Alpana Reviews

The ambiance of the restaurant is very nice - warm, welcoming and not too loud. The service was very good. My only complaint is that they swooped in and took our bread plates (with bread still on the plate) without asking. I was talking to my friend, turned, and my bread plate was gone. Disappointing since the focaccia is very good. The bibb lettuce salad was very good, and the sea bass was okay. Probably won't order that again. The roasted chicken dish is huge, enough for two people, and the cheesecake was yummy.

We thought it was fantastic!! Great service, such a wonderful experience. Would defiantly return !! I would refer this to any, and everybody, for sure!!

I was eager to try this well-reviewed wine bar on a recent trip to Chicago. Sat at the bar and had superior service with a knowledgeable and personable bartender. She listened closely to my preferences and made an outstanding wine recommendation. Very highly recommended!

We went for dinner on a busy Saturday night. Lots of buzz about this restaurant, given its famous proprietor. By no means a bad experience—but by no means a particularly memorable one, either. The space is pretty, with a botanical theme. It’s trendy and noisy, though not deafeningly so. The theme of the restaurant is interesting—the proprietor is a noted sommelier, and the idea is that it’s wine-focused food. As wine and food lovers, that sounded cool! Alas, the execution didn’t feel up to the theme; it felt like, well, a pretty normal restaurant. Food was good, but not notably delicious. Nice variety on the menu. Given the wine focus of the restaurant, we expected our server to know more about wines. She didn’t seem to know much. She was also very into herself; she had kind of a cutesy, flippant vibe and we grew sick of it after a while. I wouldn’t resist returning; I also wouldn’t put it at the top of my Chicago list.

Love Alpana. The best thing to happen in the neighborhood in a long time. Delicious comfort food, great reasonably priced wine (served at the correct temperature), friendly service. You cannot go wrong here: share a pistachio pesto pasta, a roast chicken, and whichever wine they recommend. A+. Do go. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

We had an early dinner, so the place was pretty quiet, which was nice. We started by sharing the figs & burrata, which was pretty good (figs, cherry tomatoes, burrata, balsamic reduction). My husband really liked his French onion soup (I had a taste, it was nice). He had the venison - I had a bite of it and thought it was really good - perfectly cooked and seasoned. I did not like the smoked bacon that came with it, but my husband like that, too. I had the striped sea bass with broccolini and celery root puree. The fish was nice and crispy on the outside, flaky on the inside - very tasty. The server knew a lot about the dishes and was friendly.

We were a family of six out for dinner on Mother’s Day. All was was excellent with one caveat - dessert choices were disappointingly dismal. The peach cocktail and glass of Gamay both hit the right notes. Son in law had the Orange old fashioned deemed excellent after which he sampled the appetizers and sadly needed to leave for work. Daughter had the cucumber cocktail and a glass of Sancerre. Appetizers of polenta with mushrooms, whipped feta with honey and butter chicken meatballs were outstanding. French onion soup for two grandsons was compared favorably to LeBouchon’s in Napa. My short rib bourguignon was excellent and one grandson’s choice as well, although I would have preferred a roasted beet in place of the undercooked parsnip for added flavor and color to the dish. Daughter had the striped sea bass which she said was quite tasty. Back to dessert topic now. I must say that if Alpana has an in house pastry chef, whoever it is needs to step it up and have at least one upscale offering beyond the mundane chocolate cake or (Ho hum - boring) cheesecake. Soft serve sundaes? Come on, Alpina, you surely can do better. How about a nod to your heritage with a rose water panna cotta or perhaps a rose water sugar coated mini donut trio, or a mango pastry tart. Service was efficient with very pleasant personnel. Ambiance the usual loud and difficult-to-talk atmosphere of most restaurants these days with tables placed too close together. Decor was especially noteworthy with contemporary colorful wallpaper and ceiling lights surrounded by low hanging fern. All in all we enjoyed our time at the restaurant and would definitely return, hopefully to a more satisfactory dessert finale. Nice touch to be greeted at the hostess stand by Alpina herself!

We sat outdoors for a perfect dinner in a perfect setting. I had sea bass which came with celery root puree. It was well prepared and delicious. I look forward to returning to try something else--the menu had great choices.

We had high expectation having previously dined at the Boarding House which we loved. Alpana's new venture did not disappoint. Decor was gorgeous casual elegance. The Butter chick meatballs were delicious. We each tasted each other's entree's and they were excellent. Had 3 different pastas, delicious and perfectly prepared. As would be expected our server new all about the wines on the incredibly extensive list. He chose one that paired perfectly with the entree's. Service was prompt and attentive as would be expected in a p[laced of this caliber. Well done Alpana. We will be back.

My girlfriends and I decided to get together at the last minute and lucked out on an opening. It could’ve been because we chose a dinner time for 4:30 PM, which is early for Saturday night. By the time we left close to 7 PM the crowd was changing, the scene was getting a little louder and the vibe was a little bit more upbeat. When we were there we were able to just eat slow and talk. I typically don’t order appetizers, but for some reason today we ordered the arugula salad with peaches and the polenta with truffles, excellent! And then there was dinner… And then they were drinks… And then there was dessert… And it was worth every single morsel.

The food was good. The interior design was attractive. I would never go back. We were “pushed” to order from the minute we sat down. This practice comes from management not the server. The restaurant was fairly empty, but our server told us it was going to fill up so we needed to order… I did make a reservation. We weren’t even given a chance to have a drink before the pressure to order started. We were there less than 90 minutes for 3 courses. It was an annoying, unpleasant evening.

Beautiful, relaxing dinner room. Great wine list. Varied menu, something for every taste. We enjoyed the meatball appetizer, salmon, bass, ribs and broccolini. Excellent, helpful service. Reasonable prices, especially for Chicago.

Cozy and well appointed setting. Efficient and very discreet professional team. Well-stocked and good meal, no exaggerated embellishment. Fast and cheerful service. Well done

Last night was unforgettable! We celebrated my birthday at Alpana, the stunning bistro owned by the incredible Alpana Singh – Master Sommelier, restaurateur, and TV personality – and wow… this place is pure perfection. From the moment we walked in, the decor took our breath away, the atmosphere was chic yet welcoming, and the music set the perfect vibe. The Food? Extraordinary. Here’s what we devoured (and loved every bite): Striped Sea Bass Roasted Chicken Pasta Romero Short Rib Bucatini House-Baked Focaccia Hamachi Crudo Pistachio Pesto Double Cheeseburger & Fries (for my son Benjamin) Mixed Green Salad with lemon vinaigrette Desserts: Cheesecake, Key Lime Pie, Large Blueberry Sundae & Vanilla Ice Cream (for my twins Sebastian & Giovanni – one stuck to ice cream, the other helped eat everything else 😄) Plus, the Blueberry Paloma, wine, and tasty martinis were next-level! Shoutout to Kyle, our attentive and friendly server, who made the evening seamless. And to Alpana Singh herself – thank you for the warm welcome, the complimentary desserts, the photos, and the sweetest birthday wishes. 💕 Your grace, charm, and passion shine through every detail of this place. The best part? My kids (all on the spectrum) LOVED it. They felt comfortable, had great options, and joined in the celebration with big smiles. Parking right in front (rare downtown!), great laughs with my daughter Daniella, her boyfriend Jose, my three boys, and my besties Dave & Suzanne. Expensive? Yes. Worth every single penny? Absolutely. If you want incredible food, stunning atmosphere, and heartfelt service – Alpana is more than a restaurant; it’s an experience. Thank you, Alpana Singh, for making my birthday night one to remember. 🥂

Great patio interesting interior restaurant. Super toilets.Excellent wait staff. Loved the Fish...we both had the Fish and it was delicious...be aware you get 2 LARGE pieces per order...a little much...You could comfortably share one order with a friend and still be full. For desert shared a delectable Carmel cinnamon roll. Loved the restaurant.

Superb!! Bartender made a perfect French 75 to start the night! Ahi tuna was wonderful with just the right amount of heat... if you like it cooler just don't eat the jalapeños. Octopus was cooked perfectly with seasonings that didn't hide the fish. My venison was amazing and perfectly cooked. Our server was wonderful, very helpful. I'll be back... even if it's only for the key lime pie.

Went there for a brunch on the early side before they got very busy. The decor is tasteful and striking, the service professional and attentive. Since I don't eat meat, I was happy to see a few vegan/veggie options on the menu. (Keep it up, guys!) My aunt and uncle enjoyed their bubbly and meals. The potatoes that we all got with our main entree were well cooked and spiced perfectly. And plentiful, too! I would go back again the next time I was in town. What's not there to like?

As part of a small group of friends, we enjoyed cocktails, a couple of appetizers and dinner at this newly opened restaurant. I was concerned that a wine centric restaurant might not pay much attention to its cocktails but I was wrong, The cocktails we started with were all very well made with generous pours of alcohol, Those of us who ordered traditional cocktails were more satisfied, The house cocktails were said to be a bit too sweet, Appetizers were very good as were our entrees, A couple of glasses of wine were also generous pours, We shared a couple of the delicious ice cream sundaes. Service was very good and the atmosphere is relaxing and sophisticated, All and all this is a good spot for dinner or evening drinks at the attractive bar,

This spot serves very well made food and beverages in a comfortable environment. Service is knowledgeable and just right. Weather permitting there is an attractive veranda for seating.

As a person who never writes a review, I am writing to express my deep disappointment and frustration with the recent experience I had with Alpana Singh, the owner herself. I feel compelled to share my experience in the hope that it will shed light on the unprofessional customer service I encountered. Initially, I reached out to Alpana's catering department via email to make a reservation for a large party of 20 people. I received a prompt email confirming the restaurant was available to accommodate my party on the requested date and time. Naturally, I was thrilled and proceeded to coordinate the entire group, even releasing a previous reservation elsewhere. However, my excitement quickly turned to dismay when I received an email the following day, stating that there had been a mistake, and the date was no longer available. This was incredibly disappointing, considering the effort I had put into organizing such a large gathering. Despite this setback, I believed it was necessary to call and speak with a manager to express my disappointment and seek a resolution. Maybe an offering for a different day, the option to split my group into multiple tables, etc. However, the person I spoke with on the phone, who I thought was the manager, exhibited a shocking lack of professionalism and empathy. Instead of acknowledging the mistake and offering a solution, she responded in a nasty, rude, and dismissive manner. She even said, "what do you want me to do, expand the restaurant?" Moreover, when my phone accidentally got disconnected during the call and I called back wanting to escalate it to higher management, the woman identified herself as Alpana, the owner. This behavior was even more disheartening, as it revealed a lack of accountability and disregard for customer satisfaction. During our conversation, she dominated the entire conversation and refused to let me speak or explain my concerns. She abruptly cut me off and said, "I don't know what you want me to do, we're booked" and when I asked if she'd give me an opportunity to get a word in, she cut me off and said, "at this point, I don't want your business here" and hung up the phone leaving me shocked and appalled. As a fellow business owner, I cannot fathom treating any potential customer with such disrespect. Basic customer service principles dictate empathy, understanding, and a willingness to find alternative solutions. Unfortunately, this was not the case at Alpana. I understand that negative reviews may not hold much significance for some establishments, but it is my sincere hope that this review reaches the right audience and brings attention to the unprofessional behavior I encountered. I intend to share my experience with every person in my network, as I believe it is crucial to inform others of the treatment, they may receive at Alpana. I genuinely hope that this feedback prompts Alpana Singh to reflect on the importance of customer service and its impact on her business. It is my wish that no other customer has to endure such dismissive and abrasive treatment in the future. I hope they will address this matter appropriately and take the necessary steps to ensure a more positive experience for any future patrons. Victoria

First time visit on a weekend. Nice ambiance and inviting decor in restaurant. Busy but can still have private conversation. Service is excellent. Upon being seated and placing orders, food was out in 5 minutes which was very unexpected. Ordered short ribs and was underwhelmed. Tender beef but lacked flavor for me. I replaced with the sea bass and was very pleased. Light and flavorful. Dish also came out quickly considering redo. Cocktail and wine were very good. Sundae was delicious. Server was attentive and very responsive. Enjoyable evening and experience.

This restaurant was absolutely amazing. We went over the summer and was the highlight of our trip to visit Chicago. I would definitely go again (and again!)

We saw a write up about the restaurant on a site for the series "The Bear" that they would be filming there so I checked it out and the menu looked fantastic and it was such a beautiful place. We were visiting from Wisconsin for the weekend and wanted to go there but could not get a reservation Saturday night so we stopped for a cocktail in the afternoon. The bartender was fantastic and drinks were delicious so we asked the hostess to see if we could possibly get in for dinner. A while later a nice woman came up and talked with us and told us we could come in that evening for dinner. She was so friendly and after talking a while we found it it was the owner Alpana! The dinner we had that evening was outstanding as was the service. Everything was fresh and delicious -my husband had the sea bass and I had the short rib bucatini- yummy! Alpana stopped and talked with us again even though they were very busy that evening! We will make sure to return when we visit Chicago again!

The food and service were very good. However, the noise level was unbearable. We could not carry on a conversation without shouting at each other. Our dining experience was disappointing.

I did not know this restaurant, and I discovered just because was on same building with my apartment. I had two dinners there and both where amazing - good food, good wine, and reasonable price/quality report. The vegetables paste are just amazing, and I still feel the taste. Make reservation to ensure you find place, and try it - is worthy.

Needed to "wine" down after visiting my dad at Northwestern. Great place. Extensive wine list. Prices of bottles range, so we found a good one that didn't break the bank. Started with the crispy polenta and mushrooms. I expected it to be thinner, but it was about an inch and a half thick. So it wasn't that crispy, but that didn't matter. The mushrooms and cheese sauce on top were amazing. Make sure you like garlic. Then my husband had the double cheeseburger with fries. Fries are, okay, don't criticize me, but they are like REALLY good McDonald's fries. And I love McDonald's fries! Burger had awesome flavor. Would definitely come back and have everything again.

We just had an outstanding meal. We’ve found many restaurants have lost their edge recently but not Alpana. Our server John was outstanding but the food was the star. The arugula salad was so fresh and spicy. My pasta cresta grapa was fantastic. My wife enjoyed her salmon and the drinks were (pretty) large. We ate outside and could not have been happier (a little loud inside). Overall a great place. Highly recommend!!!

This new restaurant really upgraded the space when they opened at Chestnut and State. Interesting wine list. But more importantly the food was terrific. We started with a crispy polenta and mushrooms that was prepared with a delicious Parmesan cheese sauce. And we both had pasta dishes for our entree. The pistachio pesto and the squid ink campanelle were both unique and flavorful. Portions weren't large - but it was enough food when you included the appetizer. Nice outdoor seating as well.

I’ve been here multiple times, and every visit is better than the last! The Squid Ink Campanelle , Wild Mushroom Ravioli are the stars of the show and honestly rivals the best I’ve had in Italy. It’s the perfect spot for a quick lunch or a romantic dinner before seeing a show. The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting. The food was freshly prepared, and the drinks are excellent. Had an INCREDIBLE pre-show dinner here last time. We started with delicious house baked Focaccia, Butter Chicken Meatballs and Steak Tartare - everything was excellent and fresh. Chicken Meatballs were hot and buttery, and the focaccia was warm and crunchy for dipping. We then split the golden beets & burrata salad. It felt unique and had a delicious blood orange dressing. The entree was the prime steak - one of the best dishes of the night! The sauce was excellent. Finally for dessert we had key lime pie with French chocolate mousse and raspberry sorbet. It was good, and as tasty at the rest of the meal. Overall thought it was an incredible meal with great service. Consistently excellent food and a great atmosphere. Highly recommend.

I live nearby and have been wanting to try this restaurant. The wine list looks amazing, and with her reputation, it is the main draw. I love good, unusual reds, the secret gems someone like Alpana would offer at a restaurant bearing her name. I looked at the wine list ahead of time and selected a few options from the Road Less Traveled. LSS - they were not available once we arrived. Understood, the restaurant cannot update the list every time something goes out of stock, but the server should have been able to make a recommendation from the Road Less Traveled list that was in my general price point. This was a Thursday's girls night out, not business, not romance so $$$ wine is not in this budget. At this point, the server did not seem knowledgeable about the wines and kept going back and pushing the featured Argentine wines or Burgundies. For me, I suspected these were middle-of-the-road wines that make everyone happy wines, I wanted something unusual, not what was on every table, but we did order an Argentine wine from the featured list. The first bottle he brought out was already opened!!! I requested and received an unopened bottle. Adequate, but I really wanted something light, but different. Disappointed. Food. I ordered the sea bass, it was also adequate. It arrived warm, not hot. After the wine encounter, I was in my shut-up-and-eat mood. For the price in this area, the food was fine. My friend, a vegetarian, was happy with her pasta. My friend wanted to get home, so we did not order dessert. Plus: Food was a good value Cons: The Server should have been more knowledgeable about the wines at a restaurant owned by a sommelier.