Marchesa

4.8 (894)

$31 to $50

French

535 N. Wells Street, Chicago, IL 60654

About this restaurant

Romantic
Good for special occasions
Neighborhood gem

Marchesa, in the heart of River North, serves delicious French & Italian food with wines and cocktails that pair perfectly. Chose from our a la carte menu or a special tasting menu. The art-filled interior, inspired by the Guggenheim in Venice, is cozy & welcoming. The main dining room boasts brass chandeliers, marble statues & a shagreen bar top, all worthy of our muse, Jazz Age socialite, Marchesa Casati. Intimate Chef's table is perfect for groups up to 12.

The Champagne Cave, open from Wednesday through Saturday at 5:00 p.m., has a bohemian vibe, perfect for enjoying a glass of Champagne, full menu or desserts. DJ spins on weekends. Second floor private dining room, The Apartment, reminiscent of a luxe home, is perfect for intimate groups, with a baby grand piano & petit plain air courtyard.

Reservations & walk-ins are warmly welcomed. Looking forward to the pleasure of your company! Your Hosts, Kathryn Alvera, Francisco Montiel, Nikki Friar and the Famille Marchesa.

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This restaurant is permanently closed.

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Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
French, Italian, European
Hours of operation
Weekday Dinner Tue, Wed 5:00 pm–9:30 pm Weekend Dinner Thu–Sat 5:00 pm–10:30 pm Bubbles & Bites Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–7:00 pm Champagne Cave Wed, Thu 5:00 pm–11:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–2:00 am
Phone number
(312) 527-9535
Website
http://www.marchesachicago.com/
Payment options
AMEX, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Smart Casual
Catering
Whether looking for an in-home cocktail party or a dinner at your firm, the Marchesa culinary team can execute all the details with aplomb! Years of experience catering events around the city -- including art galleries in River North and homes in Lake Forest -- so we can expertly pull together the details so that you can be an impressed guest at your own event! Call our Special Events office at 312.527.9535 for more information and to see photos. Professional staff, banquet tables, chairs and spectacular china, glass and flatware available for one-stop shopping! Event planners on staff, too.
Private party facilities
The Marchesa team, veterans of Chicago's private event industry, has created three different enclaves within the restaurant to host your special corporate or social event. On the second floor, The Apartment, channels a Parisian flat, seating for 50, 75 for cocktails. Baby grand piano, sun-dappled interior, fireplace, outdoor courtyard. Separate kitchen means your meal is prepared to order. The Savarin Room offers a view of the Marchesa kitchen (sumptuous curtains can obscure if desired), seating for 4 to 12. Chinoiserie cabinet, hidden television screen, varied tabletop options means you can customize the room. Intimate, great for conversation. The Cave, in the lower level, boasts a fireplace, private bar for 12, luxe velvet banquette, couch seating groups and room for 30 for dinner, cocktails for 50. Private kitchen adds to the convenience, under-the-sidewalk wine vault can be used for pre-dinner cocktails. For a truly spectacular experience, rent out the art-filled Main Dining Room!

Location
535 N. Wells Street, Chicago, IL 60654
Neighborhood
River North (Chicago)
Cross street
Grand Avenue
Parking details
Currently there is no valet parking. There are 2 recommended lots, on Franklin and Ohio and on Wells and Ontario, each about a block away. We recommend the ParkChicago app to find nearby metered street parking. The ParkWhiz app helps find indoor lots -- one is on Illinois just west of Wells. We are hoping to have valet parking again soon! Thanks!
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dancing, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

Marchesa$15.00
Tomatoes, carrots, truffle croutons, grana padano, tarragon vinaigrette
- With Grilled Salmon$20.00
- With Paillard of Chicken$14.00
- With Sautéed Shrimp$15.00
- With Grilled Steak$26.00
Bistro Salad$16.00
Greens, pears, nuts, gorgonzola, red wine vinaigrette
Truffle Burrata$17.00
Grilled pears, mixed greens, beet purée, lemon vinaigrette

Poisson & Fruit de Mer

Shrimp Jovan$20.00
Sautéed, spicy, garlic, black pepper & butter, grilled bread
Escargots$18.00
Burgundy snails, garlic & parsley butter, tomato, brioche croutons

Viande

Steak Tartare$19.00
Angus beef, parsnip purée, farm egg, arugula, capers
Chicken Liver Mousse$17.00
Cornichons, olives, crostini

Fromage & Charcuterie

Fromages$19.00
Artisan cow, sheep & goat cheese, grapes, fig jam, nuts, crostini
Charcuterie$21.00
Cured meat, mousse, olives, cornichons, mustard, crostini
Fromages & Charcuterie$29.00
Best of both worlds, serves two, condiments

Indulgence

Caviar Parfait$25.00
Smoked salmon, mousse, egg, crème fraîche, caviar du jour
Foie Gras$31.00
Hudson Valley, honey crisp apple, cherry gastrique, toast points
Caviar Service
One ounce, traditional accompaniments, brioche toast points
- Petrossian Paddlefish$85.00
- Petrossian Daurenki$120.00
- Petrossian royal ossetra$165.00
Caviar Fantasy Flight$345.00
Trio of one ounce of each petrossian caviar
Vodka du Jour$15.00
Chilled shot to accompany caviar service
Black Truffles$25.00
Umbrian black truffles shaved on any dish, 4 grams

Risotto & Pâtes

Risotto al Tartufo$29.00
Arborio, black truffle cream, mushrooms, parmigiano
- With Shaved Fresh Black Truffle, 4 Grams$52.00
Lobster & Crab Ravioli$34.00
Lobster sauce, thyme, touch of cream
Penne con Funghi$29.00
Wild mushrooms, porcini cream, grana padano
Lentils$25.00
Le Puy lentils, olives, capers, tomatoes, chilis, lemon-scented olive oil
Porcini Agnolotti$29.00
Porcini, white truffle butter, touch of cream, parmigiano
Butternut Squash Gnocchi$28.00
Brown butter, fried sage, lemon

Poisson & Fruit de Mer

Coquilles St.-Jacques$41.00
Scallops, mushroom duxelles, potato purée, gruyère
Salmon$38.00
Grilled faroe island fillet, lemon-caper butter sauce, haricots verts
Seafood Risotto$36.00
Arborio, seafood & shellfish, salmon, saffron, fennel
Ahi Tuna$39.00
Yellowfin fillet, potato au gratin, green peppercorn demi-glace
Sea Bass$40.00
Pan-seared, lemon risotto, tomato chimichurri, haricots verts

Viande

Bistro Chicken$25.00
Organic chicken, potato duo, thyme demi-glace
Steak-Frites$33.00
Hanger steak, red wine braised-onions, pommes frites, béarnaise
Duck Breast$39.00
Sautéed, gala apple, spinach, potato, apple persimmon gastrique
Filet Mignon$46.00
Truffle butter, potato duo, red wine mushroom sauce
Lamb Chops$45.00
Dijon-crusted chops, mashed potatoes, red wine mushroom jus
Le Burger$19.00
Chef's blend, ½ pound, grilled onions, brie-provolone fondue
- With a Farm Egg$20.00
- With Two Ounces of Seared Foie Gras$36.00
Foie Gras$25.00
Seared, two and a half ounces served atop any entrée
Lamb Shank Bourguignon $43.00
Braised, mushrooms, root vegetables, pommels purée

Etcetera

$12

Pommes Frites
Classic or truffle parmigiano, béarnaise sauce
Wilted Spinach
Roasted garlic
Brussels Sprouts$13.00
Orange glaze
Ratatouille$13.00
Provençal vegetable stew
Pommes Purée
Classic, roasted garlic or wild mushroom
Wild Mushrooms$13.00
Sautéed, thyme, parsley
Fingerling Potatoes
Caramelized onions

What 894 people are saying

Marchesa reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

4.8

4.8 based on recent ratings

4.7Food
4.6Service
4.9Ambience
4.5Value

Noise • Moderate

893 Reviews

CC
CCCC VIP
Chicago / Illinois4 reviews
3.0
Dined on January 6, 2024
1. Overall 3
2. Food 4
3. Service 2
4. Ambience 5
The waiter had no clue about anything. He made several mistakes. Manager came to resolve issues, she was very nice. Felt bad for manager having to deal with everything due to poor quality waiter.
Is this helpful?
MF
MarketingFrau VIP
Chicago / Illinois29 reviews
5.0
Dined on January 6, 2024
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Marchesa is a true gem. Beautiful atmosphere, consistently good food and service make Marchesa one of my favorite destinations. It’s effortlessly chic.
Is this helpful?
L
Lashpot VIP
Chicago / Illinois168 reviews
4.0
Dined on December 31, 2023
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Beautiful restaurant with a diverse menu and solid service.
Is this helpful?
CJ
CJStav
Phoenix / Arizona3 reviews
5.0
Dined on December 27, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Everything about our dinner was excellent. We never felt rushed at any point during the service. We ordered the Duck a L’orange, risotto, Brussel sprouts and bread pudding. It was all very tasty and excellent. I love French food and it met and exceeded my expectations. I would go again if I had time on this trip. Merci Beaucoup.
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a
attybond VIP
New York City20 reviews
5.0
Dined on December 27, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Visiting Chicago for post-holiday getaway, on our first night, we decided on "French" and "Walking Distance" and Marchesa was the third hit in the OT search. It was exactly what we wanted. We had Vespers for cocktails, mixed perfectly, and a great match for our starter, tartare. Main menu was classically French in tone and style, preparation and presentation both indicative of carefully applied skills. We each had fish; she had the sea bass on a lemon risotto, and I had the salmon with haricot verts. Dessert was our remaining wine, a light northern Italian red that complemented our food choices. Dessert was two of the house-made sorbets. The staff was knowledgeable and professional, meaning that they were there when we needed them and never there when we didn't. Marchesa's interior was a gentle blend of old-style boîte and modern details with plenty of starched table linens for the formal edge I think every French restaurant needs, but the place did not have the uptight air one might sometimes find. In all, it was a great first time of what will be several times, we hope.
Is this helpful?
RB
RobertB
New York City5 reviews
5.0
Dined on December 23, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Food was fantastic! Perfect for a special birthday celebration. Lamb was delish! I’ve never had duck breast medium rare before, and it was amazing. Memorable evening!
Is this helpful?
CO
CraigO
Chicago / Illinois1 review
5.0
Dined on December 22, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Our waiter was absolutely amazing! Food was delicious and so were the drinks!! Was an amazing expierence for my birthday!! Will go again and brag this place up to everyone!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner VIP
Chicago / Illinois45 reviews
5.0
Dined on December 20, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Like a quick visit to Paris—Love everything about this place!💙. From the cocktails and appetizers (seafood parfait—yum!) through the coquilles St. Jacques and seafood risotto, to the crème brûlée, served with perfect unhurried timing, we loved it all!
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M
Mark VIP
Chicago / Illinois26 reviews
5.0
Dined on December 17, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We had an amazing meal at Marchesa. Fantastic food, great service, and a nice, quiet atmosphere. Highly recommended -- we will be back!
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NM
NancyM
Chicago / Illinois19 reviews
5.0
Dined on December 15, 2023
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Excellent food and the ambience was wonderful! A very cozy inviting atmosphere, I can’t say enough about our dining experience. Can’t wait to return.
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FAQs

Marchesa offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (312) 527-9535.

Marchesa is rated 4.8 stars by 894 OpenTable diners.

Permanently Closed

This restaurant is permanently closed.

535 N. Wells Street, Chicago, IL 60654

Dining areas

Additional information

Cross street
Grand Avenue
Neighborhood
River North (Chicago)
Hours of operation
Weekday Dinner Tue, Wed 5:00 pm–9:30 pm Weekend Dinner Thu–Sat 5:00 pm–10:30 pm Bubbles & Bites Tue–Sat 5:00 pm–7:00 pm Champagne Cave Wed, Thu 5:00 pm–11:00 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–2:00 am
Price
$31 to $50
Cuisines
French, Italian, European
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Smart Casual
Parking details
Currently there is no valet parking. There are 2 recommended lots, on Franklin and Ohio and on Wells and Ontario, each about a block away. We recommend the ParkChicago app to find nearby metered street parking. The ParkWhiz app helps find indoor lots -- one is on Illinois just west of Wells. We are hoping to have valet parking again soon! Thanks!
Payment options
AMEX, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Additional
Banquet, Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Dancing, Delivery, Entertainment, Full Bar, Happy Hour, Indoor Fireplace, Late Night, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Private Room, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.marchesachicago.com/
Phone number
(312) 527-9535
Catering
Whether looking for an in-home cocktail party or a dinner at your firm, the Marchesa culinary team can execute all the details with aplomb! Years of experience catering events around the city -- including art galleries in River North and homes in Lake Forest -- so we can expertly pull together the details so that you can be an impressed guest at your own event! Call our Special Events office at 312.527.9535 for more information and to see photos. Professional staff, banquet tables, chairs and spectacular china, glass and flatware available for one-stop shopping! Event planners on staff, too.
Private party facilities
The Marchesa team, veterans of Chicago's private event industry, has created three different enclaves within the restaurant to host your special corporate or social event. On the second floor, The Apartment, channels a Parisian flat, seating for 50, 75 for cocktails. Baby grand piano, sun-dappled interior, fireplace, outdoor courtyard. Separate kitchen means your meal is prepared to order. The Savarin Room offers a view of the Marchesa kitchen (sumptuous curtains can obscure if desired), seating for 4 to 12. Chinoiserie cabinet, hidden television screen, varied tabletop options means you can customize the room. Intimate, great for conversation. The Cave, in the lower level, boasts a fireplace, private bar for 12, luxe velvet banquette, couch seating groups and room for 30 for dinner, cocktails for 50. Private kitchen adds to the convenience, under-the-sidewalk wine vault can be used for pre-dinner cocktails. For a truly spectacular experience, rent out the art-filled Main Dining Room!

Marchesa

About this restaurant

Permanently Closed

There’s more to explore

Dining areas

Additional information

French Onion

Steak Tartare

Filet Mignon

Appetizers

Soupe

French Onion$15.00

Lobster Bisque$16.00

Mushroom Soup$14.00

Salade

Marchesa$15.00

Bistro Salad$16.00

Truffle Burrata$17.00

Poisson & Fruit de Mer

Shrimp Jovan$20.00

Escargots$18.00

Viande

Steak Tartare$19.00

Chicken Liver Mousse$17.00

Fromage & Charcuterie

Fromages$19.00

Charcuterie$21.00

Fromages & Charcuterie$29.00

Indulgence

Caviar Parfait$25.00

Foie Gras$31.00

Caviar Service

Caviar Fantasy Flight$345.00

Vodka du Jour$15.00

Black Truffles$25.00

Risotto & Pâtes

Risotto al Tartufo$29.00

Lobster & Crab Ravioli$34.00

Penne con Funghi$29.00

Lentils$25.00

Porcini Agnolotti$29.00

Butternut Squash Gnocchi$28.00

Poisson & Fruit de Mer

Coquilles St.-Jacques$41.00

Salmon$38.00

Seafood Risotto$36.00

Ahi Tuna$39.00

Sea Bass$40.00

Viande

Bistro Chicken$25.00

Steak-Frites$33.00

Duck Breast$39.00

Filet Mignon$46.00

Lamb Chops$45.00

Le Burger$19.00

Foie Gras$25.00

Lamb Shank Bourguignon $43.00

Etcetera

Pommes Frites

Wilted Spinach

Brussels Sprouts$13.00

Ratatouille$13.00

Pommes Purée

Wild Mushrooms$13.00

Fingerling Potatoes

Overall ratings and reviews

FAQs

Does Marchesa offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Marchesa restaurant rated?

Permanently Closed

Dining areas

Additional information