Dinner at Oriole in Chicago
Why Oriole is still one of the best dining experiences in the city
Tucked away in a quiet corner of the West Loop, Oriole is the kind of place that defines classic fine dining in Chicago: elegant, timeless, but with its own personality and modern twists. It’s without a doubt one of the city’s most thoughtfully crafted tasting menus.
The experience begins the moment you arrive. Instead of a typical front door, you enter through a discreet garage-style entrance. It’s a low-key, cinematic start that sets the tone for what’s to come: a sleek, intimate space where every detail feels intentional.
The ambiance is polished yet personal, and the service hits that sweet spot, attentive without ever feeling intrusive.
The meal kicks off at the bar with a welcome bite and drink.
From there, you’re brought into the kitchen for one of the night’s highlights: a warm, buttery brioche topped with foie gras that melts in your mouth. It’s rich, decadent, and one of those bites you don’t forget.
Then we moved into the dining room, where the full experience truly began. The dishes that followed struck a perfect balance between elegance and creativity.
We started with a caviar dish accompanied by the fluffiest shokupan I’ve ever tasted, pillowy, warm, and totally addictive.
From there, we moved into delicate preparations that were light and bright, like the carabinero prawn or the beets, each one bursting with clean, balanced flavors.
As the meal progressed, the dishes became richer and more comforting, with highlights like a perfectly marbled wagyu beef and a beautifully savory cavatelli topped with shaved truffle (a special add-on for the night).
And then came the desserts. As part of the truffle supplement, I was treated to an off-menu addition: a perfectly crisp cruller finished with truffle, absolutely memorable. I’m not usually a dessert person, but I genuinely loved every single one that came out. Each was refined and balanced. A perfect way to close the night.
