were ok and some very bland. The bill was close to $500 for two; too expensive for what it offers.
(3)Jenny L.
mm 3.5 starts. perhaps my expectations were too high. creative presentation. overall, fun experience. the waiters and waitresses were very attentive. At one point, my brother tried to take off his jacket because it was too hot, and one of the staff came over to tell him no no. I looked around and there was a guy wearing a leather jumper. I guess that's still considered a jacket. the fam still laughs about it.
(3)Erick N.
Dining at Tru is luxurious experience where you pampered from start to finish. We were pleasantly surprised with the ambiance when we arrived; we had expected an old fashioned vibe but Tru manages to fuse classic and modern decor in a manner that works. The symbol of an open box on the menu, charger and elsewhere in the restaurant symbolizes that they will strive to keep taking care of you - and this was definitely case between the ultra attentive service to the never ending extra treats they bring to your table. Tru has a large open main dining room (where we dined) and two smaller rooms that are available for private functions. Our primary waiter thoroughly explained the menu. There is an a la carte option (choice of one of seven appetizers, seven entrees, and cheese cart service or dessert for $98 per/person), two tasting menus (Grand with six courses and Chef's Collection with nine for $110 and $145 respectively) and a menu of Luxury courses you can add to either the a la carte or tasting menus (i.e. Australian Wagyu, Perigord balck truffle shavings, a menu of caviars etc.). The Grand tasting menu is about the same quantity of food as the a la carte option, but you receive double the variety (six versus three courses). Entire table participation is suggested for the tasting menus, but not required. There was no pressure or hard sale to purchase the more expensive options or extras, but simply the information was presented. There also is a vast wine menu with a handful of wines by the glass, handful of cocktails and a plethora wines by the bottle. We opted for a relatively inexpensive bottle of bubbly (there are several bottles of wine priced from $45 to $60 and tons of high end wines for the connoisseur). As a nice touch they offer sparkling water in lieu of still for no extra cost. As there were a couple items on the tasting menus that we did not find appealing, and some of the a la carte options were singing to us went a la carte. I almost chose the Skate for my starter but at the last second selected the Pumpkin Gnocchi in a veal sauce with truffle oil. This dish looked, smelled and tasted phenomenal. For my entree I went the Wild Scottish Hare with Flavors of Winter; I had never eaten hare before so thought I would try something new. While the dish again looked beautiful I found the hare a tad too rich; not at all a fault of the chef, but I learned that hare is not my favorite animal. My wife ordered the prime beef ribeye wish I tasted and was an superb cut of meat and expertly prepared. For dessert we had seen the elegant cheese cart rolled about the restaurant and it had caught our fancy and we both opted for a cheese course. There is wide variety of French cheeses, goat, cow and sheep. The server spends a good deal of time carefully explaining each of the cheeses and you are permitted to each choose three; there are also some fruits, honey and bread to accompany the cheese. All six cheeses we chose were great. I decided to also order one of the desserts (Pumpkin Patch) in addition and am glad I did. The presentation was so beautiful I did not want to eat it at first; there were miniature pumpkins made out of mousse that looked so real; there also was a bruleed layer connecting the pumpkins and homemade chocolate twizzles. Tru is a fine dining experience and as such portions are on the small side, but there are so many complimentary extra treats you receive that you leave very satisfied. Prior to the appetizer we received two amuse bouches, one of which was very fun and memorable. We were informed that the chef wanted us to have some snow since it had been a mild winter and they put a bowl of liquid on front of you and pour a liquid into it and voila, it turns into snow! They then put a glass top over the snow and place a snowman made out of mousse on top. Then there is bread service (four different homemade breads and they will offer you seconds and thirds). After dessert they bring you a cart with several different small treats (i.e. homemade marshmallows, chocolate truffles, apple gummy candy etc.) and encourage you to pick as many as you want. Then they bring you an outstanding delicate piece of chocolate with the bill filled with liquid and on the way out hand you a homemade muffin to take home for breakfast. Service at Tru is also high end; you really feel pampered. Teams of servers present your food in unison. You are escorted to the bathroom. They want to make sure any allergies or personal preferences you have are accommodated. The pace of the meal is relaxed but not slow. While the servers are not quite as personable as those at Alinea, they are otherwise as polished as they come. Many people thought that Tru would be the recipient of a second star from Michelin and after my dinner there tonight I have to put myself in this camp. My wife and I both agreed that this was one of the best overall dining experiences we have and are certain to return.
(5)Dotty K.
Save your money and spend it on Arun's Thai. The food at Tru is boring, no flavors, cold and they make you pay through the nose. The decor and ambiance is boring as well, does not look classy / upscale, infact it is looks depressing. We went with the 12-course meal with wine pairing. Most of their dishes were ice cold, one of the appetizers was ice-creme. I like my food to be warm and flavorful. Both my needs were not met. The wine pairing was extremely poor. Sweet wine paired with sweet appetizers...sugar rush in the head. My head is still spinning after 2 days. The food was not appetizing at all...I paid $159 (food) + $125 (wine pairing) per person and got to eat crap like cold beet and cold melon balls. I would have given this restaurant a -5 star rating if possible. Not recommended, waste of money, over-hyped and so not worth it.
(1)Paul M.
Made our 9th anniversary absolutely amazing. We had the semi-private dining table on the second floor overlooking the lounge. It was perfect. They even customized the menus with our names on it and came out with a very nice congratulations desert. Everything about the service, meal and orchestration of the experience was great. We dined directly under a great Vik Muniz art piece. We started with the sturgeon caviar on coral demonstration, it was incredible. Then we proceeded to arctic char and beet salad, which exploded in your mouth and was delicious. From there, we went with the salmon and wagyu beef braised for 72 hours. The desert tower put us over the top. The presentation was perfect the the flavors and tastes were out of this world. Appreciate the attentive, personal and fun wait team we had -- they weren't too stuffy and appreciate my wife's humor. Be prepared for an over the top refined experience here at TRU. But that comes with the turf, nothing to be afraid of. And, be prepared to spend. You get what you pay for and you get a lifetime of memories coming to this restaurant. We will not soon forget this evening.
(5)Joy M.
Amazing food. Fancy and business like environment rather than romantic one.
(5)Aaron A.
A dining experience like none other. Go for an evening, take a lot of money, and don't sweat any details. Get what you want, be surprised by the service, serving plateware, and the team of waiters you have (who are multi lingual). Rub elbows with Chicago's rich and dine like a king. Savor the food, because there isn't much of it, but after 7-15+ courses, you'll be full, and you won't want to put a chicken wing in your mouth for days - it'd be like defiling sacred ground!
(5)Ron A.
The presentation, service, and ambience were great. But the food wasn't that great. Very original and inventive, but nothing amazing. I would have expected more for the $200 per head that we dropped. Also, we were running a little late, and asked to push our reservation 15 min late and were told nothing was available. But the place was empty that night with maybe 4 or 5 tables occupied.
(3)Nancy T.
This place is ridiculously amazing. I honestly don't feel as though I'm going to do this review any bit of justice, so please...do yourself a favor and just go here at some point. Tru is unlike ANY other restaurant I've ever dined at. I've grown up on quite a bit of fine dining, particularly in Beverly Hills...but this place is unbelievable. From start to finish, the whole experience is just amazing - it's like a production! They treat you like superstars! :) You walk in, get greeted, the lady immediately takes your coat and hangs it. Then you walk into a clean, comfy lounge where you can sit with pretty flower candles & a romantic setting. Immediately thereafter, they walk you to your table! At first, my bf and I felt like this place was pretty pretentious. Everyone was completely dressed up. I saw one guy who failed to bring a suit jacket, so they loaned him one before he entered the dining area. The waiters even spoke in a super formal manner, so we felt even more awkward. However, once the meal started to unfold and we realized that all that glamour is really just unexpectedly grand treatment, we grew more comfortable and actually started to really enjoy the pampering :) We both ordered the 6-course grand collection, but I noted that I have some food allergies, so they adjusted accordingly. As a result, even though we were both supposed to get the exact same courses, we actually both got to try even more food because we had different food for practically every course! It was awesome! While I initially thought that each piece of food was rather small and dinky (exact thought in head: "THAT'S IT?!" *insert utter disappointment*), I actually felt full by the end of the meal. They must do a great job of balancing out the nutritional ingredients or something! The bread was great - I especially liked one that tasted exactly like a freshly made croissant. Their beer selection was excellent, as my bf loved what he ordered. I don't even like beer, but I enjoyed the sip that I had too! I asked them to customize a blackberry mint cooler, which was super yummy and to my surprise, concocted very well. My standout dishes were the beet salad with sour apple gelee, the butternut squash soup, the pork belly with grits and the apple beignets with vanilla bean ice cream were two of the standout courses. TI should note that their menu changes seasonally, so you may not be able to order everything that I got - but keep an open mind! The chefs definitely know what they're doing and again, will gladly adjust anything to your taste if you have any allergies. I think what really made the experience even more amazing was just the fact that they throw in quite a bit of "complimentary" items throughout the meal. Now I know they're not REALLY complimentary because this place is so pricey, but still...it gives the illusion that you're getting more than what you paid for, so in essence, it must be a bargain! First, they gave us some airy puffs, stuffed with cheese at the beginning of the meal. In the middle, they gave us some pear mixtures and cucumber dishes to cleanse our palettes. Following our dessert course, they gave us these special exploding truffles with melted vanilla ice cream inside! These were a great party in my mouth! Immediately thereafter, they brought around this cart with a bunch of homemade treats, compliments of the chef. We tried one of each treat and boy, were these good! They had mini lemongrass macaroons, which tasted just like fruit loops - only fancier! Besides the food, I'm still completely in awe of the service. Throughout the night, they always pulled out the table (since I was sitting on a side with a booth), just so I could get out. Their staff escorted me to the bathroom. When I walked past a group of servers, they immediately stepped to the side and fervently apologized! I have never experienced such polite service in my life! They also changed utensils and plates between every single course. The servers definitely coordinate very well with each other and read cues incredibly well because they were always on top of getting us whatever we needed (i.e. swifty cleaning up our food, bringing us a fresh warm napkin with a pair of tongs, following up with the next course, etc.. They even rushed to make sure they pulled out my bf's chair, which was just exceptional to me - they really care about tending to your every need! I thought the night couldn't get any better, but as we were leaving, they gave us a printed out copy of our menu! This was such a romantic gesture and was such a beautiful way to cap off our trip to Chicago! They also gave us a parting gift, which were these homemade shortbread cookies with jam in them...yum! I can't say enough good things about this place. If you're looking for a great anniversary spot or just some great fine dining, check out TRU! Thanks to my amazing bf for taking me here - he spoils me :)
(5)Kevin T.
Initially I was a little skeptical about Tru, some had told me not to go as it was dated and there are better places, though I persisted. I wasn't disappointed. Service was excellent, some of the best I've had, very attentive, almost over attentive but not quite. Decor seems a bit dated but simple. The Caviar course was amazing and a great way to try different types. Had the Grand tasting, every course was virtually perfect. Flavors were spot on. Everything was cooked perfectly. The pace was quick (which I like). You were never waiting too long before your next course. The wines were paired meticulously as well and really accompanied the meal. We had an amazing dinner and will definitely return. Personally I think they deserve at least 2, if not 3 Michelin stars...
(5)Marybeth R.
Without a doubt, best meal in years! Simply impeccable. Service wonderful. Attention to detail, superb. I'll visit over and over...special occasions. Not to be missed.
(5)Sara C.
My husband surprised me for our anniversary one year by taking us to Tru. Tru is 100% amongst the elite restaurants in Chicago, and it has earned its glowing reputation for a reason. The service is impeccable. The staff printed out a special menu for us that said "Happy Anniversary" with our names across the top, which was very thoughtful At one point, my husband and I noticed that two servers were pouring our water in sync. The entire meal was like a dance, and each entree was to die for. I have a huge sweet tooth, and therefore was pleasantly surprised when our server brought out an amuse bouche dessert and allowed us to select anything we wanted from the dessert cart that passed by our table on more than one occasion. We were stuffed before the dessert courses arrived, but we powered through, because after all, we were dining at Tru. I have to admit that I felt torn about dining at Tru upon departure. On one hand, I just experienced one of the top five best meals of my life so far. On the other hand, I felt guilty about how much money we just paid for one meal. I got over the guilt pretty quickly because the experience was just that freaking good.
(5)Jasmine S.
My husband and I diner here in March as we celebrated our "Second Honeymoon" in Chicago. I dragged my husband out to Chicago with me while I attended a work conference as we decided to make a mini-vacation out of it. His goal for this whole trip was to eat at as many places as we possibly could. We attempted to check out another restaurant in town, but we were unsuccessful. As we continued to look for a fine dinning venue, we stumbled upon Tru, made our reservation, and even mentioned what we were celebrating. Upon presentation to the restaurant, we walked into a dark room they asked my husband if he had a coat (we failed to read their dress code policy and keep in mind, it is strictly enforced...), and when he mentioned he did not, they quickly offered him one. Once we walked into the main dinning area I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with excitement. The tall ceilings, the white walls, plush window dressings, and the artwork all helped to transport me out of the city and into someplace elegant. We ordered the tasting menu and didn't even realize that our dinner took 3 and a half hours. We just enjoyed everything, even the items we don't normally enjoy, such as caviar. The food and the presentation were executed perfectly. My husband and I still comment on the salmon dish inspired by the Pacific Northwest. And the coral caviar...! Outrageously clever. My favorite dish of the night was a faux essence of sturgeon caviar with avocado, smokey and creamy with orgasmic flavors! Something so simple, yet so ---delicious. The servers at Tru are impeccable. The timing and delivery of all our food and wine made me feel as if I were watching a ballet. Every one was in sync, even to the point that when I went to the restroom, my husband watched the servers return to the kitchen with our food so that we would be served at the same time. This should be common sense, but compared to the norm among other restaurants in the US, it's not. And they actually are polite and manners... Ladies are served first and men last, which was very entertaining to see on tables with 3+ people. The conversation wasn't stuffy and even though my husband and I were probably the youngest couple in the whole restaurant, we didn't feel snubbed at all... While our time in Chi-Town was really limited and we were left wanting to savor more of her culinary offerings, we must admit that our dinner here ranks as one of the best, if not the best, we've ever had. Hopefully we'll get to visit again.
(5)Grennan K.
My boyfriend and I came here for an early dinner. Due to a time crunch we only did the half menu and added on the pork belly entree. The wine pairing was amazing and the service as expected was very professional. The ambiance of the place is much like a museum quiet and grand. This is definitely not a first date place (says the bf.) would I come back? Hum.... Maybe not.
(4)Daniel W.
I took my wife here for her birthday. The food was great. We were deciding between the tasting menu and the extended tasting menu. Our 2 favorite dishes ended up being on the extended menu. Definitely worth it!
(5)Garietta F.
We wanted a "dinner experience" and a dinner experience was gotten... First off, the service was outstanding.From the time we were greeted at the door until the time the restaurant manager walked us to our cab and yelled at the cabbie who nearly ran down my friend, we were treated like queens. The simultaneous serving of dishes did get a little old after the fifth or sixth course. But I was happy to have each and every dish explained to us. Highlights of the meal in order of deliciousness: 9th course - foie gras royal and blonde morel - blew me away; so rich and meaty, enjoyed the flavor, utterly transcendental 7th course - long carrot soup, glacial orange cardamom - this was a fav around the table, I would of licked my bowl if my friend didn't look like she was about to slap me 2nd course - day boat scallop with hon shimeji - complex dish, flavors literally danced over my tongue 10th course - duroc pork belly, compressed black plum and onion - left me speechless 12th course - wagyu beef done two ways - awesome, just the right amount of food Middle of the road courses. I could either take them or leave them. Yummy, but nothing special: 1st course - beet ossetra caviar, chervil - love beets, not a big fan of cavier, but it was a great way to begin the meal 3rd course - ancho cured duck on down, tangerine, sour cherry - I remember liking it, but i don't remember being blown away by it. The Swing and a Miss courses for me: scottish salmon and shitake braised with yadda yadda yadda - I am not a fan of salmon peeky toe crab with lemon vanilla gelee - good flavors but it was too freaking cold. Hurt to eat it. Total fail course: light sunchoke, sorrel, and arctic char roe - Nasty. no one at the table had more than a couple of bites. The cheese and dessert courses were okay. We skipped the wine pairing (which ended up being a very good choice) and proceeded to drink a couple of bottles of "reasonably "wine between the three of us. I said "reasonably" because everything is relative. The cost of the wine was 3 times retail per bottle. Thank god it was delicious and complimented our meal well. I got out under what I budgeted for the night, but my wallet definitely took a hit. However, the experience I shared with my friends was incredible and we will remember it for a long time. Definitely worth it!
(5)Brad S.
My wife and I went here for a special occasion (40th bday). I have to say I felt like royalty while there. We were greeted the minute we walked in the door and felt very welcome there. The food was fantastic. We went for the full Tru Experience and loved every minute of it. The only complaints I have is at times it was hard to understand the person who brought us our food so I would at times have to ask for it to be repeated by someone else. Great experience and very happy to have done it.
(5)Sven G.
Ate here last year but had to review it. This is the most memorable meal I have ever had (and I eat out way too much). The food was amazing. The service was impeccable. We did the chefs tasting menu and they gave us a personalized menu at the end to take with us that listed all the dishes. We also had a vegetarian with us and her dishes looked better and according to her, were better that the non veg dishes. I will return every chance I get!
(5)Nicole L.
Food is 3 stars- I thought their presentation was interesting, but I've had similar dishes at other institutions that were better executed. I felt the course of the meal did not move towards a climax, but all remained rather underwhelming without much diversity of flavor and ingredients. One of the dishes was a baked chicken dish, which I felt was too homey and uninteresting for the price I was paying. However, 5+ stars of service!! I have NEVER had such amazing service at a restaurant in MY LIFE. Upon arrival, we were told to wait in a separate room, where they provided us with a number of house-made finger foods, such as spiced olives and other treats I forgot. When we were seated, they actually asked me what COLOR napkin I wanted, and gave me a plush ottoman specifically for my bag (!?!). The staff was completely attentive, refreshing everything from their 5 types of bread to water throughout the meal so you didn't have to ask for anything. Given our late reservations, we stayed at the restaurant past closing time and nobody rushed us or made us feel uncomfortable. Really, really thoughtful and topnotch service.
(4)T D.
This was my first time in Chicago, and Tru definitely made this visit 10x better. I honestly have to say it was the best dining experience I've ever had. We had the 6 course menu. Our reservation was at 6PM on a Friday which is when they just open. We had the place to ourselves for a good 20-30 minutes. It was awesome! The atmosphere at Tru was very elegant yet not at all pretentious. The staff was very helpful and out of this world. They had me at "White or Black napkin". Men can't understand this, but for women if you are wearing a black dress and handed a white napkin, consider your dress ruined for the night. I brought this up to explain how meticulous the staff is when it comes to your personal preference. After we ordered our food, they asked if we had any allergies or diet restrictions so they can make the appropriate accommodations. I am usually a stickler for time, but not once did I feel like I was waiting for my food. The flow of the courses was excellent. Bread was always available. Between our dishes, we had some special offerings from the chefs. The food was excellent. We thoroughly enjoyed every dish. At one point, I was cold so I put my coat over my shoulders. A staff member came by the table and asked if I would like a pashmina. I declined because I had my coat, but what a nice gesture! As we were getting ready to leave, the hostesses already had our coats in their hands. They also gave us some parting gifts. My favorite was the menu of our meal with my name on it. Tru certainly puts very detail to consideration when it comes to the comfort of their guests. I am focusing a lot of the service, but don't let that eclipse the quality of their food. They really put a lot of thought into crafting the perfect menu for each guest. I can't compliment this restaurant enough. It was very expensive but worth every penny. I look forward to returning to Chicago and Tru.
(5)Kent D.
At the end of May, I was heading out to Chicago for a business trip. Of course, my first intention was to nab a ressie at Alinea, but to no avail! What to do? I was meeting up with a good friend, who was also inviting a few guests. So, I wanted some place that would wow me, some place celebratory and memorable! Next on my checklist, was Tru. In addition to Alinea and Frontera, this was a restaurant I've been wanting to try when, and if I was ever in the Chicago area. It was around 8pm Friday night, and my friend arrived at the same time with his guest and her friend. Just a little FYI, this restaurant was very well hidden. I had to circle the area a few times before i finally found it. Upon stepping into the restaurant, we were kindly greeted by the staff and escorted into the waiting area, where we had a few glasses of wine. Gentlemen, unfortunately, this is another one of those 'jacket required' establishments, so be prepared! After about 15 minutes, we were taken to our seats. The dining room was very large and spacious. The atmosphere, although simple and modern, was quite refined and stately. Hanging artwork and sculpture could be seen displayed throughout the restaurant, as well, which gave it an almost "contemporary gallery" type feel. As we glanced through our menus, we all agreed to go with the prix fixe menu with choices of entrees, and i must say, the presentation was spectacular. Each plate that came out was literally like artwork! The plating was both delicate and delectable. With that said, the service was also flawless! The staff handled our table from start to finish with the utmost perfection. In fact,we marveled over the virtually effortless changing of plates and utensils between each individual course. These people were very well trained and skilled in their craft. As soon as our table cloth became slightly soiled, a clean napkin cloth was conveniently placed over the soiled spot. The ladies were escorted to the restroom and seats were pulled out as soon as they returned. As we left, we were cordially given a fond farewell by the staff and given charming little financiers for our trip home. Nice touch! Overall, service was definitely 5 star! I can't say i've had better service anywhere else! Unfortunately, I'd have to say food was more like 3-4. The food was executed beautifully, but for me, with the exception of the deliciously smooth and flavorful beef tartare, there wasn't anything particularly memorable that made the meal spectacular. I would say, if you're searching for a quiet romantic setting that will wow your date with service and ambiance, then this is your place. But, if you're looking for a mind-blowing meal, this may not necessarily fit the bill. Happy Eats!
(4)Eric F.
Came here after our reservations at another restaurant got screwed up. We were delighted to see that there was plenty of availability here. Unfortunately, we now know what that is the case.... We were among probably 6 tables there out of 20. Throughout the night the place remained empty.....we wondered why but not for long as the food soon came.... It just seemed like there was an overemphasis placed on the presentation and plating of the dishes than the actual flavors. I've honestly had better meals at mcdonalds at 100X cheaper price. Some of the items tasted like they belong in campbells soup The place is simply way overpriced for the flavors you get and expect from a tasting menu. (I can get 10 varieties of campbells soup for 10 dollars) The atmosphere was grand and the service was excellent but the flavors simply do not warrant the price. Will never go back.
(2)Anne Marie J.
AMAZING service. I would give them 10 stars and hug each of the waitstaff if I could. As upscale as this place is, there was not one hint of pretension. We were prepared to have knowledgeable but stiff servers and were so surprised when we were greeted with warm smiles and friendly banter (that we started). The cheese man, the truffle lady, the bread server, and everyone in between catered to our every need, even my hubbie's requests to eat something twice since it was so delicious. Food: We liked it. We weren't awed, we felt like we had tasted similar flavors at other restaurants. We thought they tried to present the food differently by plating it on interesting servers but that was it as far as it went for unique qualities. I would highly recommend the homemade truffles and chocolates - it was the best part of the meal. And the dessert wines and ports - excellent selection.
(5)Polly S.
"Tru blue baby I love you!" This is not the type of restaurant where a song like this should be in your head but yet, there it was. This joint is classy, like eating a meal in the Museum of Contemporary Art. My boyfriend brought me here for my birthday (bless his heart and yes, I feel for his wallet) so I would definitely say this is a special occasion restaurant. But perhaps that only applies to a girl like me - who has a Louis Vuitton wallet but keeps coupons for 50 cents off dishwasher detergent in it. Here's a list of who I think you might see while dining at Tru: -the CEO of Citadel -Oprah -Mayor Daley -Michael Jordan Tru is an culinary experience. We were greeted immediately at the door and seated. I appreciated the fact that there was a place to set my purse next to my seat on an elevated platform. All high end places should adopt this model. Like having hooks on the underside of a bar. We had the Chef's Collection (9 courses) and they were able to oblige my Pescatarian diet. So while my boyfriend had the usual menu, they were able to accommodate my no meat, but okay with fish restriction. Every course was well presented and tasty. The pacific halibut course was a little over the top with it's sea conch and fishnet adornments. My favorite was when they wheeled over the cart of cow, goat, and sheep milk cheese. Fantastic! We spent over 3 hours at Tru so again, I elaborate on this being a culinary experience. Will I return on another special occasion? Let's see, pretty interior? Check. Great service? Check. Interesting, tasty food? Check. Yet, I'm still not so sure given that I felt like a sheep dressed in wolf's clothing.
(4)Karen N.
I probably will never come back unless I hit the multi state jackpot. If you ever have $1000 to spurgle on a special occasion, go with the nine course tasting, wine pairing and cavier staircase. That's what we did. Boy, did the four hours fly by! We enjoyed the service, talking to the sommelier, the courses, the presentation, the cavier staircase. Everything! I truly don't have words to describe the experience!
(4)Michael U.
Getting out of Trotter's a bit later than expected I said goodbye to my pal and hopped into the waiting car on Armitage. I quickly flipped open my cellphone and placed a call...we were going to be late. "Not a problem" said the voice on the other end, "we'll see you soon." ...and what did you do after the grand tasting and an extra dessert at Charlie Trotter's, sir? I went to TRU with the 3 most important people in my life for the dessert tasting menu - that is what I did. Arriving at TRU a short man in a suit took our car while another held open the door - "You made it, please have a seat in the lounge while we prepare your table" said the hostess. 5 minutes passed and another man appeared to escort us to our table in the main dining room; chairs were pulled out for the ladies and purse-stools impressed my mother and sister while the synchronized pouring of water caused me to chuckle. Napkins - white or black, your choice - were handed out with tongs - menus too were passed out in-synch. Call it contrived, call it unnecessary - I call it an unsurpassed and impressive level of service...especially since this level continued throughout the entire 2 hour experience. Orders were placed - 4 dessert tastings, 3 coffees - and we were off. See profile site for full review with formatted pics.
(5)Alex D.
I came to Chicago on vacation to watch my Hurricanes take on ND. That was a forgettable event. But this dinner wasn't. Simply spectacular. I had the 6 course tasting menu and each and every bite was other-worldly. I won't even attempt to describe what I ate, as it would do a disservice to my taste buds. The amuse bouche and mignardises were equally phenomenal. The presentation was something you see on "Iron Chef." Innovative and visually stunning. And the service matched the food. The only similar experience I've enjoyed is The French Laundry, but considering the price point ($110 for 6 course, as opposed to $270 at TFL), Tru compares very favorably to TFL. I would strongly, strongly suggest that anyone interested in a fine dining experience in Chicago experience this restaurant.
(5)ChiTown M.
Restaurant perfection. Impeccable service. Not pretentious. In fact, friendly. Beautifully choreographed. Outstanding cuisine. Every bite was memorable. Luxurious interior. Tasteful fine art. Comfortable seating. Soft banquette. Peaceful atmosphere. Just the right noise level and lighting. Big fan of Gale Gand's sweet treats. She's a sugar goddess. We had the prix fixe tasting menu with about a zillion courses. Excellent sommelier. She was brilliant. Cheese course was sublime. Great for a special occasion. Highly recommend.
(5)William L.
Divine. Sublime. Superb. I didn't know exactly what to expect about TRU, I had never been to a world class restaurant like this so I was worried my tastes weren't refined enough to appreciate the cuisine. I was wrong. Everything was outstanding, but the highlights for me were the sweet potato soup (sweet, rich, lots of distinct flavors), the grilled foie gras that accompanied my ribeye, and the peppermint indulgence dessert (just get it). Service was stellar; very professional and calculated without being stuffy. Bar none, the best dining experience of my life.
(5)Kevin B.
Great food and great service. We did the smaller tasting menu with wine pairing. Added the cheese course because we could not resist. Well orchestrated delivery of all dishes. Amazing!!!
(5)Arthur R.
The most memorable aspect of my experience here was, by far, the fact that the emperor's new clothes could use some mothballs. Our party asked to see the cheese cart, and it arrived with its own party. I'm pretty laid back about things like that--bugs invariably get inside restaurants--but the cart was plagued by multiple, swarming fruit flies. On the plus side, it was pretty entertaining to watch our embarassed server try to keep up the place's classier-than-thou facade while literally swatting at flies throughout the entire presentation of the cheeses. As to the food, I guess I'm just not sophisticated enough to "get it." I enjoy fine food and can even stomach the oft-accompanying pretension of, e.g., Spiaggia or Gary Danko, but that's because the food at those places is excellent. Well thought out and coherent. There were a few good courses here, admittedly, but to my unrefined palate most were just beautifully plated jumbles of ingredients that seemed to have been selected more for their colors than for their flavors. All in all, it was a very unique experience, but I could care less for it. Indeed, Tru nicely demonstrates the fact that--just because excellent things are necessarily exceptional--exceptional things are not necessarily excellent.
(2)Sahar M.
They make you feel special. Go there when you have a special occasion. Great experience.
(5)Lee O.
A treat by every definition of the word, and should be treated as such. Frequent visits would burn a cavernous hole in the wallet, the pants carrying the wallet, and those silk boxer shorts you wear when eating at fancy restaurants.
(4)Megan F.
We went there without reservation. They took us in without problem. It was interesting. Food quality was pretty good. It works well with wine selection. Considering the cost of dinner, I am not sure it was good value. I guess it was a good place to go if you are not the one to pay for the dinner.
(4)Partha A.
It is less about the food and more about the experience of being pampered and coddled in the warmth of their hospitality. I had reservations for my birthday but as air traffic control would have it, did not make it. I rescheduled it to the next evening without any trouble. the lady who handled the reservations was very understanding. The moment we reached our table, we set off a series of events. Table was moved to let us in. Servers quickly brought cutlery to the table. Two servers came around and drizzled water into our glasses in unison from two sides like a swan dance. I ordered the saffron cocktail with gin in 5 chinese spice. It was worth the $20. A very strong flavor of saffron carried by the rye and the egg. My partner got a glass of wine which was ok. We started off with a tiny gruyere cheese puff. Right after the cocktails were served, things started to trickle in. The best - - Long carrot soup with orange - only a mild earthy taste of carrot. Rest of it was awesome citrusy flavor. - Day boat scallops - simple yet elegant. You can feel the ginger, lemon and sugar - each hitting separately and yet in such coordinated manner. - Asparagus - loked like it was poached. Subtle truffle flavors. - Beef in two forms - liked the strip more. The shortrib was good too. The potato wasabi puree was out of the world. - Cheese plate - they would bring out a cheese cart and you get to choose 3 cheeses for $20. Choose well. All were great. - Salmon - the broth was simply gorgeous - silky with light ginger, lemon flavors. - English peas in frost - the peas when combined with the strawberry on the plate does magic. - Pistachios - light pistachio cakey flakes like dried foam with nasturtium. Light and nice. - Mignardises - How can I forget them. One came out on paper strips with liquid nitrogen spewing fog. It was the best I have had. Light chocolate shell filled with pomegranate and orange probably concoction. Orgasmic. Besides that plenty to choose from - a cake, macaroon, truffle, etc. I chose one of each. Misses - - Sunchoke puree - nothing memorable. Blonde morel - I understand the concept of the flavors - but it was wayy to salty and unidirectional. No parallel flavors. - Maitake crunch - I ended up liking the crunch to a degree and lightness of the dish since it was just around the start of the meal and I was getting warmed up. Crunchy wafer made out of maitake slathered lightly with mushroom mousse (?) and topped with oxalis. - Pork belly - It was flavorless and just salty - quite unidirectional. They handed a financier cake on our way out. That was so thoughtful. So, in my quest of food, I have passed the post of Tru. In all I left a little underwhelmed. Some dishes were indeed unidirectional. Similar meal at Blackbird was more memorable in terms of food. But I might come back for a newer menu someday.
(4)Dan G.
Call me sloth. After gorging myself at this fantastic restaurant, I don't think I'll be moving much today. As I saw my 10 year anniversary fast approaching, I remembered the incredible food and pampering service of Tru and booked a table to celebrate. I had simply forgotten how much of both we were in for. Decor is artsy and modern. You walk into their lounge and it's like hanging out at the MOMA. There are really cool paintings and sculptures all around. The tables and place settings were really neat too. They even have little "seats" next to the table for ladies purses. The food is delectable. Two sides of our personalized menu featured many appealing and tasty options. Chef's tasting on one side, with a few a la carte indulgences like Kobe beef and foie gras. Prix fixe options on the other side. I consider myself a pretty savvy diner, but I still needed some help in figuring out just what some ingredients were. I started with the langoustine in bouillabaisse and my wife had the heirloom beet and apple salad. Our starters were accompanied by tasty little mousees that were just popping with flavor. Lobster mousee for me and apple, goat cheese and celery for the lady. Don't be shy about sharing. No need to limit yourself to just what's on your plate. Our entrees were the ginger flavored Scottish salmon and the spiced venison with cabbage and pear chutney. The fish was a huge fillet in a kind of Asian preparation that was scrumptious. My venison loin medallion was spice crusted and beautifully bloody. I'm glad that I had the venison, because it was the best thing on our table that night. Next up was the cheese cart featuring a dozen offerings of cow, goat and sheep. We selected a few that appealed to us and made quick work of them. The Cypress Grove Humboldt Fog being the best of our selections. For dessert we opted for the Granny Smith apple and the invigorating peppermint. The apple was a sort of filo dough apple pie with an apple sorbet and port sauce. The peppermint was a dark vahlrona chocolate mousse topped with minty cream. These were both sinful. Just when we thought it could not get any better, we were bombarded by the petit four cart, or what I like to call "How many of those can I have?" Some of these savory little treats included pineapple marshmallows, macaroons, truffles and lollypops. Oh yes, and they also brought over their chocolate explosion and and a caramel cupcake which they personalized for our celebration. I couldn't even get out the door without being handed a to go cake. Truly an amazing meal. Service is spot on and as good as it gets. We were greeted with "Happy Anniversary" the minute we stepped foot inside and they did everything possible to pamper us throughout the evening. We were even presented with an envelope including our keepsake menu. Black or white napkins to match your outfit, which were neatly folded if you left your comfy chair. Servers were dressed in very nice suits and flocked like schools of fish to present dishes to the table with synchronized timing. Everything came out of the kitchen on brass trays and they made quick and polite clearing of dirty dishes and utensils. Everyone was knowledgeable about the entire menu and offered up suggestions and insight to help us along. They really went out of their way to make us feel special, confirming my call to celebrate at their fine restaurant. They even had our car waiting outside for us. I just love being pampered and this was an unrivaled experience in fine dining. Put on your best threads and take someone special here, it's going to be a great evening.
(5)Angela P.
Wow. That is the best way to start this off. Fred surprised me with a dinner here for my 30th birthday. I first told him I wanted to go here when I used to watch Gale Gand on Food Network back in the day. And he remembered. Awwwwww... The place just looks fabulous even from outside. It was a picturesque setting from the start, with the trees filled with little white lights lining the street and the glorious entryway into the restaurant. Amazing. We were taken to our seats in this open air dining room minimally decorated with EXPENSIVE art and unique plants. Gorgeous. The service is absolutely impeccable. They explain everything to a "t" and serve you simultaneously. I have never felt so special during a meal. But they servers were still light and fun which made it feel so comfortable even though it is a super fine dining restaurant. We, of course, went with the 9 course chef's tasting menu and each had a glass of champagne to toast with (Fred insisted!). The courses were so inventive and so delicious! A few memorable ones were the "caviar" which was a fish that had been cooked in milk, the fish strained out and the remaining infused milk was turned into little pearls that looked like caviar by being dropped into a cold oil solution. This was served on top of a avocado cream which tasted like an amazingly fresh guacamole. The combination of the flavors went so great with the hazelnut crackers served with it...OMG...so so so good!! Another course was foie gras, which was our first time having it, and it was so rich and amazing. The meal ends with a cheese course where you get to pick three cheeses from the cheese cart and is accompanied by honey, compote and breads and crackers. Then you have two dessert courses, but seriously, by that time I was SO stuffed that I could hardly eat them! And to be totally honest, I wasn't that impressed with the desserts. Sorry Gale! I would definitely go back here down the road for another special occasion. Because it is that, a special occasion type of place. The whole meal with the two glasses of champage and tip came out to around $430, but it was SO worth it. And PS...their bread and butters that they keep bringing to you are the best I have ever had! OMG...so good! PPS...they even personalize the menu for each table for whatever occasion you are there for. Mine had the number 30 on it for my 30th and I think a Happy Birthday, too. And they remove the menu from the folder and put it in an envelope so you can take it home with you and do what you want with it. Me...I'm framing that bad boy! =]
(5)Kathleen C.
I still (after many years) can remember the taste of the octopus here, so I figured I should review it as I'm sure the quality and food have not changed. I think this is one of my very top meals in the city. I had the larger tasting menu when I visited Tru - it was phenomenal. The caviar staircase was so good, I could have eaten 10 of them as my meal instead (or, so I thought before I saw the other courses as they get better throughout the meal). The octopus was so fantastic - I wish I could get it again. It was so thin, it looked like a design on the plate. This dish seemed to have only been seasoned with salt and pepper and it was so.so .good! I hope it's still on the menu! Everything was delicious. We didn't do a full wine pairing, but had the wine director choose appropriate wines as necessary. I liked that we were not pushed to have the most expensive options, but were given true recommendations based upon the food. All of the picks were great. The dessert was out of this world. I have to say, I think Gale Gand is super (I have a cook book of hers) and I've enjoyed both making items from the cookbook and eating her creations at Tru. I especially liked the little take home pastry things (sorry, I don't recall their official name!). Service, as one would expect from this type of restaurant, was perfect. I didn't find it stuffy, but actually quite friendly and warm. The space is beautiful and it's really an enjoyable spot to sit and take in the event that is dinner here. Due to the price, I would consider this a special occasion spot, but it's well worth it. The quality is flawless and this restaurant is definitely worth a visit.
(5)Kexin Z.
It was my first experience in a Michelin restaurant. I have to say I really love it! We had 7 course menu, although we didn't really understand all the material in every course, they all taste good but nothing surprised. The main courses were less surprise than others, and tasted salty. Desserts were very cute and diverse, we could try a little bit everything. Someone complained food was not enough, but I felt full and not over eat. Every dishes were like art work. However, to be honest, I have tried a lot of restaurants in China, and they can do much better than TRU, both in dish display and cook.
(4)Amit S.
After I was blown away by RIA the previous night, I was expecting Tru to be up there especially since a couple sitting next to me were saying how good Tru is. I did the chefs tasting menu at both places with the wine pairings. The service was great and the food was really good. I do not think it is worth the price tag, but I did have an overall great dining experience. Had I not gone to RIA the night before I think I would've given this place at least a 4 stars. Doubt that I will go back to Tru
(3)Vindaloo T.
Simply divine. We had dinner here for a special occasion, and one of our group had extensive dietary restrictions. The staff at Tru was gracious and accommodating to all of our needs. We each had the 5-course Grand tasting, and each course was truly exquisite. The presentation of each course balanced art and whimsy. The halibut in curry broth served in a coconut shell was so tasty that I'm now experimenting with my own version! I've been to Trotter's, Nobu, Daniel, Le Bernardin, Jean Georges, just to name a few on the upper end, but Tru was one of the best experiences yet. We will definitely be back for our next special occasion!
(5)Victoria R.
Last weekend we went to Tru with a group of 6 for the dessert course only. It was awesome. The décor inside is a bit outdated, but the service, presentation and dessert were superb. To begin with our waiter was lighthearted, but professional and very helpful in helping us select dinner cocktails (he literally brought out every drink menu for us). I had called in advance to communicate that we'd be celebrating a birthday and after sitting down they brought us small menus outlining what we would be having that were personalized to say Happy Birthday to the birthday girl. While only 3 desserts were listed on the menu, SIX were served to us. Each more unique and impressive than the next. It was like eating art. Delicious art. Would absolutely love to come back here for a special occasion again in the future!
(5)Anna Y.
I have a mixed feeling, very complicated mixed feeling toward this place. I am impressed by the service and wait staff, yet disappointed by the cold and uninviting interior decor. Sure, they probably strive for minimalism, but minimalism does not conflict with being warm and inviting. Not to mention you are bound to sit there for at least three hours and to drop more than a few hundred bucks. A warm and fuzzy feeling isn't too much to ask, right?! Food and presentation are substantial, but yet to be exquisite. Good backup plan when you can't get reservation at Alinea or Next ;)
(4)Winston G.
I've only been to two "fine-dining" restaurants so far in Chicago, Tru being the second (MK was the first). I thought the food and service here were truly exceptional. I ended up here for work-related reasons and was served a four course meal, which included an amuse bouche (not sure what it was), a cream of corn soup, a halibut course, a beef tenderloin course with a caramelized onion tart, a raspberry with baked chocolate mousse, and a dessert platter with macarons and mango flavored marshmallows. I found the cream of corn soup and the halibut to be exceptional, while the beef tenderloin was ordinary. Desserts were also great. I am not too sure of the cost, but I believe the restaurant features prix fixe menus that range from just a regular dinner to a chef's tasting menu. Service and decor were exceptional, and I hope to be back here again for a special occasion.
(5)Kiera D.
WOW. That is all I have to say. I came here for a celebratory dinner with my parents and The food was spectacular. We started with the oysters which were some of the best I've tasted. Then, we moved on to caviar, which again was superb. We ordered the smaller tasting menu which included an amazing smoked duck dish that still makes my mouth water. I would absolutely recommend this place!
(5)Scott O.
We ate here about 4 or 5 years ago and the collections were fantastic. The food was well prepared and intriguing, the caviar staircase was the highlight of the meal, and we felt satisified at the end of the meal. Now, they are trying to compete with Alinea and Moto and everything is foamed, dolloped, and the portions are miniscule. I had two courses in my collection that were two of the worst things I've ever eaten in my entire life: Artichoke Consomme with Caramel(!!!) and a lovely piece of sturgeon ruined by being soaked in mushroom tea. My partner and I were starving when we left and have no intention of ever returning there again.
(1)Rachel S.
So, I had been wanting to come here since before I moved to Chicago (as a child, I watched Gale Gand on Food Network a bit too much) To my utter surprise and pleasure, BF took me here for Valentines Day! When we walked in, I said "I didn't even know that you knew that Tru was a thing!" To which he replied "I didn't!" Yay for happy coincidences. We chose the 9 course tasting, which I believe is worth the price when considering other options. I've heard people leave after the 3 or 6 course menus a bit hungry still. We were NOT hungry in the LEAST after the 9 courses (plus lots of tiny things in between). The food was solid, for sure. I think I've probably had slightly better elements here and there, but this was definitely worth it for the experience and the decadence. One of our dishes came with gold-freakin-leaf as a garnish... The service... here... I'm torn. I appreciate an attentive wait-staff, and the synchronized serving, etc was fun the first couple of times, but it ended up feeling a little contrived and awkward. Also, I felt like every time I tried to rest my elbows on the table between courses, someone came by to scrape crumbs off the table (invisible crumbs, I suppose, I never saw any). Also, after BF spilled something on the table cloth, they spread a napkin over the soiled portion of table cloth, which was kind of weird. I have to say I would have enjoyed my evening much more had the service been dialed back a notch. I hope that management reads their reviews, although they probably don't considering it's Tru. What I will remember the most about this meal was the exploding chocolates at the end. Literally a crisp chocolate shell encasing a flavor-du-jour liquid. Thankfully the waitress counseled us that "exploding" wasn't an exaggeration and they should be eaten in one bite. Our flavor was passion fruit, and although I was feeling extremely full to the point of being uncomfortable, I could have eaten like 100 more of those passion fruit exploding chocolates. So refreshing and delicious. Personally, I think they made passion-fruit ice cubes, then dipped in tempered chocolate, and let the ice slowly melt in the fridge. That's how I would do it, anyway. Also, the financiers they sent us home with were quite delicious, although in my time living in Paris, I never saw a financier bigger than a small bite-size, these mamas were like baseballs. Tasty though. Will we be back? Not sure. Was it an excellent experience worth every one of BF's pennies? You betcher.
(4)Cristina T.
Let me start this review by saying that I went into my Tru experience being pretty sick with a mild stomach flu. A friend had made a reservation which included a VIP experience-tour of the restaurant, champagne & a tour of the kitchen. Being the foodie freak I am, I waited a week in anticipation to eat at one of the top restaurants in Chicago. Then it hit. Stomach flu-crippling pain and near death sickness. I asked my friend if the restaurant could re-schedule. Nope. If I opted out, I would end up costing my group the price of the entire meal. After taking a 5 hour nap I got up and went to Tru. Upon walking in, one is immediately taken aback by the decor. Simple furniture and white walls showcased the brilliant artwork in this restaurant. Check out the light fixture called "stay" and be sure to check out Warhol's Marilyn. Upon being seated, we received our glass of champagne. We were given a while to think about what we wanted to order and trying to suck it up and be a champ, I ordered the 6 course tasting menu. I wasn't sure if I could stomach it all, but at least Tru offers an excellent selection of in-house made breads. Try the fleur de sel brioche and the pumpernickel. Onto dinner: We started with the sturgeon "caviar", which was smoky and clever, placed atop an avocado mixture. I loved its presentation inside a caviar tin. My favorite course. We moved onto a soup which was artfully presented in a kohlrabi fruit with dry ice. The pork belly was rich and unctuous-my taste buds were happy, but my stomach was not. When we got to the whitefish, I took a few bites and had to hand it to my bf. Now for the low point of my dining experience at Tru-the chicken with foie gras. There was no way I could eat that. Too sick. The waiter asked me a couple times if something was wrong and I kept telling them no. Although it was nice of them to inquire, it honestly made me feel like a jerk for not eating it. Onto dessert: the tasting menu included a quince and marscarpone mini-dessert that was delicious. Then came my favorite part of the meal-the mini-dessert cart. Now I was feeling better. I tried the truffle, homemade egg nog marshmallows, mini-macaron(size of a dime) and a tiny bread pudding. These were all phenomenal. As an ending to a meal we were handed "exploding truffles" that were so beautifully topped with gold leaf. Popped it into my mouth and it literally gushed out peppermint liquid. So cool. We were then given the bill(not cheap, kiddos), and lead into the kitchen for our tour. We got to see everything from the Versace tea set to the bartenders and even meet the chef. Honestly I thought this was the best part of the meal. Upon leaving we were given a little tea cake to eat the next morning with coffee. Cute. Overall, I am not sure this restaurant lives up to the hype it is given around Chicago. Although inventive, there were no stand-out flavors worth remembering. For the price of this meal I would have expected something phenomenal. Also, the fact that I couldn't change my reservation without being charged the price of the entire meal because of extreme sickness kind of turned me off. Once again, this could be completely based on my personal situation that day, but I am not sure I will be back.
(3)Mike S.
TRU is serving up some of the most playful, original food we've seen anywhere. Not what we were expecting, but we were very pleasantly surprised! I won't spoil the surprise of how each dish is plated, but I will say that the chef is definitely having some fun in the kitchen. The amuse bouche was awesome! We chose from the 3-course pre-fixe menu and added a cheese course between the entree and dessert. The grass-fed beef carpaccio and duck consomme were delicious and perfectly prepared. The only course that I didn't love was the wild scottish hare. It was a beautifully crafted plate and the accompanying vegetables were perfect, but the portion was small and the jus that the server added table-side overwhelmed the dish with smokiness. My wife loved her truffled lobster and it was definitely a larger portion than the hare. The cheese course was better than I expected from previous reviewers' comments. I liked being able to choose from the cheeses right in front of you, as opposed to simply ordering off a menu or having the server choose for you. The server presenting the cheese cart was very knowledgeable and helpful, too. We enjoyed everything we tried, and the cheeses paired well with the provided chutney and honey. Dessert was the highlight of the evening for me. My wife loved her campfire of s'more, but the pumpkin patch blew me away. The different flavors and textures all combined together to make a very unique and wonderful dish. Super creative and fun plating!! The service was perfect. Besides flawless service throughout the meal, we really appreciated how each staff member greeted us on the way in and said "goodnight" or "goodbye" on the way out. A lot of little touches like that add up to a great experience as the night goes on. They had my wife's coat ready for us at the front desk, along with some treats for the next day's breakfast. Plus, the valet already had our car pulled up to the front door! It's also worth noting that the crowd was very mixed age-wise, something you don't tend to see when you visit restaurants at this price point. It was nice to NOT be the youngest person in the room by 20 years, for a change. Very highly recommended!
(5)Kate D.
I considered taking off a star due to the price tag that goes along with the Tru experience, but ended up with 5. Because it's just that: an experience. And a well-executed one to be sure. Bravo, Chef Martin! The single misstep of the night was the utter lack of a valet. We waited at the curb for several minutes before I finally went in and asked. Might have cost them if it had been -12 outside or sleeting, but I'm in my twenties. I can handle the walk. Throughout the evening, I was delighted by the staff. I didn't encounter a single pretentious person, and instead felt that they enjoyed our enthusiasm and wonder at the whole place. We were the youngest patrons by about 20 years, and everyone else looked bored and like they hated their dining companion. Our lead server, David, made the experience fun, and the sommelier Jen was spot on with her recommendations. From the coordinated water pour to service of courses, the Tru staff is a well-oiled machine. Side note: Tru's art collection includes Adam Fuss's "My Ghost" series. One of my personal favorites. A real treat if you get to see it, as the collection rotates and often copies are displayed over originals. Food: We chose the grand collection. First: comte cheese gougere. Loved the lightness, was a bit iffy on the Ritz cracker flavor. As it was a bonus, I'll go easy on this one. Amuse Bouche: cucumber salad on gelee, bouchot mussel veloute. Fairly insubstantial in comparison to other courses but well-balanced. Second: white sturgeon "caviar", avocado, hazelnut, with herbed crackers. My husband had never tried caviar so Chef Martin's pearled sturgeon was the perfect gateway drug. Husband says:"My favorite course of the whole meal." Success! Third: chilled kohlrabi contained within itself with curry oil. SO COOL. This dish is served in a hollowed out kohlrabi with dry ice, so it comes out bubbling. The complex pyrotechnical presentation paired perfectly with the singular flavor of the kohlrabi. Fourth: duroc pork belly, potato two ways, black truffle. I am not a truffle fan. I think they're overrated. However, I love all things resembling bacon. Maybe I'm trashy. Whatever. The pork belly was flavorful and the starch complimented it well. Yum. Fifth: roasted golden tilefish, banyuls brown butter emulsion, pickled daikon. The tilefish is cooked skin-side down, providing a crisp contrast to the tender fish. Bravo. Probably my favorite of the night. Sixth: jidori chicken, foie gras, wild mushroom, salsify. I wasn't a huge fan of this course. The chicken was a little undercooked for me. Husband liked it. A draw. Seventh: We were given the choice between dessert and the cheese cart. Naturally, I dove for the cheese. I chose four selections and David recommended a couple more. They were served with fruit bread and honey. The sheep's milk cheese came in second, with a simple herbed Mallorca taking the gold medal. So glad I chose cheese (as always). Husband went for dessert. I don't recall what it was but he liked my cheese better. The meal ended with coffee and mignardises. Our car was waiting (valet: redeemed!). We were sent off with a breakfast nibble for the next morning. The Grand Collection, a cosmopolitan, Manhattan, half bottle of wine, and tip came out to $475. Worth it? YEP.
(5)Alyssa E.
Words cannot describe this meal. It was mind blowing, as each course was served in a different way . One dish had hidden dry ice, creating a vapor from the dish! This meal was definitely worth the high sticker price if you are looking for a fine dining tasting experience. You definitely will not be disappointed!
(5)Caroline C.
TRUly mediocre. I wish I could have dined here in the days where Rick Tramonto was still at the helm (TRU stands for TRamonto Unlimited, afterall), but alas, our experience here was forgettable. The decor looked dated and tired, without the grand opulence and just falling short of the minimalistic elegance that some higher end restaurants have. Our waiter appeared to have woken from a pre-dinner service nap, stumbling over the obligatory menu overview and appearing quite confused when we asked about selections on the wine list. We ended up getting the 9-course tasting menu and the caviar staircase - the staircase itself was beautiful, but I can honestly say that my palate does not appreciate fine caviar enough to justify the obscene amount of money we dropped on it. Later, we heard our waiter, who had apparently woken up and learned his script after taking our orders, tell another table of 5 that the staircase was meant to be shared by a larger group, and they had a half portion size that was not offered on the menu for half the price. Would that have been nice a tid-bit for my dining companion and I?? Yes!!! As for the tasting itself, there was not a single dish out of the nine that was memorable, and most were generally uninspired. My pork belly was hard as a rock, the veal was on the bland side, and as for a salmon and sorrel dish? Can't we be a little more inventive than that? Isn't a tasting menu supposed to showcase a chef's creativity and skills? The dishes where the chef did flex his creative muscles did not "wow" as expected - the suspended foie gras changed the texture of a creamy, decadent piece of meat to something resembling (and tasting of) canned tuna. All in all, nothing was terrible, but at the same time nothing was amazing. In a city that offers so many world-class dining options, we won't be back to Tru anytime soon.
(3)William H.
I wasn't able to fit Alinea into my schedule this time in Chicago so I gave up on the search for perfect restaurant. TRU gave me hope! I was there for about 4 hours and eventually closed down the restaurant with the 10 course tasting menu. They did everything perfect, reminiscent of French Laundry perfection. Service was great, down to every little detail. Their wine list is huge, but well worth the effort to read up ahead of time and prepare to know what to order. This is a must try place in Chicago if you are into food!
(5)Nate P.
Before going into my review for my recent visit (in February 2012) I have to say that I used to have a lot of skepticism about Tru. I first went to the restaurant in 2008 with my family and was frankly unimpressed compared to other comparable restaurants in Chicago. I ranked the likes of Charlie Trotter's, Alinea, Spiaggia, Ria, Next and others all above Tru. Having been back in 2012 for the six-course tasting, I couldn't feel more different about the experience. My first experience at Tru featured rather simple and unimpressive ingredient combinations, lackluster platings and a stale and uninventive menu. The new tasting reflects a much more adventurous, playful, creative and interesting concept entirely. Dishes featured some of the latest techniques pioneered by chefs like Ferran Adria while (largely) eschewing overly gimmicky shows of liquid nitrogen and the like. The amuse was a cute winter scene complete with a snowman - this was the one dish that didn't quite hit the mark as far as flavor goes (somewhat lackluster) and was heavy on the showmanship but enjoyable nonetheless as an amuse. The first course, tru's creme caviar was PHENOMENAL. This was the perfect intersection of modern technique to create the "caviar" while still packing in excellent balance, flavor, and purpose. The creamy avacado paired perfectly with the rich but mellow caviar and crackers. I wish I could buy this. The next course, a hazelnut soup with foie gras was also excellent. The emphasis was moreso on the nutty flavor than foie which I was thankful for. I had an overly rich foie soup in San Fran last year that I couldn't finish. This dish on the otherhand was well balanced and great for the cold weather. The next dish was an excellent pork belly dish with potato (and truffle I believe). Not as memorable as some but I recall enjoying it very much. Up next was my least favorite dish - a white fish (halibut or seabass I think) served with the skin. The smoky flavor was overpowering for me and as I'm not a huge fan of eating fish with the skin on, the texture was too much. Following the fish was a saving grace: squab. This was my favorite dish on the menu and one I can still remember. It reminded me of a squab dish I had at alinea back in 2010 and made the trip back to Tru worth the effort, price, and risk. Not much to say on the cheese course as it varies by what you choose but Tru has one of the best cheese carts in the city. I'm not as much of a sweet tooth so while the dessert and candies were excellent, they didn't make the meal (granted they didn't fail either - excellent balance, flavor, composition and presentation). Overall well worth a re-examination if you haven't been in a while and ABSOLUTELY a must if you've never been.
(5)A. B.
It was good but not earth shattering. Great service and presentation though. Really good for those who are interested in trying caviar. They were also helpful when I feel in love with caviar at recommending where I can find it in a pinch (Whole foods, who knew?!)
(4)Stephen S.
The presentation: Inspirational. The service: Attentive and pampering yet oppressive and stifling. The ambiance: stark. The food presentation: A beautiful work of art. The staff's knowledge: PhD. The taste: Just not as good as it looks. But, far above average. Would I return? Not really. There was NOTHING wrong with this swanky spot in Streeterville. It is a definitely a food-lover's delight for the eyes as well as for the taste buds. But, expect to shell out a pretty good wad of cash (especially if you enjoy your wine lists). And, if you are looking for a lively and fun dining environment ... well, not so much. You'll have to look elsewhere.
(3)Rachel W.
I am hugely not a fan of these uber prix fixed meals with 9000 servers and molecular gastronomy, so wasn't expecting to be blown away. But I was...I came here w/my family for my mom's birthday, we did the wine pairing as well, and it was the perfect complement to the meal. Everything from the amuse bouche to the personalized birthday menus to the bread courses to the wine was fabulous. Food was actually delicious, and you didn't feel like you were eating out of a science lab. Obviously not the kind of place you go on a regular basis, but of the restaurants in this category, I would definitely recommend. We had a wonderful night, were able to have conversation without being constantly interrupted, and felt like the food complemented our experience, as opposed to being the only thing you could talk about because it was so strange.
(5)Erin J.
Tru deserves every star that they get. This is a phenomenal culinary experience. If you are a foodie, Tru will not let you down. The wine parings were lovely, and the staff exceptionally friendly for an establishment that one might think of as uptight. If you have the honor of having the Chamomile cremeux, peaches, dried apricot vanilla desert paired with the Bonny Doon vineyard le vol des anges. Your palette will never me the same! Bravo!
(5)Eric M.
Tru continues to be my favorite restaurant in Chicago. It's "tried & true" if you'll pardon the pun. I know there are other rock star chef's doing their thing at "Next" and "Trotter's" but Tru has been quietly producing top shelf meals with a flourish for years and it shows. The "Obama-like" master of ceremonies is my favorite character in the staff line up. He's smooth, cool and knows his food. He manages your meal like a commander in chief. I love how the servers surround the table with each course and present them simultaneously....it's like "synchronized serving", it should be an Olympic event! Our table had the Chef's tasting menu which is a 3 hour affair that includes these highlights: -white sturgeon caviar- a play on caviar, the sturgeon is formed into little balls and then served in a caviar tin, they are over an avocado puree- this was a delight for the eyes and the taste buds -Dashi flan, edamame, yuzu- an "Umami bomb" that left you wanting seconds -Scottish salmon served on a tray of clear glass with a still smoking cedar "log" underneath, great flavors and texture, presentation was memorable -Jidori chicken with asparagus and foie gras, black truffles- presented as an oblong cube, not what I expected but the flavor was wonderful and the presentation made you think -vegetable "leather" of tomato, basil and other spices on separate sheets, served on a "clothesline" over lawn (turf) held on by tiny clothespins. Artful, tasty and imaginative. -dessert was a tropical selection of flavors- pineapple sorbet, banana creme served by a porcelain monkey. It was tasty and whimsical. A large selection of petite fors was served after and nobody went away hungry. Tru is still my favorite place in Chicago and I can't wait to go back.
(5)Ariel L.
Lots of reviews for this place so i'm going to keep mine short. The service was outstanding. The food was good, but not amazing. Desserts were outstanding. Wine list was outsanding. People were super great. But for the price, we did the six course taster which cost $110 a person, I wasn't impressed (and it won't be worth repeating). I consider myself a bit of a foodie, and as there is so much good food in this city, it isn't worth going back unless someone else is picking up the tab. Entrees: 1. Wagyu Beef Ravioli, Foie Gras and Chive 2. Alaskan Halibut, Young Carrot, Ginger 3. Glazed Veal Ribeye, Spring Garlic, Asparagus, Wild Mushroom Of the three entrees we ate, only the first was really interesting. The other two were good but could have been cooked anywhere. To sum it up, its worth trying if you have never been, but if you have been to Charlie Trotters, Schwa or other places like it, you won't be blown away.
(4)Glen W.
Solid, but over-priced. If you are going to go for a degustation menu like this in Chicago you can do better.
(4)Jamie O.
Tru competes in a league of extraordinary restaurants and I felt lucky to be enjoying their world-class service. The menu provides pre-fixed menus of 3-8 courses as well as a vegetarian menu option that was not a second thought to the meat centerpieces. The wine pairings were thoughtful and the sommelier was extremely knowledgeable. To leave room for my future experience at Alinea and because of a few minor execution issues, I'm going to give Tru 4.5 stars. white sturgeon "caviar", avocado, hazelnut - I loved the frivolity of this innovative dish. They pureed sturgeon and mixed it into cream. Then with a dropper, they submerged the cream droplets into highly chilled grapeseed oil so that they formed perfect round balls. They served the crème fish balls as 'caviar' on top of avocado puree in a caviar dish. For the vegetarian menu they kept the same concept but used cilantro essence instead of fish in the cream balls. Great start to the meal. chilled kohlrabi contained within itself, curry oil - A play on chilled potato soup, vichyssoise, but exchange potato with kohlrabi. Kohlrabi tastes like the stem of broccoli and can be found at many summer farmers markets. The soup was refreshing but a little over salted. The presentation was impressive with the carved out kohlrabi sitting on a bed of dry ice. duroc pork belly, yellow sweet corn, black truffle - This may have been one of my least favorite dishes. The pork belly was dried out and pounded into the shape of a flat lollipop with its meat and fat layers mimicking flavor swirls. Some of the accompanying sauces were tasty but I missed the juicy flavor that makes pork belly so amazing, as well as acidity on the plate. Also, the black truffle was good but could have been substituted with a flavorful funghi. roasted wild striped bass, banyuls brown butter emulsion, daikon - The plate had a minimalist appeal to it. Unfortunately the fish was overcooked and so lacked the tender flake that you expect with a morsel of fish fillet. jidori chicken, foie gras, wild mushroom, salsify - A beautiful dish with the tender chicken breast slice likely cooked in a sous vide method. The chicken rolled around a foie gras mousse which cannot help but be delicious. This was a lovely dish. poached quince, wildflower honey, cassis - Again, beautiful presentation. I have never eaten a quince fruit whole but rather only in its quince paste form. I could have this dessert multiple times and maybe will attempt it at home. Thanks chef!
(5)Olen A.
TRU is TRUly a great experience. Although this place is a little hidden, we managed to find it. Once we stepped inside, we were greeted not only by the amazing staff, but also by a mesmerizing piece by Gerhard Richter, as an artist, I appreciate this already. Although we had to wait for our table to be prepared, we were told to wait in the front room with beautiful ambiance and not to mention their art collection that is comparable to high-end art museums (Yves Klein). The atmosphere inside the dining room is fantastic, and the food gets as good as it get. I very much favor the seared foie gras, cooked to perfection, and they wowed me with their fancy utensils and plating. It is so apparent they pay much attention to detail, I dined with two of my guy friends, and when they served apple beignet, my utensil was red, while the boys' were blue. And the service, it's impeccable. I have so much love for this restaurant, and definitely has higher standards than usual one-star Michelins.
(5)Ryan P.
Awesome and amazing are really all I can say for this. This is another of my top 5 restaurants of Michelin star rank. Everything was beyond perfect. If you want a place to go to and don't want to deal with the lottery drawing of next, which I still recommend anyways, I suggest coming here. I took my preparatory friend and his family here on our second night of the trip and everyone enjoyed themselves immensely. The senator was beside himself with the desserts, which is his weak spot and I have to say the exploding chocolate ginger cubes are to die for.
(5)Leslie L.
Oh, where to begin with a review of Tru. The decor is something out of an 80's horror flick. The meal is a long one so be ready. The courses never stop. The service is the best I've ever had, and it will probably always be the best I've ever had. It was like everyone that worked there had choreographed the serving process. Almost scarey. It's what I like to call ART FOOD. I'm not much for art food. It was beautiful, and almost everything tasted ok. Nothing wowed we with taste. It's like presentation over shadows the taste so you kind of forget the food is just good at best. There was a lot of gelatin going on. I had 3 course that had some sort of jell-o like substance in them. Everyone dining there seemed a bit pretentious. I laughed alot while I was there. It was an experience for sure.
(4)John T.
AMAZING!! I love everything about this place, minus the price! Nonetheless, it is a great place that people should definitely go to at least once! Try it out for a special occassion!
(5)Harpreet K.
Set: American Psycho meets Men in Black. Far too serious and humorless; lighten up! It's just food. This is clearly the Cali in me, but I feel like food should be presented from a "warm" place - not cold and sterile and littered w/ financiers from London. (Then again, if they didn't have this place, where would said financiers eat? Touche, inner voice! Touche!) The food was well-presented and executed; dessert was exceptional (chocolate bar!); and my company was delightful, so three stars. That being said, places like this make me die a little inside. A cold, bleak, plane-crashes-into-jagged-snow-capped-peaks-with-Âno-survivors kinda death. No offense.
(3)CJ S.
It took me a long time to get to writing this review mainly to the laziness of creating a yelp account. My girlfriend and I dined at Tru during the summer of 2011. This was unfortunately one of our most disappointing dining experiences. This really surprised us how unimpressed we were given that multiple friends of ours consider Tru their favorite restaurant. We opted for the tasting menu. Most of the courses were average. A couple of courses could have been special with some modifications. The white sturgeon "caviar" course was creative in making fake caviar eggs from a sturgeon puree, but it lacked flavor to take it to the next level. The fois gras with mango and pineapple was overloaded with too much sweet and only needed one fruit to go with it. The scottish salmon with sorrel was one of the worst courses that I have had at a fine dining restaurant. The salmon was cooked perfectly but both of us found the sorrel cream sauce to be unpalatable. It paired with the salmon horribly. The cheese course was very good, and the chocolate truffles at the end of the meal were fantastic. The truly most disappointing part of the meal was actually the wine. We ordered a bottle of a nice pinot noir. We both had never had pinot noir so wasn't quite sure what to expect. The sommelier brought the bottle over, took the cork out looked at it and then left it on a tray for us to examine. Noticed a couple of crystals on the side of the cork that was in the bottle. Not knowing what it was suppose to taste like didn't say anything. Looking back on it I know the wine was off. There is fault on my part for not saying something at the time, but I do believe this is something the sommelier should have noticed. We plan to give Tru another shot some time, but it is far from the top of list of places for us to go to in the near future.
(1)Stephanie L.
Tru is truly a fine dining experience. The high cielings, widely-spread tables, and approximate room for 15 parties in the whole restaurant quickly reminds you that you are in a city where space isn't so limited. The Gold Coast location with highly attentive service quickly reminds you just how great dining can be in Chicago. We both had the chef's tasting menus - there are 2 or 3 options, but go for the splurge. Cucumber gelatin... a cold soup (and I'm not usually a fan, but this one was great!)... foie gras... oh my gosh, the list is endless. My ultimate favorite was the smoked halibut made to resemble a small tin of caviar eggs -- this was creativity at its ultimate best. We also loved the cheese course, it was so much fun: lots of amazing cheese to pick from, a fig-based marmalade, yummy honey. And then for dessert you get a gamut of everything (as if you have saved room for anything else)! We had some fumbles in our service (forgot to bring napkins, brought our neighbors dish that was incorrect, some errors in plating) ... but nothing to alter or ruin our meal. All in all we are glad to have had the Tru experience. A TRU 5-star joint.
(5)Albert H.
This is one of the few restaurants I've been in where it took two servers working in sync to clear our plates after every single course. It doesn't matter, of course. Doesn't make the food taste any better. But it *does* point out a certain dedication to doing everything right. And on our visit, Tru basically did everything exactly right. That matters a lot. It was the first night of a week-long vacation in Chicago, our first reservation on our first visit to what has become a city of some very fine restaurants. We were not expecting quite this much formality from a restaurant with just a single Michelin star. In fact, I felt quite lucky to have checked the dress code before our arrival and dressed in a suit and tie. It was, bar none, and quite unexpectedly, the most formal experience of our trip. I say it was formal, but it was hardly stuffy, not even pretentious, really. The servers we ended up with were accommodating, took the time to answer our questions, and were truly friendly. Formality in this case was treated not as an excuse to act all fancy, but as a set of codified methods of providing a comfortable, relaxing and intimate experience. And that's how it *should* be. We had the Chef's Collection of nine courses, to which we added the Caviar Staircase ( my companion felt this was particularly necessary). The Caviar Staircase plating still carries Rick Tramanto's engraved signature, despite his no longer being with the restaurant ... it was a good, though expensive survey of several different caviars, and cemented my belief that I cannot really tell the good stuff from the much less expensive and merely okay stuff. The dishes in the Chef's Collection were excellent in flavor and somewhat playful, using both modern and traditional methods in a balanced and purposeful way with a nice blend of European and Asian flavors. A good survey, and pretty even in quality in that there were no failures and equally no dish which really stood out from the others. The amount of food ended up being just right, which can be a difficult thing to do with so many courses. I have rarely had more perfect service, from making decisions about wine by the glass to the presentation of the cheese cart. There were, of course, a few things that could have been done better, but the overall effect was very positive. We arrived a few minutes early and were briefly seated in the waiting/lounge area and offered a drink before being seated basically on time. We did note that during some particularly busy times of the evening, the pacing was slightly slower than we would have liked, and there was some amount of delay and confusion when we requested copies of the menu to take home that actually represented what we had ordered. But these are very minor things. This was one of the best restaurant experiences we had in a week of good experiences in Chicago.
(5)Lindsey F.
I was hear 5 years ago with my husband (then boyfriend). For us, this was a once in a lifetime meal, and they didn't miss a beat. I remember being treated like a queen and not one bump along the way. I think we chose the 10-course offering and also got a cheese plate at the end of the meal. When we were on our way out we were also given a little loaf of lemon bread for breakfast the next morning. Of all the places we have traveled to and eaten out at this is one of the most memorable of all!
(5)Paige K.
Very nice! but VERY VERY expensive. Prepare for a $500 meal for 2 and 4 hours of dining. :)
(3)Jennifer L.
*Drinks/Bar Considering that the attire is formal meaning men need jackets as a requisite for entry, the bar/waiting area isn't all stuck up and stuffy. Drinks were well made and quickly served. I started with a martini while waiting for our table then moved on to wine during dinner. The wine list is extensive and between the six bottles of wine we had as a party of eight, they were all on point. *Food I have to start by saying that my dreams (or we could say nightmares since I wake up knowing that I'm not able to satisfy my desire) are haunted by the caviar staircase. It's a journey towards heaven as you work your way up the staircase. Heaven does exist on Earth... in my mouth through this dish. Now with that said, I don't know that I would be able to reach these celestial heights again due to the price. Good thing I didn't pay for this dinner. Caviar is delicious but you cannot live on it alone and hungry equals not happy. The collection dinners are the way to go. The prix-fixe menu only offers three courses so you might as well splurge the little bit extra to get the full experience of a collection tasting menu. Courses are based off of season and availability so you know that you're getting fresh ingredients. Some of the tasting menu that I had included white sturgeon "caviar", beet salad, wagu beef raviolis topped with truffles, halibut served with carrot foam, and a four berry dessert. I would pay out of my own pocket for just dinner many times over. *Service/Ambiance This is by far one of the best experiences in service I have ever received to date. It was amazing how there was always someone there for every whim that you thought of. Examples: chairs were pulled in and out, an escort to the restroom, napkin folded neatly on the table with plate cover over the next course upon my return from the restroom, four food runners for eight people so everyone is served simultaneously, and the executive chef greeted us at the end of dinner with signed menus of our collection. The ambiance is romantic and classy without being stuck up. It's very lively in a calm cozy sort of way. I'd say it's comparative to how a bee colony runs, humming along efficiently. You feel very taken care of and that everyone is there to serve your every need. *Overall A wonderful place to spend a special occasion or a special place to spend any occasion. It's not a restaurant for the light wallet hearted individual nor a place to show up in flip flops (which was sad because I do love a good pair of flip flops like a good California girl should). Try this place if you can spare the change and if you do then definitely go for the full nine course meal. Rating: 5
(5)Victoria P.
Delicious and fresh food. Come here for a great filling meal.
(4)Charles K.
The first thing wrong with Tru is that it is VERY expensive. Over $680 for two people! This should be a dinner to remember for ever and a few days later I can hardly remember what I was served. Everything was a disappointment. My partner and I opted for the 10 course tasting and boy were we disappointed! Please see my bullet points below about our disappointment. 1. Fake Caviar (Seriously) 2. Salty Soup, yet no flavor. 3. Tiny portions. (Is this why it's called a tasting?I had ten courses and opted for a burrito after I left only 45 minutes later.) 4. Terrible wine (may have been vinegar perhaps?) 5. Tru is all about the presentation, not the food. If they spent less time trying to get it so perfect on the plate, it may have come out at least warm. Snobby waitstaff. (they do realize they work at a restaurant?) 6. Left feeling like I totally wasted my money. 7. And most importantly.... I don't remember one good thing about the place. Only the bad. I may have had an experience that was worse however, I never paid so much for it. How is this place in business? I gave the W concierge a piece of my mind for recommending this place. I assume they get some sort of kick back.
(1)Grace L.
I came here for my anniversary with my boyfriend. My only goal was to have a memorable eating experience as special as the occasion! Tru completely lived up to the expectation and more! The attention to detail was phenomenal. They had printed "Happy Anniversary" with my boyfriend's and my name on it at the top of our very own personalized menus! And at the end of the dinner they gave them to us in lovely envelopes for our future scrapbooking :) We loved it! The service was probably the best I've ever seen. From 2 waiters coming out simultaneously to pour our waters at the same time at the same rate to the elegant way they presented each of our dishes... amazing. There was never a missed step and the attention made it so that we felt like we were the only people in the restaurant. The waiters were also incredibly knowledgeable and kind, never rushing us to finish our plates and were never overbearing. The food was great to excellent. We got the prix fixe menus which we thought were actually reasonably priced with great options. I got the bay scallops wrapped in bacon - unbelievable. Probably my favorite dish of the evening! The scallops were cooked to perfection and had a lovely bacon flavor which was not too salty or overbearing. It was perfect. I got the prime beef ribeye for the main course which was also very good. Overall, a great experience and very nice for special occasions. Happy celebrating!
(5)Andrew T.
After almost 5 years and a lot of other (newly minted) Michelin star winners, I finally made it back to Tru to see if the restaurant I always thought was the best...was the best. And I was not disappointed. I visited with three other friends who hadn't been previously, and we tried valiantly to behave ourselves in the world of adults. To address a few comments, Tru might be a bit stuffy, but I don't think it's over the top. We had a pleasantly playful waiter that cracked a few jokes, and used a napkin to dramatically cover the small spill we were joking about. Nice touch. I'll let other diners review what they ordered, but mine was, once again, fantastic. My appetizer, a seared foie gras and duck confit, was superb. Rich, silky foie gras, along with the dense, salty confit was a great match, mixed with caramelized pears and a sort of pureed cauliflower/pear mixture. The puree especially was outstanding with the foie gras, cutting through the salt in both meats and adding a sweet flavor with all the savory. Thank goodness Chicago allows foie gras to be served again - Tru's is outstanding and was prominently featured on several of the items. My entree was wagyu beef shortrib - the server said braised for almost 72 hours (holy cow) and covered with the broth reduction, along side pureed potato/apple/jalapeno and little balls of green apple, hollowed and sprinkled with a basil flavored olive oil. The meat was...let's just say tender. Bringing my knife nearby caused it to automatically cut itself. Incredibly delicious, but maybe a little on the salty side. The puree, again, was a perfect counterpoint to counter some of the salt, with a tiny bit of heat from the jalapeno as the perfect touch. Even the little apple/basil deals provided a surprising treat, with the sour apple and savory basil a unique combination. And finally, my desert was a very good vanilla risotto with apricot and fig, creme anglaise, and a little scoop of clove ice cream. The risotto was just the right texture - every bit as good as the world class lobster risotto I enjoyed on my first visit, and just this side of warm. Unfortunately, that melted the wonderful clove ice cream and with the addition of the creme anglaise, the mixture got a little runny, Flavor was outstanding - I can't resist risotto. In between all of this were chocolates, candies, pear emulsion with spiced berry sauce, a beef gelee and pureed cauliflower amouse bouche, their spectacular cheese course, wonderful house made breads and crackers, plus truly excellent coffee. Service was superb - attentive without being smothering, with a very helpful sommelier and friendly wait staff. Although, their synchronized service theatrics were not in as full effect this time - one lady and three gentlemen probably threw off their system. And the "purse chair" for the lady's pocketbook didn't arrive until a little bit in to the meal (which the waiter apologized for - BUT IT IS TOO LATE FOR EXCUSES ONE STAR). I will say that I ordered appetizer and entree that were similar - salty, savory meats, with a semi-sweet puree accompaniment. I enjoyed both very much, but if I had been cautioned as to their similarity, I might have changed my order slightly. Frankly, when I have to nitpick a restaurant because their service isn't like a synchronized swimming routine, and because someone didn't have a pedestal for their handbag...then the rest of the experience was pretty fantastic. It's still a lot of money, but when I look at what it has cost to eat at other places like Alinea and Trotter's, and consider how much more I have enjoyed the food and the general experience at Tru, I know where I'd go again.
(5)Olivia D.
My bf and I had our one year anniversary dinner here. It was a wonderful experience, very luxurious, and it definitely worked as VERY special occasion dining. We had the 9 course Chef's selection menu with one wine pairing to split. That being said, I really wished that it had felt worth the price tag. There are a few restaurants which can build up a price tag of $500+ for two, and it saddens me that I have to wonder whether one of those others would have been a better choice. It is very quiet in the dining room, we were the youngest diners there, and I felt a little as if I was not allowed to talk during my meal. Shhhh... There were a couple of dishes that were overly salted, or not enough. With this kind of craft I think seasoning should not be an issue. Also our venison was a little over, but that might be a preference as the bf and I like our meat to be on the south side of mid rare. Also the foie gras presentation... a torchon? But it was a very long tube, kind of looked like toothpaste, quite salty, although creative, was it was a miss for me. There was a beautiful chawumushi (no idea how to spell that), and of course the caviar whitefish "pearls" or whatever you call them were great! So light and the flavor was brilliant. The wine pairing was so complimentary I almost couldn't taste each selection against the plate it was sipped alongside. Seriously, flavors so melding that I could not tell where the food ended and wine began. Kind of cool actually, but perhaps the wines selected were a little on the light side for the dishes...sometimes I like my wine to butt heads with my food just a little, so that the pairing will bring out hidden flavors in each...The dessert wine was the exception of course. There was a cool brown rice junmai sake that I liked a lot. But only 1 red wine in the whole 9 courses! They were very sweet to us and sent out a complimentary little cupcake, with "Happy Anniversary" on the plate. Definitely not edible though, ha! I don't know if I will ever go back, being that it is sooo expensive and the next time I have a chance to have such an extravagent dinner I will probably want to try somewhere new...
(4)Tim Y.
There's no point in saying much about Tru since everything has already been said. Whatever your adjective of choice, Tru really does live up to the hype. That said, it's much like Moto -- you'll love it once, but chances are pretty good you'll not go back for a good long while. Don't show up hungry; you'll eat too fast and you'll want more before it's ready. Show up sated, with belly room and desire to eat.
(5)Tiffany C.
I would give 6 stars if I could. It was not a dining but rather an experience. Not another typical upscale restuarant. Be sure to try if you get a chance.
(5)S to the izzo F.
An Fantastic dining experience! The lighting and black and white decor give Tru an art gallery feel and the food is the art! I took a tour of the kitchen and it's run to perfection. Clean and very quite. It was like watching a artist in his Studio. But more than anything, even better than the food, was the Service. Absolutely top notch. You have to be willing to sit and enjoy. The experience took a little over three hours. Slow eating can be very fun especially if you have the right person/persons to enjoy it with. Very expensive. Some might feel that no food is worth this expense, not this individual. Tru is one of Chicago's best.
(5)Jonathan C.
It's so over priced, and none of the dishes are really memorable. Maybe due to the fact that we just had Daniel and Jean Georges in NYC, and Salts in Cambridge, Tru really was a bad finale for my graduation gastronomic trip. The service was slow, probably because there were two large tables of corporate clients, but still... 5 courses for 3.5 hours? Alinea does 17 courses for 3.5 hours... Water glasses were left empty from time to time. Out of the 5 course tasting menu, the worst thing was the pork belly. It was just a piece of fat meet, fried in Oliver oil... It was an one bite dish, really, not even an appetizer. Beef was bad, too. Overcooked and flavorless. The fish course was OK, but it's just a piece of cheap Salmon, and as long as you do not over cook it, it's gonna be OK anyway. I know it's only an one star restaurant, but the 5 course tasting menu is 110 bucks, and Daniel's three course pre fix is the same price. Daniel's three courses and complimentary pastry items completely filled us up, and Tru's five "courses" left us in hungry. Daniel gave me a very very nice complimentary dessert for my graduation, and Tru gave me a tiny piece of butter cake for my birthday and graduation celebration. The decor was not as good as some people described, either. We had seared foie gras, wagyu beef, and a nice bottle of 2009 Beaujolais Cruz at Daniel, for less than 800. We paid almost 700 bucks at Tru, with a cheaper bottle of wine, worse service, and definitely worse food. Do yourself a favor and go to Alinea!!!
(2)Farrah D.
What an experience! My first time in a place like this--we had a 6 course meal with wine pairings. Everything had exquisite presentation and was explained so well by the staff. It was truly an educational culinary adventure in proper French dining. Excellent service, excellent extras!
(5)Lauren C.
I enjoyed 95% of my Tru dining experience. The food was amazing; flavor presentation, portions, and constuction get A's. There was no shortage of beverage selection; the wine list was atleast 50 pages. Tru is tastefully decorated. The service was outstanding; the wait staff was truly on-top of their game. However, it was eerily quiet. I was afraid to talk it was so quiet. Most places it is too loud to have a conversation, but here it is the exact opposite. I had to hold in laughs for fear of disrupting other patrons. I would not suggest this place for a group larger than 4. The only reason I didn't give Tru 5 stars is because I am afraid to talk inside.
(4)Kwoky L.
There's never a shortage of good restaurants in Chicago. We have Charlie Trotters, Alinea, L2O etc but Tru is an old school classic for fine dining. It's as representative of Chicago as Bears in sports or the Sears Tower in architecture. When my friends came to visit, I had to bring them there. We went on a Sunday night. The decor was very modern and sharp, just what I expected. Once we were seated, we immediately noticed that we were a little out of place. Our table of 20 somethings were surrounded by older customers, who were in their 50s or 60s, dressed in business attire. I felt a tiny bit intimidated. The service was very formal, I thought. A little pretentious if you ask me, with all the synchronized serving by our two servers or the way they spoke to us. I felt like a commoner trapped in the body of Louis VI. The tasting menu was excellent and lavish but not a whole lot of surprises. I was not getting a taste of Tramanto/Gale Gand's creations like I expected. Perhaps it was not a very good idea to have gone to Alinea the night before. Tru was very good but just pale in comparison. Then I realized, Tru was just not the same anymore. It's not the Tru that Gale/Rick made famous. I wished I could turn back time.
(5)Charles A.
Top notch experience, customized menu, impeccable attention to details and service.
(5)Sarah L.
For a place hidden amidst Northwestern medical buildings and scrub-clad physicians, this place is an unassuming oasis. We walked by it three or so times before entering this dim lit Narnia. I'm not a foodie, but going to Tru will make you one. Upon ordering from the Prix Fixe menu, my palette encountered the most incredible Carpaccio, halibut and cheese with fruit I've ever had in all 27years of existence. I mean, shit. Pardon my french, or don't because what better time for an expletive than after a coup de foudre? Here are some highlights: The Carpaccio was served with a 25yr. aged balsamic and taste that'll turn an avid vegan into a carnivore. The Halibut, oh Laws knows it was good. I shall from this day forward snub all other attempts at this dish. Finally, their exclusive cheese selection left me in awe and was what finally turned me into a monster. I am no longer content as a freezer box connoisseur. I now bitch down supermarket aisles, disgusted by processed goods. "Excuse me. Yes you Jewel stock boy---What the hell are those? Kraft sliced singles... No, no no. This is not happening. Where are your $300 french imports?"
(5)Adam B.
Tru is a very fine restaurant and, based on my experience dining at many Michellin-starred restaurants in Europe, certainly deserves its 1 star. There are plenty of previous detailed reviews on Yelp, so this review tries to capture the overall experience. Tru is all about luxury: The menu is heavy on dishes with foie gras and truffles and there is a dedicated caviar menu. The wine list is extensive but emphasizes high-end wines. You could pick something for $80 or $90 a bottle, but they are pushing the $200+ bottles. Oh, and $20 cocktails. Corkage is an excessive $50/bottle. (Obviously they are forcing you to give them the profit they would make on a minimum $80 bottle.) The room is elegant and high-ceilinged, with notable modern art (but a few of the pieces are copies, while the originals hide in the owner's residence.) You are warned multiple times there is a dress code requiring jackets for men - fair enough. There are 3 prix fixe menus: The standard 3 courses for $96 or tasting menus "Collections" for $110 or $145 with extra foie gras and truffle dishes. (We had both the $96 and $110 options.) The cooking is sometimes very creative (for example, sturgeon "caviar", which is a confection of white fish essence pearls), but not always, and the flavors can be on the muted side. A nice touch is the ability to select any dessert instead of the one in your Collection or to substitute a cheese course (as many cheeses from the cart as you like). The service is polished and somewhat stilted in a formal, deferential way, and is team-based, i.e. you will see (at least) 5 or 6 different people bringing items to the table. While we expected the support servers to bring breads or manage the wine, unlike some other star-level service teams, at Tru we experienced a fragmentation of the service, where we lost the feeling that one waiter was looking after us. So in summary, expect to spend (at least) $400 to $500 for a couple and get a competent and luxurious meal, but don't expect culinary fireworks.
(4)Leo I.
At the forefront of gastronomic innovation, Tru offers a unique dinning experience in an elegant setting where the tone is set by the quality of the dishes and service. The impeccable service allows patrons to focus on the culinary experience without the slightest distraction. Our tasting menu included comté cheese gougère, cucumber salad on gelée, white sturgeon "caviar", suspended foie gras, the "inside of an english pea soup", dashi flan, duroc pork belly, scottish salmon with smoked cream, glazed veal, assortment of cheeses, cucumber and vanilla, summer melons in ginger, and an assortment of desserts. The white sturgeon "caviar" is an outstanding concept and dish, best described and creamed smoked sturgeon condensed in small balls the size of salmon roe and served over a bed of creamed avocado puree. The suspended foie gras is a cryo-prepared foie grass mouse with all the flavor but without the overwhelming fatty texture. Just about every dish was well prepared and spectacularly presented. The salmon and the veal courses were a bit understated. The smoked cream on the salmon did make up for the lack of flavor and texture; the veal was rather flat however. Both appeared to have been prepared sous-vide but I have the feeling that the veal was not finished properly on the pan before serving. The cheese tray was heavy on soft-ripened double creamed cheeses. The wine list is, as expected, extensive, well documented, and well supported by the restaurant's sommelier. The restaurant offers valet parking on St. Claire, operating on both sides of the street (no need for u-turn in front of the restaurant). First time patrons might have a bit of difficulty finding the restaurant which is located at the northwest corner of St. Claire and Huron, with the entrance on St. Claire.
(5)Marie O.
I had the Grand Collection tasting menu at Tru last night, and was greatly disappointed. Service was exceedingly slow; we arrived at 8:30, and left shortly after midnight. We waited almost an hour to receive our first course, and the wait for the larger dishes was terribly long. One of our servers apologized for the wait, and they tried to appease us with some truffles at the end, but it was really a drag. The first course-- the Sturgeon "caviar"-- was delicious; the subsequent courses were not very memorable. The Halibut and chicken were cooked to perfection, but there was nothing particularly impressive or interesting about them. The chicken was served on a log; but the log was just...a log. I would have been more impressed, had not Next recently wowed me with their own take on the log-serving dish: the gorgeous and aromatic "autumn scene", where the serving-log in question was cradling smoking apples, leaves, hay. If you're going to have a log, there might as well be fire! Dessert was served on some strange monkey candelabras. It was an attempt to be whimsical, but in the staid atmosphere of Tru, the monkeys just seemed ridiculous. They added nothing to the dish. At this price point, Next, ELideas, Bonsoiree etc beat out Tru, hands down. When the Michelin guide awarded one star to both Tru and Longman & Eagle, I was a little befuddled-- can these paces really be of the same calibre?-- and last night confirmed my doubts. They are not of the same calibre. One is delicious, creative, decadent, satisfying, welcoming, enjoyable, and worth the price. The other isn't.
(2)Britt W.
Suit Up! Grab your billfold! Clear the next four hours on your calendar! TRU is a special restaurant that pleases on several different levels. Right off the bat I felt like I was dining in heaven. There were no windows to the outside reminding me I was in Chicago. The white curtains that cover the walls from floor to ceiling let you know that you are in the world of TRU. Table for two? Make that two and a half because the lady's purse gets its own seat too. Take that coat check girl! Owner and executive chef Rick Tramonto is the master of the amuse bouche and you definitely get to experience his skills from the first course to the last. While it is possible to order a la carte I don't know why anyone would want to do so at a restaurant of this caliber. If you are going to go you should go big and get the Sommelier's Collection or one of the other grand tastings. Let's face it, how often do you get to eat caviar off of a glass staircase or sip soup from a Versace tea cup? The service at TRU is perfect. Attentive, polite and friendly. It's so easy to be intimidated by a restaurant of this caliber but the staff will make you feel welcome and appreciated. There are no too-cool-for-school wannabe actor types at TRU. TRU has always managed to deliver some surprises. Whether it's an impromptu meet and greet with the chef of a little gift bag of goodies for later, I always leave TRU feeling very special.
(5)Jonathan C.
Excellent food, presentation, services, and drinks. Overall, Tru lived up to its expectation. Needless to go into each dish since most people already did. You must at least try this place once. p.s. love the versace cup they used to serve the soup!
(4)Molly L.
For Christmas, the boyfriend's mother gifted us with a certificate for free glasses of champagne, a tour of the kitchen, a tour of the art, and personalized commemorative menus to take home. We decided to save it for a special occasion, and so we went for my birthday last weekend. Fortunately, we got reservations when we called about 2 months ahead of time, but it was close, so plan ahead! When we arrived, we were taken on a tour of the kitchen. If you have the opportunity to do this, I recommend taking advantage. It was really neat to see how efficient this kitchen was. It's not at all like those cooking shows where everyone is yelling and chopping vegetables (and possibly fingers) with sharp knives in the intense heat. No, this was a zen kitchen. Very cool. We were then seated in the minimalist dining room. Extra points for having special stool things just for ladies' purses. We ordered the 9-course Chef's Collection tasting menu. You don't have to order the same menu as your dining companions, but we did. We also ordered a nice bottle of pinot noir to accompany our meal. In case you can't decide what you want from the giant encyclopedia of wine, they have a sommelier on hand to guide you. Because, why wouldn't they have a roving sommelier? Later in the evening, he helped us select glasses of wine for dessert, and my glass of chardonnay was the best chardonnay I've ever had. I won't go into detail about every single course because this review is already really long. My favorite courses were the white sturgeon "caviar," the pork belly, and the veal ribeye. The appetizers were very creatively presented. The proteins were less fancy, but it didn't matter because they were delicious. Dessert was about 3 courses long, and they were all great. The food was good, but not overwhelmingly so. There were a couple of dishes that I didn't care for, namely the flan and the pea soup. The service was impeccable. Not a single detail went unattended. We went for my birthday, and every staff member wished me a happy birthday. My menu said "Happy Birthday Molly" on it, and I was even brought a little cake with "Happy Birthday Molly" written on the plate. It made me feel very welcome and appreciated. 5 stars for the service. It was pricey (around $600 with tip and tax), but I felt that everything was priced about right. I certainly didn't feel like our meal was a rip-off. Overall, I would say that Tru lived up to my expectations, but didn't exceed them. It was a nice introduction to molecular gastronomy, and I had a wonderful time. I definitely recommend Tru if you're looking for a very special culinary experience.
(4)Jim H.
WTF is up with this place??? This was the single worst restaurant I've ever been to. Way expensive, uber stuffy and all of the food tastes like dirt or weeds. No thanks!
(1)Sophy B.
My husband and I truly enjoyed dining here. The food was very good most notably the lobster and the pumpkin patch dessert which incorporated foie gras. The tables were placed far enough from each other to ensure privacy which was much appreciated as I'm used to cramped surroundings when dining at restaurants of this caliber in the Bay Area. The staff were very attentive the sommelier stopped by towards the end of the meal with dessert wine compliments of the house because he had enjoyed our company so much. How nice is that! Will return on my next visit to town
(5)Mandy C.
Although the staff was extremely friendly and accommodating, I did not have a great experience at Tru. It had all of the ambiance of fine dining, but none of the flavors that go along with it. My dining partner and I walked in and were immediately greeted by staff and escorted into a waiting area. The dining room, although mostly full, was silent and remained so for most of the evening. The atmosphere was very uptight. That said, the waiter and the rest of the staff was attentive and helpful throughout the meal. My partner had the lobster; it was a little tough and bland. I had the jidori slow cooked chicken and it wasn't just bland, it was bad. The chicken was rubbery and had no flavor. Since the menu lacked anything interesting or risk-taking, I assumed it would be the basics cooked to perfection. Unfortunately, it was not. There wasn't anything about Tru that lived up to its hype. Tru is a place you'd take your parents to show that that you have a real job now and are no longer eating ramen for dinner. It's not a place you'd take someone looking for interesting flavors or food combinations.
(2)Katie H.
First off, if you think $250 is a completely acceptable rate for a hotel room, if you own $500 shoes, and if your monthly dining budget rivals the GDP of a small country, you can stop reading my review now. If dropping a few hundred dollars on dinner is a very special occasion for you, if you live on a smaller budget and if you balk at spending $20 on a single glass of wine, then you and I have something in common and you might find my review useful. For our 3 year anniversary, my husband and I decided to bite the bullet and cough up the cash for Tru. He'd been wanting to come here for ages, and it was either here or L20 (despite my repeated suggestion that we go back to Bonsoiree, which we loved and is BYOB and is only $85 for 8 courses). To stretch out the evening a bit, since we knew Tru would be our only activity for the night, we decided to arrive a few minutes early and have a drink in the lounge. Don't bother. 1) The lounge isn't like a bar, it's really just a collection of love tables with kind of uncomfortably soft chairs. 2) it's insanely expensive. The cheapest beer was like $12. $14 for a Sam Smith Porter?! So I ordered a glass of wine, Barbera d'Asti, which was phenomenal and I think around $12. My husband's drink, the apertif, was $17 (but excellent). Once sat at our table, we were asked if we wanted champagne. As the cheapest glass was $20 and the bottle of Barbera d'Asti was $60, we decided to jump right into the bottle. We started our three course prix fix with an amuse bouche, which was not very amuse-ing and then out came the appetizers. I went with the langoustine, which was one big langoustine in a boulliabasse broth with some kind of mouse and boiled potatoes. The langoustine was good, but I've actually had better prepared much more simply. Husband had the steak tartare with egg and truffle. It was fantastic, and the first time we'd ever had tartare. We also added in another course - the wagyu beef ravioli with foie gras in a beef broth (for $25). Skip it. The pasta was a bit overdone, the wagyu didn't taste like anything more than beef, and the broth was underwhelming. The foie was awesome, but...it's foie, it's easy for it to be awesome. For our entrees, I had the beef ribeye with foie gras. The beef was good, the jus was good, the mushrooms were well done, and the foie again was great. It was all good. But I didn't take a bite and think "oh my god, is the good". Luckily, my husband's lamb was fanfreakingtastic. I stole about half of it with no shame. When it was time for dessert, I was presented with a problem. I hate fruit desserts. To me, it's not dessert unless it's chocolate, and all the desserts had fruit in them. We'd made a note of this when we made the reservation, but still they could do nothing for me.....except tell me I should have come last week when they had a amazing chocolate mousse. Um, thanks. So I had a small cheese plate while my husband enjoyed his apple dessert. He had a fantastic Irish coffee while I had a glass of Muscato d'Asti. Then came the famed dessert cart. It had about 6 or 7 offerings on it. I took the only 3 that didn't have fruit in them - a champagne macaron (meh, and I love macarons), a chocolate truffle which it turns out did have raspberry in it, and a canele, which was just okay. So no, I didn't get to experience any of Gale's famous amazing desserts. On the way out, they also gave us a fruit muffin to take home. It was good, but no better than what you'd find at most bakeries. So the food....it was okay. 3.5 maybe 4 stars. But the service, hot damn the service was amazing. We sat right by the service station and loved being able to watch the orchestration of the service. The servers always arrived in tandem to remove plates, as soon as you stood up, your napkin would be removed and replaced with a new one. On my way to the bathroom I was asked 3 times if I needed assistance. As soon as I re-entered the room, someone arrived at my table to pull out my chair. I literally felt like we were being waited on hand and foot. The level of service was simply outstanding, and I get that part of the food and drink prices reflect that, but still, when my dinner clocks in at $440 (with tax and tip), I just expect a little more. I should have a meal that tastes so good I'm still thinking about it weeks later. It's the next morning and already the details are getting fuzzy. Maybe I'm being a bit harsh, but for the price, I just expected more.
(4)Alex H.
I'm about as close to 4.5 stars as you can be without bumping it up to 5. Here's why: The food itself was phenomenal. I'm not going to go into specific detail as the menu is likely to change by the time you'll go there anyway, just know that it is equal parts playful, beautiful, and delicious. The service was beyond impeccable. By far the best service I've had a a single-Michelin star restaurant. Everyone is friendly. The timing is perfect. They really get the details right. Here's where I take issue with Tru: 1. Decor. I like minimalism. I like modern. And I even like the idea of letting the food, and not the space, be the star of the show. Unfortunately, Tru has taken the idea just a little too far, and the result is a strange waiting area (not a bar) inside from the entrance where you wait for your table, followed by a large dining room that is just a bit too open and generally lacking in character. 2. Proteins. As I said, the food was amazing, and I'd happily order any of the 6 courses we enjoyed again. My problem is that out of those 6 courses (as well as some lovely and unexpected amuse-style interjections between courses), only one was protein based. And that protein wasn't wagyu beef, wasn't sweetbreads, wasn't even pork belly or something similar. It was chicken. Delicious chicken, with some lovely accompaniments to be sure. But chicken is still just chicken at the end of the day. And when you drop in excess of $500 for two for a meal, I don't think its unfair to ask for some elevated protein options. Among Chicago foodie circles these days its almost impossible to have a culinary discussion without talking about Alinea and Next. I'd humbly submit that despite my minor complaints, Tru still belongs in any serious foodie conversation.
(4)Erica M.
This is by far my favorite upscale restaurant. I have been there about 5 times now and everytime is out of this world. It is very pricey especially if you get the wine pairings, but it is well worth the experience. I would highly recommend trying this place at least once. With the wine pairings and the chef's selection, you are looking at about $500 for two people. That is of course the biggest chef's station they offer, but if you are going to go that is the way to go for sure.
(5)SAMANTHA P.
what else can i say that hasn't already been said? just go to tru...... simply superb.
(5)Rebecca W.
I choose this restaraunt because I wanted a super-special place where I could propose to my girlfriend. The folks at Tru were fantastic about it...very patient with my nervous phone calls; they brought the champagne perfectly on cue, and overall were really sweet. This isn't the sort of place we normally go to, but the service people were gracious and explained everything without a hint of condescension. We went with the prix-fixe menu - we both had seafood appetizers, and for the entree I had the ribeye while my girlfriend had the prime rib. For dessert we had the dark gleaming chocolate, and the ice cream with chicory texture was possibly the best thing I have ever eaten. I can taste it as I think about it now! The little "candy shop" dessert cart was also wonderful. In particular I was delighted to try the Canelle de Bourdeaux. Divine - perfect creaminess with just a touch of crunch and honey! You *must* try some of the cheeses, especially the sheep's milk cheese; they serve it with sweet bread and a little honey and it's, again, amazing. I said I went here to propose, and I want to make a special note of how extremely nice they were about us being a same-sex couple. Frankly, when I was calling places to set the proposal up, a lot of places were incredibly rude. A few places were surprised that a woman was proposing (assuming I had a boyfriend), and then when I explained I had a *girlfriend*, two places hung up on me and a third gave me a lecture! Tru, however, was absolutely professional, sweet, and sincerely congratulatory. (Also, reassuring, when my nervousness almost got the better of me!) If you are looking for a memorable, relaxing, unique experience, try here.
(5)matthew S.
Very expensive, but worth it. Not as cutting edge as some others but excellent food and service in a classy atmosphere. Appears to be ADA compliant.
(5)David G.
Really, really good. Creative cuisine, great ambiance and warm service. Among the top 1 star restaurants in Chicago, without a doubt.
(4)DAVID G.
Couldn't have been more impressed and suprised! Putting aside the incredible cuisine for a moment (if one can), what was truly amazing was the clear attention to detail and impeccable service from the entire staff. The staff works and communicates like a well-oiled machine; they take customer service to heart and do so in a way that is almost mystifying. We never had to ask for a thing and they anticipated our every need, right down to having our coats ready to slide our arms into at the end of the evening. As far as the cuisine goes, it is hard to know where to begin with my compliments to the chef. The range and mixture of flavors and textures was splendid, portions were perfect and the courses were magnificently arranged! Bravo!
(5)Elizabeth R.
I enjoyed the atmosphere and the service, however, the food wasn't as good as I expected. They missed the mark on some dishes, particularly the jidori chicken, which was pretty much dry and tasteless. The wine tasting selection was good, with a lot of white wines, which paired very well with the dishes. Honestly, Tru earned an extra star with their cheese selection at the end of the meal - cheese is the way to my heart. If I wasn't paying next time, I'd definitely go back!
(4)Jigar P.
This is one of the very special place. I went here for dinner with my best friend to celebrate her acceptance to Med school at UIC. This place is upscale downtown resturant with great sense of richness in flavor, taste and ambiance. I really like the theramasu here. Honestly I liked all the dishes I ate here. It feels like its systematically designed restaurant since every details has taken into consideration like we were given enough time for making choice, the suggestions by server was really helpful, the light music. I think this place has very special because after dinner we went to just walk in downtown and it was cold and we still do some dancing on way back to car it was sooo much fun.. The only problem with such places is to get reservation. I was flying to chicago and my schedule was very tentive so can not visit this place again. But I will visit it again. Also they are very limited in veg choices. And parking as you all know is big time in Chicago downtown.. Also places like these are really very very expensive.
(5)nikki s.
Tru is a must-do! I expected the dry, hoity-toity snootisms, but I was wrong. We were pleasantly welcomed in, seated immediately and our waiter made us very comfortable. I scanned the room and it was a nice ecclectic mix of people. We did the 10 course tasting which was a bit more elaborate than the prixe fixe menu. I'm a sucker for truffle, so the standout for me was the risotto with black truffle shavings. Exquisite! Don't get me wrong, though, every single course was mmm mmm good with creative presentation, from the squash soup housed in a hollowed mini- pumpkin to the decadent chocolates. Service was impeccable with not only attentive servers but synchronized serving. I'm talking about coordinated timing of the setting down of flatware. Nice touch. We were there for a special occasion so the menus had been customized with well wishes in acknowledgement. Another nice gesture. It's definitely a place for a special time, as I couldn't imagine a 3-hour meal on the regular. However, for a memorable fine dining experience, Tru is one of the best.
(5)Amy S.
My fiance and I were taken here as an anniversary present by my boss and his wife. I had heard rumors that Tru was stuffy and stuck up....that they weren't very nice and that they just weren't friendly. I beg to differ. I didn't feel that at all. I felt the atmosphere was actually very pleasant. The tables were spread apart perfectly and you felt like you could have a conversation without everyone in the restaurant listening. Also, if you talk to the servers like normal people, they talk to you normal also. We had our sommelier telling us hilarious stories about wine regions and types of wines. The food was fantastic. We did the 9 course menu and I loved each course! And we did the wine pairings (those were HUGE pours!). I loved the personalized menu (Congrats Amy and Greg) and the fact that they reprinted out exactly what everyone ordered on a special menu at the end of the night. Truly great food and service and a very memorable experience.
(5)A N.
This is one of those reviews that really deserves 3.5 stars. My husband and I finally had a good reason to try some very fine dining in Chicago - our 5th wedding anniversary. We dressed up all fancy and took a cab downtown like real adults. It was nice to have an occasion to dress up for. We ordered the 6 course Grand Collection and a bottle of Moscato since we were celebrating but don't really care for Champagne. I didn't take pictures of every course, but I still remember most of them, so here it goes: White sturgeon "caviar": very pretty and cool in concept. in reality, too salty. Also, we only got 3 tiny crackers with it. Say what? Not enough crackers with a course of any kind, at any restaurant is a major pet peeve of mine. I'd give this one an A-. one the most memorable courses. Amuse bouche: not a course exactly, but it was still served. Twas disgusting. Really. We both had to consume an entire glass of wine to get the icky taste out of our mouths. F- English Pea Soup: Yummy! I liked the peas. It was very beautiful, looked like a spring wreath at the bottom of the bowl. It had these micro croutons were really good and we could have used a few more. It was missing something, flavor-wise. B+ fava bean cappeletti: I don't care for ham but it was very delicate, pretty and tasty, but not very memorable or super interesting. B+ alaskan halibut: Fish was delicious and cooked perfectly. The mushrooms were also very yummy. But again, not mind blowing or anything. B+ Jidori Chicken: What can I say? It's chicken. It wasn't special chicken. The plating was fun and cool. The fiddlehead ferns were my favorite part of the dish. B At some point we also received a fun grass + ultra tiny clothes pins + dried fruit paper hanging like laundry. Tasty and very cute. Solid A for the expensive fruit roll up. Dessert was campfire s'mores and a chocolate with red pear sorbet. Both were quite tasty. We also received a special happy anniversary plate with mini-cake. The cake was dry. A- They brought around a dessert cart, which was has probably 1 dozen different chocolates and candies. The server explains what they all are and then says "would you care for any of these desserts (or something like that), it's our compliment". I wasn't sure if I should say "sure, i'll take all of them" or what. So I instead I was like "ok, I'll take one of those *points*". And she says "would care for another?" and i say "ok, I'll take one of those *points*". And so on, until we had all but 2 of every confectionary from the cart. Awkward. Finally they bring us two chocolates, laden with gold. They are pretty. And filled with cinnamon liquid. Delicious! I can only compare my experience at Tru to one other restaurant - Europea in Montreal. I am sorry to say Europea kind of kicked Tru's ass. We had many more courses at Europea, they were all really interesting AND delicious, and the service wasn't nearly as fussy. I would still recommend Tru for a very special occasion because it was a fun experience, but it just wasn't what you might expect for the money. If you are counting on your money going a long way, you might want to consider going elsewhere.
(4)Jennifer S.
I feel like we totally wasted our money. Overall we were really impressed by the service, but the food was a big let down. We went there to celebrate my birthday. They printed up a special menu with my name and a birthday wish in it, which was a really nice touch. We ordered off the Prix Fixe Menu. The amuse-bouche was bland, our appetizers were good, but the entrees were a total miss (no taste, the lobster, which I paid extra for, was rubbery and the portions were really small). After our main course we were still hungry, so we ordered an additional cheese course served with a side of honey and chutney (the cheese plate was the best thing we had all night). Our desserts were also a big disappointment -pretty to look at but bland and unimaginative in taste.
(2)Charin K.
My husband and I went to Tru for our anniversary last week and were thoroughly impressed. We have been to a good number of Chicago's nice restaurants and were excited to dine at the well known Tru and compare it to our other dining experiences. The thing that most stands out about Tru is the attention to flavor that they give. No, the dishes aren't crazy spins on the homey classics like you will find at Graham Elliot or Schwa, but they hone in on the flavor of every bite with carefully picked ingredients and methods of cooking that make for an outstanding meal and because of this it's modern French cuisine at its finest and deserves 5 stars. If you are looking for an incredibly posh fine dining meal experience, this is the place to indulge in. On the flip side though, if you are looking for a fun and relaxed atmosphere to go with a gourmet dining experience, this may not be the place for you. The restaurants I mentioned above have an atmosphere of warmth and fun that Tru lacks. This is not a negative feedback point of Tru by any means, there is a time and place for each of these experiences and I only mention this so that you know going in what to be expecting and can enjoy your experience to the fullest. We had a splendid time and will never forget the glazed veal or white sturgeon caviar... aMAZing!
(5)Barbara C.
I had the pleasure of eating at TRU recently. I've never eaten there even though it seems like it's been a Chicago icon forever. I understand why. The food, the service, the presentation, the atmosphere is simply fabulous. They all work beautifully together to create a unique and memorable dining experience. Flavors come together in unique and surprising ways. Each course was more delightful than the last! Worth a splurge.
(5)Toby S.
Extremely Good. Chicago Really has more than its fair share of fine dining experiences. TRU is formal and a bit of a old business type crowd but the food and service were exceptional. You leave having spend a crap load of money without any remorse. Just a body perfectly filled with highly technical and wonderfully executed food. All washed down with a superb complement of booze. (Note - If it were my restaurant I might work on the decor slightly)
(5)Cory A.
It isn't too often that I feel a restaurant truly lives up to the hype and the aclaim that it's been given, but this time, this place just had to be one of them. My table had the Chef's tasting menu, featuring foie gras mousse, seared wagyu, and crispy bork belly, along with the sommelier's wine pairings. They wagyu was so tender and juicy, it practically fell apart before I could chew it. I can't say that the entire tasting meny was excellent, though. There were a couple things that tasted great, but were largely forgettable. The care and creativity that went into the dishes that "mattered" were nothing compared to the execution of them in the kitchen. However, the dishes that fell short, although tasting, great, did not live up to the calliber of the ones that made the evening. The dessert was the biggest let down. It was seriously just of scoop of ice cream over melon balls...no more, no less. I really expected something creative. In addition to the food, the service was exceptional. There were moments when I forgot the servers were serving, because their performance was immaculate. I'm glad I had the pleasure of dining at TRU recently, and if I am ever able to afford the bill again, I'd be there in a skinny minute to see and taste what else the chef has to offer.
(4)Margaret T.
The food here is good, and the acrobatic display of service is interesting, however I am left uninspired by the stiffness of said servers. I also think the mood could be improved, as well as a few other things. It's almost like eating at a museum, and the times I have been there, I've been worried about my servers having a nervous breakdown behind their painted smiles. Tip toe service, I'd call it. I am just so uncomfortable when no one is having fun. But if you want to be treated like royalty, this is the place to do it. Meh.
(2)Tim R.
Truly innovative food. I took my wife here for her birthday and we both loved it. They made a menu with her name on it which makes you feel all special. I recommend the chefs tasting menu. It is quite expensive so keep that in mind.
(5)Juliette C.
Went to Tru with some friends (including Elisa O.) recently. I was super excited to go back but the dinner was a really big miss. First and foremost the dinner took nearly 4 hours! for the 6 course menu. So technically we got super bored and hungry! They apologized etc and gave us some truffles at the end - which btw where super delicious - but what can you do, the experience was marred. Second the food was rather good, I did not like the halibut, the chicken was not really interesting (though I liked the presentation). The caviar is awesome and I was happy to have it again, dessert was great too. The ham pasta with a fancy name tasted like ham pasta, it was good but kinda rustic. Ok and then there was the sake. First we paid $50 for a very small bottle of sake that costs $11 online. It was good, but wtf?? 400% mark up? That's ridiculous. The second bottle which was less crazily marked up just tasted like white wine... not what you want when you order sake... My friends were disappointed and me too. Would have rather spent my $180 somewhere else! Oh I was forgetting, a staff member explained to me what fish utensils were, because I was saying the fork looked weird. I know what fish utensils are thanks very much, the fork just had a really weird shape... last time I went they explained to us what a prix fixe menu was... It's not because we are under 30 that we are ignorant... The monkey was a little ridiculous too...
(2)Eric B.
This perspective is from a habitué of neighborhood joints who seldom dines at gastronomic shrines of this caliber. A special occasion called for a splurge far in excess of what we would normally spend. The challenge, though, was finding a place with menu items that would appeal to my missus, who is strictly a 'meat-and-potatoes' person. After comparing a dozen-or-so menus online, I found Tru's to be flexible and varied enough to accommodate both timid and adventurous palates. Their ever-evolving three-course prix fixe menu offers a choice of 7 appetizers, 7 entrees, and dessert or a selection from the cheese cart. Our apprehensions about condescending or snooty service were put to rest from the moment we stepped inside. The maître d' and wait staff were absolutely wonderful. They took obvious delight in answering our sometimes silly questions and describing everything on our plates. They didn't hover over us but somehow magically appeared at the precise moment we needed something. The only gaffe in the service -- choreographed like a ballet -- was when one server started to whisk away a plate before we were done with it. In this comfortable, hushed and minimalist dining room, the focus is on art, attractive plating, and wine. Tru's wine list is voluminous. Being hopelessly ignorant about wine, we asked the sommelier for his recommendation, which turned out to be stellar. Tru's kitchen happily accommodates dietary restrictions and individual preferences. Our entire meal was a uniformly remarkable spectrum of both familiar and exotic flavor and texture combinations. As for plating, we observed foodies at other tables taking pictures of their food. A meal at a more pedestrian restaurant the following night seemed ordinary and bland by comparison. Now ... at the risk of sounding like a rube, my pet peeve concerning haute cuisine in general is the dainty portion sizes relative to price (for cripes sake, even the free samples at Costco are more generous!). Alright, I'll take my ten lashes with a limp shred of frisée for saying that. But this is why we seldom visit such high-end restaurants. Having spent several hundreds of dollars on this one dinner, though, we did NOT leave Tru hungry or disappointed -- the three-course prix fixe meal was augmented by many, many extras and surprises. One of the high points was when our server brought chocolates with a liquid salty-caramel filling and instructed us on how to eat them without making a mess. It was a most enjoyable and memorable evening.
(5)Julia I.
Food is awesome. One can't deny that. The tasting menu is an all evening entertaining event. Make sure to go with a fellow foodie so they don't get bored during the 4 hours. I cant give 5 stars because it's still hard to spend $450 on dinner for two.
(4)Tina K.
Tru is our favorite special occasion restaurant! We've been here a number of times and have never been disappointed. The food and service are top-notch, the decor is sophisticated and elegant. Most recently, we spent New Year's Eve at Tru and the dinner went beyond our expectations. We had the 8-course tasting menu with wine pairings. The "wine" pairings were divine, including everything from sake to a 1976 Bordeaux.
(5)Tricia C.
As seems to be the trend with a lot of the reviews here, service was 5 star but food was more like 3-4 (depending on the course). Don't get me wrong, it was good, just not as good, for example, as the meal I paid about half the price for the day before at Bonsoiree. Everything executed well, it just wasn't super exciting and nothing really made us do a double take. We did the Grand Collection and added the seared Foie Gras from the a la carte menu. We also swapped one of the beignet desserts for the fall fruit risotto I had seen on the menu online during my "research period." Funny enough, that addition and substitution were probably the best things we had. You definitely want the risotto--it's a whole deal where they assemble it tableside and it's the perfect balance of sweetness for a dessert. There were lots of extras thrown in before, during, and after our meal that were pretty cool also, and we were DEFINITELY full by the end of it. So, if you've never experienced the caliber of the wait staff at TRU, it's definitely worth it for a special occasion. But, we likely now can cross it off our list and will explore elsewhere on our next visit. Also note, there's really no sign outside, except a small logo obscured by some topiaries next to the revolving door. Just go where the address is and you'll figure it out.
(4)Chester W.
Sort of in a secluded area at night, but overall I really enjoyed my meal. Went for a business dinner and had a great meal. Definitely pricey, but you should realize that before going in. Good drink selection, good food, and excellent service despite the fact that my waiter kept confusing my orders with the only other Asian in the dinner party.
(4)Gazelle T.
For days I waffled about whether or not we should go here on our Chicago trip--would it really be worth the hefty price tag? For the same cost you could get a number of good or even fantastic meals at other restaurants after all. Well, we went and I'm happy to say it was indeed worth it! As others have noted the service is impeccable--indeed it borders on intimidating! But once I got over it being insanely attentive I realized it wasn't just service, it was Kabuki Theater. Then I was able to get into the spirit of the thing. Food and cocktails (ranging from $18-$22 for the curious) were excellent! And in addition to your regular courses there is an amuse included, and bread service (the pumpernickel onion bread was to die for. I could happily eat it every day of my life!), and a palate-cleansing interlude. You begin to feel that the prix fixe is not only worth it, but something of a bargain ;) After trying my boyfriend's Scotchman Can Take a Punch (one of their signature cocktails) I decided I wanted one for myself, even though if you had asked my I would have told you I didn't like any of the ingredients in it. THAT is high praise for a restaurant--making you eat or drink something you were sure you didn't like! I even had a second one. For food I had the chestnut soup, which was wonderful, and the short ribs, which were some of the best I've ever had. Our server explained they sous vide and seared, so they were like no short ribs I've ever had before. An amazing dish. They were sauced tableside, and the accompaniments were beautiful. I was particularly impressed by the tiny carved apple cups holding herb oil. Tru pays attention to every last detail. The cheese cart was also a treat. Another server brought it around, and he was extremely well-informed about everything. I was impressed by his memory, to say the least! The dessert was the only misstep--I got the "s'mores" and I found the different chocolate mousses and cakes to be rather one note, and presentation wasn't as interesting either. I've had much better desserts at other restaurants, and I have to say the ones I make are better as well :P But I didn't mind. The rest of the meal was fabulous.
(5)Barack O.
Delicious food. Fantastic service. Taste everything and go as often as you can afford to. Worth every penny. Disregard any review under 5 stars,
(5)Natalie B.
Completely decadent! This is a great special occasion type restaurant. The food is inventive and fun. I couldn't get enough to the caviar staircase. Aside from being a great presentation, the caviar was just darn good. We had the Chef Tramonto's Market Collection which was amazing. I especially loved the soup served in the Limoge teacups. The dessert is obviously amazing since Gale Gand is a pastry genius. If money is no object, pair chilled vodka with the caviar and change up your wine with each course. There is a dessert tasting whoch I would love to try!
(5)Ren B.
at tru, the food is tasty, the service is great--everyone knows this. the place wins james beard awards for a reason. so many of the dishes i've had here are permanently seared into my brain as being the best i have ever had or will ever have. however, many people gripe about the overly formal and "stuffy" service and ambiance. well, i am here to blow tru's cover! i have been here twice now (last sept and this june) and got the same server both times--and she remembered! we had a last-minute reservation in the lounge and the main dining room was full, but she negotiated with the chef and we were still able to partake in the 9 course grand collection. very cool. she was friendly and conversational and hardly pretentious, yet we received the same level of service we would have received in the main dining room (except for the purse stool, but i'm sure my purse will forgive me for putting it on the floor :P). at the end of the dinner, i asked if i could show my bf the warhol marilyn print in the main dining room. she personally walked us around and showed us all the art pieces, including one in the upstairs private room. my bf then casually mentioned that i hoped to see the kitchen someday--and she offered us a tour! if you are an aspiring chef like i am, or even just an huge foodie, this kitchen will knock your socks off. it is enormous and even has a separate pastry kitchen. the kitchen staff hardly minded we were there, and in fact, were quite nice! the moral of this story is, if you are intimidated or turned off by the potential stuffyness of this place--don't be. if you're not a total neanderthal and you're polite (and have a coupla bucks to blow!), you will not be out of place. two grand collections + 4 glasses of sake + 2 tastings of wine + tour of dining room and kitchen + tax + tip = $400.
(5)Marie L.
I went to Tru with my husband to celebrate New Year's and we absolutely loved the experience. They strive....no...achieve perfection in every way. The waistaff were so attentive; the courses were delish. We ordered the collection with the 6 entrees and we also had cheese and chocolates - lots of chocolates...yummy! Our dinner was a little over 3 hours...so worth it!! We will definitely go back!
(5)Dru G.
Not sure how anyone could not like Tru. I've been there a few times now and I always get the chef's choice because I figure I"m already splurging by coming here so I may as well splurge all the way. I can't say whether the presentation or the food is better because both are top notch- it doesn't get any better than Tru.
(5)choad x.
Service was Awesome! Synchronized water refills! 4-5 waiters for just our table! The dessert and the Madeleine Cookies to go were the best. The prixe-fix food itself was visually incredible, but so-so on the palette. She was impressed, however, I wouldn't go again unless they improved the menu.
(4)a h.
I went to TRU about 5 years ago for my birthday. I still think back fondly on that night as THE greatest dining experience I've ever had...and I've eaten at a lot of restaurants in Chicago and throughout the world. Bill was $300 per head (with tip), but it was completely worth it. They have trained their staff so that serving is an ART. The food is so imaginative, presented so beautifully, and so delicious. I still think about the caviar staircase, the most amazing soup I have ever had, and the phenomenal dessert. I think I've talked myself into splurging again at TRU very soon!
(5)James K.
Ah Tru. What more can I say about this Shrine to Cuisine? Dining at Tru is far from just eating dinner; it's more like an adventure (especially for those brave enough to trust their palates and Amex bills to Mr. Tramanto and go for the spontanteous collection.) I've tried about 100 courses at Tru and almost all of them were truly excellent, with none being less than very good. The decadent and beautiful Caviar Staircase is a fantastic way to begin your palate's journey to Heaven, while the Tuna Tartare 'garnished' with a beautiful live fish swimming in a small bowl under it is a breathtaking way to spend your time there, both visually and viscerally. Tru hits all the little touches to make dining their memorable. From a modern, elegant dining room filled with lovely art, to having the class to include bottled water with the price of the meals, and using fun Versace china, Laguiole steak knives, and having a dedicated staff member whose sole job is to polish their lovely stemware, servers that seem to truly love and revere the kitchen's creations while they extol each course in detail, and sending you home with a sweet little "Gift of Tru" (note: temporarily being redesigned,) and sending Christmas cards signed by both the Chef de Cuisine and the Pastry chef to frequent diners, Tru does it all to perfection. My only regret is that the whole roasted lobe of foie gras prepared tableside is no longer available. Aldermen really need to reassess their priorities, eh? Tru is also a Wine Spectator Grand Award winner with the tome-like wine list to prove it. With such a vast selection, it's understandable that they do not permit corkage, but their list is heavily weighted towards pricier bottles, which at a price of roughly 3 times retail, can get out of control quickly. Nevertheless, a savvy wine shopper can still find some good wines that won't break the bank, especially in the half bottle area of the list.
(5)patty l.
At Tru, you will find full of surprises! Until today, this is still by far the best restaurants that I have ever been to. It is expensive, but it's definitely a very unique dining experience, and I would return if I ever visit Chicago again. The service was outstanding, it's almost surreal. Restaurant itself is like a gallery, and food is the art. Everything is perfectly measured. The tasting menu is what you want to order, and don't forget to order the melted chocolate cake with ice cream. It was too good to be "TRUe"! The day when I went, Nicolas Cage was there with his Korean gf (4 years ago)! I can't say enough good things about this restaurant; you will have to experience it yourself. I highly recommend this restaurant for any special formal occasions.
(5)Jason A.
After talking to a couple of folks in Chicago on what is thee restaurant to visit on our trip over there, the restaurant that came up was Tru. First off, gentlemen need to wear a jacket at all times. A little more strict than French Laundry. The service was out of this world. For example when they filled my fiance and my glass of water, two waiters came up from both sides of the table and at the same time filled our glass doing a courtesy once they were done. The food was French Fusion and we opted with the 3 entree dinner. it started off with beef tartar (excellent presentation and mixture of flavors) and foie gras (nothing too special). Main dishes were the veal trio (a little disappointing and the sweetbread sucked) and the lobster (can I please have a little more lobster meat?) In between we were given soups on a spoon here and there. The stand out of this place was dessert. Dessert included: cheese plate small root beer floats chocolate and blueberry souffl espresso mouse chocolate indulgence little French cookies chocolates to go All we requested was for cheese and chocolate indulgence. It helps to talk about the Cubs in this town. Overall, food was slightly above average, dessert was excellent and service was outstanding. PRICEY $$$$
(4)Grace L.
We've been here for dinner and just for dessert. Here's the thing, you hear all the hoopla and I think it's easy to get disappointed. The service here is impeccable, the room is classic, attention to detail is fascinating, and the delivery of the food is smooth. The food is not so up to par, albeit interesting combinations and tastes. For example, I had the short rib with unagi...wonderful food, but not close your eyes savory good. In fact, I separated the food on my plates and it was amazing just on its' own. It was definitely more appealing to your eyes than your stomach. Now, that being said, the desserts are worth the couple hour seating. We went to celebrate a birthday and we had the three course dessert. The desserts were amazing little pieces of art themselves and the taste so much more pleasurable. They had printed out a little copy of the menu of the night with the birthday person's name and date...it was a nice touch.
(4)Laura P.
I haven't been here in years but still remember the stellar food, service, caviar staircase, whimsical desserts by Gale Gand, and the cute purse stools. One detail that I love most about Tru are the restrooms! The waterfall sink is enough to inspire jealously or a trip to Kohler, Wisconsin. Seriously. After all these years, I've made mental notes on how much or how little detail is put into a restaurant's bathroom. Tru is tops on my list.
(5)Cynthia L.
I have dreamed of eating here for several years before I finally had the opportunity this past birthday. Oprah raved about Tru, friends raved about Tru, but sadly, I am not going to 'rave' about Tru. I was disappointed. Perhaps I expected more than it could produce. But come on, it's TRU!! The 3 course prix fixe menu was ok for me but we ordered an extra appetizer. Why do the apps always sound more appealing than the entrees?? Anyway, we ordered the prime beef tartare with a golden egg, the peeky toe crab salad, prime beef ribeye, and moroccan lamb three ways. The prime beef tartare was by far the tastiest. The golden egg is worth it! It's a raw egg yolk enveloped by edible gold leaf. How euphoric!! It was well-seasoned and accented by the saltiness of the parmesan tuile. I could eat this over and over again. The peeky toe salad was fresh tasting. Not particular satisfying in any way. The eggplant, crab and vinaigrette all had about the same taste. I must not have gotten enough of the acid on my plate because it tasted bland to me. I love peeky toe which on its own is very sweet but the eggplant puree took away from the peeky toe. The entrees were not memorable therefore I won't really write about them. Needless to say not the best performance by Rick Tramonto (I don't know even know if he was working that night)! Plus our waiter was a little odd and unattentive. Not really worth the price.
(2)Jennifer S.
I am going to mention the importance of making a reservation way way in advance for Tru. We called in Nov to get the reservation for end of Jan on a Saturday night and the best they had was 8:45 which is a touch on the late side for us. So, that being said--if you want a Saturday night @8pm, I would say call 4 months in advance to be safe. Our head waiter/captain was wonderful...His name is Israel. My husband and I each had a "collection" but it all needed to be modified as we are vegetarians who do not eat shellfish. The food was delicious. The sashimi course was great, the fish just about melted on our tongues. There was also a salmon course and a black cod- both were prepared beautifully and tasted excellent. There was a mushroom ravioli course that I did find a bit odd. It was essentially 2 mini crepes with some sauteed mushroom in between them. The taste was good but I wouldn't call it "ravioli". The two standouts of the evening for us were: the dessert cart and the cheese cart. Both are wheeled over to the table and the cheese selections were prepared tableside. Very charming. And, a great selection of cheeses. The dessert cart is adorable, complete with "gourmet" lollipops. I didn't love anything that I ate from the dessert cart but it was cute! Then, they come around with truffles. The "elvis" is not to be missed- its banana and peanut butter! We also had a dessert off the menu that was pretty forgettable---we were very dissapointed in that. It was pumpkin something and average at best. The service is impeccable, they are extremely attentive and it is worth it to go and just get pampered. Their attention to detail is almost flawless, in that respect. We were given a banana cake (mini) when we left and it was DELCIOUS! We were surprised that the dining room was so bare/minimalistic/modern but it only causes you to focus on the food more so I do understand what they're doing... I would have liked to see a little more color though. If you are looking for a wonderful/expensive night out with inventive cuisine, I would suggest Alinea but if you aren't quite that adventerous--- go to Tru! Enjoy.
(5)Ken A.
I agree with some prior reviews. The staff is very professional, very polished, maybe a bit too much, as my wife and I felt a little bit awkward especially at the beginning of the meal. We ordered the 9 course menu. There were a few highlights that I still remember months after the fact: an amazing first course with sturgeon caviar and avocado. Also, a venison that was perfectly cooked and delicious (not part of the normal menu, but they nicely agreed to throw it in there at my request). On the other hand, a few of the plates were only OK (I remember a chicken dish that was mediocre), and the cheese course was disappointing. The sommelier was very nice and recommended some nice half bottles that went well with the food. Overall, I can't complain too much, totally deserving of its 4 stars, but recalling Charlie Trotter and Alinea, I think Tru falls one star short.
(4)Lo M.
Just went Friday night for my birthday. A couple of reviews down from a couple that went a day after on the 22nd is pretty much the same exerience I had. Ordered the exact same thing, the grand selection. It takes about 3-3 1/2 hours from beginning to end. Each portion that comes out is small but towards desert, the amount of food almost got to be too much. The service is top notch and the food is cooked to perfection. To me it just didn't seem to be innovative enough. I preferred Moto over this for the same prices. The room was nice and it wasn't stuffy at all despite the requirement of a jacket. I would just suggest a few of the other 5 star restaraunts before tru. It was definetly good-thus the 4 star rating.
(4)Lisa B.
My sister and I went to Tru last night expecting a mind-blowing culinary experience. We left Tru confused and full of shame for spending BIG bucks on such a disappointing self-indulgent meal. The gnocchi appetizer I had tasted like watered down Arthur (moms - you know what I'm talking about) macaroni and cheese - not kidding. For my entree, I ordered beef short ribs. While the meat was extremely tender and delicious, the portion was shockingly tiny. The "small vegetables" that accompanied the short ribs were almost microscopic; so small that I couldn't tell what they were. The dessert - some kind of almond cake - was truly horrible. I can honestly say that it was the worst dessert I have ever had at a restaurant. The "cake" was not presented as a slice, but rather, scrapings that looked and tasted like the crumbs from a week-old cake made from an Easy Bake Oven. There was a little swirl of cherry sauce and a teaspoon of ice cream that I guess were there to moisten the dry scrapings that were on my plate. On the bright side, the wine was spectacular and my sister liked most of the items from her Tasting Menu. If you're into stuffy, formal, over-priced food (and don't like to eat much) - this is the place for you!
(2)Joao G.
The best restaurant I know in Chicago. The food is just amazing, the service is very good and the ambiance is great - a little more modern, not as formal as most restaurants like this.
(5)Alexandra C.
I have always had a pleasant meal at Tru, but I do have to admit that the staff can sometimes get on my nerves. For instance: I had a party upstairs for my mother's birthday and at the last minute wanted to get a cake but most bakeries needed at least 1 week to create the cake I wanted. So I thought I would call Tru and see if they could bring out a birthday cake for my mother or recommend someone for me...well when I asked them for this request they were insulted that I would have their pastry chef make a birthday cake. They kept asking me if I knew who their pastry chef was, yes I did and honestly I didn't care. Finally they gave me the name of a bakery that was able to produce a wonderful 3-tired cake for the 20 guests and they even delivered it to the restaurant. Well the dinner was going wonderful till we got to desert when the restaurant informs us that they don't have any candles after they bring out the cake. Are you serious? So after a few handshakes we have candles on the cake and are able to sing happy birthday. Other then that one night dealing with the staff, I have always enjoyed my experiences at Tru.
(4)J K.
there's a dearth of synonyms for "excellent" to describe tru.
(5)sandra h.
We went about a year ago and it truly was an experience . . . a very long experience. The meal was an amazing melange of fresh flavors and artistic presentation, but by the end it was a blur. Thank goodness for the print out at the end of the meal describing each course in the tasting menu! We got such a kick out of the service. . . It was like a well rehearsed ballet - each move was choreographed. As dishes arrived at the table they were served in unison and revealed with a flick of the wrist. I have to admit that the service was borderline intimidating and definitely too stuffy for my taste.
(4)Mark P.
Top notch service. Excellent presentation. Enjoyed the scallops and beef cheek ravioli, even though the bone marrow foam over the latter didn't look too appetizing. Short rib with unagi entree was excellent. Venison was cooked nicely, but the accompanying sauces were suspect. Banana crepes and chocolate souffle for dessert were well-executed. Food/flavors though weren't as mind-blowing as Alinea or even Charlie Trotter's.
(4)Jessica N.
I made the mistake of trying Tru before Charlie Trotter's. I did the kitchen table in both instances and the difference was AMAZING! I understand when you are in the "kitchen table" you are supposed to be getting the experience of being in the kitchen- I really do get that. At Tru, they actually treat you like some kind of royalty who are watching them prepare a feast. You are in a room surrounded by bowls of Japanese Fighting fish. You get a stool for your purse. They put a JUG(I mean JUG) of about 5 pounds of caviar on your table and tell you that you are welcome to eat as much as you would like, just make sure the waiter serves it to you. They serve you tiny ice cream cones with pea flavored ice cream. It was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had. Unfortunately I then went to eat at Charlie Trotter's where we were seated next to the dish washing machine. The experience was sub par compared to the dining extravaganza at Tru. Everyone should try Tru once, forget the competition.
(5)Ravi B.
If one were to write a book on how a dining SHOULD be, they'd need the imagination of **** and the skill of **** to come anywhere near describing the experience offered by Tru.
(5)Robin D.
Went to TRU last night and everything else was exactly the same.... The service is still truly impeccable (if I can give 10 stars for it then I would), the ambience untouched but the food really wasnt as good as it was years ago. I had the 95 dollar prix fix menu and chose the lobster soup with Ground Hominy, Lobster emulsion and spoon breat (didnt really care for it), my bf had the beef cheek ravioli, marrow and orange bordelaise (delish). For the main course I had the Alaskan Halibut with Leek emulsion reduced Chardonnay and bacon vinaigrette (yummo) while he had the scottish king salmon, granny smith apples, coconut and thai long peppercorn (soso). I had the Dense chocolate for Dessert while he had the cheese plate. Mind you, the cheese plate had the most incredible cheese that I ever had. We are both not dessert lovers but I sampled some and they were just ok for me nothing wanting me to have more. Forget about the ambience and service but from the food per ce, I cant help but compare this place to Charlie Trotters and I have to say that Trotters would still be my choice. The restaurant is French progressive which means that they follow the culinary principles of french cooking and the cuisine is french-based but the end results are fusion so in short it is FRENCH FUSION. So dont get me wrong, FOOD is really good but it does not blow you taste buds like Charlie does I have been here 7 years ago and I loved it. I would recommend this place for the experience because it is a gastronomical one but for the amount of money we spent, I will try new places like Alinea or just try to make a reservatio n at Trotters. I like TRU but not enough to lure me back over and over again. If the price is not so high I would have given this place 4 stars or even 5 but for this price, I expect a bit more.
(3)susan w.
Without a doubt...FABULOUS! Not only was the food impeccable, but the service was exceptional. The several courses of dessert satisfied everyones sweet tooth! No detail is overlooked. If you haven't been...run, don't walk!
(5)Timothy F.
First, not sure where the perception that Rich T. has anything to do with this restaurant but he left like two years ago. Unfortunately the portion size issue has not changed since he left the kitchen...it was a problem when he was there and is since he was gone. Unfortunately I made reservations to go with a client who wanted to go while he was in town and found out after we went that the current Chef left about two weeks ago which explains why the food was uneven and my client was completely disappointed also which did not make the bill any easier to swallow. I heard Les Francais closed recently...maybe they could get the chef from there...at least the food would meet the price then...The reason I gave three stars was that for that type of money the place should provide superb dishes every course and some of them were just okay...one was undercooked...However when it comes to service there still is no better place in the city, starting with the valet through the meal...
(3)Paul B.
To go to Tru and give it anything other than 5 starts would be churlish. I went with my Wife last night, the food is exceptional, certainly as good if not better than Trotters. Without pontificating about the various courses I would just say go try it, but make it for a special occasion. The tasting menus are about as good as it get. The bill's not bad either, about $250 a head. If I were pressed my favourite restaurant would still be Everest, the view gets it for me. I would go back again and fully intend to. Chicago certainly has some fabulous places to wine and dine!!
(5)Joan M.
Went for my 50th. My husband and I are TOUGH critics and foodies to boot. Tru blew us away !!! The staff ,attention to detail, food etc.. We could not find a fault with anything.. This is a MUST go.. If you are looking for somewhere $$$ but worth it for a special evening chose TRU... Besides the French Laundry in Napa this is the BEST restaurant we have found ANYWHERE in the world......Not cheap but worth the price... The cheese course option is amazing if you are cheese head like I am and the option to chose a taste of dessert at the end of the meal a charming touch along with the muffins given for breakfast the next morning.. Not a big fan of "the foam" on some dishes but that is just me and I am sure they would be happy to not do it if asked. Just watching the staff work in sync was unlike anything I have seen. Guys if your trying to impress someone this is the place. They will even do a custom menu mine said Happy 50th.. If I wasn't married this is where I would want to be proposed to and then come back year after year . AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!
(5)Helen H.
Dining at Tru ended up being a bizarre experience that left a wicked bad taste in my mouth. My two friends and I had an extraordinary dinner (Full Chef Collection with wine pairings) at Tru. We had no idea what we were getting into when we went there, but decided to go for it once we realized what an great opportunity this was to have a truly special experience. The food, service and presentation were all out of this world.... UNTIL THE VERY END. After spending over $1000 for a dinner for 3 (gladly, mind you as it was a once in a lifetime experience for us) the waiter came rushing after us in a panic accusing us of stealing the pen we had signed our checks with. It was the most bizarre thing imaginable. We had just paid over $1000 to eat one meal and he was worried about his PEN?!?! Seriously, a pen? I was so profoundly insulted, I can not even begin to express the impact of this. I wrote a letter to the management within a week of returning home and heard nothing back from them. For a restaurant so exquisitely focused on perfect pairings giving the taste buds a glorious experience, this left the most disgusting taste in our mouths. I would have loved to be able to give this restaurant 5 stars as on so many levels it deserves it. Yet, there is no excuse for this behavior at a restaurant of this caliber.
(2)DQ F.
We went there for dinner without reservation. They were nice enough to accomandate us. We took the courses with paired wine. It was nicely paired. Each course likes an artwork. Nothing more to say. I have waited a few month to write this, especially after a bit traveling around. I finally come back to think about this dinner, it is probably one of the best meals I had. I have mad respect for the people respect food as they do. Even I may not justify spend so much on one dinner, but life is short after all. It is really worth it if you run into it.
(4)Caroline A.
Saving the big 300 for an exceptional dining experience. All restaurants should have service of this level. Five stars all the way for TRU. Service, ambiance, food quality and aesthetics - every aspect of our experience was magnificent. Upon walking in, we were immediately shown to our table (we were seated in an intimate corner of the restaurant) and two servers lifted and moved the table so I could be seated and get comfortable. Yes, all of the other tables had stools for pocketbooks (very thoughtful), but I didn't need one as I was sitting on one of their benches. The ambiance is perfect. Clean lines, contemporary, luxurious and modern, but with a bit of traditionalism. Tables are spaced perfectly so we could share an intimate dinner. BF had called ahead and had them personalize our menu for our celebration (we later took home the menu and they printed out a separate menu for us with all the dishes we had). It was truly special. Immediately we were served a buffalo mozzarella palette cleanser, a great way to start the evening. We decide to go with the Chef's collection as it was more in line with our palettes. 16-courses of delight. My personal favorites were: Selection of Sashimi Grade Fish, Complementary Garnishes Rabbit Consomm, Morels, Pea & Lavender Emulsion Whipped Salt Cod, Creamy Potato, Smoked Gele, Caviar Tagliolini, Peeky Toe Crab, Uni Poached American Red Snapper, Green Papaya, Fennel, Thai Nage Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse, Orange Sherbet, Cardamom Scented Oranges - This may be the best chocolate dessert I've ever experienced. Fresh ingredients, incredible flavor profiles, perfect amount of innovation and a great balance of light and heavier courses. They brought out a special dessert to celebrate our occasion, which was a fantastic little chocolate cake. Just when we thought we were done, they came by with a plate of truffles... and then the cart of pastries and candies. We were so full, we asked if we could have a doggie bag. Sure enough, they brought out two boxes and sent us home with a great assortment of chocolate and candies. I cannot say enough about the service we received. Approximately 5-7 people served our table, perfectly synchronized from clearing our plates, filling our wine and water to describing each dish to perfection. Staff was very courteous, delightfully charming and always smiling. On our way out, they gave us two loaves of iced lemon pound cake for breakfast! 48 hours later, and I'm still thinking about our experience at TRU...
(5)Belina B.
A wonderful experience on our Anniversary . Went for a 9 course Vegetarian meal with wine pairing. Felt like we were indulging in a artful dining experience. Everything was just perfect from portions, to the presentation . The Kohlrabi cold soup was excellent. Only wished they did not charge extra for the dessert instead of the cheese sampler we opted for, Overall a great experience.
(5)Emily C.
I've been agonizing for days at how to sum up my experience at Tru and all I can come up with is something I have already said: it's an experience. It's an experience that, if you love food, you need to have at least once. The place is the picture of simple elegance in every aspect considerable. Actually, it was so elegant I found myself whispering to my friend and partner in fine dining, Stacey A., "Why are we whispering?" Can't help it. It just seems like a place where you whisper. Kind of like having dinner with the president, I'd imagine (I haven't gotten my invite yet, President Obama...still waiting). Long white curtains covering the walls, which are adorned with little else but some abstract art pieces, deep, dark and comfy suede covered chairs, and they give you a little ottoman thing for your purse too, which is something I wish other restaurants would cotton onto stat. So classy. The food is something I can go on and on and on about, so I will just say I had the Chef's Collection - nine courses of gorgeous, sumptuous food designed around what's in season this spring & summer - and here were some highlights: -Smoked sturgeon "caviar" in avocado and hazelnut. I don't know why "caviar" is in quotes; I suppose this may not have been the real deal and I don't even care. The combo of these flavors tasted like a rounder, richer, and more delicious guacamole than I'd ever imagined. -Porcini tagliatelle with condensed tomato, asparagus cream, and fresh shaved parmesean. I heard rabbit wasn't good to eat; kind of gamy. They LIED! Rabbit may not be good other places besides Tru. At Tru, it's roasted to a tender consistency reminiscent of a perfect pot roast or pulled pork, set atop a small mound of pasta, and complimented by a fabulous trio of flavors. -Pan-seared foie gras with lemon confit. This literally made my eyes pop out of my head. Soft, buttery, and amazing. Didn't think lemon would go with it, but it did to an absolute tee. Oh man. This dish will haunt my dreams for a long, long time. -Duet of lamb with daikon, watermelon radish, olive, and star anise aus jus. This lamb was cooked to a melt-in-your-mouth PERFECTION. I can't say it any more succinctly than that, so I'll just let it lie. So after that all (and then some), just when I'm considering potential fullness, they bring out a cheese cart with fabulous selections of goat, sheep, and cow's cheeses (the sheep's cheeses were my favorite - who knew?). I also was utterly unaware of the little dessert cart. There was a dessert factored into the nine courses, but the little cart with the small petit fors and candies was what really wowed me. I had a tiny little coffee cup shaped from dark chocolate, filled with Bailey's Irish Creme, and a dark-chocolate covered honey lollipop. Then, once you think it's all over and done with, they bring an exploding truffle - cocoa powder and a thin layer of chocolate containing vanilla liquor of some sort. It's so delicate that when you bite into it, the liquor completely floods into your mouth, hence the "exploding" part. Of course, to dine like this is extravagant. It costs an arm and a leg. I certainly can't afford to eat like this monthly or maybe even yearly on my salary, but was it worth it? Am I glad I did it? Is the experience worth the hefty price tag? Absolutely. Yes, yes, yes.
(5)Nils E.
Tru is short for truly fantastical. From the moment you walk in and hand the keys to your Benz (or in my case, a hotel room) to the maitre d', you feel as though you want to kick off your shoes and unbuckle your belt. Trust me on this, though, it's better to wait until you are seated. The setting is very spacious, dimly-lit and perfect for couples or small groups. There's enough room for cheese and digestif carts to be wheeled from table to table while allowing for servers and patrons to walk past without difficulty. Carts are also very handy for wheeling you out of the restaurant once you've been suitably plied with food and drink, as is inevitably the case at this Bacchanalian temple. It's true that the service is impeccable; the choreography textbook French, but the attitude...surprisingly unstuffy. The wait staff achieved the perfect blend of civility, appreciation, attentiveness and almost (almost) a sense of humor. I got the manager to crack a smile, but the servers refused to go off script. Tru stands out from the pack of Chicago food Meccas for its creativity and imagination. There was little room for doubt that each dish was given hours of thought, twice as many hours of trial and error, and what is finally delivered to you with alacrity and painstaking attention to detail is a culinary triumph. The tasting menu is well worth the hole burning in your wallet/purse, and if you're as much of a glutton for financial punishment as I am when it comes to dining, then I'd suggest the wine pairing. The sommelier, Chad Ellegood, knows his cellar, and he'll pick some truly wonderful - and surprising - compliments to your meal. As for the food...where to begin? The "faux" sturgeon caviar was a playful and beautiful alternative to the real thing; ramp & rabbit risotto with morels and marscarpone was heavenly, with perfect starch consistency and a beautiful blend of flavors; the spring lamb with daikon and star anis jus was plate-licking good; and the salt-crusted venison was absolutely gorgeous, especially when paired with the flavors of cocoa and orange. Rick Tramonto has taken some very challenging flavor pairings and methods of preparation and combined them to make unique and highly memorable dishes. But it doesn't stop there. Gale Gand, not to be outshined by her partner, presents cartwheel inducing flavors. The almond-violet mousse with rhubarb and lemon was eye-rolling. The explosive mint chocolate truffle was one of the happiest endings to a meal that I can recall in recent memory. I was half tempted to pull a "When Harry Met Sally" diner scene after the fact, but I settled for seeking out the chef and kissing her firmly on the lips. No, wait, that didn't actually happen either, but the thought crossed my mind. Tru is a special occasion experience. For me, it was my first time in Chicago in years, and Tru had been on my "must try" list for almost a decade. It lived up to the hype, and the food is in fine company with the artwork that adorns the walls of the restaurant. Now, if I can just swap my room key for one of those Benz's...I'll have what she's having.
(5)matt b.
Tru's simple stark elegance seems to encourage diners to whisper politely to their companions so as to not disturb other tables. Attention to detail has been paid on everything. We got the Grand Collection with cheese course, which ended up being about 12 courses, a handful of which they modified or created to be "pescetarian"-friendly. Dishes ranged from understated perfection to aggressively creative, one of which was some insane preparation of smoked sturgeon made to look like caviar, presented in a Tru branded "caviar" tin with a mother of pearl spoon, true to it's shapeshifted inspiration. Don't gild the lily that is Tru by waiting for a formal special occasion, as the experience is one in and of itself.
(5)Greg H.
I've dined at Tru at least four times, but possibly more like eight (I can't quite remember) - so I feel pretty confident about my feeling that it is the best restaurant I've ever been to (and that list includes French Laundry, and multiple trips to Charlie Trotters). Every little touch is brilliant. Every taste is superb. The four most memorable items from my Tru experiences are: -The Pain Perdu with Fois Gras and chocolate sauce that my wife had. -Rose lollipop. Delicious, and so fun to eat as I strolled up Michigan Avenue on my way back to work. -A creme brulee with slices of banana below the crust, which was embedded with macadamia nuts, and then the whole thing topped with macerated stone fruits. Awesome. -The mushroom risotto. Typically risotto is something I can only eat so much of - it's usually better as side for me - especially mushroom risotto. There's just something kind of one dimensional about risotto that makes me crave some variety. I could have eaten a gallon of Tru's mushroom risotto.
(5)Bradley J.
Finally spent our $350 gift certificate last night - and let me tell you, spending someone else's money at TRU is the way to go. We like Sauvignon Blanc, and the sommelier recommended a $69 bottle of Sancerre Domaine Vacheron 2007 that was very nice - and seemed to never end! Not all bread is created equal at TRU: Sea Salt Brioche beat Warm Pumpernickel, which beat the Beer Bread We both did the Prix Fixe menu, and here are the results: Prime Beef Tartare bested the Hawaiian Blue Prawns Braised Beef Short Rib was superior to the Nova Scotia Halibut Chocolate Bar and Gianduja Crèmeux were a tie In addition to these, there were five other amuse-bouche that were fun surprises - I wonder how they make an exploding mint truffle? We were definitely bringing down the age curve at TRU, and couldn't help but feel like the staff preferred to "chat it up" with the older patrons and make quick work of us. Perhaps it was comments like this that exposed our naivete? Me: "It seems like they made vegetables into some sort of pudding." Sommelier: "It's miso, sir."
(5)Miguel R.
After years of living in Chicago, I finally made it to this place - and - OH -MY - GOD was it an experience! You get the choice of a 3 course, 6 course and 8 course meal. Well, me being the lush I am - we went with the 8 course! I swear the heavens opened, and angels came down and kissed this food. We started with some white caviar (now normally I'm not one to eat raw fish eggs, but delicious!) then got some mixture of beats and a truffle soup. The party in my mouth was then joined by a main lobster and some potato's (not mashed, not the fries of the French, nor of the simple baked - but a masterpiece of taste perfection). My favorite though was by far the Rib eye steak. Melt in your mouth tender!!! By this time I was SOO full, I didn't want to keep eating - but I couldn't help myself, I had to finish the desserts.... If you have a special occasion, or just the taking that special someone out, or even just to have an experience - this is a must. Don't wait like I did.... Go..... NOW....
(5)Max M.
THE REVIEW Is fine dining dead? Not as long as Tru is still around. I'm not talking about the molecular gastronomy version of fine dining. I'm talking about a restaurant experience where the classic pillars of fine dining are in perfect harmony: Food, Wine, Decor, Service. Tru restores the grace and beauty of fine dining. I had a wonderful evening that lasted 3 hours. Tru is located on a very posh street. The very prestigious Relais & Chateaux plaque adorns the outside entrance. A Gerhard Richter piece hangs on the wall behind the reservationist. A Bang and Olufson CD Player resides in the bar area. The main dining room is very dramatic with high ceilings. The tables are all well spaced. The decor has a very subdued color palette---the only bursts of color coming from two floral arrangements in the center of the dining room and the ornately presented food flowing out the kitchen from the uber modern glass sliding doors. I sat at a deuce that allowed me to view the enormous dining room. There are only 24 tables! The menu book has the soothing feel of soft leather. The menus are printed on thick high quality paper stock. The table linens are neatly pressed. Tru rewards highly perceptive diners that appreciate all these subtle nuances. The staff is very professional---leaning towards a bit too serious. You get the vibe that the servers just might correct you on the pronounciation of certain menu items. However, once engaged, the staff members warm up and allow their passion for good service to shine. Some reviews have criticized the food. The food was excellent. My friend was treating so we both elected to order the 3 course Prix Fixe which I highly recommend. $95 gets you 3 courses. The non-prix fixe menu titled "Collections" is well organized. There's a little bit of everything for everyone.: Luxury, Grand Tasting (6 courses), Chef's Tasting (9 courses). The Luxury collection offers a trifecta of luxury: Genuine Wagyu Beef (3 oz) $70, Caviar with Garnishes $250, and Whole Roasted Foie Gras ($145). I'll have to save up for that type of indulgence. Luckily, the 3 course menu offers just as much excitement. I ordered the Alaskan King Crab Leg, with fresh whipped cream, Osetra caviar. My buddy ordered Seared Foie Gras with white bean puree and Dashi gel. Dee-lish! The King Crab was a beautiful composition of the plump leg sliced on a bias nestled on a warm puree of onion or leek. The server gently drapes the caviar sauce on top of the crab pieces. SO YUMMY! We each had a wine pairing. For main course, I had the Swan Creek Farm Suckling Pig with zucchini pave, licorice, kumquats, and pork jus. This was insane! Pork dishes these days tend to be too greasy. DOn't get me wrong. I love pork fat! I just don't love eating a chunk of fat in one bite. The kitchen did an awesome job of rendering enough fat; preserving just enough to keep the meat moist and succulent. The skin was crispy and wafer thin. This was one gentrified piece of pork heaven. My friend ordered the Braised Short Rib with Unagi, scallion pistou, and miso emulsion. Glazed unagi pieces rested on top of equally glazed tender pieces of Short rib. I didn't sample, but the dish was also a winner. One of the highlights was my red wine pairing: 2004 Bell Hill Pinot Noir Old Weka Pass Road. Now, this wine was awesome! Inspires me to start collecting wine. Our server gave us a tour of the kitchen before dessert. The kitchen was immaculate. The Executive Chef, Tim Graham, was very gracious. It was a pleasure meeting him and his team. For dessert, I ordered the Chocolate Bar. My friend had the milk chocolate-bergamot cream. What do i need to say about chocolate that hasn't already been said? Tru offers a generous array of mignardises. I don't remember them all, but the liquid truffle and the lollipop were my faves. And if you were still hungry, the restaurant places miniature individually wrapped financiers by the exit. They even walked me out to my cab with an umbrella because it was raining. Now that is service! The check was probably $400 with tax and tip. Just remember that this is a special occasion restaurant. So that price tag is well worth what you get in return. Tru is a winner, period. I'll be back.
(5)Melissa M.
I have been to Tru three times in the past 2 years. Every time I have been there it has been pure perfection. The service is unparalleled. The food is fantastic. The atmosphere is chic, sophisticated and modern. I can't wait until I get to go back -- hopefully someone will take me soon! :) Ohhhhhh caviar staircase -- you are haunting my dreams.
(5)Matthew T.
Probably one of THE BEST RUN restaurants in existence. Minimalistic interior decoration, which for a restaurant, is perfectly fine. Some Andy Warhol art nonchalantly adorns the walls, I appreciated it. There's also a really interesting infiniti type of light/wall hanging in the sitting area before the dining room. The bathrooms, simply put, are gorgeous. So the menu. You can choose from a few different options; they have smaller two or three course options as well as larger tasting menus. Decided to go for their larger tasting menu which included seafood. I do not eat seafood so I was very impressed when told that the chef would re-create a menu without the inclusion of seafood. The staff will basically do anything for you here, from what I've experienced at least. We had a modified 13 course tasting menu; my standout favorites were the Frog Leg, the Liquid Parmesan Gnocchi, the Beef Cheek Ravioli, and the Roasted Squab. Supposedly Gale Gand's homemade rootbeer floats are supposed to be absolutely delicious, but I missed out on having one :( Definitely going back for that, and I believe that they offer a 'just dessert' dining experience as well. I believe the truffles and chocolates are also available for purchase if you want to take some home, and there's also a chef's table if you want to entertain a small group in exquisite fashion. Anyway, if you're looking for a restaurant that will give you the absolute best service imaginable paired with some of the most creative dishes possible, definitely make your booking asap and bring your credit card because Tru is absolutely phenomenal.
(5)Ben S.
Judging by the reviews, sounds like Tru is great on the right night. Unfortunately I clearly did not have the pleasure of enjoying one of those evenings. Service is terrific except when mistakes were made. Frustrated looks on servers faces. Our server seemed to have very little passion for food or fine dining . . . just doing the job. Did not know some basic information about certain elements of the meal. What is worse, he asked if I would like him to find out. Seriously? I do not remember anything about the food. It kept on coming (10 course with wine pairing), that part was good. There is no doubt the food passes as very good food, just did not make an impression. Sommelier was terrific. Great person with great insight, quite impressed. Decor, nice, fine. Expected more. The issue is that for $600+ (for 2), looking for a lot more. I don't believe an off night should be an option. There is a lot more to service than a purse stand and coordinated dish delivery. Not impressed b/c they have both a black and white option for a napkin. Was looking for a lot more.
(3)Jaime M.
I had a pretty good experience at Tru. 5 Stars for the service... 3.5-4 stars for the food. I was not THAT wowed with my beet apple goat cheese salad app (too predictable) and seared tuna entree (weird flavor combos) I did love the de-constructed chocolate bar for dessert. & The "dessert cart" of goodies at the end of the meal was lovely. As were the exploding truffles at the end... and by this time I was ready to explode with FOOD! If I had my pick for the evening I would go to L20 instead.
(4)Sonja H.
I've wanted to eat at Tru ever since I bought Rick Trumonto's Amuse Bouche recipe book (due to a Tumblr recommendation years ago). Even though Rick apparently severed ties with Tru since then in order to make his way down to New Orleans, I was still interested in visiting his former home, especially after my dad had proclaimed Tru to be the best restaurant that he's ever eaten at in the US. And I do have to say, when it was all said and done, our dinner was pretty legen-wait for it-dary. But I'm getting ahead of myself. We opted for the menu with the most food on it (it was called something much more elegant than that, but the name escapes me right now) and were quickly onslaught with 16 dishes, all of which fortunately were manageable because (1) I can eat a lot and (2) except for the main fish and beef plates, the dishes were each only a couple of bites, stemming from the Thomas Keller school of thought about providing small bites to leave the customer wanting more. And while the food itself focused on showcasing how well they could cook wagyu beef and salmon and less on the gimmicks of molecular gastronomy, the serving platters took on a modern flair as they changed from glow in the dark bowls and split logs to a huge cocoa bean on a cocoa bean leaf. The service was outstanding and yet relaxed at the same time, something I personally appreciate because it makes me feel less like an impostor dressing up in her mother's clothes. This one poor girl had me cracking up the entire night. Cute, short and blond, she must have been low man on the totem pole as her job was to lug out every dish from the kitchen, including the heavy logs of meat, while the muscular guys (albeit top-notch waiters whom clearly earned their way to their seniority status) waited patiently for her to make her way towards them before raising a finger. At one of her exasperated rolling-of-eyes and sighs I couldn't help myself, I burst at laughing at her distress (wow, that sounds horrible - really my heart was going out to her!). But much to my chagrin, my laughter brought the attention of the higher-ups down on her - and they did not look pleased. I hope I didn't get her in trouble, since I found the entire situation enchanting. The whole night was!
(5)John B.
What can you say but awesome!
(5)George L.
+0.5 awesome services and food. quite and lovely deco
(4)Cat C.
Note: This review is for August 2008. I hope people don't find this too offensive, but dinner was soooo good that looking back on it, I think I just jizzed in my pants at the mere memory of that delicious evening. Service was impeccable. Hands down, some of the best service I've received. Some highlights of the dinner: 1. Tuna belly from a special farm in Japan served with White Soy. 2. The delicious desserts 3. The fun Mignardise cart that they rolled around to your table as a delicious ending to your dinner. I have never been soo deliriously happy as I was when I realized that I was allowed to take a little bit of each tasty sweet from the cart home with me.
(5)Kara K.
Spandau Ballet said it best: Huh huh huh huhhhhhh huh I knowwwww this muuuuch is TRU! To celebrate the big 4-0, my favorite foodie friend said I could pick any restaurant in the city and he would take me. "Anywhere?" I asked in my best Marilyn Monroe voice. "Anywhere," he reassured me. Tru had been on my hit list since he took me to a Hart Davis Hart wine auction last year and now it was my opportunity to dine there. Hoo. Ray. All I can say is I NOW know what it feels like to be a princess. From the moment we arrived and I was handed a menu that read "Happy BIrthday Kara", I knew it was going to be a fabulous night. Service was beyond impeccable, as a team of well-dressed and unnervingly polite servers attended to our every need. When my friend spilled a glass of champagne on his pants, I hadn't finished gasping before one of the uber-attentive garcons appeared with a cloth napkin and club soda! I also honestly believe the waitstaff has to rehearse for hours on a daily basis to perfect their patented water-pouring technique. I wish I brought my video camera. For dinner, we both went with the three course prix fixe. For an appetizer I had the scallops and polenta (and we all know polenta is just a fancy word for grits, right?) and for my main course I had the lobster, of course, and wanted to just die from acute foodbliss. My friend chose the carpaccio appetizer and the wagyu beef short rib entree and I, of course, sampled the goods. ALL THAT! For our liquid pleasure, the sommelier recommended a lovely bottle of chamPONya, which had me nice and giddy before I was presented with my birthday present--a bottle of 2002 Petrus! At that point, I wanted to jump up on the table and do that Russian dance where they fold their arms, drop down, pop back up and kick out their legs repeatedly. Well, maybe I actually did do that but I'm just pretending like I only wanted to. I might add that the Petrus is not on the menu but came from my friend's personal collection (for those of you who may be looking for it next time you dine there). I calmed down just in time for dessert-- a delightful selection of cheeses and I had my own personal sinfully delicious chocolate lava cake! My only complaint is-- and I guess it really isn't a complaint, more a matter of personal taste--is that it was too darned bright in there and the decor was kind of bland. Also, while very on top of things, some of the waitstaff were a bit too austere for me. I'm not into the whole hoity-toity act. Nevertheless, I had a wonderful time and it was a great birthday present. I would love to go back.
(4)Daniel F.
My sister spent a lot of money and effort to make this a special graduation dinner for her daughter. We were in a very nice private room upstair but the main track lighting in the middle of the room had 3 bad bulbs out of a total of 7. That to me was absolutely not acceptable for the caliber of restaurant that they tried to be. The salmon entree choice was overcooked and the meat was luke warm. The wine list was way overpriced for mediocre selections. This restaurant is just appealing to people that want to spend a lot of money. They did a lot of fancy stuff that added nothing to the taste but only for show. They are definitely good marketers. Sorry but our family had a great time because we always create our own party anyway.
(2)V V.
This review is for the dessert tasting menu which when I went was a shockingly low $25 per person, but may have been raised recently. They do it after 9pm daily I believe, and it is 3 (but really more like 5) very generous courses of fruit, chocolate, cake/pastry confections and candies. Each dish looked like a work of art and tasted just as good. I was unbelievably stuffed after the nearly 3 hour experience. I'd say go ahead and forget having dinner beforehand. It was such a shame I couldn't eat any more by the time the dessert cart laden with truffles, caramels, cookies and lollipops rolled around. They even gave us mini loaves of banana nut bread on the way out. The staff truly went above and beyond the call of duty here to make sure we felt waited on hand and foot from the moment we walked in to the moment we teetered out in a haze of sugary bliss. Every move our two servers made seemed like a choreographed "dance" around our table, pouring each person's water simultaneously, changing our silverware sets between each course simultaneously, etc. It was pretty amusing. The service was flawless, and without a hint of snottiness! Now, if only I can find a dressy outfit with an elastic waist band...
(5)Len L.
Tru is truly exceptional. There are no words that can sum up the experiences you will receive at this place. I've dined at Tru more than once and every time is a new experience. We sat in the private room near the kitchen. The service and hospitality is impeccable. We had 8 courses paired with 8 variety of Bordeaux, after the 8 courses came desert and cheese pairings. After the dining experiences, everyone received an autographed (chef and master somnier) menu.
(5)Ziggy K.
The dining experience was good overall. But when you're spending this kind of money you need to be blown away. Given the coinage we dropped here, this place was a disappointment. I'm sure that people will drone on and on about how great this place is, but it's the Tim Tebow of restaurants. Totally over-hyped.
(2)M J.
Like Tru very much. Service, of course, is impeccable (but for this much money it better be !) We went a bit early - 5:30 and ppl didn't start getting in until about 6:30. Not sure if there was music, but I remeber it being so quiet when we came in, that literally even wispering, all waitstaff could hear what we are talking about. AKWARD! We asked for a vegeterian option, and I must say they prepared the menu well. The food was VERY VERY good, but for some reason there was really nothing that I trully said wow about (except for the dessert)- out of all our courses I remeber only a few. Nontheless everything was good and I could not say that I really disliked anything. Now the dessert was AMAZING. It was nothing new - vanilla ice cream with little fried apple cakes drizzled with some kind of a sauce. I have never in my life eaten such good vanilla ice cream - so delicate and well prepared! After dinner we had two drinks. Mine was a Flip... Flop ... something like that and it was not that good at all... not sure what the flavor in there was, but I was not a fan of it. My friend's tasted like a very well prepared pinapple martini. Overall I would say I'm glad I tried it, but I don't think I'll be going back every week.
(4)Sara D.
This review is specifically for the dessert tasting. I took my friend here last night, a special treat for her birthday. The atmosphere here is pretty serious and the whole experience is very coordinated. The waiters actually poured our water in unison. We ordered a pomegranite old fashioned and cappuccino to drink. The old fashioned rocked the house - wow. If you come to Tru, you must order this drink. Onto the dessert orgy....after a delicious amuse bouche of a frozen tortoni/ice cream concoction and mini madeline cookies (still warm), we proceeded through 3 delicious dessert courses. Two cake plates, fruit desserts, and chocolate. The dishes were too complicated that I don't recall specifically all of the components. The dessert cart was wheeled over and we sampled everything: lemon gelee, homemade marshmallow, several types of chocolates, and a meringue cookie. We thought we were all done but oh no, the waiter brought out two exploding chocolate/carmel truffles. (PS they really do explode in your mouth) A wonderful evening, delicious food and excellent service. The dessert tasting is $40 per person - a fantastic value.
(5)sarah b.
$50 cancellation fee PER PERSON!! I made a last-minute reservation at TRU for 9PM(table would have gone unused), changed my mind and when I called to cancel, they said they would charge $100 for the late cancellation!!!! I called back and talked to the manager and after debate, he cancelled my reservation without charge. I personally find this fee excessive, but appreciate their waiver. Here is their confirmation email from OpenTable, sounds like it was written by an English professor in the 19th century: Thank you for your reservation at TRU. Please be apprised of the following: 1. Jackets are required for gentleman at all times in all areas of TRU. 2. There is no smoking in any area of TRU. 3. We call to confirm all reservations. If no confirmation is received by the date of the reservation we will have presumed that youE(tm)ve made other dining arrangements. 4. Your dining experience will be two to three hours depending on your menu selection. 5. Valet parking is available. 6. With courtesy and respect to all guests please refrain from the use of cell phones or pagers within TRU. 7. Dessert reservations can only be made by calling TRU.
(2)Kelli Ann L.
The presentation of food at TRU is absolutely spectacular -and the Sommelier is a MASTER at wine pairings! I found the ambiance to be a 'bit' stuffy at times - like people are afraid to laugh.....I enjoy adult eating - but to truly enjoy everything on my plate, it helps to see a few smiles. :0) The one issue I had was....a few things were too salty. Especially the Veal Consume dish we had. However, the Vin Santo might be one of my top 10 wines of all time. It is obvious that most people going to Tru are going there for the name and the "I am so awesome I went to Tru" thing....but I didn't feel like most of the people were there to enjoy the food....just to be snobby about the food. I enjoyed most of it - loved all the wines - and had a great time. By the way - I did laugh out loud - HA! :0)
(4)Ying X.
Feb. 14 2009 Menu options: Aphrodisiac - $250 Chef's - $200 I took my boyfriend there for Valentine's Day and needless to say, reservations were literally impossible to find. Picked the last time available (10:30pm). We were there until 1:30am. We both had the Chef's collection and share the 3oz. Kobe beef fillet. On the whole, the food and service were spectacular. However, the waiter seemed a bit "cocky".... and BF had a slight problem with it. I didn't really mind..... E.g. If it's your first time in an upscale French restaurant, you barely understand French, and you rarely eat liver, you probably won't know what foie gras is. And when we asked, we got almost a slightly sarcastic answer... 1 star off! I would love to go back for the food, but racking up a $700 check for 2 is not exactly what I had in mind. On the website, the two tours are priced around $140-$100.... but because it was Valentine's day, they were marked up an extra $100!!! I feel cheated out of my hard earned money!! Another star off!!! Flowers and confectionery are marked up during Valentine's Day... but this was a total rip-off!!!
(3)Anna B.
Wow! We came here to celebrate our one year wedding anniversary last night. We had the grand tasting option at the Chef's table. The experience and the food were first class. The timing of the entrees was perfect down to a second. We were never without something in front of us, even if it was only getting a refill on the wine or extra bread. The Chef's table comes with a private valet who catered to our every whim. Prior to the dinner, we received a full tour of the restaurant, met most of the staff, and we were even given a brief history of the stemware and china used. The Chef and Pastry Chef introduced themselves and chatted with us. Tru really made us feel like royalty. The service really is exceptional! The meal takes about 4 hours from start to finish. You even get a keepsake at the end! The Valet took our picture when we first came in, and then we received a keepsake menu with our names and picture on it. Looking at the list of food, we were astonished at how much we ate! Be very prepared to leave very very satiated.
(5)Chirag P.
Amazing place with even better food, everything was cooked to perfection and looked like a work of art. Definitely a fan.
(5)Yanni N.
This is my second visit to Tru - The first time was for a special cheese event - but this time I was able to try the Chef's Collection It goes without saying that the presentation was nothing short of spectacular. The food was very flavorful of course - Every course was well built on the last although I'm not a big quince fan- everything else was great. Tru is always a great experience and the service has been A+ for me on both visits. I'm still a little more drawn to Trotters.
(4)Not Eileen R.
Simply - the best meal I ever ate! It is elegant and every last detail from decor to the gourmet aesthetic of each dish is engaging. My fiance and I had the tasting with the wine pairing. PLUS the cheese, dessert cart, and truffles to go. Our first time spending 4 digits on a dinning experience. Worth it...YES!! We went a little overboard getting everything in tru epicurean fashion, but you have to treat yourself once in a while right! I want to go back - SO BAD!
(5)Emily Y.
Hands down, one of the top three meals of my life. Dining at Tru can only be explained in one way: An Experience. From the moment you walk in the unmarked entrance (stashed between Northwestern hospital buildings, it is extremely easy to miss -- we passed by it twice before finally figuring it out), the service is a theatrical wonder that will keep you amused all night long. It's no wonder this place won the James Beard award for service last year. Every movement of the waiters is synchronized and they lay down and take away each plate at the exact same moment from both diners. As a theater person, I wonder how much they had to rehearse to get that right?! Every single person who worked in that place made it their personal mission to make our experience amazing, from the valet to the coat check person to the sommelier. The decor is beautiful, understated, modern, elegant. Floor to ceiling black and white drapes, deep purple velvet booths, interesting art, the coolest bathroom sink ever. Make sure you go to the bathroom, even if you don't have to go. The food was amazing and interesting and novel and grand. We had the grand collection. Here's a rundown of the courses: 1. duck confit, red wine duck gelee, brussel sprout 2. tete de cochon, lentil salad, white truffle powder 3. selection of sashimi-grade fish, complementary garnish 4. beef bullion, carmelized onion, gruyere custard, crouton 5. squid ink tagliatelle, matsutake, grains of paradise 6. mushroom poached striped bass, winter root vegetables, ginger turnip broth 7. proscuitto-wrapped beef ribeye, yukon gold potato, whipped raclette, paprika jus 8. ginger-lim soda, honeydew soup 9. roasted plum, vanilla brown butter, brioche 10. mignardises &lollipops (or in my words...candy cart!) My fiance and I were celebrating our anniversary, and they printed out a very nice souvenir menu that said happy anniversary and listed everything we had. Additionally, they brought out a plate with a little chocolate with a candle in it with Happy Anniversary piped on to the plate. Very nice touches. My favorite course was the striped bass. The sauce it was in was heavenly. Second favorite was the beef bullion, which was a very unique version of french onion soup. The desserts were also heaven, and I wished I'd had more room to try everything on the candy cart. Also, the truffle powders will really something -- they felt like nothing as soon as they hit your tongue but then you are hit with an intense flavor. amazing. Yes, this place is insanely expensive. Nobody should spend that much on dinner, but I reasoned that it was basically dinner and a show, and an opera ticket can set you back a pretty penny, so....there's my justification. :) And the three hours we spent at Tru was worth it. Neither of us will ever forget it, that's for sure! I forgot to mention the wine we had, which was recommended by the sommelier. It was an Alsatian white, and it was terrific. Kudos to the sommelier. If you are even remotely into food and dining out, and especially if you are a self proclaimed "foodie" such as myself, save up your dining out dollars for awhile and splurge on Tru.
(5)Annie B.
My husband and I dined at Tru on 05/15/2010 (a Saturday night). This restaurant has beautiful contemporary art on the walls and a very refined atmosphere. We were promptly offered a wine list and cocktail menu. I must admit that I was a bit overwhelmed and slightly nervous about making a faux pas! After a few sips of my tasty sake martini I was able to relax and enjoy the food and perfect service. We decided to go with the prix fixe menu. The grand collection sounds absolutely wonderful, but we both knew that six courses would be too much for us. I started with the prime beef tartar, parmesan, truffle, golden egg (egg yolk wrapped in gold leaf). It was divinely rich and satisfying. We requested that the sommelier pair wines with our appetizers and entrees. I was offered a champagne, which did go very well with my beef tartar. My husband had the gnocchi, which was rich and delicious. I believe his gnocchi was paired with a chardonnay. I had the bacon wrapped monkfish as my entrée and it was very flavorful, it was paired with a pinot noir. My husband had the ribeye with fois gras--this dish was prepared perfectly and was absolutely delicious. My only regret is not ordering it for myself! We passed on the cheese course, it certainly looked appealing, but I was full and ready for something sweet. My husband opted for the peppermint dessert, which was very rich and had quite a few layers of flavor. He also had the yellow Chartreuse as an after dinner drink. I decided on the sorbet for dessert. Three sorbets, vanilla, pear, and orange, accompanied with poached pears. This was light, refreshing, and delicious. Also, the dark chocolate truffles are amazing! Definitely worth trying! I believe that dessert was my favorite course and I can see why people make dessert only reservations at this restaurant. The service is second to none; my husband commented that it is synchronized serving and it certainly is...the entire staff works together to make this a memorable and unique experience. We each had a cocktail, the prix fixe menu, half glass wine parings with our appetizer and entrée courses, and a couple of selections from the candy cart. Our bill was a little over $300 and with a $65 gratuity I believe the final bill, including tip was closer to $400.
(4)Cat C.
Went for Valentines Day. Now, normally I don't really do fine dining. I really thought I'd be uncomfortable. But that was not the case. It was definitely one of the best dinner experiences I've ever had
(5)Don H.
I've had a few of these higher-end eating experiences. Here in the city, I thought Charlie Trotters was the pinnacle. In Detroit, it was The Whitney. But it wasn't until dinner a few nights ago at Tru did I truly understand that "surprise and delight" is still alive and kicking. The valet checks our name on the list, takes the car. When we walked in, I didn't have a jacket so they were kind enough to supply one for me. We joined our party in the ante room. The maitrè d' came by, took us to our table, where the pageantry began. We started with champagne -- without ordering, of course. Then we got the first of what we counted as 11 visits from the server: a delicious cucumber bubble with salmon roe on top served on a curvy spoon that looked like a high-heel shoe. This was followed by a series of delicious "treats" through our appetizer and, finally, to the entreè. For me, it was venison. Even afterward, when we ordered dessert, we were treated to two additional desserts. I felt satisfied with the portions and didn't feel like rolling out. Every dish was memorable. I don't give it five stars because of the stature of the place -- but I have to say that I was just delighted course after course. The kitchen tour was stunning and very welcoming.
(5)Jen W.
We came here for our 3 year anniversary and was pleasantly surprised at the efforts to personalize our experience. I wasn't expecting a fancy, stuffy place would take the time to print personalized menus with or to bring a special dessert saying Happy 3rd anniversary. The waitstaff was amazing, they were always available for questions and loosened up with jokes once they realized we were there to have a good time. We went for the Chef's Collection with Wayagu beef add-on, which was perfection! Each plate keep getting better and better, with both beef plates being the highlight of the meal. Desserts were to die for and we stumbled out of Tru with dazed looks of satisfaction along with baked treats for breakfast the next morning. What an amazing experience.
(5)Tracy F.
If I could pick one place to eat a superb meal, it would be Tru. The room is open and light. The service is impeccable without being stuffy. There are probably 1.5 servers to customers. The food is absolutely outstanding. You can't go wrong no matter what you choose. Tru is particularly good for special occassions. They'll personalize your menu and greet you with a congratulations. I only hope I get to return again.
(5)J W.
great service and dining environment. food was innovative and tasty. overall a great dining experience. however, for the price that's kind of to be expected?
(4)Danielle D.
Single worst tasting menu experience I have EVER had.... And I have been around the culinary block. From Daniel to French Laundry to Per Se- WD50 to Eleven Madison Park to all of the Momofuku restaurants... I have been a silent observer on Yelp till now. I cannot let anyone make the same mistake we have. First, let me say the service was fine, albeit canned at best. Completely generic fine dining, no bit of personality present whatsoever. But again, fine. Then it got ugly. So help me God if I ever see another piece of gold leaf on a plate again I will stab the nearest victim in the eye with whatever semi sharp implement I may have within arm's reach. I felt as though I was in podunkville Arkansas (no offense Arkansas) circa 1988. All that was missing was a few mullets and some bad shoulderpads. Seriously, if Don Johnson walked out with my food I can't say i would have been surprised. So the plating was horrific. One dish actually had a blown glass conch type shell housing the scallop dish.. I mean it's not even the same mollusk, people, what do you take me for?! Gold leaf, luster dust, and contrived table side service abounded. Is this the caliber of haute cuisine Chicagoans accept? I truly hope not. THE FOOD Well, note to any Michelin rated, Relais & Chateau establishment - if you can't make a freaking brioche ( our neighbor called it a pretzel and wasn't joking) or petit chapeau there are PLENTY of places you can purchase from. Just don't bother because Au Bon Pain can do a more acceptable job. First course was 'faux caviar' - oh hi Thomas Keller circa 1997 didn't see you there... Tapioca'd pearls of white sturgeon served in a kitchy branded caviar tin over (brown) avocado bs. Been done, thousands of times, better. The caviar was overly salty and the avocado was nothing of any remembrance that you haven't tasted at your local taquieria. On no planet should the mediocre wine have been served with the dish. Next was a celeriac soup. The time warp continued with undercooked potato, tasteless truffle chip, overcooked quail egg and crispy something stupid. Tableside pouring of flavorless soup lacking any personality or consistency whatsoever. Now I'm getting feisty. Again a pooooooor wine pairing, completely unmemorable and young. Did I mentioned the plate was covered in a vomitous smattering of gold leaf? Who even does that any more?! Well hello there David Hasselhoff, is Knight Rider waiting outside for you? I couldn't tell based on our asinine third course. Presentation was cute but dated, 'flavors of fall' - a bunch of crap served in a small pumpkin with some pinecones (AND LUSTERDUST) on a piece of slate. Medjool dates, chestnuts, pears and pumpkin in a curry broth so lacking in flavor it was nearly impossible to differentiate one bite from the next. Now I'm pissed. Wine = gruner - fine but uncharacteristic and poorly paired. Next up... Cod. Yes cod. How on earth could a high end restaurant screw cod up, you say? Oh, well they did... My portion was grossly overcooked on the edges and well cooked in the middle, but completely flavorless on one side and so damned salty on the other it was nearly inedible. My partner's was so completely overcooked he barely touched it and when asked he politely lied and said he was saving room. It was served with a mussel veloute (hi there 1994) which was just embarrassing.The chosen wine this time was red, Pinot noir in style, once again too young but tasty. Perhaps good in theory with the dish - if it had been properly seasoned, prepared, or any combination... Venison. My most favorite game there is. Ever. And they destroyed it. Unseasoned, flavorless, served on some horrendous brussels sprouts (blame them for why people treat them as the redheaded stepchild of veggies) and some haphazard red currants (yes it's December, seasonal people?!) nonexistent alleged broth. Gag. Wine= mediocre which at this point was a happy surprise. Dessert- if you can't make a culinary school pate a fruits - DON'T. For christ's sake it's a rookie thing to overdevelop the gelatin, I'll go to cvs and get some jujubees, thanks. Apple beignets - great beignets, apple tasted like water - how hard would it have been to cook it in ANYTHING?! Vanilla ice cream - once I got past the ice crystals it was bland and your local grocery store has more interesting vanilla. Lettuce Entertain You - is this what you do to an alleged fine dining experience? Or is Tru just coasting on false reputation? Do yourself a favor and don't waste $500+ on dinner for two, or if you do I have a pretty fancy bridge to sell you...
(1)Abby W.
My Fiance surprised me with dinner at Tru on the night he proposed. It was very fitting, a very special occasion type of place. if you dont appreciate the culinary arts, and are a steak and potato kind of a person, Tru is not the place for you. It was very inventive and creative and is a once in a lifetime kind of a spot (well unless you can afford $500.00 dinners on the reg) Will I be back to Tru. Probably not. But I would recommend this place to anyone to try once for the level of service and experience we received. It was awesome!
(4)Chadwick T.
It's hard to begin reviewing such a well documented eatery in the culinary world...let's try though, shall we? To review a restaurant of this caliber, it's broken it a few groups...atmosphere, cuisine and service. If you are worried about price, I suggest you keep strolling down Clair St to "C-House" in the Affinia hotel. Atmosphere - This sophisticated hot spot in downtown Chicago has a beautiful all black window entrance that does not allow you to see in. The rotating doors bring you into a small lobby to meet the host and hostess who will insist on taking care of your jackets for you. The french inspiration of the restaurant sifts through you as they each have the beautiful authentic french accent to put you into the frame of mind for your dining experience. As you are lead to your table, you walk into the dining room. A large calmly lit room with elegance and style is home to an array of full tables and half tables. The backs of the chairs a lush blue velvet to offer a flash of color. The table is pulled completely out so you can be seated and then returned in front of you. Settled in? Let's talk about the food! Cuisine - TRU was an absolute gourmet foodie's delight. This restaurant has it all. You do have some options for ordering and it's all based off how much your budget is...they have two different 'collections' that offer multiple courses as well as a la carte. You can't go wrong with either, they will delight you to no end. The portions are pleasantly larger than I would have expected after eating at other truly 5 star restaurants, though still properly sized. The food was prepared to perfection while the wine list varied from as little as $85 for a decent bottle of wine. The courses are timed perfectly so can enjoy each course without feeling rushed or without feeling like time is running away from you. The food is a wonderful blend of fresh ingredients and classic culinary techniques that will wow you from the start, before sending you to heaven for dessert. Service - The wait staff is extremely informed about not only what is in each dish but how it is prepared should you have any allergies or concerns about what you are interested in. Unsure? Allow them to suggest and you will not be disappointed. Expect the 5 star treatment without feeling suffocated or as though they are hovering. They show extreme attention to detail and want your evening to be perfect. Don't forget to tell them your story...I flew into Chicago specifically for this restaurant, after telling my waiter he disappeared for a few moments. He came back and said he would love for the matradee to give us a personal showing of the kitchen and to meet the executive chef! What an amazing night... You have done yourself a disservice if you do not have the following items: Waygu beef tartar Seared Fois Gras Chocolate Bar - As featured by Iron Chef Cat Cora on "Best Thing I've Ever Ate" Expect to spend about 2 hours eating your way to bliss. So make your month-in-advance reservations and start to savor the thought of trying one our countries most highlighted restaurants! The bill might be a bit pricey but I suppose the French said it best....C'est la Vie!
(5)Cat D.
Of all of the restaurants that I have been to...this is the BEST dining experience I have EVER had. I went on my birthday....they had a special menu printed for me.....it was fabulous. The food was AMAZING...I agree...the caviar..TO...DIE...FOR!! And I am NOT a caviar fan. The ambiance is amazing...just an amazing dining experience all the way around. The chef had prepared a special dessert for me, with my name written in chocolate. The details were perfection. It is pricey but WELL worth the money.... Attention MEN.....Take your girls there.....you won't be disappointed!!
(5)Ben P.
If I was to design a lounge from scratch, it might look very close to the lounge at Tru. It's very close to having drinks in an art museum. The photos on the website aren't accurate, and I can't find any new ones or I'd upload them. Small tables, individually lit by small halogen spots, surrounded by art, with a Bang CD player on the wall providing a quiet backbeat to the conversation. I could hear my compatriots without raising my voice at all. My only complaint is that the drink menu is a bit limited. And I'm glad they gave me a menu, because had I not looked at the menu, the waiter and I would likely have agreed on a Booker's bourbon on the rocks, which would have turned out to be $64 a glass. Turns out, there's Booker's, and then there's Booker's Master Artisan Distiller's Hyper-Select Special Import Release, or some such thing. My score coming into Tru: 2 Ketel One martinis, 2 Crown & Cokes, 1 glass of zin. It was time to slow down. So I had Johnnie Walker Black on the rocks. 4 of them. They came in 8 ounce tumblers, and the bartender had a HEAVY hand. My traveling companion and I were meeting two friends of his here. He neglected to mention that his friends were of the genus femalia, species modelous. Thankfully, I get better looking as I drink. I would say I also get more charming, but that's hardly possible. Two hours into the event, everyone decided to get dessert. I was in no position (or, frankly, state) to argue, so I had the strawberry soup. A fascinating idea, reasonably well executed. My one suggestion: the lemongrass gelee cubes want to stick to the bowl, and necessitated some help from my finger in order to crawl into my spoon. This had nothing to do with my close relationship with Johnnie Walker and everything to do with the power of wet suction [get your mind out of the gutter and Google it, troglodyte]. This could be solved by including a rolled white-chocolate tube, which could be used to help push the gelee cubes into the spoon. See---I come with solutions, not just problems. We eventually left at least 5 minutes before they would have thrown us out. I will be back the very next time I'm in Chicago. It was just that good. If there was a place like this in SF, I'd have a chair with my name on it.
(5)Christine T.
*4.5 stars* I blame TRU for my gaining 5 lbs during my trip to Chicago... OK, to be fair, it probably wasn't all of TRU's fault... But those damn good desserts probably did some of the damage! I had the scallops to start and the orange marlin for my main. The husband started with the smoked salmon and had the suckling pig for his main. Everything was delicious and well prepared, especially husband's suckling pig. I should have ordered that! YUM! For dessert (YEA FOR DESSERT!!!!!!!!!!), oh what the hell?! Let's go for the dessert tasting! WOW! So glad that we did. It was basically five tastings; 1) fruity palate cleanser shot, 2) fruit, 3) chocolate, 4) root beer float, and 5) candies off the candy cart. Different tastings for the both of us for the fruit and the chocolate "dishes". Some of the items we had: the vanilla cream (my favorite of all and I'm a chocolate lover), sticky pudding, chocolate semifreddo (also YUM!), bittersweet chocolate mousse. Everything really was delicious. So happy that we came to TRU. Quite the class act. We even got a yummy parting gift (lemon pound cake) and a ride back to our hotel in the restaurant's car. Thank you, TRU for a great dining experience!
(4)Camille P.
I've been to Tru one time before my birthday dinner this year. It was last year's birthday dinner, too, and the beginning of my exciting culinary exploration of the city of Chicago that I joyfully admit, now consumes much of my time, thoughts and stomach capacity. It was there that I first discovered that Chicago wasn't messin' around; it is, in fact, pretty darn serious about its food scene. And I have to admit, I was shocked. My first impression of Chicago's restaurants was not one of diversity, quality or excitement. Initially, I noticed mostly the blatant cheesiness of "Eggsperience," "The Rainforest Cafe," and "Weber Grill Restaurant". Thank God that was only on the surface! It does take a little, but not too much, digging to discover a bounty of deliciousness: from cheap eats to splurge worthy in categories ranging from authentic ethnic cuisines to burgers and pizza and everything in between. So, it all started here at Tru where fine dining is truly (no pun intended) realized. The space is elegant yet very modern, almost to the point of being a bit cold. The massive walls are minimally decorated and the lack of music makes the room feel even more spacious and void. The service helps warm the air, if only a little, once it's understood that one's nose is not pointed toward the ceiling but rather directly into the plate. But that's not to say that it becomes anything less than professional. Oh, no! The synchronicity never faltered, a mark never missed and explanations never less than thorough. I'd go so far as to call it impeccable. Of course we chose the "Chef's Collection Menu" for a grand total of 13, yes 13, courses. They call it 9 but then they sneak in a bunch of extras. Fine by me. Can anyone say "hog heaven"? Yes, that's were I was. Here's was 13 courses at Tru looked like on June 1st, 2011: It began with these tiny little bites: Comte' cheese gougére. You know you're in for a treat when a simple little savory puff is just so right. Light, eggy, toasty, barely cheesy and salty. How can something so simple to be so good? The Mussel Velouté was the second surprise amuse bouche. This light, faintly mussel flavored soup had a cucumber gelée base and a lemony cucumber salad with tiny edible flowers. Its gentile complexity was a nice wake up call for the palate. Our first official course was the White Sturgeon "Caviar" with a layer of creamy avocado and crispy hazelnut crackers. Just know that I want to use explicit language to convey how good this is, but I can't. I remember it as incredible from last year as well. It's one of their signature items. What's interesting is that it's really not caviar at all. It's the fish itself, smoked, then pureed, then submerged, drop by drop, into liquid nitrogen. The result is creamy, soft little beads of heavenly flavor. Spread on a house made cracker with a mother of pearl caviar spoon, it feels just as luxurious as the real thing. Trust me. The next course was Suspended Foie Gras with pineapple, mango & balsamic dots, and pecan tuille. After much debate and careful tasting, we decided that this wasn't our favorite dish. The foie was lighter and almost spongy with a more delicate version of foie flavor and a faint, unidentifiable aftertaste. It seemed as if foie gras's best qualities were taken away. I mean, isn't it the dense, smooth, creaminess that melts in your mouth and the full, fatty flavor that makes this guilty pleasure so worth it? It is for me. This version was just about the antithesis of those things. Meanwhile, the pineapple was sweet and too powerful, masking the diluted flavor of the liver. The mango wasn't necessary since the over all flavor combo was already too sweet and the vinegar wasn't present enough to do anything about that. The tuille was good on its own but didn't help the cohesiveness of the dish. In all, kinda disappointing. But fear not! There is still plenty of wonderful flavors to come including the "inside of an English pea soup" with lavender. At this point I had to ask our captain if there was a new chef in the kitchen. I didn't remember there being this much molecular gastronomy in play last year. Well, the answer was "No" but he had, in fact, acquired a new toy: liquid nitrogen. So the peas on this plate are not actually peas but pea puree manipulated to look like halved peas. Hmmm... And the flecks of silver are actually flecks of silver. I've heard of eating gold leaf, but not silver. Well, I guess you can because I'm alive and well to tell about it! The best part of the pea soup, however, was the tiny bits of smoky bacon that burst in your mouth with flavor. That, and the very flavorful soup itself. Go figure... the tastiest stuff was the actual food. Next up was the Dashi Flan with edamame, white sturgeon caviar (for real this time) and yuzu kosho. Um, what? I was a little .....
(5)Jen A.
Tru was a memorable dining experience, but I think I was expecting more. I wish I could give it 4.5 stars. My husband and I ate here for our two-year anniversary. The service was impeccable and decor was beautiful. Every course was put together with painstaking effort-- I felt like every plate was a delicate work of art. My husband ordered the venison and I ordered the ribeye. The presentation and plating were more memorable than the taste of the food. The best part of the meal were the desserts. Gale Gand is absolutely brilliant. We tried the semifreddo and the chocolate bar and both were outstanding. Coupled with the candy cart and a perfectly wrapped pastry to go, it was a great way to end the meal. I took a star away because I wanted a course or two that absolutely blew me away as far as taste...a plate that completely surprises you. I didn't get that at Tru unfortunately, and when you're paying premium dollar, I expect to get it.
(4)MJ d.
I feel very guilty for giving this place two stars. No doubt the food was very well prepared but it was an excruciating four-and-a-half long dinner. We ordered the nine-course meal and the highlights were the sturgeon and the lamb, which were perfectly cooked. The frog leg tempura with this green, garlicky sauce was also delicious. Dessert featured their homemade nutella. We even saw ROD F'ING STEWART with his new, uglier, wife. My heart was fluttering the whole night. The food was good but it was a little frustrating that portions were excruciatingly small. Meh. It was good, but I probably would not jump at the chance to return despite the delicious muffing they gave as a parting gift. ROD STEWART!!! Does anybody care???
(3)Steve J.
A good dining experience, but seemed off its game in little ways. The waiter was distracted and kept looking at other stables while speaking to us, then forgot to give us napkins before the first course arrived. The service was friendly and effective after that. The food was excellent. The sweet potato soup was spectacular, will dozens of unique flavors combining perfectly. The decor is kinda modern, but kinda outdated at the same time. It's quiet inside. I felt like this was a place that should be a "5", but just couldn't quite get there.
(4)Wil T.
I really enjoyed the food here except for the sable fish. There was something odd tasting about it. The staff was very professional and polite. They do go out of their way though to personalize the experience if you are there to celebrate a special occasion. Not sure if I would make a return visit, as there are many other places of the same or higher caliber, but definitely worth a try.
(4)James C.
One of the best restaurants. The food and service were impeccable.
(5)Ray C.
OMG!!!!!!!! blown away,,, The service here is ULBELIEVABLE it was like if you just thought of something you might want they where there saying "hey would you like this".. This is a dining experience that is not for the casual diner, what I mean is you don't just say let's go to TRU tonight. We got there at 7 and left about 11:30, it is like going to/ watching a show. It is expensive so be prepared, I think dinner for 2 was about $650 with the tip (lucky for me someone else was paying)... It was worth every penny in my mind and I would do it again!! It is everything it says it is.
(5)Richard S.
Wow, this was a wonderful dining experience! Came here on the recommendation of Tony from L2O. As a matter of fact, he got me in. Thanks Tony! I had the Chef's Collection with wine pairings. 1. Preserved Baby Artichoke, Blood Orange, White Anchovy, Chervil Not a Big Anchovy fan, but this was excellent. 2.Strawberry-Tomato Gelee Fava Bean, Parmesan Sounds weird Tasted Great! 3. Sashimi with Complementary Garnishes Light and Dark Soy Sauces I love Sashimi and this was one of my favorite ever. With these three courses I had a 2006 Bruna Pigato Le Russghine Riviera Ligure di Ponente. It was light and refreshing and started the evening off on a great note! 4. Boneless Frog Leg, Spring Garlic, Carrot, Watercress Really fun...Deep fried, Yum! 2006 Palmina Arneis 5. Artichoke Consomme, Cucumber, Turnip Caramel, Cinnamon Mustard, Grilled Peanut Lustau Papirusa Manzanilla This was an inspired dish and wine pairing! 6. Antiqua Tagliatelle, Spinach, Summer Truffle, Pecorino 2007 Bridge Lane White Merlot Even with the Truffle, this course missed the mark. The wine was outstanding though. 7.Pan seared Foie Gras, Morel, Pecan, Raspberry, Purslane. 2005 Cantine del Notaio L'Autentica Basilicata Another winner! God I am glad they brought Foie back. Even though this is a dessert wine it worked very well with the richness and sweetness of the dish. 8. Halibut, Leek Emulsion, Reduced Chardonnay, Bacon Vinaigrette. I was catching up on my wines from the other courses;) I usually find Halibut boring, but this was really good, but anything with Bacon usually is! 9. Salt -Crusted Venison, Cocoa, Olive, Blood Orange 2005 Cousino Macul Finis Interesting...actually had a savory Chocolate "pudding". Wine worked well with the gaminess of the Venison. 10. Cheese Cart. Eric Bordelet Poire Granit MV I tried 4 different Cheeses and loved it! Hey I am From Wisconsin After all! The wine was like drinking a fresh pear! 11. Rhubarb Consomme, Lemon Ginger Tapioca Another fun course served in a shot glass so no wine! 12 Greek Yogurt, Honey, Grape,Frozen Mint Julep. 20006 Banyuls Coume Del Mas Nice light sweet ending to a wonderful meal! 13. A surprise selection of wonderful chocolates As you can tell, I loved my food and the service matched it at every turn! At one point my waiter even brought me a book on Chicago Architecture so I wouldn't be uncomfortable between courses.(I was dining alone.) They even gave me a muffin for the morning and called a wheelchair accessible cab for me so I would not need to transfer into a regular one. That is definitely going beyond the call of duty! Even though I have seen some less than stellar reviews here,Tru was Definitely a Five Star experience for me!
(5)Matt L.
Boyfriends Birthday: Was top notch from start to finish. When we arrive at Tru we feel like dignitary as soon as we walked in the lobby. We choose the 9-course with wine pairing. The food was second to none and prepared perfectly and the sommelier's pairings were spot on target. The service was spectacular and with all of the timing and coordination that goes on with a 9 course meal (9 place setting, 9 tastings, 9 pairings) the presentation was flawless. They custom printed a menu in his honor that we were able to take home as a keep sake. In addition, they brought out an extra dessert surprise for him. All in all, and experience to remember!!!!
(5)Tamara B.
4.5 stars. A really lovely experience that exceeded my expectations. I am a spoiled foodie and a wine snob but I don't like stuffy or formal atmospheres. Going in to dinner, I was worried that the food and wine wouldn't live up to the hype and/or it would be an uncomfortably formal experience. I am pleased to say that the service was perfect- very attentive but in no way cloying. 5 stars here. I loved the French wine selection- particularly from the Rhone and Languedoc. Kudos to Tru for having lesser known boutique bottles as well as the traditional greats. They also have a full range of prices and I saw bottles from 60 dollars that I was really excited about. 5 stars here too. The food was very good but a little uneven. Presentation was always gorgeous. Duck confit and foie gras appetizer was great but curried lobster main was just good. Iberico pork was awesome. 4 stars here. We had a wonderful night and will be very excited to go back in a month or two.
(4)Mark S.
I will start by saying that the kitchen at Tru continues to perform at an extremely high level and all the dishes were spot on this past Saturday night. One piece of advice, do NOT pay for the wine pairings with the menu. The pairings were average at best and you could do better with what must be one of the best wine cellars in the city. I also have to say that at this price point the service should be flawless. There were several misses over the course of the night that were surpising for a place of this caliber (e.g. replacing of napkins - needed to ask after one had been swept away and waiters struggled to keep straight who had still vs sparkling water and mixed them). This may be nit-picky but previous times at Tru have been the total package. Hope this was just a night off for them.
(3)Sandy N.
My boyfriend took me to Tru for my birthday this year. Knowing this a day in advance, I looked at the menu and Yelped it (of course!) and was a little disappointed at the reviews, which mentioned that, while the experience was good, the food was pretty non-spectacular. Also, the collection didn't seem so inventive, and for $110 I thought that they should have given more than 6 courses (I know, I've been to Alinea and so my standards are ridiculously high) or at least 6 really really cool sounding courses. I had just made an heirloom tomato salad (from the Momofuku cookbook) earlier in the week as well so the idea that an heirloom tomato salad would be one of the 6 courses didn't sit too well. However, I didn't want to second guess his choice (turns out he saved my Yelp password when I logged into his computer and he browsed through my bookmarks to pick a place.. genius, right?!) so I figured I could just go for a prix fixe and pick stuff I knew I would like even if I was limited to 3 courses (which in my opinion is not as good as a tasting menu because a few bites is all you need to really love a dish, so why waste all the stomach space for one type of taste?). ANYWAY, so we went to Tru, which really did impress right when I walked in. It seemed like a boardroom meeting type of room, and the glass place settings we had in front of us looked really cool. They handed us our menus, and I saw the the one I got was more or less what I had seen on the website. My boyfriend, on the other hand, is a vegetarian, so his collection menu was a Vegetable Collection with.. 9 courses! They sounded super creative and interesting. Looking back and forth between our menus, the answer was clear--we were both getting the Vegetarian Collection. OMG, such a good decision! The dishes were well thought out and delicious (my point of comparison is Green Zebra.. Tru totally tops Green Zebra!). They gave us 3 extra dessert courses.. Mmmm. I was SO happy with their hospitality. They also gave me a copy of the menu so I will list for you here what I had: Comte Cheese Gougere - puff pastry with cheese (amuse bouche) Fennel panna cotta, bonito - I'm a sucker for savory custard.. win! Cilantro "caviar", avocado - VERY creative and yummy! Red ace, candystripe, + golden beet collage, apple, microgreens - looked nothing like anything I'd ever seen, very futuristic.. but good! Yellow corn soup, olive oil, brioche - really good corn soup, although a little salty. We sipped it out of a teacup which was a really fun way to eat soup. Glazed artichoke, parsley, parmesan - good because I like artichoke, but nothing spectacular about the flavor La ratte potato gnocchi, vegetable glaze, carrot - yum! carrot three ways, sesame, ginger - here, the carrot was presented whole, pureed, and in a foam form. everything tasted pretty good except for the foam, which tasted like soap. weird. green asparagus and morel mushroom feuillette - i actually made something similar for my boyfriend for valentine's day a few years ago, so I appreciated the combination of asparagus, puff pastry, and cream. My first time having morels--approve! A little too much asparagus for me to finish, but I think this course was supposed to be the "main course" of the collection. Overall, yummy. Strawberry consomme, rhubarb foam - very light amuse bouche. Good palate cleanser, especially if you don't have stomach room (we didn't) since it was mostly air. I liked the combo of rhubarb and strawberry in air form. =] Granny smith apple, red + white port, apple sorbet - yum! The apple sorbet was very refreshing and the combination of puff pastry and port-compressed apples was a total hit. They also gave us a few other desserts, just because. One was a chocolate custard covered with menthol whipped cream and crunchy little chocolate balls -- I love chocolate and mint so it was really good. They also gave us tiny root beer floats with house-made root beer -- super cute and also good. Lastly, we got some blueberry exploding chocolate truffles, which were reminiscent of the exploding melon ball at Alinea -- very cool. Overall, had an AMAZING time despite my initial hesitation. My advice is to skip the prix fixe and regular collection if you want to try some new and interesting cuisine (I mean, ribeye and lobster taste the same everywhere, don't they? How many times have you had golden beets in a gelatinous form with horseradish cream?) that happens to not have meat in it. Anyway, I'm obviously biased, but if you like MG, you should definitely try the road less traveled here. I had a GREAT birthday. =]
(5)Van D.
Came here just before christmas. I have been here a few times in the past but it had been at least 3 years. Was a little hesistant after reading that it got only one michelin star. Had the chef lost his marbles? Were the staff resting on their laurels? I felt this was my best experience at Tru. All the dishes tasted great and were very creative. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Yes, its not a cheap meal but I don't mind shelling out some $$$ for gourmet dining. I have been to a couple of 3 star michelin restaurants and honestly this place was right on par.
(5)jason e.
Excellent food, the best service around, and a memory more than a meal. I would give five stars but sometimes the food feels like an afterthought... and wow is it expensive. 6 bucks for a coke? Maybe with rum in it. Not to sound like a peasant, but there is cheaper and better food to be had in Chicago. However, you will never have a more memorable dining experience, anywhere.
(4)Graham S.
My wife and I recently took a weekend trip to Chicago. A big part of the trip was going to taste the various culinary treats that range from Al's Beef to Gino's East, Blackbird and Tru. My first impression was that there seemed to be a very up-tight vibe to the dining room that night. My wife semi-agreed, but not as much. I understand fine dining and the associated feel, but this still seemed stuffy to me. We chose the standard five-course tasting menu, which goes for $110. There was no pre-set wine pairings, which would have been a nice option, but oh well. The wine list was EXTENSIVE and very high-end. Almost so that I don't believe there was an option under $100. To me, that's just not providing options for your diners. I've been to the Napa region many times and there are quality wines to be had under $100. Whatever, it's wine and again, it's fine dining. Understandable. As for the food... overall it was great. Very refined and showed a great amount of skill in it's preperation. However, I felt that the meal lacked a true inspiration or soul. I did not feel like the chef was truly inspired by the menu or wowed me with much. Yes, it was one of the best gnocchi I have ever tasted and well executed. However, it was a gnocchi in broth. Ok... ? I mean, it was good, but thank you for the potato dumplings in broth with a parmesan twille? Have we not seen a twille for about 10 years now? Anyway, the meal had it's highlights. Specifically, the caviar with avocado puree was delightful. The main courses (Ribeye and Venison) were perfectly cooked and delicious. The pastry chef needs to be recognized nationally for his/her skill. Also, the service was absolutely impeccable and the front of the house was on-point. So, to wrap it up. If you want to taste the best version you've ever tasted of something... go to Tru. If you want to be inspired by interesting combinations and enlightened to new tecniques or styles, go elsewhere.
(4)Erin P.
I have bumped this review up to 5 stars since my experience here it has been that which I compare all other fine dining experience to.
(5)Lisa V.
Instead of dining with the riffraff downstairs.... you can rent the room upstairs for 50 of your closest friends. Our catering manager that made sure the room was arranged how we liked, coordinated the service of passed little bites of yummy food and of course all the wine glasses filled. They definitely have service with a capital S here.
(4)Lindsay S.
Basically, the best food and service my husband and I have ever had. From the first course to the dessert tray they bring around (which is complimentary - so don't feel bad for trying everything) the food was delicious. The flavors were out of the ordinary, but complimented each other perfectly. The service was second-to-none as well. The wait staff was knowledgeable and extremely friendly. The sommelier was spot on with his recommendation for both myself and my husband. If you are looking for somewhere to go for a special occasion (dinner will be an expense) this is well worth the dining investment.
(5)Ellen O.
Just returned from our trip to Chicago. Tru was very good/excellent (food was very good; service was excellent). If you're familiar with the high level of service at Eleven Madison Park, Tru's service follows the same high standard. There was nothing that our captain wouldn't and didn't do for us. We liked a number of things on the prix fixe menu. We also wanted to try some of the things on the luxury menu (foie gras and wagyu beef). We asked about the foie gras, and our captain told us it's a whole lobe usually served to a table of 4. We asked whether the chef could make us a smaller portion for an appetizer, and our captain said certainly. We also wanted to try the wagyu beef. My sister also wanted 2 appetizers. We asked whether we could have 2 appetizers from the prix fixe, an additional foie gras appetizer, and the 3 oz. wagyu beef. Again, our captain said this would be no problem for the chef. My sister started with the heirloom beets and apple salad with a trio of mousses (celery root, goat cheese, and I forgot the third). She loved everything about the dish. I started with the scallops, osetra caviar and lemongrass that was wonderful. The lemongrass worked beautifully with the scallops, and you can never go wrong with osetra caviar. My sister's second course was the green asparagus and morel mushroom feuillette. This was another winner for my sister since she loves both asparagus and morel mushrooms. My second course was the langoustine, lobster quenelles, saffron potato and bouillabaisse. This was a nice course (only one smallish langoustine). The lobster quenelles were lovely and was the bouillabaisse. Our third course was the special seared foie gras course. The portion size was generous, but my sister's portion was slightly underdone (blood in her piece). The wagyu beef was next and looked lovely. It was served with cippolini onions and shaved truffles. Unfortunately, the beef was not as tender as other wagyu beef dishes that I've had. Service was wonderful all through dinner. Bread was great too. We loved the brioche rolls. It was a bit warm in the restaurant, and we must have drunk a half dozen bottles of water. The A/C is controlled by the office building, and hopefully, now that the hot weather has settled in, the building will up the A/C. We shared a cheese course, and following the cheese, I chose the sorbets that were very refreshing. The dessert trolley was rolled over, and we were full, but chose the pate de fruits and macarons. While the food was not as amazing as I remember it from seven years ago, the service was phenomenal, and I look forward to returning to Tru on my next visit to Chicago.
(4)Lauren H.
Everyone should experience Tru at least once. I went with some friends a couple of years ago and it was incredible. It isn't dinner, it is a theatrical experience. The service is amazing, impeccably timed (every water glass was filled at the same moment, plates were placed in unison, etc). They even escorted me to the ladies room (which was beautiful). We were there 4 1/2 hours and could barely get up after! Not only do you get all the courses of the tasting menu, but they threw in a few amuse-bouches as well. The food was delicious and artfully presented. I am going to have to go back and try the new lounge menu, it sounds really good. I wish I could afford to dine at Tru more often!
(5)XO K.
Tru is one of those restaurants that goes beyond just being a place to grab some dinner. You truly DINE at Tru. Granted, it is way too expensive a place to frequent, at least for us, but if you can stand facing the check at the end of the night, it is quite an experience. We went on our anniversary and they printed our names on the menu, which was kind of cool. It's such an easy thing to do and makes the clientele feel special - very clever. We had cocktails to start and mine was a martini involving Hendrick's gin and saki and it was delicious and beautifully presented. When they brought the napkins, there was a choice of white or black, so you wouldn't get contrasting lint on your clothes, which was unnecessary for us, but a nice touch that just reminds you what a classy place you are in and is also perhaps another attempt to justify the price. I suppose it doesn't hurt. The food was amazing and my wagyu beef short rib was maybe the best piece of meat I have ever eaten in my entire life. So often, it is disappointing, after all the fuss and high prices and the food is good, even very good, but not great. The short rib there is great. I had to take off a star, though, after the waiter hesitated to bring me a Grand Marnier instead of whatever the cake or tort was that was included in our prix fixe menu. He actually said it might be a dollar or two difference in price. Here, we are spending that kind of money and he is going to be a stickler for $2. That was weak, especially after they go to the trouble to see to all the other little details and everything. They also wrote a personalized "Happy Anniversary" message on the glass plate the dessert was served on, which was a nice touch. It's crazy expensive, but if you are going to go out and spend $400 - $500+ on dinner somewhere in Chicago (that's with one of the more reasonably priced bottles of wine), I recommend it.
(4)SeaElle R.
Fancy-pants dining at its best. Men must wear jackets. You get your choice of white or black napkins - I love that! Purses get their own seat at the table. Courses are served by choreographed, synchronized waiters. Caviar is superb. Fabulous experience. For over-the-top fine dining, choose Tru.
(5)christine c.
this place was good, but service was strange. maybe i've just never been to a place this nice or something but i showed up for my 930pm reservation and still had to wait and we were the only 2 people sitting in this huge waiting room really far apart and it was really quiet, so i didn't even feel comfortable talking. anyway, service and food was really great (but that dessert truck/tray thing at the end was SUPER disappointing. i tried one of each thing on there (probably 6 or 7 things) and i didn't even want to finish any single item. also the main fish dish was absolutely tasteless. i understand that you have to use the sauce but they really should have somehow marinated that fish or something
(4)Jasmine S.
Tru is a great Chicago restaurant! It is one of those places you go for the first time, and you do not feel out of place. It is pricey, but not over the top. Go in knowing that you will spend a cool $500 for 2 easy...but that is what you should expect from a restaurant with their caliber... I recommend you go with the Sommelier Collection...their wine pairings were fantastic!!! Overall, just save your pennies, and splurge, enjoy every moment! I highly recommend Tru!
(5)Timothy W.
This will be the condensed version of my pal David W.'s review because he beat me to the punch, I will be giving my thoughful insight along with some of the random points in the night that were not yet mentioned in his Yelp. The three of us arrived and were greeted by a friendly server who promptly took our belongings to store and told us to wait in the lounge. The lounge is a narrow space adorned with a variety of modern art which leads to what looks like a fun upstairs private dining room, the kitchen or the main dining area. We were seating soon after coming into the lobby and I speak for all of us when I say we had the best table in the house. We were against a window so there was not a lot of people traffic yet we faced the whole of the dining room. A table next to us probably contained one of the better pleasantries of the night aka 2 latin PYTs and I'd give all of my 4 stars to them even if the food was terrible - which it was quite the opposite. We all did beer pairings with our pre fixe 3 course meals and enjoyed great conversation all around. Our waiter was friendly and impressively knowledgable about the cuisine and drinks, I mistook him for the manager at first. Now onto some of the small details that made this an exceptional experience. The staff, to me, went above and beyond. Our waiter was impressive. Whenever I left to use the restroom (we were there for 3.5 hours) a new, neatly folded and nicely starched napkin was left on the table - every time. When my main course was served, the waiter plated the venison for me after taking it out of a choco crust on a tray, tableside, and as he handed me my dish both of my friends were handed theirs at the same time by waiters who came out of nowhere. After we finished our deserts there were more waitstaff who brought us complimentary chocolates and other assorted sweets. This was a nice touch and we were able to try almost all of the assortment. Overall this was the nicest restaurant I've ever been to.. now I just gotta bring the girlfriend next
(4)Brendan M.
Not much to add. I will say it's the best service in town (maybe second to Ria.) They treat everyone with the same class and respect and don't really distinguish between regulars and special occasion people (we were the latter.) They do a great time with timing and pacing, you never feel rushed or interrupted. Like a lot of the high-end LEYE places you are served by a team, but they pull it off better than anyone else. Perfect for intimate gatherings where you want to enjoy the company of your guests and some of the best food in the world.
(5)Colin D.
I went to TRU with my girlfriend on her birthday last year and the experience was definitely mixed. The staff is over-the-top and, in my opinion, obnoxious. If you get up they come over, fold up your napkin, remove it, and bring you a new one with tongs. My girlfriend got a DRIP of sauce on the table and they immediately swarmed her, picked up her plate, put down a napkin, straightened it, wiped off the plate, and put it back down - all without saying a word! Jesus christ, chill out! As for the food, our main courses of lamb and beef were quite good. My scallop appetizer wasn't that impressive, I think my girlfriend had bone marrow ravioli which was great. The desserts were good, but I expected to be blown away and I definitely was not. I had a good time there but for what it cost I would not go back.
(3)Arjan B.
Although it's been about half a year since we had dinner at tru, i felt i still had to write a review on the place. this place has everything you'd expect from a great gourmet restaurant: welcoming host, impeccable waiters, beautiful interior, fantastic wine list and, not to forget, truly excellent food. So is tru just another (very) fancy restaurant? I think its better than that and here's why. The decor of the place is just astonishing with a range of beautiful contemporary pieces creating an environment that is very special. As mentioned, service is impeccable and they really make you feel welcome and comfortable - not as stuck-up as you'll find in many equally priced restaurants. At the same time your table is extremely well managed in terms of timing of the various delicious dishes and 'synchronized' pooring of the drinks ( which is quite funny). And then there is the food itself... Heavenly! Traditional french cuisine meets contemporary fusion, just mouth-watering delicious!
(5)Stephanie S.
I really wanted to love Tru after all I have heard, but my husband and I had a very disappointing experience. I had called months in advance to reserve a table for our one-year anniversary. I gave my name and AMEX number to secure the reservation, and told them it was a special celebration (i.e., 1st anniversary). I received a call a few days beforehand asking to confirm. I called back and was told that the reservation had been canceled. I told them that was impossible as I was just calling now to confirm. The man on the phone was curt and told me my husband must have called to cancel so I should check with him. I told him that I was managing this and no, there must be a mistake. He told me that was highly unlikely but if I still wanted to come he could fit us in a later seating. I was ticked, I should have canceled then, but this was something I had wanted to try for years. So I swallowed my irritation and agreed to the later seating. When we arrived at the restaurant were were asked to wait in the bar while they prepared our table. After 10 minutes, we were taken to a table right next to the wait-station - not the best seat for sure. Then we were handed menus congratulating "Michelle and Adam on their anniversary." Our names are not Michelle and Adam - it was so awkward and uncomfortable. We ordered the tasting menu with wine pairings, and the food was good but having a small group of wait staff standing kitty-corner to you talking amongst themselves put a damper on things. Not the romantic, sophisticated experience I had wished for. The cheese service was also very disappointing given the price, and I really love cheese.... We finally mustered up the courage to mention to the waiters that we were not Michelle and Adam (the waiter had called me Michelle at one point...). He apologized and then it clicked in my mind that Michelle and Adam had canceled. The waiter shared the last name of Adam with me - alphabetically adjacent to mine. They must have accidentally canceled my reservation instead of Adam's. Made me even more annoyed with the attitude I got over the phone implying I was out of touch with my husband! After paying over $600 I just wanted the night to be over. Very sad experience....
(1)Steve G.
My wife and I got married a few days ago, and wanted to celebrate with a nice dinner. Tru is about as perfect a place for this sort of thing as one could ever hope for. We walked in, and the hostess told my wife that she looked pretty. The table was pulled out for her, and they asked her if it was set at a comfortable distance. They give you an option of black or white napkin. The wait for drinks was basically zero. I'm not a wine expert by any stretch, so I asked the sommelier to suggest a glass; her suggestion was very good and relatively inexpensive. Breads offered were all very good. The Sea Salt Brioche was fabulous. Salted and unsalted butter from Vermont were placed on the table in blue and clear dishes. I really could've eaten the salted butter with a spoon. Prix Fixe. Hawaiian blue prawns in creole sauce and jalapeno oil, with grits and miniature buttermilk biscuit was the winner of my wife's very good beet salad with granny smith apples and trio of mousses (including goat cheese mousse; I've forgotten the other two). Main courses were a terrific duck breast roulade with swiss chard, wild rice, mushroom custard, and a stuffed brussels sprout for me; braised short rib w/ unagi (eel) and miso emulsion for her. Both outstanding. I had the chocolate bar and wattleseed ice cream with malted caramel and caramel mousse -- incredible. My wife ordered the grape sorbet w/ nutella chocolate, manchego cheese, and basil. The sorbet was phenomenal -- overwhelming flavor when put in your mouth, but somehow didn't overpower the other flavors on the plate. Service was impeccable every step of the way. The servers were coordinated, and there was very little wait between courses; any wait at all was alleviated by several memorable amuse-bouche. The exploding mint truffle mentioned by the previous review was a really nice and exciting way to end the meal. As we walked out, the host handed us two rhubarb muffins "for your coffee tomorrow morning." Felt 100 percent justified in spending the $350. A great special-occasion restaurant.
(5)Kevin W.
The evening started amazingly. We ordered the tasting menu and after some various drinks, we were presented with a beautiful amuse. I picked up the spoon of pea soup, and tried to convince myself it was good. I failed, because it wasn't good, and my date noted the same problem. Thankfully, this was the only bad moment at all during our evening. The courses were varied and interesting. The only complaint I could've possibly registered was that by the end of the evening I felt a bit like a foie gras goose. I was very happy, but those little courses add up fast. It was a fun and memorable meal, well worth making a quick jaunt to Chicago to enjoy it. I'd happily go back.
(5)Megan R.
Tru's service is impeccable, but the food leaves much to be desired. I was impressed by the choice of black and white napkins (not even Alinea offers that choice) and even more pleased by the cashmere pashmina they brought me when they noticed I was chilly. I was less impressed by the amuse bouche that was several bites, the cheese offerings that overwhelmingly tasted of dirty diaper, and the assortment of summer melon dessert that tasted of cleaning products. Since this was our first time we opted to add on the Caviar Staircase to our nine course meal. It was lovely and had the appropriate accoutrements, but $280 is a bit high for what amounts to one ounce of caviar.
(3)Stacey B.
I really, really love food and truly appreciate the art of creating a wonderful meal and am more than happy to pay for the experience, so I was very much looking forward to a memorable dining experience at Tru. The host and wait staff were awesome and definitely elevated the overall experience which results in a higher rating. Unfortunately the food part was a bit disappointing. Wine sommelier = 5 stars; she was awesome-listened to our preferences and made the right on recommendation. Caviar=2 stars; California caviar didn't possess nearly the expected quality. 3/4 of it tasted "off" (overly fishy). I know this is vague, but while I've had very, very good caviar, I'm definitely not a caviar pro so this is the best descriptor I can come up with. I opted to not say anything because I figured the kitchen/chef should have previously ensured its quality before sending it out to our table so I was erring on the side of my possibly being mistaken by its poor quality. Duck Consomme-2 stars; wow, so looking forward to confit+foie gras ravioli+fragrant julienne...really reminded me of an okay beef based broth and not much more. Grilled Rabbit Loin-2 stars; flavors on the plate were all over the place. No focus whatsoever and there wasn't a flavor progression either. The plate looked pretty but chaotic and the flavors were rather bland. (Friend had the heirloom beet salad and loup de mer - liked both but nothing memorable.) I've had "top 5" dining experiences in my life and was certain this would be one of them - boy, was I wrong! One of my "top 5" experiences was at a Chicago restaurant - Charlie Trotters about 11 years ago. Perhaps the new generation of Chicago chefs could learn a thing or two from an "old" Master??? (Sorry to see Trotters go) As I mentioned, I'm more than happy to pay for an elevated dining experience, but unfortunately our Tru experience definitely didn't live up to my expectations or the prices and seems to be a bit overly-hyped. (BTW, the fruit roll-up like extras on the clothes line gimmick at the end of the meal are rather forgettable.)
(2)Michael P.
Tru was one of my favorite tasting menus of the year. I was sad to hear Rick Tramonto has left the restaurant and I can only hope his successor can live up to his reputation. However, with today's celebrity chef B.S., who knows how involved he was in the kitchen by the time I ate there anyway. Chef Tramonto may have already been too wrapped up with his other restaurants in the northwest suburbs and I'm giving him more credit than I should. I went to Tru with a large group and was pleasantly surprised that they let 1/2 the table order the Chef's tasting menu and the other 1/2 order the 3 course "regular" menu. This is a pretty uncommon practice in fine dining because it disrupts the timing of the meal, but Tru gets points for allowing it to happen since not everyone at a table wants to drop $300+ on a tasting menu. What surprised me even further was that those members at the table that did not get the chef's tasting menu received a couple of "freebie" courses with those of us that did do the tasting just to keep things flowing smoothly. Completely unheard of in any fine dining establishment I've ever been in. Kudos to our server for putting that together! The dining room was great at Tru, from the large open space, to the artwork on the walls (sure it's a little dated, but Tru has been around for quite a long time and it still looks great). Lighting is a LITTLE too bright for my tastes, but that's because of all the white in the room. Service is where Tru excels. As a table of 10 with 5 people doing the chef's tasting and 5 people doing the 3 course meal, each course came out exactly on time and plates were presented all at once in the perfectly timed manner that could only be described as "a well oiled machine". The servers are like a little military operation trained to be perfectly synchronized together. It's quite fun to watch. Each course was presented impeccably and explained from ingredients to preparation in detail. At the end of the meal after two pastry courses, the server brings a small cart to the table with mignardises for you to pick a few from and he didn't even bat an eye when my dessert whore ass asked for one of each of the 12 plus varieties! I'm sure I'm only 1 of 4 patrons that asks for each kind every month and there was no judgment that came with the request. Now for the food. I have no idea where the people on yelp who rate this restaurant as a 1 have been eating, but I'd like to know where your 5's are because I personally have only had a handful of tasting menus better than the one I had at Tru. The tasting was perfectly balanced in a well orchestrated progression that ended with some of the best pastries I've ever had. I wish I were independantly wealthy so that I could have added the cavier staircase, the foie gras, the wagyu beef, and/or the white truffle shavings to my tasting, but alas, I am but a simple man without a trust fund. Each course was plated perfectly on dinner ware that was a little outdated, but I didn't mind that at all. There's nothing here that compares to Alinea or Moto as far as mind blowing molecular gastronomy type courses, but the food is very modern french preparation and it's all perfectly seasoned and tastes great. One of the stand out things for me was the cheese course. The server brings a cart to the table and you can choose as many or as few cheeses as you would like to sample before pastry is served. It's a wonderful treat for anyone who appreciates good cheese in the place of pastry without having to forgo the pastry. I've been in my fair share of restaurants that force you to choose between cheese and pastry or cheese is a supplemental charge. After the cheese, there is a palette cleanser and then some of the best pastries I've ever been served. Gale Gand is a master among her peers. Only pastries at Le Bernardine, WD-50, Graham Elliott and Alinea rank better than hers that I've ever had. I LOVE dessert and to be ranked in my top 5 is a big deal to me. Tru has a dessert only tasting that you can call and ask for and I couldn't recommend it more. It's very affordable and the perfect treat after a meal in the downtown Chicago area if you don't want to spend $300+ for the entire Tru experience. As I mentioned before, the meal ends perfectly with the mignardises service. Tiny bite sized treats that are perfectly decadent and flavorful to end a perfect meal, a sure 5 out of 5 rating. Are there cheaper tasting menus to be had n the city of Chicago? Sure, but there's also some that are much more expensive as well. For all the people that have rated Tru poorly for value, you probably didn't have the money to spend on the meal in the first place. I've eaten over 100 tasting menus at restaurants all over the world, Tru isn't over priced for what you receive. You aren't supposed to walk out of the restaurant feeling as though you just finished Thanksgiving dinner. I feel as though there is a pretty good value for what you pay and what you eat at Tru.
(5)sarah l.
Wow! It's been a few years since I've been here, but had to write a review. My husband and I get together w/ another couple twice a year, and experience an "upscale" restaurant. We've been to Charlie Trotters (just awful!), Everest (very good), etc. By far...Tru is the best. From service, to the clean , crisp decor, to the bathrooms...everything is fantastic! The food, in my opinion, is superb! Definately a special occasion place, but if you have the opportunity, you should experience Tru.
(5)A R.
Was treated to an awesome dinner here. Had a lamb dish IIRC. The dessert was great. The cheese cart was full of baller cheeses I ain't even ever heard of before. Toured the kitchen like a boss. The room itself was kind of plain and felt like it was a sectioned off portion of a hotel ballroom, but it was still nice. Service was precise and almost military-like. A great place to eat, though I wouldn't recommend it if you're looking for something intimate. The room just doesn't have that vibe.
(5)Jennifer S.
I have eaten at a lot of AMAZING restaurants all over the world, but this is by far one of the best if not the best I have ever eaten at. The service was also one of the best I have ever had. I would eat here every night (if I could afford it). Definitely a must if in Chicago.
(5)Jeff K.
I think this is one of the great dining experiences in this country. We have been to several excellent restaurants, and this rates above all of them in our estimation. This was our second time at Tru, and the wait staff (I don't know what to call them really; they are true professional servers with vast knowledge of the food) remembered us from our previous time there. The service is beyond excellent; nothing is left to chance. On this night, the food was as exceptional as the first time. The fusion of flavors, the mousse with the halibut, the foie gras, the caviar with avocado, it was all very good and like nothing we had tasted before. The sommelier was very helpful and talked to us about various wines to drink with our dinner. We chose a French Chablis and it was the perfect accompaniment. Tru is very pricey; there is no getting around that. But for that one dinner per year where you really want to splurge and enjoy yourself with no looking back, this is an exceptional choice.
(5)Jim W.
I haven't been to many top-notch dining establishments, but this was definitely an experience. I'd say the service is superb - came here for a surprise birthday and while the staff ruined my not-so-complete surprise by wishing the birthday girl "Happy Birthday" I thought it was very cool that all our servers were aware of it and greeted her that way. The menu was customized to include the birthday girl's name...later on, there was the tiniest piece of cake I've ever seen, but it was all done very tastefully and artistically. They also saved a copy of the menu with her name on it and included the menu of what we ate along with it as a parting gift. The decor at Tru was very cool, seemed like an art gallery, me being my simple self was in awe at some weird neon light fixture which had an amazing depth to it. I also really liked, what appeared to be a painting of shadows of Tinkerbells. I was a bit surprised that the dining population did not include many old dudes with young knockouts, but maybe it was an off night =p Did notice that over half of the clientele were bald/balding. The food itself I had mixed thoughts on - had the Market 6 course tasting. The main courses were both very good, particularly the squab. Other dishes were very interesting and culinary creations, but not so dear to my palette. There were so many items I documented with pictures but I can't recall them all. The candy cart at the end on the pushcart was quite fun. Oddly enough, I came away quite satisfied and not hungry as I would have thought about a tasting menu going in. Again though, I thought the service was fantastic, did not experience the pompousness expressed by some yelpers - in fact, did not really get any weird treatment at all, which I might have expected since both my companion and I look like young kids. Thoroughly enjoyed the evening.
(5)Lana C.
If you are wondering where to dine in Chicago, TRU is a must. Absolutely a memorable experience. Intimate restaurant, elegant and thoughtful in every single detail. You have to appreciate the unconventional taste in their design- with fresh almond branches as floral arrangements and artichoke table top pieces... Unparalleled dining, service and ambiance. Simplistic room with sophistication. Discriminate taste in art pieces displayed; consistent theme in their presentation as each dish served. Fixed menu. Menu changes up every time so I won't waste my time on the details of what we ordered. Small portions/ 9 course meals- but you'll be stuffed!! For a party of three- The Chef's Market Collection = $500
(5)Robert F.
Ever wonder what an Iron Chef judge feels like? If you're a foodie, and you can afford it, then you should visit Tru and find out. One thing you'll get, that the poor Iron Chef judges won't, is a spectacular atmosphere. No kitchen stadium here. Pure white and black everything. Live pianist, impeccably dressed waitstaff, and all the convention and protocol of fine dining, including escorts to the washrooms. And speaking of service, when you walk through the door, you can actually feel the ground shift as the world starts to revolve around you. But lets talk about food. Tru's $125 prix fixe offers a wide variety of spectacularly displayed food experiences you can write home about (I'd recommend the beef cheek ravioli). You pick an appetizer, entre, and a cheeze or desert course. Between each course a mini-course is offered as well. Though it doesn't look like much, you will leave feeling sated. Delivers exceptional atmosphere? Tru Delivers exceptional food experience? Tru Delivers exceptional service? Tru Delivers? Unfortunately, there's no take out or delivery. :(
(5)Yan G.
A thoroughly disappointing dining experience throughout. The service was immaculately orchestrated and beyond reproach in its timing and willingness to accommodate, but it could not pull this off without making us painfully aware of itself as such. All gestures were grandiose and the atmosphere became overbearing because the staff was so conspicuous in all its activities. Descriptions of dishes were given with the gravity of a military report and yet, still left us wondering about the exact preparation and ingredients used for each dish. Worst of all, we were constantly made aware of the corporate nature of TRU and this slick feeling of propriety and normalcy permeated every activity. Smiling, socializing, or any other deviation from the staff's beautifully choreographed routine is not permitted. But all this would have been gladly forgiven if the food would have been commensurate with our expectations (not to mention the prices). Long story short, it did not. Far and away the best part of our dinner was the wine, a hauntingly beautiful 2003 Grace Family cab that my friend picked out from the vast, well-chosen, reasonably priced, and overwhelmingly Francocentric wine list. We ordered the Market menu; a brief rundown of our courses follows: Amuse Bouche Thin slice of pear layered with a touch of olive oil and a shaving of aged Parmesan. Quite unspectacular, although the serving was very whimsical - the ingredients were layered in an oversized silver spoon (insert joke of choice here). The pear was under-ripe and unseasoned. Neither the ingredients nor the preparation were up to par. Sashimi Knife skills were flawless but once again, the ingredients were pedestrian at best. The fish was incredibly fresh but poorly sourced. The flounder had a pleasant mouth feel and an alluring richness but the tuna and yellowtail were lean and flavorless. The tuna especially felt like a blank canvass for the duo of sauces, both of which thoroughly overpowered the fish. The Uni sauce itself was quite pleasant but it had nothing on the authenticity and complexity of the Uni sauce we had in Mirai the next night. Oyster and Uni Tempura A definite upturn. The oyster was pristine and this was the only execution of Uni tempura I have ever had that really worked. The sorrel puree at the bottom was also very fresh and flavorful. Good. Rabbit Consomm The broth was deliciously complex and concentrated, if a bit overly salted. The rabbit torchon, however, was completely bland, as if the over-salted consomm was supposed to compensate for this. The puree was quite tasty but it and the nearly flavorless lavender foam were completely extraneous. Mediocre. Ricotta Tagliolini Turning ricotta cheese into extruded noodles was a neat trick but the resulting noodle had an unpleasantly slimy texture, a lukewarm temperature, and not an ounce of flavor. It made a suitable sponge for the basil and acacia foam but this dish didn't come together well. The charred cherry tomato was exceptional. Mediocre. Whipped Salt Cod The unquestioned star of the evening. This dish was absolutely perfect in conception and execution, the whipped brandade was intoxicatingly rich and creamy and the smoked, gelatinized potato noodles added greatly to the flavor and texture of the dish. Great Hawaiian Mong Chong The fish was expertly trimmed and quite generous for a tasting menu portion but the fish was over-poached to the point of being dried out and flaky and the Thai spices overwhelmed any nuance the dish may have had. Bad. Roasted Squab The squab was severely overcooked and just not good; the elaborate presentation (the bird was cooked whole, with the breast then being removed, boned, and served) meant that the dish was barely room temperature. The accompanying faro was delicious and toothsome but was also lukewarm. The pepper sauce did an admirable job of masking the taste of the squab, however. Terrible. Selection of Cheeses Solid choices, headed by Humboldt Fog, possibly my favorite cheese. No complaints here and the accompaniments were tasty and appropriate. Good. Bittersweet Chocolate Mousse, Lime, Milk Chocolate, Thyme Gale Gand is a master of her craft and the dessert course was absolutely sensational; several layers of chocolate, each with a markedly different flavor, barely accentuated by fragrant herb and citrus. Great. Sweets from the dessert cart. Great confections from the pastry chef. Nothing as rousing as the dessert course but very good nonetheless. Good. Out of the seven savory courses, one was great, one was very good, and the rest ranged between mediocre and inedible. The meal was marked by lackluster ingredients and strongly flavored sauces and accompaniments. Surprisingly, with all the intricate machinations of the wait staff, not once were we asked if we enjoyed the food, as if a question such as this would be beneath a well-oiled machine such as TRU.
(2)lucky r.
ok Service was impeccable! It was a great dining experience. Go there for dessert only if you want, you won't regret it! I can't say enough about this place. Venison and the pork duroc are to die for. Didn't think food would stop coming...
(4)Elizabeth P.
I came here for New Years Eve '08 and overall was a tad disappointed in the whole "experience." I'd give the Thyme Infused Martini 5 stars! and that is really the only thing I'd go back for. The food was good, but it didn't blow me away. Perhaps after reading all the reviews I knew too much going in. At times I felt like I was in an episode of gossip girls. Overall, as a person that loves good food and a great dining out experience, I felt it was too much money to spend on one night for what we got, and I wasn't even the one paying.
(3)Tiffany K.
You could not pay me to go back to this place. The server was absolutely horrible. I have never experienced anything so uncomfortable and never been treated so terrible in my life. The amount of money we spent was fine, however, the food was not even that good and the server actually talked crap about us in the corner the entire meal. For that money, i should be at least told 'thank you'. Not to add drama, but it was my mother's birthday (she is a chef) and her only request was to have dinner here and she even got a hotel to come. She was disappointed and my father was insulted by the wait staff. One star is too much. Never go.
(1)Kristy H.
This is a must if you consider yourself a foodie. From the moment my hubby and I walked we knew we were in for a treat. The staff was extremely knowledgeable as well as friendly. I recommend the chef's tasting and wine pairing. Every time we visit Chicago this will be one of our first stops!!
(5)Shen L.
I was introduced to Tru because my roommate had brought home a few financiers, which were delicious and definitely heightened my expectations of Tru. My friend and I each ordered the 3-course tasting menu, and got to sample 5 of the 6 desserts on the menu, among other things small amuse bouches. My favorites were the lime & blueberry "vacherin," and the gianduja souffle. The service throughout the dessert tasting was painstakingly perfect, and it was almost perplexing for me to figure out how the waitstaff would so carefully and silently coordinate their service for my table. I would strongly suggest coming here for a very occasion...because if you're like me (and didn't really come for a particular special occasion), you'll wonder what type of place would top this for an even more romantic evening.
(4)Lauren T.
TRUly an amazing experience! We started with the caviar staircase and did the large tasting menu along with the wine pairing. Probably safe to say we won't be ordering caviar again anytime soon but still a fun, yet pricy, first experience. The 9 course tasting menu was unbelievable. It was by far the most adventurous meal we've eaten. The service was outstanding along with the ambiance. We will be back sooner than later.
(5)Jean M.
I'll keep this review short. AVOID!!! Poor service, rude staff, with an unearned air of pretentiousness. There are much better dining choices in Chicago!
(1)Suzy C.
This place costs an arm and a leg, but was it worth it? Yes, but for a once in a lifetime sort of thing. Even if I had tons of money, I wouldn't necessarily keep coming back to this place because I wasn't that impressed with the food. Presentation was amazing, obviously, but I felt that a lot of dishes were lacking in bold flavors. The service is what you are really paying for, in my opinion. There is no experience like it and it was definitely worth a try to have come here and experienced it first hand. I had the Chef's course and was unimpressed with most of the flavors. The desserts, however were a different story. WOW, the most amazing desserts I have ever had. Big applause to Gale Gand for her amazing and delicious creations. I am glad to have been here at least once, the experience itself was really amazing and stays with me to this day. I really can't describe it, you have to be there to experience the whole thing. Food itself was a disappointment and I personally think it's ridiculous that anyone would drop two to three hundred dollars for one meal, but if it's a special occasion and something you'll do just few times in your lifetime, I say go with Tru and enjoy yourself!
(4)Ricky B.
Id probaly more likely go with a 3 and 1/2 stars. The food was good, but not amazing. Its been about a month since ive been there so I cant remember everything. It was definetly worth it for the experience. Our water was very friendly and helpful, while I have been to alot of nice resteraunts, I had never been to one of this caliber. The waiter could tell of that for sure, but he was really cool about it. I wasnt to fond of sitting there for about 4 hours, but I knew what I was getting myself into beforehand, so I cant really complain about that. All in all, I would definetly check it out if you can afford it just once, but after being there I probably wont go back.
(4)Molly D.
Our experience at Tru for New Year's was very underwhelming. While we had the pleasure of enjoying a world class meal several years ago under Rick Tramato's leadership, our most recent meal was very lackluster, especially for the close to $1000 price tag for 2 people. We did a 7 course NYE special dinner & only 1 of us participated in the wine parings. None of the courses were memorable, and there was 1 substitution that should have been a downright embarrassment. While my fellow diners enjoyed a course of lobster with truffles, I had 3 small fingerling potatoes with a couple onions....doesn't seem like a fair trade for someone with a shellfish allergy. Guess I should have just kept with the lobster & given it to my husband to enjoy. After 7 courses, I expect to be satiated, but I was still hungry and ate more bread than I ever thought would be needed to fill up. Not to mention, the courses were spread so far apart to make the time last (3.5 hours) that we were looking at our watches and even had the temptation to pull out our phones to pass the time waiting. The sommelier had decent wine pairings for the full tasting, but the recommendation for just a single glass of wine was way off. I've had a ton of excellent New Zealand Chardonnays, but the one she recommended tasted more like a bad Sauvignon Blanc...just the opposite of what I was going for. She didn't even come back to check whether we enjoyed the wine, especially since it took 4 courses get finally get it down. Had much better luck selecting my own bottle later in the meal, and it actually complimented the courses we were eating. The other thing that was odd was that when the sommelier poured the wines, she only gave 1/2 to 2/3 of a pour that a sommelier in any other restaurant would pour for a tasting. In fact, a couple times, the other servers poured the wine, and we were hoping to not see the sommelier again since she didn't add any value or information on what we were drinking. All in all, we did enjoy the atmosphere, the company of our friends, and the main waiter was a pretty nice guy, but my former love of Tru was ruined by an extremely overpriced NYE dinner that left a lot to be desired. For a better value, service, food quality, and wine selection, I would definitely stick with Girl & the Goat, Longman & Eagle, or (my current favorite) Alinea.
(2)Char Y.
We went for my birthday and chose the grand collection. I thought the restaurant atmosphere was very serious and quiet. It almost felt like I was in church, and my every move was being watched by many servers/management/misc people walking around. The restaurant employee to customer ratio was almost 1:1. It was almost uncomfortable to eat while being watched by so many eyes. The service was excellent, the food was excellent (but small), and the dessert was plentiful and good. It is an experience to remember, but I wouldn't go back.
(3)Eric M.
If the economy is good and you have $200+ to spare, this is a must-have indulgence. The service alone is better than Disney World and the food is just amazing. I went with my fiance and we each ordered a separate tasting menu (that way we could share). The staff was intelligent and not stuffy, constantly checking to make sure our wine and water were full, and we got to pick which napkin color we wanted! Know going in this is going to cost A LOT but believe me it is worth it.
(5)Julie C.
I visited Tru about 2 years ago with a friend of mine who was in from out of town. We are both young, he had just started his first job after law school and I was doing pretty well in my previous job, so we thought, let's get dressed up and go have a "fancy pants" dinner. Well, this was just beyond a "fancy" dinner. This was my first foray into "fine" dining, and so needless to say I was impressed if not a bit overwhelmed. The service was impeccable, I got a kick out of the "synchronized water pour". We had one of their less expensive bottles of wine, and decided to go for the gold with the 9 course Chef's Market Collection. The only thing I didn't like the entire evening was the amuse bouche. I'm not sure what was in it, but it wasn't good. I even liked the crab cake, and I don't usually like crab cakes. The halibut dish I had was the most amazing thing I've ever eaten, I still think about it to this day. The squab with strawberries came in a close second. I sadly tried to replicate it with chicken and a strawberry sauce at home, and it was disgusting. Now, the best part about this meal was I never felt full until it was time to go. And then I felt like absolute crap. But the good kind of "I just had an amazing meal and I will now sleep for 12 hours" kind of crap. Our bill was around $400 before tip, but it was completely and utterly worth it.
(5)Kristen C.
So I'll first say that we were probably the cheapest customers in there. We were all about the cheapest wine and the prix fixe menu. Hey, it wasn't a business dinner, sadly. Despite that, we were given the same top-notch service as the high rollers. This is they way it should always be, but heck, sometimes it's just not. The food was just delicious - you get a lot of extras...the spoonful of soup, the candies at the end of the meal... Everything is simply top of the line, as it should be at a restaurant of this caliber. As I said, we were the cheapest customers, and our bill came to over a hundred bucks a person (pre-tip). But it was worth every penny.
(5)Drew B.
This was certainly one of the best meals I've ever eaten. We went on a Monday night, so can't speak for weekends there, but when we arrived the host and doorman both met us at the entrance, and we were immediately seated. I was very happy with the ambiance. I tend to feel a little ripped off when I go to a "fancy" restaurant and face a dining area packed like a can of sardines. The dining area was roomy, just elegant enough, contemporary, and understated. I would venture to say that there was about 10' between us and the next closest table. I only know ever so vaguely what I like in a wine, and was a bit overwhelmed by their extensive wine list, but the wine steward was immensely helpful in finding wines that we both loved. I believe that we ordered an 8-course meal. Each of the courses was inventive (hedgehog mousse? pop rocks in Champagne?), and used obviously fresh and top-quality ingredients. Without question, the scallops that I had were the best of my life. In addition to the courses listed on the menu, our waiters brought out at least an additional half dozen dishes in between (all in all, I believe we managed 4 or 5 dessert courses alone). I would certainly go back very regularly if I could afford it. The bill for two came out to be about $375 after a few glasses of wine each. All in all, the meal was well worth the price, and if you can find the occasion to splurge on a meal, I highly recommend Tru.
(5)Diana S.
Tru was one of my first real fine dining experiences. I had heard so much about it and I was also pretty obsessed with Gale Gand. She use to have this show called "Sweet Dreams" on the Food Network. Well I had the three course menu and it was very inventive and delicious.The portions were a bit on the small side, but I think that is to be expected. The service was a bit too attentive for me. When I needed to go to the restroom, a waiter would completely remove the table so that I could get up. I thought that was a little dramatic. Also, the lighting was really really bright. A nice little touch is that they have a few sample courses that they give you in between the courses you choose. These are on the house. They also give you a little treat bag to take home. Overall, it was a great experience, but I think I liked Gary Danko in San Francisco better. It was more comfortable for me.
(4)Matt W.
Took my girlfriend there because she had always wanted to go. The service was very on point. I almost felt like they bugged the table because every time we mentioned something to each other that we wanted someone would come along and give it to us. You go to the bathroom and when you come back they are waiting to tuck you back into the table when you sit down. The service is just completely different from most every other fine dinning restaurant I've been to. We both had the Prix Fixe menu that was not the most expensive but the one in the middle of the three. The food was very unique, very good. For the dessert they let one of us get the Prix Fixe dessert and one of us get the cheese but I don't think they like doing that. Anyway, definitely something to try and your girlfriend will have something to brag about at work for a couple weeks. Just know that you will spend about $400 or more and that is conservative
(4)A L.
Ever heard of the pity pound cake (hereforth known as the PPC)? Well, that is what we got when my friend and I tried to go and eat there tonight... My friend and I were dressed in business attire, just having left our clinic after a long day. We just wanted to enjoy some good food and drink and were prepared to pay for just that... Enter the hoity-toity host - I guess he took one look at us and decided that we were not worthy - and how did we know? Could it be the look of disdain when we walked in? The way he talked over the other (nice) hostess who would have let us eat but he said no? The way that he even prevented her from letting us eat in the lounge ("I'll have to check with the kitchen!" - as a note, they DO serve the lounge, unless, I guess, if they think you are unworthy.) And this is where the PPC comes into play - at this point, I was actually still willing to consider giving this establishment a try... but then he was like, wait, here, you can have this - along with our card so that you can TRY to make a reservation. It was a mini pound cake with their business card attached to it. I could have spent hundreds of dollars there (and even more in the future). But apparently, he has some better ideas of who he wants to let in his door. That's too bad, some other establisment will just get to enjoy the $$$$ that I would have spent at this restaurant. Oh, and the PPC wasn't even that good (it made my friend choke).
(1)Eric M.
I ate at Tru a few months ago, but Yelp was acting really flaky and ate 2 of my previous attempts to review, so let's hope a) Yelp is fixing their technical issues and b) this review gets posted and not minced up by their web servers. The service was quite nice and the pacing was perfect. The only thing I might mention as being not quite what I expected was when I asked the guy with the cheese cart about a lapel pin he was wearing, I expected something along the lines of a two sentence answer, but got about a five minute description on how certification for sommeliers works. It was interesting, but I really just wanted the two sentence answer and to go back to eating my cheeses. Food-wise, I enjoyed all the dishes. They bought out a little Comte cheese gougene, which was nice but not too exciting. This was followed by a fennel panna cotta with bonito, which I really liked a lot. Next was white sturgeon "caviar," avocado puree and hazelnut. I'd recently gotten tools to do food "spherification," so it was cool to see a good restaurant to it for comparison to my own efforts. The linear foie gras with blackberry ice wine vinegar and caramelized popcorn wasn't really to my taste. I feel like vinegar is a little too pungent to really be appropriate for foie gras, but it was an interesting experiment nonetheless. An heirloom tomato "salad" with white tomato mousse followed. I put salad in quotes because it was really more like a soup or almost even a granita it was so chilled. I love gazpacho, though, so I loved this dish. Next, the braised Duroc pork belly with illuminated vegetables was delicious. The fresh farm ricotta and corn agnolotti with summer truffle consomme had a lot of flavor and was quite luxurious. As a fish course, the Alaskan halibut with gingered young carrot was one of the most perfectly cooked pieces of fish I've ever had. It was so spot on. The "main course," if there can be such a thing among so many courses, was a glazed veal ribeye with spring garlic, asparagus, and wild mushroom. It was quite nice, with really great umami flavors. They offered a nice selection of cow, goat and sheep's milk cheeses, followed by a strawberry consomme with rhubarb foam. My dish only had the rhubarb foam, but it was still nice. The final actual course was a Grand Marnier poached peach with honey and vanilla ice cream. This was expertly prepared, if bordering on boring because everything was just kind of soft, sweet goodness. Finally, they offer an array of mignardises as a final bit of sweetness. I would go back to Tru. It does require a jacket, however it doesn't come across as overly stuffy or pretentious. The food is expertly executed and I think any dislike I had with food items simply boiled down to my personal taste and not any misstep on the part of the chefs. The evening overall went really well from the moment we stepped inside, to the moment they handed us a little cornbread/jam muffin for the next morning as we left.
(5)Marcel M.
You have to go at least once. If you are going to Chili's for your wedding anniversary, suggest this place instead. It is a long experience, but you leave stuffed! p.s. opt for the cheese.
(5)Matt B.
This is probably the fining dining experience I've ever had. From the moment you walk in, the entire staff is there to serve your every need. Tables are pulled out so you can easily sit down. The staff is more than willing to help you get to the bathroom while replacing your napkin...and that's before we even talk about the food! The sommelier had a fine list of recommendations that perfectly complimented their menu. The scallops, salmon and lamb were all out of this world not just in taste, but in presentation, too. I'd highly recommend the prix fixe menu. The selection and quantities were grea, not to mention the additional courses that came unannounced. With the quiet atmosphere of pure professionalism with the spectacular service, it would be tough to ask for a more perfect evening. From the welcome to the waiters who worked in perfect synchronization who were also more than happy to hail a cab for you, Tru provides an unforgettable dining experience if you're okay with paying a bit more for it.
(5)Frankie S.
Great, great, great, creative menu, definitely a treat. I loved the atmosphere. The service is what makes this place stand out from many fine dining establishments in Chicago and New York, it was such fun to watch, like synchronized swimming. Impeccable. I loved having the menu with our anniversary date on it as well as our names, so sweet, and something to cherish and remember the night by. Fine dining at its best.
(4)Erin C.
Definitely glad I had the chance to experience dining at Tru, but don't know that I would ever feel the need to go back (unless someone wants to take me??). The service was impeccable - I dropped a wine glass soon after arriving and they quickly took care of it like it was no big deal. They were attentive throughout the meal, although our somewhat rowdy group seemed to irritate them a bit. The standout item on our tasting menu was the lobster in a champagne & mushroom "broth". Phenomenal and a favorite among our entire group. The meat dish was lamb but since I don't eat it, I had the halibut instead. Probably my second favorite part of the meal. Otherwise, the rest of the items on the menu were somewhat forgettable (although the jellied amuse bouche was a bit odd and everyone just sort of picked at it). And dinner takes awhile.... The restaurant was very quiet and museum-like, but since we sat in the private room upstairs, I didn't experience much of that atmosphere.
(4)Krista H.
AMAZING! The food, the ambiance, the art work, the staff - all fabu! The event (not just dinner) started at Valet as they asked us for us by name. Seating was quick and the service was unbelievable. It is VERY expensive (1000 for 3 people), but if you can afford it, it is worth the cost. You even get an escort to the washroom. The waitstaff orchestrated every detail to down to how and when water was poured! As we left, we even got fresh muffins for breakfast! If I had the money, I would go back again! Hmmm....Tru caviar staircase! I must say that even after the very lenghty meal (3 plus hours and 10 plus courses), we were still hungry and headed to Sullivans for a nice juicy steak:) The staff was better than the actual food, but it was an amazing experience.
(4)Ryan T.
Tru was the one restaurant I really wanted to go, but missed out on during my first food trip to Chicago. When I finally did go I was pleased I waited because they recently introduced a Sommelier's Collection where the wines have at least equal importance. The Sommelier's Collection has one more course than the Chef's Collection which my girlfriend went with The Sommelier's Collection: Amuse: Jasmine-Scented Pear - Fennel Parmigiano-Reggiano, Smoked Paprika 01 SC: Grape Gelee - Crab Salad, Cucumber, Honeysuckle 02 SC: Veal Sausage - Sunchoke Cream, Celery, White Peppercorn 03 SC: Pheasant Consomme - Pomegranate Gelee, Cote De Brouilly 04 SC: Pork Belly - Corn Pudding, Granny Smith Apple, Pickled Leeks 05 SC: Hot and Cold King Oyster Mushroom - Avocado, Grapefruit, Caviar 06 SC: Smoked Bass - Carrot Puree, Harissa Panisse 07 SC: Venison - Blood Orange, Cocoa, Condensed Black Olive 08 SC: Bison Ribeye - Smoked Paprika, Blackberry, Parsnip, Malabar Spinach 09 SC: Duet of Brillat Savarin 10 SC: Red Wine Sorbet - Passionfruit Caramel, Plantain Chip 11 SC: White Chocolate Mille-Feuille - Apricot, Lychee, Strawberry, Cinnamon Mignardises and Lollipops The quality of the food seemed to vary wildly from dish to dish, with the standouts being the Pheasant Consomme, Pork Belly, and Bison and the low points being the Smoked Bass and Venison. Overall I enjoyed the Sommelier's pairing even though I thought the execution was a bit off. The complete review with photos and a description of the Chef's Collection can be found here tangbro1.blogspot.com/20…
(4)Ameer G.
We went to Tru for my sister in laws birthday. What an experience. This was one of my first experiences at dining in a restaurant of this caliber. Since going to tru, I have also been to alinea, and comparing the two, i would say food wise, tru comes out ahead. While alinea is amazing in its own right, the concept of the restaurant is just different. Tru is all about a great meal, no theatrics. Everything is very calculated at tru, If I had any advice, it would be to get as many courses as you could, because who knows when you will be back. The entire evening was very memorable, from the synchronized water pouring to the synchronized serving for the entire table. This would be difficult to appreciate in a smaller group, so I would suggest going with 5-6 people.
(5)Tom S.
This is a 4 1/2 star rating. Not as memorably or delicious as Charlie Trotter's, but a foodie's dream come true nonetheless. If you order the chef's menu, get ready for a never-ending event. By the time the dessert cart and then the candy cart came around I was about to bust out of my pants; portions throughout are generous, if not delicious and creative. The room is decidedly minimalist almost to the point of being austere. I did feel like maybe we were being rushed through such a big meal and the service was a bit staid, but this is a recommendation for Tru.
(4)Mike W.
My very generous girlfriend took me for my birthday last weekend and I couldn't have had a better time. Prime 112 in SoBe is the only other place I've had actual Kobe and TRU certainly didn't disappoint. A5 Kobe topped with foie gras is about as decadent a dish as you can create. Everything after that is a blur, but I would recommend this as a "dining experience" rather than simply a meal. And for the price, I suppose it had better be. Splurge a little, go to TRU at least once in your life, but do yourself a favor and wear a proper jacket and tie. The kid dressed like Harry Potter two tables over looked like an idiot.
(5)Ken L.
It's a high 5 stars before I went to Alinea. I'd give the food 4.5 stars but 6 stars for their service. Atmosphere and decoration are good. I always like the contemporary/modern style. I went there twice and the food were good specially the desert cart. I ordered the collection menu both time. Good things they change the menu every season. If you close your eyes and taste the food, you can tell what season it is. Service is top notch. All servers are nice and professional. Everytime when we lean forward and about 1" detached from the chair. 2 servers will come and move the table and pull the chair for you. Overall experience was great. I'd recommend to others. It worth for the price and you won't expect less.
(5)Dina I.
Classic Chicago. Have dined here once back in 2007. Good fine dining but not the best in Chicago.
(4)Erin W.
One of the finest meals you can enjoy in chicago. We did the prefixed menu. If memory servers there there over 9 courses when you count all the "extras". The service was amazing...it almost felt choreographed. Favorite entree item were the waygu short ribs!
(5)Leon D.
Ha! You're kidding, right? Never had a better meal in six years I've lived in the city of Chicago. Pricey? Yeah. A little snobby? Sure. Will you see at least one guy being accompanied by a "professional" date? Probably. All that makes for good food and good fun. Been there more than ten times, and it's never disappointed me.
(5)Candy K.
The experience was amazing and the grand collection....to die for. Had a lovely Valentine's day celebration at Tru.
(5)Kim P.
There are so many things to cherish about the Tru experience that it's hard to know where to start. But for those who often feel like good service is dead in the states, here is someplace that can show you the stark difference between eating and dining. You are warmly received by name as if they've been expecting you because you always show up at that time and date. Graciously you're shown to your table and seated like a perfect lady (or gentleman). Almost instantly two servers arrive on opposite sides of the table, in perfect sync and begin pouring bottled water into your glasses (reaching the top at the same moment) then stepping back - as if in a dance, only to melt back into the background. The food is amazing. You can feel the various layers of flavor unfold as the food dissolves in your mouth. The seasonal offerings are unique and inspired. Despite all the courses of food, I didn't feel overly full or uncomfortable. It's a luxury to dine this way, so don't come in a hurry expecting to get in and out quickly. But why would you want to leave? The desert carts are just over the top, and the presentation of every little thing is so artfully done, that you haven't just enjoyed a good meal, you've enjoyed a good evening.
(5)Nina B.
Why only 4 stars? TRU is a delightful indulgence in many, many respects: impeccable and gracious service, playful and intriguing menu, all amidst comfortable and modern surroundings. I give it only four stars because, while it was the most expensive meal I've had the pleasure of eating ($900 for two people), it was not the best meal. I went expecting ambrosial bliss, but came away noting it _only_ as a very pleasant meal and fantastic experience. My husband and I each ordered the Chef's Market Collection and accompanying wine pairings, as well as the near-famous caviar staircase. In the end we were served 12 courses, plus amuse bouche and other "little bites." It was truly a night of food! There were two courses that very nearly sent me into the foodie heaven I was hungering for: the roasted asparagus with shallots and parmesan; and the braised veal shank with sweetbread cappelli, carrots and veal bouillon. Both dishes were prepared with delightful layers of tongue dancing flavor that sent my head spinning. Oh, and I mustn't forget the dessert! An awe-inspiring accomplishment composed of chocolate hazelnut mousse, orange sherbet, and cardamom-scented oranges. Wow! Additionally I should note the buffalo mozzarella dumpling with green olive emulsion & black olive powder, served as an amuse bouche -- quite enchanting. As was the cheese course (the four cheeses I selected have disappeared from memory, quite upsetting). The wine pairing with each course was also delightful as an accompaniment (of which I was grateful), but perhaps not awe-inspiring in their own right. The much talked about caviar staircase was a bit of a disappointment, however. Perhaps it is my own fault -- while I am quite fond of caviar, I found the sturgeon caviar lacking a bit in texture and "pop." The slightly blander nature of this type of caviar truly needed the accompaniments of creme fraiche, red onions, and capers that were served. But what was lost in actual flavor was in part made up for in the overtly decadent presentation. The disappointments of the evening's meal came in the form of an over-abundance of foams and gelees. Every dish, it seemed, was steeped in this trendy food preparation, and as the evening wore on it became rather boring. The foam less so -- every preparation was at least ripe with exciting flavor. But the gelee turned ugly with the course of whipped salt cod and creamy potato -- a foul taste and texture approximating "fishy jello" as though whipped in the Bass-o-matic of SNL legend. One dish I wish I had sent back. Overall, however, the experience was quite positive. I imagine I will be back. And I will remember to order the wine pairings with each course, and to pass on the caviar. (And if at all possible, avoid the gelee!).
(4)Samantha H.
If you can actually justify spending over $600 for dinner for two, you know it's amazing. That's what it was! We did the prix fixe but added the Kobe beef as an appetizer, which was just amazing. The au jus was just okay for me, but the beef itself melted in your mouth. The sommelier is just wonderful. You can tell he spends a large amount of time pairing wines with each dish (what a horrible job, lol) as every single wine he picked (we agreed to let him choose for each course) was perfectly matched to the dish. He came out to describe them to us before he poured and they were all amazing! The markup was what you'd expect. I could never have paired wines that well on my own. He goes around to each table and asks if you would like his service and, if you do, he just keeps coming back each course. The service was amazing. The ratio of staff to guests was probably 1:1.5, which I've never experienced before. At one point the waiter came out to ask my husband (who is a picky eater) if there was something wrong with the cabbage he left on his plate. He felt awful and said no, he just doesn't care for cabbage. But I thought that was thoughtful of the chef (who I've seen compete on Iron Chef) to really want to know what the guests like/dislike. Unless you're rich, this isn't a place you'll visit frequently, but would highly recommend for special occasions. The service is by far the best I've ever had and the food was fabulous!
(5)RJ W.
Had a very good, but not superior, experience here. The food was excellent, aside from the souffle that never appeared. That is why it gets 4, instead of 5 stars. When one is spending over $1,000 for 3, the service should be perfect. And while it was very very good, we ordered the souffle for dessert while ordering dinner. When it was time to be served after a 2 plus hour dinner, we were told it would be another 30 minutes. Now, I am fairly well traveled and have dined everywhere from Alinea, Daniels in NY, Gary Danko's in SF, etc.. and the one thing they had in common, was impeccable timing. Tru disappointed on this throughout the night. It seemed as though we were never a priority. It was a Wednesday night, but last I checked, the prices are the same as a weekend. The food, however, was phenomenal. Not a single complaint there. And perhaps they have one of the finest cheese courses in the country. I only wish we had the wait experience that matched the dining experience........
(4)James B.
TOO pricey!! Good place to impress people who worship wealth or enjoy small portion sizes on large plates...
(2)Diana S.
By far the best experience I have ever had at a restaurant in Chicago. It is beyond memorable. It has gone beyond staying in my memory to entering my dreams. This place is the epitome of perfection in execution. The service is extremely meticulous. You are taken care of from the moment you enter. The food is intelligent. It is delicate and seemingly lacking in ammunition; however, each bite provides a whirlwind of euphoria. Ever been to a restaurant where everything has the same taste and feel to it? If you've only eaten at Tru, the answer is no. The only constant between the courses is the attention to detail; each course was a new challenge for my mind - which was unexpectedly put through a lot of work in order to process what my tastebuds got to experience first hand. If I could give more than 5 stars for the service, I would. I would give the absolute maximum. It would get the full 5 stars for service factors I would consider to be expected from this type of establishment. With reservations, your table is ready the moment you arrive. As soon as you get up, someone will ask if you are looking for the ladies' room and basically escort you there. They re-fold your napkin for you to return to whenever you excuse yourself from the table. All the plates go down at your table in time synchronization. You will NEVER have to wave down the waiter - one look and someone appears. They explain the dishes in great detail as they are presented to you. They have a great sommelier who is extremely patient and knowledgeable. I could go on and on for pages about how wonderful the service is but I won't. However, there is one more point I want to make in regards to service. There is one factor in the service that was extremely special to me and makes me want to give more than 5 stars. To preface, I look extremely young. I am - in fact - past my quarter life. However, I do not look like it at all. This is not currently a blessing - maybe in 20 years - but in my 20's - it is a disadvantage. Not only do I get carded 3 times in a bar the size of my bathroom (door, both bartenders) - I get treated like a spoiled teen who has watched too much Gossip Girl. I am dismissed often and given under-par service. This not only ruins my experience (although many times I forgive it - as shown by the high ratings I often give on Yelp) - but it is sometimes unfair to the person I am out with. TRU did NOT treat me like I was somehow "below" them - which yes, I've gotten even gotten at Cheesecake Factory (understandable - it's the downtown mecca of teenage diners). They treated me the same way as the rest of the patrons in the restaurant which means they treated me like gold. This place treats you like royalty. If you are looking to impress your date or make your wife/gf feel like a princess for ~2-3hrs. This is the place. If you got laid off from your job and want to have one "eff you" dinner using your severance - this is the place. It'll make you feel like you are worth everything in this world. Yeah. I had no idea a restaurant could do that either. After your courses, they roll over a dessert cart and formage cart. Everything is just *sigh* amazing. If you are full, they even pack up small dessert pieces of your choice into deep-purple-colored jewelry boxes and provide you with small home-made lollipops. If you think that's it, wait until you leave back through the black curtains - the host will give you a copy of the menu in a large envelope and a mini breakfast muffin for the next morning. What better way to leave an amazing experience than to be provided with goodies to extend that experience onto the next day? All those reviews that complain about how small the food is and how it's not worth the buck - I am completely confused. I was very full at the conclusion of our meal and based on the full experience, it is 110% worth the buck. But then again, I didn't pay. But I was happier than I've ever been leaving a restaurant - probably the happiest I have ever been. I'd hate to kill this review with an over exuberant display of fondness for this restaurant but it really deserves it.
(5)Marissa D.
you know how sometimes you meet people who are attractive, smart, successful, funny, etc. but no matter what, no matter how many times you tell yourself "JUST FALL IN LOVE WITH THEM AND BE DONE WITH IT!" - something just doesn't click? this is how i feel about tru. the service is, without a doubt, exceptional. the food, unfortunately, did not blow me away as i expected it to. halfway through the 3 hour meal i was ready to be done. and the desserts did not make me happy. i hate giving tru only 3 stars because i see how it could be a truly exceptional experience. unfortunately, it wasn't - and i still feel a little peeved that this potential epicurean dinner left me with a sour taste in my mouth.
(3)Brett F.
Drum Roll please..... for my 100th review I found it most fitting to review my favorite restaurant in Chicago, Tru. Technically this isn't even a review.... the menu is ever-changing so I'm not going to drone on about food that will likely no longer be featured by the time you get there. What you do need to know about is the impeccable level of service demanded of the staff at Tru. You will not feel more important or pampered ANYWHERE... the staff times everything in carefully orchestrated maneuvers to create a seamless experience of culinary and visual delight. Be prepared to have Tru be the only thing you do in an evening... there will be no bars, movies or anything after this meal. It will take several hours and you'll be in such a state of food ecstasy that the thought of putting one more thing in your belly will be unbearable. Rick Tramonto does such an amazing job with the food, it's not only artistic and beautiful but even more delicious than it is aesthetically pleasing (ding! ding! ding! this is how food should be done people). Be sure to choose a prix fixe option as dining a la carte here is for amateurs... you don't come here to compromise on quality or selection. The Gale Gand dessert cart will really drive the point home with tons of hand crafted goodies and lavender lollipops... Gale is also known to pre-package little desert cakes that they send you home with. I can not think of anything else I would rather pair my morning coffee with.... Tru is my one and only choice for special occasions and milestone dinners - anyone who knows me knows that this is my answer to treating myself or my friends to something decadent and extremely fabulous. As a Chicagoan or someone traveling in our fair city, you owe it to yourself to sample a Tru caviar staircase at least once. And to dine among the fine art original Warhols, Ruschas, and Kleins... tres chic!!
(5)jennifer l.
this place is hidden without any indication where it's located. It took awhile and walked around the same block prob 5 times before someone pointed to a door that took us to this ultimate place called "TRU" First, it's been about 8 months since I've been here but I still remember it like it just happened. this truly is what you call a fancy wancy no music, have 5 waiters for each table, everything white and silver kinda place. We had the 9 course, wine pairing ultimate course. Everything is portioned like an aneroxic model eats her food but it was perfect since we had so many courses to look forward to. Caviar with teeny tiny spoons? you are a God-send! Each wine pairing was brought out by a personal sommelier and was explained to us the region, ingredients and such. I just love listening to someone talk about food in European accent. Please sir, do go on~ Each course was amazing and made me really appreciate food like I never did before. Dessert was brought out in a rolling tray and we got to choose the ones we wanted. Of course, I only decided on 2 since I didn't want to seem like I'm at a Chinese buffet... The best experience about this place was my date. I have to admit, we were giddy and giggling about how quiet and stuffy the place was however, the conversation and how he looked that night I will never forget. More so than the place itself. When you are walking out, they will hand you a paper that has a listing of your complete meal with your name on it. BTW, it' pretty pricey. It's as much as an average person's month rent. So be ready to open up your wallet, and enjoy the ride~
(5)Shawn m.
Charlie Trotter's is gone! but TRU is here and it's TRULY amazing!!! This restaraunt is like a well oiled machine! Great food, Great staff...it doesn't get better than that! Can't wait to go back!
(5)Christopher G.
I have been to Tru twice. The first time was the night I put the ring on my wife's finger, the second time was to celebrate a new job. Tru is a choreographed experience from the beginning to the end. Everything is seamless as they take your coat, escort you to your table, to your fabulous dinner. My wife and I loved every piece of it, and it is a three hour experience (don't plan on dinner and a show). Tru is expensive, but it is very very special. Do not expect to see Gale Gand (from Sweet Dreams) or Rick (famous Chef) on-site . . but that doesn't hurt the food. Both times my wife and I went to Tru we ordered a three course menu and added an optional course (1st time Cheese, 2nd time upgraded the dessert to a 3 course chocolate tasting). Though the courses themselves are balanced (not cheesecake factory huge), we did not go away hungry. . .and I'm a big guy :) Nice Touches: Setting the plate for all members of your party simultaneously, the coffee cake for the next days breakfast, an amazing bathroom (if not that functional). Tru will always have a special place in our hearts. My wife and I love great restaurants and Tru beat Paris' Tour D'Argent hands down (ripoff), and is a little bit more of an experience than Gary Danko's in San Fran. Now that I live in Chicago I look forward to trying Aliena and Charlie Trotters
(5)Maria C.
I have never had a dinner like before. It was more than a meal, it was an experience. We started with the caviar staircase and that was amazing to look at and to taste. Each course was so beautifully presented that you almost didn't want to eat it. I hope my company sends me back to entertain more customers soon.
(5)Andrew A.
I am not a food groupie, I don't fawn at some pretentious display of food. If you are easily swayed by that, and you have dining plans immediately before or after your visit, Tru might be the place for you. I went in a group, and went along with the consensus, not knowing what to order. I had about six kinds of caviar in very small amount. Next, was some kind of foam or reduction, not really sure what the hell that is, but it was unique. After, I had what looked like glazed salmon and blackened chicken, without their respective flavors. The service was rude and condescending, which I suppose is obligatory for a restaurant of its type. A few of us went out for gyros after the Tru experience. We were really hungry and frustrated.
(1)Cathleen F.
"This is where really wealthy people go when they want to have a nice night out." --Joe, my husband, commenting on the over-the-top, upscale atmosphere of Tru. Bottom line: The food is amazing and worth the price; the service is fantastic; the drinks are far too expensive. We arrived a little early and were seated in the "lounge" while they set up our table. The waiter handed us a drink menu, and this was when we experienced serious sticker shock! A bottle of beer was $14. It was good beer (Three Floyd's Pride & Joy), and we're not opposed to paying for alcohol, but as my husband put it, "this was just offensive." It was unfortunate that this happened immediately, because it set a tone for the next half hour. It was at this point that my husband made the above comment. We sat at the table and the wait staff handed us our menus. The three-course option was reasonably priced, and included an amuse bouche, substantial bread choices, course 1, course 2, pallet cleanser, course 3 (dessert) and chocolates. Except for the pallet cleanser (which tasted like what I assume a lime-scented candle may taste like), the food was phenomenal. My husband and I shared all of our courses, so we were actually able to taste 2 appetizers (scallops and foie gras), 2 mains (lobster and wagyu spare ribs) and 2 desserts. One disappointment about the menu was there wasn't a wine-pairing option. That, I believe, would be a nice way to offer smaller amounts of good wine, paired by a sommelier (now that I think about it, I never saw a sommelier the entire night) at an affordable price. (Topolobampo has this option with its 5-course tasting menu, and we don't hesitate to do it every time we're there.) As for the service, our waiter really couldn't have been better. I believe he recognized when we sat down that we were feeling a little out of our element, and adjusted his behavior to be more relaxed to make us comfortable. It worked, and we began to relax almost right away. When my husband joked with him, he laughed and joked back. I was as impressed with his (and the others') service as I was with the food. The people are true (Tru) professionals. We had wanted to go to Tru for many years now, and I'm glad we did. I recommend it for the experience alone. However, one of our favorite things about going out for a nice dinner is enjoying cocktails and wine, and it was just way too expensive at Tru for us to do that. I found myself sticking to the one $11 glass of wine they had on the menu--regardless of what I was eating. So, unless the price of drinks comes down, we won't be going back. Which is sad, because I'll be thinking about that foie gras, those spare ribs, the sauce on the lobster and that chocolate cake for years to come.
(4)Peter C.
The food here was perhaps not as good as the price tag suggests, but the service makes the restaurant a definite must. I've eaten at many fine dining establishments, but I hadn't even realized service could be so good. I love the table settings too.
(5)A K.
Our visit to TRU was outstanding. We opted for a shorter menu but also indulged ourselves in a 10 gram service of the golden imperial caviar. Both dinner and caviar were exceptional. Every dish stood out with both presentation and taste. Really, one of the best and unique restaurants in Chicago, and well worth the money!
(5)Srini V.
One of the advantages of eating out in a large group is that one tends to get a range of perspectives on the dining experience, and that makes for interesting listening. And one gets to try a larger subset of the menu than when you are dining as a couple or in a small group. The disadvantages are all too familiar -- coordination trouble, lack of intimacy for personal or business conversation, "group think" leading to more leftovers, and so on. I particularly remember the Tru group dining experience for three reasons: 1) The sychronized serving 2) The rejected proposal 3) "Whale of a time" Tru represents the best that downtown Chicago has to offer. Soon as our group of eight arrived, we announced in true group fashion "One of us has to leave in an hour, three others will skip the dessert, ... ". They took it all in their stride. The servers worked as a team, placing the plates and silverware, and pouring water in a synchronized fashion. Tru was not particularly vegetarian-friendly as I discovered. But they were very accommodating of my requirements. For the appetizer, I had the apple salad. The "one hour guy" was served a sushi plate. And the rest of the group tried various seafood options. The wine pairings were done tastefully. And my vegetable plate was cooked to perfection. Even as my colleagues feasted on the halibut and ribeye, and generally appeared very happy, we witnessed something quite upsetting. A guy at the next table brought out a ring and proposed to his dining companion, who calmly rejected him. The rest of their dinner was seemingly quiet. Our conversation sauntered along on even keel, notwithstanding the incident. And the cheese selection that came at the end of the meal was the best I have ever experienced, anywhere. Quite an incredible array of cheeses from across Europe and outside. " " " " " " " " " " " .- , " " " .-----./ / _.--''""--., ' -. (___ ...-- " \ \ (o) | ' , .___. ,__ .---' / '---- /__. '--------' ` We each had our take on the Tru experience. And as one colorful member of the group announced upon leaving Tru, "That was great! We had a whale of a time!" I would like to return to Tru!
(5)Scott C.
We went to Tru to celebrate our 9th wedding anniversary not too long ago. It was quite nice to dress up and go out for a very nice dinner - we felt so grown up. The selling point of Tru is their service and it came through with flying colors - it was fantastic from the moment we stepped through the door to the time we left. Everyone from the hostess to the wait staff to the valet were attentive, friendly and helpful the entire evening. The food was good. It was not spectacular, unbelievable or mind-blowing. We did not have the 6 or 8 course menu since neither of us liked a couple items from each menu, so instead we ate from the fixed menu. We enjoyed the butternut squash soup (fantastic!) and the bacon wrapped scallops for appetizers. Then we moved to the braised short rib and curry lobster for our main course - both very good, but did not have a WOW factor to them. We finished up with dessert - sorbet served in spoons and chocolate mousse. The little side dishes in between courses were a nice touch, but the gelatinous meat side was forgettable at best. We enjoyed a wonderful bottle of wine with the help of the wine staff at the restaurant that really complimented our meal. Again, the staff was great and friendly the entire evening. When we left we were given pastries for breakfast the next day and our car was waiting for us. It was a great dining experience - if only the food was a touch more imaginative.
(4)Stacey W.
I recently attended a company holiday party held in the private upstairs seating room at Tru. I had been so excited to try Tru because of all the wonderful reviews I had read here on Yelp plus, Tru recently received three Michelin stars. This place should be great right??? Well, from my experience it is not. We had a five course menu with wine pairing, started out with an amuse bouche which was fun and tasty. Overall the food was good however, nothing that I would write home about. What really put a bad taste in my mouth about this place was the service. On several occasions people in my party had to ask to have refills on their water and wine and the wait time between courses was ridiculously long (between the first and second course the wait time was 45 minutes). I'm assuming that this restaurant holds itself to a higher level of service if you are sitting in the traditional dining area however due to the service that I experienced in the private dining room, I wont be returning.
(2)It's Me Nhi L.
Intimidating but one of the most amazing meals ever. It doesn't hurt that we had our beautiful friends around us to enjoy the evening. We ordered from the Collections menu. Simply amazing and decadent.
(5)Gina H.
Last night I went to Tru for my 30th birthday...forever I've been curious about this place after hearing about the impeccable service you receive, and I wasn't disappointed. First of all, after we were seated, I received a menu that read "Happy Birthday Gina!" which I thought was awesome (yes, I am easily amused, little things like a personalized menu will make me get excited). The wine list was extensive....and definitely skewed to the expensive 'untouchable' side (ie $500+ per bottle), but had some options on there that we common folk can stomach a little better ($35-$80 per bottle), or you could order single glasses. After choosing the wine selection we were asked if we preferred a white or a black napkin - having worn a black skirt I happily accepted the black napkin to avoid that nasty white fuzz you get...amazing! (again, easily impressed). As for the meal, it was superb - I started with scallops that were topped with a crunchy topping with caviar on top, and as a main course had some delicious venison (I've only ever had it once before in my life, and it's pivotal to have it prepared correctly - so this was definitely the place to get it!). For desert I had an apple crisp with apple sorbet - and the waitress sent out a special St. Patrick's birthday dessert for my birthday, which was also fantastic. Finally, (at this point I was ready to pop!) they roll around a little cart with various candies and treats that you can pick from (ie handmade butterscotch lollipops, little chocolate bon bons etc). The service is absolutely impeccable - these people really know what they are doing, which I suppose is important if you're planning on dropping some cash on a nice dinner. The atmosphere definitely skews to the older crowd, and was a little 'stuffy' in terms of the low music and extreme formality - however, it was overall a fantastic experience!
(5)Andrew F.
[For the full review with pictures, see the link to my blog on my profile.] Leaving Tru, I asked inly, is there a better one-star Michelin restaurant in the country? If there is, I certainly haven't found it. From my initial email correspondence with the restaurant's general manager to the deft handling of our table, every aspect of service demonstrated nonpareil attention to detail: the choice of black or white serviette, the synchronized clearing of plates, the sweeping of crumbs after every course, the ushering to the washroom (and the staff's militant commitment to ensuring a safe return to your seat) and everything in between. And then there was the food, which is almost without fault, especially on the savory side. We started the meal, as many restaurants do, with Comté-filled gougères, the ratio of which was tilted a bit more in the direction of choux pastry than I would have liked. But that's not to suggest that their starch program isn't on point. Indeed, Tru convinced me to end my year-long moratorium on consuming bread in restaurants. Let me explain why. Of the four breads on offer, I asked to have a round of rosemary impregnated brioche. With the gentlest squeeze, an indentation formed, leaving buttery residue on my digits. At that point I knew I would have to indulge. As for the more substantial items, three courses in succession left me genuinely puzzled why the rouge guide would consider the restaurant inferior to the townhouse on Armitage from the previous night. First, there were the back-to-back fish courses--a roasted striped bass with a sensorily balanced combination of brown butter purée, pickled daikon, white soy powder and key lime supremes followed by tilefish anointed with an umami-laden mushroom broth, shitakes, sake, ginger and soy--beautifully cooked with each fillet teeming with moisture and flaking into bite-sized quadrilaterals. And then there was the anticipation that preceded the Jidori chicken. First black serviettes were placed on the table. Not a minute later the plated dish arrived on a halved piece of timber. Finishing tableside, Aaron glazed the breast with a rosemary-chicken jus. With the foie gras cream, chicken crackling, quenelle of mushroom purée and pile of honshimeji, this was not a dish for the sodium sensitive, to wit, for me it was the jam. Not everything was as stunning as the first twelve or so savory items, however; a coconut milk snowball palate cleanser that formally transitioned us into the dessert portion of the meal had the texture of poorly made ice cream: gritty, icy and the mango-passion fruit purée in which it was sitting was cloyingly sweet. And then there was the penultimate dessert course--a half inch plane of dark, dense Valrhona chocolate--which proved to be tantamount to the experience of driving with a flat tire: one may be able to make a little progress, but eventually it becomes clear that one has no choice but to stop. There was just too much chocolate and nothing the timid pear sorbet could do to cut down on the dish's richness. However, with the unrelenting friandise that included, inter alia, root beer floats, canalés, mango pate de fruits and exploding chocolate truffles, neither minor lapse had the slightest wobble in my affinity for Tru.
(5)Aboud Y.
Beautiful dining room, impeccable service, and outstanding food. One of the best. Not sure if they still offer this, but the "stairways to heaven" caviar was amazing (and very memorable).
(4)Dan F.
I ate here a few months ago, and I keep forgetting to write a review. I visited on Tuesday night, and I hope for the sake of this place that they were breaking in someone new on the line. The food does not even come close to being worth the money. I ate there a few months ago, and only 2 dishes from the 6 course tasting stick out in my mind: The lobster was chewy, awfully prepared for a restaurant that is charging the prices they are. The cheese course was excellent. They do things like printing you a custom menu to commemorate your experience. This is something that might impress a suburban housewife that gets out twice a year, but honestly just seems kitschy. Go to Les Nomades instead. It's less expensive, and the food is WAY better.
(1)Rich F.
I went here with a group of business friends. We were all delighted with the evening. 3 of us did the 9 courses with Wine and 2 did the 5 courses with wine. The staff performed pretty much flawlessly with humor and professionalism balance perfectly. The food was excellent. the wine pairings were not only good but with some nice surprises as well. My only puzzlement is the one Michelin Star. Having eaten at Alinia and many Stared Restaurants here and in Europe it seemed to me to deserve at least a 2 star Rating
(5)Amin S.
I took my wife to Tru for our wedding anniversary, although we had a great evening base on our opinion and in comparison to several other high end restaurants in US, Tru is over rated and expensive! Decoration and the ambiance of this restaurant was wonderful however I was disappointed for the chef to serve a piece of chicken breast as part of the main course!! I would recommend Tru for Caviar and cheese but for the price you can have a much better dining experience at L2O or Next!
(3)christine r.
We went there for a special occasion and we had a remarkable meal: chefs collection with the wine pairing. The food was delicious, beautifully plated and elegantly presented. The staff focus on YOU, and are welcoming and extremely attentive, but not stuffy. I really felt like I was a special guest in their restaurant. The wine pairing really did enhance all aspects of each course, and was expertly paired to the foods. If I could offer one small improvement, I felt that each course came so quickly after the other, that we hardly had time to fully relax and anticipate the next course. Maybe that was because the valet told us that their service included 3 hours in the parking garage....maybe that was a factor? By the way, how great is that they provide you with a beautiful litlle pound cake/cookie to take home and enjoy the next morning with a cup of coffee! A reminder of an elegant night enjoyed!
(5)George M.
I have a long history with Tru. I've been trying to recreate one of the most memorable dining experiences and one of the best dishes for the last seven years to disappointingly medicore results. As a consequence, I cannot recommend Tru due to its inconsistency and high price. The sexy but overly theatrical wall street circa 1986 inspired decor is a bit much. There are one or two too many servers per table. This gang bang approach to service seems to only work well in Asia and I would recommend they scale it back here in Chicago. Very tasty desserts are a consistently great finish to the meal, however.
(3)Vaidehi T.
I would give Tru 10 stars if I could :) That's how outstanding our experience at Tru was. I chose this restaurant to celebrate our anniversary and was a little apprehensive as my husband is a vegetarian. But they assured me when I made reservations that they could make 9 courses all vegetarian. From the minute we gave our car to the valet till the end when we got our coats back - it was an amazing and the most luxurious evening. It's not just about the food or the ambience - it is truly an experience. I was warned that our whole dinner would take around 2.5 hours at least. As soon as we gave our car to the valet (who also wished us a Happy Anniversary) - we were walked to our table, and on our way we were wished at least by 5 different people a Happy Anniversary. The place has a dress code - it deserves a dress code :) We were a little intimidated at first, but after a few minutes we were put at ease. We were waited on by 5 people during dinner. We chose the 8 course vegetarian grand menu. I will not go into the details of all the courses, but let me say that the food was outstanding. It looked like art, and there were a couple of courses where my husband and me did not want to put our forks on the plate - because it was soo pretty! You always have 2 people working in sync : to bring out a course or to pour water or clear the table ware - it is like a synchronized and orchestrated show but without being too pompous and pretentious. The service was impeccable and the attention to detail was truly commendable. The servers were very knowledgeable about the food being put out in front of us and answered all our questions patiently. As for the food, let's say we ate the fluffiest of gnocchi, tastiest of potatoes and the earthiest of mushrooms. We tasted flavor profiles that we didn't know could be put together so well. It was an excellent menu and put together beautifully. Chef Martin is a genius. It was an amazing dinner, and was made special because of the impeccable service. It was a great choice for our anniversary date. I have never been to a Michelin-star restaurant, but Tru totally deserves it. What else can you say about a place that gives you personalized menus with your names printed on it to take home.
(5)Christian H.
Though Tru was a great meal, you should never go to Tru after going to Alinea. Tru had a great multi-course menu with some amazing flavors. The waiting staff were very kind, which you should expect for the price of the luxurious meal. The decor was very modern and relaxing. I went to Tru with three of my other upper 20's friends and we notice very quickly that we were the youngest people in the place. Tru was a great dinning experience for those who can't afford Alinea. I would recommend experiencing Tru at least once while you are in Chicago.
(4)Joe P.
Top of the line service and staff!! Made everything enjoyable and unbelievable for me!
(5)Kevin A.
This may be the best food I've ever had. Ever. If you're hungry for a huge italian or steak dinner, this isn't it. If you're in for a dining experience to blow away your tastebuds. WOW. I've eaten at Charlie Trotter's and I know that Rick Tramonto came from there, but to me, Tru is head and shoulders above. It's a "forever memory experience". Get the 9 course option. Heaven. A meal fit for God. The taste is wonderful but the texture is unexplainable.
(5)Miles H.
Oh dear again!? My experience tonight reminds me of the last time I went to Trotters (pre-Yelp) in 2002 where mid way through my 12 course seafood degustation the waiter announced 'they ran out of seafood (9:00).' Needless to say that was the last time I went there. TRU (no longer in intent, purpose, or name, apparently) Seated: Is Rick here and/or does he spend much time here v. his Northshore property? Not so much, but he's still a partner... Ok... Comment to stately server: only in Chicago would they serve a dried out, flavorless, insipid cheese puff as an amuse bouche. Oh no, the 'real' amuse bouche will be served next (!?), a tantalizing gilded cup of chestnut soup. And then the uncompromised beauty of their now-famous caviar staircase. Followed by 'a play on caviar' (read: fake) with many of the same set up accoutrements. Now I'm getting pissed. This is roughly equivalent to serving $100 an ounce Kobe beef and following it with 'a play' on beef of veggie burger. Talked to the server stating my concerns with what's going on and how we expect at these prices and our admittedly and necessarily high expectations that there's intelligence at work in the kitchen and the choices they make. He assures me, he'll get it back on track. Next course, hold your breath folks...another soup...here it comes...wait...of squash with the EXACT appearance, presentation, and by initial sense, flavor mix as the course we had moments ago. I mean what, is Kevin Brown advising on food here now!? 'twas with this, we said, let's cut our losses and get out of here before I go crazy. And we left, with nary a sorry, a 'we screwed up,' a 'please come back.' It was as if they were intentionally screwing with us and hoped to never have us back. They win. I guess what concerns me at a greater level is, are we losing it in Chicago? Yes we have Alinea and the ever-trendy food-science wave, but are we at risk of losing our midwest, thoughtful, adventurous, quality over trendy soul? This was nearly heartbreaking.
(1)Christian A.
Top notch service! The kind of place where they pull all your parties plates simultaneously and replace all your utensils so they are specific to your next dish. Lots of surprises and palate cleansers between meals. It looks at first like you're gonna be hungry right after your meal, but you actually leave pretty satisfied. The food was creatively presented and everything tasted very good. An awesome experience i would definitely try again!!
(5)Stacey A.
My friend and I refer to amazing food experiences as "foodsex" - because everything is SO GOOD that your eyeballs roll back in your head and you need to take a breather to calm down afterwards. Going to Tru is like, "foodlovemaking against a wall and then you black out and your knees give out and you need to be revived". Because it is THAT good. The service is impeccable - it's like a ballet of silverware and plates. Things are set down and taken away simultaneously, and every single person who works there knows more about food than I could ever DREAM to know about food. I literally cannot say enough good things about this place. It was my first five-star experience and it absolutely blew me away. So uh...here's a SAMPLING of what I ate: -- knob onion poached halibut, hearts of palm, pickled carrots, english pea nage -- duet of lamb, daikon, watermelon radish, olive, star anis lamb jus -- house-made porcini tagliatelle, condensed tomato, asparagus cream, parmesian -- frog leg, roasted garlic, carrot, watercress -- pan-seared foie gras, lemon confit, green vegetables Kids, I died and went to heaven at Tru. Most amazing dining experience of my LIFE.
(5)T D.
I'm not going to bother focusing this review on the food; you can read everyone else's review to get an idea of how exquisite and flavorful their chef, Anthony Martin, injects into his creations. But I will comment on how awesome their basil is. Seriously, it's like they infused basil into their basil leaves! Why can't I get those kind of results from my garden?!?! The wife and I decided to celebrate our 7 year anniversary here and we will NEVER forget our experience thanks to the staff and chef! When we were seated at our table the server provided us their menus, leather booklets with simple, yet elegant looking descriptions of their offerings. Upon closer examination, we realized they printed our names into the menu and wished us a happy anniversary! Holy cow! From there, we decided to order the 9 course Chef's Collection where the chef pretty much throws his entire arsenal at you; a full frontal assault on your taste buds. They say it's a 9 course meal, but they don't count the pre-appetizer, pre-mains courses, pre-desserts, post-desserts, etc, etc, etc, as a course! Needless to say, while the portions were small, the flavors were large and we did NOT leave hungry! So, not only did they provide us with customized personal menus, but they even brought out a mini-cupcake-thing served on a plate with a hand-drawn happy anniversary message with our names drawn on it prior to our dessert! Now, I feel like I have to comment on their service. Everyone working there is a professional and knows how to make their customers feel special. They were extremely friendly, yet personable and showed a genuine interest in making sure your short time with them would be the absolute best dinner experience you will ever have. Everything, from the non-soap stained silverware (I couldn't believe how spotless everything was), to the elegant crystal drinking glasses, was marked for excellence. For a special occasion place I couldn't recommend this place any more than I already have to every one of my friends! Seriously guys, if you're looking for somewhere exceptional to take your significant other and have some coin to spare and a suit/dress that you've been meaning to wear since last winter, give this place a shot. And then afterwards go for a stroll down Michigan Ave. This is seriously one of the best Chicago has to offer.
(5)Mark D.
This was once of the best meals I have ever had in my life. Service was top notch, presentation was incredible and the food was amazing. They really wow you here. One course was a caviar staircase that was delicious and I'm not even a fan of caviar. Loved the beta fish swimming in the glass bowl under the tuna tar tare! Truly a dining event to experience. I can't wait to make a special trip to this city just to dine here again. Tru is one of my favorite restaurants in the country. Keep up the good work!
(5)Milly P.
To be quite frank, I didn't go into Tru with the highest expectations. I had mixed feelings about Rick Trumonto after seeing him on Iron Chef and Top Chef Masters, but Tru has been on our list of restaurants to try for a long time, so in the name of crossing things off lists, we went. It has been a while since we did a tasting, so we did the Chef's Tasting menu. I also had two drinks, a sake-martini and the aperitif, both were phenomenal, especially the aperitif. The Chef's Tasting menu started with the faux caviar, which was very good. It surprisingly did taste like caviar. It was on a layer of avocado which I probably could have done without. It also came with some crackers that were pure buttery goodness. The next dish was the beet dish. I am not a big fan of beets, this was however, my favorite beet preparation to date. The beets tasted like fruit, rather than a funky root. The third item was the pea soup, I'm a HUGE fan of pea soup, and this one did not disappoint. The next dishes were two "meat" dishes which were not as great as the first three. The rabbit dish was a little bland, the wagyu beef ravioli was a little salty (the medallion of foie gras in the middle was still heavenly) and there was nothing remarkable about the broth. The next dish was a halibut and carrot dish, while I'm not a huge carrot fan either; I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed the concentrated carrot sauce. The fish was cooked perfectly; it practically melted in your mouth. The veal dish was very good as well, I especially enjoyed the selection of mushrooms it came with. The next dish was the cheese course. While we could barely understand the "cheese expert," we managed to order three different cheeses each. All the cheese were significantly different and all so very delicious. We ended with the desert course which was raspberry sorbet and yuzu crème, quite satisfying. We also got to have a selection of dessert candies from the pastry chef and a earl grey tea filled truffle - all very good. I also want to say, we really liked our server and the support serving staff. I just felt that they all just seemed in sync - no one was really off or strayed from the "mood" of the servers. Like many of my 4-star reviews, I was torn between 4 and 5 stars. In these situations, I tend to give 4 stars. Maybe there is a fatal flaw in going to these types of "fancy" restaurants in that I set my expectations too high. I wish the rabbit and wagyu dishes stood out more, and I wish there was a chocolate dessert.
(4)Jen A.
One of the best restaurant experiences of my life. Be prepared for a 4-hour dining adventure.
(5)Allen T.
I am confused. Very confused. How can a place like this possibly be a one star establishment? That's right. It should really be a two star establishment. I had enjoyed my meal here more than at Alinea the night before. Lemon vanilla mousse was amazing. Sweet and sour, perfectly blended together. White sturgeon "caviar", avocado, and hazelnut. Nice play on caviar, had a great sturgeon flavor with avocado, felt like a very good guacamole. Atlantic Skate was executed perfectly. Crispy skin, great flavor. I could go on forever, and ever. A lot of hits, some ok's but excellent value for the money. It was pretty darn amazing, you should go! Ambiance was super comfortable, service excellent.
(5)Brian C.
We went this Saturday for my 40th birthday celebration. I felt like we were on the set of Iron Chef. The plates were that out there. My appetizer was the scallops crusted with quinoa. It kind of had the texture of sesame chicken. This was a homerun dish. My wife had the Thai butternut soup. That dish had a presentation like no other. They brought the bowl out with the mussels and the lobster and the other ingredients in the bowl, then poured the soup on it, and added the foam. Food porn at its finest. My main course was the venison. I loved the way it was prepared, and all the different flavor options that came with the dish. My wife loved her halibut. Given what each of us ordered, I had no idea what wine would be compatible with both dishes. Chad, the sommelier, came over and helped us pick a wine that worked. It was a Sicilian red that featured the nerello moscalese grape. Given that I always want to try a new grape, it was a perfect choice. It went great with both of our meals. I had to tease him about all the Nacionals offered on the port list. ('Has anybody really ordered one of these bottles?' I asked him.) We had a nice discussion about the uniqueness of the Nacional vines. We ordered the dessert collection. This was probably the part of the meal that my wife was most looking forward to, as Gale Gand is her idol. We each had three desserts brought to us, along with a few other things thrown in, like Gale's infamous root beer float. I had a late harvest Malbec to go with the dessert (another Chad recommendation), and it really shined with one of the berry dishes. We would definitely come back here just to have dessert, if nothing else (because it ain't cheap to do the whole production). I don't think there is another dessert experience like this anywhere, period. It's funny, because these dishes all look so small, and you wonder how you can possibly be stuffed by the end of the meal, but it really adds up in the end. At the end, I could barely get out of my chair. We really liked the service there. There was none of the snooty treatment that one might fear at such an upscale establishment. If you're planning a special occasion, this is a great place to do it.
(5)Dave K.
The service was extremely attentive, the food was average and the decor kind of sterile. The exploding chocolate candy served after the meal was quite tasty, but I'm not compelled to return.
(3)Ann S.
I agree, the service was impeccable. The food was good, but not life changing. It was a nice special event place, but I won't return.
(3)Raquel D.
This was where my now hubby took me for my 25th bday. It is by far the best service I have received when dining. They pay such careful attention to you w/o being intrusive. My menu was personalized with a "Happy Birthday, Raquel". Nice touch. I rem the food being good - not the "omg, I've died and gone to heaven good" but better than average for sure. Your obviously paying for the stellar treatment, fancy food combos...and the overall experience, but hey, you should have known that already. They do have a chocolate truffle cart that comes by at the end of your meal - which is pretty cool. We got a little goodie on our way out and it was def a nice experience, but for that pricetag, it may be just once in this lifetime for us.
(4)tracy r.
Meal was very good although dessert was mediochre. The only hiccup is the wine pairing...so off...overall I'd definitely consider going back. I hear people go here strictly for dessert, and as someone who is a huge sweets person I'd say hold off....
(4)R K.
Disclaimer: I went here for a drug rep dinner. The food served at these things is usually inferior to what a restaurant normally serves. I'm pretty sure this was the case when I went. The meal started with a lobster bisque which was wonderfully rich but a bit too salty. This was followed by the main course, a beef tenderloin with onion tart. The tenderloin was not overdone, but tasted more like a sirloin than a tenderloin. How can a restaurant like Tru serve a cut of steak that is too tough?! It made me sad. The onion tart was delicious. Highlight of the meal: dessert. Gale Gand did not disappoint! I had had a terrible day prior to dining here and the baked chocolate mousse with raspberries made me completely forget this. I went home and had a dream about this phenomenal dish. I have a list of restaurants I would try if I ever felt inclined to drop $100+ on my dinner. This is still on my list. I really believe (and hope) a regular (non drug rep) dinner would be an overall outstanding experience.
(3)Whitney J.
Oh, Tru. You were one of two saving moments of my entire Chicago trip and for that, thank you. It is always a good sign when my Yelp review of a restaurant is short and to the point. That means you were top-notch in my book. So, here we go. We ordered the tasting menu and the chef was more than accommodating to the fiance's pescetarian diet... and even generous enough to keep one animal protein dish on the menu for him (because he is in the process of slowly incorporating some animal protein back into his diet after over a decade). The Sommelier was an incredible help, especially considering that when we ordered wine on our own accord, we ordered the last bottle so we had no idea where to start next. The service was impeccable and the food was out of this world. The wine pairings made the experience complete. Oh, the wine. That guy really, really knows his stuff. And the 125yr (or was it 150) Madeira was incredible... especially when given a much younger one to compare to. BTW, my new Madeira infatuation is credited to the Somm at Galatoire's in New Orleans (thanks, Coz), and I'm so happy about it! Our server was from Algiers! He was incredible! Tru was a wonderful experience that *almost* rivals Stella! GASP!
(5)R. E.
We had not been to Tru for several years, but had fond memories there of several wonderful meals. It did not disappoint tonight! Both the food and the service were spectacular. We are lucky enough to have dined at most top restaurants in Chicago and many others across the country. Tru remains a favorite and deserves to rank among the very best restaurants in Chicago.
(5)Mark P.
Simply the best service and food I've ever had. I wish there was another rating level because my other five star restaurants don't compare. Phenomenal experience all the way around.
(5)Evan L.
Went for the fixed price menu. After a couple of great martinis I had the scallops and ribeye and my date had soup and salmon. I would be more specific but I was in the moment. I look for value and got it even with the hefty price. It helps if youre nice with the wait staff but dont let them take over, have fun. Then theyre attentive without the pretentiousness. I will dream of this meal, loved the service. Won't be back soon only because its not a meal I can regularly afford.
(5)Summer P.
This is one of the restaurants that I've been wanting/waiting to check off my list for a long, long while. Expectations were high and I was really hoping/expecting to have the experience that so many other Yelpers have written about. In the interest of full disclosure, we were a large group (around 20) and we had the private room upstairs -- potentially leading to a somewhat different experience. First the service...it started out quite well...very attentive during our cocktail hour and for most of the dinner (though one of my co-diners had some wine spilled on her -- they felt REALLY bad). I did enjoy how calculated the presentation of our food was - always symmetrical. My personal bugaboo was that prior to the dinner, they asked if we had any special dietary needs/considerations; one of our courses was lamb and I mentioned that I don't eat lamb (we knew ahead of time that they would have a fish substitute for this situation). Now, what I probably SHOULD have said is..."I don't eat lamb or red meat," but hind-sight is 20/20; regardless, my lamb substitute was beef. It remained untouched for a good 5 to 10 minutes (which I know that our wait staff observed) until I offered it up to the others at my table. I was a bit surprised that they never asked if everything was alright or if there was something amiss. In addition, they also became obviously irritated that we were there so late. Now to the food...our passed hors d'Oeuvres were a combination of Toasted Shrimp and Herb Wonton, Lobster Roll, and I think the Mushroom Bouchee -- I enjoyed all three, though the Shrimp/Herb Wonton was my favorite. Our menu consisted of Seared Ahi Tuna with Hearts of Palm, Spring Pea Veloute (surprisingly good), Butter-Poached Maine Lobster (so, so good -- my favorite), Roasted Lamb Ribeye, and a dessert of Roasted Pineapple & Dense Chocolate. The presentation of each course was quite nice and I enjoyed being taken slightly out of my food comfort zone with the Ahi Tuna and Spring Pea Veloute options. However, it wasn't one of the best meals of my life (and I was still on the hungry side) -- which makes me kind of sad. Am I just a victim of having too high of expectations (like when everyone told me that "40 Year Old Virgin" was the funniest movie EVER)? Nevertheless, I'd like to try Tru in a smaller group and sit in the main dining room...I'm curious to see if my experience would be at all different (I suspect slightly so). Officially 3.5 stars but I'm marking as 3 since they made me feel bad for staying late and enjoying quality time with some of my favorite clients.
(3)Mai T.
I went here with my boyfriend for their dessert menu. We were seated in the lounge and our table was already set. The decor is very cool, modern and fancy at the same time. We had the dessert tasting menu and each ordered a dish! They were all so good and fun to try. Our waiter was especially nice and attentive to the both of us. The desserts was soo good, I am looking forward to coming back and trying their fixed dinner menu!
(5)jordan h.
I wish everyone could go to this place just once... I would rate this restaurant the best in Chicago - Trotters has great food also, but Tru has better ambiance and service. Don't miss the caviar staircase, and especially the cheese plate. Just don't eat out for a month to save up cash, and set aside five hours for the full degustation menu...it is SO worth it.
(5)Christmas D.
You don't go to Tru to "go out to dinner". Eating at Tru is more like an event in-an-of itself, like going to an art show or the theatre. A museum of consumable food-as-art, where the chef is the artist, the server a tour-guide. Which is good 'cause it's incredibly expensive. My husband and I went there for our 1 year anniversary. They had custom-printed menus wishing us a happy anniversary at the ready (impressive). I was 8 months pregnant at the time (so, sadly, no wine for me) and my husband doesn't drink but the check for the both of us STILL exceeded $400! We chose the chef's tasting menu in which we each received several courses (It's supposed to be 7 but was really more like 9), each using the same base but interpreted differently for each of us. Chef was very careful of taking my condition into consideration and not serving me anything raw (drag for me...I love raw fish). It was a 4 hour gastronomic ballet of tastes, colors and textures. The minute we walked in we immediately noted the seeming somber calm of the place, how quiet it was and the lack of color and adornment to the decor. That in itself was, for some reason, intimidating. We fully expected the staff to be snobby but were pleasantly surprised that they were not, but very friendly, smiling, incredibly attentive and accomodating. As we were experiencing our meal it dawned on me why they chose the atmoshere they did: so that it would not compete, in any way, with the food! They created a comfortable but bland environment to enable all of your senses to focus on what was in front of you. pretty brilliant, I think. The timing of the courses was impeccable. We were never left with nothing in front of us for more than a minute or two. A visit to Tru is something you save for a very special occasion or to really impress someone. Don't bother scheduling anything else around the experience...there's no need.
(5)Beth A.
Wow--so I'm definitely in the minority here, but I felt I needed to write a review because my and my husband's experience at Tru was so disappointing. We've been to many of the best restaurants in New York City, and when we had the opportunity to try Tru, we jumped at the chance. The prices were definitely befitting of a "top" restaurant, but the food could only be described as bizarre, even for our "try-anything" tastes. Most of the food we had there was cold, and the chef, whoever it was that cold winter night, thought it fitting to serve us everything in a cold, gelatinous bubble. I don't know where he/she got that idea, but it wasn't creative or fitting for a night where something warm and comforting would have been more appropriate. The wait staff, while EXTREMELY (almost to a fault) attentive, became more of entertainment for us, as every time they came to the table, it was in pairs, and almost as if they were counting in their heads, "1..2..3...AND....set plates on table", or "1....2....3....AND.....fill water glasses". There is something to be said for great, understated service, as if you almost don't even remember they've come and removed a plate, or filled your wine glass, etc. It shouldn't look like the "synchronized waiter games". Again, for the food, we were definitely disappointed, especially knowing that this seems to get universally good ratings, and because we spent as much as we did. I'm hoping that, as one reviewer noted, since the menu changes, others won't have the experience we had. Unfortunately, we'll never know....
(1)Cassandra O.
An amazing evening. Four of us dined for a special birthday dinner, and we found the service spectacular, which of course everyone notes. We loved though that while the servers were incredibly attentive, they were also not pretentious, and were able to joke around with us too. I admit I was a little nervous as many reviews have indicated that the food didn't live up to expectations....but we found that was not the case for us...the food was amazing!!! We just did the prixe-fixe menu and we all loved it! Words like...mouthwatering, so tender, you have to try this....were uttered continuously. The presentation of the food was of course exquisite, but the taste was also! This is a fine-dining experience, so of course the portions are smaller-sized....but iall four of us were absolutely stuffed at the end of our meal - to the point 2 of us couldn't even eat the little chocolates provided at the end. The sommelier was perfect in his recommendations - we left the decision-making to him, within a price range, and he absolutely delivered - the wine choices fit our food and our palates and our budgets. Overall, a truly magnificent experience!
(5)Anna V.
A foodie restaurant as it's mostly about the presentation, well worth the splurge! Wonderful wine list and desserts!
(4)abs t.
excellent ambience and service...the choreographed waitstaff is something to see... that alone gets an extra star :) The food.. was good, but not great. The appetizer I had I wasn't a big fan of (jalepeno, avocado, apple, something) - it sounded like it would be good, but wasn't (presentation was nice, though). The entree was quite tasty , but you can't really go wrong with salmon. And the "sticky toffee pudding" dessert was DELICIOUS! (I know it sounds scary, but it wasn't at all.. it was really good). Overall, great atmosphere, but just good food. The 4 stars rating is not so much for the food (food would only get 3 stars), but mainly because Tru is far and away one of the best service/atmospheres you'll experience
(4)Melissa P.
The food is great here but what really stands out is the service and the decor. When you're eating in Tru you eating in the presence of Warhols and other great pieces of art. The service here is excellent. The best I've ever seen in my life. When I ate here at the end of our dinner they gave us little cakes to take home and eat for breakfast. I was so impressed by that gesture.
(5)N D.
Wow what an experience! Everything from start to end was impeccable. The service was amazing and although it was fast, you never feel rushed. We did the eight course menu with the wine pairings. The pairings were well selected and were a nice touch to the already great food. If back in Chicago I will definitely try to come back to this restaurant.
(5)Jennifer C.
This restaurant has the best food I have ever eaten in my life. It is a truly an entertaining and unique dining experience. This is the first Michelin star restaurant I have ever been to and to this day this is the standard I hold all other Restaurants. If you have a special occasion to celebrate this place is truly amazing. You are not just going out to eat at Tru you are having a truly amazing entertainment experience. The service is so good, that I think they knew what I wanted before I did. The cocktail I drank was divine. I forget what it was called because I went a while ago but it was predominantly Apple. Gala, perhaps. BEST. RESTAURANT. EVER.
(5)Kimmy R.
Seriously I would give this place ten stars if allowed! If you want to be treated like royalty come here... they escort you to the restroom and back to your table AND give you a velour box that sits next to your table to put your purse on so it is at a height where you can get inside it!! Amazing... your car is heated and running and waiting for you as you exit the restaurant! And the food... joyous! Definitely do the tasting menu so you can try lots of different things. The only reason I came here a few years ago was because I used to watch Gale Gand's Sweet Dreams show on the Food Network... so glad I did! I
(5)Timmy F.
Super food, but very serious dining experience. This is a place for very serious food and wine fans. A once in a while treat though. The food creations were very cool though!
(4)A K.
Our visit to TRU was outstanding. We opted for a shorter menu but also indulged ourselves in a 10 gram service of the golden imperial caviar. Both dinner and caviar were exceptional. Every dish stood out with both presentation and taste. Really, one of the best and unique restaurants in Chicago, and well worth the money!
(5)Audrey J.
Four plus hours of synchronized waitstaffing, water pouring, dish serving, restroom guiding, wine describing, and dessert indulging. My friend and I both had the chef's tasting menu, and it was fascinating to see the two different interpretations of the basic foundation of each course. The location was all about clean lines and contrasting blacks and whites. As a dessert afficionado, however, I feel I can't give the true (hardy har har) full five stars because the dessert, which was much feted, no longer included a separate chocolate selection. Sad. However, I must say that TRU offered a new and exciting handbag experience: each individual's purse gets its own little seat. Charming, non?
(4)Lana C.
If you are wondering where to dine in Chicago, TRU is a must. Absolutely a memorable experience. Intimate restaurant, elegant and thoughtful in every single detail. You have to appreciate the unconventional taste in their design- with fresh almond branches as floral arrangements and artichoke table top pieces... Unparalleled dining, service and ambiance. Simplistic room with sophistication. Discriminate taste in art pieces displayed; consistent theme in their presentation as each dish served. Fixed menu. Menu changes up every time so I won't waste my time on the details of what we ordered. Small portions/ 9 course meals- but you'll be stuffed!! For a party of three- The Chef's Market Collection = $500
(5)Jess S.
This was a truly incredible dining experience. Once I got over all the rich people who are used to be doted on, I was able to relax and take it all in. Someone mentioned the syncronization. Dear god, it was crazy. The food was absolutely out of this world. It was really nuts. I agree with many other fellow Yelpers - everyone should go to Tru once. You may leave in-debt if you chose to go the full 9, but what an experience. I'm still wow'ed three months later.
(5)Don M.
Wow, this was truly a unique experience. If you want to spoil youself and enjoy a great evening you must go. When you are being seated they greated us by name and the attention never stopped. The sommelier recommended a bottle of wine and we tried is was very good. On to the food started with prime beef tartar, grilled diver sea scallops and avacado green apple salad. They were just fantastic so much taste and flavor. Then onto the butter poached maine lobster, white asparagus, bisque, orange -almond. Delicious. After your dinner out comes the cheese cart, desert and candies. I will definetly go back the service and food is just outstanding. Happy Aniversary to us.
(5)Not Eileen R.
Simply - the best meal I ever ate! It is elegant and every last detail from decor to the gourmet aesthetic of each dish is engaging. My fiance and I had the tasting with the wine pairing. PLUS the cheese, dessert cart, and truffles to go. Our first time spending 4 digits on a dinning experience. Worth it...YES!! We went a little overboard getting everything in tru epicurean fashion, but you have to treat yourself once in a while right! I want to go back - SO BAD!
(5)Lauren T.
TRUly an amazing experience! We started with the caviar staircase and did the large tasting menu along with the wine pairing. Probably safe to say we won't be ordering caviar again anytime soon but still a fun, yet pricy, first experience. The 9 course tasting menu was unbelievable. It was by far the most adventurous meal we've eaten. The service was outstanding along with the ambiance. We will be back sooner than later.
(5)Jean M.
I'll keep this review short. AVOID!!! Poor service, rude staff, with an unearned air of pretentiousness. There are much better dining choices in Chicago!
(1)Andrea R.
Everyone should experience Tru once, but just once. I went with my coworkers to Tru about a year ago and was very curious to try one of Chicago's most famous restaurants. It was one of the finest dining experiences I've ever had from the caviar staircase to the diploma they gave me at the end of my meal to celebrate 5 hours at the table. I think I may be too ADD for this restaurant, but I definitely app recited the experience.
(4)steven h.
Chef Tim Graham and pastry Chef Meg Glaus (sp) are some of the finest in our city. So much thought goes into every tasting. I would reccomend reserving the kitchen table for an evening of private dining. You will have a new appreciation for their ingenuity and professionalism.
(5)Adam K.
A culinary experience that is simply divine. Beats every other high end place in the city. Puts Alinea, Next, Everest, Moto and others to shame. Everything about Tru is perfect. From the moment you walk in, you know you're in for an experience that's different. I like that a jacket is required. It automatically classes up the place and puts you in a different state of mind. The food is spectacular and the wine list is nothing short of robust. If you can only eat at 1 upscale place in Chicago, this is the one.
(5)Aaron A.
A dining experience like none other. Go for an evening, take a lot of money, and don't sweat any details. Get what you want, be surprised by the service, serving plateware, and the team of waiters you have (who are multi lingual). Rub elbows with Chicago's rich and dine like a king. Savor the food, because there isn't much of it, but after 7-15+ courses, you'll be full, and you won't want to put a chicken wing in your mouth for days - it'd be like defiling sacred ground!
(5)Kathleen C.
Amazing experience for our 10th anniversary. Not surprisingly, service was impeccable, ambience and presentation were amazing, many things on the menu I'd never heard of and couldn't pronounce were delicious, and we LOVED the wine pairings. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because while I recognize that the price reflects the experience (and therefore don't think it is OVER priced, necessarily), I have been just as happy with meals that cost 1/3 the price and liked the food probably more, so can't give it the top review possible. Very glad we went, regardless.
(4)Anand P.
"tru"ly speechless. This was one of the most elegant and enjoyable dining experiences. Food was unforgettable. And to make sure we didn't forget, they gave us a custom printed menu when we were done that had the date, our name, and everything we ate (including the substitutions). Amazing service.
(5)jason e.
Excellent food, the best service around, and a memory more than a meal. I would give five stars but sometimes the food feels like an afterthought... and wow is it expensive. 6 bucks for a coke? Maybe with rum in it. Not to sound like a peasant, but there is cheaper and better food to be had in Chicago. However, you will never have a more memorable dining experience, anywhere.
(4)Shen L.
I was introduced to Tru because my roommate had brought home a few financiers, which were delicious and definitely heightened my expectations of Tru. My friend and I each ordered the 3-course tasting menu, and got to sample 5 of the 6 desserts on the menu, among other things small amuse bouches. My favorites were the lime & blueberry "vacherin," and the gianduja souffle. The service throughout the dessert tasting was painstakingly perfect, and it was almost perplexing for me to figure out how the waitstaff would so carefully and silently coordinate their service for my table. I would strongly suggest coming here for a very occasion...because if you're like me (and didn't really come for a particular special occasion), you'll wonder what type of place would top this for an even more romantic evening.
(4)Erica M.
This is by far my favorite upscale restaurant. I have been there about 5 times now and everytime is out of this world. It is very pricey especially if you get the wine pairings, but it is well worth the experience. I would highly recommend trying this place at least once. With the wine pairings and the chef's selection, you are looking at about $500 for two people. That is of course the biggest chef's station they offer, but if you are going to go that is the way to go for sure.
(5)Geoff M.
We came from Hawaii For our Daughter's Grad from Columbia College. Everything was perfect!!!!! Service was orchestrated perfectly We were shown much Aloha from the Staff and found them all to be engaging and interested It was awesome to tour the kitchen & chat with the Chef Food was amazing and we loved the Spring Citrus Menu (we had more than enough & left content) Wine Pairing was amazing The 3 hour experience so much fun!!!!!!!! When we come back to Chicago in a couple of years for Master's Graduation Tru will be our go to place. Aloha, Geoff,Lehua,Hannah,Anna
(5)J T.
Business dinner at Tru. Fantastic service for such a large group, nice environment and creative food. Iconic art, felt like a restaurant meets art museum in the main dining area. If you want to impress business clients, you can't go wrong here. Would like to try again on my own.
(4)Ron A.
The presentation, service, and ambience were great. But the food wasn't that great. Very original and inventive, but nothing amazing. I would have expected more for the $200 per head that we dropped. Also, we were running a little late, and asked to push our reservation 15 min late and were told nothing was available. But the place was empty that night with maybe 4 or 5 tables occupied.
(3)Nancy T.
This place is ridiculously amazing. I honestly don't feel as though I'm going to do this review any bit of justice, so please...do yourself a favor and just go here at some point. Tru is unlike ANY other restaurant I've ever dined at. I've grown up on quite a bit of fine dining, particularly in Beverly Hills...but this place is unbelievable. From start to finish, the whole experience is just amazing - it's like a production! They treat you like superstars! :) You walk in, get greeted, the lady immediately takes your coat and hangs it. Then you walk into a clean, comfy lounge where you can sit with pretty flower candles & a romantic setting. Immediately thereafter, they walk you to your table! At first, my bf and I felt like this place was pretty pretentious. Everyone was completely dressed up. I saw one guy who failed to bring a suit jacket, so they loaned him one before he entered the dining area. The waiters even spoke in a super formal manner, so we felt even more awkward. However, once the meal started to unfold and we realized that all that glamour is really just unexpectedly grand treatment, we grew more comfortable and actually started to really enjoy the pampering :) We both ordered the 6-course grand collection, but I noted that I have some food allergies, so they adjusted accordingly. As a result, even though we were both supposed to get the exact same courses, we actually both got to try even more food because we had different food for practically every course! It was awesome! While I initially thought that each piece of food was rather small and dinky (exact thought in head: "THAT'S IT?!" *insert utter disappointment*), I actually felt full by the end of the meal. They must do a great job of balancing out the nutritional ingredients or something! The bread was great - I especially liked one that tasted exactly like a freshly made croissant. Their beer selection was excellent, as my bf loved what he ordered. I don't even like beer, but I enjoyed the sip that I had too! I asked them to customize a blackberry mint cooler, which was super yummy and to my surprise, concocted very well. My standout dishes were the beet salad with sour apple gelee, the butternut squash soup, the pork belly with grits and the apple beignets with vanilla bean ice cream were two of the standout courses. TI should note that their menu changes seasonally, so you may not be able to order everything that I got - but keep an open mind! The chefs definitely know what they're doing and again, will gladly adjust anything to your taste if you have any allergies. I think what really made the experience even more amazing was just the fact that they throw in quite a bit of "complimentary" items throughout the meal. Now I know they're not REALLY complimentary because this place is so pricey, but still...it gives the illusion that you're getting more than what you paid for, so in essence, it must be a bargain! First, they gave us some airy puffs, stuffed with cheese at the beginning of the meal. In the middle, they gave us some pear mixtures and cucumber dishes to cleanse our palettes. Following our dessert course, they gave us these special exploding truffles with melted vanilla ice cream inside! These were a great party in my mouth! Immediately thereafter, they brought around this cart with a bunch of homemade treats, compliments of the chef. We tried one of each treat and boy, were these good! They had mini lemongrass macaroons, which tasted just like fruit loops - only fancier! Besides the food, I'm still completely in awe of the service. Throughout the night, they always pulled out the table (since I was sitting on a side with a booth), just so I could get out. Their staff escorted me to the bathroom. When I walked past a group of servers, they immediately stepped to the side and fervently apologized! I have never experienced such polite service in my life! They also changed utensils and plates between every single course. The servers definitely coordinate very well with each other and read cues incredibly well because they were always on top of getting us whatever we needed (i.e. swifty cleaning up our food, bringing us a fresh warm napkin with a pair of tongs, following up with the next course, etc.. They even rushed to make sure they pulled out my bf's chair, which was just exceptional to me - they really care about tending to your every need! I thought the night couldn't get any better, but as we were leaving, they gave us a printed out copy of our menu! This was such a romantic gesture and was such a beautiful way to cap off our trip to Chicago! They also gave us a parting gift, which were these homemade shortbread cookies with jam in them...yum! I can't say enough good things about this place. If you're looking for a great anniversary spot or just some great fine dining, check out TRU! Thanks to my amazing bf for taking me here - he spoils me :)
(5)Tina K.
Tru is our favorite special occasion restaurant! We've been here a number of times and have never been disappointed. The food and service are top-notch, the decor is sophisticated and elegant. Most recently, we spent New Year's Eve at Tru and the dinner went beyond our expectations. We had the 8-course tasting menu with wine pairings. The "wine" pairings were divine, including everything from sake to a 1976 Bordeaux.
(5)Natalie B.
Completely decadent! This is a great special occasion type restaurant. The food is inventive and fun. I couldn't get enough to the caviar staircase. Aside from being a great presentation, the caviar was just darn good. We had the Chef Tramonto's Market Collection which was amazing. I especially loved the soup served in the Limoge teacups. The dessert is obviously amazing since Gale Gand is a pastry genius. If money is no object, pair chilled vodka with the caviar and change up your wine with each course. There is a dessert tasting whoch I would love to try!
(5)choad x.
Service was Awesome! Synchronized water refills! 4-5 waiters for just our table! The dessert and the Madeleine Cookies to go were the best. The prixe-fix food itself was visually incredible, but so-so on the palette. She was impressed, however, I wouldn't go again unless they improved the menu.
(4)Rebecca S.
Valentines day 2013. We were guest chefs for the day. It was a but hectic since the restaurant was fully booked but chef Anthony was on it. We got to see the whole process from prep to execution to the 'oh sh*t' period. It was an amazing experience that I would recommend for a one of a kind date night. And after getting changed, we got to see the fruits of our labor...the food is to die for.
(5)Harpreet K.
Set: American Psycho meets Men in Black. Far too serious and humorless; lighten up! It's just food. This is clearly the Cali in me, but I feel like food should be presented from a "warm" place - not cold and sterile and littered w/ financiers from London. (Then again, if they didn't have this place, where would said financiers eat? Touche, inner voice! Touche!) The food was well-presented and executed; dessert was exceptional (chocolate bar!); and my company was delightful, so three stars. That being said, places like this make me die a little inside. A cold, bleak, plane-crashes-into-jagged-snow-capped-peaks-with-Âno-survivors kinda death. No offense.
(3)Belina B.
A wonderful experience on our Anniversary . Went for a 9 course Vegetarian meal with wine pairing. Felt like we were indulging in a artful dining experience. Everything was just perfect from portions, to the presentation . The Kohlrabi cold soup was excellent. Only wished they did not charge extra for the dessert instead of the cheese sampler we opted for, Overall a great experience.
(5)Frankie S.
Great, great, great, creative menu, definitely a treat. I loved the atmosphere. The service is what makes this place stand out from many fine dining establishments in Chicago and New York, it was such fun to watch, like synchronized swimming. Impeccable. I loved having the menu with our anniversary date on it as well as our names, so sweet, and something to cherish and remember the night by. Fine dining at its best.
(4)Marissa D.
you know how sometimes you meet people who are attractive, smart, successful, funny, etc. but no matter what, no matter how many times you tell yourself "JUST FALL IN LOVE WITH THEM AND BE DONE WITH IT!" - something just doesn't click? this is how i feel about tru. the service is, without a doubt, exceptional. the food, unfortunately, did not blow me away as i expected it to. halfway through the 3 hour meal i was ready to be done. and the desserts did not make me happy. i hate giving tru only 3 stars because i see how it could be a truly exceptional experience. unfortunately, it wasn't - and i still feel a little peeved that this potential epicurean dinner left me with a sour taste in my mouth.
(3)SAMANTHA P.
what else can i say that hasn't already been said? just go to tru...... simply superb.
(5)Eric B.
One of the nicest meals I've ever had. I suprised the wife with a birthday dinner with some friends and they even made custom menus that we were able to keep. It is pricey but I feel that it is far worth it. Some of the best service I've had or ever seen. Syncronized plate displays with the women going first, men second; cheese tastings that will blow you away, and a wine list that goes on for days. Every single dish was unique, carefully thought out, and the overall experience was amazing. Couldn't reccomend it enough. Expensive but worth it.
(5)Tammy T.
First class service for sure ! I felt like I was being served by the secret service ! Overall great food . Fine dining at its best. The menu is fixed . Guys if you want to impress a girl , this is the place !
(5)Robin C.
I went to dinner here last night. I have to say that overall the food was fairly amazing. It wasn't as unique and as fun as Moto, but the flavors in each of the 14 dishes were something that left me speechless at a few points. For a 14 course meal, it took us about 2 hours to cruise through it. Each of the savory courses were so delicious that I wish I could have a had a full sized course of each. Each of the desert courses were so decadent that I felt like I was on a sugar high. The service was flawless. I would highly recommend this to anyone that enjoys experiences like these.
(5)Daniel W.
I took my wife here for her birthday. The food was great. We were deciding between the tasting menu and the extended tasting menu. Our 2 favorite dishes ended up being on the extended menu. Definitely worth it!
(5)Jonathan C.
Excellent food, presentation, services, and drinks. Overall, Tru lived up to its expectation. Needless to go into each dish since most people already did. You must at least try this place once. p.s. love the versace cup they used to serve the soup!
(4)a h.
I went to TRU about 5 years ago for my birthday. I still think back fondly on that night as THE greatest dining experience I've ever had...and I've eaten at a lot of restaurants in Chicago and throughout the world. Bill was $300 per head (with tip), but it was completely worth it. They have trained their staff so that serving is an ART. The food is so imaginative, presented so beautifully, and so delicious. I still think about the caviar staircase, the most amazing soup I have ever had, and the phenomenal dessert. I think I've talked myself into splurging again at TRU very soon!
(5)Tiffany C.
I would give 6 stars if I could. It was not a dining but rather an experience. Not another typical upscale restuarant. Be sure to try if you get a chance.
(5)Jaclyn C.
Tru is definitely my number one when it comes to expensive cuisine. I have been to Avenues and Charlie Trotter's and Tru just stands out to me. Don't get me wrong, the food at Avenues and Charlies Trotter's are divine, however the entire experience and Tru definitely blew me away. My Husband and I got a gift card for our wedding and we were so excited cause we'd wanted to try it. Upon arrival you are treated like royalty. EVERYONE, not just your server is helpful and very polite. The place itself is beautifully decorated, very posh and upscale. We ordered a nice bottle of wine and the bread tray comes and you can pick what you want. We chose the Grand Tasting Menu and it was a ton of food. Everything tasted amazing, it was "orgasmic". And being a cheese lover, i was a sucker for the infamous cheese cart. Yes, I couldn't help myself. Then comes the dessert cart, they have so many small bites and varieties. And, they come back if want so if you didn't get everything you wanted, no worries. To top off the evening, they give you a very nice personalized printout with your name, your menu and the date. I know, it's so simple but adds a very nice touch. Now all this does come with a pricey tag. We have a $250 GC and it covered half. It was definitely worth it and a memorable experience. Not a typical dinner/date place but for a very special occasion, I'd go with Tru above the rest.
(5)Matt G.
Hands down, the best restaurant in Chicago. I've been to Trotter's, Everest, Spiagia, L2O...you name it. This place did it all for me.
(5)Jennifer C.
Tasty. Luckily, I went on someone elses dime. My one complaint is the number of dessert courses they try to cram down your throat. As for the service-it's impeccable. One of our servers said this as an aside: "Must walk in counterclockwise circle or my head will explode."
(5)Ryan H.
Rating: Superb Phenomenal, creative, classy. Some of the words that immediately come to mind when I think of my visits to Tru. One of the finest restaurant in the city, without a doubt. Having been fortunate enough to try many top restaurants in the country, Chicago's Tru ranks up there with the best. I first encountered the talented Executive Chef Rick Tramonto at Trio Evanston and his style, selection and implementation of the menu items is truly (sorry-couldn't resist) spectacular. Definitely get the Grand Tasting Menu, incorporating a wide variety of courses giving the customer a solid feel for culinary nirvana. If you go to celebrate a special occaision, be sure to mention it when making a reservation as the staff is extremely attentive and will even create a customized menu for you--a must if you want to recall the whirlwind of preparations and ingredients. A must try, but plan on around $160 per person without drinks for the Grand Tasting Menu, block out 3 hours and Let the Good Times Roll!
(5)Kelly D.
I went to TRU about 4 years ago. This was my first real fine dining experience. The place felt a little intimidating because I wasn't really sure how to sit, act..eat some of the foods. But once I tried the cavier staircase, it quickly melted away. By far my two favorites were the marinated tuna dish that sat on top of a bowl with a beta fish swimming underneath my plate and the HUGE dessert carts with homemade lollypops and chocolates. My bf at the time had called ahead and the staff was even kind enough to print "Will you go to prom with me?" on my menu. Best dining experience to date.
(5)katie m.
I wish I could give 3 1/2 stars, but I'll have to go with 3. Admittedly, I generally wasn't a happy camper while living in Chicago. Feel free to add a star to any of my Chicago reviews. Tru just didn't measure up to the standard set by French Laundry (or even Gary Danko). The service was impeccable, but the food didn't blow my mind and the dining area was too large. The bar area and entrance are perfect, but the actual dining room feels cavernous. I am a huge fan of clean, modern lines, but the far-too-high ceiling and lighting distracted me from the food and made me feel somewhat self-conscious. The tables are spaced far enough apart that conversations stay relatively private, but the spaciousness made me more aware of wait staff approaching the table than I would have liked. It was a fun birthday splurge, but I don't think I'll ever be back.
(3)Stan W.
Is any dinner worth $175-200 a head? This one was...but it was much more than a dinner - just a fantastic experience. I loved how they let us swap in dishes from the main menu into the tastings. So accommodating and flexible, and at no additional cost. The no additional cost thing was one of the themes of my night as they kept piling on the free courses. On top of our 6 course tasting menus, we got 2 amuse bouches, a pre-dessert, all the post dessert candies we could want from a cart, a cake bite with candles for my birthday, a black pepper rootbeer float, some amazing truffles with the check, and muffins to bring home on our way out. That's like 8 extra courses. Some of the high end places only give you a little bit of the fancy bread, but not Tru. DEFINITELY got our money's worth and left with bellies full. The other theme of the night was the service. Completely seamless, high class, and beyond professional (although just a tad bit stuffy). When you go to the bathroom, someone will escort you ALL the way there. Someone else will fold your napkin, brush off your seat with it, then dispose of it, while another person brings in a brand new napkin holding them with a set of tongs so that it is pristine virgin for you to wipe your mouth with when you get back. I loved the tongs trick - hilarious. They sweep the crumbs off your table after every course, even if there aren't any. They will never, ever reach over you to present a dish or clear one. And when they pour your water, they do it in unison with multiple staffers. I've been to plenty of the other fine dining establishments and while most try to achieve a similar level of service none were as top notch as Tru. I imagine this is what being a king is like. And I haven't talked about the food. Every course was simply fantastic. We asked to swap in the ribeye and short rib into our 6 course tastings and they were fantastic - real stand outs. The porcini pasta course was also something to remember. Very complex flavors throughout each dish, but nothing too strange or unfamiliar or trying too hard. The desserts, candies, and truffles were especially good, with distinct, interesting, and sometimes unusual flavors. If I could eat here every week, I would. But for a splurge, this is definitely the place to go. It could even be the place to go for just a plain nice dinner if you don't mind spending a lot and getting a lot.
(5)Ann S.
Fully expecting to be told No, we contacted TRU two weeks before our wedding anniversary to see if the Kitchen Table was available. Luckily for us, due to a cancellation, it was available! So, we booked the Kitchen Table and were very much looking forward to our evening. Two days later, the private dining coordinator, Ruthann Gagnon called to tell us that she made a mistake, and that the Kitchen Table was not available. A restaurant of this caliber should not make such a mistake in the first place, even worse to take two days to notice the mistake. It seems more likely that we just got bumped for 'important' people. Ruthann did reserve a private dining room for us at TRU's sister restaurant, a seafood place, but the room was not at all what we had in mind - can't see the kitchen, have to sit at floor level, etc. So we made arrangements elsewhere for our anniversary dinner. Extremely disappointing.
(2)Andrew F.
Maybe a bit past it's prime of a few years ago, but still an excellent choice in the Windy City. Food presentation is a stand-out.
(4)George D.
I was given a bunch of Lettuce Entertain You gift cards recently, and I decided the right way to use them was to burn them all in a blaze of glory. So that's how my girlfriend and I ended up at Tru on a random Thursday night, celebrating nothing in particular. Now though, I wish I'd split them up and gone with a couple free dinners at Cafe-Ba-Ba-Reeba or Mon Ami Gabi. Or maybe even five free dinners at RJ Grunts. The night started off great-- sitting in an SUV parked right outside the restaurant were Heather Graham and the guy who played Vern in Stand By Me. I'm not sure if that's a permanent gig for them, or what, but I really appreciated the effort Tru made to make the night seem special. Anyway, Tru gets a big A+ for service. All your needs are accounted for, and every function the staff performs is choreographed to perfection. Because of the professionalism of their servers, Tru absolutely shines when it comes to things like the cheese course and the wine list. Our server could speak at length about every bottle of wine I mentioned, and the doling out of cheeses is a ten minute experience in which you learn about things like vegetable ash and it's ability to pull the moisture out of goat cheese. Where Tru does NOT shine is the food. I don't want to be misunderstood-- it's not that I thought any of the food was bad... in fact, everything we had was very good. But make no mistake, this is one of the most expensive restaurants in the city. At this price point, you're not looking for a good dinner, you're expecting culinary artistry. And the flavors here just don't meet the expectation. We both had the Chef's Collection, a 9-course tour of the chef's abilities. It's only about 12 hours after we left the restaurant, and I'm having trouble remembering most of the courses we had. Am I being incredibly hard on Tru? Absolutely. But when dinner approaches $500 for two people, a restaurant should be held to the highest standard. At Alinea, for instance, each of the 12 courses you're served is like a revelation. You find yourself amazed at the genius of the chef, as he combines three and sometimes four distinct flavors into a perfectly balanced single bite of food. Tru, quite frankly, is just not as good. And I may not be the only one who thinks so... We made our reservation only seven days in advance. Alinea or Trotter's would have been impossible on that little notice. But even though Tru appeared to only have half of the seating area open on the weeknight we were there, we were still able to get in at 7:15.
(3)Steven M.
I thought that I hit the pinnacle of my dining career when I ate at Everest. Ah, No. This was the best vacation that I have ever taken away from the real world. Where do I start? When you walk in through the black curtains and they seat you by name. Or when they poured the water into our glasses, it took two servers. When they gave us our menu's they had Happy Anniversary Don and Steve at the top. The sommelier recommended a bottle of wine that was 100 bucks. No problem, it was very good. But when I saw another bottle go by, and they have quite and extensive list it made me feel had. So for my second try I shot from the hip and ordered a Spanish wine, Dei La Leda. It was 50 bucks and she smiled and told me that she wouldn't be mad for making my own selection because it was a very good choice. And it was better than the first. We started with prime beef tartare, grilled diver sea scallops, avocado green-apple salad and nantucket bay scallops. I can't tell you how much flavor came out of such small portions. They also gave us pumpernickel bread that was delicious. We both had the butter poached maine lobster with white asparagus bisque, orange, almond. I don't think I need to say anymore about that. They bring around a cheese cart when your finished with your main course. Then the dessert menu. My only complaint was the souffle' took 30 minutes. The Everest asked if you want it to order it at the begining of your meal. Yes I wanted it, but I had been there for two and a half hours already. After desert they came out twice with homemade candies that you would kill for. And to top it off they had a torte with our names and anniversary scrolled in frosting on the plate. The Startrak kitchen door was great entertainment. Every time it opened the servers would come out in a straight line and attack your table from every angle. The decor is non existent. Everything that you need to look at is on your plate. I don't know what could have made the night any better. If you ever need to get away from what the world has been flingin at you for a couple of hours, this place will make you forget about it all. This is my new favorite restaurant.
(5)Eric H.
Technically there was nothing flawed about our experience - there was just nothing exceptional about it either. The service was excellent. But the rigidness of our meals coupled with the unoriginal banality of our food left me contemplating the let down in value moreso than anything. I found the atmosphere to be stiff and pretentious rather than elegant and inspired. The requirement for us to elect the same tasting menu made our dining monotonous. I recollect most courses being predictable and 2 dimensional. For instance, my peeky-toe crab salad tasted of black pepper, watery shell fish, and mayonnaise. My most delectable food - a caviar flight and a bottle of Flowers - was prepackaged and required supplements. In my opinion Tru caters well to traditional-styled executives with parochial tastes. For the same cost, I would much rather opt for 2 meals at most other Chicago 1-star Michelin restaurants or a meal at a more highly rated venue.
(3)David W.
It works. The atmosphere, detail in service, polished food, as a whole, it works. The wife was impressed with the chair for her purse, I think the replacing of your napkin while you are at the restroom is borderline unnecessary, but from the valet, amuse bouche, polished food and dessert to the little cake (that takes three days to make) they give you to take home to have next morning with your coffee... Everything is thought out... Go on your birthday, they print a menu with a special message. The wife and I have even been just for the dessert only sitting. I think you are allow to book it after 10:30pm or 11pm. We usually goto a play/show or opera, and head there for a late night dessert. Couple a glass or two of champagne with Gand's dessert tasting is the perfect way to end date night.
(5)Eric F.
Tru is ballet for food. If you have a chance to dine at Tru, go. At first I felt a little silly -- are they serious about this performance they put on? It's just food. I even laughed once. But if you just get into it and accept it for what it is (part food, part performance), you'll have a ball. My only regret is that we didn't spring for the caviar staircase.
(5)Andrea V.
Tru was just not up to what it should have been. The service was excellent, if a little cold. But the food was not up to snuff for a place like this. When I'm spending $250+ per person, I want to be blown away by the chef's creativity and have a wonderful memory to hold me until I can dine at another super high-end restaurant (which is infrequent, but I have been to several so I know what to expect). Some of the dishes weren't just boring, they were actually bad. If you really want to go, I suggest the dessert tasting. The desserts were wonderful and amazing and didn't disappoint a bit.
(3)Tom C.
All I can say is 'Wow". This place is hands-down the best place I have ever been to.
(5)Jennifer G.
This restaurant does not deserve the good reviews it is given in Zagat. The atmosphere is cold to the point of being almost sterile, the service is haughty and the food is only so-so. It does not compare with Nomi, Trotters, Les Nomades, Spring or even North Pond. Seriously, we have been there for dinner three times - only once by choice - and it is totally not worth its 28 food, 27 decor, or 28 service rating by Zagat. Do not waste your time or money.
(3)Jason A.
After talking to a couple of folks in Chicago on what is thee restaurant to visit on our trip over there, the restaurant that came up was Tru. First off, gentlemen need to wear a jacket at all times. A little more strict than French Laundry. The service was out of this world. For example when they filled my fiance and my glass of water, two waiters came up from both sides of the table and at the same time filled our glass doing a courtesy once they were done. The food was French Fusion and we opted with the 3 entree dinner. it started off with beef tartar (excellent presentation and mixture of flavors) and foie gras (nothing too special). Main dishes were the veal trio (a little disappointing and the sweetbread sucked) and the lobster (can I please have a little more lobster meat?) In between we were given soups on a spoon here and there. The stand out of this place was dessert. Dessert included: cheese plate small root beer floats chocolate and blueberry souffl espresso mouse chocolate indulgence little French cookies chocolates to go All we requested was for cheese and chocolate indulgence. It helps to talk about the Cubs in this town. Overall, food was slightly above average, dessert was excellent and service was outstanding. PRICEY $$$$
(4)Grace L.
We've been here for dinner and just for dessert. Here's the thing, you hear all the hoopla and I think it's easy to get disappointed. The service here is impeccable, the room is classic, attention to detail is fascinating, and the delivery of the food is smooth. The food is not so up to par, albeit interesting combinations and tastes. For example, I had the short rib with unagi...wonderful food, but not close your eyes savory good. In fact, I separated the food on my plates and it was amazing just on its' own. It was definitely more appealing to your eyes than your stomach. Now, that being said, the desserts are worth the couple hour seating. We went to celebrate a birthday and we had the three course dessert. The desserts were amazing little pieces of art themselves and the taste so much more pleasurable. They had printed out a little copy of the menu of the night with the birthday person's name and date...it was a nice touch.
(4)Laura P.
I haven't been here in years but still remember the stellar food, service, caviar staircase, whimsical desserts by Gale Gand, and the cute purse stools. One detail that I love most about Tru are the restrooms! The waterfall sink is enough to inspire jealously or a trip to Kohler, Wisconsin. Seriously. After all these years, I've made mental notes on how much or how little detail is put into a restaurant's bathroom. Tru is tops on my list.
(5)S K.
Fantastic! One of a few places with true service- the kind that would be unaffordably overstaffed in almost all restaurants. Sophisticated atmosphere. Reservations required. Dress shirt at minimum; good sport coat or a properly fitted suit would be perfect. If nothing else, try the 3 course dessert tasting menu; Gale Gand knows what she's doing.
(5)Cynthia L.
I have dreamed of eating here for several years before I finally had the opportunity this past birthday. Oprah raved about Tru, friends raved about Tru, but sadly, I am not going to 'rave' about Tru. I was disappointed. Perhaps I expected more than it could produce. But come on, it's TRU!! The 3 course prix fixe menu was ok for me but we ordered an extra appetizer. Why do the apps always sound more appealing than the entrees?? Anyway, we ordered the prime beef tartare with a golden egg, the peeky toe crab salad, prime beef ribeye, and moroccan lamb three ways. The prime beef tartare was by far the tastiest. The golden egg is worth it! It's a raw egg yolk enveloped by edible gold leaf. How euphoric!! It was well-seasoned and accented by the saltiness of the parmesan tuile. I could eat this over and over again. The peeky toe salad was fresh tasting. Not particular satisfying in any way. The eggplant, crab and vinaigrette all had about the same taste. I must not have gotten enough of the acid on my plate because it tasted bland to me. I love peeky toe which on its own is very sweet but the eggplant puree took away from the peeky toe. The entrees were not memorable therefore I won't really write about them. Needless to say not the best performance by Rick Tramonto (I don't know even know if he was working that night)! Plus our waiter was a little odd and unattentive. Not really worth the price.
(2)Jennifer S.
I am going to mention the importance of making a reservation way way in advance for Tru. We called in Nov to get the reservation for end of Jan on a Saturday night and the best they had was 8:45 which is a touch on the late side for us. So, that being said--if you want a Saturday night @8pm, I would say call 4 months in advance to be safe. Our head waiter/captain was wonderful...His name is Israel. My husband and I each had a "collection" but it all needed to be modified as we are vegetarians who do not eat shellfish. The food was delicious. The sashimi course was great, the fish just about melted on our tongues. There was also a salmon course and a black cod- both were prepared beautifully and tasted excellent. There was a mushroom ravioli course that I did find a bit odd. It was essentially 2 mini crepes with some sauteed mushroom in between them. The taste was good but I wouldn't call it "ravioli". The two standouts of the evening for us were: the dessert cart and the cheese cart. Both are wheeled over to the table and the cheese selections were prepared tableside. Very charming. And, a great selection of cheeses. The dessert cart is adorable, complete with "gourmet" lollipops. I didn't love anything that I ate from the dessert cart but it was cute! Then, they come around with truffles. The "elvis" is not to be missed- its banana and peanut butter! We also had a dessert off the menu that was pretty forgettable---we were very dissapointed in that. It was pumpkin something and average at best. The service is impeccable, they are extremely attentive and it is worth it to go and just get pampered. Their attention to detail is almost flawless, in that respect. We were given a banana cake (mini) when we left and it was DELCIOUS! We were surprised that the dining room was so bare/minimalistic/modern but it only causes you to focus on the food more so I do understand what they're doing... I would have liked to see a little more color though. If you are looking for a wonderful/expensive night out with inventive cuisine, I would suggest Alinea but if you aren't quite that adventerous--- go to Tru! Enjoy.
(5)Ken A.
I agree with some prior reviews. The staff is very professional, very polished, maybe a bit too much, as my wife and I felt a little bit awkward especially at the beginning of the meal. We ordered the 9 course menu. There were a few highlights that I still remember months after the fact: an amazing first course with sturgeon caviar and avocado. Also, a venison that was perfectly cooked and delicious (not part of the normal menu, but they nicely agreed to throw it in there at my request). On the other hand, a few of the plates were only OK (I remember a chicken dish that was mediocre), and the cheese course was disappointing. The sommelier was very nice and recommended some nice half bottles that went well with the food. Overall, I can't complain too much, totally deserving of its 4 stars, but recalling Charlie Trotter and Alinea, I think Tru falls one star short.
(4)Lo M.
Just went Friday night for my birthday. A couple of reviews down from a couple that went a day after on the 22nd is pretty much the same exerience I had. Ordered the exact same thing, the grand selection. It takes about 3-3 1/2 hours from beginning to end. Each portion that comes out is small but towards desert, the amount of food almost got to be too much. The service is top notch and the food is cooked to perfection. To me it just didn't seem to be innovative enough. I preferred Moto over this for the same prices. The room was nice and it wasn't stuffy at all despite the requirement of a jacket. I would just suggest a few of the other 5 star restaraunts before tru. It was definetly good-thus the 4 star rating.
(4)Lisa B.
My sister and I went to Tru last night expecting a mind-blowing culinary experience. We left Tru confused and full of shame for spending BIG bucks on such a disappointing self-indulgent meal. The gnocchi appetizer I had tasted like watered down Arthur (moms - you know what I'm talking about) macaroni and cheese - not kidding. For my entree, I ordered beef short ribs. While the meat was extremely tender and delicious, the portion was shockingly tiny. The "small vegetables" that accompanied the short ribs were almost microscopic; so small that I couldn't tell what they were. The dessert - some kind of almond cake - was truly horrible. I can honestly say that it was the worst dessert I have ever had at a restaurant. The "cake" was not presented as a slice, but rather, scrapings that looked and tasted like the crumbs from a week-old cake made from an Easy Bake Oven. There was a little swirl of cherry sauce and a teaspoon of ice cream that I guess were there to moisten the dry scrapings that were on my plate. On the bright side, the wine was spectacular and my sister liked most of the items from her Tasting Menu. If you're into stuffy, formal, over-priced food (and don't like to eat much) - this is the place for you!
(2)Joao G.
The best restaurant I know in Chicago. The food is just amazing, the service is very good and the ambiance is great - a little more modern, not as formal as most restaurants like this.
(5)Alexandra C.
I have always had a pleasant meal at Tru, but I do have to admit that the staff can sometimes get on my nerves. For instance: I had a party upstairs for my mother's birthday and at the last minute wanted to get a cake but most bakeries needed at least 1 week to create the cake I wanted. So I thought I would call Tru and see if they could bring out a birthday cake for my mother or recommend someone for me...well when I asked them for this request they were insulted that I would have their pastry chef make a birthday cake. They kept asking me if I knew who their pastry chef was, yes I did and honestly I didn't care. Finally they gave me the name of a bakery that was able to produce a wonderful 3-tired cake for the 20 guests and they even delivered it to the restaurant. Well the dinner was going wonderful till we got to desert when the restaurant informs us that they don't have any candles after they bring out the cake. Are you serious? So after a few handshakes we have candles on the cake and are able to sing happy birthday. Other then that one night dealing with the staff, I have always enjoyed my experiences at Tru.
(4)J K.
there's a dearth of synonyms for "excellent" to describe tru.
(5)sandra h.
We went about a year ago and it truly was an experience . . . a very long experience. The meal was an amazing melange of fresh flavors and artistic presentation, but by the end it was a blur. Thank goodness for the print out at the end of the meal describing each course in the tasting menu! We got such a kick out of the service. . . It was like a well rehearsed ballet - each move was choreographed. As dishes arrived at the table they were served in unison and revealed with a flick of the wrist. I have to admit that the service was borderline intimidating and definitely too stuffy for my taste.
(4)Mark P.
Top notch service. Excellent presentation. Enjoyed the scallops and beef cheek ravioli, even though the bone marrow foam over the latter didn't look too appetizing. Short rib with unagi entree was excellent. Venison was cooked nicely, but the accompanying sauces were suspect. Banana crepes and chocolate souffle for dessert were well-executed. Food/flavors though weren't as mind-blowing as Alinea or even Charlie Trotter's.
(4)Jessica N.
I made the mistake of trying Tru before Charlie Trotter's. I did the kitchen table in both instances and the difference was AMAZING! I understand when you are in the "kitchen table" you are supposed to be getting the experience of being in the kitchen- I really do get that. At Tru, they actually treat you like some kind of royalty who are watching them prepare a feast. You are in a room surrounded by bowls of Japanese Fighting fish. You get a stool for your purse. They put a JUG(I mean JUG) of about 5 pounds of caviar on your table and tell you that you are welcome to eat as much as you would like, just make sure the waiter serves it to you. They serve you tiny ice cream cones with pea flavored ice cream. It was one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had. Unfortunately I then went to eat at Charlie Trotter's where we were seated next to the dish washing machine. The experience was sub par compared to the dining extravaganza at Tru. Everyone should try Tru once, forget the competition.
(5)Ravi B.
If one were to write a book on how a dining SHOULD be, they'd need the imagination of **** and the skill of **** to come anywhere near describing the experience offered by Tru.
(5)Robin D.
Went to TRU last night and everything else was exactly the same.... The service is still truly impeccable (if I can give 10 stars for it then I would), the ambience untouched but the food really wasnt as good as it was years ago. I had the 95 dollar prix fix menu and chose the lobster soup with Ground Hominy, Lobster emulsion and spoon breat (didnt really care for it), my bf had the beef cheek ravioli, marrow and orange bordelaise (delish). For the main course I had the Alaskan Halibut with Leek emulsion reduced Chardonnay and bacon vinaigrette (yummo) while he had the scottish king salmon, granny smith apples, coconut and thai long peppercorn (soso). I had the Dense chocolate for Dessert while he had the cheese plate. Mind you, the cheese plate had the most incredible cheese that I ever had. We are both not dessert lovers but I sampled some and they were just ok for me nothing wanting me to have more. Forget about the ambience and service but from the food per ce, I cant help but compare this place to Charlie Trotters and I have to say that Trotters would still be my choice. The restaurant is French progressive which means that they follow the culinary principles of french cooking and the cuisine is french-based but the end results are fusion so in short it is FRENCH FUSION. So dont get me wrong, FOOD is really good but it does not blow you taste buds like Charlie does I have been here 7 years ago and I loved it. I would recommend this place for the experience because it is a gastronomical one but for the amount of money we spent, I will try new places like Alinea or just try to make a reservatio n at Trotters. I like TRU but not enough to lure me back over and over again. If the price is not so high I would have given this place 4 stars or even 5 but for this price, I expect a bit more.
(3)susan w.
Without a doubt...FABULOUS! Not only was the food impeccable, but the service was exceptional. The several courses of dessert satisfied everyones sweet tooth! No detail is overlooked. If you haven't been...run, don't walk!
(5)Timothy F.
First, not sure where the perception that Rich T. has anything to do with this restaurant but he left like two years ago. Unfortunately the portion size issue has not changed since he left the kitchen...it was a problem when he was there and is since he was gone. Unfortunately I made reservations to go with a client who wanted to go while he was in town and found out after we went that the current Chef left about two weeks ago which explains why the food was uneven and my client was completely disappointed also which did not make the bill any easier to swallow. I heard Les Francais closed recently...maybe they could get the chef from there...at least the food would meet the price then...The reason I gave three stars was that for that type of money the place should provide superb dishes every course and some of them were just okay...one was undercooked...However when it comes to service there still is no better place in the city, starting with the valet through the meal...
(3)Paul B.
To go to Tru and give it anything other than 5 starts would be churlish. I went with my Wife last night, the food is exceptional, certainly as good if not better than Trotters. Without pontificating about the various courses I would just say go try it, but make it for a special occasion. The tasting menus are about as good as it get. The bill's not bad either, about $250 a head. If I were pressed my favourite restaurant would still be Everest, the view gets it for me. I would go back again and fully intend to. Chicago certainly has some fabulous places to wine and dine!!
(5)Joan M.
Went for my 50th. My husband and I are TOUGH critics and foodies to boot. Tru blew us away !!! The staff ,attention to detail, food etc.. We could not find a fault with anything.. This is a MUST go.. If you are looking for somewhere $$$ but worth it for a special evening chose TRU... Besides the French Laundry in Napa this is the BEST restaurant we have found ANYWHERE in the world......Not cheap but worth the price... The cheese course option is amazing if you are cheese head like I am and the option to chose a taste of dessert at the end of the meal a charming touch along with the muffins given for breakfast the next morning.. Not a big fan of "the foam" on some dishes but that is just me and I am sure they would be happy to not do it if asked. Just watching the staff work in sync was unlike anything I have seen. Guys if your trying to impress someone this is the place. They will even do a custom menu mine said Happy 50th.. If I wasn't married this is where I would want to be proposed to and then come back year after year . AMAZING!!!!!!!!!!
(5)Ace G.
As a graduate student, Tru is not a restaurant that I would get the privilege to frequent often, but a series of happenstance allowed me the opportunity to celebrate a birthday there, and it became a birthday to remember. The food is world class and the service is simply outstanding. My mother, who was treating me, and I were treated as royalty. Every maneuver from the staff was synchronized and choreographed perfectly. Their talent and passion deserve recognition. The food was second to none. Despite the grad student income, I've had the luck and privilege of eating extremely well. I can say without a shadow of a doubt that the non-traditional / contemporary menu served by the chef hit the mark. Every protein came out perfect. The flavors were layered, and the textures of the ingredients worked in harmony. The entire experience lasted perhaps three hours, and we were stuffed by the time we left. Because the menu is always changing, I highly recommend beginning the night with vodka and caviar. And try a couple of cheeses before dessert. Otherwise, like I was saying, this is an experience, so be prepared to settle in for the evening and allow yourself to be spoiled.
(5)Chris S.
The food is great! Went with 2 cousins and opted for the Pre Fixe menu. Everything was delicious, the different layers of flavors, textures and everything on par. The service was great, choreographed and almost comical at one point. It was nice to see the time and precision they put into the dining experience there. There was only a few other people in the restaurant at the time we went and it was almost too quiet/awkward but after some wine we didn't notice anymore.
(4)Matthew M.
WOW! WOW! WOW! I am blown away! At Tru you are not just paying for the food but for the experience! Went here with the boss who paid for all of us, thank goodness as I would hate to see the bill! I have never be treated like royalty and it was almost comical to the point of making me wonder just what kind of job interview it takes to work at a place like this! Everything and I mean everything is choreographed! No need to pull back your chair when you sit---that will be done for you---all of the gals together, and then all of the guys---TOGETHER. Napkins on your lap---all together now! Need something to drink? Here comes the water poured into our glasses, and did I say synchronized to a tee???---all the gals together, and then all of the guys. Unreal! Let's just say that the food was 5 star. Chicago, you really know how to impress! Having been to restaurants all over the world I'm happy to call you my new home!
(5)Steve A.
I've been to Tru four times over a period of seven years, and I think it is the most variable restaurant I've ver been to. One time I'll have a three Michelin star experience, the next I can't imagine what they were thinking. On my first visit, every aspect of the food and service was perfect. Upon returning a year later, virtually every one of nine courses was a saucer of goo. A couple years after that we returned to have one of the most visually stunning meals I've had anywhere, accompanied by perfect (and not stiff) service. But my most recent visit was again a disappointment. Aside from a couple of minor elements (walnut bread with the optional cheese course) nothing stood out gastronomically, and the service was stiff even though it was a quiet night. Worst of all was our inability to keep our wine glasses filled with the two expensive Burgundies we ordered. The sommelier placed them on the far side of the room, and then disappeared for fifteen minutes at a stretch. We finally took to just asking passing waiters to refill our glasses. After the third such time, you'd think someone would have taken the hint. I'm sorry if this seems petty, but when you're spending over $1000 on a dinner for three people, the food and service need to be home runs. I'm sure I'll try Tru again, but I'm going to give them a few years to go through another revolution.
(4)Valerie J.
Ok, when we were here 6 years ago, this was a restaurant to be reckoned with. Tramonto was at the helm and, while some of his dishes were a bit out there, he was really crushing it. This past weekend, my husband was throwing out ideas for a date night and when he suggested Tru, I jumped on it. Unfortunately I didn't check yelp first to see how far it had fallen. The service was a bit odd - as if the staff were uncertain of themselves, or that many were training still. The sommelier was excellent and knowledgeable. I agree that he tended toward sweet whites, but I still thought most of the wines he chose were very good. What wasn't good? Almost everything else. The star of the night was the foie gras mousse encapsulated in sugar. Fantastic! It tasted divine and was plated beautifully with a slice of blood orange and gorgeous flowers. The only other course of note was the morel dish. I should state that the amuse bouche failed to amuse at all. I think there should be a rule that if the amuse bouche is disappointing - you just get up and leave. Everything else suffered from lack of creativity, or lack of cohesion - sometimes both. Also, since when does fine dining involve serving different breads and butter with each plate? That was, to us, ridiculous. Furthermore, the savory dishes, such as the ribeye (which was bland and somewhat tough) and the halibut (which was boring, plain, and served in far too buttery a broth) were entirely unimaginative and felt like fillers. The pea soup with salmon confit would have been boring, aside from the salmon being overwhelming. The ramp soup with rice was decent, as was the wheatberry dish... but for this caliber of restaurant (or what it used to be) and the price point, these shouldn't even have been memorable. They only were because everything else was so disappointing. The frozen cider topped with warm tea also just didn't work at all as a dish. Tru really needs to get its act together... Or it isn't going to be on the scene for that much longer. Even the floors seemed like they haven't been kept up well. I know, a weird statement, but something I noticed. To see how far they've fallen, at least in my opinion, see my previous review.
(1)Brian B.
TRU is truly an amazing dining experience! Service and food was excellent throughout the evening. Not many restaurants have the service so synchronized, for example they would pour water for all the women at once and then for all the men. All the plates come down to the table in a similar manner. Very impressive training and etiquette. To start the meal, my bottle of Lewis 2011 Napa cabernet was decanted over candle light. Then the courses began. I will describe those which were highlights through the meal and excited the senses. English pea soup with cured salmon and bacon. The salmon was cooked slow and low till it was as soft and flavorful as could be. Best mushroom dish and presentation I've ever had. Morels and toasted pecans topped with sunflower sprouts. Served on a wooden plate made to represent the forest. Sea urchin (uni) and two kinds of caviar - one cured with special salts - on a lobster flan base with Egyptian star flower garnish. The saltier of the two caviars was the most enjoyable with all the flavored combined together. The scallop topped with an abundance of shaved black truffles and cured Japanese plums smelled and tasted delicious. Can't go wrong with a lot of truffles! The texture and savory flavors truly made this one of the best courses of the meal. The halibut arrived on one of the coolest plated I've ever seen - it could have been used as a decoration. The fish was cooked to an excellent texture, soft on the inside and crispy on top. Ribeye was cooked perfectly sous vide and seared with sunchoke two ways - one crispy and one creamy. Flavors and textures worked well together to add some sweetness to the saltiness of the steak. One of the desserts came on a bed of confetti with liquid nitrogen oozing out of the dish, quite impressive and made for a fun conclusion. A tour at the end of the night of the kitchen capped off an excellent evening. I closed the restaurant down. Great staff at all levels of service. The entire meal was enjoyable and service was superb throughout. I will certainly recommend this meal to others and return again in the future!
(5)Julia Z.
wonderful experience! wonderful service and nice ambience. The begging course is little bit weired，but the main course,black winter truffle tart and Kobe beef is really great! And the side dish,some bread and butter is great toï¼
(4)Shahzad S.
One would usually find such a progressing French restaurant in London or well, in Paris but the one in Chicago offers a gastronomic flare that's a rave! Try the 12 course tasting.
(4)J L.
I took my boyfriend to Tru for his birthday and had everything prearranged from the menu to the champagne through Apatcha, who I believe is the manager at Tru restaurant. She helped me through the whole planning process so that my boyfriend would never have to even see the check. They had pre-printed menus with his name on it saying, "Happy Birthday," and even gave him a card at the end of the meal with a special note from me. The service was spectacular and so synchronized in timing! The dishes were all very well thought out and the presentation was fantastic. The champagne was great and the cheese selection was even better. It was both our first experience at a Michelin star restaurant and we could both see why this restaurant had received it's star. We will definitely be going back but probably in a year because it is definitely pricey but worth it! Thank you so much! It was a wonderful experience that I will look back to for years to come!
(5)Dawn T.
Tl;dr version: INCREDIBLE food, ambiance and service.. Whatever you do, get the foie gras and muscovy duck!!! See below for detailed review! ----- Husband and I planned a quick weekend trip to Chicago to celebrate our first wedding anniversary. My main concern for the trip? Which of Chicago's numerous Michelin star rated restaurants would we be having dinner at, of course! I am so happy we ended up choosing Tru. Ambiance: Great atmosphere for a special dinner. The restaurant is elegant and modern. Tables are spaced far enough apart so that you have your own space and privacy. Service: Amazing, as all the previous reviews have already mentioned. Yes, they really do pour your water and bring out your dishes in unison. We had several different servers come by throughout the course of our meal and they were all attentive, knowledgeable, and professional without being snooty or stuffy. [Side note: you're offered the choice of a black or white napkin. For the love of gosh, if you're wearing dark attire, choose the black napkin!!] Drinks: Extremely extensive wine list. We started off with some delicious rose champagne to celebrate and also had a bottle of pinot noir per recommendation of our server. Both were great. Now, onto the FOOD! We ordered from the prix-fixe menu. Our menus had "Happy Anniversary" printed at the top and we were given a copy to take home. Such a lovely touch! Amuse bouche: - Yellow sweet corn + black truffle: Good! Perfect little teaser to start out with. First course: - Array of river salmon: Husband's choice. The presentation of this dish is absolutely spectacular. Salmon is placed on a plate of beautiful, smooth river rocks with dry ice creating the effect of a river. I tried a little bit and the salmon was flavorful and fresh. - Seared foie gras, yellow peach, gem lettuce, pecan: I flipping love foie gras and of course, Tru's is phenomenal. The foie gras was melt-in-your mouth amazing. The peach and pecans it was paired with created the most perfect bites. Main course: - Whole roasted muscovy duck, caramelized belgium endive, quince + ginger chutney: There are three offers for your main course. The muscovy duck is served for two people so do WHATEVER YOU CAN to convince your dining partner to agree to this dish!! I really enjoy duck and this dish is the hands-down best duck dish I have ever had. I am so glad our server recommended this. He told us that the chef has partnered with a farm in upstate New York that raises muscovy ducks SOLELY for the purpose of this dish. If that doesn't convince you....I don't even know what else to say! The duck was juicy, tender, and cooked perfectly. The skin was crispy and the seasoning blend on top was ridiculously good. Endive and chutney were perfect with it. Mint + verjus, grape, consommé: Light and refreshing. Dessert: - Campfire of s'more: Delicious! Chef's play on s'mores definitely did not disappoint. We also received another small dessert plate with an assortment of sweets, compliments of the chef, along with a mini cupcake with a candle for our anniversary. Such sweet touches that were very much appreciated. Tru is a splurge meal but I wouldn't hesitate to come here again for a special occasion. This place is the whole package from food to service to atmosphere. It was quite honestly, one of the best meals I've ever had. Thank you, Tru, for making our first anniversary dinner absolute perfection!
(5)Alex C.
Tru is an incredible experience. They fully deserve their coveted 1 Michelin star rating - in fact, I think Tru is more in line with some of the 2 Michelin star restaurants I've been to (but hey, Michelin's not asking me). Michelin defines a 1 star restaurant as "A good place to stop on your journey, indicating a very good restaurant in its category, offering cuisine prepared to a consistently high standard." To me, Tru is a little more of a destination than that. I've been here 3 times, and every single time, the food and service has been flawless. I'm not going to list everything I've had here, because that'd take too long. But I have attached pictures of everything below for you to feast your eyes on. Suffice it to say, Tru's food, service, and attention to detail make it worth a visit (or multiple visits). I love places like this: you can entrust the executive chef to reimagine classics in a new, delicious way, introduce you to incredible new foods that you'd never thought you'd try/like, and present food and ingredients at their finest. You can go to Tru confident that you're getting outstanding cuisine - Truly some of the best in its class.
(5)Nita Hanqing W.
Yesterday, my friends and I had dinner in TRU at 6pm. Since my friends will leave for China in just few weeks and may not come back in a short term, we did a lot of researches for Michelin restaurants before we booked our dinner in TRU. According to the reviews and comments from yelp, we were very looking forward to this meal. We arrived there at around 5:50. The receptionist lead us to our table and the server got us some drinks including sparkling water, a coconut mixture and champion. The champion was good. Tasted very fruity, a fantastic women drink; my friend had a glass of coconut mixture. It's hard to tell what other ingredients they use in the drink besides coconut. It tasted weird, like coconut water mixed with some kinds of seasonings. It was not a good experience. Speaking of the dishes we had last night, there were both merits and demerits. Before we tried TRU, we had a great experience in Grace. They have similar reputation on Yelp, score 4.5/5, despite one is Michelin 3 star while the other is not. We all had the full menu with duck for the main course which cost $40 each additionally. For the appetizers, I like the smoked salmon steeped in a green soup. The salmon was tender and flavored, and the soup was good if you had some roe with it, it will give you a different taste for both the roes and soup. For the main course, we all had duck because it seemed like the duck was the speciality in this season. It looked brilliant when they showed the whole duck we would had for main course. When the duck was up, it smelled so good that aroused my sense of hunger. The skin was crispy and tasty but honestly I don't like the meat. The meat was raw and it had a special taste that only poultry had it. It's hard for us to eat it up. This Michelin star restaurant experience is not good or bad but it has been a deliberation for us to give it another try.
(3)DeeMarie W.
We had the most wonderful culinary experience of my life (so far)! The service is impeccable!! First we were greeted at the door by our party name. He took our pictures when asked and made suggestions where to be photographed at. When seated, we all received a purse stool ( how cool is that! ) we had 3 waiters for our table that gave us their full attention. Also if you got up, they were right there to help you get seated again. Unbelievable!! The food was amazing, flavors I never experienced. I enjoyed everything I tasted, especially the duck! Wow the duck! Amazing!! So so flavorful!! Wonderful!! Can I say it again, I loved the duck. Lol!! We did the pre fix menu and got several extras compliments of the chef! Wow!! When we were ready to leave, they had a car ready, we received a special packaged treat, again compliments of the chef! Lastly we got to meet chef Anthony Martin himself. We felt special! Amazing place!!
(5)Diego C.
I visited TRU for my birthday a few days ago, chose to trust their 1-star michelin rating and enjoy a fancy dinner there. The place is quiet, sophisticated, refined and elegant. Men are even required to wear a jacket! They have spare jackets for men not wearing one, which I found funny. The waiters are all very polite, sometimes even a little too exaggerated on their concierge-like attitude, but overall pleasant and discrete. Their menu offers 3 fixed-priced options: 3 courses, 7 courses and 10 courses (plus amuse bouche, sorbet, etc). We chose the 3-course option and we're not disappointed: portions are relatively larger than on the tasting menus so we were served sufficient food (regular concern on these type if restaurants). Their plates had a very nice presentation, dishes had very interesting and original flavors and portions were just right. We had an overall very pleasant experience, however I did not rate it with 5 stars because, for the price paid and michelin rating, I did expect a little more. Nonetheless, it was definitely worth the visit and would agree on paying TRU another visit once the summer menu changes.
(4)Summer X.
Surprised that there was only about 10 tables that night, given the great food it offers. I believe a restaurant like this will be filled up with people every night in new york. I was satisfied with every single course. With a bit innovative ideas in the starters, like the kiwi one. I had duck for the main course. It tastes a lot like the one in Eleven Madison Park in new york, which is a michelin 3 star. The side dish came with the duck (i don't remember what they called this) was very delicious, more kind of oriental taste of duck. The desserts were not impressive, but not bad overall!
(5)Douglas B.
What else can be said about this place that has not been said yet. One of the few Michelin-starred locations that I have been to and with good reason. Wifey and I came here to celebrate her birthday a couple years ago (excuse my late review). The service from getting there, being greeted, sitting down, eating and leaving was all top notch and consistent. The service here was impeccable. We were greeted welcomed and seated right away. The dining room is a beautiful limited seating so makes for great ambiance and the ability to actually have a conversation. We had a nice custom menu printed with our names and especially my wife's name with a happy birthday message on it, nice touch. And we got to take them home a small memento. Our Maitre d' was great, he was helpful in making sure we got exactly wanted that evening. We had great bottle of wine that was recommended to us by a very knowledgeable sommelier, he was very helpful and a pleasure to chat with. We did the full TRU 15 course experience and I am happy we did. The waiters that brought out the food were all on point, everything was brought out with great timing and never a step behind. They were very knowledgeable about the food and made sure we were satisfied with every course. Food... plain amazing. Every single course was well thought out, delicious, beautiful presentation. I enjoyed every single bite I honestly thought I was going to walk out of there hungry.. boy was I wrong! I was stuffed by the end of that amazing meal. Our experience also consisted of a selection of great cheeses and caviar. I had to try a few of the cheeses, they all looked so tasty. Finally dinner came to an end with a beautiful tower of various desserts! There were bites of heaven every single one! There were so many courses, so many presentations... i could go on about every single one... you have to just go there. Its a great place, great service it was just an overall great experience. I loved it and had one of the best meals of my life there! Do it!!
(5)Stuart M.
Went here awhile ago on a trip and forgot to write a review. Food was terrific but atmosphere was stuffy and the waiter mumbled through the menu as if he was the baron of long tooth. 1k dinner that leaves you hungry and uncomfortable...Just not my kind of place.
(2)Rachel L.
I think I've found my one Tru north! ...Okay, that was corny, so let's move on. To corn. Specifically, the yellow sweet corn with black truffle, which was the first of three small bites that arrived at our table following our decision to try the "Tru Experience" menu. From the moment that spoon touched my lips, I knew I was in for an exciting ride, but even then, I had yet to realize that over the next three hours, I'd be experiencing a meal that competes with all the three Michelin star restaurants I've dined at around the world. I won't taunt you with the specifics of what we ate because the menu seems to change with some frequency. However, I will say that each course was plated exquisitely, as though a painter had taken his brush to our plates. Though ruining each masterpiece in favor of eating it seemed a bit like sacrilege, we could hesitate for only a moment before unceremoniously devouring every last bite, leaving our tastebuds in a fantastic nirvana-like state. Not to be outdone by the food quality and presentation, the waitstaff went above and beyond, then above again. Besides being quite amicable, they really paid attention to the details, both large and small. Yes, they were consistent about refilling my water glass - and I'm a sponge, so that is no easy task. They also refolded our napkins whenever we stood up, served each dish in perfect unison, and when we mentioned in passing that we were sorry our set menu didn't include the campfire of s'mores, our waiter brought out the chocolatey, marshmallowy dessert in addition to the perfectly tart diverse berries, black pepper, and nasturtium on our table d'hôte. To part, a little-known fact about me: Following a fine dining experience, I always wonder what I'm going to eat for breakfast the next day that won't be a gastronomic disappointment. I think we all want the best experiences in life to linger, and this one surely did... On our way out the door, the maître d' handed us each a small bag of almond mini cakes. And that, my friends, is how you knock someone off their feet without so much as touching them!
(5)Jason A.
I put a lot of thought into this review, bouncing from a 3 to 4 stars. Ultimately the decor and cost, outweighed the service and food. The set up is a bit too modern for my taste, modern elegance. Its also way too formal, anywhere I have to dress up to pay them money, always gets me in a mood. The atmosphere is big and plain, lots of white, but stuffy. There isn't much to gaze upon, however, the two story windows are mammoth and caught my attention a few times. Service was prompt and knowledgeable and they did all the little things like making our anniversary special with an extra dessert and mentioning it several times. The servers knew the ingredients of the dishes, but didn't show any personality. Too statuesque for my liking. Nor did they show any personality when asking about preferences on dish choices, have an opinion please. The courses were mostly well thought out and executed. The only real misses for me were the 1 stalk of asparagus and last savory course. I didn't get the choice of wheat berry after the duck, its just not something I'd want to to eat, despite an interesting flavor. Lastly, when I have French food, I want real foie, a big ole piece. We got an encapsulated mousse, while good, wasn't what I wanted. Bring me back to France. The morel dish was fabulous, and the duck was succulent and filling. The food, despite being a little too straightforward and classical to me, was great. I'd like to have seen a little more imagination. The portions were nice, I walked away full. Dessert was too plain. Your choices are apple pie or chocolate mousse. They must have changed pastries chefs because I've had several people tell me how innovative the desserts are. Its a let down to the meal after the duck. Luckily the truffle finish was amazing. The wine pairings were quite excellent. You could tell they were well thought out and complimented the dishes. If you don't want wine, there are cocktails but I wasn't too excited about the selections. Despite the excellent wines, the pours were very small and did not present a good value at $125. I could have gotten 5 glasses of wine for that price, and got 5 time as much alcohol, more than enough to light me up or split between 2 or more people. Despite all these positives, Tru is a once in a life time special event dining experience due to the ridiculous prices. I would not spend $700 again to eat here, when I can go to 42 Grams, El Ideas, Schwa, Elizabeth etc etc etc for $300-$400. To upcharge $80 to get their signature duck dish, is just a bait and switch to me. I knew about the surcharge coming in, but for the value, it should be included in the main pairing price. I had a fun time, had a couple very memorable dishes, but its to expensive for what it is and thus cannot recommend.
(3)Raul S.
Went here on a work dinner, I knew it would be good but it was a really great experience. If u have the time it's worth the most money, I will finish this review soon.
(5)Young K.
You can really love or hate this place. If you dine out often, you will love this restaurant with the open space the atmosphere provides and the comfortable service that the Staff of TRU brings to the table especially when you begin ordering high quality chardonnays and Grand Cru Burgundies. I enjoyed this restaurant. It's TRUe that nothing feels new, but this is where they perfected the usual and where you feel at home. Our menu was 9 courses long with three or four options. All options were upgrades which is a pain in the rear because it does feel like they are chipping away at your wallet wherever they can like an escort for Senators with all their "extras". In today's price fixe, there should be no supplements... If you are going to serve caviar, serve caviar AND if you wanna serve Truffles or Foie Grois, serve it! Don't give supplement options, just raise the price fixe price. Diners today have No time and little patience for games. I found the perfect pair of red and white wines on their list, but The Wine List did not impress me because I am a wine collector and always looking for the value wine. Their Champagne selection needed a little help, their Napa Cabs were too overpriced and without even going to Italy, their Bordeaux collection was straight on par pathetic. Even so, they had a limited Burgundy list that still met the requirements of minimum. The Burgs too came with heavy price tags but if you were willing to pay, you can find bottles of Burgundies with the right Restau Price tag unlike their horrific Napa Selections. If you know Burgundies, you know that they quickly get pricey with quality. We ended up enjoying a bottle of 2004 Domaine Dujac Clos De La Roche for $379 and a 2010 Aubert Lauren Vineyard for $239 or so. The Dujac Clos De La Roche was priced right and a perfect vintage for the occasion. Overall a fantastic experience for me. Very New York City in style which is my preference. Like I said, if you dine often in high end restaurants, you don't wanna eat a balloon or sweets off of a table. You just wanna eat a good flavored meal with exceptional service in an environment that is super plush and comfortable; and that is exactly how I felt at TRU, like Welcome Home where nothing was a problem.
(5)Ali C.
Extraordinary service in a beautiful extravagant setting. Excellent foie gras and synchronized service. Food flavors are amazing and somewhat unusual. My favorite items were the dessert flavors - the valrhona chocolate with spearmint ice cream was out of this world.
(4)Robyn C.
I waited to write my review so that I can compare it to another restaurant - Alinea. Is it fair to compare? Price wise yes - Alinea is more expensive, but not that much more expensive so I feel like they can by lumped together in the "Did I really just spend over $500 on food" category. The only thing that Tru trumps over Alinea is their synchronized food serving. We had a table of 4, so 4 servers would come a put our plates of food down at the exact same time and sweep around us in a circle like a dance. That was nice and added to the service a lot. Overall food was amazing except for one thing that still kind of pisses me off to this day. We paid an extra like $120 for a whole roasted muscovy duck to be divided among the table. They brought out the duck to show it and then cut it up in the back and made two dishes out of it. Granted, those two dishes were fantastic, but where was the rest of the duck? If I pay that much for something extra.. I want to eat every part of it down to the bone and yet we were served like 1/3 of it. What a waste! If they boxed up the rest that would have been awesome, but imagine paying extra money for only about 5 bites. It felt like a complete waste of money and I would not do it again. The experience was nice, but atmosphere was kind of stuffy. It makes you feel like you can't laugh and have fun (even though we did). It's the kind of place where you have to sit up straight and eat your soup properly with the soup spoon back facing you and scooping up instead down and towards you. Alinea, I felt like I could be myself, no one would care. I could slouch back into the couch, and it wouldn't be a big deal. There wasn't music, but everyone was being loud and talking a lot and having a great time. I could even eat with my hands and it would be okay... So if I am going to pay this much money, I would rather pay a bit more to have a more impressive laid back experience over a stiff, eat properly, elegant one...
(3)Rich B.
There's a real wonderful over-the-top chicago-ness insanity about the place. Being from NYC, the first thing I noticed was how spacious the place was. Perfect for a dinner with good friends who want to chat and not disturb people right next to you. The service was impeccable. We did the tasting menu. The chef has fun with the plating (or lack there of - was that one dish served on a rock?) and the visual style of these dishes. Playful. Elegant. There was a small green salad on the tasting menu the night we were there which was outstanding. I should have asked exactly what the greens were because everyone at the table agreed that it was unlike any salad we'd had before (the star was the greens, not the toppings). Grown up. Wear a tie and bring your expense account. Wine list has everything you'd ever need and then some.
(5)Venice C.
It's quite sad sometimes how customer service ruins it all. We came here for my husband's birthday last November. I must explain that everything was great until we discovered that they had our car TOWED while we valeted our car with them. This is really understandable in Chicago in the city.. however I was disappointed by how they handled the matter. If you ever had the feeling that the waiters are just so nice to you to the point you wonder if they are saying stuff behind your back, that is how we felt. I must say, food was exquisite, service was expectedly good when we dined. Nothing to complain with the food, but the way they handle issues. Before we got our check, the valet guys came in and told us that our car key was not responding. Perhaps the battery died, they suggested. We got the check, got our coats, the manger even talked to us and thanked us. NOT UNTIL WE STEP OUT OF THE RESTAURANT, the manager tried to tell us the car was towed, he said "I am hoping this is the case" meaning that he wishes it is not stolen. Manager asked us to go with the valet guys to the towing pounding area to fetch our car. It was such a mess. And it's late at night you can imagine. I had to say I was rather disappointed that such a nice restaurant would hire such bad valet service. Well, it is really okay if you can handle it well. We called the manager right after we spent 2 hours getting the car back from the pounding area. Told him that we are disappointed. He said he will call us back in the future to explain, apologize, or whatever he meant. Instead he just NEVER called us back. Till now. Such a disappointment. I cannot prevent from thinking that they do not care about anything about customer service once you paid the bill. Sorry. Never ever coming back again. I guess they would not even mind us coming back or not in the first case. We are from California, now residing here in Chicago. I must say place like Addison from the Grand Del Mar, or any Michelin star restaurants we've visited were way more professional in handling issues than this place. I never write reviews, and this just flickers my mind too much that I have to share.
(2)Jane W.
Tru has been on my official "Restaurants I REALLY want to go to but I'll be broke after" list for quite a while. I checked Alinea off that list last year for my birthday, and thought it would only be appropriate to visit another for my birthday this year. The restaurant front is unassuming and rather easy to miss, but once you step inside, you're in a very modern, classy, intimate setting. There are several courses to choose from, but I decided to go with the Tru experience ($158 per person). Service, as expected, was phenomenal. They offer you a choice of black or white cloth napkins (don't want white fuzz on a black dress!) and they have a big group of servers going around to make sure plates are served, explained, and cleared (you get new silverware for every course). Everyone was very knowledgable about the food and very polite. I had several people tell me happy birthday, and I even got a little extra dessert. Onto the food: the Tru experience comes with 11 courses, and most were fantastic. 1. Trio of plates (pear/fennel, sorrel/buttermilk, foie gras/honeycrisp apple). The first two of the trio, I did not like. The flavors were rather herbal and almost unpleasant, but the foie gras selection was good. 2. Another trio (main diver scallop/yuzu, caviar/sea urchin, beef/white truffle). Absolutely amazing. The scallops were so fresh and the citrusy flavors of the yuzu really complemented the raw seafood. The caviar/sea urchin was so creamy and the flavors were intense. The beef tartare was amazing as well - tender but with enough texture so it wasn't too slimy. One of my favorite courses! 3. Lite sunchoke, trout roe, oxalis: To be entirely honest, I don't remember loving or hating this dish. Nothing to say. 4. Langoustine: So good. The langoustine itself comes in a fish-bowl-esque jar with smoking juniper. The cabbage on the bottom of the plate really soaked up the flavors of the broth, and this was definitely one of my favorites. 5. Wagyu beef short rib: You have not tried amazing beef until you have tried this dish. Fall apart, absolutely the most tender, flavorful piece of meat I have ever had. Presentation was especially beautiful. 6. Skate wing: great flavors, fish was tender. The croissant that came on the side with truffle butter was SO good (and that's saying something because I'm not usually a fan of croissants). 7. Cervena venison with black trumpet farro and gooseberry: One of my least favorites. Venison was too tough and I didn't like the gooseberry. 8. Artisanal cheese selection: Idea is cool. The servers come by with a cart full of gourmet cheeses, and you get to pick three! I was happy with two of my selections, but the third one (it was coated with paprika)... let's just say smell-wise, I couldn't really distinguish it from poop (juvenile description, I know, but I really don't know how else to put it...) I'd stay away from this cheese if you don't like ridiculously pungent smells/flavors. Desserts: I was rather disappointed. With how well put together the food was, I had high expectations. Also, as someone who has a major sweet tooth, I was really excited. You get 3 dessert courses and a selection of pastries/chocolates at the end. Everything was fruity. SO sad. I guess this is more personal preference, but I do not like fruit with sweet desserts (i.e. fruity sorbet stuffed inside a marshmallow, or a citrus-y ice cream sandwiched between chocolatey wafers). I wouldn't mind sampling 1 or 2 of these types, but literally EVERY single dessert was fruity. Personal preference aside, I also thought the desserts in general were not up to par with the food in terms of presentation and creativity. Minus 1 star for this. All in all, a great experience. Too pricey to promise that I'll come back again, but I'd say it was worth the ~$250 per person (including tip, tax, 2 glasses of wine).
(4)Chris K.
Food was one of the most original I've had the pleasure of partaking. HOWEVER, the reason I give 4/5 and not the full merit, is because of the lack of SMILES. Yes, I did say smiles and it sounds insane in a food review. However, consider that the most pleasurable dining experience cannot be achieved without a sense of "fun." Sad to say that the staff was stiff, serious, and perceived as a bit haughty. Rarely did we see a smile, or a sense of pleasure escape their tight faces; where was the fun in what they were doing? They are creating some of the best food in Chicago, if not the US. Yet, their passion did not match their creativity. The good news is that this can be taught. Once they learn to smile, and share their infectious passion for creativity, they will have it all.
(4)Ted H.
Well, this is okay, but not the experience I was hoping for. Positives: Lovely room, lots of sound dampening, room between tables. Service was excellent, teamwork was good, not stuffy. Negatives largely are about the duck, which they offer at a 40.00 surcharge (split for 2). The duck tasted good but either it was too tough or the knives they supplied were not up to the task. You shouldn't have to struggle to eat your main course, the house specialty. Some dishes were wonderful, some were okay. The cheese course (add'l $) was wonderful. At 350+ per person you can do better in this town of great restaurants.
(3)Jay I.
Well, 2 years after we were so impressed by the perfectly executed food, minimalistic interior and OCD-like servers we decided to try it once again for my wife's birthday. While it was a good dinner, I am taking a star down. The biggest reason I tried this place again was because I read somewhere that this place is closer to 2 michelin stars than before. I can't disagree more. In the last 2 years there 3 course menu became 5, then the price went from 98 to 125. Well, reasonable for a very expensive restaurant. The food, however, didn't deliver up to my expectation. We started with amuse bouche with truffle powder. It was a heaven. My second dish was an array of salmon. While the presentation was great (with dry ice) the food wasn't that great. Didn't feel more than just a piece of raw salmon. Third menu, main, was ribeye for my wife and halibut for me. It smelled great. It tasted good. Perfectly cooked. Still didn't really blow our mind to a way that "man, this is definitely worth 2 stars". Fourth was a grape sorbet, which was very refreshing. Last dish for me was the layer of chocolate, which looked pretty, but wasn't impressive in terms of taste. Another surprising thing was that they were much more relaxed this time. Couldn't find the sign of being OCD-like like 2 years ago. Sometimes the servers were clumsy even. Anyway they still printed the personalized menu for us, which was nice. Overall I don't know if they are really worth 2 stars at this point. Even though I haven't been to that many fancy restaurants, but I have been to enough restaurants to say that one is good enough for them for now.
(4)Erin Y.
I came here for my birthday dinner. I considered many restaurants before finally deciding on Tru, therefore my expectations were pretty high. That being said, I had an incredible fine dining experience. Tru was a class act to the very end. Swanky but not too swanky. The service was impeccable, extremely polite and respectful. Service ran very smoothly. Short wait in between courses, lots of extra little desserts, and even the servers had servers. They printed out custom menus for us to take home. Impressive. The ambiance was very quiet, though the dining room was relatively empty on a Thursday night. By the end of my meal, I was full, but not stuffed so I'd say it was the perfect amount of food. We had a wonderful dinner at Tru, and I highly recommend it for a special occasion. The food wasn't all perfect, but still as good as it gets. That combined with the top notch service makes this a five-star experience for me. If you'd like to skip my breakdown of the food, you can stop here, but before you do, I have just two words for you: muscovy duck. I will first commend Tru on their bread. They serve bread with almost all of their savory courses and with the cheese. It comes on a separate little dish with butter. We had brioche, onion pumpernickel, fruit and nut bread, and a croissant with black truffle butter. All were delicious and awesome little extras spread throughout the meal. We started with 25 grams of Russian caviar, beautifully presented on a glass coral sculpture. The caviar was delicious. They serve it with blini and a variety of fixings, so I would definitely recommend having caviar to start. First two courses were both salad-esque. The beet with sorbet was very interesting in a good way, and the petite salad with truffles was delicious. Next was the dashi custard, which was one of our favorites of the night. Everyone at my table chose this option. The custard was deliciously creamy and had tons of dashi flavor. Caviar and edamame were nice touches. For the next course, I upgraded to the foie gras. The foie was quite delicious, very rich and seared nicely. The chestnuts and chestnut creams were tasty and went well with the foie gras. We agreed that this dish could have used some acid, but it was delicious nonetheless. Next two courses were the true proteins. The day boat monkfish was nicely prepared, but I think a more delicate fish would have been more appropriate for this dish. The monkfish, being a very firm fish, was difficult to cut into and eat. That aside, it was still a well-cooked and well-seasoned piece of fish. However, the true star of the proteins and of the entire night was the whole roasted MUSCOVY DUCK. You MUST order this. It was completely worth the $40 up charge. It put the beef tournedo (the other option for this course) to shame. This was a huge portion of duck (1/2 a duck + confit per person). It was cooked absolutely perfectly--medium rare with crispy yet sticky skin. I've eaten a lot of duck in my life, but this was by far the best duck I have ever had. Cannot recommend it enough. I was impressed that they also included the confit with mashed potatoes! Moral of the story: upgrade to the duck, it is a must and completely worth the extra money!! 7th course of farro "risotto" with porcelette was delicious. Could have eaten a whole bowl of it. Around this course, we sampled five cheeses from the cheese cart, and all were delicious. Next came the "two" dessert courses. I put "two" in quotes because they give you a ton of extra little things that aren't on the menu, which was awesome and really reflects on the kind of experience you get here. The frozen cider was very interesting, in a good way of course! They brewed a kettle of tea on our table and poured it over cider sorbet. Yummy and somewhat of a palate cleanser. For my last course, I chose the plain of dark valrhona chocolate, which had very strong chocolate flavor. The espresso sorbet on top was delicious. The other option of apple and chestnut strudel was tasty as well. As for the extras, we received a batch of Madeleines, fresh from the oven. These little guys were sooo good. Hot and crispy and delicious! We liked them so much that our server was able to secure us an extra batch. Bonus point right there. Another extra dessert was a sort of platter that included caneles, raspberry jellies, and chocolate rosemary truffles. We enjoyed every bit. And if THAT wasn't enough, there was also a white chocolate and basil liquid truffle presented with smoking dry ice, which was yet another nice and unexpected touch. Of course, they gave us some almond cakes to take home as well. Really had an incredible experience here at TRU. I hope I can come back one day, for the amazing service and of course, their whole roasted Muscovy duck. Five stars.
(5)Anthony N.
***Tru showcases very good, seasonal and local fruits and vegetables as well as really high quality proteins; Tru utilizes these ingredients and lots of contemporary techniques including molecular gastronomy to produce ambitious, exciting, creative, and delicious cuisine*** Tru has been around for a long time and you feel it in the dining room. While the dining room is contemporary, it is also too big and square (the shape, high ceiling and boring walls make the room feel like a banquet hall). Once the food starts to come though, Tru is anything but dated or old-fashioned. The tasting menu unveils one great course after another and the food is creative and exciting; it kind of took me by surprise, but Tru is definitely one of Chicago's best restaurants. Tru's cuisine is very modern. The plating is clever and whimsical and there are many molecular gastronomy touches throughout the menu. Still, the restaurant never gets too cute. The focus with every course is delivering really pronounced flavors utilizing fresh and local (as well as high quality) ingredients. The tasting menu started with a satisfying gougere and then came a really good beet garnished with horseradish and very good caviar. An incredibly soft and moist day boat scallop sashimi came next and it featured really fresh garnishes including cilantro, ginger and lime. A fun and perfect-for-summer course followed--cool and refreshing cucumber ice cream (a very intense cucumber flavor, which is hard to do given how mild cucumber is). The cucumber dish also featured juicy arctic char roe. A really good carrot soup was next and it was served with tableside green peas croutons--made on the dish with liquid nitrogen to create sorbet-like spheres of green pea puree. A fun mushroom crisp followed. The next substantial course was Atlantic fluke carpaccio, which was garnished with lemongrass and saffron. I really liked the Atlantic fluke. It was nice to get a fish that I do not see that often on the west coast. A really good morel mushroom course followed, which I really liked. The morels were very good and they were served over a rich and savory morel bouillon. A very crispy and buttery croissant accompanied this course. Like great Bay Area fine dining spots (Saison, Atelier Crenn), Tru presents bread as actual courses so that you get fresh, out of the oven bread, which is a rarity these days (even at the best restaurants). A really good square of pork belly came next--very savory, tender and juicy. There were good garnishes including plum and onion. My favorite course followed. It was salmon poached in olive oil. It had a richness, moistness and softness that was truly special (it was one of the best salmon courses I've ever had). The salmon was accompanied by various textures of cauliflower from raw cauliflower to very creamy cauliflower puree. The final savory course was a letdown. The protein itself (veal) was good--tender and moist. I liked the vegetables they used too (asparagus, sugar snap peas). Unfortunately, the soy-based sauce was not good. It was an all-too-familiar Asian sauce that I've had at much lesser restaurants. The sauce also completely enrobed the veal too, which ruined the plate. The menu picked up though with the cheese plate--really great epoisses (creamy and pungent) and great garnishes including a bitter and fragrant herb salad and a great red wine poached pear paste. Both desserts were good. The first dessert featured crispy, buttery and crunchy nuts and oats with very vibrant and fresh berries (some of the best fruit I've had in the Midwest). The second dessert featured good cherries and really good black truffle ice cream. Mignardises and a to-go pound cake finished off the meal. Service was excellent. My server was very personable and knowledgeable about the menu. Despite the many courses, the food came out at an even and quick pace. Prices are high, but you get both an exceptional variety of food as well as generous portions (small plates but many, many courses). Tru has earned a lot of accolades over the years and I've heard some great things too. Even considering all of this, Tru still surprised me. This restaurant showcases really creative and delicious cuisine and the local and seasonal vegetables shined here much more than several other highly rated Chicago restaurants I've been to. Tru reminds me of great Bay Area restaurants like Manresa, Saison and Atelier Crenn (high quality but also creative and push the envelope cuisine). Tru is one of Chicago's best restaurants, but it is also one of the best restaurants in the country. I am not sure what the parking situation is at Tru.
(5)John D.
Tru was an amazing experience and well worth the money. . I was fortunate to join some guests this last Friday night, 4th of July weekend, at Tru and had a great time. As soon as we entered we were greeted and this ushered into their amazing dinning room that is covered in art work. Our service was very nice and one of them guided us through the menu. All of the staff seemed to work together and help drop off and describe dishes which was very impressive. The food was incredible, my favorites included the morel mushroom flan, and the wheatberry dish. The Halibut entree I dreamed about the sauce the next day. The Sommelier was outstanding, and very personable, he helped us locate an incredible bottle of wine at the price point we were looking for. We all enjoyed the food and service, which was very professional and precise.
(5)Ashutosh T.
The decor was very bland, and the place looked dead, but later i realized there were a few people around. Slow, maybe cos it was Tuesday? Anyway some courses were salty though stylish. Service was good and the desserts were nice. I enjoyed the percolator that made my tea for palette cleansing, however they just gave me a drop of the tea in a sorbet. I enjoyed the food at girl and the goat more.
(3)Will K.
Did I want to rate Tru one star and start my review, "One Michelin star? MORE LIKE ONE YELP STAR!" Yup. But one star reviews are generally unhelpful tirades, so I bumped Tru up to two stars in hopes of offering a sober review that will help someone else save $500. My wife and I ate at Tru last night. Tru's ambiance is stiff, yes, but that's personal preference. Tru's staff is even stiffer and most appeared fearful for their jobs. Lots of nervous/shaky hands and voices. But again, that didn't bother me much. The fatal flaw with Tru was how pedestrian and forgettable all the dishes were. Despite the flourishes and upcharges, not a single course blew me away. The vaunted duck dish was okay, at best. To be clear, this isn't a critique of pricing, service or anything other than the taste of the food. Each course was thoroughly underwhelming. Was it a new chef? An off night? A restaurant in decline? Who knows, but at $250+ a person there's no room for error. Based on other reviews, Tru is a hit for some people but I'll strongly recommend my friends stay away. At best, Tru is a risky and expensive bet in a city with a bounty of delicious, sure bets.
(2)Sissi L.
Since Alinea needs you to reserve at least 2 month ahead, we decided to go to other michelin starred restaurants. I have read a lot of reviews of michelin starred restaurants in Chicago and chose TRU. Not only because of Food, but also the outstanding service. I have to say, the caviar is the BEST. Kobe beef(made in 2 different ways. as we know, the beef is super organic, the cow was fed with music... lol), ruffles, super cute macaron & other desserts... is a plus. Every course is an art work. The service is incredible. Even though compared to other 1 star michelin restaurants, the price is not that lovely. (about 500 $ in total--for two). WORTH IT!
(5)Meredith K.
It pains me to have to remove a star but they made some changes and to me they were not for the good. I was happy to see that great photo of the Eiffel Tower return from Paris Club. We love that picture. The menu format changed. There used to be 2 options and while there is a choice to have an abbreviated dinner - there aren't as many choices and its a lot more expensive. The menu set up is sort of confusing. You have some options but the way they word it, its difficult at first to tell where you need to decide. For the meat course the only option that I could get was the chicken for 2 for an extra $50. I didn't alert them that I don't eat beef or pork before arriving because in the past there were plenty of seafood options. That being said the chicken was amazing. All of the food was still amazing. The other change that we didn't care for is the bread. They don't come around with the tray where you can pick. You do get a piece of bread per course but its matched with what you're eating. You can feel that Gale Gand is no longer there. Its missing the whimsy. Also its missing the candy cart that used to come around after dessert. I loved that cart!! The service is still very good and helpful. I feel a little sad that its not what it used to be. Yes there were changes, and I try to embrace change, but in this case I don't think they're for the better. For the higher price point I might consider something else.
(4)Norm J.
I took a special someone to Tru because I wanted to be all fancy and make a good impression (the jury is still out on if a good impression was made). We did the Tru Experience and while the food presentation and service was impeccable, I wasn't overly thrilled with meal for the amount of money that I spent. There are some other tasting menus out there in Chicago that are superior to Tru in my opinion. The best thing about my experience at Tru, besides my date of course, was that we were sitting next to a couple from Denver who had just flown into town earlier that day and got engaged in front of the Buckingham Fountain. 1st course: amenity de la terre: beet, ossetra caviar, horseradish, chervil 2nd course: sea urchin in a granny smith + watercress avalanche 3rd course: bright melon in rose essence, cured duck breast 4th course: cool as a cucumber, arctic char roe 5th course: maitake crunch, ramp, oxalis 6th course: atlantic summer fluke, saffron mussel veloute, lemongrass 7th course: yellow corn royal, chanterelle, truffle, foie gras 8th course: duroc pork belly, chambered smoke consommé 9th course: scottish salmon poached in olive oil, cauliflower in textures 10th course: soy gazed veal crispy sweetbread, matsutake 11th course: epoisses, herd salad, red wine pear 12th: passionate marshmallow 13th wild berries, yellow peach, honey oats 14th chocolate in layers, sudachi
(3)Tracy L.
Such a very friendly staff! Beautiful atmosphere, great wine pairings, amazing dessert. I also got a tour of the kitchen and the famous chocolate bar on the house!
(5)James L.
Dining at Tru was definitely an experience. We had their full tasting menu with wine pairing. The food was excellent and different and the service was great. I had a few issues that pushed the experience from a 5 to a 3.5. 1. Upon seating, there was a glass plate setting with Tru's logo. For our table of 6, 4 of the glass plates were chipped on the corners or edges. For a restaurant that charges $200+ per person, I would expect their logo'd plates to be in perfect condition. 2. Overall, the wine pairing was interesting and skewed toward sweeter wines. While I enjoyed it, some of my colleagues did not. For one of the dish (green asparagus, roasted onion, oxalis), it was paired with a 2011 Coenobium Lazio. I thought the wine tasted weird, and asked the waiter for more information about the wine. Instead of getting the sommelier, the waiter mumbled something and left us. 3. Wait staff was attentive, but rushed to describe the food they were serving. Anytime they tried to articulate something sophisticated, it felt like they rushed through it so we couldn't ask questions. 4. We ordered the whole roasted muscovy duck. When using their silverware, I noticed that the knifes were not sharp at all. At first, I thought it was the duck that was not well cooked. After speaking with my colleague, it seems everyone had dull knifes. I know these are little things, but for the price you pay, I had higher expectation.
(3)Alanoud A.
It is un forgettable experience !! Such a delicious food ! It is really tasty .. It is my first visit to Chicago and I recommended the restaurant to my father and to my sister to try it in other states ..
(5)Sherri S.
My (as of that day) fiance and I went to Tru while in Chicago for the weekend. We had just gotten engaged that day and they took special care to make it feel like a very special evening for us both. I gave 4 stars because of the ambiance. It was lacking. I would have loved city views, or any view for that matter, instead of curtains drawn and the feeling of being in a small enclosed room. The food is impeccable. The service is choreographed and never misses a beat. We did the full experience with caviar and the cheese cart and full wine paring. Our dinner took a little over 4 hours to complete, which further enhanced our entire dining "experience" rather than just a formal dinner. We even received a personalized copy of our Tru Experience listing everything that we had eaten and the wine paring with our party name and a congratulations message included. This will make a great keepsake. This was our first Michelin Star restaurant, but it won't be the last. I'm curious as to how other restaurants of the same caliber stack up. Overall, if you are a true foodie who has a wide palate range and are willing to try new experiences, then give Tru a try. If you are expecting a steak dinner, go elsewhere. Also, if you want the full experience (we were stuffed) with wine parings, the recommended reviews stating $500 to burn won't cover it. Just FYI.
(4)chris c.
Let's just say it's a place for a special occasion. The experience was great. We picked a nine course meal with the wine tasting. Go and you won't be disappointed.
(5)Mehran F.
Low value. A bit stuffy. Good enough food but I have had a lot better, and cheaper. Went to Tru with my wife and gorgeous 11 year old son. Ordered tasting menu. A couple of glasses of lower ranked wine. Bill was around 595 + 145$ tip right at $740. $20 valet. Not worth it. Comparing with other meals I have had at L2O and certainly Alinea, I felt it was a bit waste of money. Some of the dishes were good, like the scallop, short rib, and venison. Others OK. Deserts absolutely nothing to write home about. Not bad. Not impressive. The cheese plate reminded me of all the stuff i can get at whole foods. All servers seemed very nice; distant for the most part but good. Emily, the reservationist: high mark. Ratings: Food 7/10 Desert 3/10 Service 8/10 Ambience 7/10 Value 2 or 3/10
(3)Kathy S.
Do not go there if you like to eat, because you can spend there 3 hours and leave hungry. Very small portions, but the food was good. Everyone around you is a snob, and it's hard to fine even one person smiling.
(3)Fei W.
The service was impeccable and the food was good, with the exception of the white asparagus baked in salt. I won't detail the courses as it's available online, but the white asparagus happens somewhere in the middle. This dish was like sucking on a salt block. Very unpleasant and it felt like it pickled my mouth. Being in the middle, it tainted every savory course after as well. Fortunately the dessert courses were a great contrast and possibly made more delicious. Besides the English peas in frost, strawberry, mint dish. That one was too much gastronomy, not enough flavor. As an aside, I made reservations here for an out-of-town friend's visit without noticing that the attire was jackets required for gentleman. Oops. Cue music: I wear your granddad's clothes I look incredible I'm in this big ass coat From that thrift shop down the road Yup, that happened. I have a men's suit jacket from a thrift shop that was left by a random male visitor. For some reason, I kept it in my closet and boy did it come in handy. The jacket was ill-fitting, and clearly too big for my friend. Despite that, everyone there treated us extremely well. The service was attentive, polite, and surprisingly not overly serious. If it hadn't been for the course that was a tribute to saltlicks, this place would've been a solid 4 star.
(3)Eric Y.
Yup, 5 stars. Everything from the staff, room, ambiance, service, food, beverages, even parking was excellent. First, they call you 2 days ahead of time to see if you have any dietary concerns or are celebrating any special occasion. The valet parking takes your name - no ticket - and when you leave, your car is already waiting. All this for $14 in downtown Chicago - that's a deal! When we arrived, they greeted us by name and, since we were there for our twins' birthdays, they greeted each of them by name with a happy birthday as well! The space is a classic "embrace and release" phenomenon where you walk in to a very dark, subdued entryway and then are released into a large main room with soaring ceilings and light. The room is beautiful with sheer floor to ceiling drapes and beautiful artwork on the walls. The tables are covered with white tablecloths and a subdued place holder; not much there to detract from the food. There is some modern background music that is unobtrusive; this is a place that you can actually have a conversation! We had the tasting menu with some upgrades - why not? Also some caviar - again, why not? Cheese? - that's a dumb question. That's 11 courses but there's a lot of extra stuff you get so it's more like 15. The food was uniformly excellent though some items definitely stood out. The dashi custard was super yummy - one of the best chawanmushi dishes I've ever had. The faro risotto with braised baby pig was also excellent. However, the best dish of the night and one of the best things I've ever eaten was the whole muscovy duck. This is an upgrade to the tasting menu and one that YOU MUST GET! This is the best duck I've ever had. They bring the thing out to the table before it's carved so you can see what a work of culinary art it is, then they take it back to the kitchen, carve it, and bring it back out. This duck combines the best of Eastern and Western duck cooking. In the East, it's all about having delicious duck skin - aka Peking duck. In the West, it's about having the most luscious pink duck breast meat. This duck had both - a savory, crispy skin and super tender pink meat. BRAVO! A little later they bring out the confit - so not a bit of that duck is wasted! This place is serious about bread and pastries. Each course comes with a different little bread - brioche, croissant, pumpernickel, fruit/nut, blini, cheese puff. So good. We got a basket of mini madeleines fresh out of the oven - OMG, those were the bomb. At the end of the meal came cannelles, and then a fruit brioche to take home. Our kids got little cupcakes with candles for their birthday - nice touch. The wine list is pricey (no surprise) and there is a by-the-glass list as well. The sommelier is quite helpful. Their coffee is Intelligentsia - always a nice touch. At the end of the meal we received customized birthday menus to take home as well as an array of sweets and cookies. As has been their custom since inception, as you leave, you get a little something to take home and eat in the morning to remind you of the meal. Nice touch.
(5)erica f.
Came in again about two weeks ago after 4 years and holy shit the caviar. The Russian Royal Imperial Ossetra and California White Sturgeon were so dumb I couldn't even deal. GET some caviar, ok Overall: so rich. so cheese. much good. Alinea is still better tho. Sorry not sorry
(4)Jennifer W.
Tru has been on my list for a while, and I'm disappointed that it didn't live up to my expectations. I wasn't overly impressed by the service, ambiance or the food. I will say it was very easy to get a reservation on a Friday night, which was nice, and that we were seated immediately. However, once we were seated and placed our drink orders, it was probably close to an hour before we received our first course. The wait staff apologized for the delay, and once the first course came out the rest followed pretty quickly, but it was still disappointing to go to such a nice restaurant and feel like we were ignored for such a long time. The ambiance was just okay. It looks nice and we had plenty of room at our table, but it seemed closed-off with all of the curtains drawn and had an 'empty' feeling to it. The food was good, but again nothing spectacular. A few courses (the petite salad, red curry squash and the beef) were excellent, but the rest I found to be not as great. Basically, I was hoping to be blown away by the experience, and I wasn't. Especially not for the steep price. I'd rather have gone back to Alinea again.
(3)Henry H.
I had high expectations for this Michelin-starred place but have to say it didn't live up to all of it. My girlfriend and I came in late Friday night. After checking in for our reservation, we waited for about 15 minutes in the lounge before they could seat us. The lounge is quite luring with all the artsy stuff, but we were hungry. Our table was nicely set up (they even have a stool for the ladies' handbags). Since it was late, we went for the abbreviated menu. Somehow they messed up the order of our food, and it ended up being that I was on the third dish while she was on the second. They made an extra dish so we are again in sync. The food itself was good but not mind-blowing, especially if you have experienced other restaurants in this league. What I really enjoyed was the appetizers (trio, lite sunchoke, squash soup). My girlfriend loved the caviar and the monkfish. They changed their menu right before our visit and eliminated some of the options that I was looking for, since I have some diet restrictions. However they were able to accommodate my preferences. Definitely let them know if you are not a fan of certain ingredient. Their service is impeccable. Our waitress was very caring but knew the boundaries. They were patient in explaining all the options and offered some extra sweets at the end for messing up the presentation of some of our food. Clearly one of the best service I've ever received. At restaurants like Tru, you definitely pay a premium for things other than food. Is it worth it? That's definitely personal, but I'd come back if it's a special occasion.
(4)Nathan G.
I don't know what that no-talent ass-clown, Jim H, is talking about. This place is that bomb-diggety, yo! From the empty cream puffs to the tree bark topped with bat guano, I haven't seen anything better. I particularly liked the breadstick pipe cleaner atop the cold butter water.
(5)Van D.
Came here just before christmas. I have been here a few times in the past but it had been at least 3 years. Was a little hesistant after reading that it got only one michelin star. Had the chef lost his marbles? Were the staff resting on their laurels? I felt this was my best experience at Tru. All the dishes tasted great and were very creative. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Yes, its not a cheap meal but I don't mind shelling out some $$$ for gourmet dining. I have been to a couple of 3 star michelin restaurants and honestly this place was right on par.
(5)Jing C.
My hands-down favorite fancy dining spot in Chicago! Why you ask? Let me count the ways... (1) The Food: It's just plain delicious. The ingredients are really special from the cuts of meat, unusual mushrooms to the high end cheeses on the cheese tray. Unlike other Michelin starred restaurants in Chicago that mess with your mind a bit (tofu that's really seafood that's made into ice-cream etc), the flavors are simple to enjoy. That's not to say the presentation wasn't amazing and artful. Just less of a cerebral experience and more of plain enjoyment. (2) The Service: Is super attentive without being snooty. For example, I love cheese but have a terrible memory for the names beyond Brie and Gruyere. So during the cheese course, I asked a lot of questions not knowing if I'd get a snobby answer back like "obviously the blah blah cheese of the blah blah region is known for it's XYZ properties." Nope, the waiter was really nice and happy to answer questions. I must have looked very conflicted over the choice of two different cheeses so our waiter started cracking up (nicely!) and made me a plate with all of them. (3) The Ambiance: The original, museum quality art has major wow-factor. Look, if I'm going to drop a paycheck on a meal, the setting should be pretty nice. And an original Warhol? That's pretty impressive.... (4) The Extras: Yep, wow factor again. On your way out, they give you cookies to enjoy the next day! And they personalize a copy of the menu with your special occasion as a keepsake. (5) It's a Lettuce Entertain You Okay, so that may seem like a weird plus but consider this. A) The dining points from your meal will definitely pay for a M burger. B)LEYE gift certificates are pretty popular holiday gifts. And with one in hand, the $$$$ cost of the tasting menu seems less well, bank-busting?
(5)Rob C.
Went back in 2012...as a fairly ignorant chef at the time, a good friend took me to chicago and let me pick..no brainer..(hehee, he had no clue what to expect, pricewise and experience) I could not imagine a better dining experience. The service was like a dance group that had been touring together for 20 years...the food...speachless. Worth saving up for, because 2 people, with a decent bottle of wine, will set you back close to $1k. ..(*learned that black napkins are for women with lipstick, not messy male eaters that didnt want to have dirty napkins in such a serious restaurant) ..My friend has a very small bladder, the poor waiters must have pickedup, refolded, and changed his napkin, while also racing him back to his seat to pull chair, at least 10 times during dinner. Everytime without fail or attitude after the repetition. MindBLOWN It changed my outlook on food presentation, preparation, and service forever! Thanks Chef Martin! Hopefully we cross paths one day:) You guys deserve every michelin star you get. Definitely not comfortable for a casual eater, nor a place to stop by and just "try" (rezo a must...long time before u go..destination status)...all in or go find a diner kiddo..chicago dogs are pretty epic too..#justsayin
(5)James H.
I've never done this before. Always thought Yelp was like talk radio -- it's okay to listen, but it's weird to actually call in. Tru is amazing. Very expensive, but the definition of "perceived value". The waiters are all wearing matching Joseph Aboud suits, the filtered water is poured in a choreographed, beautiful way... Yada, yada... but what put me over the moon was when my dining companion was fumbling with his camera, looking for a place to put it, a beautiful velveteen stool "appeared". I was impressed. We could have spent a lot more, but they got you for about $230/ person without going crazy. But somehow you feel like it was absolutely worth it. The pastry meant for the next morning was perfect. Go here. It's a treat.
(5)Jennifer N.
I felt like I was eating in an art museum. White walls, dark curtains, and the only color in the restaurant were the paintings, the lilies and foxtail centerpieces (center of the room, not tables), and the food. The food was pretty much like art. We had a really early dinner at the Girl and the Goat before we ate at TRU and our server actually used to work at TRU. She said the service is like a choreographed dance... and it was. We had a party of six and three waiters came at the beginning and simultaneously poured our waters... it was... different. If you are unfamiliar with table manners, get ready to feel really awkward in this place. I may not be a debutante, but I think I know enough, but there were times when I felt uneasy. I felt I had to sit up straight the entire time and speaking too loudly would've been quite disrespectful. It was hard to carry on a conversation amongst the six of us since our round table was big enough to seat about ten people. Luckily, our maitre d' and waiters were friendly and joked with us every now and then to make us feel more at ease. You had the option of having a seven or thirteen course. We had the seven and it was so filling! The food was creatively plated. Some think it may be pretentious especially for the size of the plates and its price, but I appreciate unique plates presented like art in small portions. America has an issue with serving too much food! (And I always feel the need to finish my plate, aka gain more weight.) Back to the food. Our seven course tasting consisted of: amenity de la terre: beet, ossetra caviar, horseradish, chervil 1. day boat scallop, hon shimeji, cilantro, ginger, lime 2. long carrot soup, glacial orange cardamom 3. light sunchoke, sorrel, arctic char roe 4. scottish salmon, shiitake braised in sake, pickled ginger 5. soy glazed veal, preserved lemon, potato cont, green 6. pistachio in nature 7. english peas in frost, strawberry, mint Tack on some chocolate variations in the end. All of my plates were awesome. TRU likes to give you an "experience" and it was a great experience for my tongue. Some may find it a bit booshie, but just ignore the fact that men need to keep their jackets on, and focus on the food. Definite five stars. However, would I come again, probably not... I felt years getting drained out of me. One time is enough.
(5)Bolun M.
My first Michelin star dining experience. The amenity and services are phenomenal and definitely worth the money. However in terms of the food, I'm really not a fun of those creative food dish. It might sound stupid, but the truth is whenever the waiter explained each dish to us when he served it, I really didn't know what he was talking about..... And I always finished each dish within a few bite (cause they are so little). I guess that's why I can't be a gastronomist, lol. Bottom lines: The experience overall worth your money, but I'm just not a fun for the food here.
(3)Mandy C.
Tru was truly a nice fine-dinning restaurant. Guys, remember to bring a jacket that you would want to wear through your whole meal--it is required. And ladies, don't worry about what kind of clutch and purse you're going to bring, the bag get its own special cushiony seat. The place was spacious, grand and very clean cut with very nice drapes on the windows. I felt kind of uncomfortable at first because the wait staffs look super serious, but then later, they turned a little jokey but still professional. They tried to served us all at the same time as well as pushing in back the chair for us as we came back from the bathroom. My friends and I sat a few tables down from the kitchen and boy, I did not like the grease smell that came out of it in the middle of the meal...quite overwhelming. Anyhow, my friends and I went for the full tasting menu. Everything tasted delicious. The menu also played around a lot with special and unique serving dishes, which looked like props. For example, the scallop was served in a shell and the squab was served on a clear vessel that lay on top of a nest. The dishes came out really pretty but at the same time, it seemed like they tried too hard to turn traditional American to new American. All in all, the food was delicious! I enjoyed every single courses.
(5)Mela D.
We have been curios what "molecular gastronomy" is all about. Well, whatever that was, we liked it. I believe it mostly refers to mousses, soufflés and just about any food has has been beaten or shaken a certain way. Nine course dinner was served along with multiple complimentary goodies from the chef. Little warm Madeleine's were delicious. Presentation was excellent and all courses had a very refined taste. With that being said, the first course was a beet sorbet. Maybe it is my personal opinion based on the fact that beets are good as a small addition to a dish, but it was all full blown beet that's been processed in an ice cream machine with salt (I'm sure there were other goodies mixed in, but the thing did not agree with my palate). The goat cheese pearls accompanying it were wonderful, and so was everything else. The treat of the night was a heavenly white chocolate truffle with a basil(!) liquid inside. After dinner we were presented with a personalized menu of the dishes that were served and some desert to take home as a souvenir. We were very pleased to find it the next morning when coffee got done brewing. Waitstaff was great and service was impeccable. Would definitely recommend TRU if you don't mind the cost that's a bit on the higher end.
(5)Todd C.
Outstanding French cuisine in downtown Chicago! No complaints. From appetizer to dessert, the meal was delicious. Exquisite service served with the utmost class.
(5)Rachael C.
Not sure who could complain about this place. Went here for NYE 2014 - and was not disappointed. Service was traditionally fancy and fantastic. (Hint: Ladies - take the BLACK napkin when offered unless you are wearing a light color!) Food was well played and explained without snoot. Just professionalism. It was one big open room for dining with a seating area separate. Fantastic live music and art. Could be a romantic dinner - but it is very open and not dark. Light and simple. Would love to go again!!
(5)Michal F.
At Tru the friendly professional service, presentation, taste and ambiance combine for a memorable experience. It's the prefect place for a big celebration with your significant other. The problem with upscale restaurants i usually have is a pretentious ambiance that can override an otherwise good experience no matter the quality of the food. This is not so at TRU. Despite a service that is as fancy as you can get there is still a warmth and acceptance that is readily felt. My wife and I came here for our first wedding anniversary and were wowed by the food quality, presentation and service. Our menu came customize with our names and the event we were celebrating - how cool is that. We ordered the 8 course Chef's special which ended up being 11 courses after the extras everyone gets by dining here. My favorites were the soups. One was a pea soup with a sub zero cream center. The other was a duck soup that was made at our table using a sophisticated bunson burner-esque heater. The savory flavor or this soup made it the best I've ever had. I recommend this restaurant for anyone with something epic to celebrate. The $250 per person we spent makes it the most expensive restaurant I've ever dined at so beware the prices can climb.
(5)Stephen H.
Food was good, but not awe-inspiring. Over-use of cream and salt, IMHO with little nuance in the flavors. One of our dishes, the beef, was so tough and grisly we were all struggling to cut it, though the flavor and wine pairing were excellent. Service was fantastic until it came time for dessert. We dined early, and while we were finishing our main courses the restaurant became filled to capacity. The level of service plummeted. No matter how busy a restaurant of this caliber gets their kitchen and wait staff should be able to keep up. The experience should be seamless to diners. We waited for at least 30 minutes for our dessert course and because we had cars waiting, we were forced to rush through. Probably will not be back.
(2)Annie B.
Let me start off first by saying that Tru is the only michelin-starred restaurant I've ever been to. While I don't have a plethora of other restaurants to compare it to, I still sincerely appreciate the innovative and thoughtful menu. If you're like me, you will be dining here for the experience just as much as the food. We were probably the youngest in the restaurant but I didn't feel out of place. The service is impeccable and you couldn't be better taken care of. I won't go into detail as it's spelled out in the other reviews, but these guys know what they're doing and aren't presumptuous about it. We did the 14-course menu + an additional 3-cheese tasting course (from the amazing cheese cart that should just be posted up in my kitchen at all times). We did not do the wine pairing but instead shared a $50 bottle of gruner veltliner. By the end of the 14 courses (17 if you count the complimentary cheese puff, complimentary extra dessert course, & the additional cheese course), I was beyond stuffed. We were going to walk around the city after our meal but ended up getting a cab to go home and pass out after 1/2 a block because we could barely move.. I am confident that you could do the 7-course menu and be very satisfied. The flavors in every dish are so exciting to eat. My favorites were the sea urchin in a granny smith + watercress avalanche, cool as a cucumber arctic char roe, yellow corn royal chanterelle truffle foie gras, and the scottish salmon poached in olive oil w/ cauliflower in textures. My least favorites were the bright melon in rose essence w/ cured duck breast and the duroc pork belly w/ chambered smoke consomme. Still not sure how I felt about the minimalist decor but the plating for each dish is BEAUTIFUL. If you have $500+ that you won't miss from your bank account, go take your favorite person and have a crazy fun experience.
(5)Rosie S.
Breath taking from the moment you walk in. The dining experience was exciting , new & almost playful. I think I'll let you experience it and not ruin it for you! GO!
(5)Sheeva G.
I had an excellent experience at Tru. I got a little carried away with the caviar and I ordered multiple 10g types to enjoy. It filled me up quickly, but the presentation was outstanding, as well as the champagne that was paired with it. I decided to do the entire Tru experience tasting menu, which did not look as big as it actually was. Everything was superb, but I think there were at least 2 sub-courses within each course so I ended up eating a ridiculous amount of food (definitely not complaining though). The presentation for each course was magnificently beautiful and also delicious at the same time. My favorite was probably the smoked langoustine which came out in a glass sphere that was literally smoking in herbs, then placed on the plate with the other goodies of the course. Also, my grand cru Girardin Corton Charlemagne was fantastic. Overall, I would say that Tru was a little stuffy, but I had a grand evening and a lovely dining experience.
(5)Stefan W.
Not only 5 star dining but also a 5 star dining experience you dont want to miss if you are in town! Booked this place a while back when we couldnt get a reservation at dum du da da (drumroll....) yes the famous Alinea. Was i bit disappinted at first but changed my midn after our excellent 3 dish evening at this classy establishment. *First of all, dont forget a jacket! (yes you are required to wear it through the complete dinner) The dining room is nice looking though a bit too formal for my taste even though we are talking about fine dining. We decided on the 3 course set menu where you have 2-3 items to choose from each on the appetizer, main and dessert. As they change menus a few times a year im sure they changed it after we where there. Anywho lets get to the food the shall we. As an appetizer i had the fois gras and duck ravioli in a duch consomé. This was a fun sight. the servers (note there was always more then one serving us) brought something that looked like a timeglass in a a bigger size with the consomé/stock in the lower glass and some herbs/spices in the top glass. When putting a blowtorch under the "timeglass" the consomé was rising up in the top glass with all the herbs when it was heating up! As it was ready the servers poured it simultaniously (od course!) over our plates with the ravioli and small cubes of fois gras. Did it taste good you might ask? Oh yes it was marvelicious with subtle and refined flavors blending nively together. And yes i do love the goose liver! My main was the 72 h braised short ribs with a cauliflower/jalepeno purée and some red wine reduction among other things. Wow how good it was! Its amazing that long hours in the oven can make such a cheap cut som amazingly tender that it almost falls apart just by looking at it. The cauliflower/jalepeno purée was silky smooth in texture and great in taste though it wouldnt have hurt with a little bigger chili kick. My dessert was some chocolaty cake that was almost as good as the above mentioned masterpieces though im not much of a dessertperson. We also had some wonderful freshly baked bread before the appetizer, some beatiful looking amuse bouche*s and when we had our espresso at the end teh server brought a wagon full of small petit fours, chocolate pralines and devine french macarons. You could pick as many as you wanted but how many can you swallow after a tree course meal with bread and some extra small dishes, right? = ) The food was gorgeous looking, tha food was absolutely superb. I think we paid aabout 350 $ for 2 with a bottle of red, tax and tips inc. Ok so its not cheap but considering this is a Michelin starred restaurant that will make you satisfied even with high initial expectations i would say its worth it. My only personal complain and im sure there are people who loves this is the ridicilous level of the service. You ALWAYS have 1 server each at the table and they do everything simultaniously. Filling the wine, the water, scraping of breadcrumbs of the table every 5 minutes.......... One might say that this is excellent service, theres nothing to complain about etc etc. But i dont mind pouring myself a glass of wine or refilling my water...... I doesnt have to be refilled with every sip if you get my point....... Conclusion: You love great food and dont mind paying for a great experiend or have something to celeberate? Go to "Tru" and have a memorable night with some great dishes!!
(5)Kim B.
I took my boyfriend to Tru for his birthday. What a waste of time and money! First off, if I'm paying $500 for dinner for two, the food and service better be damn good. Food was okay, nothing spectacular. Service was horrible. Our waiter mumbled when he explained our dishes. Maybe he thought we weren't paying attention? Believe me, we were. My boyfriend also pointed out that the servers would roll their eyes whenever they came out with a tray and had to wait for the waiter to serve the plate. At one point, the server waited so long to be relieved of the contents of her tray, she sighed out loud. Right next to our table. Very unprofessional. To top it off, when my boyfriend tried to take of his jacket because the room was too warm, he was told he needed it keep it on during the dinner service. It's his birthday and we're spending $500+ for dinner and he can't take off his jacket? If you're looking for a fine dining experience without the attitude, go to El Ideas. Better food, better environment, better service, better price...better EVERYTHING.
(2)Agnes L.
A good restaurant has delicious food. A great restaurant has that + good service. A superior restaurant (warranting a four-star status with the Trib and many other accolades) is one in which food, service and atmosphere combine to create a memorable experience. Tru is one of these rare superior restaurants. My husband and I celebrated our first wedding anniversary at Tru with the 9-course tasting menu. The insanely creative and whimsical menu items played with unusual texture, flavor and presentation combinations. We continued to be surprised through each course from the array of river salmon served in a platter mimicking a rushing river with the use of dry ice to the humorous miniature monkey statues garnering our tiny desserts. And, the sophisticated art gallery decor of the restaurant paired well with the food because our plates were honestly works of art in themselves. (Although, one negative would be that it felt a bit superfluous at times. One example of this is the fruit leather hanging on clothes lines - It seemed to be an exaggerated response to what could really be comparable to a lunchbox fruit snack.) In the end, Tru is the most expensive and extravagant restaurant my husband and I had ever set foot in, yet we did not feel out of place, rushed or looked down upon like we have felt in the past at other ritzy restaurants. We were able to take our time, enjoying every tasty bite while joking with our servers. We received additional surprise special treatment with a personalized menu in the beginning of our meal and a celebratory cupcake in honor of our anniversary at the end. For one night, we were able to live like royalty. It is a meal we will hold close to our hearts.
(5)Vernetta H.
Tru is the quintessential upscale restaurant. I experienced great service, innovative cuisine, and unique wine. I had the full culinary experience. For a foodie, it was among the top three meals that I have experienced in a lifetime worldwide.
(5)Adam B.
One of the best meals I have ever had and I have been to plenty of restaurants of this caliber. Inventive cuisine that is delicious and for $150 for tasting menu was very worth the price.
(5)Hannah H.
My friend and I decided to check out Tru, as we've heard so many things about this restaurant, but never had the chance to dine there. Even though Chef Gale Gand and Chef Rick Tramonto are not present and with the restaurant anymore, we were still excited to see what it was all about. Once we arrived, we were greeted promptly by the hostess and was led to the formal dining area. Our first bite was compliments from the chef, which was a cheese puff - it was warm and cheesy, and a nice little morsel to start the night off. We then had an Amenity de la Terre (beet with Ossetra caviar, horseradish, and chervil), which was a nice and refreshing, and great with the horseradish cream; next, we had the Day Boat Scallop with hon shimeji, ginger, and lime (this tasted fresh and was seasoned perfectly); 'Cool as a Cucumber' was next with arctic char roe - this was also refreshing with bits of the cucumber slices - the broth had a strong sake flavor, but when mixed with the other ingredients, it was nice; one of my favorites was the Long Carrot Soup (that had glacial orange cardemom) - it was creamy and it came with a cute little brioche toast with orange butter - yum!; 'Maitake Crunch' with ramp and oxalis was next, which tasted like a mushroom-infused rice cracker; Atlantic Summer Fluke (with saffron mussel veloute and lemongrass) - this was tangy/vinegar-ish; another favorite of mine was the Blonde Morel Royal' which was like a mushroom flan - the flavors were amazing with its saltiness, mushroom-iness, and the nice little custard; Duroc Pork Belly (compressed black plum and onion to the third power) was nice and fatty, but flavorful; Scottish Salmon with shiitake braised in sake and pickled ginger was cooked medium, but it was nice and delicate; the sake also seemed to be too overwhelming for me, but if you mix the flavors, it worked; next was the Soy Glazed Veal with preserved lemon, potato confit, and green - the veal was very tender and great with the au jus sauce that were poured over it, and I loved the little potato balls; next was the Espoisses (herb salad with red wine pear) - the cheese was wicked strong, but with the greens and the jam, it tasted great; our desserts started with the 'Passionate Marshmallow' - this was a homemade marshmallow with passion fruit stuffed inside of it - came on a stick like a s'more on a log and this was absolutely delightful; the 'Melons in Color' with lemon verbena and mint also had that sake flavor to it which seemed overwhelming at first, but melded together with the other ingredients made it refreshing; the 'Cherry Variation' with truffle and almond was also great, as it was halved cherries with an almond pound cake on the bottom, kind of like a cherry shortcake; we then had 'Mignardises,' which we had samplings of their tiny desserts (like square lemon tarts, macarons, dark chocolate truffles, and floral-infused marshmallow). Each plate was plated beautifully (all Earthy/Zen-like decorations and inspirations), and very pleasing visually. The waitstaff were very friendly and nice, very efficient, and we also didn't have to wait too long for our next course. We also were fortunate to take a tour of the kitchen, and the Chef was amazing and so welcoming and friendly. We had a great dining experience. A restaurant that is 1 Michelin starred, we enjoyed each and every dish with no complaints! Loved the high ceilings and the art work (especially the animated woman frame by the bathroom). I suggest parking at 900 N Michigan for validated parking or they also have valet for $14. +lovely tasting menu :D +cheese popover +Duroc Pork Belly +Soy Glazed Veal +'Passionate Marshmallow' +'Cherry Variation' +request a kitchen tour :D +park at 900 N for validated/discount parking
(5)Lisa S.
Seriously. Incredible. I have had the pleasure of enjoying fine dining experiences from St. Tropez to Vegas to Miami to NYC and everywhere in between...I had no idea that Chicago had cuisine like this. We ordered the Chef's Tasting Menu (9 courses) plus a special wagyu course as an add-on, totaling 10 courses plus wine pairings for each course. My caloric intake for the entire month was satisfied. We started with glasses of prosecco and needless to say, as each course came out, along with its wine pairing, things got a little fuzzy...thankfully Tru lists their Chef's Tasting Menu online: -white sturgeon "caviar", avocado, hazelnut -ancho cured duck breast on down, tangerine, sour cherry -butternut squash soup, alba white trufe, parmesan tuile -seared foie gras, 10 grapes, crisp chestnut -jidori chicken roulade, petit cabbage, banyuls gastrique -arctic char, light jerusalem artichoke dots, broken sorrel -prime beef ribeye, maitake mushroom, wasabi potato purée -choice of: cow, goat + sheep's milk cheeses -vanilla parfait, compressed pineapple, banana compliments of george + the special wagyu course with a wine pairing as well. A little dessert tray was brought over after all of the above was consumed. We took some treats to go. I will upload some pictures. The service was impeccable and the synchronized plate settings reminded me of Sinatra's in the Wynn. I can't wait to come back.
(5)Kathy S.
I really enjoyed my experience at Tru. As many have stated, the service is immaculate and an experience in itself. The staff is very serious on ensuring that you have the best experience possible. The moment there is a crumb on your table, they will sweep it off. Or if you get up to use the restroom, an employee will escort you the entire way (and also replace your napkin at the table). Although I tend to be more laid-back about service, it was still pretty fun to feel so pampered. The food was also delicious and we left ridiculously full. There were a couple courses that made me almost swoon. Plus I loved the personalized menus and the almond cake that was already packaged up to eat the next day. Note for the ladies: they have cute little ottomans for you to put your purse on!
(4)Philly G.
An amazing experience. Went for our 6 year anniversary. They create personalized menus for you which they give you in an envelope at the end of your night to take home along with two pastry treats wrapped for you to enjoy the next day. We had champagne to start off. We chose the grand collection with the wine pairing and everything was delicious. I enjoyed the butternut soup, "caviar" over avocado, the fish, and the desserts with all of the perfect wine pairings the best. The servers are extremely attentive and make for a wonderful evening. I'm so glad we celebrated here. Ladies there are little ottomans to put your purse on. They will escort you all the way to the restroom. They will keep your table looking spotless as they take care of every single crumb after every course. I thought the chef was amazing and just wanted to go tell him thank you for such a wonderful meal.
(5)Lou C. H.
This is where the 1% eat. You walk in, and there are beautiful orchids arranged Mapplethorpe style. There's one server for every person in your party. Dinner is theater, jacket required. At one time, I was freezing, and my DH too hot. DH asked if he could loan me his jacket, matire d' looked horrified. Absolutely not! We ordered a supplement, and one of the servers forgot. He brought over the setting for another dish, so it was I who asked him if that lobster dish was still coming. He was stricken, quickly removed the setting, and thanked me profusely for saving his job. The food is topnotch, super expensive, but the service is a little too uptight for my tastes. We go out to dinner to enjoy ourselves. Not to panic over a crumb. Not to be watched over so closely that when a crumb falls, people swoop in. And guess what, crumbs fall. I've never had a dinner party where a guest hasn't dropped a crumb, and yes, I've groaned the next day when I've had to clean up. I also do not like being escorted the entire way to the bathroom, I'm not five. The worst dish, hands down, the George the banana monkey with banana dessert. Rather pedestrian dessert for a meal that will cost you $500. Second worst dish, the tasteless jidori chicken on a log. The lobster was the best. The "linens" that cleanse your palate fun and playful. You always remember the best, and the worst.
(3)Kevin A.
The courses were great tasting, but not enough. A spoon held the soup serving. Very expensive and left wanting more. Everst was better in my opinion. My wife did love the purse ottoman.
(3)S S.
Great dining experience. The atmosphere, service, and food were all superb! The duck is delicious, as we're all the courses. Presentation was amazing! A definite.
(5)Peter F.
We had the "Tru Experience" option, which included 4 more courses than the half experience. I have to say though, the 4 courses that were included were the best part of the experience, so if you only get the half, you're probably going to leave disappointed and slightly heavier pocketed, though still really really light, since our total came out to half a K for 2 with no pairing, just 2 cocktails. For the most part, food was great! However, there are a few courses that were either lacking 1 or more flavor components or was slightly salty. If only the chef had put in a little more effort, those dishes would've been phenomenal. For example, the first course came out with 3 small dishes, which although tasted the worst, looked the most beautiful. It had the right idea, but was incredibly short on execution. One of the dishes was a "drink" but was void of any flavor. Almost made me gag actually. I thought it was just me, but my wife felt the same way as well as a few tables surrounding us. Unfortunate that it was the first course, because it kinda set the tone for the entire meal. Fortunately, the rest of the meal was great and got us back into the mood, but not entirely. One thing that really stuck with me was the cheese course. I think I spent about 30 percent of the meal enjoying that portion of the meal. It was INCREDIBLE! Overall, good meal. I didn't mind the price tag so much had it not been for a few dishes that made me regret question the decision to go here. The cheese course made me happy though :)
(3)Sherwin S.
Authentic French cuisine...in America! With so many fine dining establishments in America being touted as New American cuisine, it's refreshing to see a restaurant like Tru staying true (you see what I did there?) to the roots of classic fine dining. You are greeted with a very simplistic door with a very simplistic sign when you enter the establishment. After going through the doors and escaping the Chicago cold, you are greeted with an extremely small check in room, with a very helpful maitre d who checks your coat. The space then opens up to a large restaurant, simplistically yet eclectically decorated. The food though is the star of the restaurant...and you are greeted with dish after dish of classically cooked, elegantly prepared, and perfectly tasting dishes. Though some modernity has crept into the cuisine (they have an amazing hot infuser), the dishes still keep to the classic roots and everything is unequivocally French in inspiration. I love Tru...and Chef Martin has done an amazing job of carrying on the work of Trumonte. I can myself dining here regularly when I am in Chicago...I just need the bank account to order the cavier service next time!!!
(5)Najia Y.
I came here for the dessert tasting menu. I was happy with the well executed dishes we were served.
(4)Tiff C.
Great ambience and service and communicative staff. A good experience overall, but not really worth the price. I didn't enjoy the starter and meat as much, but the skate wing was great and the dessert was also good. Not amazing for the price you pay unfortunately.
(3)Laura A.
We dined at Tru for a special occasion last winter and ordered the tasting menu. Highlights: The presentation throughout the meal was spectacular and even whimsical. For example, the waiter placed a bowl of liquid in front of us, then poured something into it and poof! It turned into a snowy-looking substance! He then put a glass top over the snow and served a little mousse snowman on top. It was magical and delicious. We also enjoyed the cheese course - some of the best cheese I have had in this town. Why only 3 stars: For the price, there is better cuisine in Chicago. For a luxury experience, there is better cuisine (Alinea, L2O, Il Mulino to name a few...). The bottom line is our food was good, but not phenomenal. There are too many amazing restaurants in Chicago and I would not come here again and would only recommend to out-of-town guests who would prefer to stay in close proximity to downtown to eat. Additionally, the decor is a bit too minimal. I like clean and modern spaces just fine, but the decor is too spartan.
(3)Deb L.
My husband and I went on our anniversary. We didn't have babysitters, so our 5 and 7 year old came with. We were worried that the staff would not want the kids, but the staff was so friendly towards my two boys! The food was the best we have ever had. My two young boys can't stop talking about how it was the best meal they ever had! The desserts were amazing! When the waiter poured my 5 year old water, he splattered water on the glass and got my 5 year old a different glass of water (I had to laugh at that). Very expensive...around $800 for the four of us, but well worth the dining experience! At the end the manager came up to us and complimented us on our well behaved children....made us feel good! Will hopefully be going back again when in Chicago!!! The waiters were not snooty at all!
(5)Jennifer W.
Three stars are generous. I'm rounding up. Let me begin by stating that I did not pay for my dinner at Tru. The bill for four people (I peeked) was more than I make in a week. That being said, it didn't seem like it SHOULD be that much, except perhaps to pay for the expert wait staff. Oh, the waiters. Three of the people in our party chose the three course meal. Then there was my husband who chose the 35 course meal (maybe it was 10, but it seemed ungodly at the time). Each time he was brought a new plate, the other three people's empty, completely spotless plates were removed and a new empty plate was presented. I could talk about this for another paragraph, but I think that would be as pointless as this aspect of the service. I wasn't impressed with the food. I have a tree nut and tree fruit allergy, and although this was mentioned to the waiter, I was simply told what I couldn't eat, rather than being offered any kind of alternative. The first two courses were fine, but there was fruit and nuts in every one of the deserts that were carted out, so I was stuck choosing the cheese. Yawn. I would never go back on my own dime, but I may not even go back on someone else's.
(3)Peter H.
Warning: Stay away from this place like a plague. Tru is certainly a unique dining experience in every bad way you can deem possible. Terrible service (this I cannot emphasize enough), bland food and a high price tag. It's what we Chinese people would call the Tuhao of dining - classless and the non-frequent high diners simply go and justify it's worth because it's expensive. I came with high expectations after a friend's recommendation and after reading numerous positive reviews but I left $600 dollars short and extremely disappointed. I'll divide this review in terms of four sections: service, presentation, ambiance and food quality. Service I cannot emphasize how bad the service is at this restaurant. If you can't be bothered reading then this is what happened: male waiter knocks over my full glass of Delamotte champagne, doesn't apologize, drops a bon bon dessert on the table from it's plate and doesn't replace it with a new one, then proceeds to charge me for 2 glasses of Delamotte without acknowledging that he tipped over the first one. Overall, the host, hostesss and other waitresses were all very courteous but what transpired in my 1.5 hours of dining here with that waiter could easily make this the worst restaurant service I have ever experienced. To put it simply, I'd rather go spend $20 at Applebee's and tip $580 because I know at least the staff would treat me with something called respect which Tru is oblivious to. Presentation Food presentation is important for any high-end restaurant, and Tru doesn't disappoint. It isn't as impressive nor innovative as Alinea, such as it's dessert table paintings or its green apple taffy balloons, but Tru does a great job in showcasing each dish. On another note, Tru is known for their levitation dish which I was hoping to see but wasn't offered on my menu. Ambiance Live piano music, candle lights, dim lighting, no city-view backdrop (it's on the first floor) etc. If that floats your boat go ahead. Food I cannot emphasize how bland and unimpressive the food was. I say this in all sincerity because I've ate at Alinea, Next, L20, Sixteen and the list goes on. I came here on 12/31 to celebrate the new years and they only had one set menu available but it was bland in every way. To be honest, I can't even remember what I ate because it was just that unimpressive and disappointing. I even looked across the table to see my friend really disappointed and she usually never complains about food. That's just how disappointed we were. In summary, if you want to get poor service and pay a shit ton then this is the place for you.
(1)Nelson M.
Restaurant Review Simply exquisite would sum up my experience at Tru.As I walked out the door, i was lucky enough to pull up the restaurant on my Yelp app to realize that a suit was the dress code required for males. I quickly change and ran down the street for dinner. The service is first class and the ambiance of this restaurant is amazing. Our dinner consisted of: 1. Small Amuse-bouche served on a mirror plate. I have no idea what it was except it was a square cube of soft food with light foam. 2. The salad was a heirloom lettuce with baked figs, cripsy prosciutto, and vanilla balsamic vinegrette which was heavenly. The figs and prosciutto great a unique balance of savory and sweet that goes well with the lettuce. This is simply the best salad ever. 3. Grass fed beef tenderloin with caramelized onion tart and cabernet reduction. Simply the the most tender piece of beef ever with a delicate sauce that complemented well with the red wine that evening 4. For dessert, an amazing chocolate tart with raspberry and slight flecks of gold foil. Beautiful and one of the best desserts. Service was great and quick. The food is a fine balance of art and flavors that should be experienced at least once in your lifetime! Pro- food that was amazing well balance with unique ingredients, top notch service Con- Super expensive. Strict dress code i.e. guys you have to wear a suit or they won't let you in. Hidden deal- None
(4)Gregory S.
Very expensive, especially the wine list but the food and wine and service were outstanding. Timing was perfect, people were great, lots of room between tables. Quiet which was nice. Great restaurant.
(5)Ellie S.
I was in town for the Hot Chocolate Chicago race and my friends and me for kicks decided to find out if there was an opening at Tru. The staff asked if we could be there in 10 minutes and we obliged. Having not anticipated an elegant meal that evening we were floored by our experience. We were dressed down compared to most patrons yet given the same exquisite service despite going over my two drink limit and penchant for humor. We ordered the full menu and I indulged in two desserts rather than one. If I am going to get the full experience I might as well try everything. I did not like all of the food (I'm a picky eater), however I loved most of the food and really enjoyed the sensory experience the chef provided. The service here is impeccable. From the time we came toward the door until our exit our experience was amazing. I was even given a small "table" for my purse. It is a long dining experience lasting about two and a half hours. Well worth it! The best part was watching the precise choreography utilized by the staff when serving our food. It was beautiful like watching a ballet.
(4)Lindsay S.
I get the feeling people are afraid of being honest after dropping hundreds of dollars on a meal. It's true that the service, ambiance and presentation are wonderful. But if you ask my boyfriend and I, that's all this place has going for them. We did the 13 course "Tru Experience" with wine pairings. I love pork belly, duck breast, and short rib. They're foods I frequently order if offered on the menu. How did Tru mess up my favorite foods? The short rib was literally the worst I have ever had. We each took a bite and had to abandon it. The pork belly had been morphed into jell-o, and the duck breast was cured and tasted no better than something you could have on your meat/cheese plate at a neighborhood wine bar. In addition to the food we found to be genuinely bad, unfortunately nothing was GOOD either. There were just dishes that were "meh" in which I found *elements* that I liked. Biggest kudos to the sommelier. She did a great job with what she was given. Go to Alinea, Moto, and/or Goosefoot. "Better" isn't a strong enough word to describe how much these places trump Tru.
(2)Jaime G.
# 3 best meal in chicago is Tru. Loved the service, wine service, and cheese. Every meal and pairing was very well thought thru and very good.
(5)Kathleen M.
I have a sorority sister who likes to celebrate her birthday. She has a husband who likes to go on fishing trips to Canada. The two collided and he uttered these fateful words. "Invite your sorority sisters for a birthday dinner, anywhere you want, I will pay for it." Done, she invited us and our daughters to dine with her at Tru. It was the most elegant meal and the most giggly fun I have ever had. Heck, I even bought new shoes for it. The restaurant was hidden and elegant and when we left they gave us parting gifts. We did the prix fixe with a couple of Caviar staircases and lots of champagne thrown in. Fab-u-lous! If I got up, they moved my chair. When I came back, they helped me in. I remember all the food as just delicious but we did drink a lot of champagne. Cheers! I wasn't a Yelper then but I have always meant to write about this fantastic birthday party. Yesterday I checked in with my Yelp app to remind me. (I didn't have a smart phone back then.) Today, I get a message on Yelp from the self appointed Yelp police - aka the husband of a FORMER Yelp friend - that he has "noticed" that I did a 10:00 am check in at Hub 51 and a check in shortly after that at Tru. He is "contemplating" turning me into Yelp reps as he knows these check ins are not legit and then I will most likely be deported or possibly shot by a firing squad. Stalk much? Hilarious! It made a memorable evening even more memorable. So be careful, if you dine at Tru, make sure you check in on that exact date or the Barney Fife of Yelp Elites will turn you in. Tru dinner and a true story.
(5)Rena P.
So I finally got Tru out of my system and off my list. Honestly? Meh. I TRUly expected more. Don't get me wrong, the place is gorgeous. Simple decor, spotlights over each table, excellent host service. The actual meal experience was, unfortunately, lacking. Let me get this one point out of the way before I discuss the food. If you're going to have a complex menu, don't have a waiter who barely pronounces regular English words explain it. Seriously. When I was on the cheese course, he rattled off names for probably 3 min. nonstop; at which point, I just had to ask him to choose for me. I'm not joking. I'm also not trying to be rude. I come from a long line of non-English speaking folks, so I'm VERY used to hearing and understanding heavy accents. This, however, was on another level. Considering the fact that each table has about 3-4 servers servicing them, one of them should be a native English speaker to explain the menu options. With that out of my system, on to the food. Another slight...meh... My guest and I ordered from two separate sections of the menu, so taste as much as we could. My guest had the Prix Fixe menu and I opted for the Chef's Collection. Reviews below. PRIX FIXE: DUCK CONSOMMÉ, CONFIT + FOIE GRAS RAVIOLI, FRAGRANT JULIENNE The preparation of this course was the interesting part. Similar to a chemistry experiment, watching the consommé being prepare in front of our eyes, infusing itself with truffle, celery and other such yummies was thrilling. The taste? Well, it was mostly truffle-flavored. FALLOW DEER, CELERIES, CHESTNUT, RED CURRANT Cooked exceptionally, but deer is definitely not a flavor I will go back to. Super gamey. VANILLA PARFAIT, COMPRESSED PINEAPPLE, BANANA COMPLIMENTS OF GEORGE George rocked my world on this one. Honestly. Served up on a white ceramic monkey statue, I tried to find the reason behind the monkey, but to no avail. Nonetheless, this dish is phenomenal IMO. CHEF'S COLLECTION: WHITE STURGEON "CAVIAR", AVOCADO, HAZELNUT Unique, creative and (somewhat) tasty. What you're eating, essentially, is fish jelly. The actual sturgeon made to look like white caviar, serve in a caviar container atop an avocado spread. Let's just say its much more visually appealing. ANCHO CURED DUCK BREAST ON DOWN, TANGERINE, SOUR CHERRY This dish made me want more. It was delicious and cooked to perfection. Fatty, like duck ought to be and delicate. BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP, ALBA WHITE TRUFLE, PARMESAN TUILE Again, a miss for me. More truffle and a lack in texture. The Parmesan was not enough. SEARED FOIE GRAS, 10 GRAPES, CRISP CHESTNUT I feel that this dish would have been much more appealing had there been a variance in texture. The flavors were spot on, but the soft creamy texture of the foie gras alongside the soft texture of the grapes did not allow for the "crispy" chestnuts to leave their mark. JIDORI CHICKEN ROULADE, PETIT CABBAGE, BANYULS GASTRIQUE Honestly? This tasted like a small bite of my mother's chicken cutlet. Presentationally this dish is exquisite. It's just edible artwork. Google the name of this dish for photos, they'll stun you. ARCTIC CHAR, LIGHT JERUSALEM ARTICHOKE DOTS, BROKEN SORREL I'm remembering nothing of this dish; it seems to have blended with the other course (not a good sign) PRIME BEEF RIBEYE, MAITAKE MUSHROOM, WASABI POTATO PURÉE Alright, finally something I could sink my teeth into. A beautiful, well-portioned piece of ribeye; served on a block of chopped wood. Love. Love. LOVE. CHOICE OF: COW, GOAT + SHEEP'S MILK CHEESES I love cheese. VANILLA PARFAIT, COMPRESSED PINEAPPLE, BANANA COMPLIMENTS OF GEORGE (see above review) In addition to the mentioned, items like a ginormous pine cone with mini meringue was served. A tasting of the dessert cart minis were made available. All these tastings were quite honestly... orgasmic. If I had to recommend this restaurant, I would strongly suggest going for dessert. To sound crude, HOT DAMN!
(3)Asuka N.
For our last night in Chicago, we stuck with a restaurant closer to our hotel and went to Tru. Making a reservation on OpenTable a couple weeks of time was surprisingly easy (we were able to get a reservation at 7:45 on Saturday night), and showing up and getting seated was a cinch. Similar to Alinea the night before, the dining room has a relatively simple yet modern feel to it, although there is more bright lighting. Although the dining room feels quite big, it never got too noisy, even when it was filled with more people. Service was very good and relatively quick; you aren't left waiting too long between each bite, which is probably a good thing if you go with the 14-course tasting (which you definitely should). The servers also have a good personality about things and talking about the dishes, which is nice in comparison to most upscale places, where waiters can be robotic at times. As for the food - it's hard to state how well and complete the tasting menu feels. Doing the 14-course tasting gives you a chance to sample dishes from all across the spectrum - seafood, meats, appetizers, sweets, and some really cool, innovative dishes in between. Not only that, but the presentation is extremely unique and well-done for each dish - for example, you get served the beef on a glass resting on top of half a wooden log - without being overwrought and feeling over the top. The first course was beet with caviar, which was really good and different, as the caviar paired with a denser vegetable adds a spritz of saltiness, but the flavor of the beet is much lighter than other dishes I've had with caviar. The seafood dishes (both the crab and the Scottish salmon) were very delicious; they tasted fresh, but paired with a clean fruity tastes (for the crab) and with mushroom-infused broth (for the salmon). The clear highlight of the dinner (and it wasn't on the shorter 7-course - just another reason why you should go for the larger tasting) was the foie gras truffle flan. It's the first time these two favorites of mine paired in the dish, and the result is pure magic. Out of the many meals I've eaten over the years, this may very well be the absolute best dish, EVER. The richness of the foie gras gives the dish the depth, but the truffle flavor overlaid on it takes it to another level. I would come back to Tru if the rest of the meal was just okay, because this was otherworldly and so freakin' good. It gets paired with a croissant served with truffle butter, which really helps to highlight the exquisite flavors of the truffle in another light. The butternut squash soup is the other dish that highlights the truffle, with white truffle cream drizzled into the soup to really give the soup (which was solid on its own) an extra kick of flavor. Both meat dishes (the pork belly and duo of wagyu beef) were delicious and succulent in their own right. In particular, the richness of the flavor in the dry-aged beef was so well-done, it hardly required any additional flavoring or marinade. Like any fabulous restaurant, the dessert courses were delicious (one dish with parfait and orange that almost seems like it's ice cream, except it's not; and a chocolate dish)...and then you got served more dessert on top. We were brought out a 3-tier selected of various truffles, macaroons, jellies, and other goodies to select from at the end, and it was topped off by providing us with a pastry with an orange jelly center for later...it was a great thing to wake up to the next morning. In all, Tru is a phenomenal restaurant. The presentation of the food is fantastic, the portions are just right for a larger tasting menu, and the food is phenomenally good across the spectrum. Did I mention the fois gras truffle flan? SO GOOD. I'm definitely coming back here next time I'm in town. Easily my favorite restaurant (of the limited ones I've been to) in Chicago, and one of the best - if not the best - restaurant I've had the privilege of eating at ANYWHERE so far. You have to eat dinner here.
(5)Betty C.
TRU is a sophisticated, elegant and enjoyable dining experience. That being said you will not be overwhelmed with the magnificent flavor of any of the dishes - they all taste very good but nothing will knock your socks off or leave you feeling like you need to return for that dish. The service is what is amazing and the quite, hushed tones of the other diners makes you feel like you are in a food house of worship. The staff is extremely well trained. You are doted on without it feeling obtrusive. Every plate and utensil is always where it should be. Errant crumbs are whisked away at every course. We were there for a 90th birthday and all the staff greeted us with birthday wishes. The give-away amuse bouches - two to start, were delicious - a Comte Cheese gougere and a lemon mousse with a roasted fennel puree. We ordered the Chef's Collection of 9 courses. The three tastiest were the smoked sturgeon "caviar", the butternut squash soup with ginger marshmallows and the duroc pork belly roulade. The pork had great flavor but was a bit drier than one would expect for pork belly. The bread service is great with buttery mini brioche and crispy cheesy, delicate Parmesan crackers. Our biggest complaint would be that there was never enough delicious sauce served - even when a sauce "pusher"/knife was given to use. After dinner the mignardises were a nice touch - the lemongrass French macaron not so great but the fried thimbles (not that small though) of custardy like dough were really good as well as the apricot soft gummy-like dot. The liquid raspberry filled thin shell of chocolate with hints of gold leaf on top were a nice way to end the meal. As we departed they gave a a customized menu as a momento and a neatly wrapped almond/cherry mini cake sporting a TRU tag. The mini cake was delicious with coffee the next morning and one of those endearing touches that leaves a warm feeling for the place. Special Dishes: Duroc pork belly, butternut squash soup with ginger marshmallows, smoked sturgeon "caviar", mini brioche, Parmesan crackers
(4)An N.
This is an experience everyone should have at least once in their life. From the incredibly choreographed service, to the exciting and innovative food, it was worth every penny. Yes this is an investment of a meal. Something that I could never enjoy on a regular basis, but that's part of the fun, right? Knowing that you are saving up and making a celebration something truly romantic and meaningful. My husband was kind enough to book us the "Tru experience", a 14 course chef's tasting menu. When I tell you this is an EXPERIENCE, I mean every single one of those 14 courses came with an elaborate dance from the servers to ensure the utensils, place setting, and setting down of the dish was immaculate. Now the food.. oh the food. I've never been one to use the word titillating, but that's what my tongue was going through. Combinations like "see urchin in a granny smith + watercress avalanche" and "soy glazed veal, preserved lemon, potato confit, green" intrigue all your senses and leave your palate complete satiated. THE WINE!!! We didn't go with the wine pairing- just opted to order a la cart. I can't remember what line we ordered, but I can tell you that was the most amazing tasting pinot noir I have ever had in my life. Still dreaming about it to this day. Their Sommelier is spot on. I really can't say enough about the wonderful servers. So many times the staff at expensive restaurants can't help but evoke the aura of, "Do you know where you are? You are privileged to be here." But that couldn't be further from the truth with Tru. They were genuine, articulate, intelligent and extremely kind. And to top it all off, they gave us a tour of the kitchen at the end of our meal! You think the food is elaborate? Imagine the amount of staff necessary to maintain the timing and execution of the meal. 'PHEW!' I was very grateful my husband was thoughtful enough to splurge on this amazing meal. If you're in town and want something worth dressing up for, this is it.
(5)Lakeview M.
Outstanding. Inventive, interactive and extraordinary. Felt more like a night at the theater than dinner with family. So rare and hard to have all your expectations fulfilled then surpassed that there is almost an emotional hangover when it's done! A VERY serious food destination that still leaves you feeling amused and amazed, like you just ate all your favorites foods that you never knew about. Argh, would give anything to go again
(5)Chris D.
Tru is one of the grande dames of the Chicago restaurant scene. It doesn't attract the same buzz as some newer high end places, and it presents a fairly traditional approach to fine dining. No communal table. No open kitchen. No "wear what makes you comfortable" dress code. Fine art on the fall. But Tru clearly belongs to the upper echelon of Chicago restaurants and is still going strong even as it closes in on 20 years in business. The food is not avante garde in the same sense as Alinea or Grace but is still fresh, contemporary, and uniformly excellent. The tasting menu is very well balanced--not too many or too few of any particular type of course. We left satisfied but not overstuffed. The wine pairings complemented the food well. Service was exception. When the captain asked my girlfriend if she wanted another glass of champagne, she said yes and joked that she would also like another serving of the very delicious truffled pasta dish we'd just eaten. It was obviously meant in jest. Nonetheless, five minutes later, out came another helping for both of us. Minor criticisms: the bread selection was less not particularly impressive compared to say, Sixteen, and the chairs are a bit small. Overall, a terrific and memorable meal.
(5)Lu H.
Over two years after we first dinned here. we decided to come back and celebrate my birthday. I think after all the other dinning experiences we've had in the past two years, I really wanted to try Tru again and see where it stands when compared to other Michelin starred restaurants. By the minute we walked in, they treated you as if you were the only customers and all attention was on you. And it's my birthday, so everyone said happy birthday to me, which made the birthday girl really happy :). The service was top notch, I always appreciate the attentions to details--black napkin for my black dress, purse stool next to my feet, and the happy birthday print on the menu. We went for the Chef's collection, plus some caviar. Needless to say, every course's presentation was beautiful. -Caviar: it has the most memorable presentation as the caviar was presented on some gorgeous white coral. We are rookies when it comes to caviar, so all I can say is, it's YUMMY! :) -White sturgeon "caviar", rested on avocado. This chef's take on caviar is just as delicious as the real caviar we just had, if not better. I think the avocado made it. -Day boat scallop: it had a very profound Asian flavor to it, i think it's the ginger and thai chili. This was the start of this underlying Asian flavor of tonight's dinner. -Summer tomato salad: refreshing, summery, and it preserves the natural flavors of tomatoes while made it more visually appealing. It made me feel less guilty about going out because I was eating all the vitamins! -Dashi flan: i think this might be the least memorable dish of all night. I don't remember what it is... -Foral artichoke: it was some artichoke creamy soup with edible flowers on top. The flavors were amazing, and the presentation was pretty. Loved it! -Alaskan halibut: another dish with more of an Asian twist than French in my mind. It tasted like a Thai halibut curry. Don't get me wrong, I loved it, but I thought Tru is supposed to be more like modern French? I still remember the foie gras ravioli we had at our first visit. Now they went for Thai flavors? -Jidori chicken: very tender, and had foie gras and black truffle shaving. It was the high note of the night. But again, I think there's some soy sauce-ish tasting sauce on the plate. A little odd to couple that with foie gras, but oh well, I loved their chicken. Then comes the cheese cart, then the vanilla parfait and banana ice cream presented by "George", some monkey statue that made me laugh. It's kinda weird to present dessert on a monkey statue, maybe another hint of the thai underlying tone? Last but not least is the dessert cart, I asked for one of each, a girl can never have too many desserts! When we left, they gave us each a treat to take home. Very thoughtful and a nice touch for an amazing dinner! It's definitely worth a Michelin Star, and we will definitely be back again!
(5)Alicia M.
I had this meal with my office so it was free for me (thankfully). It's a beautiful meal with gracious service and an elegant dinning room. A very formal affair. The panko crusted scallop appetizer was by far my favorite bite. I had the short ribs for an entree which was juicy and flavorful. The wine pairing was phenomenal. I would definitely recommend the pairing. If you're willing to fork out a lot for this meal it is delicious, but I've had meals just as delicious for much less in the city.
(4)Linda H.
I cannot say enough good things about Tru. Writing this review makes me want to delete all my previous 5-star reviews because nowhere compares to the dining experience I had at Tru. Walking in, the hostess took our coats and escorted us to the lounge to wait for our table. Our table was ready in less than 5 minutes, but I almost wish we had longer to wait because the seating area was very plush and there was a lot to look at, including some unique art pieces. Once seated, we were presented with our selection of napkin colors, my purse was comfortably seated on the ottoman next to me, and the head waiter explained the menu offerings to us. Multiple servers are assigned to each table and each person was extremely knowledgeable and polite. I decided upon the 3 course menu and my BF got the 6 course tasting menu. For his extra courses, they brought me out an empty plate and silverware, which I thought was a nice touch because then I could steal some of his food ;-) As a note, the courses listed on the menu don't include a variety of amuse bouches and palate cleansers, nor the extensive bread service they provide. We left the restaurant full to the brim. The food, which has been explained previously so I won't get into details, was amazing. The one dish we thought fell short was the chicken. It wasn't bad, just not anything to call home about. The best parts were the desserts. And yes, I say plural desserts because they just kept coming. We ordered off the menu, then a dessert cart was presented to us, then we got 3 additional off-the-menu dessert bites and a root beer float. It was heavenly. Lastly, when we left, they had our coats waiting (no coat check ticket here!) and our car valeted outside. We also got a personalized menu to take home and a little breakfast pastry wrapped up for the next morning. A few notes - Tru is a formal restaurant and jackets are required for men. Turn off your cell phone - I'm sure if yours rang, everyone would turn and give you a dirty look. Bring your 12 inch voices, its an extremely intimate dining experience. All in all, Tru is a culinary delight topped off by the most dedicated service I have ever experienced in my life. Truly a wonderful evening. I can't wait to go back!
(5)D K.
TRU is my wife's favorite restaurant. Although, now I am sure I can say, was my wife's favorite restaurant. Since we had not been in a while, I decided to take her for Valentine's Day...Oh how the might have fallen! This one perennial powerhouse of Chicago fine dining that put it's main rival, Charlie Trotter's, to shame for years is a mere fraction of it's former self. The evening only reminded us of why we stopped coming here. It is not that chef Anthony Martin is not very good. He is incompetent! On a special occasion evening where there is a set menu, he chose to serve chicken as the main course. Yes, roasted chicken! Any chef that does not have the culinary intellect to understand that no matter what you do to chicken, it is still chicken can only be described as incompetent. And; yes, even with the shaved truffles it still tasted like chicken! What a shame too, because the other course were prepared beautifully and held their own. The wine pairings were also very good. Other positives were the minimalist décor, which still makes for an excellent dining setting; and while there are not many familiar faces on the wait staff, they get the job done. Hopefully the general manager wakes up and recognizes that it is time to make a change at chef. So this once excellent restaurant can get back to being a showcase for Chicago fining dining, instead of the embarrassment it is today.
(2)Marya F.
First off, it's a beautiful restaurant with a modern feel. I would change the music though - techno and a little dated. The staff must have been new or still training because there were numerous mishaps and mistakes. At one point, after laying out flatware for our party of 7, another waiter came and took all of the flatware before we used it. Someone made a comment about how this was new and unused silverware, and a waiter explained it was the wrong type. Perhaps this is true, but we never would have known the difference except they made it so obvious by removing it and re-setting it (and 4 of us got the same silverware again...). Positives: The first course included a crab selection that was fantastic. Another course was monkfish - juicy, flavorful, great. The beef entree was tender, aromatic & perfect. The chocolate truffle was a delicious surprise. Negatives: too many truffles!! if I was a fan, this would've made me happy. Sadly I am not. I was also disappointed with the foie gras. I really love dining in style, but with such high prices I expect that the service and every single dish is going to be top notch. There were some big hits but too many misses.
(3)Vincent C.
First, I'd like to apologize because I don't remember much about the decor of Tru's dining room. It was modern and the ceilings were high, but that's all I got. I hope this doesn't negatively affect your decision to eat here. Second, I am completely neutral about the service. They were well-synchronized and impeccable, but isn't that to be expected? Don't worry, you'll be taken care of. But in all seriousness, it's abundantly apparent why Tru is considered a standard-bearer for Chicago. What you will dine on is deliciously well-executed, new French cuisine. I'm sure the menu has completely turned over since my dinner here in February, but I'm sure all the delightful surprises are still there. My only critique is that after my meal I felt like I've been to Tru before. There was nothing to truly elevate itself from other fantastic Michelin-starred fine dining restaurants.
(4)Laura K.
My husband and I decided to make reservations at Tru to use our Let Us Entertain You points for a nice fine dining experience. The food was great and the service was EXCELLENT. The decor is modern and sleek, however the scene is a bit older though thankfully not super stuffy (except for the terrible couple a few tables away from us who complained loudly about EVERYTHING attempting to ruin the experience for everyone around them.) We chose to go with the 6 course meal and added the cheese course and wine pairing. I was really impressed with the pairing - some excellent wines! The food was very good though not overly imaginative. I enjoyed every course though there wasn't a clear stand out. I recommend adding the cheese course for any cheese lover out there like me. They bring out a cart of cheese and let you pick out as much as you want to sample. They do the same thing for dessert which is kind of fun. I would recommend this place if you are looking for a nice, romantic meal and won't have sticker shock with $500+ dinner bill.
(4)Sunny J.
Amazing dining experience. Every moment of the evening, for the four hours I was there, was as coordinated as carefully as a theatre experience. We had two waiters and they actually poured the water in concerto. There were live fish swimming in the outer bowl of my soup... sanitary, creative, and awesome! The chocolate course was to die for. And then they sent me home with a delicous cinnamon breakfast cake for the morning and a printed copy of the twelve course menu I had just enjoyed... In other words, sheer perfection.
(5)Alik W.
This review is from stopping by their lounge for a single glass of wine and two small plates, using up some spare Lettuce gift certificates. The small plates (I had the sturgeon "caviar" balls and a slice of foie gras) are, indeed, small. However, they are top-notch in terms of taste and presentation, and you'll want to eat them slowly to really capture all the different textures and flavors. This is definitely modern French; there's a strong note of molecular gastronomy here. The reason this gets five stars is not on the value for money; the lounge prices are almost affordable, but the portions are small enough that they're still insanely expensive. It's four stars on value. However, the service was impeccable, even when it was blatantly clear to my waiter that I was not a high-end customer in any sense. Two nibbles and a glass of wine were accompanied by an amuse-bouche (a series of interesting stacked purees/foams), nicely executed breads, an after-dinner truffle (one of the better and more interesting bits of the evening), and a delightful little lemon-almond cake from the coat stand. By volume, I received more complimentary accompaniments than I actually purchased. Any or all could've been omitted and I probably wouldn't know, but including them and providing the attention I'd get with the $100 prix-fixe was a generous touch. If I ever win the Powerball or otherwise get able to afford an actual meal here, I'd be back.
(5)Ramya P.
Luxurious n Blissful... the best way to celebrate a special occasion!! Writing this review after experiencing one of the best meals of my life. I made reservations here to celebrate my husband's new gig. Called them to inform that we both were vegetarians and they said there would be no problem accommodating us. Everything from moment we entered the restaurant till we got back into our car made us feel like we were royalty. The personalized menus we were handed are such a classy touch. I was initially intimidated and overwhelmed by the ambiance, the number of servers and the orchestrated service but a meal typically takes 2.5 to 3 hours and we warmed up to all of it after a lil' while. The decor is very modern and elegant. Dress up and feel fly... trust me you will want to feel like a million bucks for this experience. There is no way I can put into words the sensations and joy I felt tasting the food. I am just glad that I had my husband with me while experiencing such pleasure, because I honestly believe that your happiness increases when you share it with someone you love. Does cabbage puree sound appetizing to you?? Oh, but it was!! It was one of the highlights of the evening. I'm a home-cook who loves earthy flavors and to me, molecular gastronomy sounds like lab science but now, I want me a bowlful of amorphous pistachio puree and dehydrated carrots. Our servers not just explained us the dish that were presented to us, but knew in depth how the food was cooked. This made the meal even more exciting. A lonesome Michelin star feels like an injustice! Choose to celebrate your next special occasion at Tru for the most unique experience that will transform your meal into an endorphin-fueled food coma while your minds will be blown by the incredible hospitality.
(5)Robert F.
We went to Tru to celebrate two birthdays and had a very nice experience. The atmosphere is beautiful, not too stuffy and the art collection is one of the best I have ever seen in a restaurant. We started with the caviar, which I highly recommend. For dinner we had the tasting menu with wine parings, all which were wonderful. We did have one incident with the restaurant, of which most people would have given 1 star, however the chef, manager and staff were all very professional and handled the situation appropriately- so much so that I give this restaurant four stars and would recommend it again. Chicago has a lot of fabulous restaurants, and the fact that Tru has remained over the years is a testament to the quality of food, service and experience. I do warn you, it is expensive. Be prepared to spend!
(4)Foram B.
This is a late post, but my husband and I dined here last September to celebrate our one year anniversary and his birthday while we were back in Chicago. We were trying to go to Alinea, but with being limited on only dining during the weekend, I can't justify dropping $1k+ on a dinner for two. Instead, we opted for Tru as they have a similar approach but are more attainable. To sum it up..food, service, ambiance, presentation were all spot on! Amazing experience and worth a fine dining night out.
(5)Dotty K.
Save your money and spend it on Arun's Thai. The food at Tru is boring, no flavors, cold and they make you pay through the nose. The decor and ambiance is boring as well, does not look classy / upscale, infact it is looks depressing. We went with the 12-course meal with wine pairing. Most of their dishes were ice cold, one of the appetizers was ice-creme. I like my food to be warm and flavorful. Both my needs were not met. The wine pairing was extremely poor. Sweet wine paired with sweet appetizers...sugar rush in the head. My head is still spinning after 2 days. The food was not appetizing at all...I paid $159 (food) + $125 (wine pairing) per person and got to eat crap like cold beet and cold melon balls. I would have given this restaurant a -5 star rating if possible. Not recommended, waste of money, over-hyped and so not worth it.
(1)Paul M.
Made our 9th anniversary absolutely amazing. We had the semi-private dining table on the second floor overlooking the lounge. It was perfect. They even customized the menus with our names on it and came out with a very nice congratulations desert. Everything about the service, meal and orchestration of the experience was great. We dined directly under a great Vik Muniz art piece. We started with the sturgeon caviar on coral demonstration, it was incredible. Then we proceeded to arctic char and beet salad, which exploded in your mouth and was delicious. From there, we went with the salmon and wagyu beef braised for 72 hours. The desert tower put us over the top. The presentation was perfect the the flavors and tastes were out of this world. Appreciate the attentive, personal and fun wait team we had -- they weren't too stuffy and appreciate my wife's humor. Be prepared for an over the top refined experience here at TRU. But that comes with the turf, nothing to be afraid of. And, be prepared to spend. You get what you pay for and you get a lifetime of memories coming to this restaurant. We will not soon forget this evening.
(5)Joy M.
Amazing food. Fancy and business like environment rather than romantic one.
(5)Dennis S.
Fabulous decor, very professional service, but not a place I'd rate tops for food. For the right guests, this is one of the places I'd consider taking them. But I don't expect to bother again just for us. The wait staff dripped attitude, like answering my question about if a certain item is moist or dry in the middle with "We have a professional staff in the kitchen. It's prepared properly." Emphasis on the word "properly." But beyond the attitude the service was impeccable. The décor is very appealing. Elegant is a good description. Tables are well spaced, so everyone has privacy. It's a contemporary, open setting, not unlike Four Seasons in New York. Part of the Lettuce Entertain You empire, they've thought of everything. Like bring a tray with black and white napkins so that my wife can pick which color lint to have on her dress. The clientele is definitely upscale, regulated by the "jacket required" notice. Their wine list is gigantic - I've never seen so many wines priced over $300 a bottle. Of course the one wine we picked they were out of, but the replacement wine was nice. And I appreciate the wine sommelier recommending a replacement that was less expensive than our original choice. I had their crispy veal sweetbreads as a starter. This is the item I do not like dried out and overcooked, and the subject of the pompous answer from the waiter. "moist" was assured, but not delivered. They'd more appropriately be named veal McNuggets. Tasteless. Across the table my wife loved her bay scallops, the smallest bay scallops you've ever seen with small thin strips of bacon on top of each. She said they were perfect. My main was the Atlantic halibut with braised fennel and olive. Fabulous, thick yet still cooked through, moist, and flavorful. My wife also liked her Wagyu beef short ribs, and went crazy for the small cups carved from apple with a jalapeno puree inside each apple cup. Bite size and delicious. I went with the cheese cart instead of dessert, a disastrous choice. I won't bore you with the story - if you enjoy a good cheese cart, don't be looking for it here. We enjoyed the prix fixe menu, with seven appetizers and seven mains to pick from. Each was a generous serving. The evening ended with a wonderful conversation with the general manager and a tour of the kitchen. It was a delightful evening, but I'll be surprised if we make another reservation here. Too many other good choices in Chicago.
(4)Emmanuel B.
It has been years since I ate here. Beautiful presentation of food. Some of it was a bit much, such as a seafood dish placed on top of a fish bowl with little fishies swimming in it. Some dishes were delicious, but most were ok and some very bland. The bill was close to $500 for two; too expensive for what it offers.
(3)Jenny L.
mm 3.5 starts. perhaps my expectations were too high. creative presentation. overall, fun experience. the waiters and waitresses were very attentive. At one point, my brother tried to take off his jacket because it was too hot, and one of the staff came over to tell him no no. I looked around and there was a guy wearing a leather jumper. I guess that's still considered a jacket. the fam still laughs about it.
(3)Erick N.
Dining at Tru is luxurious experience where you pampered from start to finish. We were pleasantly surprised with the ambiance when we arrived; we had expected an old fashioned vibe but Tru manages to fuse classic and modern decor in a manner that works. The symbol of an open box on the menu, charger and elsewhere in the restaurant symbolizes that they will strive to keep taking care of you - and this was definitely case between the ultra attentive service to the never ending extra treats they bring to your table. Tru has a large open main dining room (where we dined) and two smaller rooms that are available for private functions. Our primary waiter thoroughly explained the menu. There is an a la carte option (choice of one of seven appetizers, seven entrees, and cheese cart service or dessert for $98 per/person), two tasting menus (Grand with six courses and Chef's Collection with nine for $110 and $145 respectively) and a menu of Luxury courses you can add to either the a la carte or tasting menus (i.e. Australian Wagyu, Perigord balck truffle shavings, a menu of caviars etc.). The Grand tasting menu is about the same quantity of food as the a la carte option, but you receive double the variety (six versus three courses). Entire table participation is suggested for the tasting menus, but not required. There was no pressure or hard sale to purchase the more expensive options or extras, but simply the information was presented. There also is a vast wine menu with a handful of wines by the glass, handful of cocktails and a plethora wines by the bottle. We opted for a relatively inexpensive bottle of bubbly (there are several bottles of wine priced from $45 to $60 and tons of high end wines for the connoisseur). As a nice touch they offer sparkling water in lieu of still for no extra cost. As there were a couple items on the tasting menus that we did not find appealing, and some of the a la carte options were singing to us went a la carte. I almost chose the Skate for my starter but at the last second selected the Pumpkin Gnocchi in a veal sauce with truffle oil. This dish looked, smelled and tasted phenomenal. For my entree I went the Wild Scottish Hare with Flavors of Winter; I had never eaten hare before so thought I would try something new. While the dish again looked beautiful I found the hare a tad too rich; not at all a fault of the chef, but I learned that hare is not my favorite animal. My wife ordered the prime beef ribeye wish I tasted and was an superb cut of meat and expertly prepared. For dessert we had seen the elegant cheese cart rolled about the restaurant and it had caught our fancy and we both opted for a cheese course. There is wide variety of French cheeses, goat, cow and sheep. The server spends a good deal of time carefully explaining each of the cheeses and you are permitted to each choose three; there are also some fruits, honey and bread to accompany the cheese. All six cheeses we chose were great. I decided to also order one of the desserts (Pumpkin Patch) in addition and am glad I did. The presentation was so beautiful I did not want to eat it at first; there were miniature pumpkins made out of mousse that looked so real; there also was a bruleed layer connecting the pumpkins and homemade chocolate twizzles. Tru is a fine dining experience and as such portions are on the small side, but there are so many complimentary extra treats you receive that you leave very satisfied. Prior to the appetizer we received two amuse bouches, one of which was very fun and memorable. We were informed that the chef wanted us to have some snow since it had been a mild winter and they put a bowl of liquid on front of you and pour a liquid into it and voila, it turns into snow! They then put a glass top over the snow and place a snowman made out of mousse on top. Then there is bread service (four different homemade breads and they will offer you seconds and thirds). After dessert they bring you a cart with several different small treats (i.e. homemade marshmallows, chocolate truffles, apple gummy candy etc.) and encourage you to pick as many as you want. Then they bring you an outstanding delicate piece of chocolate with the bill filled with liquid and on the way out hand you a homemade muffin to take home for breakfast. Service at Tru is also high end; you really feel pampered. Teams of servers present your food in unison. You are escorted to the bathroom. They want to make sure any allergies or personal preferences you have are accommodated. The pace of the meal is relaxed but not slow. While the servers are not quite as personable as those at Alinea, they are otherwise as polished as they come. Many people thought that Tru would be the recipient of a second star from Michelin and after my dinner there tonight I have to put myself in this camp. My wife and I both agreed that this was one of the best overall dining experiences we have and are certain to return.
(5)Kevin T.
Initially I was a little skeptical about Tru, some had told me not to go as it was dated and there are better places, though I persisted. I wasn't disappointed. Service was excellent, some of the best I've had, very attentive, almost over attentive but not quite. Decor seems a bit dated but simple. The Caviar course was amazing and a great way to try different types. Had the Grand tasting, every course was virtually perfect. Flavors were spot on. Everything was cooked perfectly. The pace was quick (which I like). You were never waiting too long before your next course. The wines were paired meticulously as well and really accompanied the meal. We had an amazing dinner and will definitely return. Personally I think they deserve at least 2, if not 3 Michelin stars...
(5)Marybeth R.
Without a doubt, best meal in years! Simply impeccable. Service wonderful. Attention to detail, superb. I'll visit over and over...special occasions. Not to be missed.
(5)Sara C.
My husband surprised me for our anniversary one year by taking us to Tru. Tru is 100% amongst the elite restaurants in Chicago, and it has earned its glowing reputation for a reason. The service is impeccable. The staff printed out a special menu for us that said "Happy Anniversary" with our names across the top, which was very thoughtful At one point, my husband and I noticed that two servers were pouring our water in sync. The entire meal was like a dance, and each entree was to die for. I have a huge sweet tooth, and therefore was pleasantly surprised when our server brought out an amuse bouche dessert and allowed us to select anything we wanted from the dessert cart that passed by our table on more than one occasion. We were stuffed before the dessert courses arrived, but we powered through, because after all, we were dining at Tru. I have to admit that I felt torn about dining at Tru upon departure. On one hand, I just experienced one of the top five best meals of my life so far. On the other hand, I felt guilty about how much money we just paid for one meal. I got over the guilt pretty quickly because the experience was just that freaking good.
(5)Jasmine S.
My husband and I diner here in March as we celebrated our "Second Honeymoon" in Chicago. I dragged my husband out to Chicago with me while I attended a work conference as we decided to make a mini-vacation out of it. His goal for this whole trip was to eat at as many places as we possibly could. We attempted to check out another restaurant in town, but we were unsuccessful. As we continued to look for a fine dinning venue, we stumbled upon Tru, made our reservation, and even mentioned what we were celebrating. Upon presentation to the restaurant, we walked into a dark room they asked my husband if he had a coat (we failed to read their dress code policy and keep in mind, it is strictly enforced...), and when he mentioned he did not, they quickly offered him one. Once we walked into the main dinning area I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with excitement. The tall ceilings, the white walls, plush window dressings, and the artwork all helped to transport me out of the city and into someplace elegant. We ordered the tasting menu and didn't even realize that our dinner took 3 and a half hours. We just enjoyed everything, even the items we don't normally enjoy, such as caviar. The food and the presentation were executed perfectly. My husband and I still comment on the salmon dish inspired by the Pacific Northwest. And the coral caviar...! Outrageously clever. My favorite dish of the night was a faux essence of sturgeon caviar with avocado, smokey and creamy with orgasmic flavors! Something so simple, yet so ---delicious. The servers at Tru are impeccable. The timing and delivery of all our food and wine made me feel as if I were watching a ballet. Every one was in sync, even to the point that when I went to the restroom, my husband watched the servers return to the kitchen with our food so that we would be served at the same time. This should be common sense, but compared to the norm among other restaurants in the US, it's not. And they actually are polite and manners... Ladies are served first and men last, which was very entertaining to see on tables with 3+ people. The conversation wasn't stuffy and even though my husband and I were probably the youngest couple in the whole restaurant, we didn't feel snubbed at all... While our time in Chi-Town was really limited and we were left wanting to savor more of her culinary offerings, we must admit that our dinner here ranks as one of the best, if not the best, we've ever had. Hopefully we'll get to visit again.
(5)Garietta F.
We wanted a "dinner experience" and a dinner experience was gotten... First off, the service was outstanding.From the time we were greeted at the door until the time the restaurant manager walked us to our cab and yelled at the cabbie who nearly ran down my friend, we were treated like queens. The simultaneous serving of dishes did get a little old after the fifth or sixth course. But I was happy to have each and every dish explained to us. Highlights of the meal in order of deliciousness: 9th course - foie gras royal and blonde morel - blew me away; so rich and meaty, enjoyed the flavor, utterly transcendental 7th course - long carrot soup, glacial orange cardamom - this was a fav around the table, I would of licked my bowl if my friend didn't look like she was about to slap me 2nd course - day boat scallop with hon shimeji - complex dish, flavors literally danced over my tongue 10th course - duroc pork belly, compressed black plum and onion - left me speechless 12th course - wagyu beef done two ways - awesome, just the right amount of food Middle of the road courses. I could either take them or leave them. Yummy, but nothing special: 1st course - beet ossetra caviar, chervil - love beets, not a big fan of cavier, but it was a great way to begin the meal 3rd course - ancho cured duck on down, tangerine, sour cherry - I remember liking it, but i don't remember being blown away by it. The Swing and a Miss courses for me: scottish salmon and shitake braised with yadda yadda yadda - I am not a fan of salmon peeky toe crab with lemon vanilla gelee - good flavors but it was too freaking cold. Hurt to eat it. Total fail course: light sunchoke, sorrel, and arctic char roe - Nasty. no one at the table had more than a couple of bites. The cheese and dessert courses were okay. We skipped the wine pairing (which ended up being a very good choice) and proceeded to drink a couple of bottles of "reasonably "wine between the three of us. I said "reasonably" because everything is relative. The cost of the wine was 3 times retail per bottle. Thank god it was delicious and complimented our meal well. I got out under what I budgeted for the night, but my wallet definitely took a hit. However, the experience I shared with my friends was incredible and we will remember it for a long time. Definitely worth it!
(5)Brad S.
My wife and I went here for a special occasion (40th bday). I have to say I felt like royalty while there. We were greeted the minute we walked in the door and felt very welcome there. The food was fantastic. We went for the full Tru Experience and loved every minute of it. The only complaints I have is at times it was hard to understand the person who brought us our food so I would at times have to ask for it to be repeated by someone else. Great experience and very happy to have done it.
(5)Nicole L.
Food is 3 stars- I thought their presentation was interesting, but I've had similar dishes at other institutions that were better executed. I felt the course of the meal did not move towards a climax, but all remained rather underwhelming without much diversity of flavor and ingredients. One of the dishes was a baked chicken dish, which I felt was too homey and uninteresting for the price I was paying. However, 5+ stars of service!! I have NEVER had such amazing service at a restaurant in MY LIFE. Upon arrival, we were told to wait in a separate room, where they provided us with a number of house-made finger foods, such as spiced olives and other treats I forgot. When we were seated, they actually asked me what COLOR napkin I wanted, and gave me a plush ottoman specifically for my bag (!?!). The staff was completely attentive, refreshing everything from their 5 types of bread to water throughout the meal so you didn't have to ask for anything. Given our late reservations, we stayed at the restaurant past closing time and nobody rushed us or made us feel uncomfortable. Really, really thoughtful and topnotch service.
(4)T D.
This was my first time in Chicago, and Tru definitely made this visit 10x better. I honestly have to say it was the best dining experience I've ever had. We had the 6 course menu. Our reservation was at 6PM on a Friday which is when they just open. We had the place to ourselves for a good 20-30 minutes. It was awesome! The atmosphere at Tru was very elegant yet not at all pretentious. The staff was very helpful and out of this world. They had me at "White or Black napkin". Men can't understand this, but for women if you are wearing a black dress and handed a white napkin, consider your dress ruined for the night. I brought this up to explain how meticulous the staff is when it comes to your personal preference. After we ordered our food, they asked if we had any allergies or diet restrictions so they can make the appropriate accommodations. I am usually a stickler for time, but not once did I feel like I was waiting for my food. The flow of the courses was excellent. Bread was always available. Between our dishes, we had some special offerings from the chefs. The food was excellent. We thoroughly enjoyed every dish. At one point, I was cold so I put my coat over my shoulders. A staff member came by the table and asked if I would like a pashmina. I declined because I had my coat, but what a nice gesture! As we were getting ready to leave, the hostesses already had our coats in their hands. They also gave us some parting gifts. My favorite was the menu of our meal with my name on it. Tru certainly puts very detail to consideration when it comes to the comfort of their guests. I am focusing a lot of the service, but don't let that eclipse the quality of their food. They really put a lot of thought into crafting the perfect menu for each guest. I can't compliment this restaurant enough. It was very expensive but worth every penny. I look forward to returning to Chicago and Tru.
(5)Kent D.
At the end of May, I was heading out to Chicago for a business trip. Of course, my first intention was to nab a ressie at Alinea, but to no avail! What to do? I was meeting up with a good friend, who was also inviting a few guests. So, I wanted some place that would wow me, some place celebratory and memorable! Next on my checklist, was Tru. In addition to Alinea and Frontera, this was a restaurant I've been wanting to try when, and if I was ever in the Chicago area. It was around 8pm Friday night, and my friend arrived at the same time with his guest and her friend. Just a little FYI, this restaurant was very well hidden. I had to circle the area a few times before i finally found it. Upon stepping into the restaurant, we were kindly greeted by the staff and escorted into the waiting area, where we had a few glasses of wine. Gentlemen, unfortunately, this is another one of those 'jacket required' establishments, so be prepared! After about 15 minutes, we were taken to our seats. The dining room was very large and spacious. The atmosphere, although simple and modern, was quite refined and stately. Hanging artwork and sculpture could be seen displayed throughout the restaurant, as well, which gave it an almost "contemporary gallery" type feel. As we glanced through our menus, we all agreed to go with the prix fixe menu with choices of entrees, and i must say, the presentation was spectacular. Each plate that came out was literally like artwork! The plating was both delicate and delectable. With that said, the service was also flawless! The staff handled our table from start to finish with the utmost perfection. In fact,we marveled over the virtually effortless changing of plates and utensils between each individual course. These people were very well trained and skilled in their craft. As soon as our table cloth became slightly soiled, a clean napkin cloth was conveniently placed over the soiled spot. The ladies were escorted to the restroom and seats were pulled out as soon as they returned. As we left, we were cordially given a fond farewell by the staff and given charming little financiers for our trip home. Nice touch! Overall, service was definitely 5 star! I can't say i've had better service anywhere else! Unfortunately, I'd have to say food was more like 3-4. The food was executed beautifully, but for me, with the exception of the deliciously smooth and flavorful beef tartare, there wasn't anything particularly memorable that made the meal spectacular. I would say, if you're searching for a quiet romantic setting that will wow your date with service and ambiance, then this is your place. But, if you're looking for a mind-blowing meal, this may not necessarily fit the bill. Happy Eats!
(4)Eric F.
Came here after our reservations at another restaurant got screwed up. We were delighted to see that there was plenty of availability here. Unfortunately, we now know what that is the case.... We were among probably 6 tables there out of 20. Throughout the night the place remained empty.....we wondered why but not for long as the food soon came.... It just seemed like there was an overemphasis placed on the presentation and plating of the dishes than the actual flavors. I've honestly had better meals at mcdonalds at 100X cheaper price. Some of the items tasted like they belong in campbells soup The place is simply way overpriced for the flavors you get and expect from a tasting menu. (I can get 10 varieties of campbells soup for 10 dollars) The atmosphere was grand and the service was excellent but the flavors simply do not warrant the price. Will never go back.
(2)Anne Marie J.
AMAZING service. I would give them 10 stars and hug each of the waitstaff if I could. As upscale as this place is, there was not one hint of pretension. We were prepared to have knowledgeable but stiff servers and were so surprised when we were greeted with warm smiles and friendly banter (that we started). The cheese man, the truffle lady, the bread server, and everyone in between catered to our every need, even my hubbie's requests to eat something twice since it was so delicious. Food: We liked it. We weren't awed, we felt like we had tasted similar flavors at other restaurants. We thought they tried to present the food differently by plating it on interesting servers but that was it as far as it went for unique qualities. I would highly recommend the homemade truffles and chocolates - it was the best part of the meal. And the dessert wines and ports - excellent selection.
(5)Polly S.
"Tru blue baby I love you!" This is not the type of restaurant where a song like this should be in your head but yet, there it was. This joint is classy, like eating a meal in the Museum of Contemporary Art. My boyfriend brought me here for my birthday (bless his heart and yes, I feel for his wallet) so I would definitely say this is a special occasion restaurant. But perhaps that only applies to a girl like me - who has a Louis Vuitton wallet but keeps coupons for 50 cents off dishwasher detergent in it. Here's a list of who I think you might see while dining at Tru: -the CEO of Citadel -Oprah -Mayor Daley -Michael Jordan Tru is an culinary experience. We were greeted immediately at the door and seated. I appreciated the fact that there was a place to set my purse next to my seat on an elevated platform. All high end places should adopt this model. Like having hooks on the underside of a bar. We had the Chef's Collection (9 courses) and they were able to oblige my Pescatarian diet. So while my boyfriend had the usual menu, they were able to accommodate my no meat, but okay with fish restriction. Every course was well presented and tasty. The pacific halibut course was a little over the top with it's sea conch and fishnet adornments. My favorite was when they wheeled over the cart of cow, goat, and sheep milk cheese. Fantastic! We spent over 3 hours at Tru so again, I elaborate on this being a culinary experience. Will I return on another special occasion? Let's see, pretty interior? Check. Great service? Check. Interesting, tasty food? Check. Yet, I'm still not so sure given that I felt like a sheep dressed in wolf's clothing.
(4)Karen N.
I probably will never come back unless I hit the multi state jackpot. If you ever have $1000 to spurgle on a special occasion, go with the nine course tasting, wine pairing and cavier staircase. That's what we did. Boy, did the four hours fly by! We enjoyed the service, talking to the sommelier, the courses, the presentation, the cavier staircase. Everything! I truly don't have words to describe the experience!
(4)Michael U.
Getting out of Trotter's a bit later than expected I said goodbye to my pal and hopped into the waiting car on Armitage. I quickly flipped open my cellphone and placed a call...we were going to be late. "Not a problem" said the voice on the other end, "we'll see you soon." ...and what did you do after the grand tasting and an extra dessert at Charlie Trotter's, sir? I went to TRU with the 3 most important people in my life for the dessert tasting menu - that is what I did. Arriving at TRU a short man in a suit took our car while another held open the door - "You made it, please have a seat in the lounge while we prepare your table" said the hostess. 5 minutes passed and another man appeared to escort us to our table in the main dining room; chairs were pulled out for the ladies and purse-stools impressed my mother and sister while the synchronized pouring of water caused me to chuckle. Napkins - white or black, your choice - were handed out with tongs - menus too were passed out in-synch. Call it contrived, call it unnecessary - I call it an unsurpassed and impressive level of service...especially since this level continued throughout the entire 2 hour experience. Orders were placed - 4 dessert tastings, 3 coffees - and we were off. See profile site for full review with formatted pics.
(5)Alex D.
I came to Chicago on vacation to watch my Hurricanes take on ND. That was a forgettable event. But this dinner wasn't. Simply spectacular. I had the 6 course tasting menu and each and every bite was other-worldly. I won't even attempt to describe what I ate, as it would do a disservice to my taste buds. The amuse bouche and mignardises were equally phenomenal. The presentation was something you see on "Iron Chef." Innovative and visually stunning. And the service matched the food. The only similar experience I've enjoyed is The French Laundry, but considering the price point ($110 for 6 course, as opposed to $270 at TFL), Tru compares very favorably to TFL. I would strongly, strongly suggest that anyone interested in a fine dining experience in Chicago experience this restaurant.
(5)ChiTown M.
Restaurant perfection. Impeccable service. Not pretentious. In fact, friendly. Beautifully choreographed. Outstanding cuisine. Every bite was memorable. Luxurious interior. Tasteful fine art. Comfortable seating. Soft banquette. Peaceful atmosphere. Just the right noise level and lighting. Big fan of Gale Gand's sweet treats. She's a sugar goddess. We had the prix fixe tasting menu with about a zillion courses. Excellent sommelier. She was brilliant. Cheese course was sublime. Great for a special occasion. Highly recommend.
(5)William L.
Divine. Sublime. Superb. I didn't know exactly what to expect about TRU, I had never been to a world class restaurant like this so I was worried my tastes weren't refined enough to appreciate the cuisine. I was wrong. Everything was outstanding, but the highlights for me were the sweet potato soup (sweet, rich, lots of distinct flavors), the grilled foie gras that accompanied my ribeye, and the peppermint indulgence dessert (just get it). Service was stellar; very professional and calculated without being stuffy. Bar none, the best dining experience of my life.
(5)Kevin B.
Great food and great service. We did the smaller tasting menu with wine pairing. Added the cheese course because we could not resist. Well orchestrated delivery of all dishes. Amazing!!!
(5)Arthur R.
The most memorable aspect of my experience here was, by far, the fact that the emperor's new clothes could use some mothballs. Our party asked to see the cheese cart, and it arrived with its own party. I'm pretty laid back about things like that--bugs invariably get inside restaurants--but the cart was plagued by multiple, swarming fruit flies. On the plus side, it was pretty entertaining to watch our embarassed server try to keep up the place's classier-than-thou facade while literally swatting at flies throughout the entire presentation of the cheeses. As to the food, I guess I'm just not sophisticated enough to "get it." I enjoy fine food and can even stomach the oft-accompanying pretension of, e.g., Spiaggia or Gary Danko, but that's because the food at those places is excellent. Well thought out and coherent. There were a few good courses here, admittedly, but to my unrefined palate most were just beautifully plated jumbles of ingredients that seemed to have been selected more for their colors than for their flavors. All in all, it was a very unique experience, but I could care less for it. Indeed, Tru nicely demonstrates the fact that--just because excellent things are necessarily exceptional--exceptional things are not necessarily excellent.
(2)Sahar M.
They make you feel special. Go there when you have a special occasion. Great experience.
(5)Lee O.
A treat by every definition of the word, and should be treated as such. Frequent visits would burn a cavernous hole in the wallet, the pants carrying the wallet, and those silk boxer shorts you wear when eating at fancy restaurants.
(4)Megan F.
We went there without reservation. They took us in without problem. It was interesting. Food quality was pretty good. It works well with wine selection. Considering the cost of dinner, I am not sure it was good value. I guess it was a good place to go if you are not the one to pay for the dinner.
(4)Sven G.
Ate here last year but had to review it. This is the most memorable meal I have ever had (and I eat out way too much). The food was amazing. The service was impeccable. We did the chefs tasting menu and they gave us a personalized menu at the end to take with us that listed all the dishes. We also had a vegetarian with us and her dishes looked better and according to her, were better that the non veg dishes. I will return every chance I get!
(5)Grennan K.
My boyfriend and I came here for an early dinner. Due to a time crunch we only did the half menu and added on the pork belly entree. The wine pairing was amazing and the service as expected was very professional. The ambiance of the place is much like a museum quiet and grand. This is definitely not a first date place (says the bf.) would I come back? Hum.... Maybe not.
(4)Partha A.
It is less about the food and more about the experience of being pampered and coddled in the warmth of their hospitality. I had reservations for my birthday but as air traffic control would have it, did not make it. I rescheduled it to the next evening without any trouble. the lady who handled the reservations was very understanding. The moment we reached our table, we set off a series of events. Table was moved to let us in. Servers quickly brought cutlery to the table. Two servers came around and drizzled water into our glasses in unison from two sides like a swan dance. I ordered the saffron cocktail with gin in 5 chinese spice. It was worth the $20. A very strong flavor of saffron carried by the rye and the egg. My partner got a glass of wine which was ok. We started off with a tiny gruyere cheese puff. Right after the cocktails were served, things started to trickle in. The best - - Long carrot soup with orange - only a mild earthy taste of carrot. Rest of it was awesome citrusy flavor. - Day boat scallops - simple yet elegant. You can feel the ginger, lemon and sugar - each hitting separately and yet in such coordinated manner. - Asparagus - loked like it was poached. Subtle truffle flavors. - Beef in two forms - liked the strip more. The shortrib was good too. The potato wasabi puree was out of the world. - Cheese plate - they would bring out a cheese cart and you get to choose 3 cheeses for $20. Choose well. All were great. - Salmon - the broth was simply gorgeous - silky with light ginger, lemon flavors. - English peas in frost - the peas when combined with the strawberry on the plate does magic. - Pistachios - light pistachio cakey flakes like dried foam with nasturtium. Light and nice. - Mignardises - How can I forget them. One came out on paper strips with liquid nitrogen spewing fog. It was the best I have had. Light chocolate shell filled with pomegranate and orange probably concoction. Orgasmic. Besides that plenty to choose from - a cake, macaroon, truffle, etc. I chose one of each. Misses - - Sunchoke puree - nothing memorable. Blonde morel - I understand the concept of the flavors - but it was wayy to salty and unidirectional. No parallel flavors. - Maitake crunch - I ended up liking the crunch to a degree and lightness of the dish since it was just around the start of the meal and I was getting warmed up. Crunchy wafer made out of maitake slathered lightly with mushroom mousse (?) and topped with oxalis. - Pork belly - It was flavorless and just salty - quite unidirectional. They handed a financier cake on our way out. That was so thoughtful. So, in my quest of food, I have passed the post of Tru. In all I left a little underwhelmed. Some dishes were indeed unidirectional. Similar meal at Blackbird was more memorable in terms of food. But I might come back for a newer menu someday.
(4)Dan G.
Call me sloth. After gorging myself at this fantastic restaurant, I don't think I'll be moving much today. As I saw my 10 year anniversary fast approaching, I remembered the incredible food and pampering service of Tru and booked a table to celebrate. I had simply forgotten how much of both we were in for. Decor is artsy and modern. You walk into their lounge and it's like hanging out at the MOMA. There are really cool paintings and sculptures all around. The tables and place settings were really neat too. They even have little "seats" next to the table for ladies purses. The food is delectable. Two sides of our personalized menu featured many appealing and tasty options. Chef's tasting on one side, with a few a la carte indulgences like Kobe beef and foie gras. Prix fixe options on the other side. I consider myself a pretty savvy diner, but I still needed some help in figuring out just what some ingredients were. I started with the langoustine in bouillabaisse and my wife had the heirloom beet and apple salad. Our starters were accompanied by tasty little mousees that were just popping with flavor. Lobster mousee for me and apple, goat cheese and celery for the lady. Don't be shy about sharing. No need to limit yourself to just what's on your plate. Our entrees were the ginger flavored Scottish salmon and the spiced venison with cabbage and pear chutney. The fish was a huge fillet in a kind of Asian preparation that was scrumptious. My venison loin medallion was spice crusted and beautifully bloody. I'm glad that I had the venison, because it was the best thing on our table that night. Next up was the cheese cart featuring a dozen offerings of cow, goat and sheep. We selected a few that appealed to us and made quick work of them. The Cypress Grove Humboldt Fog being the best of our selections. For dessert we opted for the Granny Smith apple and the invigorating peppermint. The apple was a sort of filo dough apple pie with an apple sorbet and port sauce. The peppermint was a dark vahlrona chocolate mousse topped with minty cream. These were both sinful. Just when we thought it could not get any better, we were bombarded by the petit four cart, or what I like to call "How many of those can I have?" Some of these savory little treats included pineapple marshmallows, macaroons, truffles and lollypops. Oh yes, and they also brought over their chocolate explosion and and a caramel cupcake which they personalized for our celebration. I couldn't even get out the door without being handed a to go cake. Truly an amazing meal. Service is spot on and as good as it gets. We were greeted with "Happy Anniversary" the minute we stepped foot inside and they did everything possible to pamper us throughout the evening. We were even presented with an envelope including our keepsake menu. Black or white napkins to match your outfit, which were neatly folded if you left your comfy chair. Servers were dressed in very nice suits and flocked like schools of fish to present dishes to the table with synchronized timing. Everything came out of the kitchen on brass trays and they made quick and polite clearing of dirty dishes and utensils. Everyone was knowledgeable about the entire menu and offered up suggestions and insight to help us along. They really went out of their way to make us feel special, confirming my call to celebrate at their fine restaurant. They even had our car waiting outside for us. I just love being pampered and this was an unrivaled experience in fine dining. Put on your best threads and take someone special here, it's going to be a great evening.
(5)Angela P.
Wow. That is the best way to start this off. Fred surprised me with a dinner here for my 30th birthday. I first told him I wanted to go here when I used to watch Gale Gand on Food Network back in the day. And he remembered. Awwwwww... The place just looks fabulous even from outside. It was a picturesque setting from the start, with the trees filled with little white lights lining the street and the glorious entryway into the restaurant. Amazing. We were taken to our seats in this open air dining room minimally decorated with EXPENSIVE art and unique plants. Gorgeous. The service is absolutely impeccable. They explain everything to a "t" and serve you simultaneously. I have never felt so special during a meal. But they servers were still light and fun which made it feel so comfortable even though it is a super fine dining restaurant. We, of course, went with the 9 course chef's tasting menu and each had a glass of champagne to toast with (Fred insisted!). The courses were so inventive and so delicious! A few memorable ones were the "caviar" which was a fish that had been cooked in milk, the fish strained out and the remaining infused milk was turned into little pearls that looked like caviar by being dropped into a cold oil solution. This was served on top of a avocado cream which tasted like an amazingly fresh guacamole. The combination of the flavors went so great with the hazelnut crackers served with it...OMG...so so so good!! Another course was foie gras, which was our first time having it, and it was so rich and amazing. The meal ends with a cheese course where you get to pick three cheeses from the cheese cart and is accompanied by honey, compote and breads and crackers. Then you have two dessert courses, but seriously, by that time I was SO stuffed that I could hardly eat them! And to be totally honest, I wasn't that impressed with the desserts. Sorry Gale! I would definitely go back here down the road for another special occasion. Because it is that, a special occasion type of place. The whole meal with the two glasses of champage and tip came out to around $430, but it was SO worth it. And PS...their bread and butters that they keep bringing to you are the best I have ever had! OMG...so good! PPS...they even personalize the menu for each table for whatever occasion you are there for. Mine had the number 30 on it for my 30th and I think a Happy Birthday, too. And they remove the menu from the folder and put it in an envelope so you can take it home with you and do what you want with it. Me...I'm framing that bad boy! =]
(5)Kathleen C.
I still (after many years) can remember the taste of the octopus here, so I figured I should review it as I'm sure the quality and food have not changed. I think this is one of my very top meals in the city. I had the larger tasting menu when I visited Tru - it was phenomenal. The caviar staircase was so good, I could have eaten 10 of them as my meal instead (or, so I thought before I saw the other courses as they get better throughout the meal). The octopus was so fantastic - I wish I could get it again. It was so thin, it looked like a design on the plate. This dish seemed to have only been seasoned with salt and pepper and it was so.so .good! I hope it's still on the menu! Everything was delicious. We didn't do a full wine pairing, but had the wine director choose appropriate wines as necessary. I liked that we were not pushed to have the most expensive options, but were given true recommendations based upon the food. All of the picks were great. The dessert was out of this world. I have to say, I think Gale Gand is super (I have a cook book of hers) and I've enjoyed both making items from the cookbook and eating her creations at Tru. I especially liked the little take home pastry things (sorry, I don't recall their official name!). Service, as one would expect from this type of restaurant, was perfect. I didn't find it stuffy, but actually quite friendly and warm. The space is beautiful and it's really an enjoyable spot to sit and take in the event that is dinner here. Due to the price, I would consider this a special occasion spot, but it's well worth it. The quality is flawless and this restaurant is definitely worth a visit.
(5)Kexin Z.
It was my first experience in a Michelin restaurant. I have to say I really love it! We had 7 course menu, although we didn't really understand all the material in every course, they all taste good but nothing surprised. The main courses were less surprise than others, and tasted salty. Desserts were very cute and diverse, we could try a little bit everything. Someone complained food was not enough, but I felt full and not over eat. Every dishes were like art work. However, to be honest, I have tried a lot of restaurants in China, and they can do much better than TRU, both in dish display and cook.
(4)Amit S.
After I was blown away by RIA the previous night, I was expecting Tru to be up there especially since a couple sitting next to me were saying how good Tru is. I did the chefs tasting menu at both places with the wine pairings. The service was great and the food was really good. I do not think it is worth the price tag, but I did have an overall great dining experience. Had I not gone to RIA the night before I think I would've given this place at least a 4 stars. Doubt that I will go back to Tru
(3)Vindaloo T.
Simply divine. We had dinner here for a special occasion, and one of our group had extensive dietary restrictions. The staff at Tru was gracious and accommodating to all of our needs. We each had the 5-course Grand tasting, and each course was truly exquisite. The presentation of each course balanced art and whimsy. The halibut in curry broth served in a coconut shell was so tasty that I'm now experimenting with my own version! I've been to Trotter's, Nobu, Daniel, Le Bernardin, Jean Georges, just to name a few on the upper end, but Tru was one of the best experiences yet. We will definitely be back for our next special occasion!
(5)Ariel L.
Lots of reviews for this place so i'm going to keep mine short. The service was outstanding. The food was good, but not amazing. Desserts were outstanding. Wine list was outsanding. People were super great. But for the price, we did the six course taster which cost $110 a person, I wasn't impressed (and it won't be worth repeating). I consider myself a bit of a foodie, and as there is so much good food in this city, it isn't worth going back unless someone else is picking up the tab. Entrees: 1. Wagyu Beef Ravioli, Foie Gras and Chive 2. Alaskan Halibut, Young Carrot, Ginger 3. Glazed Veal Ribeye, Spring Garlic, Asparagus, Wild Mushroom Of the three entrees we ate, only the first was really interesting. The other two were good but could have been cooked anywhere. To sum it up, its worth trying if you have never been, but if you have been to Charlie Trotters, Schwa or other places like it, you won't be blown away.
(4)Glen W.
Solid, but over-priced. If you are going to go for a degustation menu like this in Chicago you can do better.
(4)Jamie O.
Tru competes in a league of extraordinary restaurants and I felt lucky to be enjoying their world-class service. The menu provides pre-fixed menus of 3-8 courses as well as a vegetarian menu option that was not a second thought to the meat centerpieces. The wine pairings were thoughtful and the sommelier was extremely knowledgeable. To leave room for my future experience at Alinea and because of a few minor execution issues, I'm going to give Tru 4.5 stars. white sturgeon "caviar", avocado, hazelnut - I loved the frivolity of this innovative dish. They pureed sturgeon and mixed it into cream. Then with a dropper, they submerged the cream droplets into highly chilled grapeseed oil so that they formed perfect round balls. They served the crème fish balls as 'caviar' on top of avocado puree in a caviar dish. For the vegetarian menu they kept the same concept but used cilantro essence instead of fish in the cream balls. Great start to the meal. chilled kohlrabi contained within itself, curry oil - A play on chilled potato soup, vichyssoise, but exchange potato with kohlrabi. Kohlrabi tastes like the stem of broccoli and can be found at many summer farmers markets. The soup was refreshing but a little over salted. The presentation was impressive with the carved out kohlrabi sitting on a bed of dry ice. duroc pork belly, yellow sweet corn, black truffle - This may have been one of my least favorite dishes. The pork belly was dried out and pounded into the shape of a flat lollipop with its meat and fat layers mimicking flavor swirls. Some of the accompanying sauces were tasty but I missed the juicy flavor that makes pork belly so amazing, as well as acidity on the plate. Also, the black truffle was good but could have been substituted with a flavorful funghi. roasted wild striped bass, banyuls brown butter emulsion, daikon - The plate had a minimalist appeal to it. Unfortunately the fish was overcooked and so lacked the tender flake that you expect with a morsel of fish fillet. jidori chicken, foie gras, wild mushroom, salsify - A beautiful dish with the tender chicken breast slice likely cooked in a sous vide method. The chicken rolled around a foie gras mousse which cannot help but be delicious. This was a lovely dish. poached quince, wildflower honey, cassis - Again, beautiful presentation. I have never eaten a quince fruit whole but rather only in its quince paste form. I could have this dessert multiple times and maybe will attempt it at home. Thanks chef!
(5)Olen A.
TRU is TRUly a great experience. Although this place is a little hidden, we managed to find it. Once we stepped inside, we were greeted not only by the amazing staff, but also by a mesmerizing piece by Gerhard Richter, as an artist, I appreciate this already. Although we had to wait for our table to be prepared, we were told to wait in the front room with beautiful ambiance and not to mention their art collection that is comparable to high-end art museums (Yves Klein). The atmosphere inside the dining room is fantastic, and the food gets as good as it get. I very much favor the seared foie gras, cooked to perfection, and they wowed me with their fancy utensils and plating. It is so apparent they pay much attention to detail, I dined with two of my guy friends, and when they served apple beignet, my utensil was red, while the boys' were blue. And the service, it's impeccable. I have so much love for this restaurant, and definitely has higher standards than usual one-star Michelins.
(5)Ryan P.
Awesome and amazing are really all I can say for this. This is another of my top 5 restaurants of Michelin star rank. Everything was beyond perfect. If you want a place to go to and don't want to deal with the lottery drawing of next, which I still recommend anyways, I suggest coming here. I took my preparatory friend and his family here on our second night of the trip and everyone enjoyed themselves immensely. The senator was beside himself with the desserts, which is his weak spot and I have to say the exploding chocolate ginger cubes are to die for.
(5)Leslie L.
Oh, where to begin with a review of Tru. The decor is something out of an 80's horror flick. The meal is a long one so be ready. The courses never stop. The service is the best I've ever had, and it will probably always be the best I've ever had. It was like everyone that worked there had choreographed the serving process. Almost scarey. It's what I like to call ART FOOD. I'm not much for art food. It was beautiful, and almost everything tasted ok. Nothing wowed we with taste. It's like presentation over shadows the taste so you kind of forget the food is just good at best. There was a lot of gelatin going on. I had 3 course that had some sort of jell-o like substance in them. Everyone dining there seemed a bit pretentious. I laughed alot while I was there. It was an experience for sure.
(4)CJ S.
It took me a long time to get to writing this review mainly to the laziness of creating a yelp account. My girlfriend and I dined at Tru during the summer of 2011. This was unfortunately one of our most disappointing dining experiences. This really surprised us how unimpressed we were given that multiple friends of ours consider Tru their favorite restaurant. We opted for the tasting menu. Most of the courses were average. A couple of courses could have been special with some modifications. The white sturgeon "caviar" course was creative in making fake caviar eggs from a sturgeon puree, but it lacked flavor to take it to the next level. The fois gras with mango and pineapple was overloaded with too much sweet and only needed one fruit to go with it. The scottish salmon with sorrel was one of the worst courses that I have had at a fine dining restaurant. The salmon was cooked perfectly but both of us found the sorrel cream sauce to be unpalatable. It paired with the salmon horribly. The cheese course was very good, and the chocolate truffles at the end of the meal were fantastic. The truly most disappointing part of the meal was actually the wine. We ordered a bottle of a nice pinot noir. We both had never had pinot noir so wasn't quite sure what to expect. The sommelier brought the bottle over, took the cork out looked at it and then left it on a tray for us to examine. Noticed a couple of crystals on the side of the cork that was in the bottle. Not knowing what it was suppose to taste like didn't say anything. Looking back on it I know the wine was off. There is fault on my part for not saying something at the time, but I do believe this is something the sommelier should have noticed. We plan to give Tru another shot some time, but it is far from the top of list of places for us to go to in the near future.
(1)Stephanie L.
Tru is truly a fine dining experience. The high cielings, widely-spread tables, and approximate room for 15 parties in the whole restaurant quickly reminds you that you are in a city where space isn't so limited. The Gold Coast location with highly attentive service quickly reminds you just how great dining can be in Chicago. We both had the chef's tasting menus - there are 2 or 3 options, but go for the splurge. Cucumber gelatin... a cold soup (and I'm not usually a fan, but this one was great!)... foie gras... oh my gosh, the list is endless. My ultimate favorite was the smoked halibut made to resemble a small tin of caviar eggs -- this was creativity at its ultimate best. We also loved the cheese course, it was so much fun: lots of amazing cheese to pick from, a fig-based marmalade, yummy honey. And then for dessert you get a gamut of everything (as if you have saved room for anything else)! We had some fumbles in our service (forgot to bring napkins, brought our neighbors dish that was incorrect, some errors in plating) ... but nothing to alter or ruin our meal. All in all we are glad to have had the Tru experience. A TRU 5-star joint.
(5)Albert H.
This is one of the few restaurants I've been in where it took two servers working in sync to clear our plates after every single course. It doesn't matter, of course. Doesn't make the food taste any better. But it *does* point out a certain dedication to doing everything right. And on our visit, Tru basically did everything exactly right. That matters a lot. It was the first night of a week-long vacation in Chicago, our first reservation on our first visit to what has become a city of some very fine restaurants. We were not expecting quite this much formality from a restaurant with just a single Michelin star. In fact, I felt quite lucky to have checked the dress code before our arrival and dressed in a suit and tie. It was, bar none, and quite unexpectedly, the most formal experience of our trip. I say it was formal, but it was hardly stuffy, not even pretentious, really. The servers we ended up with were accommodating, took the time to answer our questions, and were truly friendly. Formality in this case was treated not as an excuse to act all fancy, but as a set of codified methods of providing a comfortable, relaxing and intimate experience. And that's how it *should* be. We had the Chef's Collection of nine courses, to which we added the Caviar Staircase ( my companion felt this was particularly necessary). The Caviar Staircase plating still carries Rick Tramanto's engraved signature, despite his no longer being with the restaurant ... it was a good, though expensive survey of several different caviars, and cemented my belief that I cannot really tell the good stuff from the much less expensive and merely okay stuff. The dishes in the Chef's Collection were excellent in flavor and somewhat playful, using both modern and traditional methods in a balanced and purposeful way with a nice blend of European and Asian flavors. A good survey, and pretty even in quality in that there were no failures and equally no dish which really stood out from the others. The amount of food ended up being just right, which can be a difficult thing to do with so many courses. I have rarely had more perfect service, from making decisions about wine by the glass to the presentation of the cheese cart. There were, of course, a few things that could have been done better, but the overall effect was very positive. We arrived a few minutes early and were briefly seated in the waiting/lounge area and offered a drink before being seated basically on time. We did note that during some particularly busy times of the evening, the pacing was slightly slower than we would have liked, and there was some amount of delay and confusion when we requested copies of the menu to take home that actually represented what we had ordered. But these are very minor things. This was one of the best restaurant experiences we had in a week of good experiences in Chicago.
(5)Lindsey F.
I was hear 5 years ago with my husband (then boyfriend). For us, this was a once in a lifetime meal, and they didn't miss a beat. I remember being treated like a queen and not one bump along the way. I think we chose the 10-course offering and also got a cheese plate at the end of the meal. When we were on our way out we were also given a little loaf of lemon bread for breakfast the next morning. Of all the places we have traveled to and eaten out at this is one of the most memorable of all!
(5)Paige K.
Very nice! but VERY VERY expensive. Prepare for a $500 meal for 2 and 4 hours of dining. :)
(3)Jennifer L.
*Drinks/Bar Considering that the attire is formal meaning men need jackets as a requisite for entry, the bar/waiting area isn't all stuck up and stuffy. Drinks were well made and quickly served. I started with a martini while waiting for our table then moved on to wine during dinner. The wine list is extensive and between the six bottles of wine we had as a party of eight, they were all on point. *Food I have to start by saying that my dreams (or we could say nightmares since I wake up knowing that I'm not able to satisfy my desire) are haunted by the caviar staircase. It's a journey towards heaven as you work your way up the staircase. Heaven does exist on Earth... in my mouth through this dish. Now with that said, I don't know that I would be able to reach these celestial heights again due to the price. Good thing I didn't pay for this dinner. Caviar is delicious but you cannot live on it alone and hungry equals not happy. The collection dinners are the way to go. The prix-fixe menu only offers three courses so you might as well splurge the little bit extra to get the full experience of a collection tasting menu. Courses are based off of season and availability so you know that you're getting fresh ingredients. Some of the tasting menu that I had included white sturgeon "caviar", beet salad, wagu beef raviolis topped with truffles, halibut served with carrot foam, and a four berry dessert. I would pay out of my own pocket for just dinner many times over. *Service/Ambiance This is by far one of the best experiences in service I have ever received to date. It was amazing how there was always someone there for every whim that you thought of. Examples: chairs were pulled in and out, an escort to the restroom, napkin folded neatly on the table with plate cover over the next course upon my return from the restroom, four food runners for eight people so everyone is served simultaneously, and the executive chef greeted us at the end of dinner with signed menus of our collection. The ambiance is romantic and classy without being stuck up. It's very lively in a calm cozy sort of way. I'd say it's comparative to how a bee colony runs, humming along efficiently. You feel very taken care of and that everyone is there to serve your every need. *Overall A wonderful place to spend a special occasion or a special place to spend any occasion. It's not a restaurant for the light wallet hearted individual nor a place to show up in flip flops (which was sad because I do love a good pair of flip flops like a good California girl should). Try this place if you can spare the change and if you do then definitely go for the full nine course meal. Rating: 5
(5)Victoria P.
Delicious and fresh food. Come here for a great filling meal.
(4)Charles K.
The first thing wrong with Tru is that it is VERY expensive. Over $680 for two people! This should be a dinner to remember for ever and a few days later I can hardly remember what I was served. Everything was a disappointment. My partner and I opted for the 10 course tasting and boy were we disappointed! Please see my bullet points below about our disappointment. 1. Fake Caviar (Seriously) 2. Salty Soup, yet no flavor. 3. Tiny portions. (Is this why it's called a tasting?I had ten courses and opted for a burrito after I left only 45 minutes later.) 4. Terrible wine (may have been vinegar perhaps?) 5. Tru is all about the presentation, not the food. If they spent less time trying to get it so perfect on the plate, it may have come out at least warm. Snobby waitstaff. (they do realize they work at a restaurant?) 6. Left feeling like I totally wasted my money. 7. And most importantly.... I don't remember one good thing about the place. Only the bad. I may have had an experience that was worse however, I never paid so much for it. How is this place in business? I gave the W concierge a piece of my mind for recommending this place. I assume they get some sort of kick back.
(1)Grace L.
I came here for my anniversary with my boyfriend. My only goal was to have a memorable eating experience as special as the occasion! Tru completely lived up to the expectation and more! The attention to detail was phenomenal. They had printed "Happy Anniversary" with my boyfriend's and my name on it at the top of our very own personalized menus! And at the end of the dinner they gave them to us in lovely envelopes for our future scrapbooking :) We loved it! The service was probably the best I've ever seen. From 2 waiters coming out simultaneously to pour our waters at the same time at the same rate to the elegant way they presented each of our dishes... amazing. There was never a missed step and the attention made it so that we felt like we were the only people in the restaurant. The waiters were also incredibly knowledgeable and kind, never rushing us to finish our plates and were never overbearing. The food was great to excellent. We got the prix fixe menus which we thought were actually reasonably priced with great options. I got the bay scallops wrapped in bacon - unbelievable. Probably my favorite dish of the evening! The scallops were cooked to perfection and had a lovely bacon flavor which was not too salty or overbearing. It was perfect. I got the prime beef ribeye for the main course which was also very good. Overall, a great experience and very nice for special occasions. Happy celebrating!
(5)Andrew T.
After almost 5 years and a lot of other (newly minted) Michelin star winners, I finally made it back to Tru to see if the restaurant I always thought was the best...was the best. And I was not disappointed. I visited with three other friends who hadn't been previously, and we tried valiantly to behave ourselves in the world of adults. To address a few comments, Tru might be a bit stuffy, but I don't think it's over the top. We had a pleasantly playful waiter that cracked a few jokes, and used a napkin to dramatically cover the small spill we were joking about. Nice touch. I'll let other diners review what they ordered, but mine was, once again, fantastic. My appetizer, a seared foie gras and duck confit, was superb. Rich, silky foie gras, along with the dense, salty confit was a great match, mixed with caramelized pears and a sort of pureed cauliflower/pear mixture. The puree especially was outstanding with the foie gras, cutting through the salt in both meats and adding a sweet flavor with all the savory. Thank goodness Chicago allows foie gras to be served again - Tru's is outstanding and was prominently featured on several of the items. My entree was wagyu beef shortrib - the server said braised for almost 72 hours (holy cow) and covered with the broth reduction, along side pureed potato/apple/jalapeno and little balls of green apple, hollowed and sprinkled with a basil flavored olive oil. The meat was...let's just say tender. Bringing my knife nearby caused it to automatically cut itself. Incredibly delicious, but maybe a little on the salty side. The puree, again, was a perfect counterpoint to counter some of the salt, with a tiny bit of heat from the jalapeno as the perfect touch. Even the little apple/basil deals provided a surprising treat, with the sour apple and savory basil a unique combination. And finally, my desert was a very good vanilla risotto with apricot and fig, creme anglaise, and a little scoop of clove ice cream. The risotto was just the right texture - every bit as good as the world class lobster risotto I enjoyed on my first visit, and just this side of warm. Unfortunately, that melted the wonderful clove ice cream and with the addition of the creme anglaise, the mixture got a little runny, Flavor was outstanding - I can't resist risotto. In between all of this were chocolates, candies, pear emulsion with spiced berry sauce, a beef gelee and pureed cauliflower amouse bouche, their spectacular cheese course, wonderful house made breads and crackers, plus truly excellent coffee. Service was superb - attentive without being smothering, with a very helpful sommelier and friendly wait staff. Although, their synchronized service theatrics were not in as full effect this time - one lady and three gentlemen probably threw off their system. And the "purse chair" for the lady's pocketbook didn't arrive until a little bit in to the meal (which the waiter apologized for - BUT IT IS TOO LATE FOR EXCUSES ONE STAR). I will say that I ordered appetizer and entree that were similar - salty, savory meats, with a semi-sweet puree accompaniment. I enjoyed both very much, but if I had been cautioned as to their similarity, I might have changed my order slightly. Frankly, when I have to nitpick a restaurant because their service isn't like a synchronized swimming routine, and because someone didn't have a pedestal for their handbag...then the rest of the experience was pretty fantastic. It's still a lot of money, but when I look at what it has cost to eat at other places like Alinea and Trotter's, and consider how much more I have enjoyed the food and the general experience at Tru, I know where I'd go again.
(5)Olivia D.
My bf and I had our one year anniversary dinner here. It was a wonderful experience, very luxurious, and it definitely worked as VERY special occasion dining. We had the 9 course Chef's selection menu with one wine pairing to split. That being said, I really wished that it had felt worth the price tag. There are a few restaurants which can build up a price tag of $500+ for two, and it saddens me that I have to wonder whether one of those others would have been a better choice. It is very quiet in the dining room, we were the youngest diners there, and I felt a little as if I was not allowed to talk during my meal. Shhhh... There were a couple of dishes that were overly salted, or not enough. With this kind of craft I think seasoning should not be an issue. Also our venison was a little over, but that might be a preference as the bf and I like our meat to be on the south side of mid rare. Also the foie gras presentation... a torchon? But it was a very long tube, kind of looked like toothpaste, quite salty, although creative, was it was a miss for me. There was a beautiful chawumushi (no idea how to spell that), and of course the caviar whitefish "pearls" or whatever you call them were great! So light and the flavor was brilliant. The wine pairing was so complimentary I almost couldn't taste each selection against the plate it was sipped alongside. Seriously, flavors so melding that I could not tell where the food ended and wine began. Kind of cool actually, but perhaps the wines selected were a little on the light side for the dishes...sometimes I like my wine to butt heads with my food just a little, so that the pairing will bring out hidden flavors in each...The dessert wine was the exception of course. There was a cool brown rice junmai sake that I liked a lot. But only 1 red wine in the whole 9 courses! They were very sweet to us and sent out a complimentary little cupcake, with "Happy Anniversary" on the plate. Definitely not edible though, ha! I don't know if I will ever go back, being that it is sooo expensive and the next time I have a chance to have such an extravagent dinner I will probably want to try somewhere new...
(4)Tim Y.
There's no point in saying much about Tru since everything has already been said. Whatever your adjective of choice, Tru really does live up to the hype. That said, it's much like Moto -- you'll love it once, but chances are pretty good you'll not go back for a good long while. Don't show up hungry; you'll eat too fast and you'll want more before it's ready. Show up sated, with belly room and desire to eat.
(5)Jonathan C.
It's so over priced, and none of the dishes are really memorable. Maybe due to the fact that we just had Daniel and Jean Georges in NYC, and Salts in Cambridge, Tru really was a bad finale for my graduation gastronomic trip. The service was slow, probably because there were two large tables of corporate clients, but still... 5 courses for 3.5 hours? Alinea does 17 courses for 3.5 hours... Water glasses were left empty from time to time. Out of the 5 course tasting menu, the worst thing was the pork belly. It was just a piece of fat meet, fried in Oliver oil... It was an one bite dish, really, not even an appetizer. Beef was bad, too. Overcooked and flavorless. The fish course was OK, but it's just a piece of cheap Salmon, and as long as you do not over cook it, it's gonna be OK anyway. I know it's only an one star restaurant, but the 5 course tasting menu is 110 bucks, and Daniel's three course pre fix is the same price. Daniel's three courses and complimentary pastry items completely filled us up, and Tru's five "courses" left us in hungry. Daniel gave me a very very nice complimentary dessert for my graduation, and Tru gave me a tiny piece of butter cake for my birthday and graduation celebration. The decor was not as good as some people described, either. We had seared foie gras, wagyu beef, and a nice bottle of 2009 Beaujolais Cruz at Daniel, for less than 800. We paid almost 700 bucks at Tru, with a cheaper bottle of wine, worse service, and definitely worse food. Do yourself a favor and go to Alinea!!!
(2)Farrah D.
What an experience! My first time in a place like this--we had a 6 course meal with wine pairings. Everything had exquisite presentation and was explained so well by the staff. It was truly an educational culinary adventure in proper French dining. Excellent service, excellent extras!
(5)Lauren C.
I enjoyed 95% of my Tru dining experience. The food was amazing; flavor presentation, portions, and constuction get A's. There was no shortage of beverage selection; the wine list was atleast 50 pages. Tru is tastefully decorated. The service was outstanding; the wait staff was truly on-top of their game. However, it was eerily quiet. I was afraid to talk it was so quiet. Most places it is too loud to have a conversation, but here it is the exact opposite. I had to hold in laughs for fear of disrupting other patrons. I would not suggest this place for a group larger than 4. The only reason I didn't give Tru 5 stars is because I am afraid to talk inside.
(4)Stephen S.
The presentation: Inspirational. The service: Attentive and pampering yet oppressive and stifling. The ambiance: stark. The food presentation: A beautiful work of art. The staff's knowledge: PhD. The taste: Just not as good as it looks. But, far above average. Would I return? Not really. There was NOTHING wrong with this swanky spot in Streeterville. It is a definitely a food-lover's delight for the eyes as well as for the taste buds. But, expect to shell out a pretty good wad of cash (especially if you enjoy your wine lists). And, if you are looking for a lively and fun dining environment ... well, not so much. You'll have to look elsewhere.
(3)Cassie F.
This place was absolutely amazing! The food was beautiful and delicious. Plus the wait staff is knowledgeable and courteous. I felt so well taken care of that I left close to a 50% tip. An enjoyable experience for a dinner that should take a couple hours. A fair warning though, expect to pay about $100 a head, but it is WORTH IT!
(5)Kwoky L.
There's never a shortage of good restaurants in Chicago. We have Charlie Trotters, Alinea, L2O etc but Tru is an old school classic for fine dining. It's as representative of Chicago as Bears in sports or the Sears Tower in architecture. When my friends came to visit, I had to bring them there. We went on a Sunday night. The decor was very modern and sharp, just what I expected. Once we were seated, we immediately noticed that we were a little out of place. Our table of 20 somethings were surrounded by older customers, who were in their 50s or 60s, dressed in business attire. I felt a tiny bit intimidated. The service was very formal, I thought. A little pretentious if you ask me, with all the synchronized serving by our two servers or the way they spoke to us. I felt like a commoner trapped in the body of Louis VI. The tasting menu was excellent and lavish but not a whole lot of surprises. I was not getting a taste of Tramanto/Gale Gand's creations like I expected. Perhaps it was not a very good idea to have gone to Alinea the night before. Tru was very good but just pale in comparison. Then I realized, Tru was just not the same anymore. It's not the Tru that Gale/Rick made famous. I wished I could turn back time.
(5)Charles A.
Top notch experience, customized menu, impeccable attention to details and service.
(5)Sarah L.
For a place hidden amidst Northwestern medical buildings and scrub-clad physicians, this place is an unassuming oasis. We walked by it three or so times before entering this dim lit Narnia. I'm not a foodie, but going to Tru will make you one. Upon ordering from the Prix Fixe menu, my palette encountered the most incredible Carpaccio, halibut and cheese with fruit I've ever had in all 27years of existence. I mean, shit. Pardon my french, or don't because what better time for an expletive than after a coup de foudre? Here are some highlights: The Carpaccio was served with a 25yr. aged balsamic and taste that'll turn an avid vegan into a carnivore. The Halibut, oh Laws knows it was good. I shall from this day forward snub all other attempts at this dish. Finally, their exclusive cheese selection left me in awe and was what finally turned me into a monster. I am no longer content as a freezer box connoisseur. I now bitch down supermarket aisles, disgusted by processed goods. "Excuse me. Yes you Jewel stock boy---What the hell are those? Kraft sliced singles... No, no no. This is not happening. Where are your $300 french imports?"
(5)Adam B.
Tru is a very fine restaurant and, based on my experience dining at many Michellin-starred restaurants in Europe, certainly deserves its 1 star. There are plenty of previous detailed reviews on Yelp, so this review tries to capture the overall experience. Tru is all about luxury: The menu is heavy on dishes with foie gras and truffles and there is a dedicated caviar menu. The wine list is extensive but emphasizes high-end wines. You could pick something for $80 or $90 a bottle, but they are pushing the $200+ bottles. Oh, and $20 cocktails. Corkage is an excessive $50/bottle. (Obviously they are forcing you to give them the profit they would make on a minimum $80 bottle.) The room is elegant and high-ceilinged, with notable modern art (but a few of the pieces are copies, while the originals hide in the owner's residence.) You are warned multiple times there is a dress code requiring jackets for men - fair enough. There are 3 prix fixe menus: The standard 3 courses for $96 or tasting menus "Collections" for $110 or $145 with extra foie gras and truffle dishes. (We had both the $96 and $110 options.) The cooking is sometimes very creative (for example, sturgeon "caviar", which is a confection of white fish essence pearls), but not always, and the flavors can be on the muted side. A nice touch is the ability to select any dessert instead of the one in your Collection or to substitute a cheese course (as many cheeses from the cart as you like). The service is polished and somewhat stilted in a formal, deferential way, and is team-based, i.e. you will see (at least) 5 or 6 different people bringing items to the table. While we expected the support servers to bring breads or manage the wine, unlike some other star-level service teams, at Tru we experienced a fragmentation of the service, where we lost the feeling that one waiter was looking after us. So in summary, expect to spend (at least) $400 to $500 for a couple and get a competent and luxurious meal, but don't expect culinary fireworks.
(4)Leo I.
At the forefront of gastronomic innovation, Tru offers a unique dinning experience in an elegant setting where the tone is set by the quality of the dishes and service. The impeccable service allows patrons to focus on the culinary experience without the slightest distraction. Our tasting menu included comté cheese gougère, cucumber salad on gelée, white sturgeon "caviar", suspended foie gras, the "inside of an english pea soup", dashi flan, duroc pork belly, scottish salmon with smoked cream, glazed veal, assortment of cheeses, cucumber and vanilla, summer melons in ginger, and an assortment of desserts. The white sturgeon "caviar" is an outstanding concept and dish, best described and creamed smoked sturgeon condensed in small balls the size of salmon roe and served over a bed of creamed avocado puree. The suspended foie gras is a cryo-prepared foie grass mouse with all the flavor but without the overwhelming fatty texture. Just about every dish was well prepared and spectacularly presented. The salmon and the veal courses were a bit understated. The smoked cream on the salmon did make up for the lack of flavor and texture; the veal was rather flat however. Both appeared to have been prepared sous-vide but I have the feeling that the veal was not finished properly on the pan before serving. The cheese tray was heavy on soft-ripened double creamed cheeses. The wine list is, as expected, extensive, well documented, and well supported by the restaurant's sommelier. The restaurant offers valet parking on St. Claire, operating on both sides of the street (no need for u-turn in front of the restaurant). First time patrons might have a bit of difficulty finding the restaurant which is located at the northwest corner of St. Claire and Huron, with the entrance on St. Claire.
(5)Marie O.
I had the Grand Collection tasting menu at Tru last night, and was greatly disappointed. Service was exceedingly slow; we arrived at 8:30, and left shortly after midnight. We waited almost an hour to receive our first course, and the wait for the larger dishes was terribly long. One of our servers apologized for the wait, and they tried to appease us with some truffles at the end, but it was really a drag. The first course-- the Sturgeon "caviar"-- was delicious; the subsequent courses were not very memorable. The Halibut and chicken were cooked to perfection, but there was nothing particularly impressive or interesting about them. The chicken was served on a log; but the log was just...a log. I would have been more impressed, had not Next recently wowed me with their own take on the log-serving dish: the gorgeous and aromatic "autumn scene", where the serving-log in question was cradling smoking apples, leaves, hay. If you're going to have a log, there might as well be fire! Dessert was served on some strange monkey candelabras. It was an attempt to be whimsical, but in the staid atmosphere of Tru, the monkeys just seemed ridiculous. They added nothing to the dish. At this price point, Next, ELideas, Bonsoiree etc beat out Tru, hands down. When the Michelin guide awarded one star to both Tru and Longman & Eagle, I was a little befuddled-- can these paces really be of the same calibre?-- and last night confirmed my doubts. They are not of the same calibre. One is delicious, creative, decadent, satisfying, welcoming, enjoyable, and worth the price. The other isn't.
(2)Britt W.
Suit Up! Grab your billfold! Clear the next four hours on your calendar! TRU is a special restaurant that pleases on several different levels. Right off the bat I felt like I was dining in heaven. There were no windows to the outside reminding me I was in Chicago. The white curtains that cover the walls from floor to ceiling let you know that you are in the world of TRU. Table for two? Make that two and a half because the lady's purse gets its own seat too. Take that coat check girl! Owner and executive chef Rick Tramonto is the master of the amuse bouche and you definitely get to experience his skills from the first course to the last. While it is possible to order a la carte I don't know why anyone would want to do so at a restaurant of this caliber. If you are going to go you should go big and get the Sommelier's Collection or one of the other grand tastings. Let's face it, how often do you get to eat caviar off of a glass staircase or sip soup from a Versace tea cup? The service at TRU is perfect. Attentive, polite and friendly. It's so easy to be intimidated by a restaurant of this caliber but the staff will make you feel welcome and appreciated. There are no too-cool-for-school wannabe actor types at TRU. TRU has always managed to deliver some surprises. Whether it's an impromptu meet and greet with the chef of a little gift bag of goodies for later, I always leave TRU feeling very special.
(5)Sophy B.
My husband and I truly enjoyed dining here. The food was very good most notably the lobster and the pumpkin patch dessert which incorporated foie gras. The tables were placed far enough from each other to ensure privacy which was much appreciated as I'm used to cramped surroundings when dining at restaurants of this caliber in the Bay Area. The staff were very attentive the sommelier stopped by towards the end of the meal with dessert wine compliments of the house because he had enjoyed our company so much. How nice is that! Will return on my next visit to town
(5)Molly L.
For Christmas, the boyfriend's mother gifted us with a certificate for free glasses of champagne, a tour of the kitchen, a tour of the art, and personalized commemorative menus to take home. We decided to save it for a special occasion, and so we went for my birthday last weekend. Fortunately, we got reservations when we called about 2 months ahead of time, but it was close, so plan ahead! When we arrived, we were taken on a tour of the kitchen. If you have the opportunity to do this, I recommend taking advantage. It was really neat to see how efficient this kitchen was. It's not at all like those cooking shows where everyone is yelling and chopping vegetables (and possibly fingers) with sharp knives in the intense heat. No, this was a zen kitchen. Very cool. We were then seated in the minimalist dining room. Extra points for having special stool things just for ladies' purses. We ordered the 9-course Chef's Collection tasting menu. You don't have to order the same menu as your dining companions, but we did. We also ordered a nice bottle of pinot noir to accompany our meal. In case you can't decide what you want from the giant encyclopedia of wine, they have a sommelier on hand to guide you. Because, why wouldn't they have a roving sommelier? Later in the evening, he helped us select glasses of wine for dessert, and my glass of chardonnay was the best chardonnay I've ever had. I won't go into detail about every single course because this review is already really long. My favorite courses were the white sturgeon "caviar," the pork belly, and the veal ribeye. The appetizers were very creatively presented. The proteins were less fancy, but it didn't matter because they were delicious. Dessert was about 3 courses long, and they were all great. The food was good, but not overwhelmingly so. There were a couple of dishes that I didn't care for, namely the flan and the pea soup. The service was impeccable. Not a single detail went unattended. We went for my birthday, and every staff member wished me a happy birthday. My menu said "Happy Birthday Molly" on it, and I was even brought a little cake with "Happy Birthday Molly" written on the plate. It made me feel very welcome and appreciated. 5 stars for the service. It was pricey (around $600 with tip and tax), but I felt that everything was priced about right. I certainly didn't feel like our meal was a rip-off. Overall, I would say that Tru lived up to my expectations, but didn't exceed them. It was a nice introduction to molecular gastronomy, and I had a wonderful time. I definitely recommend Tru if you're looking for a very special culinary experience.
(4)Jim H.
WTF is up with this place??? This was the single worst restaurant I've ever been to. Way expensive, uber stuffy and all of the food tastes like dirt or weeds. No thanks!
(1)Kathleen H.
We went to TRU this past Monday night for my boyfriend's birthday. I wanted a luxurious,delicious, perfect evening. TRU vastly exceeded all expectations!! From the moment we arrived the staff was superb, wishing my bf happy birthday (a personal birthday message was also printed on our menus) and completely attentive all night in an unobtrusive way. They were like friendly, knowledgable ninjas. We started with a trio of caviar with a chilled vodka which came in a stunning presentation and was fantastic. We ordered one of the 6 course tastings, but added a rabbit dish from the prix fixe menu, and one nine course. We skipped the house wine pairings as our server helpfully explained that they were primarily whites and we are red people. We chose a few reds on our own and they were lovely. The pacing of the courses was superb, we had time to open a few gifts and were never rushed. Each presentation was gorgeous, and everything was so delicious it was like having an opera in your mouth... The rabbit, the fois gras, the pork belly... Every course wowed our palates. It was a perfectly magical evening. I had been nervous after reading some negative reviews here, more it seemed than for other restaurants of this caliber... But I found the ambience understated but very elegant. I didn't feel like it was for older people or stuffy at all... Just simple, chic, and perfect for a special occasion. If you get the chance? Go. We have eaten in NYC, LA, London, Paris, all over, we travel a lot and LOVE food, and for both of us this experience was the BEST meal of our lives. Thank u TRU for an unforgettable evening:-)
(5)Jamie G.
Tru was enjoyable...but I wouldn't say it is my top pick for fine dining in Chicago. The atmosphere was probably the best part of the dinner. I also enjoyed the chair for my purse, cheese cart and dessert tray. Well, be honest, I enjoyed the cheese cart the most. My foie gras wasn't the best and had a rough patch that appeared to be intentionally hidden. I'm kind of leary of a business (Lettuce Entertain You) that has restaurants on such a low to high spectrum.
(4)Maggie M.
My mother and I make it a point to try new restaurants in the city all the time, and we saved Tru for our birthday celebrations (we both have birthdays in April and we tend to celebrate all month long.) The service was outstanding, the staff is extremely educated on both wine, and preparation techniques of the food. If this review was based on the service alone it would easily be 5 stars. Unfortunately, the driving force behind why I love to eat out is not the service, it's because I love great food. Personally, I feel there is a fine line between tasty and trendy. All to often "fancy" restaurants depart from the culinary basics in favor of more experimental and trendy preparation techniques. Tru has fallen victim to trendiness overpowering tastiness. Three items during out meal really tipped the scale to trendy, not tasty: 1. The excessive use of "froth". When two out of 5 dishes have some form of froth on them, that is one too many for me. Froth is being seen more and more in restaurants, but one dish is plenty. In my eyes it is for presentation, not flavor. 2. Caviar trapped in a bubble of gel floating in Sake. The sake only brought out the fishy taste of the caviar, and I don't think I will ever find a bubble of gel tasty. 3. A dessert amuse that contains Pop Rocks. Yes, you read that right. The same candy that is known for the urban legend that if you drink Coke while you have a mouth filled with Pop Rocks you will die. Dinner was enjoyable, but not as great as I expected. I had a Ribeye, and while it was cooked Medium Rare as requested, I have had a better steak at Wildfire, Ruth's Chris, and Gibson's. We also had Diver Scallops, and my mother and I both agreed that we have had better Diver Scallops at places as unpretentious as Ben Pao and as outstanding as Il Mulino I would recommend going at least once just to try it out, but I can't say that this would be my "go to" restaurant for big occasions.
(3)Timothy M.
What can you say about Tru besides WOW? The only reason I could see anyone giving this place less than 5 stars is because it is very, very pricey. But everything else is simply impeccible. My date and I got a collection which included: - Raw Maine Diver Scallop, Kumamoto Oyster, Italian Black Pearl Osetra Caviar, Preserved Lemon - Roasted Langoustine, Hearts of Palm, Sunchokes & Brown Butter - Veloute of Summer Corn & Leek, Corn-Herb Fritters - Canadian Foie Gras Torchon, Salad of Rainier Cherries, Hazelnuts & Radish, Country Toast, Cherry Jus - Grilled Loup de Mer, Braised Baby Fennel, Tomato-Orange Nage - Roasted Elysian Fields Lamb, Salt-Poached Potatoes, Petite Summer Vegetables, Lamb Jus - Gale's Dessert Collection - Complimentary birthday chocolate snack - Mignardises & Lollipops - Espresso The service is unbelievable. You are attended to like royalty. Even if you're not used to super-fine dining like this, the waitstaff will go out of their way to help you understand the food, the ettiquette, and anything else. They really are there for you from start to finish. The wine was outstanding as well, and there are some more reasonably priced selections if you're not a millionaire. But it certainly puts a pretty good hole in your pocketbook so be sure to save up for this treat. Seriously, the reviewers who gave 4 stars, I would hate to see what DOES impress you to a five star level.
(5)Don Q.
I'm not even going to bother talking about the food here. It's obviously pretty amazing. I'm giving them five-stars for the adventure of trying to foil their impeccable service. By the time our food arrived, my companion and I had been seated, served and swaddled by no less than a dozen precisely coordinated dervishes. I'm a pretty low key dude, so all of this attention kind of freaked me out (in a good way, mind you; I mean no disservice to the incredible experience they provide). Of course, given that my bladder is the size of a morel-infused poached fava bean, I inevitably had to use the little pilgrim's room. I waited patiently until all of the visible members of the troupe appeared to be swirling around other patrons to make my break. I made it to within 3 steps from the restroom door when someone LEAPED OUT FROM BEHIND A CURTAIN to show me the rest of the way. Needless to say, it took me a couple of minutes to calm the notion that someone was going to leap out to assist me at the loo, too. That said (tongue-in-cheek, of course), the staff at Tru did an amazing job at removing the pretense and pressure typically associated with fine dining and injecting it with fun and flair, resulting in a fabulous experience neither my friend nor I will soon forget.
(5)Nicole L.
This is one of the most amazing places i've been. Words cannot describe my experience here. I had the choice to go here for my 8th grade graduation present or throw a party. I'm so glad I made the right choice. They only take reservations and i believe at the time our meal was around $300 a piece. completely worth it for a extravagant experience. It was a 6-8 course meal with the most beautiful presented dishes and china i've ever seen. They give you amazing deserts to take home beautifully wrapped along with specializing your evening if it is for a special event. I remember having the most amazing waiters/servers/valet men ever. I hope i'll be able to afford to come back since it is not a everyday event. At age 14 I could enjoy and admire this I'm sure at 20 will be even better. This pace is a A + with gold stars. Superb!
(5)Finding N.
Chef Rick Tramonto has a philosophy, "If you can't fix it, feature it." That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard. Tru pretends like its still a top quality restaurant but it lacks in many areas that restaurants a quarter of the price excel. The menu despite being custom printed to celebrate a special occasion, didn't reflect any of the dietary restrictions that were identified when the reservation was placed, which immediately limited our order to one side of the menu. I ordered the salt soup, which would have been great if not for the overwhelming essence of lobster, a distraction from what was clearly the feature of the dish, the salt. The soup was topped with a lobster foam that was easy to inhale and made me cough. At least, you have to appreciate the creative combo though, lobster, lobster and salt; my palette was swimming in a flavor. Main course: Rolled cucumber and peach foam was well placed to hide the lamb, purchased at the end of the day from our neighborhood Jewel butcher. I know him, nice guy but tough meat. For desert the toffee pudding was excellent, I have to admit but if it was 6x bigger we could've found it at TGIFriday's (not trying to diss TGIF, just wondering if they share recipes.) The courses were peppered with complimentary bites one of which was excellent, the Anises Tea. The abalone inside of a jelly floating in sake was just unnecessary. With bright lights, sterile walls and long white curtains against tall white pillars, if the patrons wore gowns open in the back it would've been indistinguishable from a hospital cafeteria. Coincidentally the hospital is across the street. The service, I don't think I've ever been asked so many times if I was done with my plate. Call me silly but if I still have the fork in my hand, there's your answer. There are certain things one expects from a restaurant with such a reputation so in a way Tru faces a high bar but it did at least live up to part of its reputation, it is expensive. Another philosophy of Chef Ricky, "Ensure that guests are happiest right before they leave rather than when they arrive." Let me tell you, I was happy to leave.
(2)starbrite y.
Looking for a place to feel special and celebrate a special occasion? I'd stop here. Too much food at times and didn't get to really take advantage of the cheese or dessert tray but what a great complaint! Enjoy!
(4)Patrick N.
my wife and i recently experienced the 9 course chefs tasting with a split wine pairing and the additional 3 course dessert tasting menu. the food, setting, and service were all top notch, and really made for an incredible evening. highly recommended for those looking for progressive cuisine with classic sensibilities. pics are in my blog located in my profile.
(5)Michelle B.
I enjoyed dinner at Tru last night. I had the spring tasting menu and my husband had the grand tasting menu. It was really lovely. Each course had lovely freshly prepared ingredients. The staff is very attentive and friendly. It's a very approachable fine dining experience. The desserts are always special here and there are so many of them! I was surprised to see foie gras on the menu, but now I understand that the ban isn't in effect yet. It was nice and I enjoyed it all the more since it may be the last time I have it at a restaurant in Chicago. I like this restaurant better than Trotter's. I think it's because the dining room is a more open space. I always like to people watch a bit at these sorts of restaurants. This is an expensive and decadent experience, but you only live once so treat yourself!
(5)Mika G.
Tru-ly exceptional... hardy har har... ok now that that's out of my system, I have to say that I really enjoyed my meal at Tru... even more than L2O. Both restaurants really outdo themselves as far as service and knowledge of the food but as far as flavor goes, Tru takes the cake. I chose the prix fixe menu. King crab, white asparagus, pineapple and tarragon. Hawaiian ahi a la plancha, radish, leek, sauce provencale. And for dessert, I had some wonderful selections of cheese. I'm not used to eating at such high end restaurants. I am usually into the local places or hole in the wall joints but when on business trips, we get treated to the fancy stuff. It's nice. I think we'll be coming back here again.
(5)Jack J.
My wife and I went here for our 4th wedding anniversary. Yes, it's worth the hype. Go.
(5)Jessica S.
I went about a year ago with my family and we all tried on of the gourmet dinners that about eight courses. The staircase caviar was amazing partly just because of the presentation. Every course was more amazing then the next and the five hours we spent there felt like nothing. The food blew me away. The most amazing course to me had to have been the cheese course. They came out with a cheese cart with what must have been 30 cheeses and then I got to choose which cheeses I wanted. After the dessert course be prepared for the mini desserts to come your way. If you are going to go there for dinner I would suggest doing the special menus. Since it's not a place you will go to a lot it pays to do the entire dinner. Beware you will constantly be asked to add thing to your set menu to add to the price. Tru also has several half bottles of wine which is a great way to do it because then you can have a half of white to share and then have some red with the meat courses. The wine can add to the experience but it also adds to the price. I think this is a great experience for everyone to have. It's not a place that you would go to a normal Friday night but for a special occasion I can't imagine eating at a nicer restaurant.
(5)David W.
There are a few restaurants in Chicago that I have always wanted to go to and for some reason have never made it to. Tru was on that list until last night. Tim W., Mystery Man, and I made 7:30 reservations and when doing so expressed our interest in doing a beer pairing with our meal. We arrived just before 7:30 and were promptly ushered to the perfect table smack dab in the middle of all the action. Our server, Israel, greeted us and inquired about our desire to match beers with our courses. To help make our selections we decided to start the table off with a bottle of Barboursville Viognier from Virginia (yeah, our Virginia!). The wine was absolutely lovely and a great example of how delicious this grape can be. It also helped that the bottle was value priced at just $48. So we enjoyed our breads, lot's of butter, our amuse buche, our bottle of wine, and the table across from us before digging into our first course. Each of us opted for the three course menu for $95 and all ordered different appetizers and entrees. Mystery Man started with the Lobster Soup with Spoonbread. We expected lobster bisque, but the soup itself was a simple delicious broth with chunks of lobster and spoonbreads. I had the Diver Sea Scallops with Red Pepper Essence, Chorizo, and Avocado Dumplings. The scallops were beautifully cooked. The avocado dumplings were unique and delicious. However, the presence of chorizo was not all too apparent and the emulsion didn't add much value to the dish. Both Mystery Man and I's appetizers were paired with Klumbacher Brauerei Eku Pils. I typically don't drink pilsners, but this beer was superb and paired well with our dishes. Tim W. started with the Prime Beef Tartare with Raspberry Powder, Red Pepper, and Zucchini. Tim W. won round one hands down with this dish. The tartare was outstanding on its own, but the accompaniments really made this dish stand out. The tartate was paired beautifully with a bottle of Indica IPA from the Lost Coast Brewery. Mystery Man ordered the Hawaiian Orange Marlin with Heart of Palm, Baby Carrot, Leek, and Sauce Provencale for his entre. None of us had ever eaten Marlin before and the fish was delicate and well cooked. The beer paired with this dish was a bottle of Brasserie Duyck St. Druon de Sebouej. Tim W. once again ordered well by going with the Salt-Crusted Cervena Venison with Cocoa, Olive, and Blood Orange. The venison loin is "unearthed ", carved, and plated table side. Almost every bite presented subtle hints of cocoa, olives, and blood orange. A savory cocoa mousse with cocoa mashed potatoes was another highlight of this dish. I typically don't like venison because of its gamey flavor, but venison was perfectly cooked and the game didn't hit you over the head. They paired the venison with a bottle of Out of Bounds Stout from the Avery Brewing Company in Boulder, CO. Last but not least I ordered the Suckling Pig, Zucchini Pave, Licorice, Kumquats, and Pig Jus. The licorice was actually cooked down black Twizzlers. A bit gimmicky for me, but overall the dish was solid. The highlight of this dish came in the form of Tempura Zucchini. This dish was paired with the hands down best beer of the evening, the Koninjshoeven Quadrupel Trappist Ale. The nose on this beer was almost indescribable and the taste lived up to the noses promise. For dessert, both Tim W. and I ordered the Chocolate Souffl served with Cinnamon Ice Cream and a Camp Fire Marshmallow. The souffl was yummy, but was showed up by the Cinnamon Ice Cream. The ice cream was "Holy Shit!" good. Mystery Man, who doesn't like chocolate or peaches, went with the Roasted Pineapple with Coconut Ice Cream. This dish was another win on the dessert column. The desserts were paired with a bottle of Coffee Porter from Meantime Brewery. The decor at Tru is subtly modern and understated. The restaurant showcases a handful of modern works of art that add the occasional burst of color. For the most part the interior remains a blank canvas that allows the food to shine as it should. The staff was perfect! Our server adapted to our personal style quickly and didn't miss a beat or a subtle dirty joke. Israel also provided outstanding beer pairings and seemed genuinely excited to accept our challenge of pairing their contemporary cuisine with "beer". The chef de cuisine also paid a visit to our table to discuss the food and beer pairing. He also extended us an offer to come back for an even more elaborate beer driven pairing. Solid food paired with exceptional service made Tru worth the wait. 3 Prixe Fixe 6 Beers 1 Bottle of Wine 1 Cappucino ---------------------------- $500.00
(4)Thy L.
I got engaged at this restaurant, simply put it's best dining experience I've ever had. The decor is very simply and yet exquisite. There are literally a dz servers all dressed in black suits continually replacing silverware, linen, and tableware. We had the chef's prixed menu, it seemed like endless platings of eclectic cuisines. The most memorable had to be the caviar staircase, which is a showcase of abut 8 different caviars sitting on crystal spiral stairs. It was exquisitely presented but taste wise forgetable. I am not a fan of caviars. Overall, I'm truly in love with this restaurant for it's top notch service and sophistications.
(5)Liz H.
This is probably my favorite restaurant in the entire U.S. Fantastic food and the presentation is amazing. Extensive wine list and the cheese course always offers a wide range of really interesting and unique cheeses. Very expensive but completely worth it.
(5)Dave C.
We went with the same friends who later accompanied us to Alinea. Tru does not justify itself by comparison. Tru's he service was WAY too self-conscious, the food was good(not amazing), and the bill was titanic. Also despite the place being half-full when we arrived, we got the table right in front of the kitchen doors, which ruined it for me. There were also two egregious service missteps that were so over the top that they became a running joke during the meal: 1) The "water-waiter" (one guy who only poured and re-filled water glasses) literally splashed water all over the table every time he poured, trying to show off how he could hit the glass with the pitcher poised 3 feet above it. He couldn't. 2) The "description waiter" (one guy whose only job was to describe the preparation of each dish) was absolutely unintelligible. English was at best his 2nd language (sounded more like 4th to us), and despite us listening intently and him speaking VERY loudly, we had no idea what we were eating most of the time. Amazing faux-pas, considering the reputation of the place and the guy who owns it. We actually e-mailed the restaurant after the fact, and they replied with an apology and a gift certificate, which was nice. However, the GC can't be used on Saturday nights, making it all-but-worthless for us suburbanites. When all is said and done, we won't go back, GC or not.
(3)Matt W.
Took my girlfriend there because she had always wanted to go. The service was very on point. I almost felt like they bugged the table because every time we mentioned something to each other that we wanted someone would come along and give it to us. You go to the bathroom and when you come back they are waiting to tuck you back into the table when you sit down. The service is just completely different from most every other fine dinning restaurant I've been to. We both had the Prix Fixe menu that was not the most expensive but the one in the middle of the three. The food was very unique, very good. For the dessert they let one of us get the Prix Fixe dessert and one of us get the cheese but I don't think they like doing that. Anyway, definitely something to try and your girlfriend will have something to brag about at work for a couple weeks. Just know that you will spend about $400 or more and that is conservative
(4)A L.
Ever heard of the pity pound cake (hereforth known as the PPC)? Well, that is what we got when my friend and I tried to go and eat there tonight... My friend and I were dressed in business attire, just having left our clinic after a long day. We just wanted to enjoy some good food and drink and were prepared to pay for just that... Enter the hoity-toity host - I guess he took one look at us and decided that we were not worthy - and how did we know? Could it be the look of disdain when we walked in? The way he talked over the other (nice) hostess who would have let us eat but he said no? The way that he even prevented her from letting us eat in the lounge ("I'll have to check with the kitchen!" - as a note, they DO serve the lounge, unless, I guess, if they think you are unworthy.) And this is where the PPC comes into play - at this point, I was actually still willing to consider giving this establishment a try... but then he was like, wait, here, you can have this - along with our card so that you can TRY to make a reservation. It was a mini pound cake with their business card attached to it. I could have spent hundreds of dollars there (and even more in the future). But apparently, he has some better ideas of who he wants to let in his door. That's too bad, some other establisment will just get to enjoy the $$$$ that I would have spent at this restaurant. Oh, and the PPC wasn't even that good (it made my friend choke).
(1)Matt B.
This is probably the fining dining experience I've ever had. From the moment you walk in, the entire staff is there to serve your every need. Tables are pulled out so you can easily sit down. The staff is more than willing to help you get to the bathroom while replacing your napkin...and that's before we even talk about the food! The sommelier had a fine list of recommendations that perfectly complimented their menu. The scallops, salmon and lamb were all out of this world not just in taste, but in presentation, too. I'd highly recommend the prix fixe menu. The selection and quantities were grea, not to mention the additional courses that came unannounced. With the quiet atmosphere of pure professionalism with the spectacular service, it would be tough to ask for a more perfect evening. From the welcome to the waiters who worked in perfect synchronization who were also more than happy to hail a cab for you, Tru provides an unforgettable dining experience if you're okay with paying a bit more for it.
(5)Erin C.
Definitely glad I had the chance to experience dining at Tru, but don't know that I would ever feel the need to go back (unless someone wants to take me??). The service was impeccable - I dropped a wine glass soon after arriving and they quickly took care of it like it was no big deal. They were attentive throughout the meal, although our somewhat rowdy group seemed to irritate them a bit. The standout item on our tasting menu was the lobster in a champagne & mushroom "broth". Phenomenal and a favorite among our entire group. The meat dish was lamb but since I don't eat it, I had the halibut instead. Probably my second favorite part of the meal. Otherwise, the rest of the items on the menu were somewhat forgettable (although the jellied amuse bouche was a bit odd and everyone just sort of picked at it). And dinner takes awhile.... The restaurant was very quiet and museum-like, but since we sat in the private room upstairs, I didn't experience much of that atmosphere.
(4)Krista H.
AMAZING! The food, the ambiance, the art work, the staff - all fabu! The event (not just dinner) started at Valet as they asked us for us by name. Seating was quick and the service was unbelievable. It is VERY expensive (1000 for 3 people), but if you can afford it, it is worth the cost. You even get an escort to the washroom. The waitstaff orchestrated every detail to down to how and when water was poured! As we left, we even got fresh muffins for breakfast! If I had the money, I would go back again! Hmmm....Tru caviar staircase! I must say that even after the very lenghty meal (3 plus hours and 10 plus courses), we were still hungry and headed to Sullivans for a nice juicy steak:) The staff was better than the actual food, but it was an amazing experience.
(4)Eric M.
If the economy is good and you have $200+ to spare, this is a must-have indulgence. The service alone is better than Disney World and the food is just amazing. I went with my fiance and we each ordered a separate tasting menu (that way we could share). The staff was intelligent and not stuffy, constantly checking to make sure our wine and water were full, and we got to pick which napkin color we wanted! Know going in this is going to cost A LOT but believe me it is worth it.
(5)Ryan T.
Tru was the one restaurant I really wanted to go, but missed out on during my first food trip to Chicago. When I finally did go I was pleased I waited because they recently introduced a Sommelier's Collection where the wines have at least equal importance. The Sommelier's Collection has one more course than the Chef's Collection which my girlfriend went with The Sommelier's Collection: Amuse: Jasmine-Scented Pear - Fennel Parmigiano-Reggiano, Smoked Paprika 01 SC: Grape Gelee - Crab Salad, Cucumber, Honeysuckle 02 SC: Veal Sausage - Sunchoke Cream, Celery, White Peppercorn 03 SC: Pheasant Consomme - Pomegranate Gelee, Cote De Brouilly 04 SC: Pork Belly - Corn Pudding, Granny Smith Apple, Pickled Leeks 05 SC: Hot and Cold King Oyster Mushroom - Avocado, Grapefruit, Caviar 06 SC: Smoked Bass - Carrot Puree, Harissa Panisse 07 SC: Venison - Blood Orange, Cocoa, Condensed Black Olive 08 SC: Bison Ribeye - Smoked Paprika, Blackberry, Parsnip, Malabar Spinach 09 SC: Duet of Brillat Savarin 10 SC: Red Wine Sorbet - Passionfruit Caramel, Plantain Chip 11 SC: White Chocolate Mille-Feuille - Apricot, Lychee, Strawberry, Cinnamon Mignardises and Lollipops The quality of the food seemed to vary wildly from dish to dish, with the standouts being the Pheasant Consomme, Pork Belly, and Bison and the low points being the Smoked Bass and Venison. Overall I enjoyed the Sommelier's pairing even though I thought the execution was a bit off. The complete review with photos and a description of the Chef's Collection can be found here tangbro1.blogspot.com/20…
(4)Ameer G.
We went to Tru for my sister in laws birthday. What an experience. This was one of my first experiences at dining in a restaurant of this caliber. Since going to tru, I have also been to alinea, and comparing the two, i would say food wise, tru comes out ahead. While alinea is amazing in its own right, the concept of the restaurant is just different. Tru is all about a great meal, no theatrics. Everything is very calculated at tru, If I had any advice, it would be to get as many courses as you could, because who knows when you will be back. The entire evening was very memorable, from the synchronized water pouring to the synchronized serving for the entire table. This would be difficult to appreciate in a smaller group, so I would suggest going with 5-6 people.
(5)Tom S.
This is a 4 1/2 star rating. Not as memorably or delicious as Charlie Trotter's, but a foodie's dream come true nonetheless. If you order the chef's menu, get ready for a never-ending event. By the time the dessert cart and then the candy cart came around I was about to bust out of my pants; portions throughout are generous, if not delicious and creative. The room is decidedly minimalist almost to the point of being austere. I did feel like maybe we were being rushed through such a big meal and the service was a bit staid, but this is a recommendation for Tru.
(4)Mike W.
My very generous girlfriend took me for my birthday last weekend and I couldn't have had a better time. Prime 112 in SoBe is the only other place I've had actual Kobe and TRU certainly didn't disappoint. A5 Kobe topped with foie gras is about as decadent a dish as you can create. Everything after that is a blur, but I would recommend this as a "dining experience" rather than simply a meal. And for the price, I suppose it had better be. Splurge a little, go to TRU at least once in your life, but do yourself a favor and wear a proper jacket and tie. The kid dressed like Harry Potter two tables over looked like an idiot.
(5)Ken L.
It's a high 5 stars before I went to Alinea. I'd give the food 4.5 stars but 6 stars for their service. Atmosphere and decoration are good. I always like the contemporary/modern style. I went there twice and the food were good specially the desert cart. I ordered the collection menu both time. Good things they change the menu every season. If you close your eyes and taste the food, you can tell what season it is. Service is top notch. All servers are nice and professional. Everytime when we lean forward and about 1" detached from the chair. 2 servers will come and move the table and pull the chair for you. Overall experience was great. I'd recommend to others. It worth for the price and you won't expect less.
(5)Dina I.
Classic Chicago. Have dined here once back in 2007. Good fine dining but not the best in Chicago.
(4)Erin W.
One of the finest meals you can enjoy in chicago. We did the prefixed menu. If memory servers there there over 9 courses when you count all the "extras". The service was amazing...it almost felt choreographed. Favorite entree item were the waygu short ribs!
(5)Leon D.
Ha! You're kidding, right? Never had a better meal in six years I've lived in the city of Chicago. Pricey? Yeah. A little snobby? Sure. Will you see at least one guy being accompanied by a "professional" date? Probably. All that makes for good food and good fun. Been there more than ten times, and it's never disappointed me.
(5)Candy K.
The experience was amazing and the grand collection....to die for. Had a lovely Valentine's day celebration at Tru.
(5)Kim P.
There are so many things to cherish about the Tru experience that it's hard to know where to start. But for those who often feel like good service is dead in the states, here is someplace that can show you the stark difference between eating and dining. You are warmly received by name as if they've been expecting you because you always show up at that time and date. Graciously you're shown to your table and seated like a perfect lady (or gentleman). Almost instantly two servers arrive on opposite sides of the table, in perfect sync and begin pouring bottled water into your glasses (reaching the top at the same moment) then stepping back - as if in a dance, only to melt back into the background. The food is amazing. You can feel the various layers of flavor unfold as the food dissolves in your mouth. The seasonal offerings are unique and inspired. Despite all the courses of food, I didn't feel overly full or uncomfortable. It's a luxury to dine this way, so don't come in a hurry expecting to get in and out quickly. But why would you want to leave? The desert carts are just over the top, and the presentation of every little thing is so artfully done, that you haven't just enjoyed a good meal, you've enjoyed a good evening.
(5)Nina B.
Why only 4 stars? TRU is a delightful indulgence in many, many respects: impeccable and gracious service, playful and intriguing menu, all amidst comfortable and modern surroundings. I give it only four stars because, while it was the most expensive meal I've had the pleasure of eating ($900 for two people), it was not the best meal. I went expecting ambrosial bliss, but came away noting it _only_ as a very pleasant meal and fantastic experience. My husband and I each ordered the Chef's Market Collection and accompanying wine pairings, as well as the near-famous caviar staircase. In the end we were served 12 courses, plus amuse bouche and other "little bites." It was truly a night of food! There were two courses that very nearly sent me into the foodie heaven I was hungering for: the roasted asparagus with shallots and parmesan; and the braised veal shank with sweetbread cappelli, carrots and veal bouillon. Both dishes were prepared with delightful layers of tongue dancing flavor that sent my head spinning. Oh, and I mustn't forget the dessert! An awe-inspiring accomplishment composed of chocolate hazelnut mousse, orange sherbet, and cardamom-scented oranges. Wow! Additionally I should note the buffalo mozzarella dumpling with green olive emulsion & black olive powder, served as an amuse bouche -- quite enchanting. As was the cheese course (the four cheeses I selected have disappeared from memory, quite upsetting). The wine pairing with each course was also delightful as an accompaniment (of which I was grateful), but perhaps not awe-inspiring in their own right. The much talked about caviar staircase was a bit of a disappointment, however. Perhaps it is my own fault -- while I am quite fond of caviar, I found the sturgeon caviar lacking a bit in texture and "pop." The slightly blander nature of this type of caviar truly needed the accompaniments of creme fraiche, red onions, and capers that were served. But what was lost in actual flavor was in part made up for in the overtly decadent presentation. The disappointments of the evening's meal came in the form of an over-abundance of foams and gelees. Every dish, it seemed, was steeped in this trendy food preparation, and as the evening wore on it became rather boring. The foam less so -- every preparation was at least ripe with exciting flavor. But the gelee turned ugly with the course of whipped salt cod and creamy potato -- a foul taste and texture approximating "fishy jello" as though whipped in the Bass-o-matic of SNL legend. One dish I wish I had sent back. Overall, however, the experience was quite positive. I imagine I will be back. And I will remember to order the wine pairings with each course, and to pass on the caviar. (And if at all possible, avoid the gelee!).
(4)Samantha H.
If you can actually justify spending over $600 for dinner for two, you know it's amazing. That's what it was! We did the prix fixe but added the Kobe beef as an appetizer, which was just amazing. The au jus was just okay for me, but the beef itself melted in your mouth. The sommelier is just wonderful. You can tell he spends a large amount of time pairing wines with each dish (what a horrible job, lol) as every single wine he picked (we agreed to let him choose for each course) was perfectly matched to the dish. He came out to describe them to us before he poured and they were all amazing! The markup was what you'd expect. I could never have paired wines that well on my own. He goes around to each table and asks if you would like his service and, if you do, he just keeps coming back each course. The service was amazing. The ratio of staff to guests was probably 1:1.5, which I've never experienced before. At one point the waiter came out to ask my husband (who is a picky eater) if there was something wrong with the cabbage he left on his plate. He felt awful and said no, he just doesn't care for cabbage. But I thought that was thoughtful of the chef (who I've seen compete on Iron Chef) to really want to know what the guests like/dislike. Unless you're rich, this isn't a place you'll visit frequently, but would highly recommend for special occasions. The service is by far the best I've ever had and the food was fabulous!
(5)RJ W.
Had a very good, but not superior, experience here. The food was excellent, aside from the souffle that never appeared. That is why it gets 4, instead of 5 stars. When one is spending over $1,000 for 3, the service should be perfect. And while it was very very good, we ordered the souffle for dessert while ordering dinner. When it was time to be served after a 2 plus hour dinner, we were told it would be another 30 minutes. Now, I am fairly well traveled and have dined everywhere from Alinea, Daniels in NY, Gary Danko's in SF, etc.. and the one thing they had in common, was impeccable timing. Tru disappointed on this throughout the night. It seemed as though we were never a priority. It was a Wednesday night, but last I checked, the prices are the same as a weekend. The food, however, was phenomenal. Not a single complaint there. And perhaps they have one of the finest cheese courses in the country. I only wish we had the wait experience that matched the dining experience........
(4)James B.
TOO pricey!! Good place to impress people who worship wealth or enjoy small portion sizes on large plates...
(2)Diana S.
By far the best experience I have ever had at a restaurant in Chicago. It is beyond memorable. It has gone beyond staying in my memory to entering my dreams. This place is the epitome of perfection in execution. The service is extremely meticulous. You are taken care of from the moment you enter. The food is intelligent. It is delicate and seemingly lacking in ammunition; however, each bite provides a whirlwind of euphoria. Ever been to a restaurant where everything has the same taste and feel to it? If you've only eaten at Tru, the answer is no. The only constant between the courses is the attention to detail; each course was a new challenge for my mind - which was unexpectedly put through a lot of work in order to process what my tastebuds got to experience first hand. If I could give more than 5 stars for the service, I would. I would give the absolute maximum. It would get the full 5 stars for service factors I would consider to be expected from this type of establishment. With reservations, your table is ready the moment you arrive. As soon as you get up, someone will ask if you are looking for the ladies' room and basically escort you there. They re-fold your napkin for you to return to whenever you excuse yourself from the table. All the plates go down at your table in time synchronization. You will NEVER have to wave down the waiter - one look and someone appears. They explain the dishes in great detail as they are presented to you. They have a great sommelier who is extremely patient and knowledgeable. I could go on and on for pages about how wonderful the service is but I won't. However, there is one more point I want to make in regards to service. There is one factor in the service that was extremely special to me and makes me want to give more than 5 stars. To preface, I look extremely young. I am - in fact - past my quarter life. However, I do not look like it at all. This is not currently a blessing - maybe in 20 years - but in my 20's - it is a disadvantage. Not only do I get carded 3 times in a bar the size of my bathroom (door, both bartenders) - I get treated like a spoiled teen who has watched too much Gossip Girl. I am dismissed often and given under-par service. This not only ruins my experience (although many times I forgive it - as shown by the high ratings I often give on Yelp) - but it is sometimes unfair to the person I am out with. TRU did NOT treat me like I was somehow "below" them - which yes, I've gotten even gotten at Cheesecake Factory (understandable - it's the downtown mecca of teenage diners). They treated me the same way as the rest of the patrons in the restaurant which means they treated me like gold. This place treats you like royalty. If you are looking to impress your date or make your wife/gf feel like a princess for ~2-3hrs. This is the place. If you got laid off from your job and want to have one "eff you" dinner using your severance - this is the place. It'll make you feel like you are worth everything in this world. Yeah. I had no idea a restaurant could do that either. After your courses, they roll over a dessert cart and formage cart. Everything is just *sigh* amazing. If you are full, they even pack up small dessert pieces of your choice into deep-purple-colored jewelry boxes and provide you with small home-made lollipops. If you think that's it, wait until you leave back through the black curtains - the host will give you a copy of the menu in a large envelope and a mini breakfast muffin for the next morning. What better way to leave an amazing experience than to be provided with goodies to extend that experience onto the next day? All those reviews that complain about how small the food is and how it's not worth the buck - I am completely confused. I was very full at the conclusion of our meal and based on the full experience, it is 110% worth the buck. But then again, I didn't pay. But I was happier than I've ever been leaving a restaurant - probably the happiest I have ever been. I'd hate to kill this review with an over exuberant display of fondness for this restaurant but it really deserves it.
(5)Johnny B.
It's been awhile, but Tru was far and away* the best dining experience of my lifetime. Food and service both. From the understated unpretentious service, to the cheese flight (*drool*), to the original Warhol looking down on us, to the candy cart after dessert, to the personalized takeaway menu at the end - all of it simply stunning. Saving my pennies to do it again sometime soon! *This reminded me of that terrible early 90s Tom Cruise/Nicole Kidman epic disaster of a film. Made me chuckle.
(5)Mara S.
Probably the best meal I've ever had... I went to TRU tonight for a business meal with one other person. I was immediately impressed by the kind hostess and the non-pretentiousness of the place (ok, it's a little pretentious, but you're paying for that) - people weren't snotty at all. We were greeted right away with exceptional service (including a chair for my handbag - no really, they brought a stool to our table just for my purse so that it wasn't on the floor) including an escort to the ladies room. He didn't go in, just walked me there. We ate off of the Fixed Price menu and were extremely pleased. My colleague had the Halibut and I had the Ribeye as our main courses - I tasted hers and both were absolutely delicious. We received a pallet cleanser between each course and each was better than the one before. Top off this wonderful dinner with a cheese plate and some amazing desserts. The chocolate mousse was rich and creamy. I thought we were done and then they brought the lollipops and truffles. Oh my word. Overall and wonderful experience complete with a lemon pound cake to take home for breakfast. I was very pleased with my meal and the service and would go back again without hesitation. You should go here expecting your meal to take about 3 hours, but it is time well spent.
(5)Dane K.
I haven't been here in 2 or 3 years or so but can still remember every little detail (though, conveniently, if I forget they provide you with a take home menu of everything you ate and drank). The best meal I've ever had in my life. We reserved a spot in the upstairs semi-private dining area, a great alternative to the downstairs dining if you can get a spot up there. It's just you and 3 other tables upstairs, it's very very nice. Service was stellar--I can't imagine anything being better. (I think the service was measurably better than other local competitors--Alinea, et al.). The wine service was personal and they had a lot of good selections by the glass or bottle. We opted to go by the glass, and the sommelier helped us pick out wine throughout the dinner. I much preferred ala carte selection of wine by the glass over just having them pair wines. They still ended up choosing much of what we drank, but we were involved and had a say so it wasn't like they were just bringing us bottles and we were drinking whatever they brought. The food itself was outstanding. Everything was perfectly prepared and presented well.... Dessert is fantastic, too. We both had the full chef's collection tasting menu, and even though we both ordered the same thing we got different courses throughout the night... So that was a great advantage as well. Sure, the place is a huge splurge and you could fly to Europe in the off season for almost the same price per person, but this will be equally as memorable 5 years down the line.
(5)Powell Y.
Date: March 24, 2006 Location: 676 North Saint Clair Corkage: not allowed Cost: $550 - Market Collection Menu & Wine Pairing (includes t & t) Phone: 312.202.0001 Had a 9:45pm reservation at TRU on the Friday I arrived in Chicago. As Crystal and I checked in, we were directed to the bar as the staff gets our table ready. We ordered two glasses of the 2004 K Vintners Viognier to start off the evening. About half way through the glass, we were informed the table is ready and offered a tour of the kitchen before sitting down. The kitchen tour wasn't too interesting, just a standard quick walk-by. The dinner menu was presented to us, one side listing the pre-fixe menu with choices and the other listing the Collection options. Unfortunately the Seafood Collection wasn't available, which was what I wanted to try, but we made do with the Market Collection for the both of us. A different approach to the wine pairing aspect, nothing listed, offered if asked and kind of go on a whim based on the $$ one wants to spend. Not exactly how I would of done if if I owned a restaurant, but that's a different topic. The Market Collection is a nine course menu as listed below, course three through seven were prepared two ways with each of us having a different preparation of the same main ingredient. *** Grand Amuse-Bouche ~Scallop Ceviche, Avocado Puree, Lime Segments ~Tuna, Marinated Trevio, Orange Italian Black Pearl Osetra Caviar, Chilled Cauliflower Creme, Lemon Confit 2002 Selbach-Oste Zetlinger Sonnenuhr Riesling Kabinett New Zealand Langoustine ~Fresh New Zealand Langoustine, Thai Chili, Lemon Zest, Watercress ~Roasted New Zealand Langoustine, Baby Carrots, Turnips, Fennel, Langoustine Jus 2003 Hirsch Gruner Veltinger Kammener Heiligenstein Duck ~Duck Bouillon, Duck Prosciutto ~Veloute of Duck, Duck Confit NV Rare Wine Company Charleston Sericial Madeira Special Reserve Nova Scotia Halibut ~Nova Scotia Halibut "a la plancha", Sea Urchin, Preserved Lemon, Citrus Jus ~Roasted Nova Scotia Halibut, Razor Clams Casino, Bacon, Clam & Spinache Sauce 2003 William Fevre Chablis Montmains Pasta Course ~House-made Farfalle, Chicken Wing Confit, Bayonne Ham & Foie Gras Glaze ~Spaghettini, Carbonara Sauce, Parmesan Reggiano, Raw Amish Egg NV Henri Billiot Rose Brut Prime Midwestern Beef Ribeye ~Roasted Prime Midwestern Beef Ribeye, Braised Beef Short Rib, Glazed Pearl Onions, Crispy Bacon Lardons ~Grilled Prime Midwestern Beef Rib Eye, Fondant Potatoes, Bearnaise Reduction 2003 Yann Chave Crozes-Hermitage Tete de Cuvee TRU Collection of Cow, Goat and Sheeps' Milk Cheeses Cherry Mint Soup Duet of Desserts 1999 Chateau Pajzos Tokaji Aszu 5 Puttonyos Mignardises and Lollipops *** While the food was good overall and we got to try two different preparations, not one single dish gave me the wow factor. As usual, the final meat course failed me once again, although good to see it was ribeye rather than the standard filet mignon, but that's about the only compliment I can give the course. The wine pairing choices were nice for the price they charged, but the word pairing should be crossed out as none of the wine paired well with the food. Not saying the pairing was awful, but definitely more thoughts could be put into the process. The service was attentive, prompt and precise, but WAY TOO mechanical and stuffy. Small talk with the Sommelier didn't go anywhere, seem disinterested. None of the staff at the restaurant had a smile on them except for one person. Same type of service as French Laundry, but not what I would enojy as a dining experience. TRU is not a place I would return, just from the food standpoint, French Laundry, LaToque and Cyrus all out performs TRU. I can certainly name a few other places of different type of cuisine that out shine TRU as well, not a difficult task. Perhaps I am a bit spoiled and too critical, but a restaurant of this level should still show better.
(3)Gracie B.
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH This is simply for having to plan an event here. Just don't do it. I don't know where you should go instead n Chicago. But it is not going well. My event is a week away and while not everything is Tru's fault, they certainly are not making it easy. The biggest issue is that the Chef doesn't want to have to prepare for having choices in private dining meals. So you have to give your guests 1 meal option. Here's where that's a problem for me. 1. I NEVER pick restaurants when friends and I go out to eat cause I don't want the responsibility. and 2. I'm bad at picking my own meals (especially weeks or months in advance) So: therefore, I'm having problems. First I outsourced menu selection to the 2 members of my company's staff actually eating the meal. Then the menu changed. So I made a logical change. Which meant that the entree was going to be beef. Well - the California mentality of my company says that that's bad - people either a) need 2 choices or b) the one choice needs to be something "safe" like chicken. Welll there is no chicken. And the Chef won't make options. And oh! the private dining contact is harder to find than Lindsay Lohan's underwear. I've worked with 8 different private dining contacts at similar restaurants in New York, Philadelphia, Boston, LA, San Francisco, Dallas and Minneapolis. All of them have been gracious and great helps as I plan these events. The contact at Tru has basically been unreachable and when she is reached, she's completely unwilling to help me find solutions So where does that leave me? Sitting in Berkeley 1 week before the event losing my mind about what to feed 18 people that I don't know. Maybe by next weekend it will all be smooth and nice - but for now...no. For now, I'm stressed and completely unimpressed. Edit: 4/28 - Plus 1 star. So I don't know if they read my review but suddenly my contact is much easier to reach and much more willing to help. She helped me find what she and I thought was a great solution. Which my CEO then shot down. Soooooooooo - when I went back and said: we need 2 options and that's that. She said: ok. And now it's happening. Now there's a matter of my event order being about $30 more/person than originally quoted...but we'll talk about that on monday. The event is wednesday - expect an update. Edit: So we ended up cancelling the event (yeah, after all that work) because people waited till the day before to say they weren't coming. Hello! RSVP by X date, means RSVP because I'm dropping mad money on you. Anyway - lost hella cash and went through the madness of the meal for no reason. I think this may be a good place for rehearsal dinners or small business meals or just a nice dinner out, but NOT for special events.
(3)Aileen O.
My boyfriend and I went to TRU to celebrate our one-year anniversary. We came in with very high expectations. I know the service would be exceptional, but I was a tad worried about the quality of the food. We had a 5:30 dinner reservation so we were one of the first patrons on a Saturday night. It was nice to walk into a spacious and very quiet dining room. It was actually a tad intimidating with the 10+ waitstaff standing around. ;) When we made the reservation, we let them know that we would be celebrating our anniversary. They made the night very special with phenomenal service (the waiters really do synchronize their movements), personalized menus that we could take home, and a small dessert plate that read "Happy 1st Anniversary." I was really surprised by how much effort they put into making it a great evening. The food was good, but as mentioned already, portions are small. We had the three course prix-fixe dinner and ended up getting extra cheese and dessert courses. It's a little tricky when they roll out the cheese and dessert carts. We naively assumed that these goodies were part of our meals, but of course - they weren't! Our bill was pretty high, and I felt a tinge of guilt as my boyfriend forked over his credit card. I didn't get a glance at the check, but I'm pretty sure it was in the $500 range. Would I return? Probably not. But I had a memorable night. If anything the service overcompensated for the food. Plus the personalized menus now sitting on my coffee table will always remind me of the night my boyfriend really showed me what fine dining really was!
(4)Christine P.
OHMIGOD, what an experience!!! I've never been to such an upscale restaurant. everything was perfect and in sync - the food, wine, table service, etc etc. Desserts to die for, and the suckling pig was FANTASTIC (even though I did feel really bad about eating it afterwards). They really take care of their customers
(5)Dean K.
I think that I liked the experience more than I did the food, not that there were any complaints in that department. It was all extremely good. But the service? They had bases covered that I didn't even know existed. Sometimes, a little too covered. I was escorted to and from the restroom and I could have done without making a whole production out of it. When we finished eating, though, a hostess was standing by the exit with my coat and bag and how she remembered which were my things or knew that we were getting ready to leave remains a mystery but it was pretty cool. Plus, they had a little baggie of cookies and lollipops for me to take home. It's a special place.
(5)FelineFluff F.
Tru was all about the experience. The service, absolutely amazing. I was blown away by the perfect timing of things. Still convinced our server had somehow tapped into my thoughts, as nothing was overlooked. I'm usually VERY picky about what I eat, but there were combinations I would have never thought of plating together that amazed my palette. Let's just say I'm truly happy I opened myself up. The food was pure art and handled that way. A bit dainty sometimes, but I appreciated the craft that each dish obviously entailed. If you're looking for a HUNGRY MAN meal, look else where. Yes, the cost of this experience borders on the insane, but for something special. sitting across from the right person, it is so worth it. A place to adorn that perfect dress, sit back and enjoy the whole experience.
(4)Matthew A.
If you want a Tru(e), top of the line dining experience... The best dining experience I have ever had. But with that said...I don't think I will ever need to go back. If I could give 4.5 stars I would. Let me start by saying that I am not a fancy dinner guy...I would prefer a steak over caviar on a cracker. However, I went to Tru with a totally open mind ready to try everything that they offered. My wife and I went on a Thursday evening, late at 9pm, and we left a little after midnight. We never ever felt rushed, I actually found the pace of the meal very enjoyable. Every single person on staff was providing the best possible service, though I think they could do better with where they store the clean wine glasses, they were constantly restocking a shelf with glasses right near our table. My wife had the Spring Collection and I had the Chef's Market Collection, and overall both were excellent. Each course offered showed GREAT attention to detail and presentation. Each dish had delicate mix of flavors, most of which I had never tasted. High points for us were: -Roasted White Asparagus, Shallots, Parmesan -Rabbit Consomm, Morels, Pea & Lavender Emulsion -Artichoke Emulsion, Trout Roe, Condensed Mint, Dende Oil As an un-experienced diner, I felt that each dish held a rather small portion, though I know that the taste and the presentation are just as important. (A piece of veal the size of a silver dollar is a little on the small side...I think a second piece could be spared.) However, after progressing through to the cheese course, you begin to become full. Then they hit you with a selection from over 15 different offerings of cow/goat/sheep's milk cheese, with widely different tastes. The cheese fills in the gaps in your stomach left by the smaller portions. THEN then hit you with desert, which is just as excellent as any of the dinner courses. And if you couldn't take any more, they bring out some small chocolates and some desert bread to fill in the open space on your plate. Now I can say that I have experienced the top of the line this city has to offer...but would I go back? Probably not, or at least not for a few years. It is just not my thing, and it is fairly cost prohibitive. When I go out for a nice dinner, I think around $100-$150 max for the two of us...and Tru is definitely far above that range. But more than the price, the style is just...too...fancy for me. Each dish is a work of art by itself and I think I would rather look at a pretty picture than stir it up and eat it in one or two bites.
(5)Meagan F.
Tru is exceptional. The moment you walk in to this very understated restaurant, the hostess greets you, and you feel immediately at ease. The service was impeccable, if not too attentive. The precisely choreographed plate/wine/siverware placement by a pair of servers is a little over the top, but not unappreciated. My fellow diner and I both had the four-course tasting menu with wine pairing. Although it was a year ago since we were there, I still remember the feel of the rich, velvety beef consomme on my tongue. We had a wonderful conversation with the sommelier about food, wine, and life; and they sent us home with a copy of our menu and some financiers for the road. GREAT restaurant. Worth every penny.
(5)Edward H.
I figured I'd hold off on the big 200 until I've gone to somewhere exceptional. So for my gf's extended birthday celebration, we ended up going to Tru. Tru really impressed me through and through. The service at this place takes dining to a whole new level and their attention to every minute detail never ceases to astound me. It all starts before you even step through their doors - the valet has a list of all the guests for the night. You are immediately greeted with by the host and who takes your coat and then proceeds to whisk you away to your table. Typically, the staff pulls the chair out for the lady - I found it refreshing that they pulled the table out for my lovely date. We then were greeted by our servers who provided our menus for the evening along with a very extensive wine list. It was a nice touch to have a custom printed menu for the birthday girl atop her menu. It took a while for us to decide what to get since literally everything on the menu sounded delicious, but we never felt rushed and our server was very helpful in suggesting items to sample. We decided to skip the marathon dinners (Black Truffle or Chef's Collection) for a lighter fare so we ended up with the caviar staircase and prix fixe meals. For our amuse bouche, we got to sample some delicious melt in our mouth dumplings. The staircase featured four delicious and very fun to look at lumps of deliciousness. I started with their Hawaiian blue prawns accompanied by an aromatic curry sauce - to prepare me for that appetizer. My main course, butter poached Maine lobster, was cooked to absolute perfection and was greatly enhanced by its accompaniments. There was bisque to enhance to sweetness of the meat, a citrus and almond sauce to accentuate, and finally the most well prepared asparagus I've ever had. I capped the dinner off with a beautifully made vanilla parfait with blood orange marmalade and chocolate ganache - it was picture perfect. It was amazing to see completely synchronized service - the removal and placement of our meal was perfectly timed on both sides of the table. In addition to our fare, we were further stuffed with samplings in between each course not to mention post-dessert desserts with things such as lollipops, truffles, caramel corn, variety chocolates. My date enjoyed a beautiful birthday brownie with a birthday message written in icing on the platter. Before heading out, they handed us the custom printed menu signed by all the chefs that helped make the night so memorable - talk about thoughtful! Tru really demonstrated why they are one of the best in world class dining. From the impeccable service to the sample fare pre/during/post dinner, everything was perfectly executed. On the way out the door, they handed us our coats and a complimentary banana bread. All I could think of at that point was "Boy, we're stuffed!... Holy crap, post-dessert desserts and now banana bread? When are they going to stop feeding us?" Tru is a great place to celebrate with that someone special. Go there and you're bound to get an experience to remember.
(5)Norbert W.
*giggle* a joke. if you're used to frozen dinners, maybe a place for you. It's all pretension. And it caters to the crowd that likes to pretend it knows what "fine dining" is about. Maybe go in the way-back machine to before it was sold. Maybe then it was good. Now it's just a pathetic, overpriced shell of a restaurant where people from the burbs visit if they can't get a table at ponderosa...errr. gibson's.
(1)S to the izzo F.
An Fantastic dining experience! The lighting and black and white decor give Tru an art gallery feel and the food is the art! I took a tour of the kitchen and it's run to perfection. Clean and very quite. It was like watching a artist in his Studio. But more than anything, even better than the food, was the Service. Absolutely top notch. You have to be willing to sit and enjoy. The experience took a little over three hours. Slow eating can be very fun especially if you have the right person/persons to enjoy it with. Very expensive. Some might feel that no food is worth this expense, not this individual. Tru is one of Chicago's best.
(5)patty l.
At Tru, you will find full of surprises! Until today, this is still by far the best restaurants that I have ever been to. It is expensive, but it's definitely a very unique dining experience, and I would return if I ever visit Chicago again. The service was outstanding, it's almost surreal. Restaurant itself is like a gallery, and food is the art. Everything is perfectly measured. The tasting menu is what you want to order, and don't forget to order the melted chocolate cake with ice cream. It was too good to be "TRUe"! The day when I went, Nicolas Cage was there with his Korean gf (4 years ago)! I can't say enough good things about this restaurant; you will have to experience it yourself. I highly recommend this restaurant for any special formal occasions.
(5)Victoria R.
Last weekend we went to Tru with a group of 6 for the dessert course only. It was awesome. The décor inside is a bit outdated, but the service, presentation and dessert were superb. To begin with our waiter was lighthearted, but professional and very helpful in helping us select dinner cocktails (he literally brought out every drink menu for us). I had called in advance to communicate that we'd be celebrating a birthday and after sitting down they brought us small menus outlining what we would be having that were personalized to say Happy Birthday to the birthday girl. While only 3 desserts were listed on the menu, SIX were served to us. Each more unique and impressive than the next. It was like eating art. Delicious art. Would absolutely love to come back here for a special occasion again in the future!
(5)Anna Y.
I have a mixed feeling, very complicated mixed feeling toward this place. I am impressed by the service and wait staff, yet disappointed by the cold and uninviting interior decor. Sure, they probably strive for minimalism, but minimalism does not conflict with being warm and inviting. Not to mention you are bound to sit there for at least three hours and to drop more than a few hundred bucks. A warm and fuzzy feeling isn't too much to ask, right?! Food and presentation are substantial, but yet to be exquisite. Good backup plan when you can't get reservation at Alinea or Next ;)
(4)Winston G.
I've only been to two "fine-dining" restaurants so far in Chicago, Tru being the second (MK was the first). I thought the food and service here were truly exceptional. I ended up here for work-related reasons and was served a four course meal, which included an amuse bouche (not sure what it was), a cream of corn soup, a halibut course, a beef tenderloin course with a caramelized onion tart, a raspberry with baked chocolate mousse, and a dessert platter with macarons and mango flavored marshmallows. I found the cream of corn soup and the halibut to be exceptional, while the beef tenderloin was ordinary. Desserts were also great. I am not too sure of the cost, but I believe the restaurant features prix fixe menus that range from just a regular dinner to a chef's tasting menu. Service and decor were exceptional, and I hope to be back here again for a special occasion.
(5)Kiera D.
WOW. That is all I have to say. I came here for a celebratory dinner with my parents and The food was spectacular. We started with the oysters which were some of the best I've tasted. Then, we moved on to caviar, which again was superb. We ordered the smaller tasting menu which included an amazing smoked duck dish that still makes my mouth water. I would absolutely recommend this place!
(5)Scott O.
We ate here about 4 or 5 years ago and the collections were fantastic. The food was well prepared and intriguing, the caviar staircase was the highlight of the meal, and we felt satisified at the end of the meal. Now, they are trying to compete with Alinea and Moto and everything is foamed, dolloped, and the portions are miniscule. I had two courses in my collection that were two of the worst things I've ever eaten in my entire life: Artichoke Consomme with Caramel(!!!) and a lovely piece of sturgeon ruined by being soaked in mushroom tea. My partner and I were starving when we left and have no intention of ever returning there again.
(1)Rachel S.
So, I had been wanting to come here since before I moved to Chicago (as a child, I watched Gale Gand on Food Network a bit too much) To my utter surprise and pleasure, BF took me here for Valentines Day! When we walked in, I said "I didn't even know that you knew that Tru was a thing!" To which he replied "I didn't!" Yay for happy coincidences. We chose the 9 course tasting, which I believe is worth the price when considering other options. I've heard people leave after the 3 or 6 course menus a bit hungry still. We were NOT hungry in the LEAST after the 9 courses (plus lots of tiny things in between). The food was solid, for sure. I think I've probably had slightly better elements here and there, but this was definitely worth it for the experience and the decadence. One of our dishes came with gold-freakin-leaf as a garnish... The service... here... I'm torn. I appreciate an attentive wait-staff, and the synchronized serving, etc was fun the first couple of times, but it ended up feeling a little contrived and awkward. Also, I felt like every time I tried to rest my elbows on the table between courses, someone came by to scrape crumbs off the table (invisible crumbs, I suppose, I never saw any). Also, after BF spilled something on the table cloth, they spread a napkin over the soiled portion of table cloth, which was kind of weird. I have to say I would have enjoyed my evening much more had the service been dialed back a notch. I hope that management reads their reviews, although they probably don't considering it's Tru. What I will remember the most about this meal was the exploding chocolates at the end. Literally a crisp chocolate shell encasing a flavor-du-jour liquid. Thankfully the waitress counseled us that "exploding" wasn't an exaggeration and they should be eaten in one bite. Our flavor was passion fruit, and although I was feeling extremely full to the point of being uncomfortable, I could have eaten like 100 more of those passion fruit exploding chocolates. So refreshing and delicious. Personally, I think they made passion-fruit ice cubes, then dipped in tempered chocolate, and let the ice slowly melt in the fridge. That's how I would do it, anyway. Also, the financiers they sent us home with were quite delicious, although in my time living in Paris, I never saw a financier bigger than a small bite-size, these mamas were like baseballs. Tasty though. Will we be back? Not sure. Was it an excellent experience worth every one of BF's pennies? You betcher.
(4)Cristina T.
Let me start this review by saying that I went into my Tru experience being pretty sick with a mild stomach flu. A friend had made a reservation which included a VIP experience-tour of the restaurant, champagne & a tour of the kitchen. Being the foodie freak I am, I waited a week in anticipation to eat at one of the top restaurants in Chicago. Then it hit. Stomach flu-crippling pain and near death sickness. I asked my friend if the restaurant could re-schedule. Nope. If I opted out, I would end up costing my group the price of the entire meal. After taking a 5 hour nap I got up and went to Tru. Upon walking in, one is immediately taken aback by the decor. Simple furniture and white walls showcased the brilliant artwork in this restaurant. Check out the light fixture called "stay" and be sure to check out Warhol's Marilyn. Upon being seated, we received our glass of champagne. We were given a while to think about what we wanted to order and trying to suck it up and be a champ, I ordered the 6 course tasting menu. I wasn't sure if I could stomach it all, but at least Tru offers an excellent selection of in-house made breads. Try the fleur de sel brioche and the pumpernickel. Onto dinner: We started with the sturgeon "caviar", which was smoky and clever, placed atop an avocado mixture. I loved its presentation inside a caviar tin. My favorite course. We moved onto a soup which was artfully presented in a kohlrabi fruit with dry ice. The pork belly was rich and unctuous-my taste buds were happy, but my stomach was not. When we got to the whitefish, I took a few bites and had to hand it to my bf. Now for the low point of my dining experience at Tru-the chicken with foie gras. There was no way I could eat that. Too sick. The waiter asked me a couple times if something was wrong and I kept telling them no. Although it was nice of them to inquire, it honestly made me feel like a jerk for not eating it. Onto dessert: the tasting menu included a quince and marscarpone mini-dessert that was delicious. Then came my favorite part of the meal-the mini-dessert cart. Now I was feeling better. I tried the truffle, homemade egg nog marshmallows, mini-macaron(size of a dime) and a tiny bread pudding. These were all phenomenal. As an ending to a meal we were handed "exploding truffles" that were so beautifully topped with gold leaf. Popped it into my mouth and it literally gushed out peppermint liquid. So cool. We were then given the bill(not cheap, kiddos), and lead into the kitchen for our tour. We got to see everything from the Versace tea set to the bartenders and even meet the chef. Honestly I thought this was the best part of the meal. Upon leaving we were given a little tea cake to eat the next morning with coffee. Cute. Overall, I am not sure this restaurant lives up to the hype it is given around Chicago. Although inventive, there were no stand-out flavors worth remembering. For the price of this meal I would have expected something phenomenal. Also, the fact that I couldn't change my reservation without being charged the price of the entire meal because of extreme sickness kind of turned me off. Once again, this could be completely based on my personal situation that day, but I am not sure I will be back.
(3)Mike S.
TRU is serving up some of the most playful, original food we've seen anywhere. Not what we were expecting, but we were very pleasantly surprised! I won't spoil the surprise of how each dish is plated, but I will say that the chef is definitely having some fun in the kitchen. The amuse bouche was awesome! We chose from the 3-course pre-fixe menu and added a cheese course between the entree and dessert. The grass-fed beef carpaccio and duck consomme were delicious and perfectly prepared. The only course that I didn't love was the wild scottish hare. It was a beautifully crafted plate and the accompanying vegetables were perfect, but the portion was small and the jus that the server added table-side overwhelmed the dish with smokiness. My wife loved her truffled lobster and it was definitely a larger portion than the hare. The cheese course was better than I expected from previous reviewers' comments. I liked being able to choose from the cheeses right in front of you, as opposed to simply ordering off a menu or having the server choose for you. The server presenting the cheese cart was very knowledgeable and helpful, too. We enjoyed everything we tried, and the cheeses paired well with the provided chutney and honey. Dessert was the highlight of the evening for me. My wife loved her campfire of s'more, but the pumpkin patch blew me away. The different flavors and textures all combined together to make a very unique and wonderful dish. Super creative and fun plating!! The service was perfect. Besides flawless service throughout the meal, we really appreciated how each staff member greeted us on the way in and said "goodnight" or "goodbye" on the way out. A lot of little touches like that add up to a great experience as the night goes on. They had my wife's coat ready for us at the front desk, along with some treats for the next day's breakfast. Plus, the valet already had our car pulled up to the front door! It's also worth noting that the crowd was very mixed age-wise, something you don't tend to see when you visit restaurants at this price point. It was nice to NOT be the youngest person in the room by 20 years, for a change. Very highly recommended!
(5)Kate D.
I considered taking off a star due to the price tag that goes along with the Tru experience, but ended up with 5. Because it's just that: an experience. And a well-executed one to be sure. Bravo, Chef Martin! The single misstep of the night was the utter lack of a valet. We waited at the curb for several minutes before I finally went in and asked. Might have cost them if it had been -12 outside or sleeting, but I'm in my twenties. I can handle the walk. Throughout the evening, I was delighted by the staff. I didn't encounter a single pretentious person, and instead felt that they enjoyed our enthusiasm and wonder at the whole place. We were the youngest patrons by about 20 years, and everyone else looked bored and like they hated their dining companion. Our lead server, David, made the experience fun, and the sommelier Jen was spot on with her recommendations. From the coordinated water pour to service of courses, the Tru staff is a well-oiled machine. Side note: Tru's art collection includes Adam Fuss's "My Ghost" series. One of my personal favorites. A real treat if you get to see it, as the collection rotates and often copies are displayed over originals. Food: We chose the grand collection. First: comte cheese gougere. Loved the lightness, was a bit iffy on the Ritz cracker flavor. As it was a bonus, I'll go easy on this one. Amuse Bouche: cucumber salad on gelee, bouchot mussel veloute. Fairly insubstantial in comparison to other courses but well-balanced. Second: white sturgeon "caviar", avocado, hazelnut, with herbed crackers. My husband had never tried caviar so Chef Martin's pearled sturgeon was the perfect gateway drug. Husband says:"My favorite course of the whole meal." Success! Third: chilled kohlrabi contained within itself with curry oil. SO COOL. This dish is served in a hollowed out kohlrabi with dry ice, so it comes out bubbling. The complex pyrotechnical presentation paired perfectly with the singular flavor of the kohlrabi. Fourth: duroc pork belly, potato two ways, black truffle. I am not a truffle fan. I think they're overrated. However, I love all things resembling bacon. Maybe I'm trashy. Whatever. The pork belly was flavorful and the starch complimented it well. Yum. Fifth: roasted golden tilefish, banyuls brown butter emulsion, pickled daikon. The tilefish is cooked skin-side down, providing a crisp contrast to the tender fish. Bravo. Probably my favorite of the night. Sixth: jidori chicken, foie gras, wild mushroom, salsify. I wasn't a huge fan of this course. The chicken was a little undercooked for me. Husband liked it. A draw. Seventh: We were given the choice between dessert and the cheese cart. Naturally, I dove for the cheese. I chose four selections and David recommended a couple more. They were served with fruit bread and honey. The sheep's milk cheese came in second, with a simple herbed Mallorca taking the gold medal. So glad I chose cheese (as always). Husband went for dessert. I don't recall what it was but he liked my cheese better. The meal ended with coffee and mignardises. Our car was waiting (valet: redeemed!). We were sent off with a breakfast nibble for the next morning. The Grand Collection, a cosmopolitan, Manhattan, half bottle of wine, and tip came out to $475. Worth it? YEP.
(5)Alyssa E.
Words cannot describe this meal. It was mind blowing, as each course was served in a different way . One dish had hidden dry ice, creating a vapor from the dish! This meal was definitely worth the high sticker price if you are looking for a fine dining tasting experience. You definitely will not be disappointed!
(5)Caroline C.
TRUly mediocre. I wish I could have dined here in the days where Rick Tramonto was still at the helm (TRU stands for TRamonto Unlimited, afterall), but alas, our experience here was forgettable. The decor looked dated and tired, without the grand opulence and just falling short of the minimalistic elegance that some higher end restaurants have. Our waiter appeared to have woken from a pre-dinner service nap, stumbling over the obligatory menu overview and appearing quite confused when we asked about selections on the wine list. We ended up getting the 9-course tasting menu and the caviar staircase - the staircase itself was beautiful, but I can honestly say that my palate does not appreciate fine caviar enough to justify the obscene amount of money we dropped on it. Later, we heard our waiter, who had apparently woken up and learned his script after taking our orders, tell another table of 5 that the staircase was meant to be shared by a larger group, and they had a half portion size that was not offered on the menu for half the price. Would that have been nice a tid-bit for my dining companion and I?? Yes!!! As for the tasting itself, there was not a single dish out of the nine that was memorable, and most were generally uninspired. My pork belly was hard as a rock, the veal was on the bland side, and as for a salmon and sorrel dish? Can't we be a little more inventive than that? Isn't a tasting menu supposed to showcase a chef's creativity and skills? The dishes where the chef did flex his creative muscles did not "wow" as expected - the suspended foie gras changed the texture of a creamy, decadent piece of meat to something resembling (and tasting of) canned tuna. All in all, nothing was terrible, but at the same time nothing was amazing. In a city that offers so many world-class dining options, we won't be back to Tru anytime soon.
(3)William H.
I wasn't able to fit Alinea into my schedule this time in Chicago so I gave up on the search for perfect restaurant. TRU gave me hope! I was there for about 4 hours and eventually closed down the restaurant with the 10 course tasting menu. They did everything perfect, reminiscent of French Laundry perfection. Service was great, down to every little detail. Their wine list is huge, but well worth the effort to read up ahead of time and prepare to know what to order. This is a must try place in Chicago if you are into food!
(5)Nate P.
Before going into my review for my recent visit (in February 2012) I have to say that I used to have a lot of skepticism about Tru. I first went to the restaurant in 2008 with my family and was frankly unimpressed compared to other comparable restaurants in Chicago. I ranked the likes of Charlie Trotter's, Alinea, Spiaggia, Ria, Next and others all above Tru. Having been back in 2012 for the six-course tasting, I couldn't feel more different about the experience. My first experience at Tru featured rather simple and unimpressive ingredient combinations, lackluster platings and a stale and uninventive menu. The new tasting reflects a much more adventurous, playful, creative and interesting concept entirely. Dishes featured some of the latest techniques pioneered by chefs like Ferran Adria while (largely) eschewing overly gimmicky shows of liquid nitrogen and the like. The amuse was a cute winter scene complete with a snowman - this was the one dish that didn't quite hit the mark as far as flavor goes (somewhat lackluster) and was heavy on the showmanship but enjoyable nonetheless as an amuse. The first course, tru's creme caviar was PHENOMENAL. This was the perfect intersection of modern technique to create the "caviar" while still packing in excellent balance, flavor, and purpose. The creamy avacado paired perfectly with the rich but mellow caviar and crackers. I wish I could buy this. The next course, a hazelnut soup with foie gras was also excellent. The emphasis was moreso on the nutty flavor than foie which I was thankful for. I had an overly rich foie soup in San Fran last year that I couldn't finish. This dish on the otherhand was well balanced and great for the cold weather. The next dish was an excellent pork belly dish with potato (and truffle I believe). Not as memorable as some but I recall enjoying it very much. Up next was my least favorite dish - a white fish (halibut or seabass I think) served with the skin. The smoky flavor was overpowering for me and as I'm not a huge fan of eating fish with the skin on, the texture was too much. Following the fish was a saving grace: squab. This was my favorite dish on the menu and one I can still remember. It reminded me of a squab dish I had at alinea back in 2010 and made the trip back to Tru worth the effort, price, and risk. Not much to say on the cheese course as it varies by what you choose but Tru has one of the best cheese carts in the city. I'm not as much of a sweet tooth so while the dessert and candies were excellent, they didn't make the meal (granted they didn't fail either - excellent balance, flavor, composition and presentation). Overall well worth a re-examination if you haven't been in a while and ABSOLUTELY a must if you've never been.
(5)A. B.
It was good but not earth shattering. Great service and presentation though. Really good for those who are interested in trying caviar. They were also helpful when I feel in love with caviar at recommending where I can find it in a pinch (Whole foods, who knew?!)
(4)Rachel W.
I am hugely not a fan of these uber prix fixed meals with 9000 servers and molecular gastronomy, so wasn't expecting to be blown away. But I was...I came here w/my family for my mom's birthday, we did the wine pairing as well, and it was the perfect complement to the meal. Everything from the amuse bouche to the personalized birthday menus to the bread courses to the wine was fabulous. Food was actually delicious, and you didn't feel like you were eating out of a science lab. Obviously not the kind of place you go on a regular basis, but of the restaurants in this category, I would definitely recommend. We had a wonderful night, were able to have conversation without being constantly interrupted, and felt like the food complemented our experience, as opposed to being the only thing you could talk about because it was so strange.
(5)Erin J.
Tru deserves every star that they get. This is a phenomenal culinary experience. If you are a foodie, Tru will not let you down. The wine parings were lovely, and the staff exceptionally friendly for an establishment that one might think of as uptight. If you have the honor of having the Chamomile cremeux, peaches, dried apricot vanilla desert paired with the Bonny Doon vineyard le vol des anges. Your palette will never me the same! Bravo!
(5)Eric M.
Tru continues to be my favorite restaurant in Chicago. It's "tried & true" if you'll pardon the pun. I know there are other rock star chef's doing their thing at "Next" and "Trotter's" but Tru has been quietly producing top shelf meals with a flourish for years and it shows. The "Obama-like" master of ceremonies is my favorite character in the staff line up. He's smooth, cool and knows his food. He manages your meal like a commander in chief. I love how the servers surround the table with each course and present them simultaneously....it's like "synchronized serving", it should be an Olympic event! Our table had the Chef's tasting menu which is a 3 hour affair that includes these highlights: -white sturgeon caviar- a play on caviar, the sturgeon is formed into little balls and then served in a caviar tin, they are over an avocado puree- this was a delight for the eyes and the taste buds -Dashi flan, edamame, yuzu- an "Umami bomb" that left you wanting seconds -Scottish salmon served on a tray of clear glass with a still smoking cedar "log" underneath, great flavors and texture, presentation was memorable -Jidori chicken with asparagus and foie gras, black truffles- presented as an oblong cube, not what I expected but the flavor was wonderful and the presentation made you think -vegetable "leather" of tomato, basil and other spices on separate sheets, served on a "clothesline" over lawn (turf) held on by tiny clothespins. Artful, tasty and imaginative. -dessert was a tropical selection of flavors- pineapple sorbet, banana creme served by a porcelain monkey. It was tasty and whimsical. A large selection of petite fors was served after and nobody went away hungry. Tru is still my favorite place in Chicago and I can't wait to go back.
(5)Mandy C.
Although the staff was extremely friendly and accommodating, I did not have a great experience at Tru. It had all of the ambiance of fine dining, but none of the flavors that go along with it. My dining partner and I walked in and were immediately greeted by staff and escorted into a waiting area. The dining room, although mostly full, was silent and remained so for most of the evening. The atmosphere was very uptight. That said, the waiter and the rest of the staff was attentive and helpful throughout the meal. My partner had the lobster; it was a little tough and bland. I had the jidori slow cooked chicken and it wasn't just bland, it was bad. The chicken was rubbery and had no flavor. Since the menu lacked anything interesting or risk-taking, I assumed it would be the basics cooked to perfection. Unfortunately, it was not. There wasn't anything about Tru that lived up to its hype. Tru is a place you'd take your parents to show that that you have a real job now and are no longer eating ramen for dinner. It's not a place you'd take someone looking for interesting flavors or food combinations.
(2)Katie H.
First off, if you think $250 is a completely acceptable rate for a hotel room, if you own $500 shoes, and if your monthly dining budget rivals the GDP of a small country, you can stop reading my review now. If dropping a few hundred dollars on dinner is a very special occasion for you, if you live on a smaller budget and if you balk at spending $20 on a single glass of wine, then you and I have something in common and you might find my review useful. For our 3 year anniversary, my husband and I decided to bite the bullet and cough up the cash for Tru. He'd been wanting to come here for ages, and it was either here or L20 (despite my repeated suggestion that we go back to Bonsoiree, which we loved and is BYOB and is only $85 for 8 courses). To stretch out the evening a bit, since we knew Tru would be our only activity for the night, we decided to arrive a few minutes early and have a drink in the lounge. Don't bother. 1) The lounge isn't like a bar, it's really just a collection of love tables with kind of uncomfortably soft chairs. 2) it's insanely expensive. The cheapest beer was like $12. $14 for a Sam Smith Porter?! So I ordered a glass of wine, Barbera d'Asti, which was phenomenal and I think around $12. My husband's drink, the apertif, was $17 (but excellent). Once sat at our table, we were asked if we wanted champagne. As the cheapest glass was $20 and the bottle of Barbera d'Asti was $60, we decided to jump right into the bottle. We started our three course prix fix with an amuse bouche, which was not very amuse-ing and then out came the appetizers. I went with the langoustine, which was one big langoustine in a boulliabasse broth with some kind of mouse and boiled potatoes. The langoustine was good, but I've actually had better prepared much more simply. Husband had the steak tartare with egg and truffle. It was fantastic, and the first time we'd ever had tartare. We also added in another course - the wagyu beef ravioli with foie gras in a beef broth (for $25). Skip it. The pasta was a bit overdone, the wagyu didn't taste like anything more than beef, and the broth was underwhelming. The foie was awesome, but...it's foie, it's easy for it to be awesome. For our entrees, I had the beef ribeye with foie gras. The beef was good, the jus was good, the mushrooms were well done, and the foie again was great. It was all good. But I didn't take a bite and think "oh my god, is the good". Luckily, my husband's lamb was fanfreakingtastic. I stole about half of it with no shame. When it was time for dessert, I was presented with a problem. I hate fruit desserts. To me, it's not dessert unless it's chocolate, and all the desserts had fruit in them. We'd made a note of this when we made the reservation, but still they could do nothing for me.....except tell me I should have come last week when they had a amazing chocolate mousse. Um, thanks. So I had a small cheese plate while my husband enjoyed his apple dessert. He had a fantastic Irish coffee while I had a glass of Muscato d'Asti. Then came the famed dessert cart. It had about 6 or 7 offerings on it. I took the only 3 that didn't have fruit in them - a champagne macaron (meh, and I love macarons), a chocolate truffle which it turns out did have raspberry in it, and a canele, which was just okay. So no, I didn't get to experience any of Gale's famous amazing desserts. On the way out, they also gave us a fruit muffin to take home. It was good, but no better than what you'd find at most bakeries. So the food....it was okay. 3.5 maybe 4 stars. But the service, hot damn the service was amazing. We sat right by the service station and loved being able to watch the orchestration of the service. The servers always arrived in tandem to remove plates, as soon as you stood up, your napkin would be removed and replaced with a new one. On my way to the bathroom I was asked 3 times if I needed assistance. As soon as I re-entered the room, someone arrived at my table to pull out my chair. I literally felt like we were being waited on hand and foot. The level of service was simply outstanding, and I get that part of the food and drink prices reflect that, but still, when my dinner clocks in at $440 (with tax and tip), I just expect a little more. I should have a meal that tastes so good I'm still thinking about it weeks later. It's the next morning and already the details are getting fuzzy. Maybe I'm being a bit harsh, but for the price, I just expected more.
(4)Alex H.
I'm about as close to 4.5 stars as you can be without bumping it up to 5. Here's why: The food itself was phenomenal. I'm not going to go into specific detail as the menu is likely to change by the time you'll go there anyway, just know that it is equal parts playful, beautiful, and delicious. The service was beyond impeccable. By far the best service I've had a a single-Michelin star restaurant. Everyone is friendly. The timing is perfect. They really get the details right. Here's where I take issue with Tru: 1. Decor. I like minimalism. I like modern. And I even like the idea of letting the food, and not the space, be the star of the show. Unfortunately, Tru has taken the idea just a little too far, and the result is a strange waiting area (not a bar) inside from the entrance where you wait for your table, followed by a large dining room that is just a bit too open and generally lacking in character. 2. Proteins. As I said, the food was amazing, and I'd happily order any of the 6 courses we enjoyed again. My problem is that out of those 6 courses (as well as some lovely and unexpected amuse-style interjections between courses), only one was protein based. And that protein wasn't wagyu beef, wasn't sweetbreads, wasn't even pork belly or something similar. It was chicken. Delicious chicken, with some lovely accompaniments to be sure. But chicken is still just chicken at the end of the day. And when you drop in excess of $500 for two for a meal, I don't think its unfair to ask for some elevated protein options. Among Chicago foodie circles these days its almost impossible to have a culinary discussion without talking about Alinea and Next. I'd humbly submit that despite my minor complaints, Tru still belongs in any serious foodie conversation.
(4)Mark D.
This was once of the best meals I have ever had in my life. Service was top notch, presentation was incredible and the food was amazing. They really wow you here. One course was a caviar staircase that was delicious and I'm not even a fan of caviar. Loved the beta fish swimming in the glass bowl under the tuna tar tare! Truly a dining event to experience. I can't wait to make a special trip to this city just to dine here again. Tru is one of my favorite restaurants in the country. Keep up the good work!
(5)Rebecca W.
I choose this restaraunt because I wanted a super-special place where I could propose to my girlfriend. The folks at Tru were fantastic about it...very patient with my nervous phone calls; they brought the champagne perfectly on cue, and overall were really sweet. This isn't the sort of place we normally go to, but the service people were gracious and explained everything without a hint of condescension. We went with the prix-fixe menu - we both had seafood appetizers, and for the entree I had the ribeye while my girlfriend had the prime rib. For dessert we had the dark gleaming chocolate, and the ice cream with chicory texture was possibly the best thing I have ever eaten. I can taste it as I think about it now! The little "candy shop" dessert cart was also wonderful. In particular I was delighted to try the Canelle de Bourdeaux. Divine - perfect creaminess with just a touch of crunch and honey! You *must* try some of the cheeses, especially the sheep's milk cheese; they serve it with sweet bread and a little honey and it's, again, amazing. I said I went here to propose, and I want to make a special note of how extremely nice they were about us being a same-sex couple. Frankly, when I was calling places to set the proposal up, a lot of places were incredibly rude. A few places were surprised that a woman was proposing (assuming I had a boyfriend), and then when I explained I had a *girlfriend*, two places hung up on me and a third gave me a lecture! Tru, however, was absolutely professional, sweet, and sincerely congratulatory. (Also, reassuring, when my nervousness almost got the better of me!) If you are looking for a memorable, relaxing, unique experience, try here.
(5)matthew S.
Very expensive, but worth it. Not as cutting edge as some others but excellent food and service in a classy atmosphere. Appears to be ADA compliant.
(5)David G.
Really, really good. Creative cuisine, great ambiance and warm service. Among the top 1 star restaurants in Chicago, without a doubt.
(4)DAVID G.
Couldn't have been more impressed and suprised! Putting aside the incredible cuisine for a moment (if one can), what was truly amazing was the clear attention to detail and impeccable service from the entire staff. The staff works and communicates like a well-oiled machine; they take customer service to heart and do so in a way that is almost mystifying. We never had to ask for a thing and they anticipated our every need, right down to having our coats ready to slide our arms into at the end of the evening. As far as the cuisine goes, it is hard to know where to begin with my compliments to the chef. The range and mixture of flavors and textures was splendid, portions were perfect and the courses were magnificently arranged! Bravo!
(5)Elizabeth R.
I enjoyed the atmosphere and the service, however, the food wasn't as good as I expected. They missed the mark on some dishes, particularly the jidori chicken, which was pretty much dry and tasteless. The wine tasting selection was good, with a lot of white wines, which paired very well with the dishes. Honestly, Tru earned an extra star with their cheese selection at the end of the meal - cheese is the way to my heart. If I wasn't paying next time, I'd definitely go back!
(4)Jigar P.
This is one of the very special place. I went here for dinner with my best friend to celebrate her acceptance to Med school at UIC. This place is upscale downtown resturant with great sense of richness in flavor, taste and ambiance. I really like the theramasu here. Honestly I liked all the dishes I ate here. It feels like its systematically designed restaurant since every details has taken into consideration like we were given enough time for making choice, the suggestions by server was really helpful, the light music. I think this place has very special because after dinner we went to just walk in downtown and it was cold and we still do some dancing on way back to car it was sooo much fun.. The only problem with such places is to get reservation. I was flying to chicago and my schedule was very tentive so can not visit this place again. But I will visit it again. Also they are very limited in veg choices. And parking as you all know is big time in Chicago downtown.. Also places like these are really very very expensive.
(5)nikki s.
Tru is a must-do! I expected the dry, hoity-toity snootisms, but I was wrong. We were pleasantly welcomed in, seated immediately and our waiter made us very comfortable. I scanned the room and it was a nice ecclectic mix of people. We did the 10 course tasting which was a bit more elaborate than the prixe fixe menu. I'm a sucker for truffle, so the standout for me was the risotto with black truffle shavings. Exquisite! Don't get me wrong, though, every single course was mmm mmm good with creative presentation, from the squash soup housed in a hollowed mini- pumpkin to the decadent chocolates. Service was impeccable with not only attentive servers but synchronized serving. I'm talking about coordinated timing of the setting down of flatware. Nice touch. We were there for a special occasion so the menus had been customized with well wishes in acknowledgement. Another nice gesture. It's definitely a place for a special time, as I couldn't imagine a 3-hour meal on the regular. However, for a memorable fine dining experience, Tru is one of the best.
(5)Amy S.
My fiance and I were taken here as an anniversary present by my boss and his wife. I had heard rumors that Tru was stuffy and stuck up....that they weren't very nice and that they just weren't friendly. I beg to differ. I didn't feel that at all. I felt the atmosphere was actually very pleasant. The tables were spread apart perfectly and you felt like you could have a conversation without everyone in the restaurant listening. Also, if you talk to the servers like normal people, they talk to you normal also. We had our sommelier telling us hilarious stories about wine regions and types of wines. The food was fantastic. We did the 9 course menu and I loved each course! And we did the wine pairings (those were HUGE pours!). I loved the personalized menu (Congrats Amy and Greg) and the fact that they reprinted out exactly what everyone ordered on a special menu at the end of the night. Truly great food and service and a very memorable experience.
(5)A N.
This is one of those reviews that really deserves 3.5 stars. My husband and I finally had a good reason to try some very fine dining in Chicago - our 5th wedding anniversary. We dressed up all fancy and took a cab downtown like real adults. It was nice to have an occasion to dress up for. We ordered the 6 course Grand Collection and a bottle of Moscato since we were celebrating but don't really care for Champagne. I didn't take pictures of every course, but I still remember most of them, so here it goes: White sturgeon "caviar": very pretty and cool in concept. in reality, too salty. Also, we only got 3 tiny crackers with it. Say what? Not enough crackers with a course of any kind, at any restaurant is a major pet peeve of mine. I'd give this one an A-. one the most memorable courses. Amuse bouche: not a course exactly, but it was still served. Twas disgusting. Really. We both had to consume an entire glass of wine to get the icky taste out of our mouths. F- English Pea Soup: Yummy! I liked the peas. It was very beautiful, looked like a spring wreath at the bottom of the bowl. It had these micro croutons were really good and we could have used a few more. It was missing something, flavor-wise. B+ fava bean cappeletti: I don't care for ham but it was very delicate, pretty and tasty, but not very memorable or super interesting. B+ alaskan halibut: Fish was delicious and cooked perfectly. The mushrooms were also very yummy. But again, not mind blowing or anything. B+ Jidori Chicken: What can I say? It's chicken. It wasn't special chicken. The plating was fun and cool. The fiddlehead ferns were my favorite part of the dish. B At some point we also received a fun grass + ultra tiny clothes pins + dried fruit paper hanging like laundry. Tasty and very cute. Solid A for the expensive fruit roll up. Dessert was campfire s'mores and a chocolate with red pear sorbet. Both were quite tasty. We also received a special happy anniversary plate with mini-cake. The cake was dry. A- They brought around a dessert cart, which was has probably 1 dozen different chocolates and candies. The server explains what they all are and then says "would you care for any of these desserts (or something like that), it's our compliment". I wasn't sure if I should say "sure, i'll take all of them" or what. So I instead I was like "ok, I'll take one of those *points*". And she says "would care for another?" and i say "ok, I'll take one of those *points*". And so on, until we had all but 2 of every confectionary from the cart. Awkward. Finally they bring us two chocolates, laden with gold. They are pretty. And filled with cinnamon liquid. Delicious! I can only compare my experience at Tru to one other restaurant - Europea in Montreal. I am sorry to say Europea kind of kicked Tru's ass. We had many more courses at Europea, they were all really interesting AND delicious, and the service wasn't nearly as fussy. I would still recommend Tru for a very special occasion because it was a fun experience, but it just wasn't what you might expect for the money. If you are counting on your money going a long way, you might want to consider going elsewhere.
(4)Jennifer S.
I feel like we totally wasted our money. Overall we were really impressed by the service, but the food was a big let down. We went there to celebrate my birthday. They printed up a special menu with my name and a birthday wish in it, which was a really nice touch. We ordered off the Prix Fixe Menu. The amuse-bouche was bland, our appetizers were good, but the entrees were a total miss (no taste, the lobster, which I paid extra for, was rubbery and the portions were really small). After our main course we were still hungry, so we ordered an additional cheese course served with a side of honey and chutney (the cheese plate was the best thing we had all night). Our desserts were also a big disappointment -pretty to look at but bland and unimaginative in taste.
(2)Charin K.
My husband and I went to Tru for our anniversary last week and were thoroughly impressed. We have been to a good number of Chicago's nice restaurants and were excited to dine at the well known Tru and compare it to our other dining experiences. The thing that most stands out about Tru is the attention to flavor that they give. No, the dishes aren't crazy spins on the homey classics like you will find at Graham Elliot or Schwa, but they hone in on the flavor of every bite with carefully picked ingredients and methods of cooking that make for an outstanding meal and because of this it's modern French cuisine at its finest and deserves 5 stars. If you are looking for an incredibly posh fine dining meal experience, this is the place to indulge in. On the flip side though, if you are looking for a fun and relaxed atmosphere to go with a gourmet dining experience, this may not be the place for you. The restaurants I mentioned above have an atmosphere of warmth and fun that Tru lacks. This is not a negative feedback point of Tru by any means, there is a time and place for each of these experiences and I only mention this so that you know going in what to be expecting and can enjoy your experience to the fullest. We had a splendid time and will never forget the glazed veal or white sturgeon caviar... aMAZing!
(5)Barbara C.
I had the pleasure of eating at TRU recently. I've never eaten there even though it seems like it's been a Chicago icon forever. I understand why. The food, the service, the presentation, the atmosphere is simply fabulous. They all work beautifully together to create a unique and memorable dining experience. Flavors come together in unique and surprising ways. Each course was more delightful than the last! Worth a splurge.
(5)Toby S.
Extremely Good. Chicago Really has more than its fair share of fine dining experiences. TRU is formal and a bit of a old business type crowd but the food and service were exceptional. You leave having spend a crap load of money without any remorse. Just a body perfectly filled with highly technical and wonderfully executed food. All washed down with a superb complement of booze. (Note - If it were my restaurant I might work on the decor slightly)
(5)Cory A.
It isn't too often that I feel a restaurant truly lives up to the hype and the aclaim that it's been given, but this time, this place just had to be one of them. My table had the Chef's tasting menu, featuring foie gras mousse, seared wagyu, and crispy bork belly, along with the sommelier's wine pairings. They wagyu was so tender and juicy, it practically fell apart before I could chew it. I can't say that the entire tasting meny was excellent, though. There were a couple things that tasted great, but were largely forgettable. The care and creativity that went into the dishes that "mattered" were nothing compared to the execution of them in the kitchen. However, the dishes that fell short, although tasting, great, did not live up to the calliber of the ones that made the evening. The dessert was the biggest let down. It was seriously just of scoop of ice cream over melon balls...no more, no less. I really expected something creative. In addition to the food, the service was exceptional. There were moments when I forgot the servers were serving, because their performance was immaculate. I'm glad I had the pleasure of dining at TRU recently, and if I am ever able to afford the bill again, I'd be there in a skinny minute to see and taste what else the chef has to offer.
(4)Margaret T.
The food here is good, and the acrobatic display of service is interesting, however I am left uninspired by the stiffness of said servers. I also think the mood could be improved, as well as a few other things. It's almost like eating at a museum, and the times I have been there, I've been worried about my servers having a nervous breakdown behind their painted smiles. Tip toe service, I'd call it. I am just so uncomfortable when no one is having fun. But if you want to be treated like royalty, this is the place to do it. Meh.
(2)Tim R.
Truly innovative food. I took my wife here for her birthday and we both loved it. They made a menu with her name on it which makes you feel all special. I recommend the chefs tasting menu. It is quite expensive so keep that in mind.
(5)Juliette C.
Went to Tru with some friends (including Elisa O.) recently. I was super excited to go back but the dinner was a really big miss. First and foremost the dinner took nearly 4 hours! for the 6 course menu. So technically we got super bored and hungry! They apologized etc and gave us some truffles at the end - which btw where super delicious - but what can you do, the experience was marred. Second the food was rather good, I did not like the halibut, the chicken was not really interesting (though I liked the presentation). The caviar is awesome and I was happy to have it again, dessert was great too. The ham pasta with a fancy name tasted like ham pasta, it was good but kinda rustic. Ok and then there was the sake. First we paid $50 for a very small bottle of sake that costs $11 online. It was good, but wtf?? 400% mark up? That's ridiculous. The second bottle which was less crazily marked up just tasted like white wine... not what you want when you order sake... My friends were disappointed and me too. Would have rather spent my $180 somewhere else! Oh I was forgetting, a staff member explained to me what fish utensils were, because I was saying the fork looked weird. I know what fish utensils are thanks very much, the fork just had a really weird shape... last time I went they explained to us what a prix fixe menu was... It's not because we are under 30 that we are ignorant... The monkey was a little ridiculous too...
(2)Eric B.
This perspective is from a habitué of neighborhood joints who seldom dines at gastronomic shrines of this caliber. A special occasion called for a splurge far in excess of what we would normally spend. The challenge, though, was finding a place with menu items that would appeal to my missus, who is strictly a 'meat-and-potatoes' person. After comparing a dozen-or-so menus online, I found Tru's to be flexible and varied enough to accommodate both timid and adventurous palates. Their ever-evolving three-course prix fixe menu offers a choice of 7 appetizers, 7 entrees, and dessert or a selection from the cheese cart. Our apprehensions about condescending or snooty service were put to rest from the moment we stepped inside. The maître d' and wait staff were absolutely wonderful. They took obvious delight in answering our sometimes silly questions and describing everything on our plates. They didn't hover over us but somehow magically appeared at the precise moment we needed something. The only gaffe in the service -- choreographed like a ballet -- was when one server started to whisk away a plate before we were done with it. In this comfortable, hushed and minimalist dining room, the focus is on art, attractive plating, and wine. Tru's wine list is voluminous. Being hopelessly ignorant about wine, we asked the sommelier for his recommendation, which turned out to be stellar. Tru's kitchen happily accommodates dietary restrictions and individual preferences. Our entire meal was a uniformly remarkable spectrum of both familiar and exotic flavor and texture combinations. As for plating, we observed foodies at other tables taking pictures of their food. A meal at a more pedestrian restaurant the following night seemed ordinary and bland by comparison. Now ... at the risk of sounding like a rube, my pet peeve concerning haute cuisine in general is the dainty portion sizes relative to price (for cripes sake, even the free samples at Costco are more generous!). Alright, I'll take my ten lashes with a limp shred of frisée for saying that. But this is why we seldom visit such high-end restaurants. Having spent several hundreds of dollars on this one dinner, though, we did NOT leave Tru hungry or disappointed -- the three-course prix fixe meal was augmented by many, many extras and surprises. One of the high points was when our server brought chocolates with a liquid salty-caramel filling and instructed us on how to eat them without making a mess. It was a most enjoyable and memorable evening.
(5)Julia I.
Food is awesome. One can't deny that. The tasting menu is an all evening entertaining event. Make sure to go with a fellow foodie so they don't get bored during the 4 hours. I cant give 5 stars because it's still hard to spend $450 on dinner for two.
(4)Tricia C.
As seems to be the trend with a lot of the reviews here, service was 5 star but food was more like 3-4 (depending on the course). Don't get me wrong, it was good, just not as good, for example, as the meal I paid about half the price for the day before at Bonsoiree. Everything executed well, it just wasn't super exciting and nothing really made us do a double take. We did the Grand Collection and added the seared Foie Gras from the a la carte menu. We also swapped one of the beignet desserts for the fall fruit risotto I had seen on the menu online during my "research period." Funny enough, that addition and substitution were probably the best things we had. You definitely want the risotto--it's a whole deal where they assemble it tableside and it's the perfect balance of sweetness for a dessert. There were lots of extras thrown in before, during, and after our meal that were pretty cool also, and we were DEFINITELY full by the end of it. So, if you've never experienced the caliber of the wait staff at TRU, it's definitely worth it for a special occasion. But, we likely now can cross it off our list and will explore elsewhere on our next visit. Also note, there's really no sign outside, except a small logo obscured by some topiaries next to the revolving door. Just go where the address is and you'll figure it out.
(4)Chester W.
Sort of in a secluded area at night, but overall I really enjoyed my meal. Went for a business dinner and had a great meal. Definitely pricey, but you should realize that before going in. Good drink selection, good food, and excellent service despite the fact that my waiter kept confusing my orders with the only other Asian in the dinner party.
(4)Brett F.
Drum Roll please..... for my 100th review I found it most fitting to review my favorite restaurant in Chicago, Tru. Technically this isn't even a review.... the menu is ever-changing so I'm not going to drone on about food that will likely no longer be featured by the time you get there. What you do need to know about is the impeccable level of service demanded of the staff at Tru. You will not feel more important or pampered ANYWHERE... the staff times everything in carefully orchestrated maneuvers to create a seamless experience of culinary and visual delight. Be prepared to have Tru be the only thing you do in an evening... there will be no bars, movies or anything after this meal. It will take several hours and you'll be in such a state of food ecstasy that the thought of putting one more thing in your belly will be unbearable. Rick Tramonto does such an amazing job with the food, it's not only artistic and beautiful but even more delicious than it is aesthetically pleasing (ding! ding! ding! this is how food should be done people). Be sure to choose a prix fixe option as dining a la carte here is for amateurs... you don't come here to compromise on quality or selection. The Gale Gand dessert cart will really drive the point home with tons of hand crafted goodies and lavender lollipops... Gale is also known to pre-package little desert cakes that they send you home with. I can not think of anything else I would rather pair my morning coffee with.... Tru is my one and only choice for special occasions and milestone dinners - anyone who knows me knows that this is my answer to treating myself or my friends to something decadent and extremely fabulous. As a Chicagoan or someone traveling in our fair city, you owe it to yourself to sample a Tru caviar staircase at least once. And to dine among the fine art original Warhols, Ruschas, and Kleins... tres chic!!
(5)Gazelle T.
For days I waffled about whether or not we should go here on our Chicago trip--would it really be worth the hefty price tag? For the same cost you could get a number of good or even fantastic meals at other restaurants after all. Well, we went and I'm happy to say it was indeed worth it! As others have noted the service is impeccable--indeed it borders on intimidating! But once I got over it being insanely attentive I realized it wasn't just service, it was Kabuki Theater. Then I was able to get into the spirit of the thing. Food and cocktails (ranging from $18-$22 for the curious) were excellent! And in addition to your regular courses there is an amuse included, and bread service (the pumpernickel onion bread was to die for. I could happily eat it every day of my life!), and a palate-cleansing interlude. You begin to feel that the prix fixe is not only worth it, but something of a bargain ;) After trying my boyfriend's Scotchman Can Take a Punch (one of their signature cocktails) I decided I wanted one for myself, even though if you had asked my I would have told you I didn't like any of the ingredients in it. THAT is high praise for a restaurant--making you eat or drink something you were sure you didn't like! I even had a second one. For food I had the chestnut soup, which was wonderful, and the short ribs, which were some of the best I've ever had. Our server explained they sous vide and seared, so they were like no short ribs I've ever had before. An amazing dish. They were sauced tableside, and the accompaniments were beautiful. I was particularly impressed by the tiny carved apple cups holding herb oil. Tru pays attention to every last detail. The cheese cart was also a treat. Another server brought it around, and he was extremely well-informed about everything. I was impressed by his memory, to say the least! The dessert was the only misstep--I got the "s'mores" and I found the different chocolate mousses and cakes to be rather one note, and presentation wasn't as interesting either. I've had much better desserts at other restaurants, and I have to say the ones I make are better as well :P But I didn't mind. The rest of the meal was fabulous.
(5)Barack O.
Delicious food. Fantastic service. Taste everything and go as often as you can afford to. Worth every penny. Disregard any review under 5 stars,
(5)jennifer l.
this place is hidden without any indication where it's located. It took awhile and walked around the same block prob 5 times before someone pointed to a door that took us to this ultimate place called "TRU" First, it's been about 8 months since I've been here but I still remember it like it just happened. this truly is what you call a fancy wancy no music, have 5 waiters for each table, everything white and silver kinda place. We had the 9 course, wine pairing ultimate course. Everything is portioned like an aneroxic model eats her food but it was perfect since we had so many courses to look forward to. Caviar with teeny tiny spoons? you are a God-send! Each wine pairing was brought out by a personal sommelier and was explained to us the region, ingredients and such. I just love listening to someone talk about food in European accent. Please sir, do go on~ Each course was amazing and made me really appreciate food like I never did before. Dessert was brought out in a rolling tray and we got to choose the ones we wanted. Of course, I only decided on 2 since I didn't want to seem like I'm at a Chinese buffet... The best experience about this place was my date. I have to admit, we were giddy and giggling about how quiet and stuffy the place was however, the conversation and how he looked that night I will never forget. More so than the place itself. When you are walking out, they will hand you a paper that has a listing of your complete meal with your name on it. BTW, it' pretty pricey. It's as much as an average person's month rent. So be ready to open up your wallet, and enjoy the ride~
(5)Shawn m.
Charlie Trotter's is gone! but TRU is here and it's TRULY amazing!!! This restaraunt is like a well oiled machine! Great food, Great staff...it doesn't get better than that! Can't wait to go back!
(5)Christopher G.
I have been to Tru twice. The first time was the night I put the ring on my wife's finger, the second time was to celebrate a new job. Tru is a choreographed experience from the beginning to the end. Everything is seamless as they take your coat, escort you to your table, to your fabulous dinner. My wife and I loved every piece of it, and it is a three hour experience (don't plan on dinner and a show). Tru is expensive, but it is very very special. Do not expect to see Gale Gand (from Sweet Dreams) or Rick (famous Chef) on-site . . but that doesn't hurt the food. Both times my wife and I went to Tru we ordered a three course menu and added an optional course (1st time Cheese, 2nd time upgraded the dessert to a 3 course chocolate tasting). Though the courses themselves are balanced (not cheesecake factory huge), we did not go away hungry. . .and I'm a big guy :) Nice Touches: Setting the plate for all members of your party simultaneously, the coffee cake for the next days breakfast, an amazing bathroom (if not that functional). Tru will always have a special place in our hearts. My wife and I love great restaurants and Tru beat Paris' Tour D'Argent hands down (ripoff), and is a little bit more of an experience than Gary Danko's in San Fran. Now that I live in Chicago I look forward to trying Aliena and Charlie Trotters
(5)Maria C.
I have never had a dinner like before. It was more than a meal, it was an experience. We started with the caviar staircase and that was amazing to look at and to taste. Each course was so beautifully presented that you almost didn't want to eat it. I hope my company sends me back to entertain more customers soon.
(5)Andrew A.
I am not a food groupie, I don't fawn at some pretentious display of food. If you are easily swayed by that, and you have dining plans immediately before or after your visit, Tru might be the place for you. I went in a group, and went along with the consensus, not knowing what to order. I had about six kinds of caviar in very small amount. Next, was some kind of foam or reduction, not really sure what the hell that is, but it was unique. After, I had what looked like glazed salmon and blackened chicken, without their respective flavors. The service was rude and condescending, which I suppose is obligatory for a restaurant of its type. A few of us went out for gyros after the Tru experience. We were really hungry and frustrated.
(1)Cathleen F.
"This is where really wealthy people go when they want to have a nice night out." --Joe, my husband, commenting on the over-the-top, upscale atmosphere of Tru. Bottom line: The food is amazing and worth the price; the service is fantastic; the drinks are far too expensive. We arrived a little early and were seated in the "lounge" while they set up our table. The waiter handed us a drink menu, and this was when we experienced serious sticker shock! A bottle of beer was $14. It was good beer (Three Floyd's Pride & Joy), and we're not opposed to paying for alcohol, but as my husband put it, "this was just offensive." It was unfortunate that this happened immediately, because it set a tone for the next half hour. It was at this point that my husband made the above comment. We sat at the table and the wait staff handed us our menus. The three-course option was reasonably priced, and included an amuse bouche, substantial bread choices, course 1, course 2, pallet cleanser, course 3 (dessert) and chocolates. Except for the pallet cleanser (which tasted like what I assume a lime-scented candle may taste like), the food was phenomenal. My husband and I shared all of our courses, so we were actually able to taste 2 appetizers (scallops and foie gras), 2 mains (lobster and wagyu spare ribs) and 2 desserts. One disappointment about the menu was there wasn't a wine-pairing option. That, I believe, would be a nice way to offer smaller amounts of good wine, paired by a sommelier (now that I think about it, I never saw a sommelier the entire night) at an affordable price. (Topolobampo has this option with its 5-course tasting menu, and we don't hesitate to do it every time we're there.) As for the service, our waiter really couldn't have been better. I believe he recognized when we sat down that we were feeling a little out of our element, and adjusted his behavior to be more relaxed to make us comfortable. It worked, and we began to relax almost right away. When my husband joked with him, he laughed and joked back. I was as impressed with his (and the others') service as I was with the food. The people are true (Tru) professionals. We had wanted to go to Tru for many years now, and I'm glad we did. I recommend it for the experience alone. However, one of our favorite things about going out for a nice dinner is enjoying cocktails and wine, and it was just way too expensive at Tru for us to do that. I found myself sticking to the one $11 glass of wine they had on the menu--regardless of what I was eating. So, unless the price of drinks comes down, we won't be going back. Which is sad, because I'll be thinking about that foie gras, those spare ribs, the sauce on the lobster and that chocolate cake for years to come.
(4)Peter C.
The food here was perhaps not as good as the price tag suggests, but the service makes the restaurant a definite must. I've eaten at many fine dining establishments, but I hadn't even realized service could be so good. I love the table settings too.
(5)Srini V.
One of the advantages of eating out in a large group is that one tends to get a range of perspectives on the dining experience, and that makes for interesting listening. And one gets to try a larger subset of the menu than when you are dining as a couple or in a small group. The disadvantages are all too familiar -- coordination trouble, lack of intimacy for personal or business conversation, "group think" leading to more leftovers, and so on. I particularly remember the Tru group dining experience for three reasons: 1) The sychronized serving 2) The rejected proposal 3) "Whale of a time" Tru represents the best that downtown Chicago has to offer. Soon as our group of eight arrived, we announced in true group fashion "One of us has to leave in an hour, three others will skip the dessert, ... ". They took it all in their stride. The servers worked as a team, placing the plates and silverware, and pouring water in a synchronized fashion. Tru was not particularly vegetarian-friendly as I discovered. But they were very accommodating of my requirements. For the appetizer, I had the apple salad. The "one hour guy" was served a sushi plate. And the rest of the group tried various seafood options. The wine pairings were done tastefully. And my vegetable plate was cooked to perfection. Even as my colleagues feasted on the halibut and ribeye, and generally appeared very happy, we witnessed something quite upsetting. A guy at the next table brought out a ring and proposed to his dining companion, who calmly rejected him. The rest of their dinner was seemingly quiet. Our conversation sauntered along on even keel, notwithstanding the incident. And the cheese selection that came at the end of the meal was the best I have ever experienced, anywhere. Quite an incredible array of cheeses from across Europe and outside. " " " " " " " " " " " .- , " " " .-----./ / _.--''""--., ' -. (___ ...-- " \ \ (o) | ' , .___. ,__ .---' / '---- /__. '--------' ` We each had our take on the Tru experience. And as one colorful member of the group announced upon leaving Tru, "That was great! We had a whale of a time!" I would like to return to Tru!
(5)Scott C.
We went to Tru to celebrate our 9th wedding anniversary not too long ago. It was quite nice to dress up and go out for a very nice dinner - we felt so grown up. The selling point of Tru is their service and it came through with flying colors - it was fantastic from the moment we stepped through the door to the time we left. Everyone from the hostess to the wait staff to the valet were attentive, friendly and helpful the entire evening. The food was good. It was not spectacular, unbelievable or mind-blowing. We did not have the 6 or 8 course menu since neither of us liked a couple items from each menu, so instead we ate from the fixed menu. We enjoyed the butternut squash soup (fantastic!) and the bacon wrapped scallops for appetizers. Then we moved to the braised short rib and curry lobster for our main course - both very good, but did not have a WOW factor to them. We finished up with dessert - sorbet served in spoons and chocolate mousse. The little side dishes in between courses were a nice touch, but the gelatinous meat side was forgettable at best. We enjoyed a wonderful bottle of wine with the help of the wine staff at the restaurant that really complimented our meal. Again, the staff was great and friendly the entire evening. When we left we were given pastries for breakfast the next day and our car was waiting for us. It was a great dining experience - if only the food was a touch more imaginative.
(4)Stacey W.
I recently attended a company holiday party held in the private upstairs seating room at Tru. I had been so excited to try Tru because of all the wonderful reviews I had read here on Yelp plus, Tru recently received three Michelin stars. This place should be great right??? Well, from my experience it is not. We had a five course menu with wine pairing, started out with an amuse bouche which was fun and tasty. Overall the food was good however, nothing that I would write home about. What really put a bad taste in my mouth about this place was the service. On several occasions people in my party had to ask to have refills on their water and wine and the wait time between courses was ridiculously long (between the first and second course the wait time was 45 minutes). I'm assuming that this restaurant holds itself to a higher level of service if you are sitting in the traditional dining area however due to the service that I experienced in the private dining room, I wont be returning.
(2)It's Me Nhi L.
Intimidating but one of the most amazing meals ever. It doesn't hurt that we had our beautiful friends around us to enjoy the evening. We ordered from the Collections menu. Simply amazing and decadent.
(5)Dan F.
I ate here a few months ago, and I keep forgetting to write a review. I visited on Tuesday night, and I hope for the sake of this place that they were breaking in someone new on the line. The food does not even come close to being worth the money. I ate there a few months ago, and only 2 dishes from the 6 course tasting stick out in my mind: The lobster was chewy, awfully prepared for a restaurant that is charging the prices they are. The cheese course was excellent. They do things like printing you a custom menu to commemorate your experience. This is something that might impress a suburban housewife that gets out twice a year, but honestly just seems kitschy. Go to Les Nomades instead. It's less expensive, and the food is WAY better.
(1)Rich F.
I went here with a group of business friends. We were all delighted with the evening. 3 of us did the 9 courses with Wine and 2 did the 5 courses with wine. The staff performed pretty much flawlessly with humor and professionalism balance perfectly. The food was excellent. the wine pairings were not only good but with some nice surprises as well. My only puzzlement is the one Michelin Star. Having eaten at Alinia and many Stared Restaurants here and in Europe it seemed to me to deserve at least a 2 star Rating
(5)Amin S.
I took my wife to Tru for our wedding anniversary, although we had a great evening base on our opinion and in comparison to several other high end restaurants in US, Tru is over rated and expensive! Decoration and the ambiance of this restaurant was wonderful however I was disappointed for the chef to serve a piece of chicken breast as part of the main course!! I would recommend Tru for Caviar and cheese but for the price you can have a much better dining experience at L2O or Next!
(3)Andrew F.
[For the full review with pictures, see the link to my blog on my profile.] Leaving Tru, I asked inly, is there a better one-star Michelin restaurant in the country? If there is, I certainly haven't found it. From my initial email correspondence with the restaurant's general manager to the deft handling of our table, every aspect of service demonstrated nonpareil attention to detail: the choice of black or white serviette, the synchronized clearing of plates, the sweeping of crumbs after every course, the ushering to the washroom (and the staff's militant commitment to ensuring a safe return to your seat) and everything in between. And then there was the food, which is almost without fault, especially on the savory side. We started the meal, as many restaurants do, with Comté-filled gougères, the ratio of which was tilted a bit more in the direction of choux pastry than I would have liked. But that's not to suggest that their starch program isn't on point. Indeed, Tru convinced me to end my year-long moratorium on consuming bread in restaurants. Let me explain why. Of the four breads on offer, I asked to have a round of rosemary impregnated brioche. With the gentlest squeeze, an indentation formed, leaving buttery residue on my digits. At that point I knew I would have to indulge. As for the more substantial items, three courses in succession left me genuinely puzzled why the rouge guide would consider the restaurant inferior to the townhouse on Armitage from the previous night. First, there were the back-to-back fish courses--a roasted striped bass with a sensorily balanced combination of brown butter purée, pickled daikon, white soy powder and key lime supremes followed by tilefish anointed with an umami-laden mushroom broth, shitakes, sake, ginger and soy--beautifully cooked with each fillet teeming with moisture and flaking into bite-sized quadrilaterals. And then there was the anticipation that preceded the Jidori chicken. First black serviettes were placed on the table. Not a minute later the plated dish arrived on a halved piece of timber. Finishing tableside, Aaron glazed the breast with a rosemary-chicken jus. With the foie gras cream, chicken crackling, quenelle of mushroom purée and pile of honshimeji, this was not a dish for the sodium sensitive, to wit, for me it was the jam. Not everything was as stunning as the first twelve or so savory items, however; a coconut milk snowball palate cleanser that formally transitioned us into the dessert portion of the meal had the texture of poorly made ice cream: gritty, icy and the mango-passion fruit purée in which it was sitting was cloyingly sweet. And then there was the penultimate dessert course--a half inch plane of dark, dense Valrhona chocolate--which proved to be tantamount to the experience of driving with a flat tire: one may be able to make a little progress, but eventually it becomes clear that one has no choice but to stop. There was just too much chocolate and nothing the timid pear sorbet could do to cut down on the dish's richness. However, with the unrelenting friandise that included, inter alia, root beer floats, canalés, mango pate de fruits and exploding chocolate truffles, neither minor lapse had the slightest wobble in my affinity for Tru.
(5)Aboud Y.
Beautiful dining room, impeccable service, and outstanding food. One of the best. Not sure if they still offer this, but the "stairways to heaven" caviar was amazing (and very memorable).
(4)christine r.
We went there for a special occasion and we had a remarkable meal: chefs collection with the wine pairing. The food was delicious, beautifully plated and elegantly presented. The staff focus on YOU, and are welcoming and extremely attentive, but not stuffy. I really felt like I was a special guest in their restaurant. The wine pairing really did enhance all aspects of each course, and was expertly paired to the foods. If I could offer one small improvement, I felt that each course came so quickly after the other, that we hardly had time to fully relax and anticipate the next course. Maybe that was because the valet told us that their service included 3 hours in the parking garage....maybe that was a factor? By the way, how great is that they provide you with a beautiful litlle pound cake/cookie to take home and enjoy the next morning with a cup of coffee! A reminder of an elegant night enjoyed!
(5)George M.
I have a long history with Tru. I've been trying to recreate one of the most memorable dining experiences and one of the best dishes for the last seven years to disappointingly medicore results. As a consequence, I cannot recommend Tru due to its inconsistency and high price. The sexy but overly theatrical wall street circa 1986 inspired decor is a bit much. There are one or two too many servers per table. This gang bang approach to service seems to only work well in Asia and I would recommend they scale it back here in Chicago. Very tasty desserts are a consistently great finish to the meal, however.
(3)John T.
AMAZING!! I love everything about this place, minus the price! Nonetheless, it is a great place that people should definitely go to at least once! Try it out for a special occassion!
(5)R K.
Disclaimer: I went here for a drug rep dinner. The food served at these things is usually inferior to what a restaurant normally serves. I'm pretty sure this was the case when I went. The meal started with a lobster bisque which was wonderfully rich but a bit too salty. This was followed by the main course, a beef tenderloin with onion tart. The tenderloin was not overdone, but tasted more like a sirloin than a tenderloin. How can a restaurant like Tru serve a cut of steak that is too tough?! It made me sad. The onion tart was delicious. Highlight of the meal: dessert. Gale Gand did not disappoint! I had had a terrible day prior to dining here and the baked chocolate mousse with raspberries made me completely forget this. I went home and had a dream about this phenomenal dish. I have a list of restaurants I would try if I ever felt inclined to drop $100+ on my dinner. This is still on my list. I really believe (and hope) a regular (non drug rep) dinner would be an overall outstanding experience.
(3)Vaidehi T.
I would give Tru 10 stars if I could :) That's how outstanding our experience at Tru was. I chose this restaurant to celebrate our anniversary and was a little apprehensive as my husband is a vegetarian. But they assured me when I made reservations that they could make 9 courses all vegetarian. From the minute we gave our car to the valet till the end when we got our coats back - it was an amazing and the most luxurious evening. It's not just about the food or the ambience - it is truly an experience. I was warned that our whole dinner would take around 2.5 hours at least. As soon as we gave our car to the valet (who also wished us a Happy Anniversary) - we were walked to our table, and on our way we were wished at least by 5 different people a Happy Anniversary. The place has a dress code - it deserves a dress code :) We were a little intimidated at first, but after a few minutes we were put at ease. We were waited on by 5 people during dinner. We chose the 8 course vegetarian grand menu. I will not go into the details of all the courses, but let me say that the food was outstanding. It looked like art, and there were a couple of courses where my husband and me did not want to put our forks on the plate - because it was soo pretty! You always have 2 people working in sync : to bring out a course or to pour water or clear the table ware - it is like a synchronized and orchestrated show but without being too pompous and pretentious. The service was impeccable and the attention to detail was truly commendable. The servers were very knowledgeable about the food being put out in front of us and answered all our questions patiently. As for the food, let's say we ate the fluffiest of gnocchi, tastiest of potatoes and the earthiest of mushrooms. We tasted flavor profiles that we didn't know could be put together so well. It was an excellent menu and put together beautifully. Chef Martin is a genius. It was an amazing dinner, and was made special because of the impeccable service. It was a great choice for our anniversary date. I have never been to a Michelin-star restaurant, but Tru totally deserves it. What else can you say about a place that gives you personalized menus with your names printed on it to take home.
(5)Christian H.
Though Tru was a great meal, you should never go to Tru after going to Alinea. Tru had a great multi-course menu with some amazing flavors. The waiting staff were very kind, which you should expect for the price of the luxurious meal. The decor was very modern and relaxing. I went to Tru with three of my other upper 20's friends and we notice very quickly that we were the youngest people in the place. Tru was a great dinning experience for those who can't afford Alinea. I would recommend experiencing Tru at least once while you are in Chicago.
(4)Joe P.
Top of the line service and staff!! Made everything enjoyable and unbelievable for me!
(5)Kevin A.
This may be the best food I've ever had. Ever. If you're hungry for a huge italian or steak dinner, this isn't it. If you're in for a dining experience to blow away your tastebuds. WOW. I've eaten at Charlie Trotter's and I know that Rick Tramonto came from there, but to me, Tru is head and shoulders above. It's a "forever memory experience". Get the 9 course option. Heaven. A meal fit for God. The taste is wonderful but the texture is unexplainable.
(5)Miles H.
Oh dear again!? My experience tonight reminds me of the last time I went to Trotters (pre-Yelp) in 2002 where mid way through my 12 course seafood degustation the waiter announced 'they ran out of seafood (9:00).' Needless to say that was the last time I went there. TRU (no longer in intent, purpose, or name, apparently) Seated: Is Rick here and/or does he spend much time here v. his Northshore property? Not so much, but he's still a partner... Ok... Comment to stately server: only in Chicago would they serve a dried out, flavorless, insipid cheese puff as an amuse bouche. Oh no, the 'real' amuse bouche will be served next (!?), a tantalizing gilded cup of chestnut soup. And then the uncompromised beauty of their now-famous caviar staircase. Followed by 'a play on caviar' (read: fake) with many of the same set up accoutrements. Now I'm getting pissed. This is roughly equivalent to serving $100 an ounce Kobe beef and following it with 'a play' on beef of veggie burger. Talked to the server stating my concerns with what's going on and how we expect at these prices and our admittedly and necessarily high expectations that there's intelligence at work in the kitchen and the choices they make. He assures me, he'll get it back on track. Next course, hold your breath folks...another soup...here it comes...wait...of squash with the EXACT appearance, presentation, and by initial sense, flavor mix as the course we had moments ago. I mean what, is Kevin Brown advising on food here now!? 'twas with this, we said, let's cut our losses and get out of here before I go crazy. And we left, with nary a sorry, a 'we screwed up,' a 'please come back.' It was as if they were intentionally screwing with us and hoped to never have us back. They win. I guess what concerns me at a greater level is, are we losing it in Chicago? Yes we have Alinea and the ever-trendy food-science wave, but are we at risk of losing our midwest, thoughtful, adventurous, quality over trendy soul? This was nearly heartbreaking.
(1)Christian A.
Top notch service! The kind of place where they pull all your parties plates simultaneously and replace all your utensils so they are specific to your next dish. Lots of surprises and palate cleansers between meals. It looks at first like you're gonna be hungry right after your meal, but you actually leave pretty satisfied. The food was creatively presented and everything tasted very good. An awesome experience i would definitely try again!!
(5)Stacey A.
My friend and I refer to amazing food experiences as "foodsex" - because everything is SO GOOD that your eyeballs roll back in your head and you need to take a breather to calm down afterwards. Going to Tru is like, "foodlovemaking against a wall and then you black out and your knees give out and you need to be revived". Because it is THAT good. The service is impeccable - it's like a ballet of silverware and plates. Things are set down and taken away simultaneously, and every single person who works there knows more about food than I could ever DREAM to know about food. I literally cannot say enough good things about this place. It was my first five-star experience and it absolutely blew me away. So uh...here's a SAMPLING of what I ate: -- knob onion poached halibut, hearts of palm, pickled carrots, english pea nage -- duet of lamb, daikon, watermelon radish, olive, star anis lamb jus -- house-made porcini tagliatelle, condensed tomato, asparagus cream, parmesian -- frog leg, roasted garlic, carrot, watercress -- pan-seared foie gras, lemon confit, green vegetables Kids, I died and went to heaven at Tru. Most amazing dining experience of my LIFE.
(5)T D.
I'm not going to bother focusing this review on the food; you can read everyone else's review to get an idea of how exquisite and flavorful their chef, Anthony Martin, injects into his creations. But I will comment on how awesome their basil is. Seriously, it's like they infused basil into their basil leaves! Why can't I get those kind of results from my garden?!?! The wife and I decided to celebrate our 7 year anniversary here and we will NEVER forget our experience thanks to the staff and chef! When we were seated at our table the server provided us their menus, leather booklets with simple, yet elegant looking descriptions of their offerings. Upon closer examination, we realized they printed our names into the menu and wished us a happy anniversary! Holy cow! From there, we decided to order the 9 course Chef's Collection where the chef pretty much throws his entire arsenal at you; a full frontal assault on your taste buds. They say it's a 9 course meal, but they don't count the pre-appetizer, pre-mains courses, pre-desserts, post-desserts, etc, etc, etc, as a course! Needless to say, while the portions were small, the flavors were large and we did NOT leave hungry! So, not only did they provide us with customized personal menus, but they even brought out a mini-cupcake-thing served on a plate with a hand-drawn happy anniversary message with our names drawn on it prior to our dessert! Now, I feel like I have to comment on their service. Everyone working there is a professional and knows how to make their customers feel special. They were extremely friendly, yet personable and showed a genuine interest in making sure your short time with them would be the absolute best dinner experience you will ever have. Everything, from the non-soap stained silverware (I couldn't believe how spotless everything was), to the elegant crystal drinking glasses, was marked for excellence. For a special occasion place I couldn't recommend this place any more than I already have to every one of my friends! Seriously guys, if you're looking for somewhere exceptional to take your significant other and have some coin to spare and a suit/dress that you've been meaning to wear since last winter, give this place a shot. And then afterwards go for a stroll down Michigan Ave. This is seriously one of the best Chicago has to offer.
(5)Milly P.
To be quite frank, I didn't go into Tru with the highest expectations. I had mixed feelings about Rick Trumonto after seeing him on Iron Chef and Top Chef Masters, but Tru has been on our list of restaurants to try for a long time, so in the name of crossing things off lists, we went. It has been a while since we did a tasting, so we did the Chef's Tasting menu. I also had two drinks, a sake-martini and the aperitif, both were phenomenal, especially the aperitif. The Chef's Tasting menu started with the faux caviar, which was very good. It surprisingly did taste like caviar. It was on a layer of avocado which I probably could have done without. It also came with some crackers that were pure buttery goodness. The next dish was the beet dish. I am not a big fan of beets, this was however, my favorite beet preparation to date. The beets tasted like fruit, rather than a funky root. The third item was the pea soup, I'm a HUGE fan of pea soup, and this one did not disappoint. The next dishes were two "meat" dishes which were not as great as the first three. The rabbit dish was a little bland, the wagyu beef ravioli was a little salty (the medallion of foie gras in the middle was still heavenly) and there was nothing remarkable about the broth. The next dish was a halibut and carrot dish, while I'm not a huge carrot fan either; I was pleasantly surprised that I enjoyed the concentrated carrot sauce. The fish was cooked perfectly; it practically melted in your mouth. The veal dish was very good as well, I especially enjoyed the selection of mushrooms it came with. The next dish was the cheese course. While we could barely understand the "cheese expert," we managed to order three different cheeses each. All the cheese were significantly different and all so very delicious. We ended with the desert course which was raspberry sorbet and yuzu crème, quite satisfying. We also got to have a selection of dessert candies from the pastry chef and a earl grey tea filled truffle - all very good. I also want to say, we really liked our server and the support serving staff. I just felt that they all just seemed in sync - no one was really off or strayed from the "mood" of the servers. Like many of my 4-star reviews, I was torn between 4 and 5 stars. In these situations, I tend to give 4 stars. Maybe there is a fatal flaw in going to these types of "fancy" restaurants in that I set my expectations too high. I wish the rabbit and wagyu dishes stood out more, and I wish there was a chocolate dessert.
(4)Jen A.
One of the best restaurant experiences of my life. Be prepared for a 4-hour dining adventure.
(5)Allen T.
I am confused. Very confused. How can a place like this possibly be a one star establishment? That's right. It should really be a two star establishment. I had enjoyed my meal here more than at Alinea the night before. Lemon vanilla mousse was amazing. Sweet and sour, perfectly blended together. White sturgeon "caviar", avocado, and hazelnut. Nice play on caviar, had a great sturgeon flavor with avocado, felt like a very good guacamole. Atlantic Skate was executed perfectly. Crispy skin, great flavor. I could go on forever, and ever. A lot of hits, some ok's but excellent value for the money. It was pretty darn amazing, you should go! Ambiance was super comfortable, service excellent.
(5)Brian C.
We went this Saturday for my 40th birthday celebration. I felt like we were on the set of Iron Chef. The plates were that out there. My appetizer was the scallops crusted with quinoa. It kind of had the texture of sesame chicken. This was a homerun dish. My wife had the Thai butternut soup. That dish had a presentation like no other. They brought the bowl out with the mussels and the lobster and the other ingredients in the bowl, then poured the soup on it, and added the foam. Food porn at its finest. My main course was the venison. I loved the way it was prepared, and all the different flavor options that came with the dish. My wife loved her halibut. Given what each of us ordered, I had no idea what wine would be compatible with both dishes. Chad, the sommelier, came over and helped us pick a wine that worked. It was a Sicilian red that featured the nerello moscalese grape. Given that I always want to try a new grape, it was a perfect choice. It went great with both of our meals. I had to tease him about all the Nacionals offered on the port list. ('Has anybody really ordered one of these bottles?' I asked him.) We had a nice discussion about the uniqueness of the Nacional vines. We ordered the dessert collection. This was probably the part of the meal that my wife was most looking forward to, as Gale Gand is her idol. We each had three desserts brought to us, along with a few other things thrown in, like Gale's infamous root beer float. I had a late harvest Malbec to go with the dessert (another Chad recommendation), and it really shined with one of the berry dishes. We would definitely come back here just to have dessert, if nothing else (because it ain't cheap to do the whole production). I don't think there is another dessert experience like this anywhere, period. It's funny, because these dishes all look so small, and you wonder how you can possibly be stuffed by the end of the meal, but it really adds up in the end. At the end, I could barely get out of my chair. We really liked the service there. There was none of the snooty treatment that one might fear at such an upscale establishment. If you're planning a special occasion, this is a great place to do it.
(5)Dave K.
The service was extremely attentive, the food was average and the decor kind of sterile. The exploding chocolate candy served after the meal was quite tasty, but I'm not compelled to return.
(3)Ann S.
I agree, the service was impeccable. The food was good, but not life changing. It was a nice special event place, but I won't return.
(3)Raquel D.
This was where my now hubby took me for my 25th bday. It is by far the best service I have received when dining. They pay such careful attention to you w/o being intrusive. My menu was personalized with a "Happy Birthday, Raquel". Nice touch. I rem the food being good - not the "omg, I've died and gone to heaven good" but better than average for sure. Your obviously paying for the stellar treatment, fancy food combos...and the overall experience, but hey, you should have known that already. They do have a chocolate truffle cart that comes by at the end of your meal - which is pretty cool. We got a little goodie on our way out and it was def a nice experience, but for that pricetag, it may be just once in this lifetime for us.
(4)tracy r.
Meal was very good although dessert was mediochre. The only hiccup is the wine pairing...so off...overall I'd definitely consider going back. I hear people go here strictly for dessert, and as someone who is a huge sweets person I'd say hold off....
(4)Whitney J.
Oh, Tru. You were one of two saving moments of my entire Chicago trip and for that, thank you. It is always a good sign when my Yelp review of a restaurant is short and to the point. That means you were top-notch in my book. So, here we go. We ordered the tasting menu and the chef was more than accommodating to the fiance's pescetarian diet... and even generous enough to keep one animal protein dish on the menu for him (because he is in the process of slowly incorporating some animal protein back into his diet after over a decade). The Sommelier was an incredible help, especially considering that when we ordered wine on our own accord, we ordered the last bottle so we had no idea where to start next. The service was impeccable and the food was out of this world. The wine pairings made the experience complete. Oh, the wine. That guy really, really knows his stuff. And the 125yr (or was it 150) Madeira was incredible... especially when given a much younger one to compare to. BTW, my new Madeira infatuation is credited to the Somm at Galatoire's in New Orleans (thanks, Coz), and I'm so happy about it! Our server was from Algiers! He was incredible! Tru was a wonderful experience that *almost* rivals Stella! GASP!
(5)R. E.
We had not been to Tru for several years, but had fond memories there of several wonderful meals. It did not disappoint tonight! Both the food and the service were spectacular. We are lucky enough to have dined at most top restaurants in Chicago and many others across the country. Tru remains a favorite and deserves to rank among the very best restaurants in Chicago.
(5)Mark P.
Simply the best service and food I've ever had. I wish there was another rating level because my other five star restaurants don't compare. Phenomenal experience all the way around.
(5)Evan L.
Went for the fixed price menu. After a couple of great martinis I had the scallops and ribeye and my date had soup and salmon. I would be more specific but I was in the moment. I look for value and got it even with the hefty price. It helps if youre nice with the wait staff but dont let them take over, have fun. Then theyre attentive without the pretentiousness. I will dream of this meal, loved the service. Won't be back soon only because its not a meal I can regularly afford.
(5)Summer P.
This is one of the restaurants that I've been wanting/waiting to check off my list for a long, long while. Expectations were high and I was really hoping/expecting to have the experience that so many other Yelpers have written about. In the interest of full disclosure, we were a large group (around 20) and we had the private room upstairs -- potentially leading to a somewhat different experience. First the service...it started out quite well...very attentive during our cocktail hour and for most of the dinner (though one of my co-diners had some wine spilled on her -- they felt REALLY bad). I did enjoy how calculated the presentation of our food was - always symmetrical. My personal bugaboo was that prior to the dinner, they asked if we had any special dietary needs/considerations; one of our courses was lamb and I mentioned that I don't eat lamb (we knew ahead of time that they would have a fish substitute for this situation). Now, what I probably SHOULD have said is..."I don't eat lamb or red meat," but hind-sight is 20/20; regardless, my lamb substitute was beef. It remained untouched for a good 5 to 10 minutes (which I know that our wait staff observed) until I offered it up to the others at my table. I was a bit surprised that they never asked if everything was alright or if there was something amiss. In addition, they also became obviously irritated that we were there so late. Now to the food...our passed hors d'Oeuvres were a combination of Toasted Shrimp and Herb Wonton, Lobster Roll, and I think the Mushroom Bouchee -- I enjoyed all three, though the Shrimp/Herb Wonton was my favorite. Our menu consisted of Seared Ahi Tuna with Hearts of Palm, Spring Pea Veloute (surprisingly good), Butter-Poached Maine Lobster (so, so good -- my favorite), Roasted Lamb Ribeye, and a dessert of Roasted Pineapple & Dense Chocolate. The presentation of each course was quite nice and I enjoyed being taken slightly out of my food comfort zone with the Ahi Tuna and Spring Pea Veloute options. However, it wasn't one of the best meals of my life (and I was still on the hungry side) -- which makes me kind of sad. Am I just a victim of having too high of expectations (like when everyone told me that "40 Year Old Virgin" was the funniest movie EVER)? Nevertheless, I'd like to try Tru in a smaller group and sit in the main dining room...I'm curious to see if my experience would be at all different (I suspect slightly so). Officially 3.5 stars but I'm marking as 3 since they made me feel bad for staying late and enjoying quality time with some of my favorite clients.
(3)Mai T.
I went here with my boyfriend for their dessert menu. We were seated in the lounge and our table was already set. The decor is very cool, modern and fancy at the same time. We had the dessert tasting menu and each ordered a dish! They were all so good and fun to try. Our waiter was especially nice and attentive to the both of us. The desserts was soo good, I am looking forward to coming back and trying their fixed dinner menu!
(5)jordan h.
I wish everyone could go to this place just once... I would rate this restaurant the best in Chicago - Trotters has great food also, but Tru has better ambiance and service. Don't miss the caviar staircase, and especially the cheese plate. Just don't eat out for a month to save up cash, and set aside five hours for the full degustation menu...it is SO worth it.
(5)Christmas D.
You don't go to Tru to "go out to dinner". Eating at Tru is more like an event in-an-of itself, like going to an art show or the theatre. A museum of consumable food-as-art, where the chef is the artist, the server a tour-guide. Which is good 'cause it's incredibly expensive. My husband and I went there for our 1 year anniversary. They had custom-printed menus wishing us a happy anniversary at the ready (impressive). I was 8 months pregnant at the time (so, sadly, no wine for me) and my husband doesn't drink but the check for the both of us STILL exceeded $400! We chose the chef's tasting menu in which we each received several courses (It's supposed to be 7 but was really more like 9), each using the same base but interpreted differently for each of us. Chef was very careful of taking my condition into consideration and not serving me anything raw (drag for me...I love raw fish). It was a 4 hour gastronomic ballet of tastes, colors and textures. The minute we walked in we immediately noted the seeming somber calm of the place, how quiet it was and the lack of color and adornment to the decor. That in itself was, for some reason, intimidating. We fully expected the staff to be snobby but were pleasantly surprised that they were not, but very friendly, smiling, incredibly attentive and accomodating. As we were experiencing our meal it dawned on me why they chose the atmoshere they did: so that it would not compete, in any way, with the food! They created a comfortable but bland environment to enable all of your senses to focus on what was in front of you. pretty brilliant, I think. The timing of the courses was impeccable. We were never left with nothing in front of us for more than a minute or two. A visit to Tru is something you save for a very special occasion or to really impress someone. Don't bother scheduling anything else around the experience...there's no need.
(5)Beth A.
Wow--so I'm definitely in the minority here, but I felt I needed to write a review because my and my husband's experience at Tru was so disappointing. We've been to many of the best restaurants in New York City, and when we had the opportunity to try Tru, we jumped at the chance. The prices were definitely befitting of a "top" restaurant, but the food could only be described as bizarre, even for our "try-anything" tastes. Most of the food we had there was cold, and the chef, whoever it was that cold winter night, thought it fitting to serve us everything in a cold, gelatinous bubble. I don't know where he/she got that idea, but it wasn't creative or fitting for a night where something warm and comforting would have been more appropriate. The wait staff, while EXTREMELY (almost to a fault) attentive, became more of entertainment for us, as every time they came to the table, it was in pairs, and almost as if they were counting in their heads, "1..2..3...AND....set plates on table", or "1....2....3....AND.....fill water glasses". There is something to be said for great, understated service, as if you almost don't even remember they've come and removed a plate, or filled your wine glass, etc. It shouldn't look like the "synchronized waiter games". Again, for the food, we were definitely disappointed, especially knowing that this seems to get universally good ratings, and because we spent as much as we did. I'm hoping that, as one reviewer noted, since the menu changes, others won't have the experience we had. Unfortunately, we'll never know....
(1)Cassandra O.
An amazing evening. Four of us dined for a special birthday dinner, and we found the service spectacular, which of course everyone notes. We loved though that while the servers were incredibly attentive, they were also not pretentious, and were able to joke around with us too. I admit I was a little nervous as many reviews have indicated that the food didn't live up to expectations....but we found that was not the case for us...the food was amazing!!! We just did the prixe-fixe menu and we all loved it! Words like...mouthwatering, so tender, you have to try this....were uttered continuously. The presentation of the food was of course exquisite, but the taste was also! This is a fine-dining experience, so of course the portions are smaller-sized....but iall four of us were absolutely stuffed at the end of our meal - to the point 2 of us couldn't even eat the little chocolates provided at the end. The sommelier was perfect in his recommendations - we left the decision-making to him, within a price range, and he absolutely delivered - the wine choices fit our food and our palates and our budgets. Overall, a truly magnificent experience!
(5)Anna V.
A foodie restaurant as it's mostly about the presentation, well worth the splurge! Wonderful wine list and desserts!
(4)abs t.
excellent ambience and service...the choreographed waitstaff is something to see... that alone gets an extra star :) The food.. was good, but not great. The appetizer I had I wasn't a big fan of (jalepeno, avocado, apple, something) - it sounded like it would be good, but wasn't (presentation was nice, though). The entree was quite tasty , but you can't really go wrong with salmon. And the "sticky toffee pudding" dessert was DELICIOUS! (I know it sounds scary, but it wasn't at all.. it was really good). Overall, great atmosphere, but just good food. The 4 stars rating is not so much for the food (food would only get 3 stars), but mainly because Tru is far and away one of the best service/atmospheres you'll experience
(4)Melissa P.
The food is great here but what really stands out is the service and the decor. When you're eating in Tru you eating in the presence of Warhols and other great pieces of art. The service here is excellent. The best I've ever seen in my life. When I ate here at the end of our dinner they gave us little cakes to take home and eat for breakfast. I was so impressed by that gesture.
(5)Ren B.
at tru, the food is tasty, the service is great--everyone knows this. the place wins james beard awards for a reason. so many of the dishes i've had here are permanently seared into my brain as being the best i have ever had or will ever have. however, many people gripe about the overly formal and "stuffy" service and ambiance. well, i am here to blow tru's cover! i have been here twice now (last sept and this june) and got the same server both times--and she remembered! we had a last-minute reservation in the lounge and the main dining room was full, but she negotiated with the chef and we were still able to partake in the 9 course grand collection. very cool. she was friendly and conversational and hardly pretentious, yet we received the same level of service we would have received in the main dining room (except for the purse stool, but i'm sure my purse will forgive me for putting it on the floor :P). at the end of the dinner, i asked if i could show my bf the warhol marilyn print in the main dining room. she personally walked us around and showed us all the art pieces, including one in the upstairs private room. my bf then casually mentioned that i hoped to see the kitchen someday--and she offered us a tour! if you are an aspiring chef like i am, or even just an huge foodie, this kitchen will knock your socks off. it is enormous and even has a separate pastry kitchen. the kitchen staff hardly minded we were there, and in fact, were quite nice! the moral of this story is, if you are intimidated or turned off by the potential stuffyness of this place--don't be. if you're not a total neanderthal and you're polite (and have a coupla bucks to blow!), you will not be out of place. two grand collections + 4 glasses of sake + 2 tastings of wine + tour of dining room and kitchen + tax + tip = $400.
(5)Marie L.
I went to Tru with my husband to celebrate New Year's and we absolutely loved the experience. They strive....no...achieve perfection in every way. The waistaff were so attentive; the courses were delish. We ordered the collection with the 6 entrees and we also had cheese and chocolates - lots of chocolates...yummy! Our dinner was a little over 3 hours...so worth it!! We will definitely go back!
(5)Dru G.
Not sure how anyone could not like Tru. I've been there a few times now and I always get the chef's choice because I figure I"m already splurging by coming here so I may as well splurge all the way. I can't say whether the presentation or the food is better because both are top notch- it doesn't get any better than Tru.
(5)James K.
Ah Tru. What more can I say about this Shrine to Cuisine? Dining at Tru is far from just eating dinner; it's more like an adventure (especially for those brave enough to trust their palates and Amex bills to Mr. Tramanto and go for the spontanteous collection.) I've tried about 100 courses at Tru and almost all of them were truly excellent, with none being less than very good. The decadent and beautiful Caviar Staircase is a fantastic way to begin your palate's journey to Heaven, while the Tuna Tartare 'garnished' with a beautiful live fish swimming in a small bowl under it is a breathtaking way to spend your time there, both visually and viscerally. Tru hits all the little touches to make dining their memorable. From a modern, elegant dining room filled with lovely art, to having the class to include bottled water with the price of the meals, and using fun Versace china, Laguiole steak knives, and having a dedicated staff member whose sole job is to polish their lovely stemware, servers that seem to truly love and revere the kitchen's creations while they extol each course in detail, and sending you home with a sweet little "Gift of Tru" (note: temporarily being redesigned,) and sending Christmas cards signed by both the Chef de Cuisine and the Pastry chef to frequent diners, Tru does it all to perfection. My only regret is that the whole roasted lobe of foie gras prepared tableside is no longer available. Aldermen really need to reassess their priorities, eh? Tru is also a Wine Spectator Grand Award winner with the tome-like wine list to prove it. With such a vast selection, it's understandable that they do not permit corkage, but their list is heavily weighted towards pricier bottles, which at a price of roughly 3 times retail, can get out of control quickly. Nevertheless, a savvy wine shopper can still find some good wines that won't break the bank, especially in the half bottle area of the list.
(5)Helen H.
Dining at Tru ended up being a bizarre experience that left a wicked bad taste in my mouth. My two friends and I had an extraordinary dinner (Full Chef Collection with wine pairings) at Tru. We had no idea what we were getting into when we went there, but decided to go for it once we realized what an great opportunity this was to have a truly special experience. The food, service and presentation were all out of this world.... UNTIL THE VERY END. After spending over $1000 for a dinner for 3 (gladly, mind you as it was a once in a lifetime experience for us) the waiter came rushing after us in a panic accusing us of stealing the pen we had signed our checks with. It was the most bizarre thing imaginable. We had just paid over $1000 to eat one meal and he was worried about his PEN?!?! Seriously, a pen? I was so profoundly insulted, I can not even begin to express the impact of this. I wrote a letter to the management within a week of returning home and heard nothing back from them. For a restaurant so exquisitely focused on perfect pairings giving the taste buds a glorious experience, this left the most disgusting taste in our mouths. I would have loved to be able to give this restaurant 5 stars as on so many levels it deserves it. Yet, there is no excuse for this behavior at a restaurant of this caliber.
(2)DQ F.
We went there for dinner without reservation. They were nice enough to accomandate us. We took the courses with paired wine. It was nicely paired. Each course likes an artwork. Nothing more to say. I have waited a few month to write this, especially after a bit traveling around. I finally come back to think about this dinner, it is probably one of the best meals I had. I have mad respect for the people respect food as they do. Even I may not justify spend so much on one dinner, but life is short after all. It is really worth it if you run into it.
(4)Cat C.
Note: This review is for August 2008. I hope people don't find this too offensive, but dinner was soooo good that looking back on it, I think I just jizzed in my pants at the mere memory of that delicious evening. Service was impeccable. Hands down, some of the best service I've received. Some highlights of the dinner: 1. Tuna belly from a special farm in Japan served with White Soy. 2. The delicious desserts 3. The fun Mignardise cart that they rolled around to your table as a delicious ending to your dinner. I have never been soo deliriously happy as I was when I realized that I was allowed to take a little bit of each tasty sweet from the cart home with me.
(5)Caroline A.
Saving the big 300 for an exceptional dining experience. All restaurants should have service of this level. Five stars all the way for TRU. Service, ambiance, food quality and aesthetics - every aspect of our experience was magnificent. Upon walking in, we were immediately shown to our table (we were seated in an intimate corner of the restaurant) and two servers lifted and moved the table so I could be seated and get comfortable. Yes, all of the other tables had stools for pocketbooks (very thoughtful), but I didn't need one as I was sitting on one of their benches. The ambiance is perfect. Clean lines, contemporary, luxurious and modern, but with a bit of traditionalism. Tables are spaced perfectly so we could share an intimate dinner. BF had called ahead and had them personalize our menu for our celebration (we later took home the menu and they printed out a separate menu for us with all the dishes we had). It was truly special. Immediately we were served a buffalo mozzarella palette cleanser, a great way to start the evening. We decide to go with the Chef's collection as it was more in line with our palettes. 16-courses of delight. My personal favorites were: Selection of Sashimi Grade Fish, Complementary Garnishes Rabbit Consomm, Morels, Pea & Lavender Emulsion Whipped Salt Cod, Creamy Potato, Smoked Gele, Caviar Tagliolini, Peeky Toe Crab, Uni Poached American Red Snapper, Green Papaya, Fennel, Thai Nage Chocolate Hazelnut Mousse, Orange Sherbet, Cardamom Scented Oranges - This may be the best chocolate dessert I've ever experienced. Fresh ingredients, incredible flavor profiles, perfect amount of innovation and a great balance of light and heavier courses. They brought out a special dessert to celebrate our occasion, which was a fantastic little chocolate cake. Just when we thought we were done, they came by with a plate of truffles... and then the cart of pastries and candies. We were so full, we asked if we could have a doggie bag. Sure enough, they brought out two boxes and sent us home with a great assortment of chocolate and candies. I cannot say enough about the service we received. Approximately 5-7 people served our table, perfectly synchronized from clearing our plates, filling our wine and water to describing each dish to perfection. Staff was very courteous, delightfully charming and always smiling. On our way out, they gave us two loaves of iced lemon pound cake for breakfast! 48 hours later, and I'm still thinking about our experience at TRU...
(5)Emily C.
I've been agonizing for days at how to sum up my experience at Tru and all I can come up with is something I have already said: it's an experience. It's an experience that, if you love food, you need to have at least once. The place is the picture of simple elegance in every aspect considerable. Actually, it was so elegant I found myself whispering to my friend and partner in fine dining, Stacey A., "Why are we whispering?" Can't help it. It just seems like a place where you whisper. Kind of like having dinner with the president, I'd imagine (I haven't gotten my invite yet, President Obama...still waiting). Long white curtains covering the walls, which are adorned with little else but some abstract art pieces, deep, dark and comfy suede covered chairs, and they give you a little ottoman thing for your purse too, which is something I wish other restaurants would cotton onto stat. So classy. The food is something I can go on and on and on about, so I will just say I had the Chef's Collection - nine courses of gorgeous, sumptuous food designed around what's in season this spring & summer - and here were some highlights: -Smoked sturgeon "caviar" in avocado and hazelnut. I don't know why "caviar" is in quotes; I suppose this may not have been the real deal and I don't even care. The combo of these flavors tasted like a rounder, richer, and more delicious guacamole than I'd ever imagined. -Porcini tagliatelle with condensed tomato, asparagus cream, and fresh shaved parmesean. I heard rabbit wasn't good to eat; kind of gamy. They LIED! Rabbit may not be good other places besides Tru. At Tru, it's roasted to a tender consistency reminiscent of a perfect pot roast or pulled pork, set atop a small mound of pasta, and complimented by a fabulous trio of flavors. -Pan-seared foie gras with lemon confit. This literally made my eyes pop out of my head. Soft, buttery, and amazing. Didn't think lemon would go with it, but it did to an absolute tee. Oh man. This dish will haunt my dreams for a long, long time. -Duet of lamb with daikon, watermelon radish, olive, and star anise aus jus. This lamb was cooked to a melt-in-your-mouth PERFECTION. I can't say it any more succinctly than that, so I'll just let it lie. So after that all (and then some), just when I'm considering potential fullness, they bring out a cheese cart with fabulous selections of goat, sheep, and cow's cheeses (the sheep's cheeses were my favorite - who knew?). I also was utterly unaware of the little dessert cart. There was a dessert factored into the nine courses, but the little cart with the small petit fors and candies was what really wowed me. I had a tiny little coffee cup shaped from dark chocolate, filled with Bailey's Irish Creme, and a dark-chocolate covered honey lollipop. Then, once you think it's all over and done with, they bring an exploding truffle - cocoa powder and a thin layer of chocolate containing vanilla liquor of some sort. It's so delicate that when you bite into it, the liquor completely floods into your mouth, hence the "exploding" part. Of course, to dine like this is extravagant. It costs an arm and a leg. I certainly can't afford to eat like this monthly or maybe even yearly on my salary, but was it worth it? Am I glad I did it? Is the experience worth the hefty price tag? Absolutely. Yes, yes, yes.
(5)Nils E.
Tru is short for truly fantastical. From the moment you walk in and hand the keys to your Benz (or in my case, a hotel room) to the maitre d', you feel as though you want to kick off your shoes and unbuckle your belt. Trust me on this, though, it's better to wait until you are seated. The setting is very spacious, dimly-lit and perfect for couples or small groups. There's enough room for cheese and digestif carts to be wheeled from table to table while allowing for servers and patrons to walk past without difficulty. Carts are also very handy for wheeling you out of the restaurant once you've been suitably plied with food and drink, as is inevitably the case at this Bacchanalian temple. It's true that the service is impeccable; the choreography textbook French, but the attitude...surprisingly unstuffy. The wait staff achieved the perfect blend of civility, appreciation, attentiveness and almost (almost) a sense of humor. I got the manager to crack a smile, but the servers refused to go off script. Tru stands out from the pack of Chicago food Meccas for its creativity and imagination. There was little room for doubt that each dish was given hours of thought, twice as many hours of trial and error, and what is finally delivered to you with alacrity and painstaking attention to detail is a culinary triumph. The tasting menu is well worth the hole burning in your wallet/purse, and if you're as much of a glutton for financial punishment as I am when it comes to dining, then I'd suggest the wine pairing. The sommelier, Chad Ellegood, knows his cellar, and he'll pick some truly wonderful - and surprising - compliments to your meal. As for the food...where to begin? The "faux" sturgeon caviar was a playful and beautiful alternative to the real thing; ramp & rabbit risotto with morels and marscarpone was heavenly, with perfect starch consistency and a beautiful blend of flavors; the spring lamb with daikon and star anis jus was plate-licking good; and the salt-crusted venison was absolutely gorgeous, especially when paired with the flavors of cocoa and orange. Rick Tramonto has taken some very challenging flavor pairings and methods of preparation and combined them to make unique and highly memorable dishes. But it doesn't stop there. Gale Gand, not to be outshined by her partner, presents cartwheel inducing flavors. The almond-violet mousse with rhubarb and lemon was eye-rolling. The explosive mint chocolate truffle was one of the happiest endings to a meal that I can recall in recent memory. I was half tempted to pull a "When Harry Met Sally" diner scene after the fact, but I settled for seeking out the chef and kissing her firmly on the lips. No, wait, that didn't actually happen either, but the thought crossed my mind. Tru is a special occasion experience. For me, it was my first time in Chicago in years, and Tru had been on my "must try" list for almost a decade. It lived up to the hype, and the food is in fine company with the artwork that adorns the walls of the restaurant. Now, if I can just swap my room key for one of those Benz's...I'll have what she's having.
(5)matt b.
Tru's simple stark elegance seems to encourage diners to whisper politely to their companions so as to not disturb other tables. Attention to detail has been paid on everything. We got the Grand Collection with cheese course, which ended up being about 12 courses, a handful of which they modified or created to be "pescetarian"-friendly. Dishes ranged from understated perfection to aggressively creative, one of which was some insane preparation of smoked sturgeon made to look like caviar, presented in a Tru branded "caviar" tin with a mother of pearl spoon, true to it's shapeshifted inspiration. Don't gild the lily that is Tru by waiting for a formal special occasion, as the experience is one in and of itself.
(5)Raj P.
Okay, instead of going forward, I'm going to take a step back and say this : AMAZING !! First, expect to spend a pretty penny if you're going here. I took my wife there for our 2nd anniversary through a reservation I made through opentable.com . As soon as we walked in, the host told us "Happy Anniversary." Of course, we felt like we were special. After he seated us, one of the waitresses brought the menu. On top of the menu, guess what? Yes, it said "Happy Anniversary." Not going nuts here, but a nice touch again, I thought. The food was amazing. We ordered from the "Prixe Fixe menu" and both had the Thai butternut soup to start. It was amazing. The bowl that is was served in had points of sauce that we could use to make the soup as spicy as we wanted. Then, I had the "Colorado Lamb loin roulade" and my wife had the "Nova Scotia Halibut." Both excellent. The best part of the meal was the desserts, which kept coming and coming, with an accompanying set of instructions from the waiters as to how to eat it. Few things to note: There were four waiters and we were served by all of them. They somehow communicate to each other as the second to fourth ones knew already that my wife was allergic to peanuts. My wife refused wine, due to her pregnancy. We told the second waitress. However, all the others said congratulations as they came up. Overall, amazing experience. Ladies, if a guy takes you there, he likes you a whole lot. Guys, take a girl there only if she's completely worth it. If not, save it for the anniversaries.
(5)J B.
So maybe I am a jaded diner, or this was just a poor start to a 2500$ fine dinning weekend, but I was very disappointed in tru...Over the course of 4 days I went to TRU, Alinea, and a lesser known fine dinning establishment called Ambria(which I have since found out is closed : ( , all in Chicago... with TRU being our Thursday night destination, I wasn't surprised to be the first one there, as I always make the earliest reservation when I know I am going to be multi-coursing it... I must say the service was great, yet a bit mechanical...servers may have been friendly, but I am not sure they were aloud to be...The food great(but not to memorable), the kitchen AWESOME, the cheese cart incredible, and the truffle cart, and candy carts at the end was over the top.... My complaint and reason for 4 stars(which i raised from 3 in the middle of writing this)....None of the food was hot(or cold), food that was supposed to be hot was served on cold dishes(like out of the refrigerator cold). Proper Temperature of food and plates is essential for a great meal... Next time in Chicago, eh I probably wont go back as there are other places that I NEED to try (Moto, where even at 2 months out I couldn't get a reso, Everest wasn't open on Sunday when I wanted to go, and then I would want to return to defiantly alinea and ambria!)
(4)Rich W.
Chef Martin is somewhat of a wunderkind - heading the prestigious Tru kitchen at age 29. I was eager to check out his cooking right before the Michelin release. The amuse bouche was granulated cucumber salad with mussels veloute. The bright-flavored cucumber salad and the umami-abound veloute made an interesting and refreshing start. There were four choices of bread. The cheese crackers and the brioche, the only two that were made in-house - were decent. The other two were made by Red Hen. I actually like Red Hen's French baguette. But Tru's two selections were odd. The white bread had an awkward crust that didn't amount to a real crust and made the bread appear stale. The pumpernickel fared better, but was also a bit stale to my taste. I think Tru should just develop its own bread program. The butter that accompanied the bread was from an unnamed brand from Vermont. It was good, but nothing spectacular. I had the 6-course tasting with an extra cheese course. The first course was sturgeon caviar. Despite the name, it was actually white sturgeon shaped into the droplets and put in a caviar can - on a bed of avocado puree - complete with the pearl spoon. The dish tasted fine, but it was a bit one-note. Beyond the playful concept, there was no nuance in the flavor-profile. I wish it was a real caviar course. The second dish was chilled kohlrabi soup. It was contained in a hallowed kohlrabi - cool presentation. The soup itself was drizzled with curry oil on top. The combination worked, but it was a touch too salty. And frankly the concept of "curry" oil - admittedly a fad in contemporary French cooking nowadays - is funny to people who know a thing or two about spices. But moving on. The third was a pork-belly dish. The pork belly was rolled and cut into a medallion, topped with crisped bacon and shaved truffles. This was fantastic. The pork belly was executed perfectly, and the truffles complemented well with the richness. The accompanying dumpling was also very good. Although this course was oddly placed in the tasting, it was my favorite dish of the night. Fourth course was tilefish. The skin was left on and created a perfect crust. The fish itself was perfectly cooked but under-seasoned. The pickled daikon and the brown butter emulsion helped a bit but ultimately the dish shined on textures but tasted bland. The last savory course was chicken with foie gras rolled into a disc. The presentation was beautiful. It tasted fine but again lacked any nuance beyond salt. Next was the cheese course. I picked one cow, one sheep, and one goat, from creamy to sharp. It was good and fun to pick things out of a cheese cart. But ultimately none of the selections were very memorable or interesting. The palate cleanser was cucumber emulsion. This brought us back to the cucumber amuse bouche - which added some structure to the meal. The emulsion was way too acidic to be pleasant, but it did the job of cleansing my palate. The dessert course was figs, cassis on honey-flavored cream and ice cream. This was a simple dessert that worked on all levels - great produce, great execution, and great combination of flavors and textures. Mignardises came on a trolley. I had one of each. Canele was textbook (rivaled that of L2O). Pomegranate gelee and the chocolate truffle were also excellent. The only item that was sub-par was the macaron, which didn't have the proper airy meringue shell. The take-home snack (fruit-jam muffin) made perfect breakfast the next day. The sommelier recommended the most expensive glass of wine without mentioning the price. I only realized this when I read the bill. I found that to be slightly presumptuous. But the Pommard Noizons Domaine Berthelemot 2007 was excellent - fruit-forward yet complex with hints of spice. It went well with my entire meal. I also had their Intelligentsia proprietary blend coffee - also excellent. The space had vaulted ceiling, clean-line but plush furniture, crisp-white linen, with colorful and provocative arts on the wall. I felt I was in a contemporary art museum. It was a stunning dining room fit for special occasions. Service was professional and the pace of the dinner perfect. They still did synchronized presentation, which I found robotic. I appreciated the effort though. After the meal we met Chef Martin - very friendly and personable. The valet warmed my car for me, which was a nice touch. I did think the waitstaff was too austere and humorless. To get to the next level of service, they need to train the waitstaff to be more than just servers. I was happy with this experience. The execution was good, and the presentation was like artwork. But overall the meal lacked any "wow" moments. My dining companion put it well - everything just tasted "muted." Tru has the fine-dining format down to a tee, but to be a destination you need more. There's still room to grow. But for now, I'd say it is proper Michelin 1-star cooking.
(4)Gina H.
Last night I went to Tru for my 30th birthday...forever I've been curious about this place after hearing about the impeccable service you receive, and I wasn't disappointed. First of all, after we were seated, I received a menu that read "Happy Birthday Gina!" which I thought was awesome (yes, I am easily amused, little things like a personalized menu will make me get excited). The wine list was extensive....and definitely skewed to the expensive 'untouchable' side (ie $500+ per bottle), but had some options on there that we common folk can stomach a little better ($35-$80 per bottle), or you could order single glasses. After choosing the wine selection we were asked if we preferred a white or a black napkin - having worn a black skirt I happily accepted the black napkin to avoid that nasty white fuzz you get...amazing! (again, easily impressed). As for the meal, it was superb - I started with scallops that were topped with a crunchy topping with caviar on top, and as a main course had some delicious venison (I've only ever had it once before in my life, and it's pivotal to have it prepared correctly - so this was definitely the place to get it!). For desert I had an apple crisp with apple sorbet - and the waitress sent out a special St. Patrick's birthday dessert for my birthday, which was also fantastic. Finally, (at this point I was ready to pop!) they roll around a little cart with various candies and treats that you can pick from (ie handmade butterscotch lollipops, little chocolate bon bons etc). The service is absolutely impeccable - these people really know what they are doing, which I suppose is important if you're planning on dropping some cash on a nice dinner. The atmosphere definitely skews to the older crowd, and was a little 'stuffy' in terms of the low music and extreme formality - however, it was overall a fantastic experience!
(5)Greg H.
I've dined at Tru at least four times, but possibly more like eight (I can't quite remember) - so I feel pretty confident about my feeling that it is the best restaurant I've ever been to (and that list includes French Laundry, and multiple trips to Charlie Trotters). Every little touch is brilliant. Every taste is superb. The four most memorable items from my Tru experiences are: -The Pain Perdu with Fois Gras and chocolate sauce that my wife had. -Rose lollipop. Delicious, and so fun to eat as I strolled up Michigan Avenue on my way back to work. -A creme brulee with slices of banana below the crust, which was embedded with macadamia nuts, and then the whole thing topped with macerated stone fruits. Awesome. -The mushroom risotto. Typically risotto is something I can only eat so much of - it's usually better as side for me - especially mushroom risotto. There's just something kind of one dimensional about risotto that makes me crave some variety. I could have eaten a gallon of Tru's mushroom risotto.
(5)Bradley J.
Finally spent our $350 gift certificate last night - and let me tell you, spending someone else's money at TRU is the way to go. We like Sauvignon Blanc, and the sommelier recommended a $69 bottle of Sancerre Domaine Vacheron 2007 that was very nice - and seemed to never end! Not all bread is created equal at TRU: Sea Salt Brioche beat Warm Pumpernickel, which beat the Beer Bread We both did the Prix Fixe menu, and here are the results: Prime Beef Tartare bested the Hawaiian Blue Prawns Braised Beef Short Rib was superior to the Nova Scotia Halibut Chocolate Bar and Gianduja Crèmeux were a tie In addition to these, there were five other amuse-bouche that were fun surprises - I wonder how they make an exploding mint truffle? We were definitely bringing down the age curve at TRU, and couldn't help but feel like the staff preferred to "chat it up" with the older patrons and make quick work of us. Perhaps it was comments like this that exposed our naivete? Me: "It seems like they made vegetables into some sort of pudding." Sommelier: "It's miso, sir."
(5)Miguel R.
After years of living in Chicago, I finally made it to this place - and - OH -MY - GOD was it an experience! You get the choice of a 3 course, 6 course and 8 course meal. Well, me being the lush I am - we went with the 8 course! I swear the heavens opened, and angels came down and kissed this food. We started with some white caviar (now normally I'm not one to eat raw fish eggs, but delicious!) then got some mixture of beats and a truffle soup. The party in my mouth was then joined by a main lobster and some potato's (not mashed, not the fries of the French, nor of the simple baked - but a masterpiece of taste perfection). My favorite though was by far the Rib eye steak. Melt in your mouth tender!!! By this time I was SOO full, I didn't want to keep eating - but I couldn't help myself, I had to finish the desserts.... If you have a special occasion, or just the taking that special someone out, or even just to have an experience - this is a must. Don't wait like I did.... Go..... NOW....
(5)Max M.
THE REVIEW Is fine dining dead? Not as long as Tru is still around. I'm not talking about the molecular gastronomy version of fine dining. I'm talking about a restaurant experience where the classic pillars of fine dining are in perfect harmony: Food, Wine, Decor, Service. Tru restores the grace and beauty of fine dining. I had a wonderful evening that lasted 3 hours. Tru is located on a very posh street. The very prestigious Relais & Chateaux plaque adorns the outside entrance. A Gerhard Richter piece hangs on the wall behind the reservationist. A Bang and Olufson CD Player resides in the bar area. The main dining room is very dramatic with high ceilings. The tables are all well spaced. The decor has a very subdued color palette---the only bursts of color coming from two floral arrangements in the center of the dining room and the ornately presented food flowing out the kitchen from the uber modern glass sliding doors. I sat at a deuce that allowed me to view the enormous dining room. There are only 24 tables! The menu book has the soothing feel of soft leather. The menus are printed on thick high quality paper stock. The table linens are neatly pressed. Tru rewards highly perceptive diners that appreciate all these subtle nuances. The staff is very professional---leaning towards a bit too serious. You get the vibe that the servers just might correct you on the pronounciation of certain menu items. However, once engaged, the staff members warm up and allow their passion for good service to shine. Some reviews have criticized the food. The food was excellent. My friend was treating so we both elected to order the 3 course Prix Fixe which I highly recommend. $95 gets you 3 courses. The non-prix fixe menu titled "Collections" is well organized. There's a little bit of everything for everyone.: Luxury, Grand Tasting (6 courses), Chef's Tasting (9 courses). The Luxury collection offers a trifecta of luxury: Genuine Wagyu Beef (3 oz) $70, Caviar with Garnishes $250, and Whole Roasted Foie Gras ($145). I'll have to save up for that type of indulgence. Luckily, the 3 course menu offers just as much excitement. I ordered the Alaskan King Crab Leg, with fresh whipped cream, Osetra caviar. My buddy ordered Seared Foie Gras with white bean puree and Dashi gel. Dee-lish! The King Crab was a beautiful composition of the plump leg sliced on a bias nestled on a warm puree of onion or leek. The server gently drapes the caviar sauce on top of the crab pieces. SO YUMMY! We each had a wine pairing. For main course, I had the Swan Creek Farm Suckling Pig with zucchini pave, licorice, kumquats, and pork jus. This was insane! Pork dishes these days tend to be too greasy. DOn't get me wrong. I love pork fat! I just don't love eating a chunk of fat in one bite. The kitchen did an awesome job of rendering enough fat; preserving just enough to keep the meat moist and succulent. The skin was crispy and wafer thin. This was one gentrified piece of pork heaven. My friend ordered the Braised Short Rib with Unagi, scallion pistou, and miso emulsion. Glazed unagi pieces rested on top of equally glazed tender pieces of Short rib. I didn't sample, but the dish was also a winner. One of the highlights was my red wine pairing: 2004 Bell Hill Pinot Noir Old Weka Pass Road. Now, this wine was awesome! Inspires me to start collecting wine. Our server gave us a tour of the kitchen before dessert. The kitchen was immaculate. The Executive Chef, Tim Graham, was very gracious. It was a pleasure meeting him and his team. For dessert, I ordered the Chocolate Bar. My friend had the milk chocolate-bergamot cream. What do i need to say about chocolate that hasn't already been said? Tru offers a generous array of mignardises. I don't remember them all, but the liquid truffle and the lollipop were my faves. And if you were still hungry, the restaurant places miniature individually wrapped financiers by the exit. They even walked me out to my cab with an umbrella because it was raining. Now that is service! The check was probably $400 with tax and tip. Just remember that this is a special occasion restaurant. So that price tag is well worth what you get in return. Tru is a winner, period. I'll be back.
(5)Melissa M.
I have been to Tru three times in the past 2 years. Every time I have been there it has been pure perfection. The service is unparalleled. The food is fantastic. The atmosphere is chic, sophisticated and modern. I can't wait until I get to go back -- hopefully someone will take me soon! :) Ohhhhhh caviar staircase -- you are haunting my dreams.
(5)Matthew T.
Probably one of THE BEST RUN restaurants in existence. Minimalistic interior decoration, which for a restaurant, is perfectly fine. Some Andy Warhol art nonchalantly adorns the walls, I appreciated it. There's also a really interesting infiniti type of light/wall hanging in the sitting area before the dining room. The bathrooms, simply put, are gorgeous. So the menu. You can choose from a few different options; they have smaller two or three course options as well as larger tasting menus. Decided to go for their larger tasting menu which included seafood. I do not eat seafood so I was very impressed when told that the chef would re-create a menu without the inclusion of seafood. The staff will basically do anything for you here, from what I've experienced at least. We had a modified 13 course tasting menu; my standout favorites were the Frog Leg, the Liquid Parmesan Gnocchi, the Beef Cheek Ravioli, and the Roasted Squab. Supposedly Gale Gand's homemade rootbeer floats are supposed to be absolutely delicious, but I missed out on having one :( Definitely going back for that, and I believe that they offer a 'just dessert' dining experience as well. I believe the truffles and chocolates are also available for purchase if you want to take some home, and there's also a chef's table if you want to entertain a small group in exquisite fashion. Anyway, if you're looking for a restaurant that will give you the absolute best service imaginable paired with some of the most creative dishes possible, definitely make your booking asap and bring your credit card because Tru is absolutely phenomenal.
(5)Ben S.
Judging by the reviews, sounds like Tru is great on the right night. Unfortunately I clearly did not have the pleasure of enjoying one of those evenings. Service is terrific except when mistakes were made. Frustrated looks on servers faces. Our server seemed to have very little passion for food or fine dining . . . just doing the job. Did not know some basic information about certain elements of the meal. What is worse, he asked if I would like him to find out. Seriously? I do not remember anything about the food. It kept on coming (10 course with wine pairing), that part was good. There is no doubt the food passes as very good food, just did not make an impression. Sommelier was terrific. Great person with great insight, quite impressed. Decor, nice, fine. Expected more. The issue is that for $600+ (for 2), looking for a lot more. I don't believe an off night should be an option. There is a lot more to service than a purse stand and coordinated dish delivery. Not impressed b/c they have both a black and white option for a napkin. Was looking for a lot more.
(3)Jaime M.
I had a pretty good experience at Tru. 5 Stars for the service... 3.5-4 stars for the food. I was not THAT wowed with my beet apple goat cheese salad app (too predictable) and seared tuna entree (weird flavor combos) I did love the de-constructed chocolate bar for dessert. & The "dessert cart" of goodies at the end of the meal was lovely. As were the exploding truffles at the end... and by this time I was ready to explode with FOOD! If I had my pick for the evening I would go to L20 instead.
(4)Sonja H.
I've wanted to eat at Tru ever since I bought Rick Trumonto's Amuse Bouche recipe book (due to a Tumblr recommendation years ago). Even though Rick apparently severed ties with Tru since then in order to make his way down to New Orleans, I was still interested in visiting his former home, especially after my dad had proclaimed Tru to be the best restaurant that he's ever eaten at in the US. And I do have to say, when it was all said and done, our dinner was pretty legen-wait for it-dary. But I'm getting ahead of myself. We opted for the menu with the most food on it (it was called something much more elegant than that, but the name escapes me right now) and were quickly onslaught with 16 dishes, all of which fortunately were manageable because (1) I can eat a lot and (2) except for the main fish and beef plates, the dishes were each only a couple of bites, stemming from the Thomas Keller school of thought about providing small bites to leave the customer wanting more. And while the food itself focused on showcasing how well they could cook wagyu beef and salmon and less on the gimmicks of molecular gastronomy, the serving platters took on a modern flair as they changed from glow in the dark bowls and split logs to a huge cocoa bean on a cocoa bean leaf. The service was outstanding and yet relaxed at the same time, something I personally appreciate because it makes me feel less like an impostor dressing up in her mother's clothes. This one poor girl had me cracking up the entire night. Cute, short and blond, she must have been low man on the totem pole as her job was to lug out every dish from the kitchen, including the heavy logs of meat, while the muscular guys (albeit top-notch waiters whom clearly earned their way to their seniority status) waited patiently for her to make her way towards them before raising a finger. At one of her exasperated rolling-of-eyes and sighs I couldn't help myself, I burst at laughing at her distress (wow, that sounds horrible - really my heart was going out to her!). But much to my chagrin, my laughter brought the attention of the higher-ups down on her - and they did not look pleased. I hope I didn't get her in trouble, since I found the entire situation enchanting. The whole night was!
(5)John B.
What can you say but awesome!
(5)George L.
+0.5 awesome services and food. quite and lovely deco
(4)Kara K.
Spandau Ballet said it best: Huh huh huh huhhhhhh huh I knowwwww this muuuuch is TRU! To celebrate the big 4-0, my favorite foodie friend said I could pick any restaurant in the city and he would take me. "Anywhere?" I asked in my best Marilyn Monroe voice. "Anywhere," he reassured me. Tru had been on my hit list since he took me to a Hart Davis Hart wine auction last year and now it was my opportunity to dine there. Hoo. Ray. All I can say is I NOW know what it feels like to be a princess. From the moment we arrived and I was handed a menu that read "Happy BIrthday Kara", I knew it was going to be a fabulous night. Service was beyond impeccable, as a team of well-dressed and unnervingly polite servers attended to our every need. When my friend spilled a glass of champagne on his pants, I hadn't finished gasping before one of the uber-attentive garcons appeared with a cloth napkin and club soda! I also honestly believe the waitstaff has to rehearse for hours on a daily basis to perfect their patented water-pouring technique. I wish I brought my video camera. For dinner, we both went with the three course prix fixe. For an appetizer I had the scallops and polenta (and we all know polenta is just a fancy word for grits, right?) and for my main course I had the lobster, of course, and wanted to just die from acute foodbliss. My friend chose the carpaccio appetizer and the wagyu beef short rib entree and I, of course, sampled the goods. ALL THAT! For our liquid pleasure, the sommelier recommended a lovely bottle of chamPONya, which had me nice and giddy before I was presented with my birthday present--a bottle of 2002 Petrus! At that point, I wanted to jump up on the table and do that Russian dance where they fold their arms, drop down, pop back up and kick out their legs repeatedly. Well, maybe I actually did do that but I'm just pretending like I only wanted to. I might add that the Petrus is not on the menu but came from my friend's personal collection (for those of you who may be looking for it next time you dine there). I calmed down just in time for dessert-- a delightful selection of cheeses and I had my own personal sinfully delicious chocolate lava cake! My only complaint is-- and I guess it really isn't a complaint, more a matter of personal taste--is that it was too darned bright in there and the decor was kind of bland. Also, while very on top of things, some of the waitstaff were a bit too austere for me. I'm not into the whole hoity-toity act. Nevertheless, I had a wonderful time and it was a great birthday present. I would love to go back.
(4)Daniel F.
My sister spent a lot of money and effort to make this a special graduation dinner for her daughter. We were in a very nice private room upstair but the main track lighting in the middle of the room had 3 bad bulbs out of a total of 7. That to me was absolutely not acceptable for the caliber of restaurant that they tried to be. The salmon entree choice was overcooked and the meat was luke warm. The wine list was way overpriced for mediocre selections. This restaurant is just appealing to people that want to spend a lot of money. They did a lot of fancy stuff that added nothing to the taste but only for show. They are definitely good marketers. Sorry but our family had a great time because we always create our own party anyway.
(2)V V.
This review is for the dessert tasting menu which when I went was a shockingly low $25 per person, but may have been raised recently. They do it after 9pm daily I believe, and it is 3 (but really more like 5) very generous courses of fruit, chocolate, cake/pastry confections and candies. Each dish looked like a work of art and tasted just as good. I was unbelievably stuffed after the nearly 3 hour experience. I'd say go ahead and forget having dinner beforehand. It was such a shame I couldn't eat any more by the time the dessert cart laden with truffles, caramels, cookies and lollipops rolled around. They even gave us mini loaves of banana nut bread on the way out. The staff truly went above and beyond the call of duty here to make sure we felt waited on hand and foot from the moment we walked in to the moment we teetered out in a haze of sugary bliss. Every move our two servers made seemed like a choreographed "dance" around our table, pouring each person's water simultaneously, changing our silverware sets between each course simultaneously, etc. It was pretty amusing. The service was flawless, and without a hint of snottiness! Now, if only I can find a dressy outfit with an elastic waist band...
(5)Len L.
Tru is truly exceptional. There are no words that can sum up the experiences you will receive at this place. I've dined at Tru more than once and every time is a new experience. We sat in the private room near the kitchen. The service and hospitality is impeccable. We had 8 courses paired with 8 variety of Bordeaux, after the 8 courses came desert and cheese pairings. After the dining experiences, everyone received an autographed (chef and master somnier) menu.
(5)Ziggy K.
The dining experience was good overall. But when you're spending this kind of money you need to be blown away. Given the coinage we dropped here, this place was a disappointment. I'm sure that people will drone on and on about how great this place is, but it's the Tim Tebow of restaurants. Totally over-hyped.
(2)M J.
Like Tru very much. Service, of course, is impeccable (but for this much money it better be !) We went a bit early - 5:30 and ppl didn't start getting in until about 6:30. Not sure if there was music, but I remeber it being so quiet when we came in, that literally even wispering, all waitstaff could hear what we are talking about. AKWARD! We asked for a vegeterian option, and I must say they prepared the menu well. The food was VERY VERY good, but for some reason there was really nothing that I trully said wow about (except for the dessert)- out of all our courses I remeber only a few. Nontheless everything was good and I could not say that I really disliked anything. Now the dessert was AMAZING. It was nothing new - vanilla ice cream with little fried apple cakes drizzled with some kind of a sauce. I have never in my life eaten such good vanilla ice cream - so delicate and well prepared! After dinner we had two drinks. Mine was a Flip... Flop ... something like that and it was not that good at all... not sure what the flavor in there was, but I was not a fan of it. My friend's tasted like a very well prepared pinapple martini. Overall I would say I'm glad I tried it, but I don't think I'll be going back every week.
(4)Sara D.
This review is specifically for the dessert tasting. I took my friend here last night, a special treat for her birthday. The atmosphere here is pretty serious and the whole experience is very coordinated. The waiters actually poured our water in unison. We ordered a pomegranite old fashioned and cappuccino to drink. The old fashioned rocked the house - wow. If you come to Tru, you must order this drink. Onto the dessert orgy....after a delicious amuse bouche of a frozen tortoni/ice cream concoction and mini madeline cookies (still warm), we proceeded through 3 delicious dessert courses. Two cake plates, fruit desserts, and chocolate. The dishes were too complicated that I don't recall specifically all of the components. The dessert cart was wheeled over and we sampled everything: lemon gelee, homemade marshmallow, several types of chocolates, and a meringue cookie. We thought we were all done but oh no, the waiter brought out two exploding chocolate/carmel truffles. (PS they really do explode in your mouth) A wonderful evening, delicious food and excellent service. The dessert tasting is $40 per person - a fantastic value.
(5)sarah b.
$50 cancellation fee PER PERSON!! I made a last-minute reservation at TRU for 9PM(table would have gone unused), changed my mind and when I called to cancel, they said they would charge $100 for the late cancellation!!!! I called back and talked to the manager and after debate, he cancelled my reservation without charge. I personally find this fee excessive, but appreciate their waiver. Here is their confirmation email from OpenTable, sounds like it was written by an English professor in the 19th century: Thank you for your reservation at TRU. Please be apprised of the following: 1. Jackets are required for gentleman at all times in all areas of TRU. 2. There is no smoking in any area of TRU. 3. We call to confirm all reservations. If no confirmation is received by the date of the reservation we will have presumed that youE(tm)ve made other dining arrangements. 4. Your dining experience will be two to three hours depending on your menu selection. 5. Valet parking is available. 6. With courtesy and respect to all guests please refrain from the use of cell phones or pagers within TRU. 7. Dessert reservations can only be made by calling TRU.
(2)Kelli Ann L.
The presentation of food at TRU is absolutely spectacular -and the Sommelier is a MASTER at wine pairings! I found the ambiance to be a 'bit' stuffy at times - like people are afraid to laugh.....I enjoy adult eating - but to truly enjoy everything on my plate, it helps to see a few smiles. :0) The one issue I had was....a few things were too salty. Especially the Veal Consume dish we had. However, the Vin Santo might be one of my top 10 wines of all time. It is obvious that most people going to Tru are going there for the name and the "I am so awesome I went to Tru" thing....but I didn't feel like most of the people were there to enjoy the food....just to be snobby about the food. I enjoyed most of it - loved all the wines - and had a great time. By the way - I did laugh out loud - HA! :0)
(4)Ying X.
Feb. 14 2009 Menu options: Aphrodisiac - $250 Chef's - $200 I took my boyfriend there for Valentine's Day and needless to say, reservations were literally impossible to find. Picked the last time available (10:30pm). We were there until 1:30am. We both had the Chef's collection and share the 3oz. Kobe beef fillet. On the whole, the food and service were spectacular. However, the waiter seemed a bit "cocky".... and BF had a slight problem with it. I didn't really mind..... E.g. If it's your first time in an upscale French restaurant, you barely understand French, and you rarely eat liver, you probably won't know what foie gras is. And when we asked, we got almost a slightly sarcastic answer... 1 star off! I would love to go back for the food, but racking up a $700 check for 2 is not exactly what I had in mind. On the website, the two tours are priced around $140-$100.... but because it was Valentine's day, they were marked up an extra $100!!! I feel cheated out of my hard earned money!! Another star off!!! Flowers and confectionery are marked up during Valentine's Day... but this was a total rip-off!!!
(3)Anna B.
Wow! We came here to celebrate our one year wedding anniversary last night. We had the grand tasting option at the Chef's table. The experience and the food were first class. The timing of the entrees was perfect down to a second. We were never without something in front of us, even if it was only getting a refill on the wine or extra bread. The Chef's table comes with a private valet who catered to our every whim. Prior to the dinner, we received a full tour of the restaurant, met most of the staff, and we were even given a brief history of the stemware and china used. The Chef and Pastry Chef introduced themselves and chatted with us. Tru really made us feel like royalty. The service really is exceptional! The meal takes about 4 hours from start to finish. You even get a keepsake at the end! The Valet took our picture when we first came in, and then we received a keepsake menu with our names and picture on it. Looking at the list of food, we were astonished at how much we ate! Be very prepared to leave very very satiated.
(5)Chirag P.
Amazing place with even better food, everything was cooked to perfection and looked like a work of art. Definitely a fan.
(5)Yanni N.
This is my second visit to Tru - The first time was for a special cheese event - but this time I was able to try the Chef's Collection It goes without saying that the presentation was nothing short of spectacular. The food was very flavorful of course - Every course was well built on the last although I'm not a big quince fan- everything else was great. Tru is always a great experience and the service has been A+ for me on both visits. I'm still a little more drawn to Trotters.
(4)Emily Y.
Hands down, one of the top three meals of my life. Dining at Tru can only be explained in one way: An Experience. From the moment you walk in the unmarked entrance (stashed between Northwestern hospital buildings, it is extremely easy to miss -- we passed by it twice before finally figuring it out), the service is a theatrical wonder that will keep you amused all night long. It's no wonder this place won the James Beard award for service last year. Every movement of the waiters is synchronized and they lay down and take away each plate at the exact same moment from both diners. As a theater person, I wonder how much they had to rehearse to get that right?! Every single person who worked in that place made it their personal mission to make our experience amazing, from the valet to the coat check person to the sommelier. The decor is beautiful, understated, modern, elegant. Floor to ceiling black and white drapes, deep purple velvet booths, interesting art, the coolest bathroom sink ever. Make sure you go to the bathroom, even if you don't have to go. The food was amazing and interesting and novel and grand. We had the grand collection. Here's a rundown of the courses: 1. duck confit, red wine duck gelee, brussel sprout 2. tete de cochon, lentil salad, white truffle powder 3. selection of sashimi-grade fish, complementary garnish 4. beef bullion, carmelized onion, gruyere custard, crouton 5. squid ink tagliatelle, matsutake, grains of paradise 6. mushroom poached striped bass, winter root vegetables, ginger turnip broth 7. proscuitto-wrapped beef ribeye, yukon gold potato, whipped raclette, paprika jus 8. ginger-lim soda, honeydew soup 9. roasted plum, vanilla brown butter, brioche 10. mignardises &lollipops (or in my words...candy cart!) My fiance and I were celebrating our anniversary, and they printed out a very nice souvenir menu that said happy anniversary and listed everything we had. Additionally, they brought out a plate with a little chocolate with a candle in it with Happy Anniversary piped on to the plate. Very nice touches. My favorite course was the striped bass. The sauce it was in was heavenly. Second favorite was the beef bullion, which was a very unique version of french onion soup. The desserts were also heaven, and I wished I'd had more room to try everything on the candy cart. Also, the truffle powders will really something -- they felt like nothing as soon as they hit your tongue but then you are hit with an intense flavor. amazing. Yes, this place is insanely expensive. Nobody should spend that much on dinner, but I reasoned that it was basically dinner and a show, and an opera ticket can set you back a pretty penny, so....there's my justification. :) And the three hours we spent at Tru was worth it. Neither of us will ever forget it, that's for sure! I forgot to mention the wine we had, which was recommended by the sommelier. It was an Alsatian white, and it was terrific. Kudos to the sommelier. If you are even remotely into food and dining out, and especially if you are a self proclaimed "foodie" such as myself, save up your dining out dollars for awhile and splurge on Tru.
(5)Annie B.
My husband and I dined at Tru on 05/15/2010 (a Saturday night). This restaurant has beautiful contemporary art on the walls and a very refined atmosphere. We were promptly offered a wine list and cocktail menu. I must admit that I was a bit overwhelmed and slightly nervous about making a faux pas! After a few sips of my tasty sake martini I was able to relax and enjoy the food and perfect service. We decided to go with the prix fixe menu. The grand collection sounds absolutely wonderful, but we both knew that six courses would be too much for us. I started with the prime beef tartar, parmesan, truffle, golden egg (egg yolk wrapped in gold leaf). It was divinely rich and satisfying. We requested that the sommelier pair wines with our appetizers and entrees. I was offered a champagne, which did go very well with my beef tartar. My husband had the gnocchi, which was rich and delicious. I believe his gnocchi was paired with a chardonnay. I had the bacon wrapped monkfish as my entrée and it was very flavorful, it was paired with a pinot noir. My husband had the ribeye with fois gras--this dish was prepared perfectly and was absolutely delicious. My only regret is not ordering it for myself! We passed on the cheese course, it certainly looked appealing, but I was full and ready for something sweet. My husband opted for the peppermint dessert, which was very rich and had quite a few layers of flavor. He also had the yellow Chartreuse as an after dinner drink. I decided on the sorbet for dessert. Three sorbets, vanilla, pear, and orange, accompanied with poached pears. This was light, refreshing, and delicious. Also, the dark chocolate truffles are amazing! Definitely worth trying! I believe that dessert was my favorite course and I can see why people make dessert only reservations at this restaurant. The service is second to none; my husband commented that it is synchronized serving and it certainly is...the entire staff works together to make this a memorable and unique experience. We each had a cocktail, the prix fixe menu, half glass wine parings with our appetizer and entrée courses, and a couple of selections from the candy cart. Our bill was a little over $300 and with a $65 gratuity I believe the final bill, including tip was closer to $400.
(4)Cat C.
Went for Valentines Day. Now, normally I don't really do fine dining. I really thought I'd be uncomfortable. But that was not the case. It was definitely one of the best dinner experiences I've ever had
(5)Don H.
I've had a few of these higher-end eating experiences. Here in the city, I thought Charlie Trotters was the pinnacle. In Detroit, it was The Whitney. But it wasn't until dinner a few nights ago at Tru did I truly understand that "surprise and delight" is still alive and kicking. The valet checks our name on the list, takes the car. When we walked in, I didn't have a jacket so they were kind enough to supply one for me. We joined our party in the ante room. The maitrè d' came by, took us to our table, where the pageantry began. We started with champagne -- without ordering, of course. Then we got the first of what we counted as 11 visits from the server: a delicious cucumber bubble with salmon roe on top served on a curvy spoon that looked like a high-heel shoe. This was followed by a series of delicious "treats" through our appetizer and, finally, to the entreè. For me, it was venison. Even afterward, when we ordered dessert, we were treated to two additional desserts. I felt satisfied with the portions and didn't feel like rolling out. Every dish was memorable. I don't give it five stars because of the stature of the place -- but I have to say that I was just delighted course after course. The kitchen tour was stunning and very welcoming.
(5)Jen W.
We came here for our 3 year anniversary and was pleasantly surprised at the efforts to personalize our experience. I wasn't expecting a fancy, stuffy place would take the time to print personalized menus with or to bring a special dessert saying Happy 3rd anniversary. The waitstaff was amazing, they were always available for questions and loosened up with jokes once they realized we were there to have a good time. We went for the Chef's Collection with Wayagu beef add-on, which was perfection! Each plate keep getting better and better, with both beef plates being the highlight of the meal. Desserts were to die for and we stumbled out of Tru with dazed looks of satisfaction along with baked treats for breakfast the next morning. What an amazing experience.
(5)Tracy F.
If I could pick one place to eat a superb meal, it would be Tru. The room is open and light. The service is impeccable without being stuffy. There are probably 1.5 servers to customers. The food is absolutely outstanding. You can't go wrong no matter what you choose. Tru is particularly good for special occassions. They'll personalize your menu and greet you with a congratulations. I only hope I get to return again.
(5)J W.
great service and dining environment. food was innovative and tasty. overall a great dining experience. however, for the price that's kind of to be expected?
(4)Danielle D.
Single worst tasting menu experience I have EVER had.... And I have been around the culinary block. From Daniel to French Laundry to Per Se- WD50 to Eleven Madison Park to all of the Momofuku restaurants... I have been a silent observer on Yelp till now. I cannot let anyone make the same mistake we have. First, let me say the service was fine, albeit canned at best. Completely generic fine dining, no bit of personality present whatsoever. But again, fine. Then it got ugly. So help me God if I ever see another piece of gold leaf on a plate again I will stab the nearest victim in the eye with whatever semi sharp implement I may have within arm's reach. I felt as though I was in podunkville Arkansas (no offense Arkansas) circa 1988. All that was missing was a few mullets and some bad shoulderpads. Seriously, if Don Johnson walked out with my food I can't say i would have been surprised. So the plating was horrific. One dish actually had a blown glass conch type shell housing the scallop dish.. I mean it's not even the same mollusk, people, what do you take me for?! Gold leaf, luster dust, and contrived table side service abounded. Is this the caliber of haute cuisine Chicagoans accept? I truly hope not. THE FOOD Well, note to any Michelin rated, Relais & Chateau establishment - if you can't make a freaking brioche ( our neighbor called it a pretzel and wasn't joking) or petit chapeau there are PLENTY of places you can purchase from. Just don't bother because Au Bon Pain can do a more acceptable job. First course was 'faux caviar' - oh hi Thomas Keller circa 1997 didn't see you there... Tapioca'd pearls of white sturgeon served in a kitchy branded caviar tin over (brown) avocado bs. Been done, thousands of times, better. The caviar was overly salty and the avocado was nothing of any remembrance that you haven't tasted at your local taquieria. On no planet should the mediocre wine have been served with the dish. Next was a celeriac soup. The time warp continued with undercooked potato, tasteless truffle chip, overcooked quail egg and crispy something stupid. Tableside pouring of flavorless soup lacking any personality or consistency whatsoever. Now I'm getting feisty. Again a pooooooor wine pairing, completely unmemorable and young. Did I mentioned the plate was covered in a vomitous smattering of gold leaf? Who even does that any more?! Well hello there David Hasselhoff, is Knight Rider waiting outside for you? I couldn't tell based on our asinine third course. Presentation was cute but dated, 'flavors of fall' - a bunch of crap served in a small pumpkin with some pinecones (AND LUSTERDUST) on a piece of slate. Medjool dates, chestnuts, pears and pumpkin in a curry broth so lacking in flavor it was nearly impossible to differentiate one bite from the next. Now I'm pissed. Wine = gruner - fine but uncharacteristic and poorly paired. Next up... Cod. Yes cod. How on earth could a high end restaurant screw cod up, you say? Oh, well they did... My portion was grossly overcooked on the edges and well cooked in the middle, but completely flavorless on one side and so damned salty on the other it was nearly inedible. My partner's was so completely overcooked he barely touched it and when asked he politely lied and said he was saving room. It was served with a mussel veloute (hi there 1994) which was just embarrassing.The chosen wine this time was red, Pinot noir in style, once again too young but tasty. Perhaps good in theory with the dish - if it had been properly seasoned, prepared, or any combination... Venison. My most favorite game there is. Ever. And they destroyed it. Unseasoned, flavorless, served on some horrendous brussels sprouts (blame them for why people treat them as the redheaded stepchild of veggies) and some haphazard red currants (yes it's December, seasonal people?!) nonexistent alleged broth. Gag. Wine= mediocre which at this point was a happy surprise. Dessert- if you can't make a culinary school pate a fruits - DON'T. For christ's sake it's a rookie thing to overdevelop the gelatin, I'll go to cvs and get some jujubees, thanks. Apple beignets - great beignets, apple tasted like water - how hard would it have been to cook it in ANYTHING?! Vanilla ice cream - once I got past the ice crystals it was bland and your local grocery store has more interesting vanilla. Lettuce Entertain You - is this what you do to an alleged fine dining experience? Or is Tru just coasting on false reputation? Do yourself a favor and don't waste $500+ on dinner for two, or if you do I have a pretty fancy bridge to sell you...
(1)Abby W.
My Fiance surprised me with dinner at Tru on the night he proposed. It was very fitting, a very special occasion type of place. if you dont appreciate the culinary arts, and are a steak and potato kind of a person, Tru is not the place for you. It was very inventive and creative and is a once in a lifetime kind of a spot (well unless you can afford $500.00 dinners on the reg) Will I be back to Tru. Probably not. But I would recommend this place to anyone to try once for the level of service and experience we received. It was awesome!
(4)Chadwick T.
It's hard to begin reviewing such a well documented eatery in the culinary world...let's try though, shall we? To review a restaurant of this caliber, it's broken it a few groups...atmosphere, cuisine and service. If you are worried about price, I suggest you keep strolling down Clair St to "C-House" in the Affinia hotel. Atmosphere - This sophisticated hot spot in downtown Chicago has a beautiful all black window entrance that does not allow you to see in. The rotating doors bring you into a small lobby to meet the host and hostess who will insist on taking care of your jackets for you. The french inspiration of the restaurant sifts through you as they each have the beautiful authentic french accent to put you into the frame of mind for your dining experience. As you are lead to your table, you walk into the dining room. A large calmly lit room with elegance and style is home to an array of full tables and half tables. The backs of the chairs a lush blue velvet to offer a flash of color. The table is pulled completely out so you can be seated and then returned in front of you. Settled in? Let's talk about the food! Cuisine - TRU was an absolute gourmet foodie's delight. This restaurant has it all. You do have some options for ordering and it's all based off how much your budget is...they have two different 'collections' that offer multiple courses as well as a la carte. You can't go wrong with either, they will delight you to no end. The portions are pleasantly larger than I would have expected after eating at other truly 5 star restaurants, though still properly sized. The food was prepared to perfection while the wine list varied from as little as $85 for a decent bottle of wine. The courses are timed perfectly so can enjoy each course without feeling rushed or without feeling like time is running away from you. The food is a wonderful blend of fresh ingredients and classic culinary techniques that will wow you from the start, before sending you to heaven for dessert. Service - The wait staff is extremely informed about not only what is in each dish but how it is prepared should you have any allergies or concerns about what you are interested in. Unsure? Allow them to suggest and you will not be disappointed. Expect the 5 star treatment without feeling suffocated or as though they are hovering. They show extreme attention to detail and want your evening to be perfect. Don't forget to tell them your story...I flew into Chicago specifically for this restaurant, after telling my waiter he disappeared for a few moments. He came back and said he would love for the matradee to give us a personal showing of the kitchen and to meet the executive chef! What an amazing night... You have done yourself a disservice if you do not have the following items: Waygu beef tartar Seared Fois Gras Chocolate Bar - As featured by Iron Chef Cat Cora on "Best Thing I've Ever Ate" Expect to spend about 2 hours eating your way to bliss. So make your month-in-advance reservations and start to savor the thought of trying one our countries most highlighted restaurants! The bill might be a bit pricey but I suppose the French said it best....C'est la Vie!
(5)Cat D.
Of all of the restaurants that I have been to...this is the BEST dining experience I have EVER had. I went on my birthday....they had a special menu printed for me.....it was fabulous. The food was AMAZING...I agree...the caviar..TO...DIE...FOR!! And I am NOT a caviar fan. The ambiance is amazing...just an amazing dining experience all the way around. The chef had prepared a special dessert for me, with my name written in chocolate. The details were perfection. It is pricey but WELL worth the money.... Attention MEN.....Take your girls there.....you won't be disappointed!!
(5)Ben P.
If I was to design a lounge from scratch, it might look very close to the lounge at Tru. It's very close to having drinks in an art museum. The photos on the website aren't accurate, and I can't find any new ones or I'd upload them. Small tables, individually lit by small halogen spots, surrounded by art, with a Bang CD player on the wall providing a quiet backbeat to the conversation. I could hear my compatriots without raising my voice at all. My only complaint is that the drink menu is a bit limited. And I'm glad they gave me a menu, because had I not looked at the menu, the waiter and I would likely have agreed on a Booker's bourbon on the rocks, which would have turned out to be $64 a glass. Turns out, there's Booker's, and then there's Booker's Master Artisan Distiller's Hyper-Select Special Import Release, or some such thing. My score coming into Tru: 2 Ketel One martinis, 2 Crown & Cokes, 1 glass of zin. It was time to slow down. So I had Johnnie Walker Black on the rocks. 4 of them. They came in 8 ounce tumblers, and the bartender had a HEAVY hand. My traveling companion and I were meeting two friends of his here. He neglected to mention that his friends were of the genus femalia, species modelous. Thankfully, I get better looking as I drink. I would say I also get more charming, but that's hardly possible. Two hours into the event, everyone decided to get dessert. I was in no position (or, frankly, state) to argue, so I had the strawberry soup. A fascinating idea, reasonably well executed. My one suggestion: the lemongrass gelee cubes want to stick to the bowl, and necessitated some help from my finger in order to crawl into my spoon. This had nothing to do with my close relationship with Johnnie Walker and everything to do with the power of wet suction [get your mind out of the gutter and Google it, troglodyte]. This could be solved by including a rolled white-chocolate tube, which could be used to help push the gelee cubes into the spoon. See---I come with solutions, not just problems. We eventually left at least 5 minutes before they would have thrown us out. I will be back the very next time I'm in Chicago. It was just that good. If there was a place like this in SF, I'd have a chair with my name on it.
(5)Christine T.
*4.5 stars* I blame TRU for my gaining 5 lbs during my trip to Chicago... OK, to be fair, it probably wasn't all of TRU's fault... But those damn good desserts probably did some of the damage! I had the scallops to start and the orange marlin for my main. The husband started with the smoked salmon and had the suckling pig for his main. Everything was delicious and well prepared, especially husband's suckling pig. I should have ordered that! YUM! For dessert (YEA FOR DESSERT!!!!!!!!!!), oh what the hell?! Let's go for the dessert tasting! WOW! So glad that we did. It was basically five tastings; 1) fruity palate cleanser shot, 2) fruit, 3) chocolate, 4) root beer float, and 5) candies off the candy cart. Different tastings for the both of us for the fruit and the chocolate "dishes". Some of the items we had: the vanilla cream (my favorite of all and I'm a chocolate lover), sticky pudding, chocolate semifreddo (also YUM!), bittersweet chocolate mousse. Everything really was delicious. So happy that we came to TRU. Quite the class act. We even got a yummy parting gift (lemon pound cake) and a ride back to our hotel in the restaurant's car. Thank you, TRU for a great dining experience!
(4)Camille P.
I've been to Tru one time before my birthday dinner this year. It was last year's birthday dinner, too, and the beginning of my exciting culinary exploration of the city of Chicago that I joyfully admit, now consumes much of my time, thoughts and stomach capacity. It was there that I first discovered that Chicago wasn't messin' around; it is, in fact, pretty darn serious about its food scene. And I have to admit, I was shocked. My first impression of Chicago's restaurants was not one of diversity, quality or excitement. Initially, I noticed mostly the blatant cheesiness of "Eggsperience," "The Rainforest Cafe," and "Weber Grill Restaurant". Thank God that was only on the surface! It does take a little, but not too much, digging to discover a bounty of deliciousness: from cheap eats to splurge worthy in categories ranging from authentic ethnic cuisines to burgers and pizza and everything in between. So, it all started here at Tru where fine dining is truly (no pun intended) realized. The space is elegant yet very modern, almost to the point of being a bit cold. The massive walls are minimally decorated and the lack of music makes the room feel even more spacious and void. The service helps warm the air, if only a little, once it's understood that one's nose is not pointed toward the ceiling but rather directly into the plate. But that's not to say that it becomes anything less than professional. Oh, no! The synchronicity never faltered, a mark never missed and explanations never less than thorough. I'd go so far as to call it impeccable. Of course we chose the "Chef's Collection Menu" for a grand total of 13, yes 13, courses. They call it 9 but then they sneak in a bunch of extras. Fine by me. Can anyone say "hog heaven"? Yes, that's were I was. Here's was 13 courses at Tru looked like on June 1st, 2011: It began with these tiny little bites: Comte' cheese gougére. You know you're in for a treat when a simple little savory puff is just so right. Light, eggy, toasty, barely cheesy and salty. How can something so simple to be so good? The Mussel Velouté was the second surprise amuse bouche. This light, faintly mussel flavored soup had a cucumber gelée base and a lemony cucumber salad with tiny edible flowers. Its gentile complexity was a nice wake up call for the palate. Our first official course was the White Sturgeon "Caviar" with a layer of creamy avocado and crispy hazelnut crackers. Just know that I want to use explicit language to convey how good this is, but I can't. I remember it as incredible from last year as well. It's one of their signature items. What's interesting is that it's really not caviar at all. It's the fish itself, smoked, then pureed, then submerged, drop by drop, into liquid nitrogen. The result is creamy, soft little beads of heavenly flavor. Spread on a house made cracker with a mother of pearl caviar spoon, it feels just as luxurious as the real thing. Trust me. The next course was Suspended Foie Gras with pineapple, mango & balsamic dots, and pecan tuille. After much debate and careful tasting, we decided that this wasn't our favorite dish. The foie was lighter and almost spongy with a more delicate version of foie flavor and a faint, unidentifiable aftertaste. It seemed as if foie gras's best qualities were taken away. I mean, isn't it the dense, smooth, creaminess that melts in your mouth and the full, fatty flavor that makes this guilty pleasure so worth it? It is for me. This version was just about the antithesis of those things. Meanwhile, the pineapple was sweet and too powerful, masking the diluted flavor of the liver. The mango wasn't necessary since the over all flavor combo was already too sweet and the vinegar wasn't present enough to do anything about that. The tuille was good on its own but didn't help the cohesiveness of the dish. In all, kinda disappointing. But fear not! There is still plenty of wonderful flavors to come including the "inside of an English pea soup" with lavender. At this point I had to ask our captain if there was a new chef in the kitchen. I didn't remember there being this much molecular gastronomy in play last year. Well, the answer was "No" but he had, in fact, acquired a new toy: liquid nitrogen. So the peas on this plate are not actually peas but pea puree manipulated to look like halved peas. Hmmm... And the flecks of silver are actually flecks of silver. I've heard of eating gold leaf, but not silver. Well, I guess you can because I'm alive and well to tell about it! The best part of the pea soup, however, was the tiny bits of smoky bacon that burst in your mouth with flavor. That, and the very flavorful soup itself. Go figure... the tastiest stuff was the actual food. Next up was the Dashi Flan with edamame, white sturgeon caviar (for real this time) and yuzu kosho. Um, what? I was a little .....
(5)Jen A.
Tru was a memorable dining experience, but I think I was expecting more. I wish I could give it 4.5 stars. My husband and I ate here for our two-year anniversary. The service was impeccable and decor was beautiful. Every course was put together with painstaking effort-- I felt like every plate was a delicate work of art. My husband ordered the venison and I ordered the ribeye. The presentation and plating were more memorable than the taste of the food. The best part of the meal were the desserts. Gale Gand is absolutely brilliant. We tried the semifreddo and the chocolate bar and both were outstanding. Coupled with the candy cart and a perfectly wrapped pastry to go, it was a great way to end the meal. I took a star away because I wanted a course or two that absolutely blew me away as far as taste...a plate that completely surprises you. I didn't get that at Tru unfortunately, and when you're paying premium dollar, I expect to get it.
(4)MJ d.
I feel very guilty for giving this place two stars. No doubt the food was very well prepared but it was an excruciating four-and-a-half long dinner. We ordered the nine-course meal and the highlights were the sturgeon and the lamb, which were perfectly cooked. The frog leg tempura with this green, garlicky sauce was also delicious. Dessert featured their homemade nutella. We even saw ROD F'ING STEWART with his new, uglier, wife. My heart was fluttering the whole night. The food was good but it was a little frustrating that portions were excruciatingly small. Meh. It was good, but I probably would not jump at the chance to return despite the delicious muffing they gave as a parting gift. ROD STEWART!!! Does anybody care???
(3)Steve J.
A good dining experience, but seemed off its game in little ways. The waiter was distracted and kept looking at other stables while speaking to us, then forgot to give us napkins before the first course arrived. The service was friendly and effective after that. The food was excellent. The sweet potato soup was spectacular, will dozens of unique flavors combining perfectly. The decor is kinda modern, but kinda outdated at the same time. It's quiet inside. I felt like this was a place that should be a "5", but just couldn't quite get there.
(4)Wil T.
I really enjoyed the food here except for the sable fish. There was something odd tasting about it. The staff was very professional and polite. They do go out of their way though to personalize the experience if you are there to celebrate a special occasion. Not sure if I would make a return visit, as there are many other places of the same or higher caliber, but definitely worth a try.
(4)James C.
One of the best restaurants. The food and service were impeccable.
(5)Ray C.
OMG!!!!!!!! blown away,,, The service here is ULBELIEVABLE it was like if you just thought of something you might want they where there saying "hey would you like this".. This is a dining experience that is not for the casual diner, what I mean is you don't just say let's go to TRU tonight. We got there at 7 and left about 11:30, it is like going to/ watching a show. It is expensive so be prepared, I think dinner for 2 was about $650 with the tip (lucky for me someone else was paying)... It was worth every penny in my mind and I would do it again!! It is everything it says it is.
(5)Richard S.
Wow, this was a wonderful dining experience! Came here on the recommendation of Tony from L2O. As a matter of fact, he got me in. Thanks Tony! I had the Chef's Collection with wine pairings. 1. Preserved Baby Artichoke, Blood Orange, White Anchovy, Chervil Not a Big Anchovy fan, but this was excellent. 2.Strawberry-Tomato Gelee Fava Bean, Parmesan Sounds weird Tasted Great! 3. Sashimi with Complementary Garnishes Light and Dark Soy Sauces I love Sashimi and this was one of my favorite ever. With these three courses I had a 2006 Bruna Pigato Le Russghine Riviera Ligure di Ponente. It was light and refreshing and started the evening off on a great note! 4. Boneless Frog Leg, Spring Garlic, Carrot, Watercress Really fun...Deep fried, Yum! 2006 Palmina Arneis 5. Artichoke Consomme, Cucumber, Turnip Caramel, Cinnamon Mustard, Grilled Peanut Lustau Papirusa Manzanilla This was an inspired dish and wine pairing! 6. Antiqua Tagliatelle, Spinach, Summer Truffle, Pecorino 2007 Bridge Lane White Merlot Even with the Truffle, this course missed the mark. The wine was outstanding though. 7.Pan seared Foie Gras, Morel, Pecan, Raspberry, Purslane. 2005 Cantine del Notaio L'Autentica Basilicata Another winner! God I am glad they brought Foie back. Even though this is a dessert wine it worked very well with the richness and sweetness of the dish. 8. Halibut, Leek Emulsion, Reduced Chardonnay, Bacon Vinaigrette. I was catching up on my wines from the other courses;) I usually find Halibut boring, but this was really good, but anything with Bacon usually is! 9. Salt -Crusted Venison, Cocoa, Olive, Blood Orange 2005 Cousino Macul Finis Interesting...actually had a savory Chocolate "pudding". Wine worked well with the gaminess of the Venison. 10. Cheese Cart. Eric Bordelet Poire Granit MV I tried 4 different Cheeses and loved it! Hey I am From Wisconsin After all! The wine was like drinking a fresh pear! 11. Rhubarb Consomme, Lemon Ginger Tapioca Another fun course served in a shot glass so no wine! 12 Greek Yogurt, Honey, Grape,Frozen Mint Julep. 20006 Banyuls Coume Del Mas Nice light sweet ending to a wonderful meal! 13. A surprise selection of wonderful chocolates As you can tell, I loved my food and the service matched it at every turn! At one point my waiter even brought me a book on Chicago Architecture so I wouldn't be uncomfortable between courses.(I was dining alone.) They even gave me a muffin for the morning and called a wheelchair accessible cab for me so I would not need to transfer into a regular one. That is definitely going beyond the call of duty! Even though I have seen some less than stellar reviews here,Tru was Definitely a Five Star experience for me!
(5)Matt L.
Boyfriends Birthday: Was top notch from start to finish. When we arrive at Tru we feel like dignitary as soon as we walked in the lobby. We choose the 9-course with wine pairing. The food was second to none and prepared perfectly and the sommelier's pairings were spot on target. The service was spectacular and with all of the timing and coordination that goes on with a 9 course meal (9 place setting, 9 tastings, 9 pairings) the presentation was flawless. They custom printed a menu in his honor that we were able to take home as a keep sake. In addition, they brought out an extra dessert surprise for him. All in all, and experience to remember!!!!
(5)Tamara B.
4.5 stars. A really lovely experience that exceeded my expectations. I am a spoiled foodie and a wine snob but I don't like stuffy or formal atmospheres. Going in to dinner, I was worried that the food and wine wouldn't live up to the hype and/or it would be an uncomfortably formal experience. I am pleased to say that the service was perfect- very attentive but in no way cloying. 5 stars here. I loved the French wine selection- particularly from the Rhone and Languedoc. Kudos to Tru for having lesser known boutique bottles as well as the traditional greats. They also have a full range of prices and I saw bottles from 60 dollars that I was really excited about. 5 stars here too. The food was very good but a little uneven. Presentation was always gorgeous. Duck confit and foie gras appetizer was great but curried lobster main was just good. Iberico pork was awesome. 4 stars here. We had a wonderful night and will be very excited to go back in a month or two.
(4)Mark S.
I will start by saying that the kitchen at Tru continues to perform at an extremely high level and all the dishes were spot on this past Saturday night. One piece of advice, do NOT pay for the wine pairings with the menu. The pairings were average at best and you could do better with what must be one of the best wine cellars in the city. I also have to say that at this price point the service should be flawless. There were several misses over the course of the night that were surpising for a place of this caliber (e.g. replacing of napkins - needed to ask after one had been swept away and waiters struggled to keep straight who had still vs sparkling water and mixed them). This may be nit-picky but previous times at Tru have been the total package. Hope this was just a night off for them.
(3)Sandy N.
My boyfriend took me to Tru for my birthday this year. Knowing this a day in advance, I looked at the menu and Yelped it (of course!) and was a little disappointed at the reviews, which mentioned that, while the experience was good, the food was pretty non-spectacular. Also, the collection didn't seem so inventive, and for $110 I thought that they should have given more than 6 courses (I know, I've been to Alinea and so my standards are ridiculously high) or at least 6 really really cool sounding courses. I had just made an heirloom tomato salad (from the Momofuku cookbook) earlier in the week as well so the idea that an heirloom tomato salad would be one of the 6 courses didn't sit too well. However, I didn't want to second guess his choice (turns out he saved my Yelp password when I logged into his computer and he browsed through my bookmarks to pick a place.. genius, right?!) so I figured I could just go for a prix fixe and pick stuff I knew I would like even if I was limited to 3 courses (which in my opinion is not as good as a tasting menu because a few bites is all you need to really love a dish, so why waste all the stomach space for one type of taste?). ANYWAY, so we went to Tru, which really did impress right when I walked in. It seemed like a boardroom meeting type of room, and the glass place settings we had in front of us looked really cool. They handed us our menus, and I saw the the one I got was more or less what I had seen on the website. My boyfriend, on the other hand, is a vegetarian, so his collection menu was a Vegetable Collection with.. 9 courses! They sounded super creative and interesting. Looking back and forth between our menus, the answer was clear--we were both getting the Vegetarian Collection. OMG, such a good decision! The dishes were well thought out and delicious (my point of comparison is Green Zebra.. Tru totally tops Green Zebra!). They gave us 3 extra dessert courses.. Mmmm. I was SO happy with their hospitality. They also gave me a copy of the menu so I will list for you here what I had: Comte Cheese Gougere - puff pastry with cheese (amuse bouche) Fennel panna cotta, bonito - I'm a sucker for savory custard.. win! Cilantro "caviar", avocado - VERY creative and yummy! Red ace, candystripe, + golden beet collage, apple, microgreens - looked nothing like anything I'd ever seen, very futuristic.. but good! Yellow corn soup, olive oil, brioche - really good corn soup, although a little salty. We sipped it out of a teacup which was a really fun way to eat soup. Glazed artichoke, parsley, parmesan - good because I like artichoke, but nothing spectacular about the flavor La ratte potato gnocchi, vegetable glaze, carrot - yum! carrot three ways, sesame, ginger - here, the carrot was presented whole, pureed, and in a foam form. everything tasted pretty good except for the foam, which tasted like soap. weird. green asparagus and morel mushroom feuillette - i actually made something similar for my boyfriend for valentine's day a few years ago, so I appreciated the combination of asparagus, puff pastry, and cream. My first time having morels--approve! A little too much asparagus for me to finish, but I think this course was supposed to be the "main course" of the collection. Overall, yummy. Strawberry consomme, rhubarb foam - very light amuse bouche. Good palate cleanser, especially if you don't have stomach room (we didn't) since it was mostly air. I liked the combo of rhubarb and strawberry in air form. =] Granny smith apple, red + white port, apple sorbet - yum! The apple sorbet was very refreshing and the combination of puff pastry and port-compressed apples was a total hit. They also gave us a few other desserts, just because. One was a chocolate custard covered with menthol whipped cream and crunchy little chocolate balls -- I love chocolate and mint so it was really good. They also gave us tiny root beer floats with house-made root beer -- super cute and also good. Lastly, we got some blueberry exploding chocolate truffles, which were reminiscent of the exploding melon ball at Alinea -- very cool. Overall, had an AMAZING time despite my initial hesitation. My advice is to skip the prix fixe and regular collection if you want to try some new and interesting cuisine (I mean, ribeye and lobster taste the same everywhere, don't they? How many times have you had golden beets in a gelatinous form with horseradish cream?) that happens to not have meat in it. Anyway, I'm obviously biased, but if you like MG, you should definitely try the road less traveled here. I had a GREAT birthday. =]
(5)Kevin W.
The evening started amazingly. We ordered the tasting menu and after some various drinks, we were presented with a beautiful amuse. I picked up the spoon of pea soup, and tried to convince myself it was good. I failed, because it wasn't good, and my date noted the same problem. Thankfully, this was the only bad moment at all during our evening. The courses were varied and interesting. The only complaint I could've possibly registered was that by the end of the evening I felt a bit like a foie gras goose. I was very happy, but those little courses add up fast. It was a fun and memorable meal, well worth making a quick jaunt to Chicago to enjoy it. I'd happily go back.
(5)Megan R.
Tru's service is impeccable, but the food leaves much to be desired. I was impressed by the choice of black and white napkins (not even Alinea offers that choice) and even more pleased by the cashmere pashmina they brought me when they noticed I was chilly. I was less impressed by the amuse bouche that was several bites, the cheese offerings that overwhelmingly tasted of dirty diaper, and the assortment of summer melon dessert that tasted of cleaning products. Since this was our first time we opted to add on the Caviar Staircase to our nine course meal. It was lovely and had the appropriate accoutrements, but $280 is a bit high for what amounts to one ounce of caviar.
(3)Graham S.
My wife and I recently took a weekend trip to Chicago. A big part of the trip was going to taste the various culinary treats that range from Al's Beef to Gino's East, Blackbird and Tru. My first impression was that there seemed to be a very up-tight vibe to the dining room that night. My wife semi-agreed, but not as much. I understand fine dining and the associated feel, but this still seemed stuffy to me. We chose the standard five-course tasting menu, which goes for $110. There was no pre-set wine pairings, which would have been a nice option, but oh well. The wine list was EXTENSIVE and very high-end. Almost so that I don't believe there was an option under $100. To me, that's just not providing options for your diners. I've been to the Napa region many times and there are quality wines to be had under $100. Whatever, it's wine and again, it's fine dining. Understandable. As for the food... overall it was great. Very refined and showed a great amount of skill in it's preperation. However, I felt that the meal lacked a true inspiration or soul. I did not feel like the chef was truly inspired by the menu or wowed me with much. Yes, it was one of the best gnocchi I have ever tasted and well executed. However, it was a gnocchi in broth. Ok... ? I mean, it was good, but thank you for the potato dumplings in broth with a parmesan twille? Have we not seen a twille for about 10 years now? Anyway, the meal had it's highlights. Specifically, the caviar with avocado puree was delightful. The main courses (Ribeye and Venison) were perfectly cooked and delicious. The pastry chef needs to be recognized nationally for his/her skill. Also, the service was absolutely impeccable and the front of the house was on-point. So, to wrap it up. If you want to taste the best version you've ever tasted of something... go to Tru. If you want to be inspired by interesting combinations and enlightened to new tecniques or styles, go elsewhere.
(4)Erin P.
I have bumped this review up to 5 stars since my experience here it has been that which I compare all other fine dining experience to.
(5)Lisa V.
Instead of dining with the riffraff downstairs.... you can rent the room upstairs for 50 of your closest friends. Our catering manager that made sure the room was arranged how we liked, coordinated the service of passed little bites of yummy food and of course all the wine glasses filled. They definitely have service with a capital S here.
(4)Lindsay S.
Basically, the best food and service my husband and I have ever had. From the first course to the dessert tray they bring around (which is complimentary - so don't feel bad for trying everything) the food was delicious. The flavors were out of the ordinary, but complimented each other perfectly. The service was second-to-none as well. The wait staff was knowledgeable and extremely friendly. The sommelier was spot on with his recommendation for both myself and my husband. If you are looking for somewhere to go for a special occasion (dinner will be an expense) this is well worth the dining investment.
(5)Ellen O.
Just returned from our trip to Chicago. Tru was very good/excellent (food was very good; service was excellent). If you're familiar with the high level of service at Eleven Madison Park, Tru's service follows the same high standard. There was nothing that our captain wouldn't and didn't do for us. We liked a number of things on the prix fixe menu. We also wanted to try some of the things on the luxury menu (foie gras and wagyu beef). We asked about the foie gras, and our captain told us it's a whole lobe usually served to a table of 4. We asked whether the chef could make us a smaller portion for an appetizer, and our captain said certainly. We also wanted to try the wagyu beef. My sister also wanted 2 appetizers. We asked whether we could have 2 appetizers from the prix fixe, an additional foie gras appetizer, and the 3 oz. wagyu beef. Again, our captain said this would be no problem for the chef. My sister started with the heirloom beets and apple salad with a trio of mousses (celery root, goat cheese, and I forgot the third). She loved everything about the dish. I started with the scallops, osetra caviar and lemongrass that was wonderful. The lemongrass worked beautifully with the scallops, and you can never go wrong with osetra caviar. My sister's second course was the green asparagus and morel mushroom feuillette. This was another winner for my sister since she loves both asparagus and morel mushrooms. My second course was the langoustine, lobster quenelles, saffron potato and bouillabaisse. This was a nice course (only one smallish langoustine). The lobster quenelles were lovely and was the bouillabaisse. Our third course was the special seared foie gras course. The portion size was generous, but my sister's portion was slightly underdone (blood in her piece). The wagyu beef was next and looked lovely. It was served with cippolini onions and shaved truffles. Unfortunately, the beef was not as tender as other wagyu beef dishes that I've had. Service was wonderful all through dinner. Bread was great too. We loved the brioche rolls. It was a bit warm in the restaurant, and we must have drunk a half dozen bottles of water. The A/C is controlled by the office building, and hopefully, now that the hot weather has settled in, the building will up the A/C. We shared a cheese course, and following the cheese, I chose the sorbets that were very refreshing. The dessert trolley was rolled over, and we were full, but chose the pate de fruits and macarons. While the food was not as amazing as I remember it from seven years ago, the service was phenomenal, and I look forward to returning to Tru on my next visit to Chicago.
(4)Lauren H.
Everyone should experience Tru at least once. I went with some friends a couple of years ago and it was incredible. It isn't dinner, it is a theatrical experience. The service is amazing, impeccably timed (every water glass was filled at the same moment, plates were placed in unison, etc). They even escorted me to the ladies room (which was beautiful). We were there 4 1/2 hours and could barely get up after! Not only do you get all the courses of the tasting menu, but they threw in a few amuse-bouches as well. The food was delicious and artfully presented. I am going to have to go back and try the new lounge menu, it sounds really good. I wish I could afford to dine at Tru more often!
(5)XO K.
Tru is one of those restaurants that goes beyond just being a place to grab some dinner. You truly DINE at Tru. Granted, it is way too expensive a place to frequent, at least for us, but if you can stand facing the check at the end of the night, it is quite an experience. We went on our anniversary and they printed our names on the menu, which was kind of cool. It's such an easy thing to do and makes the clientele feel special - very clever. We had cocktails to start and mine was a martini involving Hendrick's gin and saki and it was delicious and beautifully presented. When they brought the napkins, there was a choice of white or black, so you wouldn't get contrasting lint on your clothes, which was unnecessary for us, but a nice touch that just reminds you what a classy place you are in and is also perhaps another attempt to justify the price. I suppose it doesn't hurt. The food was amazing and my wagyu beef short rib was maybe the best piece of meat I have ever eaten in my entire life. So often, it is disappointing, after all the fuss and high prices and the food is good, even very good, but not great. The short rib there is great. I had to take off a star, though, after the waiter hesitated to bring me a Grand Marnier instead of whatever the cake or tort was that was included in our prix fixe menu. He actually said it might be a dollar or two difference in price. Here, we are spending that kind of money and he is going to be a stickler for $2. That was weak, especially after they go to the trouble to see to all the other little details and everything. They also wrote a personalized "Happy Anniversary" message on the glass plate the dessert was served on, which was a nice touch. It's crazy expensive, but if you are going to go out and spend $400 - $500+ on dinner somewhere in Chicago (that's with one of the more reasonably priced bottles of wine), I recommend it.
(4)SeaElle R.
Fancy-pants dining at its best. Men must wear jackets. You get your choice of white or black napkins - I love that! Purses get their own seat at the table. Courses are served by choreographed, synchronized waiters. Caviar is superb. Fabulous experience. For over-the-top fine dining, choose Tru.
(5)christine c.
this place was good, but service was strange. maybe i've just never been to a place this nice or something but i showed up for my 930pm reservation and still had to wait and we were the only 2 people sitting in this huge waiting room really far apart and it was really quiet, so i didn't even feel comfortable talking. anyway, service and food was really great (but that dessert truck/tray thing at the end was SUPER disappointing. i tried one of each thing on there (probably 6 or 7 things) and i didn't even want to finish any single item. also the main fish dish was absolutely tasteless. i understand that you have to use the sauce but they really should have somehow marinated that fish or something
(4)Jasmine S.
Tru is a great Chicago restaurant! It is one of those places you go for the first time, and you do not feel out of place. It is pricey, but not over the top. Go in knowing that you will spend a cool $500 for 2 easy...but that is what you should expect from a restaurant with their caliber... I recommend you go with the Sommelier Collection...their wine pairings were fantastic!!! Overall, just save your pennies, and splurge, enjoy every moment! I highly recommend Tru!
(5)Timothy W.
This will be the condensed version of my pal David W.'s review because he beat me to the punch, I will be giving my thoughful insight along with some of the random points in the night that were not yet mentioned in his Yelp. The three of us arrived and were greeted by a friendly server who promptly took our belongings to store and told us to wait in the lounge. The lounge is a narrow space adorned with a variety of modern art which leads to what looks like a fun upstairs private dining room, the kitchen or the main dining area. We were seating soon after coming into the lobby and I speak for all of us when I say we had the best table in the house. We were against a window so there was not a lot of people traffic yet we faced the whole of the dining room. A table next to us probably contained one of the better pleasantries of the night aka 2 latin PYTs and I'd give all of my 4 stars to them even if the food was terrible - which it was quite the opposite. We all did beer pairings with our pre fixe 3 course meals and enjoyed great conversation all around. Our waiter was friendly and impressively knowledgable about the cuisine and drinks, I mistook him for the manager at first. Now onto some of the small details that made this an exceptional experience. The staff, to me, went above and beyond. Our waiter was impressive. Whenever I left to use the restroom (we were there for 3.5 hours) a new, neatly folded and nicely starched napkin was left on the table - every time. When my main course was served, the waiter plated the venison for me after taking it out of a choco crust on a tray, tableside, and as he handed me my dish both of my friends were handed theirs at the same time by waiters who came out of nowhere. After we finished our deserts there were more waitstaff who brought us complimentary chocolates and other assorted sweets. This was a nice touch and we were able to try almost all of the assortment. Overall this was the nicest restaurant I've ever been to.. now I just gotta bring the girlfriend next
(4)Brendan M.
Not much to add. I will say it's the best service in town (maybe second to Ria.) They treat everyone with the same class and respect and don't really distinguish between regulars and special occasion people (we were the latter.) They do a great time with timing and pacing, you never feel rushed or interrupted. Like a lot of the high-end LEYE places you are served by a team, but they pull it off better than anyone else. Perfect for intimate gatherings where you want to enjoy the company of your guests and some of the best food in the world.
(5)Colin D.
I went to TRU with my girlfriend on her birthday last year and the experience was definitely mixed. The staff is over-the-top and, in my opinion, obnoxious. If you get up they come over, fold up your napkin, remove it, and bring you a new one with tongs. My girlfriend got a DRIP of sauce on the table and they immediately swarmed her, picked up her plate, put down a napkin, straightened it, wiped off the plate, and put it back down - all without saying a word! Jesus christ, chill out! As for the food, our main courses of lamb and beef were quite good. My scallop appetizer wasn't that impressive, I think my girlfriend had bone marrow ravioli which was great. The desserts were good, but I expected to be blown away and I definitely was not. I had a good time there but for what it cost I would not go back.
(3)Arjan B.
Although it's been about half a year since we had dinner at tru, i felt i still had to write a review on the place. this place has everything you'd expect from a great gourmet restaurant: welcoming host, impeccable waiters, beautiful interior, fantastic wine list and, not to forget, truly excellent food. So is tru just another (very) fancy restaurant? I think its better than that and here's why. The decor of the place is just astonishing with a range of beautiful contemporary pieces creating an environment that is very special. As mentioned, service is impeccable and they really make you feel welcome and comfortable - not as stuck-up as you'll find in many equally priced restaurants. At the same time your table is extremely well managed in terms of timing of the various delicious dishes and 'synchronized' pooring of the drinks ( which is quite funny). And then there is the food itself... Heavenly! Traditional french cuisine meets contemporary fusion, just mouth-watering delicious!
(5)Stephanie S.
I really wanted to love Tru after all I have heard, but my husband and I had a very disappointing experience. I had called months in advance to reserve a table for our one-year anniversary. I gave my name and AMEX number to secure the reservation, and told them it was a special celebration (i.e., 1st anniversary). I received a call a few days beforehand asking to confirm. I called back and was told that the reservation had been canceled. I told them that was impossible as I was just calling now to confirm. The man on the phone was curt and told me my husband must have called to cancel so I should check with him. I told him that I was managing this and no, there must be a mistake. He told me that was highly unlikely but if I still wanted to come he could fit us in a later seating. I was ticked, I should have canceled then, but this was something I had wanted to try for years. So I swallowed my irritation and agreed to the later seating. When we arrived at the restaurant were were asked to wait in the bar while they prepared our table. After 10 minutes, we were taken to a table right next to the wait-station - not the best seat for sure. Then we were handed menus congratulating "Michelle and Adam on their anniversary." Our names are not Michelle and Adam - it was so awkward and uncomfortable. We ordered the tasting menu with wine pairings, and the food was good but having a small group of wait staff standing kitty-corner to you talking amongst themselves put a damper on things. Not the romantic, sophisticated experience I had wished for. The cheese service was also very disappointing given the price, and I really love cheese.... We finally mustered up the courage to mention to the waiters that we were not Michelle and Adam (the waiter had called me Michelle at one point...). He apologized and then it clicked in my mind that Michelle and Adam had canceled. The waiter shared the last name of Adam with me - alphabetically adjacent to mine. They must have accidentally canceled my reservation instead of Adam's. Made me even more annoyed with the attitude I got over the phone implying I was out of touch with my husband! After paying over $600 I just wanted the night to be over. Very sad experience....
(1)Steve G.
My wife and I got married a few days ago, and wanted to celebrate with a nice dinner. Tru is about as perfect a place for this sort of thing as one could ever hope for. We walked in, and the hostess told my wife that she looked pretty. The table was pulled out for her, and they asked her if it was set at a comfortable distance. They give you an option of black or white napkin. The wait for drinks was basically zero. I'm not a wine expert by any stretch, so I asked the sommelier to suggest a glass; her suggestion was very good and relatively inexpensive. Breads offered were all very good. The Sea Salt Brioche was fabulous. Salted and unsalted butter from Vermont were placed on the table in blue and clear dishes. I really could've eaten the salted butter with a spoon. Prix Fixe. Hawaiian blue prawns in creole sauce and jalapeno oil, with grits and miniature buttermilk biscuit was the winner of my wife's very good beet salad with granny smith apples and trio of mousses (including goat cheese mousse; I've forgotten the other two). Main courses were a terrific duck breast roulade with swiss chard, wild rice, mushroom custard, and a stuffed brussels sprout for me; braised short rib w/ unagi (eel) and miso emulsion for her. Both outstanding. I had the chocolate bar and wattleseed ice cream with malted caramel and caramel mousse -- incredible. My wife ordered the grape sorbet w/ nutella chocolate, manchego cheese, and basil. The sorbet was phenomenal -- overwhelming flavor when put in your mouth, but somehow didn't overpower the other flavors on the plate. Service was impeccable every step of the way. The servers were coordinated, and there was very little wait between courses; any wait at all was alleviated by several memorable amuse-bouche. The exploding mint truffle mentioned by the previous review was a really nice and exciting way to end the meal. As we walked out, the host handed us two rhubarb muffins "for your coffee tomorrow morning." Felt 100 percent justified in spending the $350. A great special-occasion restaurant.
(5)Stacey B.
I really, really love food and truly appreciate the art of creating a wonderful meal and am more than happy to pay for the experience, so I was very much looking forward to a memorable dining experience at Tru. The host and wait staff were awesome and definitely elevated the overall experience which results in a higher rating. Unfortunately the food part was a bit disappointing. Wine sommelier = 5 stars; she was awesome-listened to our preferences and made the right on recommendation. Caviar=2 stars; California caviar didn't possess nearly the expected quality. 3/4 of it tasted "off" (overly fishy). I know this is vague, but while I've had very, very good caviar, I'm definitely not a caviar pro so this is the best descriptor I can come up with. I opted to not say anything because I figured the kitchen/chef should have previously ensured its quality before sending it out to our table so I was erring on the side of my possibly being mistaken by its poor quality. Duck Consomme-2 stars; wow, so looking forward to confit+foie gras ravioli+fragrant julienne...really reminded me of an okay beef based broth and not much more. Grilled Rabbit Loin-2 stars; flavors on the plate were all over the place. No focus whatsoever and there wasn't a flavor progression either. The plate looked pretty but chaotic and the flavors were rather bland. (Friend had the heirloom beet salad and loup de mer - liked both but nothing memorable.) I've had "top 5" dining experiences in my life and was certain this would be one of them - boy, was I wrong! One of my "top 5" experiences was at a Chicago restaurant - Charlie Trotters about 11 years ago. Perhaps the new generation of Chicago chefs could learn a thing or two from an "old" Master??? (Sorry to see Trotters go) As I mentioned, I'm more than happy to pay for an elevated dining experience, but unfortunately our Tru experience definitely didn't live up to my expectations or the prices and seems to be a bit overly-hyped. (BTW, the fruit roll-up like extras on the clothes line gimmick at the end of the meal are rather forgettable.)
(2)Michael P.
Tru was one of my favorite tasting menus of the year. I was sad to hear Rick Tramonto has left the restaurant and I can only hope his successor can live up to his reputation. However, with today's celebrity chef B.S., who knows how involved he was in the kitchen by the time I ate there anyway. Chef Tramonto may have already been too wrapped up with his other restaurants in the northwest suburbs and I'm giving him more credit than I should. I went to Tru with a large group and was pleasantly surprised that they let 1/2 the table order the Chef's tasting menu and the other 1/2 order the 3 course "regular" menu. This is a pretty uncommon practice in fine dining because it disrupts the timing of the meal, but Tru gets points for allowing it to happen since not everyone at a table wants to drop $300+ on a tasting menu. What surprised me even further was that those members at the table that did not get the chef's tasting menu received a couple of "freebie" courses with those of us that did do the tasting just to keep things flowing smoothly. Completely unheard of in any fine dining establishment I've ever been in. Kudos to our server for putting that together! The dining room was great at Tru, from the large open space, to the artwork on the walls (sure it's a little dated, but Tru has been around for quite a long time and it still looks great). Lighting is a LITTLE too bright for my tastes, but that's because of all the white in the room. Service is where Tru excels. As a table of 10 with 5 people doing the chef's tasting and 5 people doing the 3 course meal, each course came out exactly on time and plates were presented all at once in the perfectly timed manner that could only be described as "a well oiled machine". The servers are like a little military operation trained to be perfectly synchronized together. It's quite fun to watch. Each course was presented impeccably and explained from ingredients to preparation in detail. At the end of the meal after two pastry courses, the server brings a small cart to the table with mignardises for you to pick a few from and he didn't even bat an eye when my dessert whore ass asked for one of each of the 12 plus varieties! I'm sure I'm only 1 of 4 patrons that asks for each kind every month and there was no judgment that came with the request. Now for the food. I have no idea where the people on yelp who rate this restaurant as a 1 have been eating, but I'd like to know where your 5's are because I personally have only had a handful of tasting menus better than the one I had at Tru. The tasting was perfectly balanced in a well orchestrated progression that ended with some of the best pastries I've ever had. I wish I were independantly wealthy so that I could have added the cavier staircase, the foie gras, the wagyu beef, and/or the white truffle shavings to my tasting, but alas, I am but a simple man without a trust fund. Each course was plated perfectly on dinner ware that was a little outdated, but I didn't mind that at all. There's nothing here that compares to Alinea or Moto as far as mind blowing molecular gastronomy type courses, but the food is very modern french preparation and it's all perfectly seasoned and tastes great. One of the stand out things for me was the cheese course. The server brings a cart to the table and you can choose as many or as few cheeses as you would like to sample before pastry is served. It's a wonderful treat for anyone who appreciates good cheese in the place of pastry without having to forgo the pastry. I've been in my fair share of restaurants that force you to choose between cheese and pastry or cheese is a supplemental charge. After the cheese, there is a palette cleanser and then some of the best pastries I've ever been served. Gale Gand is a master among her peers. Only pastries at Le Bernardine, WD-50, Graham Elliott and Alinea rank better than hers that I've ever had. I LOVE dessert and to be ranked in my top 5 is a big deal to me. Tru has a dessert only tasting that you can call and ask for and I couldn't recommend it more. It's very affordable and the perfect treat after a meal in the downtown Chicago area if you don't want to spend $300+ for the entire Tru experience. As I mentioned before, the meal ends perfectly with the mignardises service. Tiny bite sized treats that are perfectly decadent and flavorful to end a perfect meal, a sure 5 out of 5 rating. Are there cheaper tasting menus to be had n the city of Chicago? Sure, but there's also some that are much more expensive as well. For all the people that have rated Tru poorly for value, you probably didn't have the money to spend on the meal in the first place. I've eaten over 100 tasting menus at restaurants all over the world, Tru isn't over priced for what you receive. You aren't supposed to walk out of the restaurant feeling as though you just finished Thanksgiving dinner. I feel as though there is a pretty good value for what you pay and what you eat at Tru.
(5)sarah l.
Wow! It's been a few years since I've been here, but had to write a review. My husband and I get together w/ another couple twice a year, and experience an "upscale" restaurant. We've been to Charlie Trotters (just awful!), Everest (very good), etc. By far...Tru is the best. From service, to the clean , crisp decor, to the bathrooms...everything is fantastic! The food, in my opinion, is superb! Definately a special occasion place, but if you have the opportunity, you should experience Tru.
(5)A R.
Was treated to an awesome dinner here. Had a lamb dish IIRC. The dessert was great. The cheese cart was full of baller cheeses I ain't even ever heard of before. Toured the kitchen like a boss. The room itself was kind of plain and felt like it was a sectioned off portion of a hotel ballroom, but it was still nice. Service was precise and almost military-like. A great place to eat, though I wouldn't recommend it if you're looking for something intimate. The room just doesn't have that vibe.
(5)Jennifer S.
I have eaten at a lot of AMAZING restaurants all over the world, but this is by far one of the best if not the best I have ever eaten at. The service was also one of the best I have ever had. I would eat here every night (if I could afford it). Definitely a must if in Chicago.
(5)Jeff K.
I think this is one of the great dining experiences in this country. We have been to several excellent restaurants, and this rates above all of them in our estimation. This was our second time at Tru, and the wait staff (I don't know what to call them really; they are true professional servers with vast knowledge of the food) remembered us from our previous time there. The service is beyond excellent; nothing is left to chance. On this night, the food was as exceptional as the first time. The fusion of flavors, the mousse with the halibut, the foie gras, the caviar with avocado, it was all very good and like nothing we had tasted before. The sommelier was very helpful and talked to us about various wines to drink with our dinner. We chose a French Chablis and it was the perfect accompaniment. Tru is very pricey; there is no getting around that. But for that one dinner per year where you really want to splurge and enjoy yourself with no looking back, this is an exceptional choice.
(5)Jim W.
I haven't been to many top-notch dining establishments, but this was definitely an experience. I'd say the service is superb - came here for a surprise birthday and while the staff ruined my not-so-complete surprise by wishing the birthday girl "Happy Birthday" I thought it was very cool that all our servers were aware of it and greeted her that way. The menu was customized to include the birthday girl's name...later on, there was the tiniest piece of cake I've ever seen, but it was all done very tastefully and artistically. They also saved a copy of the menu with her name on it and included the menu of what we ate along with it as a parting gift. The decor at Tru was very cool, seemed like an art gallery, me being my simple self was in awe at some weird neon light fixture which had an amazing depth to it. I also really liked, what appeared to be a painting of shadows of Tinkerbells. I was a bit surprised that the dining population did not include many old dudes with young knockouts, but maybe it was an off night =p Did notice that over half of the clientele were bald/balding. The food itself I had mixed thoughts on - had the Market 6 course tasting. The main courses were both very good, particularly the squab. Other dishes were very interesting and culinary creations, but not so dear to my palette. There were so many items I documented with pictures but I can't recall them all. The candy cart at the end on the pushcart was quite fun. Oddly enough, I came away quite satisfied and not hungry as I would have thought about a tasting menu going in. Again though, I thought the service was fantastic, did not experience the pompousness expressed by some yelpers - in fact, did not really get any weird treatment at all, which I might have expected since both my companion and I look like young kids. Thoroughly enjoyed the evening.
(5)Robert F.
Ever wonder what an Iron Chef judge feels like? If you're a foodie, and you can afford it, then you should visit Tru and find out. One thing you'll get, that the poor Iron Chef judges won't, is a spectacular atmosphere. No kitchen stadium here. Pure white and black everything. Live pianist, impeccably dressed waitstaff, and all the convention and protocol of fine dining, including escorts to the washrooms. And speaking of service, when you walk through the door, you can actually feel the ground shift as the world starts to revolve around you. But lets talk about food. Tru's $125 prix fixe offers a wide variety of spectacularly displayed food experiences you can write home about (I'd recommend the beef cheek ravioli). You pick an appetizer, entre, and a cheeze or desert course. Between each course a mini-course is offered as well. Though it doesn't look like much, you will leave feeling sated. Delivers exceptional atmosphere? Tru Delivers exceptional food experience? Tru Delivers exceptional service? Tru Delivers? Unfortunately, there's no take out or delivery. :(
(5)Yan G.
A thoroughly disappointing dining experience throughout. The service was immaculately orchestrated and beyond reproach in its timing and willingness to accommodate, but it could not pull this off without making us painfully aware of itself as such. All gestures were grandiose and the atmosphere became overbearing because the staff was so conspicuous in all its activities. Descriptions of dishes were given with the gravity of a military report and yet, still left us wondering about the exact preparation and ingredients used for each dish. Worst of all, we were constantly made aware of the corporate nature of TRU and this slick feeling of propriety and normalcy permeated every activity. Smiling, socializing, or any other deviation from the staff's beautifully choreographed routine is not permitted. But all this would have been gladly forgiven if the food would have been commensurate with our expectations (not to mention the prices). Long story short, it did not. Far and away the best part of our dinner was the wine, a hauntingly beautiful 2003 Grace Family cab that my friend picked out from the vast, well-chosen, reasonably priced, and overwhelmingly Francocentric wine list. We ordered the Market menu; a brief rundown of our courses follows: Amuse Bouche Thin slice of pear layered with a touch of olive oil and a shaving of aged Parmesan. Quite unspectacular, although the serving was very whimsical - the ingredients were layered in an oversized silver spoon (insert joke of choice here). The pear was under-ripe and unseasoned. Neither the ingredients nor the preparation were up to par. Sashimi Knife skills were flawless but once again, the ingredients were pedestrian at best. The fish was incredibly fresh but poorly sourced. The flounder had a pleasant mouth feel and an alluring richness but the tuna and yellowtail were lean and flavorless. The tuna especially felt like a blank canvass for the duo of sauces, both of which thoroughly overpowered the fish. The Uni sauce itself was quite pleasant but it had nothing on the authenticity and complexity of the Uni sauce we had in Mirai the next night. Oyster and Uni Tempura A definite upturn. The oyster was pristine and this was the only execution of Uni tempura I have ever had that really worked. The sorrel puree at the bottom was also very fresh and flavorful. Good. Rabbit Consomm The broth was deliciously complex and concentrated, if a bit overly salted. The rabbit torchon, however, was completely bland, as if the over-salted consomm was supposed to compensate for this. The puree was quite tasty but it and the nearly flavorless lavender foam were completely extraneous. Mediocre. Ricotta Tagliolini Turning ricotta cheese into extruded noodles was a neat trick but the resulting noodle had an unpleasantly slimy texture, a lukewarm temperature, and not an ounce of flavor. It made a suitable sponge for the basil and acacia foam but this dish didn't come together well. The charred cherry tomato was exceptional. Mediocre. Whipped Salt Cod The unquestioned star of the evening. This dish was absolutely perfect in conception and execution, the whipped brandade was intoxicatingly rich and creamy and the smoked, gelatinized potato noodles added greatly to the flavor and texture of the dish. Great Hawaiian Mong Chong The fish was expertly trimmed and quite generous for a tasting menu portion but the fish was over-poached to the point of being dried out and flaky and the Thai spices overwhelmed any nuance the dish may have had. Bad. Roasted Squab The squab was severely overcooked and just not good; the elaborate presentation (the bird was cooked whole, with the breast then being removed, boned, and served) meant that the dish was barely room temperature. The accompanying faro was delicious and toothsome but was also lukewarm. The pepper sauce did an admirable job of masking the taste of the squab, however. Terrible. Selection of Cheeses Solid choices, headed by Humboldt Fog, possibly my favorite cheese. No complaints here and the accompaniments were tasty and appropriate. Good. Bittersweet Chocolate Mousse, Lime, Milk Chocolate, Thyme Gale Gand is a master of her craft and the dessert course was absolutely sensational; several layers of chocolate, each with a markedly different flavor, barely accentuated by fragrant herb and citrus. Great. Sweets from the dessert cart. Great confections from the pastry chef. Nothing as rousing as the dessert course but very good nonetheless. Good. Out of the seven savory courses, one was great, one was very good, and the rest ranged between mediocre and inedible. The meal was marked by lackluster ingredients and strongly flavored sauces and accompaniments. Surprisingly, with all the intricate machinations of the wait staff, not once were we asked if we enjoyed the food, as if a question such as this would be beneath a well-oiled machine such as TRU.
(2)lucky r.
ok Service was impeccable! It was a great dining experience. Go there for dessert only if you want, you won't regret it! I can't say enough about this place. Venison and the pork duroc are to die for. Didn't think food would stop coming...
(4)Elizabeth P.
I came here for New Years Eve '08 and overall was a tad disappointed in the whole "experience." I'd give the Thyme Infused Martini 5 stars! and that is really the only thing I'd go back for. The food was good, but it didn't blow me away. Perhaps after reading all the reviews I knew too much going in. At times I felt like I was in an episode of gossip girls. Overall, as a person that loves good food and a great dining out experience, I felt it was too much money to spend on one night for what we got, and I wasn't even the one paying.
(3)Tiffany K.
You could not pay me to go back to this place. The server was absolutely horrible. I have never experienced anything so uncomfortable and never been treated so terrible in my life. The amount of money we spent was fine, however, the food was not even that good and the server actually talked crap about us in the corner the entire meal. For that money, i should be at least told 'thank you'. Not to add drama, but it was my mother's birthday (she is a chef) and her only request was to have dinner here and she even got a hotel to come. She was disappointed and my father was insulted by the wait staff. One star is too much. Never go.
(1)Kristy H.
This is a must if you consider yourself a foodie. From the moment my hubby and I walked we knew we were in for a treat. The staff was extremely knowledgeable as well as friendly. I recommend the chef's tasting and wine pairing. Every time we visit Chicago this will be one of our first stops!!
(5)Molly D.
Our experience at Tru for New Year's was very underwhelming. While we had the pleasure of enjoying a world class meal several years ago under Rick Tramato's leadership, our most recent meal was very lackluster, especially for the close to $1000 price tag for 2 people. We did a 7 course NYE special dinner & only 1 of us participated in the wine parings. None of the courses were memorable, and there was 1 substitution that should have been a downright embarrassment. While my fellow diners enjoyed a course of lobster with truffles, I had 3 small fingerling potatoes with a couple onions....doesn't seem like a fair trade for someone with a shellfish allergy. Guess I should have just kept with the lobster & given it to my husband to enjoy. After 7 courses, I expect to be satiated, but I was still hungry and ate more bread than I ever thought would be needed to fill up. Not to mention, the courses were spread so far apart to make the time last (3.5 hours) that we were looking at our watches and even had the temptation to pull out our phones to pass the time waiting. The sommelier had decent wine pairings for the full tasting, but the recommendation for just a single glass of wine was way off. I've had a ton of excellent New Zealand Chardonnays, but the one she recommended tasted more like a bad Sauvignon Blanc...just the opposite of what I was going for. She didn't even come back to check whether we enjoyed the wine, especially since it took 4 courses get finally get it down. Had much better luck selecting my own bottle later in the meal, and it actually complimented the courses we were eating. The other thing that was odd was that when the sommelier poured the wines, she only gave 1/2 to 2/3 of a pour that a sommelier in any other restaurant would pour for a tasting. In fact, a couple times, the other servers poured the wine, and we were hoping to not see the sommelier again since she didn't add any value or information on what we were drinking. All in all, we did enjoy the atmosphere, the company of our friends, and the main waiter was a pretty nice guy, but my former love of Tru was ruined by an extremely overpriced NYE dinner that left a lot to be desired. For a better value, service, food quality, and wine selection, I would definitely stick with Girl & the Goat, Longman & Eagle, or (my current favorite) Alinea.
(2)Char Y.
We went for my birthday and chose the grand collection. I thought the restaurant atmosphere was very serious and quiet. It almost felt like I was in church, and my every move was being watched by many servers/management/misc people walking around. The restaurant employee to customer ratio was almost 1:1. It was almost uncomfortable to eat while being watched by so many eyes. The service was excellent, the food was excellent (but small), and the dessert was plentiful and good. It is an experience to remember, but I wouldn't go back.
(3)Suzy C.
This place costs an arm and a leg, but was it worth it? Yes, but for a once in a lifetime sort of thing. Even if I had tons of money, I wouldn't necessarily keep coming back to this place because I wasn't that impressed with the food. Presentation was amazing, obviously, but I felt that a lot of dishes were lacking in bold flavors. The service is what you are really paying for, in my opinion. There is no experience like it and it was definitely worth a try to have come here and experienced it first hand. I had the Chef's course and was unimpressed with most of the flavors. The desserts, however were a different story. WOW, the most amazing desserts I have ever had. Big applause to Gale Gand for her amazing and delicious creations. I am glad to have been here at least once, the experience itself was really amazing and stays with me to this day. I really can't describe it, you have to be there to experience the whole thing. Food itself was a disappointment and I personally think it's ridiculous that anyone would drop two to three hundred dollars for one meal, but if it's a special occasion and something you'll do just few times in your lifetime, I say go with Tru and enjoy yourself!
(4)Julie C.
I visited Tru about 2 years ago with a friend of mine who was in from out of town. We are both young, he had just started his first job after law school and I was doing pretty well in my previous job, so we thought, let's get dressed up and go have a "fancy pants" dinner. Well, this was just beyond a "fancy" dinner. This was my first foray into "fine" dining, and so needless to say I was impressed if not a bit overwhelmed. The service was impeccable, I got a kick out of the "synchronized water pour". We had one of their less expensive bottles of wine, and decided to go for the gold with the 9 course Chef's Market Collection. The only thing I didn't like the entire evening was the amuse bouche. I'm not sure what was in it, but it wasn't good. I even liked the crab cake, and I don't usually like crab cakes. The halibut dish I had was the most amazing thing I've ever eaten, I still think about it to this day. The squab with strawberries came in a close second. I sadly tried to replicate it with chicken and a strawberry sauce at home, and it was disgusting. Now, the best part about this meal was I never felt full until it was time to go. And then I felt like absolute crap. But the good kind of "I just had an amazing meal and I will now sleep for 12 hours" kind of crap. Our bill was around $400 before tip, but it was completely and utterly worth it.
(5)Kristen C.
So I'll first say that we were probably the cheapest customers in there. We were all about the cheapest wine and the prix fixe menu. Hey, it wasn't a business dinner, sadly. Despite that, we were given the same top-notch service as the high rollers. This is they way it should always be, but heck, sometimes it's just not. The food was just delicious - you get a lot of extras...the spoonful of soup, the candies at the end of the meal... Everything is simply top of the line, as it should be at a restaurant of this caliber. As I said, we were the cheapest customers, and our bill came to over a hundred bucks a person (pre-tip). But it was worth every penny.
(5)Drew B.
This was certainly one of the best meals I've ever eaten. We went on a Monday night, so can't speak for weekends there, but when we arrived the host and doorman both met us at the entrance, and we were immediately seated. I was very happy with the ambiance. I tend to feel a little ripped off when I go to a "fancy" restaurant and face a dining area packed like a can of sardines. The dining area was roomy, just elegant enough, contemporary, and understated. I would venture to say that there was about 10' between us and the next closest table. I only know ever so vaguely what I like in a wine, and was a bit overwhelmed by their extensive wine list, but the wine steward was immensely helpful in finding wines that we both loved. I believe that we ordered an 8-course meal. Each of the courses was inventive (hedgehog mousse? pop rocks in Champagne?), and used obviously fresh and top-quality ingredients. Without question, the scallops that I had were the best of my life. In addition to the courses listed on the menu, our waiters brought out at least an additional half dozen dishes in between (all in all, I believe we managed 4 or 5 dessert courses alone). I would certainly go back very regularly if I could afford it. The bill for two came out to be about $375 after a few glasses of wine each. All in all, the meal was well worth the price, and if you can find the occasion to splurge on a meal, I highly recommend Tru.
(5)Ricky B.
Id probaly more likely go with a 3 and 1/2 stars. The food was good, but not amazing. Its been about a month since ive been there so I cant remember everything. It was definetly worth it for the experience. Our water was very friendly and helpful, while I have been to alot of nice resteraunts, I had never been to one of this caliber. The waiter could tell of that for sure, but he was really cool about it. I wasnt to fond of sitting there for about 4 hours, but I knew what I was getting myself into beforehand, so I cant really complain about that. All in all, I would definetly check it out if you can afford it just once, but after being there I probably wont go back.
(4)Diana S.
Tru was one of my first real fine dining experiences. I had heard so much about it and I was also pretty obsessed with Gale Gand. She use to have this show called "Sweet Dreams" on the Food Network. Well I had the three course menu and it was very inventive and delicious.The portions were a bit on the small side, but I think that is to be expected. The service was a bit too attentive for me. When I needed to go to the restroom, a waiter would completely remove the table so that I could get up. I thought that was a little dramatic. Also, the lighting was really really bright. A nice little touch is that they have a few sample courses that they give you in between the courses you choose. These are on the house. They also give you a little treat bag to take home. Overall, it was a great experience, but I think I liked Gary Danko in San Francisco better. It was more comfortable for me.
(4)Eric M.
I ate at Tru a few months ago, but Yelp was acting really flaky and ate 2 of my previous attempts to review, so let's hope a) Yelp is fixing their technical issues and b) this review gets posted and not minced up by their web servers. The service was quite nice and the pacing was perfect. The only thing I might mention as being not quite what I expected was when I asked the guy with the cheese cart about a lapel pin he was wearing, I expected something along the lines of a two sentence answer, but got about a five minute description on how certification for sommeliers works. It was interesting, but I really just wanted the two sentence answer and to go back to eating my cheeses. Food-wise, I enjoyed all the dishes. They bought out a little Comte cheese gougene, which was nice but not too exciting. This was followed by a fennel panna cotta with bonito, which I really liked a lot. Next was white sturgeon "caviar," avocado puree and hazelnut. I'd recently gotten tools to do food "spherification," so it was cool to see a good restaurant to it for comparison to my own efforts. The linear foie gras with blackberry ice wine vinegar and caramelized popcorn wasn't really to my taste. I feel like vinegar is a little too pungent to really be appropriate for foie gras, but it was an interesting experiment nonetheless. An heirloom tomato "salad" with white tomato mousse followed. I put salad in quotes because it was really more like a soup or almost even a granita it was so chilled. I love gazpacho, though, so I loved this dish. Next, the braised Duroc pork belly with illuminated vegetables was delicious. The fresh farm ricotta and corn agnolotti with summer truffle consomme had a lot of flavor and was quite luxurious. As a fish course, the Alaskan halibut with gingered young carrot was one of the most perfectly cooked pieces of fish I've ever had. It was so spot on. The "main course," if there can be such a thing among so many courses, was a glazed veal ribeye with spring garlic, asparagus, and wild mushroom. It was quite nice, with really great umami flavors. They offered a nice selection of cow, goat and sheep's milk cheeses, followed by a strawberry consomme with rhubarb foam. My dish only had the rhubarb foam, but it was still nice. The final actual course was a Grand Marnier poached peach with honey and vanilla ice cream. This was expertly prepared, if bordering on boring because everything was just kind of soft, sweet goodness. Finally, they offer an array of mignardises as a final bit of sweetness. I would go back to Tru. It does require a jacket, however it doesn't come across as overly stuffy or pretentious. The food is expertly executed and I think any dislike I had with food items simply boiled down to my personal taste and not any misstep on the part of the chefs. The evening overall went really well from the moment we stepped inside, to the moment they handed us a little cornbread/jam muffin for the next morning as we left.
(5)Marcel M.
You have to go at least once. If you are going to Chili's for your wedding anniversary, suggest this place instead. It is a long experience, but you leave stuffed! p.s. opt for the cheese.
(5)Corinne M.
I went to Tru for a work dinner and the food and experience was definitely very creative and exceptional. We got the chance to take a tour of the kitchen, which was really interesting. Apparently, the chef designed the kitchen and used polished granite slabs from the building that preceded Tru as counter tops. The food was very well thought out and created as every dish had several tastes that complemented each other really well. We had Halibut and Smoked Tenderloin. I really loved the Halibut and I'm not really that big on fish. After the dinner and formal dessert, they brought out little candies, including hand made tiny lollipops. At first I thought that wasn't very exciting. But they were so cute, I gave them a try. They were banana and Anise seed and actually changed the taste of the after dinner wine. I thought that was really clever. I really appreciated being taken here, not only because it was a nice experience, but I probably won't be able to spend that much on a dinner myself.
(5)Rander P.
This is sad, I ate here about six months ago and cannot remember a thing; nothing great, nothing was terribly bad. Tru will just fall into the land of unmemorable meals and I really do not see a reason to go back. I was really hoping to have an experience like at Masa's in SF or the French Laundry, which were both great meals. The only real thing I remember are the two pastries that were given to me on the way out the door :(
(3)BIREN P.
Impeccable service, just over the top. Food was good but have had better at trotters. Great one time event experience. Probably will not return.
(3)Carson H.
Dear Tru, Thank you for being so kind and giving my purse it's own little purse chair. I love the caviar on glass staircases, the flourish with which your waiters pour the water in unison. I love the art and the cheese cart. I will keep coming back, and hopefully on someone's expense account. xoxox
(5)Michael C.
Tenth anniversary dinner here was probably one our best ever. Totally great
(5)Laura F.
Wonderful dinner! After reading Linday's review I was concerned when my husband surprised me with dinner at Tru. We arrived at 7:30pm on a Wednesday night, and the restaurant was half empty, which was also disconcerting. But once the food began arriving we were happy as could be. We loved every course, including the short ribs Lindsay panned. We chose the 7 course dinner, and the scallops were delicate and divine, the chilled carrot soup with mascarpone and cardamom was delicious, the sunchoke and arctic char dish made me want more, and they served wonderful little slices of brioche with the soup, and mini croissants with the sunchoke dish. I'm not a fan of salmon, so they graciously brought me a divine halibut with fennel in a delectable broth instead. And as mentioned above, the beef 2 ways was fun, especially with the wasabi potato puree (in fact the short rib portion was so generous my husband had to eat half of mine.) The pistachio dessert was inventive, and the apricots in it were the best part. My husband enjoyed the mint pea and strawberry dessert (who knew they worked for dessert??) and since I don't care for mint, they brought me the chocolate dessert that was wonderful. And then come the extras. An assortment of bonbons to choose from. And a surprise chocolate truffle at the end. Service was superb. Presentation was lovely. The ambience could use a little pop on the tables, but that's just a trifle when the dining experience is so much fun and pleasure.
(5)Peter M.
I do have a culinary background so I can be a little biased...but the best dining experience I have had - EVER!!! The food was exquisite, but I was MORE blown-away by the service. The service was perfectly executed!!! Each course was like a work of art-perfectly blended with aroma, texture, taste, and presentation. Of course, with this type of food expertise and service, it all comes with a price...and it wasn't cheap. But it was well worth it. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS PLACE!
(5)Tish N.
I love Tru because it was my first experience with french food. The staff was very understanding and helpful and I really appreciated that.
(4)bettina c.
I'm giving this review 4 stars but with with a major contingency. I would give it 5 stars if I could only rate the desserts, but I can't. My review is going to be kept simple. Skip the meal, go strait for dessert. 4 of us went to dinner & none of us were impressed with the meal. Across the board, it lacked originality & flavor that you expect as a restaurant such as this. However, when it came time for the dessert, it was a completely different story. Delicious, inventive & beautifully presented. I do believe that you can make reservations for dessert only...you'll have to double check.
(4)Sarah S.
We came here for my dad's birthday dinner on 9/4 and I can definitely say that this was the most incredible meal I've ever had. The service was impeccable and they manage to create an atmosphere where you can have a fine dining experience while still feeling very comfortable and not at all uptight or pretentions, as fine dining restaurants sometimes can feel. Make sure you opt for a cheese course - it was one of the highlights of our meal. I loved the little pound cake they send you home with!
(5)Derek E.
Early in our meal our attendant asked us where else (in Chicago) we had been. We told him where we had been, what we liked, what we didn't, etc, etc... Of course he asked us what had been our favorite up to that point and we told him Charlie Trotter's. He made the expected comment hoping to change that. I have to say they didn't start strong. But to be fair, they didn't start weak, it's just that we had seen most of their early tricks: Cucumber Mint Juice - seemed like almost every restaurant in Chicago was doing this one; Vermont butter with lots 'O fat - both my wife and I thought immediately of the French Laundry; Sweet Potato Sorbet as an Amuse - reminded me of the Salmon cone at the French Laundry because of the way it was served; Watermelon w/ Balsamic and The Caviar Staircase - I own the Amuse Bouche book that Tramonto wrote, so these were not a surprise; Fighting Fish Bowl - again expected because I'm an information whore and I had scoured the net for pics and reviews before we went. Don't get me wrong, those were great, the Caviar Staircase in particular. I just wasn't wowed, so it wasn't pushing through that barrier to be crowned the Best of Chicago in our minds. That was until... I'm not sure if it was the Souffles or the Homemade Rootbeer Float - which ever one I tried first - the other was just confirmation of that decision. It's hard to describe just how good their desserts are and how deserving Gale Gand is of the praise she receives. I was disappointed that the Bread Pudding wasn't a little more dense and custardy-french-toast like, which is what I'm used to, but everything else was pretty amazing. The cart of Petit Fours and Chocolate just pushed everything else to an almost bliss state. We just couldn't stop smiling. Other highlights of the meal include the Espresso-Roasted Quail, Watermelon-Mint Shooters, the Cheese Cart and the Caviar Staircase which I mentioned before (especially the Wasabi infused Tobiko). What's really neat is the fact that they have about 140 dishes in their arsenal, so you could easily go back several times and never have the same dish twice. Maybe even coming up with your own ultimate menu after you've been there a dozen times! Read the whole review at Gastronomic Fight Club: gastronomicfightclub.com…
(5)Brandi S.
Tru is modern elegance personified. High ceilings, great art, inventive cuisine and an impeccable wine list all add to the experience that is Tru. The Sashimi appetizer was a table favorite, as were the scallops with avocado dumplings and the cheese selection---brought to your table on a cart and presented and explained by the resident cheese expert (though we thought at $20 a person the three cheese selection was over priced). With two sommeliers on the floor, all wine quandaries are easily answered and attended to. Overall, we can't say enough good things about the dining experience we had at Tru. The crowd was also surprisingly eclectic ranging from museum/artist types to captains of industry to stylish urbanites. **Diners that catch a chill at Tru are offered a Pashmina in the color of their choice out of a box that one might mistake for a cigar box. Pashminas are returned at the end of the meal.
(5)Joe S.
TRU.....an experience it was. Food was great, no arguments there. Service was interesting if a bit annoying. Following me to the bathroom was a bit odd and then sneaking up on me when I got back to slide my chair in was a bit much. The wine list was absolutely amazing and we took full advantage of it. The only reason I am giving this 3 stars is b/c I almost feel as if TRU is trying to hard. It was almost clinical and the patrons were on pins and needles b/c the atmosphere was so cold. It was like nobody wanted to make a mistake or something and everyone was on their tiptoes. Just a wierd vibe. For those wondering about price, We had 4 people, a drink before, a bottle of wine, and dessert and it was $1000, so prepare to spend some moola.
(3)Dave H.
Same review as all the other positive ones. If you're going to drop 6 bills on dinner, this is the place to do it and not regret a single dime (or $200 bottle of wine). I love that on your way out, they give you coffee cake for the morning after. I halfway expected our waiter to show up with a cup of coffee at 8 a.m. the next day. One thing, though, Chicago men: this is formal dining. "Jacket required" generally also means "don't wear a polo shirt under your blue polyester jacket." Put on a tie, dudes. Sheesh.
(5)Rupert V.
Tru-ly amazing. Food: out of this world. We had a regular and a vegetarian menu so that we could have variety (why is it that these places' tasting menus are usually the same?) , and left sated and stuffed. What truly dazzled me about this experience though was the service. Everything was done "in tandem". Two waiters attended to everything. Each of our water glasses were refilled at the same time. Each of our courses were placed in front of us at the same time. Each of our drinks were placed in front of us at the same time. Etcetera. We felt like royalty. Don't get me wrong, they charge royal prices but if you are up for a splurge, in my book it's worth it.
(5)Simon M.
Fantastic meal!
(5)Deborah L.
When in a major city for a work obligation...make it count! That is just what I did in going to TRU. I enjoyed the Grand Collection, which was superb! My favorites were the farm ricotta and corn agnolotti with burgundy truffle consomme and the glazed veal ribeye with spring garlic, asparagus and wild mushrooms. I allowed the sommelier to pair my courses. The Knoll Riesling was incredible. I am very pleased that I added the cheese course, which was perfect. I enjoyed watching the impeccable simultaneous service for parties larger than just one...which I was...just one. As a lone diner it would have been lovely if the staff had of broken character a bit and been more personable, but they were efficient and friendly...to a point. I felt comfortable enough to have enjoyed myself immensely. It was a fantastic indulgence and I feel grateful that this is not my usual dining experience....I appreciated it all the more for that. One last thought...as a lone diner in a large city...seeing a familiar wine on the list is like seeing an old friend and suddenly one doesn't feel so alone after all...
(5)Allie B.
Tru was a wonderful experience. Beautiful space, elegant wait staff. Love the napkin choice - I hate using a white napkin when wearing black slacks. Also thought it was very interesting that they offer a tiny little table for your purse! Nice touches. We opted for the Spring tasting menu. 8 or 9 courses and added a course of sunchoke at the beginning. The sommelier was very knowledgable, but informed us that he was having a difficult time with the chef's selections and the prevelance of spring vegetables (asparagus, artichoke, sunchoke) that are notoriously difficult to pair. Awesome, thanks for letting us know that the wine might not work?? We're paying an arm and a leg for dinner, the least you can do is lie to me and tell me it's all going to be fabulous. Dinner progression was nice, albeit almost entirely protein-free. A dish that had mentioned lamb was actually a lamb broth. A dish that mentioned a cheese was actually a cheese foam. I was having one of those "where's the bread guy" moments - not just b/c I wasn't filling up, but b/c it's hard to drink 8 glasses of wine on an empty stomach and still maintain the kind of decorum required for an evening at Tru. Dessert and cheese were my favorite parts. Although it was probably not the case, I did pretend that Gayle Gand was making the dessert personally for me. All in all - a beautiful evening, but I would definitely recommend Nomades or Alinea over Tru if you're looking to spend that type of money.
(4)Sony L.
I've been to some amazing restaurants from world-renowned chefs, and was excited to add Tru to my list. I was expecting a lot more, considering the hundreds of dollars dropped on this dinner. I will say that the service was impeccable and the dining experience deserves more than 5 stars. However, the food itself deserves a 2 at best. My husband and I each had the Chefs Collection because we wanted to try everything. Not much seasoning, not very flavorful. Suffice it to say that when you are served rabbit, wagyu beef, halibut and veal and your favorite thing of the night are the the two sauteed mushrooms on your final plate, the food was a disappointment for the price.
(3)Adam L.
Best dining experience of my life. My fiancée and I dined there an hour after I proposed. We had the chef's tasting menu with wine-pairings. For four hours we were nothing but impressed. The wait-staff was so kind. It was just fun to watch them operate. Everyone's movements seemed choreographed. The food was absolutely amazing. The wine pairings were things we would never have tried but certainly glad we did. My fiancée was cold at one point, so I took off my jacket to give it to her. The staff insisted I wear my jacket, and brought her a pashmina that matched her dress. Everything about this place was impressive. Long and short: we were treated like rock-stars, ate amazing food, drank amazing wine, and tell all of our friends about it. If you're celebrating something special, treat yourself to a memorable experience at Tru.
(5)Madelyn H.
went to tru for vday this year using a LEY gift certificate and had a wonderful experience. the service was great and perfectly timed. every one of the 9 courses was excellent. some were more playful than others but nothing was pretentious or unnecessary. they handled the vegetable dishes really well too. all of them really brought out the flavors of each ingredient. it was a great amount of food. everything was well executed. i really loved it and so did my vegetarian husband. i would also highly recommend the wine pairing... they choose really interesting wines that you'd never know to try on your own and all of them brought something new to each course. the strange thing is that after going there for dessert only before, i thought dessert would be my favorite part of the meal this time. but everything else was so good, that i can hardly remember what it was. favorite courses: white sturgeon "caviar" with avocado and hazelnut crackers, potato gnocchi with white veal glaze and fragile lace tuile
(5)Jo Jo B.
Yay! I'm a fan only when I'm rich for a day unfortunately. :O( When you arrive here, you notice there is not a lot going on when it comes to the decor. When you do sit down and look around you realize the bare walls are needed to present the modern art they have hung here. They have Andy Warhol, Vik Muniz, and other notable artists. Visually all the artwork is stunning. The lighting is dimmed somewhat to create a warm toasty mood. Here is the link for you to check it out and the artwork: trurestaurant.com I took my friend here for a birthday treat. I called in advance and asked if they could do anything special for his birthday and they did. When they presented the menu, in bold letters at the top they printed his name with Happy Birthday on it. Too cool. You have a choice of either a fixed meat or veggie menu or you can order off the menu from what I remember. We both decided to order the 5 course collections menu. Heck if you are there, you might as well do it right. Right? I really did not know what to expect, because after all, this is a Lettuce Entertain You restaurant. I am anti chain with restaurants, but this place has been noted as better than Charlie Trotters, so I had to check it out. Wow! Is all I can say about their food. I really enjoyed the fact their portion sizes were not huge. Throughout the five courses, they really did allow us to pace ourselves. Sometimes the food came out in little gift boxes where you had to open them up to eat them. (This was a dream come true for me. Dinner in gift boxes. Brill!) Of course everyone loves the caviar staircase. (Custom made for Tru I might add) My friend said it was the best tasting caviar he has ever had. All my veggie dishes were seasoned to perfection. I could tell they used the freshest ingredients here. Earth flavours were notable in every bite. The whole experience took about 4 hours. Now that seems a long time, but, when you are spending this amount of money, you really do want to savour the moment. At the end of it all, we both said we felt 'just right' and were very content with the whole experience. The 5 courses with wine came to about $400.00. Does that seem expensive? It does for food but I have to say this was money well spent. From beginning to end it was worth ever penny. Now all I need to do is start saving to I can go again. Bah!
(4)Ash T.
This meal was amazing! My boyfriend and I opted for the prix fixe menu and decided to share everything so that we could create our own tasting menu. To start we had the swashimi and the scallops. Sashimi was wonderful, however the scallop dish really stood out. The broccoli and peanut flavors complimented the scallops very well. For the main course, I wanted to try the lobster, however they were out. I expressed my disappointment to the server as I had been looking forward to the lobster all day. To make up for my disappointment, they brought both of us a lobster bisque with huge chunks of lobster. This was a nice touch and tasted great as well. We also had the ribeye and the halibut. The ribeye was delish and cooked to perfection. The puffed potatoes that came with this were yummy and tasted like little potato donuts. The halibut was the standout of the main courses though, very tasty sauce and the leeks tasted awesome with the fish! Amongst our courses, several amuse-bouche came out and I can't remember what they were, but all were little bursts of flavors! Bread they served was also awesome. For dessert, we choose from the cheese cart, and split a chocolate bar. They also brought out a little chocolate treat with candles, as we were celebrating our anniversary. Overall, a ridiculous amount of food, I have never been that full...and everything was right on. Service was good, but the food is what really stood out. Very expensive meal, but very worth it as it was an experience I will remember forever.
(5)Dan H.
There's a good reason why Tru consistently rates as one of the top restaurants in Chicago and has for years. My wife and I ate here for our first anniversary. And the experience was amazing, even if a little bit jarring (we had spent the summer working in underserved communities but were given a large gift certificate for Tru... so decided to go). Food: The subtlety of the flavors was wonderful. We went with a tasting, which started with an octopus carpaccio. Understandably, for my Midwestern wife, this was a bit unusual. But she ate and enjoyed it. The caviar staircase offered some very tasty experiences. And the food overall was just top notch - as were the desert options from the desert cart they bring around. Their presentation was dramatic yet elegant and simple. I think you can see that from the pictures that have been uploaded here. We were very impressed with the colors used in each dish. Service: Probably the thing that stands out even more than the food was the service. We were treated like royalty... even to the point of it being a little disconcerting. We had brought a camera... and they had a special pillow for cameras. When my wife told me she had to use the restroom and she had looked up and put her napkin down, the waiter was right there and pulled the table out for her and told her where to go. (Creepy? Maybe. But amazingly attentive). Ambiance: The dining environment wad unexpectedly bright. Coming into the entrance, it was dark and dim. But once into the dining area, the room was bright, with lots of glass or crystal. It felt clean and light. Perhaps that is part of the experience... stepping into a bright area after entering though a darker lobby. Summary: Overall we had an amazing experience here. It is out of our natural price range. But because of the gift we received to come here, we were able to enjoy it thoroughly. If we had expendable income, we would go back, no question.
(5)Missy M.
I wish I could give this more stars... TRU was one of the most magical nights of my entire life! A true foodie experience. It was food art. Every motion of the staff was like a choreographed dance. I just can't say enough great things about this restaurant! My BF and I had the 9-course chef tasting... which turned into 13 courses after all the little extras they throw in. Our waiter even hailed us a cab after our 4-hour dinner. Just when you think it can't get any better (because the food is beyond "so delicious"), they hand you a little muffin to enjoy with your coffee or tea for the morning after. If only I had a money tree, because I could do that once a month if my finances allowed it.... One day I'll be back!
(5)Monika M.
We sat at the kitchen table. This itself was an experience of a lifetime. Not only did we have our own private table from which we could overlook the kitchen, but we had the most amazing service I've ever experienced. It felt that everyone was basically told to take care of us no matter what. In fact, at a couple of points even the sommelier poured our water for us. On that note, Chad, the sommelier, was fabulous. He did a really great job helping me, a Napa oaked rich wine loving girl, find a lighter wine to better go with the food. Very impressed. And, there were even some affordable bottles of wine on the list. They ranged from $45 to 6,000 (no typos), and the decent selection of wines by the glass allowed me to try more while not spending way too much. The food was pretty good. The only bad thing about the kitchen table is that you don't choose your menu. This means we were exposed to things we probably never would have tried on our own. This is good and bad. I thought the food was just okay (BEAUTIFUL, but not always my taste), but I really enjoyed trying everything and I absolutely feel that I would think it was better had I ordered my own choices. Toward the end of our evening, I needed to use the restroom. When I asked where it was, a server actually took me there and waited until I came out to escort me back. Incredible. We also then received a full kitchen tour, and a tour of each piece of artwork in the restaurant. Very impressed. Will give it 5 stars when I stop regretting the outrageous amount we paid for food we wouldn't have chosen on our own.
(4)Elizabeth D.
tru is hands down my favorite restaurant in chicago! and perhaps top 3 out of anywhere in the world. an elegant restaurant with astoundingly delicious food. my first time at tru was almost 4 years ago for my 18th birthday & they even printed up a personalized menu for me! love love love love. cannot say it enough.
(5)Julia T.
We went to Tru for my fiance's birthday and it was a wonderful experience. The service is superb and their food is excellent. Its a great place to celebrate intimate events. Definitely on the pricey side but very well worth it!
(4)Anita P.
Excellent restaurant! We have been to Tru for dinner and for dessert. It is a great place to go for dinner, but I loved the dessert tasting. Who wouldn't want to enjoy course after course of dessert? Such innovative desserts as well as grown-up versions of childhood favorites. (Such as a miniature root beer float made from their own root beer). Lovely!
(5)Liz L.
Absolutely divine. I went here for my birthday with my family and was utterly amazed. They made us feel like royalty. This was our first fine dining experience and I had heard that upscale restaurants make newbies feel inferior, but that was not the case at all for Tru. We walked in and a group of waiters was all over us, pulling out our chairs, giving us chairs for our purses...when we went to the restroom, they would fold our table napkins and place them on the table again. Our menus were especially made for us and said Happy Birthday Liz. The food was delectable, the presentation was awe-inspiring. Everything looked beautiful and sometimes they would complete the meal in front of you. They would come out with several plates and bowls and add this and that to the main dish, it was truly a magnificent presentation. We had a three course meal, but we got several mini bite things in between that were equally delicious. I can safely say that we got our money's worth. After our meal, i received a little chocolate bar with a candle for my birthday. Then they rolled out the chocolate cart with about 20 delicacies. I had read reviews about this, but some reviews said it was complimentary some didn't. So I only chose one. Let me tell you, the dessert cart is COMPLIMENTARY so dig in! When you walk out they give you little lemon cakes, also complimentary. Seriously, don't be afraid of fine dining. TRU, at least, is not snobby in the least, even though it's obvious that you don't normally engage in fine dining. Plus, they definitely give you your money's worth both food wise and atmosphere wise. It was an amazing experience and I will be returning for my next special occasion.
(5)Kristin C.
Honestly, I don't even think this place needs a review. Five star food. Five star service. You just have to go there to see how amazing it is. Just grab someone special, your wallet and get ready for incredible dining experience.
(5)Lisa L.
While the experience of eating at TRU is spectacular, the food is really not. After living in the culinary mecca that is San Francisco, eating a meal at TRU only disappointed me, especially since the prices were similar to eating at for instance, my favorite Gary Danko. Luckily, I didn't have to pay for my meal, otherwise I would have been really upset. My main issue with the food was: why were there foam on everything, even the chocolate cake?
(3)meenah c.
Service was spotless. We got the 3 course meal + dessert tasting. The food presentation was so beautiful I didn't want to eat it. The dessert was the thing that tipped me off. I expected so much more than what I got. I always had a sweet tooth--I almost always finish dessert. This was an exception. I couldn't finish 2 out of the 3 plates. It just tasted so...strange. I remember one of the plate having custard and ice cream. The Ice cream taste like rust!! When I asked the waiter, he said it was lemon curd flavor. Althought I love the chocolate martini. Best I've ever tasted. Overall, it was a good birthday experience(an expensive one -400 for 2 people) and it seems to me everyone else also celebrated their birthday there also. Oh and we got wrapped cookies on our way out -- how nice.
(4)Michelle B.
Perfect service, wonderful atmosphere including stunning artwork on the walls. The staff was so informed and helpful and took the time to give you of the best dining experience you could have. The cheese cart was awesome too. It's expensive but worth it! If I only went to one restaurant in Chicago - this would be it. It's pricy but worth every penny.
(5)peter h.
the only reason this place doesn't get five stars is...well, i guess there are two. one, i was still hungry when the dinner was over...and this should not be after a 9-course meal spanning 4-plus hours; and two, this place was so fancy, i felt very much out of place and uncomfortable at times...though the entire staff was extremely friendly and helpful in making me feel as comfortable as possible. i guess i just wasn't comfortable with someone rushing over to escort me to the restroom as soon as they saw me stand up. but, like i said, this place was a really fancy, upscale place where jackets were required and since i don't frequent places like this much, i guess it would be unfair for me to mark that as a negative. the three of us all ordered the grand chef's collection, which consisted of 9-courses, though with all the in-between freebies, it was more like 13 to 15-courses. after we ordered, the sommelier came over and we left the remainder of the dining experience in his hands by asking him to pair our courses with wines he recommended. he did an excellent job. the wines he paired with the beets (this was actually a sake), gnocchi, lobster, and ribeye were excellent. each wine definitely complimented and brought out the various flavors of each course. he also brought us a dessert wine that i enjoyed so much that i have already started trying to find it at local wine stores. now, onto the food itself, these are the courses that i really enjoyed: white sturgeon "caviar", golden beet collage, english pea soup, la ratte potato gnocchi, veal ribeye, and the dessert course (which included a chocolate explosion). the only course that i really wasn't all that impressed with was the alaskan halibut. the halibut was very flavorless and the accompanying carrot/ginger sauce and foam both had a very overpowering ginger taste, which i was not very fond of. the maine lobster course was delicious, it just didn't stand out. there was this wagu ravioli that my sister and brother-in-law said was very delicious; unfortunately, i cannot confirm this since it slithered its way down my throat before I could taste it... i really enjoyed their cheese course as well. they had a very wide collection of cow, sheep, and goat cheeses from mild to stinky to soft to hard to blue. at the end of the night, they printed out the menu for us to take home to remember the dining experience along with an extra dessert treat, which i thought was a very nice touch. tru is definitely a place i would frequent more often if i had unlimited financial resources. unfortunately, that is not the case. but if you ever have the opportunity to have this kind of a dining experience, i would suggest you take it and soak it all up....especially if it's at tru.
(4)Pam N.
a 5-Star date for sure! I was taken here last September on a fancy-pants date. The 10-course degustation at Tru is something that I've always wanted to do, so the dude really couldn't fuck up taking me here. I'm not going to go on about how amazing the food was; I think others before me have covered that base much better than I could! So I was the only person under 35, and possibly the only woman, in the whole joint. And wanting to make a real splash I had chosen to wear my sexiest red halter dress & 4.5 inch Kors heels. I left my hair down; I definitely stood out . Now you should know that I love to laugh and smile and I certainly wasn't going to tone down my joy on a night I'd been waiting for for years! I def stuck out like a sore thumb. For a second, I feared my wanton exuberance would cause us to receive bad service and make my date angry with me. But my fears were assuaged at our first interaction with the staff. Everyone was so polite, thorough, attentive, knowledeable--and somehow pulled off this service expertise while making us feel completely comfortable and welcome. Some courses were strange but everything was splendid and exquisitely presented. Something that really sticks out to me: At the end of the meal our maitre'd rolled out a cart full of housemade sweet goodies and encouraged us to try one. And me, being a complete glutton--but a charming one!--sweetly asked if I could have one of each. I expected him sneer at me with disdain, or even say no. But instead he excitedly said, "Yes, please try them all!" And you bet I fucking did. My only complaint was that the remote controlled vibrator my date had inserted in me in the cab on the way over had lost it's shit on course 4 and just went off willy-nilly with no rhyme or reason. And I was even more upset when it died completely at course 7. Oh also, after you eat a goddamn 10-course meal you are definitely gonna be too fat to fuck when you get home.
(5)Brian G.
I downgraded Naha for the price despite some good to great food. The food here is consistently great and it is even a bit more pricey but they get a five. Did a tasting menu - word of caution it is a LONG meal - but really good. Forgot to take notes - but from Sturgeon "caviar", to a gnocchi that was as light and delightful as my favorite one at Naha which is rich and hearty. A beautiful piece of Foie Gras on a meat dish, an amazing celery root soup, really good bread and incredible desserts by Gale. If money not an object - go! On par with Alinea for taste if not presentation theater, and a bit cheaper. And while a bit less adventuresome there were no misses.
(5)Gfiddy F.
Honestly, great.
(5)May S.
I've been here twice...my fiance took me here for our third dating anniversary and then also surprised me on our engagement day :). I cannot say enough about how much I love Tru...the food, the ambiance, the service. It is definitely a great place for a special occasion!
(5)Tanya L.
My family and I came here with a gift certificate. The service was SNOBBY and they seemed to turn our noses down at us, and we could overhear the servers whispering in worried tones that we would not tip well because we seemed to be wannabe clientele. Although the plates were artistic looking, they were no great shakes when eaten. Um, I'll go to the Art Institute of Chicago instead: thank you very much. One of the courses included a salmon dish that was bland-o-rino. Tru, my readers, is completely false! I seriously think this restaurant gets more credit for its social prestige (Could there be serious groupthink going on mistaking high price for high quality?) Exclusivity in setting soo does not mean excellence. My dears, who are you fooling?!? Compared to the great restaurants in New Orleans and Philadelphia, this wannabe, chic place falls flat on its face.
(2)