Food is so delicious! Every plate thoughtfully put together. Every visit is never a disappointment.

Despite being Michelin rated, did definitely NOT merit it. Food was good but not super. Service staff (especially the manager) was affected. Will never go back.

Great experience. Next time - I’m sitting. At there intimate bar and drinking Old Fashions!

This is my first review but after the lack of accommodation on my anniversary from the chef who clearly wanted to close his kitchen and should never have taken an 8:15pm reservation I had to write. Food was nice and amazing view and location. However not only were they out of the pork, the promise of the last halibut went unfulfilled. When I refused a substitute but reserved the right to add on later, the Chef refused to serve me the corn lobster soup. Waiter worked extra hard to make up for an awkward situation and chef gave us an extra dessert on top of the one we paid for. It was our 12th anniversary. Luckily we celebrated at Journey and Def Leppard the night before.

Our server Kevin was great
Special dinner

Our experience at North Pond for my parents’s 50th anniversary was amazing. From the personalized menus to the service and of course, the food! We had a very knowledgeable, attentive, but not overbearing server. (Her name escapes me, but she was great!) We did not do the tasting menu, but all except one of our party ordered 3 courses & we split a few desserts. The corn/lobster chowder was to die for!! Very refreshing & unexpected. Oil poached halibut & beet salad were also delicious. Sour cherry dessert we could have skipped. Nothing wrong with it at all, just not a wow like everything else. Our ONLY downside, which was by no means a fault of the restaurant, was the loud, obnoxious man dropping the f-bomb every 3-4 words that was sitting right behind my mother. It was incredibly distracting for even me, who regularly uses colorful language, but this guy showed no regard for anyone around him. There was a man seated by himself also right next to him & my mother caught his eye at one point & just shook her head as it was obvious he was feeling the same way. Beautiful location, take advantage of a table by the windows & enjoy!

Far too much going on in each dish. Everything was prepared well and the composition of each item at the table was impressive in it’s complexity. This experience is best described as too much of good thing.

Superb start to finish

Amazing dining experience!

Inside table by patio door was not ideal for a date night. Moreover, we felt forced to sit inside while outside seating would have been much better and was available with some patience.

We continue to come to this restaurant to enjoy the seasonal changes in Chicago, and to celebrate special occasions. The food, service, and atmosphere have always been impeccable, and we look forward to our next visit.

Celebrated a 26th birthday and it was a wonderful date night. The full course meal was delicious and the complimentary birthday treats left a big smile on my boyfriends face. We had a great time!

Our family opted for the a la carte menu. Pre-dinner cocktails were refreshing - food presentation was lovely and our dishes were varied with seasonal fruits & veggies. Portions were just right, not overwhelming. Server was attentive and ambience very nice for a Friday eve family dinner. Always a joy to come here, esp in summer months as we enjoy the park setting.

We were basically ignored by waitstaff sitting at our table for 20 to 30 minutes before another server came over to give us some attention. Had to ask for bread and butter. Was expecting more from the menu. Generally a disappointment.

I have dined at north pond a number of times since it has been opened and always thought the food was perfection. I don't know what has changed but the current menu had no stand outs and many failures. The loster corn chowder was seasoned so strongly it was inedible. It was tasted by everyone at our table and all agreed. The pork, duck and beef dishes were nothing more than fair. The quality of the meat was excellent but the preparation uninspiring. The vegetables, which had always been so delicious, were terrible. Like the chowder, over seasoned and prepared in a way that masked rather than highlighted their freshness. The strawberry dessert was flavorless. the blueberry pistachio dessert was also lacking in flavor and cohesion. Sad to see what used to be such a neighborhood gem fall apart. Reminds me of Charlie Trotter in its last year.

Had a very nice brunch here. Food was excellent. Beautifully plated, very fresh flavors and interesting combinations. I enjoyed the prix fixe option. I can never decide whether I want something sweet or savory for brunch and often get two dishes and finish neither. Service was technically accurate although a little distant. I‘d have enjoyed a warmer touch, but that’s my personal preference. The style of service matched the concept. I was grateful for the recap of the composition of the plates by our food runners when courses were served. The host was very kind as well and I appreciated that when I asked where the restroom was, she took the time to walk me back. It’s a nice added level of service when it would have been sufficient to direct me there instead. Beautiful view, warm and inviting space. A great way to spend a Sunday afternoon with family.

Superb all around, as always.

Fabulous. Sat by the open door on the pond side...beautiful evening. The food was fresh, creative, beautiful, exquisite, masterful, delicious! A very special experience.

Birthday celebration

I took out of town guests here. I could not have made a better choice. It was a summer evening; our table was in the open air portion which gave us a beautiful view of Lincoln Park. And by the way ... fantastic meal! Perfectly attentive service. The James Beard award framed by the bar is well deserved. I could go on. This was such a gem of an experience! Thanks!

Wonderful meal!

This is a lovely setting for a restaurant, with an attentive waitstaff, and thoughtful personal touches. Unfortunately, the food was completely offputting. I would assume that a Michelin star restaurant would deliciously combine “strange” sets of ingredients into a transformative culinary experience. Not so at North Pond. Both my dining partner and I found the food, though beautiful, so strangely composed, seasoned, and prepared that it was virtually inedible. An appetizer with hot goat cheese spread across the bottom of a plate with three preparations of asparagus, a soft boiled egg (partially unset white), with a very standard tasting wedge of Belgian waffle and dollops of very reduced strawberry jam and also puréed asparagus.....? I’m thinking “Wow!! I could never, ever put those ingredients together and have it taste good!” But, it tastes just as bizarre and gross when they prepare it, as well. However, if that appetizer description sounds like your “jam,” hit this place up. In my opinion, there are much better offerings in Chicago to choose from.

Setting is outstanding. Food is excellent and unusual veggies/spices add a punch of new tastes without being over powering. My Second visit and liked it even more. Looking forward to next time.

As every time, this is probably the best restaurant in Chicago. Fine dining does not get any better.

North Pond is one my top 5 restaurants in the Chicago Land area. I was dining on the occasion of a 1st year anniversary. I didn't expect the menus to display our names and the occasion but it was AWESOME and my Spouse loved it. The waiter was great and very knowledgeable about the menu items. Overall our experience was AMAZING and I will always continue to dine at North Pond. Thank you all for a wonderful experience in fine dining.

Birthday dinner

Father’s Day brunch was outstanding. Creative chef and seasonal ingredients. Service was impeccable too. Wonderful gem nestled in the park.

Fabulous meal!

Great service and Great food

Outstanding

Absolutely wonderful. Too much to even comment on. As someone in the restaurant industry I have to say this is MUST VISIT!!!

Great location with imaginative menu items. Will definitely request atrium/outdoor seating next time, a bit closed off sitting near the kitchen.

Marvelous as always! We were celebrating anniversary and they always make is feel special. Loved the menu printed with our names and occasion on it.

Fantastic place! Our server was excellent and the food incredible.

We dined there for our anniversary. Every single dish was spectacular. Our waitress was wonderful and knowledgeable. Its a wonderful experience to dine there!

North Pond is one of our favorites we try to go whenever we are in town. The space is unique and lovely. The food is excellent Prepared and served by people who care.

Fantastic food

Tasting menu with wine pairing is was fabulous!

I have been to North Pond several times before--including holding our wedding reception there. This time was for our anniversary, and they went all out--specially printed menu with our names, and lovely goodies throughout the meal. The foo is always exceptional but really shone this time: my personal favorite was their "Lobster/Almond " plate, which was a delicious citrusy soup with incredible textures and flavors. The desserts we stunning too: my favorite was the pistachio ice cream with raspberries.

We have been to North Pond several times. Because of it's location (more than an hour drive), it is a special occasion restaurant for us.

PROS
About as picturesque a setting as anywhere in Chicago. Just a beautiful location and building.
The menu (although quite limited) is very creative and features seasonal (and often locally sourced) ingredients
Plate presentations are exquisite
The foie gras was fantastic!
Service is usually flawless

CONS
Limited wines by the glass
Entree choices are very limited
We noted that we were celebrating our wedding anniversary -- but they dropped the ball on this
The fish entree (black bass) was bland and disappointing
Ice tea (just the regular stuff) is $5.00. REALLY??