We were fortunate enough to have our wedding at Elske Oct 2023. The day could not have been better because of everything the staff did for us. Renee, the restaurant manager, was excellent - so kind, accommodating, and professional! The service, food, and drinks were great! Our guests had so much fun, and we really can't thank or recommend Elske enough! Oh and the cake was fantastic too!
Full menu is offered, but went with the tasting menu, which was about 8 courses. There was not one bad bite. Each dish was a dance on my mouth, leaving a magical impression better than the last. The Northern European flavors were really highlighted with each protein. Kitchen surely out did themselves and I have to say it was the best meal I had all year. Wine, service, and most of all the unique experience was one I will never forget.
It’s a lovely restaurant with good service and atmosphere. We ordered the set menu, and the overall experience was pleasant. I do think there was a lack of excitement and story behind the dishes. Some dishes weren’t very inviting. The flavors were cool and interesting but not tasty enough. In short, everything was good, but nothing stood out or impressed me.
Came here to celebrate both of our birthdays and I'm so happy that we did! The food was all so interesting and every dish that came out was bursting with flavor and creativity! The standouts for me were definitely the duck liver tart and the lamb sausage!
We decided to do the "juice" pairing as we're both taking a break from alcohol and I have to say, for $30 I felt like the drinks we received were worth every penny! Each drink was served in a wine glass, consisted of multiple components, and felt like it was created with just as much thought and effort as their alcoholic cocktails! There was one made with earl grey tea, apple cider, and I think kombucha that I could have drank a 2-litre of if someone sat it in front of me!
Overall just so impressed with this place and will be recommending it to any and everyone I talk to!
Unique flavor combinations and true Nordic vibes. We LOVED everything about our visit!
Coming from Sweden, we found the service, ambiance, and simple (yet complex) flavor combinations, very authentic Scandinavian - something that’s hard to find in the US. It almost felt like being home again 🥹 The quality of the food is excellent! You won’t go wrong with any of the dishes. This is absolutely one of the best restaurants in Chicago in our opinion. Oh! And don’t miss the sourdough bread!! I could come back just for the bread 🤤
Tried the tasting menu, food was alright. Not exceptional, some dishes were rather bland. My favourite was the duck liver tart and the swordfish.
Service was awesome though, so is the ambience.
Such a good experience overall, loved everything about it. They made the tasting menu vegetarian for my wife and I didn’t expect that and it was great. I’ll say I’m not a fan of the fish dishes but maybe that’s just me.
Inventive and delightful. The restaurant opens to a beautiful courtyard patio. We did the wine and juice pairing for the set menu and let me tell you, the juice paring was incredible. You will taste flavors here you’ve never had before. In terms of savory, the duck liver and grilled lamb were solid along with the bread and fennel mouse that came with. My favorite juice would probably be between the earl grey clove and apricot or the dessert plum hay and kukicha. The dessert wine Vittorio Bera & Figli moscato d’Asti stole the show. Just wow. The dessert + parings was mind blowing. Alexa was our waitress and she’s awesome and elevated the experience. Highly recommend and can’t wait to come back for ala carte.
While I didn’t capture the food perfectly in the photos, most dishes were very good, unique flavours, and interesting. It was pricy, as you’d expect for a Michelin star restaurant. Service was superb. I’d go back.
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Elske, borrowing its name from the Danish word “to love,” a culinary hot spot in Chicago's West Loop, beckons with an enchanting entrance—a courtyard fireplace and candle-lit door—setting the tone for a special dinner. The open kitchen, my love language, reveals the culinary mastery of David and Anna Posey. Their modern American cuisine, infused with Danish influences, is a harmonious dance of simplicity and seasonality.
The accolades speak volumes, with a Michelin Star gracing Elske every year from 2017 to 2023. The Poseys, a culinary power couple, have garnered recognition from the James Beard Awards, Jean Banchet Awards, and more. Anna Posey, the pastry virtuoso, has earned accolades like the Jean Banchet Award for Pastry Chef of the Year.
David Posey, the Executive Chef, boasts a rich history, including a Michelin Star for Blackbird Restaurant and a James Beard Award Finalist for Rising Star Chef.
Elske offers a curated tasting menu as well as à la carte options. The offerings are a celebration of love for gastronomy. This is not just dining; it’s love shared to others made by a culinary duo whose passion and skill are evident in every dish. I’d say they got the name right!
Great dining experience! Everything was so delicious and very generous portions. For people with egg allergies- there are about 3 main dishes that are egg-free which is great! Bridget was so helpful and accommodating, amazing service.
Tasty, sneaky attack on the senses. The meal was a gradual build up of flavor. My favorite was the duck liver tart. It smelled soo good, I was the odd guest sniffing at my food all night.
Modern and simple ambiance. Extremely friendly staff. If the weather allows it, I recommend getting outdoor sitting.
I would highly recommend Elske to anyone visiting Chicago. Until next time!
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Elske is absolutely a must visit on Chicago culinary map. We have visited them few times and were never disappointed with the food, hence they have a Michelin star for a reason. The restaurant staff is amazing and does not give you that stiff atmosphere that you can sometimes experience at the Michelin starred restaurant. They have a great outside seating and with nice weather they always have a main seating area open as well. Keep in mind that of course reservation is needed for a dinner. Meny is divided so you can choose between set menu and a la carte menu.
AHI TUNA--that was a perfect start. Refreshing with the hint of smoked tomato
Confit Maitake With Fava Beans--crispy mushrooms with creamed barley was absolutely mouthful of flavors.
Fermented Black Bean Agnolotti--everytime we go to Elske they have agnolotti , different flavors depenfding on a season and it is always a blast. I could eat them every day. They are fantastic dish to try and goes very well with white wine.
Koji Marinated Chicken--I think it was the best chickens I ever had. Period.
I wish they had a wider selection of lower priced wines to choose in the range of $60-70.
Elske is absolutely fantastic and we will be back for sure!!
In a word - CHALLENGING.
An unapologetic presentation that doesn't wait for the guest.
Prepare for each dish to perplex on first bite, giving way to eager exploration, and finish wanting more. Still, you will be shocked by the journey each dish provides. This is less a "walk on a beautiful beach" and more an arduous hike to a mountain top with a rewarding view at the end - it's only upon finishing the experience that a full appreciation is possible.
I don't live in the city, but if I would return, I would order al a carte, and not the set menu, but I don't regret the experience. Oddly, I feel I have accomplished something, but like a challenging hike, I will be conscientious of who I bring if I return.
Where to improve: Water glasses were often emptied without prompt refill. Later (after 8 pm) the service attention significantly dropped.
This was my first experience with a tasting menu, and Elske in particular. The service from the moment we walked in was welcoming and cordial. Every member of the staff was happy to help and answer questions about the dishes and the overall restaurant operations. Beyond that though the food was unbelievable. Every course and item was perfect for taking your time and letting all of the flavors hit you and work in concert. This is absolutely a recommendation to anyone looking to try something new and engaging.
Perfect spot to celebrate our 51st wedding anniversary. Food was well-presented and delicious. The restaurant was clean, sleek and well-designed. Ambience was lively and friendly. Service was outstanding, in particular our server, Paul, who was knowledgeable, professional and jovial. The entire staff appeared to truly enjoy working at Elske. Had a very enjoyable evening.
What a great meal! We did the tasting menu with wine pairing and I highly recommend it. The food was absolutely delicious. The fish was all cooked to perfection and beyond fresh. The lamb was probably the most tender lamb I've ever eaten. all the flavors worked beautifully and I wish I had the recipe for the carrot mole because I want to put it on everything. The tea of smoked fruit and vegetables was also a highlight and I may try and reverse engineer it because it was like nothing else I've ever tasted and I want more. I love it when a tasting menu leaves me full enough to be more than satisfied by the end but not overstuffed and falling into a food coma. Very glad I decided to come here for my birthday dinner and I hope to be able to dine here again sooner rather than later!
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