Flavors you may not have thought of. Pipeworks like you were working there. Service like they know you. They do. The best. Oh, there's wine and whiskey like no other western suburb of Chicago can challenge. Love Geneva. Love Niche.
(5)
Kristen L.
From start to finish this Geneva gem excels at everything they do! Biggest whiskey selection in the burbs and stellar craft beer selection on tap and in their cellar. They are also privy to a lot or rate craft beers no one else can seem to get. They have a nice late night menu as well which is served on Friday/Saturday in the bar area. The service is friendly and 4 star at the same time. My favorite thing to do is attend their craft beer dinners which take place about once a month. The menu changes with the seasons and it's so great to see what inspires their chefs!
(5)
Kirsten M.
I love that this place takes reservations, especially since that's rare in Geneva. Our server was polite, attentive and very knowledgeable about the food and drinks. He made recommendations for each person in our party based on our likes and he was spot on. The food was delicious. The beverage list is diverse and boasts local brews/spirits. It is a bit more pricey, but overall a great experience and great spot to celebrate/indulge.
(5)
Elissa B.
I can't say enough good about this restaurant. I've never had a better experience anywhere. We sat at the bar and ordered drinks from a lovely bartender who then arranged for us to sit in a better seating arrangement on the floor. The food was outstanding ! The atmosphere was delightfully relaxed with the best background music you could ask for. A very soft and lovely Neil Young and Grateful Dead . Wow! Our waitress was beyond compare , so delightful , I can't wait to come back and experience more off the fabulous menu. !!,
(5)
Tiffany C.
Impeccable service, food was top notch and definitely have a drink called the Black Crowe.
(5)
Mike P.
Just because someone doesn't like rare steak, don't make fun of him. I know I'm not a gourmet, but the food here is not up to my low standards. Rib eye tough, duck tasted spoiled. Maybe I just don't know duck. Prices exorbitant, noisy, so many tables I could have eaten from the table next to me and not even bothered to order myself. The hostess was very nice though. Sad when that is the best thing I can say about a restaurant. Just not my cup of tea.
(1)
Ted C.
Venison, venison, venison! Did I say that I love venison and Niche not only has a kick-ass venison app but their venison tenderloin was delicious. I'll break it down. The app was the meatballs and it came in a little skillet with a puree that was delicious but with this pomegranate syrup that didn't seem like it was glorified POM juice and the little pomegranate seeds helped round out the flavor. Steam buns. STEAM BUNS?! Yeah, and honestly? They were great. I'm a little wary of fusion type buns-some of them are just super overloaded but this one was stuffed just right with steak and veggies. For dinner I of course, got the venison-if you hadn't picked up on that already. Cut to the perfect thickness, with the kale, onion and the jus. The naturally lean venison was balanced by the buttered kale and the rich jus. On top of that, their beer selection is top notch. Our group of four went through 3 or 4 different beers all hand picked and it seems like they consciously matched their beers to the food. I couldn't have had a better meal there.
(5)
Dee R.
Went there for a wedding last week and the food was off the hook. Even the salad was ridiculously good. The dish I got was presented well and tasted great. If I was in the area I'd go here to dine regularly based on that experience.
(5)
Carolina B.
Since moving to St.Charles my boyfriend and I have been trying to eat EvErYWhEre. We were walking around downtown Geneva with no plan when we walked pass Niche. I was immediately drawn in by the chorizo flat bread, while my boyfriend was drawn in by the Gumballhead Beer on draft. SOLD. This place in NICE. Cleanly decorated and laid out, with splashes of color and very elegant, yet they achieve a semi-casual feel which is my favorite. For drinks; my boyfriend got the Gumball Head ( a three floyds beer we rarely find on draft because places are always out) I ordered a drink with Vodka, Elderflower Liqour, Honey and Guajillo pepper oil. It was delicious. (I had two, which wasn't cheap, but Oh Well! : P) The waiter was nice enough but throughout the meal he was barley present.Just thought I'd mention that. It took us a while to get everything and not that they weren't busy, but he rarely checked back. He also called me a hipster for taking pictures haha. The service was the reason for me not giving this place 5 stars! Okay- service will not deter me from returning because the food is great. As usual we split some appetizers; Niche Burger, Steamed Mussels and Chorizo, pepper, queso fresco flat bread. Everything was wonderful. And, this way we kept the price down. I would recommend all three. Unsure if I was still hungry, I looked at the dessert menu, when I saw them, my favorite dessert despite not being a HUGE dessert person, Cream Puffs. Cream Puffs- with Strawberry mouse, white chocolate granache, strussel, macerated strawberries and BASIL. OMG these were amazing let me tell you. If you like strawberries, cream and basil you must try these. Good place to go for a special occasion or for a nice evening out! Enjoy!
(4)
Sarah C.
I stopped in for dessert because they have cotton candy for $3. I wasn't disappointed. I glanced at the menu but I don't think I'd eat dinner here. I don't see why the food would be worth those prices, it's Geneva not L.A.
(3)
Jillian L.
My husband and I went to dinner at Niche last night to celebrate our birthdays and my passing a state exam. We got there early and were able to be seated right away which was wonderful. The restaurant is very pretty and very romantic. There were a few times while we were there I noticed the music was a little different from the romantic feel, it was more to their bar feel which actually was nice. It didnt feel stuffy or snooty it felt younger. Our waiter was Jeffrey and he was out of this world with his knowledge and attentiveness. I was torn several times, and he was able to give me perfect descriptions of each dish I asked about so I could made my decision. We started off with the pretzel twist appetizer. They came out hot and fresh, actually so hot they were hard to handle for a second! They have a side of chive butter topped with sea salt and a side of caramelized onion bacon jam. The chive butter was outstanding. The jam was pretty sweet and not quite my taste but it did have a very good flavor to it. My husband chose the lamb shank and I finally ended up choosing the Amish chicken. Both were very good. My only "complaint" was I prefer less meat more veggies and my plate was almost all chicken. Mine came with green onions, pickled corn, and roasted quinoa that I really enjoyed. The chicken was done perfectly and had a very good smokey flavoring to it. My husbands lamb was also very good. It was served with small potatoes and asparagus. His main complaint was, like mine, the lacking veggie sides. His came with 5 asparagus spears. All in all the presentation was beautiful, Jeffrey is fantastic, the food was good and we will go back.
(4)
Dana W.
A group of 8 of us dined at Niche for my husband's 40th birthday. When I made the reservations, I let them know it was for this occasion. We were pleasantly surprised with complementary champagne to toast the night. Our server Jeffrey was wonderfully attentive to all of our questions and dealt well with our boisterous group. We started with the meat and cheese platter which probably was not enough for 8- but everything on it was very good. A few of us had the soup- a wonderful butternut squash- and salad. After that it was a VERY long wait for our entrees. I would have rated this 5 stars if it were not for the generally slow service. With that said, everyone enjoyed their entrees. Special mention goes to the brussels sprouts (which even my non-veggie-eating husband enjoyed) and the venison. Dessert started with wonderful columns of cotton candy. This was a definitely a crowd pleaser. We ordered a small dessert sampler as well which they adorned with candles for the birthday- much appreciated! And they gave us bags of cotton candy to take home! We had 7:30 reservations and they did run out of one entree and one dessert. On a Saturday night it may be a better idea to dine earlier. Also note that their bar is not very large. We had planned to have drinks there before dinner, but decide to go elsewhere since there was not room for our group. The restaurant was noisy so it was difficult to hear conversation from the other end of the long table they put us at. It would be great if they had rounds for big groups! Overall, we would dine there again and probably ask for Jeffrey!
(4)
Russell B.
Can't believe I have missed this place for so many years. Great food, great service, great drinks. As a beer continuer, I was blown away by the draft beer menu as well as the bottle menu (over 20 sour beers!!!!). The menu was diverse, but covered every taste in our group. Pork shoulder was good, venison was fantastic. Could not have asked for more, will be back very soon.
(5)
Katie B.
My boyfriend asked me to pick a good restaurant nearby for this past weekend and I immediately thought of Niche. I have been here twice before and was not disappointed. First...the hostess was just lovely. My boyfriend went to park the car and I chatted with her for about 5 minutes --she was bubbly, sweet and genuinely seemed happy with her job. This is hard to find! When I arrived, my first thought was that the decor had completely changed since I had last been there...and in my opinion, not for the better. It looks like they changed it to open up additional seating, but I think in doing so, they lost the coziness and the intimacy of the place. Open room, hard lines everywhere and very minimal. Since I had been there before, I complained to my boyfriend about the change, but he seemed to be OK with it. We both agreed that it was hard to hear one another (we were seated in the middle of the restaurant despite a reservation and openings along either wall), mostly due to the loud music. They have a few gluten free menu items and were also able to modify those dishes to accommodate a dairy intolerance. I wanted the scallops and foie gras, and since I was looking for an entree, they modified the small plate to include three large scallops, one piece of foie gras on top of potatoes and onions. While I appreciate the modification, I have a couple of gripes. When the entree was brought out, I was not told what the scallops and foie gras were plated with (since it wasn't on the menu, I didn't know what it would come with), and the scallops were nearly cold. The foie gras was decent, but not as flavorful as I'm used to. Our waiter (his name escapes me), was great. He knew the menu, did not seem at all put-out to accommodate our allergies (nor our questions), was attentive, well-spoken and always had a smile on his face. Perhaps my review is a bit nit-picky, but it stems from my previous experiences here, and unfortunately this most recent visit was not up to par with my past visits. I don't like the new layout/decoration (the lack of intimacy), I don't like that we couldn't converse easily due to the noise and I don't like that my food was cold. My boyfriend also commented on the food portions (he had the pork shoulder) --quite small. Oh, one more thing: their beer menu is ridiculously good, if you're into that. For the price, there are other places out this way that are better and I probably won't dine here again. Not to say that the food is bad, because it's not...there is just better out there for the price.
(3)
Kate H.
NEW EXEC CHEF UPDATE: Dined here on their reopening with new Executive Chef and food was excellent. They have kept most of the same dishes from Chef Serena menu (fruit de mer, short ribs, etc.) to most likely make the transition smooth and unnoticeable and they have succeeded. Some dishes were new, and very similar to their existing style. The real test will come in a month or two when the new chefs personality starts coming through, so we will give the new chef a couple more shots to really see what his food personality is. Can't wait. From what we saw last night, it should be great. SERVICE NOTE: While we have had and enjoyed most wait staff, one of our personal favorites is Thuvi (sp?) because she is not only very knowledgable about the menu and bar but is also very in tune to giving us peace while we eat and light convo when we're done. Never rushes us, always sweet.
(5)
Jennifer D.
Tried the new late night (Fri/Sat) menu. Bone marrow stuffed mushrooms were excellent. The poutine frites with foie gras gravy was very good. Recommend avoiding the pork belly flat bread until they figure out what's missing... not much flavor (other than dough), Great beer and wine selection and newly remodeled - sleeker/ more modern atmosphere... Though, they did hang onto the panoramic pasture art that used to be on the back wall... Can you find where they put it? Service was very good as always... Only big miss was not offering any dessert with the late night menu. :(
(4)
Michael L.
I must say the first time I went to Niche was great. I was looking forward to going again. Unfortunately I was disappointed. The ambiance and professionalism of the staff was great. The gnocchi appetizer was great and the drink and wine selection was respectable. However, the new choices on the menu were an overall disappointment. The ahi tuna was overlooked and had a poor texture and the cavatelli was awful. The description of smoky flavor is better described as pork and beams sauce over noddles. Recommendation. I am fortunate to travel the world and experience a range of fine cuisine. I love restaurants that take risks and challenges patrons pallets. However, I recommend toning it down a bit, you're trying to be too much. Best of luck!
(3)
Abby S.
Elegant yet unpretentious, cozy and quaint, Niche is an exquisite farm to table restaurant located in Geneva, Illinois. An hour from Chicago via Metra's Pacific West line, Niche is more than worth the trek. Their cocktails are exquisite, namely the House Old Fashioned with delicious bourbon soaked cherries. Gluten-free menu items are clearly pointed out on the menu and the chef is very well-educated and absolutely respectful of customers with dietary restrictions and doesn't look down upon customers who suffer from the painful and virus-resistant autoimmune disease. They also offer warm, delicious gluten-free buns, fresh from the oven! Every experience I've had there has been wonderful. Their farm fresh ingredients are incredible and they have the most amazing cuts of meat in existence. Be sure to try the Niche coffee and whatever dessert items they offer!
(5)
Luis M.
My girlfriend and I went to Niche to celebrate the first anniversary. The atmosphere was great, the staff was very courteous and we felt at home since we stepped in. Thuvi, our waitress, was superb. We were treated to champaign glasses to start with, because of our special occasion. For appetizers we had the scallops and the house made pretzels. Both absolutely divine. Then, on the house, we had the mussels, on a sauce with beans and a house made sausage. Perfect. My girlfriend had the half boneless duck. It was delicious, juicy and full of flavor with layered sweet potatoes and goat cheese. I had grilled Barramundi. It was delicious. Flaky, flavorful and the warm lentil salad was the perfect match for the fish. Then we ended the night with apple fritter with brown sugar ice cream. So decadent and so delicious. Great food, great service. We will absolutely be back.
(5)
Lindsay B.
I've been to Niche several times since my first review - and this place is fabulous. Fresh ingredients, delicious drinks, creative menu that is frequently changing, and excellent service. I believe it is the best restaurant in the tri - city area, and the closest thing you will experience to Chicago dining in the suburbs. We recently went to Niche for their New Year's Eve dinner. It was a 5 course delight, from the lobster roll to the coffee creme brule. I enjoyed two margaritas with dinner - orange and pear flavored and they were wonderful. My husband absolutely loves their old fashioned with the special cherries, and our friends also enjoyed the Niche version of the Irish coffee. The menu was delicious, the service excellent, and the evening memorable, as it should be. I will continue to come to Niche for special occasions in the future.
(5)
Mary M.
Great for special occasions. The service is spot on, really know their stuff. Fantastic drinks- wide selection of wine to pair with very unique creative dishes. If you are adventurous with your tastes it is a delight, very fresh and willing to tweak things a bit if you make the request. It is pricy so be prepared ahead of time to spend! The atmosphere is enjoyable and there is a great space to unwind after a meal, stay for a cup of coffee and dessert if you have room! They really do work hard to make you feel special if you let them know ahead of time what the occasion is! Highly recommend!
(5)
Joel S.
This is going to sound weird considering the other reviews but here goes... This is the best beer bar that isn't in the City. The bottle and tap list is an ever changing lineup of rare and hard to find beers and Vinny (the restaurant/bar manager) is a sommelier by training, but is a beer geek at heart. The recently remodeled restaurant now features about 10 taps, all of which have beers that could easily anchor a beer release party at any other bar. Their beer selection ranges from your typical Pales and Lagers to Barrel Aged Stouts, IPAs, Sours, and a full lineup of Pipeworks and Three Floyds beers. It's not uncommon to stumble on a beer that people skip work and wait in line for at Niche. Also, every Wednesday Niche hosts a beer bottleshare where you can bring your own bottle or two of craft beer to share with the group. There is usually 5-10 people there that all know their stuff when it comes to beer and are more than happy to share both beer and good conversation. If you don't have anything crazy or rare to share, don't worry, because most of their Bombers (22oz bottles)and taps are half off on Wednesdays. Niche is easily my favorite place in Geneva.
(5)
Erika P.
Great pick for a special occasion. Salads are great! Cheese platter and goat cheeses are phenomenal. Love the farm to table aspect. They always have fresh fun picks.
(4)
E B.
The beer and drink list is great, but I miss what used to be an elegant dining experience. The high end bar food doesn't quite keep up with some other places. The ambience also is amiss these days. I hope they have second thoughts about direction.
(2)
Erica H.
My husband and I went to Niche for our anniversary and had a spectacular dinner there. Our server was Jeffrey, and he was very friendly, helpful and attentive. The menu and the general feel of the restaurant is modern, classy and creative yet approachable. We had the scallop and foie gras appetizer and white asparagus soup to start and halibut and pork tenderloin as our entrees. Everything was delicious and executed perfectly. The wine and beer list is also ridiculously good. We recently moved to the western suburbs from the city, and a dinner like we had at Niche would have been twice the price downtown. We're happy to have a place like this to go to in the suburbs and will definitely be back!
(5)
Bill B.
First time visit .Asked staff at preservation wine and food for suggestions for later dinner . Walked in and was seated and greeted by wait staff right away. Menu items looked and tasted great .Service was fast and efficient with suggestions from server. Martinis were very good but check out the vast selection of beers and whiskeys .The visit is worth it just to try some different beers and whisky.One gripe-- when offering cotton candy to customers offer it to ALL.We were at the adjacent table and no offer I may not choose to have any but the offer is courteous to everyone not just locals and friends--- That cost ya a star
(4)
Cristie F.
Niche is apparently the new kid in town when it comes to the Main Street strip in Geneva. Well at least in my book. I suppose I fail to see what else exists off the main strip. Either way, it's swanky. It's elegant. It's gorgeous. Decorated in a modern, yet classic style with sleek lines, traditional prints, and an abundance of dark woods. Niche sets the perfect stage for a sexy date night. The food itself was delicious. Fresh and local veggies from Bull Run farm, fresh meats and seafood, and vast selection of artisan cheeses & meats - contemporary American done right. You have the option of selecting from their main menu or their smaller menu which features a variety of small plates. We were celebrating our anniversary so we opted to order from both. Watermelon Salad // See uploaded picture. I can't quite describe the dish and it was nothing what I expected. It was a thinly sliced, perfectly cut rectangle of watermelon soaked in vinegar with a couple holes cut out and replaced with pineapple, basil and avocado. It wasn't bad, but it's not the first item I recommend. Burrata and Apricot Salad // Get it. Don't think twice. Grilled Ono with Dill Spaetzle // For a girl who vomits at the thought of seafood, I gave the Ono a try and actually liked it. That said, it comes highly recommended. The dill spaetzle - addictive. Bull Run Tart // Meh. Mixed emotions. For a vegetarian dish it was good. I wasn't crazy about it. The spaghetti squash was drenched in butter, which I could have done without. Mango Bomba // Amazing. Blackberry tapioca? Don't knock it 'til you try it. Trio of Arancini // These tasty morsels are on the small plates menu. If you get anything, get these. They're quite filling, full of flavor, and the best damn arancini I've yet to eat. The service was professional, prompt, and knowledgeable. However, when I asked to have my overly buttery spaghetti squash replaced with some steamed spinach I saw a lovely $5 charge on the bill. That wasn't cool. But, our dessert came free of charge so I suppose it all worked out. No hard feelings. Elegant. Sexy. Fresh. Niche delivered on great food, good service, and a romantic setting that made for the perfect date night.
(4)
J H.
Have been here several times, most recently to celebrate a family birthday. Each time has been wonderful! While we like Niche, we don't go super-frequently. However, each time we go we are recognized and warmly greeted. The food is quite good and I appreciate the changing menu - it feels like we always have something new to try. The service is helpful and, while the environment is upscale it is not snobby - bonus! We appreciate everyone at Niche and have enjoyed each visit!
(5)
Erik L.
Excellent food! Price is reasonable! Love the atmosphere especially being at restaurant that has no TV's. You can actually enjoy dinner while there and enjoy there excellent collect of wines.
(5)
Brent B.
How highly can you praise a place that has been perfect five or six times in a row? We've celebrated an anniversary and a birthday here, but we come here for pretty much everything. A casual weeknight, little less casual weekend dinners, a few times drinks later at night. This place is just reliably great. We've been coming for the last year or so, and I can't think of anything we wouldn't order again. For dinner, we've had the wagyu ribeye steak, the pork shank, the half-duck (seriously, best duck dish I've ever had), and this awesome Amish half-chicken dish that I don't think is on the menu anymore. We've also been in twice and just shared small plates. None of these are just throwaway appetizers; they're seasonal, and it's obvious that they take just as much thought--and taste just as good as--any of the entrees. Whatever you get, start with the gougiers or the pretzel twists, and make sure you try the soup. There was this just shockingly good smoked tomato soup earlier this summer that I substitute for any soup du jour that I've had in the last year. Seriously, it was the best. The drinks are the same story. We tend to be wine people more than beer or cocktail people, and even so, I think that the lists here rival any place downtown. Our servers (and Vinny, the sommelier) have recommended some great bottles, and they've been good for different occasions. When it was just the two of us, we found an unbelievable syrah (2009 Charles Smith Royal City) for $180 that you usually find for somewhere around $300+ when you can find it at all; it was pricey for us, but it was also a great deal for a special occasion. Then when we went back with a big group for my wife's birthday, there was a great selections of more reasonably priced bottles for people who aren't oenophiles. That includes their beer bottle and whiskey lists, which two people in that larger group said was as good as the Map Room in Chicago. I'd say that Niche sort of straddles the line between fine dining and casual--and we're totally okay with that. Our servers have always been professional without seeming starchy, and friendly without seeming low-class. You see a lot of different people in here, and it's great having a place that reminds you of a Chicago hotspot without having to leg it all the way into the city. It probably goes without saying that we'll be back.
(5)
Beth P.
My husband and I recently came here on a Friday night. First off, I LOVED the ambience. It certainly helped that thy use one of my favorite colors throughout their decor (a turquoise peacock blue). We sat at a nice table by the window. It was a rather warm day out so I was wearing a sleeveless sundress, but it was quite cold in the restaurant. As soon as we were seated, the waitress offered me a nice shawl to wear while we were dining. They have a great cocktail and wine list. Our waitress was very knowledgable and helped us each select a cocktail to start with, and then later a glass of wine to pair with our meals. I started with a delicious panzanella salad while my husband had a refreshing shrimp gazpacho. They also bring around a bread basket with several freshly baked options (I loved the palenta!) Next we had a tasty cheese plate that led nicely into your main courses. I had the tuna and my husband had the chicken pouissin - both were excellent. This is a great choice for a special date night out - we will definitely be returning.
(5)
Jacob D.
I don't get what's special about this venue. It's an average, boring, plain restaurant with nothing to differentiate it from others but since it's away from the city it somehow manages to operate. The food was so-so, nothing special but not bad either. However, it was not worth the cost. We're not coming back, there are better places out there and this one had nothing to offer. Sorry!
(2)
Lindsey F.
Amazing food! We got the fried chicken and pretzel twists and everything was beyond good. The fried chicken was juicy and tender and the breaking was perfect. The pretzel twists were warm and delicious. What do I even say about the bacon jam and mustard seed butter except it was to die for. The reason it's 4 and not 5 stars was because the service took a bit long... Waters took about 10 minutes and so did the two old fashioneds! Will be back!
(4)
Donald C.
We had reservations for 4 on Saturday night and had an absolutely delightful meal. The menu currently has rabbit (which I had), lamb, ahi tuna (both of which others had), etc. I had steak tartar for an appetizer and loved it. Niche sets the tone for fine dining in Geneva...and perhaps the tri cities. It just works. From the moment you walk in and are greeted, to the end of the meal, the service is quiet, helpful, professional, warm, and discreet. The consistency of service, presentation, taste, wine and wine recommendations, etc. is perfect and one that other restaurants should strive for. Why 4 stars and not 5? There seemed to be some sort of issue with the music that night. At times it was quiet, at a few points it suddenly got louder...loud enough that the table became aware of it and everyone started raising their voices to be heard. Leave the louder music to Even Flow (next door), and keep the ambiance you've had for so long. I highly recommend Niche.
(4)
Katie B.
Great food & great service consistently! Aaron is very knowledgable about the menu & hilarious! Always have a great time!
(5)
John B.
We really enjoyed the atmosphere as well as the food. I had a black Angus ribeye which was cooked perfectly the way I like it, medium. It was juicy. My wife had the duck and she really liked it. I am not much on duck but I had a bite and was pleasantly surprised. The service was attentive but not overbearing, he was funny and kept it about the food. Really good Manhattan as well. We will be back for more.
(5)
Chad D.
I had very high hopes for Niche because it has received such excellent review. My experience was not very good. Two of us walked in without reservations. We were promptly greeted but were told that there were no tables available. There were clearly four or five tables available in the bar area. I asked about those tables and if they served dinner there. We were told "yes". This was a bit awkward. We were seated, given the menus and asked if we would like to order a drink. We hadn't picked up the drink menu yet and then were asked three more times in five minutes if we would like to order drinks. I felt very rushed. Once we ordered drinks, two glasses of Prosseco, we were immediately asked if we would like to order food--again, rushed. I asked about their three course chef's choice and the waitress had no clue. She went to the kitchen to ask and listed off three things on the menu. I was a bit disappointed because other places I have been the chef does something a little special other than what is on the menu for at least one of the dishes. We ordered off the menu and asked for a Cabernet to be served with our food. Our food arrived, and it was very mediocre. We were never brought out the Cabernet we ordered! I had the tuna dish and the other person had the pork dish. We also ordered two sides--a vegetable salad side and the basil and eggplant dish. Both of the main dishes were very bland and lacked the complexity of flavors I have come to experience in small plate dining. We both left food on the plate and hardly touched the sides. The basil eggplant dish was the best of the bunch but went unfinished. I rarely ever leave food on the plate by the end of a meal let alone in a small plate dining experience! Our plates and Prosecco glasses were cleared and the waitress said, "Oh, I didn't bring your wine because you didn't finish your Champaign" Seriously??? We asked to see the dessert menu. There was a little food that had fallen off the plate on the table in front of us and it was never cleaned. I asked if we could have a napkin to clean the food off and instead of cleaning it she handed me a napkin to do myself. Needless to say, we did not order dessert! Terrible service and mediocre food. I was disappointed. Maybe this was an off night but the service at minimum can easily be improved!
The best restaurant I've been at in a long time. Nice presentation. Thuvi was our server and she was delightful. Atmosphere was pleasant and the food was Absolutely delicious. I was very happy and will definitely be back.
(5)
Smith L.
Hadn't been to Niche for a couple of years but my friend told me about their "out of this world" jalapeno margaritas so we stopped by the bar on a Friday evening at 6:30. Was surprised to see that restaurant was dead and bartender was not very attentive and said she did not have any margaritas made but would accommodate if she could find all of the ingredients. Ended of giving me a jalapeno margarita that wasn't "out of this world" and charged me $12. Not worth it.
(1)
Geri Y.
We hadn't dined here in a few years for a variety of reasons, and we are so glad we returned last Friday to celebrate the start of Christmas break. Everything was solidly wonderful, from the service, to the craft beers and wine, to the appetizers, entrees, and dessert. Kudos to the chef and the familiar faces on the wait staff, who remember fondly from 302 West. We will return happily for special dinners in the future.
(5)
Joe V.
Delicious and unpretentious! The bar and lounge area is perfect for grabbing a quick drink and appetizer. Staff is very professional and the place makes you feel your at some nice downtown Chicago restaurant. Simple items such as pretzels and Niche Burger are my favorites, along with anything off the drink menu. Some say it's pricey, but I say it's the best overall value for your dollar!
(5)
Moma C.
I could never say enough good things about Niche. Food, staff, beer and wine list, and ambiance is all superb. Go once and you'll be hooked.
(5)
Marian M.
The two appetizers were great - smoked egg and the onion bisque. The drinks were good and the waiter was perfect. The evening was spoiled, however, by the harassment we received from the chef. We requested that the fish dish be de-boned and plated in the kitchen and not table side. She came out with our plates and berated us. She came past our table twice after that, very close, and glared at us. It was creepy. We won't be back.
Excellent server named Jeffrey, was very accommodating and helpful with wine and menu descriptions. Food is quite good, and we've always enjoyed our meals there. They use fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, which helps make this restaurant stand out from so many. I'd recommend Niche to anyone looking for an excellent meal in very pleasant surroundings.
(5)
Libby H.
Niche is the place to go in Geneva! Delicious, unique food, high quality drinks and superb service. Intimate, upscale setting, updated decor, and fresh menu. I have eaten there several times now and have never been disappointed.
(5)
Jillian L.
I really wanted to like this place. I will start by saying my husband and I were going to dinner on Valentines day weekend and after reading these reviews we thought it would be a great place. They had a set meal due to the holiday which was fine but the food was very small portions for what they charge. My husbands steak looked very similar to a pork tenderloin. We were very disappointed and we will not be going back.
(2)
Linda K.
We absolutely love Niche, we go there for special occasions. One of the few Chicago-quality restaurants in the dining wasteland of the Tri-Cities. We've never had a bad meal and service is impeccable especially if Jeffrey is your server (ask for him!) However, a huge disappointment for me is their lack of vegetarian entrees for their special occasion/event menus. We really wanted to go there for Christmas Eve dinner but for $48 per person they only offer pheasant or beef tenderloin for an entree. I called and inquired about veggie options and I spoke with the chef who only offered roasted veggies "whatever was on hand" that day. I certainly don't want to go there and pay $48 for a mystery veggie entree. For their Naughty Xmas special event, for $60 a person they only offer elk for the entree. Again, no accommodation for vegetarians. If I go to upscale restaurant and pay close to $200 for a special event meal, I don't want to be told that I will be served whatever veggie options are on hand. I am not vegan, I DO eat fish and I don't understand why an upscale restaurant like Niche can not offer a fish option for their special events. I am a big fan of Niche, but this type of service, especially with so many vegetarians out there now, leaves them and the chef severely lacking. It is sub-par service for such an upscale restaurant.
(4)
Max M.
Struggling to answer why it's taken so long to eat here. Niche has one of the most upscale modern dining rooms in the West Suburbs. The tables are well spaced apart. The chairs are comfortable. The lighting is good. The room is quite without being "dead". The service here is also very professional. Let's talk about the food. Shrimp and Grits were delicious. Duck Confit wrapped in Phyllo was excellent and a good option to share (4 pcs) Whitefish was cooked perfectly. Hanger Steak got "topped off" with beef jus table-side. Yummy! I would definitely classify Niche as a fine dining restaurant. Be prepared to spend $75-80 a person with wine, tax, and a 20% tip. I had a very positive experience and I'll be taking my mom here next time she's in Geneva!
(4)
Scott P.
There is a new chef in December 2013. Disregard prior reviews. After sampling the new chef's offerings I cancelled all future reservations. (I used to eat here several times a month and entertained many guests here. I won't bring a friend to suffer this menu.)
(2)
Andy S.
I sometimes travel to the West Chicago area on business and was very happy to discover Niche, a wonderful restaurant in downtown Geneva. Vince, the owner/bartender, sets a very welcoming tone in the bar area. He is very friendly and loves to talk about bourbon, baseball, and music. A great combination, in my view! He has all sorts of bourbons and other whiskeys behind the bar, when I ask him to come up with something interesting, he always does. If you like Manhattans (I do), try his Pappy Van Winkle Manhattan for a real treat. The food has never disappointed me. Give this restaurant a try, you won't be disappointed!
(5)
Adam S.
Very good food and service was quite friendly and on point as others have pointed out. Decor is kind of a mix of urban farmhouse and loft. Low lighting makes for a romantic atmosphere. This is obnoxiously picky, but table settings were a mishmosh of Victorian (green bread plates) and random other styles. At a restaurant with such good food that considers itself to be fine dining, it was almost as if after a remodel they kept a few of their old pieces and didn't go all the way to replace their china. Music was also an odd choice on a Friday night - mostly 80's. I guess I just wasn't expecting to hear Sade while dropping a couple hundred on dinner. :) All in all though a great experience. We'd definitely go back.
(4)
Beau H.
Nice little place. This place has a fancy facade which is a metaphor for the food. The bar is excellent! A little pricey but a well rounded selection of whiskey. I'd go again for the bar. I'd also go for a special occasion.
(4)
Ashley R.
Hubby and I came here for our anniversary dinner; the evening did not disappoint! First off, let me say that our dining experience was probably different than most nights since Charles Woodson (GB Packers player) was there holding a dinner/wine event. (We're Bears fans and we were probably the ONLY Bears fans in the room that night. We were sure to keep quiet :-) But Mr. Woodson was not the reason we were there anyway ;-) I loved the ambiance of the building; very beautiful and romantic setting. Hubby had the grilled striploin which he thoroughly enjoyed. I ordered the veal medallions; fan-tastic! All of the dishes were beautifully prepared, very detailed presentations, which I appreciated. Desserts were wonderful, the carrot cake was delicious and the serving size was just enough. The appetizer was absolutely delicous but the serving size was itsy bitsy! We ordered the maple leaf duck with polenta. I'm a huge fan of duck and was super excited to try this appetizer but I had to hold in my laughter when the waiter brought it to our table. It was so tiny and at first, I thought it was only part of it. But then I quickly realized noooope, this was it! It was SO good but literally about 4 bites. Two for me. Two for hubby. Nice that it worked out for us to both get some ;-) Definitely an expensive dining experience but it's a nice place for a special event like a birthday or anniversary. Cotton candy at the end was so fun! **UPDATE We've been to Niche a few times and they no longer end your meal with complimentary cotton candy :-( It was such a unique and fun touch and has to cost next to nothing to make. Also, I wish they offered a bit more with your entree (bread, salad, soup, SOMETHING). Our last meal there was actually quite disappointing. Flavor was bland and overall, both dishes we ordered did not leave a positive lasting impression. For the price we paid and the other meals we've had previously, I expected MUCH more than what we tasted this last time.
(4)
Jennifer G.
I'm veering off the glorious reviews after my second try at Niche. Over priced, over rated. That best sums up going to Niche. As some other reviewers mentioned, the pour on the glasses of wine is small and the price for the glass, large. My husband asked for some information on the craft beer he was interested in and the bartender had little to no information on it. We ordered the cheese plate, it was good, not amazing, but acceptable. I ordered the cod. For $30, I got about $2 worth of cod - if that...it was four bites. It was cooked well, but in terms of any kind of value, not so much. The sauce was really spicy, which I don't mind but I think it should have mentioned that in the description. The roasted cauliflower and broccoli on the plate was dried and overdone and had no flavor...there was no starch on the plate. My husband had the beef vindaloo, which was also spicy but the beef was cooked well. The brussel spouts were good, but the potato pancake thing on the plate was overdone. We won't be going back, there is better food with better value in the area.
(2)
Gaby F.
Returning to Niche, I was looking forward to a reliable meal with good service, but what I experienced was both surprising and interesting. On a cold Tuesday night, the restaurant was holding a media evening; several well-known food critics were present. The result was a noticeable dialing up of both service and food quality. We took advantage of the 5 course chef's menu with wine pairing. The Shrimp and Grits was an extraordinarily light dish. Grits with creamy and tasty artisinal goat's cheese, a tomato coulis layered with 4 different spices, including cayenne paprika and tobacco which provided surprising depth. The pleasant arugula salad was not overpowered by the capers and acted as a palate cleanser. The Winter Cassoulet was presented as a deconstructed pot pie, the result being an unctuous dish layered with flavor, as opposed to a classic Toulousian dish with big chunks of meat. It was excellent. Humbolt Fog was pleasantly presented with freshly baked crackers and accompaniments. The white chocolate cheesecake was so light, and perfectly matched with both a chocolate and berry sauce. Service was spot on from our enthusiastic, young waitress Liz, who provided just the right balance on conviviality and service. The chef, Serena, walked around and was happy to take questions and explain her sources. Wine pairings were well chosen, if not 'top drawer,' but for $25 a person it was very acceptable, although the pours were just a wee bit short of generous .. I very rarely give 5 stars, as the meal really has to be both a memorable and faultless experience for me, but Niche earned it, and if they can maintain this level of cooking and service it would be both wonderful and hard work. I look forward to returning and seeing this standard being maintained
(5)
Warren W.
Went there two weeks ago for the Spice Dinner. My expectations were exceeded with the lectures and interactive presentation that incorporated into the meal. I really enjoyed each course and the presentations by the Spice House made it that much more enjoyable. The only bad thing I can say is that the pour of the Bonny Doon, Syrah, was 4 ounces at best, and not enough to complement my delicious Pork Duo. I will be back, but probably won't select the recommended wine flight next time.
(4)
Eric S.
Wonderful. Great food, great service. Was a nice touch to have the chef come out and chat with us. One of the best dinning experiences I've ever had in Geneva.
(5)
Paul B.
Have not been to Niche in quite some time. Since our last visit, the chef has changed and the decor has been updated. First the positive - the updated decor is very nice, I would say casually elegant. Now the les than positive observations. Let me start by saying that our last rating was 5 stars and quite honestly this was the best restaurant in the western suburbs, in my opinion. After tonight, the rating is 3 stars. Niche has taken a step back, in my opinion, to appeal to a wider variety of clientele. Whereas before I would classify a niche as fine dining, I would say it is definitely casual, albeit on the nicer end of casual. The new chef is clearly trying to out his stamp on the menu and while the selections were diverse and appealing,the quality was not the same as it used to be with previous chefs. I had the lamb chops and for $32 was disappointed at receiving only two relatively small chops. It looked more like an appetizer. There was not much flavor and the meat was quite tough. My wife had chicken which appeared to be a rather low quality boneless cutlet with not much flavor. There are no more pre dinner bread selections and the cold fruit soup du jour was uninspiring. I would say that Niche can now be considered an average restaurant, but unfortunately I was looking for fine dining. I am not anxious to return.
(3)
Lindsay M.
There's something about a white table clothe that can be somewhat intimidating.. Don't be afraid!! The first time I visited Niche was actually during a visit to a fest down the street. I wasn't really wearing anything pretty or fancy but stopped in for a glass of wine. The bartender was awesome! Super friendly and helpful. He offered me a really nice wine and was very welcoming. I've only sat in the bar from here on out.. but would love to actually sit in the dining room one day, however, the bartender won me over!! The food is super, duper delish! If you want 5-star food, then you need to go here. You won't be disappointed. The best part is, to me, the food doesn't even seem that expensive. I've eaten at crap restaurants and spent more money.. and Niche makes me wonder, why did I ever do that?! It's really hard to put my experience into word so I highly recommend you giving this place a try. If you're a foodie and love wine, you NEED to. They have a great wine selection that will pair perfectly with your meal. NICHE LOVE!
(5)
Rachel T.
Niche far surpassed any expectation I had of the restaurant. I live in the city and took the train out, and can honestly say it was worth the train ride. I was with three friends, so we were able to share and taste quite a bit of the menu. I'm not going to go into detail but here were my favorite things: Shrimp & Grits, Arugula Salad, "Shaft's Aged Bleu" cheese, Lobster Saffron Risotto (so, so good and the perfect serving size so you don't feel bogged down). All of the desserts were delicious, but my absolute favorite was their tried and true Niche Coffee. If you get a chance, watch them make it... it's really cool. The service was phenomenal, the atmosphere couldn't have been any better - how often do you get extremely fine dining in a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere. If you're in the Western Suburbs, be sure to check out Niche. Cheers!
(5)
Ryan R.
I took my wife here this Valentine 's Day and we had a great experience. First off the service is top notch and this place has the best stocked bar that I have ever seen. If you enjoy alcohol do yourself a favor and stop by for a hard to find whiskey or beer. As for the food my wife ordered the vindaloo beef and I ordered the Atlantic scallops. The vindaloo beef came with sweet potato hash browns topped with roasted Brussels sprouts and French green beans. The combination of the sweet, bitter and savory is fantastic. The beef is also top notch. The vindaloo sauce was described as Niche's take on an Indian / curry based topping for a perfectly cooked tenderloin. The scallops were large sea scallops seared to perfection topped with a kind of parmesan cracker over a sweet leek jam accompanied by tart granny smith apples. I have been dreaming of this dish every night since I have had it. I am not kidding when I say this is the best scallop dish I have ever had. At the end of the night we shared the endless cotton candy and the "shot and a beer desert which consists of whiskey cake, barrel-aged porter ice cream and meringue cigarette. If you like the hints of burnt sugar this is the desert for you. To top it all off at the end of dinner the servers delivered each woman in the restaurant a single red rose. It was a great experience and we will be back soon.
(5)
Anna N.
The inside in cute and cozy, especially in the midst of winter. The food was pretty good, but not quite as great as I was expecting. Ate here for my 30th Bday dinner. The service was great - our waitress was super friendly and very attentive. Our dirty martinis were not so dirty so had to be redone, on multiple orders - and I'm usually not too picky when it comes to a good martini. Our soup was cold, it was supposed to be warm/hot but was not, regardless not too bad. The complimentary bread was yummy. I got the scallops but my meal was lacking any real flavor. Again not bad but nothing that wowed me. Husbands steak was ok. Had the flour less choc tarte for desert, not bad for flour less but tasted more liked a shaped mousse. For the price (+$200) we both were expecting a bit more and were not too impressed.
(4)
H R.
Food was delicious and unexpected. I recommend their Grilled Cheese, Mushroom Tart, and Bruschetta. The service was horrible. We had Jeffrey as our waiter. Seven people in our party and of those six had never been to Niche, but had wanted to try it. We arrived at 7 pm and, despite calling at 5 pm to confirm our number and reservation, the table was not ready. Evidently, the guy that answers the phone is not the guy who makes sure the tables are set correctly. We ordered a variety of small plate dishes and desserts about 7:30 pm, but it wasn't until 9 pm that everyone finally had a dish served to them. The waiter decided that we should be served in courses, but that meant that three people in our party (almost 50%) were left without anything to eat for two courses. He told us, not ASKED US, that he was going to serve in courses. It was his way or the highway. After too much time between courses, I asked the waiter if he could please just bring out all of the dishes. Another 30 minutes goes by as he serves everyone else in the restaurant, but us. I asked him, "Is the kitchen backed up?" (Yes, I would have been more understanding if our change in service meant the kitchen was backed up.) He says "No ma'am. I explained to YOU how I was going to serve the meal. You remember that right?" Yes, he did, but he never ASKED me how our group wanted to be served. We had 3 people sitting through two courses with nothing to eat. We had ordered various small plates and desserts. It was not ordered as a formal meal. He maybe the waiter, but I am the customer and I do not appreciate attitude or being put in my place when I'm asking on behalf of my group for our food to be delivered sooner than later. Once the food started coming, people were getting served the wrong food. Two people were served food three times that they didn't order and three times they had to repeat what they had ordered to the waiter after telling him "I didn't order this." Doesn't he write this stuff down??? Then the bills - It took almost an hour from the time one person had requested her bill until the rest of us got ours. There were other tables that had been seated at the same time as us. They had been served, finished their meal and paid their bill by the time we were finally able to pay our bills. 20% auto gratuity added to parties of 6 people or more so we as customers had no recourse for bad service. The fact is seven people went to Niche. Only one in our party said she would be back. The rest said they would tell their friends how bad the service was.
(1)
Frank G.
How have I lived in Geneva for 7 years and just now tried this place? Downtown ambiance and upscale decor inside. The wine was great and the food even better! The beef braised short rib will have me back here...very soon I would imagine! Hands down the best place to eat and drink in Geneva!
(5)
Erica R.
We just had the most amazing experiences at Niche this past weekend. It was my husband's 30th birthday and the bar manager was so accommodating to our requests to have bourbon flight tastings with some small plates. One of the best birthday nights out. My husband had such a great time trying out different types of bourbon and picking his brain about the differences in each. Every time we come, we always feel special and the service is outstanding. Keep it up we will be back
(5)
Joe A.
I'm being nice by giving this place 3 stars. I really wanted to like it since it received a good review from a friend of mine. Overall, I like the concept. They had a pretty good wine selection, but the execution of several dishes was poor. I arrived about 10 minutes before the rest of my party and headed to bar for a glass of wine. I had a very nice pinot noir, and the waitress working the bar (the bartender was running late) was great. The general vibe and ambiance of the place was good and I thought I was in for a nice evening. Once seated, I started with a mushroom tart, which was supposed to be topped with a poached egg, but was closer to hard-boiled. The flavor was good, but the egg was just plain overdone. It was followed by a mediocre salad, and the rib eye. The steak was very fatty and had an okay flavor. It might have been better had it been bone-in. I finished off the meal with some decent gelato and coffee. The waiter dripped some hot coffee on my arm and pants. I said something along the lines of "Owe!", but he just didn't seem to be paying much attention. This was definitely annoying, but I still might give Niche another shot. Everyone has an off night, I guess.
(3)
Dave S.
Glad I went! Fantastic food, great environment and service
(5)
George S.
Five YUMS for Niche! Nicest food since France, home cooking excepted. A great place to go when you want to spend 3 hours savoring every smell, taste and sip of wine. So many local foods and much love go into every meal.
(5)
Mary S.
We have always liked the atmosphere and the bar service...But what a ridiculous wine pour. I ordered a $14 glass of Hall Cabernet, and they only poured 4 oz. great beer though!
(3)
Kate D.
This place deserves 5 stars compared to other expensive restaurants. I don't think it's fair to dock them for cost since I knew it would be a pricey meal going in. Same goes for the "fancy factor." This is an elegant restaurant. Expect your fellow diners to be dressed elegantly. Make a reservation. If there are none available, they'll call you if something opens up. That said, the service at Niche is unparalleled, especially for suburban dining. My fiance and I have been there twice, and both times we were the youngest people in the room by at least 15 years. Some fancy places snub the younger crowd but not Niche. The hostesses treated us like royalty and let us select our table. Our waitress, Kathy, spent extra time chatting with us about the menu and wines as well as our engagement. Chef Jeremy even came out to say hello and how great it was to see young people who love food in his restaurant. On our first visit we received a delicious creme broulee on the house and for the second trip we were given free champagne and cotton candy, spun in house! How fun! I highly recommend the clam chowder. It's the best I've ever had. The bosc pear salad is refreshing and crisp. Their duck is flavorful without being too fatty. The fingerling potatoes are a fun twist on the typical potato side dish. For dessert I love the cheesecake with fresh berries. The chocolate espresso truffle cake is decadent and just the right size. The cappuccino and biscotti is great if you're on the full side. You can't go wrong with the desserts at Niche. This is the perfect place if you're celebrating something because they really do make you feel special. Cozy, friendly, romantic and worth the expense for sure.
Niche has to be the top restaurant in the W. Suburbs, maybe the top restaurant in the suburbs period. The creative flavor combinations, care in preparation, locally sourced ingredients, and eye on detail is what really makes this place stand out. The decor is unique, the bartenders know how to make a decent drink, and the "All American" wine list (except for the French champagne) is quite extensive. We were there pretty late and Chef Jeremy came out to our table to check in. Specifically, he wanted to see in which order I tried the dipping sauces for the coconut frog legs. We asked him about the use of honey in salad dressing and he went into a story about how he has purchased (or "beeshared" for lack of a better term) beehives from a local apiarist. Now he can get honey and honeycomb as much as he'd like. This is a chef that cares about what he does, how he does it, and the ingredients he uses. Local farmer co-ops, suppliers, markets. More of this please - it can be done in the suburbs of Chicago!
(5)
David P.
Niche never fails to live up to my expectations, and consistently leaves me anxiously waiting for the next visit. This is not a place to go for dinner. It is a place to go and enjoy an evening of extraordinary tastes and wines with company deserving of such. If your unable to sit for several hours and casually absorb the expertly prepared courses paired with a very unique wine list, then go elsewhere. It is the absolute best the Tri-cities has to offer. And while not on par with a restaurant such as Chicago's Tru, it also doesn't require cashing in your children's college fund. A couples night out: a couple bottles of wine (white for my bride, red for me), cheese plate, appetizers followed by a shared soup (combined table side), salad, main course and desert, typically averages $250 to $300. And is worth every penny. Less splurging can cut the tab by half; I just don't have that level of self control. The wine list is not large, but has a very unique diversity of styles, regions, and vineyards. A bit midscale in price with bottles starting around $40; it has some excellent selections. A bit of sherbet cleanses the palate, and Niche's cotton candy brought at meals end is the perfect primer for desert. If you have never been, pick the date, call ahead for reservations, and enjoy.
(5)
Jim K.
My wife and I had dinner at Niche for the first time last week, and we definitely will be back. We arrived early for our 7:30 reservations thinking we would have a drink at the bar, but we were seated right away. The dining room filled up quickly after that. Great ambiance and decor. I asked our waitress (who we recognized from her previous job at another of our favorite restaurants) for my special martini (Vodka Negroni with an orange twist) and she came through with flying colors even though it was the first time she or the bartender had heard of it. Suffice it to say that our entire meal was wonderful, including the sorbet intermezzo and the surprise at the end. A little on the pricey side for as often as we dine out, but we don't mind spending a little more if the experience warrants it.
(4)
Stephanie H.
Dinner and/or drinks at Niche is truly the highlight of any week that we can work it in. Its not just the incredible cuisine nor just the top notch all-American wine list nor just the incredible bar (truly, the variety of bourbon blows my husband's mind!) nor just the level of service....its ALL of those components that make Niche a destination we look forward to and truly savor. Its a place you would be lucky to have in the city but certainly unexpected in the suburbs - worth every calorie and every cent!
(5)
Mike E.
Frickin' awesome small batch winery wine selection! You can also sell wine to take home. Lamb was the best I've ever had. Cotton candy pre dessert was a nice touch. Wine Pairing dinners rocked!
(5)
Lisa E.
I have been to Niche several times and I have never been disappointed. The service has always been stellar and knowledgable. The wine selection is impressive. The menu is always full of interesting items that change seasonally. If you are lucky enough to try the Peppermint Bomb....enjoy! It is da bomb!
(5)
Chris H.
Niche in Geneva, Illinois is one of those restaurants you think is going to be super trendy just by the name. "Niche" - It's one of those words I always feel self conscience saying. The point is...who cares how you say it...just get there fast! We arrived around 6:30 on a Friday night. We were a little early (on purpose) so we could enjoy a beverage at the bar. The misses ordered a rum and coke (gasp!!) and I decided on a Hendrick's martini. The bartender, Vinny, was very cool. I found out he's a beer guy like myself so we ended up discussing the nuances of midwest beer drinkers and their disdain for big hop beers (so sad). At least Vinny's my kind of beer drinker so I know I've got a hop-head nearby who just happens to be a bartender. After our drinks and chat with Vinny, we migrated to our table and ordered an '04 Mourvedre by Tablas Creek. Oh that reminds me...Niche has this cool premise where they source their wine and beer from US based establishments only. I thought that was pretty cool especially since their wine list is not only comprehensive but loaded with amazing vino. Shortly after we were seated, Vinny (remember him...the bartender), brought us a bottle of beer from Wisconsin's own Capital Brewery. It was their Bavarian Lager. Demonstrating that not all midwest breweries shy away from bold beers. I have to admit that was above and beyond the call of duty. Nice work Vinny! I'm a huge fan of duck so naturally when I saw they had Duck Nachos as an appetizer it was a no brainer. "Ma'am one order of Duck Nachos please!" The The Applewood Bacon Wrapped Venison Loin was very well prepared and wonderful. No...it wasn't gamey...it wasn't tough (that's for all you game haters that that think eating Bambi is a crime punishable by death). It was a buttery, velvet, succulent piece of loin that literally melted in your mouth like the finest Filet Mignon you've ever had. Oh and don't forget to get one of their signature Niche Coffees. Vinny prepares this to order at the bar and it's to die for. Big enough to share! This is a really classy place and a great place for a date night or entertaining business associates.
(4)
Stephanie P.
Went here during the Geneva Christmas Walk and were SHOCKED at how well everything went, given the crazy time of year. The Chestnut soup was delicious (my boyfriend threatened to lick his bowl). The portion sizes were perfect and everything came out at exactly the right time. The Diablo Dolce dessert was strange but delicious (Note: the ice cream is actually really spicy - trust your waiter!) There are lots of great restaurants in the Geneva area, but this one is definitely in a class all it's own. It is pricey and you should be prepared to spend well over 100 dollars for 2 people (2 drinks, 2 soups, 2 entrees, one dessert). Great Experience!!!
(5)
Steve G.
I'm going to be overly picky here, and I apologize in advance... I think this place is very good -- but a let me give you a couple pros and a couple cons... Pros Food is very fresh, presentation is very nice, service is very proficient. Sommelier is a gem and very helpful. Dig those crazy twisy knives Good breads Cons Prices are a little high for this area. 50 cents extra for ice in my mixed drink? Room feels very busy when its full (although the acoustics are great for a crowd this close together -- couldn't hear much if any other conversation) Steak was not the choicest Not enough waiting room for the number of people waiting - it feels like they're all staring at you With the competition in this area -- Atwater's, Isabella's -- you've got to be competitive in all areas. We looked at the dessert menu, but nothing struck us as special -- we'll go back at least once more...
(4)
William K.
Kim39 and I had a wonderful evening at Niche. It's fancy without the airs. I would say that most people were pretty dressed-up though. I won that evening with the chicken with sage dressing... killer! 39 had the lamb, which was fantastic, but not the equal to my chicken. Oh yeah, calamari appetizer was outstanding. The food is fancier than my palette, but you don't get the tiny portions that are so common with a snooty menu. The wine list looked great, and our Merlot was like butt-ah. Our waitress was so friendly; she matched the warm atmosphere of the place. The 5 yelp-stars come from this combo... off-the-chart great food and a warm, positive atmosphere. It was a wonderful Christmas dinner for us. peace... yow, bill yum... yow, bill
(5)
Steve C.
Disappointing. Service was slow and apologetic. What? We're there at 7pm and the chicken dish is unavailable? My lobster bisque arrives with a amazingly small portion of minced lobster in the bowl and the bisque is poured over it? Really? Not impressed. Scallops were seared correctly but served just warm. And on. I don't object to small portions but they need to be exquisite. I'm amazed by the 5 star reviews. Much ado about nothing... Except the price!
(3)
Adam W.
This restaurant is great. I believe the menu is great, the wine list is great, the service staff is great. Not much of a decision to make if you have all of the above. Their wine list can be daunting if looked at the wrong way. The staff knows what's up and can lead you in the right direction. The menu changes with the seasons and so do the features. So you can always look forward to something that will entice you. Great selection of scotches and whiskeys as well.
(4)
Natalie C.
Niche was amazing!! Our dinner was of the highest quality and our waiter was fantastic! This small gem gave me and my BF the best dinner along with amazing service! The shrimp and grits appetizer was so good! The short ribs were so tender and delicious. At the end of our meal we were given a plate full of beautiful pink cotton candy that was so yummy and delicious. This restaurant was so amazing that my friend said that it should become OUR place from now on. When you come to Geneva, check this place out!
(5)
Ryan K.
I was very excited to try this place after learning of it's connection to the now closed 302 West. I worked at 302 West as a busboy when I was in high school and have since compared all restaurants to it. I went to Niche on a Thursday night with my wife for drinks and appetizers. My wife was unsure of which wine to select so the server let her sample a few of the more popular white wines. She found one that she loved although it's name now escapes me. I am not a wine buff, but I did notice they had quite a large wine cellar connected to the dining room. They also had a good beer selection, I settled on a Berghoff lager. Our first appetizer was the beef hanger steak, I would describe it as similar to lettuce wraps but easier to eat, they were really tender and had this flavorful Asian sauce on them. The next appetizer was this soup that had cotton candy in it. I remember it as having a good mixture of sweet and spicy, not something I would normally think to order but I'm glad I did as it was unusually delicious. Our final appetizer was some kind of corn fritter cheese ball thing, I know that's not the best description but I wanted to mention these things because they were delicious. We ended up having dessert as well, homemade gelato with toasted almonds and tart Michigan cherries. Dessert was exceptional, I don't know what they did to the cherries but they explode with flavor! We had a great time at Niche and will go back to try their entrees next time we have a reason to celebrate.
(5)
Tara M.
Food was good....but not amazing. Frankly, unlike some other reviewers, i thought the food was inventive, tasty and i felt worth the price. The WINE selection was vastly over-priced. It was upwards of $60 for one of their cheapest bottles....a bit much if you ask me. And the wine was good....but, again, not amazing. If I'm paying that much for dinner, I need my socks to be blown off and they just weren't. Final word: GOOD but not incredible!!
(3)
meg l.
I was unsure about spending the money to go to this restaurant since there were several bad reviews. At the recommendation of 2 people I feel have a good gage on food we decided to go last night. The food and service were excellent. My husband and I both had the gazpacho prior to our entree. The flavor was amazing! I had the braised lamb shank, not only was the plate beautiful but again amazing! My husband who is a bit of a paella snob since he refers everything back to his days visiting Spain, really loved their paella dish. Overall we were left satisfied and didn't feel like the dishes were overpriced. We also really liked the ambience. The lighting is just dim enough to make it warm and cozy. It was also a special treat to have the chef go around the room to make sure everyone was satisfied with their meals.
(5)
Mina F.
Gourmet in the burbs? No way! Way - Niche is as good as it gets. This little place in downtown Geneva serves up farm fresh to table gourmet fare that will keep this foodie coming back for more. The place is small, but there is a nice little bar with an extensive wine list and now an extensive list of small batch, boutique brews. The bar serves small plates - so a great place to stop when you get off the train before heading to the mayhem of home. They have their own farm in Elburn which grows vegetables and herbs and feature meats from a local small farm in Marengo. Everything we ate was firstly a work of art with the freshness and taste to match. The service is outstanding with staff that really know their stuff - professional, but not stuffy. The menu changes with what is fresh and available. While a bit on the pricey side, it is well worth it. Great for a special occasion or to impress your important clients or friends. I also loved the choice of music that is played in the background.
(5)
Jim R.
I love this place. What Ang R. said! What the two principals have done here is remarkable for their relative youth. I have eaten here numerous times and always enjoy the food. Jeremy is an incredible chef and Jody is a great sommelier (just ask her). All kidding aside, this restaurant is the real deal. One minor beef...I find the chairs too tall for my small frame...I'm 5'8".
(5)
Ashley B.
the atmosphere is great the staff is amazing the food is to die for! my recommendations: the butterscotch pudding, the swordfish and a caipirinhas as a beverage. we came in late on a friday night and got just as good service (if not better) than if we ahd come during the rush. the space seems so much bigger as the way it is decorated than the two previous restaurants that inhabited its space. they did a great job of making it cozy but not crowded. some people commented on the expense, but people, you are getting what you are paying for. it is obvious that the service and kitchen staff genuinely cares about the product that hits the table. everything was devine, by far one of the best experiences i have had dining in the 'burbs next time i will be sure to take advantage of that amazing wine list they have.
(5)
Natalie N.
Fantastic place for a special occasion meal. Always inventive and full of fresh ingredients. I had a deviled egg trio as an appetizer there that was so much fun. The wine list is great and includes fantastic domestic wines from small vineyards that are hard to find, but excellent. I hate that many people feel comfortable wearing jeans there, because otherwise the place would feel truly special and sophisticated -- like the food.
(4)
Ang R.
This is the much vaunted replacement for the now defunct 302 West (best restaurant in the West 'burbs? Yes, when it was open.), with much of the staff present. I suspect that this place will only get better and better as the staff grows into the new space, which is wonderful, since the experience is really already a five-star one. I don't really get to eat like this very often, but when I do, I really could just be going back here over and over again. I don't really feel like I can highlight specific menu items, since this menu will change almost weekly, and I don't want to excite you about the wonderful tuna entree that two people at my table had, or brag about my delicious pork shoulder, because you might go and those things won't be on the menu. Suffice it to say that preparations are inventive (and often sound like they might be strange and disgusting, but end up being the height of delicious), and the food is fresh and filling. The staff is wonderful, and the space is pretty. I hope it has the chops to stick around, like 302 did.
(5)
Jennifer S.
This is truly a fine dining experience. I agree with Ang R. that I could go back to Niche again and again, especially because the menu (even the salad served with every entre) changes each week. The wait staff was attentive and friendly, and the sommelier, Jody, offered great advice on her collection of North American wines to pair with the North American cuisine. Our table enjoyed the assorted cheese plate (accompanied by some of the best whole toasted almonds I've had) and a small crab cake as appetizers. We also feasted on lamb chops, pork shoulder, and beef tenderloin, which were each cooked to perfection and served with delectable sides. My only disappointment was our after dinner selection of assorted chocolate deserts. Although my dinner companions and myself were dressed up for this fancy experience, others (especially those dining in the bar area) were more casual. I love when a great restaurant is classy without being overly stuffy. I just have to share that our very sweet waitress added some comic relief to our wonderful meal when she referred to the wine steward as our sole meunier (one of my favorite fish dishes) instead of sommelier! I would highly recommend Niche if you are looking for amazing food in the western suburbs.
(4)
Paul G.
My wife and I have been going to Niche since it opened years ago, although time got the better of us and about a year had passed since our last visit. We returned this past week. The food and service was absolutely top-notch, as always. Our appetizers and desserts were fabulous, and the halibut entree was perfect. (The beef short rib was just okay.) However,some points kinda left the evening just under five stars and may postpone our next visit for a while: 1) the wine list, while huge, has blown out of this world, price-wise. I understand there are people out there who think nothing about spending $90-350 for a bottle of wine, but that's not me. I like wine but come on! We wound up spending around $55 for one of the cheapest bottles of red. It was very, very good wine, but I'd like to see a few more modest selections, or even glasses priced under $10. 2) related to #1, when we were seated we were presented with A) the menu; b) the wine list; C) a specialty drink menu; and D) a whiskey menu. We wanted to eat dinner, not do a study group on alcohol. 3) The rock music playing in the background, while not loud by any means, seemed out of place. So do I recommend Niche? Yes, but just expect to spend at least $100 per person, or way more depending on your wine tastes.
(4)
Yvonne O.
It is always hard to get a fair sense of a restaurant when you are with a large group - the logistics of service for 14 alone can mess things up when a dinner for 2 might be perfect. Keeping that in mind, I have to say that the food was wonderful, but the service not so much. I had the mussel appetizer which is served on what appears to be homemade pasta - absolutelt fabulous and only two instances of some sand, which is totally fine (I am not expecting every piece to be taken out, just as long as every bite is not full of it!) For a main course, I had the duck and thought it was not greasy at all, well seasoned and maybe only slightly undercooked (more medium-rare than medium here). Drink service for one half of the table was better than the other (I never got asked if I wanted a drink after I finished the one I brought from the bar to the table). Dessert selections are pretty boring when compared to the main menu. I would have expected something a little more exciting or different than chocolate cake and creme brulee or peanut butter cheesecake. It took about 2 1/2 hours to get through dinner, which is a lifetime unless you are having 5 or 6 courses, so I would have liked the speed picked up a bit. And I agree with Steve that the food is totally over-priced. Keeping in mind that I had an appetizer and main course with no drink on my tab at all, my personal total was $60 without tip.
(3)
Suzanne D.
The service was outstanding, and the ambiance was great, but the entree's were too small. The chef came out on the floor to greet a table of "regulars", but it would have been more impressive to see her take an additional 5-10 min to talk to other tables. I can't say enough about the waiter we had. A true professional in complimenting the fine dining experience.
(2)
Ann R.
Definitely the best restaurant in the area and a special occasion place (at least for my budget)!!!
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : No Take-out : No Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Dressy Ambience : Classy Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : No
Tom R.
Flavors you may not have thought of. Pipeworks like you were working there. Service like they know you. They do. The best. Oh, there's wine and whiskey like no other western suburb of Chicago can challenge. Love Geneva. Love Niche.
(5)Kristen L.
From start to finish this Geneva gem excels at everything they do! Biggest whiskey selection in the burbs and stellar craft beer selection on tap and in their cellar. They are also privy to a lot or rate craft beers no one else can seem to get. They have a nice late night menu as well which is served on Friday/Saturday in the bar area. The service is friendly and 4 star at the same time. My favorite thing to do is attend their craft beer dinners which take place about once a month. The menu changes with the seasons and it's so great to see what inspires their chefs!
(5)Kirsten M.
I love that this place takes reservations, especially since that's rare in Geneva. Our server was polite, attentive and very knowledgeable about the food and drinks. He made recommendations for each person in our party based on our likes and he was spot on. The food was delicious. The beverage list is diverse and boasts local brews/spirits. It is a bit more pricey, but overall a great experience and great spot to celebrate/indulge.
(5)Elissa B.
I can't say enough good about this restaurant. I've never had a better experience anywhere. We sat at the bar and ordered drinks from a lovely bartender who then arranged for us to sit in a better seating arrangement on the floor. The food was outstanding ! The atmosphere was delightfully relaxed with the best background music you could ask for. A very soft and lovely Neil Young and Grateful Dead . Wow! Our waitress was beyond compare , so delightful , I can't wait to come back and experience more off the fabulous menu. !!,
(5)Tiffany C.
Impeccable service, food was top notch and definitely have a drink called the Black Crowe.
(5)Mike P.
Just because someone doesn't like rare steak, don't make fun of him. I know I'm not a gourmet, but the food here is not up to my low standards. Rib eye tough, duck tasted spoiled. Maybe I just don't know duck. Prices exorbitant, noisy, so many tables I could have eaten from the table next to me and not even bothered to order myself. The hostess was very nice though. Sad when that is the best thing I can say about a restaurant. Just not my cup of tea.
(1)Ted C.
Venison, venison, venison! Did I say that I love venison and Niche not only has a kick-ass venison app but their venison tenderloin was delicious. I'll break it down. The app was the meatballs and it came in a little skillet with a puree that was delicious but with this pomegranate syrup that didn't seem like it was glorified POM juice and the little pomegranate seeds helped round out the flavor. Steam buns. STEAM BUNS?! Yeah, and honestly? They were great. I'm a little wary of fusion type buns-some of them are just super overloaded but this one was stuffed just right with steak and veggies. For dinner I of course, got the venison-if you hadn't picked up on that already. Cut to the perfect thickness, with the kale, onion and the jus. The naturally lean venison was balanced by the buttered kale and the rich jus. On top of that, their beer selection is top notch. Our group of four went through 3 or 4 different beers all hand picked and it seems like they consciously matched their beers to the food. I couldn't have had a better meal there.
(5)Dee R.
Went there for a wedding last week and the food was off the hook. Even the salad was ridiculously good. The dish I got was presented well and tasted great. If I was in the area I'd go here to dine regularly based on that experience.
(5)Carolina B.
Since moving to St.Charles my boyfriend and I have been trying to eat EvErYWhEre. We were walking around downtown Geneva with no plan when we walked pass Niche. I was immediately drawn in by the chorizo flat bread, while my boyfriend was drawn in by the Gumballhead Beer on draft. SOLD. This place in NICE. Cleanly decorated and laid out, with splashes of color and very elegant, yet they achieve a semi-casual feel which is my favorite. For drinks; my boyfriend got the Gumball Head ( a three floyds beer we rarely find on draft because places are always out) I ordered a drink with Vodka, Elderflower Liqour, Honey and Guajillo pepper oil. It was delicious. (I had two, which wasn't cheap, but Oh Well! : P) The waiter was nice enough but throughout the meal he was barley present.Just thought I'd mention that. It took us a while to get everything and not that they weren't busy, but he rarely checked back. He also called me a hipster for taking pictures haha. The service was the reason for me not giving this place 5 stars! Okay- service will not deter me from returning because the food is great. As usual we split some appetizers; Niche Burger, Steamed Mussels and Chorizo, pepper, queso fresco flat bread. Everything was wonderful. And, this way we kept the price down. I would recommend all three. Unsure if I was still hungry, I looked at the dessert menu, when I saw them, my favorite dessert despite not being a HUGE dessert person, Cream Puffs. Cream Puffs- with Strawberry mouse, white chocolate granache, strussel, macerated strawberries and BASIL. OMG these were amazing let me tell you. If you like strawberries, cream and basil you must try these. Good place to go for a special occasion or for a nice evening out! Enjoy!
(4)Sarah C.
I stopped in for dessert because they have cotton candy for $3. I wasn't disappointed. I glanced at the menu but I don't think I'd eat dinner here. I don't see why the food would be worth those prices, it's Geneva not L.A.
(3)Jillian L.
My husband and I went to dinner at Niche last night to celebrate our birthdays and my passing a state exam. We got there early and were able to be seated right away which was wonderful. The restaurant is very pretty and very romantic. There were a few times while we were there I noticed the music was a little different from the romantic feel, it was more to their bar feel which actually was nice. It didnt feel stuffy or snooty it felt younger. Our waiter was Jeffrey and he was out of this world with his knowledge and attentiveness. I was torn several times, and he was able to give me perfect descriptions of each dish I asked about so I could made my decision. We started off with the pretzel twist appetizer. They came out hot and fresh, actually so hot they were hard to handle for a second! They have a side of chive butter topped with sea salt and a side of caramelized onion bacon jam. The chive butter was outstanding. The jam was pretty sweet and not quite my taste but it did have a very good flavor to it. My husband chose the lamb shank and I finally ended up choosing the Amish chicken. Both were very good. My only "complaint" was I prefer less meat more veggies and my plate was almost all chicken. Mine came with green onions, pickled corn, and roasted quinoa that I really enjoyed. The chicken was done perfectly and had a very good smokey flavoring to it. My husbands lamb was also very good. It was served with small potatoes and asparagus. His main complaint was, like mine, the lacking veggie sides. His came with 5 asparagus spears. All in all the presentation was beautiful, Jeffrey is fantastic, the food was good and we will go back.
(4)Dana W.
A group of 8 of us dined at Niche for my husband's 40th birthday. When I made the reservations, I let them know it was for this occasion. We were pleasantly surprised with complementary champagne to toast the night. Our server Jeffrey was wonderfully attentive to all of our questions and dealt well with our boisterous group. We started with the meat and cheese platter which probably was not enough for 8- but everything on it was very good. A few of us had the soup- a wonderful butternut squash- and salad. After that it was a VERY long wait for our entrees. I would have rated this 5 stars if it were not for the generally slow service. With that said, everyone enjoyed their entrees. Special mention goes to the brussels sprouts (which even my non-veggie-eating husband enjoyed) and the venison. Dessert started with wonderful columns of cotton candy. This was a definitely a crowd pleaser. We ordered a small dessert sampler as well which they adorned with candles for the birthday- much appreciated! And they gave us bags of cotton candy to take home! We had 7:30 reservations and they did run out of one entree and one dessert. On a Saturday night it may be a better idea to dine earlier. Also note that their bar is not very large. We had planned to have drinks there before dinner, but decide to go elsewhere since there was not room for our group. The restaurant was noisy so it was difficult to hear conversation from the other end of the long table they put us at. It would be great if they had rounds for big groups! Overall, we would dine there again and probably ask for Jeffrey!
(4)Russell B.
Can't believe I have missed this place for so many years. Great food, great service, great drinks. As a beer continuer, I was blown away by the draft beer menu as well as the bottle menu (over 20 sour beers!!!!). The menu was diverse, but covered every taste in our group. Pork shoulder was good, venison was fantastic. Could not have asked for more, will be back very soon.
(5)Katie B.
My boyfriend asked me to pick a good restaurant nearby for this past weekend and I immediately thought of Niche. I have been here twice before and was not disappointed. First...the hostess was just lovely. My boyfriend went to park the car and I chatted with her for about 5 minutes --she was bubbly, sweet and genuinely seemed happy with her job. This is hard to find! When I arrived, my first thought was that the decor had completely changed since I had last been there...and in my opinion, not for the better. It looks like they changed it to open up additional seating, but I think in doing so, they lost the coziness and the intimacy of the place. Open room, hard lines everywhere and very minimal. Since I had been there before, I complained to my boyfriend about the change, but he seemed to be OK with it. We both agreed that it was hard to hear one another (we were seated in the middle of the restaurant despite a reservation and openings along either wall), mostly due to the loud music. They have a few gluten free menu items and were also able to modify those dishes to accommodate a dairy intolerance. I wanted the scallops and foie gras, and since I was looking for an entree, they modified the small plate to include three large scallops, one piece of foie gras on top of potatoes and onions. While I appreciate the modification, I have a couple of gripes. When the entree was brought out, I was not told what the scallops and foie gras were plated with (since it wasn't on the menu, I didn't know what it would come with), and the scallops were nearly cold. The foie gras was decent, but not as flavorful as I'm used to. Our waiter (his name escapes me), was great. He knew the menu, did not seem at all put-out to accommodate our allergies (nor our questions), was attentive, well-spoken and always had a smile on his face. Perhaps my review is a bit nit-picky, but it stems from my previous experiences here, and unfortunately this most recent visit was not up to par with my past visits. I don't like the new layout/decoration (the lack of intimacy), I don't like that we couldn't converse easily due to the noise and I don't like that my food was cold. My boyfriend also commented on the food portions (he had the pork shoulder) --quite small. Oh, one more thing: their beer menu is ridiculously good, if you're into that. For the price, there are other places out this way that are better and I probably won't dine here again. Not to say that the food is bad, because it's not...there is just better out there for the price.
(3)Kate H.
NEW EXEC CHEF UPDATE: Dined here on their reopening with new Executive Chef and food was excellent. They have kept most of the same dishes from Chef Serena menu (fruit de mer, short ribs, etc.) to most likely make the transition smooth and unnoticeable and they have succeeded. Some dishes were new, and very similar to their existing style. The real test will come in a month or two when the new chefs personality starts coming through, so we will give the new chef a couple more shots to really see what his food personality is. Can't wait. From what we saw last night, it should be great. SERVICE NOTE: While we have had and enjoyed most wait staff, one of our personal favorites is Thuvi (sp?) because she is not only very knowledgable about the menu and bar but is also very in tune to giving us peace while we eat and light convo when we're done. Never rushes us, always sweet.
(5)Jennifer D.
Tried the new late night (Fri/Sat) menu. Bone marrow stuffed mushrooms were excellent. The poutine frites with foie gras gravy was very good. Recommend avoiding the pork belly flat bread until they figure out what's missing... not much flavor (other than dough), Great beer and wine selection and newly remodeled - sleeker/ more modern atmosphere... Though, they did hang onto the panoramic pasture art that used to be on the back wall... Can you find where they put it? Service was very good as always... Only big miss was not offering any dessert with the late night menu. :(
(4)Michael L.
I must say the first time I went to Niche was great. I was looking forward to going again. Unfortunately I was disappointed. The ambiance and professionalism of the staff was great. The gnocchi appetizer was great and the drink and wine selection was respectable. However, the new choices on the menu were an overall disappointment. The ahi tuna was overlooked and had a poor texture and the cavatelli was awful. The description of smoky flavor is better described as pork and beams sauce over noddles. Recommendation. I am fortunate to travel the world and experience a range of fine cuisine. I love restaurants that take risks and challenges patrons pallets. However, I recommend toning it down a bit, you're trying to be too much. Best of luck!
(3)Abby S.
Elegant yet unpretentious, cozy and quaint, Niche is an exquisite farm to table restaurant located in Geneva, Illinois. An hour from Chicago via Metra's Pacific West line, Niche is more than worth the trek. Their cocktails are exquisite, namely the House Old Fashioned with delicious bourbon soaked cherries. Gluten-free menu items are clearly pointed out on the menu and the chef is very well-educated and absolutely respectful of customers with dietary restrictions and doesn't look down upon customers who suffer from the painful and virus-resistant autoimmune disease. They also offer warm, delicious gluten-free buns, fresh from the oven! Every experience I've had there has been wonderful. Their farm fresh ingredients are incredible and they have the most amazing cuts of meat in existence. Be sure to try the Niche coffee and whatever dessert items they offer!
(5)Luis M.
My girlfriend and I went to Niche to celebrate the first anniversary. The atmosphere was great, the staff was very courteous and we felt at home since we stepped in. Thuvi, our waitress, was superb. We were treated to champaign glasses to start with, because of our special occasion. For appetizers we had the scallops and the house made pretzels. Both absolutely divine. Then, on the house, we had the mussels, on a sauce with beans and a house made sausage. Perfect. My girlfriend had the half boneless duck. It was delicious, juicy and full of flavor with layered sweet potatoes and goat cheese. I had grilled Barramundi. It was delicious. Flaky, flavorful and the warm lentil salad was the perfect match for the fish. Then we ended the night with apple fritter with brown sugar ice cream. So decadent and so delicious. Great food, great service. We will absolutely be back.
(5)Lindsay B.
I've been to Niche several times since my first review - and this place is fabulous. Fresh ingredients, delicious drinks, creative menu that is frequently changing, and excellent service. I believe it is the best restaurant in the tri - city area, and the closest thing you will experience to Chicago dining in the suburbs. We recently went to Niche for their New Year's Eve dinner. It was a 5 course delight, from the lobster roll to the coffee creme brule. I enjoyed two margaritas with dinner - orange and pear flavored and they were wonderful. My husband absolutely loves their old fashioned with the special cherries, and our friends also enjoyed the Niche version of the Irish coffee. The menu was delicious, the service excellent, and the evening memorable, as it should be. I will continue to come to Niche for special occasions in the future.
(5)Mary M.
Great for special occasions. The service is spot on, really know their stuff. Fantastic drinks- wide selection of wine to pair with very unique creative dishes. If you are adventurous with your tastes it is a delight, very fresh and willing to tweak things a bit if you make the request. It is pricy so be prepared ahead of time to spend! The atmosphere is enjoyable and there is a great space to unwind after a meal, stay for a cup of coffee and dessert if you have room! They really do work hard to make you feel special if you let them know ahead of time what the occasion is! Highly recommend!
(5)Joel S.
This is going to sound weird considering the other reviews but here goes... This is the best beer bar that isn't in the City. The bottle and tap list is an ever changing lineup of rare and hard to find beers and Vinny (the restaurant/bar manager) is a sommelier by training, but is a beer geek at heart. The recently remodeled restaurant now features about 10 taps, all of which have beers that could easily anchor a beer release party at any other bar. Their beer selection ranges from your typical Pales and Lagers to Barrel Aged Stouts, IPAs, Sours, and a full lineup of Pipeworks and Three Floyds beers. It's not uncommon to stumble on a beer that people skip work and wait in line for at Niche. Also, every Wednesday Niche hosts a beer bottleshare where you can bring your own bottle or two of craft beer to share with the group. There is usually 5-10 people there that all know their stuff when it comes to beer and are more than happy to share both beer and good conversation. If you don't have anything crazy or rare to share, don't worry, because most of their Bombers (22oz bottles)and taps are half off on Wednesdays. Niche is easily my favorite place in Geneva.
(5)Erika P.
Great pick for a special occasion. Salads are great! Cheese platter and goat cheeses are phenomenal. Love the farm to table aspect. They always have fresh fun picks.
(4)E B.
The beer and drink list is great, but I miss what used to be an elegant dining experience. The high end bar food doesn't quite keep up with some other places. The ambience also is amiss these days. I hope they have second thoughts about direction.
(2)Erica H.
My husband and I went to Niche for our anniversary and had a spectacular dinner there. Our server was Jeffrey, and he was very friendly, helpful and attentive. The menu and the general feel of the restaurant is modern, classy and creative yet approachable. We had the scallop and foie gras appetizer and white asparagus soup to start and halibut and pork tenderloin as our entrees. Everything was delicious and executed perfectly. The wine and beer list is also ridiculously good. We recently moved to the western suburbs from the city, and a dinner like we had at Niche would have been twice the price downtown. We're happy to have a place like this to go to in the suburbs and will definitely be back!
(5)Bill B.
First time visit .Asked staff at preservation wine and food for suggestions for later dinner . Walked in and was seated and greeted by wait staff right away. Menu items looked and tasted great .Service was fast and efficient with suggestions from server. Martinis were very good but check out the vast selection of beers and whiskeys .The visit is worth it just to try some different beers and whisky.One gripe-- when offering cotton candy to customers offer it to ALL.We were at the adjacent table and no offer I may not choose to have any but the offer is courteous to everyone not just locals and friends--- That cost ya a star
(4)Cristie F.
Niche is apparently the new kid in town when it comes to the Main Street strip in Geneva. Well at least in my book. I suppose I fail to see what else exists off the main strip. Either way, it's swanky. It's elegant. It's gorgeous. Decorated in a modern, yet classic style with sleek lines, traditional prints, and an abundance of dark woods. Niche sets the perfect stage for a sexy date night. The food itself was delicious. Fresh and local veggies from Bull Run farm, fresh meats and seafood, and vast selection of artisan cheeses & meats - contemporary American done right. You have the option of selecting from their main menu or their smaller menu which features a variety of small plates. We were celebrating our anniversary so we opted to order from both. Watermelon Salad // See uploaded picture. I can't quite describe the dish and it was nothing what I expected. It was a thinly sliced, perfectly cut rectangle of watermelon soaked in vinegar with a couple holes cut out and replaced with pineapple, basil and avocado. It wasn't bad, but it's not the first item I recommend. Burrata and Apricot Salad // Get it. Don't think twice. Grilled Ono with Dill Spaetzle // For a girl who vomits at the thought of seafood, I gave the Ono a try and actually liked it. That said, it comes highly recommended. The dill spaetzle - addictive. Bull Run Tart // Meh. Mixed emotions. For a vegetarian dish it was good. I wasn't crazy about it. The spaghetti squash was drenched in butter, which I could have done without. Mango Bomba // Amazing. Blackberry tapioca? Don't knock it 'til you try it. Trio of Arancini // These tasty morsels are on the small plates menu. If you get anything, get these. They're quite filling, full of flavor, and the best damn arancini I've yet to eat. The service was professional, prompt, and knowledgeable. However, when I asked to have my overly buttery spaghetti squash replaced with some steamed spinach I saw a lovely $5 charge on the bill. That wasn't cool. But, our dessert came free of charge so I suppose it all worked out. No hard feelings. Elegant. Sexy. Fresh. Niche delivered on great food, good service, and a romantic setting that made for the perfect date night.
(4)J H.
Have been here several times, most recently to celebrate a family birthday. Each time has been wonderful! While we like Niche, we don't go super-frequently. However, each time we go we are recognized and warmly greeted. The food is quite good and I appreciate the changing menu - it feels like we always have something new to try. The service is helpful and, while the environment is upscale it is not snobby - bonus! We appreciate everyone at Niche and have enjoyed each visit!
(5)Erik L.
Excellent food! Price is reasonable! Love the atmosphere especially being at restaurant that has no TV's. You can actually enjoy dinner while there and enjoy there excellent collect of wines.
(5)Brent B.
How highly can you praise a place that has been perfect five or six times in a row? We've celebrated an anniversary and a birthday here, but we come here for pretty much everything. A casual weeknight, little less casual weekend dinners, a few times drinks later at night. This place is just reliably great. We've been coming for the last year or so, and I can't think of anything we wouldn't order again. For dinner, we've had the wagyu ribeye steak, the pork shank, the half-duck (seriously, best duck dish I've ever had), and this awesome Amish half-chicken dish that I don't think is on the menu anymore. We've also been in twice and just shared small plates. None of these are just throwaway appetizers; they're seasonal, and it's obvious that they take just as much thought--and taste just as good as--any of the entrees. Whatever you get, start with the gougiers or the pretzel twists, and make sure you try the soup. There was this just shockingly good smoked tomato soup earlier this summer that I substitute for any soup du jour that I've had in the last year. Seriously, it was the best. The drinks are the same story. We tend to be wine people more than beer or cocktail people, and even so, I think that the lists here rival any place downtown. Our servers (and Vinny, the sommelier) have recommended some great bottles, and they've been good for different occasions. When it was just the two of us, we found an unbelievable syrah (2009 Charles Smith Royal City) for $180 that you usually find for somewhere around $300+ when you can find it at all; it was pricey for us, but it was also a great deal for a special occasion. Then when we went back with a big group for my wife's birthday, there was a great selections of more reasonably priced bottles for people who aren't oenophiles. That includes their beer bottle and whiskey lists, which two people in that larger group said was as good as the Map Room in Chicago. I'd say that Niche sort of straddles the line between fine dining and casual--and we're totally okay with that. Our servers have always been professional without seeming starchy, and friendly without seeming low-class. You see a lot of different people in here, and it's great having a place that reminds you of a Chicago hotspot without having to leg it all the way into the city. It probably goes without saying that we'll be back.
(5)Beth P.
My husband and I recently came here on a Friday night. First off, I LOVED the ambience. It certainly helped that thy use one of my favorite colors throughout their decor (a turquoise peacock blue). We sat at a nice table by the window. It was a rather warm day out so I was wearing a sleeveless sundress, but it was quite cold in the restaurant. As soon as we were seated, the waitress offered me a nice shawl to wear while we were dining. They have a great cocktail and wine list. Our waitress was very knowledgable and helped us each select a cocktail to start with, and then later a glass of wine to pair with our meals. I started with a delicious panzanella salad while my husband had a refreshing shrimp gazpacho. They also bring around a bread basket with several freshly baked options (I loved the palenta!) Next we had a tasty cheese plate that led nicely into your main courses. I had the tuna and my husband had the chicken pouissin - both were excellent. This is a great choice for a special date night out - we will definitely be returning.
(5)Jacob D.
I don't get what's special about this venue. It's an average, boring, plain restaurant with nothing to differentiate it from others but since it's away from the city it somehow manages to operate. The food was so-so, nothing special but not bad either. However, it was not worth the cost. We're not coming back, there are better places out there and this one had nothing to offer. Sorry!
(2)Lindsey F.
Amazing food! We got the fried chicken and pretzel twists and everything was beyond good. The fried chicken was juicy and tender and the breaking was perfect. The pretzel twists were warm and delicious. What do I even say about the bacon jam and mustard seed butter except it was to die for. The reason it's 4 and not 5 stars was because the service took a bit long... Waters took about 10 minutes and so did the two old fashioneds! Will be back!
(4)Donald C.
We had reservations for 4 on Saturday night and had an absolutely delightful meal. The menu currently has rabbit (which I had), lamb, ahi tuna (both of which others had), etc. I had steak tartar for an appetizer and loved it. Niche sets the tone for fine dining in Geneva...and perhaps the tri cities. It just works. From the moment you walk in and are greeted, to the end of the meal, the service is quiet, helpful, professional, warm, and discreet. The consistency of service, presentation, taste, wine and wine recommendations, etc. is perfect and one that other restaurants should strive for. Why 4 stars and not 5? There seemed to be some sort of issue with the music that night. At times it was quiet, at a few points it suddenly got louder...loud enough that the table became aware of it and everyone started raising their voices to be heard. Leave the louder music to Even Flow (next door), and keep the ambiance you've had for so long. I highly recommend Niche.
(4)Katie B.
Great food & great service consistently! Aaron is very knowledgable about the menu & hilarious! Always have a great time!
(5)John B.
We really enjoyed the atmosphere as well as the food. I had a black Angus ribeye which was cooked perfectly the way I like it, medium. It was juicy. My wife had the duck and she really liked it. I am not much on duck but I had a bite and was pleasantly surprised. The service was attentive but not overbearing, he was funny and kept it about the food. Really good Manhattan as well. We will be back for more.
(5)Chad D.
I had very high hopes for Niche because it has received such excellent review. My experience was not very good. Two of us walked in without reservations. We were promptly greeted but were told that there were no tables available. There were clearly four or five tables available in the bar area. I asked about those tables and if they served dinner there. We were told "yes". This was a bit awkward. We were seated, given the menus and asked if we would like to order a drink. We hadn't picked up the drink menu yet and then were asked three more times in five minutes if we would like to order drinks. I felt very rushed. Once we ordered drinks, two glasses of Prosseco, we were immediately asked if we would like to order food--again, rushed. I asked about their three course chef's choice and the waitress had no clue. She went to the kitchen to ask and listed off three things on the menu. I was a bit disappointed because other places I have been the chef does something a little special other than what is on the menu for at least one of the dishes. We ordered off the menu and asked for a Cabernet to be served with our food. Our food arrived, and it was very mediocre. We were never brought out the Cabernet we ordered! I had the tuna dish and the other person had the pork dish. We also ordered two sides--a vegetable salad side and the basil and eggplant dish. Both of the main dishes were very bland and lacked the complexity of flavors I have come to experience in small plate dining. We both left food on the plate and hardly touched the sides. The basil eggplant dish was the best of the bunch but went unfinished. I rarely ever leave food on the plate by the end of a meal let alone in a small plate dining experience! Our plates and Prosecco glasses were cleared and the waitress said, "Oh, I didn't bring your wine because you didn't finish your Champaign" Seriously??? We asked to see the dessert menu. There was a little food that had fallen off the plate on the table in front of us and it was never cleaned. I asked if we could have a napkin to clean the food off and instead of cleaning it she handed me a napkin to do myself. Needless to say, we did not order dessert! Terrible service and mediocre food. I was disappointed. Maybe this was an off night but the service at minimum can easily be improved!
(2)Steve H.
We were disappointed tonight: --I started with shrimp and grits which were fine but not well seasoned. A bit blah --my wife had grilled asparagus with a balsamic reduction which was very good --I had monkfish which was again fine but not really special --my wife had cobia which was good --for dessert my wife had creme brûlée which was not very good and I had sorbet which tasted good but had ice chunks in it --espresso was good but they had no black tea It was not bad but well below what we hoped for particularly given the price point
(3)Leslie S.
I've been to Niche twice now, and both times I've been pleasantly surprised by the quality of the food and service. Most recently, my fiance and I decided to spend his birthday at Niche - he called ahead and asked if they might be able to create a special menu catering toward our specific (and very different) tastes for the celebration. Chef Serena and sommelier Vinny designed a menu that did just that, for which we were very thankful. Our meal included a roasted chestnut soup that was thick and rich, and absolutely wonderful, as well as a fois gras torchon that was so delicious my fiance ordered three more. Even I had to admit the fois gras was the very good, and I do not like fois at all. We also had a beautiful pheasant stew that I will not soon forget! Dessert included whiskey cake, stout ice cream and a meringue cigarette that reminded us of a recent Top Chef episode. Overall, it was a very good meal and we were very pleased that the staff helped put it together for us. That being said, I deduct some points for the fact that the items we were served were all regular menu items - if I were to return to Niche this evening, I could order the exact same items. We were really hoping for another Kohler experience, where the chef and sommelier put together a completely unique menu that had never been served to another guest, nor will it ever be. Considering that our dinner at Kohler included Dom Pérignon champagne and some of the best wines I've ever tasted, all for a significantly lower price than Niche's birthday dinner, I can't give Niche five stars (I've only given two restaurants five stars, and if you read those reviews, you'll see why). The meal was very good, but not exactly what we were looking for. Still, if you're in the Western suburbs and looking for an outstanding meal - of the same quality as some of the top restaurants in Chicago - Niche is definitely the place to go. The food is mostly stellar, and the service, as I mentioned previously, is top notch. Some of the waitstaff has been at the restaurant since it opened (some even before, as it was owned by another group/called something else), which says something about the way they treat their staff (which I think is, in turn, passed on to the customers as well). I would not call the decor a mix of urban farmhouse and loft, as another reviewer does - it's actually a bit dated, with lots of dark woods, dark carpet, and truly awful ceiling tile. Most, if not all, guests dress well, meaning collared shirts and trousers for the men (often jackets as well), and dresses or dress slacks for women. One thing to note is that the restaurant only serves American wines. Say what you will about California and Oregon, but American wine is limiting and not for everyone's palate/meal. I wish they would broaden their horizons and offer some foreign wines as well.
(4)Amanda V.
The best restaurant I've been at in a long time. Nice presentation. Thuvi was our server and she was delightful. Atmosphere was pleasant and the food was Absolutely delicious. I was very happy and will definitely be back.
(5)Smith L.
Hadn't been to Niche for a couple of years but my friend told me about their "out of this world" jalapeno margaritas so we stopped by the bar on a Friday evening at 6:30. Was surprised to see that restaurant was dead and bartender was not very attentive and said she did not have any margaritas made but would accommodate if she could find all of the ingredients. Ended of giving me a jalapeno margarita that wasn't "out of this world" and charged me $12. Not worth it.
(1)Geri Y.
We hadn't dined here in a few years for a variety of reasons, and we are so glad we returned last Friday to celebrate the start of Christmas break. Everything was solidly wonderful, from the service, to the craft beers and wine, to the appetizers, entrees, and dessert. Kudos to the chef and the familiar faces on the wait staff, who remember fondly from 302 West. We will return happily for special dinners in the future.
(5)Joe V.
Delicious and unpretentious! The bar and lounge area is perfect for grabbing a quick drink and appetizer. Staff is very professional and the place makes you feel your at some nice downtown Chicago restaurant. Simple items such as pretzels and Niche Burger are my favorites, along with anything off the drink menu. Some say it's pricey, but I say it's the best overall value for your dollar!
(5)Moma C.
I could never say enough good things about Niche. Food, staff, beer and wine list, and ambiance is all superb. Go once and you'll be hooked.
(5)Marian M.
The two appetizers were great - smoked egg and the onion bisque. The drinks were good and the waiter was perfect. The evening was spoiled, however, by the harassment we received from the chef. We requested that the fish dish be de-boned and plated in the kitchen and not table side. She came out with our plates and berated us. She came past our table twice after that, very close, and glared at us. It was creepy. We won't be back.
(2)Kevin D.
Like many others here, I yearn for the 302 West days. Niche encompasses 80% of what made 302 great (minus 302's grand atmosphere, that amazing bar, and hostess Catherine). Otherwise the food, servers, and location were all spot on. Here is an overview of what we had: $10-Duck confit nachos: perfect portion of crisp and protein. This was the most expensive appetizer out of 8 or so. $8- glass of sparkling wine each for a friend and I, although they do have $500 bottles of wine so this may be where people start racking up their bills. Free-Mango sorbet intermezzo: perfect palette cleanser $24-Kalmata olive marinated chicken with egg plant and artichokes over a red pepper sauce. Very moist and portion was very satisfying. $27-schezwan beef: huge portion of tender steak in a sweet Asian sauce. We both had sides of the garlic mash too, not quite as good as 302's goat cheese mash but right up there. Entrees ranged from $16-35, the most expensive being a filet. $10-Niche coffee: the exact same as coffee 302 and thank god it is. Perfect blend of coffee, grand marnier, irish cream, with a cinnamon sugar rim. $6- creme brûlée with chocolate chip cookies: a classic $8-peanut butter panna cotta with a mini vanilla bean milk shake and warm fresh Italian doughnut holes. This was the most expensive dessert btw. So, I don't usually include prices in reviews, but with all that we got out of there for a little over $100. They're really providing top notch food and service and have distinguished themselves as one of the best in the area. Oh, and the dining room is intimate but you feel very "removed" from busy 3rd street, especially at night with all of the table specific lighting.
(5)Edward B.
Excellent server named Jeffrey, was very accommodating and helpful with wine and menu descriptions. Food is quite good, and we've always enjoyed our meals there. They use fresh, locally-sourced ingredients, which helps make this restaurant stand out from so many. I'd recommend Niche to anyone looking for an excellent meal in very pleasant surroundings.
(5)Libby H.
Niche is the place to go in Geneva! Delicious, unique food, high quality drinks and superb service. Intimate, upscale setting, updated decor, and fresh menu. I have eaten there several times now and have never been disappointed.
(5)Jillian L.
I really wanted to like this place. I will start by saying my husband and I were going to dinner on Valentines day weekend and after reading these reviews we thought it would be a great place. They had a set meal due to the holiday which was fine but the food was very small portions for what they charge. My husbands steak looked very similar to a pork tenderloin. We were very disappointed and we will not be going back.
(2)Linda K.
We absolutely love Niche, we go there for special occasions. One of the few Chicago-quality restaurants in the dining wasteland of the Tri-Cities. We've never had a bad meal and service is impeccable especially if Jeffrey is your server (ask for him!) However, a huge disappointment for me is their lack of vegetarian entrees for their special occasion/event menus. We really wanted to go there for Christmas Eve dinner but for $48 per person they only offer pheasant or beef tenderloin for an entree. I called and inquired about veggie options and I spoke with the chef who only offered roasted veggies "whatever was on hand" that day. I certainly don't want to go there and pay $48 for a mystery veggie entree. For their Naughty Xmas special event, for $60 a person they only offer elk for the entree. Again, no accommodation for vegetarians. If I go to upscale restaurant and pay close to $200 for a special event meal, I don't want to be told that I will be served whatever veggie options are on hand. I am not vegan, I DO eat fish and I don't understand why an upscale restaurant like Niche can not offer a fish option for their special events. I am a big fan of Niche, but this type of service, especially with so many vegetarians out there now, leaves them and the chef severely lacking. It is sub-par service for such an upscale restaurant.
(4)Max M.
Struggling to answer why it's taken so long to eat here. Niche has one of the most upscale modern dining rooms in the West Suburbs. The tables are well spaced apart. The chairs are comfortable. The lighting is good. The room is quite without being "dead". The service here is also very professional. Let's talk about the food. Shrimp and Grits were delicious. Duck Confit wrapped in Phyllo was excellent and a good option to share (4 pcs) Whitefish was cooked perfectly. Hanger Steak got "topped off" with beef jus table-side. Yummy! I would definitely classify Niche as a fine dining restaurant. Be prepared to spend $75-80 a person with wine, tax, and a 20% tip. I had a very positive experience and I'll be taking my mom here next time she's in Geneva!
(4)Scott P.
There is a new chef in December 2013. Disregard prior reviews. After sampling the new chef's offerings I cancelled all future reservations. (I used to eat here several times a month and entertained many guests here. I won't bring a friend to suffer this menu.)
(2)Andy S.
I sometimes travel to the West Chicago area on business and was very happy to discover Niche, a wonderful restaurant in downtown Geneva. Vince, the owner/bartender, sets a very welcoming tone in the bar area. He is very friendly and loves to talk about bourbon, baseball, and music. A great combination, in my view! He has all sorts of bourbons and other whiskeys behind the bar, when I ask him to come up with something interesting, he always does. If you like Manhattans (I do), try his Pappy Van Winkle Manhattan for a real treat. The food has never disappointed me. Give this restaurant a try, you won't be disappointed!
(5)Adam S.
Very good food and service was quite friendly and on point as others have pointed out. Decor is kind of a mix of urban farmhouse and loft. Low lighting makes for a romantic atmosphere. This is obnoxiously picky, but table settings were a mishmosh of Victorian (green bread plates) and random other styles. At a restaurant with such good food that considers itself to be fine dining, it was almost as if after a remodel they kept a few of their old pieces and didn't go all the way to replace their china. Music was also an odd choice on a Friday night - mostly 80's. I guess I just wasn't expecting to hear Sade while dropping a couple hundred on dinner. :) All in all though a great experience. We'd definitely go back.
(4)Beau H.
Nice little place. This place has a fancy facade which is a metaphor for the food. The bar is excellent! A little pricey but a well rounded selection of whiskey. I'd go again for the bar. I'd also go for a special occasion.
(4)Ashley R.
Hubby and I came here for our anniversary dinner; the evening did not disappoint! First off, let me say that our dining experience was probably different than most nights since Charles Woodson (GB Packers player) was there holding a dinner/wine event. (We're Bears fans and we were probably the ONLY Bears fans in the room that night. We were sure to keep quiet :-) But Mr. Woodson was not the reason we were there anyway ;-) I loved the ambiance of the building; very beautiful and romantic setting. Hubby had the grilled striploin which he thoroughly enjoyed. I ordered the veal medallions; fan-tastic! All of the dishes were beautifully prepared, very detailed presentations, which I appreciated. Desserts were wonderful, the carrot cake was delicious and the serving size was just enough. The appetizer was absolutely delicous but the serving size was itsy bitsy! We ordered the maple leaf duck with polenta. I'm a huge fan of duck and was super excited to try this appetizer but I had to hold in my laughter when the waiter brought it to our table. It was so tiny and at first, I thought it was only part of it. But then I quickly realized noooope, this was it! It was SO good but literally about 4 bites. Two for me. Two for hubby. Nice that it worked out for us to both get some ;-) Definitely an expensive dining experience but it's a nice place for a special event like a birthday or anniversary. Cotton candy at the end was so fun! **UPDATE We've been to Niche a few times and they no longer end your meal with complimentary cotton candy :-( It was such a unique and fun touch and has to cost next to nothing to make. Also, I wish they offered a bit more with your entree (bread, salad, soup, SOMETHING). Our last meal there was actually quite disappointing. Flavor was bland and overall, both dishes we ordered did not leave a positive lasting impression. For the price we paid and the other meals we've had previously, I expected MUCH more than what we tasted this last time.
(4)Jennifer G.
I'm veering off the glorious reviews after my second try at Niche. Over priced, over rated. That best sums up going to Niche. As some other reviewers mentioned, the pour on the glasses of wine is small and the price for the glass, large. My husband asked for some information on the craft beer he was interested in and the bartender had little to no information on it. We ordered the cheese plate, it was good, not amazing, but acceptable. I ordered the cod. For $30, I got about $2 worth of cod - if that...it was four bites. It was cooked well, but in terms of any kind of value, not so much. The sauce was really spicy, which I don't mind but I think it should have mentioned that in the description. The roasted cauliflower and broccoli on the plate was dried and overdone and had no flavor...there was no starch on the plate. My husband had the beef vindaloo, which was also spicy but the beef was cooked well. The brussel spouts were good, but the potato pancake thing on the plate was overdone. We won't be going back, there is better food with better value in the area.
(2)Gaby F.
Returning to Niche, I was looking forward to a reliable meal with good service, but what I experienced was both surprising and interesting. On a cold Tuesday night, the restaurant was holding a media evening; several well-known food critics were present. The result was a noticeable dialing up of both service and food quality. We took advantage of the 5 course chef's menu with wine pairing. The Shrimp and Grits was an extraordinarily light dish. Grits with creamy and tasty artisinal goat's cheese, a tomato coulis layered with 4 different spices, including cayenne paprika and tobacco which provided surprising depth. The pleasant arugula salad was not overpowered by the capers and acted as a palate cleanser. The Winter Cassoulet was presented as a deconstructed pot pie, the result being an unctuous dish layered with flavor, as opposed to a classic Toulousian dish with big chunks of meat. It was excellent. Humbolt Fog was pleasantly presented with freshly baked crackers and accompaniments. The white chocolate cheesecake was so light, and perfectly matched with both a chocolate and berry sauce. Service was spot on from our enthusiastic, young waitress Liz, who provided just the right balance on conviviality and service. The chef, Serena, walked around and was happy to take questions and explain her sources. Wine pairings were well chosen, if not 'top drawer,' but for $25 a person it was very acceptable, although the pours were just a wee bit short of generous .. I very rarely give 5 stars, as the meal really has to be both a memorable and faultless experience for me, but Niche earned it, and if they can maintain this level of cooking and service it would be both wonderful and hard work. I look forward to returning and seeing this standard being maintained
(5)Warren W.
Went there two weeks ago for the Spice Dinner. My expectations were exceeded with the lectures and interactive presentation that incorporated into the meal. I really enjoyed each course and the presentations by the Spice House made it that much more enjoyable. The only bad thing I can say is that the pour of the Bonny Doon, Syrah, was 4 ounces at best, and not enough to complement my delicious Pork Duo. I will be back, but probably won't select the recommended wine flight next time.
(4)Eric S.
Wonderful. Great food, great service. Was a nice touch to have the chef come out and chat with us. One of the best dinning experiences I've ever had in Geneva.
(5)Paul B.
Have not been to Niche in quite some time. Since our last visit, the chef has changed and the decor has been updated. First the positive - the updated decor is very nice, I would say casually elegant. Now the les than positive observations. Let me start by saying that our last rating was 5 stars and quite honestly this was the best restaurant in the western suburbs, in my opinion. After tonight, the rating is 3 stars. Niche has taken a step back, in my opinion, to appeal to a wider variety of clientele. Whereas before I would classify a niche as fine dining, I would say it is definitely casual, albeit on the nicer end of casual. The new chef is clearly trying to out his stamp on the menu and while the selections were diverse and appealing,the quality was not the same as it used to be with previous chefs. I had the lamb chops and for $32 was disappointed at receiving only two relatively small chops. It looked more like an appetizer. There was not much flavor and the meat was quite tough. My wife had chicken which appeared to be a rather low quality boneless cutlet with not much flavor. There are no more pre dinner bread selections and the cold fruit soup du jour was uninspiring. I would say that Niche can now be considered an average restaurant, but unfortunately I was looking for fine dining. I am not anxious to return.
(3)Lindsay M.
There's something about a white table clothe that can be somewhat intimidating.. Don't be afraid!! The first time I visited Niche was actually during a visit to a fest down the street. I wasn't really wearing anything pretty or fancy but stopped in for a glass of wine. The bartender was awesome! Super friendly and helpful. He offered me a really nice wine and was very welcoming. I've only sat in the bar from here on out.. but would love to actually sit in the dining room one day, however, the bartender won me over!! The food is super, duper delish! If you want 5-star food, then you need to go here. You won't be disappointed. The best part is, to me, the food doesn't even seem that expensive. I've eaten at crap restaurants and spent more money.. and Niche makes me wonder, why did I ever do that?! It's really hard to put my experience into word so I highly recommend you giving this place a try. If you're a foodie and love wine, you NEED to. They have a great wine selection that will pair perfectly with your meal. NICHE LOVE!
(5)Rachel T.
Niche far surpassed any expectation I had of the restaurant. I live in the city and took the train out, and can honestly say it was worth the train ride. I was with three friends, so we were able to share and taste quite a bit of the menu. I'm not going to go into detail but here were my favorite things: Shrimp & Grits, Arugula Salad, "Shaft's Aged Bleu" cheese, Lobster Saffron Risotto (so, so good and the perfect serving size so you don't feel bogged down). All of the desserts were delicious, but my absolute favorite was their tried and true Niche Coffee. If you get a chance, watch them make it... it's really cool. The service was phenomenal, the atmosphere couldn't have been any better - how often do you get extremely fine dining in a relaxed, comfortable atmosphere. If you're in the Western Suburbs, be sure to check out Niche. Cheers!
(5)Ryan R.
I took my wife here this Valentine 's Day and we had a great experience. First off the service is top notch and this place has the best stocked bar that I have ever seen. If you enjoy alcohol do yourself a favor and stop by for a hard to find whiskey or beer. As for the food my wife ordered the vindaloo beef and I ordered the Atlantic scallops. The vindaloo beef came with sweet potato hash browns topped with roasted Brussels sprouts and French green beans. The combination of the sweet, bitter and savory is fantastic. The beef is also top notch. The vindaloo sauce was described as Niche's take on an Indian / curry based topping for a perfectly cooked tenderloin. The scallops were large sea scallops seared to perfection topped with a kind of parmesan cracker over a sweet leek jam accompanied by tart granny smith apples. I have been dreaming of this dish every night since I have had it. I am not kidding when I say this is the best scallop dish I have ever had. At the end of the night we shared the endless cotton candy and the "shot and a beer desert which consists of whiskey cake, barrel-aged porter ice cream and meringue cigarette. If you like the hints of burnt sugar this is the desert for you. To top it all off at the end of dinner the servers delivered each woman in the restaurant a single red rose. It was a great experience and we will be back soon.
(5)Anna N.
The inside in cute and cozy, especially in the midst of winter. The food was pretty good, but not quite as great as I was expecting. Ate here for my 30th Bday dinner. The service was great - our waitress was super friendly and very attentive. Our dirty martinis were not so dirty so had to be redone, on multiple orders - and I'm usually not too picky when it comes to a good martini. Our soup was cold, it was supposed to be warm/hot but was not, regardless not too bad. The complimentary bread was yummy. I got the scallops but my meal was lacking any real flavor. Again not bad but nothing that wowed me. Husbands steak was ok. Had the flour less choc tarte for desert, not bad for flour less but tasted more liked a shaped mousse. For the price (+$200) we both were expecting a bit more and were not too impressed.
(4)H R.
Food was delicious and unexpected. I recommend their Grilled Cheese, Mushroom Tart, and Bruschetta. The service was horrible. We had Jeffrey as our waiter. Seven people in our party and of those six had never been to Niche, but had wanted to try it. We arrived at 7 pm and, despite calling at 5 pm to confirm our number and reservation, the table was not ready. Evidently, the guy that answers the phone is not the guy who makes sure the tables are set correctly. We ordered a variety of small plate dishes and desserts about 7:30 pm, but it wasn't until 9 pm that everyone finally had a dish served to them. The waiter decided that we should be served in courses, but that meant that three people in our party (almost 50%) were left without anything to eat for two courses. He told us, not ASKED US, that he was going to serve in courses. It was his way or the highway. After too much time between courses, I asked the waiter if he could please just bring out all of the dishes. Another 30 minutes goes by as he serves everyone else in the restaurant, but us. I asked him, "Is the kitchen backed up?" (Yes, I would have been more understanding if our change in service meant the kitchen was backed up.) He says "No ma'am. I explained to YOU how I was going to serve the meal. You remember that right?" Yes, he did, but he never ASKED me how our group wanted to be served. We had 3 people sitting through two courses with nothing to eat. We had ordered various small plates and desserts. It was not ordered as a formal meal. He maybe the waiter, but I am the customer and I do not appreciate attitude or being put in my place when I'm asking on behalf of my group for our food to be delivered sooner than later. Once the food started coming, people were getting served the wrong food. Two people were served food three times that they didn't order and three times they had to repeat what they had ordered to the waiter after telling him "I didn't order this." Doesn't he write this stuff down??? Then the bills - It took almost an hour from the time one person had requested her bill until the rest of us got ours. There were other tables that had been seated at the same time as us. They had been served, finished their meal and paid their bill by the time we were finally able to pay our bills. 20% auto gratuity added to parties of 6 people or more so we as customers had no recourse for bad service. The fact is seven people went to Niche. Only one in our party said she would be back. The rest said they would tell their friends how bad the service was.
(1)Frank G.
How have I lived in Geneva for 7 years and just now tried this place? Downtown ambiance and upscale decor inside. The wine was great and the food even better! The beef braised short rib will have me back here...very soon I would imagine! Hands down the best place to eat and drink in Geneva!
(5)Erica R.
We just had the most amazing experiences at Niche this past weekend. It was my husband's 30th birthday and the bar manager was so accommodating to our requests to have bourbon flight tastings with some small plates. One of the best birthday nights out. My husband had such a great time trying out different types of bourbon and picking his brain about the differences in each. Every time we come, we always feel special and the service is outstanding. Keep it up we will be back
(5)Joe A.
I'm being nice by giving this place 3 stars. I really wanted to like it since it received a good review from a friend of mine. Overall, I like the concept. They had a pretty good wine selection, but the execution of several dishes was poor. I arrived about 10 minutes before the rest of my party and headed to bar for a glass of wine. I had a very nice pinot noir, and the waitress working the bar (the bartender was running late) was great. The general vibe and ambiance of the place was good and I thought I was in for a nice evening. Once seated, I started with a mushroom tart, which was supposed to be topped with a poached egg, but was closer to hard-boiled. The flavor was good, but the egg was just plain overdone. It was followed by a mediocre salad, and the rib eye. The steak was very fatty and had an okay flavor. It might have been better had it been bone-in. I finished off the meal with some decent gelato and coffee. The waiter dripped some hot coffee on my arm and pants. I said something along the lines of "Owe!", but he just didn't seem to be paying much attention. This was definitely annoying, but I still might give Niche another shot. Everyone has an off night, I guess.
(3)Dave S.
Glad I went! Fantastic food, great environment and service
(5)George S.
Five YUMS for Niche! Nicest food since France, home cooking excepted. A great place to go when you want to spend 3 hours savoring every smell, taste and sip of wine. So many local foods and much love go into every meal.
(5)Mary S.
We have always liked the atmosphere and the bar service...But what a ridiculous wine pour. I ordered a $14 glass of Hall Cabernet, and they only poured 4 oz. great beer though!
(3)Kate D.
This place deserves 5 stars compared to other expensive restaurants. I don't think it's fair to dock them for cost since I knew it would be a pricey meal going in. Same goes for the "fancy factor." This is an elegant restaurant. Expect your fellow diners to be dressed elegantly. Make a reservation. If there are none available, they'll call you if something opens up. That said, the service at Niche is unparalleled, especially for suburban dining. My fiance and I have been there twice, and both times we were the youngest people in the room by at least 15 years. Some fancy places snub the younger crowd but not Niche. The hostesses treated us like royalty and let us select our table. Our waitress, Kathy, spent extra time chatting with us about the menu and wines as well as our engagement. Chef Jeremy even came out to say hello and how great it was to see young people who love food in his restaurant. On our first visit we received a delicious creme broulee on the house and for the second trip we were given free champagne and cotton candy, spun in house! How fun! I highly recommend the clam chowder. It's the best I've ever had. The bosc pear salad is refreshing and crisp. Their duck is flavorful without being too fatty. The fingerling potatoes are a fun twist on the typical potato side dish. For dessert I love the cheesecake with fresh berries. The chocolate espresso truffle cake is decadent and just the right size. The cappuccino and biscotti is great if you're on the full side. You can't go wrong with the desserts at Niche. This is the perfect place if you're celebrating something because they really do make you feel special. Cozy, friendly, romantic and worth the expense for sure.
(5)Tom T.
I'm pretty sure that I've not been here before under this name, but I'm surprised to see how far back some of the other reviews go, so maybe this wasn't my first visit. Regardless, I'm glad the place is here and we had a chance to go. We went there on Mardis Gras after seeing a promotion for their Fat Tuesday Feast Winter Tasting Menu. This being a minor holiday for most but big for foodies, we expected a crowd, and there was none. In fact, there were only two other tables occupied during the 2 hours we were there, which makes me fear for the future of the place. Maybe it's just the Tuesday night factor. Everything we ate was thoughtfully prepared, from fine ingredients, and tasted fantastic. We started with the best pork belly I'd ever eaten, went on to lobster fritters, fried oyster on brioche with crawfish étouffée, strawberry sorbet intermezzo, chicken sausage jambalaya, and a perfect pecan tart. Our server, Jeffrey, was attentive, pleasant helpful, and warm, and didn't bat an eye at several "information requests" that we made. Realizing that we were there on a slow night, I nevertheless couldn't imagine a more pleasant atmosphere. The wine list is intimidating and we copped out to a special offering associated with the current tasting menu. I'm not a huge wine person, but I recognized very few of the offerings, most of which where in the $50-$100 range, or beyond. We didn't ask for suggestions, but I don't doubt that we would have gotten good advice if we had. I suspect the place is very forgiving with respect to dress and protocol. I would be comfortable there in anything from jeans and a nice shirt, to a suit and tie, and there was no hint of pretense or snobbery from any of the staff. Thy have coat check service for those so inclined, or just hang your coat on the back of your chair. We intend to put this long overlooked venue into our rotation, and are looking forward to our next excuse to go there (St. Pat's special sounds intriguing!).
(4)Shawn D.
Niche has to be the top restaurant in the W. Suburbs, maybe the top restaurant in the suburbs period. The creative flavor combinations, care in preparation, locally sourced ingredients, and eye on detail is what really makes this place stand out. The decor is unique, the bartenders know how to make a decent drink, and the "All American" wine list (except for the French champagne) is quite extensive. We were there pretty late and Chef Jeremy came out to our table to check in. Specifically, he wanted to see in which order I tried the dipping sauces for the coconut frog legs. We asked him about the use of honey in salad dressing and he went into a story about how he has purchased (or "beeshared" for lack of a better term) beehives from a local apiarist. Now he can get honey and honeycomb as much as he'd like. This is a chef that cares about what he does, how he does it, and the ingredients he uses. Local farmer co-ops, suppliers, markets. More of this please - it can be done in the suburbs of Chicago!
(5)David P.
Niche never fails to live up to my expectations, and consistently leaves me anxiously waiting for the next visit. This is not a place to go for dinner. It is a place to go and enjoy an evening of extraordinary tastes and wines with company deserving of such. If your unable to sit for several hours and casually absorb the expertly prepared courses paired with a very unique wine list, then go elsewhere. It is the absolute best the Tri-cities has to offer. And while not on par with a restaurant such as Chicago's Tru, it also doesn't require cashing in your children's college fund. A couples night out: a couple bottles of wine (white for my bride, red for me), cheese plate, appetizers followed by a shared soup (combined table side), salad, main course and desert, typically averages $250 to $300. And is worth every penny. Less splurging can cut the tab by half; I just don't have that level of self control. The wine list is not large, but has a very unique diversity of styles, regions, and vineyards. A bit midscale in price with bottles starting around $40; it has some excellent selections. A bit of sherbet cleanses the palate, and Niche's cotton candy brought at meals end is the perfect primer for desert. If you have never been, pick the date, call ahead for reservations, and enjoy.
(5)Jim K.
My wife and I had dinner at Niche for the first time last week, and we definitely will be back. We arrived early for our 7:30 reservations thinking we would have a drink at the bar, but we were seated right away. The dining room filled up quickly after that. Great ambiance and decor. I asked our waitress (who we recognized from her previous job at another of our favorite restaurants) for my special martini (Vodka Negroni with an orange twist) and she came through with flying colors even though it was the first time she or the bartender had heard of it. Suffice it to say that our entire meal was wonderful, including the sorbet intermezzo and the surprise at the end. A little on the pricey side for as often as we dine out, but we don't mind spending a little more if the experience warrants it.
(4)Stephanie H.
Dinner and/or drinks at Niche is truly the highlight of any week that we can work it in. Its not just the incredible cuisine nor just the top notch all-American wine list nor just the incredible bar (truly, the variety of bourbon blows my husband's mind!) nor just the level of service....its ALL of those components that make Niche a destination we look forward to and truly savor. Its a place you would be lucky to have in the city but certainly unexpected in the suburbs - worth every calorie and every cent!
(5)Mike E.
Frickin' awesome small batch winery wine selection! You can also sell wine to take home. Lamb was the best I've ever had. Cotton candy pre dessert was a nice touch. Wine Pairing dinners rocked!
(5)Lisa E.
I have been to Niche several times and I have never been disappointed. The service has always been stellar and knowledgable. The wine selection is impressive. The menu is always full of interesting items that change seasonally. If you are lucky enough to try the Peppermint Bomb....enjoy! It is da bomb!
(5)Chris H.
Niche in Geneva, Illinois is one of those restaurants you think is going to be super trendy just by the name. "Niche" - It's one of those words I always feel self conscience saying. The point is...who cares how you say it...just get there fast! We arrived around 6:30 on a Friday night. We were a little early (on purpose) so we could enjoy a beverage at the bar. The misses ordered a rum and coke (gasp!!) and I decided on a Hendrick's martini. The bartender, Vinny, was very cool. I found out he's a beer guy like myself so we ended up discussing the nuances of midwest beer drinkers and their disdain for big hop beers (so sad). At least Vinny's my kind of beer drinker so I know I've got a hop-head nearby who just happens to be a bartender. After our drinks and chat with Vinny, we migrated to our table and ordered an '04 Mourvedre by Tablas Creek. Oh that reminds me...Niche has this cool premise where they source their wine and beer from US based establishments only. I thought that was pretty cool especially since their wine list is not only comprehensive but loaded with amazing vino. Shortly after we were seated, Vinny (remember him...the bartender), brought us a bottle of beer from Wisconsin's own Capital Brewery. It was their Bavarian Lager. Demonstrating that not all midwest breweries shy away from bold beers. I have to admit that was above and beyond the call of duty. Nice work Vinny! I'm a huge fan of duck so naturally when I saw they had Duck Nachos as an appetizer it was a no brainer. "Ma'am one order of Duck Nachos please!" The The Applewood Bacon Wrapped Venison Loin was very well prepared and wonderful. No...it wasn't gamey...it wasn't tough (that's for all you game haters that that think eating Bambi is a crime punishable by death). It was a buttery, velvet, succulent piece of loin that literally melted in your mouth like the finest Filet Mignon you've ever had. Oh and don't forget to get one of their signature Niche Coffees. Vinny prepares this to order at the bar and it's to die for. Big enough to share! This is a really classy place and a great place for a date night or entertaining business associates.
(4)Stephanie P.
Went here during the Geneva Christmas Walk and were SHOCKED at how well everything went, given the crazy time of year. The Chestnut soup was delicious (my boyfriend threatened to lick his bowl). The portion sizes were perfect and everything came out at exactly the right time. The Diablo Dolce dessert was strange but delicious (Note: the ice cream is actually really spicy - trust your waiter!) There are lots of great restaurants in the Geneva area, but this one is definitely in a class all it's own. It is pricey and you should be prepared to spend well over 100 dollars for 2 people (2 drinks, 2 soups, 2 entrees, one dessert). Great Experience!!!
(5)Steve G.
I'm going to be overly picky here, and I apologize in advance... I think this place is very good -- but a let me give you a couple pros and a couple cons... Pros Food is very fresh, presentation is very nice, service is very proficient. Sommelier is a gem and very helpful. Dig those crazy twisy knives Good breads Cons Prices are a little high for this area. 50 cents extra for ice in my mixed drink? Room feels very busy when its full (although the acoustics are great for a crowd this close together -- couldn't hear much if any other conversation) Steak was not the choicest Not enough waiting room for the number of people waiting - it feels like they're all staring at you With the competition in this area -- Atwater's, Isabella's -- you've got to be competitive in all areas. We looked at the dessert menu, but nothing struck us as special -- we'll go back at least once more...
(4)William K.
Kim39 and I had a wonderful evening at Niche. It's fancy without the airs. I would say that most people were pretty dressed-up though. I won that evening with the chicken with sage dressing... killer! 39 had the lamb, which was fantastic, but not the equal to my chicken. Oh yeah, calamari appetizer was outstanding. The food is fancier than my palette, but you don't get the tiny portions that are so common with a snooty menu. The wine list looked great, and our Merlot was like butt-ah. Our waitress was so friendly; she matched the warm atmosphere of the place. The 5 yelp-stars come from this combo... off-the-chart great food and a warm, positive atmosphere. It was a wonderful Christmas dinner for us. peace... yow, bill yum... yow, bill
(5)Steve C.
Disappointing. Service was slow and apologetic. What? We're there at 7pm and the chicken dish is unavailable? My lobster bisque arrives with a amazingly small portion of minced lobster in the bowl and the bisque is poured over it? Really? Not impressed. Scallops were seared correctly but served just warm. And on. I don't object to small portions but they need to be exquisite. I'm amazed by the 5 star reviews. Much ado about nothing... Except the price!
(3)Adam W.
This restaurant is great. I believe the menu is great, the wine list is great, the service staff is great. Not much of a decision to make if you have all of the above. Their wine list can be daunting if looked at the wrong way. The staff knows what's up and can lead you in the right direction. The menu changes with the seasons and so do the features. So you can always look forward to something that will entice you. Great selection of scotches and whiskeys as well.
(4)Natalie C.
Niche was amazing!! Our dinner was of the highest quality and our waiter was fantastic! This small gem gave me and my BF the best dinner along with amazing service! The shrimp and grits appetizer was so good! The short ribs were so tender and delicious. At the end of our meal we were given a plate full of beautiful pink cotton candy that was so yummy and delicious. This restaurant was so amazing that my friend said that it should become OUR place from now on. When you come to Geneva, check this place out!
(5)Ryan K.
I was very excited to try this place after learning of it's connection to the now closed 302 West. I worked at 302 West as a busboy when I was in high school and have since compared all restaurants to it. I went to Niche on a Thursday night with my wife for drinks and appetizers. My wife was unsure of which wine to select so the server let her sample a few of the more popular white wines. She found one that she loved although it's name now escapes me. I am not a wine buff, but I did notice they had quite a large wine cellar connected to the dining room. They also had a good beer selection, I settled on a Berghoff lager. Our first appetizer was the beef hanger steak, I would describe it as similar to lettuce wraps but easier to eat, they were really tender and had this flavorful Asian sauce on them. The next appetizer was this soup that had cotton candy in it. I remember it as having a good mixture of sweet and spicy, not something I would normally think to order but I'm glad I did as it was unusually delicious. Our final appetizer was some kind of corn fritter cheese ball thing, I know that's not the best description but I wanted to mention these things because they were delicious. We ended up having dessert as well, homemade gelato with toasted almonds and tart Michigan cherries. Dessert was exceptional, I don't know what they did to the cherries but they explode with flavor! We had a great time at Niche and will go back to try their entrees next time we have a reason to celebrate.
(5)Tara M.
Food was good....but not amazing. Frankly, unlike some other reviewers, i thought the food was inventive, tasty and i felt worth the price. The WINE selection was vastly over-priced. It was upwards of $60 for one of their cheapest bottles....a bit much if you ask me. And the wine was good....but, again, not amazing. If I'm paying that much for dinner, I need my socks to be blown off and they just weren't. Final word: GOOD but not incredible!!
(3)meg l.
I was unsure about spending the money to go to this restaurant since there were several bad reviews. At the recommendation of 2 people I feel have a good gage on food we decided to go last night. The food and service were excellent. My husband and I both had the gazpacho prior to our entree. The flavor was amazing! I had the braised lamb shank, not only was the plate beautiful but again amazing! My husband who is a bit of a paella snob since he refers everything back to his days visiting Spain, really loved their paella dish. Overall we were left satisfied and didn't feel like the dishes were overpriced. We also really liked the ambience. The lighting is just dim enough to make it warm and cozy. It was also a special treat to have the chef go around the room to make sure everyone was satisfied with their meals.
(5)Mina F.
Gourmet in the burbs? No way! Way - Niche is as good as it gets. This little place in downtown Geneva serves up farm fresh to table gourmet fare that will keep this foodie coming back for more. The place is small, but there is a nice little bar with an extensive wine list and now an extensive list of small batch, boutique brews. The bar serves small plates - so a great place to stop when you get off the train before heading to the mayhem of home. They have their own farm in Elburn which grows vegetables and herbs and feature meats from a local small farm in Marengo. Everything we ate was firstly a work of art with the freshness and taste to match. The service is outstanding with staff that really know their stuff - professional, but not stuffy. The menu changes with what is fresh and available. While a bit on the pricey side, it is well worth it. Great for a special occasion or to impress your important clients or friends. I also loved the choice of music that is played in the background.
(5)Jim R.
I love this place. What Ang R. said! What the two principals have done here is remarkable for their relative youth. I have eaten here numerous times and always enjoy the food. Jeremy is an incredible chef and Jody is a great sommelier (just ask her). All kidding aside, this restaurant is the real deal. One minor beef...I find the chairs too tall for my small frame...I'm 5'8".
(5)Ashley B.
the atmosphere is great the staff is amazing the food is to die for! my recommendations: the butterscotch pudding, the swordfish and a caipirinhas as a beverage. we came in late on a friday night and got just as good service (if not better) than if we ahd come during the rush. the space seems so much bigger as the way it is decorated than the two previous restaurants that inhabited its space. they did a great job of making it cozy but not crowded. some people commented on the expense, but people, you are getting what you are paying for. it is obvious that the service and kitchen staff genuinely cares about the product that hits the table. everything was devine, by far one of the best experiences i have had dining in the 'burbs next time i will be sure to take advantage of that amazing wine list they have.
(5)Natalie N.
Fantastic place for a special occasion meal. Always inventive and full of fresh ingredients. I had a deviled egg trio as an appetizer there that was so much fun. The wine list is great and includes fantastic domestic wines from small vineyards that are hard to find, but excellent. I hate that many people feel comfortable wearing jeans there, because otherwise the place would feel truly special and sophisticated -- like the food.
(4)Ang R.
This is the much vaunted replacement for the now defunct 302 West (best restaurant in the West 'burbs? Yes, when it was open.), with much of the staff present. I suspect that this place will only get better and better as the staff grows into the new space, which is wonderful, since the experience is really already a five-star one. I don't really get to eat like this very often, but when I do, I really could just be going back here over and over again. I don't really feel like I can highlight specific menu items, since this menu will change almost weekly, and I don't want to excite you about the wonderful tuna entree that two people at my table had, or brag about my delicious pork shoulder, because you might go and those things won't be on the menu. Suffice it to say that preparations are inventive (and often sound like they might be strange and disgusting, but end up being the height of delicious), and the food is fresh and filling. The staff is wonderful, and the space is pretty. I hope it has the chops to stick around, like 302 did.
(5)Jennifer S.
This is truly a fine dining experience. I agree with Ang R. that I could go back to Niche again and again, especially because the menu (even the salad served with every entre) changes each week. The wait staff was attentive and friendly, and the sommelier, Jody, offered great advice on her collection of North American wines to pair with the North American cuisine. Our table enjoyed the assorted cheese plate (accompanied by some of the best whole toasted almonds I've had) and a small crab cake as appetizers. We also feasted on lamb chops, pork shoulder, and beef tenderloin, which were each cooked to perfection and served with delectable sides. My only disappointment was our after dinner selection of assorted chocolate deserts. Although my dinner companions and myself were dressed up for this fancy experience, others (especially those dining in the bar area) were more casual. I love when a great restaurant is classy without being overly stuffy. I just have to share that our very sweet waitress added some comic relief to our wonderful meal when she referred to the wine steward as our sole meunier (one of my favorite fish dishes) instead of sommelier! I would highly recommend Niche if you are looking for amazing food in the western suburbs.
(4)Paul G.
My wife and I have been going to Niche since it opened years ago, although time got the better of us and about a year had passed since our last visit. We returned this past week. The food and service was absolutely top-notch, as always. Our appetizers and desserts were fabulous, and the halibut entree was perfect. (The beef short rib was just okay.) However,some points kinda left the evening just under five stars and may postpone our next visit for a while: 1) the wine list, while huge, has blown out of this world, price-wise. I understand there are people out there who think nothing about spending $90-350 for a bottle of wine, but that's not me. I like wine but come on! We wound up spending around $55 for one of the cheapest bottles of red. It was very, very good wine, but I'd like to see a few more modest selections, or even glasses priced under $10. 2) related to #1, when we were seated we were presented with A) the menu; b) the wine list; C) a specialty drink menu; and D) a whiskey menu. We wanted to eat dinner, not do a study group on alcohol. 3) The rock music playing in the background, while not loud by any means, seemed out of place. So do I recommend Niche? Yes, but just expect to spend at least $100 per person, or way more depending on your wine tastes.
(4)Yvonne O.
It is always hard to get a fair sense of a restaurant when you are with a large group - the logistics of service for 14 alone can mess things up when a dinner for 2 might be perfect. Keeping that in mind, I have to say that the food was wonderful, but the service not so much. I had the mussel appetizer which is served on what appears to be homemade pasta - absolutelt fabulous and only two instances of some sand, which is totally fine (I am not expecting every piece to be taken out, just as long as every bite is not full of it!) For a main course, I had the duck and thought it was not greasy at all, well seasoned and maybe only slightly undercooked (more medium-rare than medium here). Drink service for one half of the table was better than the other (I never got asked if I wanted a drink after I finished the one I brought from the bar to the table). Dessert selections are pretty boring when compared to the main menu. I would have expected something a little more exciting or different than chocolate cake and creme brulee or peanut butter cheesecake. It took about 2 1/2 hours to get through dinner, which is a lifetime unless you are having 5 or 6 courses, so I would have liked the speed picked up a bit. And I agree with Steve that the food is totally over-priced. Keeping in mind that I had an appetizer and main course with no drink on my tab at all, my personal total was $60 without tip.
(3)Suzanne D.
The service was outstanding, and the ambiance was great, but the entree's were too small. The chef came out on the floor to greet a table of "regulars", but it would have been more impressive to see her take an additional 5-10 min to talk to other tables. I can't say enough about the waiter we had. A true professional in complimenting the fine dining experience.
(2)Ann R.
Definitely the best restaurant in the area and a special occasion place (at least for my budget)!!!
(5)