Sepia Restaurant Review

Your wine glass will never be lonely: great service (perhaps too good).

Food is incredible

Intimate experience.

The food was okay, the service was good, and the place was dark, much darker than what the pictures here show. I have only been for several business lunches, and i will not be returning here to spend my own hard earned money.

My wife and I came here for a quick lunch before our flight. Not really impressed with the quality of the food. We ordered the cheese board, burger and The cod. I normally don t write reviews but the fries were burnt, the cheese choices on the board were blah and the cod had no taste. We were expecting a wow meal but got a less than OK meal.

Excellent food. Best service and amazing cocktails.

Excellent service, simply amazing food preparation and presentation, good prices..a winner all around!

Huge fan of the sepia themed ambiance. We went during restaurant week and the courses were full of flavor. In particular the pork collar and icelandic cod we had for our entrees were both quite tender. Understandably the restaurant was busy but I felt that they took away our dishes a bit too quickly as they were removed the moment the plates appeared or were close to empty. However, the staff was very friendly so it's still worth a place to go to.

Visiting Chicago, me and my cousin felt it would be fun to go to a Michelin star restaurant. Sepia was definitely the right choice.

The experience began before we even sat foot in the store. They called ahead to ensure we has no food allergies, which is very nice of them. Walking in we were greeted by a hostesses who was super nice and took our jackets. Mind you we were dressed plainly and in our early 20's, and were treated very nicely.

The food? Was absolutely spectacular. I loved every portion of my meal. I got a lamb rack and it hit the spot in flavor. Large enough to get full and full of flavor, cooked exactly medium as I requested. They brought a Biryani, that was amazing, needless to say I was shocked they pulled that off. The potatoes gratin were great as well.

5/5 the experience, ambiance, and food were worth the modest price tag.

Food art! Dinner was fantastic! Alex was our server and his recommendations were spot on. Restaurant Week in Chicago! Stop reading and make a reservation!

Perfect meal. Every course was nuanced and balanced down to the amuse bouche. Will be back.

This was my first time ever dining at Sepia and I must say, I was impressed. Sepia is moderately priced, especially for the quality of food the are creating. The food and menu is of a different order entirely wide variety, often locally sourced, and presented creatively. The cocktail menu was, creative and the cocktails were delicious. The wine list, had some big names, but also some hidden gems. This was very cool to see. The night that I visited the restaurant was busy, and the team looked to be understaffed. The service was good, but not what I was expecting considering what I have heard about there service. Overall, my experience was great, and I look forward to returning in the future.

Delicious food, warm and quiet atmosphere, beautiful presentation. Very classy place!

Fabulous cocktails. It can stand on it's own just for the unique concoctions from the bar. You'll pay a pretty penny for dinner but we did not feel rushed and the server was incredibly knowledgable about layering flavors and took great care in making our dining experience quite lovely.

Always a delight to visit Sepia and enjoy their excellent cocktails. Their happy hour selection is surprisingly affordable, though personally I prefer their full menu. It's also great fun to challenge the bartender to make a bespoke cocktail based on your preferences: I've never been disappointed.

Incredible food, wine and service. Jason was amazing !

The food, service, atmosphere was exceptional. Will definitely visit again.

Well presented and flavorful food. Very attentive servers.

Wonderful meal! We had the cheese board and grilled squid to start. The squid was a balanced in flavors and textures. The cheese board was perfect for sharing. They also provided an amuse bouche of vegetable broth. It had a beautiful light tomato and carrot base. The sable fish I ordered was cooked to perfection. The skin was so crisp while the fish was so tender. In our party we also ordered the strip loin and pork tenderloin. The sauce with the pork was really tasty. Thank you for a great birthday meal!

Happy hour specials are nice. New restaurant proxi is even better.

Fantastic food and cool ambience. Probs are good and a little smaller than other places, but absolutely delicious!

We visited the restaurant a few days ago and we were very satisfied. The service was very attentive and the food was flavorful with a lot of finesse. Highly recommended.

Can not say enough great things about this place. Went here for lunch the service were very friendly and attentive. They were very accommodating to allergies, and the food tasted really great.

The beetroot of the appetizer is very sweet and delicious. The softness and hardness of the main dish is just right. The dessert plate is very beautiful. The bread just happens to be because the individual does not love the nut, so the friend said that the bread is also very good.
The only shortcoming is that when pouring water, the water is often splashed on the table, and the waiter does not mean to wipe. I am sorry that I am a little bit clean and can't stand the water stain.

The room is very nicely done. The bar is inviting too. Altogether, appealing for lunch or dinner.

This is the kind of place you go to enjoy really incredible food for a special occasion. Surprisingly there is no dress code but the ladies dining there made the most of it in beautiful dresses and flashy cocktail attire - I definitely wished I had dressed up more! Some may consider the portions small by "American" standards, but I thought they were the right amount, focusing on flavor and quality rather than quantity. To top it off, the service is first class. Our tall waiter Ben made excellent wine recommendations based on our input, plus he was extremely personable. Looking forward to dining there again!

A mixed bag:
Food: 4.5 Our tasting menu was very good - well balanced, very flavorful, excellent presentation. However, people next to us ordered ala carte and their cod smelled so fishy, it was unpleasant.
Service: 3 Our waitress pretended like she could navigate the large wine list, but her recommendation was really not what we were looking for - I wish I insisted on talking to a sommelier. Over the course of the evening, I had to ask twice and wait 15 minutes to get my water refilled.

Visited in July 2019 while visiting Chicago. That was definately one of the highlights of our tour. Excellent service and menu. We decided to go with their tasting menu ($95) and wine paring ($60). Both were excellent. Wagyu beef is just to die for. Amazing! Scallops were wonderful too. The whole menu is unbelievable! Wines were amazingly paired with all dishes. The interior is classy, simple yet very beaitiful. It is a former print house, so it has that that vibe. It is pricey, (well, it has a Michelin star) but so worth the experience! Thanks for the holiday of taste!

Went there for Valentine s Day, was in my expectation! Recommend.

Solid under the radar business lunch place, walking distance from the Loop

From the moment you walk into Sepia, you notice the laid back, wood tone and calming atmosphere of the restaurant. That calming and intelligent design aesthetic marries perfectly with the attentive, but unassuming servers who finesse the flow of service with professionalism and knowledge. The Tasting Menu was exquisite and the perfect amount of food, if not more so. Especially good were the two mains that my husband and I had of the duck and the halibut confit. My husband said it was the best duck he s ever had. Sepia is perfect for a fine dining experience, without the fine dining pompousness. Date night approved.

We booked the table a few weeks in advance, and good that we did as the reservations fill up quickly on the weekends. I received confirmation via email and a personal call to verify any food allergies and sensitivities.

Our server was top notch and so was the dining experience. From the tender Japanese A7 Wagyu to the smokey caramel of a 30 year old Port each element complimented and built on the previous.

The atmosphere was full of sound as everyone in the room appeared to be happily conversing and enjoying themselves while the wait staff was buzzing with food and drinks.

Our table received a special taste plate from the chef that seemed unique, similar to miniature macaroons and cream. It was tart and sweet which made for the perfect palate cleanse after the appetizer of savory buttered scallops.

We didn't feel rushed, there was no pressure, and our server was patient as we asked questions and bantered about the menu. The server knew all of the menu items and was not shy about sharing opinions and making recommendations.

Dessert was worthwhile, and I won't regret the extra calories. Throughout, the house special drinks were easy to sip. My taste was for a "Gentlemen's Thief" (Rye and cider?) which was not too week, not too strong, was perfectly balanced and felt natural while waiting at the bar for our table as well as complementing the meal.

On a side note, the local Uber Black drivers knew to stay close as we were picked up within a minute or two of stepping outside.. very good for a cold evening with warm friends.

An elegant Michelin star restaurant. We went as part of Chicago restaurant week. The menu was tailoured for restaurant week, but I would definitely come back for the very homogenized and delicious squash soup as well as the wild rice crepes.

Very tasty food historically, we only popped in for drinks this time during their happy hour. Easily one of the best old fashions in the city! Ridiculously tasty and delicious, definitely a must have if you re there!

Way too safe for a $95 five course tarting menu. The only things that stood out were the shiso wrapped hamachi crudo (which needed more spice and acid) and the admittedly perfectly cooked scallop and black pudding. Take a pass on the wine pairing, nothing stood out and several were disappointing.

Great food! They take into consideration your diet and will accommodate, great service. I had a really great time.

Had a wonderful work lunch with my colleague. The food was exquisite and the staff was extremely attentive. Thank you for a great Michelin star experience

Food is tasty and the drinks are really good. Have had one of the better old fashions in the city here. Bartenders are extremely nice.

I came with my partner and of course the 4 course dinner is what we ordered, they had the menu online, so all you had to do was hover your phone camera over a QR code to find the menu. I ordered shaved mortadella and plums for my first course, and I can certainly say that even thought it was great I preferred my partners choice which was the fluke crudo. For my second course I ordered the mushroom chawanmushi, my third was halibut and for desert, strawberry and buttermilk Panna cotta. The interior was beautiful and the staff was extremely friendly. My partner did notice that we were the only couple that had not been visited by the manager, she had greeted every table except ours, and I don't really want to take too much offense to it, but it was just unprofessional to walk around and greet the table next to ours and make eye contact with my partner and walk to the table adjacent to ours.

Excellent, thoughtful service (Alex was great!), completely delicious food, peaceful atmosphere---always a memorable dining experience at Sepia. We're already planning our next visit!

Tasty food and accommodating to my nut allergy! Great experience

Local ingredients, High Style in Chicago's West Loop

I'm having lunch again in a few weeks at Sepia. Another restaurant introduced to me by my friend Dale. As the name indicates, Sepia is inspired by a by-gone era, where style and fresh food reigned. Sepia's rustic, yet modern decor is only surpassed by the delightful menu.

During lunch a few months ago, I spotted some diners gathered around an antique Absinthe decanter. As I was returning to work, I could not order the same. However, an excellent soup made of local ingredients and salad served by attentive staff was all I needed. Be sure to try the flatbread of the day!

My wife Brooke loves this place sepia. She's goes here on Thursdays. Get the coke and chili surprise.

Delicious meal and attentive service. Nice ambiance. Solid restaurant, but not especially memorable.

Sepia is one of my favorite fine dining restaurants in Chicago. It's also a great place to grab a drink after work. The cocktail program is excellent.

Loved it!!! Crowning glory of my Chicago visit! Thank you Sepia!

Took my wife here as an early Mother's day gift. What a fancy outing this was. We did the 6 course entree experience. Definitely a pricey menu but well worth it.

Very nice decor, friendly staff, just bring a fat wallet. Lol.

Went there for lunch today (April).

Very disappointed in the food. Maybe because it's menu is based on the seasonality of ingredients, but the choices were really limited and not inspired.

What I chose was completely under seasoned. I had to request salt and pepper and lemon for the salad.

Maybe dinner would be better or maybe a better season? I don't know, but I was put off.

There is a reason for the other good reviews! Food and service were great and consistent. The wine ordered wasn t available but it was well replaced by the sommelier. Definitely coming back and highly recommended.

Such an amazing place to spend with your love
Great personal, delicious food and amazing atmosphere
We looking forward to come back soon

Great dinner, great service. It was a perfect place to celebrate a birthday for my wife. Have dinner without being rush

We went to Sepia for our anniversary dinner while visiting Chicago. It was our first Micheline star experience and I guess I had high expectations for our dinner. Service was lovely and attentive and the atmosphere great. Food was good but not to die for, some dishes were too solty but boyfriend'e rabbit was undercooked. If I was living in Chicago, I wouldn't go back anytime soon. I found that it was worth the price tag.

The most careful dining experience we have had - clearly protecting their staff and their customers, and that made us feel very comfortable - best dining-out experience we have had. The four course offering presents varied choices that include something for almost every taste. I don't ordinarily take the wine accompaniment but I was glad it did. The sommelier included wines I would not normally order but which went perfectly with each course, and sized to ensure I stayed sober. The side of corn chanterelle salad is so rich that it is almost a meal in itself. So nice to have a constant in our dining lives.

Classic style inside, with incredible food. Worth every penny.

Great lunch spot, make reservation and bring your appetite. There is always something exciting cooking here, try the specials.

Best food I have ever had. I will come back to Chicago just to eat here again.

I've been to Sepia twice, once for Restaurant Week and just tonight for Chef's Week. Both times had an unbelievable dinner. The food is incredible, just beyond anything I have ever eaten before. The atmosphere is nice but not too serious, the staff are attentive and the drinks are really delicious. If you want to have the best meal you can have in Chicago this is the place.

Pretty good food but not worth the price. The atmosphere was nice but the tables were too close. Great service too but I am not dying to go back.

Can't stop thinking about those braised duck thighs in Hibiscus Jus!

Thanks for celebrating me and my girl friend s anniversay.
I could fully feel that why the Sepia has been nominated as one of the Michelin guide.
Although all dishes were fabulous, desserts were the best I ve ever had.
Hope to re-visit here later on

Stopped in for the lunch prix fixe. Seasonal flavors, well-executed and balanced savory/sweet. Great service.

Decent food, but not superb. My steak is mediocre and overly cooked. Choice of wines by glass seem limited. This place is more a posh scene than a place for food. Service is generally friendly.

Take home menu during this pandemic gave us an exceptional Michelin experience on my own dining table. My wife missed dining here for a long long time so I decided to surprise my pregnant wife with their take-out menu.
Couldn t believe the excellent value for the generous price. Thoughtfully prepared and generously portioned. They got everything from appetizer to dessert. Finely decorated and absolutely delicious. We said unbelievable more than 100times while eating.

Had an absolutely wonderful meal here when I traveled to Chicago. Great ingredients coupled with a creative menu made for an excellent meal. The service was great and so was the wine.

I totally didn't mind this cafe, the food is amazing, plus the washrooms were clean. It was a little fridgity inside, so that was not the very best. The service is great. I will absolutely consider returning once more if I get the chance. Me as well as my close friend ordered the toast as well as we were not disappointed. My one tip is to keep the cool exterior. Laters!

Best meal I've ever had. Awesome service. Would definitely recommend to anyone.

Great food and atmosphere. Good service as well. They have wifi.

It goes without saying that Sepia has amazing food. I loved the atmosphere and the drink menu has very interesting and tasty selections

Had the privilege of dining here during restaurant week, and was quite pleased. Small, piquant dishes with carefully paired flavors, gracefully presented and served by friendly, knowledgeable staff. Ambiance was sophisticated without being stuffy. Great date night out.

Very good food, nice spot and the people are simply a joy!

Worked with staff to plan a private event and everyone was quick to respond and very informative. Loved coordinating with Kali. Thank you for your time, Sepia!

My top spot for tasty American food. Everyone at our table was quite pleased. Service is typically great. Prices are decent for the quality.

The filafel is mind blowingly amazing, and Id recommend anyone going to Chicago to try it. The cheesecake is a very good bite. The complimentary herbed butter was really good as well.

Wow! This place is SO good! It is very pricey but well worth it! If Sepia is in your budget, I highly recommend stopping there just to experience the amazing food and wine.

Food was 4.7, atmosphere was 4.0, service was 4.2, beer list was 2.9. All of the food was very tasty. Charcuterie was stellar and similar to Richmond Station (Toronto) in quality. The only dish that was off balance (too acidic with overpowering flavors of lemon/cilantro) was the squid appetizer. Would have preferred if the olive oil cake was softer and less dry. Minor things but I went in with low expectations because the West loop has been overhyped (Girl & Goat, Au Cheval, Lena Bravia were all big let downs). Sepia held up to their Michelin star, and in my opinion was equal in deliciousness to band of Bohemia. Service was great and the atmosphere was very nice (upscale modern). The tables are really packed closely together which was a little annoying (often would feel staff brushing against you while doing their job), but at least the chairs were big and comfortable. Costs approx 200 to fill us both up (3 appetizers, 2 mains, side of potatoes, and dessert). I will be back.

I've heard the food is great, but unfortunately we didn't get an opportunity to eat there. We were seated in the lounge area where we ordered a round of drinks. About 10 minutes later we ordered 3 appetizers to share while we thought about our entrees. The waitress told us the kitchen will only take full orders and then course it out for us. Look, we're not tourists and we are all well versed in Chicago dining. My sister who was there is a food writer and even included Sepia in her book on Chicago dining. I can understand why the kitchen may want to get the full order at once, but we just weren't ready to order. Then it just became combative. To the waitress' credit she wasn't rude, but she just adamantly refused to take our order unless we were going to order everything. She kept saying she was just following management's rule, to which we replied, that if that's the case send the manager over. She did not send over the manager, so we just paid the drinks we had and left. At that point there was just too much tension that it was clearly going to make it an awkward dinner. On the way out we told the hostess, who was genuinely concerned and asked us to wait to speak with a manager. At that point we were just tired of dealing with it so we left and said they can call us if they want to follow up. The bottom line is we didn't try the food that we've heard great things about because one very standard issue request was so hotly contested. I definitely don't want to see anyone fired over this, but I'd be shocked to find out that a professional kitchen in Chicago would so adamantly refuse to take an order even at the expense of a customer. Perhaps it's just inexperience. I would consider going back to try the food if I knew that this was more of a one off event, but I'm certainly going to stay away for a while.

What happens when you turn an old 1890 print shop into a Michelin Star restaurant? You get Sepia - no I don't mean the effect you get in photography although the restaurant boasts several portraits highlighting this hue. Sepia is one of my favorite fine dining spots in Chicago thus far!

I arrived early for a weekday lunch with a friend and sat at the bar until our table was set. The bartenders were very friendly and made light conversation with us. The interior is pretty mind blowing - the space incorporates pieces from the Chicago's past eras so it has a nostalgic feel to it while being incredibly modern and chic at the same time. Here's what's good:

VEAL AGNOLOTTI
This dish was absolutely delicious. The tender pasta was aldente and stuffed with a flavorful and meaty veal mixture served with raw diced vegetables. Additionally, there was a hot veal consumme broth that was poured over the pasta table side which was a nice touch.

PAN SEARED TROUT
The fish was perfect seared with crispy skin and served with smoked potatoes and chiogga beets. What made the dish though was the horseradish sauce that added a kick to the subtle flavors of the fish.

PORK BELLY SANDWICH
The portion was generous with the unctuous fatty pork belly and crunchy veggies that cut the richness of the meat. The dish was also served with crispy duck fat frites - how can you go wrong with anything fried in duck fat??

COCONUT PECAN CAKE
This dessert was knock-your-socks-off good! It came garnished with coconut tuile and the cake was incredibly moist and flavorful. Definitely recommend getting this. You won't be disappointed.

The service was outstanding. Dishes were always cleared and servers were professional yet friendly. The manager Ben was super accommodating always checking in on us making sure we were having a great experience. Although some say the portions are too small, I'd much rather have a small serving of great food than a huge plate of food that's bland. Quality over quantity! Make sure you check it out!

My girlfriend and I had dinner on a weeknight and enjoyed our time here immensely. The food was amazing in flavor, originality and presentation. The service was extremely professional and made us feel safe during COVID and didn t feel overbearing. We would happily recommend anyone else to come enjoy a night out here.

Service...food and ambiance: PERFECT! Our server's recommendations were very on point!

Food was good, but salmon was swapped in place of trout without me being notified.

Group of 6...we were in town for a conference visiting from Calgary .Beautiful dining room. Outstanding service. Wine selections from sommelier were great Everyone enjoyed their meals For me the highlight was the dessert. Pumpkin Cheesecake with ice cream, salty toffee crunch on top Wow. . Brilliant balance and flavour mix.