S.K.Y Reviews

Chic fresh vibe, wonderfully diverse menu, terrific appetizers. Our service was outstanding. Strongly recommend

It's been 9 months since our previous visit and we were looking forward to sampling more of the menu. We ended up having some new dishes and being unable to resist ordering some we had before. As we studied the menu, I sipped a potent and very good Bourbon -based cocktail cocktail called the Burning Budd. Its bright emerald green color comes from pistachio orgeat, our waitress said. An amuse bouche of spiced pureed edamame on rice crackers makes its appearance, too. We ended up with a dish of hamachi sashimi that was as beautiful as it was delicious, followed by a warm salad of maitake mushrooms and a repeat of the lobster dumplings in jade butter sauce (4 to an order). The dumplings are so rich, so delectable and stuffed with chunks of lobster, I'd be tempted to place a quadruple order next time and call that a meal! If you praise the dish to the runner, he will offer you some toast to wipe up the sauce with. Do it. For mains, we had the fried chicken, 2 crispy breasts served with creamed corn. A pour of hot sauce is added. The idea is to mix the corn and sauce, then dip pieces of chicken in it. We also ordered the foie gras bibimbap which we had before. It was far more salty than I remembered it and, as a consequence, liked it least of what we ordered. We ended with the honey dessert: a little angel food cake in a bowl with something like 8 kinds of honey incorporated into ice cream, sauce, mousse, etc. atop the cake and a little "comb" of white chocolate. Very good and, of course, very sweet. Service is more assured and polished than I remember it. We were greeted and thanked afterwards. The waitress knew the menu and said she would make sure to "course out" the dishes in an orderly way, which she did. Runners brought them and described the ingredients as they set them before us. The waitress stopped back at intervals to make sure we were satisfied. Our water glasses were kept filled. We left happy and full.

A plain restaurant with marvelous food and perfect service. The portions are very generous. Even if you can't eat another morsel, save room for the incredible desserts. Incredible value to boot.

This restaurant serves delicious food in a great setting with fantastic staff, we couldn't fault it. The mushroom salad, lobster dumplings and pork were perfection. It was by far the best meal we had whilst staying in Chicago. A big thank you to Patrick who made our evening so special.

I sat at the chef's table here for my birthday dinner and had a killer time. The food was outstanding, and it was great for a special occasion. Biggest regret? I should have taken my boss too. He loves classy places like this. I'll definitely take him next time.

I came for the soft opening of their new Lincoln Park location. The service was impeccable. We were welcomed with a glass of Cava. The waitress (Monica) and somm were both top notch, giving us recommendations on both food and wine. The food was outstanding. We paired the spring rolls with a champagne. That dish is a must have. The duck confit and mushroom small plates were fantastic with our Burgundy. For the large plates, we tried the prime rib. The meat was very tender and delicious. Great experience overall.

Fantastic! Everything! Recently I've been to longtime Chicago mainstays, Michelin rated, and places with long standing great reputations. I liked S.K.Y better. Atmosphere was busy and lively without feeling overcrowded. The design of the space I would describe as edgy elegance. I really loved the design and details of the room. Staff was all properly trained. Patrick our server enhanced the evening with his personal touches. The most charming and personable member of the team was chef/owner Stephen Gillanders. I've met a lot of chefs most of them are either grumpy ego maniacs or introverted socially awkward oddballs. Chef is friendly, charming, and talkative. He is a star but it's his food that outshines even him. Everything we had was tasty and complex. Multiple layers of flavors in each bite that complimented each other without being overpowering. It all worked. We had black truffle croquettes, pork belly, endive/avocado salad, lobster dumplings, sea bass, and the bibimbap. I'm dreaming about all of them. Especially the bibimbap! Then the deserts. Perfect cheesecake and chocolate torte!! Those are pretty common deserts, but there was nothing common about these. I can't get back to S.K.Y fast enough. Go there immediately is my advice.

Dined at S.K.Y. during a business trip to Chicago, excellent food, outstanding service, and a really great feel to the place, excellent- highly recommended!

Four of us had dinner mid November 2018. Restaurant has no signs outside, so you have to guess where it is. No valet parking, be prepared. The restaurant’s interior is comfortable and the service is excellent. The food is really good, but the portion sizes relatively small. Suggest ordering one “main” course for each person plus a couple of starters. . We ordered seabass, short ribs & the pork chop. That said, the pork chop was the least favorite. The lobster dumplings are an outstanding starter. Suggest getting at least 2 orders of these. Desserts are terrific. Definitely worth the trip. Definitely need a reservation.

It should be illegal to make food this good. Such a talented young crew, the chicken with fermented chili 🌶 sauce is just incredible, the cucumber is bizarrely good and the deserts are out of this world. Service, well I don’t think a king or queen has ever been treated better. In short an incredible evening.

Fantastic simple decor. Comfortable seating, roomy and casual. Great vibe, noticed many tables making friends with adjoining parties.. Upbeat and cheery. Wide variety of food items, drinks and desserts. We tried many dishes and they were all delicious and beautifully presented (plated). The staff are above and beyond. Friendly and attentive. The room manager is so great in his approach and care to satisfy guests. This is definitely a place I will come back to when in Chicago. Highly recommended and well deserved.

We celebrated our daughter 17th birthday and had a delightful experience. We tried 7 different appetizers/small plates to share and everything was delicious and delicate. Then we shared a few entrees and ended up with deserts. The fried chicken (entrée) was a winner as well as the corn bread madeleines, the mushroom salad and the banana budino. Our server was very friendly and attentive. Thank you to the Chef for inviting us to tour the kitchen: it was a very nice gesture to conclude this special evening.

Coming to S.K.Y. is always a highlight of my Chicago trips. Our visit was already on the upswing with the welcoming and friendly staff. To start, we ordered the warm mushroom salad, black truffle croquettes, cornbread madeleines, hamachi sashimi, marinated cucumbers, Maine lobster dumplings, Japanese caesar salad, and the homemade burrata cheese. Wow, that seems a lot for 4 people lol, but everything was delicious and more importantly, shareable. I am still in awe how they crisp up parts of the maitake mushrooms, and how luscious it feels in my mouth with the goat cheese and that vinaigrette, tho! It is so good! We mingled over the small plates and enjoyed our cocktails (Star-Crossed Lover, I will be back for you!). Our attentive server came back a couple of times to see if we needed anything, just the right touch to feel she is around should we need her. For the entrees, we ordered the fried chicken, Mediterrenean seabass, prime rib short rib, foie gras bibimbap, and potato-crusted salmon. We also ordered the shishito peppers, and charred brocolli. All the dishes were on point, especially the crispy rice edges and generous foie gras on the bibimbap. I thought the salmon was a little over, but my friends thought it was perfect. But the fried chicken, unforgettable! Why is it called fermented hot sauce? It should be named, 'hot, lush and silky sauce.' We come to the end, my most favorite part! We got the banana budino and cheesecake brulee. I know, why only two?! We were quite full but didn't want to leave without trying dessert. The cheesecake with the tart passionfruit bite was amazing! And the banana budino, why can't they sell that by the quart? It's like eating a very grown up pudding, so delicious and satisfying. It was really a great ending to a perfect meal.

S.K.Y. is absolutely superb. Chicago has many, many great dining options, so it really takes A LOT for me to single out a restaurant as a favorite. The food was pretty much perfect, the service friendly and sincere, the decor both chic and comfortable. Our favorites were the cornbread Madelines, duck confit, mushroom salad and cobia main course (a special that night), but really everything was wonderful. Very nice wine list with some unique options. We also thought the prices were very reasonable for the quality of the food. If you enjoy fine dining in a comfortable, un-stuffy atmosphere, you could not go wrong here.

We came here for our first dinner in chicago it was amazing. We sat at the chef’s counter with a view of the kitchen and here are the plates you can’t miss: the hamachi sashimi, the beef tartare with bone marrow butter toast, the banana budino and the crüller. Staff was amazing and the vibe was great. Not to mention its in a really cool part of town that made us feel like it was a local treasure. Would 100% come back and recommend!!

Wow. Super sexy spot. Great location in growing Pilsen for the restaurant and bar scene. The restaurant and our hosts were so gracious as our dining friends were driving in from out of town and got lost. There was no valet parking for this restaurant and regardless, the hosts were so accommodating and kind. We had drinks while we were waiting in the lounge next to the wide open windows/doors and our server was outstanding. Dinner was other worldly with each bite better than the next. I loved the hamachi. The delicate fish just melted in my mouth. Our party of six just about ordered every small plate starter and each bite was so delicious. Who thought cucumber could taste so great? The lobster dumplings were amazing. Salmon tartare was delicate and super tasty. Our entrees were just as Devine with the foie Gras being a highlight. Our waitress was exceptional as well. The wine list was moderately priced with a decent selection. While their menu is limited, everything was perfect.

The restaurant is decorated without any artwork on the walls because the real art is on your plate. We had an amazing waiter, Santiago, who gave us great guidance for our first visit to S.K.Y. He provided lots of input in selecting from several wines by the glass. We also followed his guidance in ordering the Black Truffle Croquettes (amazing) along with the Sashimi (also outstanding) and Cornbread Madelines. For entrees we ordered the Fried Chicken (a real bargain) the Sea Bass, and Steak. Everything was a hit and we ended the meal with two outstanding desserts, including a creamy and crunchy banana pudding. I was there visiting my son and his fiance who are newbie's to Chicago. As an extra treat, our waiter took us into the bustling kitchen and introduced us to the busy chef who was very friendly and gracious. Outstanding dining experience!

This would have been a 5 star review, but they charged me $3.00 for a refill on iced tea and yet you get a bottomless cup of coffee. Seems really cheap on the part of the restaurant. Otherwise, everything was great. Very friendly service. Food came out quickly. They call the brunch "dim sum" style. You can order things a la carte or 3 courses for a set amount. Broccolini Salad was great as were the Garlic Beef noodles (eat them quickly as they kind of seize up). The really stellar dish was the Coconut Pancakes. Super fluffy and flavorful. We also had the fried chicken which was good. The only real miss for us was the Short Rib & Potato Hash. Probably just a personal preference, but I prefer hash when it's got a crispy exterior. This seemed more like braised short ribs with diced potatoes. Definitely worth the trip to Pilsen.

We had a simply outstanding meal. Everything was superb; food, service, ambiance and comfort. Original menu that is grounded in American favorites, but with a global and modern influence. The corn madeline’s are appetizers and are a-m-a-z-ing! We ordered a 2nd set for our group. crispy and flavorful. We deemed the fried chicken a family favorite. Also the short ribs had tremendous flavor. Our server showed a real mastery of the menu and handled our extensive food allergy list with aplomb. Definitely worth a visit. Reservations essential and if you want a weekend, book in advance.

I absolutely loved this place. My son just moved to this area and I flew in for a visit. He had heard good things so we wandered in. It is absolutely everything I want in a restaurant. Cool vibe, fabulous service, and amazing food. There are a lot of small plate like things which give you a chance to do lots of tasting. We had the mushroom salad, the lobster ravioli, the fried chicken, and two fish dishes that I forgot the details of. It doesn't even matter, everything was perfect. Our waiter, Santiago (?), was great, and the food runner, whose name i've misplaced, did a running descriptive commentary on each dish. I couldn't keep up with everything he was saying, but thoroughly enjoyed it anyway. Just go, you'll love it.

The Restaurant is very cozy, and the service is first class. The food has a unique touch that makes any plate delicious. For a better experience I recommend sharing ;)

The food was simply amazing. Our favorites Foie Gras Bibimbap, Himachi Sashimi. Service was exceptional, Santiago our server was very warm, friendly and accommodating. Will definitely be back!!

Don't let this S.K.Y. go over your head! This bad@ss restaurant in the hot new restaurant row (it seems) of the Pilsen neighborhood is not to be missed. How cute is this? I watch Steve Dolinsky from the Hungry Hound on abc7 Chicago introduce Stephen Gillanders' new solo spot by making me salivate every step of the foie gras bibimbap away. Picking my jaw of drool up off the floor I mention to the partner in crime in passing that we NEED to go there.... Fast forward to Valentines Day, we're driving to a dinner, and I have no idea where, he surprises me! I don't even realize where the heck I am until I see the menu (btw, there was no sign outside that I saw, nor was the moniker on the menu - sneaky guy).... I see the bibimbap and I melt into the banquette. I love, I love, I love.... The decorum: Industrial, concrete, dark wood finished tables, exposed brick and ducts. The vibe: chill/ ambient/ relaxing - BYOB for a $20 corkage fee Our server: Patrick C. - awesome dude Food: OMG Lobster Dumplings (this man can do them in his sleep), see his Windy City Live episode? Ahhh... Good sized portion of 4 delicate buttery chunks of lobster, tasty and light. Chervil, mint, chives - jade butter sauce is a little broken and the mint could have been a better chiffonade (I had some hanging out in my teeth). Flavor is spot on. Only thought, maybe a touch of acidity for balance. Chicken & Coconut Soup - move over any Tom Ka Gai soup I've ever had. With kaffir lime, ginger and shiitake mushrooms. I might like to die swimming in this velvety broth. Temperature is very hot, just the correct amount of spice heat, chicken remains juicy still in the broth (my biggest peeve with most of these style soups), the citrus is a balanced addition. Salmon - Not your ordinary salmon. Seared lightly, poached, phyllo shards act as a crust (talk about handcrafted and executed with love). Sambal - Chinese five spice butter sauce, charred and tasty broccolini. Foie Gras Bibimbap with charred veggies, mushroom bulgogi, and crispy rice on the bottom of a very hot clay bowl! All components marry well and really embraced a bag of techniques and skill. I couldn't stop loving that crispy dark rice on the bottom, oh the textural heaven. There was a special Valentines devils food cake that was okay, but didn't blow my mind. I did enjoy the Banana Budino though. I am a Nancy Silverton budding lover at heart, and this was a diversion. Good flavor, and oh that salted crunch from the granola and the cacao nibs! All in all, great for foodies, so much to pick from, and it's affordable! Move over overrated Restaurant Row, Pilsen is packing a punch!

We recently visited Chicago with our teenager to look at area colleges; we are from New York City. We are extremely picky about “hyped” restaurants, but the concierge at our hotel was 100% spot on with this pick. Although we had to wait a bit to be seated, we were comped a dish of corn bread Madelaine’s, which were absolutely excellent, and eased our hunger and impatience. Among our dinner selections were: crispy mushroom salad, fried chicken, lobster dumplings, black truffle croquettes, Japanese cucumber salad, and for dessert, banana budino. Each course was outstanding, and I would send any of my friends and family visiting Chicago to this restaurant. So, if you live in the area, you’re extremely lucky, and you should make a reservation immediately!

Every dish was spectacular! Loved that one person in group can do the Chef Tasting and others in party can order from the other side of menu. We were able to sit at chefs counter. It's like having dinner and a show. The chefs and servers move like an orchestrated dance. The pace for the food and drinks was great- especially with the amount of food between the two of us. Everything seemed to have an intentional place. The flavors mixed delightfully together- I wish we lived closer to be able to try the rest of the menu. Each of the dishes could of been our favorite for it's own reasons. I still think about the broth of the Roasted Duck dish- not that it outshined the other things in the dish- it just tied it all together so well - don't think I would've thought to mesh Vietnamese with Polish cuisine- but with that broth it seemed like it should just be that way. Not to be out done by the Lobster Spaetzle- another dish you see and think- Wait, What? Lobster isn't the first protein you think of to go with a traditional German side- but oh my goodness- where has it been hiding- so good. So was everything else- Salmon Crudo, the remaining fish dish from the tasting, the two dishes from the main- Lobster Dumplings that I can't imagine ever not being on the menu and the S.K.Y. fried chicken that's on many reviews we read before making our reservation- had to try it and was not disappointed- the chicken remained juicy, the corn and table side poured sauce, which gave it a bit of a kick. We were way too full for dessert, but since we were at chefs counter we got a chance to see them put together. If you're lucky enough to get David as your server, he makes great drink recommendations and knows the menu quite well. Can't recommend this place enough- we were staying near River Walk- and it was a $15 Uber ride each way- which was totally doable. You won't regret making the ride over to Pilsen.

Came for brunch. The building is unassuming but has that cool vibe when you sit down. Diego the waiter was stellar and the host was awesome too. Basically everyone we interacted with was helpful and happy to see us. Truffle croquettes were absolutely amazing. A must have. The short rib was great. Mushroom salad was great. Nothing was bad. Definitely worth the visit.

Enjoyed a heavenly repast at this very casual and comfortable Pilsen restaurant. The starters, including the most delicious version of corn bread I have ever tasted, the croquettes and the lobster dumplings are not to be missed. The halibut and the scallop entrees and the house salad were also winners, The deserts, which are afterthoughts in many new restaurants, are top notch here. Cocktails are well made and wine by the glass pours are generous, Service (Santiago and his colleagues) was friendly, informative and efficient without being obtrusive. The premises are attractive but a bit stark and would benefit by adding some art (maybe from the many local galleries) to the walls .The restaurant is at 18th and Alport which is good to remember, since our group did not see any name on the outside. And did I say that the prices are moderate considering the high quality of the offerings.

This restaurant crushes everything! First, the most authentic, personable and kind service team ever. Next, the dining room and music are super hip and comfortable. But best of all is the food, and at moderate prices for the freshness, quality and portion size. We came for brunch with our party of five adults, and four of us ordered the $29 three course tasting menu and shared that among the five of us. You get a choice of 4 items with each course, so we each picked something different and shared. Do the math, and we each tasted a dozen items! EVERY single item was amazing and notable, and I don’t regret a bite...but I might skip dinner tonight as the portions are solid and the food so delicious that you don’t want to send a plate back empty. We double ordered the lobster dumplings, which are a reasonable a la carte option at $16. YUM!!! Order a biscuit when you are seated to share between every two people—incredible! If you order separate items, consider the maiitake mushrooms, cucumber salad, deviled eggs, short rib hash, fried chicken, coconut pancakes...everything! You can only go right here and can’t go wrong. I hear dinner is even better, and I don’t know how, but I can hardly wait to find out!

Absolutely fantastic restaurant! Our great server, Santiago, guided us through our meal. 6 of us shared snacks and appetizers. We then all had our own mains. Highlights and I mean highlights were the lobster dumplings and the foie gras bimbambop. The flavors here are through the roof. Can’t wait to return!

We’ve eaten here before and enjoyed the food. Our group all ordered the tasting menu. We were having a wonderful time during our first three courses, but then our waitress disappeared and another course was not in sight. After 45 minutes, found our waitress and she said our fish would be right up. Five minutes later, it appeared. But then, another wait. I got up to stretch my legs because we’d been sitting so long. I caught the eye of the manager, and our next course finally arrived. They sent us two pieces of dessert to split among the four of us as an apology. I was disappointed that the waitress didn’t come over and explain the delay instead of disappearing. She also should have managed the kitchen better, or brought us some bread to keep us entertained.

I'm a little late to review. We dined here opening weekend a few months back. It's too bad I waited this long as now I can't remember everything we had, but I remember loving every single bite of food that we ordered! Service was also top notch and I loved the setting/ambiance. I absolutely recommend this place to locals and visitors alike as it stands on its own as not only one of the best in Pilsen, but also rivals some of the best restaurants in the city!

Last night my husband and I tried the tasting menu with wine pairings at S.K.Y. (a restaurant we adore but had not been back to in some years). The taste, quality, and presentation of the food was truly outstanding. S.K.Y.'s kitchen is as creative and skilled as ever. However, the reason we cannot give them five stars is because the portions were way too small. We did not feel sated by the end of the meal. Also, the first three courses came out too fast. It wasn't until we asked our waitor to pace things better that things slowed down to an acceptable tempo. Frankly, a restaurant as distinguished and experienced as S.K.Y. should understand that a tasting menu is not a race. We would return for the regular menu, but not for the tasting menu. Excellent food, but the portions are simply too small.

We enjoyed an awesome treat to artfully prepared food! Cocktails were great too!!! We had weekend reservations, SKY was a short few minute Uber from the downtown lake shore area. The staff was super friendly, smart and accommodating. The price for the quality received was great as well. This is a great date, family(older teens), or business spot...Foodies should make this a MUST visit.

We went to S.K.Y. for the first time to celebrate our two year wedding anniversary. We were seated right away and ordered a bottle of wine. They were out of the wine we ordered but gave us an upgraded wine for the same original price which I appreciated. We ordered five dishes to share. The Black Truffle Croquettes were quite possibly my favorite! So good and leaving you wanting more. We got the shredded kale salad which was a solid and very good salad. It exceeded my expectations for a salad. Following that we had the Maine lobster dumplings which were solid. We also got the fried chicken and Berkshire Pork Chop. Both main dishes were really good and such a balance between a bit of spice and deliciousness. The sauce on both of these dishes was pretty similar so I might not order both again in the future. Portions were good size and felt I got a good value for the excellent meal. For dessert we had this amazing marshmallow snore type dessert that was to die for! I can’t remember the name of it though. Overall amazing time and awesome food. Only downside was that we went marathon weekend and struggled to find parking around there. Otherwise would highly recommend and hope to go back soon!

This restaurant has been getting a lot of buzz, people raving about the lobster dumplings and what-not, so we were eager to try the place. The 2 of us had one "snack", 3 appetizers, one main course and a dessert. Every single dish was flavorful, had an unusual mix of ingredients that went together beautifully and we enjoyed every single thing we ate. These were: the cornbread madeleines with olive oil butter; the lobster dumplings; the little gem lettuce salad; the Thai steak salad; the fois gras bibimbap; and the cheesecake brûlée. It is well worth making a trip to Pilsen to eat here.

You must try the exquisite tasting menu with wine pairing! It is out of this world. Never a dull moment. Incredible flavors expertly paired with amazing wine.

If S.K.Y. is not on your Chicago hotlist, put it on now! Open barely 18 months, we were invited with 70 other guests to what we were told may have been its first wedding reception. From what I can tell, they pulled out all the stops: enthusiastic welcome, knowledgeable servers many of whom have been there from the start, and selections worthy of any chef’s tasting menu anywhere. I’m including a photo of it with this review. From what the happy couple told us, chef was showcasing his top hits. They consider themselves regulars. The share plates were presented to each group of four at the tables in generous portions and easy reach. My wife and I thoroughly enjoyed the sea bass with lemon-garlic jus and a delicate pain-de-mie crust. Two desserts included an amazing slice of cheese cake with a crème brulee topping followed by the bride’s playful choice of a traditional wedding cake showered in colorful sprinkles. And as much as we tried, we were unable to empty the cellars of its champagne. The timing of dishes, agility of the servers and effortless replacement of set-ups made it seem they had been doing large events forever. Laid out in a long narrow floor plan with the front of the kitchen open at the back, the décor feels like an inspired cross between industrial chic and Lincoln Park “yupstalgia” (concrete floors, open ductwork and blasted brick walls). I hadn’t been to the Pilsen neighborhood for a couple of decades, so when I heard the address of Allport and 18th, I was a little skeptical. It’s near the University of Illinois Chicago campus and across from the now restored amazing Romanesque revival Thalia Hall. But I had no idea Pilsen is now the center of millennial cool! The restaurant is identified outside by a shingle sign with their logo of a deconstructed ("shattered") spoon and no name. The maître d’ told me it was to suggest a little mystery and a little following and a little breaking of tradition. But there is no mystery that S.K.Y. is a genuine comer. BTW: why the periods in the name? Practically it’s to distinguish themselves from all the other Chicago “skies.” Secondly, the name is pronounced “Ess-Kay-Why.” And more directly, it’s the initials of the chef’s wife.

I had to wait a couple of days before I wrote this review to completely absorb the encounter I had with S.K.Y. The awesome experience actually started from the phone call. I called and talked with Matthew. I explained that we didn't have reservations but were very close in the area and would like to have dinner there. He explained that a few seats were available in the bar but if that was no longer a option, he would work his magic to accommodate us. And work his magic, he did. I think Matthew provided us with one of the best tables in the house. He greeted us so warmly when we arrived. Matthew introduced us to our server, Santiago. Santiago was an absolute gem! There are some folks who absolutely love their job, I think that would be an accurate description of Santiago. He made us laugh, engaged us in great conversation and served us some amazing food! Wait, I cannot forget about the EXTENSIVE and jaw dropping wine list! I had a Lambrusco Rose that was tantalizing! Thank you Stephen Gillanders for allowing us into your kitchen and taking photos with us. Your vision of S.K.Y. is a beam of light shining in the Pilsen neighborhood! The food was an all star event! From the amuse bouche' to the make your taste buds dance desserts. Everything we ate that night was a topic for conservation. I don't think there are enough adjectives to describe the amazing experience I had there. What I learned at S.K.Y. is that you are supposed to experience and taste food and flavors, not just eat it. I learned that each bite is something to be savored. I learned that each appetizer or entree' presented is an event to be discussed and conversed about. I learned to truly enjoy my food.

I had a lovely evening at S.K.Y. We ordered 5 dishes to share. They ranged from exquisite to not so good. Black truffle croquettes and the fried chicken were amazing and the sriracha shrimp wrap was very good. Now to the dishes that were less good. Lobster dumplings sounds really good and it was in no way bad but the lobster was so processed that it really takes a way from the dish. The seafood orzotto, however, was pretty bad and I couldn’t eat it. The crab had such a strong fishy taste it just didn’t feel fresh. Service was very good and I was pleasantly surprised by the wine recommendation made by the waiter. He encouraged me to order wine I would never considered ordering myself. All in all, a very nice evening and I would not hesitate to go again.

I tried S.K.Y for the first time this week after reading a few OUTSTANDING reviews from the Tribune and other sources and it more than delivered. While the restaurant is clearly new in terms of a few kinks in service it is abundantly clear the chef is here to stay. We started with the pork belly, truffle croquettes and the lobster dumplings. While all three of them would be several restaurants best bites the croquettes were my favorite and I would tell anyone you cannot pass these things up, they're perfect. After those three to start we jumped right into the foie gras bibimbap and the sea bass, again both were done to great but the garlic crust paired with the flakiness of the fish is something special. For dessert we had the chocolate whiskey pie and the cheesecake, there's no point in trying to decide between them. The whiskey pie is the best version of an adult s'more I've experienced while the crunchy, creme brulee top of the cheesecake made it spectacular. Cannot say enough about how great this place is, you've just got to try it!

Decided to go for Sunday Brunch after seeing the “Check Please” feature. We were lucky enough to get seated at the kitchen bar. We enjoyed watching the kitchen up close. Not only were the dishes all beautifully prepared but the atmosphere in the kitchen was so great- chef/ owner and staff were really obviously enjoying their work and each other. The brunch menu is amazing, we loved the mushroom salad, lobster dumplings, fried rice with egg, fried chicken , roasted root veg salad...the coconut pancakes are sinfully delicious. Service was outstanding, friendly, helpful and very professional. Not the cheapest brunch in town but well priced for the quality and variety. I understand you can byob for brunch .

Went to the restaurant following the glowing Chicago magazine review. The food and drinks were good, but did not meet lofty expectations based on the previous review. Short ribs were very tasty. Unfortunately the waitstaff seemed disinterested. The atmosphere was pleasant, but lacked vibrancy.

Debuted in Pilsen late-2017, S.K.Y. is Chef Stephen Gillanders’ first solo project, a decade with Jean-Georges Vongrichten plus two years at LEYE's “Intro” developing a diverse skill-set that sees Gillanders exploring global influences that feel both familiar and distinctive at the same time. Boasting the initials of wife Seon Kyung Yuk, her vision responsible for a modern space housed inside a building constructed during the 19th Century, guests visiting S.K.Y. amidst the global pandemic will find tables sparsely filled and service especially accommodating with a bevy of safety precautions in place. Seated after a quick temperature check, high-tops in the bar perfect for singles as TV On The Radio played overhead, it was after perusing a QR Code menu that the night’s special was suggested, Salt Cod pureed with silky-soft Potatoes alongside housemade Fry Bread and Jalapeno Peppers a perfect example of Gillanders’ intent to “prepare familiar Ingredients in a modern, innovative way.” Born in Los Angeles, but Asian-inflected across much of S.K.Y.’s menu, dish two saw the kitchen fuse France with the American South by way of Cornbread Madelines, undoubtedly a far-cry from Proust’s ideal but nonetheless delectable while signature Lobster Dumplings offered thin-yet-sturdy Gyoza packed with Meat afloat in Butter primed with Yuzu, Chervil, Chiles and Mint. Told the Fried Chicken was something special, but reluctant to pass on Chef Gillanders’ Bibimbap, it would need to be a World-class piece of Poultry to compete with roasted Duck Liver atop Mushrooms, Scallions, Nori and blackened Chinese Broccoli – not to mention housemade Gochujang that added heat and umami to bowl-crisped Rice beneath. Not stopping here, though the aforementioned plates would be a good amount of Food for most couples, it was on the server’s suggestion that a “baby” Banana Budino arrived alongside S.K.Y.’s recently-added Mille-Fuille, the former a worthy signature from Pastry Chef Tatum Sinclair with hints of Bananas Foster while the latter rivaled any in France – including Jacques Genin and Alain Passard – in terms of taste and texture.

We were in Chicago for 4 nights with friends. SKY was our favorite restaurant of the trip. We all opted for the $49 tasting menu and it was terrific. I loved the sriracha shrimp wrap - wanted to lick the bowl. My wife’s favorite course was the mushroom salad. We all left sated and satisfied.

At the recommendation of a good friend we decided to check this place out and frankly, it did live up to the hype. Plan ahead and sit st the “chef’s table” and the incredible staff can discuss each plate you get. But, beware, you’re right on top of them as they work, and there’s a lot that goes on in a busy kitchen. From appetizers, salads, and entrees, everything was delicious, cooked perfectly and was presented by very attentive staff. Dessert? Just simply out of this world. The best thing about the experience? The prices are very reasonable. Who would think you could go out and have a fantastic meal, a drink and dessert for 2, for about $100. In a major metropolitan area. Not this guy! I’d go back in a minute.

Interesting, pleasant place. We had a very good dinner, chosen the chef's menu, 7 courses... all delicious and excellent service. Adequate quality/price

We were brought to S.K.Y. by a restauranteur as a special experience and were not disappointed. Particularly notable was the presentation and flavors of the Japanese Cucumbers, a total unexpected delight. We also enjoyed the warm mushroom salad and fried chicken. The service was attentive. I was unfamiliar with the wine list dominated by European wines but described my taste and got an excellent recommendation. A thoroughly enjoyable experience.

I went with friends to this little spot in Pilsen, not knowing what to expect, Well it turns out that it was a very pleasant surprise, some of the best food I've had in Chicago in a charming informal atmosphere.The portions are small, and meant to be shared by the table, but all are excellent, Great wines, and very nice service. The friend chicken was outstanding. I have been back several times, and would recommend it highly to anyone looking for a dining experience.

What a great place- such a creative menu. We went as a group and shared most of the brunch dishes offered. The coconut pancakes were amazing , as were the cornbread madeleines - the bacon friend rice was also memorable. Everything on the brunch menu was outstanding . Great service to guide us as well. Was great to sample so many of their dishes. Can't wait to return to see what the other menu offerings are for lunch and dinner.

This moderate sized restaurant is located about a 20 min taxi ride from the Magnificent Mile/ Michigan Ave area in the Pilsen neighborhood. The room is warm and inviting and the staff are gracious and attentive.. It is rare that we feel compelled to return to a restaurant in short succession, but we enjoyed two entirely different meals while exploring the imaginative menu of dishes meant for sharing. There is an interesting mix of Southern and Asian influence. Fried chicken with creamed corn and hot sauce, lobster dumplings, Japanese cucumber salad, cornbread madeleines, black truffle croquettes, and more vie for your attention. I uncommonly find a wine program where the by the glass selection is as compelling as the highly curated list of by the bottle offerings. Among recent interesting labels were Uruguayan albarino and Slovenian sauvignon blanc. While you won't find any trophy bottles of Bordeaux or Burgundy here, what you will find is a very thoughtful selection with incredibly fair pricing. I very much enjoyed two recent experiences at S.K.Y.

Another great spot in Pilsen! This new addition is a winner! The 3 course brunch was awesome, each dish, start to finish! Try to share to get the most tastes of the great options! Impressive presentations, nice urban vibe!

What a great gem in the Pilsen neighborhood. Took my friend her for her birthday. The servers were kind and very knowledgeable. The food, oh, the food! The lobster ravioli was superb. The warm maiitake mushrooms were divine. Coconut pancakes? Who knew pancakes could be so delish? The black truffle croquettes hit the spot. But secretly, we went nuts for the complimentary donuts. What a way to start the day! My compliments to the kitchen staff!!

We were eager to return to S.K.Y. now that it's relocated to Lincoln Park, much closer to where we live than its former Pilsen location. The room it occupies off the lobby in the Belden Stratford Hotel is a large, high-ceilinged one with big square columns and rows of banquette seating. For those with long memories, it was once the legendary Ambria restaurant. The food is good, skews Asian with western fillips, such as their famous lobster dumplings with a chive butter sauce (delicious and 4 to an order). For 2 of us we ordered 3 appetizers to get a sample of the menu, then split a main dish of prime rib ($49). Liked all the apps, especially a warm salad of maitake mushrooms, far better than the prime rib main course which was so black on the outside I thought it was wrapped in nori. It had a huge ribbon of fat that was far beyond "well-marbled" that I found unappealing. Dessert was a "tropical Pavlova", a hard-shell dome of white meringue hiding some chopped tropical fruits. I didn't love it. The restaurant has a large staff, so service was smooth and competent. A runner announced each dish and mentioned its ingredients. The meal was well-paced. I think my spouse was more enamored of S.K.Y. than I was but even so, I imagine we'll be back.

S.K.Y. was basically perfect in every category. Speedy yet natural service, BYOB on Thursdays is a nice money savor, and the food is on a completely new level. The brownie marshmallow dessert broke my brain, I almost cried it was so good. Treat your mouth to this amazing restaurant, you wont regret it.

The food is inspired. Two of us shared 4 items and 1 dessert. We ranked them differently but each was superb. We both loved the Lobster Dumplings with the best sauce ever. The mushroom salad was like nothing we have ever had before and was texturally amazing with crispy mushrooms and smooth goat cheese. The fried chicken and corn was maybe the best fried chicken, although on the spicey side. I loved the BLT Bao, my dining partner liked but wasn’t wowed. Vanilla bean pudding dessert was just sweet enough, but not cloying,to balance out the spices in the previous courses. The portions are perfect. The service is outstanding. From the suggestions of the well versed waitress to the quiet of the bussers. They are careful to place your food and careful to clear. Each plate is taken away without being banged together with those of other diners. The silverware is placed on the cleared plates without clanking. Someone has trained this staff well. We cant wait to share this gem with our friends. The service is exceptional

You will hear more of this restaurant...just fabulous food....Wait staff was terrific.. the croquettes were amazing as was every dish we tried...shared among the 6 of us.. fried chicken is a must as was the short ribs. Never had a roasted pork belly appetizer like this before..scallops were terrific...every dessert we tried was over the top in flavor...the cheesecake and the banana budino stood out. Will definitely go back...reasonably priced!! The flavors were so incredible with the wonderful spices that just made your mouth excited. Really.

Been here several times since it opened. Loved it every time. Beautiful build out of an older property. Food is inventive, visually interesting, without either annoyingly cute. Wine list is fabulous. Premier cru growers champagne for $15 / glass is an insane bargain. Go for brunch on a weekend to avoid the crowds.

We've been to S.K.Y. a few times now for dinner and I have to say it's one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago. The food is fantastic and the drinks are super good. The staff is incredibly nice and so is the chef. I highly recommend the cornbread madeleines, black truffle croquettes and the fried chicken. The Burning Budd currently on the menu tastes like Christmas in a cup - it's phenomenal. I've also heard great things about the weekend brunch, so that'll be the next time we stop by.

There was not a single boring dish! Each plate had unique and interesting flavors. Service was top notch. We had intended on doing the tasting menu but last minute decided to create our own. Loved it!

We had a great meal and excellent welcoming service for a 35th wedding anniversary dinner. We were offered fun seats overlooking the kitchen, but we had to decline because we don’t care for high seats. But happy to sit on the comfortable banquet seats away from the windows and with decent lighting. Also the sound level was fine there for conversation. We especially loved the croquets, the polenta Madeleines, lobster dumplings and the crusted salmon. Most dishes had just a little “heat” to make them interesting, but not enough to overwhelm your palate. Desserts were a little disappointing, but still quite nice. Especially nice that there is NO corking fee for your BYOB wine on Sundays, Wednesdays and Thursdays! How great is that!! FYI. We brought a very dry Riesling to drink, which worked ok, but a better match for the food might have been a slightly off-dry Riesling or a big oaky Chardonnay.

Well, it was good - better than good, fantastic. Right from the time I called and reserved a table until I entered and sat at the table. Ordered a tasting menu with a wine menu and it all worked. Got matured lamb stick which was glazed and a beautiful pear on top with broccoli puree! chef's tasting menu 68 wine pairing 48 CLOUD. Edamame Dip nori crackling | nice lime with prosecco! . Marinated Wild Tuna shiitake vinegar | sea ash | smooth lime nice combi and the vinegar was just right! . Roasted Mushroom Raclette shishito salsa verde - very special and beard combi a little Spice. Lobster in pasta! Perfect match!!' . Dry Aged Lamb black pepper glaze | broccoli puree | pear .it was the best with s very umami taste !! Every bite of lamb was perfect! Banana Budino vanilla In granola In bourbon Not normally for dessert, but this one went straight home!!! Oh boy ! Lyneá Chocolate 70.6% | cocoa nibs mega your ending! Big praise to the chef and staff especially Nico. My warmest recommendation if you are in the Chicago area!

Visited SKY for the first time with my wife and another couple. Everything was excellent and cooked to perfection. We had sea bass and salmon entrees which were perfectly done. Side (crispy potatoes and creamed spinach) as well as appetizers (black truffle croquettes, lobster dumplings, and others) were also amazing. Everything was seasoned perfectly and in unusual ways; those involving heat were warm and balanced with no “pepper bomb” excesses. Service was rapid, friendly and attentive. The room is nice “urban chic” with whitewashed brick walls and a nice selection of antiques and art. Pricing was surprisingly good- entrees, appetizers, wine all around plus two veggie sides and three desserts came to about $250 for four. Definitely a place to visit again.

We were so lucky to be visiting family in Pilsen, Chicago and a visit to S.K.Y. was on the menu, so to speak. No expectations had been set so one of those open minded visits. We totally enjoyed the food. It was balanced with flavours, texture and dishes cooked to perfection. Who would have thought that sliced Japanese cucumbers could be flavoured to be tasty and refreshing. Maine Lobster dumplings, sashimi, mushrooms all worked as a delightful introduction. The main of sea bass was up there in preparation and flavour. Service was efficient during a busy evening. If you are in the area just give it a try and actually only a 15 minute bus ride from South Michigan. Next visit to Chicago will be a repeat booking at this restaurant.

Sitting at the chef's table, we had a tasting menu and then we were feeling extra fatty and ordered what I heard were the best (the lobster dumplings and fried chicken). All I can say is the attention to detail was amazing. Everything was plated, prepared so thoughtfully, each flavor deliberate from the truffle croquettes to the salmon with sambal sauce. The lobster dumplings were equally appealing to the eye as they were delicious, and the fried chicken was not greasy and had this beautiful habanero sauce and corn and cucumber side. We got a bottle of rose that wasn't cold enough (yet), so the staff was so attentive that they brought us some sparkling rose to have glasses of rose until our bottle was cooled. Perfect evening.... everyone should go!

We visited with our adult son who lives in Chicago. Saturday night and we didn’t have reservations. The hostess, Laura was fantastic! She found a table and time for us to experience dinner and dessert in the speakeasy! The menu was creative. We ordered 2 appetizers and 3 meals along with a side to share. The salmon was outstanding! The ricotta flatbread was the best I’ve ever tasted. Each plate was full of flavor and creativity. After dinner, we had a drink and dessert in the speakeasy. Totally hidden and we walked through the kitchen to enter. Fantastic dark and cozy atmosphere. We finished our meal with port and a banana bursin dessert. Absolutely outstanding! The flavors and uniqueness were amazing! Laura the hostess followed up on our meal and visit. She was professional, helpful and courteous! S.K.Y is fortunate to have her greeting their customers! The only negative: the staff appeared confused by table numbers. 4 times staff attempted to serve us a plate that we did not order. Very odd! One

Came on All Saints Day and enjoyed the parade before dinner. Parking by friends was difficult. Place well-booked and were given a reasonable wait time for friends to arrive. Definitely a keeper. 4-some shared Hamachi shashimi, roasted root salad, mahi mahi, all good. Worth a try.

good Asian fusion dishes a bit of downtown chicago (need to take ride share to the venue) good service

Just had a wonderful meal every course was delicious! The best part of the meal were the appetizers and the vegetables... Brussels sprouts, potatoes, zucchini in chili sauce and lobster dumplings were outstanding. Service was very attentive. Will definitely frequent!!!!!

I visited my daughter in Chicago and she suggested we go to S.K.Y. which she heard about and hadn't been to. The service by waiter Santiago was amazing. I am a vegetarian and he asked questions about what I can eat. I do eat fish on occasion. We asked for his recommendations which he offered with explanations. He recommended a new house designed cocktail for my daughter after ascertaining her drink taste. She loved it. I must admit, the food was fabulous. My daughter raved. We both shared and loved the Black Truffle Croquettes, Roasted Root Salad, and Mediterranean Seabass. I have been to a number of supposedly Michelin starred restaurants and have been both impressed and disappointed. The food at S.K.Y. equaled the best of these. The Root salad was definitely the best I have tasted. The meal with really decent cocktails cost approx. $60 per person. The area is slowly becoming gentrified so it does have some rough edges. The sign for the restaurant is not discernible so it is unmarked.

We went here on the recommendation of the Manager of Quince in San Francisco. We were joined by our host from The Sono who loves it and is a regular here. Absolutely magnificent food and a great wine list. Our sommelier guided us through this and recommended fantastic accompaniments to the food we had chosen. Very friendly staff. This was in our top 3 restaurants of our trip.

The plush Belden-Stratford apartment building in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood, a short walk from Lincoln Park Zoo and Lincoln Park Conservatory, has hosted several spiffy restaurants over the years. Welcome S.K.Y., which once occupied a space on West 18th Street in the Pilsen neighborhood but recently moved to the Belden-Stratford at 2300 North Lincoln Park West. Chef Stephen Gillander brings a touch of elegance and fancy booking to the new surroundings. Open daily from 4:30 to 10, S.K.Y., his wife's initials, features a menu with intriguing items that make even a meat-and-potatoes guy like me take notice. I started with Maine lobster dumplings with jade butter and soft herbs and roasted lamb meatballs with tikka masala butter and pine nuts. For my entree, I chose Mediterranean sea bass or Branzino by any other name, with mustard greens, black-lime nage and kataifi with crunchy potato tots and black truffle dip and herb salt. For dessert, Banana Budino with cocoa nib granola, vanilla and bourbon was a delicious change of pace from the usual suspects. Let's hope S.K.Y. enjoys a successful future at the Belden-Stratford.

We were looking forward to eating at SKY because of all the recent press and hype surrounding it as the best new restaurant in the city. The building is very unassuming up on approach but dont let that fool you. You enter into the somewhat disjointed lounge area with separate seating areas for guests waiting and potential bar customers as well. although the long bar along the wall has seating as well for diners. Because of the distance from the actual bar it felt disjointed if you wanted to have a cocktail while waiting and took some time to get a menu....but when the menu arrived we were seated at our table so all is good...It was Thursday and thankfully i remembered to bring along a nice white wine from home knowing it was BYOB Thursday yay! We ordered the truffle croquettes as a starter as well as the japanese cucumbers. The croquettes didn't last long before devoured. Subtle truffle flavor was nice and the croquettes overall were very light..the jalapeno adding just the right kick at the end. The cucumbers were reported to be good as well..refreshing. We then got the Sea Bass and the FoisGras Bibimbop. The sea bass...simple in presentation but grilled to a crusty flaking consistency with the greens underneath. My bibimbop..even after my fois was macerated and mixed into the bowl was almost lost amongst the other outstanding ingredients comprising the bowl. Besides that it was still soul satisfying. The star however of the meal was the Chocolate and Marshmallow dessert. perfectly mimicking a s'more.....the hardened caramel sauce frozen on top of the the toasted marshmallow..the marshmallow sitting on top of a brownie and then the salted caramel ice cream on the side. decadent in every way...SKY did hit all the boxes. Our server was great and kept a watchful eye over us the entire meal and always with a smile.

I want to start by suggesting to avoid driving and parking in the area near the restaurant. Our reservation was at 6:30 and it took us 30 minutes to find street parking. There is no valet. Would recommend taking an Uber if you can. I even called ahead to ask about parking and they suggested parking on the street. Highly recommend they tell their customers to take an Uber/taxi. We didn't feel comfortable parking too far away from the restaurant as we were not familiar with the area. About the restaurant: I would have loved to give S.K.Y. 5 stars except for a service issue we had. As I mentioned, some of our party arrived before us due to us having trouble finding parking. The server came over a few times while they were waiting to check in on them. Once we arrived, our server was no where to be found for at least 20-25 minutes. The hostess came by to tell us she would send our server right over. We saw him come out of the bathroom and then he came over to our table and apologized saying he forgot he had a table (we were sitting in the bar area so guess he's the bartender most of the time). He did bring us all a glass of champagne and an appetizer to apologize. Not once did the manager come over to apologize. Once we finally ordered, the service was great. The food was delicious! We had the cornbread, black truffle croquettes, maine lobster dumplings, cucumbers and warm avocado salad. Note there were 8 in our party. We shared the appetizers, but then each of us got our own main entree - we had the short rib, salmon, sea bass, fried chicken, and foie gras. We would return because the food was such high quality (taking an Uber of course) despite the service issue.