(3.75) ~ Good Overall Food & Service. Located in the Hotel. OUR MENU: DRINKS: * Various Red Wines = (4.25) Very good * Water(tap) = (3) ok...needs to be filtered * Coffee = (3) ok...maybe offer "French" Pressed FOOD: * Bread & Butter & Asparagus Pesto = (4) very good * Kale, Bacon, Salad w. Poached Egg = (4) very good * Pork Tenderloin Tomahawk = (3.5) good * Chocolate Mousse = (3.5) good
(4)
Jenna C.
No doubt Mon Ami Gabi is a stylish and much sought-after restaurant. Our group of 4 headed over after dinner in River North to experience their dessert and drink offerings. Upon entering at around 10ish, it was still so busy that we waited about 10-15 minutes for a table to open up. Not a problem, as it's situated in the Belden Stratford hotel so there is plenty of space to wait in the grand lobby. The hostess was not too friendly but we really liked our waitress. White chocolate bread pudding, creme brulee, chocolate cake, and raspberry sour cream ice cream were chosen to satisfy our sweet tooths. All were divine. Decaf coffee and good conversation complimented the desserts well, and made for a pleasant night. I would probably recommend Mon Ami for a little older crowd, special occassion, or fancier date night.
Fantastic French bistro. I cannot complain one little bit about the quality of their food or the impeccable service. Looking forward to my next great meal there.
(5)
Viviana K.
Hosted my best friends bridal shower here and it really was an incredible experience from prep to the end. When I was getting quotes the event coordinator Lily responded right away. She responded to every question I had (and I had lots of questions) and made several accommodations to my group. I got so many positive compliments on the shower from guests and the food was delicious. Best part was that we were able to stay within budget after an unexpected increase in our guest list. Thank you to the entire staff for providing such great service.
(5)
Jeff S.
I've been to Mon Ami several times for dinner. This is my first time for brunch. We sat outside and the patio was very nice. The bloody Mary's was delicious. The food was fantastic. Highly recommended.
(5)
Tom B.
This is Chicago fine dining at its best. We come here every year on the weekend before Christmas. Mon Ami is a small, intimate French bistro, and the ambiance is definitely part of the experience. It's located across from Lincoln Park Zoo, in the Belden Stratford building. The Belden is now a luxury apartment building; they stopped being a hotel a year or so ago, which was a tragedy. Regardless, Mon Ami Gabi has a a relatively small menu, but each item is carefully crafted. I got the 22oz bone in ribeye, which is pan fried and comes with fries (frites). This is one of the best steaks you'll ever have. A terrific French wine selection rounds out the menu. Mon Ami is without a doubt my favorite Chicago restaurant.
(5)
Haley C.
I had heard great things about this restaurant so I made reservations here for Sunday brunch. I was extremely disappointed. First of all, they have a huge menu, but they don't offer it during brunch. The brunch menu is really small and there's nothing on it that differentiates it from any other breakfast place in Lincoln Park. The wait staff was pretty stuck up and they forgot to bring us 3 things we asked for. As far as the food, it was fine, but just fine. I had the salmon salad which was a piece of salmon on spinach basically, very underwhelming. My boyfriend had the steak and frites which was oily and the frites were awful. I would not recommend this restaurant. Save your money and pass on this restaurant.
The food here is absolutely fantastic! Sure its a chain of sorts, but the steak and steamed mussels are to die for! The classic French bread served with the meal is something special. I have even visited just for the bread to bring it home (since I live in the building that the restaurant is located within) for my own home cooked meals.
(4)
Farman P.
We just went to this place yesterday. The food was so good you will definitely have no problem finding something worth eating and it's top notch place. They have amazing appetizers and awesome desserts. My only problem with this place is that the service was semi annoying. When I called on the phone to double check to see if my reservations were good, the lady acted like I was wasting her time and she rushed our conversation. The waiter we had didn't even introduce himself which I thought was really odd since that's how all restaurants are. Fortunately this did not ruin our night because the goodness delicious! Wild Boar Ragu was a great dinner choice; the meat would fall all over in your mouth. The appetizer was baked goat cheese with bread and marinara sauce. It's divine! I couldn't stop eating it. Depending on what day you go, double check with what the specials are. For some reason, we weren't told what it was, but there's a board around to show you what they have, but it's not all over their wall so Id recommend just asking the waiter instead. This is the second french restaurant I've been to and one thing I notice is that they love to fill up their space. It looks cramped, but it doesn't feel that way. The interior design has that kind of ambience of how you would want your romantic night to be. So, not everything can be perfect but Mon Ami Gabi will deliver to your standards. They might not be the most welcoming or friendly (like being on your phone at the front desk), but that won't ruin your night whatsoever. I want to stress that this place was still a favorite of mine! I hope it will be for you too.
(4)
Kat G.
Had a fantastic dinner here! With a reservation, we were seated very promptly. All of the staff members were very welcoming and attentive. Started off with the onion soup and kale warm bacon salad. Both were excellent. I had the peppercorn steak frites--loved the spice. Husband had the dover sole, which he enjoyed very much. Ended with the profiteroles. Overall, great service and excellent food. Would definitely come back and try more of their offerings!
(5)
Jialing L.
Celebrated my 22nd birthday here last summer. The restaurant itself has a great atmosphere and the service is amazing. A couple of my friends were running late but they still seated us and kept bringing us bread as we waited (seriously, we had so much bread. it was so good). My friends ordered the escargot for me to try since I had never had any before and it was an interesting experience. Too garlicky for my taste but it was good. I ordered the bordelaise steak frites for my entree and really enjoyed it. The steak itself was very flavorful and the portion size was huge. The frites were fine but not my favorite type. They also brought me a chocolate cupcake for my birthday and it was delicious. Really glad i chose this place to celebrate my birthday.
(4)
James Z.
I normally enjoy Mon Ami Gabi, but the service on Sunday 6 September was uncustomarily unacceptable. We had a reservation -- it was an anniversary -- and a decent table was not to be had. We were begrudingly seated at a small table by a very loud (bar-crowd-like) party, then re-seated at a table that would barely hold a sandwich, let alone two plates. We were told by the manager Whitney that everything else was booked. And yet the good tables were empty. The refusal even to attempt to accommodate us set the wrong tone, and even then, it would have been nice if Whitney came around to check on us, The food: It was not a stellar night either. Why anyone would serve pate with iron-hard bread escapes me. Some of the usual staff do not seem to be there, and I hope management will remedy the situation for its remaining customers. You might get away with this kind of service in Lincoln Square or Andersonville, where new places start up, but not at a place that had been solid.
(2)
Gina M.
Had an amazing dinner last night. Celebrated a birthday and had great food and great service. Highly recommend the seafood tower. For $55 you get a pound and a half lobster along with 4 shrimp, 4 oysters, and some salmon tartare. The salad with quail egg and bacon was also amazing. Ryan, our waiter, was knowledgeable about the menu and made our experience that much better. I think Mon Ami Gabi just became my new favorite restaurant. (Sorry Girl and the Goat :( )
(5)
Jim M.
What a surprise, so close to home lies people that take pride in their art. From a fine wine selection to a classic bistro menu to alert, not in your face service, Mon Abi Gabi is a home run! A fresh salad with a lemony vinaigrette that included multiple vegetables and micro greens. Steak Frites with Au Pouvre was unreal, it was cooked perfectly and tender, the sauce devine. The bread was what I would've hoped from a bistro, airy and crisp. It is evident these folks are serious about their craft. Simple presentation of awesome food without attitude, when do I plan on returning? Weekly!
(5)
Jean L.
I first came here with a group of 10 and received spectacular service. The steaks are thin, which I don't know if it's a steak-frites kind of thing, but it was definitely different. I got some kind of mushroom sauce on my filet and subbed out my frites for a salad. I left full and satisfied. We also ordered muscles, snails, and french onion soup (which apparently they're known for). As for the second time I came here, I was without a reservation, on a Friday night, at 7pm. The hostess was super nice and said that her 6:30 reservation still hadn't shown up, so if I would bear with her for another 15 minutes, she would see if she could squeeze me in. I waited, and luckily the no-shows never showed! This round was also very good. To be honest, the food, while good, was nothing to-die-for, but I LOVED the cocktails!! They were strong, traditional, and pleasant. Hell, I'd go back for the bar alone.
Good food, friendly waiters. I got the lemon salmon and it was perfectly cooked. Everyone else I was with got Steak and they all had nothing but good things to say. We also enjoyed the whipped cauliflower and spinach. Unfortunately, I was so full from dinner I did not order dessert, however all the desserts sounded great and I want to go back and try one!! (or two)
(5)
Linz M.
Easily one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago. It is a go-to! The food is always delicious. Personal favorites include Caesar salad, French onion soup, steak frites bordelaise and the salmon. For dessert you must order their portfolios-so decedent and delicious-it is big enough to share!
(5)
Sage P.
I was having a bad day. I decided to treat myself and order a steak from Mon Ami Gabi. Mon Ami Gabi is NOT my friend. My food arrived cold, which is mysterious to me as they are not too far from my house (and even weirder, they delivered on time). They also managed to forget my drink. A star for the taste, a star for delivering on time. Negative stars for my food arriving cold, useless fries, and no drink. (Do they pay people to leave good reviews or is no one else foolish enough to order delivery?)
(2)
Lysa C.
For the past seven years , my favourite French bistro in Chicago. Impeccably consistent in the food, great ambiance , perfect for special occasions. The scallop appetizer is FANTASTIC!! Frites are the best around!! Lovely service. We always ask for Ryan , he is attentive ,professional and very personable !!! Highly recommend Mon Ami Gabi!!!
(5)
Cecilia W.
The service was wonderful ! The bartender was just so kind to all of the customers and could tell me the specials and mixed a really great cocktail. Of course the food was wonderful and the best I've had in Chicago. I will be back with friends and family.
(5)
Perry R.
Sunday Brunch was great. Although the menu selection was limited all the choices were interesting and well priced. Our server Amber was knowledgeable and followed up at appropriate times. French kiss sandwich was tasty and omelettes were full of tasty bits as promised on the menu. While the red wine bottles sat outside for single pours they were chilled to ensure they did not pick up the heat of the day. Only minor complaint was that the frites were warm- not hot - probably sitting too long under the warming lights.
(5)
Kathleen K.
No complaints from us; even our vegan son enjoyed what he chose, which was the veggie tagine. Good food, great wine, attentive service, relaxing. The tables are a bit crowded together, but that's the only negative as far as we're concerned. Also, the prices are high, but not outrageous. It's our favorite Chicago special occasion restaurant.
(5)
Kate L.
I came here with my family for my 21st birthday, and while I had been dying to come here for years because of their extensive gluten free menu, the price and quality left something to be desired. First of all, the decor of the restaurant is amazing; it feels like a real French restaurant! Unfortunately, we got off to a bumpy start. We had a reservation, and yet we still ended up waiting 20 minutes for our table. The hostess was not welcoming at all, and seemed bothered when we asked if our table was ready yet. I get that it's a busy restaurant on a Saturday night, but people were arriving and being seated before our small party of 3 was able to be seated. Our waiter ended up being very kind, but it didn't quite make up for the bad first impression. The portions were HUGE! I had been eyeing Mon Ami Gabi for years, so naturally I knew exactly what I wanted to try. However, a starter, main course, and dessert were wayy too much. I was full a couple spoonfuls into my French onion soup! But aside from the fact that I was unable to finish anything, the food quality was kind of disappointing. The French onion soup was basically all onions - no soup - and the steak was chewy with tasteless, limp fries. For more than $50 a person, I was expecting the food to be better than what you can get at Olive Garden! Overall, I don't think I'll be back to Mon Ami Gabi. It just wasn't worth it for the money. While our waiter was very nice, and the ambiance was great for celebrating a special occasion, the food and the price of this restaurant just aren't in sync with each other.
(3)
Danielle S.
I love Mon Ami Gabi. I love it in Las Vegas and I love it in Chicago. We chose to sit outside during a perfect chicago late summer night and it couldn't have been a more amazing evening. A light breeze, the lights twinkling in the trees, and the sirens providing an orchestra of background music. The service was impeccable which is what I have come to expect from MAG. Our wine choices were always appropraite it cooled and glasses refreshed when needed. We ordered the goat cheese and tomato sauce appetizer which literally I dream about year round. The onion soup? Perfection. The steak frites are a HUGE serving, so delicious and such a reasonable price. I'm not sure I would change a single thing about my experience, except maybe for the unattended kids running around the patio, but then again that isn't really the responsibility of the restaurant and more of the ill behaved parents. Can you tell I love this place? Can't wait to go back!
(5)
derek T.
This place is a regular for us. The good: wonderful ambience, incredible steak frites, excellent escargot, perfectly roasted chicken, and a warm and professional staff. The so so: a small bar so don't expect to "wait at the bar" comfortably if you are more than 2, serving temp for the wine - the cellar is a ways from the bar so if you order a nice bottle of red, ask if it is coming from the bar or the cellar (a difference of about 15 degrees in the wrong direction). A fun romantic night for two - perfect. Dinner with friends - also perfect, but make sure you have a reservation. And, in the summer the patio is beautiful.
(4)
Jamie B.
My husband and I had a superb experience here on Saturday night. The LEY folks never disappoint. The restaurant is really pretty inside- dark woods, mirrors, very french bistro. Its also nice that it's located in the best neighborhood in Chicago- Lincoln Park. So refreshing to not have to go to River North. The service was friendly and prompt and we didn't have to ask for anything at all. We had a cozy spot in the corner in the bar area and appreciated not feeling rushed. We selected: -Escargot: this was outstanding and was wonderful with the homemade baquette they bring you to start with. There was no cheese on the escargot which is how I prefer it. Excellent starter. -Endive and Roquefort Salad: be advised, there is a HUGE wedge (about the size of my hand) of bleu on this salad. It was nice to share; the cheese paired perfectly with the endive and pear on the salad. -French Onion Soup: I really liked this soup. It was sweeter than I've had at other places and much less salty. It was perfect. Again, may want to share, it's a pretty large crock. -NY Strip and Frites: medium-rare and prepared perfectly. The frites were skinny and delicious! -Filet Au Poivre: rare, the au poivre was the best I've ever had. The brandy to pepper ratio was spot on and this sauce was incredibly decadent. The steak was incredibly tender and had a delicious flavor. -Bananas Foster Crepe: I'd skip this next time. It was a crepe filled with vanilla ice cream with lots of bananas and caramel on the plate. Nothing too special, but good for a group. Overall it was a fantastic french dining experience, it's been awhile since I've had good French food and Mon Ami Gabi did an excellent job. We can't wait to come back.
(5)
YellowStar B.
I came here in early January and what an adorable little gem. I ordered the fish and I tried some of the chicken. It was delicious and well presented.
(5)
Griffin K.
Mon Ami Gabi service is unparalleled. I asked a simple question about two different wines, and the waiter brought out both options for me to sample before ordering. The french onion soup is a must.
(4)
Mark C.
Absolutely amazing food, and service was spectacular. Fantastic wine selection and perfect ambiance
(5)
Aashish J.
Great food, good service, perfect for date nights! I really liked Mon Ami Gabi. Thumbs up: 1. Food: Scallops Gratinees: Superbly delicious! A must appetizer. Bordelaise Steak Frites: One of the best steaks I have EVER had. Really good. Also tried Chicken Grand-Mere. Usually I don't eat chicken outside of my house because it is so bland. Who eats chicken if you can eat steak, really? But here I did and I have no regrets. Definitely recommend this dish! 2. Wine: A great wine selection at moderate price ranges. 3. Location: Not close to the train stations which is a bummer but can be reached by bus from downtown. However, walking distance away from the Lincoln Park Zoo. Wonderful for a stroll after dinner. 4. Great service!!! Thumbs down: 1. Food: a. French onion soup: Blah...tasted like onions and soysauce. Why anyone eats this dish is a mystery to me :P 2. Space: The tables are so small you feel like you are going to knock some glassware down with the oversize menu. No privacy at all :(
(4)
Harini P.
Ok, I am a carnivore- I can out eat anyone when it comes to steaks! FOR REAL!! This place has an amazing 22-inch bone-in ribeye that is so juicy and delicious! It is super fatty, tender and amazing. Seriously one of the best steaks that I have ever had and let me tell you, I have had many. The best part is that the price is not as high as other places in this area, I truly recommend this cozy spot! Their desserts look amazing!!!
(4)
Alice D.
I enjoyed this place, though I had chicken, at the suggestion of my sister-in-law, instead of steak; my wife did too, a different kind of chicken, a breast flattened and seasoned. My brother-in-law, who visits often, ordered everything except the entree, so life was good. The burgundy was excellent. Appetizers included crab cakes, flattened and exquisitely seasoned, salmon tartare and avocado served as if ceviche, and scallops in melted cheese in a scalloped serving dish. All wonderful. The manager and waiter were full of stories that they shared; John, the waiter, a singer, has a small cake and pastry business called Vincent Van Dough, specializing in a 6-layer Pride cake, and if the cookies he served us with other desserts is any indication, he must be doing gangbusters. It was a great meal. I'll be back to try the steak-frites.
(4)
Michael B.
I've eaten at the one in Oakbrook before which was a little too suburban shopping mall, concept-ish for me. I'm generally not a big fan of these theme or concept restaurants owned and managed by large restaurant groups and they can often prioritize being businesses first and restaurants after that, versus establishments that truly take pride in their food, food sources, service and customer experiences. Not always, but enough that's I'm cautious. That said, I was there as a guest for a birthday party in a private room with limited menu choices. What I ordered, mushroom soup, salmon, root vegetables were all pretty good. I know the French like to slather everything in butter and add lots of salt, which helps but not really my thing, but, hot and tasty it was. Service was professional. Good buzz, looked like a local and Sat night date crowd mix. It's not in or on the top of my rotation, but for those living in the neighborhood, it seems like a nice place to have in the hood.
As a next door neighbor, I have dined at Mon Ami Gabi and it's predecessor for decades. However, service on last 2 visits was substantially worse than past experience. On one visit, despite a reservation, we were kept waiting for over an hour. The host in this instance did offer apologies and comped both wine and dessert, which was appreciated and appropriate. The next visit we experienced poor service again, this time with both waitstaff and long delay (1 hour) for our main course. The host apologized and promised to follow up, but has not done so.
(2)
Liz K.
To be honest, I was disappointed with my recent experience during Restaurant Week, mostly due to the service perspective and less due to the food aspect. Two of my girlfriends and I met at Mon Ami Gabi for a dinner reservation this past week at 7:00. We ended up waiting past our reservation time because the hostess offered us a better round table by a window, if we were willing to wait (which we did). It was nice to be at a table that was off of the beaten path of the restaurant, but my complaint about the table itself is that it was round and the white paper on top was square and was jutting out. It was an annoyance for the entire meal, even after I adjusted my seat. Our waiter just seemed rushed and disinterested in our table the whole night. When we weren't ready to order the first time he came by, at least 15 minutes passed before he came by to check on us again. I asked for a small substitution with my salad, just balsamic vinegar and oil dressing instead of the dressing from the menu. When our food came, the salad wasn't dressed and there was no balsamic vinegar and oil. It was a runner who brought the food and our waiter didn't check back for another 5 minutes after we had already started. Although we stayed for over two hours, the waiter never once spent more than 30 seconds at our table explaining the menu, asking us how our dishes were, or otherwise checking in on us. I was very disappointed considering the good impression I had of Mon Ami Gabi before this experience...but since my friends' dishes looked good (and I didn't have anything but a salad), I may be back at another time to try it again.
Overpriced and insane delivery fees for piss-poor portion sizes and cold food. They gave us a "free" stale baguette, which sucked. I was so disappointed with my delivery order I won't be bothering to go in-person.
(2)
Benjamin B.
I've been to this one and the one in Vegas and both are just outstanding. Great service, hot delivery and the food is just amazing every time. The steak frites is always a go to for me. The hanger steak is extremely flavorful and tender. The beef bourguinion is a must try, best i've had outside of my mothers house.
(4)
Lissa S.
Late review, but my boyfriend and I came here during restaurant week back in February. The food was delicious, the atmosphere cozy and romantic (the "cozy" part may have been largely due to the massive snowstorm outside, but I plan to go back sometime this summer, so I'll let you know), and the wait staff very kind and knowledgeable. I have no complaints and certainly plan to return! Great spot for a nice dinner date out.
(5)
Alexandra H.
I haven't been to Mon Ami Gabi since I was 16 with my parents. I live down the road now, and my husband and I have been wanting to try it again. I was very happy with the results. The mussels were delicious. Definitely dunk the baguette in the liquid- the best part. Steak Bordelaise is one of my favorites, they cooked it to perfection. Often when I order medium-rare, it will be too rare for me, but this was just right. Husband got Steak Bearnaise, he loved it although I did not try it (rare for me, but I enjoyed my own so much that I just didn't have any desire to steal off of his plate!). Drank a bottle of Bordeaux, paired nicely with our steaks :) We ordered the Banana Foster Crepe for dessert. I'm still dreaming about it. Our waiter was great. The one draw back was that when he came around the first time we weren't ready, and then it took him a bit to get back to us again. But honestly not an issue, we just had a late reservation so we were starving! Definitely will go back again when craving steak frites!
(5)
Stephanie S.
Hosted my best friend's bridal shower. Super cute inside but... Working in the FOH at a French restaurant myself back home, I was a little disappointed. I ordered a Kir Royal and they had some form of blackberry liquer but not Creme de Cassis. I had the Croque Monsieur which was just okay. The back room was freeeeeeezing. The main server was delightful (I didn't catch his name), though.
I didn't have dinner, but I came but I came for desert. And I have to say it was amazing, I tried the Chocolate moose and Peach Melba, so good and they made sure it was gluten free. Also the server I had was funny, nice and helpful, made it a way better experience. And because it was nice out I dinned out side and the outside patio was amazing great summer dinning.
(5)
Lauren B.
Went here for a birthday dinner last night. If you're looking for a celebration dinner that's not too stuffy, you should go here. Escargot was good, although I don't have much to compare it to. Bread and butter tasted actually French. I had soup, husband had salad -- both were good but not outstanding. Entrees were excellent. I had the "Chicken Grandmere" -- really really delish. Better than just any old chicken. Hubby had the steak/frites with Dijon -- delightful. I'd go here again, but if I were looking for French steak/frites, I might be more likely to choose Bavette's ( yelp.com/biz/bavettes-ba… )
(4)
Dima G.
The butter squash soup is heaven. Goat cheese appetizer is great. Their french baguette is addictive. Salmon was good. Not too impressed with deserts and the attentiveness of the server to get you another glass of wine.
(4)
Marilyn P.
Still one of my favorite Chicago restaurants after many years. It provides a consistent level of quality and service in an intimate bistro setting. Their steaks are consistently excellent, the seafood specials are great, and I have found it a great environment for any social or business event. In addition, in summer you can sit outside in a lovely setting. Highly recommend.
(4)
John W.
We stopped in for one drink and a desert. I ordered some chocolate caramel bar which knocked my socks off. My friend ordered the chocolate mousse which was also really good.
(4)
Steve L.
With great excitement, I had made reservation for the promoted Seder Dinner for 7pm. I even received a confirmation call the day prior. Since I was recovering from surgery and unable to make the traditional dinner for my family, I thought why not. We did arrive a bit early and was told our table would be ready a little after 7pm and took the hostess's suggestion to have a drink before hand. By a quarter after 7pm, it became evident by the number of families that were now waiting in the lobby that it would be longer wait than anticipated. I sent my daughter to inquire and she was told a few minutes. Five minutes later, I went to the hostess and asked for an exact time. She apologized since the tables were not clearing. Looking at the computer screen, I counted at least seven reservations at 7pm. For such a small restaurant promoting a holiday dinner, the answer was clear. They were completely overbooked. When pressed, she admitted that 7:45pm or later would be the time to be seated. Now I know why they call them wait staff. This was unacceptable. I don't know if it was the inexperience of the staff or just incompetence. I cancelled the reservation and went to another restaurant nearby who also had a Seder Dinner. We were seated immediately. Reflecting on my collective experiences with Lettuce Entertain You restaurants, I see the problem and it truly runs throughout the numerous restaurant variations. So it must be a management prerogative. This organization really is not a customer-oriented. Reservations are meaningless. As a frequent dinner at LEY, you have finally lost me. I will not be returning to Mon Ami Gabi or any other property for as long as I can remember this awful experience.
Every time I come back to Mon Ami Gabi, I enjoy it more and more. Last night was the restaurant's 15th anniversary, and as part of the celebration, they were offering LEYE Frequent Diner cardholders triple points and free gift cards just for having dinner there. I'm a total points whore, so I can never pass up an offer like this. Other than a few missteps from our server (he just seemed a bit out of it), it was a near-perfect evening; from starting out with a flawless French 75 (who doesn't love a cocktail named after a firearm?), to ending with one of the best desserts known to mankind. Our appetizers were a half-dozen fresh oysters from Prince Edward Island, served with mignonette, cocktail sauce, and fresh horseradish. We find cocktail sauce a great accompaniment to shrimp, but way too sweet for oysters, so we asked for some hot sauce (when we placed the order). The oysters came without the hot sauce and the horseradish so we had to remind our server, and he brought them out quickly. One of the oysters was "funky," and no one wants to end up sick over a questionable oyster, so that one was left uneaten. We also enjoyed the soup du jour, which was a chilled asparagus soup. I've never had a cold asparagus soup before, and it was absolutely delicious. It was the embodiment of summer in a bowl. Our mains were steak frites, served with bernaise sauce, and the trout almandine (with the almonds on the side). Again, these were near-perfect. The trout was flaky and delicate, and had a light brown-butter sauce and some haricots verts. I'm not a huge fish lover and I gobbled this up. The steak was cooked perfectly, and it was marbled, so it had tons of flavor; the naughty bernaise sauce only added to it. I'm not a huge fan of their frites; they're too thin and crispy, almost shard-like. I prefer matchstick fries over these. Desserts are another area in which MAG excels. Years ago, they used to have a dessert I so loved called strawberries Briand, which was fresh strawberries in Grand Marnier, and sour cream sorbet, sprinkled with some brown sugar. Then they took it off the menu and I cried, so when I spied it back on the menu last night, I was overjoyed. It was even better than I remembered. Strawberries (from nearby Green City Market) in a pool of luscious juice, nicely offset by a tart, refreshing sorbet. And of course I can't not get profiteroles, and they allow you to just get one, instead of the three that typically come in an order. Prices are surprisingly reasonable as well. My trout was $17.95; I've paid more than that for fish at Dunlay's (which is a neighborhood place), and the steak wasn't priced much more than that. I also adore their patio, which overlooks beautiful Lincoln Park. On a summer evening, it doesn't get much better than sipping a cocktail or glass of wine, eating a delicious dinner, and watching people and dogs strolling by. This isn't quite a five-star review, but it's much closer to five than four. I just love this place; it never disappoints.
(5)
Robin C.
I had this place on my 'to go to' places, but I have still never physically been there. I recently did discover that they were on Grubhub, and it has become my guilty pleasure on sundays when I am too tired to leave my apartment but want great food. Everything I have ordered from the appetizers to the desserts have been amazing. I was blown away that I could get a properly cooked filet mignon togo. But the best thing I have discovered is their lemon tart dessert. It's so good that I ordered 4 of them last time so I could have some for later. I do plan on physically going there some time soon, but if you can't make it, treat yourself at home and order in.
(5)
Sean A.
Amazing experience from top to bottom. Wonderful staff, service, menu, execution and the wine list is great. We had just about everything on the menu and I usually don't order chicken dishes when I go out, but I am glad I took our servers advice as it is now the only chicken dish I would order when I go out!
(5)
FoodieChic L.
It was my second time at M.A.G. and will be my last if we get the same server/service. The first time around at MAG was fabulous but it was probably attributed to our company and their connection to the Lettuce Group. This time around, my hubby and I went on a Monday-let's be honest here, it wasn't their busiest day yet I think they only had one server; which we were fortunate to have [enter sarcasm]. From the moment we sat to the time we left, we had to ask about our server's whereabouts a handful of time. We were so irritated and embarrassed to ask our busboy for our food/check...did I mention it was our anniversary too? Needless to say, we didn't even have dessert because we'd be on our way to our next anniversary... Surprised for such a company to be lacking in the service department; which outweighed the good food.
(3)
Bella V.
Last night we went out to dinner for a pre- Mother's Day dinner. I was looking forward to a good tasty food. The experience was not what I expected. The French soup was excellent but came at the same time as the main entree because the waiter forgot? He didn't understand the order?? The main entree besides been cold, by the time I finished eating the soup, it was totally disappointing. I ordered scallops, each scallop was the size of a quarter, totally skimpy!!! The waiter barely checked on us, he seemed rather tired and anxious to get done.
(2)
Alex G.
A return visit for us to celebrate Valentines Day. We arrived about 10 minutes early for our 6:30 reservation and our table was waiting. I could make a meal out of the warm loaf of bread. The Dover Sole seemed to be the womens choice at almost every table including my gf. She said it was very good. I liked the Bordeaux my gf got that I ordered a glass for myself. It was the Château Bonnet. The onion soup was kind of ordinary but there was plenty of it. I got the New York strip steak (as usual) that comes with bordelaise sauce. What the steak lacked in tenderness was offset by flavor. And the pile of frites made for a great meal. Service was attentive and noise levels were fine. This is one of our favorite restaurants. They never disappoint.
(4)
Matt R.
Mouth-watering, scrumptious, and divine don't even begin to describe the experience I had at Mon Ami Gabi. I figured the food would be good; I assumed the ambiance would be romantic; and I suspected I would enjoy myself. I had no idea that I would be grateful to be sitting at the moment the Boeuf bourguignon hit my taste buds. My knees went weak and my eyes involuntarily closed. I fell into the most wonderful flavor I have ever experienced. Not to mention the steak frites which were amazingly delicious, cooked to perfection and gratefully devoured by my date. My dinner was so amazing that as I walked out I made reservations once again. Don't miss out on this wonderful restaurant.
(5)
Leon W.
I love Mon Ami Gabi! I go constantly again. Their Gabi Fish and Frites is amazing. Not a fried fish but a light breading and sauted and with a Bernaise Sauce it is perfection. Their Caesar Salad is also a treasure.
(5)
Tammy L.
My husband, mother-in-law and I celebrated my mother-in-law's birthday here the other night. We had a great time! The warm bread and butter were so good. I also liked the little carrot salad that they put on the table. We split a half order of mussels marinieres for the table, and we all agreed that we would be happy just coming back for that and the warm bread. There wasn't a drop of the creamy broth left! They asked if they could take it away and we just kept saying no until it was all gone. :) My husband also ordered the frisee salad with a poached egg on top, and he said it was very good (had bacon, so I didn't taste it). As far as main courses, I had the trout almandine and it was so well-done. The fish was nicely browned and I don't think I found a single bone. The haricots verts were cooked perfectly too. It's a simple, classic dish done right. My husband ordered their sea bass special with tomatoes and that too was cooked just right. Mother-in-law had the scallops with spring vegetables, and she couldn't stop talking about it! She said they were memorable. I tasted them and they too were cooked perfectly. Kudos to the cooks in the kitchen, because I've certainly had seafood at fancier restaurants that wasn't cooked as perfectly. They brought out a profiterole since we mentioned that it was her birthday, and we also ordered a bananas foster crepe that was humongous. They were both delicious--the ice cream in the middle of both was especially good, creamy, and just the right temperature. The service was very nice and efficient, but not rushed at all. We had a wonderful night sitting on the patio right after the crazy storm passed through. I would definitely come back again!
(4)
Jami S.
Loved Mon Ami Gabi. Very romantic date place. Love the ambience of the dim lighting. Got a nice booth in the corner so we could be alone. Server was knowledgable and friendly. The steak and frites were good. Def met LEYE standards. But the dessert was AMAZING! Seriously the absolute best part of the meal. Get the breadpudding! It was literally to die for. I'd go back just for it.
(4)
Tiago S.
i'm just posting an update. Management at the restaurant has read my not so happy review and got in touch to discuss the experience and live it up to the expectations. I have to say this wasn't necessarily the expectation but definitely it was appreciated for them to hear and step up to make things right. This is definitely the way to treat your good customers and kudos to them. much appreciated.
(5)
John V.
Their caramelized sea scallops are to die for. Their escargot is the best I've ever had. I also come here at least once a month for their succulent skate.
(5)
Kevin C.
Moderately priced French food without the French attitude. Americans have gotten very, very good at imitating the inside of open-air French cafes, and this restaurant is no different. We had the chicken liver mousse, steak Bearnaise, and scallops. My only complaint is that they cooked the potatoes in such a way that you had to scoop them up with your hands, tilt your head back, and drop them in your mouth like a fat person eating Cheetos. It was either look foolish or not eat potatoes (which is realistically speaking not an option).
(4)
Traci N.
I have a confession: I'm not a big fan of steak frites! (GASP) Rather than ordering one of the many varieties of their specialty entree, I went with the chicken palliard, a thin chicken breast well seasoned with herbs and lemon-asparagus on the side. And...it was fine. Was it special? No. However, my appetizer (onion soup) and dessert (chocolate mousse) were both delicious! The onion soup was my absolute favorite part of the meal, other than the wine. ;] As an appetizer it is a fairly large portion, filled with gooey cheese and crusty bread. Flavorful and not too salty. Yum! I'd definitely order this again. The mousse dessert was so rich that it should be shared between two people. If I were to order the mousse again I would request it without the chocolate balls on top. They distracted from the smoothness of the dessert. Other than the chicken entree being so/so, my only other complain is that the plexiglass barriers lining the outdoor patio sorely need to be replaced. They are covered in scratch marks, and even worse, MOLD between the panels! A pleasant place to dine, and especially good if you like 1) steak frites (everyone else I was with ordered this and they all cleaned their plates) or 2) great onion soup. Also, who doesn't love the name? Mon Ami Gabi, you are fun to say!
(4)
Lupe G.
...Can I say pretentious???!!! I don't want to go back; I don't care how good the food was! Listen, I am not big on French cuisine anyway, though I gotta give this place props, as even the simplest side dish was amazing (green beans only had 3 ingredients and they were the best I have tasted to date), but the place was SO crowded and the clientele was so about being seen, that I found myself completely out of place here. When I go to dinner and the girl next to me is wearing a real tiara and matching necklace, earrings and such, I definitely DON'T belong here! If you like this sort of crowd, check it out; it's something right out of a toulouse lautrec poster for me; loud and memorable, but in my observing eyes, borderline trashy : S
(2)
Caitlin M.
I didn't realize you had to go into the hotel entrance to get to the restaurant but once inside it is very charming. Fantastic food, extremely nice and attentive staff. Sat outside on their patio with little lights decorating it and it was like escaping into another world. The only negative thing I would say is that it is a bit pricey but it was worth it.
(5)
Anne M.
Mon Ami Gabi! Ma beau ami! I've been here twice, and I loved it both times. Most recently, my Valentine took me here on Fevrier 14 to celebrate with a decadent, romantic dinner. We enjoyed baguettes (yes, plural... they're hot, fresh baguettes, don't judge) and a bottle of wine as we soaked up the perfect ambiance. We ordered soups to start - french onion for me and lobster bisque for him. The french onion was great - hot, bubbly cheese topped a bread slice over a deep bowl of thick oniony soup. The bisque was also delicious. My Valentine chose the special (beef wellington) and I went with the skate wing served with mushrooms and mashed potatoes. Everything was perfectly cooked and looked and tasted great. Gabi is a pro. She knows how to deliver superior service, food and atmosphere. I'd definitely come back, and recommend for special dinners.
(5)
Rits M.
This place was CROWDED. Made a reservation for Friday night and got there on time. We still had a 20 minute wait, but they were really nice about it. The woman at the door isn't super friendly but I think that comes with the job of working the door. The place is small and they try to fit in as many tables as they can, but I didn't feel cramped or inconvenienced by the tables going in and out. We had Ryan who waited our table- super nice, really friendly and very helpful. He even comped us a creme brulee since we were wondering which dessert to have. Thumbs up to him! We had the steak poivre, the bearnaise, the roquefort and for appetizers, the ratatouille, the asparagus and the escargots. I LOVED the escargots, the sauce was really well made. The paste for the ratatouille was good, but I would give it a miss next time. The asparagus was delicious and was the largest surprise- they had made it with slivers of lemon and were cooked perfectly, just an edge of al dente. Of the steaks I would recommend the bearnaise- this is the hardest sauce and they made it extremely well. I would also recommend the steaks be prepared medium rare. For dessert, I would recommend the fruit crumble. The brulee was not exactly the souffle-ish texture that is aspirational, but is a good solid option (no pun intended). I would give the profiterolls a miss. The place itself doesn't really look all that french to me. Lots of wood, it reminds me of the inside of a french house perhaps, your uncle's dining room. I'll be back, I have a new ami in town, il s'appelle Gabi :)
(4)
Thomas Y.
I love this place. The scallops are some of the best I've ever had. I've tried many things on their menu and I have loved all of them. I had the pleasure of getting served by Sasha several times and he's is outstanding! Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Leo K.
We had a great dinner and the service was exemplary. Would recommend to everyone
(5)
Danny M.
I am basing this review off the restaurant week menu. One of the best things to look for after New Year's is Chicago's Restaurant Week. I came here with a party of 4 on a Saturday night and the place was packed. We were seated right away in a crowded booth really close to other tables around us. It didn't bother me too much because I kinda got use to this at other restaurants. Now for restaurant week, you get to choose from a three course menu (appetizers, main course, and dessert). I started with the Onion Soup Au Gratin, which is French Onion Soup. This was actually very good and I was actually going to get the Frisee, Kale & Warm Bacon Salad based on fellow Yelpers pictures, but I changed my mind when the table next to me order it and it smelled so yummy! My main entree, I went with the Steak Frites, which is just a steak and fries. The steak was okay for the most part. I am not sure if it's the sauce (Bordelaise) I got mine with, but I like the fries more than the steak. Finally, to wrap the night up, they serve you a dessert trio, which includes sherbet chocolate mousse, and creme brulee. The sherbet was amazing and the creme brulee was my second favorite of the three. I didn't like the chocolate mousse, but I am not really a fan of chocolate mousse. Overall, I would definitely want to come back here in the future to try their regular menu. Another thing to keep in mind is that parking can be extremely hard to find in this area!
(3)
Racquel M.
If I could give Mon Ami 100 stars,I would . Hands down the best and most exquisite french food I've had in Chicago by far. I went with my family and boyfriend for my birthday dinner. The ambiance was romantic , yet friendly, great for a group or a romantic dinner date. I recommend the filet mignon au puvoire as a main course and the smoked salmon for hor dourves.
Mon Ami is one of our favorite restaurants. We are both huge fans of muscles and steak frites. Last night we got the shrimp cocktail for the first time and it was so good. There service is phenomenal and makes for a really enjoyable experience. They have a great selection of French wines; the first bordeaux on the menu is our favorite. We had the banana fosters for dessert and asked the waiter to pick an after dinner drink for us. He chose one of the sherrys which was soooo good. We love it! Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Lauren R.
Nothing special. I had the Salmon and it was over cooked. The wine we chose was good. Our server seemed to forget about us since our reservations were at 9pm. Also where they put us was near the bar and no one could pass through and I felt uncomfortable as I was in the way. They should have put us in a spot where people can pass through. I would go elsewhere if I was French cuisine.
(3)
Sarah S.
Great place. I had the bone-in ribeye and it was delicious! I'll be back soon for dessert since I was too full to order one.
(4)
Mike B.
This is one of our all time favorite restaurants. We have been going there since the days of Un Grande Cafe. Its former name. We were so happy when LetUsEntertainYou changed the name but not the decor. One of my wife's all time favorites is the Steak Frite. We have had an outstanding skate dish and the desserts are worth saving some capacity to consume. Wines are typically good (not quite great) but very enjoyable and not outrageously priced.
(5)
Anna G.
Interesting place in the lobby of an upscale apartment building. Started out great, but once the waitress realized we weren't all that hungry and weren't ordering starters or a lot of 'add ons' she totally changed her tune just short of rolling her eyes. They have an amazing baguette which was tasy. We ordered the classique steak which is not a typical steak- very thin, but even for that it seriously came out about five minutes after we ordered. WAY too fast. Almost like, "Ok, you aren't spending enough money- eat and leave'. That's how it felt. We did order one dessert which cheered her up. The food was really good- bernaise sauce- YUM, so we will likely try again, but I hope we feel a bit more love the next time regardless of where we order 100.00 worth of food or 50.
(4)
Lynne j.
After my bad experience with Juan, everyone at Mon Ami Gabi has gone out of their way to make going here as wonderful as it always was for me. I love Mon Ami Gabi! I go constantly again. Their Gabi Fish and Frites is amazing. Not a fried fish but a light breading and sauted and with a Bernaise Sauce it is perfection. Their Caesar Salad is also a treasure. And, the deserts. I don't eat deserts but have tried every one on the menu in the past few months and they are amazing. Everyone on the staff is fantastic especially their General Manager, Sue Kim-Drohomyrecky. She is wonderful. And, Molly and John make dining their a pleasure. I am so happy I can love going here again.
(5)
Kelly S.
We both had the house steak in different variations. Good but not the best steak I've ever had. I believe the house steak cut is also called 'flat iron steak' these days. They were cooked perfectly. I love that you can sub any side if you don't like the one that is listed on the menu. Also liked that when I was torn between two wine choices, the waiter brought samples of each. For dessert, we went with Pineapple Pain Perdue. Really scrumptious.
(4)
Dean K.
brought my girlfriend here and asked for a table. the hostess, in a VERY excited whisper, said, "i can sit you next to david schwimmer!!" i was like, what exactly do you want me to do with that. hand him a script? notwithstanding my inability to capitalize on this new hollywood connect, the dinner was great. oysters were very tasty, skate wing and creme brulee. all wonderful. i just adore the bread with butter and lentils.
(4)
Liz B.
Wow - Mon Ami Gabi, what a nice turn-around. It'd been more than a year since my last visit, and frankly, I'd been (very) underwhelmed (sub-par food, sloppy/careless service). But what a difference now! New management, new chef, updated menu, AWESOME service - so friendly, so accommodating. It's like they were actually happy we were there! I am thrilled, as Mon Ami Gabi has always had so much potential - and a long life in Chicago -- and I see a bright future for it. Thank you for a delightful Wednesday night, Mon Ami Gabi!
I live in this building I have not been disappointed yet the food is delicious and I carry out a ton they package everything so nicely and they always give me bread and butter
(5)
Christina R.
Fabulous, wonderful, great place! The filets are the best we've had in the city.
(5)
Brad K.
Had Mother's Day bunch here recently. It was great food and service. Sitting outside on a perfect day was just, perfect.
(5)
Anthony F.
We celebrated our 1st wedding anniversary by having dinner here and were very pleased. The service was great and the food was very good.
(4)
S W.
My husband and I had a really good experience here. I wouldn't say my mind was blown, but it was very good. Friendly service, fun people watching, and tasty food. It was nice to be at a restaurant that felt a little more "local" compared other places we had experienced on our trip. A nice place to go on a date or even with a group of friends. I would recommend making a reservation.
(4)
Samantha S.
Delicious steak and pomme frites, nice atmosphere. I would be happy to return next time I'm in Chicago. Friendly staff, delicious warm baquette. Fantastic location right across from the conservatory.
(4)
Raymond M.
I usually try not to repeat restaurants but this place is firmly on the top spot of my list of places to eat at again :) waiting for warm weather to start dining outside!
(5)
Ryan T.
I came here for my mom's birthday about a month ago, and it's pretty standard fare for the price. My biggest complaint would be that the service was a bit slow, but the atmosphere was pleasant enough that it wasn't a huge issue. I started off with the french onion soup, which was pretty excellent and appropriately cheesy (which is to say, very cheesy). I had the salmon spinach salad as an entree - it was good but not exceptional. I probably would've gone with a steak if I were a beef-eater, but I'm not, and I wasn't super impressed with the restaurant's non-steak options. Overall, a pretty good place, but not a must-do by any means.
(3)
Niki C.
Yum! Love their Steak and Frites. Awesome onion soup! Feels like your sitting in a cafe in Paris.
(5)
Whitney K.
Let's go ahead and say 3.5 stars. Definitely not a bad experience, just not a true standout to me in the Chicago food scene. Would have enjoyed the patio (closed) or a table by the windows but they were all full, request this if you make a reservation! Our table in the back room felt on top of our neighbors, which can expected in Chicago on a busy Friday night. It was a little quieter back there so that's a plus. As far as food goes, nothing was bad but our guests were raving by the end of the meal - my favorite sign of a successful dinner with out of towners in this wonderful foodie city. For our group, the standouts were the frisee/bacon salad and the baked goat cheese. I'm pretty sure my husband would have licked the goat cheese dish, if allowed. The rest of our food (cocktails, scallops, salmon salad, salmon and leek quinoa) were okay. Moderately priced, french inspired food from LEYE. Average rating for an average experience, though I think this restaurant group has some better options.
(3)
Kaitlin M.
I must say this place has tradition and consistency written all over it. This statement includes the type of decor, the style of food and the people that frequent Mon Ami. What made this place so good was the food. I ordered the gazpacho and a summer salad. Both were fabulous, and believe it or not, were large enough portions to really fill me up. My friend ordered the blue cheese crusted steak dinner and loved every bite. We finished our meal with one of the better deserts I have had lately: bananas fosters crepes. So good we wish we had each ordered our own! Only negative was that our server was quick to bring us drinks and get our order but was almost non-existent for the rest of the meal. Ordering a second round of drinks was a task. Overall it was a good experience. Good food, older crowd, decent waiter and at a good price.
(4)
Pearl T.
Went here with some girlfriends for a moms night out a couple months ago and had a wonderful time. Ambiance was really cute. Dim, but with lots of little string lights. Server was helpful without being intrusive. Wine was delightful (my girlfriend picked out a pinot for us). Food was tasty. I sampled some of my friend's heirloom tomato salad (they get it from the Green City Farmers Market) and it was yummy. I ordered the steak frites and really enjoyed it. The frites were more like chips than fries but they are really tasty. I tried my friend's skatefish and enjoyed that too. Overall, a wonderful experience.
My experience last night at Mon Ami Gabi captured perfectly one of things I most *HATE* about dining in Chicago's "hot" restaurant scene these days. Here is how it went: Me/wife: arrive Mon Ami Gabi on a bitter cold Tuesday night, 6:30pm, restaurant is a bit sleepy, open tables visible immediately to the right of the hostess stand, and there is no one standing around waiting for tables, nor is the bar crowded. Me/wife to hostess: "Table for 2 please?" Hostess, peers at her book: "It will be about 30 minutes. Do you care to wait?" Me/wife: "Hmmm, there appear to be several open tables in this section in front of both of us, so why the wait?" Hostess: "Um, that section is closed" Me/wife: "So why is there a couple sitting and eating there right in the closed section?" (me points to couple sitting about 10 feet away) Hostess: "Would you like to wait 30 minutes?" This just irks me to no end - arriving somewhere - open tables - and the hostess refuses to seat you. Mon Ami Gabi is a small restaurant, and if it wasn't staffed at that moment to accommodate all the tables, then shame on Lettuce for running the place like that. More likely though, I just think there is some pretension for "in" restaurants these days to always keep walk-in diners at arms length, as if seating them right away makes them some sort of diner or coffee shop. We've had the same thing happen at numerous other places, especially in the west Randolph area. To al Chicago restaurateurs who teach their staffs to treat customers like this, I give you big rotten raspberry. You know who you are.
(2)
Anthony D.
Really just amazing! I'm a big Lettuce Entertain You fan and this place just knocked my socks off. The food was top notch, the service was spot on (our server was Alani sp?) and she was just great. In my party of three people we had two steaks, Dover sol, four appetizers and three desserts and everything was just amazing! So happy with my experience I made another reservation for my birthday.
(5)
v m.
Amazing. Very personal. Mentioned that it was our anniversary and we got 2 glasses of champagne & profiteroles dessert on the house! Food is just amazing - rivals even Cape Cod (of the Drake hotel).... ordered several appetizers - highly recommend: Jumbo shrimp, Scallops & Warm Brie. All around great (and romantic) experience. Do it. Totally worth the price (but will not break the bank :)
(4)
Eduardo M.
Go here for one thing - garlic butter escargot. Then stay for other stuff. I can't say I've ever been disappointed here, but I can't honestly remember what else I've eaten here (this may have to do with the extensive wine list...). I do always remember the escargot. it's incredibly savory, tender and a great way to start a meal. Sometimes there's a wait to get in, even with a reservation, but it's worth it, and you can take a drink from the bar and hang out in the hotel lobby - the host will find you when it's time. Yes, there's a full bar, so the drinks are pretty good here too.
(4)
Lola K P.
The food here just felt average and a bit mass produced, and I wasn't feeling the French inspiration (nothing beats sitting at my favorite bistro in Paris, sooo, gotta cut some slack there). Had the steak au poivre, not as good as other French restaurants in the area. Girlfriends had le poulet, they really liked it. Service was very good. If my girlfriends wanted to come back, I guess I would, but I wouldn't return on my own.
(3)
Steve R.
Mon Ami Gabi is a special treat. Ambiance is excellent, service is good. Food is delicious. Don't miss the steak frites!
(5)
Zorin D.
Mosaic tiled floors, dark brown leather booths, all French wines, and you were started with a loaf of warm baguette. All of the food was just bland. Of the three French Onion soups I had in this period of time, this one was a complete failure. It missed the beefy quality of the under seasoned broth. The chicken pillard was so bland that you thought it would have been seasoned by a slug. Furthermore you didn't get any of the lemon flavor at all. Even the worst of home cooks could do a better job with this dish. It's only redeeming quality was that it was fully cooked. The only redeeming quality of the place was that the service was phenomenal and my cocktail was the strong bold hit you in the face drink that I had been looking for.
(2)
Kamilah S.
RESTARAUNT WEEK 2014 I came here with my mom and my sister and we had good food, nothing spectacular. Our server Luis was excellent, very attentive. The crusty French bread was GREAT, I kept dipping the bread in the escargot buttery-herb sauce. We started with the French onion soup and they burnt the cheese, but Luis was glad to replace the soup with another, overall, the soup was a tad bit on the sweet side, but it had good flavor. The escargots was infused with butter and herbs, which gave it a green tint and it did not look very appetizing, but it tasted pretty good. The skatewing and the trout were excellent and the steak frites were delicious, but the frites were a bit to crunchy. We got a dessert trio, which consisted of a mini crème brulee, a chocolate mousse, and an orange sorbet, all three were YUM-O. French food is meant to be enjoyed and savored and not rushed, we thoroughly savored our food and spent 1.5 hours enjoying our meals.
(4)
Bex F.
This is more like a 3.75'er, borderline 3.5. We had some high expectations for Mon Ami Gabi as for weeks now the husband has been calling the day-of for a reservation, always rejected. He then asks if we could walk in....always told no. I mean, don't get me wrong, it is a Lettuce place, so expectations weren't too high; high enough because we had trouble getting in and because the menu sounded nice. Pros: Food. All the food was really good. We had the brie, very nice. Spilt a Caesar salad (I'm a bit baffled at how they charge $10 for it), tasty and generous with the cheese. My filet with the merlot sauce, under temp which was eh, forgivable but very tender and good. I wasn't much for the merlot sauce. His strip steak, good. My pinot blanc, very tasty. His bottle of wine, good he said but he felt he overpaid. Plus and minus: Frites. Not what I expected at all. It's like they take the cottage fries from RJ Grunts and put them through a pasta machine set at fettucini. They were good, they tasted exactly like the cottage fries, just not what I was expecting. Profiteroles....good, though they pre-portion it and pop it back in the freezer. That doesn't do nice things to cream puffs. Weird, not good, or bad: The service was strange. Our server stared at me all night. He was kind of on auto-pilot so anything out of the ordinary seemed to startle him. He was pleasant though and did a nice job otherwise. The food was coming too quickly so we asked him to slow it down. Slow it down he did, to the opposite end of the spectrum of ok, um, we didn't mean stop completely. We ended up having to ask for our entrees. Further thumbs down: I understand they're trying to go with that French bistro theme and all but c'mon, do the tables really have to be that close together? In Lincoln Park of all places? We got stuck next to this freaky foursome of loud talkers. "Oh yeah, that was the best funeral I've ever been to!" and "Here's a photo of us at blah blah blah....And here we are at the bris!" Oh dear. Really? Thankfully the couple on the other side of us used their inside voices. What was weird too was that there were several empty tables over the course of the evening. We had an 8 pm reservation and were there about 2 hours on a Saturday night....I guess we could have walked in so I thought it was strange that they were so adamant about no available tables day-of or for walk-ins. Weird too that the couple next to us was just a pair, sitting at a four top. I guess the seating policy is odd here. Do note this place ain't cheap. Parking blows so just valet. All in all, the food warrants another visit some day. It's just too bad this place is in the middle of Lincoln Park and all its other-worldliness.
(4)
Sarah K.
My husband and I went here this summer and it was just fine. He had the onion soup and steak frites. I had a salad and a filet special. Everything was just average. The service was a bit off. For example, the waitress took away only part of the extra two place settings at our table which I think confused the busser because he then proceeded to remove almost everything from our table except our water glasses, one napkin and one knife. The bread and carrot salad came out and we didn't have plates or forks and it took a while to get our waitress's attention to have it all replaced. Not a huge deal, but it just kicked things off in an odd direction. They were great about making sure our waters were full though, which I always appreciate.
I came here last year when my family was visiting from out of town. The food was really delightful. I think the best mashed potatoes I've ever tried. Also, the baked goat cheese rivals any I've tried. They also have a great kids menu, which this mommy appreciates considering I like good french food AND taking my daughter with :) Located in the gorgeous Belden-Stratford hotel.
(4)
Pete V.
I have no idea why I'm on such a French food kick lately, but I can't complain...well except for my waist line of course. Mon Ami Gabi has always been on our list of places to hit eventually here in Chicago. It's located in an iconic hotel (alongside L2O), has a nice outside patio across from the Lincoln Park, and gets good reviews. Need I say more? So we stopped here on a Saturday evening and got a table in the outside patio. The thing I like most about Mon Ami Gabi aside from the food is that they have a good list of wines by the glass. I ordered a couple reds by the glass and was pleasantly surprised by the quality for the prices they were charging. We started with the pate...which was excellent, very nice terrine and a copious serving. It was more than enough for two people. For my entree, I ordered the special, which was a 14 oz ribeye steak. Now, I didn't quite know what to expect here since Mon Ami is not a steak house, but damn I was glad I ordered this dish. The steak was so tender it was incredible and very, very well seasoned. A high quality cut of steak and prepared rare - precisely to my request. The red tomatoes were also good, but I was in heaven with this steak. Overall, we really enjoyed Mon Ami Gabi. I know its a pseudo chain, but the food was great, and there's a reason why this place was packed from 5 pm on, on a Saturday night.
(4)
Erika K.
My dining endeavors during Chicago's restaurant week have left me disappointed with some serious midnight munchies. So why would I keep trying? Because during restaurant week, I can use my $100 Lettuce Entertain You gift card and dine for two at their French bistro installment, Mon Ami Gabi. Despite my previous bad luck, I left this restaurant with a full belly and a little box filled with leftovers Full review and pictures here! thebuckwheater.com/mon-a…
Have always enjoyed the restaurant until last evening. Undercooked salmon-food poisoning. Too bad but cannot return. If dish appears a little "off" it probably is.
(1)
Jessica M.
Mon Ami Gabi, it's good to know that not all French eateries are out to strip our wallets naked. Mon Ami Gabi is a beautiful restaurant located within the historic Belden Stratford Hotel, making it the more classy. It overlooks Lincoln Park and can be a scenic walk in the winter with the Christmas lighting. We arrived on a Friday evening late for a reservation but we were seated within minutes. Light is dimmed out and space is very tight. The server had to pull our table out just so I could ease my way through and be seated. (Mind you, I'm 5'2 and well below 110 pounds.) Here's what we had: 1) escargots de bourgogne (snails) 2) chicken liver mousse 3) all-natural chicken breast paillard 4) roast chicken & frites The chicken were just regular chicken entrees with nothing overwhelming. Instead, I found the appetizers to be more of a charm and breath-taking. The snails were soaked in a garlic-herb butter. It came in six bite-size pieces and I wish there were more. The chicken liver mousse resembled a 2"x6" piece of spam. Don't be fooled! The taste was subtle yet irresistible when paired with the burgundy red wine mustard. Had I knew the chicken entree was so bland and simple, I would've easily given it up for another order of chicken liver mousse.
(3)
DrWarren B.
Excellent meal with nice surroundings. My wife and I went to this restaurant after a recent visit downtown to see a show on LIncoln and celebrate her birthday. I made the reservation on Open Table and I was impressed with the ease and follow through of the system. It is a great method to make reservations and I recommend trying it if you have never used this before. The restaurant was a short drive from Lincoln and had convenient drive up valet parking in front. It is located in an older style hotel from a past era of Chicago. We were able to hang our coats in a coat check and then proceeded to the restaurant on the other side of the hotel lobby. We were greeted warmly and taken to our seats and provided excellent service and a great meal. I enjoyed the escargot and my wife had tantalizing scallops. For our main course I selected the trout almondine and she went with the veal. For dessert, they presented a chocolate tort with a candle and homemade carmel ice cream. I had mentioned in the Open Table reservation it was her birthday and she loves chocolate. The waitress mentioned she had heard she loved chocolate to her as she presented the tort. We both agreed, this was an excellent restaurant and warranted another visit at a later time. The cost of the meal with gratuity was about $110.00 for two people and we both enjoyed a cocktail and an appetizer. I would have provided 5 stars, however there were small breakdowns in the service with the wait staff not providing timely attention to refilling water glasses or replacing napkins that were obviously used and awaiting pick up when placed on the table after being soiled. In order to tally 5 stars, the little things need to be done and while this meal and the waitress were lovely, I can only provide a 4 star rating. However, I will return and hopefully the parties who read these reviews will find a way to shore up the matters that will take this to a 5 star restaurant experience.
(4)
Rick W.
Great service, food is excellent and not too pricey. Atmosphere is great as well. Highly recommend.
(5)
Irene G.
Mon Ami Gabi exceeded my expectations. The outside of the place is very pretty with lights and located in Lincoln Park. Parking is a little difficult, but we were able to get a spot pretty close by. Anyway, dined here with a friend who had a little too much wine before we got there so we had to make it quick as our server seemed a bit angry with my friend's "condition" especially after he ordered an alcoholic beverage to start. :P On to the food: We each had a salad entree and frites (fries). I was expecting the menu to be more pricey but it's actually on the cheaper side for a French restaurant. I definitely plan to come back (with someone sober) to try their warm brie cheese and escargot. One negative is the tables are too close to one another so that when you get up to leave, you have to be careful not to bump into the other peoples' tables. Also, children makes Mon Ami less intimate because it's really a nice date place. However, Mon Ami Gabi is now one of my favorite LEYE restaurants. See you soon Mon Ami!
Okay so the hostess assumed that the customer made the mistake of having the wrong reservation time. Should have turned around at this point. Checked our VM and email confirmation- both were the right time. The Point: horrendous service! We understood that it was valentines weekend, and we were prepared for a longer wait, but seriously our waiter was just standing there... Literally just standing there. We had to flag him down to order. Flag him down for drinks. Then flag him down for the check. He never came by the table proactively except for when he was dropping off the check. Food was good, of course consistent with the other MAGs. I had the scallops, however, no carbs come with this dish, so tread carefully when it comes to your alcoholic consumption with only the scallops as a buffer. This was one of those times when the service failure far outweighed the food! And I forgot my Lettuce card at home and no one even bothered to help me collect the points! Terrible experience and I have told several people about how much I do NOT recommend this restaurant to anyone. Time to deflag this specific location... Unworthy of Lettuce branding.
(2)
Sara P.
I thought the food here was pretty good. I had the steak frites in the peppercorn sauce. The steak and sauce were good, but it needed more sauce. The frites were a bit overdone, needed salt, and I was craving something to dip them in. Some extra sauce on the steak would have been perfect... The bread and butter were delicious. The service was good as well. I definitely wouldn't call this "french food," since it feels like a steakhouse. It's a nice place if you feel like some good bread and steak and have money to spend.
(4)
Kristy F.
Atmosphere: Large, warm, intimate, fancy, warm lighting, soft booths. Service: Our waiter was very knowledgeable and made a great recommendation but she wasn't attentive enough and we had to ask for refills and whatever else we needed. It was a busy night so it's understandable. Food: They started us off with a load of bread you have to tear to eat and some soft butter. Was okay. Then they offered a scoop of carrot coleslaw which was just OK. I ordered the Steak Bordelaise which is a 10oz cut on thin steak marinated in red wine and drowned with sweet caramelized onions served with a large heaping helping of home made frites. DELICIOUS. The onions were a nice compliment with the potatoes so ketchup was unnecessary.The thin cut of the steak made it hard not to devour so take your time eating. It's a very filling meal. I also ordered the Pain Perdu which is a pineapple bread pudding in rum sauce. The waitress recommended a scoop of vanilla which I will also recommend to you. Yum. Conclusion- I'd love to return however the meal was a bit pricey for my usual tastes. Will have to treat this place as an occasional treat for me. =) 4 stars.
(4)
Donna C.
This is why it is nice to have a history with a restaurant. We dined here last night. Our reservation was ready and we sat outside on a beautiful evening. The place was very busy and still was able to provide excellent service, timing the meal as not rush you. Our server was perfection. Even when I was given the wrong steak, they immediately corrected it and were so nice about it.... The caesar salad was fresh and the dressing the the perfect amount. My filet was cooked to perfection and the merlot reduction is the main reason to order this dish. I love the very authentic steak classique,which is delicious. My only recommendation is to stay away from the hanger steak, it's quality is too much of a variable in otherwise a perfect meal. This is still one of my places for that french feeling!!! I dine at mon ami gabi whenever possible...
(5)
Sarah M.
I'll start off with a positive comment-the food was great. I'm not a huge fan of French food-could take it or leave it. Mon Ami Gabi makes French food approachable without completely Americanizing it. I appreciate that. The service however, definitely not up to the standard I would expect at the restaurant. We had to ask for menus for a couple members of our party who were seated without them. Our waiter took a very long time to take our order for appetizers and entrees. We ordered a bottle of wine which he managed to splash everywhere and then removed from the table when there was still some left. The table next to us had far more people sitting at it than it had capacity to hold which resulted in a very tight experience. The one benefit of our bad service was the waiter mishearing us order brie and escargot as appetizers and brought us three orders of escargot instead. At least we got 2 complimentary appetizers?
Beautiful, everything ! We went just before Christmas 2013. It was a surprise dinner out with my girl friend, she was so happy. I don't even want to tell you any more so you can be surprised too.
This restaurant is as good as it gets- outstanding service, beautiful atmosphere and wonderful food. The steak frites, the sol special, the scallop appetizer, traditional french salad, the seasonal fall salad and desserts (chocolate mousse and creme brulee) were just delicious. I would definitely recommend making a reservation, especially on weekends. We will be back soon, we're looking forward to becoming regulars.
(5)
Kristen B.
Great experience. Sat outside on a beautiful Saturday night. They really have the serving down as many bussers and servers took care of us as items were ready to be delivered or cleared. Lovely wine list. Food was great. Also surprisingly kid friendly. They brought my 2 and 4 year old carrots and homemade ranch at the start of our meal and my children were happy and entertained with the crayons they supplied, the gorgeous view and people watching for the entire 1.5 hour meal. I like this location better than the Oak Brook location although that one is great too!
(5)
Alex H.
I'm going to try and keep this one short and sweet: Mon Ami Gabi is a solid casual french spot in the Belden-Stratford Hotel. For food alone, I'd probably have rounded up to a 4. The service, however, was executed at a snail's (or should I say an escargot's) pace. I love the scene and if you can snag a table outside in summer, you won't be disappointed.
(3)
Jessica C.
Mon Ami Gabi is actually part of a chain of restaurants located in Las Vegas, Oak Brook, IL, Reston VA and Bethesda, MD. And while you wouldn't necessarily correlate chain restaurants with great neighborhood spots, Mon Ami Gabi is the definitely an exception. The service was beyond fantastic (our waitress was constantly making recommendations that were fabulous!) and the food was so tasty. I went with my two sisters and ordered the Steak Roquefort, Skate Wing and Salmon en Croute. All of these entrees were amazing. What also stood out, perhaps among all the dishes we ate were the Sea Scallop Gratinees that came served piping hot and full of cheese, a delicious fennel cream and a tender and perfectly cooked scallop! For my full review, please read my blog post: youngfoodies.com/restaur…
(4)
Joanne B.
I went here a few nights ago with my fiance and his sister. We had a 8:45 pm reservation but the restaurant was running late. This was not a big deal because we only had to wait around 10 minutes. We were seated across from these big open patio doors. Since it suddenly dropped into the 50s or 60s, we were all freezing. We asked if they could shut the doors but the were unable to do that. The food was excellent if pricey. My scallops were fresh and cooked perfectly. My fiance's steak frites was a gigantic steak with a mound of frites! These weren't your ordinary french fries though. They were like those potato sticks your mom would stick in your lunch but they were flatter, crispier, and better. Desserts were just awesome - you can never go wrong with creme brulee and profiteroles. Our server was attentive and accomodating. I admit we might have been a bit of a pain because of the door issue, but she handled it well. My fiance's sister cannot eat wheat and she made sure we had gluten-free bread at all times. This place is not the kind of restaurant I would go to regularly but it's definitely worth going on a special occasion (or when you get those little LEYE scratch-off coupons in the mail ;) ).
(4)
Kevin Z.
I've been going here for the last 14 years - and have to say I have never had anything but great food and great service.
(5)
Amir L.
One of my favorite French bistro in the city. Great service , great French onion and the steak bordelaise is soooo tasty!!! Worth every penny
(5)
Damian C.
I've walked by Mon Ami Gabi and the Belden-Stratford hundreds of times over the past 4 years and have always wondered what world lay behind those big glass doors. All the built-up anticipation met its maker on Friday when I took the s/o here for a birthday dinner. To be honest, I was pretty glad this restaurant made it on the list of 4 choices to have a birthday dinner as I'd been looking for a reason to try this place out. I set up a reservation on OpenTable and included a note to let the staff know that there was a birthday amongst the two of us. We stopped in at 8 on Friday and the hostess led us to our table, a small two top squished in between two very animated (and awkward) tables of 4. I know they hold reservations for indoor seating, and we did have the option to take a seat outside prior to being seated, and who knew it would be unseasonably amazing weather on Friday, so it's our fault for not asking to get a roomier selection. And, to be honest, it was pretty funny listening to the one girl talk about zookeeping internships and the two guys at the other table constantly one-up each other about who was better than who. We put in an order for red wine and the baked cheese. Phenomenal. I know it's not complicated to whip up some goat cheese but it definitely filled the goat cheese void I've had for quite a while. My date ordered the filet and I, after much consideration, opted for the Steak Au Poivre (I had a peppery craving). To avoid looking like a jackass and ordering a steak medium-well, I figured I'd let loose and try medium. The timing was great and half-way through our neighbor's chat about the best locations to purchase homes in Chicago with easy access to the freeway our steaks and mound o' frites came out. Tender, juicy, perfectly seasoned, delicious, loved it. The frites were OK - a little thin and crunchy. Tasty, but would have rather had something a little more potato-y. Either way, I scarfed down the entire plate. Thankfully I was able to walk some of it off on the way home! After they cleared our plates the waiter came back out with a chocolate birthday cake and a candle to wish a happy birthday. It was pretty low-key, thankfully, because we were definitely too full to get a gaggle of staff members drawing attention to us with a loud birthday cheer. The dessert was irresistable and thankfully we were able to find a little room to gobble it up. All in all, a great night. Next time I'll go for the outdoor seating, though. Weather permitting, of course.
(4)
Tay H.
Our dinner here turned out to be the surprise hit of my weekend! We showed up without a reservation, but were promptly seated on their cute patio (it wasn't even 6pm...we skipped lunch). The waitstaff was amazing and the food was good. I was a little disappointed with how thin the steak was, but the appetizer and desserts were great! I can't wait to return.
(4)
Luke S.
I went here last night for my birthday. Joe's is my go to LEYE place and I compare all others to Joe's. I thought that we should change it up for my birthday and once again Lettuce does not disappoint. I would argue that they are the best run restaurant group in the nation. I had walked by Mon Ami Gabi at least 100 times and always said to myself "I need to try this place". We made an 8pm reservation and when we showed up they said it would be a few minutes before our table was ready. We tried to fit into the bar area, but it was small and swamped. The restaurant had a decor similar to Wildfire or Joe's. After a few uncomfortable minutes of trying to figure out where to sit, we somehow managed to wedge onto the last bar-stool and ordered a couple drinks. The bartender was friendly and knowledgeable. He recommended a wine that we ended up ordering a bottle of at our table. After 10ish minutes we were seated. Our server was good, but I can't say he was gushing with personality. Maybe I'm spoiled by Frankie (Joe's), but I guess the service was what I would expect in France. He was always looking after us to be sure we were OK, but never took the time to truly chat with us. We ordered a lot of food and it was all wonderful. The starters were escargot and french onion soup, which they split for us at no additional cost. I'm not sure if I have had escargot before, but it was a couple bites of flavorful awesomeness. I went with the Steak Frites (Blue Cheese Edition) and the lady went with the Cod. HOLY FRITES! I think they gave me 2lbs and I probably polished off 1.99lbs of it. They brought out a free desert for my birthday and we also got the creme brule which had a thicker coat of burnt sugar than any I have ever had. Overall it was a great experience.
(4)
Katy O.
I have eaten at this MAG as well as the one in Oakbrook and thoroughly enjoyed myself- and my meal- both times. We came here in December before heading over to walk through the Zoolights at the LP Zoo. The place was packed (we weren't the only people who had this idea) so we were glad to have a reservation. They have an excellent french onion soup here. The steak frites is a good option and is done well here. One person in our party had the scallops, I had the fish special, someone had the chicken- and everything was great. The food is spot on and we had great service. You really do feel a bit like you are in Paris in a cozy bistro.
(4)
Carly G.
I went to Mon Ami Gabi with my boyfriend and we sat outside on the patio. The atmosphere was amazing - the perfect mix of romantic, upscale, and cozy. The food was delicious!! We had the sea scallops gratinees for appetizer and then had the skate wing and steak bordelaise. Would recommend all of it!! The best part was the service...it was a nice warmish Chicago night at first, but then the temperature dropped like 10 degrees and I hadn't brought a jacket. I didn't say anything, but the waiter must have noticed I looked cold so he brought me a Mon Ami "shawl" - basically a nice clean table cloth that I could wrap around my shoulders. So nice of him!!
(5)
Meg K.
My husband and I took my parents here as a thank you, and it was perfect. It was 'fancy' without breaking the bank and the service was great. Towards the end of the meal my mom tried to rob what was left of the bread (it's really gooood bread), the waiter took it much to my mom's dismay. But he brought back a whole loaf for her to bring home. It was fun. The tables are close together but neither party sitting near us were too loud. I guess that makes us the loud ones!
(4)
Elle M.
Another Christmas Eve meal with the family in the books. And Mon Ami Gabi did not disappoint. There were six and a half of us (six plus high chair) tonight and everyone left happy. I had the chicken liver mousse for a starter. It came with this delicious red wine mustard that really cut through the richness of the mousse. Really a perfect pairing. I loved it. Other appetizers around the table: duck confit with lentils which was well enjoyed, and cream of parsnip soup, which wasn't even around long enough for anyone else to sample. For my main I had the beef bourguignon. I figured it's a specialty of the house, I've never had the classic preparation, I may as well. It was great. The beef fell apart in my mouth and the sauce was incredibly flavorful. As far as beef stew goes, it was a 10. The course that really wowed me was dessert, and as I went to pastry school and am pretty snobby when it comes to dessert, that's pretty surprising. As a special they had buche de noel in a chocolate-coffee preparation. I don't know how the crap they got that sponge so freaking light and fluffy, but it was incredible. My brother had the apple tarte tatin, which also surprised me. The slices of apple weren't those little thin dried out things you encounter at so many places. They were big and thick and juicy and warm and deeeeelectable. Aces on dessert, guys. For reals. The atmosphere was what I expected. Bistro-y, festive. The place was hopping, but we were very comfortable nestled in our little corner. All in all, an incredibly enjoyable Christmas Eve. Thank you, Mon Ami Gabi!
(4)
Harish V.
Great straight up french food.
(4)
Christina L.
My friends and I were so excited to experience mon ami gabi, that was until we waited until 10pm for our 830pm reservation. Yes, the food is standard compared to it's lettuce entertain you counterparts- which means not waiting an hour and a half. What is the point waiting for food that is sub par and staff that is stuffy and incompetent at their job? clearly this is a 50+ scene but that doesn't mean those that are 30 get terrible service. I created profile just for this moment of complaining about my experience at Mon Ami Gabi. If you want a French experience you will enjoy and not feel the need to write a negative review I highly recommend bistro campagne in Lincoln Square.
(2)
Scott O.
This is the second New Years Eve in a row we have eaten there and it may become, not only a permanent NYE fixture, but may have become our favorite restaurant in Chicago. Our server, Ryan, was fantastic and extremely helpful. The Pouilly-Fuisse was marvelous. The food is perfection. I had the frisee salad, duck confit, and sea scallops and my partner had the onion soup, oysters, and escargot. Everything was exquisite. I cannot recommend this restaurant highly enough. The only thing that spoiled the evening was the closeness of the tables and being sat next to a group of people who brought 3 toddlers and 2 babies to a restaurant that is not meant for children. Remember when people used to hire babysitters?
(5)
Helen H.
I was so excited to try this place since the menu for restaurant week- it looked fantastic plus all the great reviews. Overall, I was really disappointed, and probably would've given this a place 2-stars because they really did not meet my expectations; however, with an objective eye, it really is probably a 3-star place. Ambiance: nice, french- ish, tons of Seniors there... very awkward when you're 20 years younger than everyone else. Not sure about seating arrangements. I felt like i was in a Chinatown restaurant where you had to share tables. You couldn't just turn the table a little to get into the booth, you had to pull the table ALL THE WAY into the aisle to get to your seat. I also just felt incredibly uncomfortable sitting so close to others. Literally only a foot apart on both sides. My dining partner and I had very limited conversations. Service: Very nice! Our server was incredibly attentive and knowledgeable on food and recos. Food: so-so. French 75- decent, but not strong at all. Sangria- decent, again, not very strong. French onion soup- cheese was delicious, but there was something wrong with the broth.. it wasn't salty enough? I'm not really sure how soup can be bland, but it was. I'm asian, and I'm fairly sensitive to saltiness, so i extremely dislike rich and salty foods, and even i found this soup to be bland. Cesar salad- decent, again, something was off again though. not terrific, not terrible. Lemon chicken with Frites- chicken was good, tender, but nothing "wow." I loved the frites because they remind me of the super crispy fries you get at the bottom of a Mcdonald's french fry container. however, i could've gotten these for $1 instead of Mon Ami Gabi. Steak- some kind of butter, dont' remember the name. really too rich, and very buttery. The steak itself was cooked well. Mac and cheese- okay. nothing special. weird cheese layer on top. Trio Desserts- again, everything so so, nothing amazing, nothing terrible. Price: expensive for so-so food, and decent portions- nothing gigantic nor tiny. Goldilocks style, but expensive. Won't be coming back here again. restaurant week- not worth it.
(3)
Jimbo M.
Took the lady to Mon Ami Gabi for Valentine's Day and it proved to be a great choice. The atmosphere is fantastic, perfect for a romantic or intimate dinner. Along w/ a bottle of wine, we kicked off the dinner w/ the baked goat cheese, which I highly recommend. I decided to try something new and get the steak tartare, which was solid, but nothing extraordinary. I should have stuck w/ the filet, which is what the lady ordered, and it was delicious. The service was friendly and efficient and the dinner was a hit. Looking forward to getting back there soon.
(4)
Lyn W.
This is our 3rd time at Mon Ami Gabi when we have visited Chicago. We love the atmosphere, the service and the food! Started out with French onion soup and the soup de jour - spring vegetables puree that I wanted to bath in and then our entrees: my husband a steak and I had a fish special that were both wonderful. Finished with coffee and a strawberry dessert! We will be back.
(5)
Anna V.
Whenever my family comes to visit we go here. It's one of the only things we can agree on. It's got a nice spot on the lake. I had a birthday dinner here once awhile ago with six people. Somehow they botched the reservation and we ended up waiting an extra 45 minutes waiting for a table. It was fine, but the staff went overboard compensating for it. Free appetizers? Sure. ALL of them. I have now tried all three cheeses - the baked brie with honey drizzle and nuts is a favorite. Good salad. Really wonderful creamy and salty mushroom soup. They also have a very good choice of wines, which is impressive, because the bottles are not overpriced. I always get the same entree here after years, and it is the steak au poivre medium rare. It is always the same: pounded-thin steak with brandy peppercorn sauce. Right amount of heat, super super tender, and sopped up with thin, flat, crispy airy potato curls that really aren't that frite-like. That same botched reservation got us dessert too. The little profiterole with a candle in it always warms me a little bit. The mousse with crispy espresso balls is the single best thing this restaurant serves, and they brought it out special in addition to the rest of the free stuff because I mentioned that I loved it. It was a 2 hour recovery for all of us afterwards, but it was one of the best. I love coming here even when it isn't over the top like that, and I have several times since. I agree with the reviewer who hates that there are kids here, but it's allowed because of who owns this place - Lettuce Entertain You is supposed to be 'family friendly,' which as a snotty and easily annoyed single person in Chicago, I sometimes resent. But LEY must be doing something right, because at all three of their restaurants I like (Osteria via Stato, Cafe Ba Ba Reeba, and here) seem to disguise the fact that they are part of this huge chain really well. Normally there is a lot of chain hostility. Including from me. But not here.
(5)
John And Jen R.
This place is sooo good and you feel like you are in a Bistro in France. I always get the steak frites and then dream of it for weeks afterwards. The French Onion soup is to die for as well. I will be back for sure!
(5)
Chuck B.
I've dined at Mon Ami Gabi twice and both times were very enjoyable experiences. My go-to has been the steak frite, which at $23-25 is a great deal in my opinion. Although the steak is not gigantic I have found myself very satisfied after eating it both times. A generous pile of thin, crispy fried potatoes are delicious after being tossed in the remainder of the steak juices and whatever bearnaise is left over. As a starter the warm kale, bacon and soft poached egg salad was very nice in addition to the obligatory warm French baguette and butter. Warm chocolate cake with whipped creme fraische was a perfect end to the meal and large enough to split with my choco-holic father. The service style was a little rushed for a Monday evening, but that may be attributed to the special Seder dinner that was being offered. Nonetheless, our server was attentive, kind and brief. Atmosphere was fun, energetic and noisy but not to the extent that conversation would be strained. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a mid-level priced French bistro. I will certainly be going back whenever my steak frite craving arises.
(4)
Nicki W.
It's a disgrace that my life has not included dining at Mon Ami Gabi until last week. This will be my new neighborhood spot for sure as the service, food and atmosphere were spot on. A friend and I stopped by on a Tuesday night for a laid back dinner to catch up. Our waiter was a doll and very helpful when making wine pairings to our dinners. He was attentive but also understood that we were conversing for 98% of the time and let us do our thing. For dinner I had the lovely Lemon Chicken Paillard which is considered a house favorite (and I know why!) the sauce is a buttery, lemony, garlicy dreamy creation and I finished every bite. My friend had the Scallops which she also enjoyed. Dessert was so phenomenal, I've been thinking about it the whole week. When you go, you must have the Chocolate Tart. Chocolate graham cracker crust, coffee sauce (which is YUM), and whipped cream. I consumed the entire thing. Let's just say, when I walked out of Mon Ami Gabi, my pants were not fitting properly. I was totally satisfied and I can't wait to come back and try some more of their seafood options. It's really a cute little place.
(5)
Susan W.
Oh how I wish I could say OO LA LA...Tres Bien!! But, me o my how hard I try.. 1.. made a 6:30 reservation..we were placed in a dark, rear corner..asked to be moved, got a better seat in the main room. It seems 9 out of 10 times when I visit a restaurant I ask to please be moved to a better seat! My money is real guys!!! 2.. Saw our waiter very briefly three times..he was very anxious to take our order, we were not ready, once order taken we had to get attention of other waiters..staff.. 3. The steak and pomme frittes were delicious, the escargot perfect and the profitolerros, scrumcious...but for some reason, we felt a bit rushed, a bit ignored.. BUTTTTT..this is a french bistro and this may just be the flavour the ambiance that Mon Ami Gabi wishes to exude... 4. We chilled in the Beldon Strattofd lobby while waiting for our carriage..so peaceful, so old time Chicago... I like KiKi's Bistro as well.. Was on a visit from Buffalo, NY..we have nothing like this so why am I even complaining???
(4)
Maj B.
As much as I want to love Mon Ami Gabi the food just never impresses me. Don't expect a noise free dining experience. This place gets loud on Fridays and Saturdays. Great service is reason enough to visit.
(3)
Elise K.
Perhaps the problem was that I had carryout... I had the salmon dressed with capers. It wasn't the best salmon I've ever had, but easily close to the worst!
(2)
Jackie H.
I had a great 24th birthday dinner here two weekends ago. The steak au poivre was a slice of Paris in Lincoln Park. The wine my dad wound up selecting was the perfect complement to the food, and we all made sure we left room for the profiteroles. The decor was cozy, the conversation was invigorating, and the lobby of the Belden-Stratford was the perfect bookend to a perfect evening.
(5)
Meredith B.
I had a really lovely dinner here last night! There were 12 or 13 of us, yet somehow service was smooth and flawless. They were great with the wine service, our glasses were never empty! I began with the escargot, which came out piping hot and bubbling in garlic-butter sauce. The french onion soup was also fantastic, hot and gooey. Something about the bowl it was served in made the soup stay hot for 20 minutes! The butter lettuce/goat cheese/beet salad was all right, but not a standout. The beets had good flavor, but there were very few of them. Skimped a bit on the cheese as well, but it was nice and light. For my entree, my boyfriend and I split the ribeye with frites and bearnaise sauce. The steak was a great size for splitting, and it was a pretty good piece of meat! Not as good as a true "steakhouse" but it was cooked very well, a lovely medium-rare but with a nice crust on the outside. Honestly, it didn't require the bearnaise sauce. I've never had steak frites before but I got a kick out of the little crispy things - they weren't like any American style fries I've ever had. Addictively crunchy, but not terribly flavorful. Which is maybe how they are supposed to be! Creme brulee was classic, tasted just as it should. Which is delicious. And the prices are actually quite reasonable! I know it's a corporate owned place, but you don't get that feeling at all when you eat there. It feels authentic, and it's affordable! If i had a craving for French, I think I'd return here!
(4)
Eliza B.
I have been here on several occassions, and have always thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I don't know which I'm more impressed with, the food or the service! Both have always been outstanding. On our most recent trip to Mon Ami Gabi, we were sat a few minutes after our reservation, and the hosts and server were very gracious and apologized for the wait- they made sure we were taken care of all night! (And keep in mind, we hadn't said anything or complained, they were just very on top of things.) The food is always incredible; fresh, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned. The wine list is great too, and I'm always impressed at their array of wines by the glass and classic cocktails. Our server Eleni was incredible. She was very friendly, extremely knowledgeable about the food and wine menus, and was very attentive. Mon Ami Gabi has that kind of unobtrusive service, where you don't realize your empty glass or plate has been cleared, or that your water has been poured, or that your new glass of wine has arrived (that's my favorite!). It was the perfect balance of friendly, outgoing, and attentive service without being overbearing or annoying (i.e., the server who wants to tell you their life story). From start to finish, we had a wonderful experience here, and can't wait to return!
(5)
Robert W.
Steak frittes were great, service at bar is spectacular.
(4)
Lauren B.
Charming! Five stars for the soups (French onion and vegetable), service, and desserts ( warm chocolate tart. Omg.). Four stars for the entrees- we had the trout and scallops, no complaints but not exceptional. Two stars for the cocktails. Great place to take family or go for a celebration.
(4)
John G.
Always a nice treat when we got to see the Zoo lights. Great service and food. Steak good to perfection
(5)
Monika S.
I wanted to update my review below, as the "one off issue" that occurred below was handled very well by the General Manager, Stephanie. Though it took a few months (Stephanie was just now informed) the GM contacted me today and was sincerely apologetic for what occurred at my sister's bridal shower and immediately refunded all of my money for the event. She was very friendly and completely about customer service, and even asked that I contact her, the next time we plan to dine at Mon Ami Gabi, so that she can make sure we have a great experience. As I stated in my review below, the FOOD WAS DELICIOUS, it was the amount that was an issue for me, and now that Stephanie has rectified the situation, and has provided me with exceptional customer service, I feel I can definitely give Mon Ami Gabi another chance. Thanks Mon Ami Gabi, for taking responsibility for this issue, and taking action to fix it. I look forward to dining with you in the future!
(4)
Tiff W.
I came here for Restaurant Week with my girl friends & everything was nomtastic. The restaurant itself was kind of crowded, but I can see why it's so popular. It was really cute, albeit loud and the tables were quite close together (I wouldn't come here if you wanted a quiet romantic dinner). As we were seated, we were given a loaf of warm bread, butter, and a small shredded carrot salad. Their wine list is also decent, and I had a lovely glass of Cote du Rhone. The french onion soup was absolute perfection. It wasn't too salty, and there was the right ratio of bread to cheese to soup. The portion was also giant...I didn't finish it because I was already starting to get full and I was afraid I wouldn't have room in my stomach for my steak frites (that fear was completely warranted, as it turned out). The steak frites...don't you love it when you order a steak medium rare at a restaurant and it actually comes out medium rare? You'd think that it would be easy to do, but you'd be surprised at the number of restaurants that fail to cook steak to your preferences. I digress. Anyway, the slab of meat was GIANT. The heap of frites was GIANT. They say size doesn't matter but I sure did appreciate a big ol' plate of meat and potatoes in front of me. I got my steak with the Bordelaise sauce (red wine and caramelized onions) and my only complaint was that the sauce was a little sweet for my liking, but this was completely my fault...caramelized onions are just naturally sweet. I think I'd try the peppercorn sauce next time. The fries were definitely different from what I expected...skinny and crispy. But I loved them! Unfortunately, there was absolutely no way I could finish all of my steak, let alone the fries. Dessert was a trio of creme brulee, chocolate mousse, and grapefruit sorbet. The creme brulee and chocolate mousse were amazing. The grapefruit sorbet was a little bitter and jarring after you had the other two, but after a while, it was really refreshing. I'd definitely come back to Mon Ami Gabi for their normal menu sometime!
(4)
Robin M.
I love this place. I wanted to wait for a return visit before yelping just to make sure it was as lovely as I remembered the first time. It was indeed! First time went with Boyfriend for a romantic birthday dinner; it was a bit noisy but entirely manageable. The champagne was delish, the frisee and warm bacon salad my absolute favorite (topped with a poached egg); the steak and frites were so good and the desserts (crumble for me; profiteroles for him) were really great. The service was simply impeccable. It was a magical night! Took a friend the other night and she just loved it (and she's from Paris). Since I loved my meal the first time, I duplicated it. She loved the gazpacho and her steak. The wine list is quite extensive and very well chosen. We shared the bananas foster (it was huge; we dug in and still left 1/2 of it on the plate) -- the caramel and bananas were so wonderful I wanted to bathe in it. But that would be wrong. So I didn't do that. But I really, really wanted to. It can get a bit cozy in there, but as my friend said, this would be perfectly Parisian if the tables were smaller. So for all you complainers -- this is space and a half! Moving the tables for you to get into and out of is just the way it is done. Deal with it. Can't wait for an excuse to go back! Let's see: I'll go to celebrate National I Need a Poached Egg Day! Or, look, I found lint in my pocket. Whatever you decide (I'm going with lint) get thee hither to Mon Ami Gabi. It is freakin' awesome!
(5)
Natalie S.
Ahhhh. Now that I've changed into elastic waisted pants so my gut has more room... I'm ready to review Mon Ami Gabi. The husband and I had some Lettuce Entertain You gift cards burning a hole in our pocket so we picked MAG. I was nervous because our usual go-tos for LEY giftcards are Cafe Ba-Ba-reeba or Wildfire. I was not disappointed. We started out with escargot. My husbands comment was "the only thing I didn't like about it was that I had to share". They were AWESOME. We were the trashy ones using the bread to scoop the remaining garlic oil out of the little cups. So be it... I can live with my shame. Next we has the French onion soup. Yum. It was sweeter than the onion soups I've had in the past but I liked it. Then came entrees. I had the steak classique. I liked it a lot... but saying it was love is excessive. It came with a tremendous amount of pomme frites and I didn't enjoy them nearly as much as some of the other reviewers. Oh well... Yeah, the tables are close together but it didn't bother us at all. It made for good people watching! Our server was friendly and thorough. I'd definitely go back... especially for the escargot!
(4)
Alexis W.
Clearly has decided what it wants to do and does it very well-- DELICIOUS bread and butter precedes classic French bistro fare--esp. delicious fries and perfectly cooked steak. Delightful location, too, inside a venerable old hotel/residence in Lincoln Park. Always cozy (tho I hate that word!) and inviting on a cold night.
(3)
Sean M.
Not a great French menu, overpriced, atmosphere was not romantic.
Visited during Restaurant Week and loved it! The food was wonderful, especially the trout & the beer bourguignon. But the very best part of the experience was our waiter, Sacha. He was the right amount of attentive & engaging. Plus, he was really funny!! Definitely looking forward to going back, trying some new items, & hopefully sitting in Sacha's section again!
(5)
Eric B.
Great French onion soup. Warm crispy bread. Fine wine. Love the location (in my hood). The interior is pretty. I got the hangar steak bc it was cheap and someone else was paying for me and several others. Would have preferred to try something else. I had a good time and would recommend this place over bistro Margot. Less expensive and tastes the same.
(4)
Grace M.
Nestled in the front of the historic Beldon-Stratford, Mon Ami Gabi is a lovely and tasteful fine dining establishment. Have eaten here numerous times, sitting both inside and out on the patio, and have loved every single minute of it! I'm a Francophile, and this food does not disappoint! Top notch, a Chicago gem! Sometimes the patio tables can be a little too close together, however, which means if you're handicapped or elderly, it can be a tad uncomfortable outside during peak hours, unless you ask for tables to be adjusted! I've had someone's elbow in the back of my head before. Otherwise, this is one of my favourite places to dine in Chicagoland, and we always manage to stop and enjoy when in town!
(5)
Shannon R.
Overall, my experience here was good. It's a "chain" restaurant which living in Chicago I always prefer local spots. We started with the baked brie which was pretty delicious. I had mussels with frites and they were tasty. The table wine selection was good as well. The biggest drawback was the table seating. There are a number of tables cramped in this small space and we were a table of 2 that felt like we were on display in the middle of this small area. The staff kept bumping into us at no fault to them. Beyond that small issue, everything else was great.
Another reviewer wrote "this is a great restaurant for couples who want to be romantic and disgusting and coupley...ordering rich food, drinking red wine, and walking home holding hands. time to puke, gross-o. it was awesome." And that's pretty much a perfect synopsis of Mon Ami Gabi. There's date night and DATE NIGHT, and this is a good one to have in your back pocket for a really big night, like a birthday, anniversary, or hell, even proposing. While one should be prepared to splash the cash at this establishment, thankfully, I was able to enjoy the evening on my lovely girlfriend's dime as she brought me here for my birthday. I dare say she swept me off my feet. You can hate the cliche of the classy French restaurant on date night all you want, but Mon Ami Gabi has a great location on Lincoln Park West, a relatively small menu, but with its limited options done right, and an extensive wine list for all price levels. There's even outdoor seating in the summertime, but depending on when you go, it will be a longer wait. My only complaint is that Mon Ami Gabi MOUNDS ON the frites. I could only finish half of them after we each ordered a filet mignon and split a bottle of pinot noir, both of which were, in a word, exquisite.
(5)
Bruce N.
LOVE LOVE LOVE this place. We have gone back to this place several times since we moved from NYC to Chicago. One of the consistently good places we have found and that says a LOT for Chicago. All of us had great meals. Interesting combinations, well served. great service, not a forever wait, comfortable atmosphere and was wonderful even for our kids. The only place that serves children like they were special too and not like the adults were at a nice restaurant and the kids are at McDonald's. I hate where a place treats the kids like they are eating something not so special. This place put our children's food on very nice white china divided plates that made the food look very nice. It also helped with our son who hate food touching other food. VERY NICE TOUCH! My father-in-law and I both had the scallops with butternut squash puree and brussel sprout and hazel nut saute. I was AMAZING. So So good. I highly recommend this place. You can't go wrong.
Make sure to have a reservation but the decor and the food is worth it. Be ready to drop at least a cnote.
(4)
Caroline M.
Reserve this place for an indulgent, classy evening only! I consumed an entire days worth of calories in a span of 2 hours here at Mon Ami Gabi...and it was totally worth it ('cept for the mousse...more on that later). Start off with a cocktail. They are strong. I likey! Then, order the scallops gratin--which I wasn't exactly sure how those would be....to my surprise...um...Heavenly!!! 4 scallops smothered in a rich gruyere, fennel & onion sauce & broiled till nice & caramelized. Perfection, I tell you. Since, we shared a scallop app. I couldn't get the scallop main course...so I opted for the hanger steak instead. It was unbelievably tender & full of flavor. It's rare that I would order a hunk of meat at a restaurant, since it just seems so boring, but I was feelin' adventurous (and tipsy). Highly recommend that. Plus, it happened to be their least inexpensive meat option at $18--yay! Oh, and it was served with a massive amount of addictively crispy potatoes. Their dessert menu bored me....classical French selections included--creme brulee, profiteroles, choc mousse & crepes. The mousse was just a blob of chocolate on a plate. *yawn* Save your $7; or better yet, get another drink. Girls Night Out Approved! ::stamp:: PS: Reservations are an absolute must!
(4)
Jaclyn S.
The food here is delicious. The service is impeccable. The only problem with this restaurant is the same problem with a lot of restaurants these days - and that's asking couples on a Saturday night to sit in what I would consider pretty intimate seating next to families with children. I'm sorry - but kids have no place at Mon Ami on a Saturday night. Or, if you are going to welcome children, don't seat those families at banquette tables next to people who are clearly out to enjoy a nice - maybe even romantic - evening together. Listening to kids squabble over the green crayon while their parents drink martinis and ignore them is a total mood killer, Mon Ami...
(4)
Kathryn R.
It's mid August now and the evenings are balmy and romantically soft near the lake at night. This place is just a couple of blocks from the water in a lovely upscale neighborhood with valet parking ($12) and a large patio outside under the stars. I spent a leisurely 40 minutes waiting for a table (it was very busy this night) with a glass of very good wine "people watching", absorbing the lively buzz in the restaurant and relaxing into the atmosphere which is fun French at its best. I had six fresh oysters and wished I'd ordered 12. The "Petite Salad Maison" was a little too petite for me so I wished I'd ordered the Caesar which is "grande". I eat my salad with my meal or afterwards, a kind of "digestif" and fresh counterpoint to the meat and potatoes. House steak medium rare is to be savoured. Luckily there is a mound of good frites (thin and crisp fries) to pick over. Very good. A meal is an experience in life. We have good and bad experiences. Mon Ami Gabi is a little like a trip to Fouquet's on the Champs Elysee here in Chicago. Go on vacation and have a meal!
(5)
Kristal R.
INCREDIBLE food!!! Escargot, mussells, and scallops are a must!!
(5)
Eric G.
The Bad: This place is cramped. Really cramped. Move the table to sit down, hope you don't have to pee otherwise it will be a production kinda cramped. Because so many people were packed in such a small space it got noisy. We were sat next to the bar and it had a very "bar" atmosphere because of it. Our portions were inconsistent. 3 of our party ordered the special (monkfish). I received the monkfish, clump of basil, and a few small bits portion. The man sitting across the table from me received the monkfish and no bits portion. The woman sitting across from me received the monkfish, potato, and squash awesomeness. The Good: The hostess was friendly and welcoming. They had a nice selection of wine. The waitress was friendly and never rushed us. My water glass was never empty. The food was good. Gluten free options! Overall: It felt like a rehabbed bar that was trying very hard to be upscale dining. The inconsistent portions really put us off. We will be eating around the corner next time.
My girlfriend and I went to Mon Ami Gabi for a nice Valentine's Day dinner. Located right across the street from the Lincoln Park Zoo (which we conveniently explored before dinner), Mon Ami Gabi has an extremely authentic French feel. I'd know, I spent a semester in Paris. The restaurant is at the bottom of a fancy hotel, the same hotel that hosts the very famous L2O restaurant. The food was great. I got the beef bourgogne. The beef was so tender and the red wine sauce had a great flavor. I wasn't a huge fan of the ham in the dish though but overall it was very enjoyable. The scallops we got as an appetizer were incredible! Oh and I almost forgot! The chocolate mousse was some of the best I've ever had. It had the perfect mousse texture and chocolatey flavor and came with these delicious chocolate covered rice crispies on top. For a very French dining experience in Chicago, check out Mon Ami Gabi. Best of all, the prices were very reasonable. An appetizer, salad, beer, two entrees and a dessert came out to around $70.
(4)
K B.
I went here for restaurant week, the 4th restaurant week dinner over a 7 day period. I must admit, I had the lowest expectations for this meal, however it ended up being maybe my favorite restaurant week experience. I had the steak frites with Steak Bearnaise sauce, and it was beyond killer. I mean, somehow with my spoon I managed to clean my bowl of literally every last drop - it really looked like someone had rinsed the bowl off.
My mouth is still watering from my dinner here. I went during restaurant week and had predicted this would be a pretentious and stuffy restaurant, but it far exceeded my expectations in atmosphere and food. We had a reservation for 7:30 and were seated about 7:40, but it was very easy to wait in the lobby of the Belden-Stratford (not a bad place to have to wait) and someone came to find us when the table was ready. We had a great server- super friendly, not overly attentive, and had some good jokes. I think his name was Don? The cocktail menu has a lot of great French options. I had the French 75, which contrary to another review, I thought was very strong, and I like strong drinks. The wine cart is cool because you can just order by the glass out of that. We started off with some crispy baguettes with butter and lentil salad. From the prix fixe menu for restaurant week, I ordered escargots (they make them here with pesto- and the sauce is great for dipping the bread) and Steak Frites with Bernaise sauce. My friends ordered their steaks cooked differently and all of them were cooked perfectly according to what we asked for. Next time I would ask for a variety of sauces- one of us ordered the Brandy Peppercorn and it was also very good. I think red meat is the way to go here. One of our group ordered salmon which was good, but clearly not their specialty. Frites are great and they will bring you ketchup upon request. Onto the desserts: o.m.g. Chocolate mousse, mango sorbet, and creme brulee. The creme brulee had the perfect torched crust on top and it was probably one of the most delicious desserts I have ever had in my life. I would go back to order an entire bowl of this. The restaurant is very cozy with dark colors and the bar in the middle. When a big group left I noticed they play jazz music. You can easily valet a car and it takes them all of about 2 minutes to retrieve it. Such a great experience- definitely recommend for restaurant week or anytime.
(5)
Job E.
The food is well priced, especially considering the quality and atmosphere. $20 for a steak and side is a great deal. Its not the best steak ever, (this is a 'cafe' not a steakhouse), but they make up for it with good sauces. Our server was impressively friendly and courteous. Wine and appetizers round out the bill to the $$$ range, all-in-all not too bad. I went with mon amour; she was impressed, which is enough for me to bump up a 4-star to a 5-star.
(5)
Melissa H.
I must say the Yelpers threw me for a loop on Mon Ami Gabi. There wasn't much French food actually on the menu. It was more of a steak house with French sauces dumped on top. If you didn't want steak and fries or a salad, you had maybe 3 other options. Now I will get over the fact that the menu isn't in French, because we are in Chicago, but there is no reason why there isn't much actual French food on the menu. Their menu IS posted on their website; I'd recommend you check it out before you go if you're a French food regular. Some other issues; parking is difficult here if you are intent on driving. It cost me $18. Service was very slow; we were stuck there for over 2 hours, most of it spent waiting for our server to return to our table. Also, we had reservations for a birthday party, but when we got there, we still had to stand outside the restaurant and wait for a table. Tables were CRAMMED together; I couldn't get up to go to the bathroom from our round table without the person next to me having to get up and let me through. Take the other positive reviews into account, but please also heed my warnings...
(2)
Richie D.
I'm always skeptical when giving a large restaurant chain like Lettuce Entertain You a chance. Yes, the recipes are next to perfect, but is the quality and service just as good? I'm no longer in the suburbs, so why not go to one of the thousands of other local restaurants?? Well I figured I'd give it a shot once I was able to pronounce Mon Ami Gabi (I'm a Spanish speaker, I'm worthless when it comes to French). First off, be sure to make a reservation on OpenTable because this place seems to always packed. We were stuffed in this small room with a large, boisterous party which was the only downfall. Thankfully the waitress apologized several times and was lovely. I love pre-fixe menus and they happened to have one for Restaurant Week. I went "All French" by ordering the Onion Soup Au Gratin, Steak Frite Classique, and Chocolate Mousse. Instead of a three-course meal, it's actually a four-courses because of the fresh, long baguettes they serve with olive oil. The French Onion soup was spectacular, not too salty and plenty of soaked bread and bubbly cheese. Moving on to the main entree, the steak was perfectly cooked as I like it with just the right amount of juice. I ordered the Classique-style with maître d'hôtel butter because I wanted to taste the true steak flavor versus peppercorn, onions or cheeses like the other style options. I'm glad I chose to do it this way. The frites are curly shoestrings, my fav! Then the Chocolate Mousse dessert was spectacular. It filled up a clear glass Mason jar with plenty of mousse and these crunchy chocolate beads that were delish. Even after an entire jar I wanted more. I take back what I said about chains, even though I prefer to support a local, family owned restaurant with my money. Mon Ami Gabi is a great choice if you're looking for a spot-on good meal (they got it down pat) in a great location being within the gorgeous Belden Stratford Hotel facing the Lincoln Park Zoo & Nature Conservatory. They also have a fairly lengthy Gluten-Free menu since most of their items are meat.
(5)
James K.
We go here for special events, graduations, etc. We also take all our out of town friends to Mon Ami. Great french bistro, fun cuisine. The wines by the glass are a special treat. One of us likes reds, the other whites. The only place we have every been in the US that offers Chateau neuf de Pape by the glass!
(5)
Annie N.
It has been a while since I wined and dined here - and it has taken me that long to compose this review. No worries - my memory is not scattered. I simply could not throw couple words together to describe the incredible time I had here - but here it is: Apetizer: The Escargots - don't be grossed out by snails, definitely DON'T google their image before the meal. they're full of protein (I think??) - and even if they're not, Mon Ami Gabi makes them so good that you mostly taste the garlic sauce, not the snail itself. I could eat this appetizers for dinner, but sadly there were only a few. However, they have complimentary bread that tasted amazing when dipped in this sauce. French Onion soup came in huge portion - unfortunately I didn't get to taste it :( Main dish: of course the steak and fries are fabulous. My two friends both got it, and their plates looked amazingly good. I really like the fries served with it - thinner cut and very crispy. I personally don't like a big piece of meat - so I ordered a beef bourguignon. It was delicious, perfectly done. The portion was on the bigger size but I finish everything without hesitation. Desert - perhaps the best part. We got the chocolate mousse, creme brulee and mango sorbet. Need I say more? I tried to eat them as slowly as I could to taste everything and to savor the last moment of an amazing meal. The service was excellent - we did not have any issues from the beginning to the end. Waiter was extremely polite and attentive. The place was a little bit too cramped, and that's the only complain I have. Will definitely come back here again soon.
(5)
Patricia S.
We planned on eating outside but due to threatening weather patio was closed so we ate inside. We asked for table by window (several were free....we had a 5:30 reservation). We were told that all of those were being held for people who had requested a window table when thy made their reservation. When we left by 7:00 all of these tabes remained free.
(3)
Cindy G.
My absolute favorite restaurant of all time, end of story. My top menu picks are the escargot, French onion soup, steak Roquefort (with a pinot noir), and the bananas foster.
(5)
Binal M.
This was my first time at this restaurant with my girlfriends. On a Wednesday night they had about 30 mins wait time which we never expected but reasonable as we didn't have a reservation. The service was great, they made sure we had ordered and checked on us on timely manner. The food came right on time and was hot. I order a grilled Salmon with Spinach Salad and it was cooked to perfection. The dressing was really nice & fresh pepper on top made all the difference.My friends loved their Pepper seared Ahi Tuna Salad & mussels marienere. The mussels were huge and garlicy. I loved their serving size unlike any french restaurant they were huge. We couldn't even finish our salads let alone the entrees which we never ordered. We ended up spending just about $20/person which wasn't bad al all. Will surely be back with my hubby.
(5)
Jay n.
I sure was expecting more from a LEYE restaurant. The location / building is really neat - right across from Lincoln Park in an old hotel/condo building....old school, first class all the way. The restaurant however, is crammed into a pretty small space. The bar area is very small, seats only a few people, so there is really no room to stand and wait, or have a drink while waiting for a table to open. We had a reservation for 12 people for 8pm on a Saturday, and probably waited about 15 minutes. We were seated in the back room, which was quaint but crowded. The place was HOT......very, very HOT. The kitchen must have been right behind my seat.....because it was uncomfortably HOT....even the women were complaining. Food was OK. My hanger steak was good, but the 'frites' part of the meal.....terrible. Really, you can't even get french fries right in a french restaurant? Overall, a very unremarkeble experience. One order finally made it out by the time most of us were finished - a steak. Waiter said he would comp that, but then decided to bring a bunch of deserts to the table, and not comp the steak. (this after we brought our own cupcakes to be served for desert, as we were celebrating a 40th birthday). Again, poor communication. Got the bill, and had to ask if they could add the gratuity for us, since we had a large party and it would be easier when splitting up among 6 credit cards......they said 'sorry, we can't do that'. What? You can't add gratuity to table of 12 ? That's SOP anywhere else. Over the years I've come to expect a great experience at most LEYE restaurants, they really get it right. Mon ami Gabi on the other hand did not live up to that standard, and we won't be coming back any time soon. Two (2) Stars is a very generous rating.
(2)
Matthew M.
We love our French food and this restaurant definitely had all the right elements to fulfill our French appetite. Mon Ami Gabi is a cute French bistro located in a hotel. It was crowded before we arrived to after we left. The tables are close together and it is very cozy. The service was good. We were seated at a table that was right in the middle of the action, so we got bumped by a few of the guests. Our waiter offered us great suggestions and the menu. The French Onion soup was sweet and very tasty! The Steak Frites with Roquefort cheese sauce is a must have! The steak was tender and the sauce was flavorful. For dessert the Creme Brulee was good and one of the best ones that I have had. Overall, this was a great dinner and I'm looking forward to coming back.
(5)
Chris C.
Their steak frites are still amazing. During my last visit, I also had a bowl of their sweet potato soup which was out of this world! I don't care if they are a chain because they are off the chain!
(5)
Vince S.
Had a great meal with awesome service. My wife loved the Butter salad with Apples and Beets. Our steaks were excellent and well-prepared (hers the Steak Classiq, mine the Steak Au Poivre). But the standout aspect of the evening was our waiter's service. Clearly, David loves his job, knows his menu and his winelist, and is able to connect with his customers! He gave credit to the Manager, Stephanie, for setting the tone. Clearly, they've got a good thing going. We will be back!
(5)
Erika G.
Went here last night for my birthday. Still a sexy, charming, cute, delicious (as was my dining companion) little boite with reliably great French bistro food. I always seem to think of this place when I'm undecided about where else to go. Casual and unpretentious, yet still chic and French in feel. Steak Dijon - steak with mustard! Brilliant. Mouth watering! Dishy co-diner had Steak Bernaise - MON DIEU! We needed a walk after those steaks 'cos it was impossible not to devour them entirely. The Salade Maison to start is perfect - the vinegarette dressing just the way I like it - and is large enough to share. We got a delicious birthday creme puff with ice cream in it gratis 'cos of my birthday - be sure to mention if you are celebrating. I've been here more than once for something and always got a comp. The interior has always been irresistible to me - Chic, small, low lighting, glamorous tables. The bar is just great - if I lived in the Belden-Stratford I would surely be a Degas painting in no time and would have my "regular" booth. Something that bugged me, but this has nothing to do with the quality of the dining experience otherwise. WHO WEARS GYM SHOES OUT TO DINNER, I ASK YOU?!! People! Have SOME style and attempt to be chic when dining out! I have successfully erased the bad mojo about this place mentioned in my previous reviews. Ommmm!
(4)
Veronica B.
It was a wonderful dining experience! My boyfriend and I had always wanted to go so I took him there for his graduation. The server we had was not only helpful with her suggestions but made our first experience there memorable. I definetly will go back.
(5)
Jennifer J.
Yummy French food. I really heart this place and love their food and specialty drinks. I think one of the perfect date night dinners is: mussels, crusty French breas, French onion soup loaded with gueyre, a couple of cocktails followed by a shared dessert...All at Mon Ami Gabi. This place is romantic and warm feeling. I definitely like the layout of the place and last time I went we got a cozy and cute little booth table out of the way from the hustle and bustle that is any restaurant. Love their French martini. I can easily have two of those. Their mussels are great and they give you extra bread to get all of the juices. (Isn't that usually the best part?!) French onion soup is a must at any French restaurant you go to and theirs won't disappoint. My bf really loves this place and likes to go here on our more occasional upscale date nights. Overall, count on good service and good food if you come here. The crowd is usually a mixture of people in their 60s and the mid 20s-30s range and for me, that usually equals delicious food.
(5)
Trish P.
Not even 1 star ... I disagree with all the positive reviews. We met friends for dinner last night. I had the roasted chicken and frites. The chicken was good, the frites were dry and over cooked. My husband had a paper thin steak along with dry over cooked frites. He did not like it either. We won't be back. If you want French cuisine - head to either Bistro Margot or Le Bouchon ... 100% better AND worth every $$$!
(1)
Susan M.
I love Mon Ami Gabi. The food is always well prepared and beautifully presented. The cocktails are superior. And the service is impeccable.
(5)
Jeff K.
We made a last minute reservation for 7PM the other night on Open Table. No problem. Made our way to the Belden Stratford hotel and wandered into Mon Ami Gabi. A very nice little setting, our waiter was very helpful. We each had a glass of house wine, my wife had the Cote Du RHone and I had the Burgundy. He provided information on the daily specials, and gave us 15 minutes to decide. Normally, I would think that was too long, but we enjoyed our time together after a long day. The couple next to us spoke French to each other, and made away with an extra loaf of the baguette in her big purse. Very smart. The waiter brought a sample of the chestnut soup for us, which was quite nice of him. And it was delicious. Pam ordered that as an appetizer and also had Steak Frite Au Poivre. I ordered the Steak Frite Roquefort. Quite simply, it was the best Steak Frite we've ever had. We were very happy, not too full, and enjoyed our leisurely walk back to the apartment. This is a great take on a classic French bistro, and we can't wait to get back to try something new.
(5)
Hans H.
Steak frites?! I'm there. Yeah, meat and starch is quite the french thing, so sorry if you wanted veggies, but I'm here for the protein. Went here for a friend's birthday, and had the steak frites with the peppercorn sauce (forget the french name) medium-rare, with the soup of the day new england clam chowder. Some others had the special, the chicken....ermm....darn, forgot what it was called, but it was browned and then braised in a cast iron pot in its own juices. Wonderful flavor there. All great, presentation wonderful. It's a pretty packed space though and you definitely need reservations. I saw at least 2 couples get turned away at the door. And, mention someone's birthday and they get dessert!
(4)
Linda C.
We were here 2 weeks ago. This restaurant is in the Belden-Stratford Hotel. We were seated immediately with a reservation. Each table was given a fresh loaf of just baked French bread and great butter. Each table also got a carrot salad on the house. We started with the mussels(mussels mariniere)--very juicy. We were soaking up the juice with the bread. We had the Steak Bordelaise and the Steak Bearnaise. Both came with the lightest pommes frites--so good and airy. We finished with the cream puffs (profiteroles) and coconut sorbet (sorbet du jour). The food was excellent. I am taking a star away because I have to ask our waiter twice for the dessert menu and three times to get the check.
(4)
bill s.
Great food, great service, well worth the wait and price!
(5)
Jamie R.
this place is great! I highly recommend it. The food was obviously outstanding. I recommend the scallops for an appetizer. The location and atmosphere of the restaurant is great. It was very nice but also comfortable. What I loved most, though, was the outstanding service. The waiter was extremely friendly and genuine and really gave us a great experience. Definitely check this place out! Also, forgot to mention, they are very reasonably priced!
(5)
Rachel H.
I came here for an awesome friend's bday and loved my prime rib special and sweet potatoes au gratin. The escargot was delicious and the shrimp cocktail looked as if it were on steroids...delicious ones. There was a corking fee for the champagne we brought and also a fee for the bday cake we brought but I'm not gonna be a whiny ass about it like some of the party guests. What do you expect? I'll be coming back here to get points on my Lettuce Entertain You card. EDIT I returned for my own birthday and tried more delicious goodies including the french onion soup which was a little on the sweet side, and the steak frites with red wine sauce which I adored. Everyone enjoyed the food from the beef wellington to a pork chop which sent my companion straight to night night town. Also this time, they waived the cake cutting fee! Hooray!
(5)
Al T.
Awful music used that is also loud. Paper table clothes??? Tacky.
(2)
Emily B.
I headed to Mon Ami Gabi DURING Restaurant Week, but not necessarily FOR Restaurant Week. Any how, the place was packed with prix fixers so I stalked the tiny bar and waited for a seat to open before posting up on a stool for the night. I started with a reasonably priced cotes du rhone and ordered the filet mignon MR with a merlot butter reduction. I requested it served with au gratin potatoes and French cut green beans instead of the "signature fries" that came with it. This was the Good Call of the century, however they are a little weird about substitutions because that was the side that was supposed to go with the special of the night (pepper-crusted ribeye), and there were only apparently a set amount allotted. I thought that was strange, but they accommodated me and my cheesy potato needs. Everything came out perfectly, I mean that in regards to both flavor and timing. The steak was a solid medium rare and the sauce on it was delicious, even though I could eat a filet with just a little S&P. The sides were also done without a flaw. You know, last week I ate at the Chicago Cut house and spent 3 times what I did at Mon Ami, yet I liked Mon Ami 3 times better. Go figure. I finished the meal with a total foodgasm known as the bananas foster crepe. It's a crepe the size of a burrito stuffed with vanilla ice cream, drenched in warm caramel sauce with sliced bananas all over it. I shared it with the stranger sitting next to me so as not to look like a glutton (or waste this masterpiece). Few other points: -Located in the iconic Belden-Stratford Hotel, across from L2o -A piping hot baguette served in a paper bag is sent to each table with sweet butter -There is a special every night of the week
(4)
Erin K.
What a wonderful dinner we had! Unfortunately, I don't remember our servers name but he was great (semi-long brown curly hair with glasses)! I am always interested in recommendations from the servers - I mean, they're there everyday, they know what's good! - and his did not dissappoint. We started with the onion soup, which is my favorite dish in the world. It was a little weak on broth but flavor was great! We then split the scallop au gratin app. My boyfriend LOVES scallops and I just like them. This, however, was amazing! Highlight of the meal. Every step of the meal was perfect. I had never heard raving reviews of Mon Ami so went in with no expectations at all and consequently was blown out of the water! We decided to have dinner there on a whim and it turns out to have been a great decision! Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Laura H.
So my husband and I decided to go here after reading all the rave reviews. We are big fans of the Lettuce Entertain You restaurants, but sadly this one was not one of my favorites. Starters: the French Onion soup which was great! Piping hot, gooey messy cheese and the perfect balance of soup/bread. I really enjoyed it. The apple, goat cheese and beets salad was also a winner. Fresh, crisp and light. Entrees: with the limited options, we both opted for the Steak Frites. I had the bernaise sauce and my husband the bordelaise (carmelized onions and red wine). Both of these were just so-so. Steak wasnt well seasoned and really did need the sauce to make it better, which should never happen. It should accompany it, but not make the meal. On the plus side, portions were huge. To finish: we shared the berry cobbler. um um good! Now, i am 6 months pregnant and have been wanting cobblers and crisps for awhile now, but this one was out of this world good. This place is a bit expensive for what youre getting, but its a fun spot for a special occasion. That being said, I probably wont be venturing back unless its just to pick up the cobbler to go :)
(3)
David E.
Mon Ami Gabi was wonderful. I had a few guest from out of town and took them there the other night for the first time. A+ service and the food was great. I had the Salmon and Leek. I highly recommend. I'll def. go back!
(4)
Julia G.
I must admit, my first experience at this little French bistro was NOT pleasant. I was so close to the table beside me that I nearly felt like they were sitting on my lap, the steak was too chewy and I nearly spit 1/2 of it out (sorry if I'm being too explicit), and the company I was with didn't help. On a positive note, my friend who absolutely loves this place convinced me to give it a 2nd chance. Since I live 1 block away, I was inclined due to the sheer convenience of the location. So, I said yes and that's what prompted this positive review. I ordered fish this time---excellent choice for someone like me who prefers lamb over steak, we sat in the back and had a lot more room, and the company was excellent. We shared their fish special and another fish which was on the menu. The bread they served was nice and warm and once we ate through 1/2 of it, they brought us more... The Beaujolais wine was excellent. My only reason for giving this place a 3 versus a 4 is the space issue. Since its small, you feel a little cramped. If you are looking for a small and intimate spot, I would recommend this place but it's not good for big groups.
(3)
Laura B.
Love the restaurant, we frequent the location in Las Vegas often. The food was spectacular as usual, the service left a lot to be desired. Our waiter Mark made the experience underwhelming. He was inattentive and forgetful, extremely frustrating. Tainted the overall experience.
(3)
Erika O.
Delicious and not pricey!!! Cozy place, awesome food and starters!
I don't know who Gabi is but this place is definitely my friend! Date night with the wife is something I always look forward to especially when good food is involved. Having a ton of LEYE gift cards laying about we decided on Mon Ami Gabi as it was one of the few LEYE restaurants we had yet to try in the City. We started with escargot. SUPERB!! I wish I had a straw for the garlic herb sauce in which these delicious former snails were swimming!! The complimentary baguette made for a suitable vehicle for said juices. My only complaint was having to share with my wife and the melancholy that swept over me when we slurped up the last remaining drop. Next, French onion soup. Arguably my wife's and my personal favorite soup. It was hot, well balanced, and a sizable portion. A bit sweeter than most I've had in the past but that didn't stop me from inhaling it like my last breath of fresh air. Unlike what I would have done at a Chinese restaurant, I resisted lifting the bowl to my lips and drinking what little evaded my spoon. Steak Roquefort. Sublime. Tender. Creamy. The only thing that would have made it better... less pomme frites. Yes; less. Although the fried potatoes were delicious they swarmed the plate and interfered with each attempt to cut into the main attraction, Steak Roquefort. The steak was outstanding but next time I'll go with the mashed potatoes or another vegetable all together. Dessert is typically a must when creme brulee is on the menu; however, this particular night we planned poorly and reached belly capacity before the last course could be enjoyed. We will definitely save room for the brulee next time. I did see several delivered to other tables and the burnt top looked smooth, caramel-y, and crispy unlike many other places that have spots of black and cream with uneven browning. It's not a question of will we go back but rather a question of when. Mon Ami Gabi is mon ami!
(4)
Michael S.
The place does not disappoint. Scallops and escargot appetizers: butter laden delights. Steak Dijon, rare; Skatewing tender and both perfect. The Chopin martinis were perfect, too; even smoother than and not the Grey Goose I'm sure my dining partner was sure she was drinking (I ordered them when she was in the W.C.) And it didn't hurt any that our waiter was a former Pump Room captain from my Maitre D' days. It was fun to see him and catch up. NO complaints about the comp'd round, of course. So, the service was awesome. But it would have been anyway. Given that on balance Lettuce Entertain You has elevated the duo of great themes and average food to a high art form, this place and the Lettuce Folks deserve high praise.
(5)
Kathy L.
This place is a WIIIINNNNNEEEERRR!!! The service here was amazing, the waiter even had a french accent to match the french food. I judge any place that gives out free bread on the quality of their bread. The bread alone would get this place 5 stars...and their butter is awesome! On top of the bread, tried the escargots, mussels, steak with peppercorn sauce and chicken. There wasn't anything that didn't make me give a Rachel Ray "MmMMmmmm this is so good, you have to try it." Bottom line - great food, great service, and great atmosphere.
(5)
Rick R.
I've been coming here for ages since it was even Un Grande Cafe. Food is exceptional and service cant be beat. Steak Frites are always a hit and seafood also fresh and delicious.
(5)
Jen S.
o mon dieu, i love this place. to start with, there are fantastic gluten-free options. AND FRENCH FRIES. delicious little frites in a huge pile and YUM into the mouth they go. their steaks are divine, even if you don't pick the choicest and most expensive cut of meat. the herb butter is great, too. their scallop dish is also super-delicious. AND ORDER LIKE TWO DESSERTS. the chocolate mousse is divine but i really, really love the chocolate pudding cake with the salted creme caramel. beyond that, the servers are wonderful people, and the atmosphere is nice and fancy, yet comfortable. it feels like you're out for a ritzy dinner but you don't go broke paying for it. best of all worlds. in my bellay. i would go weekly if i could :)
(5)
Absolutely phenomenal food, world-class service. I visited with two friends and we were treated so well. The service was attentive and friendly without being pushy, and the food was truly exquisite. Bizarrely, the highlight was not even a French dish a creamed corn risotto which was utterly magnificent. The food is on the pricey side, as you'd expect for fine French cuisine, but it is worth every cent.
(5)
Jackie A.
My steak was really dry and the service was extremely slow... All together I doubt I would go back
(3)
mark s.
Consistently Excellent. Pros: high quality food and service Great ambiance - feels and tastes like a real European Bistro. Outdoor cafe one of the best in the city. Staff are very professional, efficient and friendly. Free warm baquettes with butter. Try to stop at one, but they will bring more no charge. Cons: Dining room can be loud. Overall: One of my favorites in Chicago or the world.
(5)
Angela B.
As usual, I had a great dining experience here on Saturday. We put our name in around 7:30 which gave us time to check out Zoo Lights at the Lincoln Park Zoo. We returned an hour later and our table was ready. The cozy, warm atmosphere and good energy was exactly what we were looking for. We had the Butter Lettuce & Honey Apple Crisp salad, Lemon-Thyme Seared Salmon, Trout Grenobloise, and Bananas Foster Crêpe for dessert. It was all excellent. Our server was friendly, attentive, and great when I asked for some recommendations. You really can't go wrong here.
(5)
Jennifer E.
I co-hosted a baby shower here during the day on a Saturday. The brunch menu was awesome (great quiche, and amazing french toast) and the price was great for a group of people. It made a huge difference that we didn't have to clean or cook ourselves. We were able to put up some decorations and have a great gift table. And since they are not open during the day, we had the whole restaurant to ourselves with our own server. She was great. Also the punch was delicious! You can't have a shower without good punch.
(5)
Spencer J.
Amazing!! been here here twice and it might be my favorite restaurant in Chicago. Highly Recomended!!
(5)
Erin M.
I have been dying to try Mona Ami Gabi for some time now as I always pass the elegant Lincoln Park Location on my way home from work. I decided it would be the perfect venue for my birthday celebration. The restaurant area was quite small and the tables were pretty close together, however, the food was so amazing, I hardly noticed. I started off the meal with Escargots de Bourgogne. While this appetizer was tasty, I have had much better escargot at various other restaurants - I would not recommend them here. I happened to go on a Wednesday and elected their Plats Du Jour for my main course; Burgundy Braised Beef Bourguignon. This was a little slice of heaven. I loved how the noodles came first and the wait staff slowly poured over the stew like entre tableside. The beef was so tender and flavorful; my mouth is watering just thinking about this meal. A must if you dine here on a Wednesday. Everyone else in my party thoroughly enjoyed their entrees as well - this is French done right.
(4)
Mark C.
Incredible food, incredible service, every single time. Great authentic French food. The steak frites are as good as they get. The Lincoln Park location is very cozy and tables in the back make it a relaxed dining experience. The service and expertise of the entire staff was impressive. I haven't had a bad meal here, and enjoy having both new dishes and old favorites.
(5)
Kelly A.
Excellent service and food. My friend and I both have good allergies, and they could not have been more helpful. We even got gluten free bread! We both had the Dover sole special. Amazing. Our waitress, Molly, was outstanding. She really went above and beyond for us!
(5)
Lesley A.
L'experience a Mon Ami Gabi n'est pas le meilleure, parce que j'ai diner au France. J'ai beaucoup des expectations pour l'ambience, la cuisine et j'ai voir un garcon qui parle le Francais. Mais, je ne les ai rien recevoir! My French is rusty, but the gist is, I expected more from Mon Ami Gabi. It was my first time trying French food in Chicago, and was spoiled by having French food - in France. To me, I see French food as being about rich flavors and sauce, none of which I experienced here. I was also looking forward to dining in a French restaurant where I could perhaps speak to a waiter in French. Nope, the waitstaff and ambiance of the restaurant were very much Chicago steakhouse with its dark woods, dim lighting and definitely English speaking waitstaff (aside from the most awkward moment where one of the waitstaff misinterpreted our request for another plate...instead bringing us two full loaves of bread and extra butter. For five of us we had four full loaves of bread!) I tried escargot for the first time, and it was delicious, though not something I would get on a regular basis. I think people are so enamored with the escargot here because it's doused in butter. For my entree I tried the non-steak option most Yelpers fawned about: Roast Chicken & Frites (grandmere style, mushrooms, bacon, pearl onions). It didn't blow me away. The chicken skin had a nice crispness, and the frites were something different as they coated my entree. I've reached a point where fried potatoes are simply, fried potatoes. I was even more disappointed that they didn't offer ratatouille. I've wanted to try ratatouille for quite some time now. In fact, their menu looked more like a Chicago steakhouse (look at their side vegetable menu. Garlic spinach? Pommes puree a.k.a mashed potatoes? I don't think so). Sauvez votre l'argent pour un autre restaurant.
(2)
George K.
The location is great since it's Lincoln Park Zoo adjacent and guess what? I love the zoo! That being said, the restaurant was really nice and while Lettuce Entertain You hasn't really let me down, it's never overwhelmed me either. Dragon and I both got steaks, she went with the Ribeye special while I had the Filet Merlot. The steaks were well-cooked and the sides were nice. Again, nothing that really set it apart from any other steak. The highlight was a lava chocolate cake dessert with vanilla ice cream. It was a great way to finish things off and since it was January 1st, New Year's Resolution lasted all of about 18 hours. Well done! I'd recommend as a nice night out, but wouldn't if you are wanting to get a Chicago experience instead.
(3)
Dan D.
As far as good country-style French cuisine, Mon Ami Gabi is one of my favorites in Chicago. The serving sizes are large - you get a lot for your money. The food is exquisite and top-quality through and through. The wine selection is extensive and simply HUGE. The atmosphere is classic and relaxed. Finally, the location is amazing - a stroll across the street for the Lincoln Park Zoo. That sums it up! My favorite used to be the Braised Shortribs (offered only on wednesdays now...) --- super tender, no need for knives. Now, I love the fish selections on the menu. The Thyme-seared Salmon was great! Highly recommended.
(4)
Tal C.
Came here for restaurant week with a couple of friends, and enjoyed it. We all got steak frites (mine had the Bordelaise sauce: caramelized onions and red wine). The frites were a bit soggy, and I would have like a bit more flavor (a sauce to dip them in would have been nice). We also started out with mushroom soup and caesar salad- both pretty good. Overall, this place is cute, food is good, and the warm french bread at the beginning is amazing. A tad pricey for what you get though.
(4)
M J.
I went to Mon Ami in the summer of last year. We sat outside had two fillets m. that were just about ok (they have some kind of a sweet sauce for the fillets and I am def. not a fan of sweet with my entree). I had to flag someone down for pepper... our waiter was just not there .... at all. He came when we were done and asked " was it ok?" we asked for the manager and complained. Our dinner was free yet we still left a $100.00 (the cost of dinner) tip for the manager... we just wanted her to realize that service is horrible! I went back to mon ami for drinks and dessert just recently. Dessert was wonderful. The french martinis were amazing. This time the service was great. I found out that the owner of Mon Ami is the same as the owner of Cafe Babareeba. I think I may go back ....... just not with such high hopes. The crowd is definitely older, but the atmosphere is great. It's crowded, but in a cute way - as you would expect from a French establishment.
(2)
Kristin M.
So in terms of the food, I would actually only give this place three stars. The service is what gained Mon Ami an extra star. I see that some other people complained about the service, but we had a stellar waiter, I believe his name was Cal. He made an excellent wine recommendation, when the hubs ordered a pricey glass of champagne he gave it to us for the price of a less expensive glass, and brought out extra house made hot fudge sauce with dessert with out us even asking. And yes, the house made hot fudge was so good I had a couple of spoonfuls of it all by itself. The simple reason that Mon Ami looses a star is because of my entree. I went for the beef wellington, which while the steak inside the pastry was delicious, the pastry itself was atrocious. I'm sorry but they shouldn't have served it, I ended up peeling the pastry off of the steak. At least the entire entree wasn't ruined due to the gummy, undercooked pastry, because the steak was cooked perfectly and was tasty, but I didn't just order steak, I ordered beef wellington. Anyway, everything else was tasty, probably some of the best french onion soup around. And I must mention (and this is personal preference) but I did not like the frites, they were more like strips of potato chips instead of a french fry. They didn't really have a potato taste or texture left, they were more like a chip. But maybe this is how they're actually served in France? Which is fine, I just didn't care for them.
(4)
Liwei Y.
This place is very popular and the earliest reservation I could make was at 10 (it closes at 11). So I ended up coming here for drinks and deserts. I tried the caramel, salt, and chocolate cake, chocolate mousse, and profiteroles. Yes, I love chocolate! They were all really good. My friends and I devoured the deserts pretty fast. The drinks were good and pretty strong (because mine was a combo of only alcohol). I tend to think I have decent tolerance and after 1 drink, I was buzzed.
(4)
Meghan B.
It's interesting, because I expected a little more from this place based on reviews. My boyfriend and I were thinking of coming here for our anniversary dinner, but opted to go for easter brunch instead and I'm so glad we did. The food was good and the wait staff was nice, but there was nothing exceptional about any of it. We got to our reservation on Easter on time and had to wait for an additional 30 minutes and then got shoved in a corner. Seriously, the farthest, darkest corner. So, it was an ok experience. If you are expecting a French bistro with lots of atmosphere, I would assume it's better at night. Daytime dining here was not amazing. The food was good, though, so give it a try - maybe not on a holday!
(3)
Bridget H.
Delicious traditional French menu! Everything you'd expect to find is there - mussels, cheese plate, hanger steak, onion soup, etc... We ate a variety of steak and fishes and all were excellent. The place is busy and bustling, so it's not the best for a quiet, calm dinner. The location is beautiful. The service is solid, but the waitress was a brisk and rushed our party a bit - this seemed to fit with the atmosphere, but when at a nice dinner, one likes to linger a bit. I think the prices are very reasonable - bottle of wine, three soups, three entrees, and coffee/dessert for about 160$.
(4)
Sandra C.
We had a delicious dinner,Best onion soup ever. Delightful service. Highly recommecnded for french food without all the sauces.
(4)
George D.
Is it just me, or do French restaurants always have the best atmosphere? It's always the perfect blend of classy and laid-back. Mon Ami keeps that up with the traditional bistro decor: tile floor, intimate table spacing, mirror-backed benches, lots of warm colors, etc. Anyway, the star on the menu, like it is at a lot of bistros, is the steak frites. Here, they do it six or seven different ways, which is great if you're looking for some variety. My personal favorite of the ones I've tried is the Steak Dijon, which is covered with a totally addictive dijon mustard butter--sounds like two things that don't go together, right? Give it a shot, you'll love it. And the frites... talk about addictive. Who invented the salted, fried potato anyway? Genius! I challenge you to name a more perfect food!
(4)
Joanie B.
Mon Ami Gabi is lovely and the location inside of the classic and beautiful Belden Stratford Hotel, makes it even more so. It was like being in a real French bistro except that we weren't in France and everyone was speaking english. The bread! A whole baguette delivered to your table, piping hot in a paper bag along with a nice hunk of sweet butter. The amuse bouche was rabbit (!) with diced potatoes. Je ne mange pas cute little bunnies!!!! Actually, it was mostly seasoned diced potato and I think the closest it came to having rabbit in it may have been when one hopped by the restaurant. Delightful specialty cocktails, a sweet waitress (Jen), and excellent service. The French onion soup was chock full of onions in a delicious broth and topped with a generous portion of cheese and crouton. The Escargot was nestled in a garlic herb butter that begged to be mopped up with that wonderful bread. Our entrees were Boeuf Bourguignon with house made noodles and pork tenderloin wrapped in applewood smoked bacon - both excellent and delicious. We were sufficiently buzzed at that point so we shared a glass of Beaujolais Nouveau - I'm not an oenophile but I always enjoy that yearly treat. Robust house blend coffee and chocolate mousse topped with little crispy chocolate spheres were the perfect ending to a wonderful meal and experience. If I still lived there, Mon Ami Gabi would definitely be one of my haunts.
(4)
karen s.
So sad to give this visit such a poor review. Vegas location is perhaps our favorite restaurant. Chicago location left a lot to be desired. Service was abysmal and while we appreciate the "free" dessert---we would have preferred even adequate service and happily paid for all desserts! Come on Chicago--Please up your service level!
(2)
Sabrina M.
Now, my nature is to be anti-franchise, anti-chain which would mean that I would be anti-a-Lettuce-Entertain-You establishment. But Mon Ami Gabi is absolutely wonderful. I've never had a bad meal here. The cut of meats are always great and prepared well. and the pomme frites? To die for. Gives Mickey D's a run for its money in the fries department. Mon Ami Gabi does what it does well. Like Sarah Palin, it doesn't veer from the script. But unlike Sarah Palin, it's consistent and consistently good.
(4)
Danny B.
Pretty darn good. Ate @ Mon Ami Gabi on a Friday night before walking to Theatre on the Lake. Made my reservation early Friday afternoon and they only had availability very early or very late. Professional service and charming atmosphere; it's connected to a pretty swank, old school hotel that now doubles as a hotel & residences. We were seated on their large outdoor deck looking at the park; for a July evening it was a little cool due to the breeze (you have been warned). They start you with a warm baguette in a paper bag, whipped butter, and a tiny scoop of some orzo salad (nice touch!). Their selection of wines by the glass is diverse; the waiter identified a a red and a white that were delicious and complex. We started with their 3 artisan cheese plate - all tasty in their own way. The gazpacho was very ok - a little waterier and less multi-vegetabley than I like it (but I think I'm a gazpacho snob...I'm usually disappointed but had a good one recently elsewhere that I hoped could be replicated). Our two main courses were the roast chicken and the ahi tuna salad. I was glad my dish was the roast chicken - very juicy and kinda buttery. It's served with a fine medley of bacon, mushrooms, cooked garlic, and cocktail onions (mmmmmm...cooked cocktail onions). I recommend this dish. The ahi tuna looked better than it tasted - it gave the appearance of being raw in the center, but it was pretty well done on the outside and that overpowered the rawness. The gf said it had too much fennel, but I'm not sure that I would be able to identify fennel in a blind taste test of 3 spices I've never personally cooked with. Moral of the story: stick with bistro food and this Lettuce Entertain You seems to be a can't miss. Stray from bistro food, and you're on your own.
(3)
Hugh B.
I have a love-hate relationship with Mon Ami Gabi. I love the atmosphere. I love the setting in a gracious old building across from the park and I love the faux French bistro decor. Lettuce Entertain You does faux VERY well. On a winter night (the best time to go there, in my opinion), the place is humming. I love the food, usually. I usually get a shrimp cocktail and the roasted chicken grandmere style. This is with roasted mushrooms, pearl onions, and garlic. Served with frites, of course. I REALLY love the frites -- they are in my opinion the best in the city and reason enough to go here. For dessert the chocolate mousse is superb. Now for what I hate. I hate that even with a reservation, they often make you wait on a crowded night. They've been in business long enough to have their act together on that score. I really hate that they have SHITTY -- and I mean really SHITTY -- tables. The tables in the bar area are bad enough, but even worse is a four-top that they've placed right outside the swinging kitchen door. The door opens constantly and every server in the restaurant brushes you when you sit there. Nasty. They tried to give us that table last night and I howled. The hostess initially gave me the stink-eye and maintained that another table wouldn't open up for 20-30 minutes (right...) so we camped out at the hostess stand and lo-and-behold a better table opened up within less than a minute and we were seated there. Perhaps it helped that I had reserved through Open Table and my profile shows how often I dine out (and how many times I've been to MAG). But for the nasty tables, this is a four- or even five-star experience. So go and enjoy, but beware.
This is an amazing date place! The staff is very professional without being to stuffy and the food is amazing. I probably go here at least 5-6 times a year when I'm with a small group or on a date. The steak & frites are all perfectly prepared and enough to keep you full throughout the night if you go out afterwards. The mussels are great - nice rich, garlic flavor - and not too chewy. Unfortunately, I would pass on the creamed califlower side. It has so much cream and butter in it that it has no flavor and is somewhat mushy. I also recommend getting a bottle of wine - they have a good selection of prices and types.
(4)
Lawrence Y.
The only way I could describe our dinner at Mon Ami Gabi was... awkward. Our server, who I don't think even told us his name, seemed nice at first but it seriously became awkward by the time we left. The food itself was fine and somewhat filling (we had the Steak Au Poivre and Steak Roquefort)... but the experience was really off-putting. Our server couldn't pronounce "worchestershire" (lol), and he looked at me oddly when I asked if they had some sauces on the side (like bbq, A-1, ketchup or whatever)... and this wasn't for my steak, it was for my frites (because I need dipping sauce for any fries). He offered ketchup. When it came time for the check, I used a LEYE gift card... he came back, held on to the LEYE gift card (by putting it in his pocket) that still had a balance on it and explained that if i wanted to give a cash tip I could, or if I wanted to put on the gift card I could... I was planning on just putting the tip of the gift card anyway but the fact that he kept it in his pocket caught me off-guard. He came back after we wrote in our tip, picked it up and said "let me just make sure everything is right", looked it over and said "ok everything is right"... I don't know about you, but that was just strange!
(2)
Jennie C.
Lettuce Entertain You, you have never let me down. Of keeping up with the tradition of celebrating birthdays at LEYE restaurants, I recently had dinner here to celebrate my 22nd. For the longest time, I wanted to go to Wildfire to have my favorite dish, Beef Wellington. But the reservations were made for MAG -- and I settled on getting their Fruits de Mer platter (which looks delicious). Imagine my surprise when the special of the day was Beef Wellington. You know what I ordered then. The service, the ambiance, the wine selection (they also have a wine cart), selection of entrees, the introductory carrot salad, and everything else was simply amazing. Thank you for a wonderful experience! As a side note: Although the dim Maggiano's-esque lightning makes it intimate for couples, the ambiance makes it great for groups (I went with 2 others). I must have either came during a noisy time, because I felt at times, I could listen to other people's conversations since the spacing is pretty tight.
(5)
Emma M.
I came here for my birthday dinner and had a great time. We ordered cocktails to start- the french martini is quite amazing. It's made with champagne. For appetizers we ordered escargot (my first time ever so I can't compare them to anything else, but really, really good) , mussels (I prefer smaller mussels- these were quite jumbo) and shoe string potatoe fries. I was really tempted to get the french onion soup, but was already beginning to feel full and still had to eat dinner. For dinner I ordered the hanger steak and it was so rich, juicy and full of flavor. I would definitely get that again plus it's one of the cheaper steaks on the menu. Our server was very knowledgeable about wine so he had some good recommendations for a bottle. I'm looking forward to coming back sometime in the near future.
(4)
Roxanne A.
I was fortunate to eat here with my friend 's family. It was really great. This restaurant is situated in the Belden-Stratford hotel. We came at a perfect time before the rush and were able to get seated in the outdoor patio. The bread with carrot and butter spread was good. I started with the vichyssoise soup (cold potato and leek soup). The waiter was funny and brought out the bowl with just the leeks and croutons and said, "It is a very light soup". Then he came over and poured the soup over the leeks. It was so good. For the entree, I had the Steak Classique, which was fabulous. I ordered it medium and it came out medium. The maitre d' butter on top was amazing. It may have been pesto based. To cap off an already great meal, I had the profiteroles dessert which was so good with vanilla ice cream in the middle of pastry puffs, drizzled with the most amazing chocolate fudge sauce. They didn't skimp on the chocolate and I was almost licking the bowl to get ever bit in my mouth. The food was great and the service was impeccable. One note though. The square tables are a little small so if you have 4 people on it, it can be a little cozy. It doesn't detract from the experience, but it's something to keep in mind.
My dislikes- 1. The seating, I felt smooshed. It was kinda like being on an airplane. That is, no one is really ON TOP of you, but it's close enough that you often have to touch someone you'd rather not (no offense mari and albert). 2. The bread. I just don't like bread that is hard. I think maybe some people do? If you like hard bread, then the bread's AWESOME!!! 3. The frites. I'd rather have an option of veggies or mashed potato or SOMETHING other than those frites. They were like potato chips. Not bad just like... you know. I'd rather have something else. (You can order sides for extra money, but I'm suggesting replacing the frites with a "side" or getting rid of the frites completely, lowering the price of the steak, and making all sides a la carte). My likes- 1. The steak. It was yummy. I ordered the hangar steak which was tender, flavorful, and cooked to my liking. My friend got this filet with a wine sauce that was excellent! Everyone enjoyed their steaks. 2. The location. Yeah, you feel pretty fancy eating there. It's kind of fun.
(3)
Amy R.
This is one of my go-to places for very special evenings. A great romantic atmosphere that's really high-class feeling without being too stuffy. And food, oh the food. Savory, complex, fresh... I'm no food reviewer, let's stick with "damn good." I love a rare, bloody steak. I love crushed black pepper. Enter the peppercorn steak. Enter me peeing myself a little at the table in joy. (Not really, but it made me very happy.) Definitely save room for dessert. I've had nearly every dessert on the menu and they are so good. I prefer any of the baked fruit crumbles (usually seasonal). The only complaint I have is that they took my favorite meal in the entire world--we're talking "last meal on Earth" meal--off the menu. (Bacon wrapped pork with some type of berry sauce, FYI.) Please bring it back!! And the menu is a little limited if you don't like fish or steak, but then again, I value variety. So if you don't mind having just one page of very good options, then it probably won't bother you.
(4)
R O.
Solid, if unspectacular, Mon Ami Gabi gets it done. Quality service, good food, and with the prices that aren't intimidating, I always enjoy myself. While the wine list is a bit pricey, everything on the menu itself is well worth it (if you skip the wine, the place isn't nearly as expensive). The steaks have never failed and are well prepared--but do remember that this isn't a Chicago steak house. I'm a fan of the atmosphere, the GF isn't nearly as high on it as I am, but like most LEY everything is very well thought out. The execution is excellent and MAG, like most LEYs, hints at having fun. The space is a bit tight and the location not perfect for public transit, but over all a fun dining experience.
(4)
Jacqueline W.
Went here with a Lettuce Entertain You gift card and was not disappointed. Some of the tables are a little close to each other but overall the experience was good. Service was nice, they were busy on a Saturday night but the staff was on it. The prices were what I expected for the area and website. We found free parking quickly by the LP Conservatory and the short walk across the park added to everything else..Good spot for a fancy date. The views are so pretty and the hotel where the restaurant is located is gorgeous. It's no Paris but use your imagination Chi-town ;)
(4)
Linds R.
I have no issue with Lettuce Entertain You in general, but I think that if this place were not a chain, it would be much more special. I had the skate (very, very good), my fiance had the steak and pomme frite (also good), and we had a bananas foster dessert thing that was yum. All in all, it was a pleasant meal with good food and nice ambiance. But like I said, it wasn't special.
(3)
Betsy C.
Mon Ami Gabi was our final nice restaurant on our trip to Chicgo. It is located in a nice historical hotel in Lincoln Park. This has some other locations in other cities and I almost let that deter me. My daughter had not done a gourmet French restaurant before- This fit the bill- The seating is tight and cozy, but true to European dining. We had a good cheese platter as an appetizer, the cheese choices were perfect, the bread was like a raisin bread, I would have chosen something more true, but the crusty bread they gave us earlier went well with it. We each had a salad- I had their equivalent of the Lyonaisse- yum! We each got a different steak and Frittes- very good! We got a side if macaroni gratin- good! We were so full that sadly we didn't have room for dessert. This was a good experience! Not perfect, but everything was really good!
(5)
Susan O.
There is no better or more consistent restaurant in Chicago. The wait staff are true professionals -- let them recommend the perfect wine. The food is always perfect, from the warm olive jar, soups, frisee salad and short ribs or trout or steak with bearnaise sauce to the bread pudding or chocolate mousse. Beautiful atmosphere across from the zoo and outdoor seating in summer. This is living.
(5)
Christina G.
I love this place! My boyfriend and I went here for a romantic dinner and that is just what we got. The atmosphere is so inviting and warm. We had a knowledgeable server who answered my wine questions right away. They have a great rolling cart that carries all their wines by the glass. I had a delicious pinot noir that was recommended by our server. The bread they started us with was so crunchy and warm. My favorite! We started with the baked herb cheese and the duck confit (for my boyfriend, I am a vegetarian). Both were excellent! I had the vegetarian sampler (lentils, green beans, whipped cauliflower and macaroni gratin). My boyfriend had the lamb chop special. We were both very pleased with our meals. SO good. We were so full, but decided to try the dessert. We got the bananas foster..it was HUGE!!! Honestly, one of the best desserts I have ever had. We will definitely be going back here for another romantic dinner soon!!
(5)
Pascal M.
ZZZZZZZZZZZ, this place is tired and old. food is so-so, service is good but not great. went here over the weekend and i was simply not impressed. the duck confit was dry and was made even dryer by pairing it with lentils. it needed something sweet to finish the dish. my scallops were pedestrian and uneventful, except for the asparagus and whipped cauliflower. my girlfriend got a pork shank that i thought was the highlite of the meal. also had a butternut squash soup that was pretty good, my girlfriend got the frisee salad, hard to mess that one up though. drinks are over priced and nothing special. this place is simply not the best of what chicago has to offer.
(2)
Jim D.
Isn't it great when you run into your good friend's parents on the street and they invite you for a free dinner....anyone.....all right fine, but this stroke of dumb luck got me a pretty tasty meal. The setup is fairly elegant, however points to them for not scoffing at my sandals, shorts and wrinkly collared shirt (hey, they said I didn't have to change). The tables are pretty cramped together, regularly moved out to squeeze customers in. Use the bathroom before getting pressed in. The wine selection is strong with a sommelier on hand (or so my hosts told me), but the beer selection is a bit of a weak hodge-podge of whatever they could find at their European beer importer, which I feel higher end restaurants really fall short on. Steak frites are the main strength of the menu, however the frites are more like shoestring fries. They are quite tasty, just not my thing. The steak is fantastic, not quite steakhouse quality but reasonably priced at about 20 bucks. All and all, I wasn't blown away and their were too many things off about the place, the cramped space, weak beer menu, lack of non-steak options for the more finnicky eaters, but it was pretty good and free for me! Thank you for humoring my half-hearted attempt at reviewing haute cuisine.
(3)
Amy X.
this is a great restaurant for couples who want to be romantic and disgusting and coupley. that's what i did! like three months ago, i took some guy here for valentine's day, and we both had a grand old time. we ordered really really rich food and then ate it and talked about how good it tasted while sitting in a booth in the corner and drinking red wine and giggling and staring into each others' eyes. then we walked home holding hands. the end. time to puke. gross-o. it was awesome. mon ami gabi is a cozy place to cozy up to someone. it's decorated in a very "typical" french bistro type of way -- dark curtains, chalk blackboards, wine bottles on the wall, picture of the eiffel tower. despite the stereotypical nature of the romantic atmosphere, the service and food made for a really pleasant experience. my actions that night might have made me sick, but the food most definitely did not. a nice french bistro experience, and i'll make sure to behave myself better the next time i return.
(4)
Elizabeth C.
They have amazing food and wine. The service is almost always wonderful, but I would like to see a little bit more variety on their menu.
(4)
Ben B.
Great food and awesome atmosphere. Somewhat hard to find due to lack of signage. The wait staff seems just a little snotty or is it just me??? Maybe thats just part of the French experience???
(4)
Martha Z.
Take me back here soon, but please don't make me front the bill! I can not stop salivating over the steak in Merlot sauce whatever it was it was amazing dinner. And how could I say no to the garlicky buttery bliss of escargot?! I am going to come here armed with all my Lettuce Entertain reward certificates and have myself one hell of a feast. Edit I took my boyfriend here for his birthday and it was a repeat of deliciousness. I definitely recommend the crab cakes, they are 2nd best to joes!
(5)
Kitty R.
Always love it! Been going here for years! Very consistent and excellent food.
(4)
Rebecca C.
My boyfriend's and my go-to place for any and every special occasion - birthdays, Valentine's day, anniversaries, you name it! Mon Ami has never let us down :) I usually feel compelled to get a steak every time I go because they are so darn delicious. I'd say my favorite preparation is the Steak Classique, with the Steak Bearnaise being a close second (clearly, I'm one for putting some butter on my steak). The steaks are usually served with thinly sliced frites which they pile on the plate - I tip my hat to you if you're able to finish them all! If you find the frites to be overwhelming, you can ask for aside of mashed as a substitute. Mon Ami is fairly priced, which, I suppose, is easy to say for someone who is always paid for (thanks, hunnie!) and the service is top notch and very speedy. Oh! And you get a free profiterole on your bday!!
(5)
Lisa P.
I have yet to try the location in Lincoln Park, however the Mon Ami in Vegas was PHENOMENAL. If only for the melt-in-your-mouth mash potatoes & French Onion soup, GO. The soup had a thick, warm layer of cheese on top- it was so delicious. And I don't even LIKE French Onion soup.
(4)
Jessica F.
I adore Mon Ami Gabi. The first time I went here was with my boyfriend when we first started dating. I have been there many times since! From the food to the serivce, everything about Mon Ami Gabi is top-notch. The food is well worth the price! With an extensive wine collection, it is a great restaurant for any wine affectionado. The portion sizes are very large. I ordered the peppered steak which was amazing. The steak comes with crunchy little fries exquisite. For dessert, we ordered a chocolate lava cake which was the closet to heaven I will probably ever get. Def. a great dining experience! :) If you have some cash and want to spend it wisely on a great experience, Mon Ami Gabi is a great choice!
(5)
Sam W.
Atmosphere: Older crowd and very cramped tables. There were two couples within a foot of us on each side and the table had to be removed for anyone to exit. Service: Solid. Everything was as good as can be, which is standard with all LEYE restaurants. Food: We ordered the mussels which were insanely good. They came in a cast-iron pot and had the most flavorful broth in this world. I could eat probably 10 pounds of these beautiful mollusks. The complimentary baguette was tasty, and if it is served warm, really hard to stop eating. The one entree that everyone loved was the steak au poivre with frites. The steak was loaded with flavor and the peppercorn sauce was out of this world good. Don't mess around with any of the fish or the specials, just get a steak and thank me later. As for dessert, the apple tart was extremely disappointing and really quite bland. The profiteroles were great though. Also on this night, they had a special dessert called the Tour de France, which was two wheel-shaped pastry doughs with sweet cream in between and surrounded by fresh berries. Really tasty and not the type of dessert that leaves you feeling like you consumed a small baluga whale. Overall: If you like french food and are over 30, Mon Ami Gabi is for you. If you are like me, under 30 and into the younger crowd and small-plate concept, head to Paris Club.
(3)
Mike P.
If you're looking to have a pleasant evening that involves a copious amount of red wine, escargot and steak bearnaise then look no further. This place is excellent and offers a great atmosphere and wonderful time.
(4)
Austin A.
So I went here on a date and there are a few things I remember. One, the wine service is neat. There is a guy who wheels a cart around and serves it by the glass. I think I tried 5 different kinds, (did I mention Im a boozehound) Two, with the bread they serve this pea/lentil type spread and REAL delicious creamy butter. At one point I licked the butter off the knife, I can assure you that my date was impressed. Third, I dont remember what I had for main course because I got so much pleasure by the wine cart guy that I blacked out. I wonder why Im single. But I woke up the next morning not feeling hungover so whatever I ate must have been special. Real classy place for a first date. Edit: Im not a drunk, my date sucked and he became more interesting when my blood alcohol exceeded the legal limit. Nerd.
(4)
Ann J.
I gave this five stars because not one of the four of us had an off dish AND everyone loved what they ate AND some of the items were stellar. Plus service was very attentive and the atmosphere was great . . . true French Bistro style where there are linens on the table, but the patrons are in casual clothes. I've been to many a bistro in France and loved that the wait staff here at M.A.G. had to pull the table away from the long bench seat for us to be able to be seated . . . so authentic. (Those of you complaining about feeling crowded, get over it, there is a ton more space here than if you were in Paris in a bistro.) The difference between this and a true French bistro is that here the waiter came to our table right away, lol. The potato leek soup was the best we'd had. The boeuf bourguignon was gorgeous and the noodles in it were absolutely perfect. We had a great Cote du Rhone wine, great escargots, great cheese on the 3 cheese board (but I agree the portions were not generous enough), and the desserts were superb (say that with a french accent please). We liked the pomme frites that came with the steak bernaise (husband said steak was perfect). My mashed potatoes had no seasoning, but I had the pork tenderloin and could completely ignore the mashed potatoes for the flavor of the pork. Back to the desserts: chocolate mousse, smooth and not too rich. Blood orange sorbet, ahhhh. I used the sorbet as a palate cleanser so that I could switch between eating everyone's dessert they could not finish, lol. White chocolate bread pudding with ice cream and carmel sauce was hands down the best dessert, it sounds overpowering but really was not, it was hard to stop eating it. Finally the creme brulee done perfectly, smooth smooth smooth.
(5)
Mike T.
Very bad and slow service, but ok food (just ok). We had to wait 20 minutes before being able to order our drinks, and 20 minutes to actually have our drinks. When we finally managed to order food, more than 1 hour had passed. The food arrived pretty fast, though. We had mussels (good), two steaks (good) and scallops (ok). French fries are AWFUL. The desserts were below average. I don't think I will ever go back.
(2)
Emma C.
Yet ANOTHER perfect meal at Mon Ami Gabi, under the twinkling lights on the patio. My husband's halibut--the daily special--was indeed very special. The flourless chocolate cake with hot fudge and creme fraiche was like nothing I have ever tasted before, so light and pillowy and warm I thought it would float off the plate. The service was impeccable, as always. Going to Mon Ami Gabi is more than a dinner, it's a culinary vacation. Favorite restaurant by a country kilometer. Oh la la.
(5)
Steven M.
Mon Ami Gabi is a fantastic place. Yes it's part of a five restaurant chain (the one in Vegas is a great spot). But in terms of a fun, reasonably authentic, and actually affordable French bistro experience this is a gem. First, Mon Ami Gabi is situated inside the gorgeous Belden Stratford Hotel, right off Lincoln Park. One caveat, it's a pretty good hike from the nearest CTA station but taxis are plentiful and they have a valet for your designated drivers. There's a wonderful outdoor seating area and a small but inviting bar to have a drink or four while waiting for an outside table to open up. For me it's five stars for ambiance. The wine list is short but packs a punch with solid offerings from all over France and a smattering of domestic labels. Good range of prices as well, we had a '05 1er Cru Burgundy for just $71. Several attractive wines at the $40-$50 price point as well. For some reason I'm addicted to their bread which is served hot upon seating. The menu is pretty straightforward, I think their variety of appetizers is the highlight. The escargot is not to be missed. My favorite part is dipping the aforementioned bread into the pesto once all the snails are gone! The steamed mussels are an amazing choice and you can't really go wrong with the steaks. The cuts of beef aren't really that spectacular, but the sauces are out of this world. Hard to decide which one to have. And I don't know how they do their haricots verts and potatoes gratin but both were absolutely 5 star. Service was only average (although the bartender was awesome). Usually one thing you can count on at a good French place is extremely knowledgeable (while often stuffy/pretentious) wait staff. Maybe we got the newbie, but she was pretty middling in terms of helpfulness, attentiveness and knowledge. All in all a dependable, beautiful, fun and reasonable place to have a great meal. Highly recommended.
(4)
Zac K.
I do not understand what the fuss of this place is about. I couldn't have been more like BLAH - went here on a Friday night with the spousal unit and as soon as I walked in, I know it was going to be bad. The building this is located in is great, but it looks like a Maggino's with french music blaring. It was cute to see the little young twenty-somethings on their big dates- I'm rude, I know. The food was so bland- I had to salt my french onion soup which should never done. I had the steak frites and BLAH! not much going on in terms of flavor and the steak was not cooked to order. Would never come back here again- check something else out- trust me.
(2)
Victoria H.
Mon Ami Gabi is a wonderful restaurant and dining experience. It has become a tradition in my family to go every year before we head back to school and for my mom's birthday for over 7 years. Every year I find myself looking forward to the night. Mon Ami creates a comfortable and special dining environment where they deliver delicious dishes. Our server has always been great- they really help make the evening. My favorite cocktail is the French 75. Its a crisp and refreshing way to start your delicious (and rich) french meal. Next up I always get the frisee salad. The bacon is always so thick and smokey which perfectly complements the vinegary dressing. I love this salad and crave it all the time. For entrees, the scallops and stakes are always delicious. The scallops are perfectly carmelized and the sides complete the dish well. The steaks are always delicious, generously portioned, and cooked perfectly. Do not get my started on their fries. I am constantly picking them off other peoples plates if I do not order it myself (good thing that there are always PLENTY for sharing). All of the entrees are classic french and they are BIG. Splitting works perfectly well if you aren't very hungry. If you have room for the dessert, the profiteroles are always delicious. The chocolate sauce is homemade and delicious. If you are looking for a special evening in a comfortable atmosphere with fantastic food, Mon Ami is the spot for you! Bon apetit!
(5)
Jon L.
By now, Mon Ami Gabi is a Chicago icon. Supersized portions of well-executed bistro fare emerge from the kitchen into a chic, convivial room that instantly evokes Paris. While everything is good, particular standouts include perfect shrimp cocktail, flavorful hangar steak (a real value, to boot), and terrific fish preparations. Veteran servers ensure a pleasurable experience. And, oh, the bread. . .
(5)
George L.
What a wonderful experience! Both my companion and I commented on how we felt like we were "in Paris." The service was superb, the french onion soup the best we've ever had, the mussels were scrumptious, and the warm french bread (with salmon and trout spread) was magnifique! The atmosphere is lively, and the quarters, those close, were still comfortable. Three friends in Tampa recommended Mon Ami to me, and I'm soooo glad I took their recommendation.
(4)
Hannah C.
Ok so I clearly love the restaurants in Lettuce Entertain You but this one might be a favorite. I happen to be somewhat of a Francophile after living in Paris for a bit and visiting when I get lucky, and I will say that dining here was not a far cry from the real thing (aka a steak/oyster/frites bar). Service was amazing. They brought me gluten free bread (always a plus), and their Steak-frites looked so darn good that I actually broke my pescatarian streak for them and it was TOTALLY worth it. There was a great crowd even on a Tuesday night, and it wasn't too fancy (there were people in jeans) but definitely had a classier feel to it. Can't wait until I get my next meat craving (in maybe a year?) so I can return.
(5)
Matthew S.
My girlfriend and I had about $75 in LYEY gift cards, and we discussed what restaurant we wanted to go to. I vetoed L. Woods and Wildfire because we'd both been there about 100 times and we wanted to try something different. After reading the yelps about the oakbrook location, we decided to go to the Lincoln Park location instead, mostly due to the fact that we felt that going to a restaurant in a mall parking lot isn't the swankiest way to dine. After fighting rush-hour traffic on the Kennedy on Thursday night, we made our reservation about a half-hour early. It was busy, but we were able to be seated immediately, which was pretty nice, especially considering how small this place is. We shared a bowl of french onion soup and some sort of scallop appetizer to start. The onion soup was delicious, but I thought the scallops suffered because it was extremely cheesy. I love scallops, and would have preferred a simpler dish. Still tasty, however. My girlfriend order beef bourginon, which I had a bite of. The beef cheeks were extremely tender and flavorful, and she enjoyed it as well. I got steak frities au pouvir, which was a thin cut of steak topped with whole black peppercorns and (I believe) some sort of brandy sauce. The steak was cooked perfectly, it was jucy and delicious. The frities were a little disappointing (as other yelpers have noted), but they were nice to snack on, and the ones that made their way into the sauce were very tasty once they got soggy. For dessert, we had the bananas foster crepe, which was very good, although we both agreed we would have liked it infinitely better without the crepe, as it was a little rubbery. All in all though, this place was great. I never found myself wondering where our server was, and every time he came by he poured some more beer in my glass (I order a 22oz bottle of Goose Island's Sofie, which was delicious btw). The restaurant looks great, and I'd love to come back in the summer when they have the patio open. It was pretty reasonable, also. The check came to about $85, which I thought was perfect considering how much food we had. I would definitely recommend this place, and I'm planning on going back to enjoy the patio, featuring a view of Lincoln Park.
(4)
Eazmg C.
standard LEY establishment, good atmosphere, good service, good food. I'd recommend the sea scallop gratinees and steak bordelaise
(4)
HJ K.
That was my 4th time dining there last night. Just thumbs up every time. Me and a friend of mine were seated at the bar since there was an hour wait for the table. It turns out pretty good. The bartender was attentive and helpful. Plus, the food we got was just fantastic ever! Can't wait to be back :)
(5)
Lauren H.
I came here for a wine and food event. The service is always great and the food was beyond my expectations.. we had 5 course meal and everything was made to perfection. I've also been to the oakbrook location and it is just as perfect.. Love french food!
(5)
Sarah B.
I just took my parents here tonight. We all really enjoyed it! First of all, it is nice, but not pretentious or stuffy, which I love. We had three courses and were in and out in an hour and twenty minutes, but did not feel rushed at all - we were all just exhausted after a day of traipsing around Chicago in the sun and wanted to go to bed early! We had salads which were simple but refreshing and did not have too much dressing on them, just a little olive oil, vinegar, and lemon juice. My dad and I both had the steak bearnaise which was really, really delicious and comes with thin-cut crispy fries (my favorite). My mom, who is a vegan, had a vegetable plate which she said was absolutely delicious. We got profiteroles for dessert which looked fabulous and were pretty yummy. My dad was happy that they had a non-alcoholic beer made by Heineken (my parents don't drink) and I liked the cart they had for wine by the glass. Our waitress was also really nice, took great care of us but didn't hover or pressure us into anything. All in all, it was a great experience and I'll definitely come back here!
(4)
Ang R.
I don't know what to say about this place. It's not that I didn't enjoy my meal, but I just don't think I'd choose this for French in the city (Bistrot Margot and Chez Joel come to mind immediately as better choices). Specifically, I thought the meal lacked nuance. The salad was ok, especially the goat cheese and olive tapenade, but I thought it was dressed rather poorly. I did enjoy the herbed melted cheese appetizer, but I think that although the potatoes are an interesting vehicle for the cheese, the toasts are far and away better, and there aren't enough of them. My steak was okay; I prefer a thicker steak au poivre, and I prefer more sauce with which to soak my fries. And the fries; not so good. More like potato chips, honestly. And I'm not a fan of that. I can say that my boyfriend adored the filet in red wine sauce, and said it was one of the tastiest sauces he'd ever had. But otherwise, I can't say much else. If you're looking for classic steak frites, I say pass on this and try elsewhere.
(3)
Lesley S.
I have been here twice, once with my dad and once with my boyfriend, and I do think it is one of the better restaurants in the Lettuce Entertain You chain. The bring you a bread basket right off the bat with a loaf of crusty french bread- just the right kind of bread for this cuisine. The french onion soup is scrumptious, so flavorful and cheesy. I always get the hanger steak with blue cheese on top. I highly recommend this steak. The blue cheese compliments the meat perfectly. They serve really thin, crispy french fries with the steak which are also delicious. Both times I have had the same waiter, an older gentleman who is extremely well-mannered. He is very knowledgable on the wine list as well as everything else on the menu. He offered some good suggestions to my boyfriend on what kind of wine paired well with his meal. Only complaint is that the restaurant is really tiny and if you don't get a table, you end up having to sit really close to other customers at one of those long half table half booth things.
(4)
Sarah F.
I love this place! We've been eating here for 6 years and they never disappoint. The bread is crusty and delicious, the onion soup is amazing and the chocolate mouse is out of this world!! Try the scallop gratinees or the mussels as an app and you will be glad you did! The filet mignon merlot is always cooked perfectly and the frites will make you feel like you're in Paris. Just make sure to make a reservation or you may have to wait!
(5)
Jenna N.
I literally just came back from this place and rushed up the stairs to write my review...i'm such a loser like that. I stewed over my experience in the car, wondering how on earth I should share my experience with you fine folks, after having to back out of the circular drive because some moron decided that it was a great place to just park their car...not for valet. We had reservations for 8:45pm, were seated just after 9:00pm. A small pet-peeve of mine is when i'm forced to wait past my reservation time. I get it, things come up, but don't tell me it's "going to be a minute" when you really mean "stop asking me because I have no clue; you'll get seated when there's an opening" based on your facial expressions and tone. This is why I made reservations to begin with...to not have to wait a minute...or 15... I also did not appreciate almost being beamed in the head with a chair because it was so crowded by the bar the waiter had to lift it over the seated patrons' heads without so much as an apology or simple "excuse me". Thankfully my razor-sharp peripheral vision saved me from what would undoubtedly have become a bloody mess. So on to the meal. The highlight of the evening was when I took the first heavenly bite of the Shrimp Gabi. Lovely mix of lemon, garlic, herbs, and shrimp. I had a lovely Lemon-Chicken Paillard as my main dish. The chicken was wonderful but the greenbeans, sadly, were a mix of over-cooked and under-cooked, but never perfectly cooked. Dessert was a delicious creme brulee. Looks pretty ordinary (sorry, but placing a paper doiley in between the bowl and plate makes what was a delightful treat look hopeless and sad), but tasted wonderful! It practically melted in my mouth. Our waiter was nice, but pretty quiet and seemed nervous as though I was about to kick him in the shin. He was quick to write us off when we decided against alcohol (another pet peeve of mine) and not until our dinner arrived did our bread and appetizer dishes get cleared. HIGHLY unacceptable in my book, especially when the waiter was right next to us SEVERAL times servicing the old couple with one foot outta the grave who did order wine...i'm just saying... Still, I really enjoyed the meal here aside from a few hiccups and most everyone else I studied seemed to enjoy their meal as well. B+
(4)
Katie R.
Four and a half stars. The baguette given to each table was delicious, our appetizer, the baked cheese with the fingerling potatoes was amazing. And my chicken dish was super tasty. The mushrooms/bacon/onion/garlic mixture/sauce that came with it made the dish. The tables are really close together so if you don't like that, avoid this restaurant. It was mostly OK/perfectly easy to hear our table of 4. We did end up with a squirmy kid next to us though and that got a bit distracting for some of our table. My only other complaint is that I would have liked more of the mushrooms/sauce with the chicken - so that all of my frites could be dipped easily.
(4)
Mila G.
Cute place, also my first french restaurant. Seemed very much like what an American would expect a French cafe place to be....although, I've never been to an actual French cafe in France, so maybe thats what its like? Food was very tasty, generous portions...not much emphasis on presentation for the food, although I did see a pretty fabulous looking desert going by. Definitely worth checking out, and reasonable prices.
(4)
Vinifer D.
Mon Ami Gabi has a great selection of steaks and fish. If you're not into either, don't bother going. They have wonderfully prepared steaks, such as the Steak Au Poivre, Bordelaise and Roquefort, alongside some great pommes frites! Whenever I go to Mon Ami, I usually get the fish. They have a nice little selection of freshly prepared fish dishes. Two of my favorites are the Thyme-Seared Salmon, which comes with a lemon-butter orzo, and the Skate which comes with crispy garlic chips on top. Since Mon Ami Gabi is a part of the Lettuce group, they have consistency throughout all of their restaurants. No matter which one you go to, I think you'll be satisfied. This restaurant is a little crowded though. I wish some of the seating would be a little more spaced apart because I can always hear the conversation of the table next to mine. You'd be lucky to find street parking, but you're better off not wasting time and just valeting the car.
(4)
Christine F.
Mon Ami Gabi was good. Real good. However, it's not earth shatteringly innovative and we had a surly waiter, thus the deduction of a star. My fiance, his mom, his brother and myself went. The bread at the beginning of the meal (fresh baked french bread) is amazing. I could have just eaten bread the whole time. MMMM. My fiance got a martini with blue cheese olives and I got a martini with Grey Goose, Champagne and pomegranate juice. Not bad at all! Quite good, actually. I had a nice buzz going all through dinner. Several members of our party got some Escargot. It was cooked in garlic butter and pesto - they were swooning all through the meal about those sassy snails. I got some white gazpacho, which had cucumber, almonds and granny smith apples. It was garnished with grapes, it was DELICIOUS. It was the most interesting part of the meal for me. My main course was Sanddab fish with a carrot hollandaise, served on a bed of asparagus. Very good. Sanddab is a very light, flakey fish which I enjoyed very much. Everyone else got an array of meats, which they enjoyed immensely. For dessert my fiance and I split a lemon tart, while his brother had some chocolate mousse and his mom had a carmel apple tart. Sweet tooth fix found by all! The only downer of the meal was the fact that our waiter acted as though he hated life and that he was doing a favor by telling us what the specials of the day were. Dude, it's your JOB. He would snatch plates out from under us without saying "Excuse me" or "Pardon my reach." I don't expect "Pardon Me's" at McDonald's, but I do at Mon Ami Gabi. However, that was the only negative experience I had here. We all ended up stuffed and happy. Would I go back? YES. I would probably sit outside next time, though.
(4)
Lucille F.
My fiance and I had a great dinner, accompanied by fantastic service here! We arrived early for our reservations so we could sit outside, had about 1/2 a drink at the bar, and they were already ready for us!. Our waiter was super helpful with the wine, specials, food questions - generally could not have been friendlier. The food was delicious- market salad - tomatoes and goat cheese- was perfect for a summer starter, and the scallop entree was divine! The wine our waiter suggested was amazing also, and we appreciated the suggestion since we do not often drink French reds. Did not save room for dessert, but from the looks of it- was delish too. Great place for a small group dinner, or for a date night! Can't wait to go back!
(4)
Hal S.
Great service. So good you almost don't mind the rotten baby boomer gimme gimmes yapping about their kids behind ya.. I kid
(4)
Stephanie B.
Teenie bit disappointing after the raving reviews I read. I give props for the atmosphere - it's quaint and cozy but still has the loud French bistro feel. Props to the nice man who brought me a glass of Pinot Noir while I was waiting for my friend to arrive. Merci. Props to whosever idea it was to bring you a hot baguette and a slab of butter as soon as you sit down. Boo hiss at my waiter. He was not attentive at all - ie, my wine glass was empty for half the night. I mean, c'mon. When it's $60-ish a head, fill up my $^&#-ing wine glass, Holmes. Boo hiss on the mussels - when I put the first one in my mouth, I bit down on a big piece of sand/rock. Boo hiss on the price of the mussels - $18 for a (not huge) bowl + the side of frites it comes with. Boo hiss on the mussel broth - it creamy but bland, as opposed to the normal white wine-garlic-pistou number I'm used to at French restaurants. Boo hiss on the frites - the part I was most excited for. They were almost like chips - something that you would get out of a (French Fried Onion) can at the grocery. They weren't terrible - I mean, let's be honest, I ate them - but to call them "frites" would be a stretch. Half-ass props on the entree. I had the Filet Au Poivre - sauce/flavor was pretty good. Steak itself was aight. Props on dessert. Bananas Foster Crepe. BOO HISS to my waiter, who took 4 hours to ask us if we wanted dessert, and then didn't ask if we wanted coffee, etc. Then waited another 4 hours to bring us the bill. I'd probably go back. It was fine. It was just not the experience I'd hoped for. And when you go to a nice place like that - with a good friend on a special occasion - you just don't want to be spending half your night flagging down the waiter. It's just annoying and takes away from the good times you came there to have.
(3)
David W.
Excellent service. Happy atmosphere. Very comfortable and well-designed.
(5)
Amy M.
Comfortable vibe to this place. Nice, "laid back French bistro" type of feel. Great service, great food. I had fish, along with my dining partner. The butter lettuce salad was fabulous. "Gabi's Cocktail" was great (Lillet dessert wine and champagne with a lemon twist - perfect....not too sweet - YUM). A tad on the noisy side, but it really felt like a nice, bustling bistro. Folks were dressed in everything from skirts to jeans. I'd definitely go back. Maybe taking a seat at the bar next time.
(5)
Lauren D.
I'm a huge fan of Bistro Campagne so I had to try Mon Ami Gabi to see how it compared. I think overall Lettuce restaurants are consistently satisfying, but M.A.G. totally exceeded my expectations. First of all, I love the atmosphere - it's a small restaurant, so you can pretty much hear what everyone around you is talking about, but I like that European feel. I had the steak classique and I'm dying to try the slow roasted pork. They had this really delicious dessert that involved some sort of fruit but I can't remember what it is, so I will definitely have to go back soon to remind myself. Also, they make the best French Martini in Chicago - that's a fact.
(5)
trista r.
Decided to try out Mon Ami Gabi for Valentine's Day because my favorite go-to French bistro was booked solid. Ordered drinks at the bar while waiting for our table. Bar area is very small and there were a lot of people crowded around waiting. I felt bad for the people sitting at the tables in the bar because everyone was basically sitting with them. We were seated on time (we had arrived early for our reservation). Tables were EXTREMELY close together. Maybe it was just for Valentine's Day, trying to maximize the space or something. But you couldn't get in or out of your seat without pulling the table all the way out into the aisle. The tables were touching each other so you were basically having dinner with the people seated next to you. Service started out great. Server discussed specials, answered questions, made reccomendations, and checked on us frequently until we received our entrees. At this point, a new table got seated next to us and it seemed like one of the people was very familiar with a lot of the service staff. And our server basically ignored us while kissing these people's behinds the rest of the night. And I know it to be true because, like I said, we were basically all seated at the same table. Anyway, on to the food. I ordered french onion soup and it was just ok. Not very hot and sort of bland. Husband had mushroom soup, he said it was pretty good. For entrees I had filet with merlot butter and frites. Merlot butter was very yummy and frites were delish. Steak quality was excellent but it was not cooked the way I asked. I asked for medium rare and steak came out medium. Husband asked for his medium and his was medium rare - so I'm guessing the server mixed up the order. Husband had beef wellington with red wine sauce and spinach. Spinach was just wilted with butter, just so-so. Also ordered a side of whipped cauliflower. Cauliflower was more pureed than whipped, pureed to the point it was almost like soup and difficult to split as a side. Tasty but obviously prepared very strangely. Cherry sorbet for dessert was delicious. I don't think we'll be back.
(3)
Jonathan C.
Another Lettuce Entertainment Restaurant in town. Decent food at a decent price. Not much expectation going in (at least no more than any other Lettuce restaurants), and it met exactly that expectation.
(3)
Allen P.
Service was very good. I went with someone who had a ton of food allergies and the server was super knowledgeable and was able to get everything she needed. Oysters were some of the best I've had in Chicago. As for my main dish... the NY strip steak. I was underwhelmed. slightly over cooked and dry. Some good, some not so good... but overall I would try it again and try one of their other dishes.
(3)
Sara M.
Excellent food and service. I came here on a date not too long ago and had a great time. I had the chicken with frites which was excellent, came out very hot and was a huge portion. I barely ate half, but took the rest home. For dessert we had the cobbler, and I know cranberries were in it but I can't remember what else was, but it was delicious. Atmosphere is elegant and lovely, but not overdone. Service was good, but we stayed from our 8:45 reservation til near close and I think our waiter was relieved to see us leave, but he was wonderful the rest of the evening, recommending desserts and the like. Would recommend it for a date or a nice night out with the girls or a group of couples. Bottom line: I'll totally be back, but not with the guy I went there with. ;)
(5)
Babs H.
A former employer used to live in The Belden so after a long day of running his errands he'd sometimes treat me to a steak dinner here. The steak is simply a steak, nothing to write home about, although it was always cooked precisely the way I like it - medium. For some reason there are some steakhouses out there that always cook my steak medium rare or medium well when I say "medium". Where the steak lacks in spices or marinade, there are a variety of sauces to dress up your steak for extra flavor. This is the first place that I had ever had frites and since then, it is the best place I've found in Chicago that offers them on their menu. The atmosphere is quiet and calm, plus it's steps from Lincoln Park Zoo, so after a nice relaxing dinner you can take a walk in the park or even go to the Fullerton Beach!
(4)
Elayne S.
This is my go-to restaurant in the city. Great food and great atmosphere. Its always packed so you need to make a reservation i made that mistake the first time i went with my roommate...we had to drink a whole bottle of wine at the bar waiting for our table. okay twist my arm! My favorite is the scallops with the creamed cauliflower.
(5)
Jill S.
This place does it right. It's quaint - in a good way, and the service is great. I loved how we were able to sit and enjoy conversation along with our meal, no rush. I have eaten here twice and loved both of my seafood dishes. The scallops are yummy, and the skate wing was so surprisingly awesome. I have had skate wing before, but Mon Ami's blew it out of the water. It's a huge portion might I add. My bf ordered one of the more classic dishes, Beef Bourguignon, and said that it was one of the best dishes he's had in a while. I got a taste and the beef was really tender and delicious. I wouldn't mind at all if someone were to take me here monthly... especially in the winter, it's a very warm environment!
(4)
A S.
I live half block away and have an odd tendency to go somewhere else for steak & fries. That said, I have only been here 3 times. However, every time I came here, I realized the best steak & fries is right where I am! Nice patio dining and great service. The prices are fair. Must visit!
(5)
Ian S.
I agree with Erika G.'s comment on this place being "casual and unpretentious, yet still chic and French in feel." That's perhaps not the vibe one first gets from walking by outside. Steaks are the main attraction at Mon Ami Gabi. I went with the Steak Bordelaise. The red wine sauce was useful for soaking up the frites that were piled up beside my steak. The meat was respectable for the price. And as always in Chicago, patio seating is where it's at. It just feels more European when you're outside. Our waiter on the patio bashfully admitted that he wasn't quite up on his French as we asked questions about the menu, but at least he was forthcoming with it. This was a good move on his part, because it saved him from embarrassment in front of one of my French friends.
(4)
Rebecca T.
I usually shy away from chain restaurants, but our experience here was fantastic. It was elegant, but not stuffy. Classic, but still a nice din of happy patrons. The servers were incredibly attentive, helpful, and pleasant. And the food? Amazing. I got a special trio of soups as an app: white bean puree with bacon, butternut squash with pumpkin seed garnish, and classic french onion. Not only were all three delectable, but they were served in tiny little pots with a tiny spoon, so the perfect amount pre-dinner. I got the pork loin wrapped in bacon with a blackberry-cheery sauce/compote served with mashed potatoes. It didn't look like a ton of food, but was extremely filling [without even finishing!] My friend got an amazing steak - I'm not even a big red meat-eater, and it was so buttery and scrumptious. This place definitely deserves a try... your stomach will be happy you did. :)
(5)
Philippe F.
La cuisine française me manque! My lady knows this, so she took me to this place. They had the typical escargot, which of course we ordered. Unfortunately they did not have the bone marrow, but it's all good in the hood. My lady enjoyed the steak et frites, and I did the same, well, what she shared with me. I on the other hand went for the steak tartare. There are only a few restaurants where I would trust ordering this dish, and this was one of them. It was a tasty little bugga, but was missing the egg on top (unless they decided to skip the whole presentation and mixed it in already for me). Service and ambiance is really nice and cozy. I shall return to this place eventually. I still have quite a few other French restaurants to try out.....
(4)
Sally H.
Really enjoyed our business dinner here. Great location in Lincoln Park and the outdoor patio right near the park, is great people-watching. Food was wonderful - Frisee & Bacon salad (yum!) and the Steak Bernaise was cooked a perfect medium rare and at $20, was quite a find. Topped it off with fresh strawberries soaked in Grand Marnier with a scoop of sour cream gelato - sounds a little odd but was fabulous! Will definitely be back on my next visit trip to Chicago!
(4)
bj j.
One of my favorites...I know its a chain, but it's a Lettuce joint and Rich and the boys know how to run a restaurant. It's in a lovely building here in Chicago, the Belden Stratford, right on Lincoln Park. And in Vegas it's outdoor venue gives you a great view of Bellagio's Fountains...Always crowded by the way. Even my kids like it.
(4)
Elizabeth K.
I've been to this place several times and I'm always really happy. I wouldn't say it's the absolute best French bistrot in Chicago, but it is very consistent, the atmosphere is really charming, and the service is always great. And the Belden-Stratford, where the restaurant is located, is such a beautiful building - I just like an excuse to go there. I always get the steak frites - it's always cooked very well and the frites are plentiful (and I never get the stinkeye when I ask for ketchup). I know nothing about wine, but they always recommend something that ends up being great. Looking forward to the patio this summer - a great view of Lincoln Park!
(4)
Sam S.
Ate here with a group (seven) on Saturday night. The valet was terrific - friendly and fast, even on this bitter cold night. The host in the restaurant was very attentive, and we sat down exactly at our reservation time. The server was very personable and nice. The first red flag, though, was when my sister wanted a side of the root vegetables that comes with one of the other steak entrees. She was told "no," that they prepare precisely enough to go with the steaks. OK, I guess. The guy at the table next to us, where my sister spied the vegetables, leaned over and jokingly said he would sell me his for "two bucks." He couldn't believe the waiter either. The food was fair. The squash and onion soups were bland. The steaks and fish were also OK but not terrific. A lot of stuff comes with fries, which were basically like potato shrapnel. I don't care if you do put them in a stand wrapped in parchment paper - fries should be bigger than 1cm long. The desserts were very good all around. All in all, I would give the food 6/10 and would not necessarily return for it. The biggest disappointment was what happened after we ate. The restaurant was much quieter now - this was around 10pm once we paid our bill. We hadn't seen one another in a long time, and we sat there chatting. Not a single time did anyone come around to our table to refill water or coffee. Zero. During the meal, they were on us hand and foot refilling, cleaning, etc. Once the check was paid - zilch. I had to flag down someone to get a refill on my coffee. Maybe this is policy, I don't know. But after you spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars on a meal (including a generous tip), you don't expect them to shut you down immediately. This really put all of us off - and this is the main reason we won't be returning.
(2)
Sarah M.
If you're looking for an intimate quiet experience this is not the place to go to on the weekend. It is in a gorgeous building and oozes class, but the food was just ok. Nothing was outstanding, just adequate. I've eaten at several places in Paris and this place fell a bit short for me in terms of all-around experience. I went with a group of friends for our Christmas get-together and it was crowded and noisy and our table felt really cramped in the middle of the room. We could barely hear each other talk.
(2)
Katherine R.
Four stars because I went here for the 25 wines for $25 and was not able to eat a full meal here. The wine tasting was fun though, nice wine distributors that were very helpful with questions and did a good job of explaining each wine. I tried pate for the first time, not a big fan of that- but I guess it was good, but I have no idea what to compare it to or what it's supposed to taste like. The other appetizers were good; I wish I was able to go inside and have a meal here but maybe next time. This place is in a nice location and the hostesses were really friendly. Not a place for kids, but a good place for after-work cocktails or just a nice out with friends.
(4)
Jasmine L.
We have private party there on week night. We had fixed dinner menu for this event. Party coordinator arranged us for small section in the hotel lobby; it was very nice for us to have some aperitif before seating at dinner table so we were able to mingle with other party members. We loved the private room very much! It was perfect size for 28 guests. There were great selections of fix menu that satisfy both Meat lovers and vegetarian. Food came to the table everything warm and served at same time! Food portion was just perfect, I was able to finish whole course! I was not over stuffed after the meal Mussels were awesome! Onion soup was so good, super favor full. Filet minion was so tender and juicy. Three mini desserts were just perfect. Yum Yum Yum! We loved wine carts as well! I absolutely love to go back there for dinner again!
(5)
Jenna C.
I went last night with 3 golf girlfriends for a holiday get together. It was a perfect get together for us. Essentially put, I found my local French Bistro if only the service would improve. It was a first time visit for everyone. We all enjoyed out evening with the exception of our server which is why I'm willing try again with another server. Essentially, there was no service from this server. You know it is bad when you have to ask for another glass of wine, the bill, for our food to be taken away, etc. The food was enjoyable. We all three ordered a steak. I almost actually finished my entire steak which is very unusual, the frits were mouth watering and reminded of lays chips, just couldn't stop eating them. We passed on anything more out of frustration with the server.
(4)
tina m.
As a vegetarian I was pretty nervous about going to a French restaurant, but they have a wide varity so I had no problem finding something fantastic to eat. We had to wait a while for our appetizers but luckily for them I was with great company so we didn't really notice through our chatter and wine. :) BUT they noticed and apologized frequently, and got us all the dessert we wanted for free, so they made up for us without us even having to complain. THAT is good service. I love the atmosphere and the service. I'll be going back.
(4)
Dan K.
A year ago I would have given Mon Ami Gabi (Lincoln Park location) 5 stars. But, the service is no where near what it should be and the manager, Estephane is not friendly in the least when you have a complaint for him. They are also cutting corners. I am here all the time and order the shrimp cocktail at every dinner I have here. It used to be 6 shrimp. Now it's 5. And I hate to be gross about it, but the last FOUR times I have order the steak au poivre, I have a huge amount of fat to chew on or gristle and that's just gross to me. Still the best chocolate mousse and onion soup anywhere.
(3)
tr y.
We go here all of the time it is a classic and sure to have something for anyone! A perfect place for any occasion with great food. This place gets a fifth star for incredible customer service.
(5)
Eugene F.
I took my dad here for his birthday on a Saturday evening, along with my stepmother and little sister. We had a bit of a wait, even though we showed up promptly for our 6:30 reservation, so I got my dad a martini and an Oban 14 for myself. My scotch was a generous pour, and my dad remarked on how good his martini was. We were finally seated outdoors with a beautiful view of the big lawn area in front of Lincoln Park zoo. Despite being on a fairly busy street, the plexiglas panels installed in the fence kept us well insulated from the noise. I think the appetizers were the highlights of the evening. The duck confit "salad" (there wasn't much salad there, just duck, which was just fine) and the escargot were phenomenal. I'd recommend against the oysters though...I've never had oysters in Chicago before, and not unexpectedly they weren't a match for oysters I usually get in SF. We got 3 steaks and a fish dish. I don't remember which fish it was, some relative of salmon, but it was cooked just right -- barely cooked all the way through. My "rare" filet was also done just right -- still mooing on the inside, and my little sister's blue cheese steak (which I got more than half of) was also delicious, if a bit thin. The Cab Franc we got with the food was a great match as well, even though I picked that out myself...so I can't comment on their sommelier's food-matching skills. My only real gripe about the food was that the steaks were accompanied by a huge mound of (delicious!) pommes frites...it would have been nice to get some vegetables or have a choice of mashed potatoes or something different. Dessert was also quite good -- chocolate mousse, an apple tart, and creme brulee accompanied by some sort of chocolate cake with a candle in it. In the end, my dad was happily sauced and very pleased with his birthday dinner. Good job, Gabi!
(4)
Jaime N.
I went for restaurant week and the place was nice but I was disappointed with the food. I got the sweet potato soup which was kinda bland. The salmon was good but nothing special. Service was excellent. Seems like the crowd was an older crowd. Overall I was kinda disappointed.
(2)
k e.
Delicious steak frites at a really reasonable price, cute decor, attentive waitstaff - it's hard not to love this place. It's a perfect date night spot. Get a drink at the bar and sit in the lobby of the hotel while you wait for your table.
(5)
Pam T.
We went here for our anniversary a couple of weeks ago. The food was amazing, the service was fine, but not as good as it could have been. When we made the reservation on open table we let them know it was our anniversary, our hotel called ahead to tell them it was our anniversary...they did nothing "extra" for us until my husband told them it was our anniversary while I was in the bathroom. Our server told him that he hadn't been informed it until just then. That issue aside, the food was awesome. We had the shrimp cocktail and the potato and brie soup (get it with the short rib!) to start, the steak with Dijon butter and the skate, and a profiterole for dessert. (we were so full we couldn't think about eating anything else) The wine our server recommended went very nicely with both our meals. They also had roasted pumpkin seeds on our table to munch on. This is not a place for a quiet, romantic evening. The restaurant is busy, a bit crowded and pretty loud. However, if you're looking for unfussy French food..I highly recommend it.
(4)
Roland S.
A cold and windy November night is a great time for Mon Ami Gabi. It's a warm room, at least in the spiritual sense, with the right degree of closeness and noise (meaning some but not too much of either) to brighten spirits even before the food comes. The server was efficient but had a sense of fun, perfectly appropriate for the cheeky act of putting a "Parisian" bistro in a Midwestern U.S. city. I went way classic with the Steak Frites, in its Au Poivre preparation. The beef was really quite fine (something I might chauvinistically (FRENCH!) suggest we do better in the Midwest than they do in France), grass-fed, lean but still tasty. The sauce was good, too. We knocked back two bottles of wine and if I had one ding for the waiter it was that his suggestion for our first bottle was not great (even at a modest price) -- maybe he was getting some sort of spiff. The one less great note came, sadly, at the end of the meal -- no, not the bill! -- the dessert, a special of the night bread pudding, was really mediocre. Overall, though, a really good meal in a really fun place. I would go again in a minute -- and this time get the absolutely delicious-looking Beef Bourgignon that my buddy had that evening.
(4)
Carol J.
What's not to at least like about MAG? They have me on location, just a few short blocks from home, they have me with the patio in the summer, the rolling wine cart, the crisp Sancerre, the steak frittes. And don't even get me started about the butter lettuce salad that I love. I have always had great meals here. Not haute cusine, not bistro, but just right. Traditional french food served in a warm and inviting atmosphere by servers who seem to be pretty familiar with the product. Love the baugette and the amuse, nice touch. Really love the French Onion Soup, but then again, I'm a fanatic for it, just about anywhere. This is my go to place when I don't feel like driving and don't because parking is impossible and the valet sometimes gets bogged down with the hotel, but still, a great place. The wine selections by the glass are incredible and I love the little cart they bring by and let you taste away before you commit to a bottle or a glass. One of the few places that pours decent champagne by the glass as well.
(5)
Jay A.
Maybe I'm spoiled by going to a lot of avante garde French restaurants and bistros but this is the type of restaurant you would typically find in some smaller city and not in a cosmopolitan one. The setting is quite nice but the food is comme ci comme ca. I think they are trying to target an older or business crowd here.
(2)
Stacy T.
Loved this place. We came on a stormy night and were welcomed with a great wine selection and hearty filling French fare. Started off with a lovely escargot dish which was devoured with a crusty loaf of bread. Those little helix aspersa were divinely cooked in a parsley garlic butter and were so tasty. The steak frittes and lemon chicken paillard were also kick ass. Perfectly cooked with great pairing of accouterments.Come here for great food in a romantic french bistro type setting.
(5)
Bryan C.
My favorite part of french dining is tearing apart warm, crusty bread and dipping it in the leftover escargot sauce. And that's exactly how I started my meal at Mon Ami Gabi, We had late reservations on a Saturday night and were seated within 3 minutes of our arrival. The atmosphere is lovely, nothing spectacular, but comfortable and warm. The service was spectacular. The frisee and warm bacon salad was perfection. The desserts were outstanding (profiterole and coconut/chocolate sorbet). The main course (steak and frites) left a little to be desired. The surrounding dishes made up for it. The creamy pureed cauliflower was excellent, it's just that the steak was not the best cut. It was cooked just fine though. Overall, it was a bit loud and crowded, but that's too be expected of course. I've had better french dining experiences at Cyrano's, but Mon Ami Gabi was a nice change. I think the prices are what they should be and the food was good enough for me to recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a decent french meal in Lincoln Park.
(4)
Ivan S.
Great place to eat. When the economy was better I was eating here once a week. Some things are better than others, but I have never had a bad meal here. Bring back the pork shank!
(4)
Chris B.
Just got back in from taking Jacky out for her birthday -- 5/8 -- and our usual place for her: Mon Ami Gabi...don't be fooled: it's for the profiterole drenched in hot fudge with the candle on it . That's the primary allure for her. Not your usual "event" place, esp. with the esteemed Ambria across the hall, but she (and we) love it inside the venerable Belden Stratford. There is something old school about pulling up on Lincoln Park West, and the Belden Stratford has that old tv sitcom apartment building exterior (you know -- the transition music plays right after the commercial break, we pan up the exterior of the Belden Stratford, cross dissolve to the interior where Suzanne Plechette or Bob Newhart pace back and forth...). So we go inside on this beautiful evening, and the hostesses greet us warmly (thanks to my trusty OpenTable reservation), and we sit down -- I have my Grey Goose up (dry) with blue cheese stuffed olives and Jacky has a glass of champagne... ...the bread is served with whipped butter and a side of lentil salad...lobster bisque for me...Onion au Gratin for Jacky...shrimp cocktail and a belgian endive salad...Jacky has a halibut special with snap peas and edamame, I have one of the amazing steaks (a filet mignon) and frites accompanied by a glass of Chateauneuf du Pape (Beastie Boys in the house..."And like a bottle of Chateauneuf du Pape, I'm fine like wine when I start to rap..."). The profiterole comes out -- thanks to the great bistro style seating (for a Lettuce restaurant, there is no franchise feel here: I'm always impressed that it still "feels" independent), our neighbors pass warm wishes to Jacky, and she blows her candle out. Couple coffees later...we come home -- I drive the sitter home...and here I sit. Reviews are fun. :) Go to Mon Ami Gabi sometime -- it's an enjoyable night out...
(5)
Jack M.
I went to mon ami gabi, to celebrate my nephews graduation from DePaul. We went there and got valet for 12 dollars. We went inside and ordered our food but it didn't get there until 40 minutes. After getting my hanger steak and frites. I felt better because the food was very delicious. Their was too much sauce on the steaks but it was good steak otherwise. We got out of there a few minutes later and asked for our car. It took at least 15 minutes to get the car and when we got it, our side of the car was jutting out and there was a big dent in the car. We asked them about it and they denied damaging our car. Since it wasn't damaged before(of course they did it.) And since the road was closed due to construction the only cars on the road were the valet cars so there was no way the public could of damaged it. So I give it a two out of five be because the parking and service was bad but the food was good.
(2)
Nathan K.
Impressed with the spot. Had an early dinner for Father's Day here and loved it. Try the hanger steak or anything with that same wine sauce on it. OMG was it delicious. Had a slight Bulgogi flavor to it. But everything was pretty tasty and reasonably priced. Seemed like they had a nice outdoor section too that we didn't try. But it's such a pleasant location being close to the zoo. FYI... For some reason opentable had said there were no 4:30 reservations open, but the place was pretty empty at that time. I might have to plan to start calling places when opentable tells me I'm out of luck.
(4)
Bryan H.
My wife and I went there for our anniversary, it was excellent! The service was definitely 5 stars. Our server, David, did an excellent job of taking care of us. Our food came faster than any restaurant I can remember, this was kind of shocking. The fish special had great taste, and my steak was cooked perfectly. Finally a "Medium" steak with a lot of pink in the middle. We had the bread pudding and creme brule as desserts. The bread pudding was fantastic and the other just ok. 2 glasses of wine, 2 entrees, and 2 desserts = $85 + tip. Definitely make a reservation online before you go.
(5)
Kerry S.
We had an AWFUL experience at the Mon Ami in Oak Brook this summer. Bad service + bad entrees for both diners = I'm emailing the manager. He sent me a lovely email back and a $100 comp for my next visit. Well I live in Chicago, not near Oak Brook too often, so last Saturday we went to the Mon Ami on Lincoln Park West by the zoo. We had no reservation, but had been walking around the zoo all day, so we just showed up. They weren't open yet and we decided to wait in the lobby of the Belden-Stratford. Our (soon to be) server came out and offered us a drink while we waited. Really? Yes, please. He also told us they were packed with reservations but not to worry about it. (It was Thanksgiving wknd and Zoo Lights to boot.) We were seated early, kind of out of the way which was great because for some reason it was kid-central! (Probably the Zoo Lights.) We had Hendrick's martinis, oysters, butter lettuce salad, New York Strip and Beef Borginon. All delicious. Our server was John, and he was so gracious and nice through the whole experience. He made great suggestions, was timely with everything, especially considering how busy he was. We had a really lovely impromptu dinner date.
(4)
Jenna M.
I cannot stress enough what an amazing service experience I and my family had at Mon Ami Gabi last night. I am getting married on Saturday, and this was my family's special meal before the event. My parents are staying at the Belden Stratford and my dad went down to the restaurant before our reservation to see the tables and general layout of the place. He requested that we have a table further away from the front, which basically meant 1 table out of the entire restaurant. I've worked as a hostess, so I know how much these special requests, esp. for large parties (ours was 6), can mess up your plan for seating the evening. The hostesses were fantastic in dealing with my dad's request, coming over and giving us updates on the status of the table, as we had to wait about an hour for it to clear. We had drinks in the hotel's lobby while we waited, so we were very comfortable. That would have been enough to give this a high star rating, but then when we were seated, my dad was asked about any allergies in the party, so we assumed we'd be comped something (totally unnecessary in my opinion, since WE had made the special request that delayed our reservation). They proceeded to bring out basically one of every appetizer (save the pate and mousse, which we ordered). Everything was delicious, esp. the scallops and escargot. Most of us had steaks, which were all cooked perfectly. Two others had fish, the halibut special and the trout, and both were very good as well. After our table was cleared and the dessert plates set down, we were waiting and waiting, wondering where our waiter had gone. Out he comes with one of every dessert, also comped. We could not believe it. Favorites were the bread pudding, peach parfait, and pound cake. Our waiter, Don, was a consummate professional and very attentive. While the food was great, really, for special occasions, you just want to make sure that you are treated well. And I could not have asked for a better experience than the one we had at Mon Ami Gabi, the definition of going above-and-beyond.
(5)
Ariel B.
Don't let the fact that it's a Lettuce Entertain You deter you from trying it out! Mon Ami Gabi holds a special place in my heart as it's right across the street where I got married. But not only that, I've never, ever had a bad meal there. EVER. A lot of their dishes are as close to France as you can get without actually crossing the pond. I'm always pleasantly taken care of and no matter how you are dressed (I've gone in a few times not looking quite dressed for dinner) they treat you like any other special guest. Our favorite items on the menu are the filets, the skate and the escargot. Don't eat all the bread before the escargot arrives, you'll need it to lick up the garlic butter after you've eaten all the snails. The filets are always very tender and often melt in your mouth. Please don't do a disservice to the chef or the meat by ordering it other temp above medium. I'm a rare girl myself and the meat was to.die.for. For dessert we had tarte tatin (apple tart) and profiteroles. NOTE: the profiteroles are BIG and there are 3 to an order. You can ask for just one, and they'll adjust accordingly.
(5)
Alexandria C.
I have always been a fan of French food, but I seldom indulge in this cuisine because it is: A. expensive, B. difficult to pull off, and C. it's "stick to your ribs/thighs/gut" fatty. However, once in awhile it is important to treat yourself. So, I was delighted to be exposed to Mon Ami Gabi yesterday evening. We arrived about an hour early hoping to down a couple delicious glasses of mind numbing fluids into our systems to get our spirits up before the main event. The place was PACKED, and the bar (cute as a button, btw) only had about 8 seats. After we patiently waited for the geezers to drink their Kir Royales, pilsners, and decaf coffees (come ON people!) we finally sat down. The beverage menu was AWESOME, wow! Pricey, but perfect. I had my heart set on some gooooood champagne, so that is what I opted for. Three glasses later, I joyously pranced to the dinner table in a state of drunken excitement over all the yumminess (it's a word, I swear) that was supposedly about to ensue. We arrived at our table... Once we saw the cramped banquet seating, the brightly lit room, and the overwhelming number of elderly patrons in the dining room, our spirits plummeted slightly. That being said, it seemed like nothing a good meal could not take care of, correct? A few moments later our waiter arrived with a smile-less face and begrudgingly asked what we wanted. We inquired as to what was good on the menu, and he said he did not know. WHAT? Do you even EAT here? Immediately recognizing the uselessness that was our server, we just opted for some French staples. A dozen oysters to start, followed by an endive, blue cheese, a pear salad. Before our apps arrived, we were brought a delicious hot baguette in a bag (meant to be torn up by hand and dished out by hand, the old fashion way) and a lentil salad instead of the typical butter. I was stoked...until the food arrived. Everything was OK at best. For the main course, I decided on the seared scallops with whipped cauliflower and sauteed spinach, and my dining companion got the roasted chicken with mushrooms and frites. Both were 60% fabulous (no love was used in the preparation, thus the 40% strike. Plus our enthusiasm was already tainted by the bad customer service, the smell of Bengay cream in the room, and the mediocre starters. All in all, the price for the food was not too bad. French chow will usually put you back a good $150 (if you eat and drink like I do), but we managed to leave only forking over $100 (half on booze). I know this place has been known as a bit of an establishment in the city of Chicago, and so I still thoroughly believe it is worth a try. That being said, it still only gets 3 stars in my book.
(3)
Maria C.
This is certainly one of my favorite restaurants in town. We go there all the time, to celebrate birthdays, enjoy good food or simply to have a casual outdoor lunch. It has never let me down. The food is consistency and I've tried many things on the menu. My favorite is the Steak Frite with Rocquefort but I also like the Mussels, the Salmon and the Butter Lettuce Salad with Gruyere Cheese. To die for. Last time our waiter was phenomenal. Fun and efficient.
(5)
Corinne M.
Mon Ami Gabi is cute, classy and in a nice and peaceful location at the edges of Lincoln Park. My friends and I all got a variation of the Steak Frittes. I had the Roquefort, (blue cheese indulgence). The frittes were very tasty and addicting. The Roquefort was a also very good. One of the reasons that I am only giving three stars is because there were a LOT of steak and frittes. If I had more self restraint, the mountain of frittes would not have been a problem. I also had a yummy and vodka heavy French Martini. I think Mon Ami Gabi is a great restaurant, yet I am reluctant to give the 4 stars. I think it was a mix of frittes overindulgence and the price was a little on the high side and I think that there are slightly better restaurants in this price bracket.
(3)
Stacy M.
I love this place...great atmosphere, great food, great wine....
(5)
Katie H.
Since my original visit I've been back a few times. The steak with merlot butter is still fantastic and service as still great. But they took away one of my favorite things - the steamed artichoke with aoli dipping sauce - and have no plans to bring it back. Sad.
(4)
Caroline A.
I usually prefer little bistros when dining French, but really enjoy this restaurant. The service is GREAT, and the food is wonderful. I had their salmon salad. Not sure what kind of dressing they used, but it was SO good. My friend had the steak, which was fantastic! and I agree... pomme frites are drool worthy!
(4)
Mark F.
I've eaten here four times before and had mixed experiences (tend to enjoy the food but the seating can be very close together and I've been seated in places where waiters bump against me every few minutes--and it's not like I'm whale sized or anything). Anyhow, tonight's experience was good. We got seated near the bar area and didn't feel too cramped. We started with Nutty Russian cocktails--nice, but not great. We shared some scallops (nicely presented and delicious). For my main I had the chicken and frites (both of which were great). My girlfriend had the steak frites (which she always likes). For desert we had profiteroles (one of the more inspired desert creations!). The service was attentive and helpful.
(4)
Ro A.
I had a gift card for Lettuce Entertain You and decided to try this place out. The food is excellent, but our service stunk. Also, this is the kind of restaurant that has tables really close to each other, so it is not a very intimate setting for a date. I really hate sitting on top of the table next to me.
(2)
Lisa P.
One of the best resturants in Chicago. Everytime I come to town it is my go to place. The managers are fantastic and pay attention to detail. The bartenders are always friendly. From the manhattan to the fresh fish or steak. It is the best. I never walk away saying " Wow, I could have made this at home."
(5)
D. R.
It's not that classic and it's not that French. The oysters were off. The shrimp cocktail was watery. And the pork shank was off key, and fatty. The service was kind and professional. But they, sadly, can't change what they bring out of the kitchen.
Try ordering: 1. Cheese plate, skate wing with side of green beans, creme brulee, and a bottle of Chateauneuf du Pape, or 2. Cheese plate, steak with cheese melted on it, side of beans, flourless chocolate cake and a bottle of Chateauneuf du Pape. You will be pleased.
(5)
Hannah B.
I have to admit that I was slightly shocked by the prices at Mon Ami. Normally when I go out for steak and seafood (or anything French!) I'm expecting to pay at least $30 for an entree. Having said that, I will add that in my opinion the food lived up to it's lower prices. I really enjoyed the salads we ordered as they were fresh and beautifully plated. My Dijon-"crusted" salmon was very disappointing. There was nothing crusted about it! What the dish had was a soggy breading with little flavor on top of a piece of fish whose freshness I was having doubts about. My boyfriend's steak was delicious with Merlot butter, I would definitely order that the next time. As for the frites, they were nothing special. I would take the Hopleaf frites over Mon Ami Gabi any day. I will come back to Mon Ami if I am in the mood for a steak and don't want to pay a fortune. However, if I happen to have just received my paycheck you can find me at Wildfire!
(3)
Annie S.
My boyfriend is french so I took him here last summer. We really loved this place. I was curious to see if he thought it was really a french restaurant and he said it was pretty authentic! We both had steaks with those small fries (pomme frittes) and wine. Very delicious. There is outdoor seating and the place is pretty big. The waiters are friendly. This is a GREAT date place!!
(4)
Michelle L.
I first attended this restaurant's Vegas location and was really impressed. A few months later, I ventured to this Lettuce Chicago location and was equally satisfied by their menu and service. I believe this is the BEST filet I have ever had! They cook it just right (medium well). And the fresh baked bread is amazing! The prices are pretty reasonable...regular Lettuce restaurant price range. I suggest making reservations and, during the summer weather, get seating outdoors. It's a great establishment, perfect for a date night, in Lincoln Park!
(5)
Scott B.
I'm not sure who Gabi is but I definitely would be her friend. A friend of mine lives in the Belden-Stratford and planned for several of us to meet here for dinner. We had an amazing evening. It started with cocktails at 6 pm. Because I needed something stiff (please get your mind out of the gutter), I ordered a Ketel One vodka gimlet. The bartender must be a part-time mind reader because this drink was so stiff it literally put hair on my back. The bar area is a tad bit small so we took our drinks to the lobby for a nice conversation. After about 30 minutes of conversation we were ready to make our way to our table. The restaurant is quaint and cozy. It really does remind you of a Parisian cafe. It is dimly lit which sets a romantic tone. I made a mental note of this in the event that I ever do go on a date. The food was delicious from start to end. For appetizers a couple of people at the table had salads which looked amazing. A couple of people had the porcini soup which they raved about. A couple of people opted for more drinks as their appetizer and I ordered the escargot which I haven't had since the last time I actually was in Paris. The escargot was good. It didn't knock me off my chair or make my eyes roll back in my head but it was good. For our entrees, the majority of the people at the table ordered the special: lamb chops. The lamb was UNBELIEVABLE! It was tender and flavored with the perfect amount of rosemary. I literally wanted to pick up the bones to get every piece of meat but I heard my mother in my head saying "I raised you better than that...please don't, Scott...you are in public". The lamb chops came with a side of potatoes that were prepared in a sauce that made me clean my plate. For dessert (that's right, we weren't done yet), I ordered the creme brulee which was decent. Truthfully, I've had better but it was good. A friend at the table ordered the bananas foster but was disappointed when the bananas weren't warm or even caramelized. She did send it back and asked for the white chocolate bread pudding which she said was excellent. I guess it was because she ate every bite. All in all, Mon Ami Gabi was a wonderful dining experience and I left wondering why I had not been to this restaurant before. No worries though because I definitely will be returning.
(4)
Matthew A.
I was expecting a snooty expensive place. What I got was a charming moderately priced experience. My wife and I had dinner at 7 on a Wednesday. The place was busy but not packed. I could see how it would take a while to get a table on a Fri or Sat night as the place is not very big. Their wine list has a handful of good French choices, and they have about 10 wines you can get by the glass. They have a daily meat special as well as a fish special which we both had. I had the Wed night veal special, which was pretty good, but not the best I veal I have ever had. It came with a big slice of "macaroni casserole" I would call it, but it was probably the best macaroni casserole I had ever had. My wife had the salmon special, which she decided was the best salmon she had ever had. They have a set of steaks done in different ways, each about $30 or less, which I was surprised to see as the same dishes at a steakhouse would be $40-50 or more. Our experience was very good. I would love to go back in the summer and have dinner on the patio!
(4)
James H.
One further review and another visit I can report that the food is still great (it better be for the halibut special was a bit pricey); but the seating left a lot to be desired, first I was bounced from the back so we slid the table a bit. Then when my neighbor continued to bump (he was very fidgety) I moved to the opposite side of the table, but there was another table ON TOP of us. The seating is close enough that you often have to touch someone you'd rather not (the Hostess was "sorry" - well I am too). The food almost makes up for the aggravation and while I'm not into steak that's okay because their fish is great. I had the fish and frites which was excellent (I had previously ordered the Skate - also good). My friends had Salmon and Scallops and both were great. The service was superb (Thanks Annie Lennox!).
(3)
Maria R.
UPDATE: Another trip to Mon Ami, and yes it is still wonderful. Make sure to make reservations as we were promptly escorted in pass the others guests that were walk-ins. Our waiter Michael was alittle squirrely, and wasn't especially attentive, but we weren't in a rush, so it was ok. The Skatewing Limon was outstanding, however I don't love having it with homemade onion potato chips. Our fruit crumb dessert with vanilla ice cream was a perfect ending. PS I never saw so many waiters and busboys coming out of one kitchen door without a single mishap. That was a show in itself! OLD STORY: We're on the "walk to restaurants only" kick now and luckily Mon Ami Gabi is within a couple of blocks. Outstanding service and food - steak frites and the skatewing are standouts. My husband travels to Europe very frequently and really loves the food here. We had the pleasure of dining al fresco in Vegas at Mon Ami, and it was equally as good. I prefer eating indoors here for some reason, I guess it's the warm wood and subtle lighting. Excellent wine selection and the creme brulee was yummy.
(4)
Mike H.
This is a fantastic place with amazing food. We have been several times and their food - from appetizers through dessert - is fantastic. It is usually busy and I highly recommend reservations. As for recommendations, try the escargot appetizer for sure - so buttery and delicious! The steak frites can't be beat (have tried both the steak rouquefort and the steak dijon). The bananas foster dessert is also fantastic. During the summer, try to sit outside. It's a gorgeous setting.
(5)
Grace L.
A decent French place for very reasonable prices. Steaks and fish are all around twenty bucks. We had the mussels to start out and the broth is bread soakably good. Our table had the halibut, salmon, lemon chicken, hangar steak and steak classique. Out of the five, the salmon and the hangar steak were our favorites. I found the steak classique a very bad pounded cut of beef. It was hard to cut into and chewy. The hangar steak was much more flavorful. With the steaks, there is a mountain of potato frites. For the price and location, it's a great place across the Lincoln Park Conservatory and zoo. Service was a little stand off-ish and I do wish they were more helpful and welcoming. If you like ice cream, any dessert with the ice cream is pleasant, we had the profiteroles and was a great ending to our meal.
(4)
A B.
Finally checked this place out after hearing a lot of people rant and rave. For appetizer my husband and I ordered the Oysters and he had French Onion soup. Both were good, I mean raw Oysters are just that, so doesn't take much talent to prepare. For dinner I decided to eat light and ordered the Ahi Tuna salad, the Tuna could have been better I wasn't impressed. The reason I gave the restaurant three stars is because of the filet that my husband ordered. The meat was prepared perfectly with a red wine reduction and we ordered a side of Garlic Spinach. For dessert we had Creme Brulee and coffee. I would highly recommend ordering the filet, I should have ordered it but I was trying to order healthy.....which I won't do again!
(3)
Erin C.
I really hate to love a Lettuce restaurant, but I really do love mon ami gabi. I love sitting outside in the summer gazing at Lincoln park and enjoying a good bottle of wine. Every time I go here, I am never disappointed. Their steak frites is absolute heaven; always perfectly cooked and seasoned. Also, they have several different versions of the steak frites to try, rather than just the original. I had the skate special once before too and it was perfectly juicy and tender served with some lemony veggies and nice potatoes. Yum! The atmosphere is a little more fancy than your typical French bistro with its dark wood and low lighting. The staff is very genial and gives excellent recommendations. For dessert, try the profiteroles. How could you not love flaky pastry, ice cream and a rich chocolate sauce?
(4)
Alexzandra A.
I have had better French food, but I really had a lovely time here. The oysters were devine as well as the martini and mojito I had. I thought my steak (blue cheese) was fabulous, but I would rather have a more inventive side then frites. I went here with a group of people and was able to try at leat 4 different desserts and they were all heavenly. The chocolate mouse was HUGE and delicious while the flourless cake was the best I'd ever had. It may be pricey, but the atmosphere and food is worth it, if only once.
(4)
Art K.
We had a reservation for 745pm on a Saturday evening. Even though we arrived early, we were immediately whisked to our table, a great semi-private booth in the back corner of the restaurant. We enjoyed the Scallops in cream sauce as our appetizer (WOW every time), the Merlot Butter Steak (WOW every time), and a terriffic salad to start. Overall very good, except the steak was slightly cold, and the martini my wife ordered (french cosmo) was almost bitter. The Louis Latour Pinot Noir is always a good place to start. We go here a few times a year between this and the location in Las Vegas and always walk away with a 4+ rating!
(4)
Monika M.
i went here for my birthday on a snowy sunday night. Not too crowded, although we had a 5oclock reservation.. Atmosphere nice and expected for a french bistro. Well staffed and very unprentious. I had the roasted chicken and frites. Frites portion was giving. I ate the whole chicken. Skin perfectly crispy. Husband had the Cassolet. It was great and leftovers were good too. Dessert was insanely good! Vanilla filled crepe with caramel and bananas! Yum!Overall had a wonderful meal and would like to go back and try something different. Maybe when its a bit warmer and I don't have to drudge through the snow..
(3)
Shaun K.
A replica of a turn-of-the-century bar and slim wooden furniture give this popular Lincoln Park bistro a patently Parisian vibe. Classic menu items such as a rustic country pate with whole grain mustard and succulent, buttery escargots reinforce that mood. For entrees, opt for the specialty: steaks with Dijon mustard butter sauce or a wine reduction with caramelized onions. All beef comes with thin, crispy frites.
(4)
Alexis S.
Love! You must order: -French Onion Soup (if you ask to split it with your date, they will give you 2 crocks) -The pate -Any of the Steak Frites -The Roast Chicken -Whipped Caulliflower MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!
(5)
Erin J.
First of all Mon Ami Gabi is fun to say... but you won't be saying too much after you sit down expect for uh uh uh oui oui oui... Bon Appetite! This French bistro serves amazing food and within a fun atmosphere! If you have a beret a.) feel lucky that you can pull it off and b.) wear it! The interior of the restaurant is positively French. The waiter will start you off with a fresh, warm baguette to nibble on. As a carb professional I would have to give the bread and butter a 5 as well! Mon Ami Gabi is known for having a great selection of wines so ask what they recommend. If you are one to impress this is the place to be a wine snob. They bring around a wine cart to choose from. The food is a little pricy. Whoever invented a la carte is a la stupid! I think it was the French. Regardless, throw your budgets away and go for the steak & frites. All of the steaks are amazing. The soups are thick and creamy. I highly recommend the mashed cauliflower as a side. If mashed cauliflower is healthy this one definitely fooled me. Um Um Um! I got carried away with the baguette and wine so I was not allowed to stay for dessert, but I dare to guess that the French desserts are exquisite. This would be a great place for dessert and coffee with your great aunt or political conversations with your opinionated friends. Girls, feel free to wear that dressy scarf around your shoulders and bright red lipstick. Parking is valet or I would try to find a meter one street over. Oui! Mon Ami Gabi - translation - My Friend Gabi. Well, Gabi is now a friend of mine!
(5)
Miguel g.
Great food and service. Used to be our date night with my wife, but now that our kids are older it is a family favorite. They have tasty options for all!
(5)
Melissa H.
This was my first french restaurant experience and I was pretty impressed. Its definitely a romantic restaurant. The food was great and so was the service. Its not too french but just french enough. I'd recommend MAG to anyone who is intimidated by french cuisine.
(4)
Amanda T.
I remember way back, when I was a wee lass in fifth grade, the teacher made us kids give a presentation on our favorite thing to eat. And my presentation was was on French onion soup, specifically from Mon Ami Gabi. Now, many many years later, it's still one of my favorites. I never really remember what I get as an actual entree when I go, because the onion soup eclipses everything else. The frites and, as simple as it sounds, even the bread are amazing. It's no Les Nomades, but nevertheless, c'est magnifique!
(4)
Heather K.
Bonjour, mon petit bureau de change! Just wanted to share my thoughts on a lovely dinner that I recently shared with my family at Mon Ami Gabi. As I tend to do when faced with the prospect of food I don't have to pay for, I went a bit overboard. Started with the onion soup which came in a gigantic crock...I think it weighed about 2 pounds. Really tasty, and was more on the sweet side than on the beefy side. I've had, you know, "real" onion soup and I must say that the Gabi version definitely held its own. Side note, if anyone is really into onion soup and likes reading blogs, go to theonionsoup.com , it's quite...informative. On the complete opposite end of the first course spectrum, my mother had a light and healthy butter lettuce salad with shaved veggies and a citrus dressing. I stole a bite and sort of wished I had gone the salad route instead. At this time in my review-writing, I am also realizing that I left out the part where I ate half a baguette before my soup even hit the table. Time for entrees and I was already completely stuffed. But, it was my mom's birthday and I needed to stay strong. Therefore I devoured a filet mignon like nobody's business. Giant portion, perfectly cooked, though I wasn't crazy about the merlot butter it came with. (Should I really be adding butter to a steak?) The other wine sauce was good though. The pommes frites were thin, crispy and in abundance. Between THREE PEOPLE eating off my plate we were still unable to finish them off. Other family members enjoyed the scallops, roast chicken, pork tenderloin and vegetarian sampler. And don't forget about dessert... a complimentary birthday profiterole for my mother (good), creme brulee (better) and flourless chocolate cake (best). My regrets of the evening were: - not sharing the bowl of onion soup w/ my sister - only eating a single piece of lettuce - only eating 3 green beans I definitely had to sleep that meal off. I'll plan things out a bit healthier next time. Great service though and lovely location inside the Belden-Stratford Hotel. And I think it's better than Marche(?!) Well, until next time.. foux de fa fa! Au revoir!
(4)
Susan L.
overrated, overdone, overpriced French food. Go there only if you have a LettuceEntertainYou gift certificate--better yet, if you've got one of those, go to a different restaurant.
(1)
Megan D.
Delicious food and wonderful atmosphere! The only problem we had was the service. Our waiter was rude and seemed to be annoyed that he had to serve us. We ordered coffee and were enjoying it except our waiter clearly wanted us to leave. He and the manager kept looking over at us and the waiter was pacing back and forth by our table. We are sensitive to taking up a table when a restaurant is busy but there were two empty tables by us! The busser was excellent - very nice man but the waiter was even rude to him. Very good food, very good atmosphere. I think there's just one bad egg on the waitstaff.
(3)
Masha C.
Expensive, but hands down best steak I've ever had! Perfect place for special occasions!!
(4)
Lesley G.
This place is super good. I have been there a few times and have never been disappointed. The steaks are some of their specialties. Last time I went I had the salmon, which was also great. Everything is just perfectly cooked. It's not cheap, but you get what you paid for.
(4)
Psusennes R.
Searching for refuge from the summer rain, we found Mon Ami Gabi. The adorable restaurant shares space with a high end apartment and L20. The service is so smooth and fantastic... like clock work! Complimentary bread & butter, the chef also included a sample of their orzo special of the day. We started our meal with a pretty standard green salad and a delicious and creative cold red pepper soup. Entrees ordered was steak & frittes and scallops with mushrooms and asparagus. I just typed all that out and started drooling. It was all very delicious. The steak may have been tendarized and grilled to perfection. Not normally a fan of sauce, the sauce that accompanied the steak was fabulous. It was a cream sauce seasoned with tarragon. We ended dinner with ice cream over a berry crumble and cappucino. Happiness! With four drinks, our bill came out to 90$. Locals visit this place and yes, many of its visitors are older (over 30) and well to do. Also, they have a wine cart (most wines from France). I will return!
(4)
Don W.
Went here several times while in Chicago, and my wife, who's a French native, was CRAZY about it. I particularly like the whipped veges (forgot what it's called, but a califlower-based pate), profiteroles, and macaroni au gratin. The mac is baked and uses several real cheeses that I'm certain were shredded on site that day. Probably the best mac I've ever had. The meats are good, but I don't care for the ultra-thin, ultra-crispy fries (and neither does my wife). You know how sometimes at McDonald's you get a couple burned-to-a-crisp fries that were stuck in the deep fryer for a while - they serve a whole plate of those here like it's a good thing. I also was not wowed by their chocolate mousse. Regardless, the food is very good overall, and the service is always particularly excellent and professional. It's definitely a pricey joint though, so if you're not on your work's tab like I was, be weary of $60+ checks for two.
(4)
Hana K.
I love French cuisine and this place does a pretty good job at doing French compared to a lot of other places. I loved their Coq Au Vin and steak frites. The frites were nice, thin and crispy, the way they should be and the chicken for their Coq Au Vin was perfectly cooked. I would recommend getting reservations here because it gets very crowded, if you are not familiar with the area you most likely will end up passing it because it is part of another building, and sometimes walking around in there can get tight.
(4)
Tiffany L.
Went with a friend last year and the food was excellent. We went in the fall so they had an amazing pumpkin spread for their bread. It was hard to stop eating that. We both ordered a halibut dish and it was so fresh and cooked perfected. The price is about right for what you get. great service, mellow atmosphere, wonderful food...I now want to try the one in oak brook since this was such a great experience!
(5)
Andrew P.
I thought Mon Ami Gabi to be one of the most overrated dining establishments I have ever found. The Beldon is a pretty place to wander around before the meal, but the dining experience was not satisfying at all. We had a reservation for 8pm on a Friday night. We were not seated until 9pm. I understand things get backed up (especially on a weekend), but what's the point in even making a reservation if you are going to be seated in whatever order you show up in anyways? The menu: I did not like the bread (it felt and tasted like it had been sitting out for a week), but the butter was great. The lobster bisque was the most salty and fishy bisque I have ever had. The bisque was a terrible, terrible way to start off the meal. I enjoyed the frites. They were tasty. Then again, they are french fries. Sonic and McDonald's can do that. My steak was cooked correctly, but the flavor left me wondering why someone would ruin a nice piece of meat with that much seasoning. The Service: The water service was great. My water glass rarely got below 1/2 full before being refilled. The waiter showed up only 10 or 15 minutes after we sat there looking annoyed because we couldn't find him. Even sending the water fillers to find our server was a chore. He sucked. I thought that the menu was overpriced for the quality of food we received. All in all, I would not recommend Mon Ami Gabi to anyone looking for a nice night out. Maybe it was because it was a weekend, maybe not. Either way, i don't think there is any excuse for this meal being so all around dissatisfying. The service was terrible, the food overseasoned, overpriced, and underwhelming. The quality of the meal left a lot to be desired...
(1)
James L.
This place was definitely worth it. I came here after having a fabulous dinner at the location in Las Vegas. The one in Vegas is located in Paris hotel right across from the Bellagio Fountains. I was hoping this location would be just as good and it sure was. I had the New York Strip which was juicy and tender. Also tried the sirloin which was just as good. Both dishes were around $20. I don't exactly remember the size in ounces but it was definitely enough to fill me. Atmosphere is great and price is very reasonable compared to comparable restaurants with similar quality steak. Their frites (aka french fried) are one of a kind. Very delicious. Outdoor seating is available and is perfect when its not too hot or cold.
(4)
Mindy V.
Everything is so solid and good here. Always perfectly cooked, excellent appetizers..... I had the Steak Roquefort... so good with the blue cheese sauce. Its nice and cozy and always good.
(4)
Stephanie H.
I dined at Mon Ami Gabi for the first time a couple of Friday's ago. It was a late dinner, arriving close to 10:30....we were the last people2 in the restaurant...our service and food were fair, I believe mostly due to our poor timing. We ordered steaks, that came out luke warm.... I would like to visit again, at a more 'normal' dining hour...in hopes of having a better overall dining experience, and increase the star count.
(3)
J T.
Mon Ami isn't my first choice for bistro food in Chicago but it's certainly one I won't turn away. There are always a couple of hits and misses, but for the most part, I'm always satisfied at the end of the meal and always return.
(3)
Lizzy G.
I wish I had gone to this restaurant much sooner! It was tres yummy (That was lame, sorry Yelp.). The restaurant is smaller than I expected but it is so adorable. I love the art deco appeal of the entire place. I was thrown by the entrance being off to your immediate left when you enter the Belden Stratford, but it seems typical of restaurants in buildings of that era (i.e. Pump Room, etc). The cutsie W.C. sign illuminating the corridor to the restrooms was great as well. I wonder how many people ask what the WC stands for! We were seated in the very front of the restaurant, in front of the bar. It was very nice, the corner table, so my boyfriend and I were both able to enjoy the corner booth running the front wall. I maybe would have preferred to be seated behind the bar (next time) to avoid the ins and outs at the host stand and bar, but it's a smaller place, so noise is inevitable. And the table was still cozy and lovely for the two of us. The food was delicious. I think you could go for appetizers and drinks and leave stuffed! (The table to our right did just that) The duck confit my boyfriend had was a full duck leg on a healthy portion of lentils and pearl onions. I had the butternut squash soup with creme fraiche and scallion and it was delicious! I have to admit I love the new trend of serving soups table side from different kinds of serving vessels. It's cute, interactive, memorable and still relatively unique. We chose right by avoiding salads because the steak frites bernaise my boyfriend got came on the most enormous of dishes! The pile of steak frites was too much for the both of us! Oh goodness, and the bernaise sauce that came with the steak was so yummy (I am a vegetarian but still eat egg product). Delectable with the pile of steak frites! I went with the vegetarian sampling and while everything on my plate was very tasty I felt they could have done more. It was basically a side of mashed cauliflower, asparagus, green beans and lentils. Good, but not what I expected. There are a number of vegetarian side dishes to choose from and if I had known four would be on the plate I would have asked if I could chose. Having no main starch was a little different ( no au gratin potatoes or macaroni gratin? I feel like I missed out. This is expected I suppose, in a french bistro, but I made out like a bandit in Paris for weeks and have had more options at different spots around Chicago, so I maybe if they felt they had clientele they could do a little more with the menu? Nothing is better than a French restaurant with vegetarian options! I swear it would sell! Overall, I think I could have ordered better but my boyfriend ate enough food for days! Everything was delicious and I would go back to enjoy lunch outside on the patio, have drinks and appetizers or maybe try and correct my ordering mishaps. Either way, if you like steak frites, give Mon Ami Gabi a try! The meat (according to the bf) is tender and delicious, and the sauces from the dozen styles in which you can order steak frites all sound delicious so I don't think anyone could go wrong!!
(4)
Kelly D.
I could live here. The atmosphere is so elegant and beautiful. it's like going back into the 20's or 30's. Everything that I have had here is so yummy. Especially the steak frites. Worth every penny. It's inside the Belden-Stratford Hotel which is beautiful itself. The outdoor seating is lovely too in the summer. The wait staff are very friendly and attentive.
(5)
gabriella m.
Delicoius steak frites, fast service and a walk in the park is only steps away. Wonderful for a date night.
(5)
Yvette B.
I have had nothing but wonderful experiences at Mon Ami Gabi. The only drawback is they are usually a little late seating for reservation time, but in my opinion, well worth the wait. I have never been disappointed with any of the dishes that we have ordered. Last visit had mussels appetizer...DELICIOUS. Escargot...DELICIOUS. And a cheesy scallop appetizer...need I say it.?..DELICIOUS. Our server was outstanding. My friend ordered the roquefort steak option and what the backwaiter brought out from the kitchen was a different steak from the menu...the waiter immediately noticed my friend did not receive the right dish. I know you might say, well of course he would notice, but you would be surprised at how many restaurants I have dined at where the main server themselves bring out the wrong dish or come to your table to see how things are and still don't notice that there is anything wrong with your order. He immediately asked to rectify the situation...we told him no worries, my friend was going to keep the original item brought out. The server was kind enough to get some roquefort "sauce" in a gravy boat for my friend to enjoy as he liked to top his steak. He also comped a couple of glasses of wine. Along with that throughout the entire meal our waiter was attentive, friendly and just awesome. I would totally ask for him to wait on us again. I can't wait for summer for the outdoor patio to open. Oh, and I had a tuna steak served atop a portobello mushroom and it was nothing less than absolutely delicious. The only bummer is I think it was a special, which means I will have to get lucky having that again.
(5)
Brandon H.
The food and service is outstanding. The scheduling and organization for reservations is sub-par. I understand this is a popular spot, but waiting 20-30 minutes past a reservation time made weeks before hand is unacceptable. Regardless of the operations, the food.. from the appetizers (we had the scallops and escargot) to the entree (filet w/ butter and red wine reduction) to the desert (Creme Brule) was outstanding. Even the bartender (after waiting 10 minutes to work ourselves is to a position to order drinks) was helpful. This place is a fantastic restaurant, and is just missing the organization to reach perfection. On a busy night, expect mayhem. On an off night, this may be the perfect quiet spot.
(4)
Stephanie P.
We were on vacation in Chicago in July and heard about Mon Ami Gabi from the concierge at the Four Seasons hotel. All of their other recommendations proved to be great, so off we went with our 2 young children. We enjoyed the whole experience from the warm baguette, nice wine list to the steak frites-Meat so tasty and fries very thin and crunchy. It was a very busy Thursday night, very crowded but our server kept things flowing despite the 3 very large parties seated near us that he was taking care of. We enjoyed a great meal as a family and our kids enjoyed the food, esp the frites! Would love to go back again when we visit the wonderful city of Chicago next time.
(4)
Alissa B.
First off, this place has the BEST French Martinis...delicious. I came here for the first time one winter night and was so impressed. Their wine selection is amazing, the ambiance is excellent and their pork shank is to die for. I have always gotten great service and recommend this place to anyone and everyone who will listen.
(5)
Amber B.
Well, this is my first trip to Chicago, and not only am I impressed with the city, but also the hotel I found and the amazing restaurant located inside. That of course being Mon Ami Gabi at the Belden Stratford Hotel. I am extremely impressed with the service, the food, and the entire experience dining here. When my mother and I first entered the intimately sized dining area, we realized that reservations for a Saturday night would have been a good idea. With less than a two minuet wait, however, we were seated at the bar where we received better service than many of those dining at tables. The bar tender was quick to take our drink orders and even offer us regular menus, he was attentive, remembered all of the dinner specials without missing a beat, and never once treated us like we were in the way for ordering food at the bar. The wine selection was good, as was the assortment of appetizers, which is what we were there for. I had the english pea soup with tomato and leeks and the escargots, and my mother had the butternut squash soup and the salmon salad. The soups were heavenly. The pea soup tasted like summer and eating homegrown peas off the vine in my grandmothers backyard. The escargots was amazing too (although this was my first try). My moms salad came out with seared tuna instead of salmon, it was very tasty but a bit over salted. Her meal was on the house due to the mix-up, we didn't even have to ask to complain! The meal was served with a fresh, warm baguette and garbanzo bean and lemon spread that was delicious. We also had to try the black currant sorbet, which was sweet, tart, and very refreshing. Overall the experience we had at Mon Ami Gabi was great. I would definately go again if I make it to Chicago in the future. We made sure to stop on the way out to commend the manager and thank him for a lovely evening.
(5)
Michelle J.
Mon Ami Gabi has been one of my favorite french places as long as I can remember! The roasted chicken, pom frites, profiteroles, wine, salad, soup, skate, mashed potatoes, steak and herb butter are ALL TO DIE FOR!! Every family occasion we go to Mon Ami. My aunt even had her wedding there! It has become a family tradition and no where else compares to the amount of customer service and satisfaction I feel when I visit time after time!
(5)
tricia l.
I was there last night--and have been there many times before--and I just have to write a RAVE REPORT about our waiter DAVID!!! I don't think I have ever had such good, fun, perfect, perfect service anywhere. I am going to ask for him every time I make a rez at Mon Ami. I told him last night that I was going to write him up big and so am doing just that. He is worth his weight in gold.
(5)
heather d.
im a big fan of mon ami gabi. the food is great, huge portions and a great value. We were there the other night had, 2 drinks, 2 steak frites, a salad, an app and a dessert and our bill was less than $100 and was delicious!!!! im hungry just thinking about it!!
(4)
Jennie C.
I don't think I'll return here ever. It took well over half an hour just to get my salad before my main course. I think the waiter forgot about us, which is cool just let me know you finally remembered. When he was around he was attentive and friendly. My Caesar salad was just too fishy. I know anchovies are used in the dressing, but it was overpowering. I didn't understand my salmon served on a bed of cooked cabbage. And sorbet for dessert still had a fishy taste. I ended up home and sick for the night. I believe partly from the food and partly from the bad date I was on. I also was not a fan of being sat so close to another patron that she consistently felt the urge to keep moving her purse closer to her and keeping her hand on it like i was just waiting to grab it and go. I don't think I give off a thug impression, maybe I have more street cred than I thought? Also when sitting that close it made it hard for her to get up to leave the table without knocking about her table and my table and I did get a great flash of a thong in my face. That might have also contributed to my ill feelings.
(1)
Amy L.
My sister used to live in this building and hostess there, so we'd always go when I came in town. It's fabulous and so are all the other Lettuce Entertain You places as well. Right across from the zoo. It's in a great location in Lincoln Park. Portions are a good size and the food is delish :) And they have the best desserts..so save some room!
(4)
Morgan B.
This place is really good. I went there for my birthday. It is a fun atmopshere!!!
(4)
EJ F.
Great place for steak and frites. Not the best French cuisine in the world but for the price and the quality it's a great place. I've always gotten the traditional steak with frites so I can't comment on other menu items but it all looks good.
(4)
Jill and Ying J.
Steak frites..... steak frites.....STEAK FRITES. And warm soft bread. That's really all we remember from this meal (went a few years ago), and all you will likely remember as well. The steaks are good, served with 6 or 7 different sauces, but they are not nearly as memorable or 5-star worthy as the MASSIVE serving of authentic French style frites (fries) that come with it. These are definitely not your regular McD's style "Freedom Fries." Fried to a crisp, thin as a chip, small as a paperclip, the frites are crunchy and exceedingly addictive. No wonder they give you such a massive serving. *hint* smear some of the delicious sauce with the frites and the flavors explode even more in your mouth. As any great reproduction of a French bistro, each meal starts off with a warm, fresh, crunchy-on-the-outside-soft-on-the-inside baguette butter. The wine selection is massive, and the decor softly whispers romantic date. A must-eat to woo your significant other.
(4)
Kerry D.
It's a great space, nice decor, WONDERFUL service- but the food was not what I was expecting. Three of us sent the onion soup back (which I love almost everywhere) and the main courses were fine- but from the other reviews and word of mouth- I was hoping for a lot more. I'm going to stick w/ Kiki's and Bouchon for my bistro fare from now on.
(3)
scot o.
for a chain, this place is one of our favorites. fun frenchy atmosphere. good food and drinks in the beautiful and elegant belden-stratford hotel. cap of the evening at L20 for a cordial or dessert and go for a walk past the conservatory. you can do no wrong. make reservations or go later.
(5)
Anna B.
Go to Mon Ami for the cozy romantic atmosphere and the friendly bar- and waitstaff. The food is good, but Brasserie Jo's is better.
(4)
Marissa D.
every time i come to mon ami i like it more and more. such a wonderful atmosphere, and service is excellent. their maison (house) salad is excellent. fresh greens with goat cheese. perfect. i always order one of their steak frites. it's so nice that they have variations on it, so you can get a dijon one or a bourdelaise (my favorite), etc. and the frites - different from most frites, and SO good! let's talk about dessert. everything is good, but the bananas fosters crepe is the best thing i have ever put in my mouth. it comes in a giant plate of homemade caramel and i can't get enough. i want to bathe in that caramel. moving on.........here's a tip - bring your own wine. sure, there's a corkage, but it's always a savings to bring wine to a place that will let you! in conclusion, if you want great french food at a moderate price, go HERE!
(4)
KM I.
Warm french baguette, bacon and poached egg frisee salad, pomme frites with aioli while sitting outside the Belden Stratford....done
(5)
Rory G.
Why is it that in this country you can have OK French food, call the place a Bistro,charge outrageous prices and be pretentious. This place goes against all that true foodies stand for, those of us that search for the shining hidden gem. A bistro in France is a little joint on the corner feeding people who can't make it home to eat, usually a simple menu of half chicken or steak with fries or mussels. The fare is usually cheap, filling and the quality is phenomenal. The chefs know what they do and they do it well, hence the small menu. Here, the chefs have to try to make a monumental menu of items and the food turns out mediocre at best. If you want to impress you date with your high-school french and how you think snails are cool, pay for your meals as if it were priced in Euros, then this is the place. Mais si tu veux trouver un meilleure resto pour la nourriture Francaise, tu iras autre part. Enough said
(3)
jared s.
dont need to say much here outside of AMAZING...
(5)
Brenda V.
Great experience, the hostess honored our reservation without delay, they offer great wine selections and the food was fresh, nicely prepared, at the proper temperature and good sized portions. Service was courteous and professional without being overbearing. This place is very romantic in the evening.
(5)
Linda D.
Having once worked in this restaurant in the legendary Belden Stratford in Lincoln Park West with my jazz group when it was a night club (can't remember what it was called.....Boombala or something), I was interested in finding out what kind of restaurant it had become. To my utter delight, it was French, very casual, and a little on the Provincial side. The food was outstanding, the wait staff courteous and attentive and the prices far below what I have paid in the past for food half as good. I was with my son, daughter-in-law and young grandson, and they had been to another French restaurant and weren't prepared to enjoy this one nearly as much. They were delighted with everything and left saying they had found their new favorite restaurant. No sense mentioning what we ate because everything was prepared perfectly and we enjoyed every morsel.
(5)
Billy B.
Absolutely fantastic! Me and my family went there recently and there is not one bad thing I can say about it. I've been there many times as I live in the neighborhood but have never written a review. To start they have a phenomenal wine list. We ordered a Sauvignon Blanc that was great. For our entrees we all had steak that was out of this world. They serve an American portion in French style. I had a 22 oz Rib eye with Roquefort Bleu Cheese on it. Unbelievable! Go there!
(5)
Sarah F.
Went on Friday night. It was packed. We had a reso, but still had to wait awhile. Service was okay. Food was okay. I liked the steak and frites, but the french onion soup was nothing to write home about. The creme brulee was too runny and the sugared top was more chewy, rather than light and crispy. I would like to go back, however, to see if I would have a better experience. Oh, and the butter and spicy lentils that come with the bread were great, but bread was NOT great. Willing to give this place another chance.
(3)
Geoffrey S.
The New York Strip and Frites are great, as is the escargot. Our waiter was fantastic and Juan the manager is a great guy.
(4)
Kat W.
This place allows me to go back to my Belgian(French) roots. Escargot, Bisque D'Homard, Steak Frites, Creme Brulee, and Profiteroles. They are excellent. And yet they don't have pretentious prices This is a great place if you want to eat French cuisine or "French Steak", but if you want to eat good steak in general, then this is not the place. This place only has two types of steak in the regular menu. The steak was a bit tough, but everything else was great.
(5)
Ben E.
An excellent place for utterly typical bistro food -- the menu is limited and barely changes, so don't come here for creative efforts on the part of the chef or to sample the true range of French cooking. Instead, enjoy the moules frites or a steak in a lively room with efficient, very helpful waitstaff. I'll admit that my favorite thing about Mon Ami Gabi is the fact that you can almost always get Chateauneuf-du-Pape by the glass, which is a really, really good thing if your dining companions don't want to split a bottle.
(4)
Catherine B.
This restaurant was amazing - my fiance and I each had a glass of wine at the (crowded) bar while we waited for our table, but we had barely sipped it before we were seated. The restaurant was at the same time bustling and romantic, and the food was beyond description. The steak with Merlot butter is a must.
(5)
M J.
The food is great, and the atmosphere is quaint/casual--a dimly-lit, nicely-crowded, dark-wood-filled dining room. Not necessarily the place to go if you want quiet corners and whispered conversation, but still a great choice for solid french fare, and friendly/helpful wait staff.
(4)
mark s.
i crave the Steak Roquefort at Mon Ami. this is how i mon ami: - buy a couple bottles of red wine and some good chocolates. - order takeout: 1 steak roquefort & a salad (it is definitely enough for 2 people) - they also include a loaf of their bread. - arrive early and get a drink at the bar (martini) - take the bag'o'delicious home and feast with your date. have a great meal, avoid the crowd & save 50 bucks.
(5)
Neal K.
Mon Ami is a perennial favorite of mine. I've had steak-frites all over this great city of ours and you can't beat the way they do it at this spot on the park. Sit outside, it's nahs. Honestly, for $17.95 you'd be hard pressed to find a better steak and potatoes entree in my opinion. Try the hanger steak or the bordelaise. Great mussels, escargot, and onion soup. This place tipifies all that Lettuce stands for - simple standard fare done at a high level. The wine selection is very good (heavy on the Burgundy, Bordeaux, and Cote du Rhone of course), and they have good wines by the glass if you don't want to make it a super $$ evening. Sure I love trying tasting menus and the newest Brazilian/Japanese/Nigerian/Leprechaun fusion place (I'd call such a fictitious place Sushi Lag-O'Sambas). But if you want a go-to restaurant that always delivers for a special occasion, a weeknight, or even a lunch before enjoying the lakefront, you can't go wrong at Mon Ami.
(5)
M M.
I thought this place was just OK. The location is really pretty- right in the Belden-Stratford. We started out in the bar area and it was so cute because all of the old residents of the building seemed to migrate from their condos upstairs to the downtstairs bar- very 1920's. I went here because I had LEY gift certificates with my boyfriend for our one year. I was expecting a quiet, romantic, french restaurant. No WAY. This place is loud and bustling. So I guess I was a little disappointed in that regards, but I should have done my research, this was during my pre-yelp days. The food was typical and EXPENSIVE. I had salmon and my boyfriend had steak- both of which were good, but not for that price. Definitely would have been disappointed had I spent my own money on this place.
(3)
Jason S.
Great food. The perfect little outdoor patio area right next to Lincoln Park. The location can't be beat. Service is usually good there. Check out the patio area in the summer.
(4)
Amanda G.
I went to the one in Vegas in December and LOVED it, so needless to say I was excited to take my husband and some friends there last weekend. It did not disappoint. We all had steaks and frites and it was great. Excellent onion soup, but I love the Potato and Brie soup more. Very nice atmosphere if you feel like dressing up a bit. Not quite as good as the Vegas location, but I'll go there again! Make reservations!
(4)
Kt R.
My boyfriend took me here for my birthday and our server, David, was wonderful. He was attentive, informative and very friendly. The muscles were great...dip your bread in them!...but in the end our great booth seating and our server made my experience great. Thank you!
(4)
JP S.
Excellent French food. Knowledgeable and friendly waitstaff.
(4)
Laura W.
Mon Ami is our go to place for special occasions....the boyfriend's birthday, my birthday, and then we just went a couple of weekends ago with a group of our friends. We got to dine outside on the patio and the night had a crispness to it...it felt like Fall was finally here! We were well taken care of by the staff and the food is always so yummy......I don't think I have ever had a bad entree. Waitstaff always seems super knowledgable about wines. The last time we were there we had a selection of appetizers....the scallops are quite delish as well as the pate. The bread is always nice and crunchy! I had the ribeye (you can take the girl out of Texas, but you can't take Texas out of the girl!) as well as a few other of our friends. It was cooked to perfection and the au gratin potatoes were so yuuuuumy! I don't know when the last time I have had these, but they were well worth all the calories! One of my friends had the skate and another the halibut, both were quite tasty. I was surprised at how well Mon Ami does fish. I think the next time I will definitely go for the seafood! The berry crumble for dessert............I HIGHLY recommend it. I have always loved the profiteroles, but I fell in love this dessert!! We will definitely go back again and again to this place!
(4)
Sara F.
I love this place. I have visited this restaurant many times and it is now my parents favorite place to go in Chicago when they come to visit. The way to go is with the Mussels and Steak Frites. The Frites are amazing!!!! Also, they have a great wine selection and amazing desserts. The place has wonderful ambiance, but it can be a bit loud. I like that in a restaurant but understand that isn't for everyone. The only thing I would stay away from are the scallops. Maybe the chef accidently poured salt all over them by mistake but they were so over-salted. That doesn't represent the rest of their food. Amazing!
(4)
A. M.
Mon Ami is one of my favs in Chicago. It's exactly what a French bistro should be - charming and comfortable. While the food might not be 5 stars, it's always solid. The bar up front is a little small, which is bad news if you have to wait for a table. But the wine cart which offers plenty of "tastings" makes up for it. After not having been there for a while, we went there last night w/ another couple. I had the mussels and everyone else had steaks. We all agreed the food was very good. Unfortunately our waiter was pretty much MIA all night. But for such a fun night with great food, I'm willing to consider this a blip on the radar.
(4)
Jessica M.
Went to Mom Ami Gabi for a romantic dinner with the boyfriend, courtesy of a Lettuce Entertain gift certificate that I got from my boss. I'll have to say, it was the BEST DINNER I've had in a LONG TIME. Parking in the neighborhood was okay, there were quite a bit of open spots, so, we didn't have any problems there. We had a reservation and were seated immediately upon arriving. They already had our table ready for us. Our waitress was okay, nothing special, but still very nice. Our food came out quickly. We shared an order of the brie and also an order of the garlic spinach, as our appetizers. They were delicious! For the entree, my boyfriend ordered the Blue Cheese Steak and I ordered the Steak Bearnaise. The steaks were ordered Medium-Rare and came exactly the way we ordered them. They were perfect! While my boyfriend loved his Blue Cheese steak, we both agree that the Steak Bearnaise was one of the BEST steaks we've ever had! The Bearnaise sauce was rich and and absolutely mouth watering. Once it was gone, I wanted to lick the plate clean. I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND this Steak Bearnaise!!!! Also, the servings are HUGE and definitely worth the price! For desserts we had the chocolate mousse and the Profiterole Trio. We thought they'd be small servings, but ended up being soo massive that we almost couldn't finish the desserts. The ambience was great, it was quiet and fancy-like. Although, the tables are little too close together, but that is my only qualm. Great Restaurant! Great Food! Highly Recommended!
(4)
Jonathan w.
Went there last night for dinner. The French Onion soup was delicious with the baked gruyere on top perfectly melted to a brownish tint. The bread, as always, was delicious, served with soft butter that melded immediately after putting it on. For dinner I had the chicken frites. Chicken was perfectly cooked with skin-on and juicy and flavorful. The frites were a little overcooked and too crunchy for my taste but still very good. For dessert we had a seasonal pumpkin cake with cinnamon ice cream. The cake was a little too think and the dessert a little heavy after a big meal. Still, over all, a very good experience. Mon Ami is very dependable, great service, good country french cooking. Certainly will be back.
(4)
elizabeth n.
For a nice french meal head to Mon Ami Gabi. The steak pomme frites are delicious and the soups and salads are great as well. The waiters are very helpful if you need help deciding on an entree and they are extremely pleasant. Next time I will definitely try the desserts if I can save room.
(4)
Kate D.
Mon Ami Gabi is a fantastic "French" restaurant. The ambiance is truly upscale. The food portions are small and the steak is very 'thin' but the 'pom frites' are the best outside France.
(4)
Gabe L.
Being "Gabe", people always joke around with me being their "Mon Ami", but that doesn't rhyme with "Gabe". Silly people. I sat outside on a beautiful evening, got some French wine, some Steak Frites, la vie est belle ... The hotel lobby was beautiful, and Shakespeare's statue watches you eat from the park. What a creepo.
(4)
Sarah B.
Well, if you're on a diet you'll probably want to look elsewhere. However, if you have no qualms about ingesting what I imagine is a truly staggering amount of calories, than Mon Ami Gabi is the place to do it. Scrumptious cocktails, a FABULOUS scallop appetizer and one of the very best steaks I have ever had (soaked in a brandy peppercorn sauce, heavenly) with a pile of delicious frites made for a truly memorable dining experience. Our server was knowledgeable and very attentive, even in the midst of a packed Saturday night crowd (definitely remember those reservations!) and everything was basically perfect, I just have one little quibble: the dessert left a lot to be desired. Now, I definitely do NOT have the most sophisticated palate, am the least picky eater you will ever find and I have to confess that my taste might even be described as slightly trashy (I appreciate my Wonder Bread and Kraft Cheese, OK?) But even I could tell that the chocolate mousse we had was sub-par, so I can only imagine what my culinary arts degree toting/professional baker dining companion thought. At any rate, save for the dessert, everything else was flawless.
(4)
Rachel A.
We had an 8:15 reservation. We were finally seated at 8:45 with barely so much as an apology. Generally in this situation I've had my bar tab comped and a generous apology -- a half hour is pretty late. The place seemed to have a decent amount of tourists, which I was a bit suprised at since it isn't on Michigan Ave., but I guess they probably flock to the LEYE restaurants. The appetizer was delicious (shrimp with garlic and butter) and the steak-frites were acceptable, not great. I've had better at Bistrot Margot. The bananas foster dessert was amazing! At the end of the meal when the waiter presented us with the check and THEN apologized for the wait and comped our wine (cheapest bordeaux) and appetizer. That was very nice and very appreciated, but I would've liked to know at the beginning of the meal so that things didn't start out so sour. I guess they were waiting to see how expensive of a bottle we ordered.
(3)
Suzanne S.
I've been to the one in Oak Brook for work, and wanted to take my husband. He surprised me by taking us here for our 1st anniversary (this is what happens when you marry a boy from Southern IL, he thinks something high class and French is a LEY chain, but I digress). It was just a perfect dinner. We ate on the patio, listened to bugs and people buzz around Lincoln Park into twilight. Drank a very good bottle of wine, ate a fantastic meal, and stumble happily home up Clark. Everything was just tasty...the house filet with Merlot butter was fantastic, as were some scallops we had.
(4)
Mark P.
Mediocre French bistro. What you would expect from a Lettuce Entertain You establishment. Moules and steak were just ok. Pomme frites were more like shoestring potato chips and flavorless at that.
(3)
Amy B.
Currently my favorite meal in Chicago - Steak Classique. DELICIOUS!!!
(5)
Stephanie M.
French food from crepes to steak and frites. Warm french bread at your table. The French martini here is the best I've ever had. You can taste the chambord, you can taste the pineapple, and the vodka is enough to give you a buzz.
(3)
Judicious Z.
We live in the neighborhood and over the past 17 enjoy dining here a few times a year. My husband almost always orders one of their steaks with frites, I tend to jump around and most often order 2 of their impressive appetizers as my entree. This place IS so charmingly consistent and spot-on, it is easy to see why so many reviewers have given it top ratings. A warm and gracious reception as we enter, excellently prepared food, knowledgeable and efficient waitstaff, an expertly trained and friendly service staff emerging out of no where with water, a new spoon immediately as desert is served, etc. Mona Mi Gabi in the beautiful Belden Stratford building hits all the points. Whether it's enjoying their patio dining in the summer or their cozy french dinners once the chill takes hold, we are always pleased. And the menu and wine pricing are a good value. If for any reason your a skeptic because it's a chain, or you weren't impressed with another location, stop by and discover what we consider a "local place." I should add that this week we dined at a nearby restaurant that aspires to service the same crowd but the location was empty when I arrived at 6:30 and had only 4 tables filled at 7:30. That tells you something! I'm proofing this and realize I sound like I work for the restaurant chain - I don't. We just returned from enjoying another fine dinner and I suppose I'm feeling very taken care of. It must have been the dessert.
(5)
Lori C.
Mon Ami Gabi is a good option if you want French Food. I've had the steak pomme frites and that is really good but my favorite is the grilled salmon salad. It has a citrus dressing on it and has orange and grapefruit slices and is really tasty.
(5)
Dee W.
Try the pork tenderloin wrapped with bacon and the flourless Chocolate cake is outstanding. During the summer, the patio is the best place to be - the service is great and the atmosphere is very warm and inviting.
(4)
Lo S.
My boyfriend and I used gift certificates we had gotten for xmas here. Based on all of the reviews I read I wasn't expecting a quiet, romantic place, but this place is full out LOUD. You are basically shoulder to shoulder with the table next to you, and the person next to us snorted so loudly when he laughed I thought I was going to die of laughter!! The food was VERY good, though, but overpriced for the ambience. We were seated right away, which was great. Also loved the location- in the quaint Beldon-Stratford. I felt like I was back in the '20s! :)
(3)
Lynn W.
Wonderful fun place for girls night out. Server, David, was very professional, engaging, and attractive! Food was delicious. Atmosphere was relaxing and fun. Would definitely go back.
(4)
Valerie S.
Loved the steak frites. Very reasonably priced for a french restaurant and in the Lincoln Park location. We could only find valet parking though, which was a little pricey, but that's not the fault of the restaurant. The service was great and the ambiance was nice.
(5)
Alisa G.
One of my favorite restaurants. The escargot is excellent. And I discovered my favorite drink here -- a French 75.
(5)
Lucas M.
I've been here before, and I actually remember it being better than it was last night, but it was still good. With so many restaurants on the scene now, it's hard to stand out. But Mon Ami Gabi does what it does, and it does what it does well. However the menu has not changed since October of 2006, so I was a little disappointed to see that some seasonal styles of cooking and ingredients weren't used. Brasserie Jo (a fav of mine) just last week had nice Alsatian tasting to show of some German influences in the French Alsace region, but alas, that's a different review. The restaurant is very country in decor, but is warm and accommodating. The service is quite nice and is very attentive. I'm a big fan of the wine cart. I like not having to wait for the waiter to travel to the bar for every glass if you don't get a bottle. I had the fillet mignon frites special, and my date had the scallops. The escargot was great as was the pate. I had flowers delivered to the restaurant, and they were waiting for us at our table, so the hostess came through there. There is a coat check, valet, and the valet flags down cabs too. I thought the prices were right in line with similar styles of bistros. All in all, a pleasant night out. In the future I would like to see some more creations in addition to the existing menu, but the restaurant is still a hit.
(4)
Lala R.
This is one of my favorites in Chicago! Good location- right by the park and parking is fairly easy to find. Good bang for your buck! If you like fish I suggest you try to Skate- yum!!
(5)
Renato P.
Went to this place for my wife's birthday and she had a very happy birthday because of it. I was uneasy when I first stepped into the building it is in because its like some sort of hotel or fancy condo co-op. As soon as I entered the place, everything got exponentially better. The wait staff was friendly , helpful and catered to my kid excellently. I had the pate (I've had better) was pretty good, The onion soup (soup was good , I guess I don't like the Gruyere cheese baked on top, a little sharp for me) was OK. I had the Raw Oysters and they were very good. My wife ,kid , and I got the Steak Clasique , everyone really liked it. It was a sirloin pounded thin and covered in a delicious herb butter. The fries are flat and thin and I wasn't thrilled with that, I've had better , but they were good. My mother got the Steak Wellington , the Friday special, and while I'm not thrilled with mushrooms , a major ingredient, She loved it , I thought it was very good. We ordered the chocolate cake and the creme brulee and both were very good. We all left this place happy , and my wife left with a new favorite French restaurant.
(4)
mike s.
steak frites are fantastic...go with the filet or the sirloin instead of the regular hanger steak. trout is amazing. grandmere's chicken and frites is way bettter than anything my grandma ever made. house cab is always good. very kid-friendly before 7pm [there is a little frites menu] ...letling your 6 year old daughter practice ordering in french almost justifies her private school tuition. AND they have takeout
(5)
katherine ..
solid french bistro with large portions and decent prices. it gets noisy and is tight, so those with claustrophobia should try to get a freestanding table. i crave the frites and tomato salad.
(5)
Joe S.
All right, LETTUCE haters. I'm talking to you here. Bashing our hometown mangia monolith is getting pretty popular, but this is a REALLY solid bistro. Possibly the best frites (those are fries to you laymen out there) in town, solid cassoulet, great bouillabaise, and wonderful chicken grand-mere style. Bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin is luscious, ask for it medium rare to keep it juicy though. Steaks are just OK. The Skate is much better, and other seafood choices can't miss, either. One of the few places in town you can get bananas foster, and they do a nice job on it. Their french onion soup is simply magnifique (that's french, y'know). Attentive service, great bartender. Here I go , about to complain about wine again (my wine whine, i supppose), but would it kill these french places to carry more than ONE brand of Pouilly-Fuisse? MORE WHITE BURGUNDY ALREADY, jeez. Lighting is perfect, decor is dead-on dark francais bistro. Bigger IS sometimes better. Lettuce Entertain You hits a homerun here.
I was here on a Thursday night with a couple girlfriends. They seated us pretty fast. To my surprise the restaurant is actually pretty small inside so I could see it being pretty hard to get a seat. Make sure you make a reservation. I had the beef bourguignon and cesear salad. Both were very good. The beef was cooked just right. One of my friends had the steak and the other had the lemon chicken. Both were very pleased as well. We were most pleased with the dessert. As part of restaurant week the tasting included mango sorbet, chocolate moose and a creme brule. I liked them all and they were all in a very good serving size. I'm really glad i finally came here as it is down the street from me. Definitely will be going back and taste some things on the full menu.
(4)
Michael D.
Good and bad. My table was right next to the bathroom, and the bar, so I constantly was moving my chair to avoid getting a crotch or ass to the back of my head. My waitress was nice, but I just sensed some arrogance about her? I'm not versed in French food, so I had a few questions, and i just felt a tone in her delivery. To her defense, my wife didn't feel the same way. Food was real good. I started with the baked cheese and the olive jar which were very flavorful. For my entree I had the Salmon over Orzo, which I am now kicking myself for not getting the special/ fish of the day which sounded better. Salmon was cooked well, I felt the Orzo may have been a little over cooked for my liking. My wife had a salad which she was pleased with. I may go back, there were a few items I wanted to try but for whatever reason I did not.
(4)
Frederick C.
Six of us dined at Mon Ami Gabi last night, and it was one of the best dining experiences all of us had ever had! The sauce on the scallop appetizer was delectable, the trout melted in your mouth, and the steak bernaise was delicious and cooked to perfection. The atmosphere is great, but perhaps the best part of our meal was the impeccable service and the great sense of humor of our waiter John. Several of our party were late, and he served them quickly after they arrived. He patiently learned the intracasies of my camera to take a group photo, and let us taste several wines until we found one we liked. We can't wait to get back and highly recommend this restaurant, where we hope we can sit at one of John's tables!
(5)
Jake C.
Steak Frites! Woo-Hoo! First, I recommend a reservation. My wife and I went on a Monday night, and I am glad we had a reservation. It was crazy full with folks having the Passover menu. So maybe I just recommend a reservation if you go during Passover. Anyway..... Martini was good. Wine by the glass options were good. My wife and I shared a soup and a salad. The soup was a great mushroom soup, not too creamy. The salad was a mixture of spring greens with bacon and a soft poached egg. Wonderful fresh taste to the plate. Dinner was Steak Frites for each. My wife had the bearnaise sauce which I thought was just ok. I had the red wine reduction with caramelized onions and it was incredible. The flavors blended together well and the medium done steak was perfectly cooked. Finished off with a Chocolate Mousse which was a generous portion, plenty enough for the two of us to share. In my OpenTable reservation I made a note that we were celebrating our anniversary. Bonus points to the restaurant for making note of this, wishing us a good one and offering the dessert on the house. Staff was all very pleasant. Only minor hitch was at one point our main server was out of sight for a while, but another server took our order and the evening progressed just fine. We spent a good 2 hours dining and never felt rushed, and the servers took time to answer all of our questions about the menu. They really made a great experience out of our special occasion.
(5)
Kristen S.
Mon Ami Gabi is seriously as good as it gets - and even better that it has a delicious gluten free menu! I love that they bring me warm, fresh-from-the-oven gluten free bread with olives. Such heaven. I have the fish here, usually, and every time it is fresh, seasonal, and fantastic. My husband loves the steak frites every time. And for dessert the chocolate mousse and the peach parfait. Parking is difficult, and valet (worth it!) is $12. The restaurant is adorable and service is friendly. Highly, highly recommended!
(5)
Kate B.
So, I don't understand the hype of this place. Everyone was so excited when I told them I was having dinner here, and in the end... it's a perfectly lovely French restaurant with perfectly lovely food and wonderful servers. But I don't think it's the epitome of classy dining, that everyone makes it out to be. I saw a lot of people in jeans and sweaters and it had a fairly easy going vibe to it. It was fine. But I don't think its atmosphere compares to places like Petterino's... Did I like it? Yes! Absolutely. I'd recommend it to friends. But I wouldn't swallow my tongue if someone invited me to go again. (Major props for having a FABULOUS wait staff.)
(4)
Adisak P.
I love Mon Ami Gabi. I've been coming here for over ten years. They have a nice warm dark wood decor and an intimate feel that is perfect for a date. In summer time, they open their patio which is also a great place to enjoy a view of Lincoln Park and the Zoo with a small group of close friends. The service is attentive, knowledgeable, and extremely polite and well mannered. Last night I stopped by for dinner with a group of four friends. It was a Friday night and was quite busy but they added us to the waitlist for the outside and told us it would be 30-40 min. We got a couple martinis at the bar and waited -- The Parisian Martini, a twist on the classic French Martini with Cointreau instead of Chambord, is wonderful. The bartender pours this concoction into a Martini Glass with a bit of Champagne and an Orange slice and the result is heavenly. So 45 minutes later and two Martinis (I also got a Belvidere Dirty with Blue Cheese Olives) we were on the patio and ready to eat. The wait was actually good because the temperature outside cooled off quite a bit and it was more comfortable on the patio than it would have been if we were immediately seated. They brought warm french bread and butter which was great to accompany our starting dishes of French Onion soup and Butter Lettuce and Asparagus. All four of us ordered fish: scallops with whipped cauliflower, skate wing (one with chips and one with frittes), and a salmon salad. The fish was all very delicious and well prepared. We had a bottle of Sancerre which complemented the flavors perfectly. After dinner we turned to dessert with the Bananas Foster and Chocolate Mousse. The waiter surprised us by bringing an extra Bananas Foster for free (we told him we were sharing and he wanted to make sure we had plenty to share). All in all, a quite pleasant evening in beautiful Lincoln Park with a nice group of close friends. Everything turned our perfectly even though we didn't have plans and didn't make reservations and the extra dessert at the end was... well, icing on the cake.
(5)
The M.
Veggie in a french restaurant ..!$^*#! Need I say more. However the dessert was great.
(2)
Matt M.
One year after my first visit to this "Lettuce Entertain You" outpost I finally find it fit to commit my review to rather than keep it contained in memories of tender, medium-rare steak frites, slightly too sweet french onion soup with gruyere, and the nigh on elderly lady at the table adjacent who participated in all of our conversations. We walked in without a reservation on a Thursday night, which I don't recommend doing after seeing the line that blossomed after our arrival. Contained in the elegant Belden-Stratford residences just a few blocks from the lake, Mon Ami Gabi provides a decent experience that leaves you sated. As another reviewer stated so well, "I don't think it's the epitome of classy dining". As I find myself saying so often, know what you're getting into and you'll walk away satisfied. Mon Ami Gabi gives you an above average meal with good service and a well-polished attitude; no more, no less.
(4)
Mollie H.
Living a block away from this restaurant, we have to make a concerted effort not to O.D. on it. With that said, we try to pick a a few nights a year to have a great meal here. One of those nights is New Years Eve. You wouldn't expect too much from a restaurant that doesn't really promote NYE festivities but upon entering Mon Ami Gabi, it's clear they are ready to celebrate in style. Black & silver balloons cover the entire ceiling, pretty feathered crowns & top hats are passed out, and they make sure everyone is set with blowers, horns & all sorts of noisemakers before 12. There isn't a better way to have a low key NYE with delicious wine & steak. Also- try to hit this place up in the summer and enjoy dining on their beautiful patio. It's a great escape!
(4)
Eugene K.
The Good: An affordable French restaurant. Their arctic char was prepared perfectly! Sweet potato soup was also very tasty! The Bad: There's nothing really that stood out about the food. The Country Pate was more pork butt and fat than liver or veal. French onion soups are usually over salted for my tastes at most restaurants, their's was very under seasoned. The beef bourguignon didn't have that melt in your mouth taste you want with the braised beef. The beef was also butchered with too much ligament intact, tasty with Pho not so much with beef bourguignon. The Ugly: Parking is a nightmare, just valet your car. Overall my experience was positive, my palate for French Cuisine is still growing but I can definitely say Mon Ami Gabi didn't have anything memorable in my opinion which is what makes it 3 stars over 4. I've had just about everything I had tonight at another restaurant that did it better for less money. Thanksfully everything was paid for with a LEYE gift certificate.
(3)
Ingrid R.
The food was very good and the service was good. We arrived 5 minutes late for our 7.30pm reservation on a Saturday night. We had to wait over 20 minute for a table (I wish we'd been 25 minutes late). Friends of ours happened to be there the same night and they said they had to wait for their table too despite being on time for their reservation. We were advise to get a drink at the bar which was impossible because it was fully seated and after trying to make eye-contact with the bar tender for a few minutes we decided we'd go for a drink across the lobby (the restaurant is in The Belden Hotel). I will review there later (if you're not loaded (with money not booze) don't go). The atmosphere was not what I was hoping for. We were at the corner of a couch that was attached to the wall. I was facing one table and my husband was facing another. It was quite cramped. Although I wasn't bumping elbows while eating it was a squeeze to get in due to us being in a corner with tables to both free sides and our couch being on the other two sides. The restaurant was pretty noisy. I tried to imagine what kind of night it would be good for but couldn't. Maybe a large family (older family) night. Definitely not the romantic dinner I had hoped for. We had escargot and the baked cheese for appetizers which were very good. I had Steak Roquefort (awesome) and my husband had a medium steak which was definitely not medium (looked exactly like the rare I ordered). Both were delicious though. The profiteroles for dessert were good. I'm giving it 3 stars because the food really was good, but I don't think I'll be rushing back.
(3)
Katrina S.
I LOVE french cuisine and after hearing great things about Mon Ami Gabi I jumped at the opportunity to check it out when I got the invitation. WHAT a let down. It started bad and just got worse. A fly in my dirty martini was the start (ironic much?). The waiter apologized and took it back but no offer to comp a new one. We ordered Escargot which came out so burnt I wondered why it left the kitchen. It was black and boiling so furiously I thought it must be near the temperature of the surface of the sun! We had to send that back as well. The pate just wasn't good and the texture was off - much less desirable than other pate I have eaten. This could be a taste issue but I have never had a pate I didn't like - until now. I started to feel guilty for telling the waiter everything he put in front of us just wasn't cutting it (even though he didn't really seem to care). We decided to cut our losses, pay the tab & leave. I have been to several other French restaurants in the city that were far superior in service, value & quality. It would have to be some supercalifragilistic circumstances to ever bring me back here.
(2)
Jess P.
WOW. going to this place I NEVER thought I would love it as much as I did as I am not such a fan of French cuisine....however...like I said before WOW! The food was amazingly delicious!!!! I will say, I am not such a fan of the location..it is rather odd and usually restaurants that are attached to hotels or apartments are not the best....Mon Ami Gabi took me by suprise! Our waiter was extremely helpful...as I am somewhat unfamiliar with French wines he helped my boyfriend and I to choose one according to taste...not just the most expensive one on the menu! Wine was GREAT! and he even brought us out a complimentary appetizer of olives since it was our first time dining there...awesome!! We ordered the 3cheese appetizer...which was great...but a little lacking in the amount for price component.... BUT, did I mention the free warm bread! could hardly keep my hands off...it came with some sort of carrot based dip and butter...wasn't a fan of the carrot stuff but bread and butter...always great! For dinner my bf and I both ordered steak dishes...I ordered the steak and blue cheese (subbed potato au gratin instead of frites, no problem)! and my bf got the steak with dijon mustard butter & frites...my steak was simply amazing...LARGE portion! and every bite was quality steak! the potatos were almost heavenly ! and although I didn't taste the dijon steak my bf said it was amazing too! Absolutely LOVE this place...only downside is price...I would say be ready to splurge or try going for lunch!
(5)
Matthew G.
The food here is consistently very good. The Sea Scallops Gratinee are an amazing starter and you cannot go wrong with any entree. The drinks are a little overpriced, but the food is extremely affordable for the quality. As far as service, the waitstaff is always extremely attentive. The manager is always very present and each time I have been, I have received a very enthusiastic, "Thank You" on my way out the door.
(4)
Julie O.
We patronize Mon Ami Gabi because they get it right, every single time. If you Mon Ami often enough, you may notice that the staff does not change very much. The staff knows very well what they are doing and treats guests like old friends and family. They notice when you are our for a celebration even if you do not mention it. They will bring you profiteroles and congratulate you or say Happy Birthday/Anniversary accordingly. Our meals at Mon Ami are never rushed. The crusty French bread is always amazingly fresh. I love the goat cheese appetizer. Entrees are adequately portioned and always prepared correctly. Mon Ami may be part of LEYE, and a small chain, but it is a very worthwhile dinner restaurant.
(5)
Lee W.
Mon Ami was nice but not great. -Be careful where you are seated. Near the kitchen door is an inferno. -Tables are too small for four gents and the wooden chairs are torture -Unless you complain you will receive highly watered down drinks The goat cheese is good but not that good. Other food was decent. The Belden-Stratford lends an upscale backdrop.
(3)
Emily D.
Had a really solid dinner here. The oysters were fresh. The baguette was a mess but still good. I thought the skate was excellent, huge portions, with Brown buttery goodness. White asparagus was Delicately covered in green hollandaise. Also yum. We showed up right before close and still got a perfect meal. Service was a little off. Friendly, just slowwwwwwww for the first half hour we were there. Wish I could give 4.5 stars!
(4)
From A To Z.
This, in my opinion, is a five star restaurant. The reason I give it only three is because, during my visit, the lady manager on duty spent the evening scolding, yelling, and berating the employees within earshot of my entire section. I mean, throughout the dinner we had to listen to her rage at her employees from the kitchen to the dining room floor to the host stand! Also, it was specified ahead of time that this was our wedding anniversary dinner and we would really appreciate quiet seating- we were seated closest to the kitchen! The food was superb- the french bread with asparagus, the goat cheese appetizer, the half chicken, the steak and frites, the chocolate mouse... it was all prompt, perfect temperature and tasty! Here's why I was especially dazzled: it began raining before we were served and most of the patio had to be reseated indoors, yet the staff handled it swimmingly. It didn't impact us the slightest. The service was very impressive. But when I think about it, I don't have happy memories. I picture the manager screaming (yes, I know the difference between stern and a raised tone) at the busser two tables from us "DON'T YOU EVER DO THAT AGAIN!!!" It felt like the service was so attentive because, good grief, who wants to deal with that? It really made my stomach turn. Had it not been a special occasion, I would have asked my husband if we could go elsewhere. Next time, reluctantly, we'll try another restaurant.
(3)
Nick D.
Mon Ami is always great. It's in an interesting building (look up at the ceiling fresco in the lobby). You can make a great night of it if you head an an event at the zoo and then pop in for some steak frites.
(5)
Bao L.
I had only been to the Mon Ami Gabi in Vegas, and when I found out there was a Chicago location I was super pumped. I was even more pumped after dining at the Chicago location, since it's just as excellent as its Vegas counterpart. -Tip #1: the entrance is located in the lobby of the Belden Stratford building -Tip #2: check out the Lincoln Park Zoo (for free!) across the street afterwards Went here for Sunday brunch. Reservations were easy to get, as we were able to make reservations 1 hr before our desired brunching time. I always get the steak frites or the croque madame whenever I go, both of which are amazing and I highly recommend them for anyone dining here for brunch for the first time. However, today I was feeling adventurous so I decided to try some new things. I ordered: -Creme brulee french toast: A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. The french toast was thick and prepared beautifully. The entire dish had just the right amount of sweetness. It comes w/ a blueberry compote that is just heavenly. This dish was shared, and now I'm really wishing I had just ordered it for myself! -French kiss breakfast sandwich: this was a bit messy to eat, but worth it. I had no shame looking like a 2 year old w/ food all over my hands and mouth! If you like chicken liver, you'll like this sandwich. Plus, there's a fried egg on it - how could you possibly go wrong? The fries, as always, are amazing (they're not the fries you're used to - these ones are super thin and super crispy). I've never been here for dinner (when we're in Vegas, this is usually a recovery meal for brunch, and dinner is always some buffet). Now that I know there's a Mon Ami Gabi in the same city I live in, I will definitely be coming back to try the dinner menu!
(5)
Craig R.
Oh symphony of crackle, only good bread sounds like this! (stole that from Ratatouille) But holy cow do they have tasty bread, and they bring you a ton of it, warm, with butter! I think next time I might just eat that and leave... Do you like cheese? YES! Get the Baked Goat Cheese. I could go there and eat only this as an entire meal. Holy cow, once I was halfway through it I debated asking them to cancel my entree. Smart thing I didn't cancel it. I got the Dijon Steak medium. The steak was cooked just right, still pink in the middle. It came with a huge pile of frites (fries for you Americans) that, with the already over generous helping of baked goat cheese I'd had I could not finish. They were however, very crispy and shoestring style, my favorite! On top of this, I couldn't believe the price, it was WAY cheaper than I had expected. You should go to Mon Ami Gabi. Now! But...make sure you don't take up all the tables because I'll be coming for more baked goat cheese shortly.
(5)
Sandra T.
My family likes to gather here for meals. We usually have a big group and order many dishes. During my last visit I got scallops and whipped cauliflower. The scallops were cooked perfectly (I can't stand overcooked seafood) and were layered on scrumptious vegetables with a marvelous sauce. The cauliflower is a great alternative to mashed potatoes. Plus, it was something my 6 month grand daughter could taste while everyone else ate (she is very curious about food and wants everything). The wine selection is top notch along with service and decor. We always eat everything never leftovers, even with deserts.
(5)
Jack M.
Highly recommend--love the atmosphere and the area. John was an amazing waiter. Food speaks for itself, cocktails were great. Excellent experience and will be back soon and recommend to every friend.
(5)
Julie O.
We patronize Mon Ami Gabi because they get it right, every single time. If you Mon Ami often enough, you may notice that the staff does not change very much. The staff knows very well what they are doing and treats guests like old friends and family. They notice when you are our for a celebration even if you do not mention it. They will bring you profiteroles and congratulate you or say Happy Birthday/Anniversary accordingly. Our meals at Mon Ami are never rushed. The crusty French bread is always amazingly fresh. I love the goat cheese appetizer. Entrees are adequately portioned and always prepared correctly. Mon Ami may be part of LEYE, and a small chain, but it is a very worthwhile dinner restaurant.
(5)
Lee W.
Mon Ami was nice but not great. -Be careful where you are seated. Near the kitchen door is an inferno. -Tables are too small for four gents and the wooden chairs are torture -Unless you complain you will receive highly watered down drinks The goat cheese is good but not that good. Other food was decent. The Belden-Stratford lends an upscale backdrop.
(3)
Emily D.
Had a really solid dinner here. The oysters were fresh. The baguette was a mess but still good. I thought the skate was excellent, huge portions, with Brown buttery goodness. White asparagus was Delicately covered in green hollandaise. Also yum. We showed up right before close and still got a perfect meal. Service was a little off. Friendly, just slowwwwwwww for the first half hour we were there. Wish I could give 4.5 stars!
(4)
From A To Z.
This, in my opinion, is a five star restaurant. The reason I give it only three is because, during my visit, the lady manager on duty spent the evening scolding, yelling, and berating the employees within earshot of my entire section. I mean, throughout the dinner we had to listen to her rage at her employees from the kitchen to the dining room floor to the host stand! Also, it was specified ahead of time that this was our wedding anniversary dinner and we would really appreciate quiet seating- we were seated closest to the kitchen! The food was superb- the french bread with asparagus, the goat cheese appetizer, the half chicken, the steak and frites, the chocolate mouse... it was all prompt, perfect temperature and tasty! Here's why I was especially dazzled: it began raining before we were served and most of the patio had to be reseated indoors, yet the staff handled it swimmingly. It didn't impact us the slightest. The service was very impressive. But when I think about it, I don't have happy memories. I picture the manager screaming (yes, I know the difference between stern and a raised tone) at the busser two tables from us "DON'T YOU EVER DO THAT AGAIN!!!" It felt like the service was so attentive because, good grief, who wants to deal with that? It really made my stomach turn. Had it not been a special occasion, I would have asked my husband if we could go elsewhere. Next time, reluctantly, we'll try another restaurant.
(3)
Nick D.
Mon Ami is always great. It's in an interesting building (look up at the ceiling fresco in the lobby). You can make a great night of it if you head an an event at the zoo and then pop in for some steak frites.
(5)
Bao L.
I had only been to the Mon Ami Gabi in Vegas, and when I found out there was a Chicago location I was super pumped. I was even more pumped after dining at the Chicago location, since it's just as excellent as its Vegas counterpart. -Tip #1: the entrance is located in the lobby of the Belden Stratford building -Tip #2: check out the Lincoln Park Zoo (for free!) across the street afterwards Went here for Sunday brunch. Reservations were easy to get, as we were able to make reservations 1 hr before our desired brunching time. I always get the steak frites or the croque madame whenever I go, both of which are amazing and I highly recommend them for anyone dining here for brunch for the first time. However, today I was feeling adventurous so I decided to try some new things. I ordered: -Creme brulee french toast: A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. The french toast was thick and prepared beautifully. The entire dish had just the right amount of sweetness. It comes w/ a blueberry compote that is just heavenly. This dish was shared, and now I'm really wishing I had just ordered it for myself! -French kiss breakfast sandwich: this was a bit messy to eat, but worth it. I had no shame looking like a 2 year old w/ food all over my hands and mouth! If you like chicken liver, you'll like this sandwich. Plus, there's a fried egg on it - how could you possibly go wrong? The fries, as always, are amazing (they're not the fries you're used to - these ones are super thin and super crispy). I've never been here for dinner (when we're in Vegas, this is usually a recovery meal for brunch, and dinner is always some buffet). Now that I know there's a Mon Ami Gabi in the same city I live in, I will definitely be coming back to try the dinner menu!
(5)
Craig R.
Oh symphony of crackle, only good bread sounds like this! (stole that from Ratatouille) But holy cow do they have tasty bread, and they bring you a ton of it, warm, with butter! I think next time I might just eat that and leave... Do you like cheese? YES! Get the Baked Goat Cheese. I could go there and eat only this as an entire meal. Holy cow, once I was halfway through it I debated asking them to cancel my entree. Smart thing I didn't cancel it. I got the Dijon Steak medium. The steak was cooked just right, still pink in the middle. It came with a huge pile of frites (fries for you Americans) that, with the already over generous helping of baked goat cheese I'd had I could not finish. They were however, very crispy and shoestring style, my favorite! On top of this, I couldn't believe the price, it was WAY cheaper than I had expected. You should go to Mon Ami Gabi. Now! But...make sure you don't take up all the tables because I'll be coming for more baked goat cheese shortly.
(5)
Sandra T.
My family likes to gather here for meals. We usually have a big group and order many dishes. During my last visit I got scallops and whipped cauliflower. The scallops were cooked perfectly (I can't stand overcooked seafood) and were layered on scrumptious vegetables with a marvelous sauce. The cauliflower is a great alternative to mashed potatoes. Plus, it was something my 6 month grand daughter could taste while everyone else ate (she is very curious about food and wants everything). The wine selection is top notch along with service and decor. We always eat everything never leftovers, even with deserts.
(5)
Jack M.
Highly recommend--love the atmosphere and the area. John was an amazing waiter. Food speaks for itself, cocktails were great. Excellent experience and will be back soon and recommend to every friend.
(5)
Craig D.
(3.75) ~ Good Overall Food & Service. Located in the Hotel. OUR MENU: DRINKS: * Various Red Wines = (4.25) Very good * Water(tap) = (3) ok...needs to be filtered * Coffee = (3) ok...maybe offer "French" Pressed FOOD: * Bread & Butter & Asparagus Pesto = (4) very good * Kale, Bacon, Salad w. Poached Egg = (4) very good * Pork Tenderloin Tomahawk = (3.5) good * Chocolate Mousse = (3.5) good
(4)
Jenna C.
No doubt Mon Ami Gabi is a stylish and much sought-after restaurant. Our group of 4 headed over after dinner in River North to experience their dessert and drink offerings. Upon entering at around 10ish, it was still so busy that we waited about 10-15 minutes for a table to open up. Not a problem, as it's situated in the Belden Stratford hotel so there is plenty of space to wait in the grand lobby. The hostess was not too friendly but we really liked our waitress. White chocolate bread pudding, creme brulee, chocolate cake, and raspberry sour cream ice cream were chosen to satisfy our sweet tooths. All were divine. Decaf coffee and good conversation complimented the desserts well, and made for a pleasant night. I would probably recommend Mon Ami for a little older crowd, special occassion, or fancier date night.
Fantastic French bistro. I cannot complain one little bit about the quality of their food or the impeccable service. Looking forward to my next great meal there.
(5)
Viviana K.
Hosted my best friends bridal shower here and it really was an incredible experience from prep to the end. When I was getting quotes the event coordinator Lily responded right away. She responded to every question I had (and I had lots of questions) and made several accommodations to my group. I got so many positive compliments on the shower from guests and the food was delicious. Best part was that we were able to stay within budget after an unexpected increase in our guest list. Thank you to the entire staff for providing such great service.
(5)
Jeff S.
I've been to Mon Ami several times for dinner. This is my first time for brunch. We sat outside and the patio was very nice. The bloody Mary's was delicious. The food was fantastic. Highly recommended.
(5)
Tom B.
This is Chicago fine dining at its best. We come here every year on the weekend before Christmas. Mon Ami is a small, intimate French bistro, and the ambiance is definitely part of the experience. It's located across from Lincoln Park Zoo, in the Belden Stratford building. The Belden is now a luxury apartment building; they stopped being a hotel a year or so ago, which was a tragedy. Regardless, Mon Ami Gabi has a a relatively small menu, but each item is carefully crafted. I got the 22oz bone in ribeye, which is pan fried and comes with fries (frites). This is one of the best steaks you'll ever have. A terrific French wine selection rounds out the menu. Mon Ami is without a doubt my favorite Chicago restaurant.
(5)
Haley C.
I had heard great things about this restaurant so I made reservations here for Sunday brunch. I was extremely disappointed. First of all, they have a huge menu, but they don't offer it during brunch. The brunch menu is really small and there's nothing on it that differentiates it from any other breakfast place in Lincoln Park. The wait staff was pretty stuck up and they forgot to bring us 3 things we asked for. As far as the food, it was fine, but just fine. I had the salmon salad which was a piece of salmon on spinach basically, very underwhelming. My boyfriend had the steak and frites which was oily and the frites were awful. I would not recommend this restaurant. Save your money and pass on this restaurant.
The food here is absolutely fantastic! Sure its a chain of sorts, but the steak and steamed mussels are to die for! The classic French bread served with the meal is something special. I have even visited just for the bread to bring it home (since I live in the building that the restaurant is located within) for my own home cooked meals.
(4)
Farman P.
We just went to this place yesterday. The food was so good you will definitely have no problem finding something worth eating and it's top notch place. They have amazing appetizers and awesome desserts. My only problem with this place is that the service was semi annoying. When I called on the phone to double check to see if my reservations were good, the lady acted like I was wasting her time and she rushed our conversation. The waiter we had didn't even introduce himself which I thought was really odd since that's how all restaurants are. Fortunately this did not ruin our night because the goodness delicious! Wild Boar Ragu was a great dinner choice; the meat would fall all over in your mouth. The appetizer was baked goat cheese with bread and marinara sauce. It's divine! I couldn't stop eating it. Depending on what day you go, double check with what the specials are. For some reason, we weren't told what it was, but there's a board around to show you what they have, but it's not all over their wall so Id recommend just asking the waiter instead. This is the second french restaurant I've been to and one thing I notice is that they love to fill up their space. It looks cramped, but it doesn't feel that way. The interior design has that kind of ambience of how you would want your romantic night to be. So, not everything can be perfect but Mon Ami Gabi will deliver to your standards. They might not be the most welcoming or friendly (like being on your phone at the front desk), but that won't ruin your night whatsoever. I want to stress that this place was still a favorite of mine! I hope it will be for you too.
(4)
Kat G.
Had a fantastic dinner here! With a reservation, we were seated very promptly. All of the staff members were very welcoming and attentive. Started off with the onion soup and kale warm bacon salad. Both were excellent. I had the peppercorn steak frites--loved the spice. Husband had the dover sole, which he enjoyed very much. Ended with the profiteroles. Overall, great service and excellent food. Would definitely come back and try more of their offerings!
(5)
Jialing L.
Celebrated my 22nd birthday here last summer. The restaurant itself has a great atmosphere and the service is amazing. A couple of my friends were running late but they still seated us and kept bringing us bread as we waited (seriously, we had so much bread. it was so good). My friends ordered the escargot for me to try since I had never had any before and it was an interesting experience. Too garlicky for my taste but it was good. I ordered the bordelaise steak frites for my entree and really enjoyed it. The steak itself was very flavorful and the portion size was huge. The frites were fine but not my favorite type. They also brought me a chocolate cupcake for my birthday and it was delicious. Really glad i chose this place to celebrate my birthday.
(4)
James Z.
I normally enjoy Mon Ami Gabi, but the service on Sunday 6 September was uncustomarily unacceptable. We had a reservation -- it was an anniversary -- and a decent table was not to be had. We were begrudingly seated at a small table by a very loud (bar-crowd-like) party, then re-seated at a table that would barely hold a sandwich, let alone two plates. We were told by the manager Whitney that everything else was booked. And yet the good tables were empty. The refusal even to attempt to accommodate us set the wrong tone, and even then, it would have been nice if Whitney came around to check on us, The food: It was not a stellar night either. Why anyone would serve pate with iron-hard bread escapes me. Some of the usual staff do not seem to be there, and I hope management will remedy the situation for its remaining customers. You might get away with this kind of service in Lincoln Square or Andersonville, where new places start up, but not at a place that had been solid.
(2)
Gina M.
Had an amazing dinner last night. Celebrated a birthday and had great food and great service. Highly recommend the seafood tower. For $55 you get a pound and a half lobster along with 4 shrimp, 4 oysters, and some salmon tartare. The salad with quail egg and bacon was also amazing. Ryan, our waiter, was knowledgeable about the menu and made our experience that much better. I think Mon Ami Gabi just became my new favorite restaurant. (Sorry Girl and the Goat :( )
(5)
Jean L.
I first came here with a group of 10 and received spectacular service. The steaks are thin, which I don't know if it's a steak-frites kind of thing, but it was definitely different. I got some kind of mushroom sauce on my filet and subbed out my frites for a salad. I left full and satisfied. We also ordered muscles, snails, and french onion soup (which apparently they're known for). As for the second time I came here, I was without a reservation, on a Friday night, at 7pm. The hostess was super nice and said that her 6:30 reservation still hadn't shown up, so if I would bear with her for another 15 minutes, she would see if she could squeeze me in. I waited, and luckily the no-shows never showed! This round was also very good. To be honest, the food, while good, was nothing to-die-for, but I LOVED the cocktails!! They were strong, traditional, and pleasant. Hell, I'd go back for the bar alone.
What a surprise, so close to home lies people that take pride in their art. From a fine wine selection to a classic bistro menu to alert, not in your face service, Mon Abi Gabi is a home run! A fresh salad with a lemony vinaigrette that included multiple vegetables and micro greens. Steak Frites with Au Pouvre was unreal, it was cooked perfectly and tender, the sauce devine. The bread was what I would've hoped from a bistro, airy and crisp. It is evident these folks are serious about their craft. Simple presentation of awesome food without attitude, when do I plan on returning? Weekly!
(5)
Rachel A.
Good food, friendly waiters. I got the lemon salmon and it was perfectly cooked. Everyone else I was with got Steak and they all had nothing but good things to say. We also enjoyed the whipped cauliflower and spinach. Unfortunately, I was so full from dinner I did not order dessert, however all the desserts sounded great and I want to go back and try one!! (or two)
(5)
Linz M.
Easily one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago. It is a go-to! The food is always delicious. Personal favorites include Caesar salad, French onion soup, steak frites bordelaise and the salmon. For dessert you must order their portfolios-so decedent and delicious-it is big enough to share!
(5)
Sage P.
I was having a bad day. I decided to treat myself and order a steak from Mon Ami Gabi. Mon Ami Gabi is NOT my friend. My food arrived cold, which is mysterious to me as they are not too far from my house (and even weirder, they delivered on time). They also managed to forget my drink. A star for the taste, a star for delivering on time. Negative stars for my food arriving cold, useless fries, and no drink. (Do they pay people to leave good reviews or is no one else foolish enough to order delivery?)
(2)
Lysa C.
For the past seven years , my favourite French bistro in Chicago. Impeccably consistent in the food, great ambiance , perfect for special occasions. The scallop appetizer is FANTASTIC!! Frites are the best around!! Lovely service. We always ask for Ryan , he is attentive ,professional and very personable !!! Highly recommend Mon Ami Gabi!!!
(5)
Cecilia W.
The service was wonderful ! The bartender was just so kind to all of the customers and could tell me the specials and mixed a really great cocktail. Of course the food was wonderful and the best I've had in Chicago. I will be back with friends and family.
(5)
Perry R.
Sunday Brunch was great. Although the menu selection was limited all the choices were interesting and well priced. Our server Amber was knowledgeable and followed up at appropriate times. French kiss sandwich was tasty and omelettes were full of tasty bits as promised on the menu. While the red wine bottles sat outside for single pours they were chilled to ensure they did not pick up the heat of the day. Only minor complaint was that the frites were warm- not hot - probably sitting too long under the warming lights.
(5)
Kathleen K.
No complaints from us; even our vegan son enjoyed what he chose, which was the veggie tagine. Good food, great wine, attentive service, relaxing. The tables are a bit crowded together, but that's the only negative as far as we're concerned. Also, the prices are high, but not outrageous. It's our favorite Chicago special occasion restaurant.
(5)
Kate L.
I came here with my family for my 21st birthday, and while I had been dying to come here for years because of their extensive gluten free menu, the price and quality left something to be desired. First of all, the decor of the restaurant is amazing; it feels like a real French restaurant! Unfortunately, we got off to a bumpy start. We had a reservation, and yet we still ended up waiting 20 minutes for our table. The hostess was not welcoming at all, and seemed bothered when we asked if our table was ready yet. I get that it's a busy restaurant on a Saturday night, but people were arriving and being seated before our small party of 3 was able to be seated. Our waiter ended up being very kind, but it didn't quite make up for the bad first impression. The portions were HUGE! I had been eyeing Mon Ami Gabi for years, so naturally I knew exactly what I wanted to try. However, a starter, main course, and dessert were wayy too much. I was full a couple spoonfuls into my French onion soup! But aside from the fact that I was unable to finish anything, the food quality was kind of disappointing. The French onion soup was basically all onions - no soup - and the steak was chewy with tasteless, limp fries. For more than $50 a person, I was expecting the food to be better than what you can get at Olive Garden! Overall, I don't think I'll be back to Mon Ami Gabi. It just wasn't worth it for the money. While our waiter was very nice, and the ambiance was great for celebrating a special occasion, the food and the price of this restaurant just aren't in sync with each other.
(3)
Danielle S.
I love Mon Ami Gabi. I love it in Las Vegas and I love it in Chicago. We chose to sit outside during a perfect chicago late summer night and it couldn't have been a more amazing evening. A light breeze, the lights twinkling in the trees, and the sirens providing an orchestra of background music. The service was impeccable which is what I have come to expect from MAG. Our wine choices were always appropraite it cooled and glasses refreshed when needed. We ordered the goat cheese and tomato sauce appetizer which literally I dream about year round. The onion soup? Perfection. The steak frites are a HUGE serving, so delicious and such a reasonable price. I'm not sure I would change a single thing about my experience, except maybe for the unattended kids running around the patio, but then again that isn't really the responsibility of the restaurant and more of the ill behaved parents. Can you tell I love this place? Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Jamie B.
My husband and I had a superb experience here on Saturday night. The LEY folks never disappoint. The restaurant is really pretty inside- dark woods, mirrors, very french bistro. Its also nice that it's located in the best neighborhood in Chicago- Lincoln Park. So refreshing to not have to go to River North. The service was friendly and prompt and we didn't have to ask for anything at all. We had a cozy spot in the corner in the bar area and appreciated not feeling rushed. We selected: -Escargot: this was outstanding and was wonderful with the homemade baquette they bring you to start with. There was no cheese on the escargot which is how I prefer it. Excellent starter. -Endive and Roquefort Salad: be advised, there is a HUGE wedge (about the size of my hand) of bleu on this salad. It was nice to share; the cheese paired perfectly with the endive and pear on the salad. -French Onion Soup: I really liked this soup. It was sweeter than I've had at other places and much less salty. It was perfect. Again, may want to share, it's a pretty large crock. -NY Strip and Frites: medium-rare and prepared perfectly. The frites were skinny and delicious! -Filet Au Poivre: rare, the au poivre was the best I've ever had. The brandy to pepper ratio was spot on and this sauce was incredibly decadent. The steak was incredibly tender and had a delicious flavor. -Bananas Foster Crepe: I'd skip this next time. It was a crepe filled with vanilla ice cream with lots of bananas and caramel on the plate. Nothing too special, but good for a group. Overall it was a fantastic french dining experience, it's been awhile since I've had good French food and Mon Ami Gabi did an excellent job. We can't wait to come back.
(5)
YellowStar B.
I came here in early January and what an adorable little gem. I ordered the fish and I tried some of the chicken. It was delicious and well presented.
(5)
Griffin K.
Mon Ami Gabi service is unparalleled. I asked a simple question about two different wines, and the waiter brought out both options for me to sample before ordering. The french onion soup is a must.
(4)
Mark C.
Absolutely amazing food, and service was spectacular. Fantastic wine selection and perfect ambiance
(5)
Aashish J.
Great food, good service, perfect for date nights! I really liked Mon Ami Gabi. Thumbs up: 1. Food: Scallops Gratinees: Superbly delicious! A must appetizer. Bordelaise Steak Frites: One of the best steaks I have EVER had. Really good. Also tried Chicken Grand-Mere. Usually I don't eat chicken outside of my house because it is so bland. Who eats chicken if you can eat steak, really? But here I did and I have no regrets. Definitely recommend this dish! 2. Wine: A great wine selection at moderate price ranges. 3. Location: Not close to the train stations which is a bummer but can be reached by bus from downtown. However, walking distance away from the Lincoln Park Zoo. Wonderful for a stroll after dinner. 4. Great service!!! Thumbs down: 1. Food: a. French onion soup: Blah...tasted like onions and soysauce. Why anyone eats this dish is a mystery to me :P 2. Space: The tables are so small you feel like you are going to knock some glassware down with the oversize menu. No privacy at all :(
(4)
derek T.
This place is a regular for us. The good: wonderful ambience, incredible steak frites, excellent escargot, perfectly roasted chicken, and a warm and professional staff. The so so: a small bar so don't expect to "wait at the bar" comfortably if you are more than 2, serving temp for the wine - the cellar is a ways from the bar so if you order a nice bottle of red, ask if it is coming from the bar or the cellar (a difference of about 15 degrees in the wrong direction). A fun romantic night for two - perfect. Dinner with friends - also perfect, but make sure you have a reservation. And, in the summer the patio is beautiful.
(4)
Harini P.
Ok, I am a carnivore- I can out eat anyone when it comes to steaks! FOR REAL!! This place has an amazing 22-inch bone-in ribeye that is so juicy and delicious! It is super fatty, tender and amazing. Seriously one of the best steaks that I have ever had and let me tell you, I have had many. The best part is that the price is not as high as other places in this area, I truly recommend this cozy spot! Their desserts look amazing!!!
(4)
Alice D.
I enjoyed this place, though I had chicken, at the suggestion of my sister-in-law, instead of steak; my wife did too, a different kind of chicken, a breast flattened and seasoned. My brother-in-law, who visits often, ordered everything except the entree, so life was good. The burgundy was excellent. Appetizers included crab cakes, flattened and exquisitely seasoned, salmon tartare and avocado served as if ceviche, and scallops in melted cheese in a scalloped serving dish. All wonderful. The manager and waiter were full of stories that they shared; John, the waiter, a singer, has a small cake and pastry business called Vincent Van Dough, specializing in a 6-layer Pride cake, and if the cookies he served us with other desserts is any indication, he must be doing gangbusters. It was a great meal. I'll be back to try the steak-frites.
(4)
Michael B.
I've eaten at the one in Oakbrook before which was a little too suburban shopping mall, concept-ish for me. I'm generally not a big fan of these theme or concept restaurants owned and managed by large restaurant groups and they can often prioritize being businesses first and restaurants after that, versus establishments that truly take pride in their food, food sources, service and customer experiences. Not always, but enough that's I'm cautious. That said, I was there as a guest for a birthday party in a private room with limited menu choices. What I ordered, mushroom soup, salmon, root vegetables were all pretty good. I know the French like to slather everything in butter and add lots of salt, which helps but not really my thing, but, hot and tasty it was. Service was professional. Good buzz, looked like a local and Sat night date crowd mix. It's not in or on the top of my rotation, but for those living in the neighborhood, it seems like a nice place to have in the hood.
To be honest, I was disappointed with my recent experience during Restaurant Week, mostly due to the service perspective and less due to the food aspect. Two of my girlfriends and I met at Mon Ami Gabi for a dinner reservation this past week at 7:00. We ended up waiting past our reservation time because the hostess offered us a better round table by a window, if we were willing to wait (which we did). It was nice to be at a table that was off of the beaten path of the restaurant, but my complaint about the table itself is that it was round and the white paper on top was square and was jutting out. It was an annoyance for the entire meal, even after I adjusted my seat. Our waiter just seemed rushed and disinterested in our table the whole night. When we weren't ready to order the first time he came by, at least 15 minutes passed before he came by to check on us again. I asked for a small substitution with my salad, just balsamic vinegar and oil dressing instead of the dressing from the menu. When our food came, the salad wasn't dressed and there was no balsamic vinegar and oil. It was a runner who brought the food and our waiter didn't check back for another 5 minutes after we had already started. Although we stayed for over two hours, the waiter never once spent more than 30 seconds at our table explaining the menu, asking us how our dishes were, or otherwise checking in on us. I was very disappointed considering the good impression I had of Mon Ami Gabi before this experience...but since my friends' dishes looked good (and I didn't have anything but a salad), I may be back at another time to try it again.
Overpriced and insane delivery fees for piss-poor portion sizes and cold food. They gave us a "free" stale baguette, which sucked. I was so disappointed with my delivery order I won't be bothering to go in-person.
(2)
Benjamin B.
I've been to this one and the one in Vegas and both are just outstanding. Great service, hot delivery and the food is just amazing every time. The steak frites is always a go to for me. The hanger steak is extremely flavorful and tender. The beef bourguinion is a must try, best i've had outside of my mothers house.
(4)
Alexander J.
As a next door neighbor, I have dined at Mon Ami Gabi and it's predecessor for decades. However, service on last 2 visits was substantially worse than past experience. On one visit, despite a reservation, we were kept waiting for over an hour. The host in this instance did offer apologies and comped both wine and dessert, which was appreciated and appropriate. The next visit we experienced poor service again, this time with both waitstaff and long delay (1 hour) for our main course. The host apologized and promised to follow up, but has not done so.
(2)
Lissa S.
Late review, but my boyfriend and I came here during restaurant week back in February. The food was delicious, the atmosphere cozy and romantic (the "cozy" part may have been largely due to the massive snowstorm outside, but I plan to go back sometime this summer, so I'll let you know), and the wait staff very kind and knowledgeable. I have no complaints and certainly plan to return! Great spot for a nice dinner date out.
(5)
Alexandra H.
I haven't been to Mon Ami Gabi since I was 16 with my parents. I live down the road now, and my husband and I have been wanting to try it again. I was very happy with the results. The mussels were delicious. Definitely dunk the baguette in the liquid- the best part. Steak Bordelaise is one of my favorites, they cooked it to perfection. Often when I order medium-rare, it will be too rare for me, but this was just right. Husband got Steak Bearnaise, he loved it although I did not try it (rare for me, but I enjoyed my own so much that I just didn't have any desire to steal off of his plate!). Drank a bottle of Bordeaux, paired nicely with our steaks :) We ordered the Banana Foster Crepe for dessert. I'm still dreaming about it. Our waiter was great. The one draw back was that when he came around the first time we weren't ready, and then it took him a bit to get back to us again. But honestly not an issue, we just had a late reservation so we were starving! Definitely will go back again when craving steak frites!
(5)
Stephanie S.
Hosted my best friend's bridal shower. Super cute inside but... Working in the FOH at a French restaurant myself back home, I was a little disappointed. I ordered a Kir Royal and they had some form of blackberry liquer but not Creme de Cassis. I had the Croque Monsieur which was just okay. The back room was freeeeeeezing. The main server was delightful (I didn't catch his name), though.
I didn't have dinner, but I came but I came for desert. And I have to say it was amazing, I tried the Chocolate moose and Peach Melba, so good and they made sure it was gluten free. Also the server I had was funny, nice and helpful, made it a way better experience. And because it was nice out I dinned out side and the outside patio was amazing great summer dinning.
(5)
Lauren B.
Went here for a birthday dinner last night. If you're looking for a celebration dinner that's not too stuffy, you should go here. Escargot was good, although I don't have much to compare it to. Bread and butter tasted actually French. I had soup, husband had salad -- both were good but not outstanding. Entrees were excellent. I had the "Chicken Grandmere" -- really really delish. Better than just any old chicken. Hubby had the steak/frites with Dijon -- delightful. I'd go here again, but if I were looking for French steak/frites, I might be more likely to choose Bavette's ( yelp.com/biz/bavettes-ba… )
(4)
Dima G.
The butter squash soup is heaven. Goat cheese appetizer is great. Their french baguette is addictive. Salmon was good. Not too impressed with deserts and the attentiveness of the server to get you another glass of wine.
(4)
Steve L.
With great excitement, I had made reservation for the promoted Seder Dinner for 7pm. I even received a confirmation call the day prior. Since I was recovering from surgery and unable to make the traditional dinner for my family, I thought why not. We did arrive a bit early and was told our table would be ready a little after 7pm and took the hostess's suggestion to have a drink before hand. By a quarter after 7pm, it became evident by the number of families that were now waiting in the lobby that it would be longer wait than anticipated. I sent my daughter to inquire and she was told a few minutes. Five minutes later, I went to the hostess and asked for an exact time. She apologized since the tables were not clearing. Looking at the computer screen, I counted at least seven reservations at 7pm. For such a small restaurant promoting a holiday dinner, the answer was clear. They were completely overbooked. When pressed, she admitted that 7:45pm or later would be the time to be seated. Now I know why they call them wait staff. This was unacceptable. I don't know if it was the inexperience of the staff or just incompetence. I cancelled the reservation and went to another restaurant nearby who also had a Seder Dinner. We were seated immediately. Reflecting on my collective experiences with Lettuce Entertain You restaurants, I see the problem and it truly runs throughout the numerous restaurant variations. So it must be a management prerogative. This organization really is not a customer-oriented. Reservations are meaningless. As a frequent dinner at LEY, you have finally lost me. I will not be returning to Mon Ami Gabi or any other property for as long as I can remember this awful experience.
Still one of my favorite Chicago restaurants after many years. It provides a consistent level of quality and service in an intimate bistro setting. Their steaks are consistently excellent, the seafood specials are great, and I have found it a great environment for any social or business event. In addition, in summer you can sit outside in a lovely setting. Highly recommend.
(4)
John W.
We stopped in for one drink and a desert. I ordered some chocolate caramel bar which knocked my socks off. My friend ordered the chocolate mousse which was also really good.
(4)
Melanie S.
Every time I come back to Mon Ami Gabi, I enjoy it more and more. Last night was the restaurant's 15th anniversary, and as part of the celebration, they were offering LEYE Frequent Diner cardholders triple points and free gift cards just for having dinner there. I'm a total points whore, so I can never pass up an offer like this. Other than a few missteps from our server (he just seemed a bit out of it), it was a near-perfect evening; from starting out with a flawless French 75 (who doesn't love a cocktail named after a firearm?), to ending with one of the best desserts known to mankind. Our appetizers were a half-dozen fresh oysters from Prince Edward Island, served with mignonette, cocktail sauce, and fresh horseradish. We find cocktail sauce a great accompaniment to shrimp, but way too sweet for oysters, so we asked for some hot sauce (when we placed the order). The oysters came without the hot sauce and the horseradish so we had to remind our server, and he brought them out quickly. One of the oysters was "funky," and no one wants to end up sick over a questionable oyster, so that one was left uneaten. We also enjoyed the soup du jour, which was a chilled asparagus soup. I've never had a cold asparagus soup before, and it was absolutely delicious. It was the embodiment of summer in a bowl. Our mains were steak frites, served with bernaise sauce, and the trout almandine (with the almonds on the side). Again, these were near-perfect. The trout was flaky and delicate, and had a light brown-butter sauce and some haricots verts. I'm not a huge fish lover and I gobbled this up. The steak was cooked perfectly, and it was marbled, so it had tons of flavor; the naughty bernaise sauce only added to it. I'm not a huge fan of their frites; they're too thin and crispy, almost shard-like. I prefer matchstick fries over these. Desserts are another area in which MAG excels. Years ago, they used to have a dessert I so loved called strawberries Briand, which was fresh strawberries in Grand Marnier, and sour cream sorbet, sprinkled with some brown sugar. Then they took it off the menu and I cried, so when I spied it back on the menu last night, I was overjoyed. It was even better than I remembered. Strawberries (from nearby Green City Market) in a pool of luscious juice, nicely offset by a tart, refreshing sorbet. And of course I can't not get profiteroles, and they allow you to just get one, instead of the three that typically come in an order. Prices are surprisingly reasonable as well. My trout was $17.95; I've paid more than that for fish at Dunlay's (which is a neighborhood place), and the steak wasn't priced much more than that. I also adore their patio, which overlooks beautiful Lincoln Park. On a summer evening, it doesn't get much better than sipping a cocktail or glass of wine, eating a delicious dinner, and watching people and dogs strolling by. This isn't quite a five-star review, but it's much closer to five than four. I just love this place; it never disappoints.
(5)
Robin C.
I had this place on my 'to go to' places, but I have still never physically been there. I recently did discover that they were on Grubhub, and it has become my guilty pleasure on sundays when I am too tired to leave my apartment but want great food. Everything I have ordered from the appetizers to the desserts have been amazing. I was blown away that I could get a properly cooked filet mignon togo. But the best thing I have discovered is their lemon tart dessert. It's so good that I ordered 4 of them last time so I could have some for later. I do plan on physically going there some time soon, but if you can't make it, treat yourself at home and order in.
(5)
Sean A.
Amazing experience from top to bottom. Wonderful staff, service, menu, execution and the wine list is great. We had just about everything on the menu and I usually don't order chicken dishes when I go out, but I am glad I took our servers advice as it is now the only chicken dish I would order when I go out!
(5)
FoodieChic L.
It was my second time at M.A.G. and will be my last if we get the same server/service. The first time around at MAG was fabulous but it was probably attributed to our company and their connection to the Lettuce Group. This time around, my hubby and I went on a Monday-let's be honest here, it wasn't their busiest day yet I think they only had one server; which we were fortunate to have [enter sarcasm]. From the moment we sat to the time we left, we had to ask about our server's whereabouts a handful of time. We were so irritated and embarrassed to ask our busboy for our food/check...did I mention it was our anniversary too? Needless to say, we didn't even have dessert because we'd be on our way to our next anniversary... Surprised for such a company to be lacking in the service department; which outweighed the good food.
(3)
Bella V.
Last night we went out to dinner for a pre- Mother's Day dinner. I was looking forward to a good tasty food. The experience was not what I expected. The French soup was excellent but came at the same time as the main entree because the waiter forgot? He didn't understand the order?? The main entree besides been cold, by the time I finished eating the soup, it was totally disappointing. I ordered scallops, each scallop was the size of a quarter, totally skimpy!!! The waiter barely checked on us, he seemed rather tired and anxious to get done.
(2)
Alex G.
A return visit for us to celebrate Valentines Day. We arrived about 10 minutes early for our 6:30 reservation and our table was waiting. I could make a meal out of the warm loaf of bread. The Dover Sole seemed to be the womens choice at almost every table including my gf. She said it was very good. I liked the Bordeaux my gf got that I ordered a glass for myself. It was the Château Bonnet. The onion soup was kind of ordinary but there was plenty of it. I got the New York strip steak (as usual) that comes with bordelaise sauce. What the steak lacked in tenderness was offset by flavor. And the pile of frites made for a great meal. Service was attentive and noise levels were fine. This is one of our favorite restaurants. They never disappoint.
(4)
Matt R.
Mouth-watering, scrumptious, and divine don't even begin to describe the experience I had at Mon Ami Gabi. I figured the food would be good; I assumed the ambiance would be romantic; and I suspected I would enjoy myself. I had no idea that I would be grateful to be sitting at the moment the Boeuf bourguignon hit my taste buds. My knees went weak and my eyes involuntarily closed. I fell into the most wonderful flavor I have ever experienced. Not to mention the steak frites which were amazingly delicious, cooked to perfection and gratefully devoured by my date. My dinner was so amazing that as I walked out I made reservations once again. Don't miss out on this wonderful restaurant.
(5)
Leon W.
I love Mon Ami Gabi! I go constantly again. Their Gabi Fish and Frites is amazing. Not a fried fish but a light breading and sauted and with a Bernaise Sauce it is perfection. Their Caesar Salad is also a treasure.
(5)
Tammy L.
My husband, mother-in-law and I celebrated my mother-in-law's birthday here the other night. We had a great time! The warm bread and butter were so good. I also liked the little carrot salad that they put on the table. We split a half order of mussels marinieres for the table, and we all agreed that we would be happy just coming back for that and the warm bread. There wasn't a drop of the creamy broth left! They asked if they could take it away and we just kept saying no until it was all gone. :) My husband also ordered the frisee salad with a poached egg on top, and he said it was very good (had bacon, so I didn't taste it). As far as main courses, I had the trout almandine and it was so well-done. The fish was nicely browned and I don't think I found a single bone. The haricots verts were cooked perfectly too. It's a simple, classic dish done right. My husband ordered their sea bass special with tomatoes and that too was cooked just right. Mother-in-law had the scallops with spring vegetables, and she couldn't stop talking about it! She said they were memorable. I tasted them and they too were cooked perfectly. Kudos to the cooks in the kitchen, because I've certainly had seafood at fancier restaurants that wasn't cooked as perfectly. They brought out a profiterole since we mentioned that it was her birthday, and we also ordered a bananas foster crepe that was humongous. They were both delicious--the ice cream in the middle of both was especially good, creamy, and just the right temperature. The service was very nice and efficient, but not rushed at all. We had a wonderful night sitting on the patio right after the crazy storm passed through. I would definitely come back again!
(4)
Jami S.
Loved Mon Ami Gabi. Very romantic date place. Love the ambience of the dim lighting. Got a nice booth in the corner so we could be alone. Server was knowledgable and friendly. The steak and frites were good. Def met LEYE standards. But the dessert was AMAZING! Seriously the absolute best part of the meal. Get the breadpudding! It was literally to die for. I'd go back just for it.
(4)
Tiago S.
i'm just posting an update. Management at the restaurant has read my not so happy review and got in touch to discuss the experience and live it up to the expectations. I have to say this wasn't necessarily the expectation but definitely it was appreciated for them to hear and step up to make things right. This is definitely the way to treat your good customers and kudos to them. much appreciated.
(5)
John V.
Their caramelized sea scallops are to die for. Their escargot is the best I've ever had. I also come here at least once a month for their succulent skate.
(5)
Kevin C.
Moderately priced French food without the French attitude. Americans have gotten very, very good at imitating the inside of open-air French cafes, and this restaurant is no different. We had the chicken liver mousse, steak Bearnaise, and scallops. My only complaint is that they cooked the potatoes in such a way that you had to scoop them up with your hands, tilt your head back, and drop them in your mouth like a fat person eating Cheetos. It was either look foolish or not eat potatoes (which is realistically speaking not an option).
(4)
Traci N.
I have a confession: I'm not a big fan of steak frites! (GASP) Rather than ordering one of the many varieties of their specialty entree, I went with the chicken palliard, a thin chicken breast well seasoned with herbs and lemon-asparagus on the side. And...it was fine. Was it special? No. However, my appetizer (onion soup) and dessert (chocolate mousse) were both delicious! The onion soup was my absolute favorite part of the meal, other than the wine. ;] As an appetizer it is a fairly large portion, filled with gooey cheese and crusty bread. Flavorful and not too salty. Yum! I'd definitely order this again. The mousse dessert was so rich that it should be shared between two people. If I were to order the mousse again I would request it without the chocolate balls on top. They distracted from the smoothness of the dessert. Other than the chicken entree being so/so, my only other complain is that the plexiglass barriers lining the outdoor patio sorely need to be replaced. They are covered in scratch marks, and even worse, MOLD between the panels! A pleasant place to dine, and especially good if you like 1) steak frites (everyone else I was with ordered this and they all cleaned their plates) or 2) great onion soup. Also, who doesn't love the name? Mon Ami Gabi, you are fun to say!
(4)
Lupe G.
...Can I say pretentious???!!! I don't want to go back; I don't care how good the food was! Listen, I am not big on French cuisine anyway, though I gotta give this place props, as even the simplest side dish was amazing (green beans only had 3 ingredients and they were the best I have tasted to date), but the place was SO crowded and the clientele was so about being seen, that I found myself completely out of place here. When I go to dinner and the girl next to me is wearing a real tiara and matching necklace, earrings and such, I definitely DON'T belong here! If you like this sort of crowd, check it out; it's something right out of a toulouse lautrec poster for me; loud and memorable, but in my observing eyes, borderline trashy : S
(2)
Caitlin M.
I didn't realize you had to go into the hotel entrance to get to the restaurant but once inside it is very charming. Fantastic food, extremely nice and attentive staff. Sat outside on their patio with little lights decorating it and it was like escaping into another world. The only negative thing I would say is that it is a bit pricey but it was worth it.
(5)
Anne M.
Mon Ami Gabi! Ma beau ami! I've been here twice, and I loved it both times. Most recently, my Valentine took me here on Fevrier 14 to celebrate with a decadent, romantic dinner. We enjoyed baguettes (yes, plural... they're hot, fresh baguettes, don't judge) and a bottle of wine as we soaked up the perfect ambiance. We ordered soups to start - french onion for me and lobster bisque for him. The french onion was great - hot, bubbly cheese topped a bread slice over a deep bowl of thick oniony soup. The bisque was also delicious. My Valentine chose the special (beef wellington) and I went with the skate wing served with mushrooms and mashed potatoes. Everything was perfectly cooked and looked and tasted great. Gabi is a pro. She knows how to deliver superior service, food and atmosphere. I'd definitely come back, and recommend for special dinners.
(5)
Rits M.
This place was CROWDED. Made a reservation for Friday night and got there on time. We still had a 20 minute wait, but they were really nice about it. The woman at the door isn't super friendly but I think that comes with the job of working the door. The place is small and they try to fit in as many tables as they can, but I didn't feel cramped or inconvenienced by the tables going in and out. We had Ryan who waited our table- super nice, really friendly and very helpful. He even comped us a creme brulee since we were wondering which dessert to have. Thumbs up to him! We had the steak poivre, the bearnaise, the roquefort and for appetizers, the ratatouille, the asparagus and the escargots. I LOVED the escargots, the sauce was really well made. The paste for the ratatouille was good, but I would give it a miss next time. The asparagus was delicious and was the largest surprise- they had made it with slivers of lemon and were cooked perfectly, just an edge of al dente. Of the steaks I would recommend the bearnaise- this is the hardest sauce and they made it extremely well. I would also recommend the steaks be prepared medium rare. For dessert, I would recommend the fruit crumble. The brulee was not exactly the souffle-ish texture that is aspirational, but is a good solid option (no pun intended). I would give the profiterolls a miss. The place itself doesn't really look all that french to me. Lots of wood, it reminds me of the inside of a french house perhaps, your uncle's dining room. I'll be back, I have a new ami in town, il s'appelle Gabi :)
(4)
Thomas Y.
I love this place. The scallops are some of the best I've ever had. I've tried many things on their menu and I have loved all of them. I had the pleasure of getting served by Sasha several times and he's is outstanding! Can't wait to go back.
(5)
Leo K.
We had a great dinner and the service was exemplary. Would recommend to everyone
(5)
Danny M.
I am basing this review off the restaurant week menu. One of the best things to look for after New Year's is Chicago's Restaurant Week. I came here with a party of 4 on a Saturday night and the place was packed. We were seated right away in a crowded booth really close to other tables around us. It didn't bother me too much because I kinda got use to this at other restaurants. Now for restaurant week, you get to choose from a three course menu (appetizers, main course, and dessert). I started with the Onion Soup Au Gratin, which is French Onion Soup. This was actually very good and I was actually going to get the Frisee, Kale & Warm Bacon Salad based on fellow Yelpers pictures, but I changed my mind when the table next to me order it and it smelled so yummy! My main entree, I went with the Steak Frites, which is just a steak and fries. The steak was okay for the most part. I am not sure if it's the sauce (Bordelaise) I got mine with, but I like the fries more than the steak. Finally, to wrap the night up, they serve you a dessert trio, which includes sherbet chocolate mousse, and creme brulee. The sherbet was amazing and the creme brulee was my second favorite of the three. I didn't like the chocolate mousse, but I am not really a fan of chocolate mousse. Overall, I would definitely want to come back here in the future to try their regular menu. Another thing to keep in mind is that parking can be extremely hard to find in this area!
(3)
Racquel M.
If I could give Mon Ami 100 stars,I would . Hands down the best and most exquisite french food I've had in Chicago by far. I went with my family and boyfriend for my birthday dinner. The ambiance was romantic , yet friendly, great for a group or a romantic dinner date. I recommend the filet mignon au puvoire as a main course and the smoked salmon for hor dourves.
Mon Ami is one of our favorite restaurants. We are both huge fans of muscles and steak frites. Last night we got the shrimp cocktail for the first time and it was so good. There service is phenomenal and makes for a really enjoyable experience. They have a great selection of French wines; the first bordeaux on the menu is our favorite. We had the banana fosters for dessert and asked the waiter to pick an after dinner drink for us. He chose one of the sherrys which was soooo good. We love it! Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Lauren R.
Nothing special. I had the Salmon and it was over cooked. The wine we chose was good. Our server seemed to forget about us since our reservations were at 9pm. Also where they put us was near the bar and no one could pass through and I felt uncomfortable as I was in the way. They should have put us in a spot where people can pass through. I would go elsewhere if I was French cuisine.
(3)
Sarah S.
Great place. I had the bone-in ribeye and it was delicious! I'll be back soon for dessert since I was too full to order one.
(4)
Mike B.
This is one of our all time favorite restaurants. We have been going there since the days of Un Grande Cafe. Its former name. We were so happy when LetUsEntertainYou changed the name but not the decor. One of my wife's all time favorites is the Steak Frite. We have had an outstanding skate dish and the desserts are worth saving some capacity to consume. Wines are typically good (not quite great) but very enjoyable and not outrageously priced.
(5)
Anna G.
Interesting place in the lobby of an upscale apartment building. Started out great, but once the waitress realized we weren't all that hungry and weren't ordering starters or a lot of 'add ons' she totally changed her tune just short of rolling her eyes. They have an amazing baguette which was tasy. We ordered the classique steak which is not a typical steak- very thin, but even for that it seriously came out about five minutes after we ordered. WAY too fast. Almost like, "Ok, you aren't spending enough money- eat and leave'. That's how it felt. We did order one dessert which cheered her up. The food was really good- bernaise sauce- YUM, so we will likely try again, but I hope we feel a bit more love the next time regardless of where we order 100.00 worth of food or 50.
(4)
Lynne j.
After my bad experience with Juan, everyone at Mon Ami Gabi has gone out of their way to make going here as wonderful as it always was for me. I love Mon Ami Gabi! I go constantly again. Their Gabi Fish and Frites is amazing. Not a fried fish but a light breading and sauted and with a Bernaise Sauce it is perfection. Their Caesar Salad is also a treasure. And, the deserts. I don't eat deserts but have tried every one on the menu in the past few months and they are amazing. Everyone on the staff is fantastic especially their General Manager, Sue Kim-Drohomyrecky. She is wonderful. And, Molly and John make dining their a pleasure. I am so happy I can love going here again.
(5)
Kelly S.
We both had the house steak in different variations. Good but not the best steak I've ever had. I believe the house steak cut is also called 'flat iron steak' these days. They were cooked perfectly. I love that you can sub any side if you don't like the one that is listed on the menu. Also liked that when I was torn between two wine choices, the waiter brought samples of each. For dessert, we went with Pineapple Pain Perdue. Really scrumptious.
I live in this building I have not been disappointed yet the food is delicious and I carry out a ton they package everything so nicely and they always give me bread and butter
(5)
Christina R.
Fabulous, wonderful, great place! The filets are the best we've had in the city.
(5)
Brad K.
Had Mother's Day bunch here recently. It was great food and service. Sitting outside on a perfect day was just, perfect.
(5)
Anthony F.
We celebrated our 1st wedding anniversary by having dinner here and were very pleased. The service was great and the food was very good.
(4)
S W.
My husband and I had a really good experience here. I wouldn't say my mind was blown, but it was very good. Friendly service, fun people watching, and tasty food. It was nice to be at a restaurant that felt a little more "local" compared other places we had experienced on our trip. A nice place to go on a date or even with a group of friends. I would recommend making a reservation.
(4)
Samantha S.
Delicious steak and pomme frites, nice atmosphere. I would be happy to return next time I'm in Chicago. Friendly staff, delicious warm baquette. Fantastic location right across from the conservatory.
(4)
Raymond M.
I usually try not to repeat restaurants but this place is firmly on the top spot of my list of places to eat at again :) waiting for warm weather to start dining outside!
(5)
Dean K.
brought my girlfriend here and asked for a table. the hostess, in a VERY excited whisper, said, "i can sit you next to david schwimmer!!" i was like, what exactly do you want me to do with that. hand him a script? notwithstanding my inability to capitalize on this new hollywood connect, the dinner was great. oysters were very tasty, skate wing and creme brulee. all wonderful. i just adore the bread with butter and lentils.
(4)
Liz B.
Wow - Mon Ami Gabi, what a nice turn-around. It'd been more than a year since my last visit, and frankly, I'd been (very) underwhelmed (sub-par food, sloppy/careless service). But what a difference now! New management, new chef, updated menu, AWESOME service - so friendly, so accommodating. It's like they were actually happy we were there! I am thrilled, as Mon Ami Gabi has always had so much potential - and a long life in Chicago -- and I see a bright future for it. Thank you for a delightful Wednesday night, Mon Ami Gabi!
(4)
Ryan T.
I came here for my mom's birthday about a month ago, and it's pretty standard fare for the price. My biggest complaint would be that the service was a bit slow, but the atmosphere was pleasant enough that it wasn't a huge issue. I started off with the french onion soup, which was pretty excellent and appropriately cheesy (which is to say, very cheesy). I had the salmon spinach salad as an entree - it was good but not exceptional. I probably would've gone with a steak if I were a beef-eater, but I'm not, and I wasn't super impressed with the restaurant's non-steak options. Overall, a pretty good place, but not a must-do by any means.
(3)
Niki C.
Yum! Love their Steak and Frites. Awesome onion soup! Feels like your sitting in a cafe in Paris.
(5)
Whitney K.
Let's go ahead and say 3.5 stars. Definitely not a bad experience, just not a true standout to me in the Chicago food scene. Would have enjoyed the patio (closed) or a table by the windows but they were all full, request this if you make a reservation! Our table in the back room felt on top of our neighbors, which can expected in Chicago on a busy Friday night. It was a little quieter back there so that's a plus. As far as food goes, nothing was bad but our guests were raving by the end of the meal - my favorite sign of a successful dinner with out of towners in this wonderful foodie city. For our group, the standouts were the frisee/bacon salad and the baked goat cheese. I'm pretty sure my husband would have licked the goat cheese dish, if allowed. The rest of our food (cocktails, scallops, salmon salad, salmon and leek quinoa) were okay. Moderately priced, french inspired food from LEYE. Average rating for an average experience, though I think this restaurant group has some better options.
(3)
Kaitlin M.
I must say this place has tradition and consistency written all over it. This statement includes the type of decor, the style of food and the people that frequent Mon Ami. What made this place so good was the food. I ordered the gazpacho and a summer salad. Both were fabulous, and believe it or not, were large enough portions to really fill me up. My friend ordered the blue cheese crusted steak dinner and loved every bite. We finished our meal with one of the better deserts I have had lately: bananas fosters crepes. So good we wish we had each ordered our own! Only negative was that our server was quick to bring us drinks and get our order but was almost non-existent for the rest of the meal. Ordering a second round of drinks was a task. Overall it was a good experience. Good food, older crowd, decent waiter and at a good price.
My experience last night at Mon Ami Gabi captured perfectly one of things I most *HATE* about dining in Chicago's "hot" restaurant scene these days. Here is how it went: Me/wife: arrive Mon Ami Gabi on a bitter cold Tuesday night, 6:30pm, restaurant is a bit sleepy, open tables visible immediately to the right of the hostess stand, and there is no one standing around waiting for tables, nor is the bar crowded. Me/wife to hostess: "Table for 2 please?" Hostess, peers at her book: "It will be about 30 minutes. Do you care to wait?" Me/wife: "Hmmm, there appear to be several open tables in this section in front of both of us, so why the wait?" Hostess: "Um, that section is closed" Me/wife: "So why is there a couple sitting and eating there right in the closed section?" (me points to couple sitting about 10 feet away) Hostess: "Would you like to wait 30 minutes?" This just irks me to no end - arriving somewhere - open tables - and the hostess refuses to seat you. Mon Ami Gabi is a small restaurant, and if it wasn't staffed at that moment to accommodate all the tables, then shame on Lettuce for running the place like that. More likely though, I just think there is some pretension for "in" restaurants these days to always keep walk-in diners at arms length, as if seating them right away makes them some sort of diner or coffee shop. We've had the same thing happen at numerous other places, especially in the west Randolph area. To al Chicago restaurateurs who teach their staffs to treat customers like this, I give you big rotten raspberry. You know who you are.
(2)
Anthony D.
Really just amazing! I'm a big Lettuce Entertain You fan and this place just knocked my socks off. The food was top notch, the service was spot on (our server was Alani sp?) and she was just great. In my party of three people we had two steaks, Dover sol, four appetizers and three desserts and everything was just amazing! So happy with my experience I made another reservation for my birthday.
(5)
v m.
Amazing. Very personal. Mentioned that it was our anniversary and we got 2 glasses of champagne & profiteroles dessert on the house! Food is just amazing - rivals even Cape Cod (of the Drake hotel).... ordered several appetizers - highly recommend: Jumbo shrimp, Scallops & Warm Brie. All around great (and romantic) experience. Do it. Totally worth the price (but will not break the bank :)
(4)
Pearl T.
Went here with some girlfriends for a moms night out a couple months ago and had a wonderful time. Ambiance was really cute. Dim, but with lots of little string lights. Server was helpful without being intrusive. Wine was delightful (my girlfriend picked out a pinot for us). Food was tasty. I sampled some of my friend's heirloom tomato salad (they get it from the Green City Farmers Market) and it was yummy. I ordered the steak frites and really enjoyed it. The frites were more like chips than fries but they are really tasty. I tried my friend's skatefish and enjoyed that too. Overall, a wonderful experience.
(5)
Eduardo M.
Go here for one thing - garlic butter escargot. Then stay for other stuff. I can't say I've ever been disappointed here, but I can't honestly remember what else I've eaten here (this may have to do with the extensive wine list...). I do always remember the escargot. it's incredibly savory, tender and a great way to start a meal. Sometimes there's a wait to get in, even with a reservation, but it's worth it, and you can take a drink from the bar and hang out in the hotel lobby - the host will find you when it's time. Yes, there's a full bar, so the drinks are pretty good here too.
(4)
Lola K P.
The food here just felt average and a bit mass produced, and I wasn't feeling the French inspiration (nothing beats sitting at my favorite bistro in Paris, sooo, gotta cut some slack there). Had the steak au poivre, not as good as other French restaurants in the area. Girlfriends had le poulet, they really liked it. Service was very good. If my girlfriends wanted to come back, I guess I would, but I wouldn't return on my own.
(3)
Steve R.
Mon Ami Gabi is a special treat. Ambiance is excellent, service is good. Food is delicious. Don't miss the steak frites!
(5)
Zorin D.
Mosaic tiled floors, dark brown leather booths, all French wines, and you were started with a loaf of warm baguette. All of the food was just bland. Of the three French Onion soups I had in this period of time, this one was a complete failure. It missed the beefy quality of the under seasoned broth. The chicken pillard was so bland that you thought it would have been seasoned by a slug. Furthermore you didn't get any of the lemon flavor at all. Even the worst of home cooks could do a better job with this dish. It's only redeeming quality was that it was fully cooked. The only redeeming quality of the place was that the service was phenomenal and my cocktail was the strong bold hit you in the face drink that I had been looking for.
(2)
Kamilah S.
RESTARAUNT WEEK 2014 I came here with my mom and my sister and we had good food, nothing spectacular. Our server Luis was excellent, very attentive. The crusty French bread was GREAT, I kept dipping the bread in the escargot buttery-herb sauce. We started with the French onion soup and they burnt the cheese, but Luis was glad to replace the soup with another, overall, the soup was a tad bit on the sweet side, but it had good flavor. The escargots was infused with butter and herbs, which gave it a green tint and it did not look very appetizing, but it tasted pretty good. The skatewing and the trout were excellent and the steak frites were delicious, but the frites were a bit to crunchy. We got a dessert trio, which consisted of a mini crème brulee, a chocolate mousse, and an orange sorbet, all three were YUM-O. French food is meant to be enjoyed and savored and not rushed, we thoroughly savored our food and spent 1.5 hours enjoying our meals.
(4)
Bex F.
This is more like a 3.75'er, borderline 3.5. We had some high expectations for Mon Ami Gabi as for weeks now the husband has been calling the day-of for a reservation, always rejected. He then asks if we could walk in....always told no. I mean, don't get me wrong, it is a Lettuce place, so expectations weren't too high; high enough because we had trouble getting in and because the menu sounded nice. Pros: Food. All the food was really good. We had the brie, very nice. Spilt a Caesar salad (I'm a bit baffled at how they charge $10 for it), tasty and generous with the cheese. My filet with the merlot sauce, under temp which was eh, forgivable but very tender and good. I wasn't much for the merlot sauce. His strip steak, good. My pinot blanc, very tasty. His bottle of wine, good he said but he felt he overpaid. Plus and minus: Frites. Not what I expected at all. It's like they take the cottage fries from RJ Grunts and put them through a pasta machine set at fettucini. They were good, they tasted exactly like the cottage fries, just not what I was expecting. Profiteroles....good, though they pre-portion it and pop it back in the freezer. That doesn't do nice things to cream puffs. Weird, not good, or bad: The service was strange. Our server stared at me all night. He was kind of on auto-pilot so anything out of the ordinary seemed to startle him. He was pleasant though and did a nice job otherwise. The food was coming too quickly so we asked him to slow it down. Slow it down he did, to the opposite end of the spectrum of ok, um, we didn't mean stop completely. We ended up having to ask for our entrees. Further thumbs down: I understand they're trying to go with that French bistro theme and all but c'mon, do the tables really have to be that close together? In Lincoln Park of all places? We got stuck next to this freaky foursome of loud talkers. "Oh yeah, that was the best funeral I've ever been to!" and "Here's a photo of us at blah blah blah....And here we are at the bris!" Oh dear. Really? Thankfully the couple on the other side of us used their inside voices. What was weird too was that there were several empty tables over the course of the evening. We had an 8 pm reservation and were there about 2 hours on a Saturday night....I guess we could have walked in so I thought it was strange that they were so adamant about no available tables day-of or for walk-ins. Weird too that the couple next to us was just a pair, sitting at a four top. I guess the seating policy is odd here. Do note this place ain't cheap. Parking blows so just valet. All in all, the food warrants another visit some day. It's just too bad this place is in the middle of Lincoln Park and all its other-worldliness.
(4)
Sarah K.
My husband and I went here this summer and it was just fine. He had the onion soup and steak frites. I had a salad and a filet special. Everything was just average. The service was a bit off. For example, the waitress took away only part of the extra two place settings at our table which I think confused the busser because he then proceeded to remove almost everything from our table except our water glasses, one napkin and one knife. The bread and carrot salad came out and we didn't have plates or forks and it took a while to get our waitress's attention to have it all replaced. Not a huge deal, but it just kicked things off in an odd direction. They were great about making sure our waters were full though, which I always appreciate.
Have always enjoyed the restaurant until last evening. Undercooked salmon-food poisoning. Too bad but cannot return. If dish appears a little "off" it probably is.
(1)
Elina K.
I came here last year when my family was visiting from out of town. The food was really delightful. I think the best mashed potatoes I've ever tried. Also, the baked goat cheese rivals any I've tried. They also have a great kids menu, which this mommy appreciates considering I like good french food AND taking my daughter with :) Located in the gorgeous Belden-Stratford hotel.
(4)
Pete V.
I have no idea why I'm on such a French food kick lately, but I can't complain...well except for my waist line of course. Mon Ami Gabi has always been on our list of places to hit eventually here in Chicago. It's located in an iconic hotel (alongside L2O), has a nice outside patio across from the Lincoln Park, and gets good reviews. Need I say more? So we stopped here on a Saturday evening and got a table in the outside patio. The thing I like most about Mon Ami Gabi aside from the food is that they have a good list of wines by the glass. I ordered a couple reds by the glass and was pleasantly surprised by the quality for the prices they were charging. We started with the pate...which was excellent, very nice terrine and a copious serving. It was more than enough for two people. For my entree, I ordered the special, which was a 14 oz ribeye steak. Now, I didn't quite know what to expect here since Mon Ami is not a steak house, but damn I was glad I ordered this dish. The steak was so tender it was incredible and very, very well seasoned. A high quality cut of steak and prepared rare - precisely to my request. The red tomatoes were also good, but I was in heaven with this steak. Overall, we really enjoyed Mon Ami Gabi. I know its a pseudo chain, but the food was great, and there's a reason why this place was packed from 5 pm on, on a Saturday night.
(4)
Jessica M.
Mon Ami Gabi, it's good to know that not all French eateries are out to strip our wallets naked. Mon Ami Gabi is a beautiful restaurant located within the historic Belden Stratford Hotel, making it the more classy. It overlooks Lincoln Park and can be a scenic walk in the winter with the Christmas lighting. We arrived on a Friday evening late for a reservation but we were seated within minutes. Light is dimmed out and space is very tight. The server had to pull our table out just so I could ease my way through and be seated. (Mind you, I'm 5'2 and well below 110 pounds.) Here's what we had: 1) escargots de bourgogne (snails) 2) chicken liver mousse 3) all-natural chicken breast paillard 4) roast chicken & frites The chicken were just regular chicken entrees with nothing overwhelming. Instead, I found the appetizers to be more of a charm and breath-taking. The snails were soaked in a garlic-herb butter. It came in six bite-size pieces and I wish there were more. The chicken liver mousse resembled a 2"x6" piece of spam. Don't be fooled! The taste was subtle yet irresistible when paired with the burgundy red wine mustard. Had I knew the chicken entree was so bland and simple, I would've easily given it up for another order of chicken liver mousse.
(3)
DrWarren B.
Excellent meal with nice surroundings. My wife and I went to this restaurant after a recent visit downtown to see a show on LIncoln and celebrate her birthday. I made the reservation on Open Table and I was impressed with the ease and follow through of the system. It is a great method to make reservations and I recommend trying it if you have never used this before. The restaurant was a short drive from Lincoln and had convenient drive up valet parking in front. It is located in an older style hotel from a past era of Chicago. We were able to hang our coats in a coat check and then proceeded to the restaurant on the other side of the hotel lobby. We were greeted warmly and taken to our seats and provided excellent service and a great meal. I enjoyed the escargot and my wife had tantalizing scallops. For our main course I selected the trout almondine and she went with the veal. For dessert, they presented a chocolate tort with a candle and homemade carmel ice cream. I had mentioned in the Open Table reservation it was her birthday and she loves chocolate. The waitress mentioned she had heard she loved chocolate to her as she presented the tort. We both agreed, this was an excellent restaurant and warranted another visit at a later time. The cost of the meal with gratuity was about $110.00 for two people and we both enjoyed a cocktail and an appetizer. I would have provided 5 stars, however there were small breakdowns in the service with the wait staff not providing timely attention to refilling water glasses or replacing napkins that were obviously used and awaiting pick up when placed on the table after being soiled. In order to tally 5 stars, the little things need to be done and while this meal and the waitress were lovely, I can only provide a 4 star rating. However, I will return and hopefully the parties who read these reviews will find a way to shore up the matters that will take this to a 5 star restaurant experience.
(4)
Sarah B.
I just took my parents here tonight. We all really enjoyed it! First of all, it is nice, but not pretentious or stuffy, which I love. We had three courses and were in and out in an hour and twenty minutes, but did not feel rushed at all - we were all just exhausted after a day of traipsing around Chicago in the sun and wanted to go to bed early! We had salads which were simple but refreshing and did not have too much dressing on them, just a little olive oil, vinegar, and lemon juice. My dad and I both had the steak bearnaise which was really, really delicious and comes with thin-cut crispy fries (my favorite). My mom, who is a vegan, had a vegetable plate which she said was absolutely delicious. We got profiteroles for dessert which looked fabulous and were pretty yummy. My dad was happy that they had a non-alcoholic beer made by Heineken (my parents don't drink) and I liked the cart they had for wine by the glass. Our waitress was also really nice, took great care of us but didn't hover or pressure us into anything. All in all, it was a great experience and I'll definitely come back here!
(4)
Ang R.
I don't know what to say about this place. It's not that I didn't enjoy my meal, but I just don't think I'd choose this for French in the city (Bistrot Margot and Chez Joel come to mind immediately as better choices). Specifically, I thought the meal lacked nuance. The salad was ok, especially the goat cheese and olive tapenade, but I thought it was dressed rather poorly. I did enjoy the herbed melted cheese appetizer, but I think that although the potatoes are an interesting vehicle for the cheese, the toasts are far and away better, and there aren't enough of them. My steak was okay; I prefer a thicker steak au poivre, and I prefer more sauce with which to soak my fries. And the fries; not so good. More like potato chips, honestly. And I'm not a fan of that. I can say that my boyfriend adored the filet in red wine sauce, and said it was one of the tastiest sauces he'd ever had. But otherwise, I can't say much else. If you're looking for classic steak frites, I say pass on this and try elsewhere.
(3)
Lesley S.
I have been here twice, once with my dad and once with my boyfriend, and I do think it is one of the better restaurants in the Lettuce Entertain You chain. The bring you a bread basket right off the bat with a loaf of crusty french bread- just the right kind of bread for this cuisine. The french onion soup is scrumptious, so flavorful and cheesy. I always get the hanger steak with blue cheese on top. I highly recommend this steak. The blue cheese compliments the meat perfectly. They serve really thin, crispy french fries with the steak which are also delicious. Both times I have had the same waiter, an older gentleman who is extremely well-mannered. He is very knowledgable on the wine list as well as everything else on the menu. He offered some good suggestions to my boyfriend on what kind of wine paired well with his meal. Only complaint is that the restaurant is really tiny and if you don't get a table, you end up having to sit really close to other customers at one of those long half table half booth things.
(4)
Sarah F.
I love this place! We've been eating here for 6 years and they never disappoint. The bread is crusty and delicious, the onion soup is amazing and the chocolate mouse is out of this world!! Try the scallop gratinees or the mussels as an app and you will be glad you did! The filet mignon merlot is always cooked perfectly and the frites will make you feel like you're in Paris. Just make sure to make a reservation or you may have to wait!
(5)
Jenna N.
I literally just came back from this place and rushed up the stairs to write my review...i'm such a loser like that. I stewed over my experience in the car, wondering how on earth I should share my experience with you fine folks, after having to back out of the circular drive because some moron decided that it was a great place to just park their car...not for valet. We had reservations for 8:45pm, were seated just after 9:00pm. A small pet-peeve of mine is when i'm forced to wait past my reservation time. I get it, things come up, but don't tell me it's "going to be a minute" when you really mean "stop asking me because I have no clue; you'll get seated when there's an opening" based on your facial expressions and tone. This is why I made reservations to begin with...to not have to wait a minute...or 15... I also did not appreciate almost being beamed in the head with a chair because it was so crowded by the bar the waiter had to lift it over the seated patrons' heads without so much as an apology or simple "excuse me". Thankfully my razor-sharp peripheral vision saved me from what would undoubtedly have become a bloody mess. So on to the meal. The highlight of the evening was when I took the first heavenly bite of the Shrimp Gabi. Lovely mix of lemon, garlic, herbs, and shrimp. I had a lovely Lemon-Chicken Paillard as my main dish. The chicken was wonderful but the greenbeans, sadly, were a mix of over-cooked and under-cooked, but never perfectly cooked. Dessert was a delicious creme brulee. Looks pretty ordinary (sorry, but placing a paper doiley in between the bowl and plate makes what was a delightful treat look hopeless and sad), but tasted wonderful! It practically melted in my mouth. Our waiter was nice, but pretty quiet and seemed nervous as though I was about to kick him in the shin. He was quick to write us off when we decided against alcohol (another pet peeve of mine) and not until our dinner arrived did our bread and appetizer dishes get cleared. HIGHLY unacceptable in my book, especially when the waiter was right next to us SEVERAL times servicing the old couple with one foot outta the grave who did order wine...i'm just saying... Still, I really enjoyed the meal here aside from a few hiccups and most everyone else I studied seemed to enjoy their meal as well. B+
(4)
Katie R.
Four and a half stars. The baguette given to each table was delicious, our appetizer, the baked cheese with the fingerling potatoes was amazing. And my chicken dish was super tasty. The mushrooms/bacon/onion/garlic mixture/sauce that came with it made the dish. The tables are really close together so if you don't like that, avoid this restaurant. It was mostly OK/perfectly easy to hear our table of 4. We did end up with a squirmy kid next to us though and that got a bit distracting for some of our table. My only other complaint is that I would have liked more of the mushrooms/sauce with the chicken - so that all of my frites could be dipped easily.
(4)
Vinifer D.
Mon Ami Gabi has a great selection of steaks and fish. If you're not into either, don't bother going. They have wonderfully prepared steaks, such as the Steak Au Poivre, Bordelaise and Roquefort, alongside some great pommes frites! Whenever I go to Mon Ami, I usually get the fish. They have a nice little selection of freshly prepared fish dishes. Two of my favorites are the Thyme-Seared Salmon, which comes with a lemon-butter orzo, and the Skate which comes with crispy garlic chips on top. Since Mon Ami Gabi is a part of the Lettuce group, they have consistency throughout all of their restaurants. No matter which one you go to, I think you'll be satisfied. This restaurant is a little crowded though. I wish some of the seating would be a little more spaced apart because I can always hear the conversation of the table next to mine. You'd be lucky to find street parking, but you're better off not wasting time and just valeting the car.
(4)
Christine F.
Mon Ami Gabi was good. Real good. However, it's not earth shatteringly innovative and we had a surly waiter, thus the deduction of a star. My fiance, his mom, his brother and myself went. The bread at the beginning of the meal (fresh baked french bread) is amazing. I could have just eaten bread the whole time. MMMM. My fiance got a martini with blue cheese olives and I got a martini with Grey Goose, Champagne and pomegranate juice. Not bad at all! Quite good, actually. I had a nice buzz going all through dinner. Several members of our party got some Escargot. It was cooked in garlic butter and pesto - they were swooning all through the meal about those sassy snails. I got some white gazpacho, which had cucumber, almonds and granny smith apples. It was garnished with grapes, it was DELICIOUS. It was the most interesting part of the meal for me. My main course was Sanddab fish with a carrot hollandaise, served on a bed of asparagus. Very good. Sanddab is a very light, flakey fish which I enjoyed very much. Everyone else got an array of meats, which they enjoyed immensely. For dessert my fiance and I split a lemon tart, while his brother had some chocolate mousse and his mom had a carmel apple tart. Sweet tooth fix found by all! The only downer of the meal was the fact that our waiter acted as though he hated life and that he was doing a favor by telling us what the specials of the day were. Dude, it's your JOB. He would snatch plates out from under us without saying "Excuse me" or "Pardon my reach." I don't expect "Pardon Me's" at McDonald's, but I do at Mon Ami Gabi. However, that was the only negative experience I had here. We all ended up stuffed and happy. Would I go back? YES. I would probably sit outside next time, though.
(4)
Lucille F.
My fiance and I had a great dinner, accompanied by fantastic service here! We arrived early for our reservations so we could sit outside, had about 1/2 a drink at the bar, and they were already ready for us!. Our waiter was super helpful with the wine, specials, food questions - generally could not have been friendlier. The food was delicious- market salad - tomatoes and goat cheese- was perfect for a summer starter, and the scallop entree was divine! The wine our waiter suggested was amazing also, and we appreciated the suggestion since we do not often drink French reds. Did not save room for dessert, but from the looks of it- was delish too. Great place for a small group dinner, or for a date night! Can't wait to go back!
(4)
Hal S.
Great service. So good you almost don't mind the rotten baby boomer gimme gimmes yapping about their kids behind ya.. I kid
(4)
Zac K.
I do not understand what the fuss of this place is about. I couldn't have been more like BLAH - went here on a Friday night with the spousal unit and as soon as I walked in, I know it was going to be bad. The building this is located in is great, but it looks like a Maggino's with french music blaring. It was cute to see the little young twenty-somethings on their big dates- I'm rude, I know. The food was so bland- I had to salt my french onion soup which should never done. I had the steak frites and BLAH! not much going on in terms of flavor and the steak was not cooked to order. Would never come back here again- check something else out- trust me.
(2)
Stephanie B.
Teenie bit disappointing after the raving reviews I read. I give props for the atmosphere - it's quaint and cozy but still has the loud French bistro feel. Props to the nice man who brought me a glass of Pinot Noir while I was waiting for my friend to arrive. Merci. Props to whosever idea it was to bring you a hot baguette and a slab of butter as soon as you sit down. Boo hiss at my waiter. He was not attentive at all - ie, my wine glass was empty for half the night. I mean, c'mon. When it's $60-ish a head, fill up my $^&#-ing wine glass, Holmes. Boo hiss on the mussels - when I put the first one in my mouth, I bit down on a big piece of sand/rock. Boo hiss on the price of the mussels - $18 for a (not huge) bowl + the side of frites it comes with. Boo hiss on the mussel broth - it creamy but bland, as opposed to the normal white wine-garlic-pistou number I'm used to at French restaurants. Boo hiss on the frites - the part I was most excited for. They were almost like chips - something that you would get out of a (French Fried Onion) can at the grocery. They weren't terrible - I mean, let's be honest, I ate them - but to call them "frites" would be a stretch. Half-ass props on the entree. I had the Filet Au Poivre - sauce/flavor was pretty good. Steak itself was aight. Props on dessert. Bananas Foster Crepe. BOO HISS to my waiter, who took 4 hours to ask us if we wanted dessert, and then didn't ask if we wanted coffee, etc. Then waited another 4 hours to bring us the bill. I'd probably go back. It was fine. It was just not the experience I'd hoped for. And when you go to a nice place like that - with a good friend on a special occasion - you just don't want to be spending half your night flagging down the waiter. It's just annoying and takes away from the good times you came there to have.
(3)
David W.
Excellent service. Happy atmosphere. Very comfortable and well-designed.
(5)
trista r.
Decided to try out Mon Ami Gabi for Valentine's Day because my favorite go-to French bistro was booked solid. Ordered drinks at the bar while waiting for our table. Bar area is very small and there were a lot of people crowded around waiting. I felt bad for the people sitting at the tables in the bar because everyone was basically sitting with them. We were seated on time (we had arrived early for our reservation). Tables were EXTREMELY close together. Maybe it was just for Valentine's Day, trying to maximize the space or something. But you couldn't get in or out of your seat without pulling the table all the way out into the aisle. The tables were touching each other so you were basically having dinner with the people seated next to you. Service started out great. Server discussed specials, answered questions, made reccomendations, and checked on us frequently until we received our entrees. At this point, a new table got seated next to us and it seemed like one of the people was very familiar with a lot of the service staff. And our server basically ignored us while kissing these people's behinds the rest of the night. And I know it to be true because, like I said, we were basically all seated at the same table. Anyway, on to the food. I ordered french onion soup and it was just ok. Not very hot and sort of bland. Husband had mushroom soup, he said it was pretty good. For entrees I had filet with merlot butter and frites. Merlot butter was very yummy and frites were delish. Steak quality was excellent but it was not cooked the way I asked. I asked for medium rare and steak came out medium. Husband asked for his medium and his was medium rare - so I'm guessing the server mixed up the order. Husband had beef wellington with red wine sauce and spinach. Spinach was just wilted with butter, just so-so. Also ordered a side of whipped cauliflower. Cauliflower was more pureed than whipped, pureed to the point it was almost like soup and difficult to split as a side. Tasty but obviously prepared very strangely. Cherry sorbet for dessert was delicious. I don't think we'll be back.
(3)
Jonathan C.
Another Lettuce Entertainment Restaurant in town. Decent food at a decent price. Not much expectation going in (at least no more than any other Lettuce restaurants), and it met exactly that expectation.
(3)
Allen P.
Service was very good. I went with someone who had a ton of food allergies and the server was super knowledgeable and was able to get everything she needed. Oysters were some of the best I've had in Chicago. As for my main dish... the NY strip steak. I was underwhelmed. slightly over cooked and dry. Some good, some not so good... but overall I would try it again and try one of their other dishes.
(3)
Sara M.
Excellent food and service. I came here on a date not too long ago and had a great time. I had the chicken with frites which was excellent, came out very hot and was a huge portion. I barely ate half, but took the rest home. For dessert we had the cobbler, and I know cranberries were in it but I can't remember what else was, but it was delicious. Atmosphere is elegant and lovely, but not overdone. Service was good, but we stayed from our 8:45 reservation til near close and I think our waiter was relieved to see us leave, but he was wonderful the rest of the evening, recommending desserts and the like. Would recommend it for a date or a nice night out with the girls or a group of couples. Bottom line: I'll totally be back, but not with the guy I went there with. ;)
(5)
Babs H.
A former employer used to live in The Belden so after a long day of running his errands he'd sometimes treat me to a steak dinner here. The steak is simply a steak, nothing to write home about, although it was always cooked precisely the way I like it - medium. For some reason there are some steakhouses out there that always cook my steak medium rare or medium well when I say "medium". Where the steak lacks in spices or marinade, there are a variety of sauces to dress up your steak for extra flavor. This is the first place that I had ever had frites and since then, it is the best place I've found in Chicago that offers them on their menu. The atmosphere is quiet and calm, plus it's steps from Lincoln Park Zoo, so after a nice relaxing dinner you can take a walk in the park or even go to the Fullerton Beach!
(4)
Elayne S.
This is my go-to restaurant in the city. Great food and great atmosphere. Its always packed so you need to make a reservation i made that mistake the first time i went with my roommate...we had to drink a whole bottle of wine at the bar waiting for our table. okay twist my arm! My favorite is the scallops with the creamed cauliflower.
(5)
Jill S.
This place does it right. It's quaint - in a good way, and the service is great. I loved how we were able to sit and enjoy conversation along with our meal, no rush. I have eaten here twice and loved both of my seafood dishes. The scallops are yummy, and the skate wing was so surprisingly awesome. I have had skate wing before, but Mon Ami's blew it out of the water. It's a huge portion might I add. My bf ordered one of the more classic dishes, Beef Bourguignon, and said that it was one of the best dishes he's had in a while. I got a taste and the beef was really tender and delicious. I wouldn't mind at all if someone were to take me here monthly... especially in the winter, it's a very warm environment!
(4)
A S.
I live half block away and have an odd tendency to go somewhere else for steak & fries. That said, I have only been here 3 times. However, every time I came here, I realized the best steak & fries is right where I am! Nice patio dining and great service. The prices are fair. Must visit!
(5)
Ian S.
I agree with Erika G.'s comment on this place being "casual and unpretentious, yet still chic and French in feel." That's perhaps not the vibe one first gets from walking by outside. Steaks are the main attraction at Mon Ami Gabi. I went with the Steak Bordelaise. The red wine sauce was useful for soaking up the frites that were piled up beside my steak. The meat was respectable for the price. And as always in Chicago, patio seating is where it's at. It just feels more European when you're outside. Our waiter on the patio bashfully admitted that he wasn't quite up on his French as we asked questions about the menu, but at least he was forthcoming with it. This was a good move on his part, because it saved him from embarrassment in front of one of my French friends.
(4)
Rebecca T.
I usually shy away from chain restaurants, but our experience here was fantastic. It was elegant, but not stuffy. Classic, but still a nice din of happy patrons. The servers were incredibly attentive, helpful, and pleasant. And the food? Amazing. I got a special trio of soups as an app: white bean puree with bacon, butternut squash with pumpkin seed garnish, and classic french onion. Not only were all three delectable, but they were served in tiny little pots with a tiny spoon, so the perfect amount pre-dinner. I got the pork loin wrapped in bacon with a blackberry-cheery sauce/compote served with mashed potatoes. It didn't look like a ton of food, but was extremely filling [without even finishing!] My friend got an amazing steak - I'm not even a big red meat-eater, and it was so buttery and scrumptious. This place definitely deserves a try... your stomach will be happy you did. :)
(5)
Philippe F.
La cuisine française me manque! My lady knows this, so she took me to this place. They had the typical escargot, which of course we ordered. Unfortunately they did not have the bone marrow, but it's all good in the hood. My lady enjoyed the steak et frites, and I did the same, well, what she shared with me. I on the other hand went for the steak tartare. There are only a few restaurants where I would trust ordering this dish, and this was one of them. It was a tasty little bugga, but was missing the egg on top (unless they decided to skip the whole presentation and mixed it in already for me). Service and ambiance is really nice and cozy. I shall return to this place eventually. I still have quite a few other French restaurants to try out.....
(4)
Sally H.
Really enjoyed our business dinner here. Great location in Lincoln Park and the outdoor patio right near the park, is great people-watching. Food was wonderful - Frisee & Bacon salad (yum!) and the Steak Bernaise was cooked a perfect medium rare and at $20, was quite a find. Topped it off with fresh strawberries soaked in Grand Marnier with a scoop of sour cream gelato - sounds a little odd but was fabulous! Will definitely be back on my next visit trip to Chicago!
(4)
bj j.
One of my favorites...I know its a chain, but it's a Lettuce joint and Rich and the boys know how to run a restaurant. It's in a lovely building here in Chicago, the Belden Stratford, right on Lincoln Park. And in Vegas it's outdoor venue gives you a great view of Bellagio's Fountains...Always crowded by the way. Even my kids like it.
(4)
Sam S.
Ate here with a group (seven) on Saturday night. The valet was terrific - friendly and fast, even on this bitter cold night. The host in the restaurant was very attentive, and we sat down exactly at our reservation time. The server was very personable and nice. The first red flag, though, was when my sister wanted a side of the root vegetables that comes with one of the other steak entrees. She was told "no," that they prepare precisely enough to go with the steaks. OK, I guess. The guy at the table next to us, where my sister spied the vegetables, leaned over and jokingly said he would sell me his for "two bucks." He couldn't believe the waiter either. The food was fair. The squash and onion soups were bland. The steaks and fish were also OK but not terrific. A lot of stuff comes with fries, which were basically like potato shrapnel. I don't care if you do put them in a stand wrapped in parchment paper - fries should be bigger than 1cm long. The desserts were very good all around. All in all, I would give the food 6/10 and would not necessarily return for it. The biggest disappointment was what happened after we ate. The restaurant was much quieter now - this was around 10pm once we paid our bill. We hadn't seen one another in a long time, and we sat there chatting. Not a single time did anyone come around to our table to refill water or coffee. Zero. During the meal, they were on us hand and foot refilling, cleaning, etc. Once the check was paid - zilch. I had to flag down someone to get a refill on my coffee. Maybe this is policy, I don't know. But after you spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars on a meal (including a generous tip), you don't expect them to shut you down immediately. This really put all of us off - and this is the main reason we won't be returning.
(2)
Sarah M.
If you're looking for an intimate quiet experience this is not the place to go to on the weekend. It is in a gorgeous building and oozes class, but the food was just ok. Nothing was outstanding, just adequate. I've eaten at several places in Paris and this place fell a bit short for me in terms of all-around experience. I went with a group of friends for our Christmas get-together and it was crowded and noisy and our table felt really cramped in the middle of the room. We could barely hear each other talk.
(2)
Katherine R.
Four stars because I went here for the 25 wines for $25 and was not able to eat a full meal here. The wine tasting was fun though, nice wine distributors that were very helpful with questions and did a good job of explaining each wine. I tried pate for the first time, not a big fan of that- but I guess it was good, but I have no idea what to compare it to or what it's supposed to taste like. The other appetizers were good; I wish I was able to go inside and have a meal here but maybe next time. This place is in a nice location and the hostesses were really friendly. Not a place for kids, but a good place for after-work cocktails or just a nice out with friends.
(4)
Elizabeth K.
I've been to this place several times and I'm always really happy. I wouldn't say it's the absolute best French bistrot in Chicago, but it is very consistent, the atmosphere is really charming, and the service is always great. And the Belden-Stratford, where the restaurant is located, is such a beautiful building - I just like an excuse to go there. I always get the steak frites - it's always cooked very well and the frites are plentiful (and I never get the stinkeye when I ask for ketchup). I know nothing about wine, but they always recommend something that ends up being great. Looking forward to the patio this summer - a great view of Lincoln Park!
(4)
Jasmine L.
We have private party there on week night. We had fixed dinner menu for this event. Party coordinator arranged us for small section in the hotel lobby; it was very nice for us to have some aperitif before seating at dinner table so we were able to mingle with other party members. We loved the private room very much! It was perfect size for 28 guests. There were great selections of fix menu that satisfy both Meat lovers and vegetarian. Food came to the table everything warm and served at same time! Food portion was just perfect, I was able to finish whole course! I was not over stuffed after the meal Mussels were awesome! Onion soup was so good, super favor full. Filet minion was so tender and juicy. Three mini desserts were just perfect. Yum Yum Yum! We loved wine carts as well! I absolutely love to go back there for dinner again!
(5)
Jenna C.
I went last night with 3 golf girlfriends for a holiday get together. It was a perfect get together for us. Essentially put, I found my local French Bistro if only the service would improve. It was a first time visit for everyone. We all enjoyed out evening with the exception of our server which is why I'm willing try again with another server. Essentially, there was no service from this server. You know it is bad when you have to ask for another glass of wine, the bill, for our food to be taken away, etc. The food was enjoyable. We all three ordered a steak. I almost actually finished my entire steak which is very unusual, the frits were mouth watering and reminded of lays chips, just couldn't stop eating them. We passed on anything more out of frustration with the server.
(4)
tina m.
As a vegetarian I was pretty nervous about going to a French restaurant, but they have a wide varity so I had no problem finding something fantastic to eat. We had to wait a while for our appetizers but luckily for them I was with great company so we didn't really notice through our chatter and wine. :) BUT they noticed and apologized frequently, and got us all the dessert we wanted for free, so they made up for us without us even having to complain. THAT is good service. I love the atmosphere and the service. I'll be going back.
(4)
Eugene F.
I took my dad here for his birthday on a Saturday evening, along with my stepmother and little sister. We had a bit of a wait, even though we showed up promptly for our 6:30 reservation, so I got my dad a martini and an Oban 14 for myself. My scotch was a generous pour, and my dad remarked on how good his martini was. We were finally seated outdoors with a beautiful view of the big lawn area in front of Lincoln Park zoo. Despite being on a fairly busy street, the plexiglas panels installed in the fence kept us well insulated from the noise. I think the appetizers were the highlights of the evening. The duck confit "salad" (there wasn't much salad there, just duck, which was just fine) and the escargot were phenomenal. I'd recommend against the oysters though...I've never had oysters in Chicago before, and not unexpectedly they weren't a match for oysters I usually get in SF. We got 3 steaks and a fish dish. I don't remember which fish it was, some relative of salmon, but it was cooked just right -- barely cooked all the way through. My "rare" filet was also done just right -- still mooing on the inside, and my little sister's blue cheese steak (which I got more than half of) was also delicious, if a bit thin. The Cab Franc we got with the food was a great match as well, even though I picked that out myself...so I can't comment on their sommelier's food-matching skills. My only real gripe about the food was that the steaks were accompanied by a huge mound of (delicious!) pommes frites...it would have been nice to get some vegetables or have a choice of mashed potatoes or something different. Dessert was also quite good -- chocolate mousse, an apple tart, and creme brulee accompanied by some sort of chocolate cake with a candle in it. In the end, my dad was happily sauced and very pleased with his birthday dinner. Good job, Gabi!
(4)
Jaime N.
I went for restaurant week and the place was nice but I was disappointed with the food. I got the sweet potato soup which was kinda bland. The salmon was good but nothing special. Service was excellent. Seems like the crowd was an older crowd. Overall I was kinda disappointed.
(2)
k e.
Delicious steak frites at a really reasonable price, cute decor, attentive waitstaff - it's hard not to love this place. It's a perfect date night spot. Get a drink at the bar and sit in the lobby of the hotel while you wait for your table.
(5)
Pam T.
We went here for our anniversary a couple of weeks ago. The food was amazing, the service was fine, but not as good as it could have been. When we made the reservation on open table we let them know it was our anniversary, our hotel called ahead to tell them it was our anniversary...they did nothing "extra" for us until my husband told them it was our anniversary while I was in the bathroom. Our server told him that he hadn't been informed it until just then. That issue aside, the food was awesome. We had the shrimp cocktail and the potato and brie soup (get it with the short rib!) to start, the steak with Dijon butter and the skate, and a profiterole for dessert. (we were so full we couldn't think about eating anything else) The wine our server recommended went very nicely with both our meals. They also had roasted pumpkin seeds on our table to munch on. This is not a place for a quiet, romantic evening. The restaurant is busy, a bit crowded and pretty loud. However, if you're looking for unfussy French food..I highly recommend it.
(4)
Roland S.
A cold and windy November night is a great time for Mon Ami Gabi. It's a warm room, at least in the spiritual sense, with the right degree of closeness and noise (meaning some but not too much of either) to brighten spirits even before the food comes. The server was efficient but had a sense of fun, perfectly appropriate for the cheeky act of putting a "Parisian" bistro in a Midwestern U.S. city. I went way classic with the Steak Frites, in its Au Poivre preparation. The beef was really quite fine (something I might chauvinistically (FRENCH!) suggest we do better in the Midwest than they do in France), grass-fed, lean but still tasty. The sauce was good, too. We knocked back two bottles of wine and if I had one ding for the waiter it was that his suggestion for our first bottle was not great (even at a modest price) -- maybe he was getting some sort of spiff. The one less great note came, sadly, at the end of the meal -- no, not the bill! -- the dessert, a special of the night bread pudding, was really mediocre. Overall, though, a really good meal in a really fun place. I would go again in a minute -- and this time get the absolutely delicious-looking Beef Bourgignon that my buddy had that evening.
(4)
Carol J.
What's not to at least like about MAG? They have me on location, just a few short blocks from home, they have me with the patio in the summer, the rolling wine cart, the crisp Sancerre, the steak frittes. And don't even get me started about the butter lettuce salad that I love. I have always had great meals here. Not haute cusine, not bistro, but just right. Traditional french food served in a warm and inviting atmosphere by servers who seem to be pretty familiar with the product. Love the baugette and the amuse, nice touch. Really love the French Onion Soup, but then again, I'm a fanatic for it, just about anywhere. This is my go to place when I don't feel like driving and don't because parking is impossible and the valet sometimes gets bogged down with the hotel, but still, a great place. The wine selections by the glass are incredible and I love the little cart they bring by and let you taste away before you commit to a bottle or a glass. One of the few places that pours decent champagne by the glass as well.
(5)
Jay A.
Maybe I'm spoiled by going to a lot of avante garde French restaurants and bistros but this is the type of restaurant you would typically find in some smaller city and not in a cosmopolitan one. The setting is quite nice but the food is comme ci comme ca. I think they are trying to target an older or business crowd here.
(2)
Stacy T.
Loved this place. We came on a stormy night and were welcomed with a great wine selection and hearty filling French fare. Started off with a lovely escargot dish which was devoured with a crusty loaf of bread. Those little helix aspersa were divinely cooked in a parsley garlic butter and were so tasty. The steak frittes and lemon chicken paillard were also kick ass. Perfectly cooked with great pairing of accouterments.Come here for great food in a romantic french bistro type setting.
(5)
Dan K.
A year ago I would have given Mon Ami Gabi (Lincoln Park location) 5 stars. But, the service is no where near what it should be and the manager, Estephane is not friendly in the least when you have a complaint for him. They are also cutting corners. I am here all the time and order the shrimp cocktail at every dinner I have here. It used to be 6 shrimp. Now it's 5. And I hate to be gross about it, but the last FOUR times I have order the steak au poivre, I have a huge amount of fat to chew on or gristle and that's just gross to me. Still the best chocolate mousse and onion soup anywhere.
(3)
tr y.
We go here all of the time it is a classic and sure to have something for anyone! A perfect place for any occasion with great food. This place gets a fifth star for incredible customer service.
(5)
Bryan C.
My favorite part of french dining is tearing apart warm, crusty bread and dipping it in the leftover escargot sauce. And that's exactly how I started my meal at Mon Ami Gabi, We had late reservations on a Saturday night and were seated within 3 minutes of our arrival. The atmosphere is lovely, nothing spectacular, but comfortable and warm. The service was spectacular. The frisee and warm bacon salad was perfection. The desserts were outstanding (profiterole and coconut/chocolate sorbet). The main course (steak and frites) left a little to be desired. The surrounding dishes made up for it. The creamy pureed cauliflower was excellent, it's just that the steak was not the best cut. It was cooked just fine though. Overall, it was a bit loud and crowded, but that's too be expected of course. I've had better french dining experiences at Cyrano's, but Mon Ami Gabi was a nice change. I think the prices are what they should be and the food was good enough for me to recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a decent french meal in Lincoln Park.
(4)
Ivan S.
Great place to eat. When the economy was better I was eating here once a week. Some things are better than others, but I have never had a bad meal here. Bring back the pork shank!
(4)
Chris B.
Just got back in from taking Jacky out for her birthday -- 5/8 -- and our usual place for her: Mon Ami Gabi...don't be fooled: it's for the profiterole drenched in hot fudge with the candle on it . That's the primary allure for her. Not your usual "event" place, esp. with the esteemed Ambria across the hall, but she (and we) love it inside the venerable Belden Stratford. There is something old school about pulling up on Lincoln Park West, and the Belden Stratford has that old tv sitcom apartment building exterior (you know -- the transition music plays right after the commercial break, we pan up the exterior of the Belden Stratford, cross dissolve to the interior where Suzanne Plechette or Bob Newhart pace back and forth...). So we go inside on this beautiful evening, and the hostesses greet us warmly (thanks to my trusty OpenTable reservation), and we sit down -- I have my Grey Goose up (dry) with blue cheese stuffed olives and Jacky has a glass of champagne... ...the bread is served with whipped butter and a side of lentil salad...lobster bisque for me...Onion au Gratin for Jacky...shrimp cocktail and a belgian endive salad...Jacky has a halibut special with snap peas and edamame, I have one of the amazing steaks (a filet mignon) and frites accompanied by a glass of Chateauneuf du Pape (Beastie Boys in the house..."And like a bottle of Chateauneuf du Pape, I'm fine like wine when I start to rap..."). The profiterole comes out -- thanks to the great bistro style seating (for a Lettuce restaurant, there is no franchise feel here: I'm always impressed that it still "feels" independent), our neighbors pass warm wishes to Jacky, and she blows her candle out. Couple coffees later...we come home -- I drive the sitter home...and here I sit. Reviews are fun. :) Go to Mon Ami Gabi sometime -- it's an enjoyable night out...
(5)
Jack M.
I went to mon ami gabi, to celebrate my nephews graduation from DePaul. We went there and got valet for 12 dollars. We went inside and ordered our food but it didn't get there until 40 minutes. After getting my hanger steak and frites. I felt better because the food was very delicious. Their was too much sauce on the steaks but it was good steak otherwise. We got out of there a few minutes later and asked for our car. It took at least 15 minutes to get the car and when we got it, our side of the car was jutting out and there was a big dent in the car. We asked them about it and they denied damaging our car. Since it wasn't damaged before(of course they did it.) And since the road was closed due to construction the only cars on the road were the valet cars so there was no way the public could of damaged it. So I give it a two out of five be because the parking and service was bad but the food was good.
(2)
Nathan K.
Impressed with the spot. Had an early dinner for Father's Day here and loved it. Try the hanger steak or anything with that same wine sauce on it. OMG was it delicious. Had a slight Bulgogi flavor to it. But everything was pretty tasty and reasonably priced. Seemed like they had a nice outdoor section too that we didn't try. But it's such a pleasant location being close to the zoo. FYI... For some reason opentable had said there were no 4:30 reservations open, but the place was pretty empty at that time. I might have to plan to start calling places when opentable tells me I'm out of luck.
(4)
Bryan H.
My wife and I went there for our anniversary, it was excellent! The service was definitely 5 stars. Our server, David, did an excellent job of taking care of us. Our food came faster than any restaurant I can remember, this was kind of shocking. The fish special had great taste, and my steak was cooked perfectly. Finally a "Medium" steak with a lot of pink in the middle. We had the bread pudding and creme brule as desserts. The bread pudding was fantastic and the other just ok. 2 glasses of wine, 2 entrees, and 2 desserts = $85 + tip. Definitely make a reservation online before you go.
(5)
Kerry S.
We had an AWFUL experience at the Mon Ami in Oak Brook this summer. Bad service + bad entrees for both diners = I'm emailing the manager. He sent me a lovely email back and a $100 comp for my next visit. Well I live in Chicago, not near Oak Brook too often, so last Saturday we went to the Mon Ami on Lincoln Park West by the zoo. We had no reservation, but had been walking around the zoo all day, so we just showed up. They weren't open yet and we decided to wait in the lobby of the Belden-Stratford. Our (soon to be) server came out and offered us a drink while we waited. Really? Yes, please. He also told us they were packed with reservations but not to worry about it. (It was Thanksgiving wknd and Zoo Lights to boot.) We were seated early, kind of out of the way which was great because for some reason it was kid-central! (Probably the Zoo Lights.) We had Hendrick's martinis, oysters, butter lettuce salad, New York Strip and Beef Borginon. All delicious. Our server was John, and he was so gracious and nice through the whole experience. He made great suggestions, was timely with everything, especially considering how busy he was. We had a really lovely impromptu dinner date.
(4)
Amy M.
Comfortable vibe to this place. Nice, "laid back French bistro" type of feel. Great service, great food. I had fish, along with my dining partner. The butter lettuce salad was fabulous. "Gabi's Cocktail" was great (Lillet dessert wine and champagne with a lemon twist - perfect....not too sweet - YUM). A tad on the noisy side, but it really felt like a nice, bustling bistro. Folks were dressed in everything from skirts to jeans. I'd definitely go back. Maybe taking a seat at the bar next time.
(5)
Jenna M.
I cannot stress enough what an amazing service experience I and my family had at Mon Ami Gabi last night. I am getting married on Saturday, and this was my family's special meal before the event. My parents are staying at the Belden Stratford and my dad went down to the restaurant before our reservation to see the tables and general layout of the place. He requested that we have a table further away from the front, which basically meant 1 table out of the entire restaurant. I've worked as a hostess, so I know how much these special requests, esp. for large parties (ours was 6), can mess up your plan for seating the evening. The hostesses were fantastic in dealing with my dad's request, coming over and giving us updates on the status of the table, as we had to wait about an hour for it to clear. We had drinks in the hotel's lobby while we waited, so we were very comfortable. That would have been enough to give this a high star rating, but then when we were seated, my dad was asked about any allergies in the party, so we assumed we'd be comped something (totally unnecessary in my opinion, since WE had made the special request that delayed our reservation). They proceeded to bring out basically one of every appetizer (save the pate and mousse, which we ordered). Everything was delicious, esp. the scallops and escargot. Most of us had steaks, which were all cooked perfectly. Two others had fish, the halibut special and the trout, and both were very good as well. After our table was cleared and the dessert plates set down, we were waiting and waiting, wondering where our waiter had gone. Out he comes with one of every dessert, also comped. We could not believe it. Favorites were the bread pudding, peach parfait, and pound cake. Our waiter, Don, was a consummate professional and very attentive. While the food was great, really, for special occasions, you just want to make sure that you are treated well. And I could not have asked for a better experience than the one we had at Mon Ami Gabi, the definition of going above-and-beyond.
(5)
Ariel B.
Don't let the fact that it's a Lettuce Entertain You deter you from trying it out! Mon Ami Gabi holds a special place in my heart as it's right across the street where I got married. But not only that, I've never, ever had a bad meal there. EVER. A lot of their dishes are as close to France as you can get without actually crossing the pond. I'm always pleasantly taken care of and no matter how you are dressed (I've gone in a few times not looking quite dressed for dinner) they treat you like any other special guest. Our favorite items on the menu are the filets, the skate and the escargot. Don't eat all the bread before the escargot arrives, you'll need it to lick up the garlic butter after you've eaten all the snails. The filets are always very tender and often melt in your mouth. Please don't do a disservice to the chef or the meat by ordering it other temp above medium. I'm a rare girl myself and the meat was to.die.for. For dessert we had tarte tatin (apple tart) and profiteroles. NOTE: the profiteroles are BIG and there are 3 to an order. You can ask for just one, and they'll adjust accordingly.
(5)
Alexandria C.
I have always been a fan of French food, but I seldom indulge in this cuisine because it is: A. expensive, B. difficult to pull off, and C. it's "stick to your ribs/thighs/gut" fatty. However, once in awhile it is important to treat yourself. So, I was delighted to be exposed to Mon Ami Gabi yesterday evening. We arrived about an hour early hoping to down a couple delicious glasses of mind numbing fluids into our systems to get our spirits up before the main event. The place was PACKED, and the bar (cute as a button, btw) only had about 8 seats. After we patiently waited for the geezers to drink their Kir Royales, pilsners, and decaf coffees (come ON people!) we finally sat down. The beverage menu was AWESOME, wow! Pricey, but perfect. I had my heart set on some gooooood champagne, so that is what I opted for. Three glasses later, I joyously pranced to the dinner table in a state of drunken excitement over all the yumminess (it's a word, I swear) that was supposedly about to ensue. We arrived at our table... Once we saw the cramped banquet seating, the brightly lit room, and the overwhelming number of elderly patrons in the dining room, our spirits plummeted slightly. That being said, it seemed like nothing a good meal could not take care of, correct? A few moments later our waiter arrived with a smile-less face and begrudgingly asked what we wanted. We inquired as to what was good on the menu, and he said he did not know. WHAT? Do you even EAT here? Immediately recognizing the uselessness that was our server, we just opted for some French staples. A dozen oysters to start, followed by an endive, blue cheese, a pear salad. Before our apps arrived, we were brought a delicious hot baguette in a bag (meant to be torn up by hand and dished out by hand, the old fashion way) and a lentil salad instead of the typical butter. I was stoked...until the food arrived. Everything was OK at best. For the main course, I decided on the seared scallops with whipped cauliflower and sauteed spinach, and my dining companion got the roasted chicken with mushrooms and frites. Both were 60% fabulous (no love was used in the preparation, thus the 40% strike. Plus our enthusiasm was already tainted by the bad customer service, the smell of Bengay cream in the room, and the mediocre starters. All in all, the price for the food was not too bad. French chow will usually put you back a good $150 (if you eat and drink like I do), but we managed to leave only forking over $100 (half on booze). I know this place has been known as a bit of an establishment in the city of Chicago, and so I still thoroughly believe it is worth a try. That being said, it still only gets 3 stars in my book.
(3)
Maria C.
This is certainly one of my favorite restaurants in town. We go there all the time, to celebrate birthdays, enjoy good food or simply to have a casual outdoor lunch. It has never let me down. The food is consistency and I've tried many things on the menu. My favorite is the Steak Frite with Rocquefort but I also like the Mussels, the Salmon and the Butter Lettuce Salad with Gruyere Cheese. To die for. Last time our waiter was phenomenal. Fun and efficient.
(5)
Corinne M.
Mon Ami Gabi is cute, classy and in a nice and peaceful location at the edges of Lincoln Park. My friends and I all got a variation of the Steak Frittes. I had the Roquefort, (blue cheese indulgence). The frittes were very tasty and addicting. The Roquefort was a also very good. One of the reasons that I am only giving three stars is because there were a LOT of steak and frittes. If I had more self restraint, the mountain of frittes would not have been a problem. I also had a yummy and vodka heavy French Martini. I think Mon Ami Gabi is a great restaurant, yet I am reluctant to give the 4 stars. I think it was a mix of frittes overindulgence and the price was a little on the high side and I think that there are slightly better restaurants in this price bracket.
(3)
Stacy M.
I love this place...great atmosphere, great food, great wine....
(5)
Katie H.
Since my original visit I've been back a few times. The steak with merlot butter is still fantastic and service as still great. But they took away one of my favorite things - the steamed artichoke with aoli dipping sauce - and have no plans to bring it back. Sad.
(4)
Caroline A.
I usually prefer little bistros when dining French, but really enjoy this restaurant. The service is GREAT, and the food is wonderful. I had their salmon salad. Not sure what kind of dressing they used, but it was SO good. My friend had the steak, which was fantastic! and I agree... pomme frites are drool worthy!
(4)
Mark F.
I've eaten here four times before and had mixed experiences (tend to enjoy the food but the seating can be very close together and I've been seated in places where waiters bump against me every few minutes--and it's not like I'm whale sized or anything). Anyhow, tonight's experience was good. We got seated near the bar area and didn't feel too cramped. We started with Nutty Russian cocktails--nice, but not great. We shared some scallops (nicely presented and delicious). For my main I had the chicken and frites (both of which were great). My girlfriend had the steak frites (which she always likes). For desert we had profiteroles (one of the more inspired desert creations!). The service was attentive and helpful.
(4)
Ro A.
I had a gift card for Lettuce Entertain You and decided to try this place out. The food is excellent, but our service stunk. Also, this is the kind of restaurant that has tables really close to each other, so it is not a very intimate setting for a date. I really hate sitting on top of the table next to me.
(2)
Lisa P.
One of the best resturants in Chicago. Everytime I come to town it is my go to place. The managers are fantastic and pay attention to detail. The bartenders are always friendly. From the manhattan to the fresh fish or steak. It is the best. I never walk away saying " Wow, I could have made this at home."
(5)
Lauren D.
I'm a huge fan of Bistro Campagne so I had to try Mon Ami Gabi to see how it compared. I think overall Lettuce restaurants are consistently satisfying, but M.A.G. totally exceeded my expectations. First of all, I love the atmosphere - it's a small restaurant, so you can pretty much hear what everyone around you is talking about, but I like that European feel. I had the steak classique and I'm dying to try the slow roasted pork. They had this really delicious dessert that involved some sort of fruit but I can't remember what it is, so I will definitely have to go back soon to remind myself. Also, they make the best French Martini in Chicago - that's a fact.
(5)
Mila G.
Cute place, also my first french restaurant. Seemed very much like what an American would expect a French cafe place to be....although, I've never been to an actual French cafe in France, so maybe thats what its like? Food was very tasty, generous portions...not much emphasis on presentation for the food, although I did see a pretty fabulous looking desert going by. Definitely worth checking out, and reasonable prices.
(4)
D. R.
It's not that classic and it's not that French. The oysters were off. The shrimp cocktail was watery. And the pork shank was off key, and fatty. The service was kind and professional. But they, sadly, can't change what they bring out of the kitchen.
Try ordering: 1. Cheese plate, skate wing with side of green beans, creme brulee, and a bottle of Chateauneuf du Pape, or 2. Cheese plate, steak with cheese melted on it, side of beans, flourless chocolate cake and a bottle of Chateauneuf du Pape. You will be pleased.
(5)
Hannah B.
I have to admit that I was slightly shocked by the prices at Mon Ami. Normally when I go out for steak and seafood (or anything French!) I'm expecting to pay at least $30 for an entree. Having said that, I will add that in my opinion the food lived up to it's lower prices. I really enjoyed the salads we ordered as they were fresh and beautifully plated. My Dijon-"crusted" salmon was very disappointing. There was nothing crusted about it! What the dish had was a soggy breading with little flavor on top of a piece of fish whose freshness I was having doubts about. My boyfriend's steak was delicious with Merlot butter, I would definitely order that the next time. As for the frites, they were nothing special. I would take the Hopleaf frites over Mon Ami Gabi any day. I will come back to Mon Ami if I am in the mood for a steak and don't want to pay a fortune. However, if I happen to have just received my paycheck you can find me at Wildfire!
(3)
Annie S.
My boyfriend is french so I took him here last summer. We really loved this place. I was curious to see if he thought it was really a french restaurant and he said it was pretty authentic! We both had steaks with those small fries (pomme frittes) and wine. Very delicious. There is outdoor seating and the place is pretty big. The waiters are friendly. This is a GREAT date place!!
(4)
Scott B.
I'm not sure who Gabi is but I definitely would be her friend. A friend of mine lives in the Belden-Stratford and planned for several of us to meet here for dinner. We had an amazing evening. It started with cocktails at 6 pm. Because I needed something stiff (please get your mind out of the gutter), I ordered a Ketel One vodka gimlet. The bartender must be a part-time mind reader because this drink was so stiff it literally put hair on my back. The bar area is a tad bit small so we took our drinks to the lobby for a nice conversation. After about 30 minutes of conversation we were ready to make our way to our table. The restaurant is quaint and cozy. It really does remind you of a Parisian cafe. It is dimly lit which sets a romantic tone. I made a mental note of this in the event that I ever do go on a date. The food was delicious from start to end. For appetizers a couple of people at the table had salads which looked amazing. A couple of people had the porcini soup which they raved about. A couple of people opted for more drinks as their appetizer and I ordered the escargot which I haven't had since the last time I actually was in Paris. The escargot was good. It didn't knock me off my chair or make my eyes roll back in my head but it was good. For our entrees, the majority of the people at the table ordered the special: lamb chops. The lamb was UNBELIEVABLE! It was tender and flavored with the perfect amount of rosemary. I literally wanted to pick up the bones to get every piece of meat but I heard my mother in my head saying "I raised you better than that...please don't, Scott...you are in public". The lamb chops came with a side of potatoes that were prepared in a sauce that made me clean my plate. For dessert (that's right, we weren't done yet), I ordered the creme brulee which was decent. Truthfully, I've had better but it was good. A friend at the table ordered the bananas foster but was disappointed when the bananas weren't warm or even caramelized. She did send it back and asked for the white chocolate bread pudding which she said was excellent. I guess it was because she ate every bite. All in all, Mon Ami Gabi was a wonderful dining experience and I left wondering why I had not been to this restaurant before. No worries though because I definitely will be returning.
(4)
Matthew A.
I was expecting a snooty expensive place. What I got was a charming moderately priced experience. My wife and I had dinner at 7 on a Wednesday. The place was busy but not packed. I could see how it would take a while to get a table on a Fri or Sat night as the place is not very big. Their wine list has a handful of good French choices, and they have about 10 wines you can get by the glass. They have a daily meat special as well as a fish special which we both had. I had the Wed night veal special, which was pretty good, but not the best I veal I have ever had. It came with a big slice of "macaroni casserole" I would call it, but it was probably the best macaroni casserole I had ever had. My wife had the salmon special, which she decided was the best salmon she had ever had. They have a set of steaks done in different ways, each about $30 or less, which I was surprised to see as the same dishes at a steakhouse would be $40-50 or more. Our experience was very good. I would love to go back in the summer and have dinner on the patio!
(4)
James H.
One further review and another visit I can report that the food is still great (it better be for the halibut special was a bit pricey); but the seating left a lot to be desired, first I was bounced from the back so we slid the table a bit. Then when my neighbor continued to bump (he was very fidgety) I moved to the opposite side of the table, but there was another table ON TOP of us. The seating is close enough that you often have to touch someone you'd rather not (the Hostess was "sorry" - well I am too). The food almost makes up for the aggravation and while I'm not into steak that's okay because their fish is great. I had the fish and frites which was excellent (I had previously ordered the Skate - also good). My friends had Salmon and Scallops and both were great. The service was superb (Thanks Annie Lennox!).
(3)
Maria R.
UPDATE: Another trip to Mon Ami, and yes it is still wonderful. Make sure to make reservations as we were promptly escorted in pass the others guests that were walk-ins. Our waiter Michael was alittle squirrely, and wasn't especially attentive, but we weren't in a rush, so it was ok. The Skatewing Limon was outstanding, however I don't love having it with homemade onion potato chips. Our fruit crumb dessert with vanilla ice cream was a perfect ending. PS I never saw so many waiters and busboys coming out of one kitchen door without a single mishap. That was a show in itself! OLD STORY: We're on the "walk to restaurants only" kick now and luckily Mon Ami Gabi is within a couple of blocks. Outstanding service and food - steak frites and the skatewing are standouts. My husband travels to Europe very frequently and really loves the food here. We had the pleasure of dining al fresco in Vegas at Mon Ami, and it was equally as good. I prefer eating indoors here for some reason, I guess it's the warm wood and subtle lighting. Excellent wine selection and the creme brulee was yummy.
(4)
Mike H.
This is a fantastic place with amazing food. We have been several times and their food - from appetizers through dessert - is fantastic. It is usually busy and I highly recommend reservations. As for recommendations, try the escargot appetizer for sure - so buttery and delicious! The steak frites can't be beat (have tried both the steak rouquefort and the steak dijon). The bananas foster dessert is also fantastic. During the summer, try to sit outside. It's a gorgeous setting.
(5)
Grace L.
A decent French place for very reasonable prices. Steaks and fish are all around twenty bucks. We had the mussels to start out and the broth is bread soakably good. Our table had the halibut, salmon, lemon chicken, hangar steak and steak classique. Out of the five, the salmon and the hangar steak were our favorites. I found the steak classique a very bad pounded cut of beef. It was hard to cut into and chewy. The hangar steak was much more flavorful. With the steaks, there is a mountain of potato frites. For the price and location, it's a great place across the Lincoln Park Conservatory and zoo. Service was a little stand off-ish and I do wish they were more helpful and welcoming. If you like ice cream, any dessert with the ice cream is pleasant, we had the profiteroles and was a great ending to our meal.
(4)
Michelle L.
I first attended this restaurant's Vegas location and was really impressed. A few months later, I ventured to this Lettuce Chicago location and was equally satisfied by their menu and service. I believe this is the BEST filet I have ever had! They cook it just right (medium well). And the fresh baked bread is amazing! The prices are pretty reasonable...regular Lettuce restaurant price range. I suggest making reservations and, during the summer weather, get seating outdoors. It's a great establishment, perfect for a date night, in Lincoln Park!
(5)
A B.
Finally checked this place out after hearing a lot of people rant and rave. For appetizer my husband and I ordered the Oysters and he had French Onion soup. Both were good, I mean raw Oysters are just that, so doesn't take much talent to prepare. For dinner I decided to eat light and ordered the Ahi Tuna salad, the Tuna could have been better I wasn't impressed. The reason I gave the restaurant three stars is because of the filet that my husband ordered. The meat was prepared perfectly with a red wine reduction and we ordered a side of Garlic Spinach. For dessert we had Creme Brulee and coffee. I would highly recommend ordering the filet, I should have ordered it but I was trying to order healthy.....which I won't do again!
(3)
Erin C.
I really hate to love a Lettuce restaurant, but I really do love mon ami gabi. I love sitting outside in the summer gazing at Lincoln park and enjoying a good bottle of wine. Every time I go here, I am never disappointed. Their steak frites is absolute heaven; always perfectly cooked and seasoned. Also, they have several different versions of the steak frites to try, rather than just the original. I had the skate special once before too and it was perfectly juicy and tender served with some lemony veggies and nice potatoes. Yum! The atmosphere is a little more fancy than your typical French bistro with its dark wood and low lighting. The staff is very genial and gives excellent recommendations. For dessert, try the profiteroles. How could you not love flaky pastry, ice cream and a rich chocolate sauce?
(4)
Alexzandra A.
I have had better French food, but I really had a lovely time here. The oysters were devine as well as the martini and mojito I had. I thought my steak (blue cheese) was fabulous, but I would rather have a more inventive side then frites. I went here with a group of people and was able to try at leat 4 different desserts and they were all heavenly. The chocolate mouse was HUGE and delicious while the flourless cake was the best I'd ever had. It may be pricey, but the atmosphere and food is worth it, if only once.
(4)
Art K.
We had a reservation for 745pm on a Saturday evening. Even though we arrived early, we were immediately whisked to our table, a great semi-private booth in the back corner of the restaurant. We enjoyed the Scallops in cream sauce as our appetizer (WOW every time), the Merlot Butter Steak (WOW every time), and a terriffic salad to start. Overall very good, except the steak was slightly cold, and the martini my wife ordered (french cosmo) was almost bitter. The Louis Latour Pinot Noir is always a good place to start. We go here a few times a year between this and the location in Las Vegas and always walk away with a 4+ rating!
(4)
Monika M.
i went here for my birthday on a snowy sunday night. Not too crowded, although we had a 5oclock reservation.. Atmosphere nice and expected for a french bistro. Well staffed and very unprentious. I had the roasted chicken and frites. Frites portion was giving. I ate the whole chicken. Skin perfectly crispy. Husband had the Cassolet. It was great and leftovers were good too. Dessert was insanely good! Vanilla filled crepe with caramel and bananas! Yum!Overall had a wonderful meal and would like to go back and try something different. Maybe when its a bit warmer and I don't have to drudge through the snow..
(3)
Shaun K.
A replica of a turn-of-the-century bar and slim wooden furniture give this popular Lincoln Park bistro a patently Parisian vibe. Classic menu items such as a rustic country pate with whole grain mustard and succulent, buttery escargots reinforce that mood. For entrees, opt for the specialty: steaks with Dijon mustard butter sauce or a wine reduction with caramelized onions. All beef comes with thin, crispy frites.
(4)
Alexis S.
Love! You must order: -French Onion Soup (if you ask to split it with your date, they will give you 2 crocks) -The pate -Any of the Steak Frites -The Roast Chicken -Whipped Caulliflower MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!
(5)
Erin J.
First of all Mon Ami Gabi is fun to say... but you won't be saying too much after you sit down expect for uh uh uh oui oui oui... Bon Appetite! This French bistro serves amazing food and within a fun atmosphere! If you have a beret a.) feel lucky that you can pull it off and b.) wear it! The interior of the restaurant is positively French. The waiter will start you off with a fresh, warm baguette to nibble on. As a carb professional I would have to give the bread and butter a 5 as well! Mon Ami Gabi is known for having a great selection of wines so ask what they recommend. If you are one to impress this is the place to be a wine snob. They bring around a wine cart to choose from. The food is a little pricy. Whoever invented a la carte is a la stupid! I think it was the French. Regardless, throw your budgets away and go for the steak & frites. All of the steaks are amazing. The soups are thick and creamy. I highly recommend the mashed cauliflower as a side. If mashed cauliflower is healthy this one definitely fooled me. Um Um Um! I got carried away with the baguette and wine so I was not allowed to stay for dessert, but I dare to guess that the French desserts are exquisite. This would be a great place for dessert and coffee with your great aunt or political conversations with your opinionated friends. Girls, feel free to wear that dressy scarf around your shoulders and bright red lipstick. Parking is valet or I would try to find a meter one street over. Oui! Mon Ami Gabi - translation - My Friend Gabi. Well, Gabi is now a friend of mine!
(5)
Miguel g.
Great food and service. Used to be our date night with my wife, but now that our kids are older it is a family favorite. They have tasty options for all!
(5)
Heather K.
Bonjour, mon petit bureau de change! Just wanted to share my thoughts on a lovely dinner that I recently shared with my family at Mon Ami Gabi. As I tend to do when faced with the prospect of food I don't have to pay for, I went a bit overboard. Started with the onion soup which came in a gigantic crock...I think it weighed about 2 pounds. Really tasty, and was more on the sweet side than on the beefy side. I've had, you know, "real" onion soup and I must say that the Gabi version definitely held its own. Side note, if anyone is really into onion soup and likes reading blogs, go to theonionsoup.com , it's quite...informative. On the complete opposite end of the first course spectrum, my mother had a light and healthy butter lettuce salad with shaved veggies and a citrus dressing. I stole a bite and sort of wished I had gone the salad route instead. At this time in my review-writing, I am also realizing that I left out the part where I ate half a baguette before my soup even hit the table. Time for entrees and I was already completely stuffed. But, it was my mom's birthday and I needed to stay strong. Therefore I devoured a filet mignon like nobody's business. Giant portion, perfectly cooked, though I wasn't crazy about the merlot butter it came with. (Should I really be adding butter to a steak?) The other wine sauce was good though. The pommes frites were thin, crispy and in abundance. Between THREE PEOPLE eating off my plate we were still unable to finish them off. Other family members enjoyed the scallops, roast chicken, pork tenderloin and vegetarian sampler. And don't forget about dessert... a complimentary birthday profiterole for my mother (good), creme brulee (better) and flourless chocolate cake (best). My regrets of the evening were: - not sharing the bowl of onion soup w/ my sister - only eating a single piece of lettuce - only eating 3 green beans I definitely had to sleep that meal off. I'll plan things out a bit healthier next time. Great service though and lovely location inside the Belden-Stratford Hotel. And I think it's better than Marche(?!) Well, until next time.. foux de fa fa! Au revoir!
(4)
Susan L.
overrated, overdone, overpriced French food. Go there only if you have a LettuceEntertainYou gift certificate--better yet, if you've got one of those, go to a different restaurant.
(1)
Megan D.
Delicious food and wonderful atmosphere! The only problem we had was the service. Our waiter was rude and seemed to be annoyed that he had to serve us. We ordered coffee and were enjoying it except our waiter clearly wanted us to leave. He and the manager kept looking over at us and the waiter was pacing back and forth by our table. We are sensitive to taking up a table when a restaurant is busy but there were two empty tables by us! The busser was excellent - very nice man but the waiter was even rude to him. Very good food, very good atmosphere. I think there's just one bad egg on the waitstaff.
(3)
Masha C.
Expensive, but hands down best steak I've ever had! Perfect place for special occasions!!
(4)
Lesley G.
This place is super good. I have been there a few times and have never been disappointed. The steaks are some of their specialties. Last time I went I had the salmon, which was also great. Everything is just perfectly cooked. It's not cheap, but you get what you paid for.
(4)
Melissa H.
This was my first french restaurant experience and I was pretty impressed. Its definitely a romantic restaurant. The food was great and so was the service. Its not too french but just french enough. I'd recommend MAG to anyone who is intimidated by french cuisine.
(4)
Amanda T.
I remember way back, when I was a wee lass in fifth grade, the teacher made us kids give a presentation on our favorite thing to eat. And my presentation was was on French onion soup, specifically from Mon Ami Gabi. Now, many many years later, it's still one of my favorites. I never really remember what I get as an actual entree when I go, because the onion soup eclipses everything else. The frites and, as simple as it sounds, even the bread are amazing. It's no Les Nomades, but nevertheless, c'est magnifique!
(4)
Psusennes R.
Searching for refuge from the summer rain, we found Mon Ami Gabi. The adorable restaurant shares space with a high end apartment and L20. The service is so smooth and fantastic... like clock work! Complimentary bread & butter, the chef also included a sample of their orzo special of the day. We started our meal with a pretty standard green salad and a delicious and creative cold red pepper soup. Entrees ordered was steak & frittes and scallops with mushrooms and asparagus. I just typed all that out and started drooling. It was all very delicious. The steak may have been tendarized and grilled to perfection. Not normally a fan of sauce, the sauce that accompanied the steak was fabulous. It was a cream sauce seasoned with tarragon. We ended dinner with ice cream over a berry crumble and cappucino. Happiness! With four drinks, our bill came out to 90$. Locals visit this place and yes, many of its visitors are older (over 30) and well to do. Also, they have a wine cart (most wines from France). I will return!
(4)
Don W.
Went here several times while in Chicago, and my wife, who's a French native, was CRAZY about it. I particularly like the whipped veges (forgot what it's called, but a califlower-based pate), profiteroles, and macaroni au gratin. The mac is baked and uses several real cheeses that I'm certain were shredded on site that day. Probably the best mac I've ever had. The meats are good, but I don't care for the ultra-thin, ultra-crispy fries (and neither does my wife). You know how sometimes at McDonald's you get a couple burned-to-a-crisp fries that were stuck in the deep fryer for a while - they serve a whole plate of those here like it's a good thing. I also was not wowed by their chocolate mousse. Regardless, the food is very good overall, and the service is always particularly excellent and professional. It's definitely a pricey joint though, so if you're not on your work's tab like I was, be weary of $60+ checks for two.
(4)
Hana K.
I love French cuisine and this place does a pretty good job at doing French compared to a lot of other places. I loved their Coq Au Vin and steak frites. The frites were nice, thin and crispy, the way they should be and the chicken for their Coq Au Vin was perfectly cooked. I would recommend getting reservations here because it gets very crowded, if you are not familiar with the area you most likely will end up passing it because it is part of another building, and sometimes walking around in there can get tight.
(4)
Tiffany L.
Went with a friend last year and the food was excellent. We went in the fall so they had an amazing pumpkin spread for their bread. It was hard to stop eating that. We both ordered a halibut dish and it was so fresh and cooked perfected. The price is about right for what you get. great service, mellow atmosphere, wonderful food...I now want to try the one in oak brook since this was such a great experience!
(5)
Andrew P.
I thought Mon Ami Gabi to be one of the most overrated dining establishments I have ever found. The Beldon is a pretty place to wander around before the meal, but the dining experience was not satisfying at all. We had a reservation for 8pm on a Friday night. We were not seated until 9pm. I understand things get backed up (especially on a weekend), but what's the point in even making a reservation if you are going to be seated in whatever order you show up in anyways? The menu: I did not like the bread (it felt and tasted like it had been sitting out for a week), but the butter was great. The lobster bisque was the most salty and fishy bisque I have ever had. The bisque was a terrible, terrible way to start off the meal. I enjoyed the frites. They were tasty. Then again, they are french fries. Sonic and McDonald's can do that. My steak was cooked correctly, but the flavor left me wondering why someone would ruin a nice piece of meat with that much seasoning. The Service: The water service was great. My water glass rarely got below 1/2 full before being refilled. The waiter showed up only 10 or 15 minutes after we sat there looking annoyed because we couldn't find him. Even sending the water fillers to find our server was a chore. He sucked. I thought that the menu was overpriced for the quality of food we received. All in all, I would not recommend Mon Ami Gabi to anyone looking for a nice night out. Maybe it was because it was a weekend, maybe not. Either way, i don't think there is any excuse for this meal being so all around dissatisfying. The service was terrible, the food overseasoned, overpriced, and underwhelming. The quality of the meal left a lot to be desired...
(1)
Lizzy G.
I wish I had gone to this restaurant much sooner! It was tres yummy (That was lame, sorry Yelp.). The restaurant is smaller than I expected but it is so adorable. I love the art deco appeal of the entire place. I was thrown by the entrance being off to your immediate left when you enter the Belden Stratford, but it seems typical of restaurants in buildings of that era (i.e. Pump Room, etc). The cutsie W.C. sign illuminating the corridor to the restrooms was great as well. I wonder how many people ask what the WC stands for! We were seated in the very front of the restaurant, in front of the bar. It was very nice, the corner table, so my boyfriend and I were both able to enjoy the corner booth running the front wall. I maybe would have preferred to be seated behind the bar (next time) to avoid the ins and outs at the host stand and bar, but it's a smaller place, so noise is inevitable. And the table was still cozy and lovely for the two of us. The food was delicious. I think you could go for appetizers and drinks and leave stuffed! (The table to our right did just that) The duck confit my boyfriend had was a full duck leg on a healthy portion of lentils and pearl onions. I had the butternut squash soup with creme fraiche and scallion and it was delicious! I have to admit I love the new trend of serving soups table side from different kinds of serving vessels. It's cute, interactive, memorable and still relatively unique. We chose right by avoiding salads because the steak frites bernaise my boyfriend got came on the most enormous of dishes! The pile of steak frites was too much for the both of us! Oh goodness, and the bernaise sauce that came with the steak was so yummy (I am a vegetarian but still eat egg product). Delectable with the pile of steak frites! I went with the vegetarian sampling and while everything on my plate was very tasty I felt they could have done more. It was basically a side of mashed cauliflower, asparagus, green beans and lentils. Good, but not what I expected. There are a number of vegetarian side dishes to choose from and if I had known four would be on the plate I would have asked if I could chose. Having no main starch was a little different ( no au gratin potatoes or macaroni gratin? I feel like I missed out. This is expected I suppose, in a french bistro, but I made out like a bandit in Paris for weeks and have had more options at different spots around Chicago, so I maybe if they felt they had clientele they could do a little more with the menu? Nothing is better than a French restaurant with vegetarian options! I swear it would sell! Overall, I think I could have ordered better but my boyfriend ate enough food for days! Everything was delicious and I would go back to enjoy lunch outside on the patio, have drinks and appetizers or maybe try and correct my ordering mishaps. Either way, if you like steak frites, give Mon Ami Gabi a try! The meat (according to the bf) is tender and delicious, and the sauces from the dozen styles in which you can order steak frites all sound delicious so I don't think anyone could go wrong!!
(4)
James L.
This place was definitely worth it. I came here after having a fabulous dinner at the location in Las Vegas. The one in Vegas is located in Paris hotel right across from the Bellagio Fountains. I was hoping this location would be just as good and it sure was. I had the New York Strip which was juicy and tender. Also tried the sirloin which was just as good. Both dishes were around $20. I don't exactly remember the size in ounces but it was definitely enough to fill me. Atmosphere is great and price is very reasonable compared to comparable restaurants with similar quality steak. Their frites (aka french fried) are one of a kind. Very delicious. Outdoor seating is available and is perfect when its not too hot or cold.
(4)
Mindy V.
Everything is so solid and good here. Always perfectly cooked, excellent appetizers..... I had the Steak Roquefort... so good with the blue cheese sauce. Its nice and cozy and always good.
(4)
Yvette B.
I have had nothing but wonderful experiences at Mon Ami Gabi. The only drawback is they are usually a little late seating for reservation time, but in my opinion, well worth the wait. I have never been disappointed with any of the dishes that we have ordered. Last visit had mussels appetizer...DELICIOUS. Escargot...DELICIOUS. And a cheesy scallop appetizer...need I say it.?..DELICIOUS. Our server was outstanding. My friend ordered the roquefort steak option and what the backwaiter brought out from the kitchen was a different steak from the menu...the waiter immediately noticed my friend did not receive the right dish. I know you might say, well of course he would notice, but you would be surprised at how many restaurants I have dined at where the main server themselves bring out the wrong dish or come to your table to see how things are and still don't notice that there is anything wrong with your order. He immediately asked to rectify the situation...we told him no worries, my friend was going to keep the original item brought out. The server was kind enough to get some roquefort "sauce" in a gravy boat for my friend to enjoy as he liked to top his steak. He also comped a couple of glasses of wine. Along with that throughout the entire meal our waiter was attentive, friendly and just awesome. I would totally ask for him to wait on us again. I can't wait for summer for the outdoor patio to open. Oh, and I had a tuna steak served atop a portobello mushroom and it was nothing less than absolutely delicious. The only bummer is I think it was a special, which means I will have to get lucky having that again.
(5)
Brandon H.
The food and service is outstanding. The scheduling and organization for reservations is sub-par. I understand this is a popular spot, but waiting 20-30 minutes past a reservation time made weeks before hand is unacceptable. Regardless of the operations, the food.. from the appetizers (we had the scallops and escargot) to the entree (filet w/ butter and red wine reduction) to the desert (Creme Brule) was outstanding. Even the bartender (after waiting 10 minutes to work ourselves is to a position to order drinks) was helpful. This place is a fantastic restaurant, and is just missing the organization to reach perfection. On a busy night, expect mayhem. On an off night, this may be the perfect quiet spot.
(4)
Stephanie P.
We were on vacation in Chicago in July and heard about Mon Ami Gabi from the concierge at the Four Seasons hotel. All of their other recommendations proved to be great, so off we went with our 2 young children. We enjoyed the whole experience from the warm baguette, nice wine list to the steak frites-Meat so tasty and fries very thin and crunchy. It was a very busy Thursday night, very crowded but our server kept things flowing despite the 3 very large parties seated near us that he was taking care of. We enjoyed a great meal as a family and our kids enjoyed the food, esp the frites! Would love to go back again when we visit the wonderful city of Chicago next time.
(4)
Alissa B.
First off, this place has the BEST French Martinis...delicious. I came here for the first time one winter night and was so impressed. Their wine selection is amazing, the ambiance is excellent and their pork shank is to die for. I have always gotten great service and recommend this place to anyone and everyone who will listen.
(5)
Kelly D.
I could live here. The atmosphere is so elegant and beautiful. it's like going back into the 20's or 30's. Everything that I have had here is so yummy. Especially the steak frites. Worth every penny. It's inside the Belden-Stratford Hotel which is beautiful itself. The outdoor seating is lovely too in the summer. The wait staff are very friendly and attentive.
(5)
gabriella m.
Delicoius steak frites, fast service and a walk in the park is only steps away. Wonderful for a date night.
(5)
Amber B.
Well, this is my first trip to Chicago, and not only am I impressed with the city, but also the hotel I found and the amazing restaurant located inside. That of course being Mon Ami Gabi at the Belden Stratford Hotel. I am extremely impressed with the service, the food, and the entire experience dining here. When my mother and I first entered the intimately sized dining area, we realized that reservations for a Saturday night would have been a good idea. With less than a two minuet wait, however, we were seated at the bar where we received better service than many of those dining at tables. The bar tender was quick to take our drink orders and even offer us regular menus, he was attentive, remembered all of the dinner specials without missing a beat, and never once treated us like we were in the way for ordering food at the bar. The wine selection was good, as was the assortment of appetizers, which is what we were there for. I had the english pea soup with tomato and leeks and the escargots, and my mother had the butternut squash soup and the salmon salad. The soups were heavenly. The pea soup tasted like summer and eating homegrown peas off the vine in my grandmothers backyard. The escargots was amazing too (although this was my first try). My moms salad came out with seared tuna instead of salmon, it was very tasty but a bit over salted. Her meal was on the house due to the mix-up, we didn't even have to ask to complain! The meal was served with a fresh, warm baguette and garbanzo bean and lemon spread that was delicious. We also had to try the black currant sorbet, which was sweet, tart, and very refreshing. Overall the experience we had at Mon Ami Gabi was great. I would definately go again if I make it to Chicago in the future. We made sure to stop on the way out to commend the manager and thank him for a lovely evening.
(5)
Michelle J.
Mon Ami Gabi has been one of my favorite french places as long as I can remember! The roasted chicken, pom frites, profiteroles, wine, salad, soup, skate, mashed potatoes, steak and herb butter are ALL TO DIE FOR!! Every family occasion we go to Mon Ami. My aunt even had her wedding there! It has become a family tradition and no where else compares to the amount of customer service and satisfaction I feel when I visit time after time!
(5)
tricia l.
I was there last night--and have been there many times before--and I just have to write a RAVE REPORT about our waiter DAVID!!! I don't think I have ever had such good, fun, perfect, perfect service anywhere. I am going to ask for him every time I make a rez at Mon Ami. I told him last night that I was going to write him up big and so am doing just that. He is worth his weight in gold.
(5)
heather d.
im a big fan of mon ami gabi. the food is great, huge portions and a great value. We were there the other night had, 2 drinks, 2 steak frites, a salad, an app and a dessert and our bill was less than $100 and was delicious!!!! im hungry just thinking about it!!
(4)
Jennie C.
I don't think I'll return here ever. It took well over half an hour just to get my salad before my main course. I think the waiter forgot about us, which is cool just let me know you finally remembered. When he was around he was attentive and friendly. My Caesar salad was just too fishy. I know anchovies are used in the dressing, but it was overpowering. I didn't understand my salmon served on a bed of cooked cabbage. And sorbet for dessert still had a fishy taste. I ended up home and sick for the night. I believe partly from the food and partly from the bad date I was on. I also was not a fan of being sat so close to another patron that she consistently felt the urge to keep moving her purse closer to her and keeping her hand on it like i was just waiting to grab it and go. I don't think I give off a thug impression, maybe I have more street cred than I thought? Also when sitting that close it made it hard for her to get up to leave the table without knocking about her table and my table and I did get a great flash of a thong in my face. That might have also contributed to my ill feelings.
(1)
Amy L.
My sister used to live in this building and hostess there, so we'd always go when I came in town. It's fabulous and so are all the other Lettuce Entertain You places as well. Right across from the zoo. It's in a great location in Lincoln Park. Portions are a good size and the food is delish :) And they have the best desserts..so save some room!
(4)
Morgan B.
This place is really good. I went there for my birthday. It is a fun atmopshere!!!
(4)
EJ F.
Great place for steak and frites. Not the best French cuisine in the world but for the price and the quality it's a great place. I've always gotten the traditional steak with frites so I can't comment on other menu items but it all looks good.
(4)
Jill and Ying J.
Steak frites..... steak frites.....STEAK FRITES. And warm soft bread. That's really all we remember from this meal (went a few years ago), and all you will likely remember as well. The steaks are good, served with 6 or 7 different sauces, but they are not nearly as memorable or 5-star worthy as the MASSIVE serving of authentic French style frites (fries) that come with it. These are definitely not your regular McD's style "Freedom Fries." Fried to a crisp, thin as a chip, small as a paperclip, the frites are crunchy and exceedingly addictive. No wonder they give you such a massive serving. *hint* smear some of the delicious sauce with the frites and the flavors explode even more in your mouth. As any great reproduction of a French bistro, each meal starts off with a warm, fresh, crunchy-on-the-outside-soft-on-the-inside baguette butter. The wine selection is massive, and the decor softly whispers romantic date. A must-eat to woo your significant other.
(4)
Kerry D.
It's a great space, nice decor, WONDERFUL service- but the food was not what I was expecting. Three of us sent the onion soup back (which I love almost everywhere) and the main courses were fine- but from the other reviews and word of mouth- I was hoping for a lot more. I'm going to stick w/ Kiki's and Bouchon for my bistro fare from now on.
(3)
Stephanie H.
I dined at Mon Ami Gabi for the first time a couple of Friday's ago. It was a late dinner, arriving close to 10:30....we were the last people2 in the restaurant...our service and food were fair, I believe mostly due to our poor timing. We ordered steaks, that came out luke warm.... I would like to visit again, at a more 'normal' dining hour...in hopes of having a better overall dining experience, and increase the star count.
(3)
J T.
Mon Ami isn't my first choice for bistro food in Chicago but it's certainly one I won't turn away. There are always a couple of hits and misses, but for the most part, I'm always satisfied at the end of the meal and always return.
(3)
scot o.
for a chain, this place is one of our favorites. fun frenchy atmosphere. good food and drinks in the beautiful and elegant belden-stratford hotel. cap of the evening at L20 for a cordial or dessert and go for a walk past the conservatory. you can do no wrong. make reservations or go later.
(5)
Anna B.
Go to Mon Ami for the cozy romantic atmosphere and the friendly bar- and waitstaff. The food is good, but Brasserie Jo's is better.
(4)
Marissa D.
every time i come to mon ami i like it more and more. such a wonderful atmosphere, and service is excellent. their maison (house) salad is excellent. fresh greens with goat cheese. perfect. i always order one of their steak frites. it's so nice that they have variations on it, so you can get a dijon one or a bourdelaise (my favorite), etc. and the frites - different from most frites, and SO good! let's talk about dessert. everything is good, but the bananas fosters crepe is the best thing i have ever put in my mouth. it comes in a giant plate of homemade caramel and i can't get enough. i want to bathe in that caramel. moving on.........here's a tip - bring your own wine. sure, there's a corkage, but it's always a savings to bring wine to a place that will let you! in conclusion, if you want great french food at a moderate price, go HERE!
(4)
KM I.
Warm french baguette, bacon and poached egg frisee salad, pomme frites with aioli while sitting outside the Belden Stratford....done
(5)
Rick W.
Great service, food is excellent and not too pricey. Atmosphere is great as well. Highly recommend.
(5)
Erika K.
My dining endeavors during Chicago's restaurant week have left me disappointed with some serious midnight munchies. So why would I keep trying? Because during restaurant week, I can use my $100 Lettuce Entertain You gift card and dine for two at their French bistro installment, Mon Ami Gabi. Despite my previous bad luck, I left this restaurant with a full belly and a little box filled with leftovers Full review and pictures here! thebuckwheater.com/mon-a…
(4)
Irene G.
Mon Ami Gabi exceeded my expectations. The outside of the place is very pretty with lights and located in Lincoln Park. Parking is a little difficult, but we were able to get a spot pretty close by. Anyway, dined here with a friend who had a little too much wine before we got there so we had to make it quick as our server seemed a bit angry with my friend's "condition" especially after he ordered an alcoholic beverage to start. :P On to the food: We each had a salad entree and frites (fries). I was expecting the menu to be more pricey but it's actually on the cheaper side for a French restaurant. I definitely plan to come back (with someone sober) to try their warm brie cheese and escargot. One negative is the tables are too close to one another so that when you get up to leave, you have to be careful not to bump into the other peoples' tables. Also, children makes Mon Ami less intimate because it's really a nice date place. However, Mon Ami Gabi is now one of my favorite LEYE restaurants. See you soon Mon Ami!
Okay so the hostess assumed that the customer made the mistake of having the wrong reservation time. Should have turned around at this point. Checked our VM and email confirmation- both were the right time. The Point: horrendous service! We understood that it was valentines weekend, and we were prepared for a longer wait, but seriously our waiter was just standing there... Literally just standing there. We had to flag him down to order. Flag him down for drinks. Then flag him down for the check. He never came by the table proactively except for when he was dropping off the check. Food was good, of course consistent with the other MAGs. I had the scallops, however, no carbs come with this dish, so tread carefully when it comes to your alcoholic consumption with only the scallops as a buffer. This was one of those times when the service failure far outweighed the food! And I forgot my Lettuce card at home and no one even bothered to help me collect the points! Terrible experience and I have told several people about how much I do NOT recommend this restaurant to anyone. Time to deflag this specific location... Unworthy of Lettuce branding.
(2)
Sara P.
I thought the food here was pretty good. I had the steak frites in the peppercorn sauce. The steak and sauce were good, but it needed more sauce. The frites were a bit overdone, needed salt, and I was craving something to dip them in. Some extra sauce on the steak would have been perfect... The bread and butter were delicious. The service was good as well. I definitely wouldn't call this "french food," since it feels like a steakhouse. It's a nice place if you feel like some good bread and steak and have money to spend.
(4)
Kristy F.
Atmosphere: Large, warm, intimate, fancy, warm lighting, soft booths. Service: Our waiter was very knowledgeable and made a great recommendation but she wasn't attentive enough and we had to ask for refills and whatever else we needed. It was a busy night so it's understandable. Food: They started us off with a load of bread you have to tear to eat and some soft butter. Was okay. Then they offered a scoop of carrot coleslaw which was just OK. I ordered the Steak Bordelaise which is a 10oz cut on thin steak marinated in red wine and drowned with sweet caramelized onions served with a large heaping helping of home made frites. DELICIOUS. The onions were a nice compliment with the potatoes so ketchup was unnecessary.The thin cut of the steak made it hard not to devour so take your time eating. It's a very filling meal. I also ordered the Pain Perdu which is a pineapple bread pudding in rum sauce. The waitress recommended a scoop of vanilla which I will also recommend to you. Yum. Conclusion- I'd love to return however the meal was a bit pricey for my usual tastes. Will have to treat this place as an occasional treat for me. =) 4 stars.
(4)
Donna C.
This is why it is nice to have a history with a restaurant. We dined here last night. Our reservation was ready and we sat outside on a beautiful evening. The place was very busy and still was able to provide excellent service, timing the meal as not rush you. Our server was perfection. Even when I was given the wrong steak, they immediately corrected it and were so nice about it.... The caesar salad was fresh and the dressing the the perfect amount. My filet was cooked to perfection and the merlot reduction is the main reason to order this dish. I love the very authentic steak classique,which is delicious. My only recommendation is to stay away from the hanger steak, it's quality is too much of a variable in otherwise a perfect meal. This is still one of my places for that french feeling!!! I dine at mon ami gabi whenever possible...
(5)
Sarah M.
I'll start off with a positive comment-the food was great. I'm not a huge fan of French food-could take it or leave it. Mon Ami Gabi makes French food approachable without completely Americanizing it. I appreciate that. The service however, definitely not up to the standard I would expect at the restaurant. We had to ask for menus for a couple members of our party who were seated without them. Our waiter took a very long time to take our order for appetizers and entrees. We ordered a bottle of wine which he managed to splash everywhere and then removed from the table when there was still some left. The table next to us had far more people sitting at it than it had capacity to hold which resulted in a very tight experience. The one benefit of our bad service was the waiter mishearing us order brie and escargot as appetizers and brought us three orders of escargot instead. At least we got 2 complimentary appetizers?
Beautiful, everything ! We went just before Christmas 2013. It was a surprise dinner out with my girl friend, she was so happy. I don't even want to tell you any more so you can be surprised too.
This restaurant is as good as it gets- outstanding service, beautiful atmosphere and wonderful food. The steak frites, the sol special, the scallop appetizer, traditional french salad, the seasonal fall salad and desserts (chocolate mousse and creme brulee) were just delicious. I would definitely recommend making a reservation, especially on weekends. We will be back soon, we're looking forward to becoming regulars.
(5)
Kristen B.
Great experience. Sat outside on a beautiful Saturday night. They really have the serving down as many bussers and servers took care of us as items were ready to be delivered or cleared. Lovely wine list. Food was great. Also surprisingly kid friendly. They brought my 2 and 4 year old carrots and homemade ranch at the start of our meal and my children were happy and entertained with the crayons they supplied, the gorgeous view and people watching for the entire 1.5 hour meal. I like this location better than the Oak Brook location although that one is great too!
(5)
Alex H.
I'm going to try and keep this one short and sweet: Mon Ami Gabi is a solid casual french spot in the Belden-Stratford Hotel. For food alone, I'd probably have rounded up to a 4. The service, however, was executed at a snail's (or should I say an escargot's) pace. I love the scene and if you can snag a table outside in summer, you won't be disappointed.
(3)
Jessica C.
Mon Ami Gabi is actually part of a chain of restaurants located in Las Vegas, Oak Brook, IL, Reston VA and Bethesda, MD. And while you wouldn't necessarily correlate chain restaurants with great neighborhood spots, Mon Ami Gabi is the definitely an exception. The service was beyond fantastic (our waitress was constantly making recommendations that were fabulous!) and the food was so tasty. I went with my two sisters and ordered the Steak Roquefort, Skate Wing and Salmon en Croute. All of these entrees were amazing. What also stood out, perhaps among all the dishes we ate were the Sea Scallop Gratinees that came served piping hot and full of cheese, a delicious fennel cream and a tender and perfectly cooked scallop! For my full review, please read my blog post: youngfoodies.com/restaur…
(4)
Joanne B.
I went here a few nights ago with my fiance and his sister. We had a 8:45 pm reservation but the restaurant was running late. This was not a big deal because we only had to wait around 10 minutes. We were seated across from these big open patio doors. Since it suddenly dropped into the 50s or 60s, we were all freezing. We asked if they could shut the doors but the were unable to do that. The food was excellent if pricey. My scallops were fresh and cooked perfectly. My fiance's steak frites was a gigantic steak with a mound of frites! These weren't your ordinary french fries though. They were like those potato sticks your mom would stick in your lunch but they were flatter, crispier, and better. Desserts were just awesome - you can never go wrong with creme brulee and profiteroles. Our server was attentive and accomodating. I admit we might have been a bit of a pain because of the door issue, but she handled it well. My fiance's sister cannot eat wheat and she made sure we had gluten-free bread at all times. This place is not the kind of restaurant I would go to regularly but it's definitely worth going on a special occasion (or when you get those little LEYE scratch-off coupons in the mail ;) ).
(4)
Kevin Z.
I've been going here for the last 14 years - and have to say I have never had anything but great food and great service.
(5)
Amir L.
One of my favorite French bistro in the city. Great service , great French onion and the steak bordelaise is soooo tasty!!! Worth every penny
(5)
Damian C.
I've walked by Mon Ami Gabi and the Belden-Stratford hundreds of times over the past 4 years and have always wondered what world lay behind those big glass doors. All the built-up anticipation met its maker on Friday when I took the s/o here for a birthday dinner. To be honest, I was pretty glad this restaurant made it on the list of 4 choices to have a birthday dinner as I'd been looking for a reason to try this place out. I set up a reservation on OpenTable and included a note to let the staff know that there was a birthday amongst the two of us. We stopped in at 8 on Friday and the hostess led us to our table, a small two top squished in between two very animated (and awkward) tables of 4. I know they hold reservations for indoor seating, and we did have the option to take a seat outside prior to being seated, and who knew it would be unseasonably amazing weather on Friday, so it's our fault for not asking to get a roomier selection. And, to be honest, it was pretty funny listening to the one girl talk about zookeeping internships and the two guys at the other table constantly one-up each other about who was better than who. We put in an order for red wine and the baked cheese. Phenomenal. I know it's not complicated to whip up some goat cheese but it definitely filled the goat cheese void I've had for quite a while. My date ordered the filet and I, after much consideration, opted for the Steak Au Poivre (I had a peppery craving). To avoid looking like a jackass and ordering a steak medium-well, I figured I'd let loose and try medium. The timing was great and half-way through our neighbor's chat about the best locations to purchase homes in Chicago with easy access to the freeway our steaks and mound o' frites came out. Tender, juicy, perfectly seasoned, delicious, loved it. The frites were OK - a little thin and crunchy. Tasty, but would have rather had something a little more potato-y. Either way, I scarfed down the entire plate. Thankfully I was able to walk some of it off on the way home! After they cleared our plates the waiter came back out with a chocolate birthday cake and a candle to wish a happy birthday. It was pretty low-key, thankfully, because we were definitely too full to get a gaggle of staff members drawing attention to us with a loud birthday cheer. The dessert was irresistable and thankfully we were able to find a little room to gobble it up. All in all, a great night. Next time I'll go for the outdoor seating, though. Weather permitting, of course.
(4)
Luke S.
I went here last night for my birthday. Joe's is my go to LEYE place and I compare all others to Joe's. I thought that we should change it up for my birthday and once again Lettuce does not disappoint. I would argue that they are the best run restaurant group in the nation. I had walked by Mon Ami Gabi at least 100 times and always said to myself "I need to try this place". We made an 8pm reservation and when we showed up they said it would be a few minutes before our table was ready. We tried to fit into the bar area, but it was small and swamped. The restaurant had a decor similar to Wildfire or Joe's. After a few uncomfortable minutes of trying to figure out where to sit, we somehow managed to wedge onto the last bar-stool and ordered a couple drinks. The bartender was friendly and knowledgeable. He recommended a wine that we ended up ordering a bottle of at our table. After 10ish minutes we were seated. Our server was good, but I can't say he was gushing with personality. Maybe I'm spoiled by Frankie (Joe's), but I guess the service was what I would expect in France. He was always looking after us to be sure we were OK, but never took the time to truly chat with us. We ordered a lot of food and it was all wonderful. The starters were escargot and french onion soup, which they split for us at no additional cost. I'm not sure if I have had escargot before, but it was a couple bites of flavorful awesomeness. I went with the Steak Frites (Blue Cheese Edition) and the lady went with the Cod. HOLY FRITES! I think they gave me 2lbs and I probably polished off 1.99lbs of it. They brought out a free desert for my birthday and we also got the creme brule which had a thicker coat of burnt sugar than any I have ever had. Overall it was a great experience.
(4)
Katy O.
I have eaten at this MAG as well as the one in Oakbrook and thoroughly enjoyed myself- and my meal- both times. We came here in December before heading over to walk through the Zoolights at the LP Zoo. The place was packed (we weren't the only people who had this idea) so we were glad to have a reservation. They have an excellent french onion soup here. The steak frites is a good option and is done well here. One person in our party had the scallops, I had the fish special, someone had the chicken- and everything was great. The food is spot on and we had great service. You really do feel a bit like you are in Paris in a cozy bistro.
(4)
Carly G.
I went to Mon Ami Gabi with my boyfriend and we sat outside on the patio. The atmosphere was amazing - the perfect mix of romantic, upscale, and cozy. The food was delicious!! We had the sea scallops gratinees for appetizer and then had the skate wing and steak bordelaise. Would recommend all of it!! The best part was the service...it was a nice warmish Chicago night at first, but then the temperature dropped like 10 degrees and I hadn't brought a jacket. I didn't say anything, but the waiter must have noticed I looked cold so he brought me a Mon Ami "shawl" - basically a nice clean table cloth that I could wrap around my shoulders. So nice of him!!
(5)
Meg K.
My husband and I took my parents here as a thank you, and it was perfect. It was 'fancy' without breaking the bank and the service was great. Towards the end of the meal my mom tried to rob what was left of the bread (it's really gooood bread), the waiter took it much to my mom's dismay. But he brought back a whole loaf for her to bring home. It was fun. The tables are close together but neither party sitting near us were too loud. I guess that makes us the loud ones!
(4)
Elle M.
Another Christmas Eve meal with the family in the books. And Mon Ami Gabi did not disappoint. There were six and a half of us (six plus high chair) tonight and everyone left happy. I had the chicken liver mousse for a starter. It came with this delicious red wine mustard that really cut through the richness of the mousse. Really a perfect pairing. I loved it. Other appetizers around the table: duck confit with lentils which was well enjoyed, and cream of parsnip soup, which wasn't even around long enough for anyone else to sample. For my main I had the beef bourguignon. I figured it's a specialty of the house, I've never had the classic preparation, I may as well. It was great. The beef fell apart in my mouth and the sauce was incredibly flavorful. As far as beef stew goes, it was a 10. The course that really wowed me was dessert, and as I went to pastry school and am pretty snobby when it comes to dessert, that's pretty surprising. As a special they had buche de noel in a chocolate-coffee preparation. I don't know how the crap they got that sponge so freaking light and fluffy, but it was incredible. My brother had the apple tarte tatin, which also surprised me. The slices of apple weren't those little thin dried out things you encounter at so many places. They were big and thick and juicy and warm and deeeeelectable. Aces on dessert, guys. For reals. The atmosphere was what I expected. Bistro-y, festive. The place was hopping, but we were very comfortable nestled in our little corner. All in all, an incredibly enjoyable Christmas Eve. Thank you, Mon Ami Gabi!
(4)
Harish V.
Great straight up french food.
(4)
Christina L.
My friends and I were so excited to experience mon ami gabi, that was until we waited until 10pm for our 830pm reservation. Yes, the food is standard compared to it's lettuce entertain you counterparts- which means not waiting an hour and a half. What is the point waiting for food that is sub par and staff that is stuffy and incompetent at their job? clearly this is a 50+ scene but that doesn't mean those that are 30 get terrible service. I created profile just for this moment of complaining about my experience at Mon Ami Gabi. If you want a French experience you will enjoy and not feel the need to write a negative review I highly recommend bistro campagne in Lincoln Square.
(2)
Scott O.
This is the second New Years Eve in a row we have eaten there and it may become, not only a permanent NYE fixture, but may have become our favorite restaurant in Chicago. Our server, Ryan, was fantastic and extremely helpful. The Pouilly-Fuisse was marvelous. The food is perfection. I had the frisee salad, duck confit, and sea scallops and my partner had the onion soup, oysters, and escargot. Everything was exquisite. I cannot recommend this restaurant highly enough. The only thing that spoiled the evening was the closeness of the tables and being sat next to a group of people who brought 3 toddlers and 2 babies to a restaurant that is not meant for children. Remember when people used to hire babysitters?
(5)
Helen H.
I was so excited to try this place since the menu for restaurant week- it looked fantastic plus all the great reviews. Overall, I was really disappointed, and probably would've given this a place 2-stars because they really did not meet my expectations; however, with an objective eye, it really is probably a 3-star place. Ambiance: nice, french- ish, tons of Seniors there... very awkward when you're 20 years younger than everyone else. Not sure about seating arrangements. I felt like i was in a Chinatown restaurant where you had to share tables. You couldn't just turn the table a little to get into the booth, you had to pull the table ALL THE WAY into the aisle to get to your seat. I also just felt incredibly uncomfortable sitting so close to others. Literally only a foot apart on both sides. My dining partner and I had very limited conversations. Service: Very nice! Our server was incredibly attentive and knowledgeable on food and recos. Food: so-so. French 75- decent, but not strong at all. Sangria- decent, again, not very strong. French onion soup- cheese was delicious, but there was something wrong with the broth.. it wasn't salty enough? I'm not really sure how soup can be bland, but it was. I'm asian, and I'm fairly sensitive to saltiness, so i extremely dislike rich and salty foods, and even i found this soup to be bland. Cesar salad- decent, again, something was off again though. not terrific, not terrible. Lemon chicken with Frites- chicken was good, tender, but nothing "wow." I loved the frites because they remind me of the super crispy fries you get at the bottom of a Mcdonald's french fry container. however, i could've gotten these for $1 instead of Mon Ami Gabi. Steak- some kind of butter, dont' remember the name. really too rich, and very buttery. The steak itself was cooked well. Mac and cheese- okay. nothing special. weird cheese layer on top. Trio Desserts- again, everything so so, nothing amazing, nothing terrible. Price: expensive for so-so food, and decent portions- nothing gigantic nor tiny. Goldilocks style, but expensive. Won't be coming back here again. restaurant week- not worth it.
(3)
Anna V.
Whenever my family comes to visit we go here. It's one of the only things we can agree on. It's got a nice spot on the lake. I had a birthday dinner here once awhile ago with six people. Somehow they botched the reservation and we ended up waiting an extra 45 minutes waiting for a table. It was fine, but the staff went overboard compensating for it. Free appetizers? Sure. ALL of them. I have now tried all three cheeses - the baked brie with honey drizzle and nuts is a favorite. Good salad. Really wonderful creamy and salty mushroom soup. They also have a very good choice of wines, which is impressive, because the bottles are not overpriced. I always get the same entree here after years, and it is the steak au poivre medium rare. It is always the same: pounded-thin steak with brandy peppercorn sauce. Right amount of heat, super super tender, and sopped up with thin, flat, crispy airy potato curls that really aren't that frite-like. That same botched reservation got us dessert too. The little profiterole with a candle in it always warms me a little bit. The mousse with crispy espresso balls is the single best thing this restaurant serves, and they brought it out special in addition to the rest of the free stuff because I mentioned that I loved it. It was a 2 hour recovery for all of us afterwards, but it was one of the best. I love coming here even when it isn't over the top like that, and I have several times since. I agree with the reviewer who hates that there are kids here, but it's allowed because of who owns this place - Lettuce Entertain You is supposed to be 'family friendly,' which as a snotty and easily annoyed single person in Chicago, I sometimes resent. But LEY must be doing something right, because at all three of their restaurants I like (Osteria via Stato, Cafe Ba Ba Reeba, and here) seem to disguise the fact that they are part of this huge chain really well. Normally there is a lot of chain hostility. Including from me. But not here.
(5)
John And Jen R.
This place is sooo good and you feel like you are in a Bistro in France. I always get the steak frites and then dream of it for weeks afterwards. The French Onion soup is to die for as well. I will be back for sure!
(5)
Chuck B.
I've dined at Mon Ami Gabi twice and both times were very enjoyable experiences. My go-to has been the steak frite, which at $23-25 is a great deal in my opinion. Although the steak is not gigantic I have found myself very satisfied after eating it both times. A generous pile of thin, crispy fried potatoes are delicious after being tossed in the remainder of the steak juices and whatever bearnaise is left over. As a starter the warm kale, bacon and soft poached egg salad was very nice in addition to the obligatory warm French baguette and butter. Warm chocolate cake with whipped creme fraische was a perfect end to the meal and large enough to split with my choco-holic father. The service style was a little rushed for a Monday evening, but that may be attributed to the special Seder dinner that was being offered. Nonetheless, our server was attentive, kind and brief. Atmosphere was fun, energetic and noisy but not to the extent that conversation would be strained. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a mid-level priced French bistro. I will certainly be going back whenever my steak frite craving arises.
(4)
Tay H.
Our dinner here turned out to be the surprise hit of my weekend! We showed up without a reservation, but were promptly seated on their cute patio (it wasn't even 6pm...we skipped lunch). The waitstaff was amazing and the food was good. I was a little disappointed with how thin the steak was, but the appetizer and desserts were great! I can't wait to return.
(4)
Jimbo M.
Took the lady to Mon Ami Gabi for Valentine's Day and it proved to be a great choice. The atmosphere is fantastic, perfect for a romantic or intimate dinner. Along w/ a bottle of wine, we kicked off the dinner w/ the baked goat cheese, which I highly recommend. I decided to try something new and get the steak tartare, which was solid, but nothing extraordinary. I should have stuck w/ the filet, which is what the lady ordered, and it was delicious. The service was friendly and efficient and the dinner was a hit. Looking forward to getting back there soon.
(4)
Nicki W.
It's a disgrace that my life has not included dining at Mon Ami Gabi until last week. This will be my new neighborhood spot for sure as the service, food and atmosphere were spot on. A friend and I stopped by on a Tuesday night for a laid back dinner to catch up. Our waiter was a doll and very helpful when making wine pairings to our dinners. He was attentive but also understood that we were conversing for 98% of the time and let us do our thing. For dinner I had the lovely Lemon Chicken Paillard which is considered a house favorite (and I know why!) the sauce is a buttery, lemony, garlicy dreamy creation and I finished every bite. My friend had the Scallops which she also enjoyed. Dessert was so phenomenal, I've been thinking about it the whole week. When you go, you must have the Chocolate Tart. Chocolate graham cracker crust, coffee sauce (which is YUM), and whipped cream. I consumed the entire thing. Let's just say, when I walked out of Mon Ami Gabi, my pants were not fitting properly. I was totally satisfied and I can't wait to come back and try some more of their seafood options. It's really a cute little place.
(5)
Susan W.
Oh how I wish I could say OO LA LA...Tres Bien!! But, me o my how hard I try.. 1.. made a 6:30 reservation..we were placed in a dark, rear corner..asked to be moved, got a better seat in the main room. It seems 9 out of 10 times when I visit a restaurant I ask to please be moved to a better seat! My money is real guys!!! 2.. Saw our waiter very briefly three times..he was very anxious to take our order, we were not ready, once order taken we had to get attention of other waiters..staff.. 3. The steak and pomme frittes were delicious, the escargot perfect and the profitolerros, scrumcious...but for some reason, we felt a bit rushed, a bit ignored.. BUTTTTT..this is a french bistro and this may just be the flavour the ambiance that Mon Ami Gabi wishes to exude... 4. We chilled in the Beldon Strattofd lobby while waiting for our carriage..so peaceful, so old time Chicago... I like KiKi's Bistro as well.. Was on a visit from Buffalo, NY..we have nothing like this so why am I even complaining???
(4)
Maj B.
As much as I want to love Mon Ami Gabi the food just never impresses me. Don't expect a noise free dining experience. This place gets loud on Fridays and Saturdays. Great service is reason enough to visit.
(3)
Elise K.
Perhaps the problem was that I had carryout... I had the salmon dressed with capers. It wasn't the best salmon I've ever had, but easily close to the worst!
(2)
Jackie H.
I had a great 24th birthday dinner here two weekends ago. The steak au poivre was a slice of Paris in Lincoln Park. The wine my dad wound up selecting was the perfect complement to the food, and we all made sure we left room for the profiteroles. The decor was cozy, the conversation was invigorating, and the lobby of the Belden-Stratford was the perfect bookend to a perfect evening.
(5)
Meredith B.
I had a really lovely dinner here last night! There were 12 or 13 of us, yet somehow service was smooth and flawless. They were great with the wine service, our glasses were never empty! I began with the escargot, which came out piping hot and bubbling in garlic-butter sauce. The french onion soup was also fantastic, hot and gooey. Something about the bowl it was served in made the soup stay hot for 20 minutes! The butter lettuce/goat cheese/beet salad was all right, but not a standout. The beets had good flavor, but there were very few of them. Skimped a bit on the cheese as well, but it was nice and light. For my entree, my boyfriend and I split the ribeye with frites and bearnaise sauce. The steak was a great size for splitting, and it was a pretty good piece of meat! Not as good as a true "steakhouse" but it was cooked very well, a lovely medium-rare but with a nice crust on the outside. Honestly, it didn't require the bearnaise sauce. I've never had steak frites before but I got a kick out of the little crispy things - they weren't like any American style fries I've ever had. Addictively crunchy, but not terribly flavorful. Which is maybe how they are supposed to be! Creme brulee was classic, tasted just as it should. Which is delicious. And the prices are actually quite reasonable! I know it's a corporate owned place, but you don't get that feeling at all when you eat there. It feels authentic, and it's affordable! If i had a craving for French, I think I'd return here!
(4)
Eliza B.
I have been here on several occassions, and have always thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I don't know which I'm more impressed with, the food or the service! Both have always been outstanding. On our most recent trip to Mon Ami Gabi, we were sat a few minutes after our reservation, and the hosts and server were very gracious and apologized for the wait- they made sure we were taken care of all night! (And keep in mind, we hadn't said anything or complained, they were just very on top of things.) The food is always incredible; fresh, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned. The wine list is great too, and I'm always impressed at their array of wines by the glass and classic cocktails. Our server Eleni was incredible. She was very friendly, extremely knowledgeable about the food and wine menus, and was very attentive. Mon Ami Gabi has that kind of unobtrusive service, where you don't realize your empty glass or plate has been cleared, or that your water has been poured, or that your new glass of wine has arrived (that's my favorite!). It was the perfect balance of friendly, outgoing, and attentive service without being overbearing or annoying (i.e., the server who wants to tell you their life story). From start to finish, we had a wonderful experience here, and can't wait to return!
(5)
Robert W.
Steak frittes were great, service at bar is spectacular.
(4)
Lauren B.
Charming! Five stars for the soups (French onion and vegetable), service, and desserts ( warm chocolate tart. Omg.). Four stars for the entrees- we had the trout and scallops, no complaints but not exceptional. Two stars for the cocktails. Great place to take family or go for a celebration.
(4)
John G.
Always a nice treat when we got to see the Zoo lights. Great service and food. Steak good to perfection
(5)
Lyn W.
This is our 3rd time at Mon Ami Gabi when we have visited Chicago. We love the atmosphere, the service and the food! Started out with French onion soup and the soup de jour - spring vegetables puree that I wanted to bath in and then our entrees: my husband a steak and I had a fish special that were both wonderful. Finished with coffee and a strawberry dessert! We will be back.
(5)
Monika S.
I wanted to update my review below, as the "one off issue" that occurred below was handled very well by the General Manager, Stephanie. Though it took a few months (Stephanie was just now informed) the GM contacted me today and was sincerely apologetic for what occurred at my sister's bridal shower and immediately refunded all of my money for the event. She was very friendly and completely about customer service, and even asked that I contact her, the next time we plan to dine at Mon Ami Gabi, so that she can make sure we have a great experience. As I stated in my review below, the FOOD WAS DELICIOUS, it was the amount that was an issue for me, and now that Stephanie has rectified the situation, and has provided me with exceptional customer service, I feel I can definitely give Mon Ami Gabi another chance. Thanks Mon Ami Gabi, for taking responsibility for this issue, and taking action to fix it. I look forward to dining with you in the future!
(4)
Tiff W.
I came here for Restaurant Week with my girl friends & everything was nomtastic. The restaurant itself was kind of crowded, but I can see why it's so popular. It was really cute, albeit loud and the tables were quite close together (I wouldn't come here if you wanted a quiet romantic dinner). As we were seated, we were given a loaf of warm bread, butter, and a small shredded carrot salad. Their wine list is also decent, and I had a lovely glass of Cote du Rhone. The french onion soup was absolute perfection. It wasn't too salty, and there was the right ratio of bread to cheese to soup. The portion was also giant...I didn't finish it because I was already starting to get full and I was afraid I wouldn't have room in my stomach for my steak frites (that fear was completely warranted, as it turned out). The steak frites...don't you love it when you order a steak medium rare at a restaurant and it actually comes out medium rare? You'd think that it would be easy to do, but you'd be surprised at the number of restaurants that fail to cook steak to your preferences. I digress. Anyway, the slab of meat was GIANT. The heap of frites was GIANT. They say size doesn't matter but I sure did appreciate a big ol' plate of meat and potatoes in front of me. I got my steak with the Bordelaise sauce (red wine and caramelized onions) and my only complaint was that the sauce was a little sweet for my liking, but this was completely my fault...caramelized onions are just naturally sweet. I think I'd try the peppercorn sauce next time. The fries were definitely different from what I expected...skinny and crispy. But I loved them! Unfortunately, there was absolutely no way I could finish all of my steak, let alone the fries. Dessert was a trio of creme brulee, chocolate mousse, and grapefruit sorbet. The creme brulee and chocolate mousse were amazing. The grapefruit sorbet was a little bitter and jarring after you had the other two, but after a while, it was really refreshing. I'd definitely come back to Mon Ami Gabi for their normal menu sometime!
(4)
Robin M.
I love this place. I wanted to wait for a return visit before yelping just to make sure it was as lovely as I remembered the first time. It was indeed! First time went with Boyfriend for a romantic birthday dinner; it was a bit noisy but entirely manageable. The champagne was delish, the frisee and warm bacon salad my absolute favorite (topped with a poached egg); the steak and frites were so good and the desserts (crumble for me; profiteroles for him) were really great. The service was simply impeccable. It was a magical night! Took a friend the other night and she just loved it (and she's from Paris). Since I loved my meal the first time, I duplicated it. She loved the gazpacho and her steak. The wine list is quite extensive and very well chosen. We shared the bananas foster (it was huge; we dug in and still left 1/2 of it on the plate) -- the caramel and bananas were so wonderful I wanted to bathe in it. But that would be wrong. So I didn't do that. But I really, really wanted to. It can get a bit cozy in there, but as my friend said, this would be perfectly Parisian if the tables were smaller. So for all you complainers -- this is space and a half! Moving the tables for you to get into and out of is just the way it is done. Deal with it. Can't wait for an excuse to go back! Let's see: I'll go to celebrate National I Need a Poached Egg Day! Or, look, I found lint in my pocket. Whatever you decide (I'm going with lint) get thee hither to Mon Ami Gabi. It is freakin' awesome!
(5)
Natalie S.
Ahhhh. Now that I've changed into elastic waisted pants so my gut has more room... I'm ready to review Mon Ami Gabi. The husband and I had some Lettuce Entertain You gift cards burning a hole in our pocket so we picked MAG. I was nervous because our usual go-tos for LEY giftcards are Cafe Ba-Ba-reeba or Wildfire. I was not disappointed. We started out with escargot. My husbands comment was "the only thing I didn't like about it was that I had to share". They were AWESOME. We were the trashy ones using the bread to scoop the remaining garlic oil out of the little cups. So be it... I can live with my shame. Next we has the French onion soup. Yum. It was sweeter than the onion soups I've had in the past but I liked it. Then came entrees. I had the steak classique. I liked it a lot... but saying it was love is excessive. It came with a tremendous amount of pomme frites and I didn't enjoy them nearly as much as some of the other reviewers. Oh well... Yeah, the tables are close together but it didn't bother us at all. It made for good people watching! Our server was friendly and thorough. I'd definitely go back... especially for the escargot!
(4)
Alexis W.
Clearly has decided what it wants to do and does it very well-- DELICIOUS bread and butter precedes classic French bistro fare--esp. delicious fries and perfectly cooked steak. Delightful location, too, inside a venerable old hotel/residence in Lincoln Park. Always cozy (tho I hate that word!) and inviting on a cold night.
(3)
Sean M.
Not a great French menu, overpriced, atmosphere was not romantic.
Visited during Restaurant Week and loved it! The food was wonderful, especially the trout & the beer bourguignon. But the very best part of the experience was our waiter, Sacha. He was the right amount of attentive & engaging. Plus, he was really funny!! Definitely looking forward to going back, trying some new items, & hopefully sitting in Sacha's section again!
(5)
Eric B.
Great French onion soup. Warm crispy bread. Fine wine. Love the location (in my hood). The interior is pretty. I got the hangar steak bc it was cheap and someone else was paying for me and several others. Would have preferred to try something else. I had a good time and would recommend this place over bistro Margot. Less expensive and tastes the same.
(4)
Grace M.
Nestled in the front of the historic Beldon-Stratford, Mon Ami Gabi is a lovely and tasteful fine dining establishment. Have eaten here numerous times, sitting both inside and out on the patio, and have loved every single minute of it! I'm a Francophile, and this food does not disappoint! Top notch, a Chicago gem! Sometimes the patio tables can be a little too close together, however, which means if you're handicapped or elderly, it can be a tad uncomfortable outside during peak hours, unless you ask for tables to be adjusted! I've had someone's elbow in the back of my head before. Otherwise, this is one of my favourite places to dine in Chicagoland, and we always manage to stop and enjoy when in town!
(5)
Mike S.
Another reviewer wrote "this is a great restaurant for couples who want to be romantic and disgusting and coupley...ordering rich food, drinking red wine, and walking home holding hands. time to puke, gross-o. it was awesome." And that's pretty much a perfect synopsis of Mon Ami Gabi. There's date night and DATE NIGHT, and this is a good one to have in your back pocket for a really big night, like a birthday, anniversary, or hell, even proposing. While one should be prepared to splash the cash at this establishment, thankfully, I was able to enjoy the evening on my lovely girlfriend's dime as she brought me here for my birthday. I dare say she swept me off my feet. You can hate the cliche of the classy French restaurant on date night all you want, but Mon Ami Gabi has a great location on Lincoln Park West, a relatively small menu, but with its limited options done right, and an extensive wine list for all price levels. There's even outdoor seating in the summertime, but depending on when you go, it will be a longer wait. My only complaint is that Mon Ami Gabi MOUNDS ON the frites. I could only finish half of them after we each ordered a filet mignon and split a bottle of pinot noir, both of which were, in a word, exquisite.
(5)
Bruce N.
LOVE LOVE LOVE this place. We have gone back to this place several times since we moved from NYC to Chicago. One of the consistently good places we have found and that says a LOT for Chicago. All of us had great meals. Interesting combinations, well served. great service, not a forever wait, comfortable atmosphere and was wonderful even for our kids. The only place that serves children like they were special too and not like the adults were at a nice restaurant and the kids are at McDonald's. I hate where a place treats the kids like they are eating something not so special. This place put our children's food on very nice white china divided plates that made the food look very nice. It also helped with our son who hate food touching other food. VERY NICE TOUCH! My father-in-law and I both had the scallops with butternut squash puree and brussel sprout and hazel nut saute. I was AMAZING. So So good. I highly recommend this place. You can't go wrong.
Make sure to have a reservation but the decor and the food is worth it. Be ready to drop at least a cnote.
(4)
Caroline M.
Reserve this place for an indulgent, classy evening only! I consumed an entire days worth of calories in a span of 2 hours here at Mon Ami Gabi...and it was totally worth it ('cept for the mousse...more on that later). Start off with a cocktail. They are strong. I likey! Then, order the scallops gratin--which I wasn't exactly sure how those would be....to my surprise...um...Heavenly!!! 4 scallops smothered in a rich gruyere, fennel & onion sauce & broiled till nice & caramelized. Perfection, I tell you. Since, we shared a scallop app. I couldn't get the scallop main course...so I opted for the hanger steak instead. It was unbelievably tender & full of flavor. It's rare that I would order a hunk of meat at a restaurant, since it just seems so boring, but I was feelin' adventurous (and tipsy). Highly recommend that. Plus, it happened to be their least inexpensive meat option at $18--yay! Oh, and it was served with a massive amount of addictively crispy potatoes. Their dessert menu bored me....classical French selections included--creme brulee, profiteroles, choc mousse & crepes. The mousse was just a blob of chocolate on a plate. *yawn* Save your $7; or better yet, get another drink. Girls Night Out Approved! ::stamp:: PS: Reservations are an absolute must!
(4)
Jaclyn S.
The food here is delicious. The service is impeccable. The only problem with this restaurant is the same problem with a lot of restaurants these days - and that's asking couples on a Saturday night to sit in what I would consider pretty intimate seating next to families with children. I'm sorry - but kids have no place at Mon Ami on a Saturday night. Or, if you are going to welcome children, don't seat those families at banquette tables next to people who are clearly out to enjoy a nice - maybe even romantic - evening together. Listening to kids squabble over the green crayon while their parents drink martinis and ignore them is a total mood killer, Mon Ami...
(4)
Kathryn R.
It's mid August now and the evenings are balmy and romantically soft near the lake at night. This place is just a couple of blocks from the water in a lovely upscale neighborhood with valet parking ($12) and a large patio outside under the stars. I spent a leisurely 40 minutes waiting for a table (it was very busy this night) with a glass of very good wine "people watching", absorbing the lively buzz in the restaurant and relaxing into the atmosphere which is fun French at its best. I had six fresh oysters and wished I'd ordered 12. The "Petite Salad Maison" was a little too petite for me so I wished I'd ordered the Caesar which is "grande". I eat my salad with my meal or afterwards, a kind of "digestif" and fresh counterpoint to the meat and potatoes. House steak medium rare is to be savoured. Luckily there is a mound of good frites (thin and crisp fries) to pick over. Very good. A meal is an experience in life. We have good and bad experiences. Mon Ami Gabi is a little like a trip to Fouquet's on the Champs Elysee here in Chicago. Go on vacation and have a meal!
(5)
Kristal R.
INCREDIBLE food!!! Escargot, mussells, and scallops are a must!!
(5)
Eric G.
The Bad: This place is cramped. Really cramped. Move the table to sit down, hope you don't have to pee otherwise it will be a production kinda cramped. Because so many people were packed in such a small space it got noisy. We were sat next to the bar and it had a very "bar" atmosphere because of it. Our portions were inconsistent. 3 of our party ordered the special (monkfish). I received the monkfish, clump of basil, and a few small bits portion. The man sitting across the table from me received the monkfish and no bits portion. The woman sitting across from me received the monkfish, potato, and squash awesomeness. The Good: The hostess was friendly and welcoming. They had a nice selection of wine. The waitress was friendly and never rushed us. My water glass was never empty. The food was good. Gluten free options! Overall: It felt like a rehabbed bar that was trying very hard to be upscale dining. The inconsistent portions really put us off. We will be eating around the corner next time.
My girlfriend and I went to Mon Ami Gabi for a nice Valentine's Day dinner. Located right across the street from the Lincoln Park Zoo (which we conveniently explored before dinner), Mon Ami Gabi has an extremely authentic French feel. I'd know, I spent a semester in Paris. The restaurant is at the bottom of a fancy hotel, the same hotel that hosts the very famous L2O restaurant. The food was great. I got the beef bourgogne. The beef was so tender and the red wine sauce had a great flavor. I wasn't a huge fan of the ham in the dish though but overall it was very enjoyable. The scallops we got as an appetizer were incredible! Oh and I almost forgot! The chocolate mousse was some of the best I've ever had. It had the perfect mousse texture and chocolatey flavor and came with these delicious chocolate covered rice crispies on top. For a very French dining experience in Chicago, check out Mon Ami Gabi. Best of all, the prices were very reasonable. An appetizer, salad, beer, two entrees and a dessert came out to around $70.
My mouth is still watering from my dinner here. I went during restaurant week and had predicted this would be a pretentious and stuffy restaurant, but it far exceeded my expectations in atmosphere and food. We had a reservation for 7:30 and were seated about 7:40, but it was very easy to wait in the lobby of the Belden-Stratford (not a bad place to have to wait) and someone came to find us when the table was ready. We had a great server- super friendly, not overly attentive, and had some good jokes. I think his name was Don? The cocktail menu has a lot of great French options. I had the French 75, which contrary to another review, I thought was very strong, and I like strong drinks. The wine cart is cool because you can just order by the glass out of that. We started off with some crispy baguettes with butter and lentil salad. From the prix fixe menu for restaurant week, I ordered escargots (they make them here with pesto- and the sauce is great for dipping the bread) and Steak Frites with Bernaise sauce. My friends ordered their steaks cooked differently and all of them were cooked perfectly according to what we asked for. Next time I would ask for a variety of sauces- one of us ordered the Brandy Peppercorn and it was also very good. I think red meat is the way to go here. One of our group ordered salmon which was good, but clearly not their specialty. Frites are great and they will bring you ketchup upon request. Onto the desserts: o.m.g. Chocolate mousse, mango sorbet, and creme brulee. The creme brulee had the perfect torched crust on top and it was probably one of the most delicious desserts I have ever had in my life. I would go back to order an entire bowl of this. The restaurant is very cozy with dark colors and the bar in the middle. When a big group left I noticed they play jazz music. You can easily valet a car and it takes them all of about 2 minutes to retrieve it. Such a great experience- definitely recommend for restaurant week or anytime.
(5)
Melissa H.
I must say the Yelpers threw me for a loop on Mon Ami Gabi. There wasn't much French food actually on the menu. It was more of a steak house with French sauces dumped on top. If you didn't want steak and fries or a salad, you had maybe 3 other options. Now I will get over the fact that the menu isn't in French, because we are in Chicago, but there is no reason why there isn't much actual French food on the menu. Their menu IS posted on their website; I'd recommend you check it out before you go if you're a French food regular. Some other issues; parking is difficult here if you are intent on driving. It cost me $18. Service was very slow; we were stuck there for over 2 hours, most of it spent waiting for our server to return to our table. Also, we had reservations for a birthday party, but when we got there, we still had to stand outside the restaurant and wait for a table. Tables were CRAMMED together; I couldn't get up to go to the bathroom from our round table without the person next to me having to get up and let me through. Take the other positive reviews into account, but please also heed my warnings...
(2)
Richie D.
I'm always skeptical when giving a large restaurant chain like Lettuce Entertain You a chance. Yes, the recipes are next to perfect, but is the quality and service just as good? I'm no longer in the suburbs, so why not go to one of the thousands of other local restaurants?? Well I figured I'd give it a shot once I was able to pronounce Mon Ami Gabi (I'm a Spanish speaker, I'm worthless when it comes to French). First off, be sure to make a reservation on OpenTable because this place seems to always packed. We were stuffed in this small room with a large, boisterous party which was the only downfall. Thankfully the waitress apologized several times and was lovely. I love pre-fixe menus and they happened to have one for Restaurant Week. I went "All French" by ordering the Onion Soup Au Gratin, Steak Frite Classique, and Chocolate Mousse. Instead of a three-course meal, it's actually a four-courses because of the fresh, long baguettes they serve with olive oil. The French Onion soup was spectacular, not too salty and plenty of soaked bread and bubbly cheese. Moving on to the main entree, the steak was perfectly cooked as I like it with just the right amount of juice. I ordered the Classique-style with maître d'hôtel butter because I wanted to taste the true steak flavor versus peppercorn, onions or cheeses like the other style options. I'm glad I chose to do it this way. The frites are curly shoestrings, my fav! Then the Chocolate Mousse dessert was spectacular. It filled up a clear glass Mason jar with plenty of mousse and these crunchy chocolate beads that were delish. Even after an entire jar I wanted more. I take back what I said about chains, even though I prefer to support a local, family owned restaurant with my money. Mon Ami Gabi is a great choice if you're looking for a spot-on good meal (they got it down pat) in a great location being within the gorgeous Belden Stratford Hotel facing the Lincoln Park Zoo & Nature Conservatory. They also have a fairly lengthy Gluten-Free menu since most of their items are meat.
(5)
James K.
We go here for special events, graduations, etc. We also take all our out of town friends to Mon Ami. Great french bistro, fun cuisine. The wines by the glass are a special treat. One of us likes reds, the other whites. The only place we have every been in the US that offers Chateau neuf de Pape by the glass!
(5)
Annie N.
It has been a while since I wined and dined here - and it has taken me that long to compose this review. No worries - my memory is not scattered. I simply could not throw couple words together to describe the incredible time I had here - but here it is: Apetizer: The Escargots - don't be grossed out by snails, definitely DON'T google their image before the meal. they're full of protein (I think??) - and even if they're not, Mon Ami Gabi makes them so good that you mostly taste the garlic sauce, not the snail itself. I could eat this appetizers for dinner, but sadly there were only a few. However, they have complimentary bread that tasted amazing when dipped in this sauce. French Onion soup came in huge portion - unfortunately I didn't get to taste it :( Main dish: of course the steak and fries are fabulous. My two friends both got it, and their plates looked amazingly good. I really like the fries served with it - thinner cut and very crispy. I personally don't like a big piece of meat - so I ordered a beef bourguignon. It was delicious, perfectly done. The portion was on the bigger size but I finish everything without hesitation. Desert - perhaps the best part. We got the chocolate mousse, creme brulee and mango sorbet. Need I say more? I tried to eat them as slowly as I could to taste everything and to savor the last moment of an amazing meal. The service was excellent - we did not have any issues from the beginning to the end. Waiter was extremely polite and attentive. The place was a little bit too cramped, and that's the only complain I have. Will definitely come back here again soon.
(5)
Patricia S.
We planned on eating outside but due to threatening weather patio was closed so we ate inside. We asked for table by window (several were free....we had a 5:30 reservation). We were told that all of those were being held for people who had requested a window table when thy made their reservation. When we left by 7:00 all of these tabes remained free.
(3)
Jay n.
I sure was expecting more from a LEYE restaurant. The location / building is really neat - right across from Lincoln Park in an old hotel/condo building....old school, first class all the way. The restaurant however, is crammed into a pretty small space. The bar area is very small, seats only a few people, so there is really no room to stand and wait, or have a drink while waiting for a table to open. We had a reservation for 12 people for 8pm on a Saturday, and probably waited about 15 minutes. We were seated in the back room, which was quaint but crowded. The place was HOT......very, very HOT. The kitchen must have been right behind my seat.....because it was uncomfortably HOT....even the women were complaining. Food was OK. My hanger steak was good, but the 'frites' part of the meal.....terrible. Really, you can't even get french fries right in a french restaurant? Overall, a very unremarkeble experience. One order finally made it out by the time most of us were finished - a steak. Waiter said he would comp that, but then decided to bring a bunch of deserts to the table, and not comp the steak. (this after we brought our own cupcakes to be served for desert, as we were celebrating a 40th birthday). Again, poor communication. Got the bill, and had to ask if they could add the gratuity for us, since we had a large party and it would be easier when splitting up among 6 credit cards......they said 'sorry, we can't do that'. What? You can't add gratuity to table of 12 ? That's SOP anywhere else. Over the years I've come to expect a great experience at most LEYE restaurants, they really get it right. Mon ami Gabi on the other hand did not live up to that standard, and we won't be coming back any time soon. Two (2) Stars is a very generous rating.
(2)
Matthew M.
We love our French food and this restaurant definitely had all the right elements to fulfill our French appetite. Mon Ami Gabi is a cute French bistro located in a hotel. It was crowded before we arrived to after we left. The tables are close together and it is very cozy. The service was good. We were seated at a table that was right in the middle of the action, so we got bumped by a few of the guests. Our waiter offered us great suggestions and the menu. The French Onion soup was sweet and very tasty! The Steak Frites with Roquefort cheese sauce is a must have! The steak was tender and the sauce was flavorful. For dessert the Creme Brulee was good and one of the best ones that I have had. Overall, this was a great dinner and I'm looking forward to coming back.
(5)
Chris C.
Their steak frites are still amazing. During my last visit, I also had a bowl of their sweet potato soup which was out of this world! I don't care if they are a chain because they are off the chain!
(5)
Erika G.
Went here last night for my birthday. Still a sexy, charming, cute, delicious (as was my dining companion) little boite with reliably great French bistro food. I always seem to think of this place when I'm undecided about where else to go. Casual and unpretentious, yet still chic and French in feel. Steak Dijon - steak with mustard! Brilliant. Mouth watering! Dishy co-diner had Steak Bernaise - MON DIEU! We needed a walk after those steaks 'cos it was impossible not to devour them entirely. The Salade Maison to start is perfect - the vinegarette dressing just the way I like it - and is large enough to share. We got a delicious birthday creme puff with ice cream in it gratis 'cos of my birthday - be sure to mention if you are celebrating. I've been here more than once for something and always got a comp. The interior has always been irresistible to me - Chic, small, low lighting, glamorous tables. The bar is just great - if I lived in the Belden-Stratford I would surely be a Degas painting in no time and would have my "regular" booth. Something that bugged me, but this has nothing to do with the quality of the dining experience otherwise. WHO WEARS GYM SHOES OUT TO DINNER, I ASK YOU?!! People! Have SOME style and attempt to be chic when dining out! I have successfully erased the bad mojo about this place mentioned in my previous reviews. Ommmm!
(4)
Veronica B.
It was a wonderful dining experience! My boyfriend and I had always wanted to go so I took him there for his graduation. The server we had was not only helpful with her suggestions but made our first experience there memorable. I definetly will go back.
(5)
Jennifer J.
Yummy French food. I really heart this place and love their food and specialty drinks. I think one of the perfect date night dinners is: mussels, crusty French breas, French onion soup loaded with gueyre, a couple of cocktails followed by a shared dessert...All at Mon Ami Gabi. This place is romantic and warm feeling. I definitely like the layout of the place and last time I went we got a cozy and cute little booth table out of the way from the hustle and bustle that is any restaurant. Love their French martini. I can easily have two of those. Their mussels are great and they give you extra bread to get all of the juices. (Isn't that usually the best part?!) French onion soup is a must at any French restaurant you go to and theirs won't disappoint. My bf really loves this place and likes to go here on our more occasional upscale date nights. Overall, count on good service and good food if you come here. The crowd is usually a mixture of people in their 60s and the mid 20s-30s range and for me, that usually equals delicious food.
(5)
Trish P.
Not even 1 star ... I disagree with all the positive reviews. We met friends for dinner last night. I had the roasted chicken and frites. The chicken was good, the frites were dry and over cooked. My husband had a paper thin steak along with dry over cooked frites. He did not like it either. We won't be back. If you want French cuisine - head to either Bistro Margot or Le Bouchon ... 100% better AND worth every $$$!
(1)
Susan M.
I love Mon Ami Gabi. The food is always well prepared and beautifully presented. The cocktails are superior. And the service is impeccable.
(5)
Jeff K.
We made a last minute reservation for 7PM the other night on Open Table. No problem. Made our way to the Belden Stratford hotel and wandered into Mon Ami Gabi. A very nice little setting, our waiter was very helpful. We each had a glass of house wine, my wife had the Cote Du RHone and I had the Burgundy. He provided information on the daily specials, and gave us 15 minutes to decide. Normally, I would think that was too long, but we enjoyed our time together after a long day. The couple next to us spoke French to each other, and made away with an extra loaf of the baguette in her big purse. Very smart. The waiter brought a sample of the chestnut soup for us, which was quite nice of him. And it was delicious. Pam ordered that as an appetizer and also had Steak Frite Au Poivre. I ordered the Steak Frite Roquefort. Quite simply, it was the best Steak Frite we've ever had. We were very happy, not too full, and enjoyed our leisurely walk back to the apartment. This is a great take on a classic French bistro, and we can't wait to get back to try something new.
(5)
Hans H.
Steak frites?! I'm there. Yeah, meat and starch is quite the french thing, so sorry if you wanted veggies, but I'm here for the protein. Went here for a friend's birthday, and had the steak frites with the peppercorn sauce (forget the french name) medium-rare, with the soup of the day new england clam chowder. Some others had the special, the chicken....ermm....darn, forgot what it was called, but it was browned and then braised in a cast iron pot in its own juices. Wonderful flavor there. All great, presentation wonderful. It's a pretty packed space though and you definitely need reservations. I saw at least 2 couples get turned away at the door. And, mention someone's birthday and they get dessert!
(4)
Linda C.
We were here 2 weeks ago. This restaurant is in the Belden-Stratford Hotel. We were seated immediately with a reservation. Each table was given a fresh loaf of just baked French bread and great butter. Each table also got a carrot salad on the house. We started with the mussels(mussels mariniere)--very juicy. We were soaking up the juice with the bread. We had the Steak Bordelaise and the Steak Bearnaise. Both came with the lightest pommes frites--so good and airy. We finished with the cream puffs (profiteroles) and coconut sorbet (sorbet du jour). The food was excellent. I am taking a star away because I have to ask our waiter twice for the dessert menu and three times to get the check.
(4)
bill s.
Great food, great service, well worth the wait and price!
(5)
Jamie R.
this place is great! I highly recommend it. The food was obviously outstanding. I recommend the scallops for an appetizer. The location and atmosphere of the restaurant is great. It was very nice but also comfortable. What I loved most, though, was the outstanding service. The waiter was extremely friendly and genuine and really gave us a great experience. Definitely check this place out! Also, forgot to mention, they are very reasonably priced!
(5)
Rachel H.
I came here for an awesome friend's bday and loved my prime rib special and sweet potatoes au gratin. The escargot was delicious and the shrimp cocktail looked as if it were on steroids...delicious ones. There was a corking fee for the champagne we brought and also a fee for the bday cake we brought but I'm not gonna be a whiny ass about it like some of the party guests. What do you expect? I'll be coming back here to get points on my Lettuce Entertain You card. EDIT I returned for my own birthday and tried more delicious goodies including the french onion soup which was a little on the sweet side, and the steak frites with red wine sauce which I adored. Everyone enjoyed the food from the beef wellington to a pork chop which sent my companion straight to night night town. Also this time, they waived the cake cutting fee! Hooray!
(5)
Al T.
Awful music used that is also loud. Paper table clothes??? Tacky.
(2)
Emily B.
I headed to Mon Ami Gabi DURING Restaurant Week, but not necessarily FOR Restaurant Week. Any how, the place was packed with prix fixers so I stalked the tiny bar and waited for a seat to open before posting up on a stool for the night. I started with a reasonably priced cotes du rhone and ordered the filet mignon MR with a merlot butter reduction. I requested it served with au gratin potatoes and French cut green beans instead of the "signature fries" that came with it. This was the Good Call of the century, however they are a little weird about substitutions because that was the side that was supposed to go with the special of the night (pepper-crusted ribeye), and there were only apparently a set amount allotted. I thought that was strange, but they accommodated me and my cheesy potato needs. Everything came out perfectly, I mean that in regards to both flavor and timing. The steak was a solid medium rare and the sauce on it was delicious, even though I could eat a filet with just a little S&P. The sides were also done without a flaw. You know, last week I ate at the Chicago Cut house and spent 3 times what I did at Mon Ami, yet I liked Mon Ami 3 times better. Go figure. I finished the meal with a total foodgasm known as the bananas foster crepe. It's a crepe the size of a burrito stuffed with vanilla ice cream, drenched in warm caramel sauce with sliced bananas all over it. I shared it with the stranger sitting next to me so as not to look like a glutton (or waste this masterpiece). Few other points: -Located in the iconic Belden-Stratford Hotel, across from L2o -A piping hot baguette served in a paper bag is sent to each table with sweet butter -There is a special every night of the week
(4)
Erin K.
What a wonderful dinner we had! Unfortunately, I don't remember our servers name but he was great (semi-long brown curly hair with glasses)! I am always interested in recommendations from the servers - I mean, they're there everyday, they know what's good! - and his did not dissappoint. We started with the onion soup, which is my favorite dish in the world. It was a little weak on broth but flavor was great! We then split the scallop au gratin app. My boyfriend LOVES scallops and I just like them. This, however, was amazing! Highlight of the meal. Every step of the meal was perfect. I had never heard raving reviews of Mon Ami so went in with no expectations at all and consequently was blown out of the water! We decided to have dinner there on a whim and it turns out to have been a great decision! Can't wait to go back!
(5)
Laura H.
So my husband and I decided to go here after reading all the rave reviews. We are big fans of the Lettuce Entertain You restaurants, but sadly this one was not one of my favorites. Starters: the French Onion soup which was great! Piping hot, gooey messy cheese and the perfect balance of soup/bread. I really enjoyed it. The apple, goat cheese and beets salad was also a winner. Fresh, crisp and light. Entrees: with the limited options, we both opted for the Steak Frites. I had the bernaise sauce and my husband the bordelaise (carmelized onions and red wine). Both of these were just so-so. Steak wasnt well seasoned and really did need the sauce to make it better, which should never happen. It should accompany it, but not make the meal. On the plus side, portions were huge. To finish: we shared the berry cobbler. um um good! Now, i am 6 months pregnant and have been wanting cobblers and crisps for awhile now, but this one was out of this world good. This place is a bit expensive for what youre getting, but its a fun spot for a special occasion. That being said, I probably wont be venturing back unless its just to pick up the cobbler to go :)
(3)
David E.
Mon Ami Gabi was wonderful. I had a few guest from out of town and took them there the other night for the first time. A+ service and the food was great. I had the Salmon and Leek. I highly recommend. I'll def. go back!
I went here for restaurant week, the 4th restaurant week dinner over a 7 day period. I must admit, I had the lowest expectations for this meal, however it ended up being maybe my favorite restaurant week experience. I had the steak frites with Steak Bearnaise sauce, and it was beyond killer. I mean, somehow with my spoon I managed to clean my bowl of literally every last drop - it really looked like someone had rinsed the bowl off.
(4)
Julia G.
I must admit, my first experience at this little French bistro was NOT pleasant. I was so close to the table beside me that I nearly felt like they were sitting on my lap, the steak was too chewy and I nearly spit 1/2 of it out (sorry if I'm being too explicit), and the company I was with didn't help. On a positive note, my friend who absolutely loves this place convinced me to give it a 2nd chance. Since I live 1 block away, I was inclined due to the sheer convenience of the location. So, I said yes and that's what prompted this positive review. I ordered fish this time---excellent choice for someone like me who prefers lamb over steak, we sat in the back and had a lot more room, and the company was excellent. We shared their fish special and another fish which was on the menu. The bread they served was nice and warm and once we ate through 1/2 of it, they brought us more... The Beaujolais wine was excellent. My only reason for giving this place a 3 versus a 4 is the space issue. Since its small, you feel a little cramped. If you are looking for a small and intimate spot, I would recommend this place but it's not good for big groups.
(3)
Laura B.
Love the restaurant, we frequent the location in Las Vegas often. The food was spectacular as usual, the service left a lot to be desired. Our waiter Mark made the experience underwhelming. He was inattentive and forgetful, extremely frustrating. Tainted the overall experience.
(3)
Erika O.
Delicious and not pricey!!! Cozy place, awesome food and starters!
(5)
Vince S.
Had a great meal with awesome service. My wife loved the Butter salad with Apples and Beets. Our steaks were excellent and well-prepared (hers the Steak Classiq, mine the Steak Au Poivre). But the standout aspect of the evening was our waiter's service. Clearly, David loves his job, knows his menu and his winelist, and is able to connect with his customers! He gave credit to the Manager, Stephanie, for setting the tone. Clearly, they've got a good thing going. We will be back!
(5)
Dave S.
I don't know who Gabi is but this place is definitely my friend! Date night with the wife is something I always look forward to especially when good food is involved. Having a ton of LEYE gift cards laying about we decided on Mon Ami Gabi as it was one of the few LEYE restaurants we had yet to try in the City. We started with escargot. SUPERB!! I wish I had a straw for the garlic herb sauce in which these delicious former snails were swimming!! The complimentary baguette made for a suitable vehicle for said juices. My only complaint was having to share with my wife and the melancholy that swept over me when we slurped up the last remaining drop. Next, French onion soup. Arguably my wife's and my personal favorite soup. It was hot, well balanced, and a sizable portion. A bit sweeter than most I've had in the past but that didn't stop me from inhaling it like my last breath of fresh air. Unlike what I would have done at a Chinese restaurant, I resisted lifting the bowl to my lips and drinking what little evaded my spoon. Steak Roquefort. Sublime. Tender. Creamy. The only thing that would have made it better... less pomme frites. Yes; less. Although the fried potatoes were delicious they swarmed the plate and interfered with each attempt to cut into the main attraction, Steak Roquefort. The steak was outstanding but next time I'll go with the mashed potatoes or another vegetable all together. Dessert is typically a must when creme brulee is on the menu; however, this particular night we planned poorly and reached belly capacity before the last course could be enjoyed. We will definitely save room for the brulee next time. I did see several delivered to other tables and the burnt top looked smooth, caramel-y, and crispy unlike many other places that have spots of black and cream with uneven browning. It's not a question of will we go back but rather a question of when. Mon Ami Gabi is mon ami!
(4)
Michael S.
The place does not disappoint. Scallops and escargot appetizers: butter laden delights. Steak Dijon, rare; Skatewing tender and both perfect. The Chopin martinis were perfect, too; even smoother than and not the Grey Goose I'm sure my dining partner was sure she was drinking (I ordered them when she was in the W.C.) And it didn't hurt any that our waiter was a former Pump Room captain from my Maitre D' days. It was fun to see him and catch up. NO complaints about the comp'd round, of course. So, the service was awesome. But it would have been anyway. Given that on balance Lettuce Entertain You has elevated the duo of great themes and average food to a high art form, this place and the Lettuce Folks deserve high praise.
(5)
Kathy L.
This place is a WIIIINNNNNEEEERRR!!! The service here was amazing, the waiter even had a french accent to match the french food. I judge any place that gives out free bread on the quality of their bread. The bread alone would get this place 5 stars...and their butter is awesome! On top of the bread, tried the escargots, mussels, steak with peppercorn sauce and chicken. There wasn't anything that didn't make me give a Rachel Ray "MmMMmmmm this is so good, you have to try it." Bottom line - great food, great service, and great atmosphere.
(5)
Rick R.
I've been coming here for ages since it was even Un Grande Cafe. Food is exceptional and service cant be beat. Steak Frites are always a hit and seafood also fresh and delicious.
(5)
Cindy G.
My absolute favorite restaurant of all time, end of story. My top menu picks are the escargot, French onion soup, steak Roquefort (with a pinot noir), and the bananas foster.
(5)
Binal M.
This was my first time at this restaurant with my girlfriends. On a Wednesday night they had about 30 mins wait time which we never expected but reasonable as we didn't have a reservation. The service was great, they made sure we had ordered and checked on us on timely manner. The food came right on time and was hot. I order a grilled Salmon with Spinach Salad and it was cooked to perfection. The dressing was really nice & fresh pepper on top made all the difference.My friends loved their Pepper seared Ahi Tuna Salad & mussels marienere. The mussels were huge and garlicy. I loved their serving size unlike any french restaurant they were huge. We couldn't even finish our salads let alone the entrees which we never ordered. We ended up spending just about $20/person which wasn't bad al all. Will surely be back with my hubby.
(5)
Jen S.
o mon dieu, i love this place. to start with, there are fantastic gluten-free options. AND FRENCH FRIES. delicious little frites in a huge pile and YUM into the mouth they go. their steaks are divine, even if you don't pick the choicest and most expensive cut of meat. the herb butter is great, too. their scallop dish is also super-delicious. AND ORDER LIKE TWO DESSERTS. the chocolate mousse is divine but i really, really love the chocolate pudding cake with the salted creme caramel. beyond that, the servers are wonderful people, and the atmosphere is nice and fancy, yet comfortable. it feels like you're out for a ritzy dinner but you don't go broke paying for it. best of all worlds. in my bellay. i would go weekly if i could :)
(5)
Absolutely phenomenal food, world-class service. I visited with two friends and we were treated so well. The service was attentive and friendly without being pushy, and the food was truly exquisite. Bizarrely, the highlight was not even a French dish a creamed corn risotto which was utterly magnificent. The food is on the pricey side, as you'd expect for fine French cuisine, but it is worth every cent.
(5)
Jackie A.
My steak was really dry and the service was extremely slow... All together I doubt I would go back
(3)
mark s.
Consistently Excellent. Pros: high quality food and service Great ambiance - feels and tastes like a real European Bistro. Outdoor cafe one of the best in the city. Staff are very professional, efficient and friendly. Free warm baquettes with butter. Try to stop at one, but they will bring more no charge. Cons: Dining room can be loud. Overall: One of my favorites in Chicago or the world.
(5)
Angela B.
As usual, I had a great dining experience here on Saturday. We put our name in around 7:30 which gave us time to check out Zoo Lights at the Lincoln Park Zoo. We returned an hour later and our table was ready. The cozy, warm atmosphere and good energy was exactly what we were looking for. We had the Butter Lettuce & Honey Apple Crisp salad, Lemon-Thyme Seared Salmon, Trout Grenobloise, and Bananas Foster Crêpe for dessert. It was all excellent. Our server was friendly, attentive, and great when I asked for some recommendations. You really can't go wrong here.
(5)
Jennifer E.
I co-hosted a baby shower here during the day on a Saturday. The brunch menu was awesome (great quiche, and amazing french toast) and the price was great for a group of people. It made a huge difference that we didn't have to clean or cook ourselves. We were able to put up some decorations and have a great gift table. And since they are not open during the day, we had the whole restaurant to ourselves with our own server. She was great. Also the punch was delicious! You can't have a shower without good punch.
(5)
Spencer J.
Amazing!! been here here twice and it might be my favorite restaurant in Chicago. Highly Recomended!!
(5)
Erin M.
I have been dying to try Mona Ami Gabi for some time now as I always pass the elegant Lincoln Park Location on my way home from work. I decided it would be the perfect venue for my birthday celebration. The restaurant area was quite small and the tables were pretty close together, however, the food was so amazing, I hardly noticed. I started off the meal with Escargots de Bourgogne. While this appetizer was tasty, I have had much better escargot at various other restaurants - I would not recommend them here. I happened to go on a Wednesday and elected their Plats Du Jour for my main course; Burgundy Braised Beef Bourguignon. This was a little slice of heaven. I loved how the noodles came first and the wait staff slowly poured over the stew like entre tableside. The beef was so tender and flavorful; my mouth is watering just thinking about this meal. A must if you dine here on a Wednesday. Everyone else in my party thoroughly enjoyed their entrees as well - this is French done right.
(4)
Mark C.
Incredible food, incredible service, every single time. Great authentic French food. The steak frites are as good as they get. The Lincoln Park location is very cozy and tables in the back make it a relaxed dining experience. The service and expertise of the entire staff was impressive. I haven't had a bad meal here, and enjoy having both new dishes and old favorites.
(5)
Kelly A.
Excellent service and food. My friend and I both have good allergies, and they could not have been more helpful. We even got gluten free bread! We both had the Dover sole special. Amazing. Our waitress, Molly, was outstanding. She really went above and beyond for us!
(5)
Lesley A.
L'experience a Mon Ami Gabi n'est pas le meilleure, parce que j'ai diner au France. J'ai beaucoup des expectations pour l'ambience, la cuisine et j'ai voir un garcon qui parle le Francais. Mais, je ne les ai rien recevoir! My French is rusty, but the gist is, I expected more from Mon Ami Gabi. It was my first time trying French food in Chicago, and was spoiled by having French food - in France. To me, I see French food as being about rich flavors and sauce, none of which I experienced here. I was also looking forward to dining in a French restaurant where I could perhaps speak to a waiter in French. Nope, the waitstaff and ambiance of the restaurant were very much Chicago steakhouse with its dark woods, dim lighting and definitely English speaking waitstaff (aside from the most awkward moment where one of the waitstaff misinterpreted our request for another plate...instead bringing us two full loaves of bread and extra butter. For five of us we had four full loaves of bread!) I tried escargot for the first time, and it was delicious, though not something I would get on a regular basis. I think people are so enamored with the escargot here because it's doused in butter. For my entree I tried the non-steak option most Yelpers fawned about: Roast Chicken & Frites (grandmere style, mushrooms, bacon, pearl onions). It didn't blow me away. The chicken skin had a nice crispness, and the frites were something different as they coated my entree. I've reached a point where fried potatoes are simply, fried potatoes. I was even more disappointed that they didn't offer ratatouille. I've wanted to try ratatouille for quite some time now. In fact, their menu looked more like a Chicago steakhouse (look at their side vegetable menu. Garlic spinach? Pommes puree a.k.a mashed potatoes? I don't think so). Sauvez votre l'argent pour un autre restaurant.
(2)
George K.
The location is great since it's Lincoln Park Zoo adjacent and guess what? I love the zoo! That being said, the restaurant was really nice and while Lettuce Entertain You hasn't really let me down, it's never overwhelmed me either. Dragon and I both got steaks, she went with the Ribeye special while I had the Filet Merlot. The steaks were well-cooked and the sides were nice. Again, nothing that really set it apart from any other steak. The highlight was a lava chocolate cake dessert with vanilla ice cream. It was a great way to finish things off and since it was January 1st, New Year's Resolution lasted all of about 18 hours. Well done! I'd recommend as a nice night out, but wouldn't if you are wanting to get a Chicago experience instead.
(3)
Dan D.
As far as good country-style French cuisine, Mon Ami Gabi is one of my favorites in Chicago. The serving sizes are large - you get a lot for your money. The food is exquisite and top-quality through and through. The wine selection is extensive and simply HUGE. The atmosphere is classic and relaxed. Finally, the location is amazing - a stroll across the street for the Lincoln Park Zoo. That sums it up! My favorite used to be the Braised Shortribs (offered only on wednesdays now...) --- super tender, no need for knives. Now, I love the fish selections on the menu. The Thyme-seared Salmon was great! Highly recommended.
(4)
Tal C.
Came here for restaurant week with a couple of friends, and enjoyed it. We all got steak frites (mine had the Bordelaise sauce: caramelized onions and red wine). The frites were a bit soggy, and I would have like a bit more flavor (a sauce to dip them in would have been nice). We also started out with mushroom soup and caesar salad- both pretty good. Overall, this place is cute, food is good, and the warm french bread at the beginning is amazing. A tad pricey for what you get though.
(4)
M J.
I went to Mon Ami in the summer of last year. We sat outside had two fillets m. that were just about ok (they have some kind of a sweet sauce for the fillets and I am def. not a fan of sweet with my entree). I had to flag someone down for pepper... our waiter was just not there .... at all. He came when we were done and asked " was it ok?" we asked for the manager and complained. Our dinner was free yet we still left a $100.00 (the cost of dinner) tip for the manager... we just wanted her to realize that service is horrible! I went back to mon ami for drinks and dessert just recently. Dessert was wonderful. The french martinis were amazing. This time the service was great. I found out that the owner of Mon Ami is the same as the owner of Cafe Babareeba. I think I may go back ....... just not with such high hopes. The crowd is definitely older, but the atmosphere is great. It's crowded, but in a cute way - as you would expect from a French establishment.
(2)
Kristin M.
So in terms of the food, I would actually only give this place three stars. The service is what gained Mon Ami an extra star. I see that some other people complained about the service, but we had a stellar waiter, I believe his name was Cal. He made an excellent wine recommendation, when the hubs ordered a pricey glass of champagne he gave it to us for the price of a less expensive glass, and brought out extra house made hot fudge sauce with dessert with out us even asking. And yes, the house made hot fudge was so good I had a couple of spoonfuls of it all by itself. The simple reason that Mon Ami looses a star is because of my entree. I went for the beef wellington, which while the steak inside the pastry was delicious, the pastry itself was atrocious. I'm sorry but they shouldn't have served it, I ended up peeling the pastry off of the steak. At least the entire entree wasn't ruined due to the gummy, undercooked pastry, because the steak was cooked perfectly and was tasty, but I didn't just order steak, I ordered beef wellington. Anyway, everything else was tasty, probably some of the best french onion soup around. And I must mention (and this is personal preference) but I did not like the frites, they were more like strips of potato chips instead of a french fry. They didn't really have a potato taste or texture left, they were more like a chip. But maybe this is how they're actually served in France? Which is fine, I just didn't care for them.
(4)
Liwei Y.
This place is very popular and the earliest reservation I could make was at 10 (it closes at 11). So I ended up coming here for drinks and deserts. I tried the caramel, salt, and chocolate cake, chocolate mousse, and profiteroles. Yes, I love chocolate! They were all really good. My friends and I devoured the deserts pretty fast. The drinks were good and pretty strong (because mine was a combo of only alcohol). I tend to think I have decent tolerance and after 1 drink, I was buzzed.
(4)
Meghan B.
It's interesting, because I expected a little more from this place based on reviews. My boyfriend and I were thinking of coming here for our anniversary dinner, but opted to go for easter brunch instead and I'm so glad we did. The food was good and the wait staff was nice, but there was nothing exceptional about any of it. We got to our reservation on Easter on time and had to wait for an additional 30 minutes and then got shoved in a corner. Seriously, the farthest, darkest corner. So, it was an ok experience. If you are expecting a French bistro with lots of atmosphere, I would assume it's better at night. Daytime dining here was not amazing. The food was good, though, so give it a try - maybe not on a holday!
(3)
Bridget H.
Delicious traditional French menu! Everything you'd expect to find is there - mussels, cheese plate, hanger steak, onion soup, etc... We ate a variety of steak and fishes and all were excellent. The place is busy and bustling, so it's not the best for a quiet, calm dinner. The location is beautiful. The service is solid, but the waitress was a brisk and rushed our party a bit - this seemed to fit with the atmosphere, but when at a nice dinner, one likes to linger a bit. I think the prices are very reasonable - bottle of wine, three soups, three entrees, and coffee/dessert for about 160$.
(4)
Sandra C.
We had a delicious dinner,Best onion soup ever. Delightful service. Highly recommecnded for french food without all the sauces.
(4)
George D.
Is it just me, or do French restaurants always have the best atmosphere? It's always the perfect blend of classy and laid-back. Mon Ami keeps that up with the traditional bistro decor: tile floor, intimate table spacing, mirror-backed benches, lots of warm colors, etc. Anyway, the star on the menu, like it is at a lot of bistros, is the steak frites. Here, they do it six or seven different ways, which is great if you're looking for some variety. My personal favorite of the ones I've tried is the Steak Dijon, which is covered with a totally addictive dijon mustard butter--sounds like two things that don't go together, right? Give it a shot, you'll love it. And the frites... talk about addictive. Who invented the salted, fried potato anyway? Genius! I challenge you to name a more perfect food!
(4)
Joanie B.
Mon Ami Gabi is lovely and the location inside of the classic and beautiful Belden Stratford Hotel, makes it even more so. It was like being in a real French bistro except that we weren't in France and everyone was speaking english. The bread! A whole baguette delivered to your table, piping hot in a paper bag along with a nice hunk of sweet butter. The amuse bouche was rabbit (!) with diced potatoes. Je ne mange pas cute little bunnies!!!! Actually, it was mostly seasoned diced potato and I think the closest it came to having rabbit in it may have been when one hopped by the restaurant. Delightful specialty cocktails, a sweet waitress (Jen), and excellent service. The French onion soup was chock full of onions in a delicious broth and topped with a generous portion of cheese and crouton. The Escargot was nestled in a garlic herb butter that begged to be mopped up with that wonderful bread. Our entrees were Boeuf Bourguignon with house made noodles and pork tenderloin wrapped in applewood smoked bacon - both excellent and delicious. We were sufficiently buzzed at that point so we shared a glass of Beaujolais Nouveau - I'm not an oenophile but I always enjoy that yearly treat. Robust house blend coffee and chocolate mousse topped with little crispy chocolate spheres were the perfect ending to a wonderful meal and experience. If I still lived there, Mon Ami Gabi would definitely be one of my haunts.
(4)
karen s.
So sad to give this visit such a poor review. Vegas location is perhaps our favorite restaurant. Chicago location left a lot to be desired. Service was abysmal and while we appreciate the "free" dessert---we would have preferred even adequate service and happily paid for all desserts! Come on Chicago--Please up your service level!
(2)
Danny B.
Pretty darn good. Ate @ Mon Ami Gabi on a Friday night before walking to Theatre on the Lake. Made my reservation early Friday afternoon and they only had availability very early or very late. Professional service and charming atmosphere; it's connected to a pretty swank, old school hotel that now doubles as a hotel & residences. We were seated on their large outdoor deck looking at the park; for a July evening it was a little cool due to the breeze (you have been warned). They start you with a warm baguette in a paper bag, whipped butter, and a tiny scoop of some orzo salad (nice touch!). Their selection of wines by the glass is diverse; the waiter identified a a red and a white that were delicious and complex. We started with their 3 artisan cheese plate - all tasty in their own way. The gazpacho was very ok - a little waterier and less multi-vegetabley than I like it (but I think I'm a gazpacho snob...I'm usually disappointed but had a good one recently elsewhere that I hoped could be replicated). Our two main courses were the roast chicken and the ahi tuna salad. I was glad my dish was the roast chicken - very juicy and kinda buttery. It's served with a fine medley of bacon, mushrooms, cooked garlic, and cocktail onions (mmmmmm...cooked cocktail onions). I recommend this dish. The ahi tuna looked better than it tasted - it gave the appearance of being raw in the center, but it was pretty well done on the outside and that overpowered the rawness. The gf said it had too much fennel, but I'm not sure that I would be able to identify fennel in a blind taste test of 3 spices I've never personally cooked with. Moral of the story: stick with bistro food and this Lettuce Entertain You seems to be a can't miss. Stray from bistro food, and you're on your own.
This is an amazing date place! The staff is very professional without being to stuffy and the food is amazing. I probably go here at least 5-6 times a year when I'm with a small group or on a date. The steak & frites are all perfectly prepared and enough to keep you full throughout the night if you go out afterwards. The mussels are great - nice rich, garlic flavor - and not too chewy. Unfortunately, I would pass on the creamed califlower side. It has so much cream and butter in it that it has no flavor and is somewhat mushy. I also recommend getting a bottle of wine - they have a good selection of prices and types.
(4)
Hugh B.
I have a love-hate relationship with Mon Ami Gabi. I love the atmosphere. I love the setting in a gracious old building across from the park and I love the faux French bistro decor. Lettuce Entertain You does faux VERY well. On a winter night (the best time to go there, in my opinion), the place is humming. I love the food, usually. I usually get a shrimp cocktail and the roasted chicken grandmere style. This is with roasted mushrooms, pearl onions, and garlic. Served with frites, of course. I REALLY love the frites -- they are in my opinion the best in the city and reason enough to go here. For dessert the chocolate mousse is superb. Now for what I hate. I hate that even with a reservation, they often make you wait on a crowded night. They've been in business long enough to have their act together on that score. I really hate that they have SHITTY -- and I mean really SHITTY -- tables. The tables in the bar area are bad enough, but even worse is a four-top that they've placed right outside the swinging kitchen door. The door opens constantly and every server in the restaurant brushes you when you sit there. Nasty. They tried to give us that table last night and I howled. The hostess initially gave me the stink-eye and maintained that another table wouldn't open up for 20-30 minutes (right...) so we camped out at the hostess stand and lo-and-behold a better table opened up within less than a minute and we were seated there. Perhaps it helped that I had reserved through Open Table and my profile shows how often I dine out (and how many times I've been to MAG). But for the nasty tables, this is a four- or even five-star experience. So go and enjoy, but beware.
(3)
Shannon R.
Overall, my experience here was good. It's a "chain" restaurant which living in Chicago I always prefer local spots. We started with the baked brie which was pretty delicious. I had mussels with frites and they were tasty. The table wine selection was good as well. The biggest drawback was the table seating. There are a number of tables cramped in this small space and we were a table of 2 that felt like we were on display in the middle of this small area. The staff kept bumping into us at no fault to them. Beyond that small issue, everything else was great.
The only way I could describe our dinner at Mon Ami Gabi was... awkward. Our server, who I don't think even told us his name, seemed nice at first but it seriously became awkward by the time we left. The food itself was fine and somewhat filling (we had the Steak Au Poivre and Steak Roquefort)... but the experience was really off-putting. Our server couldn't pronounce "worchestershire" (lol), and he looked at me oddly when I asked if they had some sauces on the side (like bbq, A-1, ketchup or whatever)... and this wasn't for my steak, it was for my frites (because I need dipping sauce for any fries). He offered ketchup. When it came time for the check, I used a LEYE gift card... he came back, held on to the LEYE gift card (by putting it in his pocket) that still had a balance on it and explained that if i wanted to give a cash tip I could, or if I wanted to put on the gift card I could... I was planning on just putting the tip of the gift card anyway but the fact that he kept it in his pocket caught me off-guard. He came back after we wrote in our tip, picked it up and said "let me just make sure everything is right", looked it over and said "ok everything is right"... I don't know about you, but that was just strange!
(2)
Jennie C.
Lettuce Entertain You, you have never let me down. Of keeping up with the tradition of celebrating birthdays at LEYE restaurants, I recently had dinner here to celebrate my 22nd. For the longest time, I wanted to go to Wildfire to have my favorite dish, Beef Wellington. But the reservations were made for MAG -- and I settled on getting their Fruits de Mer platter (which looks delicious). Imagine my surprise when the special of the day was Beef Wellington. You know what I ordered then. The service, the ambiance, the wine selection (they also have a wine cart), selection of entrees, the introductory carrot salad, and everything else was simply amazing. Thank you for a wonderful experience! As a side note: Although the dim Maggiano's-esque lightning makes it intimate for couples, the ambiance makes it great for groups (I went with 2 others). I must have either came during a noisy time, because I felt at times, I could listen to other people's conversations since the spacing is pretty tight.
(5)
Emma M.
I came here for my birthday dinner and had a great time. We ordered cocktails to start- the french martini is quite amazing. It's made with champagne. For appetizers we ordered escargot (my first time ever so I can't compare them to anything else, but really, really good) , mussels (I prefer smaller mussels- these were quite jumbo) and shoe string potatoe fries. I was really tempted to get the french onion soup, but was already beginning to feel full and still had to eat dinner. For dinner I ordered the hanger steak and it was so rich, juicy and full of flavor. I would definitely get that again plus it's one of the cheaper steaks on the menu. Our server was very knowledgeable about wine so he had some good recommendations for a bottle. I'm looking forward to coming back sometime in the near future.
(4)
Roxanne A.
I was fortunate to eat here with my friend 's family. It was really great. This restaurant is situated in the Belden-Stratford hotel. We came at a perfect time before the rush and were able to get seated in the outdoor patio. The bread with carrot and butter spread was good. I started with the vichyssoise soup (cold potato and leek soup). The waiter was funny and brought out the bowl with just the leeks and croutons and said, "It is a very light soup". Then he came over and poured the soup over the leeks. It was so good. For the entree, I had the Steak Classique, which was fabulous. I ordered it medium and it came out medium. The maitre d' butter on top was amazing. It may have been pesto based. To cap off an already great meal, I had the profiteroles dessert which was so good with vanilla ice cream in the middle of pastry puffs, drizzled with the most amazing chocolate fudge sauce. They didn't skimp on the chocolate and I was almost licking the bowl to get ever bit in my mouth. The food was great and the service was impeccable. One note though. The square tables are a little small so if you have 4 people on it, it can be a little cozy. It doesn't detract from the experience, but it's something to keep in mind.
Now, my nature is to be anti-franchise, anti-chain which would mean that I would be anti-a-Lettuce-Entertain-You establishment. But Mon Ami Gabi is absolutely wonderful. I've never had a bad meal here. The cut of meats are always great and prepared well. and the pomme frites? To die for. Gives Mickey D's a run for its money in the fries department. Mon Ami Gabi does what it does well. Like Sarah Palin, it doesn't veer from the script. But unlike Sarah Palin, it's consistent and consistently good.
(4)
Job E.
The food is well priced, especially considering the quality and atmosphere. $20 for a steak and side is a great deal. Its not the best steak ever, (this is a 'cafe' not a steakhouse), but they make up for it with good sauces. Our server was impressively friendly and courteous. Wine and appetizers round out the bill to the $$$ range, all-in-all not too bad. I went with mon amour; she was impressed, which is enough for me to bump up a 4-star to a 5-star.
(5)
Stacey P.
My dislikes- 1. The seating, I felt smooshed. It was kinda like being on an airplane. That is, no one is really ON TOP of you, but it's close enough that you often have to touch someone you'd rather not (no offense mari and albert). 2. The bread. I just don't like bread that is hard. I think maybe some people do? If you like hard bread, then the bread's AWESOME!!! 3. The frites. I'd rather have an option of veggies or mashed potato or SOMETHING other than those frites. They were like potato chips. Not bad just like... you know. I'd rather have something else. (You can order sides for extra money, but I'm suggesting replacing the frites with a "side" or getting rid of the frites completely, lowering the price of the steak, and making all sides a la carte). My likes- 1. The steak. It was yummy. I ordered the hangar steak which was tender, flavorful, and cooked to my liking. My friend got this filet with a wine sauce that was excellent! Everyone enjoyed their steaks. 2. The location. Yeah, you feel pretty fancy eating there. It's kind of fun.
(3)
Amy R.
This is one of my go-to places for very special evenings. A great romantic atmosphere that's really high-class feeling without being too stuffy. And food, oh the food. Savory, complex, fresh... I'm no food reviewer, let's stick with "damn good." I love a rare, bloody steak. I love crushed black pepper. Enter the peppercorn steak. Enter me peeing myself a little at the table in joy. (Not really, but it made me very happy.) Definitely save room for dessert. I've had nearly every dessert on the menu and they are so good. I prefer any of the baked fruit crumbles (usually seasonal). The only complaint I have is that they took my favorite meal in the entire world--we're talking "last meal on Earth" meal--off the menu. (Bacon wrapped pork with some type of berry sauce, FYI.) Please bring it back!! And the menu is a little limited if you don't like fish or steak, but then again, I value variety. So if you don't mind having just one page of very good options, then it probably won't bother you.
(4)
R O.
Solid, if unspectacular, Mon Ami Gabi gets it done. Quality service, good food, and with the prices that aren't intimidating, I always enjoy myself. While the wine list is a bit pricey, everything on the menu itself is well worth it (if you skip the wine, the place isn't nearly as expensive). The steaks have never failed and are well prepared--but do remember that this isn't a Chicago steak house. I'm a fan of the atmosphere, the GF isn't nearly as high on it as I am, but like most LEY everything is very well thought out. The execution is excellent and MAG, like most LEYs, hints at having fun. The space is a bit tight and the location not perfect for public transit, but over all a fun dining experience.
(4)
Jacqueline W.
Went here with a Lettuce Entertain You gift card and was not disappointed. Some of the tables are a little close to each other but overall the experience was good. Service was nice, they were busy on a Saturday night but the staff was on it. The prices were what I expected for the area and website. We found free parking quickly by the LP Conservatory and the short walk across the park added to everything else..Good spot for a fancy date. The views are so pretty and the hotel where the restaurant is located is gorgeous. It's no Paris but use your imagination Chi-town ;)
(4)
Linds R.
I have no issue with Lettuce Entertain You in general, but I think that if this place were not a chain, it would be much more special. I had the skate (very, very good), my fiance had the steak and pomme frite (also good), and we had a bananas foster dessert thing that was yum. All in all, it was a pleasant meal with good food and nice ambiance. But like I said, it wasn't special.
(3)
Betsy C.
Mon Ami Gabi was our final nice restaurant on our trip to Chicgo. It is located in a nice historical hotel in Lincoln Park. This has some other locations in other cities and I almost let that deter me. My daughter had not done a gourmet French restaurant before- This fit the bill- The seating is tight and cozy, but true to European dining. We had a good cheese platter as an appetizer, the cheese choices were perfect, the bread was like a raisin bread, I would have chosen something more true, but the crusty bread they gave us earlier went well with it. We each had a salad- I had their equivalent of the Lyonaisse- yum! We each got a different steak and Frittes- very good! We got a side if macaroni gratin- good! We were so full that sadly we didn't have room for dessert. This was a good experience! Not perfect, but everything was really good!
(5)
Susan O.
There is no better or more consistent restaurant in Chicago. The wait staff are true professionals -- let them recommend the perfect wine. The food is always perfect, from the warm olive jar, soups, frisee salad and short ribs or trout or steak with bearnaise sauce to the bread pudding or chocolate mousse. Beautiful atmosphere across from the zoo and outdoor seating in summer. This is living.
(5)
Christina G.
I love this place! My boyfriend and I went here for a romantic dinner and that is just what we got. The atmosphere is so inviting and warm. We had a knowledgeable server who answered my wine questions right away. They have a great rolling cart that carries all their wines by the glass. I had a delicious pinot noir that was recommended by our server. The bread they started us with was so crunchy and warm. My favorite! We started with the baked herb cheese and the duck confit (for my boyfriend, I am a vegetarian). Both were excellent! I had the vegetarian sampler (lentils, green beans, whipped cauliflower and macaroni gratin). My boyfriend had the lamb chop special. We were both very pleased with our meals. SO good. We were so full, but decided to try the dessert. We got the bananas foster..it was HUGE!!! Honestly, one of the best desserts I have ever had. We will definitely be going back here for another romantic dinner soon!!
(5)
Jim D.
Isn't it great when you run into your good friend's parents on the street and they invite you for a free dinner....anyone.....all right fine, but this stroke of dumb luck got me a pretty tasty meal. The setup is fairly elegant, however points to them for not scoffing at my sandals, shorts and wrinkly collared shirt (hey, they said I didn't have to change). The tables are pretty cramped together, regularly moved out to squeeze customers in. Use the bathroom before getting pressed in. The wine selection is strong with a sommelier on hand (or so my hosts told me), but the beer selection is a bit of a weak hodge-podge of whatever they could find at their European beer importer, which I feel higher end restaurants really fall short on. Steak frites are the main strength of the menu, however the frites are more like shoestring fries. They are quite tasty, just not my thing. The steak is fantastic, not quite steakhouse quality but reasonably priced at about 20 bucks. All and all, I wasn't blown away and their were too many things off about the place, the cramped space, weak beer menu, lack of non-steak options for the more finnicky eaters, but it was pretty good and free for me! Thank you for humoring my half-hearted attempt at reviewing haute cuisine.
(3)
Amy X.
this is a great restaurant for couples who want to be romantic and disgusting and coupley. that's what i did! like three months ago, i took some guy here for valentine's day, and we both had a grand old time. we ordered really really rich food and then ate it and talked about how good it tasted while sitting in a booth in the corner and drinking red wine and giggling and staring into each others' eyes. then we walked home holding hands. the end. time to puke. gross-o. it was awesome. mon ami gabi is a cozy place to cozy up to someone. it's decorated in a very "typical" french bistro type of way -- dark curtains, chalk blackboards, wine bottles on the wall, picture of the eiffel tower. despite the stereotypical nature of the romantic atmosphere, the service and food made for a really pleasant experience. my actions that night might have made me sick, but the food most definitely did not. a nice french bistro experience, and i'll make sure to behave myself better the next time i return.
(4)
Elizabeth C.
They have amazing food and wine. The service is almost always wonderful, but I would like to see a little bit more variety on their menu.
(4)
Ben B.
Great food and awesome atmosphere. Somewhat hard to find due to lack of signage. The wait staff seems just a little snotty or is it just me??? Maybe thats just part of the French experience???
(4)
Martha Z.
Take me back here soon, but please don't make me front the bill! I can not stop salivating over the steak in Merlot sauce whatever it was it was amazing dinner. And how could I say no to the garlicky buttery bliss of escargot?! I am going to come here armed with all my Lettuce Entertain reward certificates and have myself one hell of a feast. Edit I took my boyfriend here for his birthday and it was a repeat of deliciousness. I definitely recommend the crab cakes, they are 2nd best to joes!
(5)
Kitty R.
Always love it! Been going here for years! Very consistent and excellent food.
(4)
Rebecca C.
My boyfriend's and my go-to place for any and every special occasion - birthdays, Valentine's day, anniversaries, you name it! Mon Ami has never let us down :) I usually feel compelled to get a steak every time I go because they are so darn delicious. I'd say my favorite preparation is the Steak Classique, with the Steak Bearnaise being a close second (clearly, I'm one for putting some butter on my steak). The steaks are usually served with thinly sliced frites which they pile on the plate - I tip my hat to you if you're able to finish them all! If you find the frites to be overwhelming, you can ask for aside of mashed as a substitute. Mon Ami is fairly priced, which, I suppose, is easy to say for someone who is always paid for (thanks, hunnie!) and the service is top notch and very speedy. Oh! And you get a free profiterole on your bday!!
(5)
Lisa P.
I have yet to try the location in Lincoln Park, however the Mon Ami in Vegas was PHENOMENAL. If only for the melt-in-your-mouth mash potatoes & French Onion soup, GO. The soup had a thick, warm layer of cheese on top- it was so delicious. And I don't even LIKE French Onion soup.
(4)
Jessica F.
I adore Mon Ami Gabi. The first time I went here was with my boyfriend when we first started dating. I have been there many times since! From the food to the serivce, everything about Mon Ami Gabi is top-notch. The food is well worth the price! With an extensive wine collection, it is a great restaurant for any wine affectionado. The portion sizes are very large. I ordered the peppered steak which was amazing. The steak comes with crunchy little fries exquisite. For dessert, we ordered a chocolate lava cake which was the closet to heaven I will probably ever get. Def. a great dining experience! :) If you have some cash and want to spend it wisely on a great experience, Mon Ami Gabi is a great choice!
(5)
Sam W.
Atmosphere: Older crowd and very cramped tables. There were two couples within a foot of us on each side and the table had to be removed for anyone to exit. Service: Solid. Everything was as good as can be, which is standard with all LEYE restaurants. Food: We ordered the mussels which were insanely good. They came in a cast-iron pot and had the most flavorful broth in this world. I could eat probably 10 pounds of these beautiful mollusks. The complimentary baguette was tasty, and if it is served warm, really hard to stop eating. The one entree that everyone loved was the steak au poivre with frites. The steak was loaded with flavor and the peppercorn sauce was out of this world good. Don't mess around with any of the fish or the specials, just get a steak and thank me later. As for dessert, the apple tart was extremely disappointing and really quite bland. The profiteroles were great though. Also on this night, they had a special dessert called the Tour de France, which was two wheel-shaped pastry doughs with sweet cream in between and surrounded by fresh berries. Really tasty and not the type of dessert that leaves you feeling like you consumed a small baluga whale. Overall: If you like french food and are over 30, Mon Ami Gabi is for you. If you are like me, under 30 and into the younger crowd and small-plate concept, head to Paris Club.
(3)
Pascal M.
ZZZZZZZZZZZ, this place is tired and old. food is so-so, service is good but not great. went here over the weekend and i was simply not impressed. the duck confit was dry and was made even dryer by pairing it with lentils. it needed something sweet to finish the dish. my scallops were pedestrian and uneventful, except for the asparagus and whipped cauliflower. my girlfriend got a pork shank that i thought was the highlite of the meal. also had a butternut squash soup that was pretty good, my girlfriend got the frisee salad, hard to mess that one up though. drinks are over priced and nothing special. this place is simply not the best of what chicago has to offer.
(2)
Mike P.
If you're looking to have a pleasant evening that involves a copious amount of red wine, escargot and steak bearnaise then look no further. This place is excellent and offers a great atmosphere and wonderful time.
(4)
Austin A.
So I went here on a date and there are a few things I remember. One, the wine service is neat. There is a guy who wheels a cart around and serves it by the glass. I think I tried 5 different kinds, (did I mention Im a boozehound) Two, with the bread they serve this pea/lentil type spread and REAL delicious creamy butter. At one point I licked the butter off the knife, I can assure you that my date was impressed. Third, I dont remember what I had for main course because I got so much pleasure by the wine cart guy that I blacked out. I wonder why Im single. But I woke up the next morning not feeling hungover so whatever I ate must have been special. Real classy place for a first date. Edit: Im not a drunk, my date sucked and he became more interesting when my blood alcohol exceeded the legal limit. Nerd.
(4)
Ann J.
I gave this five stars because not one of the four of us had an off dish AND everyone loved what they ate AND some of the items were stellar. Plus service was very attentive and the atmosphere was great . . . true French Bistro style where there are linens on the table, but the patrons are in casual clothes. I've been to many a bistro in France and loved that the wait staff here at M.A.G. had to pull the table away from the long bench seat for us to be able to be seated . . . so authentic. (Those of you complaining about feeling crowded, get over it, there is a ton more space here than if you were in Paris in a bistro.) The difference between this and a true French bistro is that here the waiter came to our table right away, lol. The potato leek soup was the best we'd had. The boeuf bourguignon was gorgeous and the noodles in it were absolutely perfect. We had a great Cote du Rhone wine, great escargots, great cheese on the 3 cheese board (but I agree the portions were not generous enough), and the desserts were superb (say that with a french accent please). We liked the pomme frites that came with the steak bernaise (husband said steak was perfect). My mashed potatoes had no seasoning, but I had the pork tenderloin and could completely ignore the mashed potatoes for the flavor of the pork. Back to the desserts: chocolate mousse, smooth and not too rich. Blood orange sorbet, ahhhh. I used the sorbet as a palate cleanser so that I could switch between eating everyone's dessert they could not finish, lol. White chocolate bread pudding with ice cream and carmel sauce was hands down the best dessert, it sounds overpowering but really was not, it was hard to stop eating it. Finally the creme brulee done perfectly, smooth smooth smooth.
(5)
Mike T.
Very bad and slow service, but ok food (just ok). We had to wait 20 minutes before being able to order our drinks, and 20 minutes to actually have our drinks. When we finally managed to order food, more than 1 hour had passed. The food arrived pretty fast, though. We had mussels (good), two steaks (good) and scallops (ok). French fries are AWFUL. The desserts were below average. I don't think I will ever go back.
(2)
Emma C.
Yet ANOTHER perfect meal at Mon Ami Gabi, under the twinkling lights on the patio. My husband's halibut--the daily special--was indeed very special. The flourless chocolate cake with hot fudge and creme fraiche was like nothing I have ever tasted before, so light and pillowy and warm I thought it would float off the plate. The service was impeccable, as always. Going to Mon Ami Gabi is more than a dinner, it's a culinary vacation. Favorite restaurant by a country kilometer. Oh la la.
(5)
Steven M.
Mon Ami Gabi is a fantastic place. Yes it's part of a five restaurant chain (the one in Vegas is a great spot). But in terms of a fun, reasonably authentic, and actually affordable French bistro experience this is a gem. First, Mon Ami Gabi is situated inside the gorgeous Belden Stratford Hotel, right off Lincoln Park. One caveat, it's a pretty good hike from the nearest CTA station but taxis are plentiful and they have a valet for your designated drivers. There's a wonderful outdoor seating area and a small but inviting bar to have a drink or four while waiting for an outside table to open up. For me it's five stars for ambiance. The wine list is short but packs a punch with solid offerings from all over France and a smattering of domestic labels. Good range of prices as well, we had a '05 1er Cru Burgundy for just $71. Several attractive wines at the $40-$50 price point as well. For some reason I'm addicted to their bread which is served hot upon seating. The menu is pretty straightforward, I think their variety of appetizers is the highlight. The escargot is not to be missed. My favorite part is dipping the aforementioned bread into the pesto once all the snails are gone! The steamed mussels are an amazing choice and you can't really go wrong with the steaks. The cuts of beef aren't really that spectacular, but the sauces are out of this world. Hard to decide which one to have. And I don't know how they do their haricots verts and potatoes gratin but both were absolutely 5 star. Service was only average (although the bartender was awesome). Usually one thing you can count on at a good French place is extremely knowledgeable (while often stuffy/pretentious) wait staff. Maybe we got the newbie, but she was pretty middling in terms of helpfulness, attentiveness and knowledge. All in all a dependable, beautiful, fun and reasonable place to have a great meal. Highly recommended.
(4)
Victoria H.
Mon Ami Gabi is a wonderful restaurant and dining experience. It has become a tradition in my family to go every year before we head back to school and for my mom's birthday for over 7 years. Every year I find myself looking forward to the night. Mon Ami creates a comfortable and special dining environment where they deliver delicious dishes. Our server has always been great- they really help make the evening. My favorite cocktail is the French 75. Its a crisp and refreshing way to start your delicious (and rich) french meal. Next up I always get the frisee salad. The bacon is always so thick and smokey which perfectly complements the vinegary dressing. I love this salad and crave it all the time. For entrees, the scallops and stakes are always delicious. The scallops are perfectly carmelized and the sides complete the dish well. The steaks are always delicious, generously portioned, and cooked perfectly. Do not get my started on their fries. I am constantly picking them off other peoples plates if I do not order it myself (good thing that there are always PLENTY for sharing). All of the entrees are classic french and they are BIG. Splitting works perfectly well if you aren't very hungry. If you have room for the dessert, the profiteroles are always delicious. The chocolate sauce is homemade and delicious. If you are looking for a special evening in a comfortable atmosphere with fantastic food, Mon Ami is the spot for you! Bon apetit!
(5)
Jon L.
By now, Mon Ami Gabi is a Chicago icon. Supersized portions of well-executed bistro fare emerge from the kitchen into a chic, convivial room that instantly evokes Paris. While everything is good, particular standouts include perfect shrimp cocktail, flavorful hangar steak (a real value, to boot), and terrific fish preparations. Veteran servers ensure a pleasurable experience. And, oh, the bread. . .
(5)
George L.
What a wonderful experience! Both my companion and I commented on how we felt like we were "in Paris." The service was superb, the french onion soup the best we've ever had, the mussels were scrumptious, and the warm french bread (with salmon and trout spread) was magnifique! The atmosphere is lively, and the quarters, those close, were still comfortable. Three friends in Tampa recommended Mon Ami to me, and I'm soooo glad I took their recommendation.
(4)
Hannah C.
Ok so I clearly love the restaurants in Lettuce Entertain You but this one might be a favorite. I happen to be somewhat of a Francophile after living in Paris for a bit and visiting when I get lucky, and I will say that dining here was not a far cry from the real thing (aka a steak/oyster/frites bar). Service was amazing. They brought me gluten free bread (always a plus), and their Steak-frites looked so darn good that I actually broke my pescatarian streak for them and it was TOTALLY worth it. There was a great crowd even on a Tuesday night, and it wasn't too fancy (there were people in jeans) but definitely had a classier feel to it. Can't wait until I get my next meat craving (in maybe a year?) so I can return.
(5)
Matthew S.
My girlfriend and I had about $75 in LYEY gift cards, and we discussed what restaurant we wanted to go to. I vetoed L. Woods and Wildfire because we'd both been there about 100 times and we wanted to try something different. After reading the yelps about the oakbrook location, we decided to go to the Lincoln Park location instead, mostly due to the fact that we felt that going to a restaurant in a mall parking lot isn't the swankiest way to dine. After fighting rush-hour traffic on the Kennedy on Thursday night, we made our reservation about a half-hour early. It was busy, but we were able to be seated immediately, which was pretty nice, especially considering how small this place is. We shared a bowl of french onion soup and some sort of scallop appetizer to start. The onion soup was delicious, but I thought the scallops suffered because it was extremely cheesy. I love scallops, and would have preferred a simpler dish. Still tasty, however. My girlfriend order beef bourginon, which I had a bite of. The beef cheeks were extremely tender and flavorful, and she enjoyed it as well. I got steak frities au pouvir, which was a thin cut of steak topped with whole black peppercorns and (I believe) some sort of brandy sauce. The steak was cooked perfectly, it was jucy and delicious. The frities were a little disappointing (as other yelpers have noted), but they were nice to snack on, and the ones that made their way into the sauce were very tasty once they got soggy. For dessert, we had the bananas foster crepe, which was very good, although we both agreed we would have liked it infinitely better without the crepe, as it was a little rubbery. All in all though, this place was great. I never found myself wondering where our server was, and every time he came by he poured some more beer in my glass (I order a 22oz bottle of Goose Island's Sofie, which was delicious btw). The restaurant looks great, and I'd love to come back in the summer when they have the patio open. It was pretty reasonable, also. The check came to about $85, which I thought was perfect considering how much food we had. I would definitely recommend this place, and I'm planning on going back to enjoy the patio, featuring a view of Lincoln Park.
(4)
Eazmg C.
standard LEY establishment, good atmosphere, good service, good food. I'd recommend the sea scallop gratinees and steak bordelaise
(4)
HJ K.
That was my 4th time dining there last night. Just thumbs up every time. Me and a friend of mine were seated at the bar since there was an hour wait for the table. It turns out pretty good. The bartender was attentive and helpful. Plus, the food we got was just fantastic ever! Can't wait to be back :)
(5)
Lauren H.
I came here for a wine and food event. The service is always great and the food was beyond my expectations.. we had 5 course meal and everything was made to perfection. I've also been to the oakbrook location and it is just as perfect.. Love french food!
(5)
Rory G.
Why is it that in this country you can have OK French food, call the place a Bistro,charge outrageous prices and be pretentious. This place goes against all that true foodies stand for, those of us that search for the shining hidden gem. A bistro in France is a little joint on the corner feeding people who can't make it home to eat, usually a simple menu of half chicken or steak with fries or mussels. The fare is usually cheap, filling and the quality is phenomenal. The chefs know what they do and they do it well, hence the small menu. Here, the chefs have to try to make a monumental menu of items and the food turns out mediocre at best. If you want to impress you date with your high-school french and how you think snails are cool, pay for your meals as if it were priced in Euros, then this is the place. Mais si tu veux trouver un meilleure resto pour la nourriture Francaise, tu iras autre part. Enough said
(3)
jared s.
dont need to say much here outside of AMAZING...
(5)
Brenda V.
Great experience, the hostess honored our reservation without delay, they offer great wine selections and the food was fresh, nicely prepared, at the proper temperature and good sized portions. Service was courteous and professional without being overbearing. This place is very romantic in the evening.
(5)
Linda D.
Having once worked in this restaurant in the legendary Belden Stratford in Lincoln Park West with my jazz group when it was a night club (can't remember what it was called.....Boombala or something), I was interested in finding out what kind of restaurant it had become. To my utter delight, it was French, very casual, and a little on the Provincial side. The food was outstanding, the wait staff courteous and attentive and the prices far below what I have paid in the past for food half as good. I was with my son, daughter-in-law and young grandson, and they had been to another French restaurant and weren't prepared to enjoy this one nearly as much. They were delighted with everything and left saying they had found their new favorite restaurant. No sense mentioning what we ate because everything was prepared perfectly and we enjoyed every morsel.
(5)
Billy B.
Absolutely fantastic! Me and my family went there recently and there is not one bad thing I can say about it. I've been there many times as I live in the neighborhood but have never written a review. To start they have a phenomenal wine list. We ordered a Sauvignon Blanc that was great. For our entrees we all had steak that was out of this world. They serve an American portion in French style. I had a 22 oz Rib eye with Roquefort Bleu Cheese on it. Unbelievable! Go there!
(5)
Sarah F.
Went on Friday night. It was packed. We had a reso, but still had to wait awhile. Service was okay. Food was okay. I liked the steak and frites, but the french onion soup was nothing to write home about. The creme brulee was too runny and the sugared top was more chewy, rather than light and crispy. I would like to go back, however, to see if I would have a better experience. Oh, and the butter and spicy lentils that come with the bread were great, but bread was NOT great. Willing to give this place another chance.
(3)
Geoffrey S.
The New York Strip and Frites are great, as is the escargot. Our waiter was fantastic and Juan the manager is a great guy.
(4)
Kat W.
This place allows me to go back to my Belgian(French) roots. Escargot, Bisque D'Homard, Steak Frites, Creme Brulee, and Profiteroles. They are excellent. And yet they don't have pretentious prices This is a great place if you want to eat French cuisine or "French Steak", but if you want to eat good steak in general, then this is not the place. This place only has two types of steak in the regular menu. The steak was a bit tough, but everything else was great.
(5)
Ben E.
An excellent place for utterly typical bistro food -- the menu is limited and barely changes, so don't come here for creative efforts on the part of the chef or to sample the true range of French cooking. Instead, enjoy the moules frites or a steak in a lively room with efficient, very helpful waitstaff. I'll admit that my favorite thing about Mon Ami Gabi is the fact that you can almost always get Chateauneuf-du-Pape by the glass, which is a really, really good thing if your dining companions don't want to split a bottle.
(4)
Catherine B.
This restaurant was amazing - my fiance and I each had a glass of wine at the (crowded) bar while we waited for our table, but we had barely sipped it before we were seated. The restaurant was at the same time bustling and romantic, and the food was beyond description. The steak with Merlot butter is a must.
(5)
M J.
The food is great, and the atmosphere is quaint/casual--a dimly-lit, nicely-crowded, dark-wood-filled dining room. Not necessarily the place to go if you want quiet corners and whispered conversation, but still a great choice for solid french fare, and friendly/helpful wait staff.
(4)
mark s.
i crave the Steak Roquefort at Mon Ami. this is how i mon ami: - buy a couple bottles of red wine and some good chocolates. - order takeout: 1 steak roquefort & a salad (it is definitely enough for 2 people) - they also include a loaf of their bread. - arrive early and get a drink at the bar (martini) - take the bag'o'delicious home and feast with your date. have a great meal, avoid the crowd & save 50 bucks.
(5)
Neal K.
Mon Ami is a perennial favorite of mine. I've had steak-frites all over this great city of ours and you can't beat the way they do it at this spot on the park. Sit outside, it's nahs. Honestly, for $17.95 you'd be hard pressed to find a better steak and potatoes entree in my opinion. Try the hanger steak or the bordelaise. Great mussels, escargot, and onion soup. This place tipifies all that Lettuce stands for - simple standard fare done at a high level. The wine selection is very good (heavy on the Burgundy, Bordeaux, and Cote du Rhone of course), and they have good wines by the glass if you don't want to make it a super $$ evening. Sure I love trying tasting menus and the newest Brazilian/Japanese/Nigerian/Leprechaun fusion place (I'd call such a fictitious place Sushi Lag-O'Sambas). But if you want a go-to restaurant that always delivers for a special occasion, a weeknight, or even a lunch before enjoying the lakefront, you can't go wrong at Mon Ami.
(5)
M M.
I thought this place was just OK. The location is really pretty- right in the Belden-Stratford. We started out in the bar area and it was so cute because all of the old residents of the building seemed to migrate from their condos upstairs to the downtstairs bar- very 1920's. I went here because I had LEY gift certificates with my boyfriend for our one year. I was expecting a quiet, romantic, french restaurant. No WAY. This place is loud and bustling. So I guess I was a little disappointed in that regards, but I should have done my research, this was during my pre-yelp days. The food was typical and EXPENSIVE. I had salmon and my boyfriend had steak- both of which were good, but not for that price. Definitely would have been disappointed had I spent my own money on this place.
(3)
Jason S.
Great food. The perfect little outdoor patio area right next to Lincoln Park. The location can't be beat. Service is usually good there. Check out the patio area in the summer.
(4)
Amanda G.
I went to the one in Vegas in December and LOVED it, so needless to say I was excited to take my husband and some friends there last weekend. It did not disappoint. We all had steaks and frites and it was great. Excellent onion soup, but I love the Potato and Brie soup more. Very nice atmosphere if you feel like dressing up a bit. Not quite as good as the Vegas location, but I'll go there again! Make reservations!
(4)
Kt R.
My boyfriend took me here for my birthday and our server, David, was wonderful. He was attentive, informative and very friendly. The muscles were great...dip your bread in them!...but in the end our great booth seating and our server made my experience great. Thank you!
(4)
JP S.
Excellent French food. Knowledgeable and friendly waitstaff.
(4)
Laura W.
Mon Ami is our go to place for special occasions....the boyfriend's birthday, my birthday, and then we just went a couple of weekends ago with a group of our friends. We got to dine outside on the patio and the night had a crispness to it...it felt like Fall was finally here! We were well taken care of by the staff and the food is always so yummy......I don't think I have ever had a bad entree. Waitstaff always seems super knowledgable about wines. The last time we were there we had a selection of appetizers....the scallops are quite delish as well as the pate. The bread is always nice and crunchy! I had the ribeye (you can take the girl out of Texas, but you can't take Texas out of the girl!) as well as a few other of our friends. It was cooked to perfection and the au gratin potatoes were so yuuuuumy! I don't know when the last time I have had these, but they were well worth all the calories! One of my friends had the skate and another the halibut, both were quite tasty. I was surprised at how well Mon Ami does fish. I think the next time I will definitely go for the seafood! The berry crumble for dessert............I HIGHLY recommend it. I have always loved the profiteroles, but I fell in love this dessert!! We will definitely go back again and again to this place!
(4)
Sara F.
I love this place. I have visited this restaurant many times and it is now my parents favorite place to go in Chicago when they come to visit. The way to go is with the Mussels and Steak Frites. The Frites are amazing!!!! Also, they have a great wine selection and amazing desserts. The place has wonderful ambiance, but it can be a bit loud. I like that in a restaurant but understand that isn't for everyone. The only thing I would stay away from are the scallops. Maybe the chef accidently poured salt all over them by mistake but they were so over-salted. That doesn't represent the rest of their food. Amazing!
(4)
A. M.
Mon Ami is one of my favs in Chicago. It's exactly what a French bistro should be - charming and comfortable. While the food might not be 5 stars, it's always solid. The bar up front is a little small, which is bad news if you have to wait for a table. But the wine cart which offers plenty of "tastings" makes up for it. After not having been there for a while, we went there last night w/ another couple. I had the mussels and everyone else had steaks. We all agreed the food was very good. Unfortunately our waiter was pretty much MIA all night. But for such a fun night with great food, I'm willing to consider this a blip on the radar.
(4)
Jessica M.
Went to Mom Ami Gabi for a romantic dinner with the boyfriend, courtesy of a Lettuce Entertain gift certificate that I got from my boss. I'll have to say, it was the BEST DINNER I've had in a LONG TIME. Parking in the neighborhood was okay, there were quite a bit of open spots, so, we didn't have any problems there. We had a reservation and were seated immediately upon arriving. They already had our table ready for us. Our waitress was okay, nothing special, but still very nice. Our food came out quickly. We shared an order of the brie and also an order of the garlic spinach, as our appetizers. They were delicious! For the entree, my boyfriend ordered the Blue Cheese Steak and I ordered the Steak Bearnaise. The steaks were ordered Medium-Rare and came exactly the way we ordered them. They were perfect! While my boyfriend loved his Blue Cheese steak, we both agree that the Steak Bearnaise was one of the BEST steaks we've ever had! The Bearnaise sauce was rich and and absolutely mouth watering. Once it was gone, I wanted to lick the plate clean. I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND this Steak Bearnaise!!!! Also, the servings are HUGE and definitely worth the price! For desserts we had the chocolate mousse and the Profiterole Trio. We thought they'd be small servings, but ended up being soo massive that we almost couldn't finish the desserts. The ambience was great, it was quiet and fancy-like. Although, the tables are little too close together, but that is my only qualm. Great Restaurant! Great Food! Highly Recommended!
(4)
Jonathan w.
Went there last night for dinner. The French Onion soup was delicious with the baked gruyere on top perfectly melted to a brownish tint. The bread, as always, was delicious, served with soft butter that melded immediately after putting it on. For dinner I had the chicken frites. Chicken was perfectly cooked with skin-on and juicy and flavorful. The frites were a little overcooked and too crunchy for my taste but still very good. For dessert we had a seasonal pumpkin cake with cinnamon ice cream. The cake was a little too think and the dessert a little heavy after a big meal. Still, over all, a very good experience. Mon Ami is very dependable, great service, good country french cooking. Certainly will be back.
(4)
elizabeth n.
For a nice french meal head to Mon Ami Gabi. The steak pomme frites are delicious and the soups and salads are great as well. The waiters are very helpful if you need help deciding on an entree and they are extremely pleasant. Next time I will definitely try the desserts if I can save room.
(4)
Sarah B.
Well, if you're on a diet you'll probably want to look elsewhere. However, if you have no qualms about ingesting what I imagine is a truly staggering amount of calories, than Mon Ami Gabi is the place to do it. Scrumptious cocktails, a FABULOUS scallop appetizer and one of the very best steaks I have ever had (soaked in a brandy peppercorn sauce, heavenly) with a pile of delicious frites made for a truly memorable dining experience. Our server was knowledgeable and very attentive, even in the midst of a packed Saturday night crowd (definitely remember those reservations!) and everything was basically perfect, I just have one little quibble: the dessert left a lot to be desired. Now, I definitely do NOT have the most sophisticated palate, am the least picky eater you will ever find and I have to confess that my taste might even be described as slightly trashy (I appreciate my Wonder Bread and Kraft Cheese, OK?) But even I could tell that the chocolate mousse we had was sub-par, so I can only imagine what my culinary arts degree toting/professional baker dining companion thought. At any rate, save for the dessert, everything else was flawless.
(4)
Rachel A.
We had an 8:15 reservation. We were finally seated at 8:45 with barely so much as an apology. Generally in this situation I've had my bar tab comped and a generous apology -- a half hour is pretty late. The place seemed to have a decent amount of tourists, which I was a bit suprised at since it isn't on Michigan Ave., but I guess they probably flock to the LEYE restaurants. The appetizer was delicious (shrimp with garlic and butter) and the steak-frites were acceptable, not great. I've had better at Bistrot Margot. The bananas foster dessert was amazing! At the end of the meal when the waiter presented us with the check and THEN apologized for the wait and comped our wine (cheapest bordeaux) and appetizer. That was very nice and very appreciated, but I would've liked to know at the beginning of the meal so that things didn't start out so sour. I guess they were waiting to see how expensive of a bottle we ordered.
(3)
Suzanne S.
I've been to the one in Oak Brook for work, and wanted to take my husband. He surprised me by taking us here for our 1st anniversary (this is what happens when you marry a boy from Southern IL, he thinks something high class and French is a LEY chain, but I digress). It was just a perfect dinner. We ate on the patio, listened to bugs and people buzz around Lincoln Park into twilight. Drank a very good bottle of wine, ate a fantastic meal, and stumble happily home up Clark. Everything was just tasty...the house filet with Merlot butter was fantastic, as were some scallops we had.
(4)
Judicious Z.
We live in the neighborhood and over the past 17 enjoy dining here a few times a year. My husband almost always orders one of their steaks with frites, I tend to jump around and most often order 2 of their impressive appetizers as my entree. This place IS so charmingly consistent and spot-on, it is easy to see why so many reviewers have given it top ratings. A warm and gracious reception as we enter, excellently prepared food, knowledgeable and efficient waitstaff, an expertly trained and friendly service staff emerging out of no where with water, a new spoon immediately as desert is served, etc. Mona Mi Gabi in the beautiful Belden Stratford building hits all the points. Whether it's enjoying their patio dining in the summer or their cozy french dinners once the chill takes hold, we are always pleased. And the menu and wine pricing are a good value. If for any reason your a skeptic because it's a chain, or you weren't impressed with another location, stop by and discover what we consider a "local place." I should add that this week we dined at a nearby restaurant that aspires to service the same crowd but the location was empty when I arrived at 6:30 and had only 4 tables filled at 7:30. That tells you something! I'm proofing this and realize I sound like I work for the restaurant chain - I don't. We just returned from enjoying another fine dinner and I suppose I'm feeling very taken care of. It must have been the dessert.
(5)
Lori C.
Mon Ami Gabi is a good option if you want French Food. I've had the steak pomme frites and that is really good but my favorite is the grilled salmon salad. It has a citrus dressing on it and has orange and grapefruit slices and is really tasty.
(5)
Dee W.
Try the pork tenderloin wrapped with bacon and the flourless Chocolate cake is outstanding. During the summer, the patio is the best place to be - the service is great and the atmosphere is very warm and inviting.
(4)
Lo S.
My boyfriend and I used gift certificates we had gotten for xmas here. Based on all of the reviews I read I wasn't expecting a quiet, romantic place, but this place is full out LOUD. You are basically shoulder to shoulder with the table next to you, and the person next to us snorted so loudly when he laughed I thought I was going to die of laughter!! The food was VERY good, though, but overpriced for the ambience. We were seated right away, which was great. Also loved the location- in the quaint Beldon-Stratford. I felt like I was back in the '20s! :)
(3)
Lucas M.
I've been here before, and I actually remember it being better than it was last night, but it was still good. With so many restaurants on the scene now, it's hard to stand out. But Mon Ami Gabi does what it does, and it does what it does well. However the menu has not changed since October of 2006, so I was a little disappointed to see that some seasonal styles of cooking and ingredients weren't used. Brasserie Jo (a fav of mine) just last week had nice Alsatian tasting to show of some German influences in the French Alsace region, but alas, that's a different review. The restaurant is very country in decor, but is warm and accommodating. The service is quite nice and is very attentive. I'm a big fan of the wine cart. I like not having to wait for the waiter to travel to the bar for every glass if you don't get a bottle. I had the fillet mignon frites special, and my date had the scallops. The escargot was great as was the pate. I had flowers delivered to the restaurant, and they were waiting for us at our table, so the hostess came through there. There is a coat check, valet, and the valet flags down cabs too. I thought the prices were right in line with similar styles of bistros. All in all, a pleasant night out. In the future I would like to see some more creations in addition to the existing menu, but the restaurant is still a hit.
(4)
Lala R.
This is one of my favorites in Chicago! Good location- right by the park and parking is fairly easy to find. Good bang for your buck! If you like fish I suggest you try to Skate- yum!!
(5)
Renato P.
Went to this place for my wife's birthday and she had a very happy birthday because of it. I was uneasy when I first stepped into the building it is in because its like some sort of hotel or fancy condo co-op. As soon as I entered the place, everything got exponentially better. The wait staff was friendly , helpful and catered to my kid excellently. I had the pate (I've had better) was pretty good, The onion soup (soup was good , I guess I don't like the Gruyere cheese baked on top, a little sharp for me) was OK. I had the Raw Oysters and they were very good. My wife ,kid , and I got the Steak Clasique , everyone really liked it. It was a sirloin pounded thin and covered in a delicious herb butter. The fries are flat and thin and I wasn't thrilled with that, I've had better , but they were good. My mother got the Steak Wellington , the Friday special, and while I'm not thrilled with mushrooms , a major ingredient, She loved it , I thought it was very good. We ordered the chocolate cake and the creme brulee and both were very good. We all left this place happy , and my wife left with a new favorite French restaurant.
(4)
mike s.
steak frites are fantastic...go with the filet or the sirloin instead of the regular hanger steak. trout is amazing. grandmere's chicken and frites is way bettter than anything my grandma ever made. house cab is always good. very kid-friendly before 7pm [there is a little frites menu] ...letling your 6 year old daughter practice ordering in french almost justifies her private school tuition. AND they have takeout
(5)
katherine ..
solid french bistro with large portions and decent prices. it gets noisy and is tight, so those with claustrophobia should try to get a freestanding table. i crave the frites and tomato salad.
(5)
Mark P.
Mediocre French bistro. What you would expect from a Lettuce Entertain You establishment. Moules and steak were just ok. Pomme frites were more like shoestring potato chips and flavorless at that.
(3)
Amy B.
Currently my favorite meal in Chicago - Steak Classique. DELICIOUS!!!
(5)
Stephanie M.
French food from crepes to steak and frites. Warm french bread at your table. The French martini here is the best I've ever had. You can taste the chambord, you can taste the pineapple, and the vodka is enough to give you a buzz.
(3)
Kate D.
Mon Ami Gabi is a fantastic "French" restaurant. The ambiance is truly upscale. The food portions are small and the steak is very 'thin' but the 'pom frites' are the best outside France.
(4)
Joe S.
All right, LETTUCE haters. I'm talking to you here. Bashing our hometown mangia monolith is getting pretty popular, but this is a REALLY solid bistro. Possibly the best frites (those are fries to you laymen out there) in town, solid cassoulet, great bouillabaise, and wonderful chicken grand-mere style. Bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin is luscious, ask for it medium rare to keep it juicy though. Steaks are just OK. The Skate is much better, and other seafood choices can't miss, either. One of the few places in town you can get bananas foster, and they do a nice job on it. Their french onion soup is simply magnifique (that's french, y'know). Attentive service, great bartender. Here I go , about to complain about wine again (my wine whine, i supppose), but would it kill these french places to carry more than ONE brand of Pouilly-Fuisse? MORE WHITE BURGUNDY ALREADY, jeez. Lighting is perfect, decor is dead-on dark francais bistro. Bigger IS sometimes better. Lettuce Entertain You hits a homerun here.
I was here on a Thursday night with a couple girlfriends. They seated us pretty fast. To my surprise the restaurant is actually pretty small inside so I could see it being pretty hard to get a seat. Make sure you make a reservation. I had the beef bourguignon and cesear salad. Both were very good. The beef was cooked just right. One of my friends had the steak and the other had the lemon chicken. Both were very pleased as well. We were most pleased with the dessert. As part of restaurant week the tasting included mango sorbet, chocolate moose and a creme brule. I liked them all and they were all in a very good serving size. I'm really glad i finally came here as it is down the street from me. Definitely will be going back and taste some things on the full menu.
(4)
Michael D.
Good and bad. My table was right next to the bathroom, and the bar, so I constantly was moving my chair to avoid getting a crotch or ass to the back of my head. My waitress was nice, but I just sensed some arrogance about her? I'm not versed in French food, so I had a few questions, and i just felt a tone in her delivery. To her defense, my wife didn't feel the same way. Food was real good. I started with the baked cheese and the olive jar which were very flavorful. For my entree I had the Salmon over Orzo, which I am now kicking myself for not getting the special/ fish of the day which sounded better. Salmon was cooked well, I felt the Orzo may have been a little over cooked for my liking. My wife had a salad which she was pleased with. I may go back, there were a few items I wanted to try but for whatever reason I did not.
(4)
Frederick C.
Six of us dined at Mon Ami Gabi last night, and it was one of the best dining experiences all of us had ever had! The sauce on the scallop appetizer was delectable, the trout melted in your mouth, and the steak bernaise was delicious and cooked to perfection. The atmosphere is great, but perhaps the best part of our meal was the impeccable service and the great sense of humor of our waiter John. Several of our party were late, and he served them quickly after they arrived. He patiently learned the intracasies of my camera to take a group photo, and let us taste several wines until we found one we liked. We can't wait to get back and highly recommend this restaurant, where we hope we can sit at one of John's tables!
(5)
Jake C.
Steak Frites! Woo-Hoo! First, I recommend a reservation. My wife and I went on a Monday night, and I am glad we had a reservation. It was crazy full with folks having the Passover menu. So maybe I just recommend a reservation if you go during Passover. Anyway..... Martini was good. Wine by the glass options were good. My wife and I shared a soup and a salad. The soup was a great mushroom soup, not too creamy. The salad was a mixture of spring greens with bacon and a soft poached egg. Wonderful fresh taste to the plate. Dinner was Steak Frites for each. My wife had the bearnaise sauce which I thought was just ok. I had the red wine reduction with caramelized onions and it was incredible. The flavors blended together well and the medium done steak was perfectly cooked. Finished off with a Chocolate Mousse which was a generous portion, plenty enough for the two of us to share. In my OpenTable reservation I made a note that we were celebrating our anniversary. Bonus points to the restaurant for making note of this, wishing us a good one and offering the dessert on the house. Staff was all very pleasant. Only minor hitch was at one point our main server was out of sight for a while, but another server took our order and the evening progressed just fine. We spent a good 2 hours dining and never felt rushed, and the servers took time to answer all of our questions about the menu. They really made a great experience out of our special occasion.
(5)
Adisak P.
I love Mon Ami Gabi. I've been coming here for over ten years. They have a nice warm dark wood decor and an intimate feel that is perfect for a date. In summer time, they open their patio which is also a great place to enjoy a view of Lincoln Park and the Zoo with a small group of close friends. The service is attentive, knowledgeable, and extremely polite and well mannered. Last night I stopped by for dinner with a group of four friends. It was a Friday night and was quite busy but they added us to the waitlist for the outside and told us it would be 30-40 min. We got a couple martinis at the bar and waited -- The Parisian Martini, a twist on the classic French Martini with Cointreau instead of Chambord, is wonderful. The bartender pours this concoction into a Martini Glass with a bit of Champagne and an Orange slice and the result is heavenly. So 45 minutes later and two Martinis (I also got a Belvidere Dirty with Blue Cheese Olives) we were on the patio and ready to eat. The wait was actually good because the temperature outside cooled off quite a bit and it was more comfortable on the patio than it would have been if we were immediately seated. They brought warm french bread and butter which was great to accompany our starting dishes of French Onion soup and Butter Lettuce and Asparagus. All four of us ordered fish: scallops with whipped cauliflower, skate wing (one with chips and one with frittes), and a salmon salad. The fish was all very delicious and well prepared. We had a bottle of Sancerre which complemented the flavors perfectly. After dinner we turned to dessert with the Bananas Foster and Chocolate Mousse. The waiter surprised us by bringing an extra Bananas Foster for free (we told him we were sharing and he wanted to make sure we had plenty to share). All in all, a quite pleasant evening in beautiful Lincoln Park with a nice group of close friends. Everything turned our perfectly even though we didn't have plans and didn't make reservations and the extra dessert at the end was... well, icing on the cake.
(5)
The M.
Veggie in a french restaurant ..!$^*#! Need I say more. However the dessert was great.
(2)
Matt M.
One year after my first visit to this "Lettuce Entertain You" outpost I finally find it fit to commit my review to rather than keep it contained in memories of tender, medium-rare steak frites, slightly too sweet french onion soup with gruyere, and the nigh on elderly lady at the table adjacent who participated in all of our conversations. We walked in without a reservation on a Thursday night, which I don't recommend doing after seeing the line that blossomed after our arrival. Contained in the elegant Belden-Stratford residences just a few blocks from the lake, Mon Ami Gabi provides a decent experience that leaves you sated. As another reviewer stated so well, "I don't think it's the epitome of classy dining". As I find myself saying so often, know what you're getting into and you'll walk away satisfied. Mon Ami Gabi gives you an above average meal with good service and a well-polished attitude; no more, no less.
(4)
Mollie H.
Living a block away from this restaurant, we have to make a concerted effort not to O.D. on it. With that said, we try to pick a a few nights a year to have a great meal here. One of those nights is New Years Eve. You wouldn't expect too much from a restaurant that doesn't really promote NYE festivities but upon entering Mon Ami Gabi, it's clear they are ready to celebrate in style. Black & silver balloons cover the entire ceiling, pretty feathered crowns & top hats are passed out, and they make sure everyone is set with blowers, horns & all sorts of noisemakers before 12. There isn't a better way to have a low key NYE with delicious wine & steak. Also- try to hit this place up in the summer and enjoy dining on their beautiful patio. It's a great escape!
(4)
Eugene K.
The Good: An affordable French restaurant. Their arctic char was prepared perfectly! Sweet potato soup was also very tasty! The Bad: There's nothing really that stood out about the food. The Country Pate was more pork butt and fat than liver or veal. French onion soups are usually over salted for my tastes at most restaurants, their's was very under seasoned. The beef bourguignon didn't have that melt in your mouth taste you want with the braised beef. The beef was also butchered with too much ligament intact, tasty with Pho not so much with beef bourguignon. The Ugly: Parking is a nightmare, just valet your car. Overall my experience was positive, my palate for French Cuisine is still growing but I can definitely say Mon Ami Gabi didn't have anything memorable in my opinion which is what makes it 3 stars over 4. I've had just about everything I had tonight at another restaurant that did it better for less money. Thanksfully everything was paid for with a LEYE gift certificate.
(3)
Ingrid R.
The food was very good and the service was good. We arrived 5 minutes late for our 7.30pm reservation on a Saturday night. We had to wait over 20 minute for a table (I wish we'd been 25 minutes late). Friends of ours happened to be there the same night and they said they had to wait for their table too despite being on time for their reservation. We were advise to get a drink at the bar which was impossible because it was fully seated and after trying to make eye-contact with the bar tender for a few minutes we decided we'd go for a drink across the lobby (the restaurant is in The Belden Hotel). I will review there later (if you're not loaded (with money not booze) don't go). The atmosphere was not what I was hoping for. We were at the corner of a couch that was attached to the wall. I was facing one table and my husband was facing another. It was quite cramped. Although I wasn't bumping elbows while eating it was a squeeze to get in due to us being in a corner with tables to both free sides and our couch being on the other two sides. The restaurant was pretty noisy. I tried to imagine what kind of night it would be good for but couldn't. Maybe a large family (older family) night. Definitely not the romantic dinner I had hoped for. We had escargot and the baked cheese for appetizers which were very good. I had Steak Roquefort (awesome) and my husband had a medium steak which was definitely not medium (looked exactly like the rare I ordered). Both were delicious though. The profiteroles for dessert were good. I'm giving it 3 stars because the food really was good, but I don't think I'll be rushing back.
(3)
Gabe L.
Being "Gabe", people always joke around with me being their "Mon Ami", but that doesn't rhyme with "Gabe". Silly people. I sat outside on a beautiful evening, got some French wine, some Steak Frites, la vie est belle ... The hotel lobby was beautiful, and Shakespeare's statue watches you eat from the park. What a creepo.
(4)
Kristen S.
Mon Ami Gabi is seriously as good as it gets - and even better that it has a delicious gluten free menu! I love that they bring me warm, fresh-from-the-oven gluten free bread with olives. Such heaven. I have the fish here, usually, and every time it is fresh, seasonal, and fantastic. My husband loves the steak frites every time. And for dessert the chocolate mousse and the peach parfait. Parking is difficult, and valet (worth it!) is $12. The restaurant is adorable and service is friendly. Highly, highly recommended!
(5)
Kate B.
So, I don't understand the hype of this place. Everyone was so excited when I told them I was having dinner here, and in the end... it's a perfectly lovely French restaurant with perfectly lovely food and wonderful servers. But I don't think it's the epitome of classy dining, that everyone makes it out to be. I saw a lot of people in jeans and sweaters and it had a fairly easy going vibe to it. It was fine. But I don't think its atmosphere compares to places like Petterino's... Did I like it? Yes! Absolutely. I'd recommend it to friends. But I wouldn't swallow my tongue if someone invited me to go again. (Major props for having a FABULOUS wait staff.)
(4)
Lynn W.
Wonderful fun place for girls night out. Server, David, was very professional, engaging, and attractive! Food was delicious. Atmosphere was relaxing and fun. Would definitely go back.
(4)
Valerie S.
Loved the steak frites. Very reasonably priced for a french restaurant and in the Lincoln Park location. We could only find valet parking though, which was a little pricey, but that's not the fault of the restaurant. The service was great and the ambiance was nice.
(5)
Alisa G.
One of my favorite restaurants. The escargot is excellent. And I discovered my favorite drink here -- a French 75.
(5)
Katrina S.
I LOVE french cuisine and after hearing great things about Mon Ami Gabi I jumped at the opportunity to check it out when I got the invitation. WHAT a let down. It started bad and just got worse. A fly in my dirty martini was the start (ironic much?). The waiter apologized and took it back but no offer to comp a new one. We ordered Escargot which came out so burnt I wondered why it left the kitchen. It was black and boiling so furiously I thought it must be near the temperature of the surface of the sun! We had to send that back as well. The pate just wasn't good and the texture was off - much less desirable than other pate I have eaten. This could be a taste issue but I have never had a pate I didn't like - until now. I started to feel guilty for telling the waiter everything he put in front of us just wasn't cutting it (even though he didn't really seem to care). We decided to cut our losses, pay the tab & leave. I have been to several other French restaurants in the city that were far superior in service, value & quality. It would have to be some supercalifragilistic circumstances to ever bring me back here.
(2)
Jess P.
WOW. going to this place I NEVER thought I would love it as much as I did as I am not such a fan of French cuisine....however...like I said before WOW! The food was amazingly delicious!!!! I will say, I am not such a fan of the location..it is rather odd and usually restaurants that are attached to hotels or apartments are not the best....Mon Ami Gabi took me by suprise! Our waiter was extremely helpful...as I am somewhat unfamiliar with French wines he helped my boyfriend and I to choose one according to taste...not just the most expensive one on the menu! Wine was GREAT! and he even brought us out a complimentary appetizer of olives since it was our first time dining there...awesome!! We ordered the 3cheese appetizer...which was great...but a little lacking in the amount for price component.... BUT, did I mention the free warm bread! could hardly keep my hands off...it came with some sort of carrot based dip and butter...wasn't a fan of the carrot stuff but bread and butter...always great! For dinner my bf and I both ordered steak dishes...I ordered the steak and blue cheese (subbed potato au gratin instead of frites, no problem)! and my bf got the steak with dijon mustard butter & frites...my steak was simply amazing...LARGE portion! and every bite was quality steak! the potatos were almost heavenly ! and although I didn't taste the dijon steak my bf said it was amazing too! Absolutely LOVE this place...only downside is price...I would say be ready to splurge or try going for lunch!
(5)
Matthew G.
The food here is consistently very good. The Sea Scallops Gratinee are an amazing starter and you cannot go wrong with any entree. The drinks are a little overpriced, but the food is extremely affordable for the quality. As far as service, the waitstaff is always extremely attentive. The manager is always very present and each time I have been, I have received a very enthusiastic, "Thank You" on my way out the door.
Takes Reservations : Yes Delivery : Yes Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Dinner Parking : Valet, Garage, Street Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : No Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Dressy Ambience : Classy Noise Level : Average Alcohol : Full Bar Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : Free Has TV : No Dogs Allowed : No Waiter Service : Yes Caters : Yes
Craig D.
(3.75) ~ Good Overall Food & Service. Located in the Hotel. OUR MENU: DRINKS: * Various Red Wines = (4.25) Very good * Water(tap) = (3) ok...needs to be filtered * Coffee = (3) ok...maybe offer "French" Pressed FOOD: * Bread & Butter & Asparagus Pesto = (4) very good * Kale, Bacon, Salad w. Poached Egg = (4) very good * Pork Tenderloin Tomahawk = (3.5) good * Chocolate Mousse = (3.5) good
(4)Jenna C.
No doubt Mon Ami Gabi is a stylish and much sought-after restaurant. Our group of 4 headed over after dinner in River North to experience their dessert and drink offerings. Upon entering at around 10ish, it was still so busy that we waited about 10-15 minutes for a table to open up. Not a problem, as it's situated in the Belden Stratford hotel so there is plenty of space to wait in the grand lobby. The hostess was not too friendly but we really liked our waitress. White chocolate bread pudding, creme brulee, chocolate cake, and raspberry sour cream ice cream were chosen to satisfy our sweet tooths. All were divine. Decaf coffee and good conversation complimented the desserts well, and made for a pleasant night. I would probably recommend Mon Ami for a little older crowd, special occassion, or fancier date night.
(4)Sean G.
Pure French comfort food that's a bit more elevated than expected. My wife and I have been here a hundred times. It's on our regular restaurant circuit and we always come here for special occasions because they just do it right. Overall, this is my favorite restaurant in Chicago. It's situated in the Belden-Stratford, across the street from the Lincoln Park Zoo & Conservatory. Going for a stroll through the zoo, then coming here for dinner is my favorite thing to do on a Saturday. During the holidays, Zoo Lights and dinner at Mon Ami Gabi is a tradition, but reserve early - it's also the tradition of many others! My wife and I honeymooned in Paris, and the first time we dined at Gabi's, we were immediately transported back there. There are a few clichéd things about the decor, but it's tastefully done. The bench seats are surprisingly comfortable, and even though it looks like you're going to be cramped, you are never intruded on by other diners and the theatrical touch of pulling out the table for you to sit is always a treat. As for the food, I've tried just about everything on the menu, but they specialize in Steak Frîtes - and have many options to choose from, which is really unique. I do have to recommend the Dijon, Classique and the Bordelaise treatments - mouthwateringly delicious and tender. Now, if you've never had a classic, Parisian bistro steak, you will be in for a surprise. Unlike American steaks, they take a strip and pound it thin. If that sounds weird, don't let it deter you. It's super tender and every bite is exceptionally flavorful. The frîtes are unique, and can take some getting used to (think of large, crispy potato sticks instead of traditional fries), but are a wonderful counterpoint to the tender steak. Other stars on the menu, which is seasonal for all non-steak choices, are the traffic-stopping Beouf Bourguignon and Braised Shortrib during the colder months. I often get the Trout Amandine, which is amazingly delicate and extremely flavorful, but this last time I ordered the Lemon Salmon... it was the best salmon dish I've had this side of Paris and was beautifully presented. Perfectly seasoned and seared with unbelievably tasty thumbelina carrots and a lightly minted pea purée with both peas and pea pods in it. I thought I died and went to heaven. Also, the Country Pâté is a special treat, but if you are a fan of Escargot, as I am, just get it and ask for extra bread - you'll definitely want to dip it into the garlic butter sauce after! They are simply perfect. It's very hard to go wrong here, even their soups are fabulous - their soup specials are invariably extraordinary and you'll love the presentation. For dessert, they have the usuals like an excellent Chocolate Mousse and Crème Brûlée but get the Crêpes Suzette if available. You will not be disappointed. The only thing I feel are a miss are the Mussels Marinìere. I used to live on the Atlantic coast, and really acquired a taste for small, meaty mussels. What they have here are the big, fleshy ones in a white wine sauce that doesn't work with my palette, but I've seen many others enjoy them. They have a very nice wine list, and even have excellent choices by the glass in their wine cart, unlike many other restaurants. Their house Pinot Noir is a solid choice, but I prefer their Côtes du Rhône when not having my usual. Speaking of which, I've racked up quite a martini body count here. Because their bartender makes them so perfectly, it's hard to limit yourself to 2... even though you should! Final thoughts are to come here for a great experience: delicious, upscale, comforting food and impeccable service. Every server superlatively executes their craft, but Amber and Vincent really shine. They are a Lettuce Entertain You restaurant, so if you become a regular - and you likely will - pony up the $25 for the frequent diner card and sign up for the text promotion program. It is worth it.
(4)Susie S.
Fantastic French bistro. I cannot complain one little bit about the quality of their food or the impeccable service. Looking forward to my next great meal there.
(5)Viviana K.
Hosted my best friends bridal shower here and it really was an incredible experience from prep to the end. When I was getting quotes the event coordinator Lily responded right away. She responded to every question I had (and I had lots of questions) and made several accommodations to my group. I got so many positive compliments on the shower from guests and the food was delicious. Best part was that we were able to stay within budget after an unexpected increase in our guest list. Thank you to the entire staff for providing such great service.
(5)Jeff S.
I've been to Mon Ami several times for dinner. This is my first time for brunch. We sat outside and the patio was very nice. The bloody Mary's was delicious. The food was fantastic. Highly recommended.
(5)Tom B.
This is Chicago fine dining at its best. We come here every year on the weekend before Christmas. Mon Ami is a small, intimate French bistro, and the ambiance is definitely part of the experience. It's located across from Lincoln Park Zoo, in the Belden Stratford building. The Belden is now a luxury apartment building; they stopped being a hotel a year or so ago, which was a tragedy. Regardless, Mon Ami Gabi has a a relatively small menu, but each item is carefully crafted. I got the 22oz bone in ribeye, which is pan fried and comes with fries (frites). This is one of the best steaks you'll ever have. A terrific French wine selection rounds out the menu. Mon Ami is without a doubt my favorite Chicago restaurant.
(5)Haley C.
I had heard great things about this restaurant so I made reservations here for Sunday brunch. I was extremely disappointed. First of all, they have a huge menu, but they don't offer it during brunch. The brunch menu is really small and there's nothing on it that differentiates it from any other breakfast place in Lincoln Park. The wait staff was pretty stuck up and they forgot to bring us 3 things we asked for. As far as the food, it was fine, but just fine. I had the salmon salad which was a piece of salmon on spinach basically, very underwhelming. My boyfriend had the steak and frites which was oily and the frites were awful. I would not recommend this restaurant. Save your money and pass on this restaurant.
(2)Dalia M.
I'm unsure the last time I had a quintessential French meal out but this place was pretty delicious. It was super busy on a Friday night. We waited for our reservation for about ten minutes. The bartender is pouring drinks for everyone and he was pretty awesome with given me a niiiiice glass of Mccallans. Once seated our table of four split the mussels. Excellent. Save the baguette for the broth. We all ordered a variety of steak frites. I was unsure what to get and always get filet mignon so wanted to be a bit adventurous and I ended up getting the pepper steak and it was really good. The fries were good, just not my favorite frites ever. Paired with a Bordeaux, my meal was trés bon. I will say my friend got a filet mignon with the Merlot butter and my goodness I will be getting that next time. I really enjoyed this place!
(4)Greggory H.
The food here is absolutely fantastic! Sure its a chain of sorts, but the steak and steamed mussels are to die for! The classic French bread served with the meal is something special. I have even visited just for the bread to bring it home (since I live in the building that the restaurant is located within) for my own home cooked meals.
(4)Farman P.
We just went to this place yesterday. The food was so good you will definitely have no problem finding something worth eating and it's top notch place. They have amazing appetizers and awesome desserts. My only problem with this place is that the service was semi annoying. When I called on the phone to double check to see if my reservations were good, the lady acted like I was wasting her time and she rushed our conversation. The waiter we had didn't even introduce himself which I thought was really odd since that's how all restaurants are. Fortunately this did not ruin our night because the goodness delicious! Wild Boar Ragu was a great dinner choice; the meat would fall all over in your mouth. The appetizer was baked goat cheese with bread and marinara sauce. It's divine! I couldn't stop eating it. Depending on what day you go, double check with what the specials are. For some reason, we weren't told what it was, but there's a board around to show you what they have, but it's not all over their wall so Id recommend just asking the waiter instead. This is the second french restaurant I've been to and one thing I notice is that they love to fill up their space. It looks cramped, but it doesn't feel that way. The interior design has that kind of ambience of how you would want your romantic night to be. So, not everything can be perfect but Mon Ami Gabi will deliver to your standards. They might not be the most welcoming or friendly (like being on your phone at the front desk), but that won't ruin your night whatsoever. I want to stress that this place was still a favorite of mine! I hope it will be for you too.
(4)Kat G.
Had a fantastic dinner here! With a reservation, we were seated very promptly. All of the staff members were very welcoming and attentive. Started off with the onion soup and kale warm bacon salad. Both were excellent. I had the peppercorn steak frites--loved the spice. Husband had the dover sole, which he enjoyed very much. Ended with the profiteroles. Overall, great service and excellent food. Would definitely come back and try more of their offerings!
(5)Jialing L.
Celebrated my 22nd birthday here last summer. The restaurant itself has a great atmosphere and the service is amazing. A couple of my friends were running late but they still seated us and kept bringing us bread as we waited (seriously, we had so much bread. it was so good). My friends ordered the escargot for me to try since I had never had any before and it was an interesting experience. Too garlicky for my taste but it was good. I ordered the bordelaise steak frites for my entree and really enjoyed it. The steak itself was very flavorful and the portion size was huge. The frites were fine but not my favorite type. They also brought me a chocolate cupcake for my birthday and it was delicious. Really glad i chose this place to celebrate my birthday.
(4)James Z.
I normally enjoy Mon Ami Gabi, but the service on Sunday 6 September was uncustomarily unacceptable. We had a reservation -- it was an anniversary -- and a decent table was not to be had. We were begrudingly seated at a small table by a very loud (bar-crowd-like) party, then re-seated at a table that would barely hold a sandwich, let alone two plates. We were told by the manager Whitney that everything else was booked. And yet the good tables were empty. The refusal even to attempt to accommodate us set the wrong tone, and even then, it would have been nice if Whitney came around to check on us, The food: It was not a stellar night either. Why anyone would serve pate with iron-hard bread escapes me. Some of the usual staff do not seem to be there, and I hope management will remedy the situation for its remaining customers. You might get away with this kind of service in Lincoln Square or Andersonville, where new places start up, but not at a place that had been solid.
(2)Gina M.
Had an amazing dinner last night. Celebrated a birthday and had great food and great service. Highly recommend the seafood tower. For $55 you get a pound and a half lobster along with 4 shrimp, 4 oysters, and some salmon tartare. The salad with quail egg and bacon was also amazing. Ryan, our waiter, was knowledgeable about the menu and made our experience that much better. I think Mon Ami Gabi just became my new favorite restaurant. (Sorry Girl and the Goat :( )
(5)Jim M.
What a surprise, so close to home lies people that take pride in their art. From a fine wine selection to a classic bistro menu to alert, not in your face service, Mon Abi Gabi is a home run! A fresh salad with a lemony vinaigrette that included multiple vegetables and micro greens. Steak Frites with Au Pouvre was unreal, it was cooked perfectly and tender, the sauce devine. The bread was what I would've hoped from a bistro, airy and crisp. It is evident these folks are serious about their craft. Simple presentation of awesome food without attitude, when do I plan on returning? Weekly!
(5)Jean L.
I first came here with a group of 10 and received spectacular service. The steaks are thin, which I don't know if it's a steak-frites kind of thing, but it was definitely different. I got some kind of mushroom sauce on my filet and subbed out my frites for a salad. I left full and satisfied. We also ordered muscles, snails, and french onion soup (which apparently they're known for). As for the second time I came here, I was without a reservation, on a Friday night, at 7pm. The hostess was super nice and said that her 6:30 reservation still hadn't shown up, so if I would bear with her for another 15 minutes, she would see if she could squeeze me in. I waited, and luckily the no-shows never showed! This round was also very good. To be honest, the food, while good, was nothing to-die-for, but I LOVED the cocktails!! They were strong, traditional, and pleasant. Hell, I'd go back for the bar alone.
(4)Jenny S.
Great service, atmosphere and most of all, food! Definitely will come back again! I came with a few friends for restaurant week and had a delicious meal and overall, wonderful experience. Our waiter even overheard my love for Julia Child and commented that the iconic gastronome and francophile once visited the restaurant in the 80's and that he had actually served her! He described her as a incredibly pleasant woman (and lush). Then, I definitely geeked out. Holy Moly. I wanted to eat everything, of course, but had to settle on my own, singular meal and just taste the others my friends had ordered. I would reccomend the friseé salad, beef bourguignon, and chocolate mousse! Trust me! And if you love dry, full bodied red wines, try the Bordeaux Supérieur. Excellent! I should've gotten a bottle. It's a cozy, casual, romantic atmosphere tucked away in a cute boutique hotel. People are seated somewhat close to each other but of the 3 other tables that surrounded ours, everyone was extremely friendly and cordial throughout the night even though there was a degree of bumping eachother between servers and bathroom breaks. Whether its date night, girls night or dinner with the family, this is a very good bet!
(4)Ken K.
You won't get a better meal anywhere for the price. Have been here countless times and have never been disappointed. Steak and frites are the best. From the bread and wine to the creme brûlée.... Fantastico!!!!
(5)Mike S.
This place got really busy quite quickly on a Sunday night. I would definitely recommend placing a reservation. The seating on the inside was really tight with the tables all really close together which I typically don't mind but it can be awkward for strangers to be a part of your conversation. The food: Fresh loaf of French bread-delicious and warm. French Onion Soup-very good but is a large portion, I would split with another member of your party if possible. Roquefort Steak Frites-delicious steak that was cooked perfectly with blue cheese sauce drizzled on top. Pommes Purée-very good and creamy, however the portion was a bit smaller than I was hoping for. Bananas Foster Crepe-delicious with ice cream in every bite
(4)Rachel A.
Good food, friendly waiters. I got the lemon salmon and it was perfectly cooked. Everyone else I was with got Steak and they all had nothing but good things to say. We also enjoyed the whipped cauliflower and spinach. Unfortunately, I was so full from dinner I did not order dessert, however all the desserts sounded great and I want to go back and try one!! (or two)
(5)Linz M.
Easily one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago. It is a go-to! The food is always delicious. Personal favorites include Caesar salad, French onion soup, steak frites bordelaise and the salmon. For dessert you must order their portfolios-so decedent and delicious-it is big enough to share!
(5)Sage P.
I was having a bad day. I decided to treat myself and order a steak from Mon Ami Gabi. Mon Ami Gabi is NOT my friend. My food arrived cold, which is mysterious to me as they are not too far from my house (and even weirder, they delivered on time). They also managed to forget my drink. A star for the taste, a star for delivering on time. Negative stars for my food arriving cold, useless fries, and no drink. (Do they pay people to leave good reviews or is no one else foolish enough to order delivery?)
(2)Lysa C.
For the past seven years , my favourite French bistro in Chicago. Impeccably consistent in the food, great ambiance , perfect for special occasions. The scallop appetizer is FANTASTIC!! Frites are the best around!! Lovely service. We always ask for Ryan , he is attentive ,professional and very personable !!! Highly recommend Mon Ami Gabi!!!
(5)Cecilia W.
The service was wonderful ! The bartender was just so kind to all of the customers and could tell me the specials and mixed a really great cocktail. Of course the food was wonderful and the best I've had in Chicago. I will be back with friends and family.
(5)Perry R.
Sunday Brunch was great. Although the menu selection was limited all the choices were interesting and well priced. Our server Amber was knowledgeable and followed up at appropriate times. French kiss sandwich was tasty and omelettes were full of tasty bits as promised on the menu. While the red wine bottles sat outside for single pours they were chilled to ensure they did not pick up the heat of the day. Only minor complaint was that the frites were warm- not hot - probably sitting too long under the warming lights.
(5)Kathleen K.
No complaints from us; even our vegan son enjoyed what he chose, which was the veggie tagine. Good food, great wine, attentive service, relaxing. The tables are a bit crowded together, but that's the only negative as far as we're concerned. Also, the prices are high, but not outrageous. It's our favorite Chicago special occasion restaurant.
(5)Kate L.
I came here with my family for my 21st birthday, and while I had been dying to come here for years because of their extensive gluten free menu, the price and quality left something to be desired. First of all, the decor of the restaurant is amazing; it feels like a real French restaurant! Unfortunately, we got off to a bumpy start. We had a reservation, and yet we still ended up waiting 20 minutes for our table. The hostess was not welcoming at all, and seemed bothered when we asked if our table was ready yet. I get that it's a busy restaurant on a Saturday night, but people were arriving and being seated before our small party of 3 was able to be seated. Our waiter ended up being very kind, but it didn't quite make up for the bad first impression. The portions were HUGE! I had been eyeing Mon Ami Gabi for years, so naturally I knew exactly what I wanted to try. However, a starter, main course, and dessert were wayy too much. I was full a couple spoonfuls into my French onion soup! But aside from the fact that I was unable to finish anything, the food quality was kind of disappointing. The French onion soup was basically all onions - no soup - and the steak was chewy with tasteless, limp fries. For more than $50 a person, I was expecting the food to be better than what you can get at Olive Garden! Overall, I don't think I'll be back to Mon Ami Gabi. It just wasn't worth it for the money. While our waiter was very nice, and the ambiance was great for celebrating a special occasion, the food and the price of this restaurant just aren't in sync with each other.
(3)Danielle S.
I love Mon Ami Gabi. I love it in Las Vegas and I love it in Chicago. We chose to sit outside during a perfect chicago late summer night and it couldn't have been a more amazing evening. A light breeze, the lights twinkling in the trees, and the sirens providing an orchestra of background music. The service was impeccable which is what I have come to expect from MAG. Our wine choices were always appropraite it cooled and glasses refreshed when needed. We ordered the goat cheese and tomato sauce appetizer which literally I dream about year round. The onion soup? Perfection. The steak frites are a HUGE serving, so delicious and such a reasonable price. I'm not sure I would change a single thing about my experience, except maybe for the unattended kids running around the patio, but then again that isn't really the responsibility of the restaurant and more of the ill behaved parents. Can you tell I love this place? Can't wait to go back!
(5)derek T.
This place is a regular for us. The good: wonderful ambience, incredible steak frites, excellent escargot, perfectly roasted chicken, and a warm and professional staff. The so so: a small bar so don't expect to "wait at the bar" comfortably if you are more than 2, serving temp for the wine - the cellar is a ways from the bar so if you order a nice bottle of red, ask if it is coming from the bar or the cellar (a difference of about 15 degrees in the wrong direction). A fun romantic night for two - perfect. Dinner with friends - also perfect, but make sure you have a reservation. And, in the summer the patio is beautiful.
(4)Jamie B.
My husband and I had a superb experience here on Saturday night. The LEY folks never disappoint. The restaurant is really pretty inside- dark woods, mirrors, very french bistro. Its also nice that it's located in the best neighborhood in Chicago- Lincoln Park. So refreshing to not have to go to River North. The service was friendly and prompt and we didn't have to ask for anything at all. We had a cozy spot in the corner in the bar area and appreciated not feeling rushed. We selected: -Escargot: this was outstanding and was wonderful with the homemade baquette they bring you to start with. There was no cheese on the escargot which is how I prefer it. Excellent starter. -Endive and Roquefort Salad: be advised, there is a HUGE wedge (about the size of my hand) of bleu on this salad. It was nice to share; the cheese paired perfectly with the endive and pear on the salad. -French Onion Soup: I really liked this soup. It was sweeter than I've had at other places and much less salty. It was perfect. Again, may want to share, it's a pretty large crock. -NY Strip and Frites: medium-rare and prepared perfectly. The frites were skinny and delicious! -Filet Au Poivre: rare, the au poivre was the best I've ever had. The brandy to pepper ratio was spot on and this sauce was incredibly decadent. The steak was incredibly tender and had a delicious flavor. -Bananas Foster Crepe: I'd skip this next time. It was a crepe filled with vanilla ice cream with lots of bananas and caramel on the plate. Nothing too special, but good for a group. Overall it was a fantastic french dining experience, it's been awhile since I've had good French food and Mon Ami Gabi did an excellent job. We can't wait to come back.
(5)YellowStar B.
I came here in early January and what an adorable little gem. I ordered the fish and I tried some of the chicken. It was delicious and well presented.
(5)Griffin K.
Mon Ami Gabi service is unparalleled. I asked a simple question about two different wines, and the waiter brought out both options for me to sample before ordering. The french onion soup is a must.
(4)Mark C.
Absolutely amazing food, and service was spectacular. Fantastic wine selection and perfect ambiance
(5)Aashish J.
Great food, good service, perfect for date nights! I really liked Mon Ami Gabi. Thumbs up: 1. Food: Scallops Gratinees: Superbly delicious! A must appetizer. Bordelaise Steak Frites: One of the best steaks I have EVER had. Really good. Also tried Chicken Grand-Mere. Usually I don't eat chicken outside of my house because it is so bland. Who eats chicken if you can eat steak, really? But here I did and I have no regrets. Definitely recommend this dish! 2. Wine: A great wine selection at moderate price ranges. 3. Location: Not close to the train stations which is a bummer but can be reached by bus from downtown. However, walking distance away from the Lincoln Park Zoo. Wonderful for a stroll after dinner. 4. Great service!!! Thumbs down: 1. Food: a. French onion soup: Blah...tasted like onions and soysauce. Why anyone eats this dish is a mystery to me :P 2. Space: The tables are so small you feel like you are going to knock some glassware down with the oversize menu. No privacy at all :(
(4)Harini P.
Ok, I am a carnivore- I can out eat anyone when it comes to steaks! FOR REAL!! This place has an amazing 22-inch bone-in ribeye that is so juicy and delicious! It is super fatty, tender and amazing. Seriously one of the best steaks that I have ever had and let me tell you, I have had many. The best part is that the price is not as high as other places in this area, I truly recommend this cozy spot! Their desserts look amazing!!!
(4)Alice D.
I enjoyed this place, though I had chicken, at the suggestion of my sister-in-law, instead of steak; my wife did too, a different kind of chicken, a breast flattened and seasoned. My brother-in-law, who visits often, ordered everything except the entree, so life was good. The burgundy was excellent. Appetizers included crab cakes, flattened and exquisitely seasoned, salmon tartare and avocado served as if ceviche, and scallops in melted cheese in a scalloped serving dish. All wonderful. The manager and waiter were full of stories that they shared; John, the waiter, a singer, has a small cake and pastry business called Vincent Van Dough, specializing in a 6-layer Pride cake, and if the cookies he served us with other desserts is any indication, he must be doing gangbusters. It was a great meal. I'll be back to try the steak-frites.
(4)Michael B.
I've eaten at the one in Oakbrook before which was a little too suburban shopping mall, concept-ish for me. I'm generally not a big fan of these theme or concept restaurants owned and managed by large restaurant groups and they can often prioritize being businesses first and restaurants after that, versus establishments that truly take pride in their food, food sources, service and customer experiences. Not always, but enough that's I'm cautious. That said, I was there as a guest for a birthday party in a private room with limited menu choices. What I ordered, mushroom soup, salmon, root vegetables were all pretty good. I know the French like to slather everything in butter and add lots of salt, which helps but not really my thing, but, hot and tasty it was. Service was professional. Good buzz, looked like a local and Sat night date crowd mix. It's not in or on the top of my rotation, but for those living in the neighborhood, it seems like a nice place to have in the hood.
(3)S T.
Terrific French food like a genuine Parisian bistro. Classic steak frites was just right, as was the version au poivre. Steamed artichoke with a Dijon lemon sauce was outstanding. Crime brûlée also excellent. We sat it in the outdoor courtyard on a cool summer evening, walked the gardens afterwards. Service was attentive and not intrusive. Worth every penny.
(4)Alexander J.
As a next door neighbor, I have dined at Mon Ami Gabi and it's predecessor for decades. However, service on last 2 visits was substantially worse than past experience. On one visit, despite a reservation, we were kept waiting for over an hour. The host in this instance did offer apologies and comped both wine and dessert, which was appreciated and appropriate. The next visit we experienced poor service again, this time with both waitstaff and long delay (1 hour) for our main course. The host apologized and promised to follow up, but has not done so.
(2)Liz K.
To be honest, I was disappointed with my recent experience during Restaurant Week, mostly due to the service perspective and less due to the food aspect. Two of my girlfriends and I met at Mon Ami Gabi for a dinner reservation this past week at 7:00. We ended up waiting past our reservation time because the hostess offered us a better round table by a window, if we were willing to wait (which we did). It was nice to be at a table that was off of the beaten path of the restaurant, but my complaint about the table itself is that it was round and the white paper on top was square and was jutting out. It was an annoyance for the entire meal, even after I adjusted my seat. Our waiter just seemed rushed and disinterested in our table the whole night. When we weren't ready to order the first time he came by, at least 15 minutes passed before he came by to check on us again. I asked for a small substitution with my salad, just balsamic vinegar and oil dressing instead of the dressing from the menu. When our food came, the salad wasn't dressed and there was no balsamic vinegar and oil. It was a runner who brought the food and our waiter didn't check back for another 5 minutes after we had already started. Although we stayed for over two hours, the waiter never once spent more than 30 seconds at our table explaining the menu, asking us how our dishes were, or otherwise checking in on us. I was very disappointed considering the good impression I had of Mon Ami Gabi before this experience...but since my friends' dishes looked good (and I didn't have anything but a salad), I may be back at another time to try it again.
(3)Mike D.
Went here with my friend on a Wednesday around 8:30. I figured we could walk in and get a table for 2 no problem, but that was not the case. The restaurant was busy and slightly smaller than I imagined. We were given a 45 minute wait, so we grabbed 2 of the six seats at the bar. The bartender was super cool. I tried the gringolandia beer, a Latin-Chicago fusion beer that I hadn't seen anywhere else. After about 30-35 minutes we were seated. We tried the butternut squash soup but ended up splitting the onion soup instead, which was a bad decision. The butternut squash was wayyy better. And the french bread they provide is perfect for dipping in the squash soup. We ordered a bottle of dark red wine from the south of France, which went really well with the filet mignon. I was extremely happy with my entreé selection: The filet mignon grilled medium rare, with a side of sauteéd mushrooms subbed for the fries. (Tip: most restaurants will allow you to sub a side for the 'steak frites' or whatever they have, which is basically just a fancy way of saying steak and fries). Also important to note was that I chose the merlot butter option, not the other filet option. My buddy got the regular and when he tried mine he knew he had muffed that one. All in all, a good place for a semi-special occasion or just for your average bro-date!
(4)Rebekah L.
Overpriced and insane delivery fees for piss-poor portion sizes and cold food. They gave us a "free" stale baguette, which sucked. I was so disappointed with my delivery order I won't be bothering to go in-person.
(2)Benjamin B.
I've been to this one and the one in Vegas and both are just outstanding. Great service, hot delivery and the food is just amazing every time. The steak frites is always a go to for me. The hanger steak is extremely flavorful and tender. The beef bourguinion is a must try, best i've had outside of my mothers house.
(4)Lissa S.
Late review, but my boyfriend and I came here during restaurant week back in February. The food was delicious, the atmosphere cozy and romantic (the "cozy" part may have been largely due to the massive snowstorm outside, but I plan to go back sometime this summer, so I'll let you know), and the wait staff very kind and knowledgeable. I have no complaints and certainly plan to return! Great spot for a nice dinner date out.
(5)Alexandra H.
I haven't been to Mon Ami Gabi since I was 16 with my parents. I live down the road now, and my husband and I have been wanting to try it again. I was very happy with the results. The mussels were delicious. Definitely dunk the baguette in the liquid- the best part. Steak Bordelaise is one of my favorites, they cooked it to perfection. Often when I order medium-rare, it will be too rare for me, but this was just right. Husband got Steak Bearnaise, he loved it although I did not try it (rare for me, but I enjoyed my own so much that I just didn't have any desire to steal off of his plate!). Drank a bottle of Bordeaux, paired nicely with our steaks :) We ordered the Banana Foster Crepe for dessert. I'm still dreaming about it. Our waiter was great. The one draw back was that when he came around the first time we weren't ready, and then it took him a bit to get back to us again. But honestly not an issue, we just had a late reservation so we were starving! Definitely will go back again when craving steak frites!
(5)Stephanie S.
Hosted my best friend's bridal shower. Super cute inside but... Working in the FOH at a French restaurant myself back home, I was a little disappointed. I ordered a Kir Royal and they had some form of blackberry liquer but not Creme de Cassis. I had the Croque Monsieur which was just okay. The back room was freeeeeeezing. The main server was delightful (I didn't catch his name), though.
(3)Patrick T.
Had a fabulous dinner at Mon Ami Gabi. We booked a 5:30 PM table at the restaurant via Open Table about 5 days prior to our arrival. When we arrived, we were greeted promptly and courteously by the hostess and seated at our table for two. The restaurant has segmented interior spaces that make the overall feel more intimate. Within moments of arriving at our table, we were brought water, a small plate of thinly sliced asparagus medallions in a light oil infused with lemon and what seemed like a hint of mint. The asparagus was covered with shaved Parmesan cheese and served with an accompanying loaf of hard-crusted artesian French bread in its own paper bag. And butter, of course! :D All wonderful. We both ordered the fuller bodied Pinot from their wine list, which was delightfully smooth and complex. For our appetizer, we both ordered the special heirloom tomato chilled soup, which was simply out of this world!! For our entrees, I ordered the Steak Frites au poivre and my wife ordered the Atlantic Char special. Both were excellent and prepared perfectly. For dessert, we had a miniature trio of offerings, including a chocolate mousse, a creme brûlée, and a profiterole. Divine! Our server Don was informative, attentive and polite throughout our entire dining experience. Price was $125 before tip, which we felt was reasonable for a nice dinner out. Highly recommend Mon Ami Gabi and will definitely return again on our next visit to Chicago.
(5)Liz H.
My boyfriend and I came here for dinner on Wednesday night, we were promptly seated at a table for four even though we were only a party of two to allow us a little more space. A baguette and an amuse bouche were brought out after being seated, both were delicious and on the house. John was our server and he was amazing, he allowed us the perfect amount of time to look over the menu and was attentive without being overbearing. We order the mussels to start, they were fantastic - I highly recommend. For our main, we split the seafood platter and for $50, it was well worth the money. We both also had dessert, I the lemon creme brûlée and my boyfriend, the chocolate soup - a whimsical take on a very simple after dinner treat. All in all the entire experience was a wonderful one and we will definitely be retuning.
(5)Nathan S.
I didn't have dinner, but I came but I came for desert. And I have to say it was amazing, I tried the Chocolate moose and Peach Melba, so good and they made sure it was gluten free. Also the server I had was funny, nice and helpful, made it a way better experience. And because it was nice out I dinned out side and the outside patio was amazing great summer dinning.
(5)Lauren B.
Went here for a birthday dinner last night. If you're looking for a celebration dinner that's not too stuffy, you should go here. Escargot was good, although I don't have much to compare it to. Bread and butter tasted actually French. I had soup, husband had salad -- both were good but not outstanding. Entrees were excellent. I had the "Chicken Grandmere" -- really really delish. Better than just any old chicken. Hubby had the steak/frites with Dijon -- delightful. I'd go here again, but if I were looking for French steak/frites, I might be more likely to choose Bavette's ( yelp.com/biz/bavettes-ba… )
(4)Dima G.
The butter squash soup is heaven. Goat cheese appetizer is great. Their french baguette is addictive. Salmon was good. Not too impressed with deserts and the attentiveness of the server to get you another glass of wine.
(4)Marilyn P.
Still one of my favorite Chicago restaurants after many years. It provides a consistent level of quality and service in an intimate bistro setting. Their steaks are consistently excellent, the seafood specials are great, and I have found it a great environment for any social or business event. In addition, in summer you can sit outside in a lovely setting. Highly recommend.
(4)John W.
We stopped in for one drink and a desert. I ordered some chocolate caramel bar which knocked my socks off. My friend ordered the chocolate mousse which was also really good.
(4)Steve L.
With great excitement, I had made reservation for the promoted Seder Dinner for 7pm. I even received a confirmation call the day prior. Since I was recovering from surgery and unable to make the traditional dinner for my family, I thought why not. We did arrive a bit early and was told our table would be ready a little after 7pm and took the hostess's suggestion to have a drink before hand. By a quarter after 7pm, it became evident by the number of families that were now waiting in the lobby that it would be longer wait than anticipated. I sent my daughter to inquire and she was told a few minutes. Five minutes later, I went to the hostess and asked for an exact time. She apologized since the tables were not clearing. Looking at the computer screen, I counted at least seven reservations at 7pm. For such a small restaurant promoting a holiday dinner, the answer was clear. They were completely overbooked. When pressed, she admitted that 7:45pm or later would be the time to be seated. Now I know why they call them wait staff. This was unacceptable. I don't know if it was the inexperience of the staff or just incompetence. I cancelled the reservation and went to another restaurant nearby who also had a Seder Dinner. We were seated immediately. Reflecting on my collective experiences with Lettuce Entertain You restaurants, I see the problem and it truly runs throughout the numerous restaurant variations. So it must be a management prerogative. This organization really is not a customer-oriented. Reservations are meaningless. As a frequent dinner at LEY, you have finally lost me. I will not be returning to Mon Ami Gabi or any other property for as long as I can remember this awful experience.
(1)Barb R.
Went to Chicago a month a go with a friend. She loves doing foodie things and let me handle our dinner plans for our 4 night stay. I LOVE French cuisine. When I stumbled upon Mon Ami Gabi and Chez Moi...I was torn. I decided to go with Mon Ami Gabi. We arrived about 15 mins early for our reservation and was told it was going to be about a 30 minute wait. That was fine - it was a Saturday night and the place was fairly packed. We sat up at the bar and ordered glasses of Beaujolais Villages. We were seated about 30 mins later. Our server was Ryan and he was FABULOUS!! We didn't feel rushed or neglected. He brought us a warm petite baguette with this pickled carrot slaw. We didn't want to fill up on bread so started to look at the menu. We started with the warm brie accompanied by black pepper honey, hazelnut and croutons. The brie was creamy and mild and the honey and hazelnut balanced the dish out very nicely. We ordered and split a frisée, kale warm bacon salad and it was heaven! Wasn't drenched in dressing, right amount of everything and we both had a poached egg on top. For dinner, I had the chicken grandmere with a side of whipped cauliflower. The chicken was SO moist and tender and bursting with flavor. My friend thought I was being inappropriate with my food with all the noises that I was making...LOL ( she was teasing of course) She had the caramelized sea scallops. There were 5 huge nice and sweet tender scallops on her plate. It was SO good. (she shared) We finished our meal off with a bowl of pear sorbet which was very refreshing. If you love French cuisine, you'll love this place...however...if you're in a hurry this is not the place for you. This is a place to actually enjoy your meal and life! Bon Appéit!
(5)Melanie S.
Every time I come back to Mon Ami Gabi, I enjoy it more and more. Last night was the restaurant's 15th anniversary, and as part of the celebration, they were offering LEYE Frequent Diner cardholders triple points and free gift cards just for having dinner there. I'm a total points whore, so I can never pass up an offer like this. Other than a few missteps from our server (he just seemed a bit out of it), it was a near-perfect evening; from starting out with a flawless French 75 (who doesn't love a cocktail named after a firearm?), to ending with one of the best desserts known to mankind. Our appetizers were a half-dozen fresh oysters from Prince Edward Island, served with mignonette, cocktail sauce, and fresh horseradish. We find cocktail sauce a great accompaniment to shrimp, but way too sweet for oysters, so we asked for some hot sauce (when we placed the order). The oysters came without the hot sauce and the horseradish so we had to remind our server, and he brought them out quickly. One of the oysters was "funky," and no one wants to end up sick over a questionable oyster, so that one was left uneaten. We also enjoyed the soup du jour, which was a chilled asparagus soup. I've never had a cold asparagus soup before, and it was absolutely delicious. It was the embodiment of summer in a bowl. Our mains were steak frites, served with bernaise sauce, and the trout almandine (with the almonds on the side). Again, these were near-perfect. The trout was flaky and delicate, and had a light brown-butter sauce and some haricots verts. I'm not a huge fish lover and I gobbled this up. The steak was cooked perfectly, and it was marbled, so it had tons of flavor; the naughty bernaise sauce only added to it. I'm not a huge fan of their frites; they're too thin and crispy, almost shard-like. I prefer matchstick fries over these. Desserts are another area in which MAG excels. Years ago, they used to have a dessert I so loved called strawberries Briand, which was fresh strawberries in Grand Marnier, and sour cream sorbet, sprinkled with some brown sugar. Then they took it off the menu and I cried, so when I spied it back on the menu last night, I was overjoyed. It was even better than I remembered. Strawberries (from nearby Green City Market) in a pool of luscious juice, nicely offset by a tart, refreshing sorbet. And of course I can't not get profiteroles, and they allow you to just get one, instead of the three that typically come in an order. Prices are surprisingly reasonable as well. My trout was $17.95; I've paid more than that for fish at Dunlay's (which is a neighborhood place), and the steak wasn't priced much more than that. I also adore their patio, which overlooks beautiful Lincoln Park. On a summer evening, it doesn't get much better than sipping a cocktail or glass of wine, eating a delicious dinner, and watching people and dogs strolling by. This isn't quite a five-star review, but it's much closer to five than four. I just love this place; it never disappoints.
(5)Robin C.
I had this place on my 'to go to' places, but I have still never physically been there. I recently did discover that they were on Grubhub, and it has become my guilty pleasure on sundays when I am too tired to leave my apartment but want great food. Everything I have ordered from the appetizers to the desserts have been amazing. I was blown away that I could get a properly cooked filet mignon togo. But the best thing I have discovered is their lemon tart dessert. It's so good that I ordered 4 of them last time so I could have some for later. I do plan on physically going there some time soon, but if you can't make it, treat yourself at home and order in.
(5)Sean A.
Amazing experience from top to bottom. Wonderful staff, service, menu, execution and the wine list is great. We had just about everything on the menu and I usually don't order chicken dishes when I go out, but I am glad I took our servers advice as it is now the only chicken dish I would order when I go out!
(5)FoodieChic L.
It was my second time at M.A.G. and will be my last if we get the same server/service. The first time around at MAG was fabulous but it was probably attributed to our company and their connection to the Lettuce Group. This time around, my hubby and I went on a Monday-let's be honest here, it wasn't their busiest day yet I think they only had one server; which we were fortunate to have [enter sarcasm]. From the moment we sat to the time we left, we had to ask about our server's whereabouts a handful of time. We were so irritated and embarrassed to ask our busboy for our food/check...did I mention it was our anniversary too? Needless to say, we didn't even have dessert because we'd be on our way to our next anniversary... Surprised for such a company to be lacking in the service department; which outweighed the good food.
(3)Bella V.
Last night we went out to dinner for a pre- Mother's Day dinner. I was looking forward to a good tasty food. The experience was not what I expected. The French soup was excellent but came at the same time as the main entree because the waiter forgot? He didn't understand the order?? The main entree besides been cold, by the time I finished eating the soup, it was totally disappointing. I ordered scallops, each scallop was the size of a quarter, totally skimpy!!! The waiter barely checked on us, he seemed rather tired and anxious to get done.
(2)Alex G.
A return visit for us to celebrate Valentines Day. We arrived about 10 minutes early for our 6:30 reservation and our table was waiting. I could make a meal out of the warm loaf of bread. The Dover Sole seemed to be the womens choice at almost every table including my gf. She said it was very good. I liked the Bordeaux my gf got that I ordered a glass for myself. It was the Château Bonnet. The onion soup was kind of ordinary but there was plenty of it. I got the New York strip steak (as usual) that comes with bordelaise sauce. What the steak lacked in tenderness was offset by flavor. And the pile of frites made for a great meal. Service was attentive and noise levels were fine. This is one of our favorite restaurants. They never disappoint.
(4)Matt R.
Mouth-watering, scrumptious, and divine don't even begin to describe the experience I had at Mon Ami Gabi. I figured the food would be good; I assumed the ambiance would be romantic; and I suspected I would enjoy myself. I had no idea that I would be grateful to be sitting at the moment the Boeuf bourguignon hit my taste buds. My knees went weak and my eyes involuntarily closed. I fell into the most wonderful flavor I have ever experienced. Not to mention the steak frites which were amazingly delicious, cooked to perfection and gratefully devoured by my date. My dinner was so amazing that as I walked out I made reservations once again. Don't miss out on this wonderful restaurant.
(5)Leon W.
I love Mon Ami Gabi! I go constantly again. Their Gabi Fish and Frites is amazing. Not a fried fish but a light breading and sauted and with a Bernaise Sauce it is perfection. Their Caesar Salad is also a treasure.
(5)Tammy L.
My husband, mother-in-law and I celebrated my mother-in-law's birthday here the other night. We had a great time! The warm bread and butter were so good. I also liked the little carrot salad that they put on the table. We split a half order of mussels marinieres for the table, and we all agreed that we would be happy just coming back for that and the warm bread. There wasn't a drop of the creamy broth left! They asked if they could take it away and we just kept saying no until it was all gone. :) My husband also ordered the frisee salad with a poached egg on top, and he said it was very good (had bacon, so I didn't taste it). As far as main courses, I had the trout almandine and it was so well-done. The fish was nicely browned and I don't think I found a single bone. The haricots verts were cooked perfectly too. It's a simple, classic dish done right. My husband ordered their sea bass special with tomatoes and that too was cooked just right. Mother-in-law had the scallops with spring vegetables, and she couldn't stop talking about it! She said they were memorable. I tasted them and they too were cooked perfectly. Kudos to the cooks in the kitchen, because I've certainly had seafood at fancier restaurants that wasn't cooked as perfectly. They brought out a profiterole since we mentioned that it was her birthday, and we also ordered a bananas foster crepe that was humongous. They were both delicious--the ice cream in the middle of both was especially good, creamy, and just the right temperature. The service was very nice and efficient, but not rushed at all. We had a wonderful night sitting on the patio right after the crazy storm passed through. I would definitely come back again!
(4)Jami S.
Loved Mon Ami Gabi. Very romantic date place. Love the ambience of the dim lighting. Got a nice booth in the corner so we could be alone. Server was knowledgable and friendly. The steak and frites were good. Def met LEYE standards. But the dessert was AMAZING! Seriously the absolute best part of the meal. Get the breadpudding! It was literally to die for. I'd go back just for it.
(4)Tiago S.
i'm just posting an update. Management at the restaurant has read my not so happy review and got in touch to discuss the experience and live it up to the expectations. I have to say this wasn't necessarily the expectation but definitely it was appreciated for them to hear and step up to make things right. This is definitely the way to treat your good customers and kudos to them. much appreciated.
(5)John V.
Their caramelized sea scallops are to die for. Their escargot is the best I've ever had. I also come here at least once a month for their succulent skate.
(5)Kevin C.
Moderately priced French food without the French attitude. Americans have gotten very, very good at imitating the inside of open-air French cafes, and this restaurant is no different. We had the chicken liver mousse, steak Bearnaise, and scallops. My only complaint is that they cooked the potatoes in such a way that you had to scoop them up with your hands, tilt your head back, and drop them in your mouth like a fat person eating Cheetos. It was either look foolish or not eat potatoes (which is realistically speaking not an option).
(4)Traci N.
I have a confession: I'm not a big fan of steak frites! (GASP) Rather than ordering one of the many varieties of their specialty entree, I went with the chicken palliard, a thin chicken breast well seasoned with herbs and lemon-asparagus on the side. And...it was fine. Was it special? No. However, my appetizer (onion soup) and dessert (chocolate mousse) were both delicious! The onion soup was my absolute favorite part of the meal, other than the wine. ;] As an appetizer it is a fairly large portion, filled with gooey cheese and crusty bread. Flavorful and not too salty. Yum! I'd definitely order this again. The mousse dessert was so rich that it should be shared between two people. If I were to order the mousse again I would request it without the chocolate balls on top. They distracted from the smoothness of the dessert. Other than the chicken entree being so/so, my only other complain is that the plexiglass barriers lining the outdoor patio sorely need to be replaced. They are covered in scratch marks, and even worse, MOLD between the panels! A pleasant place to dine, and especially good if you like 1) steak frites (everyone else I was with ordered this and they all cleaned their plates) or 2) great onion soup. Also, who doesn't love the name? Mon Ami Gabi, you are fun to say!
(4)Lupe G.
...Can I say pretentious???!!! I don't want to go back; I don't care how good the food was! Listen, I am not big on French cuisine anyway, though I gotta give this place props, as even the simplest side dish was amazing (green beans only had 3 ingredients and they were the best I have tasted to date), but the place was SO crowded and the clientele was so about being seen, that I found myself completely out of place here. When I go to dinner and the girl next to me is wearing a real tiara and matching necklace, earrings and such, I definitely DON'T belong here! If you like this sort of crowd, check it out; it's something right out of a toulouse lautrec poster for me; loud and memorable, but in my observing eyes, borderline trashy : S
(2)Caitlin M.
I didn't realize you had to go into the hotel entrance to get to the restaurant but once inside it is very charming. Fantastic food, extremely nice and attentive staff. Sat outside on their patio with little lights decorating it and it was like escaping into another world. The only negative thing I would say is that it is a bit pricey but it was worth it.
(5)Anne M.
Mon Ami Gabi! Ma beau ami! I've been here twice, and I loved it both times. Most recently, my Valentine took me here on Fevrier 14 to celebrate with a decadent, romantic dinner. We enjoyed baguettes (yes, plural... they're hot, fresh baguettes, don't judge) and a bottle of wine as we soaked up the perfect ambiance. We ordered soups to start - french onion for me and lobster bisque for him. The french onion was great - hot, bubbly cheese topped a bread slice over a deep bowl of thick oniony soup. The bisque was also delicious. My Valentine chose the special (beef wellington) and I went with the skate wing served with mushrooms and mashed potatoes. Everything was perfectly cooked and looked and tasted great. Gabi is a pro. She knows how to deliver superior service, food and atmosphere. I'd definitely come back, and recommend for special dinners.
(5)Rits M.
This place was CROWDED. Made a reservation for Friday night and got there on time. We still had a 20 minute wait, but they were really nice about it. The woman at the door isn't super friendly but I think that comes with the job of working the door. The place is small and they try to fit in as many tables as they can, but I didn't feel cramped or inconvenienced by the tables going in and out. We had Ryan who waited our table- super nice, really friendly and very helpful. He even comped us a creme brulee since we were wondering which dessert to have. Thumbs up to him! We had the steak poivre, the bearnaise, the roquefort and for appetizers, the ratatouille, the asparagus and the escargots. I LOVED the escargots, the sauce was really well made. The paste for the ratatouille was good, but I would give it a miss next time. The asparagus was delicious and was the largest surprise- they had made it with slivers of lemon and were cooked perfectly, just an edge of al dente. Of the steaks I would recommend the bearnaise- this is the hardest sauce and they made it extremely well. I would also recommend the steaks be prepared medium rare. For dessert, I would recommend the fruit crumble. The brulee was not exactly the souffle-ish texture that is aspirational, but is a good solid option (no pun intended). I would give the profiterolls a miss. The place itself doesn't really look all that french to me. Lots of wood, it reminds me of the inside of a french house perhaps, your uncle's dining room. I'll be back, I have a new ami in town, il s'appelle Gabi :)
(4)Thomas Y.
I love this place. The scallops are some of the best I've ever had. I've tried many things on their menu and I have loved all of them. I had the pleasure of getting served by Sasha several times and he's is outstanding! Can't wait to go back.
(5)Leo K.
We had a great dinner and the service was exemplary. Would recommend to everyone
(5)Danny M.
I am basing this review off the restaurant week menu. One of the best things to look for after New Year's is Chicago's Restaurant Week. I came here with a party of 4 on a Saturday night and the place was packed. We were seated right away in a crowded booth really close to other tables around us. It didn't bother me too much because I kinda got use to this at other restaurants. Now for restaurant week, you get to choose from a three course menu (appetizers, main course, and dessert). I started with the Onion Soup Au Gratin, which is French Onion Soup. This was actually very good and I was actually going to get the Frisee, Kale & Warm Bacon Salad based on fellow Yelpers pictures, but I changed my mind when the table next to me order it and it smelled so yummy! My main entree, I went with the Steak Frites, which is just a steak and fries. The steak was okay for the most part. I am not sure if it's the sauce (Bordelaise) I got mine with, but I like the fries more than the steak. Finally, to wrap the night up, they serve you a dessert trio, which includes sherbet chocolate mousse, and creme brulee. The sherbet was amazing and the creme brulee was my second favorite of the three. I didn't like the chocolate mousse, but I am not really a fan of chocolate mousse. Overall, I would definitely want to come back here in the future to try their regular menu. Another thing to keep in mind is that parking can be extremely hard to find in this area!
(3)Racquel M.
If I could give Mon Ami 100 stars,I would . Hands down the best and most exquisite french food I've had in Chicago by far. I went with my family and boyfriend for my birthday dinner. The ambiance was romantic , yet friendly, great for a group or a romantic dinner date. I recommend the filet mignon au puvoire as a main course and the smoked salmon for hor dourves.
(5)Brian H.
If you're looking for a nice place to go, give this place a try. I would say that this restaurant is not the most stroller friendly choose as they weren't too accommodating when we came in, but other than that, the service and food were great. We ordered the Filet Mignon and Scallops. Both very tasty and finished it off with the creme brûlée.
(4)Stacy K.
By the far, the best restaurant location in all of Chicago. Unfortunately, the kitchen does not match the locale. Forgetful staff too.
(3)Saba A.
Came here for restaurant week and first things first---Make reservations! Sure this was restaurant week, but we came in on a practically blizzard night when roads were dangerous but that did not stop people from dining here on a Thursday night. I couldn't find parking anywhere, so the 12 dollars valet helped. For 33 prixe fixe per person, we got a delicious amount worth of food. The onion soup as the waiter described it and I was sold. It was served on a tall crock with the perfect amount of melted cheese. I also ordered the Steak Roquefort for the entree. I love when steak is sliced thin and the bleu cheese made it interesting. It was cooked perfectly medium well as requested. I had the mashed potatoes instead of the frites and it was very satisfying. All 3 trio desert samples were amazing. The mango sorbet, cream brûlée, and mango sorbet all had strong and rich flavors. Overall the service was awesome. Our waiter was very attentive on a busy night. He picked up my coat and laid it on my chair. Our waters will always filled. He couldn't split the check for us, but was very helpful and told us he could help with the math and everything else. He was very polite and knew the menu well. Crowd of all types. Mostly an older, sophisticated crowd but some people were on dates ordering bottles of wine. We had a good time out.
(5)Maegan W.
Mon Ami is one of our favorite restaurants. We are both huge fans of muscles and steak frites. Last night we got the shrimp cocktail for the first time and it was so good. There service is phenomenal and makes for a really enjoyable experience. They have a great selection of French wines; the first bordeaux on the menu is our favorite. We had the banana fosters for dessert and asked the waiter to pick an after dinner drink for us. He chose one of the sherrys which was soooo good. We love it! Can't wait to go back!
(5)Lauren R.
Nothing special. I had the Salmon and it was over cooked. The wine we chose was good. Our server seemed to forget about us since our reservations were at 9pm. Also where they put us was near the bar and no one could pass through and I felt uncomfortable as I was in the way. They should have put us in a spot where people can pass through. I would go elsewhere if I was French cuisine.
(3)Sarah S.
Great place. I had the bone-in ribeye and it was delicious! I'll be back soon for dessert since I was too full to order one.
(4)Mike B.
This is one of our all time favorite restaurants. We have been going there since the days of Un Grande Cafe. Its former name. We were so happy when LetUsEntertainYou changed the name but not the decor. One of my wife's all time favorites is the Steak Frite. We have had an outstanding skate dish and the desserts are worth saving some capacity to consume. Wines are typically good (not quite great) but very enjoyable and not outrageously priced.
(5)Anna G.
Interesting place in the lobby of an upscale apartment building. Started out great, but once the waitress realized we weren't all that hungry and weren't ordering starters or a lot of 'add ons' she totally changed her tune just short of rolling her eyes. They have an amazing baguette which was tasy. We ordered the classique steak which is not a typical steak- very thin, but even for that it seriously came out about five minutes after we ordered. WAY too fast. Almost like, "Ok, you aren't spending enough money- eat and leave'. That's how it felt. We did order one dessert which cheered her up. The food was really good- bernaise sauce- YUM, so we will likely try again, but I hope we feel a bit more love the next time regardless of where we order 100.00 worth of food or 50.
(4)Lynne j.
After my bad experience with Juan, everyone at Mon Ami Gabi has gone out of their way to make going here as wonderful as it always was for me. I love Mon Ami Gabi! I go constantly again. Their Gabi Fish and Frites is amazing. Not a fried fish but a light breading and sauted and with a Bernaise Sauce it is perfection. Their Caesar Salad is also a treasure. And, the deserts. I don't eat deserts but have tried every one on the menu in the past few months and they are amazing. Everyone on the staff is fantastic especially their General Manager, Sue Kim-Drohomyrecky. She is wonderful. And, Molly and John make dining their a pleasure. I am so happy I can love going here again.
(5)Kelly S.
We both had the house steak in different variations. Good but not the best steak I've ever had. I believe the house steak cut is also called 'flat iron steak' these days. They were cooked perfectly. I love that you can sub any side if you don't like the one that is listed on the menu. Also liked that when I was torn between two wine choices, the waiter brought samples of each. For dessert, we went with Pineapple Pain Perdue. Really scrumptious.
(4)Dean K.
brought my girlfriend here and asked for a table. the hostess, in a VERY excited whisper, said, "i can sit you next to david schwimmer!!" i was like, what exactly do you want me to do with that. hand him a script? notwithstanding my inability to capitalize on this new hollywood connect, the dinner was great. oysters were very tasty, skate wing and creme brulee. all wonderful. i just adore the bread with butter and lentils.
(4)Liz B.
Wow - Mon Ami Gabi, what a nice turn-around. It'd been more than a year since my last visit, and frankly, I'd been (very) underwhelmed (sub-par food, sloppy/careless service). But what a difference now! New management, new chef, updated menu, AWESOME service - so friendly, so accommodating. It's like they were actually happy we were there! I am thrilled, as Mon Ami Gabi has always had so much potential - and a long life in Chicago -- and I see a bright future for it. Thank you for a delightful Wednesday night, Mon Ami Gabi!
(4)Adriane P.
J'adore Mon Ami Gabi! The second I walked in, before I said a word, the hostess smiled and said, "Right this way, your gentleman is waiting." and lead me to the patio. The patio was exquisite; with trees, foliage, Christmas lights, and candles with French music playing. We started with a loaf of warm French bread served with butter and a carrot purée which was good. For beverage a bottle of Marquis De La Tour Brut. Which was neither too sweet or too dry. Our hor d'oeuvre was the housemade country pate served with cornichons, whole grain mustard, and warm country bread toasted triangles. Very delicious. The pate was vaguely salami taste and complimented well by the mustard. The olives and pickles with it were nice. He ordered the steak frites classique with maitre d'hôtel butter medium well. Which he liked. I got the steak frites classique with maitre d'hôtel butter medium well with a side of the macaroni gratin too. The steak is large but thin and cooked accordingly. The macaroni gratin is similar to mac and cheese but creamier and baked and bubbly. Almost a casserole. I enjoyed them very much. I did not try my frittes but they looked enticing and are very thin crispy pieces in a big portion. For dessert since it was a special evening and celebration our server brought .... Strawberries braind with sour cream sorbet. And Butterscotch pot de creme with whipped cream And Profiteroles with pate a choux filled with vanilla ice cream, covered in homemade double chocolate fudge hot sauce and a lit candle for me. We were stuffed but after sampling each made good work. We liked the pot de creme best but all were delicious. It's a very stylish and cute place with amazing service. Perfect for a date night, catching up with friends and I ever noticed a person near us enjoying a meal and wine alone. Mon Ami Gabi is indeed lovely.
(5)Chris F.
I live in this building I have not been disappointed yet the food is delicious and I carry out a ton they package everything so nicely and they always give me bread and butter
(5)Christina R.
Fabulous, wonderful, great place! The filets are the best we've had in the city.
(5)Brad K.
Had Mother's Day bunch here recently. It was great food and service. Sitting outside on a perfect day was just, perfect.
(5)Anthony F.
We celebrated our 1st wedding anniversary by having dinner here and were very pleased. The service was great and the food was very good.
(4)S W.
My husband and I had a really good experience here. I wouldn't say my mind was blown, but it was very good. Friendly service, fun people watching, and tasty food. It was nice to be at a restaurant that felt a little more "local" compared other places we had experienced on our trip. A nice place to go on a date or even with a group of friends. I would recommend making a reservation.
(4)Samantha S.
Delicious steak and pomme frites, nice atmosphere. I would be happy to return next time I'm in Chicago. Friendly staff, delicious warm baquette. Fantastic location right across from the conservatory.
(4)Raymond M.
I usually try not to repeat restaurants but this place is firmly on the top spot of my list of places to eat at again :) waiting for warm weather to start dining outside!
(5)Ryan T.
I came here for my mom's birthday about a month ago, and it's pretty standard fare for the price. My biggest complaint would be that the service was a bit slow, but the atmosphere was pleasant enough that it wasn't a huge issue. I started off with the french onion soup, which was pretty excellent and appropriately cheesy (which is to say, very cheesy). I had the salmon spinach salad as an entree - it was good but not exceptional. I probably would've gone with a steak if I were a beef-eater, but I'm not, and I wasn't super impressed with the restaurant's non-steak options. Overall, a pretty good place, but not a must-do by any means.
(3)Niki C.
Yum! Love their Steak and Frites. Awesome onion soup! Feels like your sitting in a cafe in Paris.
(5)Whitney K.
Let's go ahead and say 3.5 stars. Definitely not a bad experience, just not a true standout to me in the Chicago food scene. Would have enjoyed the patio (closed) or a table by the windows but they were all full, request this if you make a reservation! Our table in the back room felt on top of our neighbors, which can expected in Chicago on a busy Friday night. It was a little quieter back there so that's a plus. As far as food goes, nothing was bad but our guests were raving by the end of the meal - my favorite sign of a successful dinner with out of towners in this wonderful foodie city. For our group, the standouts were the frisee/bacon salad and the baked goat cheese. I'm pretty sure my husband would have licked the goat cheese dish, if allowed. The rest of our food (cocktails, scallops, salmon salad, salmon and leek quinoa) were okay. Moderately priced, french inspired food from LEYE. Average rating for an average experience, though I think this restaurant group has some better options.
(3)Kaitlin M.
I must say this place has tradition and consistency written all over it. This statement includes the type of decor, the style of food and the people that frequent Mon Ami. What made this place so good was the food. I ordered the gazpacho and a summer salad. Both were fabulous, and believe it or not, were large enough portions to really fill me up. My friend ordered the blue cheese crusted steak dinner and loved every bite. We finished our meal with one of the better deserts I have had lately: bananas fosters crepes. So good we wish we had each ordered our own! Only negative was that our server was quick to bring us drinks and get our order but was almost non-existent for the rest of the meal. Ordering a second round of drinks was a task. Overall it was a good experience. Good food, older crowd, decent waiter and at a good price.
(4)Pearl T.
Went here with some girlfriends for a moms night out a couple months ago and had a wonderful time. Ambiance was really cute. Dim, but with lots of little string lights. Server was helpful without being intrusive. Wine was delightful (my girlfriend picked out a pinot for us). Food was tasty. I sampled some of my friend's heirloom tomato salad (they get it from the Green City Farmers Market) and it was yummy. I ordered the steak frites and really enjoyed it. The frites were more like chips than fries but they are really tasty. I tried my friend's skatefish and enjoyed that too. Overall, a wonderful experience.
(5)M H.
Came in for dinner and it happened to be restaurant week. Same food at wallet-friendly prices. Score. I was worried that ordering from a prix-fixed menu, the portions would be smaller but it was the same and just as delicious. I started with the escargot and mopped up the sauce with the bread they kept bringing to our table. We never had to ask for more bread and that's a small touch that I appreciate since I'm always finishing the bread basket. My boyfriend got the French onion soup and he loved it. I thought it was on the sweet side but it was still good. We both ordered the steak and frites. He ordered his steak medium and I ordered mine medium rare. They were both done as ordered which is impressive since I feel most restaurants can't tell the difference. We finished with the trio of dessert - chocolate mousse, sorbet, and crime brûlée. All delicious. I thought the sorbet was particularly refreshing but I don't know the flavor. Our servers were very attentive and even brought me a glass of champagne on the house. I also had this pear cocktail that blew my mind.
(5)Dave S.
My experience last night at Mon Ami Gabi captured perfectly one of things I most *HATE* about dining in Chicago's "hot" restaurant scene these days. Here is how it went: Me/wife: arrive Mon Ami Gabi on a bitter cold Tuesday night, 6:30pm, restaurant is a bit sleepy, open tables visible immediately to the right of the hostess stand, and there is no one standing around waiting for tables, nor is the bar crowded. Me/wife to hostess: "Table for 2 please?" Hostess, peers at her book: "It will be about 30 minutes. Do you care to wait?" Me/wife: "Hmmm, there appear to be several open tables in this section in front of both of us, so why the wait?" Hostess: "Um, that section is closed" Me/wife: "So why is there a couple sitting and eating there right in the closed section?" (me points to couple sitting about 10 feet away) Hostess: "Would you like to wait 30 minutes?" This just irks me to no end - arriving somewhere - open tables - and the hostess refuses to seat you. Mon Ami Gabi is a small restaurant, and if it wasn't staffed at that moment to accommodate all the tables, then shame on Lettuce for running the place like that. More likely though, I just think there is some pretension for "in" restaurants these days to always keep walk-in diners at arms length, as if seating them right away makes them some sort of diner or coffee shop. We've had the same thing happen at numerous other places, especially in the west Randolph area. To al Chicago restaurateurs who teach their staffs to treat customers like this, I give you big rotten raspberry. You know who you are.
(2)Anthony D.
Really just amazing! I'm a big Lettuce Entertain You fan and this place just knocked my socks off. The food was top notch, the service was spot on (our server was Alani sp?) and she was just great. In my party of three people we had two steaks, Dover sol, four appetizers and three desserts and everything was just amazing! So happy with my experience I made another reservation for my birthday.
(5)v m.
Amazing. Very personal. Mentioned that it was our anniversary and we got 2 glasses of champagne & profiteroles dessert on the house! Food is just amazing - rivals even Cape Cod (of the Drake hotel).... ordered several appetizers - highly recommend: Jumbo shrimp, Scallops & Warm Brie. All around great (and romantic) experience. Do it. Totally worth the price (but will not break the bank :)
(4)Eduardo M.
Go here for one thing - garlic butter escargot. Then stay for other stuff. I can't say I've ever been disappointed here, but I can't honestly remember what else I've eaten here (this may have to do with the extensive wine list...). I do always remember the escargot. it's incredibly savory, tender and a great way to start a meal. Sometimes there's a wait to get in, even with a reservation, but it's worth it, and you can take a drink from the bar and hang out in the hotel lobby - the host will find you when it's time. Yes, there's a full bar, so the drinks are pretty good here too.
(4)Lola K P.
The food here just felt average and a bit mass produced, and I wasn't feeling the French inspiration (nothing beats sitting at my favorite bistro in Paris, sooo, gotta cut some slack there). Had the steak au poivre, not as good as other French restaurants in the area. Girlfriends had le poulet, they really liked it. Service was very good. If my girlfriends wanted to come back, I guess I would, but I wouldn't return on my own.
(3)Steve R.
Mon Ami Gabi is a special treat. Ambiance is excellent, service is good. Food is delicious. Don't miss the steak frites!
(5)Zorin D.
Mosaic tiled floors, dark brown leather booths, all French wines, and you were started with a loaf of warm baguette. All of the food was just bland. Of the three French Onion soups I had in this period of time, this one was a complete failure. It missed the beefy quality of the under seasoned broth. The chicken pillard was so bland that you thought it would have been seasoned by a slug. Furthermore you didn't get any of the lemon flavor at all. Even the worst of home cooks could do a better job with this dish. It's only redeeming quality was that it was fully cooked. The only redeeming quality of the place was that the service was phenomenal and my cocktail was the strong bold hit you in the face drink that I had been looking for.
(2)Kamilah S.
RESTARAUNT WEEK 2014 I came here with my mom and my sister and we had good food, nothing spectacular. Our server Luis was excellent, very attentive. The crusty French bread was GREAT, I kept dipping the bread in the escargot buttery-herb sauce. We started with the French onion soup and they burnt the cheese, but Luis was glad to replace the soup with another, overall, the soup was a tad bit on the sweet side, but it had good flavor. The escargots was infused with butter and herbs, which gave it a green tint and it did not look very appetizing, but it tasted pretty good. The skatewing and the trout were excellent and the steak frites were delicious, but the frites were a bit to crunchy. We got a dessert trio, which consisted of a mini crème brulee, a chocolate mousse, and an orange sorbet, all three were YUM-O. French food is meant to be enjoyed and savored and not rushed, we thoroughly savored our food and spent 1.5 hours enjoying our meals.
(4)Bex F.
This is more like a 3.75'er, borderline 3.5. We had some high expectations for Mon Ami Gabi as for weeks now the husband has been calling the day-of for a reservation, always rejected. He then asks if we could walk in....always told no. I mean, don't get me wrong, it is a Lettuce place, so expectations weren't too high; high enough because we had trouble getting in and because the menu sounded nice. Pros: Food. All the food was really good. We had the brie, very nice. Spilt a Caesar salad (I'm a bit baffled at how they charge $10 for it), tasty and generous with the cheese. My filet with the merlot sauce, under temp which was eh, forgivable but very tender and good. I wasn't much for the merlot sauce. His strip steak, good. My pinot blanc, very tasty. His bottle of wine, good he said but he felt he overpaid. Plus and minus: Frites. Not what I expected at all. It's like they take the cottage fries from RJ Grunts and put them through a pasta machine set at fettucini. They were good, they tasted exactly like the cottage fries, just not what I was expecting. Profiteroles....good, though they pre-portion it and pop it back in the freezer. That doesn't do nice things to cream puffs. Weird, not good, or bad: The service was strange. Our server stared at me all night. He was kind of on auto-pilot so anything out of the ordinary seemed to startle him. He was pleasant though and did a nice job otherwise. The food was coming too quickly so we asked him to slow it down. Slow it down he did, to the opposite end of the spectrum of ok, um, we didn't mean stop completely. We ended up having to ask for our entrees. Further thumbs down: I understand they're trying to go with that French bistro theme and all but c'mon, do the tables really have to be that close together? In Lincoln Park of all places? We got stuck next to this freaky foursome of loud talkers. "Oh yeah, that was the best funeral I've ever been to!" and "Here's a photo of us at blah blah blah....And here we are at the bris!" Oh dear. Really? Thankfully the couple on the other side of us used their inside voices. What was weird too was that there were several empty tables over the course of the evening. We had an 8 pm reservation and were there about 2 hours on a Saturday night....I guess we could have walked in so I thought it was strange that they were so adamant about no available tables day-of or for walk-ins. Weird too that the couple next to us was just a pair, sitting at a four top. I guess the seating policy is odd here. Do note this place ain't cheap. Parking blows so just valet. All in all, the food warrants another visit some day. It's just too bad this place is in the middle of Lincoln Park and all its other-worldliness.
(4)Sarah K.
My husband and I went here this summer and it was just fine. He had the onion soup and steak frites. I had a salad and a filet special. Everything was just average. The service was a bit off. For example, the waitress took away only part of the extra two place settings at our table which I think confused the busser because he then proceeded to remove almost everything from our table except our water glasses, one napkin and one knife. The bread and carrot salad came out and we didn't have plates or forks and it took a while to get our waitress's attention to have it all replaced. Not a huge deal, but it just kicked things off in an odd direction. They were great about making sure our waters were full though, which I always appreciate.
(2)Jeffrey Z.
My wife and I went here during Restaurant Week. The atmosphere was nice, and the service was good. We started off with the onion soup, which was very large and very good. We were both stuck on getting the Steak Frite. I got mine with the Roquefort sauce, which was very powerful, but still good. I definitely wasn't in love with it and would go with a different sauce next time, but the steak was great -- very tender. So, while I was happy with the steak, the fries were a disappointment. They were so thin and crispy to the point where it was kind of just like eating larger versions of the left over crumbs you usually find when your fries are almost gone. They also just got really soggy when mixed with the sauce. The dessert trio, on the other hand, was superb. We couldn't decide if we liked the chocolate mousse (with great crunchy chocolate balls on it) or the creme brûlée better, and the (mango I think) sorbet was a great palette cleanser. Overall, we had a very good meal and would be happy to go back on a non-Restaurant Week night,
(4)Elina K.
I came here last year when my family was visiting from out of town. The food was really delightful. I think the best mashed potatoes I've ever tried. Also, the baked goat cheese rivals any I've tried. They also have a great kids menu, which this mommy appreciates considering I like good french food AND taking my daughter with :) Located in the gorgeous Belden-Stratford hotel.
(4)Pete V.
I have no idea why I'm on such a French food kick lately, but I can't complain...well except for my waist line of course. Mon Ami Gabi has always been on our list of places to hit eventually here in Chicago. It's located in an iconic hotel (alongside L2O), has a nice outside patio across from the Lincoln Park, and gets good reviews. Need I say more? So we stopped here on a Saturday evening and got a table in the outside patio. The thing I like most about Mon Ami Gabi aside from the food is that they have a good list of wines by the glass. I ordered a couple reds by the glass and was pleasantly surprised by the quality for the prices they were charging. We started with the pate...which was excellent, very nice terrine and a copious serving. It was more than enough for two people. For my entree, I ordered the special, which was a 14 oz ribeye steak. Now, I didn't quite know what to expect here since Mon Ami is not a steak house, but damn I was glad I ordered this dish. The steak was so tender it was incredible and very, very well seasoned. A high quality cut of steak and prepared rare - precisely to my request. The red tomatoes were also good, but I was in heaven with this steak. Overall, we really enjoyed Mon Ami Gabi. I know its a pseudo chain, but the food was great, and there's a reason why this place was packed from 5 pm on, on a Saturday night.
(4)Erika K.
My dining endeavors during Chicago's restaurant week have left me disappointed with some serious midnight munchies. So why would I keep trying? Because during restaurant week, I can use my $100 Lettuce Entertain You gift card and dine for two at their French bistro installment, Mon Ami Gabi. Despite my previous bad luck, I left this restaurant with a full belly and a little box filled with leftovers Full review and pictures here! thebuckwheater.com/mon-a…
(4)Bethany W.
So very disappointed. I had such high hopes for Mon Ami Gabi -- we love French food, it's in a beautiful building close to our apt, and it came so highly recommended by our friends. We're new in town, and French food is one of our favorites. Perhaps it was an off night, but neither the food nor the service is something we're looking forward to experiencing again. We had dinner on a Saturday night a few weeks ago (10/12). We ordered cocktails after being seated, and we waited almost 15 minutes for them. They were quite tasty, but the wait was overly long. The appetizers, both pâtés, were very good, nothing to complain about there. The entrees, however, were such a disappointment. My husband ordered the beef bourguignon, and he barely ate half of it, because it was so overwhelmingly salty and bacon-y (two flavors that he prizes above all others, in fact!) that it wasn't really edible. Had they reduced the sauce too much? I don't know. The pasta in the dish was, according to my husband, "old." It was chewy, no flavor, and the texture made him think it had been sitting around for a while before someone dumped the sauce on it. I had the steak frites, and the steak had been overly pounded to the point that it literally tasted like hamburger. The au poivre sauce was good, the flavor was where it should be, but I felt like i was dipping flat pieces of hamburger in it, which was not the experience I was looking for. Also, we weren't fans of their fries, but I think that's just a matter of personal taste - they were basically crispy potato peelings, so thin that there was no actual potato flavor. Nor was there anything to dip them into, which would have at least helped. I prefer standard frites, fluffy on the inside and crisp on the outside. But some people may like these! We did not. Interestingly, our waitress was otherwise occupied and never asked us how we were enjoying our meals. We would have told her. Dessert was fine, we had the bananas foster crepe. It was good, pretty much as advertised. However, we waited 10 minutes for our server to notice that our plates had been cleared before we could order it. And once we were finished, it took our waitress another 15 minutes to stop by and see if we were ready for the check. The entire meal took two hours, which was ridiculously long, considering that at least 45 minutes of that time was spent with neither food nor drinks in front of us. I have heard such great things about the service at Lettuce Entertain You restaurants, and that was not at all what we experienced. I find the service to be consistently better at Wow Bao, another LEY restaurant, and they basically serve fast food there. However, they are friendly, they are on the ball, and they notice when you've been waiting too long. That was not the case with our Mon Ami Gabi visit. We were so hopeful to find a local restaurant similar to Les Halles in New York, where we used to eat frequently, or Petit Louis in Baltimore -- somewhere with great food, reasonably priced, bistro- or brasserie- style atmosphere, excellent service, and never a bad meal. We were disappointed that we found none of those at Mon Ami Gabi.
(1)Susan F.
Have always enjoyed the restaurant until last evening. Undercooked salmon-food poisoning. Too bad but cannot return. If dish appears a little "off" it probably is.
(1)Jessica M.
Mon Ami Gabi, it's good to know that not all French eateries are out to strip our wallets naked. Mon Ami Gabi is a beautiful restaurant located within the historic Belden Stratford Hotel, making it the more classy. It overlooks Lincoln Park and can be a scenic walk in the winter with the Christmas lighting. We arrived on a Friday evening late for a reservation but we were seated within minutes. Light is dimmed out and space is very tight. The server had to pull our table out just so I could ease my way through and be seated. (Mind you, I'm 5'2 and well below 110 pounds.) Here's what we had: 1) escargots de bourgogne (snails) 2) chicken liver mousse 3) all-natural chicken breast paillard 4) roast chicken & frites The chicken were just regular chicken entrees with nothing overwhelming. Instead, I found the appetizers to be more of a charm and breath-taking. The snails were soaked in a garlic-herb butter. It came in six bite-size pieces and I wish there were more. The chicken liver mousse resembled a 2"x6" piece of spam. Don't be fooled! The taste was subtle yet irresistible when paired with the burgundy red wine mustard. Had I knew the chicken entree was so bland and simple, I would've easily given it up for another order of chicken liver mousse.
(3)DrWarren B.
Excellent meal with nice surroundings. My wife and I went to this restaurant after a recent visit downtown to see a show on LIncoln and celebrate her birthday. I made the reservation on Open Table and I was impressed with the ease and follow through of the system. It is a great method to make reservations and I recommend trying it if you have never used this before. The restaurant was a short drive from Lincoln and had convenient drive up valet parking in front. It is located in an older style hotel from a past era of Chicago. We were able to hang our coats in a coat check and then proceeded to the restaurant on the other side of the hotel lobby. We were greeted warmly and taken to our seats and provided excellent service and a great meal. I enjoyed the escargot and my wife had tantalizing scallops. For our main course I selected the trout almondine and she went with the veal. For dessert, they presented a chocolate tort with a candle and homemade carmel ice cream. I had mentioned in the Open Table reservation it was her birthday and she loves chocolate. The waitress mentioned she had heard she loved chocolate to her as she presented the tort. We both agreed, this was an excellent restaurant and warranted another visit at a later time. The cost of the meal with gratuity was about $110.00 for two people and we both enjoyed a cocktail and an appetizer. I would have provided 5 stars, however there were small breakdowns in the service with the wait staff not providing timely attention to refilling water glasses or replacing napkins that were obviously used and awaiting pick up when placed on the table after being soiled. In order to tally 5 stars, the little things need to be done and while this meal and the waitress were lovely, I can only provide a 4 star rating. However, I will return and hopefully the parties who read these reviews will find a way to shore up the matters that will take this to a 5 star restaurant experience.
(4)Rick W.
Great service, food is excellent and not too pricey. Atmosphere is great as well. Highly recommend.
(5)Irene G.
Mon Ami Gabi exceeded my expectations. The outside of the place is very pretty with lights and located in Lincoln Park. Parking is a little difficult, but we were able to get a spot pretty close by. Anyway, dined here with a friend who had a little too much wine before we got there so we had to make it quick as our server seemed a bit angry with my friend's "condition" especially after he ordered an alcoholic beverage to start. :P On to the food: We each had a salad entree and frites (fries). I was expecting the menu to be more pricey but it's actually on the cheaper side for a French restaurant. I definitely plan to come back (with someone sober) to try their warm brie cheese and escargot. One negative is the tables are too close to one another so that when you get up to leave, you have to be careful not to bump into the other peoples' tables. Also, children makes Mon Ami less intimate because it's really a nice date place. However, Mon Ami Gabi is now one of my favorite LEYE restaurants. See you soon Mon Ami!
(4)Tori T.
I've never had a bad experience at Mon Ami Gabi. Each time, my service is even better than the last. But after this visit, I'm not sure it could get much better. We went Wednesday night for my birthday and it was packed! On a Wednesday! Our server, Ryan, was incredible. Even though he was surely very busy, you never would have known. He took his time with us and carefully explained each special, along with a few items on the menu he thought we might enjoy. We started with a bottle of Sparkling Wine because hey, you need champagne when you're eating French cuisine. We ordered the steak tartare as an appetizer-it's an entrée, but I would recommend getting some to share and taking it home (it's just as fabulous the next day). We then split the chicken grandmère, which was amazing as always. This is by far my favorite dish on the menu, if we are including steak tartare as an appetizer. The pommes purée were perfect and just melted in your mouth. Ryan then surprised us by bringing me a profiterole with a birthday candle. It was amazing!! We were so full, but there's no way to resist their dessert. Overall, my meal was really great but our server, Ryan, is what made it so special. Thanks Ryan, we will definitely be back!
(5)Jessa P.
Okay so the hostess assumed that the customer made the mistake of having the wrong reservation time. Should have turned around at this point. Checked our VM and email confirmation- both were the right time. The Point: horrendous service! We understood that it was valentines weekend, and we were prepared for a longer wait, but seriously our waiter was just standing there... Literally just standing there. We had to flag him down to order. Flag him down for drinks. Then flag him down for the check. He never came by the table proactively except for when he was dropping off the check. Food was good, of course consistent with the other MAGs. I had the scallops, however, no carbs come with this dish, so tread carefully when it comes to your alcoholic consumption with only the scallops as a buffer. This was one of those times when the service failure far outweighed the food! And I forgot my Lettuce card at home and no one even bothered to help me collect the points! Terrible experience and I have told several people about how much I do NOT recommend this restaurant to anyone. Time to deflag this specific location... Unworthy of Lettuce branding.
(2)Sara P.
I thought the food here was pretty good. I had the steak frites in the peppercorn sauce. The steak and sauce were good, but it needed more sauce. The frites were a bit overdone, needed salt, and I was craving something to dip them in. Some extra sauce on the steak would have been perfect... The bread and butter were delicious. The service was good as well. I definitely wouldn't call this "french food," since it feels like a steakhouse. It's a nice place if you feel like some good bread and steak and have money to spend.
(4)Kristy F.
Atmosphere: Large, warm, intimate, fancy, warm lighting, soft booths. Service: Our waiter was very knowledgeable and made a great recommendation but she wasn't attentive enough and we had to ask for refills and whatever else we needed. It was a busy night so it's understandable. Food: They started us off with a load of bread you have to tear to eat and some soft butter. Was okay. Then they offered a scoop of carrot coleslaw which was just OK. I ordered the Steak Bordelaise which is a 10oz cut on thin steak marinated in red wine and drowned with sweet caramelized onions served with a large heaping helping of home made frites. DELICIOUS. The onions were a nice compliment with the potatoes so ketchup was unnecessary.The thin cut of the steak made it hard not to devour so take your time eating. It's a very filling meal. I also ordered the Pain Perdu which is a pineapple bread pudding in rum sauce. The waitress recommended a scoop of vanilla which I will also recommend to you. Yum. Conclusion- I'd love to return however the meal was a bit pricey for my usual tastes. Will have to treat this place as an occasional treat for me. =) 4 stars.
(4)Donna C.
This is why it is nice to have a history with a restaurant. We dined here last night. Our reservation was ready and we sat outside on a beautiful evening. The place was very busy and still was able to provide excellent service, timing the meal as not rush you. Our server was perfection. Even when I was given the wrong steak, they immediately corrected it and were so nice about it.... The caesar salad was fresh and the dressing the the perfect amount. My filet was cooked to perfection and the merlot reduction is the main reason to order this dish. I love the very authentic steak classique,which is delicious. My only recommendation is to stay away from the hanger steak, it's quality is too much of a variable in otherwise a perfect meal. This is still one of my places for that french feeling!!! I dine at mon ami gabi whenever possible...
(5)Sarah M.
I'll start off with a positive comment-the food was great. I'm not a huge fan of French food-could take it or leave it. Mon Ami Gabi makes French food approachable without completely Americanizing it. I appreciate that. The service however, definitely not up to the standard I would expect at the restaurant. We had to ask for menus for a couple members of our party who were seated without them. Our waiter took a very long time to take our order for appetizers and entrees. We ordered a bottle of wine which he managed to splash everywhere and then removed from the table when there was still some left. The table next to us had far more people sitting at it than it had capacity to hold which resulted in a very tight experience. The one benefit of our bad service was the waiter mishearing us order brie and escargot as appetizers and brought us three orders of escargot instead. At least we got 2 complimentary appetizers?
(2)Gary C.
So...I don't speak a lick of French. I had some trouble reading the menu. Well, I've got a hard time reading period, but that's another story. But I'll tell you one thing that I'm good at: eating. I've dined at Mon Ami Gabi a couple times and I won't be the last to say that the food is great. In my most recent visit, some friends and I ordered a number of delicious things. They're the type of things that I'd suggest to friends [like you!] and order again during another visit. The hors d'oeuvres that deserve honorable mention are the Escargots de Bourgogne and Baked Cheese. The snails came out in a baking dish in a garlic butter sauce that looked like a nuclear-green ooze...but it tasted like butter. Yummy green butter. The baked cheese was humongous. It's not just cheese, though. There's a bed of herb-infused tomato sauce and a loaf of garlic-ish bread. [Insert French phrase for "so good."] You can't go wrong with some Onion Soup Au Gratin, aka French Onion Soup...or would they just call it Onion Soup...?Hmm. Well anyways, it's sweet. Like awesome-sweet and sweet-tasting. The cheese is baked on top of the cup/bowl and the onions are very soft and, you guessed it, sweet. As far as entrees go, you really can't go wrong with any of the steak frites. The steaks are pounded quite thinly, and the frites are plentiful. With that said, the portions are large, especially if you're getting an hors d'oeuvres or two. As far as non-steak items, I've only had the opportunity to try the Lemon-Thyme Seared Salmon, which is exactly how you think it tastes: lemony, thyme-y, and yummy. I had the opportunity to try a few of the desserts, but to be perfectly honest, nothing stood out. But I don't have a sweet tooth. So you might want to try a little something off the dessert menu. Okay, I lied. I know some French: Bon appétit.
(4)Ron S.
Beautiful, everything ! We went just before Christmas 2013. It was a surprise dinner out with my girl friend, she was so happy. I don't even want to tell you any more so you can be surprised too.
(5)Ermelinda C.
Cannot say enough great things about the amazing dinner experience we had here: Great location, great ambiance, very polite service and staff. The food was absolutely delicious starting from appetizers (the mussels, and the sea scallops) to the entrees (file and home made fries and the salmon and leak quinoa) to the desserts (creme brûlée and the banana crepes). The paired wines of choice was Beaujolais and it made for a perfect match for all of our courses. I would definitely come back to Mon Ami Gabi again, and I am looking forward to a dining experience on their beautiful outdoor patio!
(5)Tim C.
I have to admit, I cheated. I went to a French restaurant and ordered a Ribeye. This after telling myself (when I picked the place) that I would try some 'traditional' french fare. On the bright side, it was served with Béarnaise sauce and brussel spouts with bacon so technically it's french right? We also had the oysters which were nice and fat not like the 'standard' oysters that you get in most places in Chicago and the mussels which had this sauce that I had to resist just picking up the bowl and drinking. The waiter was very nice and attentive and his suggestion for a wine was awesome. This is a great spot to take a date, it's nicely lit and friendly but intimate. The fact that it was in a secluded residential type area also added to the ambiance. I would definitely try this place again. Maybe next time I'll try to stick to something more traditional.
(5)Frances B.
This restaurant is as good as it gets- outstanding service, beautiful atmosphere and wonderful food. The steak frites, the sol special, the scallop appetizer, traditional french salad, the seasonal fall salad and desserts (chocolate mousse and creme brulee) were just delicious. I would definitely recommend making a reservation, especially on weekends. We will be back soon, we're looking forward to becoming regulars.
(5)Kristen B.
Great experience. Sat outside on a beautiful Saturday night. They really have the serving down as many bussers and servers took care of us as items were ready to be delivered or cleared. Lovely wine list. Food was great. Also surprisingly kid friendly. They brought my 2 and 4 year old carrots and homemade ranch at the start of our meal and my children were happy and entertained with the crayons they supplied, the gorgeous view and people watching for the entire 1.5 hour meal. I like this location better than the Oak Brook location although that one is great too!
(5)Alex H.
I'm going to try and keep this one short and sweet: Mon Ami Gabi is a solid casual french spot in the Belden-Stratford Hotel. For food alone, I'd probably have rounded up to a 4. The service, however, was executed at a snail's (or should I say an escargot's) pace. I love the scene and if you can snag a table outside in summer, you won't be disappointed.
(3)Jessica C.
Mon Ami Gabi is actually part of a chain of restaurants located in Las Vegas, Oak Brook, IL, Reston VA and Bethesda, MD. And while you wouldn't necessarily correlate chain restaurants with great neighborhood spots, Mon Ami Gabi is the definitely an exception. The service was beyond fantastic (our waitress was constantly making recommendations that were fabulous!) and the food was so tasty. I went with my two sisters and ordered the Steak Roquefort, Skate Wing and Salmon en Croute. All of these entrees were amazing. What also stood out, perhaps among all the dishes we ate were the Sea Scallop Gratinees that came served piping hot and full of cheese, a delicious fennel cream and a tender and perfectly cooked scallop! For my full review, please read my blog post: youngfoodies.com/restaur…
(4)Joanne B.
I went here a few nights ago with my fiance and his sister. We had a 8:45 pm reservation but the restaurant was running late. This was not a big deal because we only had to wait around 10 minutes. We were seated across from these big open patio doors. Since it suddenly dropped into the 50s or 60s, we were all freezing. We asked if they could shut the doors but the were unable to do that. The food was excellent if pricey. My scallops were fresh and cooked perfectly. My fiance's steak frites was a gigantic steak with a mound of frites! These weren't your ordinary french fries though. They were like those potato sticks your mom would stick in your lunch but they were flatter, crispier, and better. Desserts were just awesome - you can never go wrong with creme brulee and profiteroles. Our server was attentive and accomodating. I admit we might have been a bit of a pain because of the door issue, but she handled it well. My fiance's sister cannot eat wheat and she made sure we had gluten-free bread at all times. This place is not the kind of restaurant I would go to regularly but it's definitely worth going on a special occasion (or when you get those little LEYE scratch-off coupons in the mail ;) ).
(4)Kevin Z.
I've been going here for the last 14 years - and have to say I have never had anything but great food and great service.
(5)Amir L.
One of my favorite French bistro in the city. Great service , great French onion and the steak bordelaise is soooo tasty!!! Worth every penny
(5)Damian C.
I've walked by Mon Ami Gabi and the Belden-Stratford hundreds of times over the past 4 years and have always wondered what world lay behind those big glass doors. All the built-up anticipation met its maker on Friday when I took the s/o here for a birthday dinner. To be honest, I was pretty glad this restaurant made it on the list of 4 choices to have a birthday dinner as I'd been looking for a reason to try this place out. I set up a reservation on OpenTable and included a note to let the staff know that there was a birthday amongst the two of us. We stopped in at 8 on Friday and the hostess led us to our table, a small two top squished in between two very animated (and awkward) tables of 4. I know they hold reservations for indoor seating, and we did have the option to take a seat outside prior to being seated, and who knew it would be unseasonably amazing weather on Friday, so it's our fault for not asking to get a roomier selection. And, to be honest, it was pretty funny listening to the one girl talk about zookeeping internships and the two guys at the other table constantly one-up each other about who was better than who. We put in an order for red wine and the baked cheese. Phenomenal. I know it's not complicated to whip up some goat cheese but it definitely filled the goat cheese void I've had for quite a while. My date ordered the filet and I, after much consideration, opted for the Steak Au Poivre (I had a peppery craving). To avoid looking like a jackass and ordering a steak medium-well, I figured I'd let loose and try medium. The timing was great and half-way through our neighbor's chat about the best locations to purchase homes in Chicago with easy access to the freeway our steaks and mound o' frites came out. Tender, juicy, perfectly seasoned, delicious, loved it. The frites were OK - a little thin and crunchy. Tasty, but would have rather had something a little more potato-y. Either way, I scarfed down the entire plate. Thankfully I was able to walk some of it off on the way home! After they cleared our plates the waiter came back out with a chocolate birthday cake and a candle to wish a happy birthday. It was pretty low-key, thankfully, because we were definitely too full to get a gaggle of staff members drawing attention to us with a loud birthday cheer. The dessert was irresistable and thankfully we were able to find a little room to gobble it up. All in all, a great night. Next time I'll go for the outdoor seating, though. Weather permitting, of course.
(4)Tay H.
Our dinner here turned out to be the surprise hit of my weekend! We showed up without a reservation, but were promptly seated on their cute patio (it wasn't even 6pm...we skipped lunch). The waitstaff was amazing and the food was good. I was a little disappointed with how thin the steak was, but the appetizer and desserts were great! I can't wait to return.
(4)Luke S.
I went here last night for my birthday. Joe's is my go to LEYE place and I compare all others to Joe's. I thought that we should change it up for my birthday and once again Lettuce does not disappoint. I would argue that they are the best run restaurant group in the nation. I had walked by Mon Ami Gabi at least 100 times and always said to myself "I need to try this place". We made an 8pm reservation and when we showed up they said it would be a few minutes before our table was ready. We tried to fit into the bar area, but it was small and swamped. The restaurant had a decor similar to Wildfire or Joe's. After a few uncomfortable minutes of trying to figure out where to sit, we somehow managed to wedge onto the last bar-stool and ordered a couple drinks. The bartender was friendly and knowledgeable. He recommended a wine that we ended up ordering a bottle of at our table. After 10ish minutes we were seated. Our server was good, but I can't say he was gushing with personality. Maybe I'm spoiled by Frankie (Joe's), but I guess the service was what I would expect in France. He was always looking after us to be sure we were OK, but never took the time to truly chat with us. We ordered a lot of food and it was all wonderful. The starters were escargot and french onion soup, which they split for us at no additional cost. I'm not sure if I have had escargot before, but it was a couple bites of flavorful awesomeness. I went with the Steak Frites (Blue Cheese Edition) and the lady went with the Cod. HOLY FRITES! I think they gave me 2lbs and I probably polished off 1.99lbs of it. They brought out a free desert for my birthday and we also got the creme brule which had a thicker coat of burnt sugar than any I have ever had. Overall it was a great experience.
(4)Katy O.
I have eaten at this MAG as well as the one in Oakbrook and thoroughly enjoyed myself- and my meal- both times. We came here in December before heading over to walk through the Zoolights at the LP Zoo. The place was packed (we weren't the only people who had this idea) so we were glad to have a reservation. They have an excellent french onion soup here. The steak frites is a good option and is done well here. One person in our party had the scallops, I had the fish special, someone had the chicken- and everything was great. The food is spot on and we had great service. You really do feel a bit like you are in Paris in a cozy bistro.
(4)Carly G.
I went to Mon Ami Gabi with my boyfriend and we sat outside on the patio. The atmosphere was amazing - the perfect mix of romantic, upscale, and cozy. The food was delicious!! We had the sea scallops gratinees for appetizer and then had the skate wing and steak bordelaise. Would recommend all of it!! The best part was the service...it was a nice warmish Chicago night at first, but then the temperature dropped like 10 degrees and I hadn't brought a jacket. I didn't say anything, but the waiter must have noticed I looked cold so he brought me a Mon Ami "shawl" - basically a nice clean table cloth that I could wrap around my shoulders. So nice of him!!
(5)Meg K.
My husband and I took my parents here as a thank you, and it was perfect. It was 'fancy' without breaking the bank and the service was great. Towards the end of the meal my mom tried to rob what was left of the bread (it's really gooood bread), the waiter took it much to my mom's dismay. But he brought back a whole loaf for her to bring home. It was fun. The tables are close together but neither party sitting near us were too loud. I guess that makes us the loud ones!
(4)Elle M.
Another Christmas Eve meal with the family in the books. And Mon Ami Gabi did not disappoint. There were six and a half of us (six plus high chair) tonight and everyone left happy. I had the chicken liver mousse for a starter. It came with this delicious red wine mustard that really cut through the richness of the mousse. Really a perfect pairing. I loved it. Other appetizers around the table: duck confit with lentils which was well enjoyed, and cream of parsnip soup, which wasn't even around long enough for anyone else to sample. For my main I had the beef bourguignon. I figured it's a specialty of the house, I've never had the classic preparation, I may as well. It was great. The beef fell apart in my mouth and the sauce was incredibly flavorful. As far as beef stew goes, it was a 10. The course that really wowed me was dessert, and as I went to pastry school and am pretty snobby when it comes to dessert, that's pretty surprising. As a special they had buche de noel in a chocolate-coffee preparation. I don't know how the crap they got that sponge so freaking light and fluffy, but it was incredible. My brother had the apple tarte tatin, which also surprised me. The slices of apple weren't those little thin dried out things you encounter at so many places. They were big and thick and juicy and warm and deeeeelectable. Aces on dessert, guys. For reals. The atmosphere was what I expected. Bistro-y, festive. The place was hopping, but we were very comfortable nestled in our little corner. All in all, an incredibly enjoyable Christmas Eve. Thank you, Mon Ami Gabi!
(4)Harish V.
Great straight up french food.
(4)Christina L.
My friends and I were so excited to experience mon ami gabi, that was until we waited until 10pm for our 830pm reservation. Yes, the food is standard compared to it's lettuce entertain you counterparts- which means not waiting an hour and a half. What is the point waiting for food that is sub par and staff that is stuffy and incompetent at their job? clearly this is a 50+ scene but that doesn't mean those that are 30 get terrible service. I created profile just for this moment of complaining about my experience at Mon Ami Gabi. If you want a French experience you will enjoy and not feel the need to write a negative review I highly recommend bistro campagne in Lincoln Square.
(2)Scott O.
This is the second New Years Eve in a row we have eaten there and it may become, not only a permanent NYE fixture, but may have become our favorite restaurant in Chicago. Our server, Ryan, was fantastic and extremely helpful. The Pouilly-Fuisse was marvelous. The food is perfection. I had the frisee salad, duck confit, and sea scallops and my partner had the onion soup, oysters, and escargot. Everything was exquisite. I cannot recommend this restaurant highly enough. The only thing that spoiled the evening was the closeness of the tables and being sat next to a group of people who brought 3 toddlers and 2 babies to a restaurant that is not meant for children. Remember when people used to hire babysitters?
(5)Helen H.
I was so excited to try this place since the menu for restaurant week- it looked fantastic plus all the great reviews. Overall, I was really disappointed, and probably would've given this a place 2-stars because they really did not meet my expectations; however, with an objective eye, it really is probably a 3-star place. Ambiance: nice, french- ish, tons of Seniors there... very awkward when you're 20 years younger than everyone else. Not sure about seating arrangements. I felt like i was in a Chinatown restaurant where you had to share tables. You couldn't just turn the table a little to get into the booth, you had to pull the table ALL THE WAY into the aisle to get to your seat. I also just felt incredibly uncomfortable sitting so close to others. Literally only a foot apart on both sides. My dining partner and I had very limited conversations. Service: Very nice! Our server was incredibly attentive and knowledgeable on food and recos. Food: so-so. French 75- decent, but not strong at all. Sangria- decent, again, not very strong. French onion soup- cheese was delicious, but there was something wrong with the broth.. it wasn't salty enough? I'm not really sure how soup can be bland, but it was. I'm asian, and I'm fairly sensitive to saltiness, so i extremely dislike rich and salty foods, and even i found this soup to be bland. Cesar salad- decent, again, something was off again though. not terrific, not terrible. Lemon chicken with Frites- chicken was good, tender, but nothing "wow." I loved the frites because they remind me of the super crispy fries you get at the bottom of a Mcdonald's french fry container. however, i could've gotten these for $1 instead of Mon Ami Gabi. Steak- some kind of butter, dont' remember the name. really too rich, and very buttery. The steak itself was cooked well. Mac and cheese- okay. nothing special. weird cheese layer on top. Trio Desserts- again, everything so so, nothing amazing, nothing terrible. Price: expensive for so-so food, and decent portions- nothing gigantic nor tiny. Goldilocks style, but expensive. Won't be coming back here again. restaurant week- not worth it.
(3)Jimbo M.
Took the lady to Mon Ami Gabi for Valentine's Day and it proved to be a great choice. The atmosphere is fantastic, perfect for a romantic or intimate dinner. Along w/ a bottle of wine, we kicked off the dinner w/ the baked goat cheese, which I highly recommend. I decided to try something new and get the steak tartare, which was solid, but nothing extraordinary. I should have stuck w/ the filet, which is what the lady ordered, and it was delicious. The service was friendly and efficient and the dinner was a hit. Looking forward to getting back there soon.
(4)Lyn W.
This is our 3rd time at Mon Ami Gabi when we have visited Chicago. We love the atmosphere, the service and the food! Started out with French onion soup and the soup de jour - spring vegetables puree that I wanted to bath in and then our entrees: my husband a steak and I had a fish special that were both wonderful. Finished with coffee and a strawberry dessert! We will be back.
(5)Anna V.
Whenever my family comes to visit we go here. It's one of the only things we can agree on. It's got a nice spot on the lake. I had a birthday dinner here once awhile ago with six people. Somehow they botched the reservation and we ended up waiting an extra 45 minutes waiting for a table. It was fine, but the staff went overboard compensating for it. Free appetizers? Sure. ALL of them. I have now tried all three cheeses - the baked brie with honey drizzle and nuts is a favorite. Good salad. Really wonderful creamy and salty mushroom soup. They also have a very good choice of wines, which is impressive, because the bottles are not overpriced. I always get the same entree here after years, and it is the steak au poivre medium rare. It is always the same: pounded-thin steak with brandy peppercorn sauce. Right amount of heat, super super tender, and sopped up with thin, flat, crispy airy potato curls that really aren't that frite-like. That same botched reservation got us dessert too. The little profiterole with a candle in it always warms me a little bit. The mousse with crispy espresso balls is the single best thing this restaurant serves, and they brought it out special in addition to the rest of the free stuff because I mentioned that I loved it. It was a 2 hour recovery for all of us afterwards, but it was one of the best. I love coming here even when it isn't over the top like that, and I have several times since. I agree with the reviewer who hates that there are kids here, but it's allowed because of who owns this place - Lettuce Entertain You is supposed to be 'family friendly,' which as a snotty and easily annoyed single person in Chicago, I sometimes resent. But LEY must be doing something right, because at all three of their restaurants I like (Osteria via Stato, Cafe Ba Ba Reeba, and here) seem to disguise the fact that they are part of this huge chain really well. Normally there is a lot of chain hostility. Including from me. But not here.
(5)John And Jen R.
This place is sooo good and you feel like you are in a Bistro in France. I always get the steak frites and then dream of it for weeks afterwards. The French Onion soup is to die for as well. I will be back for sure!
(5)Chuck B.
I've dined at Mon Ami Gabi twice and both times were very enjoyable experiences. My go-to has been the steak frite, which at $23-25 is a great deal in my opinion. Although the steak is not gigantic I have found myself very satisfied after eating it both times. A generous pile of thin, crispy fried potatoes are delicious after being tossed in the remainder of the steak juices and whatever bearnaise is left over. As a starter the warm kale, bacon and soft poached egg salad was very nice in addition to the obligatory warm French baguette and butter. Warm chocolate cake with whipped creme fraische was a perfect end to the meal and large enough to split with my choco-holic father. The service style was a little rushed for a Monday evening, but that may be attributed to the special Seder dinner that was being offered. Nonetheless, our server was attentive, kind and brief. Atmosphere was fun, energetic and noisy but not to the extent that conversation would be strained. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a mid-level priced French bistro. I will certainly be going back whenever my steak frite craving arises.
(4)Nicki W.
It's a disgrace that my life has not included dining at Mon Ami Gabi until last week. This will be my new neighborhood spot for sure as the service, food and atmosphere were spot on. A friend and I stopped by on a Tuesday night for a laid back dinner to catch up. Our waiter was a doll and very helpful when making wine pairings to our dinners. He was attentive but also understood that we were conversing for 98% of the time and let us do our thing. For dinner I had the lovely Lemon Chicken Paillard which is considered a house favorite (and I know why!) the sauce is a buttery, lemony, garlicy dreamy creation and I finished every bite. My friend had the Scallops which she also enjoyed. Dessert was so phenomenal, I've been thinking about it the whole week. When you go, you must have the Chocolate Tart. Chocolate graham cracker crust, coffee sauce (which is YUM), and whipped cream. I consumed the entire thing. Let's just say, when I walked out of Mon Ami Gabi, my pants were not fitting properly. I was totally satisfied and I can't wait to come back and try some more of their seafood options. It's really a cute little place.
(5)Susan W.
Oh how I wish I could say OO LA LA...Tres Bien!! But, me o my how hard I try.. 1.. made a 6:30 reservation..we were placed in a dark, rear corner..asked to be moved, got a better seat in the main room. It seems 9 out of 10 times when I visit a restaurant I ask to please be moved to a better seat! My money is real guys!!! 2.. Saw our waiter very briefly three times..he was very anxious to take our order, we were not ready, once order taken we had to get attention of other waiters..staff.. 3. The steak and pomme frittes were delicious, the escargot perfect and the profitolerros, scrumcious...but for some reason, we felt a bit rushed, a bit ignored.. BUTTTTT..this is a french bistro and this may just be the flavour the ambiance that Mon Ami Gabi wishes to exude... 4. We chilled in the Beldon Strattofd lobby while waiting for our carriage..so peaceful, so old time Chicago... I like KiKi's Bistro as well.. Was on a visit from Buffalo, NY..we have nothing like this so why am I even complaining???
(4)Maj B.
As much as I want to love Mon Ami Gabi the food just never impresses me. Don't expect a noise free dining experience. This place gets loud on Fridays and Saturdays. Great service is reason enough to visit.
(3)Elise K.
Perhaps the problem was that I had carryout... I had the salmon dressed with capers. It wasn't the best salmon I've ever had, but easily close to the worst!
(2)Jackie H.
I had a great 24th birthday dinner here two weekends ago. The steak au poivre was a slice of Paris in Lincoln Park. The wine my dad wound up selecting was the perfect complement to the food, and we all made sure we left room for the profiteroles. The decor was cozy, the conversation was invigorating, and the lobby of the Belden-Stratford was the perfect bookend to a perfect evening.
(5)Meredith B.
I had a really lovely dinner here last night! There were 12 or 13 of us, yet somehow service was smooth and flawless. They were great with the wine service, our glasses were never empty! I began with the escargot, which came out piping hot and bubbling in garlic-butter sauce. The french onion soup was also fantastic, hot and gooey. Something about the bowl it was served in made the soup stay hot for 20 minutes! The butter lettuce/goat cheese/beet salad was all right, but not a standout. The beets had good flavor, but there were very few of them. Skimped a bit on the cheese as well, but it was nice and light. For my entree, my boyfriend and I split the ribeye with frites and bearnaise sauce. The steak was a great size for splitting, and it was a pretty good piece of meat! Not as good as a true "steakhouse" but it was cooked very well, a lovely medium-rare but with a nice crust on the outside. Honestly, it didn't require the bearnaise sauce. I've never had steak frites before but I got a kick out of the little crispy things - they weren't like any American style fries I've ever had. Addictively crunchy, but not terribly flavorful. Which is maybe how they are supposed to be! Creme brulee was classic, tasted just as it should. Which is delicious. And the prices are actually quite reasonable! I know it's a corporate owned place, but you don't get that feeling at all when you eat there. It feels authentic, and it's affordable! If i had a craving for French, I think I'd return here!
(4)Eliza B.
I have been here on several occassions, and have always thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I don't know which I'm more impressed with, the food or the service! Both have always been outstanding. On our most recent trip to Mon Ami Gabi, we were sat a few minutes after our reservation, and the hosts and server were very gracious and apologized for the wait- they made sure we were taken care of all night! (And keep in mind, we hadn't said anything or complained, they were just very on top of things.) The food is always incredible; fresh, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned. The wine list is great too, and I'm always impressed at their array of wines by the glass and classic cocktails. Our server Eleni was incredible. She was very friendly, extremely knowledgeable about the food and wine menus, and was very attentive. Mon Ami Gabi has that kind of unobtrusive service, where you don't realize your empty glass or plate has been cleared, or that your water has been poured, or that your new glass of wine has arrived (that's my favorite!). It was the perfect balance of friendly, outgoing, and attentive service without being overbearing or annoying (i.e., the server who wants to tell you their life story). From start to finish, we had a wonderful experience here, and can't wait to return!
(5)Robert W.
Steak frittes were great, service at bar is spectacular.
(4)Lauren B.
Charming! Five stars for the soups (French onion and vegetable), service, and desserts ( warm chocolate tart. Omg.). Four stars for the entrees- we had the trout and scallops, no complaints but not exceptional. Two stars for the cocktails. Great place to take family or go for a celebration.
(4)John G.
Always a nice treat when we got to see the Zoo lights. Great service and food. Steak good to perfection
(5)Monika S.
I wanted to update my review below, as the "one off issue" that occurred below was handled very well by the General Manager, Stephanie. Though it took a few months (Stephanie was just now informed) the GM contacted me today and was sincerely apologetic for what occurred at my sister's bridal shower and immediately refunded all of my money for the event. She was very friendly and completely about customer service, and even asked that I contact her, the next time we plan to dine at Mon Ami Gabi, so that she can make sure we have a great experience. As I stated in my review below, the FOOD WAS DELICIOUS, it was the amount that was an issue for me, and now that Stephanie has rectified the situation, and has provided me with exceptional customer service, I feel I can definitely give Mon Ami Gabi another chance. Thanks Mon Ami Gabi, for taking responsibility for this issue, and taking action to fix it. I look forward to dining with you in the future!
(4)Tiff W.
I came here for Restaurant Week with my girl friends & everything was nomtastic. The restaurant itself was kind of crowded, but I can see why it's so popular. It was really cute, albeit loud and the tables were quite close together (I wouldn't come here if you wanted a quiet romantic dinner). As we were seated, we were given a loaf of warm bread, butter, and a small shredded carrot salad. Their wine list is also decent, and I had a lovely glass of Cote du Rhone. The french onion soup was absolute perfection. It wasn't too salty, and there was the right ratio of bread to cheese to soup. The portion was also giant...I didn't finish it because I was already starting to get full and I was afraid I wouldn't have room in my stomach for my steak frites (that fear was completely warranted, as it turned out). The steak frites...don't you love it when you order a steak medium rare at a restaurant and it actually comes out medium rare? You'd think that it would be easy to do, but you'd be surprised at the number of restaurants that fail to cook steak to your preferences. I digress. Anyway, the slab of meat was GIANT. The heap of frites was GIANT. They say size doesn't matter but I sure did appreciate a big ol' plate of meat and potatoes in front of me. I got my steak with the Bordelaise sauce (red wine and caramelized onions) and my only complaint was that the sauce was a little sweet for my liking, but this was completely my fault...caramelized onions are just naturally sweet. I think I'd try the peppercorn sauce next time. The fries were definitely different from what I expected...skinny and crispy. But I loved them! Unfortunately, there was absolutely no way I could finish all of my steak, let alone the fries. Dessert was a trio of creme brulee, chocolate mousse, and grapefruit sorbet. The creme brulee and chocolate mousse were amazing. The grapefruit sorbet was a little bitter and jarring after you had the other two, but after a while, it was really refreshing. I'd definitely come back to Mon Ami Gabi for their normal menu sometime!
(4)Robin M.
I love this place. I wanted to wait for a return visit before yelping just to make sure it was as lovely as I remembered the first time. It was indeed! First time went with Boyfriend for a romantic birthday dinner; it was a bit noisy but entirely manageable. The champagne was delish, the frisee and warm bacon salad my absolute favorite (topped with a poached egg); the steak and frites were so good and the desserts (crumble for me; profiteroles for him) were really great. The service was simply impeccable. It was a magical night! Took a friend the other night and she just loved it (and she's from Paris). Since I loved my meal the first time, I duplicated it. She loved the gazpacho and her steak. The wine list is quite extensive and very well chosen. We shared the bananas foster (it was huge; we dug in and still left 1/2 of it on the plate) -- the caramel and bananas were so wonderful I wanted to bathe in it. But that would be wrong. So I didn't do that. But I really, really wanted to. It can get a bit cozy in there, but as my friend said, this would be perfectly Parisian if the tables were smaller. So for all you complainers -- this is space and a half! Moving the tables for you to get into and out of is just the way it is done. Deal with it. Can't wait for an excuse to go back! Let's see: I'll go to celebrate National I Need a Poached Egg Day! Or, look, I found lint in my pocket. Whatever you decide (I'm going with lint) get thee hither to Mon Ami Gabi. It is freakin' awesome!
(5)Natalie S.
Ahhhh. Now that I've changed into elastic waisted pants so my gut has more room... I'm ready to review Mon Ami Gabi. The husband and I had some Lettuce Entertain You gift cards burning a hole in our pocket so we picked MAG. I was nervous because our usual go-tos for LEY giftcards are Cafe Ba-Ba-reeba or Wildfire. I was not disappointed. We started out with escargot. My husbands comment was "the only thing I didn't like about it was that I had to share". They were AWESOME. We were the trashy ones using the bread to scoop the remaining garlic oil out of the little cups. So be it... I can live with my shame. Next we has the French onion soup. Yum. It was sweeter than the onion soups I've had in the past but I liked it. Then came entrees. I had the steak classique. I liked it a lot... but saying it was love is excessive. It came with a tremendous amount of pomme frites and I didn't enjoy them nearly as much as some of the other reviewers. Oh well... Yeah, the tables are close together but it didn't bother us at all. It made for good people watching! Our server was friendly and thorough. I'd definitely go back... especially for the escargot!
(4)Alexis W.
Clearly has decided what it wants to do and does it very well-- DELICIOUS bread and butter precedes classic French bistro fare--esp. delicious fries and perfectly cooked steak. Delightful location, too, inside a venerable old hotel/residence in Lincoln Park. Always cozy (tho I hate that word!) and inviting on a cold night.
(3)Sean M.
Not a great French menu, overpriced, atmosphere was not romantic.
(3)Drew R.
Old school French is what I was expecting. Old school french is exactly what I got. This was the perfect place for a date night. Our server was very knowledgeable, was able to recommend a good bottle of wine to go with our food, and was very attentive. We started with the baked brie which was perfect, rind and all. It went really well with the baguette they give each table. The French onion soup was well balanced. My girlfriend and I both had the Streak Frites was bernaise sauce. I ordered mine medium rare, and the temperature was spot on. The best I've had in ages. I ended the meal with the creme brûlée, which came out perfectly. All in all it was a great experience and a perfect place for a date night. Good food, good service, and decent value for a four-course dinner with a bottle of wine.
(5)Kirstan L.
Visited during Restaurant Week and loved it! The food was wonderful, especially the trout & the beer bourguignon. But the very best part of the experience was our waiter, Sacha. He was the right amount of attentive & engaging. Plus, he was really funny!! Definitely looking forward to going back, trying some new items, & hopefully sitting in Sacha's section again!
(5)Eric B.
Great French onion soup. Warm crispy bread. Fine wine. Love the location (in my hood). The interior is pretty. I got the hangar steak bc it was cheap and someone else was paying for me and several others. Would have preferred to try something else. I had a good time and would recommend this place over bistro Margot. Less expensive and tastes the same.
(4)Grace M.
Nestled in the front of the historic Beldon-Stratford, Mon Ami Gabi is a lovely and tasteful fine dining establishment. Have eaten here numerous times, sitting both inside and out on the patio, and have loved every single minute of it! I'm a Francophile, and this food does not disappoint! Top notch, a Chicago gem! Sometimes the patio tables can be a little too close together, however, which means if you're handicapped or elderly, it can be a tad uncomfortable outside during peak hours, unless you ask for tables to be adjusted! I've had someone's elbow in the back of my head before. Otherwise, this is one of my favourite places to dine in Chicagoland, and we always manage to stop and enjoy when in town!
(5)Shannon R.
Overall, my experience here was good. It's a "chain" restaurant which living in Chicago I always prefer local spots. We started with the baked brie which was pretty delicious. I had mussels with frites and they were tasty. The table wine selection was good as well. The biggest drawback was the table seating. There are a number of tables cramped in this small space and we were a table of 2 that felt like we were on display in the middle of this small area. The staff kept bumping into us at no fault to them. Beyond that small issue, everything else was great.
(4)Linda G.
I've been to Belgium several times so I am a spoiled gourmand. Mon Ami Gabi -- with its On-The-Park location in the classy looking Belden Stratford Hotel -- and french menu and decor -- sets you up for high expectations. I was first annoyed by our waiter who seemed like a recently fired "corporate guy" who couldn't pronounce the Belgian beers. Then I was VERY annoyed by my chunky Paté ala Oscar Meyer. The Frites were cooked to cinders -- etc etc. There are much better places in this city to spend money.
(1)Mike S.
Another reviewer wrote "this is a great restaurant for couples who want to be romantic and disgusting and coupley...ordering rich food, drinking red wine, and walking home holding hands. time to puke, gross-o. it was awesome." And that's pretty much a perfect synopsis of Mon Ami Gabi. There's date night and DATE NIGHT, and this is a good one to have in your back pocket for a really big night, like a birthday, anniversary, or hell, even proposing. While one should be prepared to splash the cash at this establishment, thankfully, I was able to enjoy the evening on my lovely girlfriend's dime as she brought me here for my birthday. I dare say she swept me off my feet. You can hate the cliche of the classy French restaurant on date night all you want, but Mon Ami Gabi has a great location on Lincoln Park West, a relatively small menu, but with its limited options done right, and an extensive wine list for all price levels. There's even outdoor seating in the summertime, but depending on when you go, it will be a longer wait. My only complaint is that Mon Ami Gabi MOUNDS ON the frites. I could only finish half of them after we each ordered a filet mignon and split a bottle of pinot noir, both of which were, in a word, exquisite.
(5)Bruce N.
LOVE LOVE LOVE this place. We have gone back to this place several times since we moved from NYC to Chicago. One of the consistently good places we have found and that says a LOT for Chicago. All of us had great meals. Interesting combinations, well served. great service, not a forever wait, comfortable atmosphere and was wonderful even for our kids. The only place that serves children like they were special too and not like the adults were at a nice restaurant and the kids are at McDonald's. I hate where a place treats the kids like they are eating something not so special. This place put our children's food on very nice white china divided plates that made the food look very nice. It also helped with our son who hate food touching other food. VERY NICE TOUCH! My father-in-law and I both had the scallops with butternut squash puree and brussel sprout and hazel nut saute. I was AMAZING. So So good. I highly recommend this place. You can't go wrong.
(5)Lim K.
After searching the Internet to find a restaurant nearby my daughter's place I found Mon Ami Gabi. The restaurant is located inside a luxury apartment home building. The lobby was beautifully decorated with the Christmas tree and bright lights. Soon after we were seated a loaf of French bread with butter and celery root slaw were served. My daughter and husband ordered beer. I ordered hot green tea and I liked it very much. We started off with escargot, smoked salmon, and housemade pate as appetizer. They were all tasty and delicious. As main courses we ordered sea scallops and grilled salmon with spinach salad. The sea scallops came with sautéed brussel sprouts and mashed cauliflower. It was the best tasting brussel sprouts I've ever had. We had to order an additional side dish of brussel sprouts. For the dessert we had Mille feuille of berries. It was very light and delicious. The service was excellent. We will definitely go back.
(5)Braden C.
Make sure to have a reservation but the decor and the food is worth it. Be ready to drop at least a cnote.
(4)Caroline M.
Reserve this place for an indulgent, classy evening only! I consumed an entire days worth of calories in a span of 2 hours here at Mon Ami Gabi...and it was totally worth it ('cept for the mousse...more on that later). Start off with a cocktail. They are strong. I likey! Then, order the scallops gratin--which I wasn't exactly sure how those would be....to my surprise...um...Heavenly!!! 4 scallops smothered in a rich gruyere, fennel & onion sauce & broiled till nice & caramelized. Perfection, I tell you. Since, we shared a scallop app. I couldn't get the scallop main course...so I opted for the hanger steak instead. It was unbelievably tender & full of flavor. It's rare that I would order a hunk of meat at a restaurant, since it just seems so boring, but I was feelin' adventurous (and tipsy). Highly recommend that. Plus, it happened to be their least inexpensive meat option at $18--yay! Oh, and it was served with a massive amount of addictively crispy potatoes. Their dessert menu bored me....classical French selections included--creme brulee, profiteroles, choc mousse & crepes. The mousse was just a blob of chocolate on a plate. *yawn* Save your $7; or better yet, get another drink. Girls Night Out Approved! ::stamp:: PS: Reservations are an absolute must!
(4)Jaclyn S.
The food here is delicious. The service is impeccable. The only problem with this restaurant is the same problem with a lot of restaurants these days - and that's asking couples on a Saturday night to sit in what I would consider pretty intimate seating next to families with children. I'm sorry - but kids have no place at Mon Ami on a Saturday night. Or, if you are going to welcome children, don't seat those families at banquette tables next to people who are clearly out to enjoy a nice - maybe even romantic - evening together. Listening to kids squabble over the green crayon while their parents drink martinis and ignore them is a total mood killer, Mon Ami...
(4)Kathryn R.
It's mid August now and the evenings are balmy and romantically soft near the lake at night. This place is just a couple of blocks from the water in a lovely upscale neighborhood with valet parking ($12) and a large patio outside under the stars. I spent a leisurely 40 minutes waiting for a table (it was very busy this night) with a glass of very good wine "people watching", absorbing the lively buzz in the restaurant and relaxing into the atmosphere which is fun French at its best. I had six fresh oysters and wished I'd ordered 12. The "Petite Salad Maison" was a little too petite for me so I wished I'd ordered the Caesar which is "grande". I eat my salad with my meal or afterwards, a kind of "digestif" and fresh counterpoint to the meat and potatoes. House steak medium rare is to be savoured. Luckily there is a mound of good frites (thin and crisp fries) to pick over. Very good. A meal is an experience in life. We have good and bad experiences. Mon Ami Gabi is a little like a trip to Fouquet's on the Champs Elysee here in Chicago. Go on vacation and have a meal!
(5)Kristal R.
INCREDIBLE food!!! Escargot, mussells, and scallops are a must!!
(5)Eric G.
The Bad: This place is cramped. Really cramped. Move the table to sit down, hope you don't have to pee otherwise it will be a production kinda cramped. Because so many people were packed in such a small space it got noisy. We were sat next to the bar and it had a very "bar" atmosphere because of it. Our portions were inconsistent. 3 of our party ordered the special (monkfish). I received the monkfish, clump of basil, and a few small bits portion. The man sitting across the table from me received the monkfish and no bits portion. The woman sitting across from me received the monkfish, potato, and squash awesomeness. The Good: The hostess was friendly and welcoming. They had a nice selection of wine. The waitress was friendly and never rushed us. My water glass was never empty. The food was good. Gluten free options! Overall: It felt like a rehabbed bar that was trying very hard to be upscale dining. The inconsistent portions really put us off. We will be eating around the corner next time.
(2)Victor M.
I was here for a friend's birthday and I couldn't finish my entree (Steak Classique) and neither did the other guest at my table. Why? We began our French cuisine with Escargots de Bourgogne, Country Style Pâté, and Mussels Marinière... with Fresh Hot French bread.. We got.. many loaves. Because the sauce was that good and it requires lots of dipping! Frites are fresh cut fries and my steak was a smashed skirt steak cooked to perfection; medium rare. Dessert was passion fruit sorbet and a cobbler that i vaguely remember. Staff is very helpful and courteous. Note: Clientele - seniors having a good time and couples on fancy dates. So dress attire? Business casual+; dont be like me with a pair of jeans and a pair of new balances that's been waiting to be replaced for two years..
(5)Mark M.
My girlfriend and I went to Mon Ami Gabi for a nice Valentine's Day dinner. Located right across the street from the Lincoln Park Zoo (which we conveniently explored before dinner), Mon Ami Gabi has an extremely authentic French feel. I'd know, I spent a semester in Paris. The restaurant is at the bottom of a fancy hotel, the same hotel that hosts the very famous L2O restaurant. The food was great. I got the beef bourgogne. The beef was so tender and the red wine sauce had a great flavor. I wasn't a huge fan of the ham in the dish though but overall it was very enjoyable. The scallops we got as an appetizer were incredible! Oh and I almost forgot! The chocolate mousse was some of the best I've ever had. It had the perfect mousse texture and chocolatey flavor and came with these delicious chocolate covered rice crispies on top. For a very French dining experience in Chicago, check out Mon Ami Gabi. Best of all, the prices were very reasonable. An appetizer, salad, beer, two entrees and a dessert came out to around $70.
(4)K B.
I went here for restaurant week, the 4th restaurant week dinner over a 7 day period. I must admit, I had the lowest expectations for this meal, however it ended up being maybe my favorite restaurant week experience. I had the steak frites with Steak Bearnaise sauce, and it was beyond killer. I mean, somehow with my spoon I managed to clean my bowl of literally every last drop - it really looked like someone had rinsed the bowl off.
(4)Jessica Y.
I went here for my birthday on the recommendation of a friend who is a foodie like me, so I knew I couldn't go wrong! It was a very enjoyable evening with great friends and food! The restaurant is a bit small and when it gets crowded, there isn't too much room to move around and gets loud, but the food makes up for it! We ordered a few appetizers including the Chicken Liver Mousse (a must have!), Escargots de Bourgogne (the sauce pretty much masked the taste of the snails) and Sea Scallops Gratinées, which were wonderful! For the main course, I ordered one of the steaks and it was served just as I ordered - cooked to a medium. I've had better hand cut frites, but they weren't too bad. Pair it with a French Martini and you're good to go! No one ordered dessert, but I was given a Profiteroles as my birthday cake and it was delicious! Recommended!
(4)Amanda C.
My mouth is still watering from my dinner here. I went during restaurant week and had predicted this would be a pretentious and stuffy restaurant, but it far exceeded my expectations in atmosphere and food. We had a reservation for 7:30 and were seated about 7:40, but it was very easy to wait in the lobby of the Belden-Stratford (not a bad place to have to wait) and someone came to find us when the table was ready. We had a great server- super friendly, not overly attentive, and had some good jokes. I think his name was Don? The cocktail menu has a lot of great French options. I had the French 75, which contrary to another review, I thought was very strong, and I like strong drinks. The wine cart is cool because you can just order by the glass out of that. We started off with some crispy baguettes with butter and lentil salad. From the prix fixe menu for restaurant week, I ordered escargots (they make them here with pesto- and the sauce is great for dipping the bread) and Steak Frites with Bernaise sauce. My friends ordered their steaks cooked differently and all of them were cooked perfectly according to what we asked for. Next time I would ask for a variety of sauces- one of us ordered the Brandy Peppercorn and it was also very good. I think red meat is the way to go here. One of our group ordered salmon which was good, but clearly not their specialty. Frites are great and they will bring you ketchup upon request. Onto the desserts: o.m.g. Chocolate mousse, mango sorbet, and creme brulee. The creme brulee had the perfect torched crust on top and it was probably one of the most delicious desserts I have ever had in my life. I would go back to order an entire bowl of this. The restaurant is very cozy with dark colors and the bar in the middle. When a big group left I noticed they play jazz music. You can easily valet a car and it takes them all of about 2 minutes to retrieve it. Such a great experience- definitely recommend for restaurant week or anytime.
(5)Job E.
The food is well priced, especially considering the quality and atmosphere. $20 for a steak and side is a great deal. Its not the best steak ever, (this is a 'cafe' not a steakhouse), but they make up for it with good sauces. Our server was impressively friendly and courteous. Wine and appetizers round out the bill to the $$$ range, all-in-all not too bad. I went with mon amour; she was impressed, which is enough for me to bump up a 4-star to a 5-star.
(5)Melissa H.
I must say the Yelpers threw me for a loop on Mon Ami Gabi. There wasn't much French food actually on the menu. It was more of a steak house with French sauces dumped on top. If you didn't want steak and fries or a salad, you had maybe 3 other options. Now I will get over the fact that the menu isn't in French, because we are in Chicago, but there is no reason why there isn't much actual French food on the menu. Their menu IS posted on their website; I'd recommend you check it out before you go if you're a French food regular. Some other issues; parking is difficult here if you are intent on driving. It cost me $18. Service was very slow; we were stuck there for over 2 hours, most of it spent waiting for our server to return to our table. Also, we had reservations for a birthday party, but when we got there, we still had to stand outside the restaurant and wait for a table. Tables were CRAMMED together; I couldn't get up to go to the bathroom from our round table without the person next to me having to get up and let me through. Take the other positive reviews into account, but please also heed my warnings...
(2)Richie D.
I'm always skeptical when giving a large restaurant chain like Lettuce Entertain You a chance. Yes, the recipes are next to perfect, but is the quality and service just as good? I'm no longer in the suburbs, so why not go to one of the thousands of other local restaurants?? Well I figured I'd give it a shot once I was able to pronounce Mon Ami Gabi (I'm a Spanish speaker, I'm worthless when it comes to French). First off, be sure to make a reservation on OpenTable because this place seems to always packed. We were stuffed in this small room with a large, boisterous party which was the only downfall. Thankfully the waitress apologized several times and was lovely. I love pre-fixe menus and they happened to have one for Restaurant Week. I went "All French" by ordering the Onion Soup Au Gratin, Steak Frite Classique, and Chocolate Mousse. Instead of a three-course meal, it's actually a four-courses because of the fresh, long baguettes they serve with olive oil. The French Onion soup was spectacular, not too salty and plenty of soaked bread and bubbly cheese. Moving on to the main entree, the steak was perfectly cooked as I like it with just the right amount of juice. I ordered the Classique-style with maître d'hôtel butter because I wanted to taste the true steak flavor versus peppercorn, onions or cheeses like the other style options. I'm glad I chose to do it this way. The frites are curly shoestrings, my fav! Then the Chocolate Mousse dessert was spectacular. It filled up a clear glass Mason jar with plenty of mousse and these crunchy chocolate beads that were delish. Even after an entire jar I wanted more. I take back what I said about chains, even though I prefer to support a local, family owned restaurant with my money. Mon Ami Gabi is a great choice if you're looking for a spot-on good meal (they got it down pat) in a great location being within the gorgeous Belden Stratford Hotel facing the Lincoln Park Zoo & Nature Conservatory. They also have a fairly lengthy Gluten-Free menu since most of their items are meat.
(5)James K.
We go here for special events, graduations, etc. We also take all our out of town friends to Mon Ami. Great french bistro, fun cuisine. The wines by the glass are a special treat. One of us likes reds, the other whites. The only place we have every been in the US that offers Chateau neuf de Pape by the glass!
(5)Annie N.
It has been a while since I wined and dined here - and it has taken me that long to compose this review. No worries - my memory is not scattered. I simply could not throw couple words together to describe the incredible time I had here - but here it is: Apetizer: The Escargots - don't be grossed out by snails, definitely DON'T google their image before the meal. they're full of protein (I think??) - and even if they're not, Mon Ami Gabi makes them so good that you mostly taste the garlic sauce, not the snail itself. I could eat this appetizers for dinner, but sadly there were only a few. However, they have complimentary bread that tasted amazing when dipped in this sauce. French Onion soup came in huge portion - unfortunately I didn't get to taste it :( Main dish: of course the steak and fries are fabulous. My two friends both got it, and their plates looked amazingly good. I really like the fries served with it - thinner cut and very crispy. I personally don't like a big piece of meat - so I ordered a beef bourguignon. It was delicious, perfectly done. The portion was on the bigger size but I finish everything without hesitation. Desert - perhaps the best part. We got the chocolate mousse, creme brulee and mango sorbet. Need I say more? I tried to eat them as slowly as I could to taste everything and to savor the last moment of an amazing meal. The service was excellent - we did not have any issues from the beginning to the end. Waiter was extremely polite and attentive. The place was a little bit too cramped, and that's the only complain I have. Will definitely come back here again soon.
(5)Patricia S.
We planned on eating outside but due to threatening weather patio was closed so we ate inside. We asked for table by window (several were free....we had a 5:30 reservation). We were told that all of those were being held for people who had requested a window table when thy made their reservation. When we left by 7:00 all of these tabes remained free.
(3)Cindy G.
My absolute favorite restaurant of all time, end of story. My top menu picks are the escargot, French onion soup, steak Roquefort (with a pinot noir), and the bananas foster.
(5)Binal M.
This was my first time at this restaurant with my girlfriends. On a Wednesday night they had about 30 mins wait time which we never expected but reasonable as we didn't have a reservation. The service was great, they made sure we had ordered and checked on us on timely manner. The food came right on time and was hot. I order a grilled Salmon with Spinach Salad and it was cooked to perfection. The dressing was really nice & fresh pepper on top made all the difference.My friends loved their Pepper seared Ahi Tuna Salad & mussels marienere. The mussels were huge and garlicy. I loved their serving size unlike any french restaurant they were huge. We couldn't even finish our salads let alone the entrees which we never ordered. We ended up spending just about $20/person which wasn't bad al all. Will surely be back with my hubby.
(5)Jay n.
I sure was expecting more from a LEYE restaurant. The location / building is really neat - right across from Lincoln Park in an old hotel/condo building....old school, first class all the way. The restaurant however, is crammed into a pretty small space. The bar area is very small, seats only a few people, so there is really no room to stand and wait, or have a drink while waiting for a table to open. We had a reservation for 12 people for 8pm on a Saturday, and probably waited about 15 minutes. We were seated in the back room, which was quaint but crowded. The place was HOT......very, very HOT. The kitchen must have been right behind my seat.....because it was uncomfortably HOT....even the women were complaining. Food was OK. My hanger steak was good, but the 'frites' part of the meal.....terrible. Really, you can't even get french fries right in a french restaurant? Overall, a very unremarkeble experience. One order finally made it out by the time most of us were finished - a steak. Waiter said he would comp that, but then decided to bring a bunch of deserts to the table, and not comp the steak. (this after we brought our own cupcakes to be served for desert, as we were celebrating a 40th birthday). Again, poor communication. Got the bill, and had to ask if they could add the gratuity for us, since we had a large party and it would be easier when splitting up among 6 credit cards......they said 'sorry, we can't do that'. What? You can't add gratuity to table of 12 ? That's SOP anywhere else. Over the years I've come to expect a great experience at most LEYE restaurants, they really get it right. Mon ami Gabi on the other hand did not live up to that standard, and we won't be coming back any time soon. Two (2) Stars is a very generous rating.
(2)Matthew M.
We love our French food and this restaurant definitely had all the right elements to fulfill our French appetite. Mon Ami Gabi is a cute French bistro located in a hotel. It was crowded before we arrived to after we left. The tables are close together and it is very cozy. The service was good. We were seated at a table that was right in the middle of the action, so we got bumped by a few of the guests. Our waiter offered us great suggestions and the menu. The French Onion soup was sweet and very tasty! The Steak Frites with Roquefort cheese sauce is a must have! The steak was tender and the sauce was flavorful. For dessert the Creme Brulee was good and one of the best ones that I have had. Overall, this was a great dinner and I'm looking forward to coming back.
(5)Chris C.
Their steak frites are still amazing. During my last visit, I also had a bowl of their sweet potato soup which was out of this world! I don't care if they are a chain because they are off the chain!
(5)Vince S.
Had a great meal with awesome service. My wife loved the Butter salad with Apples and Beets. Our steaks were excellent and well-prepared (hers the Steak Classiq, mine the Steak Au Poivre). But the standout aspect of the evening was our waiter's service. Clearly, David loves his job, knows his menu and his winelist, and is able to connect with his customers! He gave credit to the Manager, Stephanie, for setting the tone. Clearly, they've got a good thing going. We will be back!
(5)Erika G.
Went here last night for my birthday. Still a sexy, charming, cute, delicious (as was my dining companion) little boite with reliably great French bistro food. I always seem to think of this place when I'm undecided about where else to go. Casual and unpretentious, yet still chic and French in feel. Steak Dijon - steak with mustard! Brilliant. Mouth watering! Dishy co-diner had Steak Bernaise - MON DIEU! We needed a walk after those steaks 'cos it was impossible not to devour them entirely. The Salade Maison to start is perfect - the vinegarette dressing just the way I like it - and is large enough to share. We got a delicious birthday creme puff with ice cream in it gratis 'cos of my birthday - be sure to mention if you are celebrating. I've been here more than once for something and always got a comp. The interior has always been irresistible to me - Chic, small, low lighting, glamorous tables. The bar is just great - if I lived in the Belden-Stratford I would surely be a Degas painting in no time and would have my "regular" booth. Something that bugged me, but this has nothing to do with the quality of the dining experience otherwise. WHO WEARS GYM SHOES OUT TO DINNER, I ASK YOU?!! People! Have SOME style and attempt to be chic when dining out! I have successfully erased the bad mojo about this place mentioned in my previous reviews. Ommmm!
(4)Veronica B.
It was a wonderful dining experience! My boyfriend and I had always wanted to go so I took him there for his graduation. The server we had was not only helpful with her suggestions but made our first experience there memorable. I definetly will go back.
(5)Jennifer J.
Yummy French food. I really heart this place and love their food and specialty drinks. I think one of the perfect date night dinners is: mussels, crusty French breas, French onion soup loaded with gueyre, a couple of cocktails followed by a shared dessert...All at Mon Ami Gabi. This place is romantic and warm feeling. I definitely like the layout of the place and last time I went we got a cozy and cute little booth table out of the way from the hustle and bustle that is any restaurant. Love their French martini. I can easily have two of those. Their mussels are great and they give you extra bread to get all of the juices. (Isn't that usually the best part?!) French onion soup is a must at any French restaurant you go to and theirs won't disappoint. My bf really loves this place and likes to go here on our more occasional upscale date nights. Overall, count on good service and good food if you come here. The crowd is usually a mixture of people in their 60s and the mid 20s-30s range and for me, that usually equals delicious food.
(5)Trish P.
Not even 1 star ... I disagree with all the positive reviews. We met friends for dinner last night. I had the roasted chicken and frites. The chicken was good, the frites were dry and over cooked. My husband had a paper thin steak along with dry over cooked frites. He did not like it either. We won't be back. If you want French cuisine - head to either Bistro Margot or Le Bouchon ... 100% better AND worth every $$$!
(1)Susan M.
I love Mon Ami Gabi. The food is always well prepared and beautifully presented. The cocktails are superior. And the service is impeccable.
(5)Jeff K.
We made a last minute reservation for 7PM the other night on Open Table. No problem. Made our way to the Belden Stratford hotel and wandered into Mon Ami Gabi. A very nice little setting, our waiter was very helpful. We each had a glass of house wine, my wife had the Cote Du RHone and I had the Burgundy. He provided information on the daily specials, and gave us 15 minutes to decide. Normally, I would think that was too long, but we enjoyed our time together after a long day. The couple next to us spoke French to each other, and made away with an extra loaf of the baguette in her big purse. Very smart. The waiter brought a sample of the chestnut soup for us, which was quite nice of him. And it was delicious. Pam ordered that as an appetizer and also had Steak Frite Au Poivre. I ordered the Steak Frite Roquefort. Quite simply, it was the best Steak Frite we've ever had. We were very happy, not too full, and enjoyed our leisurely walk back to the apartment. This is a great take on a classic French bistro, and we can't wait to get back to try something new.
(5)Hans H.
Steak frites?! I'm there. Yeah, meat and starch is quite the french thing, so sorry if you wanted veggies, but I'm here for the protein. Went here for a friend's birthday, and had the steak frites with the peppercorn sauce (forget the french name) medium-rare, with the soup of the day new england clam chowder. Some others had the special, the chicken....ermm....darn, forgot what it was called, but it was browned and then braised in a cast iron pot in its own juices. Wonderful flavor there. All great, presentation wonderful. It's a pretty packed space though and you definitely need reservations. I saw at least 2 couples get turned away at the door. And, mention someone's birthday and they get dessert!
(4)Linda C.
We were here 2 weeks ago. This restaurant is in the Belden-Stratford Hotel. We were seated immediately with a reservation. Each table was given a fresh loaf of just baked French bread and great butter. Each table also got a carrot salad on the house. We started with the mussels(mussels mariniere)--very juicy. We were soaking up the juice with the bread. We had the Steak Bordelaise and the Steak Bearnaise. Both came with the lightest pommes frites--so good and airy. We finished with the cream puffs (profiteroles) and coconut sorbet (sorbet du jour). The food was excellent. I am taking a star away because I have to ask our waiter twice for the dessert menu and three times to get the check.
(4)bill s.
Great food, great service, well worth the wait and price!
(5)Jamie R.
this place is great! I highly recommend it. The food was obviously outstanding. I recommend the scallops for an appetizer. The location and atmosphere of the restaurant is great. It was very nice but also comfortable. What I loved most, though, was the outstanding service. The waiter was extremely friendly and genuine and really gave us a great experience. Definitely check this place out! Also, forgot to mention, they are very reasonably priced!
(5)Rachel H.
I came here for an awesome friend's bday and loved my prime rib special and sweet potatoes au gratin. The escargot was delicious and the shrimp cocktail looked as if it were on steroids...delicious ones. There was a corking fee for the champagne we brought and also a fee for the bday cake we brought but I'm not gonna be a whiny ass about it like some of the party guests. What do you expect? I'll be coming back here to get points on my Lettuce Entertain You card. EDIT I returned for my own birthday and tried more delicious goodies including the french onion soup which was a little on the sweet side, and the steak frites with red wine sauce which I adored. Everyone enjoyed the food from the beef wellington to a pork chop which sent my companion straight to night night town. Also this time, they waived the cake cutting fee! Hooray!
(5)Al T.
Awful music used that is also loud. Paper table clothes??? Tacky.
(2)Emily B.
I headed to Mon Ami Gabi DURING Restaurant Week, but not necessarily FOR Restaurant Week. Any how, the place was packed with prix fixers so I stalked the tiny bar and waited for a seat to open before posting up on a stool for the night. I started with a reasonably priced cotes du rhone and ordered the filet mignon MR with a merlot butter reduction. I requested it served with au gratin potatoes and French cut green beans instead of the "signature fries" that came with it. This was the Good Call of the century, however they are a little weird about substitutions because that was the side that was supposed to go with the special of the night (pepper-crusted ribeye), and there were only apparently a set amount allotted. I thought that was strange, but they accommodated me and my cheesy potato needs. Everything came out perfectly, I mean that in regards to both flavor and timing. The steak was a solid medium rare and the sauce on it was delicious, even though I could eat a filet with just a little S&P. The sides were also done without a flaw. You know, last week I ate at the Chicago Cut house and spent 3 times what I did at Mon Ami, yet I liked Mon Ami 3 times better. Go figure. I finished the meal with a total foodgasm known as the bananas foster crepe. It's a crepe the size of a burrito stuffed with vanilla ice cream, drenched in warm caramel sauce with sliced bananas all over it. I shared it with the stranger sitting next to me so as not to look like a glutton (or waste this masterpiece). Few other points: -Located in the iconic Belden-Stratford Hotel, across from L2o -A piping hot baguette served in a paper bag is sent to each table with sweet butter -There is a special every night of the week
(4)Erin K.
What a wonderful dinner we had! Unfortunately, I don't remember our servers name but he was great (semi-long brown curly hair with glasses)! I am always interested in recommendations from the servers - I mean, they're there everyday, they know what's good! - and his did not dissappoint. We started with the onion soup, which is my favorite dish in the world. It was a little weak on broth but flavor was great! We then split the scallop au gratin app. My boyfriend LOVES scallops and I just like them. This, however, was amazing! Highlight of the meal. Every step of the meal was perfect. I had never heard raving reviews of Mon Ami so went in with no expectations at all and consequently was blown out of the water! We decided to have dinner there on a whim and it turns out to have been a great decision! Can't wait to go back!
(5)Laura H.
So my husband and I decided to go here after reading all the rave reviews. We are big fans of the Lettuce Entertain You restaurants, but sadly this one was not one of my favorites. Starters: the French Onion soup which was great! Piping hot, gooey messy cheese and the perfect balance of soup/bread. I really enjoyed it. The apple, goat cheese and beets salad was also a winner. Fresh, crisp and light. Entrees: with the limited options, we both opted for the Steak Frites. I had the bernaise sauce and my husband the bordelaise (carmelized onions and red wine). Both of these were just so-so. Steak wasnt well seasoned and really did need the sauce to make it better, which should never happen. It should accompany it, but not make the meal. On the plus side, portions were huge. To finish: we shared the berry cobbler. um um good! Now, i am 6 months pregnant and have been wanting cobblers and crisps for awhile now, but this one was out of this world good. This place is a bit expensive for what youre getting, but its a fun spot for a special occasion. That being said, I probably wont be venturing back unless its just to pick up the cobbler to go :)
(3)David E.
Mon Ami Gabi was wonderful. I had a few guest from out of town and took them there the other night for the first time. A+ service and the food was great. I had the Salmon and Leek. I highly recommend. I'll def. go back!
(4)Julia G.
I must admit, my first experience at this little French bistro was NOT pleasant. I was so close to the table beside me that I nearly felt like they were sitting on my lap, the steak was too chewy and I nearly spit 1/2 of it out (sorry if I'm being too explicit), and the company I was with didn't help. On a positive note, my friend who absolutely loves this place convinced me to give it a 2nd chance. Since I live 1 block away, I was inclined due to the sheer convenience of the location. So, I said yes and that's what prompted this positive review. I ordered fish this time---excellent choice for someone like me who prefers lamb over steak, we sat in the back and had a lot more room, and the company was excellent. We shared their fish special and another fish which was on the menu. The bread they served was nice and warm and once we ate through 1/2 of it, they brought us more... The Beaujolais wine was excellent. My only reason for giving this place a 3 versus a 4 is the space issue. Since its small, you feel a little cramped. If you are looking for a small and intimate spot, I would recommend this place but it's not good for big groups.
(3)Laura B.
Love the restaurant, we frequent the location in Las Vegas often. The food was spectacular as usual, the service left a lot to be desired. Our waiter Mark made the experience underwhelming. He was inattentive and forgetful, extremely frustrating. Tainted the overall experience.
(3)Erika O.
Delicious and not pricey!!! Cozy place, awesome food and starters!
(5)Alfonso L.
First of all, Mon Ami Gabi is a beautiful restaurant, overlooking Lincoln Park and for the holiday season, it is bedecked with amazing lighting inside and outside of the historic Belden Stratford hotel, a lovely property.. It was a bustling night and the service was better than impeccable, personable and professional in every way. The décor resembled a fin de siècle Parisian bistro on the Rive Gauche, everything so well appointed, from the menus to the open bottles of wine that were in various islands of the restaurant for servers to grab. I started the meal with a delicious tranche of country pate, and it was a marvelous display of cornichons, pearl onions and olives, and these triangled slices of pain de mie. The pate had a lot of flavor. But I much preferred taking pieces off my freshly baked individual French loaf of bread that came to my table. The bread was toothsome and wonderful, just like a mini-baguette should taste. One of the real showstoppers came next, as I ordered the warm bacon salad. Utterly genius how they melded all the distinct flavors so nicely, how they mixed the salad ---the vinaigrette into the crisp frisee leaves, and the warm lardons (bacon cubes), and of course, the perfectly poached egg that, when cut, just oozed more yolky richness into the already stellar salad. This is something that is truly authentically French and is not only a mainstay on all French bistro menus, but it's an excellent starter to any substantial meal. I decided to go with one of Mon Ami Gabi's specialties, which are the steaks. Since I couldn't decide which sauce I wanted to accompany my steak, béarnaise or bordelaise, my efficient server David suggested that they just bring out both sauces. Both were good, of course, but I was partial to the béarnaise because it was so decadently rich. The caramelized onions in the bordelaise were just a tad sweet for my taste buds at that moment. The steak? Like butter soft. Like a large portion, almost pounded out, but having loads of beefy flavor and I'm glad I ordered it medium. The dish sang so much that it really didn't seem like it was a huge steak slab like those you'll find at other behemoth Chicago steakhouses like Harry Caray's or Ditka's. If it's thick grub that you want, Fred Flintstone-style, then this probably isn't your place. But I guarantee that you'll have an extremely substantial and rich and flavorful steak. I actually didn't mind the fries, but I admit these aren't the shoestring-style, thin "allumettes" that you'll find in French restaurants. What they were were almost flattened thin potato crisps, not chips because they did taste like French fries. They were good, so do not misunderstand. I eschewed the ketchup that David offered to bring me, preferring to dip the fries in the béarnaise sauce. It is a testament to the flavor dexterity of the chef that I never once had to add any seasoning to my entire meal. That's how good it was. The dessert was just as marvelous. I ordered the chocolate profiteroles, served as a giant pair, smeared with rich chocolate sauce and with two globes of Haagen Dazs vanilla ice cream. Normally I find that when the profiteroles are served this way, they become dense and hard to eat. These were soft and easily sumptuous, a perfect end to the meal. Finally, a glass of the Beaujolais Villages, a crisp red, complemented the meal and left me very happy to say that I had an outstanding French meal in a beautiful part of Chicago
(5)Dave S.
I don't know who Gabi is but this place is definitely my friend! Date night with the wife is something I always look forward to especially when good food is involved. Having a ton of LEYE gift cards laying about we decided on Mon Ami Gabi as it was one of the few LEYE restaurants we had yet to try in the City. We started with escargot. SUPERB!! I wish I had a straw for the garlic herb sauce in which these delicious former snails were swimming!! The complimentary baguette made for a suitable vehicle for said juices. My only complaint was having to share with my wife and the melancholy that swept over me when we slurped up the last remaining drop. Next, French onion soup. Arguably my wife's and my personal favorite soup. It was hot, well balanced, and a sizable portion. A bit sweeter than most I've had in the past but that didn't stop me from inhaling it like my last breath of fresh air. Unlike what I would have done at a Chinese restaurant, I resisted lifting the bowl to my lips and drinking what little evaded my spoon. Steak Roquefort. Sublime. Tender. Creamy. The only thing that would have made it better... less pomme frites. Yes; less. Although the fried potatoes were delicious they swarmed the plate and interfered with each attempt to cut into the main attraction, Steak Roquefort. The steak was outstanding but next time I'll go with the mashed potatoes or another vegetable all together. Dessert is typically a must when creme brulee is on the menu; however, this particular night we planned poorly and reached belly capacity before the last course could be enjoyed. We will definitely save room for the brulee next time. I did see several delivered to other tables and the burnt top looked smooth, caramel-y, and crispy unlike many other places that have spots of black and cream with uneven browning. It's not a question of will we go back but rather a question of when. Mon Ami Gabi is mon ami!
(4)Michael S.
The place does not disappoint. Scallops and escargot appetizers: butter laden delights. Steak Dijon, rare; Skatewing tender and both perfect. The Chopin martinis were perfect, too; even smoother than and not the Grey Goose I'm sure my dining partner was sure she was drinking (I ordered them when she was in the W.C.) And it didn't hurt any that our waiter was a former Pump Room captain from my Maitre D' days. It was fun to see him and catch up. NO complaints about the comp'd round, of course. So, the service was awesome. But it would have been anyway. Given that on balance Lettuce Entertain You has elevated the duo of great themes and average food to a high art form, this place and the Lettuce Folks deserve high praise.
(5)Kathy L.
This place is a WIIIINNNNNEEEERRR!!! The service here was amazing, the waiter even had a french accent to match the french food. I judge any place that gives out free bread on the quality of their bread. The bread alone would get this place 5 stars...and their butter is awesome! On top of the bread, tried the escargots, mussels, steak with peppercorn sauce and chicken. There wasn't anything that didn't make me give a Rachel Ray "MmMMmmmm this is so good, you have to try it." Bottom line - great food, great service, and great atmosphere.
(5)Rick R.
I've been coming here for ages since it was even Un Grande Cafe. Food is exceptional and service cant be beat. Steak Frites are always a hit and seafood also fresh and delicious.
(5)Jen S.
o mon dieu, i love this place. to start with, there are fantastic gluten-free options. AND FRENCH FRIES. delicious little frites in a huge pile and YUM into the mouth they go. their steaks are divine, even if you don't pick the choicest and most expensive cut of meat. the herb butter is great, too. their scallop dish is also super-delicious. AND ORDER LIKE TWO DESSERTS. the chocolate mousse is divine but i really, really love the chocolate pudding cake with the salted creme caramel. beyond that, the servers are wonderful people, and the atmosphere is nice and fancy, yet comfortable. it feels like you're out for a ritzy dinner but you don't go broke paying for it. best of all worlds. in my bellay. i would go weekly if i could :)
(5)Absolutely phenomenal food, world-class service. I visited with two friends and we were treated so well. The service was attentive and friendly without being pushy, and the food was truly exquisite. Bizarrely, the highlight was not even a French dish a creamed corn risotto which was utterly magnificent. The food is on the pricey side, as you'd expect for fine French cuisine, but it is worth every cent.
(5)Jackie A.
My steak was really dry and the service was extremely slow... All together I doubt I would go back
(3)mark s.
Consistently Excellent. Pros: high quality food and service Great ambiance - feels and tastes like a real European Bistro. Outdoor cafe one of the best in the city. Staff are very professional, efficient and friendly. Free warm baquettes with butter. Try to stop at one, but they will bring more no charge. Cons: Dining room can be loud. Overall: One of my favorites in Chicago or the world.
(5)Angela B.
As usual, I had a great dining experience here on Saturday. We put our name in around 7:30 which gave us time to check out Zoo Lights at the Lincoln Park Zoo. We returned an hour later and our table was ready. The cozy, warm atmosphere and good energy was exactly what we were looking for. We had the Butter Lettuce & Honey Apple Crisp salad, Lemon-Thyme Seared Salmon, Trout Grenobloise, and Bananas Foster Crêpe for dessert. It was all excellent. Our server was friendly, attentive, and great when I asked for some recommendations. You really can't go wrong here.
(5)Jennifer E.
I co-hosted a baby shower here during the day on a Saturday. The brunch menu was awesome (great quiche, and amazing french toast) and the price was great for a group of people. It made a huge difference that we didn't have to clean or cook ourselves. We were able to put up some decorations and have a great gift table. And since they are not open during the day, we had the whole restaurant to ourselves with our own server. She was great. Also the punch was delicious! You can't have a shower without good punch.
(5)Spencer J.
Amazing!! been here here twice and it might be my favorite restaurant in Chicago. Highly Recomended!!
(5)Erin M.
I have been dying to try Mona Ami Gabi for some time now as I always pass the elegant Lincoln Park Location on my way home from work. I decided it would be the perfect venue for my birthday celebration. The restaurant area was quite small and the tables were pretty close together, however, the food was so amazing, I hardly noticed. I started off the meal with Escargots de Bourgogne. While this appetizer was tasty, I have had much better escargot at various other restaurants - I would not recommend them here. I happened to go on a Wednesday and elected their Plats Du Jour for my main course; Burgundy Braised Beef Bourguignon. This was a little slice of heaven. I loved how the noodles came first and the wait staff slowly poured over the stew like entre tableside. The beef was so tender and flavorful; my mouth is watering just thinking about this meal. A must if you dine here on a Wednesday. Everyone else in my party thoroughly enjoyed their entrees as well - this is French done right.
(4)Mark C.
Incredible food, incredible service, every single time. Great authentic French food. The steak frites are as good as they get. The Lincoln Park location is very cozy and tables in the back make it a relaxed dining experience. The service and expertise of the entire staff was impressive. I haven't had a bad meal here, and enjoy having both new dishes and old favorites.
(5)Kelly A.
Excellent service and food. My friend and I both have good allergies, and they could not have been more helpful. We even got gluten free bread! We both had the Dover sole special. Amazing. Our waitress, Molly, was outstanding. She really went above and beyond for us!
(5)Lesley A.
L'experience a Mon Ami Gabi n'est pas le meilleure, parce que j'ai diner au France. J'ai beaucoup des expectations pour l'ambience, la cuisine et j'ai voir un garcon qui parle le Francais. Mais, je ne les ai rien recevoir! My French is rusty, but the gist is, I expected more from Mon Ami Gabi. It was my first time trying French food in Chicago, and was spoiled by having French food - in France. To me, I see French food as being about rich flavors and sauce, none of which I experienced here. I was also looking forward to dining in a French restaurant where I could perhaps speak to a waiter in French. Nope, the waitstaff and ambiance of the restaurant were very much Chicago steakhouse with its dark woods, dim lighting and definitely English speaking waitstaff (aside from the most awkward moment where one of the waitstaff misinterpreted our request for another plate...instead bringing us two full loaves of bread and extra butter. For five of us we had four full loaves of bread!) I tried escargot for the first time, and it was delicious, though not something I would get on a regular basis. I think people are so enamored with the escargot here because it's doused in butter. For my entree I tried the non-steak option most Yelpers fawned about: Roast Chicken & Frites (grandmere style, mushrooms, bacon, pearl onions). It didn't blow me away. The chicken skin had a nice crispness, and the frites were something different as they coated my entree. I've reached a point where fried potatoes are simply, fried potatoes. I was even more disappointed that they didn't offer ratatouille. I've wanted to try ratatouille for quite some time now. In fact, their menu looked more like a Chicago steakhouse (look at their side vegetable menu. Garlic spinach? Pommes puree a.k.a mashed potatoes? I don't think so). Sauvez votre l'argent pour un autre restaurant.
(2)George K.
The location is great since it's Lincoln Park Zoo adjacent and guess what? I love the zoo! That being said, the restaurant was really nice and while Lettuce Entertain You hasn't really let me down, it's never overwhelmed me either. Dragon and I both got steaks, she went with the Ribeye special while I had the Filet Merlot. The steaks were well-cooked and the sides were nice. Again, nothing that really set it apart from any other steak. The highlight was a lava chocolate cake dessert with vanilla ice cream. It was a great way to finish things off and since it was January 1st, New Year's Resolution lasted all of about 18 hours. Well done! I'd recommend as a nice night out, but wouldn't if you are wanting to get a Chicago experience instead.
(3)Dan D.
As far as good country-style French cuisine, Mon Ami Gabi is one of my favorites in Chicago. The serving sizes are large - you get a lot for your money. The food is exquisite and top-quality through and through. The wine selection is extensive and simply HUGE. The atmosphere is classic and relaxed. Finally, the location is amazing - a stroll across the street for the Lincoln Park Zoo. That sums it up! My favorite used to be the Braised Shortribs (offered only on wednesdays now...) --- super tender, no need for knives. Now, I love the fish selections on the menu. The Thyme-seared Salmon was great! Highly recommended.
(4)Tal C.
Came here for restaurant week with a couple of friends, and enjoyed it. We all got steak frites (mine had the Bordelaise sauce: caramelized onions and red wine). The frites were a bit soggy, and I would have like a bit more flavor (a sauce to dip them in would have been nice). We also started out with mushroom soup and caesar salad- both pretty good. Overall, this place is cute, food is good, and the warm french bread at the beginning is amazing. A tad pricey for what you get though.
(4)M J.
I went to Mon Ami in the summer of last year. We sat outside had two fillets m. that were just about ok (they have some kind of a sweet sauce for the fillets and I am def. not a fan of sweet with my entree). I had to flag someone down for pepper... our waiter was just not there .... at all. He came when we were done and asked " was it ok?" we asked for the manager and complained. Our dinner was free yet we still left a $100.00 (the cost of dinner) tip for the manager... we just wanted her to realize that service is horrible! I went back to mon ami for drinks and dessert just recently. Dessert was wonderful. The french martinis were amazing. This time the service was great. I found out that the owner of Mon Ami is the same as the owner of Cafe Babareeba. I think I may go back ....... just not with such high hopes. The crowd is definitely older, but the atmosphere is great. It's crowded, but in a cute way - as you would expect from a French establishment.
(2)Kristin M.
So in terms of the food, I would actually only give this place three stars. The service is what gained Mon Ami an extra star. I see that some other people complained about the service, but we had a stellar waiter, I believe his name was Cal. He made an excellent wine recommendation, when the hubs ordered a pricey glass of champagne he gave it to us for the price of a less expensive glass, and brought out extra house made hot fudge sauce with dessert with out us even asking. And yes, the house made hot fudge was so good I had a couple of spoonfuls of it all by itself. The simple reason that Mon Ami looses a star is because of my entree. I went for the beef wellington, which while the steak inside the pastry was delicious, the pastry itself was atrocious. I'm sorry but they shouldn't have served it, I ended up peeling the pastry off of the steak. At least the entire entree wasn't ruined due to the gummy, undercooked pastry, because the steak was cooked perfectly and was tasty, but I didn't just order steak, I ordered beef wellington. Anyway, everything else was tasty, probably some of the best french onion soup around. And I must mention (and this is personal preference) but I did not like the frites, they were more like strips of potato chips instead of a french fry. They didn't really have a potato taste or texture left, they were more like a chip. But maybe this is how they're actually served in France? Which is fine, I just didn't care for them.
(4)Liwei Y.
This place is very popular and the earliest reservation I could make was at 10 (it closes at 11). So I ended up coming here for drinks and deserts. I tried the caramel, salt, and chocolate cake, chocolate mousse, and profiteroles. Yes, I love chocolate! They were all really good. My friends and I devoured the deserts pretty fast. The drinks were good and pretty strong (because mine was a combo of only alcohol). I tend to think I have decent tolerance and after 1 drink, I was buzzed.
(4)Meghan B.
It's interesting, because I expected a little more from this place based on reviews. My boyfriend and I were thinking of coming here for our anniversary dinner, but opted to go for easter brunch instead and I'm so glad we did. The food was good and the wait staff was nice, but there was nothing exceptional about any of it. We got to our reservation on Easter on time and had to wait for an additional 30 minutes and then got shoved in a corner. Seriously, the farthest, darkest corner. So, it was an ok experience. If you are expecting a French bistro with lots of atmosphere, I would assume it's better at night. Daytime dining here was not amazing. The food was good, though, so give it a try - maybe not on a holday!
(3)Bridget H.
Delicious traditional French menu! Everything you'd expect to find is there - mussels, cheese plate, hanger steak, onion soup, etc... We ate a variety of steak and fishes and all were excellent. The place is busy and bustling, so it's not the best for a quiet, calm dinner. The location is beautiful. The service is solid, but the waitress was a brisk and rushed our party a bit - this seemed to fit with the atmosphere, but when at a nice dinner, one likes to linger a bit. I think the prices are very reasonable - bottle of wine, three soups, three entrees, and coffee/dessert for about 160$.
(4)Sandra C.
We had a delicious dinner,Best onion soup ever. Delightful service. Highly recommecnded for french food without all the sauces.
(4)George D.
Is it just me, or do French restaurants always have the best atmosphere? It's always the perfect blend of classy and laid-back. Mon Ami keeps that up with the traditional bistro decor: tile floor, intimate table spacing, mirror-backed benches, lots of warm colors, etc. Anyway, the star on the menu, like it is at a lot of bistros, is the steak frites. Here, they do it six or seven different ways, which is great if you're looking for some variety. My personal favorite of the ones I've tried is the Steak Dijon, which is covered with a totally addictive dijon mustard butter--sounds like two things that don't go together, right? Give it a shot, you'll love it. And the frites... talk about addictive. Who invented the salted, fried potato anyway? Genius! I challenge you to name a more perfect food!
(4)Joanie B.
Mon Ami Gabi is lovely and the location inside of the classic and beautiful Belden Stratford Hotel, makes it even more so. It was like being in a real French bistro except that we weren't in France and everyone was speaking english. The bread! A whole baguette delivered to your table, piping hot in a paper bag along with a nice hunk of sweet butter. The amuse bouche was rabbit (!) with diced potatoes. Je ne mange pas cute little bunnies!!!! Actually, it was mostly seasoned diced potato and I think the closest it came to having rabbit in it may have been when one hopped by the restaurant. Delightful specialty cocktails, a sweet waitress (Jen), and excellent service. The French onion soup was chock full of onions in a delicious broth and topped with a generous portion of cheese and crouton. The Escargot was nestled in a garlic herb butter that begged to be mopped up with that wonderful bread. Our entrees were Boeuf Bourguignon with house made noodles and pork tenderloin wrapped in applewood smoked bacon - both excellent and delicious. We were sufficiently buzzed at that point so we shared a glass of Beaujolais Nouveau - I'm not an oenophile but I always enjoy that yearly treat. Robust house blend coffee and chocolate mousse topped with little crispy chocolate spheres were the perfect ending to a wonderful meal and experience. If I still lived there, Mon Ami Gabi would definitely be one of my haunts.
(4)karen s.
So sad to give this visit such a poor review. Vegas location is perhaps our favorite restaurant. Chicago location left a lot to be desired. Service was abysmal and while we appreciate the "free" dessert---we would have preferred even adequate service and happily paid for all desserts! Come on Chicago--Please up your service level!
(2)Sabrina M.
Now, my nature is to be anti-franchise, anti-chain which would mean that I would be anti-a-Lettuce-Entertain-You establishment. But Mon Ami Gabi is absolutely wonderful. I've never had a bad meal here. The cut of meats are always great and prepared well. and the pomme frites? To die for. Gives Mickey D's a run for its money in the fries department. Mon Ami Gabi does what it does well. Like Sarah Palin, it doesn't veer from the script. But unlike Sarah Palin, it's consistent and consistently good.
(4)Danny B.
Pretty darn good. Ate @ Mon Ami Gabi on a Friday night before walking to Theatre on the Lake. Made my reservation early Friday afternoon and they only had availability very early or very late. Professional service and charming atmosphere; it's connected to a pretty swank, old school hotel that now doubles as a hotel & residences. We were seated on their large outdoor deck looking at the park; for a July evening it was a little cool due to the breeze (you have been warned). They start you with a warm baguette in a paper bag, whipped butter, and a tiny scoop of some orzo salad (nice touch!). Their selection of wines by the glass is diverse; the waiter identified a a red and a white that were delicious and complex. We started with their 3 artisan cheese plate - all tasty in their own way. The gazpacho was very ok - a little waterier and less multi-vegetabley than I like it (but I think I'm a gazpacho snob...I'm usually disappointed but had a good one recently elsewhere that I hoped could be replicated). Our two main courses were the roast chicken and the ahi tuna salad. I was glad my dish was the roast chicken - very juicy and kinda buttery. It's served with a fine medley of bacon, mushrooms, cooked garlic, and cocktail onions (mmmmmm...cooked cocktail onions). I recommend this dish. The ahi tuna looked better than it tasted - it gave the appearance of being raw in the center, but it was pretty well done on the outside and that overpowered the rawness. The gf said it had too much fennel, but I'm not sure that I would be able to identify fennel in a blind taste test of 3 spices I've never personally cooked with. Moral of the story: stick with bistro food and this Lettuce Entertain You seems to be a can't miss. Stray from bistro food, and you're on your own.
(3)Hugh B.
I have a love-hate relationship with Mon Ami Gabi. I love the atmosphere. I love the setting in a gracious old building across from the park and I love the faux French bistro decor. Lettuce Entertain You does faux VERY well. On a winter night (the best time to go there, in my opinion), the place is humming. I love the food, usually. I usually get a shrimp cocktail and the roasted chicken grandmere style. This is with roasted mushrooms, pearl onions, and garlic. Served with frites, of course. I REALLY love the frites -- they are in my opinion the best in the city and reason enough to go here. For dessert the chocolate mousse is superb. Now for what I hate. I hate that even with a reservation, they often make you wait on a crowded night. They've been in business long enough to have their act together on that score. I really hate that they have SHITTY -- and I mean really SHITTY -- tables. The tables in the bar area are bad enough, but even worse is a four-top that they've placed right outside the swinging kitchen door. The door opens constantly and every server in the restaurant brushes you when you sit there. Nasty. They tried to give us that table last night and I howled. The hostess initially gave me the stink-eye and maintained that another table wouldn't open up for 20-30 minutes (right...) so we camped out at the hostess stand and lo-and-behold a better table opened up within less than a minute and we were seated there. Perhaps it helped that I had reserved through Open Table and my profile shows how often I dine out (and how many times I've been to MAG). But for the nasty tables, this is a four- or even five-star experience. So go and enjoy, but beware.
(3)Deborah E.
Every month, I ask myself the eternal question - should I tear up my Lettuce Entertain You membership card or not? I have had my card for years - back when the cards were FREE and the company was much more giving and kinder to their members. Over the years, they have picked away at the member perks so much that now I could really give a shit if I use my card or not to get my Frequent Diner points. Having said that, there are a couple of LEY restaurants that will always be near and dear to my heart and one of them is Mon Ami Gabi. God, I love this restaurant. Love the location; love the service; love the ambiance. Love the little tiny 6 seater bar where you can have a drink while you wait. And last, but certainly not least, I love the food. On a recent evening, the four of us had a food orgy: - Sea Scallops Gratinées with caramelized fennel, onion marmalade, mussel cream (we all ooed and ahhed so much other these & all agreed that if you added a few more scallops, this dish could be an entree) - Butternut Squash soup w/crème fraîche, chive = to DIE for! - Macaroni Gratin - with a white cheese, perhaps Gruyere - fantastic! - Whipped cauliflower - xxoo!! - Steak Bordelaise w/ caramelized onion, red wine sauce served with stupendous pommes frites - Gabi's Fish & Frites w/French tartare sauce; very interesting dish, the 2 pieces of fish resembled hash brown squares in size and were flat and thin with a very thin fried batter - we also had a couple of specials, one being a fish and another being the daily beef special, and both were a thumbs up Desserts - Bananas Foster Crêpe (vanilla ice cream, bananas, foster sauce) - HUGE portion that should be split with 2-4 people. The chocolate mousse (light semi-sweet chocolate) was a let-down for me but that was my fault. I ordered it knowing full well that my preference is a deep dark chocolate mousee. To me, this mousse was so light that I and my comrades could hardly taste the chocolate at all. All in all, I will continue to frequent Mon Ami Gabi - whether I use my Frequent Diner club card or not. But a note to LEY: I used to always recommend your restauarants to my long distance manager who would seek my recommendations when she would come into Chgo and take us on big $$$ dinners. But NO MORE! As she uses her co. Visa, you won't let me use MY member card to get the points. Dudes, if it were not for my recommendation, you wouldn't be getting the G.D. business, right? I say, you lose then - my business will go elsewhere.
(5)Gwendolyn H.
This is an amazing date place! The staff is very professional without being to stuffy and the food is amazing. I probably go here at least 5-6 times a year when I'm with a small group or on a date. The steak & frites are all perfectly prepared and enough to keep you full throughout the night if you go out afterwards. The mussels are great - nice rich, garlic flavor - and not too chewy. Unfortunately, I would pass on the creamed califlower side. It has so much cream and butter in it that it has no flavor and is somewhat mushy. I also recommend getting a bottle of wine - they have a good selection of prices and types.
(4)Lawrence Y.
The only way I could describe our dinner at Mon Ami Gabi was... awkward. Our server, who I don't think even told us his name, seemed nice at first but it seriously became awkward by the time we left. The food itself was fine and somewhat filling (we had the Steak Au Poivre and Steak Roquefort)... but the experience was really off-putting. Our server couldn't pronounce "worchestershire" (lol), and he looked at me oddly when I asked if they had some sauces on the side (like bbq, A-1, ketchup or whatever)... and this wasn't for my steak, it was for my frites (because I need dipping sauce for any fries). He offered ketchup. When it came time for the check, I used a LEYE gift card... he came back, held on to the LEYE gift card (by putting it in his pocket) that still had a balance on it and explained that if i wanted to give a cash tip I could, or if I wanted to put on the gift card I could... I was planning on just putting the tip of the gift card anyway but the fact that he kept it in his pocket caught me off-guard. He came back after we wrote in our tip, picked it up and said "let me just make sure everything is right", looked it over and said "ok everything is right"... I don't know about you, but that was just strange!
(2)Jennie C.
Lettuce Entertain You, you have never let me down. Of keeping up with the tradition of celebrating birthdays at LEYE restaurants, I recently had dinner here to celebrate my 22nd. For the longest time, I wanted to go to Wildfire to have my favorite dish, Beef Wellington. But the reservations were made for MAG -- and I settled on getting their Fruits de Mer platter (which looks delicious). Imagine my surprise when the special of the day was Beef Wellington. You know what I ordered then. The service, the ambiance, the wine selection (they also have a wine cart), selection of entrees, the introductory carrot salad, and everything else was simply amazing. Thank you for a wonderful experience! As a side note: Although the dim Maggiano's-esque lightning makes it intimate for couples, the ambiance makes it great for groups (I went with 2 others). I must have either came during a noisy time, because I felt at times, I could listen to other people's conversations since the spacing is pretty tight.
(5)Emma M.
I came here for my birthday dinner and had a great time. We ordered cocktails to start- the french martini is quite amazing. It's made with champagne. For appetizers we ordered escargot (my first time ever so I can't compare them to anything else, but really, really good) , mussels (I prefer smaller mussels- these were quite jumbo) and shoe string potatoe fries. I was really tempted to get the french onion soup, but was already beginning to feel full and still had to eat dinner. For dinner I ordered the hanger steak and it was so rich, juicy and full of flavor. I would definitely get that again plus it's one of the cheaper steaks on the menu. Our server was very knowledgeable about wine so he had some good recommendations for a bottle. I'm looking forward to coming back sometime in the near future.
(4)Roxanne A.
I was fortunate to eat here with my friend 's family. It was really great. This restaurant is situated in the Belden-Stratford hotel. We came at a perfect time before the rush and were able to get seated in the outdoor patio. The bread with carrot and butter spread was good. I started with the vichyssoise soup (cold potato and leek soup). The waiter was funny and brought out the bowl with just the leeks and croutons and said, "It is a very light soup". Then he came over and poured the soup over the leeks. It was so good. For the entree, I had the Steak Classique, which was fabulous. I ordered it medium and it came out medium. The maitre d' butter on top was amazing. It may have been pesto based. To cap off an already great meal, I had the profiteroles dessert which was so good with vanilla ice cream in the middle of pastry puffs, drizzled with the most amazing chocolate fudge sauce. They didn't skimp on the chocolate and I was almost licking the bowl to get ever bit in my mouth. The food was great and the service was impeccable. One note though. The square tables are a little small so if you have 4 people on it, it can be a little cozy. It doesn't detract from the experience, but it's something to keep in mind.
(5)Nicholas P.
Mon Ami Gabi is a delectable and lively little bistro that serves classic French cuisine in Lincoln Park. If you're looking for an affordable and lively French restaurant, look no further. Recommended: Jumbo Crab Cake (Amazing), Steak & Frites (Yum), Crème Brûlée, and Café Gabi. Avoid: Mon Ami Gabi Caesar Salad (too plain, lacked any flavor). I've had friends raving to me about Mon Ami Gabi for some time now. So when it was a time to take my boyfriend out for a fun and romantic evening I decided to give it a try. Mon Ami Gabi is set in the historic Belden-Stratford Hotel Apartments on Lincoln Park. In the summer time there is outdoor seating with beautiful views of the park itself. The atmosphere is intimate, robust, and lively. Its décor is reminiscent of an older French Bistro and it's filled with a mix of small groups and intimate couples. Tables are nestled close to one another and the ambient lighting is low, with an upbeat vibe. Our visit started off rocky. Despite the fact that we had reservations and arrived early we had to wait 30 minutes after our reservation to be seated. I'm glad we hadn't planned anything after dinner or we would have been late or had to rush our meal. The server was prompt and accommodating, especially given the fact it was our first time to Mon Ami Gabi. We had an extended look over the menu and with so many delicious choices we decided a collaborative effort was necessary to try a variety of dishes. We chose several hors d'oeuvres, entrees paired with wine, followed by dessert and after dinner drinks. When the escargot was served I didn't realize it was still in its cast iron baking dish. The server neglected to warn us that it was extremely hot and I ended up scalding my mouth. Not a good way to start off any meal. The rest of the dishes came in a timely manner and were very good. Followed by a wonderful crème brûlée, and an after dinner drink. I was pretty content. Despite some set backs, Mon Ami Gabi managed to serve up a wonderful dining experience. I look forward to trying them again.
(4)Stacey P.
My dislikes- 1. The seating, I felt smooshed. It was kinda like being on an airplane. That is, no one is really ON TOP of you, but it's close enough that you often have to touch someone you'd rather not (no offense mari and albert). 2. The bread. I just don't like bread that is hard. I think maybe some people do? If you like hard bread, then the bread's AWESOME!!! 3. The frites. I'd rather have an option of veggies or mashed potato or SOMETHING other than those frites. They were like potato chips. Not bad just like... you know. I'd rather have something else. (You can order sides for extra money, but I'm suggesting replacing the frites with a "side" or getting rid of the frites completely, lowering the price of the steak, and making all sides a la carte). My likes- 1. The steak. It was yummy. I ordered the hangar steak which was tender, flavorful, and cooked to my liking. My friend got this filet with a wine sauce that was excellent! Everyone enjoyed their steaks. 2. The location. Yeah, you feel pretty fancy eating there. It's kind of fun.
(3)Amy R.
This is one of my go-to places for very special evenings. A great romantic atmosphere that's really high-class feeling without being too stuffy. And food, oh the food. Savory, complex, fresh... I'm no food reviewer, let's stick with "damn good." I love a rare, bloody steak. I love crushed black pepper. Enter the peppercorn steak. Enter me peeing myself a little at the table in joy. (Not really, but it made me very happy.) Definitely save room for dessert. I've had nearly every dessert on the menu and they are so good. I prefer any of the baked fruit crumbles (usually seasonal). The only complaint I have is that they took my favorite meal in the entire world--we're talking "last meal on Earth" meal--off the menu. (Bacon wrapped pork with some type of berry sauce, FYI.) Please bring it back!! And the menu is a little limited if you don't like fish or steak, but then again, I value variety. So if you don't mind having just one page of very good options, then it probably won't bother you.
(4)R O.
Solid, if unspectacular, Mon Ami Gabi gets it done. Quality service, good food, and with the prices that aren't intimidating, I always enjoy myself. While the wine list is a bit pricey, everything on the menu itself is well worth it (if you skip the wine, the place isn't nearly as expensive). The steaks have never failed and are well prepared--but do remember that this isn't a Chicago steak house. I'm a fan of the atmosphere, the GF isn't nearly as high on it as I am, but like most LEY everything is very well thought out. The execution is excellent and MAG, like most LEYs, hints at having fun. The space is a bit tight and the location not perfect for public transit, but over all a fun dining experience.
(4)Jacqueline W.
Went here with a Lettuce Entertain You gift card and was not disappointed. Some of the tables are a little close to each other but overall the experience was good. Service was nice, they were busy on a Saturday night but the staff was on it. The prices were what I expected for the area and website. We found free parking quickly by the LP Conservatory and the short walk across the park added to everything else..Good spot for a fancy date. The views are so pretty and the hotel where the restaurant is located is gorgeous. It's no Paris but use your imagination Chi-town ;)
(4)Linds R.
I have no issue with Lettuce Entertain You in general, but I think that if this place were not a chain, it would be much more special. I had the skate (very, very good), my fiance had the steak and pomme frite (also good), and we had a bananas foster dessert thing that was yum. All in all, it was a pleasant meal with good food and nice ambiance. But like I said, it wasn't special.
(3)Betsy C.
Mon Ami Gabi was our final nice restaurant on our trip to Chicgo. It is located in a nice historical hotel in Lincoln Park. This has some other locations in other cities and I almost let that deter me. My daughter had not done a gourmet French restaurant before- This fit the bill- The seating is tight and cozy, but true to European dining. We had a good cheese platter as an appetizer, the cheese choices were perfect, the bread was like a raisin bread, I would have chosen something more true, but the crusty bread they gave us earlier went well with it. We each had a salad- I had their equivalent of the Lyonaisse- yum! We each got a different steak and Frittes- very good! We got a side if macaroni gratin- good! We were so full that sadly we didn't have room for dessert. This was a good experience! Not perfect, but everything was really good!
(5)Susan O.
There is no better or more consistent restaurant in Chicago. The wait staff are true professionals -- let them recommend the perfect wine. The food is always perfect, from the warm olive jar, soups, frisee salad and short ribs or trout or steak with bearnaise sauce to the bread pudding or chocolate mousse. Beautiful atmosphere across from the zoo and outdoor seating in summer. This is living.
(5)Christina G.
I love this place! My boyfriend and I went here for a romantic dinner and that is just what we got. The atmosphere is so inviting and warm. We had a knowledgeable server who answered my wine questions right away. They have a great rolling cart that carries all their wines by the glass. I had a delicious pinot noir that was recommended by our server. The bread they started us with was so crunchy and warm. My favorite! We started with the baked herb cheese and the duck confit (for my boyfriend, I am a vegetarian). Both were excellent! I had the vegetarian sampler (lentils, green beans, whipped cauliflower and macaroni gratin). My boyfriend had the lamb chop special. We were both very pleased with our meals. SO good. We were so full, but decided to try the dessert. We got the bananas foster..it was HUGE!!! Honestly, one of the best desserts I have ever had. We will definitely be going back here for another romantic dinner soon!!
(5)Pascal M.
ZZZZZZZZZZZ, this place is tired and old. food is so-so, service is good but not great. went here over the weekend and i was simply not impressed. the duck confit was dry and was made even dryer by pairing it with lentils. it needed something sweet to finish the dish. my scallops were pedestrian and uneventful, except for the asparagus and whipped cauliflower. my girlfriend got a pork shank that i thought was the highlite of the meal. also had a butternut squash soup that was pretty good, my girlfriend got the frisee salad, hard to mess that one up though. drinks are over priced and nothing special. this place is simply not the best of what chicago has to offer.
(2)Jim D.
Isn't it great when you run into your good friend's parents on the street and they invite you for a free dinner....anyone.....all right fine, but this stroke of dumb luck got me a pretty tasty meal. The setup is fairly elegant, however points to them for not scoffing at my sandals, shorts and wrinkly collared shirt (hey, they said I didn't have to change). The tables are pretty cramped together, regularly moved out to squeeze customers in. Use the bathroom before getting pressed in. The wine selection is strong with a sommelier on hand (or so my hosts told me), but the beer selection is a bit of a weak hodge-podge of whatever they could find at their European beer importer, which I feel higher end restaurants really fall short on. Steak frites are the main strength of the menu, however the frites are more like shoestring fries. They are quite tasty, just not my thing. The steak is fantastic, not quite steakhouse quality but reasonably priced at about 20 bucks. All and all, I wasn't blown away and their were too many things off about the place, the cramped space, weak beer menu, lack of non-steak options for the more finnicky eaters, but it was pretty good and free for me! Thank you for humoring my half-hearted attempt at reviewing haute cuisine.
(3)Amy X.
this is a great restaurant for couples who want to be romantic and disgusting and coupley. that's what i did! like three months ago, i took some guy here for valentine's day, and we both had a grand old time. we ordered really really rich food and then ate it and talked about how good it tasted while sitting in a booth in the corner and drinking red wine and giggling and staring into each others' eyes. then we walked home holding hands. the end. time to puke. gross-o. it was awesome. mon ami gabi is a cozy place to cozy up to someone. it's decorated in a very "typical" french bistro type of way -- dark curtains, chalk blackboards, wine bottles on the wall, picture of the eiffel tower. despite the stereotypical nature of the romantic atmosphere, the service and food made for a really pleasant experience. my actions that night might have made me sick, but the food most definitely did not. a nice french bistro experience, and i'll make sure to behave myself better the next time i return.
(4)Elizabeth C.
They have amazing food and wine. The service is almost always wonderful, but I would like to see a little bit more variety on their menu.
(4)Ben B.
Great food and awesome atmosphere. Somewhat hard to find due to lack of signage. The wait staff seems just a little snotty or is it just me??? Maybe thats just part of the French experience???
(4)Martha Z.
Take me back here soon, but please don't make me front the bill! I can not stop salivating over the steak in Merlot sauce whatever it was it was amazing dinner. And how could I say no to the garlicky buttery bliss of escargot?! I am going to come here armed with all my Lettuce Entertain reward certificates and have myself one hell of a feast. Edit I took my boyfriend here for his birthday and it was a repeat of deliciousness. I definitely recommend the crab cakes, they are 2nd best to joes!
(5)Kitty R.
Always love it! Been going here for years! Very consistent and excellent food.
(4)Rebecca C.
My boyfriend's and my go-to place for any and every special occasion - birthdays, Valentine's day, anniversaries, you name it! Mon Ami has never let us down :) I usually feel compelled to get a steak every time I go because they are so darn delicious. I'd say my favorite preparation is the Steak Classique, with the Steak Bearnaise being a close second (clearly, I'm one for putting some butter on my steak). The steaks are usually served with thinly sliced frites which they pile on the plate - I tip my hat to you if you're able to finish them all! If you find the frites to be overwhelming, you can ask for aside of mashed as a substitute. Mon Ami is fairly priced, which, I suppose, is easy to say for someone who is always paid for (thanks, hunnie!) and the service is top notch and very speedy. Oh! And you get a free profiterole on your bday!!
(5)Lisa P.
I have yet to try the location in Lincoln Park, however the Mon Ami in Vegas was PHENOMENAL. If only for the melt-in-your-mouth mash potatoes & French Onion soup, GO. The soup had a thick, warm layer of cheese on top- it was so delicious. And I don't even LIKE French Onion soup.
(4)Jessica F.
I adore Mon Ami Gabi. The first time I went here was with my boyfriend when we first started dating. I have been there many times since! From the food to the serivce, everything about Mon Ami Gabi is top-notch. The food is well worth the price! With an extensive wine collection, it is a great restaurant for any wine affectionado. The portion sizes are very large. I ordered the peppered steak which was amazing. The steak comes with crunchy little fries exquisite. For dessert, we ordered a chocolate lava cake which was the closet to heaven I will probably ever get. Def. a great dining experience! :) If you have some cash and want to spend it wisely on a great experience, Mon Ami Gabi is a great choice!
(5)Sam W.
Atmosphere: Older crowd and very cramped tables. There were two couples within a foot of us on each side and the table had to be removed for anyone to exit. Service: Solid. Everything was as good as can be, which is standard with all LEYE restaurants. Food: We ordered the mussels which were insanely good. They came in a cast-iron pot and had the most flavorful broth in this world. I could eat probably 10 pounds of these beautiful mollusks. The complimentary baguette was tasty, and if it is served warm, really hard to stop eating. The one entree that everyone loved was the steak au poivre with frites. The steak was loaded with flavor and the peppercorn sauce was out of this world good. Don't mess around with any of the fish or the specials, just get a steak and thank me later. As for dessert, the apple tart was extremely disappointing and really quite bland. The profiteroles were great though. Also on this night, they had a special dessert called the Tour de France, which was two wheel-shaped pastry doughs with sweet cream in between and surrounded by fresh berries. Really tasty and not the type of dessert that leaves you feeling like you consumed a small baluga whale. Overall: If you like french food and are over 30, Mon Ami Gabi is for you. If you are like me, under 30 and into the younger crowd and small-plate concept, head to Paris Club.
(3)Mike P.
If you're looking to have a pleasant evening that involves a copious amount of red wine, escargot and steak bearnaise then look no further. This place is excellent and offers a great atmosphere and wonderful time.
(4)Austin A.
So I went here on a date and there are a few things I remember. One, the wine service is neat. There is a guy who wheels a cart around and serves it by the glass. I think I tried 5 different kinds, (did I mention Im a boozehound) Two, with the bread they serve this pea/lentil type spread and REAL delicious creamy butter. At one point I licked the butter off the knife, I can assure you that my date was impressed. Third, I dont remember what I had for main course because I got so much pleasure by the wine cart guy that I blacked out. I wonder why Im single. But I woke up the next morning not feeling hungover so whatever I ate must have been special. Real classy place for a first date. Edit: Im not a drunk, my date sucked and he became more interesting when my blood alcohol exceeded the legal limit. Nerd.
(4)Ann J.
I gave this five stars because not one of the four of us had an off dish AND everyone loved what they ate AND some of the items were stellar. Plus service was very attentive and the atmosphere was great . . . true French Bistro style where there are linens on the table, but the patrons are in casual clothes. I've been to many a bistro in France and loved that the wait staff here at M.A.G. had to pull the table away from the long bench seat for us to be able to be seated . . . so authentic. (Those of you complaining about feeling crowded, get over it, there is a ton more space here than if you were in Paris in a bistro.) The difference between this and a true French bistro is that here the waiter came to our table right away, lol. The potato leek soup was the best we'd had. The boeuf bourguignon was gorgeous and the noodles in it were absolutely perfect. We had a great Cote du Rhone wine, great escargots, great cheese on the 3 cheese board (but I agree the portions were not generous enough), and the desserts were superb (say that with a french accent please). We liked the pomme frites that came with the steak bernaise (husband said steak was perfect). My mashed potatoes had no seasoning, but I had the pork tenderloin and could completely ignore the mashed potatoes for the flavor of the pork. Back to the desserts: chocolate mousse, smooth and not too rich. Blood orange sorbet, ahhhh. I used the sorbet as a palate cleanser so that I could switch between eating everyone's dessert they could not finish, lol. White chocolate bread pudding with ice cream and carmel sauce was hands down the best dessert, it sounds overpowering but really was not, it was hard to stop eating it. Finally the creme brulee done perfectly, smooth smooth smooth.
(5)Mike T.
Very bad and slow service, but ok food (just ok). We had to wait 20 minutes before being able to order our drinks, and 20 minutes to actually have our drinks. When we finally managed to order food, more than 1 hour had passed. The food arrived pretty fast, though. We had mussels (good), two steaks (good) and scallops (ok). French fries are AWFUL. The desserts were below average. I don't think I will ever go back.
(2)Emma C.
Yet ANOTHER perfect meal at Mon Ami Gabi, under the twinkling lights on the patio. My husband's halibut--the daily special--was indeed very special. The flourless chocolate cake with hot fudge and creme fraiche was like nothing I have ever tasted before, so light and pillowy and warm I thought it would float off the plate. The service was impeccable, as always. Going to Mon Ami Gabi is more than a dinner, it's a culinary vacation. Favorite restaurant by a country kilometer. Oh la la.
(5)Steven M.
Mon Ami Gabi is a fantastic place. Yes it's part of a five restaurant chain (the one in Vegas is a great spot). But in terms of a fun, reasonably authentic, and actually affordable French bistro experience this is a gem. First, Mon Ami Gabi is situated inside the gorgeous Belden Stratford Hotel, right off Lincoln Park. One caveat, it's a pretty good hike from the nearest CTA station but taxis are plentiful and they have a valet for your designated drivers. There's a wonderful outdoor seating area and a small but inviting bar to have a drink or four while waiting for an outside table to open up. For me it's five stars for ambiance. The wine list is short but packs a punch with solid offerings from all over France and a smattering of domestic labels. Good range of prices as well, we had a '05 1er Cru Burgundy for just $71. Several attractive wines at the $40-$50 price point as well. For some reason I'm addicted to their bread which is served hot upon seating. The menu is pretty straightforward, I think their variety of appetizers is the highlight. The escargot is not to be missed. My favorite part is dipping the aforementioned bread into the pesto once all the snails are gone! The steamed mussels are an amazing choice and you can't really go wrong with the steaks. The cuts of beef aren't really that spectacular, but the sauces are out of this world. Hard to decide which one to have. And I don't know how they do their haricots verts and potatoes gratin but both were absolutely 5 star. Service was only average (although the bartender was awesome). Usually one thing you can count on at a good French place is extremely knowledgeable (while often stuffy/pretentious) wait staff. Maybe we got the newbie, but she was pretty middling in terms of helpfulness, attentiveness and knowledge. All in all a dependable, beautiful, fun and reasonable place to have a great meal. Highly recommended.
(4)Zac K.
I do not understand what the fuss of this place is about. I couldn't have been more like BLAH - went here on a Friday night with the spousal unit and as soon as I walked in, I know it was going to be bad. The building this is located in is great, but it looks like a Maggino's with french music blaring. It was cute to see the little young twenty-somethings on their big dates- I'm rude, I know. The food was so bland- I had to salt my french onion soup which should never done. I had the steak frites and BLAH! not much going on in terms of flavor and the steak was not cooked to order. Would never come back here again- check something else out- trust me.
(2)Victoria H.
Mon Ami Gabi is a wonderful restaurant and dining experience. It has become a tradition in my family to go every year before we head back to school and for my mom's birthday for over 7 years. Every year I find myself looking forward to the night. Mon Ami creates a comfortable and special dining environment where they deliver delicious dishes. Our server has always been great- they really help make the evening. My favorite cocktail is the French 75. Its a crisp and refreshing way to start your delicious (and rich) french meal. Next up I always get the frisee salad. The bacon is always so thick and smokey which perfectly complements the vinegary dressing. I love this salad and crave it all the time. For entrees, the scallops and stakes are always delicious. The scallops are perfectly carmelized and the sides complete the dish well. The steaks are always delicious, generously portioned, and cooked perfectly. Do not get my started on their fries. I am constantly picking them off other peoples plates if I do not order it myself (good thing that there are always PLENTY for sharing). All of the entrees are classic french and they are BIG. Splitting works perfectly well if you aren't very hungry. If you have room for the dessert, the profiteroles are always delicious. The chocolate sauce is homemade and delicious. If you are looking for a special evening in a comfortable atmosphere with fantastic food, Mon Ami is the spot for you! Bon apetit!
(5)Jon L.
By now, Mon Ami Gabi is a Chicago icon. Supersized portions of well-executed bistro fare emerge from the kitchen into a chic, convivial room that instantly evokes Paris. While everything is good, particular standouts include perfect shrimp cocktail, flavorful hangar steak (a real value, to boot), and terrific fish preparations. Veteran servers ensure a pleasurable experience. And, oh, the bread. . .
(5)George L.
What a wonderful experience! Both my companion and I commented on how we felt like we were "in Paris." The service was superb, the french onion soup the best we've ever had, the mussels were scrumptious, and the warm french bread (with salmon and trout spread) was magnifique! The atmosphere is lively, and the quarters, those close, were still comfortable. Three friends in Tampa recommended Mon Ami to me, and I'm soooo glad I took their recommendation.
(4)Hannah C.
Ok so I clearly love the restaurants in Lettuce Entertain You but this one might be a favorite. I happen to be somewhat of a Francophile after living in Paris for a bit and visiting when I get lucky, and I will say that dining here was not a far cry from the real thing (aka a steak/oyster/frites bar). Service was amazing. They brought me gluten free bread (always a plus), and their Steak-frites looked so darn good that I actually broke my pescatarian streak for them and it was TOTALLY worth it. There was a great crowd even on a Tuesday night, and it wasn't too fancy (there were people in jeans) but definitely had a classier feel to it. Can't wait until I get my next meat craving (in maybe a year?) so I can return.
(5)Matthew S.
My girlfriend and I had about $75 in LYEY gift cards, and we discussed what restaurant we wanted to go to. I vetoed L. Woods and Wildfire because we'd both been there about 100 times and we wanted to try something different. After reading the yelps about the oakbrook location, we decided to go to the Lincoln Park location instead, mostly due to the fact that we felt that going to a restaurant in a mall parking lot isn't the swankiest way to dine. After fighting rush-hour traffic on the Kennedy on Thursday night, we made our reservation about a half-hour early. It was busy, but we were able to be seated immediately, which was pretty nice, especially considering how small this place is. We shared a bowl of french onion soup and some sort of scallop appetizer to start. The onion soup was delicious, but I thought the scallops suffered because it was extremely cheesy. I love scallops, and would have preferred a simpler dish. Still tasty, however. My girlfriend order beef bourginon, which I had a bite of. The beef cheeks were extremely tender and flavorful, and she enjoyed it as well. I got steak frities au pouvir, which was a thin cut of steak topped with whole black peppercorns and (I believe) some sort of brandy sauce. The steak was cooked perfectly, it was jucy and delicious. The frities were a little disappointing (as other yelpers have noted), but they were nice to snack on, and the ones that made their way into the sauce were very tasty once they got soggy. For dessert, we had the bananas foster crepe, which was very good, although we both agreed we would have liked it infinitely better without the crepe, as it was a little rubbery. All in all though, this place was great. I never found myself wondering where our server was, and every time he came by he poured some more beer in my glass (I order a 22oz bottle of Goose Island's Sofie, which was delicious btw). The restaurant looks great, and I'd love to come back in the summer when they have the patio open. It was pretty reasonable, also. The check came to about $85, which I thought was perfect considering how much food we had. I would definitely recommend this place, and I'm planning on going back to enjoy the patio, featuring a view of Lincoln Park.
(4)Eazmg C.
standard LEY establishment, good atmosphere, good service, good food. I'd recommend the sea scallop gratinees and steak bordelaise
(4)HJ K.
That was my 4th time dining there last night. Just thumbs up every time. Me and a friend of mine were seated at the bar since there was an hour wait for the table. It turns out pretty good. The bartender was attentive and helpful. Plus, the food we got was just fantastic ever! Can't wait to be back :)
(5)Lauren H.
I came here for a wine and food event. The service is always great and the food was beyond my expectations.. we had 5 course meal and everything was made to perfection. I've also been to the oakbrook location and it is just as perfect.. Love french food!
(5)Sarah B.
I just took my parents here tonight. We all really enjoyed it! First of all, it is nice, but not pretentious or stuffy, which I love. We had three courses and were in and out in an hour and twenty minutes, but did not feel rushed at all - we were all just exhausted after a day of traipsing around Chicago in the sun and wanted to go to bed early! We had salads which were simple but refreshing and did not have too much dressing on them, just a little olive oil, vinegar, and lemon juice. My dad and I both had the steak bearnaise which was really, really delicious and comes with thin-cut crispy fries (my favorite). My mom, who is a vegan, had a vegetable plate which she said was absolutely delicious. We got profiteroles for dessert which looked fabulous and were pretty yummy. My dad was happy that they had a non-alcoholic beer made by Heineken (my parents don't drink) and I liked the cart they had for wine by the glass. Our waitress was also really nice, took great care of us but didn't hover or pressure us into anything. All in all, it was a great experience and I'll definitely come back here!
(4)Ang R.
I don't know what to say about this place. It's not that I didn't enjoy my meal, but I just don't think I'd choose this for French in the city (Bistrot Margot and Chez Joel come to mind immediately as better choices). Specifically, I thought the meal lacked nuance. The salad was ok, especially the goat cheese and olive tapenade, but I thought it was dressed rather poorly. I did enjoy the herbed melted cheese appetizer, but I think that although the potatoes are an interesting vehicle for the cheese, the toasts are far and away better, and there aren't enough of them. My steak was okay; I prefer a thicker steak au poivre, and I prefer more sauce with which to soak my fries. And the fries; not so good. More like potato chips, honestly. And I'm not a fan of that. I can say that my boyfriend adored the filet in red wine sauce, and said it was one of the tastiest sauces he'd ever had. But otherwise, I can't say much else. If you're looking for classic steak frites, I say pass on this and try elsewhere.
(3)Lesley S.
I have been here twice, once with my dad and once with my boyfriend, and I do think it is one of the better restaurants in the Lettuce Entertain You chain. The bring you a bread basket right off the bat with a loaf of crusty french bread- just the right kind of bread for this cuisine. The french onion soup is scrumptious, so flavorful and cheesy. I always get the hanger steak with blue cheese on top. I highly recommend this steak. The blue cheese compliments the meat perfectly. They serve really thin, crispy french fries with the steak which are also delicious. Both times I have had the same waiter, an older gentleman who is extremely well-mannered. He is very knowledgable on the wine list as well as everything else on the menu. He offered some good suggestions to my boyfriend on what kind of wine paired well with his meal. Only complaint is that the restaurant is really tiny and if you don't get a table, you end up having to sit really close to other customers at one of those long half table half booth things.
(4)Sarah F.
I love this place! We've been eating here for 6 years and they never disappoint. The bread is crusty and delicious, the onion soup is amazing and the chocolate mouse is out of this world!! Try the scallop gratinees or the mussels as an app and you will be glad you did! The filet mignon merlot is always cooked perfectly and the frites will make you feel like you're in Paris. Just make sure to make a reservation or you may have to wait!
(5)Jenna N.
I literally just came back from this place and rushed up the stairs to write my review...i'm such a loser like that. I stewed over my experience in the car, wondering how on earth I should share my experience with you fine folks, after having to back out of the circular drive because some moron decided that it was a great place to just park their car...not for valet. We had reservations for 8:45pm, were seated just after 9:00pm. A small pet-peeve of mine is when i'm forced to wait past my reservation time. I get it, things come up, but don't tell me it's "going to be a minute" when you really mean "stop asking me because I have no clue; you'll get seated when there's an opening" based on your facial expressions and tone. This is why I made reservations to begin with...to not have to wait a minute...or 15... I also did not appreciate almost being beamed in the head with a chair because it was so crowded by the bar the waiter had to lift it over the seated patrons' heads without so much as an apology or simple "excuse me". Thankfully my razor-sharp peripheral vision saved me from what would undoubtedly have become a bloody mess. So on to the meal. The highlight of the evening was when I took the first heavenly bite of the Shrimp Gabi. Lovely mix of lemon, garlic, herbs, and shrimp. I had a lovely Lemon-Chicken Paillard as my main dish. The chicken was wonderful but the greenbeans, sadly, were a mix of over-cooked and under-cooked, but never perfectly cooked. Dessert was a delicious creme brulee. Looks pretty ordinary (sorry, but placing a paper doiley in between the bowl and plate makes what was a delightful treat look hopeless and sad), but tasted wonderful! It practically melted in my mouth. Our waiter was nice, but pretty quiet and seemed nervous as though I was about to kick him in the shin. He was quick to write us off when we decided against alcohol (another pet peeve of mine) and not until our dinner arrived did our bread and appetizer dishes get cleared. HIGHLY unacceptable in my book, especially when the waiter was right next to us SEVERAL times servicing the old couple with one foot outta the grave who did order wine...i'm just saying... Still, I really enjoyed the meal here aside from a few hiccups and most everyone else I studied seemed to enjoy their meal as well. B+
(4)Katie R.
Four and a half stars. The baguette given to each table was delicious, our appetizer, the baked cheese with the fingerling potatoes was amazing. And my chicken dish was super tasty. The mushrooms/bacon/onion/garlic mixture/sauce that came with it made the dish. The tables are really close together so if you don't like that, avoid this restaurant. It was mostly OK/perfectly easy to hear our table of 4. We did end up with a squirmy kid next to us though and that got a bit distracting for some of our table. My only other complaint is that I would have liked more of the mushrooms/sauce with the chicken - so that all of my frites could be dipped easily.
(4)Mila G.
Cute place, also my first french restaurant. Seemed very much like what an American would expect a French cafe place to be....although, I've never been to an actual French cafe in France, so maybe thats what its like? Food was very tasty, generous portions...not much emphasis on presentation for the food, although I did see a pretty fabulous looking desert going by. Definitely worth checking out, and reasonable prices.
(4)Vinifer D.
Mon Ami Gabi has a great selection of steaks and fish. If you're not into either, don't bother going. They have wonderfully prepared steaks, such as the Steak Au Poivre, Bordelaise and Roquefort, alongside some great pommes frites! Whenever I go to Mon Ami, I usually get the fish. They have a nice little selection of freshly prepared fish dishes. Two of my favorites are the Thyme-Seared Salmon, which comes with a lemon-butter orzo, and the Skate which comes with crispy garlic chips on top. Since Mon Ami Gabi is a part of the Lettuce group, they have consistency throughout all of their restaurants. No matter which one you go to, I think you'll be satisfied. This restaurant is a little crowded though. I wish some of the seating would be a little more spaced apart because I can always hear the conversation of the table next to mine. You'd be lucky to find street parking, but you're better off not wasting time and just valeting the car.
(4)Christine F.
Mon Ami Gabi was good. Real good. However, it's not earth shatteringly innovative and we had a surly waiter, thus the deduction of a star. My fiance, his mom, his brother and myself went. The bread at the beginning of the meal (fresh baked french bread) is amazing. I could have just eaten bread the whole time. MMMM. My fiance got a martini with blue cheese olives and I got a martini with Grey Goose, Champagne and pomegranate juice. Not bad at all! Quite good, actually. I had a nice buzz going all through dinner. Several members of our party got some Escargot. It was cooked in garlic butter and pesto - they were swooning all through the meal about those sassy snails. I got some white gazpacho, which had cucumber, almonds and granny smith apples. It was garnished with grapes, it was DELICIOUS. It was the most interesting part of the meal for me. My main course was Sanddab fish with a carrot hollandaise, served on a bed of asparagus. Very good. Sanddab is a very light, flakey fish which I enjoyed very much. Everyone else got an array of meats, which they enjoyed immensely. For dessert my fiance and I split a lemon tart, while his brother had some chocolate mousse and his mom had a carmel apple tart. Sweet tooth fix found by all! The only downer of the meal was the fact that our waiter acted as though he hated life and that he was doing a favor by telling us what the specials of the day were. Dude, it's your JOB. He would snatch plates out from under us without saying "Excuse me" or "Pardon my reach." I don't expect "Pardon Me's" at McDonald's, but I do at Mon Ami Gabi. However, that was the only negative experience I had here. We all ended up stuffed and happy. Would I go back? YES. I would probably sit outside next time, though.
(4)Lucille F.
My fiance and I had a great dinner, accompanied by fantastic service here! We arrived early for our reservations so we could sit outside, had about 1/2 a drink at the bar, and they were already ready for us!. Our waiter was super helpful with the wine, specials, food questions - generally could not have been friendlier. The food was delicious- market salad - tomatoes and goat cheese- was perfect for a summer starter, and the scallop entree was divine! The wine our waiter suggested was amazing also, and we appreciated the suggestion since we do not often drink French reds. Did not save room for dessert, but from the looks of it- was delish too. Great place for a small group dinner, or for a date night! Can't wait to go back!
(4)Hal S.
Great service. So good you almost don't mind the rotten baby boomer gimme gimmes yapping about their kids behind ya.. I kid
(4)Stephanie B.
Teenie bit disappointing after the raving reviews I read. I give props for the atmosphere - it's quaint and cozy but still has the loud French bistro feel. Props to the nice man who brought me a glass of Pinot Noir while I was waiting for my friend to arrive. Merci. Props to whosever idea it was to bring you a hot baguette and a slab of butter as soon as you sit down. Boo hiss at my waiter. He was not attentive at all - ie, my wine glass was empty for half the night. I mean, c'mon. When it's $60-ish a head, fill up my $^&#-ing wine glass, Holmes. Boo hiss on the mussels - when I put the first one in my mouth, I bit down on a big piece of sand/rock. Boo hiss on the price of the mussels - $18 for a (not huge) bowl + the side of frites it comes with. Boo hiss on the mussel broth - it creamy but bland, as opposed to the normal white wine-garlic-pistou number I'm used to at French restaurants. Boo hiss on the frites - the part I was most excited for. They were almost like chips - something that you would get out of a (French Fried Onion) can at the grocery. They weren't terrible - I mean, let's be honest, I ate them - but to call them "frites" would be a stretch. Half-ass props on the entree. I had the Filet Au Poivre - sauce/flavor was pretty good. Steak itself was aight. Props on dessert. Bananas Foster Crepe. BOO HISS to my waiter, who took 4 hours to ask us if we wanted dessert, and then didn't ask if we wanted coffee, etc. Then waited another 4 hours to bring us the bill. I'd probably go back. It was fine. It was just not the experience I'd hoped for. And when you go to a nice place like that - with a good friend on a special occasion - you just don't want to be spending half your night flagging down the waiter. It's just annoying and takes away from the good times you came there to have.
(3)David W.
Excellent service. Happy atmosphere. Very comfortable and well-designed.
(5)Amy M.
Comfortable vibe to this place. Nice, "laid back French bistro" type of feel. Great service, great food. I had fish, along with my dining partner. The butter lettuce salad was fabulous. "Gabi's Cocktail" was great (Lillet dessert wine and champagne with a lemon twist - perfect....not too sweet - YUM). A tad on the noisy side, but it really felt like a nice, bustling bistro. Folks were dressed in everything from skirts to jeans. I'd definitely go back. Maybe taking a seat at the bar next time.
(5)Lauren D.
I'm a huge fan of Bistro Campagne so I had to try Mon Ami Gabi to see how it compared. I think overall Lettuce restaurants are consistently satisfying, but M.A.G. totally exceeded my expectations. First of all, I love the atmosphere - it's a small restaurant, so you can pretty much hear what everyone around you is talking about, but I like that European feel. I had the steak classique and I'm dying to try the slow roasted pork. They had this really delicious dessert that involved some sort of fruit but I can't remember what it is, so I will definitely have to go back soon to remind myself. Also, they make the best French Martini in Chicago - that's a fact.
(5)trista r.
Decided to try out Mon Ami Gabi for Valentine's Day because my favorite go-to French bistro was booked solid. Ordered drinks at the bar while waiting for our table. Bar area is very small and there were a lot of people crowded around waiting. I felt bad for the people sitting at the tables in the bar because everyone was basically sitting with them. We were seated on time (we had arrived early for our reservation). Tables were EXTREMELY close together. Maybe it was just for Valentine's Day, trying to maximize the space or something. But you couldn't get in or out of your seat without pulling the table all the way out into the aisle. The tables were touching each other so you were basically having dinner with the people seated next to you. Service started out great. Server discussed specials, answered questions, made reccomendations, and checked on us frequently until we received our entrees. At this point, a new table got seated next to us and it seemed like one of the people was very familiar with a lot of the service staff. And our server basically ignored us while kissing these people's behinds the rest of the night. And I know it to be true because, like I said, we were basically all seated at the same table. Anyway, on to the food. I ordered french onion soup and it was just ok. Not very hot and sort of bland. Husband had mushroom soup, he said it was pretty good. For entrees I had filet with merlot butter and frites. Merlot butter was very yummy and frites were delish. Steak quality was excellent but it was not cooked the way I asked. I asked for medium rare and steak came out medium. Husband asked for his medium and his was medium rare - so I'm guessing the server mixed up the order. Husband had beef wellington with red wine sauce and spinach. Spinach was just wilted with butter, just so-so. Also ordered a side of whipped cauliflower. Cauliflower was more pureed than whipped, pureed to the point it was almost like soup and difficult to split as a side. Tasty but obviously prepared very strangely. Cherry sorbet for dessert was delicious. I don't think we'll be back.
(3)Jonathan C.
Another Lettuce Entertainment Restaurant in town. Decent food at a decent price. Not much expectation going in (at least no more than any other Lettuce restaurants), and it met exactly that expectation.
(3)Allen P.
Service was very good. I went with someone who had a ton of food allergies and the server was super knowledgeable and was able to get everything she needed. Oysters were some of the best I've had in Chicago. As for my main dish... the NY strip steak. I was underwhelmed. slightly over cooked and dry. Some good, some not so good... but overall I would try it again and try one of their other dishes.
(3)Sara M.
Excellent food and service. I came here on a date not too long ago and had a great time. I had the chicken with frites which was excellent, came out very hot and was a huge portion. I barely ate half, but took the rest home. For dessert we had the cobbler, and I know cranberries were in it but I can't remember what else was, but it was delicious. Atmosphere is elegant and lovely, but not overdone. Service was good, but we stayed from our 8:45 reservation til near close and I think our waiter was relieved to see us leave, but he was wonderful the rest of the evening, recommending desserts and the like. Would recommend it for a date or a nice night out with the girls or a group of couples. Bottom line: I'll totally be back, but not with the guy I went there with. ;)
(5)Babs H.
A former employer used to live in The Belden so after a long day of running his errands he'd sometimes treat me to a steak dinner here. The steak is simply a steak, nothing to write home about, although it was always cooked precisely the way I like it - medium. For some reason there are some steakhouses out there that always cook my steak medium rare or medium well when I say "medium". Where the steak lacks in spices or marinade, there are a variety of sauces to dress up your steak for extra flavor. This is the first place that I had ever had frites and since then, it is the best place I've found in Chicago that offers them on their menu. The atmosphere is quiet and calm, plus it's steps from Lincoln Park Zoo, so after a nice relaxing dinner you can take a walk in the park or even go to the Fullerton Beach!
(4)Elayne S.
This is my go-to restaurant in the city. Great food and great atmosphere. Its always packed so you need to make a reservation i made that mistake the first time i went with my roommate...we had to drink a whole bottle of wine at the bar waiting for our table. okay twist my arm! My favorite is the scallops with the creamed cauliflower.
(5)Jill S.
This place does it right. It's quaint - in a good way, and the service is great. I loved how we were able to sit and enjoy conversation along with our meal, no rush. I have eaten here twice and loved both of my seafood dishes. The scallops are yummy, and the skate wing was so surprisingly awesome. I have had skate wing before, but Mon Ami's blew it out of the water. It's a huge portion might I add. My bf ordered one of the more classic dishes, Beef Bourguignon, and said that it was one of the best dishes he's had in a while. I got a taste and the beef was really tender and delicious. I wouldn't mind at all if someone were to take me here monthly... especially in the winter, it's a very warm environment!
(4)A S.
I live half block away and have an odd tendency to go somewhere else for steak & fries. That said, I have only been here 3 times. However, every time I came here, I realized the best steak & fries is right where I am! Nice patio dining and great service. The prices are fair. Must visit!
(5)Ian S.
I agree with Erika G.'s comment on this place being "casual and unpretentious, yet still chic and French in feel." That's perhaps not the vibe one first gets from walking by outside. Steaks are the main attraction at Mon Ami Gabi. I went with the Steak Bordelaise. The red wine sauce was useful for soaking up the frites that were piled up beside my steak. The meat was respectable for the price. And as always in Chicago, patio seating is where it's at. It just feels more European when you're outside. Our waiter on the patio bashfully admitted that he wasn't quite up on his French as we asked questions about the menu, but at least he was forthcoming with it. This was a good move on his part, because it saved him from embarrassment in front of one of my French friends.
(4)Rebecca T.
I usually shy away from chain restaurants, but our experience here was fantastic. It was elegant, but not stuffy. Classic, but still a nice din of happy patrons. The servers were incredibly attentive, helpful, and pleasant. And the food? Amazing. I got a special trio of soups as an app: white bean puree with bacon, butternut squash with pumpkin seed garnish, and classic french onion. Not only were all three delectable, but they were served in tiny little pots with a tiny spoon, so the perfect amount pre-dinner. I got the pork loin wrapped in bacon with a blackberry-cheery sauce/compote served with mashed potatoes. It didn't look like a ton of food, but was extremely filling [without even finishing!] My friend got an amazing steak - I'm not even a big red meat-eater, and it was so buttery and scrumptious. This place definitely deserves a try... your stomach will be happy you did. :)
(5)Philippe F.
La cuisine française me manque! My lady knows this, so she took me to this place. They had the typical escargot, which of course we ordered. Unfortunately they did not have the bone marrow, but it's all good in the hood. My lady enjoyed the steak et frites, and I did the same, well, what she shared with me. I on the other hand went for the steak tartare. There are only a few restaurants where I would trust ordering this dish, and this was one of them. It was a tasty little bugga, but was missing the egg on top (unless they decided to skip the whole presentation and mixed it in already for me). Service and ambiance is really nice and cozy. I shall return to this place eventually. I still have quite a few other French restaurants to try out.....
(4)Sally H.
Really enjoyed our business dinner here. Great location in Lincoln Park and the outdoor patio right near the park, is great people-watching. Food was wonderful - Frisee & Bacon salad (yum!) and the Steak Bernaise was cooked a perfect medium rare and at $20, was quite a find. Topped it off with fresh strawberries soaked in Grand Marnier with a scoop of sour cream gelato - sounds a little odd but was fabulous! Will definitely be back on my next visit trip to Chicago!
(4)bj j.
One of my favorites...I know its a chain, but it's a Lettuce joint and Rich and the boys know how to run a restaurant. It's in a lovely building here in Chicago, the Belden Stratford, right on Lincoln Park. And in Vegas it's outdoor venue gives you a great view of Bellagio's Fountains...Always crowded by the way. Even my kids like it.
(4)Elizabeth K.
I've been to this place several times and I'm always really happy. I wouldn't say it's the absolute best French bistrot in Chicago, but it is very consistent, the atmosphere is really charming, and the service is always great. And the Belden-Stratford, where the restaurant is located, is such a beautiful building - I just like an excuse to go there. I always get the steak frites - it's always cooked very well and the frites are plentiful (and I never get the stinkeye when I ask for ketchup). I know nothing about wine, but they always recommend something that ends up being great. Looking forward to the patio this summer - a great view of Lincoln Park!
(4)Sam S.
Ate here with a group (seven) on Saturday night. The valet was terrific - friendly and fast, even on this bitter cold night. The host in the restaurant was very attentive, and we sat down exactly at our reservation time. The server was very personable and nice. The first red flag, though, was when my sister wanted a side of the root vegetables that comes with one of the other steak entrees. She was told "no," that they prepare precisely enough to go with the steaks. OK, I guess. The guy at the table next to us, where my sister spied the vegetables, leaned over and jokingly said he would sell me his for "two bucks." He couldn't believe the waiter either. The food was fair. The squash and onion soups were bland. The steaks and fish were also OK but not terrific. A lot of stuff comes with fries, which were basically like potato shrapnel. I don't care if you do put them in a stand wrapped in parchment paper - fries should be bigger than 1cm long. The desserts were very good all around. All in all, I would give the food 6/10 and would not necessarily return for it. The biggest disappointment was what happened after we ate. The restaurant was much quieter now - this was around 10pm once we paid our bill. We hadn't seen one another in a long time, and we sat there chatting. Not a single time did anyone come around to our table to refill water or coffee. Zero. During the meal, they were on us hand and foot refilling, cleaning, etc. Once the check was paid - zilch. I had to flag down someone to get a refill on my coffee. Maybe this is policy, I don't know. But after you spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars on a meal (including a generous tip), you don't expect them to shut you down immediately. This really put all of us off - and this is the main reason we won't be returning.
(2)Sarah M.
If you're looking for an intimate quiet experience this is not the place to go to on the weekend. It is in a gorgeous building and oozes class, but the food was just ok. Nothing was outstanding, just adequate. I've eaten at several places in Paris and this place fell a bit short for me in terms of all-around experience. I went with a group of friends for our Christmas get-together and it was crowded and noisy and our table felt really cramped in the middle of the room. We could barely hear each other talk.
(2)Katherine R.
Four stars because I went here for the 25 wines for $25 and was not able to eat a full meal here. The wine tasting was fun though, nice wine distributors that were very helpful with questions and did a good job of explaining each wine. I tried pate for the first time, not a big fan of that- but I guess it was good, but I have no idea what to compare it to or what it's supposed to taste like. The other appetizers were good; I wish I was able to go inside and have a meal here but maybe next time. This place is in a nice location and the hostesses were really friendly. Not a place for kids, but a good place for after-work cocktails or just a nice out with friends.
(4)Jasmine L.
We have private party there on week night. We had fixed dinner menu for this event. Party coordinator arranged us for small section in the hotel lobby; it was very nice for us to have some aperitif before seating at dinner table so we were able to mingle with other party members. We loved the private room very much! It was perfect size for 28 guests. There were great selections of fix menu that satisfy both Meat lovers and vegetarian. Food came to the table everything warm and served at same time! Food portion was just perfect, I was able to finish whole course! I was not over stuffed after the meal Mussels were awesome! Onion soup was so good, super favor full. Filet minion was so tender and juicy. Three mini desserts were just perfect. Yum Yum Yum! We loved wine carts as well! I absolutely love to go back there for dinner again!
(5)Jenna C.
I went last night with 3 golf girlfriends for a holiday get together. It was a perfect get together for us. Essentially put, I found my local French Bistro if only the service would improve. It was a first time visit for everyone. We all enjoyed out evening with the exception of our server which is why I'm willing try again with another server. Essentially, there was no service from this server. You know it is bad when you have to ask for another glass of wine, the bill, for our food to be taken away, etc. The food was enjoyable. We all three ordered a steak. I almost actually finished my entire steak which is very unusual, the frits were mouth watering and reminded of lays chips, just couldn't stop eating them. We passed on anything more out of frustration with the server.
(4)tina m.
As a vegetarian I was pretty nervous about going to a French restaurant, but they have a wide varity so I had no problem finding something fantastic to eat. We had to wait a while for our appetizers but luckily for them I was with great company so we didn't really notice through our chatter and wine. :) BUT they noticed and apologized frequently, and got us all the dessert we wanted for free, so they made up for us without us even having to complain. THAT is good service. I love the atmosphere and the service. I'll be going back.
(4)Dan K.
A year ago I would have given Mon Ami Gabi (Lincoln Park location) 5 stars. But, the service is no where near what it should be and the manager, Estephane is not friendly in the least when you have a complaint for him. They are also cutting corners. I am here all the time and order the shrimp cocktail at every dinner I have here. It used to be 6 shrimp. Now it's 5. And I hate to be gross about it, but the last FOUR times I have order the steak au poivre, I have a huge amount of fat to chew on or gristle and that's just gross to me. Still the best chocolate mousse and onion soup anywhere.
(3)tr y.
We go here all of the time it is a classic and sure to have something for anyone! A perfect place for any occasion with great food. This place gets a fifth star for incredible customer service.
(5)Eugene F.
I took my dad here for his birthday on a Saturday evening, along with my stepmother and little sister. We had a bit of a wait, even though we showed up promptly for our 6:30 reservation, so I got my dad a martini and an Oban 14 for myself. My scotch was a generous pour, and my dad remarked on how good his martini was. We were finally seated outdoors with a beautiful view of the big lawn area in front of Lincoln Park zoo. Despite being on a fairly busy street, the plexiglas panels installed in the fence kept us well insulated from the noise. I think the appetizers were the highlights of the evening. The duck confit "salad" (there wasn't much salad there, just duck, which was just fine) and the escargot were phenomenal. I'd recommend against the oysters though...I've never had oysters in Chicago before, and not unexpectedly they weren't a match for oysters I usually get in SF. We got 3 steaks and a fish dish. I don't remember which fish it was, some relative of salmon, but it was cooked just right -- barely cooked all the way through. My "rare" filet was also done just right -- still mooing on the inside, and my little sister's blue cheese steak (which I got more than half of) was also delicious, if a bit thin. The Cab Franc we got with the food was a great match as well, even though I picked that out myself...so I can't comment on their sommelier's food-matching skills. My only real gripe about the food was that the steaks were accompanied by a huge mound of (delicious!) pommes frites...it would have been nice to get some vegetables or have a choice of mashed potatoes or something different. Dessert was also quite good -- chocolate mousse, an apple tart, and creme brulee accompanied by some sort of chocolate cake with a candle in it. In the end, my dad was happily sauced and very pleased with his birthday dinner. Good job, Gabi!
(4)Jaime N.
I went for restaurant week and the place was nice but I was disappointed with the food. I got the sweet potato soup which was kinda bland. The salmon was good but nothing special. Service was excellent. Seems like the crowd was an older crowd. Overall I was kinda disappointed.
(2)k e.
Delicious steak frites at a really reasonable price, cute decor, attentive waitstaff - it's hard not to love this place. It's a perfect date night spot. Get a drink at the bar and sit in the lobby of the hotel while you wait for your table.
(5)Pam T.
We went here for our anniversary a couple of weeks ago. The food was amazing, the service was fine, but not as good as it could have been. When we made the reservation on open table we let them know it was our anniversary, our hotel called ahead to tell them it was our anniversary...they did nothing "extra" for us until my husband told them it was our anniversary while I was in the bathroom. Our server told him that he hadn't been informed it until just then. That issue aside, the food was awesome. We had the shrimp cocktail and the potato and brie soup (get it with the short rib!) to start, the steak with Dijon butter and the skate, and a profiterole for dessert. (we were so full we couldn't think about eating anything else) The wine our server recommended went very nicely with both our meals. They also had roasted pumpkin seeds on our table to munch on. This is not a place for a quiet, romantic evening. The restaurant is busy, a bit crowded and pretty loud. However, if you're looking for unfussy French food..I highly recommend it.
(4)Roland S.
A cold and windy November night is a great time for Mon Ami Gabi. It's a warm room, at least in the spiritual sense, with the right degree of closeness and noise (meaning some but not too much of either) to brighten spirits even before the food comes. The server was efficient but had a sense of fun, perfectly appropriate for the cheeky act of putting a "Parisian" bistro in a Midwestern U.S. city. I went way classic with the Steak Frites, in its Au Poivre preparation. The beef was really quite fine (something I might chauvinistically (FRENCH!) suggest we do better in the Midwest than they do in France), grass-fed, lean but still tasty. The sauce was good, too. We knocked back two bottles of wine and if I had one ding for the waiter it was that his suggestion for our first bottle was not great (even at a modest price) -- maybe he was getting some sort of spiff. The one less great note came, sadly, at the end of the meal -- no, not the bill! -- the dessert, a special of the night bread pudding, was really mediocre. Overall, though, a really good meal in a really fun place. I would go again in a minute -- and this time get the absolutely delicious-looking Beef Bourgignon that my buddy had that evening.
(4)Carol J.
What's not to at least like about MAG? They have me on location, just a few short blocks from home, they have me with the patio in the summer, the rolling wine cart, the crisp Sancerre, the steak frittes. And don't even get me started about the butter lettuce salad that I love. I have always had great meals here. Not haute cusine, not bistro, but just right. Traditional french food served in a warm and inviting atmosphere by servers who seem to be pretty familiar with the product. Love the baugette and the amuse, nice touch. Really love the French Onion Soup, but then again, I'm a fanatic for it, just about anywhere. This is my go to place when I don't feel like driving and don't because parking is impossible and the valet sometimes gets bogged down with the hotel, but still, a great place. The wine selections by the glass are incredible and I love the little cart they bring by and let you taste away before you commit to a bottle or a glass. One of the few places that pours decent champagne by the glass as well.
(5)Jay A.
Maybe I'm spoiled by going to a lot of avante garde French restaurants and bistros but this is the type of restaurant you would typically find in some smaller city and not in a cosmopolitan one. The setting is quite nice but the food is comme ci comme ca. I think they are trying to target an older or business crowd here.
(2)Stacy T.
Loved this place. We came on a stormy night and were welcomed with a great wine selection and hearty filling French fare. Started off with a lovely escargot dish which was devoured with a crusty loaf of bread. Those little helix aspersa were divinely cooked in a parsley garlic butter and were so tasty. The steak frittes and lemon chicken paillard were also kick ass. Perfectly cooked with great pairing of accouterments.Come here for great food in a romantic french bistro type setting.
(5)Bryan C.
My favorite part of french dining is tearing apart warm, crusty bread and dipping it in the leftover escargot sauce. And that's exactly how I started my meal at Mon Ami Gabi, We had late reservations on a Saturday night and were seated within 3 minutes of our arrival. The atmosphere is lovely, nothing spectacular, but comfortable and warm. The service was spectacular. The frisee and warm bacon salad was perfection. The desserts were outstanding (profiterole and coconut/chocolate sorbet). The main course (steak and frites) left a little to be desired. The surrounding dishes made up for it. The creamy pureed cauliflower was excellent, it's just that the steak was not the best cut. It was cooked just fine though. Overall, it was a bit loud and crowded, but that's too be expected of course. I've had better french dining experiences at Cyrano's, but Mon Ami Gabi was a nice change. I think the prices are what they should be and the food was good enough for me to recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a decent french meal in Lincoln Park.
(4)Ivan S.
Great place to eat. When the economy was better I was eating here once a week. Some things are better than others, but I have never had a bad meal here. Bring back the pork shank!
(4)Chris B.
Just got back in from taking Jacky out for her birthday -- 5/8 -- and our usual place for her: Mon Ami Gabi...don't be fooled: it's for the profiterole drenched in hot fudge with the candle on it . That's the primary allure for her. Not your usual "event" place, esp. with the esteemed Ambria across the hall, but she (and we) love it inside the venerable Belden Stratford. There is something old school about pulling up on Lincoln Park West, and the Belden Stratford has that old tv sitcom apartment building exterior (you know -- the transition music plays right after the commercial break, we pan up the exterior of the Belden Stratford, cross dissolve to the interior where Suzanne Plechette or Bob Newhart pace back and forth...). So we go inside on this beautiful evening, and the hostesses greet us warmly (thanks to my trusty OpenTable reservation), and we sit down -- I have my Grey Goose up (dry) with blue cheese stuffed olives and Jacky has a glass of champagne... ...the bread is served with whipped butter and a side of lentil salad...lobster bisque for me...Onion au Gratin for Jacky...shrimp cocktail and a belgian endive salad...Jacky has a halibut special with snap peas and edamame, I have one of the amazing steaks (a filet mignon) and frites accompanied by a glass of Chateauneuf du Pape (Beastie Boys in the house..."And like a bottle of Chateauneuf du Pape, I'm fine like wine when I start to rap..."). The profiterole comes out -- thanks to the great bistro style seating (for a Lettuce restaurant, there is no franchise feel here: I'm always impressed that it still "feels" independent), our neighbors pass warm wishes to Jacky, and she blows her candle out. Couple coffees later...we come home -- I drive the sitter home...and here I sit. Reviews are fun. :) Go to Mon Ami Gabi sometime -- it's an enjoyable night out...
(5)Jack M.
I went to mon ami gabi, to celebrate my nephews graduation from DePaul. We went there and got valet for 12 dollars. We went inside and ordered our food but it didn't get there until 40 minutes. After getting my hanger steak and frites. I felt better because the food was very delicious. Their was too much sauce on the steaks but it was good steak otherwise. We got out of there a few minutes later and asked for our car. It took at least 15 minutes to get the car and when we got it, our side of the car was jutting out and there was a big dent in the car. We asked them about it and they denied damaging our car. Since it wasn't damaged before(of course they did it.) And since the road was closed due to construction the only cars on the road were the valet cars so there was no way the public could of damaged it. So I give it a two out of five be because the parking and service was bad but the food was good.
(2)Nathan K.
Impressed with the spot. Had an early dinner for Father's Day here and loved it. Try the hanger steak or anything with that same wine sauce on it. OMG was it delicious. Had a slight Bulgogi flavor to it. But everything was pretty tasty and reasonably priced. Seemed like they had a nice outdoor section too that we didn't try. But it's such a pleasant location being close to the zoo. FYI... For some reason opentable had said there were no 4:30 reservations open, but the place was pretty empty at that time. I might have to plan to start calling places when opentable tells me I'm out of luck.
(4)Bryan H.
My wife and I went there for our anniversary, it was excellent! The service was definitely 5 stars. Our server, David, did an excellent job of taking care of us. Our food came faster than any restaurant I can remember, this was kind of shocking. The fish special had great taste, and my steak was cooked perfectly. Finally a "Medium" steak with a lot of pink in the middle. We had the bread pudding and creme brule as desserts. The bread pudding was fantastic and the other just ok. 2 glasses of wine, 2 entrees, and 2 desserts = $85 + tip. Definitely make a reservation online before you go.
(5)Kerry S.
We had an AWFUL experience at the Mon Ami in Oak Brook this summer. Bad service + bad entrees for both diners = I'm emailing the manager. He sent me a lovely email back and a $100 comp for my next visit. Well I live in Chicago, not near Oak Brook too often, so last Saturday we went to the Mon Ami on Lincoln Park West by the zoo. We had no reservation, but had been walking around the zoo all day, so we just showed up. They weren't open yet and we decided to wait in the lobby of the Belden-Stratford. Our (soon to be) server came out and offered us a drink while we waited. Really? Yes, please. He also told us they were packed with reservations but not to worry about it. (It was Thanksgiving wknd and Zoo Lights to boot.) We were seated early, kind of out of the way which was great because for some reason it was kid-central! (Probably the Zoo Lights.) We had Hendrick's martinis, oysters, butter lettuce salad, New York Strip and Beef Borginon. All delicious. Our server was John, and he was so gracious and nice through the whole experience. He made great suggestions, was timely with everything, especially considering how busy he was. We had a really lovely impromptu dinner date.
(4)Jenna M.
I cannot stress enough what an amazing service experience I and my family had at Mon Ami Gabi last night. I am getting married on Saturday, and this was my family's special meal before the event. My parents are staying at the Belden Stratford and my dad went down to the restaurant before our reservation to see the tables and general layout of the place. He requested that we have a table further away from the front, which basically meant 1 table out of the entire restaurant. I've worked as a hostess, so I know how much these special requests, esp. for large parties (ours was 6), can mess up your plan for seating the evening. The hostesses were fantastic in dealing with my dad's request, coming over and giving us updates on the status of the table, as we had to wait about an hour for it to clear. We had drinks in the hotel's lobby while we waited, so we were very comfortable. That would have been enough to give this a high star rating, but then when we were seated, my dad was asked about any allergies in the party, so we assumed we'd be comped something (totally unnecessary in my opinion, since WE had made the special request that delayed our reservation). They proceeded to bring out basically one of every appetizer (save the pate and mousse, which we ordered). Everything was delicious, esp. the scallops and escargot. Most of us had steaks, which were all cooked perfectly. Two others had fish, the halibut special and the trout, and both were very good as well. After our table was cleared and the dessert plates set down, we were waiting and waiting, wondering where our waiter had gone. Out he comes with one of every dessert, also comped. We could not believe it. Favorites were the bread pudding, peach parfait, and pound cake. Our waiter, Don, was a consummate professional and very attentive. While the food was great, really, for special occasions, you just want to make sure that you are treated well. And I could not have asked for a better experience than the one we had at Mon Ami Gabi, the definition of going above-and-beyond.
(5)Ariel B.
Don't let the fact that it's a Lettuce Entertain You deter you from trying it out! Mon Ami Gabi holds a special place in my heart as it's right across the street where I got married. But not only that, I've never, ever had a bad meal there. EVER. A lot of their dishes are as close to France as you can get without actually crossing the pond. I'm always pleasantly taken care of and no matter how you are dressed (I've gone in a few times not looking quite dressed for dinner) they treat you like any other special guest. Our favorite items on the menu are the filets, the skate and the escargot. Don't eat all the bread before the escargot arrives, you'll need it to lick up the garlic butter after you've eaten all the snails. The filets are always very tender and often melt in your mouth. Please don't do a disservice to the chef or the meat by ordering it other temp above medium. I'm a rare girl myself and the meat was to.die.for. For dessert we had tarte tatin (apple tart) and profiteroles. NOTE: the profiteroles are BIG and there are 3 to an order. You can ask for just one, and they'll adjust accordingly.
(5)Alexandria C.
I have always been a fan of French food, but I seldom indulge in this cuisine because it is: A. expensive, B. difficult to pull off, and C. it's "stick to your ribs/thighs/gut" fatty. However, once in awhile it is important to treat yourself. So, I was delighted to be exposed to Mon Ami Gabi yesterday evening. We arrived about an hour early hoping to down a couple delicious glasses of mind numbing fluids into our systems to get our spirits up before the main event. The place was PACKED, and the bar (cute as a button, btw) only had about 8 seats. After we patiently waited for the geezers to drink their Kir Royales, pilsners, and decaf coffees (come ON people!) we finally sat down. The beverage menu was AWESOME, wow! Pricey, but perfect. I had my heart set on some gooooood champagne, so that is what I opted for. Three glasses later, I joyously pranced to the dinner table in a state of drunken excitement over all the yumminess (it's a word, I swear) that was supposedly about to ensue. We arrived at our table... Once we saw the cramped banquet seating, the brightly lit room, and the overwhelming number of elderly patrons in the dining room, our spirits plummeted slightly. That being said, it seemed like nothing a good meal could not take care of, correct? A few moments later our waiter arrived with a smile-less face and begrudgingly asked what we wanted. We inquired as to what was good on the menu, and he said he did not know. WHAT? Do you even EAT here? Immediately recognizing the uselessness that was our server, we just opted for some French staples. A dozen oysters to start, followed by an endive, blue cheese, a pear salad. Before our apps arrived, we were brought a delicious hot baguette in a bag (meant to be torn up by hand and dished out by hand, the old fashion way) and a lentil salad instead of the typical butter. I was stoked...until the food arrived. Everything was OK at best. For the main course, I decided on the seared scallops with whipped cauliflower and sauteed spinach, and my dining companion got the roasted chicken with mushrooms and frites. Both were 60% fabulous (no love was used in the preparation, thus the 40% strike. Plus our enthusiasm was already tainted by the bad customer service, the smell of Bengay cream in the room, and the mediocre starters. All in all, the price for the food was not too bad. French chow will usually put you back a good $150 (if you eat and drink like I do), but we managed to leave only forking over $100 (half on booze). I know this place has been known as a bit of an establishment in the city of Chicago, and so I still thoroughly believe it is worth a try. That being said, it still only gets 3 stars in my book.
(3)Maria C.
This is certainly one of my favorite restaurants in town. We go there all the time, to celebrate birthdays, enjoy good food or simply to have a casual outdoor lunch. It has never let me down. The food is consistency and I've tried many things on the menu. My favorite is the Steak Frite with Rocquefort but I also like the Mussels, the Salmon and the Butter Lettuce Salad with Gruyere Cheese. To die for. Last time our waiter was phenomenal. Fun and efficient.
(5)Corinne M.
Mon Ami Gabi is cute, classy and in a nice and peaceful location at the edges of Lincoln Park. My friends and I all got a variation of the Steak Frittes. I had the Roquefort, (blue cheese indulgence). The frittes were very tasty and addicting. The Roquefort was a also very good. One of the reasons that I am only giving three stars is because there were a LOT of steak and frittes. If I had more self restraint, the mountain of frittes would not have been a problem. I also had a yummy and vodka heavy French Martini. I think Mon Ami Gabi is a great restaurant, yet I am reluctant to give the 4 stars. I think it was a mix of frittes overindulgence and the price was a little on the high side and I think that there are slightly better restaurants in this price bracket.
(3)Stacy M.
I love this place...great atmosphere, great food, great wine....
(5)Katie H.
Since my original visit I've been back a few times. The steak with merlot butter is still fantastic and service as still great. But they took away one of my favorite things - the steamed artichoke with aoli dipping sauce - and have no plans to bring it back. Sad.
(4)Caroline A.
I usually prefer little bistros when dining French, but really enjoy this restaurant. The service is GREAT, and the food is wonderful. I had their salmon salad. Not sure what kind of dressing they used, but it was SO good. My friend had the steak, which was fantastic! and I agree... pomme frites are drool worthy!
(4)Mark F.
I've eaten here four times before and had mixed experiences (tend to enjoy the food but the seating can be very close together and I've been seated in places where waiters bump against me every few minutes--and it's not like I'm whale sized or anything). Anyhow, tonight's experience was good. We got seated near the bar area and didn't feel too cramped. We started with Nutty Russian cocktails--nice, but not great. We shared some scallops (nicely presented and delicious). For my main I had the chicken and frites (both of which were great). My girlfriend had the steak frites (which she always likes). For desert we had profiteroles (one of the more inspired desert creations!). The service was attentive and helpful.
(4)Ro A.
I had a gift card for Lettuce Entertain You and decided to try this place out. The food is excellent, but our service stunk. Also, this is the kind of restaurant that has tables really close to each other, so it is not a very intimate setting for a date. I really hate sitting on top of the table next to me.
(2)Lisa P.
One of the best resturants in Chicago. Everytime I come to town it is my go to place. The managers are fantastic and pay attention to detail. The bartenders are always friendly. From the manhattan to the fresh fish or steak. It is the best. I never walk away saying " Wow, I could have made this at home."
(5)D. R.
It's not that classic and it's not that French. The oysters were off. The shrimp cocktail was watery. And the pork shank was off key, and fatty. The service was kind and professional. But they, sadly, can't change what they bring out of the kitchen.
(2)Miss O.
classic french bistro across from L20. after getting over how i wanted to head over to L20 again - i was impressed with the cuteness of mon ami gabi. our table was ready when we got there - which i love :) our waiter was great. i got the crab cake - which they were exactly how i like them - not deep fried. fresh crab. onion soup was also excellent. my boyfriend and i both loved it! my tout was cooked to perfection. and if you're planning on ordering any steak frites dishes - beware. they are HUGE. this is important because you have to leave room for the crème brûlée. the best i've had in a really long time. this is great for dates or small groups.
(4)Michael C.
Try ordering: 1. Cheese plate, skate wing with side of green beans, creme brulee, and a bottle of Chateauneuf du Pape, or 2. Cheese plate, steak with cheese melted on it, side of beans, flourless chocolate cake and a bottle of Chateauneuf du Pape. You will be pleased.
(5)Hannah B.
I have to admit that I was slightly shocked by the prices at Mon Ami. Normally when I go out for steak and seafood (or anything French!) I'm expecting to pay at least $30 for an entree. Having said that, I will add that in my opinion the food lived up to it's lower prices. I really enjoyed the salads we ordered as they were fresh and beautifully plated. My Dijon-"crusted" salmon was very disappointing. There was nothing crusted about it! What the dish had was a soggy breading with little flavor on top of a piece of fish whose freshness I was having doubts about. My boyfriend's steak was delicious with Merlot butter, I would definitely order that the next time. As for the frites, they were nothing special. I would take the Hopleaf frites over Mon Ami Gabi any day. I will come back to Mon Ami if I am in the mood for a steak and don't want to pay a fortune. However, if I happen to have just received my paycheck you can find me at Wildfire!
(3)Annie S.
My boyfriend is french so I took him here last summer. We really loved this place. I was curious to see if he thought it was really a french restaurant and he said it was pretty authentic! We both had steaks with those small fries (pomme frittes) and wine. Very delicious. There is outdoor seating and the place is pretty big. The waiters are friendly. This is a GREAT date place!!
(4)Michelle L.
I first attended this restaurant's Vegas location and was really impressed. A few months later, I ventured to this Lettuce Chicago location and was equally satisfied by their menu and service. I believe this is the BEST filet I have ever had! They cook it just right (medium well). And the fresh baked bread is amazing! The prices are pretty reasonable...regular Lettuce restaurant price range. I suggest making reservations and, during the summer weather, get seating outdoors. It's a great establishment, perfect for a date night, in Lincoln Park!
(5)Scott B.
I'm not sure who Gabi is but I definitely would be her friend. A friend of mine lives in the Belden-Stratford and planned for several of us to meet here for dinner. We had an amazing evening. It started with cocktails at 6 pm. Because I needed something stiff (please get your mind out of the gutter), I ordered a Ketel One vodka gimlet. The bartender must be a part-time mind reader because this drink was so stiff it literally put hair on my back. The bar area is a tad bit small so we took our drinks to the lobby for a nice conversation. After about 30 minutes of conversation we were ready to make our way to our table. The restaurant is quaint and cozy. It really does remind you of a Parisian cafe. It is dimly lit which sets a romantic tone. I made a mental note of this in the event that I ever do go on a date. The food was delicious from start to end. For appetizers a couple of people at the table had salads which looked amazing. A couple of people had the porcini soup which they raved about. A couple of people opted for more drinks as their appetizer and I ordered the escargot which I haven't had since the last time I actually was in Paris. The escargot was good. It didn't knock me off my chair or make my eyes roll back in my head but it was good. For our entrees, the majority of the people at the table ordered the special: lamb chops. The lamb was UNBELIEVABLE! It was tender and flavored with the perfect amount of rosemary. I literally wanted to pick up the bones to get every piece of meat but I heard my mother in my head saying "I raised you better than that...please don't, Scott...you are in public". The lamb chops came with a side of potatoes that were prepared in a sauce that made me clean my plate. For dessert (that's right, we weren't done yet), I ordered the creme brulee which was decent. Truthfully, I've had better but it was good. A friend at the table ordered the bananas foster but was disappointed when the bananas weren't warm or even caramelized. She did send it back and asked for the white chocolate bread pudding which she said was excellent. I guess it was because she ate every bite. All in all, Mon Ami Gabi was a wonderful dining experience and I left wondering why I had not been to this restaurant before. No worries though because I definitely will be returning.
(4)Matthew A.
I was expecting a snooty expensive place. What I got was a charming moderately priced experience. My wife and I had dinner at 7 on a Wednesday. The place was busy but not packed. I could see how it would take a while to get a table on a Fri or Sat night as the place is not very big. Their wine list has a handful of good French choices, and they have about 10 wines you can get by the glass. They have a daily meat special as well as a fish special which we both had. I had the Wed night veal special, which was pretty good, but not the best I veal I have ever had. It came with a big slice of "macaroni casserole" I would call it, but it was probably the best macaroni casserole I had ever had. My wife had the salmon special, which she decided was the best salmon she had ever had. They have a set of steaks done in different ways, each about $30 or less, which I was surprised to see as the same dishes at a steakhouse would be $40-50 or more. Our experience was very good. I would love to go back in the summer and have dinner on the patio!
(4)James H.
One further review and another visit I can report that the food is still great (it better be for the halibut special was a bit pricey); but the seating left a lot to be desired, first I was bounced from the back so we slid the table a bit. Then when my neighbor continued to bump (he was very fidgety) I moved to the opposite side of the table, but there was another table ON TOP of us. The seating is close enough that you often have to touch someone you'd rather not (the Hostess was "sorry" - well I am too). The food almost makes up for the aggravation and while I'm not into steak that's okay because their fish is great. I had the fish and frites which was excellent (I had previously ordered the Skate - also good). My friends had Salmon and Scallops and both were great. The service was superb (Thanks Annie Lennox!).
(3)Maria R.
UPDATE: Another trip to Mon Ami, and yes it is still wonderful. Make sure to make reservations as we were promptly escorted in pass the others guests that were walk-ins. Our waiter Michael was alittle squirrely, and wasn't especially attentive, but we weren't in a rush, so it was ok. The Skatewing Limon was outstanding, however I don't love having it with homemade onion potato chips. Our fruit crumb dessert with vanilla ice cream was a perfect ending. PS I never saw so many waiters and busboys coming out of one kitchen door without a single mishap. That was a show in itself! OLD STORY: We're on the "walk to restaurants only" kick now and luckily Mon Ami Gabi is within a couple of blocks. Outstanding service and food - steak frites and the skatewing are standouts. My husband travels to Europe very frequently and really loves the food here. We had the pleasure of dining al fresco in Vegas at Mon Ami, and it was equally as good. I prefer eating indoors here for some reason, I guess it's the warm wood and subtle lighting. Excellent wine selection and the creme brulee was yummy.
(4)Mike H.
This is a fantastic place with amazing food. We have been several times and their food - from appetizers through dessert - is fantastic. It is usually busy and I highly recommend reservations. As for recommendations, try the escargot appetizer for sure - so buttery and delicious! The steak frites can't be beat (have tried both the steak rouquefort and the steak dijon). The bananas foster dessert is also fantastic. During the summer, try to sit outside. It's a gorgeous setting.
(5)Grace L.
A decent French place for very reasonable prices. Steaks and fish are all around twenty bucks. We had the mussels to start out and the broth is bread soakably good. Our table had the halibut, salmon, lemon chicken, hangar steak and steak classique. Out of the five, the salmon and the hangar steak were our favorites. I found the steak classique a very bad pounded cut of beef. It was hard to cut into and chewy. The hangar steak was much more flavorful. With the steaks, there is a mountain of potato frites. For the price and location, it's a great place across the Lincoln Park Conservatory and zoo. Service was a little stand off-ish and I do wish they were more helpful and welcoming. If you like ice cream, any dessert with the ice cream is pleasant, we had the profiteroles and was a great ending to our meal.
(4)A B.
Finally checked this place out after hearing a lot of people rant and rave. For appetizer my husband and I ordered the Oysters and he had French Onion soup. Both were good, I mean raw Oysters are just that, so doesn't take much talent to prepare. For dinner I decided to eat light and ordered the Ahi Tuna salad, the Tuna could have been better I wasn't impressed. The reason I gave the restaurant three stars is because of the filet that my husband ordered. The meat was prepared perfectly with a red wine reduction and we ordered a side of Garlic Spinach. For dessert we had Creme Brulee and coffee. I would highly recommend ordering the filet, I should have ordered it but I was trying to order healthy.....which I won't do again!
(3)Erin C.
I really hate to love a Lettuce restaurant, but I really do love mon ami gabi. I love sitting outside in the summer gazing at Lincoln park and enjoying a good bottle of wine. Every time I go here, I am never disappointed. Their steak frites is absolute heaven; always perfectly cooked and seasoned. Also, they have several different versions of the steak frites to try, rather than just the original. I had the skate special once before too and it was perfectly juicy and tender served with some lemony veggies and nice potatoes. Yum! The atmosphere is a little more fancy than your typical French bistro with its dark wood and low lighting. The staff is very genial and gives excellent recommendations. For dessert, try the profiteroles. How could you not love flaky pastry, ice cream and a rich chocolate sauce?
(4)Alexzandra A.
I have had better French food, but I really had a lovely time here. The oysters were devine as well as the martini and mojito I had. I thought my steak (blue cheese) was fabulous, but I would rather have a more inventive side then frites. I went here with a group of people and was able to try at leat 4 different desserts and they were all heavenly. The chocolate mouse was HUGE and delicious while the flourless cake was the best I'd ever had. It may be pricey, but the atmosphere and food is worth it, if only once.
(4)Art K.
We had a reservation for 745pm on a Saturday evening. Even though we arrived early, we were immediately whisked to our table, a great semi-private booth in the back corner of the restaurant. We enjoyed the Scallops in cream sauce as our appetizer (WOW every time), the Merlot Butter Steak (WOW every time), and a terriffic salad to start. Overall very good, except the steak was slightly cold, and the martini my wife ordered (french cosmo) was almost bitter. The Louis Latour Pinot Noir is always a good place to start. We go here a few times a year between this and the location in Las Vegas and always walk away with a 4+ rating!
(4)Monika M.
i went here for my birthday on a snowy sunday night. Not too crowded, although we had a 5oclock reservation.. Atmosphere nice and expected for a french bistro. Well staffed and very unprentious. I had the roasted chicken and frites. Frites portion was giving. I ate the whole chicken. Skin perfectly crispy. Husband had the Cassolet. It was great and leftovers were good too. Dessert was insanely good! Vanilla filled crepe with caramel and bananas! Yum!Overall had a wonderful meal and would like to go back and try something different. Maybe when its a bit warmer and I don't have to drudge through the snow..
(3)Shaun K.
A replica of a turn-of-the-century bar and slim wooden furniture give this popular Lincoln Park bistro a patently Parisian vibe. Classic menu items such as a rustic country pate with whole grain mustard and succulent, buttery escargots reinforce that mood. For entrees, opt for the specialty: steaks with Dijon mustard butter sauce or a wine reduction with caramelized onions. All beef comes with thin, crispy frites.
(4)Alexis S.
Love! You must order: -French Onion Soup (if you ask to split it with your date, they will give you 2 crocks) -The pate -Any of the Steak Frites -The Roast Chicken -Whipped Caulliflower MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!
(5)Erin J.
First of all Mon Ami Gabi is fun to say... but you won't be saying too much after you sit down expect for uh uh uh oui oui oui... Bon Appetite! This French bistro serves amazing food and within a fun atmosphere! If you have a beret a.) feel lucky that you can pull it off and b.) wear it! The interior of the restaurant is positively French. The waiter will start you off with a fresh, warm baguette to nibble on. As a carb professional I would have to give the bread and butter a 5 as well! Mon Ami Gabi is known for having a great selection of wines so ask what they recommend. If you are one to impress this is the place to be a wine snob. They bring around a wine cart to choose from. The food is a little pricy. Whoever invented a la carte is a la stupid! I think it was the French. Regardless, throw your budgets away and go for the steak & frites. All of the steaks are amazing. The soups are thick and creamy. I highly recommend the mashed cauliflower as a side. If mashed cauliflower is healthy this one definitely fooled me. Um Um Um! I got carried away with the baguette and wine so I was not allowed to stay for dessert, but I dare to guess that the French desserts are exquisite. This would be a great place for dessert and coffee with your great aunt or political conversations with your opinionated friends. Girls, feel free to wear that dressy scarf around your shoulders and bright red lipstick. Parking is valet or I would try to find a meter one street over. Oui! Mon Ami Gabi - translation - My Friend Gabi. Well, Gabi is now a friend of mine!
(5)Miguel g.
Great food and service. Used to be our date night with my wife, but now that our kids are older it is a family favorite. They have tasty options for all!
(5)Melissa H.
This was my first french restaurant experience and I was pretty impressed. Its definitely a romantic restaurant. The food was great and so was the service. Its not too french but just french enough. I'd recommend MAG to anyone who is intimidated by french cuisine.
(4)Amanda T.
I remember way back, when I was a wee lass in fifth grade, the teacher made us kids give a presentation on our favorite thing to eat. And my presentation was was on French onion soup, specifically from Mon Ami Gabi. Now, many many years later, it's still one of my favorites. I never really remember what I get as an actual entree when I go, because the onion soup eclipses everything else. The frites and, as simple as it sounds, even the bread are amazing. It's no Les Nomades, but nevertheless, c'est magnifique!
(4)Heather K.
Bonjour, mon petit bureau de change! Just wanted to share my thoughts on a lovely dinner that I recently shared with my family at Mon Ami Gabi. As I tend to do when faced with the prospect of food I don't have to pay for, I went a bit overboard. Started with the onion soup which came in a gigantic crock...I think it weighed about 2 pounds. Really tasty, and was more on the sweet side than on the beefy side. I've had, you know, "real" onion soup and I must say that the Gabi version definitely held its own. Side note, if anyone is really into onion soup and likes reading blogs, go to theonionsoup.com , it's quite...informative. On the complete opposite end of the first course spectrum, my mother had a light and healthy butter lettuce salad with shaved veggies and a citrus dressing. I stole a bite and sort of wished I had gone the salad route instead. At this time in my review-writing, I am also realizing that I left out the part where I ate half a baguette before my soup even hit the table. Time for entrees and I was already completely stuffed. But, it was my mom's birthday and I needed to stay strong. Therefore I devoured a filet mignon like nobody's business. Giant portion, perfectly cooked, though I wasn't crazy about the merlot butter it came with. (Should I really be adding butter to a steak?) The other wine sauce was good though. The pommes frites were thin, crispy and in abundance. Between THREE PEOPLE eating off my plate we were still unable to finish them off. Other family members enjoyed the scallops, roast chicken, pork tenderloin and vegetarian sampler. And don't forget about dessert... a complimentary birthday profiterole for my mother (good), creme brulee (better) and flourless chocolate cake (best). My regrets of the evening were: - not sharing the bowl of onion soup w/ my sister - only eating a single piece of lettuce - only eating 3 green beans I definitely had to sleep that meal off. I'll plan things out a bit healthier next time. Great service though and lovely location inside the Belden-Stratford Hotel. And I think it's better than Marche(?!) Well, until next time.. foux de fa fa! Au revoir!
(4)Susan L.
overrated, overdone, overpriced French food. Go there only if you have a LettuceEntertainYou gift certificate--better yet, if you've got one of those, go to a different restaurant.
(1)Megan D.
Delicious food and wonderful atmosphere! The only problem we had was the service. Our waiter was rude and seemed to be annoyed that he had to serve us. We ordered coffee and were enjoying it except our waiter clearly wanted us to leave. He and the manager kept looking over at us and the waiter was pacing back and forth by our table. We are sensitive to taking up a table when a restaurant is busy but there were two empty tables by us! The busser was excellent - very nice man but the waiter was even rude to him. Very good food, very good atmosphere. I think there's just one bad egg on the waitstaff.
(3)Masha C.
Expensive, but hands down best steak I've ever had! Perfect place for special occasions!!
(4)Lesley G.
This place is super good. I have been there a few times and have never been disappointed. The steaks are some of their specialties. Last time I went I had the salmon, which was also great. Everything is just perfectly cooked. It's not cheap, but you get what you paid for.
(4)Psusennes R.
Searching for refuge from the summer rain, we found Mon Ami Gabi. The adorable restaurant shares space with a high end apartment and L20. The service is so smooth and fantastic... like clock work! Complimentary bread & butter, the chef also included a sample of their orzo special of the day. We started our meal with a pretty standard green salad and a delicious and creative cold red pepper soup. Entrees ordered was steak & frittes and scallops with mushrooms and asparagus. I just typed all that out and started drooling. It was all very delicious. The steak may have been tendarized and grilled to perfection. Not normally a fan of sauce, the sauce that accompanied the steak was fabulous. It was a cream sauce seasoned with tarragon. We ended dinner with ice cream over a berry crumble and cappucino. Happiness! With four drinks, our bill came out to 90$. Locals visit this place and yes, many of its visitors are older (over 30) and well to do. Also, they have a wine cart (most wines from France). I will return!
(4)Don W.
Went here several times while in Chicago, and my wife, who's a French native, was CRAZY about it. I particularly like the whipped veges (forgot what it's called, but a califlower-based pate), profiteroles, and macaroni au gratin. The mac is baked and uses several real cheeses that I'm certain were shredded on site that day. Probably the best mac I've ever had. The meats are good, but I don't care for the ultra-thin, ultra-crispy fries (and neither does my wife). You know how sometimes at McDonald's you get a couple burned-to-a-crisp fries that were stuck in the deep fryer for a while - they serve a whole plate of those here like it's a good thing. I also was not wowed by their chocolate mousse. Regardless, the food is very good overall, and the service is always particularly excellent and professional. It's definitely a pricey joint though, so if you're not on your work's tab like I was, be weary of $60+ checks for two.
(4)Hana K.
I love French cuisine and this place does a pretty good job at doing French compared to a lot of other places. I loved their Coq Au Vin and steak frites. The frites were nice, thin and crispy, the way they should be and the chicken for their Coq Au Vin was perfectly cooked. I would recommend getting reservations here because it gets very crowded, if you are not familiar with the area you most likely will end up passing it because it is part of another building, and sometimes walking around in there can get tight.
(4)Tiffany L.
Went with a friend last year and the food was excellent. We went in the fall so they had an amazing pumpkin spread for their bread. It was hard to stop eating that. We both ordered a halibut dish and it was so fresh and cooked perfected. The price is about right for what you get. great service, mellow atmosphere, wonderful food...I now want to try the one in oak brook since this was such a great experience!
(5)Andrew P.
I thought Mon Ami Gabi to be one of the most overrated dining establishments I have ever found. The Beldon is a pretty place to wander around before the meal, but the dining experience was not satisfying at all. We had a reservation for 8pm on a Friday night. We were not seated until 9pm. I understand things get backed up (especially on a weekend), but what's the point in even making a reservation if you are going to be seated in whatever order you show up in anyways? The menu: I did not like the bread (it felt and tasted like it had been sitting out for a week), but the butter was great. The lobster bisque was the most salty and fishy bisque I have ever had. The bisque was a terrible, terrible way to start off the meal. I enjoyed the frites. They were tasty. Then again, they are french fries. Sonic and McDonald's can do that. My steak was cooked correctly, but the flavor left me wondering why someone would ruin a nice piece of meat with that much seasoning. The Service: The water service was great. My water glass rarely got below 1/2 full before being refilled. The waiter showed up only 10 or 15 minutes after we sat there looking annoyed because we couldn't find him. Even sending the water fillers to find our server was a chore. He sucked. I thought that the menu was overpriced for the quality of food we received. All in all, I would not recommend Mon Ami Gabi to anyone looking for a nice night out. Maybe it was because it was a weekend, maybe not. Either way, i don't think there is any excuse for this meal being so all around dissatisfying. The service was terrible, the food overseasoned, overpriced, and underwhelming. The quality of the meal left a lot to be desired...
(1)James L.
This place was definitely worth it. I came here after having a fabulous dinner at the location in Las Vegas. The one in Vegas is located in Paris hotel right across from the Bellagio Fountains. I was hoping this location would be just as good and it sure was. I had the New York Strip which was juicy and tender. Also tried the sirloin which was just as good. Both dishes were around $20. I don't exactly remember the size in ounces but it was definitely enough to fill me. Atmosphere is great and price is very reasonable compared to comparable restaurants with similar quality steak. Their frites (aka french fried) are one of a kind. Very delicious. Outdoor seating is available and is perfect when its not too hot or cold.
(4)Mindy V.
Everything is so solid and good here. Always perfectly cooked, excellent appetizers..... I had the Steak Roquefort... so good with the blue cheese sauce. Its nice and cozy and always good.
(4)Stephanie H.
I dined at Mon Ami Gabi for the first time a couple of Friday's ago. It was a late dinner, arriving close to 10:30....we were the last people2 in the restaurant...our service and food were fair, I believe mostly due to our poor timing. We ordered steaks, that came out luke warm.... I would like to visit again, at a more 'normal' dining hour...in hopes of having a better overall dining experience, and increase the star count.
(3)J T.
Mon Ami isn't my first choice for bistro food in Chicago but it's certainly one I won't turn away. There are always a couple of hits and misses, but for the most part, I'm always satisfied at the end of the meal and always return.
(3)Lizzy G.
I wish I had gone to this restaurant much sooner! It was tres yummy (That was lame, sorry Yelp.). The restaurant is smaller than I expected but it is so adorable. I love the art deco appeal of the entire place. I was thrown by the entrance being off to your immediate left when you enter the Belden Stratford, but it seems typical of restaurants in buildings of that era (i.e. Pump Room, etc). The cutsie W.C. sign illuminating the corridor to the restrooms was great as well. I wonder how many people ask what the WC stands for! We were seated in the very front of the restaurant, in front of the bar. It was very nice, the corner table, so my boyfriend and I were both able to enjoy the corner booth running the front wall. I maybe would have preferred to be seated behind the bar (next time) to avoid the ins and outs at the host stand and bar, but it's a smaller place, so noise is inevitable. And the table was still cozy and lovely for the two of us. The food was delicious. I think you could go for appetizers and drinks and leave stuffed! (The table to our right did just that) The duck confit my boyfriend had was a full duck leg on a healthy portion of lentils and pearl onions. I had the butternut squash soup with creme fraiche and scallion and it was delicious! I have to admit I love the new trend of serving soups table side from different kinds of serving vessels. It's cute, interactive, memorable and still relatively unique. We chose right by avoiding salads because the steak frites bernaise my boyfriend got came on the most enormous of dishes! The pile of steak frites was too much for the both of us! Oh goodness, and the bernaise sauce that came with the steak was so yummy (I am a vegetarian but still eat egg product). Delectable with the pile of steak frites! I went with the vegetarian sampling and while everything on my plate was very tasty I felt they could have done more. It was basically a side of mashed cauliflower, asparagus, green beans and lentils. Good, but not what I expected. There are a number of vegetarian side dishes to choose from and if I had known four would be on the plate I would have asked if I could chose. Having no main starch was a little different ( no au gratin potatoes or macaroni gratin? I feel like I missed out. This is expected I suppose, in a french bistro, but I made out like a bandit in Paris for weeks and have had more options at different spots around Chicago, so I maybe if they felt they had clientele they could do a little more with the menu? Nothing is better than a French restaurant with vegetarian options! I swear it would sell! Overall, I think I could have ordered better but my boyfriend ate enough food for days! Everything was delicious and I would go back to enjoy lunch outside on the patio, have drinks and appetizers or maybe try and correct my ordering mishaps. Either way, if you like steak frites, give Mon Ami Gabi a try! The meat (according to the bf) is tender and delicious, and the sauces from the dozen styles in which you can order steak frites all sound delicious so I don't think anyone could go wrong!!
(4)Kelly D.
I could live here. The atmosphere is so elegant and beautiful. it's like going back into the 20's or 30's. Everything that I have had here is so yummy. Especially the steak frites. Worth every penny. It's inside the Belden-Stratford Hotel which is beautiful itself. The outdoor seating is lovely too in the summer. The wait staff are very friendly and attentive.
(5)gabriella m.
Delicoius steak frites, fast service and a walk in the park is only steps away. Wonderful for a date night.
(5)Yvette B.
I have had nothing but wonderful experiences at Mon Ami Gabi. The only drawback is they are usually a little late seating for reservation time, but in my opinion, well worth the wait. I have never been disappointed with any of the dishes that we have ordered. Last visit had mussels appetizer...DELICIOUS. Escargot...DELICIOUS. And a cheesy scallop appetizer...need I say it.?..DELICIOUS. Our server was outstanding. My friend ordered the roquefort steak option and what the backwaiter brought out from the kitchen was a different steak from the menu...the waiter immediately noticed my friend did not receive the right dish. I know you might say, well of course he would notice, but you would be surprised at how many restaurants I have dined at where the main server themselves bring out the wrong dish or come to your table to see how things are and still don't notice that there is anything wrong with your order. He immediately asked to rectify the situation...we told him no worries, my friend was going to keep the original item brought out. The server was kind enough to get some roquefort "sauce" in a gravy boat for my friend to enjoy as he liked to top his steak. He also comped a couple of glasses of wine. Along with that throughout the entire meal our waiter was attentive, friendly and just awesome. I would totally ask for him to wait on us again. I can't wait for summer for the outdoor patio to open. Oh, and I had a tuna steak served atop a portobello mushroom and it was nothing less than absolutely delicious. The only bummer is I think it was a special, which means I will have to get lucky having that again.
(5)Brandon H.
The food and service is outstanding. The scheduling and organization for reservations is sub-par. I understand this is a popular spot, but waiting 20-30 minutes past a reservation time made weeks before hand is unacceptable. Regardless of the operations, the food.. from the appetizers (we had the scallops and escargot) to the entree (filet w/ butter and red wine reduction) to the desert (Creme Brule) was outstanding. Even the bartender (after waiting 10 minutes to work ourselves is to a position to order drinks) was helpful. This place is a fantastic restaurant, and is just missing the organization to reach perfection. On a busy night, expect mayhem. On an off night, this may be the perfect quiet spot.
(4)Stephanie P.
We were on vacation in Chicago in July and heard about Mon Ami Gabi from the concierge at the Four Seasons hotel. All of their other recommendations proved to be great, so off we went with our 2 young children. We enjoyed the whole experience from the warm baguette, nice wine list to the steak frites-Meat so tasty and fries very thin and crunchy. It was a very busy Thursday night, very crowded but our server kept things flowing despite the 3 very large parties seated near us that he was taking care of. We enjoyed a great meal as a family and our kids enjoyed the food, esp the frites! Would love to go back again when we visit the wonderful city of Chicago next time.
(4)Alissa B.
First off, this place has the BEST French Martinis...delicious. I came here for the first time one winter night and was so impressed. Their wine selection is amazing, the ambiance is excellent and their pork shank is to die for. I have always gotten great service and recommend this place to anyone and everyone who will listen.
(5)Amber B.
Well, this is my first trip to Chicago, and not only am I impressed with the city, but also the hotel I found and the amazing restaurant located inside. That of course being Mon Ami Gabi at the Belden Stratford Hotel. I am extremely impressed with the service, the food, and the entire experience dining here. When my mother and I first entered the intimately sized dining area, we realized that reservations for a Saturday night would have been a good idea. With less than a two minuet wait, however, we were seated at the bar where we received better service than many of those dining at tables. The bar tender was quick to take our drink orders and even offer us regular menus, he was attentive, remembered all of the dinner specials without missing a beat, and never once treated us like we were in the way for ordering food at the bar. The wine selection was good, as was the assortment of appetizers, which is what we were there for. I had the english pea soup with tomato and leeks and the escargots, and my mother had the butternut squash soup and the salmon salad. The soups were heavenly. The pea soup tasted like summer and eating homegrown peas off the vine in my grandmothers backyard. The escargots was amazing too (although this was my first try). My moms salad came out with seared tuna instead of salmon, it was very tasty but a bit over salted. Her meal was on the house due to the mix-up, we didn't even have to ask to complain! The meal was served with a fresh, warm baguette and garbanzo bean and lemon spread that was delicious. We also had to try the black currant sorbet, which was sweet, tart, and very refreshing. Overall the experience we had at Mon Ami Gabi was great. I would definately go again if I make it to Chicago in the future. We made sure to stop on the way out to commend the manager and thank him for a lovely evening.
(5)Michelle J.
Mon Ami Gabi has been one of my favorite french places as long as I can remember! The roasted chicken, pom frites, profiteroles, wine, salad, soup, skate, mashed potatoes, steak and herb butter are ALL TO DIE FOR!! Every family occasion we go to Mon Ami. My aunt even had her wedding there! It has become a family tradition and no where else compares to the amount of customer service and satisfaction I feel when I visit time after time!
(5)tricia l.
I was there last night--and have been there many times before--and I just have to write a RAVE REPORT about our waiter DAVID!!! I don't think I have ever had such good, fun, perfect, perfect service anywhere. I am going to ask for him every time I make a rez at Mon Ami. I told him last night that I was going to write him up big and so am doing just that. He is worth his weight in gold.
(5)heather d.
im a big fan of mon ami gabi. the food is great, huge portions and a great value. We were there the other night had, 2 drinks, 2 steak frites, a salad, an app and a dessert and our bill was less than $100 and was delicious!!!! im hungry just thinking about it!!
(4)Jennie C.
I don't think I'll return here ever. It took well over half an hour just to get my salad before my main course. I think the waiter forgot about us, which is cool just let me know you finally remembered. When he was around he was attentive and friendly. My Caesar salad was just too fishy. I know anchovies are used in the dressing, but it was overpowering. I didn't understand my salmon served on a bed of cooked cabbage. And sorbet for dessert still had a fishy taste. I ended up home and sick for the night. I believe partly from the food and partly from the bad date I was on. I also was not a fan of being sat so close to another patron that she consistently felt the urge to keep moving her purse closer to her and keeping her hand on it like i was just waiting to grab it and go. I don't think I give off a thug impression, maybe I have more street cred than I thought? Also when sitting that close it made it hard for her to get up to leave the table without knocking about her table and my table and I did get a great flash of a thong in my face. That might have also contributed to my ill feelings.
(1)Amy L.
My sister used to live in this building and hostess there, so we'd always go when I came in town. It's fabulous and so are all the other Lettuce Entertain You places as well. Right across from the zoo. It's in a great location in Lincoln Park. Portions are a good size and the food is delish :) And they have the best desserts..so save some room!
(4)Morgan B.
This place is really good. I went there for my birthday. It is a fun atmopshere!!!
(4)EJ F.
Great place for steak and frites. Not the best French cuisine in the world but for the price and the quality it's a great place. I've always gotten the traditional steak with frites so I can't comment on other menu items but it all looks good.
(4)Jill and Ying J.
Steak frites..... steak frites.....STEAK FRITES. And warm soft bread. That's really all we remember from this meal (went a few years ago), and all you will likely remember as well. The steaks are good, served with 6 or 7 different sauces, but they are not nearly as memorable or 5-star worthy as the MASSIVE serving of authentic French style frites (fries) that come with it. These are definitely not your regular McD's style "Freedom Fries." Fried to a crisp, thin as a chip, small as a paperclip, the frites are crunchy and exceedingly addictive. No wonder they give you such a massive serving. *hint* smear some of the delicious sauce with the frites and the flavors explode even more in your mouth. As any great reproduction of a French bistro, each meal starts off with a warm, fresh, crunchy-on-the-outside-soft-on-the-inside baguette butter. The wine selection is massive, and the decor softly whispers romantic date. A must-eat to woo your significant other.
(4)Kerry D.
It's a great space, nice decor, WONDERFUL service- but the food was not what I was expecting. Three of us sent the onion soup back (which I love almost everywhere) and the main courses were fine- but from the other reviews and word of mouth- I was hoping for a lot more. I'm going to stick w/ Kiki's and Bouchon for my bistro fare from now on.
(3)scot o.
for a chain, this place is one of our favorites. fun frenchy atmosphere. good food and drinks in the beautiful and elegant belden-stratford hotel. cap of the evening at L20 for a cordial or dessert and go for a walk past the conservatory. you can do no wrong. make reservations or go later.
(5)Anna B.
Go to Mon Ami for the cozy romantic atmosphere and the friendly bar- and waitstaff. The food is good, but Brasserie Jo's is better.
(4)Marissa D.
every time i come to mon ami i like it more and more. such a wonderful atmosphere, and service is excellent. their maison (house) salad is excellent. fresh greens with goat cheese. perfect. i always order one of their steak frites. it's so nice that they have variations on it, so you can get a dijon one or a bourdelaise (my favorite), etc. and the frites - different from most frites, and SO good! let's talk about dessert. everything is good, but the bananas fosters crepe is the best thing i have ever put in my mouth. it comes in a giant plate of homemade caramel and i can't get enough. i want to bathe in that caramel. moving on.........here's a tip - bring your own wine. sure, there's a corkage, but it's always a savings to bring wine to a place that will let you! in conclusion, if you want great french food at a moderate price, go HERE!
(4)KM I.
Warm french baguette, bacon and poached egg frisee salad, pomme frites with aioli while sitting outside the Belden Stratford....done
(5)Rory G.
Why is it that in this country you can have OK French food, call the place a Bistro,charge outrageous prices and be pretentious. This place goes against all that true foodies stand for, those of us that search for the shining hidden gem. A bistro in France is a little joint on the corner feeding people who can't make it home to eat, usually a simple menu of half chicken or steak with fries or mussels. The fare is usually cheap, filling and the quality is phenomenal. The chefs know what they do and they do it well, hence the small menu. Here, the chefs have to try to make a monumental menu of items and the food turns out mediocre at best. If you want to impress you date with your high-school french and how you think snails are cool, pay for your meals as if it were priced in Euros, then this is the place. Mais si tu veux trouver un meilleure resto pour la nourriture Francaise, tu iras autre part. Enough said
(3)jared s.
dont need to say much here outside of AMAZING...
(5)Brenda V.
Great experience, the hostess honored our reservation without delay, they offer great wine selections and the food was fresh, nicely prepared, at the proper temperature and good sized portions. Service was courteous and professional without being overbearing. This place is very romantic in the evening.
(5)Linda D.
Having once worked in this restaurant in the legendary Belden Stratford in Lincoln Park West with my jazz group when it was a night club (can't remember what it was called.....Boombala or something), I was interested in finding out what kind of restaurant it had become. To my utter delight, it was French, very casual, and a little on the Provincial side. The food was outstanding, the wait staff courteous and attentive and the prices far below what I have paid in the past for food half as good. I was with my son, daughter-in-law and young grandson, and they had been to another French restaurant and weren't prepared to enjoy this one nearly as much. They were delighted with everything and left saying they had found their new favorite restaurant. No sense mentioning what we ate because everything was prepared perfectly and we enjoyed every morsel.
(5)Billy B.
Absolutely fantastic! Me and my family went there recently and there is not one bad thing I can say about it. I've been there many times as I live in the neighborhood but have never written a review. To start they have a phenomenal wine list. We ordered a Sauvignon Blanc that was great. For our entrees we all had steak that was out of this world. They serve an American portion in French style. I had a 22 oz Rib eye with Roquefort Bleu Cheese on it. Unbelievable! Go there!
(5)Sarah F.
Went on Friday night. It was packed. We had a reso, but still had to wait awhile. Service was okay. Food was okay. I liked the steak and frites, but the french onion soup was nothing to write home about. The creme brulee was too runny and the sugared top was more chewy, rather than light and crispy. I would like to go back, however, to see if I would have a better experience. Oh, and the butter and spicy lentils that come with the bread were great, but bread was NOT great. Willing to give this place another chance.
(3)Geoffrey S.
The New York Strip and Frites are great, as is the escargot. Our waiter was fantastic and Juan the manager is a great guy.
(4)Kat W.
This place allows me to go back to my Belgian(French) roots. Escargot, Bisque D'Homard, Steak Frites, Creme Brulee, and Profiteroles. They are excellent. And yet they don't have pretentious prices This is a great place if you want to eat French cuisine or "French Steak", but if you want to eat good steak in general, then this is not the place. This place only has two types of steak in the regular menu. The steak was a bit tough, but everything else was great.
(5)Ben E.
An excellent place for utterly typical bistro food -- the menu is limited and barely changes, so don't come here for creative efforts on the part of the chef or to sample the true range of French cooking. Instead, enjoy the moules frites or a steak in a lively room with efficient, very helpful waitstaff. I'll admit that my favorite thing about Mon Ami Gabi is the fact that you can almost always get Chateauneuf-du-Pape by the glass, which is a really, really good thing if your dining companions don't want to split a bottle.
(4)Catherine B.
This restaurant was amazing - my fiance and I each had a glass of wine at the (crowded) bar while we waited for our table, but we had barely sipped it before we were seated. The restaurant was at the same time bustling and romantic, and the food was beyond description. The steak with Merlot butter is a must.
(5)M J.
The food is great, and the atmosphere is quaint/casual--a dimly-lit, nicely-crowded, dark-wood-filled dining room. Not necessarily the place to go if you want quiet corners and whispered conversation, but still a great choice for solid french fare, and friendly/helpful wait staff.
(4)mark s.
i crave the Steak Roquefort at Mon Ami. this is how i mon ami: - buy a couple bottles of red wine and some good chocolates. - order takeout: 1 steak roquefort & a salad (it is definitely enough for 2 people) - they also include a loaf of their bread. - arrive early and get a drink at the bar (martini) - take the bag'o'delicious home and feast with your date. have a great meal, avoid the crowd & save 50 bucks.
(5)Neal K.
Mon Ami is a perennial favorite of mine. I've had steak-frites all over this great city of ours and you can't beat the way they do it at this spot on the park. Sit outside, it's nahs. Honestly, for $17.95 you'd be hard pressed to find a better steak and potatoes entree in my opinion. Try the hanger steak or the bordelaise. Great mussels, escargot, and onion soup. This place tipifies all that Lettuce stands for - simple standard fare done at a high level. The wine selection is very good (heavy on the Burgundy, Bordeaux, and Cote du Rhone of course), and they have good wines by the glass if you don't want to make it a super $$ evening. Sure I love trying tasting menus and the newest Brazilian/Japanese/Nigerian/Leprechaun fusion place (I'd call such a fictitious place Sushi Lag-O'Sambas). But if you want a go-to restaurant that always delivers for a special occasion, a weeknight, or even a lunch before enjoying the lakefront, you can't go wrong at Mon Ami.
(5)M M.
I thought this place was just OK. The location is really pretty- right in the Belden-Stratford. We started out in the bar area and it was so cute because all of the old residents of the building seemed to migrate from their condos upstairs to the downtstairs bar- very 1920's. I went here because I had LEY gift certificates with my boyfriend for our one year. I was expecting a quiet, romantic, french restaurant. No WAY. This place is loud and bustling. So I guess I was a little disappointed in that regards, but I should have done my research, this was during my pre-yelp days. The food was typical and EXPENSIVE. I had salmon and my boyfriend had steak- both of which were good, but not for that price. Definitely would have been disappointed had I spent my own money on this place.
(3)Jason S.
Great food. The perfect little outdoor patio area right next to Lincoln Park. The location can't be beat. Service is usually good there. Check out the patio area in the summer.
(4)Amanda G.
I went to the one in Vegas in December and LOVED it, so needless to say I was excited to take my husband and some friends there last weekend. It did not disappoint. We all had steaks and frites and it was great. Excellent onion soup, but I love the Potato and Brie soup more. Very nice atmosphere if you feel like dressing up a bit. Not quite as good as the Vegas location, but I'll go there again! Make reservations!
(4)Kt R.
My boyfriend took me here for my birthday and our server, David, was wonderful. He was attentive, informative and very friendly. The muscles were great...dip your bread in them!...but in the end our great booth seating and our server made my experience great. Thank you!
(4)JP S.
Excellent French food. Knowledgeable and friendly waitstaff.
(4)Laura W.
Mon Ami is our go to place for special occasions....the boyfriend's birthday, my birthday, and then we just went a couple of weekends ago with a group of our friends. We got to dine outside on the patio and the night had a crispness to it...it felt like Fall was finally here! We were well taken care of by the staff and the food is always so yummy......I don't think I have ever had a bad entree. Waitstaff always seems super knowledgable about wines. The last time we were there we had a selection of appetizers....the scallops are quite delish as well as the pate. The bread is always nice and crunchy! I had the ribeye (you can take the girl out of Texas, but you can't take Texas out of the girl!) as well as a few other of our friends. It was cooked to perfection and the au gratin potatoes were so yuuuuumy! I don't know when the last time I have had these, but they were well worth all the calories! One of my friends had the skate and another the halibut, both were quite tasty. I was surprised at how well Mon Ami does fish. I think the next time I will definitely go for the seafood! The berry crumble for dessert............I HIGHLY recommend it. I have always loved the profiteroles, but I fell in love this dessert!! We will definitely go back again and again to this place!
(4)Sara F.
I love this place. I have visited this restaurant many times and it is now my parents favorite place to go in Chicago when they come to visit. The way to go is with the Mussels and Steak Frites. The Frites are amazing!!!! Also, they have a great wine selection and amazing desserts. The place has wonderful ambiance, but it can be a bit loud. I like that in a restaurant but understand that isn't for everyone. The only thing I would stay away from are the scallops. Maybe the chef accidently poured salt all over them by mistake but they were so over-salted. That doesn't represent the rest of their food. Amazing!
(4)A. M.
Mon Ami is one of my favs in Chicago. It's exactly what a French bistro should be - charming and comfortable. While the food might not be 5 stars, it's always solid. The bar up front is a little small, which is bad news if you have to wait for a table. But the wine cart which offers plenty of "tastings" makes up for it. After not having been there for a while, we went there last night w/ another couple. I had the mussels and everyone else had steaks. We all agreed the food was very good. Unfortunately our waiter was pretty much MIA all night. But for such a fun night with great food, I'm willing to consider this a blip on the radar.
(4)Jessica M.
Went to Mom Ami Gabi for a romantic dinner with the boyfriend, courtesy of a Lettuce Entertain gift certificate that I got from my boss. I'll have to say, it was the BEST DINNER I've had in a LONG TIME. Parking in the neighborhood was okay, there were quite a bit of open spots, so, we didn't have any problems there. We had a reservation and were seated immediately upon arriving. They already had our table ready for us. Our waitress was okay, nothing special, but still very nice. Our food came out quickly. We shared an order of the brie and also an order of the garlic spinach, as our appetizers. They were delicious! For the entree, my boyfriend ordered the Blue Cheese Steak and I ordered the Steak Bearnaise. The steaks were ordered Medium-Rare and came exactly the way we ordered them. They were perfect! While my boyfriend loved his Blue Cheese steak, we both agree that the Steak Bearnaise was one of the BEST steaks we've ever had! The Bearnaise sauce was rich and and absolutely mouth watering. Once it was gone, I wanted to lick the plate clean. I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND this Steak Bearnaise!!!! Also, the servings are HUGE and definitely worth the price! For desserts we had the chocolate mousse and the Profiterole Trio. We thought they'd be small servings, but ended up being soo massive that we almost couldn't finish the desserts. The ambience was great, it was quiet and fancy-like. Although, the tables are little too close together, but that is my only qualm. Great Restaurant! Great Food! Highly Recommended!
(4)Jonathan w.
Went there last night for dinner. The French Onion soup was delicious with the baked gruyere on top perfectly melted to a brownish tint. The bread, as always, was delicious, served with soft butter that melded immediately after putting it on. For dinner I had the chicken frites. Chicken was perfectly cooked with skin-on and juicy and flavorful. The frites were a little overcooked and too crunchy for my taste but still very good. For dessert we had a seasonal pumpkin cake with cinnamon ice cream. The cake was a little too think and the dessert a little heavy after a big meal. Still, over all, a very good experience. Mon Ami is very dependable, great service, good country french cooking. Certainly will be back.
(4)elizabeth n.
For a nice french meal head to Mon Ami Gabi. The steak pomme frites are delicious and the soups and salads are great as well. The waiters are very helpful if you need help deciding on an entree and they are extremely pleasant. Next time I will definitely try the desserts if I can save room.
(4)Kate D.
Mon Ami Gabi is a fantastic "French" restaurant. The ambiance is truly upscale. The food portions are small and the steak is very 'thin' but the 'pom frites' are the best outside France.
(4)Gabe L.
Being "Gabe", people always joke around with me being their "Mon Ami", but that doesn't rhyme with "Gabe". Silly people. I sat outside on a beautiful evening, got some French wine, some Steak Frites, la vie est belle ... The hotel lobby was beautiful, and Shakespeare's statue watches you eat from the park. What a creepo.
(4)Sarah B.
Well, if you're on a diet you'll probably want to look elsewhere. However, if you have no qualms about ingesting what I imagine is a truly staggering amount of calories, than Mon Ami Gabi is the place to do it. Scrumptious cocktails, a FABULOUS scallop appetizer and one of the very best steaks I have ever had (soaked in a brandy peppercorn sauce, heavenly) with a pile of delicious frites made for a truly memorable dining experience. Our server was knowledgeable and very attentive, even in the midst of a packed Saturday night crowd (definitely remember those reservations!) and everything was basically perfect, I just have one little quibble: the dessert left a lot to be desired. Now, I definitely do NOT have the most sophisticated palate, am the least picky eater you will ever find and I have to confess that my taste might even be described as slightly trashy (I appreciate my Wonder Bread and Kraft Cheese, OK?) But even I could tell that the chocolate mousse we had was sub-par, so I can only imagine what my culinary arts degree toting/professional baker dining companion thought. At any rate, save for the dessert, everything else was flawless.
(4)Rachel A.
We had an 8:15 reservation. We were finally seated at 8:45 with barely so much as an apology. Generally in this situation I've had my bar tab comped and a generous apology -- a half hour is pretty late. The place seemed to have a decent amount of tourists, which I was a bit suprised at since it isn't on Michigan Ave., but I guess they probably flock to the LEYE restaurants. The appetizer was delicious (shrimp with garlic and butter) and the steak-frites were acceptable, not great. I've had better at Bistrot Margot. The bananas foster dessert was amazing! At the end of the meal when the waiter presented us with the check and THEN apologized for the wait and comped our wine (cheapest bordeaux) and appetizer. That was very nice and very appreciated, but I would've liked to know at the beginning of the meal so that things didn't start out so sour. I guess they were waiting to see how expensive of a bottle we ordered.
(3)Suzanne S.
I've been to the one in Oak Brook for work, and wanted to take my husband. He surprised me by taking us here for our 1st anniversary (this is what happens when you marry a boy from Southern IL, he thinks something high class and French is a LEY chain, but I digress). It was just a perfect dinner. We ate on the patio, listened to bugs and people buzz around Lincoln Park into twilight. Drank a very good bottle of wine, ate a fantastic meal, and stumble happily home up Clark. Everything was just tasty...the house filet with Merlot butter was fantastic, as were some scallops we had.
(4)Mark P.
Mediocre French bistro. What you would expect from a Lettuce Entertain You establishment. Moules and steak were just ok. Pomme frites were more like shoestring potato chips and flavorless at that.
(3)Amy B.
Currently my favorite meal in Chicago - Steak Classique. DELICIOUS!!!
(5)Stephanie M.
French food from crepes to steak and frites. Warm french bread at your table. The French martini here is the best I've ever had. You can taste the chambord, you can taste the pineapple, and the vodka is enough to give you a buzz.
(3)Judicious Z.
We live in the neighborhood and over the past 17 enjoy dining here a few times a year. My husband almost always orders one of their steaks with frites, I tend to jump around and most often order 2 of their impressive appetizers as my entree. This place IS so charmingly consistent and spot-on, it is easy to see why so many reviewers have given it top ratings. A warm and gracious reception as we enter, excellently prepared food, knowledgeable and efficient waitstaff, an expertly trained and friendly service staff emerging out of no where with water, a new spoon immediately as desert is served, etc. Mona Mi Gabi in the beautiful Belden Stratford building hits all the points. Whether it's enjoying their patio dining in the summer or their cozy french dinners once the chill takes hold, we are always pleased. And the menu and wine pricing are a good value. If for any reason your a skeptic because it's a chain, or you weren't impressed with another location, stop by and discover what we consider a "local place." I should add that this week we dined at a nearby restaurant that aspires to service the same crowd but the location was empty when I arrived at 6:30 and had only 4 tables filled at 7:30. That tells you something! I'm proofing this and realize I sound like I work for the restaurant chain - I don't. We just returned from enjoying another fine dinner and I suppose I'm feeling very taken care of. It must have been the dessert.
(5)Lori C.
Mon Ami Gabi is a good option if you want French Food. I've had the steak pomme frites and that is really good but my favorite is the grilled salmon salad. It has a citrus dressing on it and has orange and grapefruit slices and is really tasty.
(5)Dee W.
Try the pork tenderloin wrapped with bacon and the flourless Chocolate cake is outstanding. During the summer, the patio is the best place to be - the service is great and the atmosphere is very warm and inviting.
(4)Lo S.
My boyfriend and I used gift certificates we had gotten for xmas here. Based on all of the reviews I read I wasn't expecting a quiet, romantic place, but this place is full out LOUD. You are basically shoulder to shoulder with the table next to you, and the person next to us snorted so loudly when he laughed I thought I was going to die of laughter!! The food was VERY good, though, but overpriced for the ambience. We were seated right away, which was great. Also loved the location- in the quaint Beldon-Stratford. I felt like I was back in the '20s! :)
(3)Lynn W.
Wonderful fun place for girls night out. Server, David, was very professional, engaging, and attractive! Food was delicious. Atmosphere was relaxing and fun. Would definitely go back.
(4)Valerie S.
Loved the steak frites. Very reasonably priced for a french restaurant and in the Lincoln Park location. We could only find valet parking though, which was a little pricey, but that's not the fault of the restaurant. The service was great and the ambiance was nice.
(5)Alisa G.
One of my favorite restaurants. The escargot is excellent. And I discovered my favorite drink here -- a French 75.
(5)Lucas M.
I've been here before, and I actually remember it being better than it was last night, but it was still good. With so many restaurants on the scene now, it's hard to stand out. But Mon Ami Gabi does what it does, and it does what it does well. However the menu has not changed since October of 2006, so I was a little disappointed to see that some seasonal styles of cooking and ingredients weren't used. Brasserie Jo (a fav of mine) just last week had nice Alsatian tasting to show of some German influences in the French Alsace region, but alas, that's a different review. The restaurant is very country in decor, but is warm and accommodating. The service is quite nice and is very attentive. I'm a big fan of the wine cart. I like not having to wait for the waiter to travel to the bar for every glass if you don't get a bottle. I had the fillet mignon frites special, and my date had the scallops. The escargot was great as was the pate. I had flowers delivered to the restaurant, and they were waiting for us at our table, so the hostess came through there. There is a coat check, valet, and the valet flags down cabs too. I thought the prices were right in line with similar styles of bistros. All in all, a pleasant night out. In the future I would like to see some more creations in addition to the existing menu, but the restaurant is still a hit.
(4)Lala R.
This is one of my favorites in Chicago! Good location- right by the park and parking is fairly easy to find. Good bang for your buck! If you like fish I suggest you try to Skate- yum!!
(5)Renato P.
Went to this place for my wife's birthday and she had a very happy birthday because of it. I was uneasy when I first stepped into the building it is in because its like some sort of hotel or fancy condo co-op. As soon as I entered the place, everything got exponentially better. The wait staff was friendly , helpful and catered to my kid excellently. I had the pate (I've had better) was pretty good, The onion soup (soup was good , I guess I don't like the Gruyere cheese baked on top, a little sharp for me) was OK. I had the Raw Oysters and they were very good. My wife ,kid , and I got the Steak Clasique , everyone really liked it. It was a sirloin pounded thin and covered in a delicious herb butter. The fries are flat and thin and I wasn't thrilled with that, I've had better , but they were good. My mother got the Steak Wellington , the Friday special, and while I'm not thrilled with mushrooms , a major ingredient, She loved it , I thought it was very good. We ordered the chocolate cake and the creme brulee and both were very good. We all left this place happy , and my wife left with a new favorite French restaurant.
(4)mike s.
steak frites are fantastic...go with the filet or the sirloin instead of the regular hanger steak. trout is amazing. grandmere's chicken and frites is way bettter than anything my grandma ever made. house cab is always good. very kid-friendly before 7pm [there is a little frites menu] ...letling your 6 year old daughter practice ordering in french almost justifies her private school tuition. AND they have takeout
(5)katherine ..
solid french bistro with large portions and decent prices. it gets noisy and is tight, so those with claustrophobia should try to get a freestanding table. i crave the frites and tomato salad.
(5)Joe S.
All right, LETTUCE haters. I'm talking to you here. Bashing our hometown mangia monolith is getting pretty popular, but this is a REALLY solid bistro. Possibly the best frites (those are fries to you laymen out there) in town, solid cassoulet, great bouillabaise, and wonderful chicken grand-mere style. Bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin is luscious, ask for it medium rare to keep it juicy though. Steaks are just OK. The Skate is much better, and other seafood choices can't miss, either. One of the few places in town you can get bananas foster, and they do a nice job on it. Their french onion soup is simply magnifique (that's french, y'know). Attentive service, great bartender. Here I go , about to complain about wine again (my wine whine, i supppose), but would it kill these french places to carry more than ONE brand of Pouilly-Fuisse? MORE WHITE BURGUNDY ALREADY, jeez. Lighting is perfect, decor is dead-on dark francais bistro. Bigger IS sometimes better. Lettuce Entertain You hits a homerun here.
(4)Shenelle B.
I just went here on Sunday for a nice dinner and I was really excited to try this restaurant. I was a bit claustrophobic because I was seated at a table where there were two people sitting on both sides if me on the booth side of the table. They had a lot more elbow room then me :-( A plus was the waiter. He knew what he was talking about and was very nice and attentive. I started out with the Escargots de Bourgogne which was amazing considering it was my first time trying it. I absolutely loved the Frisée & Bacon Salad the ingredients were fresh and I am still craving it two days later. For the main course I had the Steak and Fritz with peppercorn and blue cheese sauce. The meat was so tender you could cut it with a butter knife. I would def recommend this place!
(4)Ali W.
I was here on a Thursday night with a couple girlfriends. They seated us pretty fast. To my surprise the restaurant is actually pretty small inside so I could see it being pretty hard to get a seat. Make sure you make a reservation. I had the beef bourguignon and cesear salad. Both were very good. The beef was cooked just right. One of my friends had the steak and the other had the lemon chicken. Both were very pleased as well. We were most pleased with the dessert. As part of restaurant week the tasting included mango sorbet, chocolate moose and a creme brule. I liked them all and they were all in a very good serving size. I'm really glad i finally came here as it is down the street from me. Definitely will be going back and taste some things on the full menu.
(4)Michael D.
Good and bad. My table was right next to the bathroom, and the bar, so I constantly was moving my chair to avoid getting a crotch or ass to the back of my head. My waitress was nice, but I just sensed some arrogance about her? I'm not versed in French food, so I had a few questions, and i just felt a tone in her delivery. To her defense, my wife didn't feel the same way. Food was real good. I started with the baked cheese and the olive jar which were very flavorful. For my entree I had the Salmon over Orzo, which I am now kicking myself for not getting the special/ fish of the day which sounded better. Salmon was cooked well, I felt the Orzo may have been a little over cooked for my liking. My wife had a salad which she was pleased with. I may go back, there were a few items I wanted to try but for whatever reason I did not.
(4)Frederick C.
Six of us dined at Mon Ami Gabi last night, and it was one of the best dining experiences all of us had ever had! The sauce on the scallop appetizer was delectable, the trout melted in your mouth, and the steak bernaise was delicious and cooked to perfection. The atmosphere is great, but perhaps the best part of our meal was the impeccable service and the great sense of humor of our waiter John. Several of our party were late, and he served them quickly after they arrived. He patiently learned the intracasies of my camera to take a group photo, and let us taste several wines until we found one we liked. We can't wait to get back and highly recommend this restaurant, where we hope we can sit at one of John's tables!
(5)Jake C.
Steak Frites! Woo-Hoo! First, I recommend a reservation. My wife and I went on a Monday night, and I am glad we had a reservation. It was crazy full with folks having the Passover menu. So maybe I just recommend a reservation if you go during Passover. Anyway..... Martini was good. Wine by the glass options were good. My wife and I shared a soup and a salad. The soup was a great mushroom soup, not too creamy. The salad was a mixture of spring greens with bacon and a soft poached egg. Wonderful fresh taste to the plate. Dinner was Steak Frites for each. My wife had the bearnaise sauce which I thought was just ok. I had the red wine reduction with caramelized onions and it was incredible. The flavors blended together well and the medium done steak was perfectly cooked. Finished off with a Chocolate Mousse which was a generous portion, plenty enough for the two of us to share. In my OpenTable reservation I made a note that we were celebrating our anniversary. Bonus points to the restaurant for making note of this, wishing us a good one and offering the dessert on the house. Staff was all very pleasant. Only minor hitch was at one point our main server was out of sight for a while, but another server took our order and the evening progressed just fine. We spent a good 2 hours dining and never felt rushed, and the servers took time to answer all of our questions about the menu. They really made a great experience out of our special occasion.
(5)Kristen S.
Mon Ami Gabi is seriously as good as it gets - and even better that it has a delicious gluten free menu! I love that they bring me warm, fresh-from-the-oven gluten free bread with olives. Such heaven. I have the fish here, usually, and every time it is fresh, seasonal, and fantastic. My husband loves the steak frites every time. And for dessert the chocolate mousse and the peach parfait. Parking is difficult, and valet (worth it!) is $12. The restaurant is adorable and service is friendly. Highly, highly recommended!
(5)Kate B.
So, I don't understand the hype of this place. Everyone was so excited when I told them I was having dinner here, and in the end... it's a perfectly lovely French restaurant with perfectly lovely food and wonderful servers. But I don't think it's the epitome of classy dining, that everyone makes it out to be. I saw a lot of people in jeans and sweaters and it had a fairly easy going vibe to it. It was fine. But I don't think its atmosphere compares to places like Petterino's... Did I like it? Yes! Absolutely. I'd recommend it to friends. But I wouldn't swallow my tongue if someone invited me to go again. (Major props for having a FABULOUS wait staff.)
(4)Adisak P.
I love Mon Ami Gabi. I've been coming here for over ten years. They have a nice warm dark wood decor and an intimate feel that is perfect for a date. In summer time, they open their patio which is also a great place to enjoy a view of Lincoln Park and the Zoo with a small group of close friends. The service is attentive, knowledgeable, and extremely polite and well mannered. Last night I stopped by for dinner with a group of four friends. It was a Friday night and was quite busy but they added us to the waitlist for the outside and told us it would be 30-40 min. We got a couple martinis at the bar and waited -- The Parisian Martini, a twist on the classic French Martini with Cointreau instead of Chambord, is wonderful. The bartender pours this concoction into a Martini Glass with a bit of Champagne and an Orange slice and the result is heavenly. So 45 minutes later and two Martinis (I also got a Belvidere Dirty with Blue Cheese Olives) we were on the patio and ready to eat. The wait was actually good because the temperature outside cooled off quite a bit and it was more comfortable on the patio than it would have been if we were immediately seated. They brought warm french bread and butter which was great to accompany our starting dishes of French Onion soup and Butter Lettuce and Asparagus. All four of us ordered fish: scallops with whipped cauliflower, skate wing (one with chips and one with frittes), and a salmon salad. The fish was all very delicious and well prepared. We had a bottle of Sancerre which complemented the flavors perfectly. After dinner we turned to dessert with the Bananas Foster and Chocolate Mousse. The waiter surprised us by bringing an extra Bananas Foster for free (we told him we were sharing and he wanted to make sure we had plenty to share). All in all, a quite pleasant evening in beautiful Lincoln Park with a nice group of close friends. Everything turned our perfectly even though we didn't have plans and didn't make reservations and the extra dessert at the end was... well, icing on the cake.
(5)The M.
Veggie in a french restaurant ..!$^*#! Need I say more. However the dessert was great.
(2)Matt M.
One year after my first visit to this "Lettuce Entertain You" outpost I finally find it fit to commit my review to rather than keep it contained in memories of tender, medium-rare steak frites, slightly too sweet french onion soup with gruyere, and the nigh on elderly lady at the table adjacent who participated in all of our conversations. We walked in without a reservation on a Thursday night, which I don't recommend doing after seeing the line that blossomed after our arrival. Contained in the elegant Belden-Stratford residences just a few blocks from the lake, Mon Ami Gabi provides a decent experience that leaves you sated. As another reviewer stated so well, "I don't think it's the epitome of classy dining". As I find myself saying so often, know what you're getting into and you'll walk away satisfied. Mon Ami Gabi gives you an above average meal with good service and a well-polished attitude; no more, no less.
(4)Mollie H.
Living a block away from this restaurant, we have to make a concerted effort not to O.D. on it. With that said, we try to pick a a few nights a year to have a great meal here. One of those nights is New Years Eve. You wouldn't expect too much from a restaurant that doesn't really promote NYE festivities but upon entering Mon Ami Gabi, it's clear they are ready to celebrate in style. Black & silver balloons cover the entire ceiling, pretty feathered crowns & top hats are passed out, and they make sure everyone is set with blowers, horns & all sorts of noisemakers before 12. There isn't a better way to have a low key NYE with delicious wine & steak. Also- try to hit this place up in the summer and enjoy dining on their beautiful patio. It's a great escape!
(4)Eugene K.
The Good: An affordable French restaurant. Their arctic char was prepared perfectly! Sweet potato soup was also very tasty! The Bad: There's nothing really that stood out about the food. The Country Pate was more pork butt and fat than liver or veal. French onion soups are usually over salted for my tastes at most restaurants, their's was very under seasoned. The beef bourguignon didn't have that melt in your mouth taste you want with the braised beef. The beef was also butchered with too much ligament intact, tasty with Pho not so much with beef bourguignon. The Ugly: Parking is a nightmare, just valet your car. Overall my experience was positive, my palate for French Cuisine is still growing but I can definitely say Mon Ami Gabi didn't have anything memorable in my opinion which is what makes it 3 stars over 4. I've had just about everything I had tonight at another restaurant that did it better for less money. Thanksfully everything was paid for with a LEYE gift certificate.
(3)Ingrid R.
The food was very good and the service was good. We arrived 5 minutes late for our 7.30pm reservation on a Saturday night. We had to wait over 20 minute for a table (I wish we'd been 25 minutes late). Friends of ours happened to be there the same night and they said they had to wait for their table too despite being on time for their reservation. We were advise to get a drink at the bar which was impossible because it was fully seated and after trying to make eye-contact with the bar tender for a few minutes we decided we'd go for a drink across the lobby (the restaurant is in The Belden Hotel). I will review there later (if you're not loaded (with money not booze) don't go). The atmosphere was not what I was hoping for. We were at the corner of a couch that was attached to the wall. I was facing one table and my husband was facing another. It was quite cramped. Although I wasn't bumping elbows while eating it was a squeeze to get in due to us being in a corner with tables to both free sides and our couch being on the other two sides. The restaurant was pretty noisy. I tried to imagine what kind of night it would be good for but couldn't. Maybe a large family (older family) night. Definitely not the romantic dinner I had hoped for. We had escargot and the baked cheese for appetizers which were very good. I had Steak Roquefort (awesome) and my husband had a medium steak which was definitely not medium (looked exactly like the rare I ordered). Both were delicious though. The profiteroles for dessert were good. I'm giving it 3 stars because the food really was good, but I don't think I'll be rushing back.
(3)Katrina S.
I LOVE french cuisine and after hearing great things about Mon Ami Gabi I jumped at the opportunity to check it out when I got the invitation. WHAT a let down. It started bad and just got worse. A fly in my dirty martini was the start (ironic much?). The waiter apologized and took it back but no offer to comp a new one. We ordered Escargot which came out so burnt I wondered why it left the kitchen. It was black and boiling so furiously I thought it must be near the temperature of the surface of the sun! We had to send that back as well. The pate just wasn't good and the texture was off - much less desirable than other pate I have eaten. This could be a taste issue but I have never had a pate I didn't like - until now. I started to feel guilty for telling the waiter everything he put in front of us just wasn't cutting it (even though he didn't really seem to care). We decided to cut our losses, pay the tab & leave. I have been to several other French restaurants in the city that were far superior in service, value & quality. It would have to be some supercalifragilistic circumstances to ever bring me back here.
(2)Jess P.
WOW. going to this place I NEVER thought I would love it as much as I did as I am not such a fan of French cuisine....however...like I said before WOW! The food was amazingly delicious!!!! I will say, I am not such a fan of the location..it is rather odd and usually restaurants that are attached to hotels or apartments are not the best....Mon Ami Gabi took me by suprise! Our waiter was extremely helpful...as I am somewhat unfamiliar with French wines he helped my boyfriend and I to choose one according to taste...not just the most expensive one on the menu! Wine was GREAT! and he even brought us out a complimentary appetizer of olives since it was our first time dining there...awesome!! We ordered the 3cheese appetizer...which was great...but a little lacking in the amount for price component.... BUT, did I mention the free warm bread! could hardly keep my hands off...it came with some sort of carrot based dip and butter...wasn't a fan of the carrot stuff but bread and butter...always great! For dinner my bf and I both ordered steak dishes...I ordered the steak and blue cheese (subbed potato au gratin instead of frites, no problem)! and my bf got the steak with dijon mustard butter & frites...my steak was simply amazing...LARGE portion! and every bite was quality steak! the potatos were almost heavenly ! and although I didn't taste the dijon steak my bf said it was amazing too! Absolutely LOVE this place...only downside is price...I would say be ready to splurge or try going for lunch!
(5)Matthew G.
The food here is consistently very good. The Sea Scallops Gratinee are an amazing starter and you cannot go wrong with any entree. The drinks are a little overpriced, but the food is extremely affordable for the quality. As far as service, the waitstaff is always extremely attentive. The manager is always very present and each time I have been, I have received a very enthusiastic, "Thank You" on my way out the door.
(4)Julie O.
We patronize Mon Ami Gabi because they get it right, every single time. If you Mon Ami often enough, you may notice that the staff does not change very much. The staff knows very well what they are doing and treats guests like old friends and family. They notice when you are our for a celebration even if you do not mention it. They will bring you profiteroles and congratulate you or say Happy Birthday/Anniversary accordingly. Our meals at Mon Ami are never rushed. The crusty French bread is always amazingly fresh. I love the goat cheese appetizer. Entrees are adequately portioned and always prepared correctly. Mon Ami may be part of LEYE, and a small chain, but it is a very worthwhile dinner restaurant.
(5)Lee W.
Mon Ami was nice but not great. -Be careful where you are seated. Near the kitchen door is an inferno. -Tables are too small for four gents and the wooden chairs are torture -Unless you complain you will receive highly watered down drinks The goat cheese is good but not that good. Other food was decent. The Belden-Stratford lends an upscale backdrop.
(3)Emily D.
Had a really solid dinner here. The oysters were fresh. The baguette was a mess but still good. I thought the skate was excellent, huge portions, with Brown buttery goodness. White asparagus was Delicately covered in green hollandaise. Also yum. We showed up right before close and still got a perfect meal. Service was a little off. Friendly, just slowwwwwwww for the first half hour we were there. Wish I could give 4.5 stars!
(4)From A To Z.
This, in my opinion, is a five star restaurant. The reason I give it only three is because, during my visit, the lady manager on duty spent the evening scolding, yelling, and berating the employees within earshot of my entire section. I mean, throughout the dinner we had to listen to her rage at her employees from the kitchen to the dining room floor to the host stand! Also, it was specified ahead of time that this was our wedding anniversary dinner and we would really appreciate quiet seating- we were seated closest to the kitchen! The food was superb- the french bread with asparagus, the goat cheese appetizer, the half chicken, the steak and frites, the chocolate mouse... it was all prompt, perfect temperature and tasty! Here's why I was especially dazzled: it began raining before we were served and most of the patio had to be reseated indoors, yet the staff handled it swimmingly. It didn't impact us the slightest. The service was very impressive. But when I think about it, I don't have happy memories. I picture the manager screaming (yes, I know the difference between stern and a raised tone) at the busser two tables from us "DON'T YOU EVER DO THAT AGAIN!!!" It felt like the service was so attentive because, good grief, who wants to deal with that? It really made my stomach turn. Had it not been a special occasion, I would have asked my husband if we could go elsewhere. Next time, reluctantly, we'll try another restaurant.
(3)Nick D.
Mon Ami is always great. It's in an interesting building (look up at the ceiling fresco in the lobby). You can make a great night of it if you head an an event at the zoo and then pop in for some steak frites.
(5)Bao L.
I had only been to the Mon Ami Gabi in Vegas, and when I found out there was a Chicago location I was super pumped. I was even more pumped after dining at the Chicago location, since it's just as excellent as its Vegas counterpart. -Tip #1: the entrance is located in the lobby of the Belden Stratford building -Tip #2: check out the Lincoln Park Zoo (for free!) across the street afterwards Went here for Sunday brunch. Reservations were easy to get, as we were able to make reservations 1 hr before our desired brunching time. I always get the steak frites or the croque madame whenever I go, both of which are amazing and I highly recommend them for anyone dining here for brunch for the first time. However, today I was feeling adventurous so I decided to try some new things. I ordered: -Creme brulee french toast: A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. The french toast was thick and prepared beautifully. The entire dish had just the right amount of sweetness. It comes w/ a blueberry compote that is just heavenly. This dish was shared, and now I'm really wishing I had just ordered it for myself! -French kiss breakfast sandwich: this was a bit messy to eat, but worth it. I had no shame looking like a 2 year old w/ food all over my hands and mouth! If you like chicken liver, you'll like this sandwich. Plus, there's a fried egg on it - how could you possibly go wrong? The fries, as always, are amazing (they're not the fries you're used to - these ones are super thin and super crispy). I've never been here for dinner (when we're in Vegas, this is usually a recovery meal for brunch, and dinner is always some buffet). Now that I know there's a Mon Ami Gabi in the same city I live in, I will definitely be coming back to try the dinner menu!
(5)Craig R.
Oh symphony of crackle, only good bread sounds like this! (stole that from Ratatouille) But holy cow do they have tasty bread, and they bring you a ton of it, warm, with butter! I think next time I might just eat that and leave... Do you like cheese? YES! Get the Baked Goat Cheese. I could go there and eat only this as an entire meal. Holy cow, once I was halfway through it I debated asking them to cancel my entree. Smart thing I didn't cancel it. I got the Dijon Steak medium. The steak was cooked just right, still pink in the middle. It came with a huge pile of frites (fries for you Americans) that, with the already over generous helping of baked goat cheese I'd had I could not finish. They were however, very crispy and shoestring style, my favorite! On top of this, I couldn't believe the price, it was WAY cheaper than I had expected. You should go to Mon Ami Gabi. Now! But...make sure you don't take up all the tables because I'll be coming for more baked goat cheese shortly.
(5)Sandra T.
My family likes to gather here for meals. We usually have a big group and order many dishes. During my last visit I got scallops and whipped cauliflower. The scallops were cooked perfectly (I can't stand overcooked seafood) and were layered on scrumptious vegetables with a marvelous sauce. The cauliflower is a great alternative to mashed potatoes. Plus, it was something my 6 month grand daughter could taste while everyone else ate (she is very curious about food and wants everything). The wine selection is top notch along with service and decor. We always eat everything never leftovers, even with deserts.
(5)Jack M.
Highly recommend--love the atmosphere and the area. John was an amazing waiter. Food speaks for itself, cocktails were great. Excellent experience and will be back soon and recommend to every friend.
(5)Julie O.
We patronize Mon Ami Gabi because they get it right, every single time. If you Mon Ami often enough, you may notice that the staff does not change very much. The staff knows very well what they are doing and treats guests like old friends and family. They notice when you are our for a celebration even if you do not mention it. They will bring you profiteroles and congratulate you or say Happy Birthday/Anniversary accordingly. Our meals at Mon Ami are never rushed. The crusty French bread is always amazingly fresh. I love the goat cheese appetizer. Entrees are adequately portioned and always prepared correctly. Mon Ami may be part of LEYE, and a small chain, but it is a very worthwhile dinner restaurant.
(5)Lee W.
Mon Ami was nice but not great. -Be careful where you are seated. Near the kitchen door is an inferno. -Tables are too small for four gents and the wooden chairs are torture -Unless you complain you will receive highly watered down drinks The goat cheese is good but not that good. Other food was decent. The Belden-Stratford lends an upscale backdrop.
(3)Emily D.
Had a really solid dinner here. The oysters were fresh. The baguette was a mess but still good. I thought the skate was excellent, huge portions, with Brown buttery goodness. White asparagus was Delicately covered in green hollandaise. Also yum. We showed up right before close and still got a perfect meal. Service was a little off. Friendly, just slowwwwwwww for the first half hour we were there. Wish I could give 4.5 stars!
(4)From A To Z.
This, in my opinion, is a five star restaurant. The reason I give it only three is because, during my visit, the lady manager on duty spent the evening scolding, yelling, and berating the employees within earshot of my entire section. I mean, throughout the dinner we had to listen to her rage at her employees from the kitchen to the dining room floor to the host stand! Also, it was specified ahead of time that this was our wedding anniversary dinner and we would really appreciate quiet seating- we were seated closest to the kitchen! The food was superb- the french bread with asparagus, the goat cheese appetizer, the half chicken, the steak and frites, the chocolate mouse... it was all prompt, perfect temperature and tasty! Here's why I was especially dazzled: it began raining before we were served and most of the patio had to be reseated indoors, yet the staff handled it swimmingly. It didn't impact us the slightest. The service was very impressive. But when I think about it, I don't have happy memories. I picture the manager screaming (yes, I know the difference between stern and a raised tone) at the busser two tables from us "DON'T YOU EVER DO THAT AGAIN!!!" It felt like the service was so attentive because, good grief, who wants to deal with that? It really made my stomach turn. Had it not been a special occasion, I would have asked my husband if we could go elsewhere. Next time, reluctantly, we'll try another restaurant.
(3)Nick D.
Mon Ami is always great. It's in an interesting building (look up at the ceiling fresco in the lobby). You can make a great night of it if you head an an event at the zoo and then pop in for some steak frites.
(5)Bao L.
I had only been to the Mon Ami Gabi in Vegas, and when I found out there was a Chicago location I was super pumped. I was even more pumped after dining at the Chicago location, since it's just as excellent as its Vegas counterpart. -Tip #1: the entrance is located in the lobby of the Belden Stratford building -Tip #2: check out the Lincoln Park Zoo (for free!) across the street afterwards Went here for Sunday brunch. Reservations were easy to get, as we were able to make reservations 1 hr before our desired brunching time. I always get the steak frites or the croque madame whenever I go, both of which are amazing and I highly recommend them for anyone dining here for brunch for the first time. However, today I was feeling adventurous so I decided to try some new things. I ordered: -Creme brulee french toast: A.M.A.Z.I.N.G. The french toast was thick and prepared beautifully. The entire dish had just the right amount of sweetness. It comes w/ a blueberry compote that is just heavenly. This dish was shared, and now I'm really wishing I had just ordered it for myself! -French kiss breakfast sandwich: this was a bit messy to eat, but worth it. I had no shame looking like a 2 year old w/ food all over my hands and mouth! If you like chicken liver, you'll like this sandwich. Plus, there's a fried egg on it - how could you possibly go wrong? The fries, as always, are amazing (they're not the fries you're used to - these ones are super thin and super crispy). I've never been here for dinner (when we're in Vegas, this is usually a recovery meal for brunch, and dinner is always some buffet). Now that I know there's a Mon Ami Gabi in the same city I live in, I will definitely be coming back to try the dinner menu!
(5)Craig R.
Oh symphony of crackle, only good bread sounds like this! (stole that from Ratatouille) But holy cow do they have tasty bread, and they bring you a ton of it, warm, with butter! I think next time I might just eat that and leave... Do you like cheese? YES! Get the Baked Goat Cheese. I could go there and eat only this as an entire meal. Holy cow, once I was halfway through it I debated asking them to cancel my entree. Smart thing I didn't cancel it. I got the Dijon Steak medium. The steak was cooked just right, still pink in the middle. It came with a huge pile of frites (fries for you Americans) that, with the already over generous helping of baked goat cheese I'd had I could not finish. They were however, very crispy and shoestring style, my favorite! On top of this, I couldn't believe the price, it was WAY cheaper than I had expected. You should go to Mon Ami Gabi. Now! But...make sure you don't take up all the tables because I'll be coming for more baked goat cheese shortly.
(5)Sandra T.
My family likes to gather here for meals. We usually have a big group and order many dishes. During my last visit I got scallops and whipped cauliflower. The scallops were cooked perfectly (I can't stand overcooked seafood) and were layered on scrumptious vegetables with a marvelous sauce. The cauliflower is a great alternative to mashed potatoes. Plus, it was something my 6 month grand daughter could taste while everyone else ate (she is very curious about food and wants everything). The wine selection is top notch along with service and decor. We always eat everything never leftovers, even with deserts.
(5)Jack M.
Highly recommend--love the atmosphere and the area. John was an amazing waiter. Food speaks for itself, cocktails were great. Excellent experience and will be back soon and recommend to every friend.
(5)Craig D.
(3.75) ~ Good Overall Food & Service. Located in the Hotel. OUR MENU: DRINKS: * Various Red Wines = (4.25) Very good * Water(tap) = (3) ok...needs to be filtered * Coffee = (3) ok...maybe offer "French" Pressed FOOD: * Bread & Butter & Asparagus Pesto = (4) very good * Kale, Bacon, Salad w. Poached Egg = (4) very good * Pork Tenderloin Tomahawk = (3.5) good * Chocolate Mousse = (3.5) good
(4)Jenna C.
No doubt Mon Ami Gabi is a stylish and much sought-after restaurant. Our group of 4 headed over after dinner in River North to experience their dessert and drink offerings. Upon entering at around 10ish, it was still so busy that we waited about 10-15 minutes for a table to open up. Not a problem, as it's situated in the Belden Stratford hotel so there is plenty of space to wait in the grand lobby. The hostess was not too friendly but we really liked our waitress. White chocolate bread pudding, creme brulee, chocolate cake, and raspberry sour cream ice cream were chosen to satisfy our sweet tooths. All were divine. Decaf coffee and good conversation complimented the desserts well, and made for a pleasant night. I would probably recommend Mon Ami for a little older crowd, special occassion, or fancier date night.
(4)Sean G.
Pure French comfort food that's a bit more elevated than expected. My wife and I have been here a hundred times. It's on our regular restaurant circuit and we always come here for special occasions because they just do it right. Overall, this is my favorite restaurant in Chicago. It's situated in the Belden-Stratford, across the street from the Lincoln Park Zoo & Conservatory. Going for a stroll through the zoo, then coming here for dinner is my favorite thing to do on a Saturday. During the holidays, Zoo Lights and dinner at Mon Ami Gabi is a tradition, but reserve early - it's also the tradition of many others! My wife and I honeymooned in Paris, and the first time we dined at Gabi's, we were immediately transported back there. There are a few clichéd things about the decor, but it's tastefully done. The bench seats are surprisingly comfortable, and even though it looks like you're going to be cramped, you are never intruded on by other diners and the theatrical touch of pulling out the table for you to sit is always a treat. As for the food, I've tried just about everything on the menu, but they specialize in Steak Frîtes - and have many options to choose from, which is really unique. I do have to recommend the Dijon, Classique and the Bordelaise treatments - mouthwateringly delicious and tender. Now, if you've never had a classic, Parisian bistro steak, you will be in for a surprise. Unlike American steaks, they take a strip and pound it thin. If that sounds weird, don't let it deter you. It's super tender and every bite is exceptionally flavorful. The frîtes are unique, and can take some getting used to (think of large, crispy potato sticks instead of traditional fries), but are a wonderful counterpoint to the tender steak. Other stars on the menu, which is seasonal for all non-steak choices, are the traffic-stopping Beouf Bourguignon and Braised Shortrib during the colder months. I often get the Trout Amandine, which is amazingly delicate and extremely flavorful, but this last time I ordered the Lemon Salmon... it was the best salmon dish I've had this side of Paris and was beautifully presented. Perfectly seasoned and seared with unbelievably tasty thumbelina carrots and a lightly minted pea purée with both peas and pea pods in it. I thought I died and went to heaven. Also, the Country Pâté is a special treat, but if you are a fan of Escargot, as I am, just get it and ask for extra bread - you'll definitely want to dip it into the garlic butter sauce after! They are simply perfect. It's very hard to go wrong here, even their soups are fabulous - their soup specials are invariably extraordinary and you'll love the presentation. For dessert, they have the usuals like an excellent Chocolate Mousse and Crème Brûlée but get the Crêpes Suzette if available. You will not be disappointed. The only thing I feel are a miss are the Mussels Marinìere. I used to live on the Atlantic coast, and really acquired a taste for small, meaty mussels. What they have here are the big, fleshy ones in a white wine sauce that doesn't work with my palette, but I've seen many others enjoy them. They have a very nice wine list, and even have excellent choices by the glass in their wine cart, unlike many other restaurants. Their house Pinot Noir is a solid choice, but I prefer their Côtes du Rhône when not having my usual. Speaking of which, I've racked up quite a martini body count here. Because their bartender makes them so perfectly, it's hard to limit yourself to 2... even though you should! Final thoughts are to come here for a great experience: delicious, upscale, comforting food and impeccable service. Every server superlatively executes their craft, but Amber and Vincent really shine. They are a Lettuce Entertain You restaurant, so if you become a regular - and you likely will - pony up the $25 for the frequent diner card and sign up for the text promotion program. It is worth it.
(4)Susie S.
Fantastic French bistro. I cannot complain one little bit about the quality of their food or the impeccable service. Looking forward to my next great meal there.
(5)Viviana K.
Hosted my best friends bridal shower here and it really was an incredible experience from prep to the end. When I was getting quotes the event coordinator Lily responded right away. She responded to every question I had (and I had lots of questions) and made several accommodations to my group. I got so many positive compliments on the shower from guests and the food was delicious. Best part was that we were able to stay within budget after an unexpected increase in our guest list. Thank you to the entire staff for providing such great service.
(5)Jeff S.
I've been to Mon Ami several times for dinner. This is my first time for brunch. We sat outside and the patio was very nice. The bloody Mary's was delicious. The food was fantastic. Highly recommended.
(5)Tom B.
This is Chicago fine dining at its best. We come here every year on the weekend before Christmas. Mon Ami is a small, intimate French bistro, and the ambiance is definitely part of the experience. It's located across from Lincoln Park Zoo, in the Belden Stratford building. The Belden is now a luxury apartment building; they stopped being a hotel a year or so ago, which was a tragedy. Regardless, Mon Ami Gabi has a a relatively small menu, but each item is carefully crafted. I got the 22oz bone in ribeye, which is pan fried and comes with fries (frites). This is one of the best steaks you'll ever have. A terrific French wine selection rounds out the menu. Mon Ami is without a doubt my favorite Chicago restaurant.
(5)Haley C.
I had heard great things about this restaurant so I made reservations here for Sunday brunch. I was extremely disappointed. First of all, they have a huge menu, but they don't offer it during brunch. The brunch menu is really small and there's nothing on it that differentiates it from any other breakfast place in Lincoln Park. The wait staff was pretty stuck up and they forgot to bring us 3 things we asked for. As far as the food, it was fine, but just fine. I had the salmon salad which was a piece of salmon on spinach basically, very underwhelming. My boyfriend had the steak and frites which was oily and the frites were awful. I would not recommend this restaurant. Save your money and pass on this restaurant.
(2)Dalia M.
I'm unsure the last time I had a quintessential French meal out but this place was pretty delicious. It was super busy on a Friday night. We waited for our reservation for about ten minutes. The bartender is pouring drinks for everyone and he was pretty awesome with given me a niiiiice glass of Mccallans. Once seated our table of four split the mussels. Excellent. Save the baguette for the broth. We all ordered a variety of steak frites. I was unsure what to get and always get filet mignon so wanted to be a bit adventurous and I ended up getting the pepper steak and it was really good. The fries were good, just not my favorite frites ever. Paired with a Bordeaux, my meal was trés bon. I will say my friend got a filet mignon with the Merlot butter and my goodness I will be getting that next time. I really enjoyed this place!
(4)Greggory H.
The food here is absolutely fantastic! Sure its a chain of sorts, but the steak and steamed mussels are to die for! The classic French bread served with the meal is something special. I have even visited just for the bread to bring it home (since I live in the building that the restaurant is located within) for my own home cooked meals.
(4)Farman P.
We just went to this place yesterday. The food was so good you will definitely have no problem finding something worth eating and it's top notch place. They have amazing appetizers and awesome desserts. My only problem with this place is that the service was semi annoying. When I called on the phone to double check to see if my reservations were good, the lady acted like I was wasting her time and she rushed our conversation. The waiter we had didn't even introduce himself which I thought was really odd since that's how all restaurants are. Fortunately this did not ruin our night because the goodness delicious! Wild Boar Ragu was a great dinner choice; the meat would fall all over in your mouth. The appetizer was baked goat cheese with bread and marinara sauce. It's divine! I couldn't stop eating it. Depending on what day you go, double check with what the specials are. For some reason, we weren't told what it was, but there's a board around to show you what they have, but it's not all over their wall so Id recommend just asking the waiter instead. This is the second french restaurant I've been to and one thing I notice is that they love to fill up their space. It looks cramped, but it doesn't feel that way. The interior design has that kind of ambience of how you would want your romantic night to be. So, not everything can be perfect but Mon Ami Gabi will deliver to your standards. They might not be the most welcoming or friendly (like being on your phone at the front desk), but that won't ruin your night whatsoever. I want to stress that this place was still a favorite of mine! I hope it will be for you too.
(4)Kat G.
Had a fantastic dinner here! With a reservation, we were seated very promptly. All of the staff members were very welcoming and attentive. Started off with the onion soup and kale warm bacon salad. Both were excellent. I had the peppercorn steak frites--loved the spice. Husband had the dover sole, which he enjoyed very much. Ended with the profiteroles. Overall, great service and excellent food. Would definitely come back and try more of their offerings!
(5)Jialing L.
Celebrated my 22nd birthday here last summer. The restaurant itself has a great atmosphere and the service is amazing. A couple of my friends were running late but they still seated us and kept bringing us bread as we waited (seriously, we had so much bread. it was so good). My friends ordered the escargot for me to try since I had never had any before and it was an interesting experience. Too garlicky for my taste but it was good. I ordered the bordelaise steak frites for my entree and really enjoyed it. The steak itself was very flavorful and the portion size was huge. The frites were fine but not my favorite type. They also brought me a chocolate cupcake for my birthday and it was delicious. Really glad i chose this place to celebrate my birthday.
(4)James Z.
I normally enjoy Mon Ami Gabi, but the service on Sunday 6 September was uncustomarily unacceptable. We had a reservation -- it was an anniversary -- and a decent table was not to be had. We were begrudingly seated at a small table by a very loud (bar-crowd-like) party, then re-seated at a table that would barely hold a sandwich, let alone two plates. We were told by the manager Whitney that everything else was booked. And yet the good tables were empty. The refusal even to attempt to accommodate us set the wrong tone, and even then, it would have been nice if Whitney came around to check on us, The food: It was not a stellar night either. Why anyone would serve pate with iron-hard bread escapes me. Some of the usual staff do not seem to be there, and I hope management will remedy the situation for its remaining customers. You might get away with this kind of service in Lincoln Square or Andersonville, where new places start up, but not at a place that had been solid.
(2)Gina M.
Had an amazing dinner last night. Celebrated a birthday and had great food and great service. Highly recommend the seafood tower. For $55 you get a pound and a half lobster along with 4 shrimp, 4 oysters, and some salmon tartare. The salad with quail egg and bacon was also amazing. Ryan, our waiter, was knowledgeable about the menu and made our experience that much better. I think Mon Ami Gabi just became my new favorite restaurant. (Sorry Girl and the Goat :( )
(5)Jean L.
I first came here with a group of 10 and received spectacular service. The steaks are thin, which I don't know if it's a steak-frites kind of thing, but it was definitely different. I got some kind of mushroom sauce on my filet and subbed out my frites for a salad. I left full and satisfied. We also ordered muscles, snails, and french onion soup (which apparently they're known for). As for the second time I came here, I was without a reservation, on a Friday night, at 7pm. The hostess was super nice and said that her 6:30 reservation still hadn't shown up, so if I would bear with her for another 15 minutes, she would see if she could squeeze me in. I waited, and luckily the no-shows never showed! This round was also very good. To be honest, the food, while good, was nothing to-die-for, but I LOVED the cocktails!! They were strong, traditional, and pleasant. Hell, I'd go back for the bar alone.
(4)Jenny S.
Great service, atmosphere and most of all, food! Definitely will come back again! I came with a few friends for restaurant week and had a delicious meal and overall, wonderful experience. Our waiter even overheard my love for Julia Child and commented that the iconic gastronome and francophile once visited the restaurant in the 80's and that he had actually served her! He described her as a incredibly pleasant woman (and lush). Then, I definitely geeked out. Holy Moly. I wanted to eat everything, of course, but had to settle on my own, singular meal and just taste the others my friends had ordered. I would reccomend the friseé salad, beef bourguignon, and chocolate mousse! Trust me! And if you love dry, full bodied red wines, try the Bordeaux Supérieur. Excellent! I should've gotten a bottle. It's a cozy, casual, romantic atmosphere tucked away in a cute boutique hotel. People are seated somewhat close to each other but of the 3 other tables that surrounded ours, everyone was extremely friendly and cordial throughout the night even though there was a degree of bumping eachother between servers and bathroom breaks. Whether its date night, girls night or dinner with the family, this is a very good bet!
(4)Ken K.
You won't get a better meal anywhere for the price. Have been here countless times and have never been disappointed. Steak and frites are the best. From the bread and wine to the creme brûlée.... Fantastico!!!!
(5)Mike S.
This place got really busy quite quickly on a Sunday night. I would definitely recommend placing a reservation. The seating on the inside was really tight with the tables all really close together which I typically don't mind but it can be awkward for strangers to be a part of your conversation. The food: Fresh loaf of French bread-delicious and warm. French Onion Soup-very good but is a large portion, I would split with another member of your party if possible. Roquefort Steak Frites-delicious steak that was cooked perfectly with blue cheese sauce drizzled on top. Pommes Purée-very good and creamy, however the portion was a bit smaller than I was hoping for. Bananas Foster Crepe-delicious with ice cream in every bite
(4)Jim M.
What a surprise, so close to home lies people that take pride in their art. From a fine wine selection to a classic bistro menu to alert, not in your face service, Mon Abi Gabi is a home run! A fresh salad with a lemony vinaigrette that included multiple vegetables and micro greens. Steak Frites with Au Pouvre was unreal, it was cooked perfectly and tender, the sauce devine. The bread was what I would've hoped from a bistro, airy and crisp. It is evident these folks are serious about their craft. Simple presentation of awesome food without attitude, when do I plan on returning? Weekly!
(5)Rachel A.
Good food, friendly waiters. I got the lemon salmon and it was perfectly cooked. Everyone else I was with got Steak and they all had nothing but good things to say. We also enjoyed the whipped cauliflower and spinach. Unfortunately, I was so full from dinner I did not order dessert, however all the desserts sounded great and I want to go back and try one!! (or two)
(5)Linz M.
Easily one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago. It is a go-to! The food is always delicious. Personal favorites include Caesar salad, French onion soup, steak frites bordelaise and the salmon. For dessert you must order their portfolios-so decedent and delicious-it is big enough to share!
(5)Sage P.
I was having a bad day. I decided to treat myself and order a steak from Mon Ami Gabi. Mon Ami Gabi is NOT my friend. My food arrived cold, which is mysterious to me as they are not too far from my house (and even weirder, they delivered on time). They also managed to forget my drink. A star for the taste, a star for delivering on time. Negative stars for my food arriving cold, useless fries, and no drink. (Do they pay people to leave good reviews or is no one else foolish enough to order delivery?)
(2)Lysa C.
For the past seven years , my favourite French bistro in Chicago. Impeccably consistent in the food, great ambiance , perfect for special occasions. The scallop appetizer is FANTASTIC!! Frites are the best around!! Lovely service. We always ask for Ryan , he is attentive ,professional and very personable !!! Highly recommend Mon Ami Gabi!!!
(5)Cecilia W.
The service was wonderful ! The bartender was just so kind to all of the customers and could tell me the specials and mixed a really great cocktail. Of course the food was wonderful and the best I've had in Chicago. I will be back with friends and family.
(5)Perry R.
Sunday Brunch was great. Although the menu selection was limited all the choices were interesting and well priced. Our server Amber was knowledgeable and followed up at appropriate times. French kiss sandwich was tasty and omelettes were full of tasty bits as promised on the menu. While the red wine bottles sat outside for single pours they were chilled to ensure they did not pick up the heat of the day. Only minor complaint was that the frites were warm- not hot - probably sitting too long under the warming lights.
(5)Kathleen K.
No complaints from us; even our vegan son enjoyed what he chose, which was the veggie tagine. Good food, great wine, attentive service, relaxing. The tables are a bit crowded together, but that's the only negative as far as we're concerned. Also, the prices are high, but not outrageous. It's our favorite Chicago special occasion restaurant.
(5)Kate L.
I came here with my family for my 21st birthday, and while I had been dying to come here for years because of their extensive gluten free menu, the price and quality left something to be desired. First of all, the decor of the restaurant is amazing; it feels like a real French restaurant! Unfortunately, we got off to a bumpy start. We had a reservation, and yet we still ended up waiting 20 minutes for our table. The hostess was not welcoming at all, and seemed bothered when we asked if our table was ready yet. I get that it's a busy restaurant on a Saturday night, but people were arriving and being seated before our small party of 3 was able to be seated. Our waiter ended up being very kind, but it didn't quite make up for the bad first impression. The portions were HUGE! I had been eyeing Mon Ami Gabi for years, so naturally I knew exactly what I wanted to try. However, a starter, main course, and dessert were wayy too much. I was full a couple spoonfuls into my French onion soup! But aside from the fact that I was unable to finish anything, the food quality was kind of disappointing. The French onion soup was basically all onions - no soup - and the steak was chewy with tasteless, limp fries. For more than $50 a person, I was expecting the food to be better than what you can get at Olive Garden! Overall, I don't think I'll be back to Mon Ami Gabi. It just wasn't worth it for the money. While our waiter was very nice, and the ambiance was great for celebrating a special occasion, the food and the price of this restaurant just aren't in sync with each other.
(3)Danielle S.
I love Mon Ami Gabi. I love it in Las Vegas and I love it in Chicago. We chose to sit outside during a perfect chicago late summer night and it couldn't have been a more amazing evening. A light breeze, the lights twinkling in the trees, and the sirens providing an orchestra of background music. The service was impeccable which is what I have come to expect from MAG. Our wine choices were always appropraite it cooled and glasses refreshed when needed. We ordered the goat cheese and tomato sauce appetizer which literally I dream about year round. The onion soup? Perfection. The steak frites are a HUGE serving, so delicious and such a reasonable price. I'm not sure I would change a single thing about my experience, except maybe for the unattended kids running around the patio, but then again that isn't really the responsibility of the restaurant and more of the ill behaved parents. Can you tell I love this place? Can't wait to go back!
(5)Jamie B.
My husband and I had a superb experience here on Saturday night. The LEY folks never disappoint. The restaurant is really pretty inside- dark woods, mirrors, very french bistro. Its also nice that it's located in the best neighborhood in Chicago- Lincoln Park. So refreshing to not have to go to River North. The service was friendly and prompt and we didn't have to ask for anything at all. We had a cozy spot in the corner in the bar area and appreciated not feeling rushed. We selected: -Escargot: this was outstanding and was wonderful with the homemade baquette they bring you to start with. There was no cheese on the escargot which is how I prefer it. Excellent starter. -Endive and Roquefort Salad: be advised, there is a HUGE wedge (about the size of my hand) of bleu on this salad. It was nice to share; the cheese paired perfectly with the endive and pear on the salad. -French Onion Soup: I really liked this soup. It was sweeter than I've had at other places and much less salty. It was perfect. Again, may want to share, it's a pretty large crock. -NY Strip and Frites: medium-rare and prepared perfectly. The frites were skinny and delicious! -Filet Au Poivre: rare, the au poivre was the best I've ever had. The brandy to pepper ratio was spot on and this sauce was incredibly decadent. The steak was incredibly tender and had a delicious flavor. -Bananas Foster Crepe: I'd skip this next time. It was a crepe filled with vanilla ice cream with lots of bananas and caramel on the plate. Nothing too special, but good for a group. Overall it was a fantastic french dining experience, it's been awhile since I've had good French food and Mon Ami Gabi did an excellent job. We can't wait to come back.
(5)YellowStar B.
I came here in early January and what an adorable little gem. I ordered the fish and I tried some of the chicken. It was delicious and well presented.
(5)Griffin K.
Mon Ami Gabi service is unparalleled. I asked a simple question about two different wines, and the waiter brought out both options for me to sample before ordering. The french onion soup is a must.
(4)Mark C.
Absolutely amazing food, and service was spectacular. Fantastic wine selection and perfect ambiance
(5)Aashish J.
Great food, good service, perfect for date nights! I really liked Mon Ami Gabi. Thumbs up: 1. Food: Scallops Gratinees: Superbly delicious! A must appetizer. Bordelaise Steak Frites: One of the best steaks I have EVER had. Really good. Also tried Chicken Grand-Mere. Usually I don't eat chicken outside of my house because it is so bland. Who eats chicken if you can eat steak, really? But here I did and I have no regrets. Definitely recommend this dish! 2. Wine: A great wine selection at moderate price ranges. 3. Location: Not close to the train stations which is a bummer but can be reached by bus from downtown. However, walking distance away from the Lincoln Park Zoo. Wonderful for a stroll after dinner. 4. Great service!!! Thumbs down: 1. Food: a. French onion soup: Blah...tasted like onions and soysauce. Why anyone eats this dish is a mystery to me :P 2. Space: The tables are so small you feel like you are going to knock some glassware down with the oversize menu. No privacy at all :(
(4)derek T.
This place is a regular for us. The good: wonderful ambience, incredible steak frites, excellent escargot, perfectly roasted chicken, and a warm and professional staff. The so so: a small bar so don't expect to "wait at the bar" comfortably if you are more than 2, serving temp for the wine - the cellar is a ways from the bar so if you order a nice bottle of red, ask if it is coming from the bar or the cellar (a difference of about 15 degrees in the wrong direction). A fun romantic night for two - perfect. Dinner with friends - also perfect, but make sure you have a reservation. And, in the summer the patio is beautiful.
(4)Harini P.
Ok, I am a carnivore- I can out eat anyone when it comes to steaks! FOR REAL!! This place has an amazing 22-inch bone-in ribeye that is so juicy and delicious! It is super fatty, tender and amazing. Seriously one of the best steaks that I have ever had and let me tell you, I have had many. The best part is that the price is not as high as other places in this area, I truly recommend this cozy spot! Their desserts look amazing!!!
(4)Alice D.
I enjoyed this place, though I had chicken, at the suggestion of my sister-in-law, instead of steak; my wife did too, a different kind of chicken, a breast flattened and seasoned. My brother-in-law, who visits often, ordered everything except the entree, so life was good. The burgundy was excellent. Appetizers included crab cakes, flattened and exquisitely seasoned, salmon tartare and avocado served as if ceviche, and scallops in melted cheese in a scalloped serving dish. All wonderful. The manager and waiter were full of stories that they shared; John, the waiter, a singer, has a small cake and pastry business called Vincent Van Dough, specializing in a 6-layer Pride cake, and if the cookies he served us with other desserts is any indication, he must be doing gangbusters. It was a great meal. I'll be back to try the steak-frites.
(4)Michael B.
I've eaten at the one in Oakbrook before which was a little too suburban shopping mall, concept-ish for me. I'm generally not a big fan of these theme or concept restaurants owned and managed by large restaurant groups and they can often prioritize being businesses first and restaurants after that, versus establishments that truly take pride in their food, food sources, service and customer experiences. Not always, but enough that's I'm cautious. That said, I was there as a guest for a birthday party in a private room with limited menu choices. What I ordered, mushroom soup, salmon, root vegetables were all pretty good. I know the French like to slather everything in butter and add lots of salt, which helps but not really my thing, but, hot and tasty it was. Service was professional. Good buzz, looked like a local and Sat night date crowd mix. It's not in or on the top of my rotation, but for those living in the neighborhood, it seems like a nice place to have in the hood.
(3)S T.
Terrific French food like a genuine Parisian bistro. Classic steak frites was just right, as was the version au poivre. Steamed artichoke with a Dijon lemon sauce was outstanding. Crime brûlée also excellent. We sat it in the outdoor courtyard on a cool summer evening, walked the gardens afterwards. Service was attentive and not intrusive. Worth every penny.
(4)Liz K.
To be honest, I was disappointed with my recent experience during Restaurant Week, mostly due to the service perspective and less due to the food aspect. Two of my girlfriends and I met at Mon Ami Gabi for a dinner reservation this past week at 7:00. We ended up waiting past our reservation time because the hostess offered us a better round table by a window, if we were willing to wait (which we did). It was nice to be at a table that was off of the beaten path of the restaurant, but my complaint about the table itself is that it was round and the white paper on top was square and was jutting out. It was an annoyance for the entire meal, even after I adjusted my seat. Our waiter just seemed rushed and disinterested in our table the whole night. When we weren't ready to order the first time he came by, at least 15 minutes passed before he came by to check on us again. I asked for a small substitution with my salad, just balsamic vinegar and oil dressing instead of the dressing from the menu. When our food came, the salad wasn't dressed and there was no balsamic vinegar and oil. It was a runner who brought the food and our waiter didn't check back for another 5 minutes after we had already started. Although we stayed for over two hours, the waiter never once spent more than 30 seconds at our table explaining the menu, asking us how our dishes were, or otherwise checking in on us. I was very disappointed considering the good impression I had of Mon Ami Gabi before this experience...but since my friends' dishes looked good (and I didn't have anything but a salad), I may be back at another time to try it again.
(3)Mike D.
Went here with my friend on a Wednesday around 8:30. I figured we could walk in and get a table for 2 no problem, but that was not the case. The restaurant was busy and slightly smaller than I imagined. We were given a 45 minute wait, so we grabbed 2 of the six seats at the bar. The bartender was super cool. I tried the gringolandia beer, a Latin-Chicago fusion beer that I hadn't seen anywhere else. After about 30-35 minutes we were seated. We tried the butternut squash soup but ended up splitting the onion soup instead, which was a bad decision. The butternut squash was wayyy better. And the french bread they provide is perfect for dipping in the squash soup. We ordered a bottle of dark red wine from the south of France, which went really well with the filet mignon. I was extremely happy with my entreé selection: The filet mignon grilled medium rare, with a side of sauteéd mushrooms subbed for the fries. (Tip: most restaurants will allow you to sub a side for the 'steak frites' or whatever they have, which is basically just a fancy way of saying steak and fries). Also important to note was that I chose the merlot butter option, not the other filet option. My buddy got the regular and when he tried mine he knew he had muffed that one. All in all, a good place for a semi-special occasion or just for your average bro-date!
(4)Rebekah L.
Overpriced and insane delivery fees for piss-poor portion sizes and cold food. They gave us a "free" stale baguette, which sucked. I was so disappointed with my delivery order I won't be bothering to go in-person.
(2)Benjamin B.
I've been to this one and the one in Vegas and both are just outstanding. Great service, hot delivery and the food is just amazing every time. The steak frites is always a go to for me. The hanger steak is extremely flavorful and tender. The beef bourguinion is a must try, best i've had outside of my mothers house.
(4)Alexander J.
As a next door neighbor, I have dined at Mon Ami Gabi and it's predecessor for decades. However, service on last 2 visits was substantially worse than past experience. On one visit, despite a reservation, we were kept waiting for over an hour. The host in this instance did offer apologies and comped both wine and dessert, which was appreciated and appropriate. The next visit we experienced poor service again, this time with both waitstaff and long delay (1 hour) for our main course. The host apologized and promised to follow up, but has not done so.
(2)Lissa S.
Late review, but my boyfriend and I came here during restaurant week back in February. The food was delicious, the atmosphere cozy and romantic (the "cozy" part may have been largely due to the massive snowstorm outside, but I plan to go back sometime this summer, so I'll let you know), and the wait staff very kind and knowledgeable. I have no complaints and certainly plan to return! Great spot for a nice dinner date out.
(5)Alexandra H.
I haven't been to Mon Ami Gabi since I was 16 with my parents. I live down the road now, and my husband and I have been wanting to try it again. I was very happy with the results. The mussels were delicious. Definitely dunk the baguette in the liquid- the best part. Steak Bordelaise is one of my favorites, they cooked it to perfection. Often when I order medium-rare, it will be too rare for me, but this was just right. Husband got Steak Bearnaise, he loved it although I did not try it (rare for me, but I enjoyed my own so much that I just didn't have any desire to steal off of his plate!). Drank a bottle of Bordeaux, paired nicely with our steaks :) We ordered the Banana Foster Crepe for dessert. I'm still dreaming about it. Our waiter was great. The one draw back was that when he came around the first time we weren't ready, and then it took him a bit to get back to us again. But honestly not an issue, we just had a late reservation so we were starving! Definitely will go back again when craving steak frites!
(5)Stephanie S.
Hosted my best friend's bridal shower. Super cute inside but... Working in the FOH at a French restaurant myself back home, I was a little disappointed. I ordered a Kir Royal and they had some form of blackberry liquer but not Creme de Cassis. I had the Croque Monsieur which was just okay. The back room was freeeeeeezing. The main server was delightful (I didn't catch his name), though.
(3)Patrick T.
Had a fabulous dinner at Mon Ami Gabi. We booked a 5:30 PM table at the restaurant via Open Table about 5 days prior to our arrival. When we arrived, we were greeted promptly and courteously by the hostess and seated at our table for two. The restaurant has segmented interior spaces that make the overall feel more intimate. Within moments of arriving at our table, we were brought water, a small plate of thinly sliced asparagus medallions in a light oil infused with lemon and what seemed like a hint of mint. The asparagus was covered with shaved Parmesan cheese and served with an accompanying loaf of hard-crusted artesian French bread in its own paper bag. And butter, of course! :D All wonderful. We both ordered the fuller bodied Pinot from their wine list, which was delightfully smooth and complex. For our appetizer, we both ordered the special heirloom tomato chilled soup, which was simply out of this world!! For our entrees, I ordered the Steak Frites au poivre and my wife ordered the Atlantic Char special. Both were excellent and prepared perfectly. For dessert, we had a miniature trio of offerings, including a chocolate mousse, a creme brûlée, and a profiterole. Divine! Our server Don was informative, attentive and polite throughout our entire dining experience. Price was $125 before tip, which we felt was reasonable for a nice dinner out. Highly recommend Mon Ami Gabi and will definitely return again on our next visit to Chicago.
(5)Liz H.
My boyfriend and I came here for dinner on Wednesday night, we were promptly seated at a table for four even though we were only a party of two to allow us a little more space. A baguette and an amuse bouche were brought out after being seated, both were delicious and on the house. John was our server and he was amazing, he allowed us the perfect amount of time to look over the menu and was attentive without being overbearing. We order the mussels to start, they were fantastic - I highly recommend. For our main, we split the seafood platter and for $50, it was well worth the money. We both also had dessert, I the lemon creme brûlée and my boyfriend, the chocolate soup - a whimsical take on a very simple after dinner treat. All in all the entire experience was a wonderful one and we will definitely be retuning.
(5)Nathan S.
I didn't have dinner, but I came but I came for desert. And I have to say it was amazing, I tried the Chocolate moose and Peach Melba, so good and they made sure it was gluten free. Also the server I had was funny, nice and helpful, made it a way better experience. And because it was nice out I dinned out side and the outside patio was amazing great summer dinning.
(5)Lauren B.
Went here for a birthday dinner last night. If you're looking for a celebration dinner that's not too stuffy, you should go here. Escargot was good, although I don't have much to compare it to. Bread and butter tasted actually French. I had soup, husband had salad -- both were good but not outstanding. Entrees were excellent. I had the "Chicken Grandmere" -- really really delish. Better than just any old chicken. Hubby had the steak/frites with Dijon -- delightful. I'd go here again, but if I were looking for French steak/frites, I might be more likely to choose Bavette's ( yelp.com/biz/bavettes-ba… )
(4)Dima G.
The butter squash soup is heaven. Goat cheese appetizer is great. Their french baguette is addictive. Salmon was good. Not too impressed with deserts and the attentiveness of the server to get you another glass of wine.
(4)Steve L.
With great excitement, I had made reservation for the promoted Seder Dinner for 7pm. I even received a confirmation call the day prior. Since I was recovering from surgery and unable to make the traditional dinner for my family, I thought why not. We did arrive a bit early and was told our table would be ready a little after 7pm and took the hostess's suggestion to have a drink before hand. By a quarter after 7pm, it became evident by the number of families that were now waiting in the lobby that it would be longer wait than anticipated. I sent my daughter to inquire and she was told a few minutes. Five minutes later, I went to the hostess and asked for an exact time. She apologized since the tables were not clearing. Looking at the computer screen, I counted at least seven reservations at 7pm. For such a small restaurant promoting a holiday dinner, the answer was clear. They were completely overbooked. When pressed, she admitted that 7:45pm or later would be the time to be seated. Now I know why they call them wait staff. This was unacceptable. I don't know if it was the inexperience of the staff or just incompetence. I cancelled the reservation and went to another restaurant nearby who also had a Seder Dinner. We were seated immediately. Reflecting on my collective experiences with Lettuce Entertain You restaurants, I see the problem and it truly runs throughout the numerous restaurant variations. So it must be a management prerogative. This organization really is not a customer-oriented. Reservations are meaningless. As a frequent dinner at LEY, you have finally lost me. I will not be returning to Mon Ami Gabi or any other property for as long as I can remember this awful experience.
(1)Barb R.
Went to Chicago a month a go with a friend. She loves doing foodie things and let me handle our dinner plans for our 4 night stay. I LOVE French cuisine. When I stumbled upon Mon Ami Gabi and Chez Moi...I was torn. I decided to go with Mon Ami Gabi. We arrived about 15 mins early for our reservation and was told it was going to be about a 30 minute wait. That was fine - it was a Saturday night and the place was fairly packed. We sat up at the bar and ordered glasses of Beaujolais Villages. We were seated about 30 mins later. Our server was Ryan and he was FABULOUS!! We didn't feel rushed or neglected. He brought us a warm petite baguette with this pickled carrot slaw. We didn't want to fill up on bread so started to look at the menu. We started with the warm brie accompanied by black pepper honey, hazelnut and croutons. The brie was creamy and mild and the honey and hazelnut balanced the dish out very nicely. We ordered and split a frisée, kale warm bacon salad and it was heaven! Wasn't drenched in dressing, right amount of everything and we both had a poached egg on top. For dinner, I had the chicken grandmere with a side of whipped cauliflower. The chicken was SO moist and tender and bursting with flavor. My friend thought I was being inappropriate with my food with all the noises that I was making...LOL ( she was teasing of course) She had the caramelized sea scallops. There were 5 huge nice and sweet tender scallops on her plate. It was SO good. (she shared) We finished our meal off with a bowl of pear sorbet which was very refreshing. If you love French cuisine, you'll love this place...however...if you're in a hurry this is not the place for you. This is a place to actually enjoy your meal and life! Bon Appéit!
(5)Marilyn P.
Still one of my favorite Chicago restaurants after many years. It provides a consistent level of quality and service in an intimate bistro setting. Their steaks are consistently excellent, the seafood specials are great, and I have found it a great environment for any social or business event. In addition, in summer you can sit outside in a lovely setting. Highly recommend.
(4)John W.
We stopped in for one drink and a desert. I ordered some chocolate caramel bar which knocked my socks off. My friend ordered the chocolate mousse which was also really good.
(4)Melanie S.
Every time I come back to Mon Ami Gabi, I enjoy it more and more. Last night was the restaurant's 15th anniversary, and as part of the celebration, they were offering LEYE Frequent Diner cardholders triple points and free gift cards just for having dinner there. I'm a total points whore, so I can never pass up an offer like this. Other than a few missteps from our server (he just seemed a bit out of it), it was a near-perfect evening; from starting out with a flawless French 75 (who doesn't love a cocktail named after a firearm?), to ending with one of the best desserts known to mankind. Our appetizers were a half-dozen fresh oysters from Prince Edward Island, served with mignonette, cocktail sauce, and fresh horseradish. We find cocktail sauce a great accompaniment to shrimp, but way too sweet for oysters, so we asked for some hot sauce (when we placed the order). The oysters came without the hot sauce and the horseradish so we had to remind our server, and he brought them out quickly. One of the oysters was "funky," and no one wants to end up sick over a questionable oyster, so that one was left uneaten. We also enjoyed the soup du jour, which was a chilled asparagus soup. I've never had a cold asparagus soup before, and it was absolutely delicious. It was the embodiment of summer in a bowl. Our mains were steak frites, served with bernaise sauce, and the trout almandine (with the almonds on the side). Again, these were near-perfect. The trout was flaky and delicate, and had a light brown-butter sauce and some haricots verts. I'm not a huge fish lover and I gobbled this up. The steak was cooked perfectly, and it was marbled, so it had tons of flavor; the naughty bernaise sauce only added to it. I'm not a huge fan of their frites; they're too thin and crispy, almost shard-like. I prefer matchstick fries over these. Desserts are another area in which MAG excels. Years ago, they used to have a dessert I so loved called strawberries Briand, which was fresh strawberries in Grand Marnier, and sour cream sorbet, sprinkled with some brown sugar. Then they took it off the menu and I cried, so when I spied it back on the menu last night, I was overjoyed. It was even better than I remembered. Strawberries (from nearby Green City Market) in a pool of luscious juice, nicely offset by a tart, refreshing sorbet. And of course I can't not get profiteroles, and they allow you to just get one, instead of the three that typically come in an order. Prices are surprisingly reasonable as well. My trout was $17.95; I've paid more than that for fish at Dunlay's (which is a neighborhood place), and the steak wasn't priced much more than that. I also adore their patio, which overlooks beautiful Lincoln Park. On a summer evening, it doesn't get much better than sipping a cocktail or glass of wine, eating a delicious dinner, and watching people and dogs strolling by. This isn't quite a five-star review, but it's much closer to five than four. I just love this place; it never disappoints.
(5)Robin C.
I had this place on my 'to go to' places, but I have still never physically been there. I recently did discover that they were on Grubhub, and it has become my guilty pleasure on sundays when I am too tired to leave my apartment but want great food. Everything I have ordered from the appetizers to the desserts have been amazing. I was blown away that I could get a properly cooked filet mignon togo. But the best thing I have discovered is their lemon tart dessert. It's so good that I ordered 4 of them last time so I could have some for later. I do plan on physically going there some time soon, but if you can't make it, treat yourself at home and order in.
(5)Sean A.
Amazing experience from top to bottom. Wonderful staff, service, menu, execution and the wine list is great. We had just about everything on the menu and I usually don't order chicken dishes when I go out, but I am glad I took our servers advice as it is now the only chicken dish I would order when I go out!
(5)FoodieChic L.
It was my second time at M.A.G. and will be my last if we get the same server/service. The first time around at MAG was fabulous but it was probably attributed to our company and their connection to the Lettuce Group. This time around, my hubby and I went on a Monday-let's be honest here, it wasn't their busiest day yet I think they only had one server; which we were fortunate to have [enter sarcasm]. From the moment we sat to the time we left, we had to ask about our server's whereabouts a handful of time. We were so irritated and embarrassed to ask our busboy for our food/check...did I mention it was our anniversary too? Needless to say, we didn't even have dessert because we'd be on our way to our next anniversary... Surprised for such a company to be lacking in the service department; which outweighed the good food.
(3)Bella V.
Last night we went out to dinner for a pre- Mother's Day dinner. I was looking forward to a good tasty food. The experience was not what I expected. The French soup was excellent but came at the same time as the main entree because the waiter forgot? He didn't understand the order?? The main entree besides been cold, by the time I finished eating the soup, it was totally disappointing. I ordered scallops, each scallop was the size of a quarter, totally skimpy!!! The waiter barely checked on us, he seemed rather tired and anxious to get done.
(2)Alex G.
A return visit for us to celebrate Valentines Day. We arrived about 10 minutes early for our 6:30 reservation and our table was waiting. I could make a meal out of the warm loaf of bread. The Dover Sole seemed to be the womens choice at almost every table including my gf. She said it was very good. I liked the Bordeaux my gf got that I ordered a glass for myself. It was the Château Bonnet. The onion soup was kind of ordinary but there was plenty of it. I got the New York strip steak (as usual) that comes with bordelaise sauce. What the steak lacked in tenderness was offset by flavor. And the pile of frites made for a great meal. Service was attentive and noise levels were fine. This is one of our favorite restaurants. They never disappoint.
(4)Matt R.
Mouth-watering, scrumptious, and divine don't even begin to describe the experience I had at Mon Ami Gabi. I figured the food would be good; I assumed the ambiance would be romantic; and I suspected I would enjoy myself. I had no idea that I would be grateful to be sitting at the moment the Boeuf bourguignon hit my taste buds. My knees went weak and my eyes involuntarily closed. I fell into the most wonderful flavor I have ever experienced. Not to mention the steak frites which were amazingly delicious, cooked to perfection and gratefully devoured by my date. My dinner was so amazing that as I walked out I made reservations once again. Don't miss out on this wonderful restaurant.
(5)Leon W.
I love Mon Ami Gabi! I go constantly again. Their Gabi Fish and Frites is amazing. Not a fried fish but a light breading and sauted and with a Bernaise Sauce it is perfection. Their Caesar Salad is also a treasure.
(5)Tammy L.
My husband, mother-in-law and I celebrated my mother-in-law's birthday here the other night. We had a great time! The warm bread and butter were so good. I also liked the little carrot salad that they put on the table. We split a half order of mussels marinieres for the table, and we all agreed that we would be happy just coming back for that and the warm bread. There wasn't a drop of the creamy broth left! They asked if they could take it away and we just kept saying no until it was all gone. :) My husband also ordered the frisee salad with a poached egg on top, and he said it was very good (had bacon, so I didn't taste it). As far as main courses, I had the trout almandine and it was so well-done. The fish was nicely browned and I don't think I found a single bone. The haricots verts were cooked perfectly too. It's a simple, classic dish done right. My husband ordered their sea bass special with tomatoes and that too was cooked just right. Mother-in-law had the scallops with spring vegetables, and she couldn't stop talking about it! She said they were memorable. I tasted them and they too were cooked perfectly. Kudos to the cooks in the kitchen, because I've certainly had seafood at fancier restaurants that wasn't cooked as perfectly. They brought out a profiterole since we mentioned that it was her birthday, and we also ordered a bananas foster crepe that was humongous. They were both delicious--the ice cream in the middle of both was especially good, creamy, and just the right temperature. The service was very nice and efficient, but not rushed at all. We had a wonderful night sitting on the patio right after the crazy storm passed through. I would definitely come back again!
(4)Jami S.
Loved Mon Ami Gabi. Very romantic date place. Love the ambience of the dim lighting. Got a nice booth in the corner so we could be alone. Server was knowledgable and friendly. The steak and frites were good. Def met LEYE standards. But the dessert was AMAZING! Seriously the absolute best part of the meal. Get the breadpudding! It was literally to die for. I'd go back just for it.
(4)Tiago S.
i'm just posting an update. Management at the restaurant has read my not so happy review and got in touch to discuss the experience and live it up to the expectations. I have to say this wasn't necessarily the expectation but definitely it was appreciated for them to hear and step up to make things right. This is definitely the way to treat your good customers and kudos to them. much appreciated.
(5)John V.
Their caramelized sea scallops are to die for. Their escargot is the best I've ever had. I also come here at least once a month for their succulent skate.
(5)Kevin C.
Moderately priced French food without the French attitude. Americans have gotten very, very good at imitating the inside of open-air French cafes, and this restaurant is no different. We had the chicken liver mousse, steak Bearnaise, and scallops. My only complaint is that they cooked the potatoes in such a way that you had to scoop them up with your hands, tilt your head back, and drop them in your mouth like a fat person eating Cheetos. It was either look foolish or not eat potatoes (which is realistically speaking not an option).
(4)Traci N.
I have a confession: I'm not a big fan of steak frites! (GASP) Rather than ordering one of the many varieties of their specialty entree, I went with the chicken palliard, a thin chicken breast well seasoned with herbs and lemon-asparagus on the side. And...it was fine. Was it special? No. However, my appetizer (onion soup) and dessert (chocolate mousse) were both delicious! The onion soup was my absolute favorite part of the meal, other than the wine. ;] As an appetizer it is a fairly large portion, filled with gooey cheese and crusty bread. Flavorful and not too salty. Yum! I'd definitely order this again. The mousse dessert was so rich that it should be shared between two people. If I were to order the mousse again I would request it without the chocolate balls on top. They distracted from the smoothness of the dessert. Other than the chicken entree being so/so, my only other complain is that the plexiglass barriers lining the outdoor patio sorely need to be replaced. They are covered in scratch marks, and even worse, MOLD between the panels! A pleasant place to dine, and especially good if you like 1) steak frites (everyone else I was with ordered this and they all cleaned their plates) or 2) great onion soup. Also, who doesn't love the name? Mon Ami Gabi, you are fun to say!
(4)Lupe G.
...Can I say pretentious???!!! I don't want to go back; I don't care how good the food was! Listen, I am not big on French cuisine anyway, though I gotta give this place props, as even the simplest side dish was amazing (green beans only had 3 ingredients and they were the best I have tasted to date), but the place was SO crowded and the clientele was so about being seen, that I found myself completely out of place here. When I go to dinner and the girl next to me is wearing a real tiara and matching necklace, earrings and such, I definitely DON'T belong here! If you like this sort of crowd, check it out; it's something right out of a toulouse lautrec poster for me; loud and memorable, but in my observing eyes, borderline trashy : S
(2)Caitlin M.
I didn't realize you had to go into the hotel entrance to get to the restaurant but once inside it is very charming. Fantastic food, extremely nice and attentive staff. Sat outside on their patio with little lights decorating it and it was like escaping into another world. The only negative thing I would say is that it is a bit pricey but it was worth it.
(5)Anne M.
Mon Ami Gabi! Ma beau ami! I've been here twice, and I loved it both times. Most recently, my Valentine took me here on Fevrier 14 to celebrate with a decadent, romantic dinner. We enjoyed baguettes (yes, plural... they're hot, fresh baguettes, don't judge) and a bottle of wine as we soaked up the perfect ambiance. We ordered soups to start - french onion for me and lobster bisque for him. The french onion was great - hot, bubbly cheese topped a bread slice over a deep bowl of thick oniony soup. The bisque was also delicious. My Valentine chose the special (beef wellington) and I went with the skate wing served with mushrooms and mashed potatoes. Everything was perfectly cooked and looked and tasted great. Gabi is a pro. She knows how to deliver superior service, food and atmosphere. I'd definitely come back, and recommend for special dinners.
(5)Rits M.
This place was CROWDED. Made a reservation for Friday night and got there on time. We still had a 20 minute wait, but they were really nice about it. The woman at the door isn't super friendly but I think that comes with the job of working the door. The place is small and they try to fit in as many tables as they can, but I didn't feel cramped or inconvenienced by the tables going in and out. We had Ryan who waited our table- super nice, really friendly and very helpful. He even comped us a creme brulee since we were wondering which dessert to have. Thumbs up to him! We had the steak poivre, the bearnaise, the roquefort and for appetizers, the ratatouille, the asparagus and the escargots. I LOVED the escargots, the sauce was really well made. The paste for the ratatouille was good, but I would give it a miss next time. The asparagus was delicious and was the largest surprise- they had made it with slivers of lemon and were cooked perfectly, just an edge of al dente. Of the steaks I would recommend the bearnaise- this is the hardest sauce and they made it extremely well. I would also recommend the steaks be prepared medium rare. For dessert, I would recommend the fruit crumble. The brulee was not exactly the souffle-ish texture that is aspirational, but is a good solid option (no pun intended). I would give the profiterolls a miss. The place itself doesn't really look all that french to me. Lots of wood, it reminds me of the inside of a french house perhaps, your uncle's dining room. I'll be back, I have a new ami in town, il s'appelle Gabi :)
(4)Thomas Y.
I love this place. The scallops are some of the best I've ever had. I've tried many things on their menu and I have loved all of them. I had the pleasure of getting served by Sasha several times and he's is outstanding! Can't wait to go back.
(5)Leo K.
We had a great dinner and the service was exemplary. Would recommend to everyone
(5)Danny M.
I am basing this review off the restaurant week menu. One of the best things to look for after New Year's is Chicago's Restaurant Week. I came here with a party of 4 on a Saturday night and the place was packed. We were seated right away in a crowded booth really close to other tables around us. It didn't bother me too much because I kinda got use to this at other restaurants. Now for restaurant week, you get to choose from a three course menu (appetizers, main course, and dessert). I started with the Onion Soup Au Gratin, which is French Onion Soup. This was actually very good and I was actually going to get the Frisee, Kale & Warm Bacon Salad based on fellow Yelpers pictures, but I changed my mind when the table next to me order it and it smelled so yummy! My main entree, I went with the Steak Frites, which is just a steak and fries. The steak was okay for the most part. I am not sure if it's the sauce (Bordelaise) I got mine with, but I like the fries more than the steak. Finally, to wrap the night up, they serve you a dessert trio, which includes sherbet chocolate mousse, and creme brulee. The sherbet was amazing and the creme brulee was my second favorite of the three. I didn't like the chocolate mousse, but I am not really a fan of chocolate mousse. Overall, I would definitely want to come back here in the future to try their regular menu. Another thing to keep in mind is that parking can be extremely hard to find in this area!
(3)Racquel M.
If I could give Mon Ami 100 stars,I would . Hands down the best and most exquisite french food I've had in Chicago by far. I went with my family and boyfriend for my birthday dinner. The ambiance was romantic , yet friendly, great for a group or a romantic dinner date. I recommend the filet mignon au puvoire as a main course and the smoked salmon for hor dourves.
(5)Brian H.
If you're looking for a nice place to go, give this place a try. I would say that this restaurant is not the most stroller friendly choose as they weren't too accommodating when we came in, but other than that, the service and food were great. We ordered the Filet Mignon and Scallops. Both very tasty and finished it off with the creme brûlée.
(4)Stacy K.
By the far, the best restaurant location in all of Chicago. Unfortunately, the kitchen does not match the locale. Forgetful staff too.
(3)Saba A.
Came here for restaurant week and first things first---Make reservations! Sure this was restaurant week, but we came in on a practically blizzard night when roads were dangerous but that did not stop people from dining here on a Thursday night. I couldn't find parking anywhere, so the 12 dollars valet helped. For 33 prixe fixe per person, we got a delicious amount worth of food. The onion soup as the waiter described it and I was sold. It was served on a tall crock with the perfect amount of melted cheese. I also ordered the Steak Roquefort for the entree. I love when steak is sliced thin and the bleu cheese made it interesting. It was cooked perfectly medium well as requested. I had the mashed potatoes instead of the frites and it was very satisfying. All 3 trio desert samples were amazing. The mango sorbet, cream brûlée, and mango sorbet all had strong and rich flavors. Overall the service was awesome. Our waiter was very attentive on a busy night. He picked up my coat and laid it on my chair. Our waters will always filled. He couldn't split the check for us, but was very helpful and told us he could help with the math and everything else. He was very polite and knew the menu well. Crowd of all types. Mostly an older, sophisticated crowd but some people were on dates ordering bottles of wine. We had a good time out.
(5)Maegan W.
Mon Ami is one of our favorite restaurants. We are both huge fans of muscles and steak frites. Last night we got the shrimp cocktail for the first time and it was so good. There service is phenomenal and makes for a really enjoyable experience. They have a great selection of French wines; the first bordeaux on the menu is our favorite. We had the banana fosters for dessert and asked the waiter to pick an after dinner drink for us. He chose one of the sherrys which was soooo good. We love it! Can't wait to go back!
(5)Lauren R.
Nothing special. I had the Salmon and it was over cooked. The wine we chose was good. Our server seemed to forget about us since our reservations were at 9pm. Also where they put us was near the bar and no one could pass through and I felt uncomfortable as I was in the way. They should have put us in a spot where people can pass through. I would go elsewhere if I was French cuisine.
(3)Sarah S.
Great place. I had the bone-in ribeye and it was delicious! I'll be back soon for dessert since I was too full to order one.
(4)Mike B.
This is one of our all time favorite restaurants. We have been going there since the days of Un Grande Cafe. Its former name. We were so happy when LetUsEntertainYou changed the name but not the decor. One of my wife's all time favorites is the Steak Frite. We have had an outstanding skate dish and the desserts are worth saving some capacity to consume. Wines are typically good (not quite great) but very enjoyable and not outrageously priced.
(5)Anna G.
Interesting place in the lobby of an upscale apartment building. Started out great, but once the waitress realized we weren't all that hungry and weren't ordering starters or a lot of 'add ons' she totally changed her tune just short of rolling her eyes. They have an amazing baguette which was tasy. We ordered the classique steak which is not a typical steak- very thin, but even for that it seriously came out about five minutes after we ordered. WAY too fast. Almost like, "Ok, you aren't spending enough money- eat and leave'. That's how it felt. We did order one dessert which cheered her up. The food was really good- bernaise sauce- YUM, so we will likely try again, but I hope we feel a bit more love the next time regardless of where we order 100.00 worth of food or 50.
(4)Lynne j.
After my bad experience with Juan, everyone at Mon Ami Gabi has gone out of their way to make going here as wonderful as it always was for me. I love Mon Ami Gabi! I go constantly again. Their Gabi Fish and Frites is amazing. Not a fried fish but a light breading and sauted and with a Bernaise Sauce it is perfection. Their Caesar Salad is also a treasure. And, the deserts. I don't eat deserts but have tried every one on the menu in the past few months and they are amazing. Everyone on the staff is fantastic especially their General Manager, Sue Kim-Drohomyrecky. She is wonderful. And, Molly and John make dining their a pleasure. I am so happy I can love going here again.
(5)Kelly S.
We both had the house steak in different variations. Good but not the best steak I've ever had. I believe the house steak cut is also called 'flat iron steak' these days. They were cooked perfectly. I love that you can sub any side if you don't like the one that is listed on the menu. Also liked that when I was torn between two wine choices, the waiter brought samples of each. For dessert, we went with Pineapple Pain Perdue. Really scrumptious.
(4)Adriane P.
J'adore Mon Ami Gabi! The second I walked in, before I said a word, the hostess smiled and said, "Right this way, your gentleman is waiting." and lead me to the patio. The patio was exquisite; with trees, foliage, Christmas lights, and candles with French music playing. We started with a loaf of warm French bread served with butter and a carrot purée which was good. For beverage a bottle of Marquis De La Tour Brut. Which was neither too sweet or too dry. Our hor d'oeuvre was the housemade country pate served with cornichons, whole grain mustard, and warm country bread toasted triangles. Very delicious. The pate was vaguely salami taste and complimented well by the mustard. The olives and pickles with it were nice. He ordered the steak frites classique with maitre d'hôtel butter medium well. Which he liked. I got the steak frites classique with maitre d'hôtel butter medium well with a side of the macaroni gratin too. The steak is large but thin and cooked accordingly. The macaroni gratin is similar to mac and cheese but creamier and baked and bubbly. Almost a casserole. I enjoyed them very much. I did not try my frittes but they looked enticing and are very thin crispy pieces in a big portion. For dessert since it was a special evening and celebration our server brought .... Strawberries braind with sour cream sorbet. And Butterscotch pot de creme with whipped cream And Profiteroles with pate a choux filled with vanilla ice cream, covered in homemade double chocolate fudge hot sauce and a lit candle for me. We were stuffed but after sampling each made good work. We liked the pot de creme best but all were delicious. It's a very stylish and cute place with amazing service. Perfect for a date night, catching up with friends and I ever noticed a person near us enjoying a meal and wine alone. Mon Ami Gabi is indeed lovely.
(5)Chris F.
I live in this building I have not been disappointed yet the food is delicious and I carry out a ton they package everything so nicely and they always give me bread and butter
(5)Christina R.
Fabulous, wonderful, great place! The filets are the best we've had in the city.
(5)Brad K.
Had Mother's Day bunch here recently. It was great food and service. Sitting outside on a perfect day was just, perfect.
(5)Anthony F.
We celebrated our 1st wedding anniversary by having dinner here and were very pleased. The service was great and the food was very good.
(4)S W.
My husband and I had a really good experience here. I wouldn't say my mind was blown, but it was very good. Friendly service, fun people watching, and tasty food. It was nice to be at a restaurant that felt a little more "local" compared other places we had experienced on our trip. A nice place to go on a date or even with a group of friends. I would recommend making a reservation.
(4)Samantha S.
Delicious steak and pomme frites, nice atmosphere. I would be happy to return next time I'm in Chicago. Friendly staff, delicious warm baquette. Fantastic location right across from the conservatory.
(4)Raymond M.
I usually try not to repeat restaurants but this place is firmly on the top spot of my list of places to eat at again :) waiting for warm weather to start dining outside!
(5)Dean K.
brought my girlfriend here and asked for a table. the hostess, in a VERY excited whisper, said, "i can sit you next to david schwimmer!!" i was like, what exactly do you want me to do with that. hand him a script? notwithstanding my inability to capitalize on this new hollywood connect, the dinner was great. oysters were very tasty, skate wing and creme brulee. all wonderful. i just adore the bread with butter and lentils.
(4)Liz B.
Wow - Mon Ami Gabi, what a nice turn-around. It'd been more than a year since my last visit, and frankly, I'd been (very) underwhelmed (sub-par food, sloppy/careless service). But what a difference now! New management, new chef, updated menu, AWESOME service - so friendly, so accommodating. It's like they were actually happy we were there! I am thrilled, as Mon Ami Gabi has always had so much potential - and a long life in Chicago -- and I see a bright future for it. Thank you for a delightful Wednesday night, Mon Ami Gabi!
(4)Ryan T.
I came here for my mom's birthday about a month ago, and it's pretty standard fare for the price. My biggest complaint would be that the service was a bit slow, but the atmosphere was pleasant enough that it wasn't a huge issue. I started off with the french onion soup, which was pretty excellent and appropriately cheesy (which is to say, very cheesy). I had the salmon spinach salad as an entree - it was good but not exceptional. I probably would've gone with a steak if I were a beef-eater, but I'm not, and I wasn't super impressed with the restaurant's non-steak options. Overall, a pretty good place, but not a must-do by any means.
(3)Niki C.
Yum! Love their Steak and Frites. Awesome onion soup! Feels like your sitting in a cafe in Paris.
(5)Whitney K.
Let's go ahead and say 3.5 stars. Definitely not a bad experience, just not a true standout to me in the Chicago food scene. Would have enjoyed the patio (closed) or a table by the windows but they were all full, request this if you make a reservation! Our table in the back room felt on top of our neighbors, which can expected in Chicago on a busy Friday night. It was a little quieter back there so that's a plus. As far as food goes, nothing was bad but our guests were raving by the end of the meal - my favorite sign of a successful dinner with out of towners in this wonderful foodie city. For our group, the standouts were the frisee/bacon salad and the baked goat cheese. I'm pretty sure my husband would have licked the goat cheese dish, if allowed. The rest of our food (cocktails, scallops, salmon salad, salmon and leek quinoa) were okay. Moderately priced, french inspired food from LEYE. Average rating for an average experience, though I think this restaurant group has some better options.
(3)Kaitlin M.
I must say this place has tradition and consistency written all over it. This statement includes the type of decor, the style of food and the people that frequent Mon Ami. What made this place so good was the food. I ordered the gazpacho and a summer salad. Both were fabulous, and believe it or not, were large enough portions to really fill me up. My friend ordered the blue cheese crusted steak dinner and loved every bite. We finished our meal with one of the better deserts I have had lately: bananas fosters crepes. So good we wish we had each ordered our own! Only negative was that our server was quick to bring us drinks and get our order but was almost non-existent for the rest of the meal. Ordering a second round of drinks was a task. Overall it was a good experience. Good food, older crowd, decent waiter and at a good price.
(4)M H.
Came in for dinner and it happened to be restaurant week. Same food at wallet-friendly prices. Score. I was worried that ordering from a prix-fixed menu, the portions would be smaller but it was the same and just as delicious. I started with the escargot and mopped up the sauce with the bread they kept bringing to our table. We never had to ask for more bread and that's a small touch that I appreciate since I'm always finishing the bread basket. My boyfriend got the French onion soup and he loved it. I thought it was on the sweet side but it was still good. We both ordered the steak and frites. He ordered his steak medium and I ordered mine medium rare. They were both done as ordered which is impressive since I feel most restaurants can't tell the difference. We finished with the trio of dessert - chocolate mousse, sorbet, and crime brûlée. All delicious. I thought the sorbet was particularly refreshing but I don't know the flavor. Our servers were very attentive and even brought me a glass of champagne on the house. I also had this pear cocktail that blew my mind.
(5)Dave S.
My experience last night at Mon Ami Gabi captured perfectly one of things I most *HATE* about dining in Chicago's "hot" restaurant scene these days. Here is how it went: Me/wife: arrive Mon Ami Gabi on a bitter cold Tuesday night, 6:30pm, restaurant is a bit sleepy, open tables visible immediately to the right of the hostess stand, and there is no one standing around waiting for tables, nor is the bar crowded. Me/wife to hostess: "Table for 2 please?" Hostess, peers at her book: "It will be about 30 minutes. Do you care to wait?" Me/wife: "Hmmm, there appear to be several open tables in this section in front of both of us, so why the wait?" Hostess: "Um, that section is closed" Me/wife: "So why is there a couple sitting and eating there right in the closed section?" (me points to couple sitting about 10 feet away) Hostess: "Would you like to wait 30 minutes?" This just irks me to no end - arriving somewhere - open tables - and the hostess refuses to seat you. Mon Ami Gabi is a small restaurant, and if it wasn't staffed at that moment to accommodate all the tables, then shame on Lettuce for running the place like that. More likely though, I just think there is some pretension for "in" restaurants these days to always keep walk-in diners at arms length, as if seating them right away makes them some sort of diner or coffee shop. We've had the same thing happen at numerous other places, especially in the west Randolph area. To al Chicago restaurateurs who teach their staffs to treat customers like this, I give you big rotten raspberry. You know who you are.
(2)Anthony D.
Really just amazing! I'm a big Lettuce Entertain You fan and this place just knocked my socks off. The food was top notch, the service was spot on (our server was Alani sp?) and she was just great. In my party of three people we had two steaks, Dover sol, four appetizers and three desserts and everything was just amazing! So happy with my experience I made another reservation for my birthday.
(5)v m.
Amazing. Very personal. Mentioned that it was our anniversary and we got 2 glasses of champagne & profiteroles dessert on the house! Food is just amazing - rivals even Cape Cod (of the Drake hotel).... ordered several appetizers - highly recommend: Jumbo shrimp, Scallops & Warm Brie. All around great (and romantic) experience. Do it. Totally worth the price (but will not break the bank :)
(4)Pearl T.
Went here with some girlfriends for a moms night out a couple months ago and had a wonderful time. Ambiance was really cute. Dim, but with lots of little string lights. Server was helpful without being intrusive. Wine was delightful (my girlfriend picked out a pinot for us). Food was tasty. I sampled some of my friend's heirloom tomato salad (they get it from the Green City Farmers Market) and it was yummy. I ordered the steak frites and really enjoyed it. The frites were more like chips than fries but they are really tasty. I tried my friend's skatefish and enjoyed that too. Overall, a wonderful experience.
(5)Eduardo M.
Go here for one thing - garlic butter escargot. Then stay for other stuff. I can't say I've ever been disappointed here, but I can't honestly remember what else I've eaten here (this may have to do with the extensive wine list...). I do always remember the escargot. it's incredibly savory, tender and a great way to start a meal. Sometimes there's a wait to get in, even with a reservation, but it's worth it, and you can take a drink from the bar and hang out in the hotel lobby - the host will find you when it's time. Yes, there's a full bar, so the drinks are pretty good here too.
(4)Lola K P.
The food here just felt average and a bit mass produced, and I wasn't feeling the French inspiration (nothing beats sitting at my favorite bistro in Paris, sooo, gotta cut some slack there). Had the steak au poivre, not as good as other French restaurants in the area. Girlfriends had le poulet, they really liked it. Service was very good. If my girlfriends wanted to come back, I guess I would, but I wouldn't return on my own.
(3)Steve R.
Mon Ami Gabi is a special treat. Ambiance is excellent, service is good. Food is delicious. Don't miss the steak frites!
(5)Zorin D.
Mosaic tiled floors, dark brown leather booths, all French wines, and you were started with a loaf of warm baguette. All of the food was just bland. Of the three French Onion soups I had in this period of time, this one was a complete failure. It missed the beefy quality of the under seasoned broth. The chicken pillard was so bland that you thought it would have been seasoned by a slug. Furthermore you didn't get any of the lemon flavor at all. Even the worst of home cooks could do a better job with this dish. It's only redeeming quality was that it was fully cooked. The only redeeming quality of the place was that the service was phenomenal and my cocktail was the strong bold hit you in the face drink that I had been looking for.
(2)Kamilah S.
RESTARAUNT WEEK 2014 I came here with my mom and my sister and we had good food, nothing spectacular. Our server Luis was excellent, very attentive. The crusty French bread was GREAT, I kept dipping the bread in the escargot buttery-herb sauce. We started with the French onion soup and they burnt the cheese, but Luis was glad to replace the soup with another, overall, the soup was a tad bit on the sweet side, but it had good flavor. The escargots was infused with butter and herbs, which gave it a green tint and it did not look very appetizing, but it tasted pretty good. The skatewing and the trout were excellent and the steak frites were delicious, but the frites were a bit to crunchy. We got a dessert trio, which consisted of a mini crème brulee, a chocolate mousse, and an orange sorbet, all three were YUM-O. French food is meant to be enjoyed and savored and not rushed, we thoroughly savored our food and spent 1.5 hours enjoying our meals.
(4)Bex F.
This is more like a 3.75'er, borderline 3.5. We had some high expectations for Mon Ami Gabi as for weeks now the husband has been calling the day-of for a reservation, always rejected. He then asks if we could walk in....always told no. I mean, don't get me wrong, it is a Lettuce place, so expectations weren't too high; high enough because we had trouble getting in and because the menu sounded nice. Pros: Food. All the food was really good. We had the brie, very nice. Spilt a Caesar salad (I'm a bit baffled at how they charge $10 for it), tasty and generous with the cheese. My filet with the merlot sauce, under temp which was eh, forgivable but very tender and good. I wasn't much for the merlot sauce. His strip steak, good. My pinot blanc, very tasty. His bottle of wine, good he said but he felt he overpaid. Plus and minus: Frites. Not what I expected at all. It's like they take the cottage fries from RJ Grunts and put them through a pasta machine set at fettucini. They were good, they tasted exactly like the cottage fries, just not what I was expecting. Profiteroles....good, though they pre-portion it and pop it back in the freezer. That doesn't do nice things to cream puffs. Weird, not good, or bad: The service was strange. Our server stared at me all night. He was kind of on auto-pilot so anything out of the ordinary seemed to startle him. He was pleasant though and did a nice job otherwise. The food was coming too quickly so we asked him to slow it down. Slow it down he did, to the opposite end of the spectrum of ok, um, we didn't mean stop completely. We ended up having to ask for our entrees. Further thumbs down: I understand they're trying to go with that French bistro theme and all but c'mon, do the tables really have to be that close together? In Lincoln Park of all places? We got stuck next to this freaky foursome of loud talkers. "Oh yeah, that was the best funeral I've ever been to!" and "Here's a photo of us at blah blah blah....And here we are at the bris!" Oh dear. Really? Thankfully the couple on the other side of us used their inside voices. What was weird too was that there were several empty tables over the course of the evening. We had an 8 pm reservation and were there about 2 hours on a Saturday night....I guess we could have walked in so I thought it was strange that they were so adamant about no available tables day-of or for walk-ins. Weird too that the couple next to us was just a pair, sitting at a four top. I guess the seating policy is odd here. Do note this place ain't cheap. Parking blows so just valet. All in all, the food warrants another visit some day. It's just too bad this place is in the middle of Lincoln Park and all its other-worldliness.
(4)Sarah K.
My husband and I went here this summer and it was just fine. He had the onion soup and steak frites. I had a salad and a filet special. Everything was just average. The service was a bit off. For example, the waitress took away only part of the extra two place settings at our table which I think confused the busser because he then proceeded to remove almost everything from our table except our water glasses, one napkin and one knife. The bread and carrot salad came out and we didn't have plates or forks and it took a while to get our waitress's attention to have it all replaced. Not a huge deal, but it just kicked things off in an odd direction. They were great about making sure our waters were full though, which I always appreciate.
(2)Jeffrey Z.
My wife and I went here during Restaurant Week. The atmosphere was nice, and the service was good. We started off with the onion soup, which was very large and very good. We were both stuck on getting the Steak Frite. I got mine with the Roquefort sauce, which was very powerful, but still good. I definitely wasn't in love with it and would go with a different sauce next time, but the steak was great -- very tender. So, while I was happy with the steak, the fries were a disappointment. They were so thin and crispy to the point where it was kind of just like eating larger versions of the left over crumbs you usually find when your fries are almost gone. They also just got really soggy when mixed with the sauce. The dessert trio, on the other hand, was superb. We couldn't decide if we liked the chocolate mousse (with great crunchy chocolate balls on it) or the creme brûlée better, and the (mango I think) sorbet was a great palette cleanser. Overall, we had a very good meal and would be happy to go back on a non-Restaurant Week night,
(4)Bethany W.
So very disappointed. I had such high hopes for Mon Ami Gabi -- we love French food, it's in a beautiful building close to our apt, and it came so highly recommended by our friends. We're new in town, and French food is one of our favorites. Perhaps it was an off night, but neither the food nor the service is something we're looking forward to experiencing again. We had dinner on a Saturday night a few weeks ago (10/12). We ordered cocktails after being seated, and we waited almost 15 minutes for them. They were quite tasty, but the wait was overly long. The appetizers, both pâtés, were very good, nothing to complain about there. The entrees, however, were such a disappointment. My husband ordered the beef bourguignon, and he barely ate half of it, because it was so overwhelmingly salty and bacon-y (two flavors that he prizes above all others, in fact!) that it wasn't really edible. Had they reduced the sauce too much? I don't know. The pasta in the dish was, according to my husband, "old." It was chewy, no flavor, and the texture made him think it had been sitting around for a while before someone dumped the sauce on it. I had the steak frites, and the steak had been overly pounded to the point that it literally tasted like hamburger. The au poivre sauce was good, the flavor was where it should be, but I felt like i was dipping flat pieces of hamburger in it, which was not the experience I was looking for. Also, we weren't fans of their fries, but I think that's just a matter of personal taste - they were basically crispy potato peelings, so thin that there was no actual potato flavor. Nor was there anything to dip them into, which would have at least helped. I prefer standard frites, fluffy on the inside and crisp on the outside. But some people may like these! We did not. Interestingly, our waitress was otherwise occupied and never asked us how we were enjoying our meals. We would have told her. Dessert was fine, we had the bananas foster crepe. It was good, pretty much as advertised. However, we waited 10 minutes for our server to notice that our plates had been cleared before we could order it. And once we were finished, it took our waitress another 15 minutes to stop by and see if we were ready for the check. The entire meal took two hours, which was ridiculously long, considering that at least 45 minutes of that time was spent with neither food nor drinks in front of us. I have heard such great things about the service at Lettuce Entertain You restaurants, and that was not at all what we experienced. I find the service to be consistently better at Wow Bao, another LEY restaurant, and they basically serve fast food there. However, they are friendly, they are on the ball, and they notice when you've been waiting too long. That was not the case with our Mon Ami Gabi visit. We were so hopeful to find a local restaurant similar to Les Halles in New York, where we used to eat frequently, or Petit Louis in Baltimore -- somewhere with great food, reasonably priced, bistro- or brasserie- style atmosphere, excellent service, and never a bad meal. We were disappointed that we found none of those at Mon Ami Gabi.
(1)Susan F.
Have always enjoyed the restaurant until last evening. Undercooked salmon-food poisoning. Too bad but cannot return. If dish appears a little "off" it probably is.
(1)Elina K.
I came here last year when my family was visiting from out of town. The food was really delightful. I think the best mashed potatoes I've ever tried. Also, the baked goat cheese rivals any I've tried. They also have a great kids menu, which this mommy appreciates considering I like good french food AND taking my daughter with :) Located in the gorgeous Belden-Stratford hotel.
(4)Pete V.
I have no idea why I'm on such a French food kick lately, but I can't complain...well except for my waist line of course. Mon Ami Gabi has always been on our list of places to hit eventually here in Chicago. It's located in an iconic hotel (alongside L2O), has a nice outside patio across from the Lincoln Park, and gets good reviews. Need I say more? So we stopped here on a Saturday evening and got a table in the outside patio. The thing I like most about Mon Ami Gabi aside from the food is that they have a good list of wines by the glass. I ordered a couple reds by the glass and was pleasantly surprised by the quality for the prices they were charging. We started with the pate...which was excellent, very nice terrine and a copious serving. It was more than enough for two people. For my entree, I ordered the special, which was a 14 oz ribeye steak. Now, I didn't quite know what to expect here since Mon Ami is not a steak house, but damn I was glad I ordered this dish. The steak was so tender it was incredible and very, very well seasoned. A high quality cut of steak and prepared rare - precisely to my request. The red tomatoes were also good, but I was in heaven with this steak. Overall, we really enjoyed Mon Ami Gabi. I know its a pseudo chain, but the food was great, and there's a reason why this place was packed from 5 pm on, on a Saturday night.
(4)Jessica M.
Mon Ami Gabi, it's good to know that not all French eateries are out to strip our wallets naked. Mon Ami Gabi is a beautiful restaurant located within the historic Belden Stratford Hotel, making it the more classy. It overlooks Lincoln Park and can be a scenic walk in the winter with the Christmas lighting. We arrived on a Friday evening late for a reservation but we were seated within minutes. Light is dimmed out and space is very tight. The server had to pull our table out just so I could ease my way through and be seated. (Mind you, I'm 5'2 and well below 110 pounds.) Here's what we had: 1) escargots de bourgogne (snails) 2) chicken liver mousse 3) all-natural chicken breast paillard 4) roast chicken & frites The chicken were just regular chicken entrees with nothing overwhelming. Instead, I found the appetizers to be more of a charm and breath-taking. The snails were soaked in a garlic-herb butter. It came in six bite-size pieces and I wish there were more. The chicken liver mousse resembled a 2"x6" piece of spam. Don't be fooled! The taste was subtle yet irresistible when paired with the burgundy red wine mustard. Had I knew the chicken entree was so bland and simple, I would've easily given it up for another order of chicken liver mousse.
(3)DrWarren B.
Excellent meal with nice surroundings. My wife and I went to this restaurant after a recent visit downtown to see a show on LIncoln and celebrate her birthday. I made the reservation on Open Table and I was impressed with the ease and follow through of the system. It is a great method to make reservations and I recommend trying it if you have never used this before. The restaurant was a short drive from Lincoln and had convenient drive up valet parking in front. It is located in an older style hotel from a past era of Chicago. We were able to hang our coats in a coat check and then proceeded to the restaurant on the other side of the hotel lobby. We were greeted warmly and taken to our seats and provided excellent service and a great meal. I enjoyed the escargot and my wife had tantalizing scallops. For our main course I selected the trout almondine and she went with the veal. For dessert, they presented a chocolate tort with a candle and homemade carmel ice cream. I had mentioned in the Open Table reservation it was her birthday and she loves chocolate. The waitress mentioned she had heard she loved chocolate to her as she presented the tort. We both agreed, this was an excellent restaurant and warranted another visit at a later time. The cost of the meal with gratuity was about $110.00 for two people and we both enjoyed a cocktail and an appetizer. I would have provided 5 stars, however there were small breakdowns in the service with the wait staff not providing timely attention to refilling water glasses or replacing napkins that were obviously used and awaiting pick up when placed on the table after being soiled. In order to tally 5 stars, the little things need to be done and while this meal and the waitress were lovely, I can only provide a 4 star rating. However, I will return and hopefully the parties who read these reviews will find a way to shore up the matters that will take this to a 5 star restaurant experience.
(4)Sarah B.
I just took my parents here tonight. We all really enjoyed it! First of all, it is nice, but not pretentious or stuffy, which I love. We had three courses and were in and out in an hour and twenty minutes, but did not feel rushed at all - we were all just exhausted after a day of traipsing around Chicago in the sun and wanted to go to bed early! We had salads which were simple but refreshing and did not have too much dressing on them, just a little olive oil, vinegar, and lemon juice. My dad and I both had the steak bearnaise which was really, really delicious and comes with thin-cut crispy fries (my favorite). My mom, who is a vegan, had a vegetable plate which she said was absolutely delicious. We got profiteroles for dessert which looked fabulous and were pretty yummy. My dad was happy that they had a non-alcoholic beer made by Heineken (my parents don't drink) and I liked the cart they had for wine by the glass. Our waitress was also really nice, took great care of us but didn't hover or pressure us into anything. All in all, it was a great experience and I'll definitely come back here!
(4)Ang R.
I don't know what to say about this place. It's not that I didn't enjoy my meal, but I just don't think I'd choose this for French in the city (Bistrot Margot and Chez Joel come to mind immediately as better choices). Specifically, I thought the meal lacked nuance. The salad was ok, especially the goat cheese and olive tapenade, but I thought it was dressed rather poorly. I did enjoy the herbed melted cheese appetizer, but I think that although the potatoes are an interesting vehicle for the cheese, the toasts are far and away better, and there aren't enough of them. My steak was okay; I prefer a thicker steak au poivre, and I prefer more sauce with which to soak my fries. And the fries; not so good. More like potato chips, honestly. And I'm not a fan of that. I can say that my boyfriend adored the filet in red wine sauce, and said it was one of the tastiest sauces he'd ever had. But otherwise, I can't say much else. If you're looking for classic steak frites, I say pass on this and try elsewhere.
(3)Lesley S.
I have been here twice, once with my dad and once with my boyfriend, and I do think it is one of the better restaurants in the Lettuce Entertain You chain. The bring you a bread basket right off the bat with a loaf of crusty french bread- just the right kind of bread for this cuisine. The french onion soup is scrumptious, so flavorful and cheesy. I always get the hanger steak with blue cheese on top. I highly recommend this steak. The blue cheese compliments the meat perfectly. They serve really thin, crispy french fries with the steak which are also delicious. Both times I have had the same waiter, an older gentleman who is extremely well-mannered. He is very knowledgable on the wine list as well as everything else on the menu. He offered some good suggestions to my boyfriend on what kind of wine paired well with his meal. Only complaint is that the restaurant is really tiny and if you don't get a table, you end up having to sit really close to other customers at one of those long half table half booth things.
(4)Sarah F.
I love this place! We've been eating here for 6 years and they never disappoint. The bread is crusty and delicious, the onion soup is amazing and the chocolate mouse is out of this world!! Try the scallop gratinees or the mussels as an app and you will be glad you did! The filet mignon merlot is always cooked perfectly and the frites will make you feel like you're in Paris. Just make sure to make a reservation or you may have to wait!
(5)Jenna N.
I literally just came back from this place and rushed up the stairs to write my review...i'm such a loser like that. I stewed over my experience in the car, wondering how on earth I should share my experience with you fine folks, after having to back out of the circular drive because some moron decided that it was a great place to just park their car...not for valet. We had reservations for 8:45pm, were seated just after 9:00pm. A small pet-peeve of mine is when i'm forced to wait past my reservation time. I get it, things come up, but don't tell me it's "going to be a minute" when you really mean "stop asking me because I have no clue; you'll get seated when there's an opening" based on your facial expressions and tone. This is why I made reservations to begin with...to not have to wait a minute...or 15... I also did not appreciate almost being beamed in the head with a chair because it was so crowded by the bar the waiter had to lift it over the seated patrons' heads without so much as an apology or simple "excuse me". Thankfully my razor-sharp peripheral vision saved me from what would undoubtedly have become a bloody mess. So on to the meal. The highlight of the evening was when I took the first heavenly bite of the Shrimp Gabi. Lovely mix of lemon, garlic, herbs, and shrimp. I had a lovely Lemon-Chicken Paillard as my main dish. The chicken was wonderful but the greenbeans, sadly, were a mix of over-cooked and under-cooked, but never perfectly cooked. Dessert was a delicious creme brulee. Looks pretty ordinary (sorry, but placing a paper doiley in between the bowl and plate makes what was a delightful treat look hopeless and sad), but tasted wonderful! It practically melted in my mouth. Our waiter was nice, but pretty quiet and seemed nervous as though I was about to kick him in the shin. He was quick to write us off when we decided against alcohol (another pet peeve of mine) and not until our dinner arrived did our bread and appetizer dishes get cleared. HIGHLY unacceptable in my book, especially when the waiter was right next to us SEVERAL times servicing the old couple with one foot outta the grave who did order wine...i'm just saying... Still, I really enjoyed the meal here aside from a few hiccups and most everyone else I studied seemed to enjoy their meal as well. B+
(4)Katie R.
Four and a half stars. The baguette given to each table was delicious, our appetizer, the baked cheese with the fingerling potatoes was amazing. And my chicken dish was super tasty. The mushrooms/bacon/onion/garlic mixture/sauce that came with it made the dish. The tables are really close together so if you don't like that, avoid this restaurant. It was mostly OK/perfectly easy to hear our table of 4. We did end up with a squirmy kid next to us though and that got a bit distracting for some of our table. My only other complaint is that I would have liked more of the mushrooms/sauce with the chicken - so that all of my frites could be dipped easily.
(4)Vinifer D.
Mon Ami Gabi has a great selection of steaks and fish. If you're not into either, don't bother going. They have wonderfully prepared steaks, such as the Steak Au Poivre, Bordelaise and Roquefort, alongside some great pommes frites! Whenever I go to Mon Ami, I usually get the fish. They have a nice little selection of freshly prepared fish dishes. Two of my favorites are the Thyme-Seared Salmon, which comes with a lemon-butter orzo, and the Skate which comes with crispy garlic chips on top. Since Mon Ami Gabi is a part of the Lettuce group, they have consistency throughout all of their restaurants. No matter which one you go to, I think you'll be satisfied. This restaurant is a little crowded though. I wish some of the seating would be a little more spaced apart because I can always hear the conversation of the table next to mine. You'd be lucky to find street parking, but you're better off not wasting time and just valeting the car.
(4)Christine F.
Mon Ami Gabi was good. Real good. However, it's not earth shatteringly innovative and we had a surly waiter, thus the deduction of a star. My fiance, his mom, his brother and myself went. The bread at the beginning of the meal (fresh baked french bread) is amazing. I could have just eaten bread the whole time. MMMM. My fiance got a martini with blue cheese olives and I got a martini with Grey Goose, Champagne and pomegranate juice. Not bad at all! Quite good, actually. I had a nice buzz going all through dinner. Several members of our party got some Escargot. It was cooked in garlic butter and pesto - they were swooning all through the meal about those sassy snails. I got some white gazpacho, which had cucumber, almonds and granny smith apples. It was garnished with grapes, it was DELICIOUS. It was the most interesting part of the meal for me. My main course was Sanddab fish with a carrot hollandaise, served on a bed of asparagus. Very good. Sanddab is a very light, flakey fish which I enjoyed very much. Everyone else got an array of meats, which they enjoyed immensely. For dessert my fiance and I split a lemon tart, while his brother had some chocolate mousse and his mom had a carmel apple tart. Sweet tooth fix found by all! The only downer of the meal was the fact that our waiter acted as though he hated life and that he was doing a favor by telling us what the specials of the day were. Dude, it's your JOB. He would snatch plates out from under us without saying "Excuse me" or "Pardon my reach." I don't expect "Pardon Me's" at McDonald's, but I do at Mon Ami Gabi. However, that was the only negative experience I had here. We all ended up stuffed and happy. Would I go back? YES. I would probably sit outside next time, though.
(4)Lucille F.
My fiance and I had a great dinner, accompanied by fantastic service here! We arrived early for our reservations so we could sit outside, had about 1/2 a drink at the bar, and they were already ready for us!. Our waiter was super helpful with the wine, specials, food questions - generally could not have been friendlier. The food was delicious- market salad - tomatoes and goat cheese- was perfect for a summer starter, and the scallop entree was divine! The wine our waiter suggested was amazing also, and we appreciated the suggestion since we do not often drink French reds. Did not save room for dessert, but from the looks of it- was delish too. Great place for a small group dinner, or for a date night! Can't wait to go back!
(4)Hal S.
Great service. So good you almost don't mind the rotten baby boomer gimme gimmes yapping about their kids behind ya.. I kid
(4)Zac K.
I do not understand what the fuss of this place is about. I couldn't have been more like BLAH - went here on a Friday night with the spousal unit and as soon as I walked in, I know it was going to be bad. The building this is located in is great, but it looks like a Maggino's with french music blaring. It was cute to see the little young twenty-somethings on their big dates- I'm rude, I know. The food was so bland- I had to salt my french onion soup which should never done. I had the steak frites and BLAH! not much going on in terms of flavor and the steak was not cooked to order. Would never come back here again- check something else out- trust me.
(2)Stephanie B.
Teenie bit disappointing after the raving reviews I read. I give props for the atmosphere - it's quaint and cozy but still has the loud French bistro feel. Props to the nice man who brought me a glass of Pinot Noir while I was waiting for my friend to arrive. Merci. Props to whosever idea it was to bring you a hot baguette and a slab of butter as soon as you sit down. Boo hiss at my waiter. He was not attentive at all - ie, my wine glass was empty for half the night. I mean, c'mon. When it's $60-ish a head, fill up my $^&#-ing wine glass, Holmes. Boo hiss on the mussels - when I put the first one in my mouth, I bit down on a big piece of sand/rock. Boo hiss on the price of the mussels - $18 for a (not huge) bowl + the side of frites it comes with. Boo hiss on the mussel broth - it creamy but bland, as opposed to the normal white wine-garlic-pistou number I'm used to at French restaurants. Boo hiss on the frites - the part I was most excited for. They were almost like chips - something that you would get out of a (French Fried Onion) can at the grocery. They weren't terrible - I mean, let's be honest, I ate them - but to call them "frites" would be a stretch. Half-ass props on the entree. I had the Filet Au Poivre - sauce/flavor was pretty good. Steak itself was aight. Props on dessert. Bananas Foster Crepe. BOO HISS to my waiter, who took 4 hours to ask us if we wanted dessert, and then didn't ask if we wanted coffee, etc. Then waited another 4 hours to bring us the bill. I'd probably go back. It was fine. It was just not the experience I'd hoped for. And when you go to a nice place like that - with a good friend on a special occasion - you just don't want to be spending half your night flagging down the waiter. It's just annoying and takes away from the good times you came there to have.
(3)David W.
Excellent service. Happy atmosphere. Very comfortable and well-designed.
(5)trista r.
Decided to try out Mon Ami Gabi for Valentine's Day because my favorite go-to French bistro was booked solid. Ordered drinks at the bar while waiting for our table. Bar area is very small and there were a lot of people crowded around waiting. I felt bad for the people sitting at the tables in the bar because everyone was basically sitting with them. We were seated on time (we had arrived early for our reservation). Tables were EXTREMELY close together. Maybe it was just for Valentine's Day, trying to maximize the space or something. But you couldn't get in or out of your seat without pulling the table all the way out into the aisle. The tables were touching each other so you were basically having dinner with the people seated next to you. Service started out great. Server discussed specials, answered questions, made reccomendations, and checked on us frequently until we received our entrees. At this point, a new table got seated next to us and it seemed like one of the people was very familiar with a lot of the service staff. And our server basically ignored us while kissing these people's behinds the rest of the night. And I know it to be true because, like I said, we were basically all seated at the same table. Anyway, on to the food. I ordered french onion soup and it was just ok. Not very hot and sort of bland. Husband had mushroom soup, he said it was pretty good. For entrees I had filet with merlot butter and frites. Merlot butter was very yummy and frites were delish. Steak quality was excellent but it was not cooked the way I asked. I asked for medium rare and steak came out medium. Husband asked for his medium and his was medium rare - so I'm guessing the server mixed up the order. Husband had beef wellington with red wine sauce and spinach. Spinach was just wilted with butter, just so-so. Also ordered a side of whipped cauliflower. Cauliflower was more pureed than whipped, pureed to the point it was almost like soup and difficult to split as a side. Tasty but obviously prepared very strangely. Cherry sorbet for dessert was delicious. I don't think we'll be back.
(3)Jonathan C.
Another Lettuce Entertainment Restaurant in town. Decent food at a decent price. Not much expectation going in (at least no more than any other Lettuce restaurants), and it met exactly that expectation.
(3)Allen P.
Service was very good. I went with someone who had a ton of food allergies and the server was super knowledgeable and was able to get everything she needed. Oysters were some of the best I've had in Chicago. As for my main dish... the NY strip steak. I was underwhelmed. slightly over cooked and dry. Some good, some not so good... but overall I would try it again and try one of their other dishes.
(3)Sara M.
Excellent food and service. I came here on a date not too long ago and had a great time. I had the chicken with frites which was excellent, came out very hot and was a huge portion. I barely ate half, but took the rest home. For dessert we had the cobbler, and I know cranberries were in it but I can't remember what else was, but it was delicious. Atmosphere is elegant and lovely, but not overdone. Service was good, but we stayed from our 8:45 reservation til near close and I think our waiter was relieved to see us leave, but he was wonderful the rest of the evening, recommending desserts and the like. Would recommend it for a date or a nice night out with the girls or a group of couples. Bottom line: I'll totally be back, but not with the guy I went there with. ;)
(5)Babs H.
A former employer used to live in The Belden so after a long day of running his errands he'd sometimes treat me to a steak dinner here. The steak is simply a steak, nothing to write home about, although it was always cooked precisely the way I like it - medium. For some reason there are some steakhouses out there that always cook my steak medium rare or medium well when I say "medium". Where the steak lacks in spices or marinade, there are a variety of sauces to dress up your steak for extra flavor. This is the first place that I had ever had frites and since then, it is the best place I've found in Chicago that offers them on their menu. The atmosphere is quiet and calm, plus it's steps from Lincoln Park Zoo, so after a nice relaxing dinner you can take a walk in the park or even go to the Fullerton Beach!
(4)Elayne S.
This is my go-to restaurant in the city. Great food and great atmosphere. Its always packed so you need to make a reservation i made that mistake the first time i went with my roommate...we had to drink a whole bottle of wine at the bar waiting for our table. okay twist my arm! My favorite is the scallops with the creamed cauliflower.
(5)Jill S.
This place does it right. It's quaint - in a good way, and the service is great. I loved how we were able to sit and enjoy conversation along with our meal, no rush. I have eaten here twice and loved both of my seafood dishes. The scallops are yummy, and the skate wing was so surprisingly awesome. I have had skate wing before, but Mon Ami's blew it out of the water. It's a huge portion might I add. My bf ordered one of the more classic dishes, Beef Bourguignon, and said that it was one of the best dishes he's had in a while. I got a taste and the beef was really tender and delicious. I wouldn't mind at all if someone were to take me here monthly... especially in the winter, it's a very warm environment!
(4)A S.
I live half block away and have an odd tendency to go somewhere else for steak & fries. That said, I have only been here 3 times. However, every time I came here, I realized the best steak & fries is right where I am! Nice patio dining and great service. The prices are fair. Must visit!
(5)Ian S.
I agree with Erika G.'s comment on this place being "casual and unpretentious, yet still chic and French in feel." That's perhaps not the vibe one first gets from walking by outside. Steaks are the main attraction at Mon Ami Gabi. I went with the Steak Bordelaise. The red wine sauce was useful for soaking up the frites that were piled up beside my steak. The meat was respectable for the price. And as always in Chicago, patio seating is where it's at. It just feels more European when you're outside. Our waiter on the patio bashfully admitted that he wasn't quite up on his French as we asked questions about the menu, but at least he was forthcoming with it. This was a good move on his part, because it saved him from embarrassment in front of one of my French friends.
(4)Rebecca T.
I usually shy away from chain restaurants, but our experience here was fantastic. It was elegant, but not stuffy. Classic, but still a nice din of happy patrons. The servers were incredibly attentive, helpful, and pleasant. And the food? Amazing. I got a special trio of soups as an app: white bean puree with bacon, butternut squash with pumpkin seed garnish, and classic french onion. Not only were all three delectable, but they were served in tiny little pots with a tiny spoon, so the perfect amount pre-dinner. I got the pork loin wrapped in bacon with a blackberry-cheery sauce/compote served with mashed potatoes. It didn't look like a ton of food, but was extremely filling [without even finishing!] My friend got an amazing steak - I'm not even a big red meat-eater, and it was so buttery and scrumptious. This place definitely deserves a try... your stomach will be happy you did. :)
(5)Philippe F.
La cuisine française me manque! My lady knows this, so she took me to this place. They had the typical escargot, which of course we ordered. Unfortunately they did not have the bone marrow, but it's all good in the hood. My lady enjoyed the steak et frites, and I did the same, well, what she shared with me. I on the other hand went for the steak tartare. There are only a few restaurants where I would trust ordering this dish, and this was one of them. It was a tasty little bugga, but was missing the egg on top (unless they decided to skip the whole presentation and mixed it in already for me). Service and ambiance is really nice and cozy. I shall return to this place eventually. I still have quite a few other French restaurants to try out.....
(4)Sally H.
Really enjoyed our business dinner here. Great location in Lincoln Park and the outdoor patio right near the park, is great people-watching. Food was wonderful - Frisee & Bacon salad (yum!) and the Steak Bernaise was cooked a perfect medium rare and at $20, was quite a find. Topped it off with fresh strawberries soaked in Grand Marnier with a scoop of sour cream gelato - sounds a little odd but was fabulous! Will definitely be back on my next visit trip to Chicago!
(4)bj j.
One of my favorites...I know its a chain, but it's a Lettuce joint and Rich and the boys know how to run a restaurant. It's in a lovely building here in Chicago, the Belden Stratford, right on Lincoln Park. And in Vegas it's outdoor venue gives you a great view of Bellagio's Fountains...Always crowded by the way. Even my kids like it.
(4)Sam S.
Ate here with a group (seven) on Saturday night. The valet was terrific - friendly and fast, even on this bitter cold night. The host in the restaurant was very attentive, and we sat down exactly at our reservation time. The server was very personable and nice. The first red flag, though, was when my sister wanted a side of the root vegetables that comes with one of the other steak entrees. She was told "no," that they prepare precisely enough to go with the steaks. OK, I guess. The guy at the table next to us, where my sister spied the vegetables, leaned over and jokingly said he would sell me his for "two bucks." He couldn't believe the waiter either. The food was fair. The squash and onion soups were bland. The steaks and fish were also OK but not terrific. A lot of stuff comes with fries, which were basically like potato shrapnel. I don't care if you do put them in a stand wrapped in parchment paper - fries should be bigger than 1cm long. The desserts were very good all around. All in all, I would give the food 6/10 and would not necessarily return for it. The biggest disappointment was what happened after we ate. The restaurant was much quieter now - this was around 10pm once we paid our bill. We hadn't seen one another in a long time, and we sat there chatting. Not a single time did anyone come around to our table to refill water or coffee. Zero. During the meal, they were on us hand and foot refilling, cleaning, etc. Once the check was paid - zilch. I had to flag down someone to get a refill on my coffee. Maybe this is policy, I don't know. But after you spend hundreds and hundreds of dollars on a meal (including a generous tip), you don't expect them to shut you down immediately. This really put all of us off - and this is the main reason we won't be returning.
(2)Sarah M.
If you're looking for an intimate quiet experience this is not the place to go to on the weekend. It is in a gorgeous building and oozes class, but the food was just ok. Nothing was outstanding, just adequate. I've eaten at several places in Paris and this place fell a bit short for me in terms of all-around experience. I went with a group of friends for our Christmas get-together and it was crowded and noisy and our table felt really cramped in the middle of the room. We could barely hear each other talk.
(2)Katherine R.
Four stars because I went here for the 25 wines for $25 and was not able to eat a full meal here. The wine tasting was fun though, nice wine distributors that were very helpful with questions and did a good job of explaining each wine. I tried pate for the first time, not a big fan of that- but I guess it was good, but I have no idea what to compare it to or what it's supposed to taste like. The other appetizers were good; I wish I was able to go inside and have a meal here but maybe next time. This place is in a nice location and the hostesses were really friendly. Not a place for kids, but a good place for after-work cocktails or just a nice out with friends.
(4)Elizabeth K.
I've been to this place several times and I'm always really happy. I wouldn't say it's the absolute best French bistrot in Chicago, but it is very consistent, the atmosphere is really charming, and the service is always great. And the Belden-Stratford, where the restaurant is located, is such a beautiful building - I just like an excuse to go there. I always get the steak frites - it's always cooked very well and the frites are plentiful (and I never get the stinkeye when I ask for ketchup). I know nothing about wine, but they always recommend something that ends up being great. Looking forward to the patio this summer - a great view of Lincoln Park!
(4)Jasmine L.
We have private party there on week night. We had fixed dinner menu for this event. Party coordinator arranged us for small section in the hotel lobby; it was very nice for us to have some aperitif before seating at dinner table so we were able to mingle with other party members. We loved the private room very much! It was perfect size for 28 guests. There were great selections of fix menu that satisfy both Meat lovers and vegetarian. Food came to the table everything warm and served at same time! Food portion was just perfect, I was able to finish whole course! I was not over stuffed after the meal Mussels were awesome! Onion soup was so good, super favor full. Filet minion was so tender and juicy. Three mini desserts were just perfect. Yum Yum Yum! We loved wine carts as well! I absolutely love to go back there for dinner again!
(5)Jenna C.
I went last night with 3 golf girlfriends for a holiday get together. It was a perfect get together for us. Essentially put, I found my local French Bistro if only the service would improve. It was a first time visit for everyone. We all enjoyed out evening with the exception of our server which is why I'm willing try again with another server. Essentially, there was no service from this server. You know it is bad when you have to ask for another glass of wine, the bill, for our food to be taken away, etc. The food was enjoyable. We all three ordered a steak. I almost actually finished my entire steak which is very unusual, the frits were mouth watering and reminded of lays chips, just couldn't stop eating them. We passed on anything more out of frustration with the server.
(4)tina m.
As a vegetarian I was pretty nervous about going to a French restaurant, but they have a wide varity so I had no problem finding something fantastic to eat. We had to wait a while for our appetizers but luckily for them I was with great company so we didn't really notice through our chatter and wine. :) BUT they noticed and apologized frequently, and got us all the dessert we wanted for free, so they made up for us without us even having to complain. THAT is good service. I love the atmosphere and the service. I'll be going back.
(4)Eugene F.
I took my dad here for his birthday on a Saturday evening, along with my stepmother and little sister. We had a bit of a wait, even though we showed up promptly for our 6:30 reservation, so I got my dad a martini and an Oban 14 for myself. My scotch was a generous pour, and my dad remarked on how good his martini was. We were finally seated outdoors with a beautiful view of the big lawn area in front of Lincoln Park zoo. Despite being on a fairly busy street, the plexiglas panels installed in the fence kept us well insulated from the noise. I think the appetizers were the highlights of the evening. The duck confit "salad" (there wasn't much salad there, just duck, which was just fine) and the escargot were phenomenal. I'd recommend against the oysters though...I've never had oysters in Chicago before, and not unexpectedly they weren't a match for oysters I usually get in SF. We got 3 steaks and a fish dish. I don't remember which fish it was, some relative of salmon, but it was cooked just right -- barely cooked all the way through. My "rare" filet was also done just right -- still mooing on the inside, and my little sister's blue cheese steak (which I got more than half of) was also delicious, if a bit thin. The Cab Franc we got with the food was a great match as well, even though I picked that out myself...so I can't comment on their sommelier's food-matching skills. My only real gripe about the food was that the steaks were accompanied by a huge mound of (delicious!) pommes frites...it would have been nice to get some vegetables or have a choice of mashed potatoes or something different. Dessert was also quite good -- chocolate mousse, an apple tart, and creme brulee accompanied by some sort of chocolate cake with a candle in it. In the end, my dad was happily sauced and very pleased with his birthday dinner. Good job, Gabi!
(4)Jaime N.
I went for restaurant week and the place was nice but I was disappointed with the food. I got the sweet potato soup which was kinda bland. The salmon was good but nothing special. Service was excellent. Seems like the crowd was an older crowd. Overall I was kinda disappointed.
(2)k e.
Delicious steak frites at a really reasonable price, cute decor, attentive waitstaff - it's hard not to love this place. It's a perfect date night spot. Get a drink at the bar and sit in the lobby of the hotel while you wait for your table.
(5)Pam T.
We went here for our anniversary a couple of weeks ago. The food was amazing, the service was fine, but not as good as it could have been. When we made the reservation on open table we let them know it was our anniversary, our hotel called ahead to tell them it was our anniversary...they did nothing "extra" for us until my husband told them it was our anniversary while I was in the bathroom. Our server told him that he hadn't been informed it until just then. That issue aside, the food was awesome. We had the shrimp cocktail and the potato and brie soup (get it with the short rib!) to start, the steak with Dijon butter and the skate, and a profiterole for dessert. (we were so full we couldn't think about eating anything else) The wine our server recommended went very nicely with both our meals. They also had roasted pumpkin seeds on our table to munch on. This is not a place for a quiet, romantic evening. The restaurant is busy, a bit crowded and pretty loud. However, if you're looking for unfussy French food..I highly recommend it.
(4)Roland S.
A cold and windy November night is a great time for Mon Ami Gabi. It's a warm room, at least in the spiritual sense, with the right degree of closeness and noise (meaning some but not too much of either) to brighten spirits even before the food comes. The server was efficient but had a sense of fun, perfectly appropriate for the cheeky act of putting a "Parisian" bistro in a Midwestern U.S. city. I went way classic with the Steak Frites, in its Au Poivre preparation. The beef was really quite fine (something I might chauvinistically (FRENCH!) suggest we do better in the Midwest than they do in France), grass-fed, lean but still tasty. The sauce was good, too. We knocked back two bottles of wine and if I had one ding for the waiter it was that his suggestion for our first bottle was not great (even at a modest price) -- maybe he was getting some sort of spiff. The one less great note came, sadly, at the end of the meal -- no, not the bill! -- the dessert, a special of the night bread pudding, was really mediocre. Overall, though, a really good meal in a really fun place. I would go again in a minute -- and this time get the absolutely delicious-looking Beef Bourgignon that my buddy had that evening.
(4)Carol J.
What's not to at least like about MAG? They have me on location, just a few short blocks from home, they have me with the patio in the summer, the rolling wine cart, the crisp Sancerre, the steak frittes. And don't even get me started about the butter lettuce salad that I love. I have always had great meals here. Not haute cusine, not bistro, but just right. Traditional french food served in a warm and inviting atmosphere by servers who seem to be pretty familiar with the product. Love the baugette and the amuse, nice touch. Really love the French Onion Soup, but then again, I'm a fanatic for it, just about anywhere. This is my go to place when I don't feel like driving and don't because parking is impossible and the valet sometimes gets bogged down with the hotel, but still, a great place. The wine selections by the glass are incredible and I love the little cart they bring by and let you taste away before you commit to a bottle or a glass. One of the few places that pours decent champagne by the glass as well.
(5)Jay A.
Maybe I'm spoiled by going to a lot of avante garde French restaurants and bistros but this is the type of restaurant you would typically find in some smaller city and not in a cosmopolitan one. The setting is quite nice but the food is comme ci comme ca. I think they are trying to target an older or business crowd here.
(2)Stacy T.
Loved this place. We came on a stormy night and were welcomed with a great wine selection and hearty filling French fare. Started off with a lovely escargot dish which was devoured with a crusty loaf of bread. Those little helix aspersa were divinely cooked in a parsley garlic butter and were so tasty. The steak frittes and lemon chicken paillard were also kick ass. Perfectly cooked with great pairing of accouterments.Come here for great food in a romantic french bistro type setting.
(5)Dan K.
A year ago I would have given Mon Ami Gabi (Lincoln Park location) 5 stars. But, the service is no where near what it should be and the manager, Estephane is not friendly in the least when you have a complaint for him. They are also cutting corners. I am here all the time and order the shrimp cocktail at every dinner I have here. It used to be 6 shrimp. Now it's 5. And I hate to be gross about it, but the last FOUR times I have order the steak au poivre, I have a huge amount of fat to chew on or gristle and that's just gross to me. Still the best chocolate mousse and onion soup anywhere.
(3)tr y.
We go here all of the time it is a classic and sure to have something for anyone! A perfect place for any occasion with great food. This place gets a fifth star for incredible customer service.
(5)Bryan C.
My favorite part of french dining is tearing apart warm, crusty bread and dipping it in the leftover escargot sauce. And that's exactly how I started my meal at Mon Ami Gabi, We had late reservations on a Saturday night and were seated within 3 minutes of our arrival. The atmosphere is lovely, nothing spectacular, but comfortable and warm. The service was spectacular. The frisee and warm bacon salad was perfection. The desserts were outstanding (profiterole and coconut/chocolate sorbet). The main course (steak and frites) left a little to be desired. The surrounding dishes made up for it. The creamy pureed cauliflower was excellent, it's just that the steak was not the best cut. It was cooked just fine though. Overall, it was a bit loud and crowded, but that's too be expected of course. I've had better french dining experiences at Cyrano's, but Mon Ami Gabi was a nice change. I think the prices are what they should be and the food was good enough for me to recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for a decent french meal in Lincoln Park.
(4)Ivan S.
Great place to eat. When the economy was better I was eating here once a week. Some things are better than others, but I have never had a bad meal here. Bring back the pork shank!
(4)Chris B.
Just got back in from taking Jacky out for her birthday -- 5/8 -- and our usual place for her: Mon Ami Gabi...don't be fooled: it's for the profiterole drenched in hot fudge with the candle on it . That's the primary allure for her. Not your usual "event" place, esp. with the esteemed Ambria across the hall, but she (and we) love it inside the venerable Belden Stratford. There is something old school about pulling up on Lincoln Park West, and the Belden Stratford has that old tv sitcom apartment building exterior (you know -- the transition music plays right after the commercial break, we pan up the exterior of the Belden Stratford, cross dissolve to the interior where Suzanne Plechette or Bob Newhart pace back and forth...). So we go inside on this beautiful evening, and the hostesses greet us warmly (thanks to my trusty OpenTable reservation), and we sit down -- I have my Grey Goose up (dry) with blue cheese stuffed olives and Jacky has a glass of champagne... ...the bread is served with whipped butter and a side of lentil salad...lobster bisque for me...Onion au Gratin for Jacky...shrimp cocktail and a belgian endive salad...Jacky has a halibut special with snap peas and edamame, I have one of the amazing steaks (a filet mignon) and frites accompanied by a glass of Chateauneuf du Pape (Beastie Boys in the house..."And like a bottle of Chateauneuf du Pape, I'm fine like wine when I start to rap..."). The profiterole comes out -- thanks to the great bistro style seating (for a Lettuce restaurant, there is no franchise feel here: I'm always impressed that it still "feels" independent), our neighbors pass warm wishes to Jacky, and she blows her candle out. Couple coffees later...we come home -- I drive the sitter home...and here I sit. Reviews are fun. :) Go to Mon Ami Gabi sometime -- it's an enjoyable night out...
(5)Jack M.
I went to mon ami gabi, to celebrate my nephews graduation from DePaul. We went there and got valet for 12 dollars. We went inside and ordered our food but it didn't get there until 40 minutes. After getting my hanger steak and frites. I felt better because the food was very delicious. Their was too much sauce on the steaks but it was good steak otherwise. We got out of there a few minutes later and asked for our car. It took at least 15 minutes to get the car and when we got it, our side of the car was jutting out and there was a big dent in the car. We asked them about it and they denied damaging our car. Since it wasn't damaged before(of course they did it.) And since the road was closed due to construction the only cars on the road were the valet cars so there was no way the public could of damaged it. So I give it a two out of five be because the parking and service was bad but the food was good.
(2)Nathan K.
Impressed with the spot. Had an early dinner for Father's Day here and loved it. Try the hanger steak or anything with that same wine sauce on it. OMG was it delicious. Had a slight Bulgogi flavor to it. But everything was pretty tasty and reasonably priced. Seemed like they had a nice outdoor section too that we didn't try. But it's such a pleasant location being close to the zoo. FYI... For some reason opentable had said there were no 4:30 reservations open, but the place was pretty empty at that time. I might have to plan to start calling places when opentable tells me I'm out of luck.
(4)Bryan H.
My wife and I went there for our anniversary, it was excellent! The service was definitely 5 stars. Our server, David, did an excellent job of taking care of us. Our food came faster than any restaurant I can remember, this was kind of shocking. The fish special had great taste, and my steak was cooked perfectly. Finally a "Medium" steak with a lot of pink in the middle. We had the bread pudding and creme brule as desserts. The bread pudding was fantastic and the other just ok. 2 glasses of wine, 2 entrees, and 2 desserts = $85 + tip. Definitely make a reservation online before you go.
(5)Kerry S.
We had an AWFUL experience at the Mon Ami in Oak Brook this summer. Bad service + bad entrees for both diners = I'm emailing the manager. He sent me a lovely email back and a $100 comp for my next visit. Well I live in Chicago, not near Oak Brook too often, so last Saturday we went to the Mon Ami on Lincoln Park West by the zoo. We had no reservation, but had been walking around the zoo all day, so we just showed up. They weren't open yet and we decided to wait in the lobby of the Belden-Stratford. Our (soon to be) server came out and offered us a drink while we waited. Really? Yes, please. He also told us they were packed with reservations but not to worry about it. (It was Thanksgiving wknd and Zoo Lights to boot.) We were seated early, kind of out of the way which was great because for some reason it was kid-central! (Probably the Zoo Lights.) We had Hendrick's martinis, oysters, butter lettuce salad, New York Strip and Beef Borginon. All delicious. Our server was John, and he was so gracious and nice through the whole experience. He made great suggestions, was timely with everything, especially considering how busy he was. We had a really lovely impromptu dinner date.
(4)Amy M.
Comfortable vibe to this place. Nice, "laid back French bistro" type of feel. Great service, great food. I had fish, along with my dining partner. The butter lettuce salad was fabulous. "Gabi's Cocktail" was great (Lillet dessert wine and champagne with a lemon twist - perfect....not too sweet - YUM). A tad on the noisy side, but it really felt like a nice, bustling bistro. Folks were dressed in everything from skirts to jeans. I'd definitely go back. Maybe taking a seat at the bar next time.
(5)Jenna M.
I cannot stress enough what an amazing service experience I and my family had at Mon Ami Gabi last night. I am getting married on Saturday, and this was my family's special meal before the event. My parents are staying at the Belden Stratford and my dad went down to the restaurant before our reservation to see the tables and general layout of the place. He requested that we have a table further away from the front, which basically meant 1 table out of the entire restaurant. I've worked as a hostess, so I know how much these special requests, esp. for large parties (ours was 6), can mess up your plan for seating the evening. The hostesses were fantastic in dealing with my dad's request, coming over and giving us updates on the status of the table, as we had to wait about an hour for it to clear. We had drinks in the hotel's lobby while we waited, so we were very comfortable. That would have been enough to give this a high star rating, but then when we were seated, my dad was asked about any allergies in the party, so we assumed we'd be comped something (totally unnecessary in my opinion, since WE had made the special request that delayed our reservation). They proceeded to bring out basically one of every appetizer (save the pate and mousse, which we ordered). Everything was delicious, esp. the scallops and escargot. Most of us had steaks, which were all cooked perfectly. Two others had fish, the halibut special and the trout, and both were very good as well. After our table was cleared and the dessert plates set down, we were waiting and waiting, wondering where our waiter had gone. Out he comes with one of every dessert, also comped. We could not believe it. Favorites were the bread pudding, peach parfait, and pound cake. Our waiter, Don, was a consummate professional and very attentive. While the food was great, really, for special occasions, you just want to make sure that you are treated well. And I could not have asked for a better experience than the one we had at Mon Ami Gabi, the definition of going above-and-beyond.
(5)Ariel B.
Don't let the fact that it's a Lettuce Entertain You deter you from trying it out! Mon Ami Gabi holds a special place in my heart as it's right across the street where I got married. But not only that, I've never, ever had a bad meal there. EVER. A lot of their dishes are as close to France as you can get without actually crossing the pond. I'm always pleasantly taken care of and no matter how you are dressed (I've gone in a few times not looking quite dressed for dinner) they treat you like any other special guest. Our favorite items on the menu are the filets, the skate and the escargot. Don't eat all the bread before the escargot arrives, you'll need it to lick up the garlic butter after you've eaten all the snails. The filets are always very tender and often melt in your mouth. Please don't do a disservice to the chef or the meat by ordering it other temp above medium. I'm a rare girl myself and the meat was to.die.for. For dessert we had tarte tatin (apple tart) and profiteroles. NOTE: the profiteroles are BIG and there are 3 to an order. You can ask for just one, and they'll adjust accordingly.
(5)Alexandria C.
I have always been a fan of French food, but I seldom indulge in this cuisine because it is: A. expensive, B. difficult to pull off, and C. it's "stick to your ribs/thighs/gut" fatty. However, once in awhile it is important to treat yourself. So, I was delighted to be exposed to Mon Ami Gabi yesterday evening. We arrived about an hour early hoping to down a couple delicious glasses of mind numbing fluids into our systems to get our spirits up before the main event. The place was PACKED, and the bar (cute as a button, btw) only had about 8 seats. After we patiently waited for the geezers to drink their Kir Royales, pilsners, and decaf coffees (come ON people!) we finally sat down. The beverage menu was AWESOME, wow! Pricey, but perfect. I had my heart set on some gooooood champagne, so that is what I opted for. Three glasses later, I joyously pranced to the dinner table in a state of drunken excitement over all the yumminess (it's a word, I swear) that was supposedly about to ensue. We arrived at our table... Once we saw the cramped banquet seating, the brightly lit room, and the overwhelming number of elderly patrons in the dining room, our spirits plummeted slightly. That being said, it seemed like nothing a good meal could not take care of, correct? A few moments later our waiter arrived with a smile-less face and begrudgingly asked what we wanted. We inquired as to what was good on the menu, and he said he did not know. WHAT? Do you even EAT here? Immediately recognizing the uselessness that was our server, we just opted for some French staples. A dozen oysters to start, followed by an endive, blue cheese, a pear salad. Before our apps arrived, we were brought a delicious hot baguette in a bag (meant to be torn up by hand and dished out by hand, the old fashion way) and a lentil salad instead of the typical butter. I was stoked...until the food arrived. Everything was OK at best. For the main course, I decided on the seared scallops with whipped cauliflower and sauteed spinach, and my dining companion got the roasted chicken with mushrooms and frites. Both were 60% fabulous (no love was used in the preparation, thus the 40% strike. Plus our enthusiasm was already tainted by the bad customer service, the smell of Bengay cream in the room, and the mediocre starters. All in all, the price for the food was not too bad. French chow will usually put you back a good $150 (if you eat and drink like I do), but we managed to leave only forking over $100 (half on booze). I know this place has been known as a bit of an establishment in the city of Chicago, and so I still thoroughly believe it is worth a try. That being said, it still only gets 3 stars in my book.
(3)Maria C.
This is certainly one of my favorite restaurants in town. We go there all the time, to celebrate birthdays, enjoy good food or simply to have a casual outdoor lunch. It has never let me down. The food is consistency and I've tried many things on the menu. My favorite is the Steak Frite with Rocquefort but I also like the Mussels, the Salmon and the Butter Lettuce Salad with Gruyere Cheese. To die for. Last time our waiter was phenomenal. Fun and efficient.
(5)Corinne M.
Mon Ami Gabi is cute, classy and in a nice and peaceful location at the edges of Lincoln Park. My friends and I all got a variation of the Steak Frittes. I had the Roquefort, (blue cheese indulgence). The frittes were very tasty and addicting. The Roquefort was a also very good. One of the reasons that I am only giving three stars is because there were a LOT of steak and frittes. If I had more self restraint, the mountain of frittes would not have been a problem. I also had a yummy and vodka heavy French Martini. I think Mon Ami Gabi is a great restaurant, yet I am reluctant to give the 4 stars. I think it was a mix of frittes overindulgence and the price was a little on the high side and I think that there are slightly better restaurants in this price bracket.
(3)Stacy M.
I love this place...great atmosphere, great food, great wine....
(5)Katie H.
Since my original visit I've been back a few times. The steak with merlot butter is still fantastic and service as still great. But they took away one of my favorite things - the steamed artichoke with aoli dipping sauce - and have no plans to bring it back. Sad.
(4)Caroline A.
I usually prefer little bistros when dining French, but really enjoy this restaurant. The service is GREAT, and the food is wonderful. I had their salmon salad. Not sure what kind of dressing they used, but it was SO good. My friend had the steak, which was fantastic! and I agree... pomme frites are drool worthy!
(4)Mark F.
I've eaten here four times before and had mixed experiences (tend to enjoy the food but the seating can be very close together and I've been seated in places where waiters bump against me every few minutes--and it's not like I'm whale sized or anything). Anyhow, tonight's experience was good. We got seated near the bar area and didn't feel too cramped. We started with Nutty Russian cocktails--nice, but not great. We shared some scallops (nicely presented and delicious). For my main I had the chicken and frites (both of which were great). My girlfriend had the steak frites (which she always likes). For desert we had profiteroles (one of the more inspired desert creations!). The service was attentive and helpful.
(4)Ro A.
I had a gift card for Lettuce Entertain You and decided to try this place out. The food is excellent, but our service stunk. Also, this is the kind of restaurant that has tables really close to each other, so it is not a very intimate setting for a date. I really hate sitting on top of the table next to me.
(2)Lisa P.
One of the best resturants in Chicago. Everytime I come to town it is my go to place. The managers are fantastic and pay attention to detail. The bartenders are always friendly. From the manhattan to the fresh fish or steak. It is the best. I never walk away saying " Wow, I could have made this at home."
(5)Lauren D.
I'm a huge fan of Bistro Campagne so I had to try Mon Ami Gabi to see how it compared. I think overall Lettuce restaurants are consistently satisfying, but M.A.G. totally exceeded my expectations. First of all, I love the atmosphere - it's a small restaurant, so you can pretty much hear what everyone around you is talking about, but I like that European feel. I had the steak classique and I'm dying to try the slow roasted pork. They had this really delicious dessert that involved some sort of fruit but I can't remember what it is, so I will definitely have to go back soon to remind myself. Also, they make the best French Martini in Chicago - that's a fact.
(5)Mila G.
Cute place, also my first french restaurant. Seemed very much like what an American would expect a French cafe place to be....although, I've never been to an actual French cafe in France, so maybe thats what its like? Food was very tasty, generous portions...not much emphasis on presentation for the food, although I did see a pretty fabulous looking desert going by. Definitely worth checking out, and reasonable prices.
(4)D. R.
It's not that classic and it's not that French. The oysters were off. The shrimp cocktail was watery. And the pork shank was off key, and fatty. The service was kind and professional. But they, sadly, can't change what they bring out of the kitchen.
(2)Miss O.
classic french bistro across from L20. after getting over how i wanted to head over to L20 again - i was impressed with the cuteness of mon ami gabi. our table was ready when we got there - which i love :) our waiter was great. i got the crab cake - which they were exactly how i like them - not deep fried. fresh crab. onion soup was also excellent. my boyfriend and i both loved it! my tout was cooked to perfection. and if you're planning on ordering any steak frites dishes - beware. they are HUGE. this is important because you have to leave room for the crème brûlée. the best i've had in a really long time. this is great for dates or small groups.
(4)Michael C.
Try ordering: 1. Cheese plate, skate wing with side of green beans, creme brulee, and a bottle of Chateauneuf du Pape, or 2. Cheese plate, steak with cheese melted on it, side of beans, flourless chocolate cake and a bottle of Chateauneuf du Pape. You will be pleased.
(5)Hannah B.
I have to admit that I was slightly shocked by the prices at Mon Ami. Normally when I go out for steak and seafood (or anything French!) I'm expecting to pay at least $30 for an entree. Having said that, I will add that in my opinion the food lived up to it's lower prices. I really enjoyed the salads we ordered as they were fresh and beautifully plated. My Dijon-"crusted" salmon was very disappointing. There was nothing crusted about it! What the dish had was a soggy breading with little flavor on top of a piece of fish whose freshness I was having doubts about. My boyfriend's steak was delicious with Merlot butter, I would definitely order that the next time. As for the frites, they were nothing special. I would take the Hopleaf frites over Mon Ami Gabi any day. I will come back to Mon Ami if I am in the mood for a steak and don't want to pay a fortune. However, if I happen to have just received my paycheck you can find me at Wildfire!
(3)Annie S.
My boyfriend is french so I took him here last summer. We really loved this place. I was curious to see if he thought it was really a french restaurant and he said it was pretty authentic! We both had steaks with those small fries (pomme frittes) and wine. Very delicious. There is outdoor seating and the place is pretty big. The waiters are friendly. This is a GREAT date place!!
(4)Scott B.
I'm not sure who Gabi is but I definitely would be her friend. A friend of mine lives in the Belden-Stratford and planned for several of us to meet here for dinner. We had an amazing evening. It started with cocktails at 6 pm. Because I needed something stiff (please get your mind out of the gutter), I ordered a Ketel One vodka gimlet. The bartender must be a part-time mind reader because this drink was so stiff it literally put hair on my back. The bar area is a tad bit small so we took our drinks to the lobby for a nice conversation. After about 30 minutes of conversation we were ready to make our way to our table. The restaurant is quaint and cozy. It really does remind you of a Parisian cafe. It is dimly lit which sets a romantic tone. I made a mental note of this in the event that I ever do go on a date. The food was delicious from start to end. For appetizers a couple of people at the table had salads which looked amazing. A couple of people had the porcini soup which they raved about. A couple of people opted for more drinks as their appetizer and I ordered the escargot which I haven't had since the last time I actually was in Paris. The escargot was good. It didn't knock me off my chair or make my eyes roll back in my head but it was good. For our entrees, the majority of the people at the table ordered the special: lamb chops. The lamb was UNBELIEVABLE! It was tender and flavored with the perfect amount of rosemary. I literally wanted to pick up the bones to get every piece of meat but I heard my mother in my head saying "I raised you better than that...please don't, Scott...you are in public". The lamb chops came with a side of potatoes that were prepared in a sauce that made me clean my plate. For dessert (that's right, we weren't done yet), I ordered the creme brulee which was decent. Truthfully, I've had better but it was good. A friend at the table ordered the bananas foster but was disappointed when the bananas weren't warm or even caramelized. She did send it back and asked for the white chocolate bread pudding which she said was excellent. I guess it was because she ate every bite. All in all, Mon Ami Gabi was a wonderful dining experience and I left wondering why I had not been to this restaurant before. No worries though because I definitely will be returning.
(4)Matthew A.
I was expecting a snooty expensive place. What I got was a charming moderately priced experience. My wife and I had dinner at 7 on a Wednesday. The place was busy but not packed. I could see how it would take a while to get a table on a Fri or Sat night as the place is not very big. Their wine list has a handful of good French choices, and they have about 10 wines you can get by the glass. They have a daily meat special as well as a fish special which we both had. I had the Wed night veal special, which was pretty good, but not the best I veal I have ever had. It came with a big slice of "macaroni casserole" I would call it, but it was probably the best macaroni casserole I had ever had. My wife had the salmon special, which she decided was the best salmon she had ever had. They have a set of steaks done in different ways, each about $30 or less, which I was surprised to see as the same dishes at a steakhouse would be $40-50 or more. Our experience was very good. I would love to go back in the summer and have dinner on the patio!
(4)James H.
One further review and another visit I can report that the food is still great (it better be for the halibut special was a bit pricey); but the seating left a lot to be desired, first I was bounced from the back so we slid the table a bit. Then when my neighbor continued to bump (he was very fidgety) I moved to the opposite side of the table, but there was another table ON TOP of us. The seating is close enough that you often have to touch someone you'd rather not (the Hostess was "sorry" - well I am too). The food almost makes up for the aggravation and while I'm not into steak that's okay because their fish is great. I had the fish and frites which was excellent (I had previously ordered the Skate - also good). My friends had Salmon and Scallops and both were great. The service was superb (Thanks Annie Lennox!).
(3)Maria R.
UPDATE: Another trip to Mon Ami, and yes it is still wonderful. Make sure to make reservations as we were promptly escorted in pass the others guests that were walk-ins. Our waiter Michael was alittle squirrely, and wasn't especially attentive, but we weren't in a rush, so it was ok. The Skatewing Limon was outstanding, however I don't love having it with homemade onion potato chips. Our fruit crumb dessert with vanilla ice cream was a perfect ending. PS I never saw so many waiters and busboys coming out of one kitchen door without a single mishap. That was a show in itself! OLD STORY: We're on the "walk to restaurants only" kick now and luckily Mon Ami Gabi is within a couple of blocks. Outstanding service and food - steak frites and the skatewing are standouts. My husband travels to Europe very frequently and really loves the food here. We had the pleasure of dining al fresco in Vegas at Mon Ami, and it was equally as good. I prefer eating indoors here for some reason, I guess it's the warm wood and subtle lighting. Excellent wine selection and the creme brulee was yummy.
(4)Mike H.
This is a fantastic place with amazing food. We have been several times and their food - from appetizers through dessert - is fantastic. It is usually busy and I highly recommend reservations. As for recommendations, try the escargot appetizer for sure - so buttery and delicious! The steak frites can't be beat (have tried both the steak rouquefort and the steak dijon). The bananas foster dessert is also fantastic. During the summer, try to sit outside. It's a gorgeous setting.
(5)Grace L.
A decent French place for very reasonable prices. Steaks and fish are all around twenty bucks. We had the mussels to start out and the broth is bread soakably good. Our table had the halibut, salmon, lemon chicken, hangar steak and steak classique. Out of the five, the salmon and the hangar steak were our favorites. I found the steak classique a very bad pounded cut of beef. It was hard to cut into and chewy. The hangar steak was much more flavorful. With the steaks, there is a mountain of potato frites. For the price and location, it's a great place across the Lincoln Park Conservatory and zoo. Service was a little stand off-ish and I do wish they were more helpful and welcoming. If you like ice cream, any dessert with the ice cream is pleasant, we had the profiteroles and was a great ending to our meal.
(4)Michelle L.
I first attended this restaurant's Vegas location and was really impressed. A few months later, I ventured to this Lettuce Chicago location and was equally satisfied by their menu and service. I believe this is the BEST filet I have ever had! They cook it just right (medium well). And the fresh baked bread is amazing! The prices are pretty reasonable...regular Lettuce restaurant price range. I suggest making reservations and, during the summer weather, get seating outdoors. It's a great establishment, perfect for a date night, in Lincoln Park!
(5)A B.
Finally checked this place out after hearing a lot of people rant and rave. For appetizer my husband and I ordered the Oysters and he had French Onion soup. Both were good, I mean raw Oysters are just that, so doesn't take much talent to prepare. For dinner I decided to eat light and ordered the Ahi Tuna salad, the Tuna could have been better I wasn't impressed. The reason I gave the restaurant three stars is because of the filet that my husband ordered. The meat was prepared perfectly with a red wine reduction and we ordered a side of Garlic Spinach. For dessert we had Creme Brulee and coffee. I would highly recommend ordering the filet, I should have ordered it but I was trying to order healthy.....which I won't do again!
(3)Erin C.
I really hate to love a Lettuce restaurant, but I really do love mon ami gabi. I love sitting outside in the summer gazing at Lincoln park and enjoying a good bottle of wine. Every time I go here, I am never disappointed. Their steak frites is absolute heaven; always perfectly cooked and seasoned. Also, they have several different versions of the steak frites to try, rather than just the original. I had the skate special once before too and it was perfectly juicy and tender served with some lemony veggies and nice potatoes. Yum! The atmosphere is a little more fancy than your typical French bistro with its dark wood and low lighting. The staff is very genial and gives excellent recommendations. For dessert, try the profiteroles. How could you not love flaky pastry, ice cream and a rich chocolate sauce?
(4)Alexzandra A.
I have had better French food, but I really had a lovely time here. The oysters were devine as well as the martini and mojito I had. I thought my steak (blue cheese) was fabulous, but I would rather have a more inventive side then frites. I went here with a group of people and was able to try at leat 4 different desserts and they were all heavenly. The chocolate mouse was HUGE and delicious while the flourless cake was the best I'd ever had. It may be pricey, but the atmosphere and food is worth it, if only once.
(4)Art K.
We had a reservation for 745pm on a Saturday evening. Even though we arrived early, we were immediately whisked to our table, a great semi-private booth in the back corner of the restaurant. We enjoyed the Scallops in cream sauce as our appetizer (WOW every time), the Merlot Butter Steak (WOW every time), and a terriffic salad to start. Overall very good, except the steak was slightly cold, and the martini my wife ordered (french cosmo) was almost bitter. The Louis Latour Pinot Noir is always a good place to start. We go here a few times a year between this and the location in Las Vegas and always walk away with a 4+ rating!
(4)Monika M.
i went here for my birthday on a snowy sunday night. Not too crowded, although we had a 5oclock reservation.. Atmosphere nice and expected for a french bistro. Well staffed and very unprentious. I had the roasted chicken and frites. Frites portion was giving. I ate the whole chicken. Skin perfectly crispy. Husband had the Cassolet. It was great and leftovers were good too. Dessert was insanely good! Vanilla filled crepe with caramel and bananas! Yum!Overall had a wonderful meal and would like to go back and try something different. Maybe when its a bit warmer and I don't have to drudge through the snow..
(3)Shaun K.
A replica of a turn-of-the-century bar and slim wooden furniture give this popular Lincoln Park bistro a patently Parisian vibe. Classic menu items such as a rustic country pate with whole grain mustard and succulent, buttery escargots reinforce that mood. For entrees, opt for the specialty: steaks with Dijon mustard butter sauce or a wine reduction with caramelized onions. All beef comes with thin, crispy frites.
(4)Alexis S.
Love! You must order: -French Onion Soup (if you ask to split it with your date, they will give you 2 crocks) -The pate -Any of the Steak Frites -The Roast Chicken -Whipped Caulliflower MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!
(5)Erin J.
First of all Mon Ami Gabi is fun to say... but you won't be saying too much after you sit down expect for uh uh uh oui oui oui... Bon Appetite! This French bistro serves amazing food and within a fun atmosphere! If you have a beret a.) feel lucky that you can pull it off and b.) wear it! The interior of the restaurant is positively French. The waiter will start you off with a fresh, warm baguette to nibble on. As a carb professional I would have to give the bread and butter a 5 as well! Mon Ami Gabi is known for having a great selection of wines so ask what they recommend. If you are one to impress this is the place to be a wine snob. They bring around a wine cart to choose from. The food is a little pricy. Whoever invented a la carte is a la stupid! I think it was the French. Regardless, throw your budgets away and go for the steak & frites. All of the steaks are amazing. The soups are thick and creamy. I highly recommend the mashed cauliflower as a side. If mashed cauliflower is healthy this one definitely fooled me. Um Um Um! I got carried away with the baguette and wine so I was not allowed to stay for dessert, but I dare to guess that the French desserts are exquisite. This would be a great place for dessert and coffee with your great aunt or political conversations with your opinionated friends. Girls, feel free to wear that dressy scarf around your shoulders and bright red lipstick. Parking is valet or I would try to find a meter one street over. Oui! Mon Ami Gabi - translation - My Friend Gabi. Well, Gabi is now a friend of mine!
(5)Miguel g.
Great food and service. Used to be our date night with my wife, but now that our kids are older it is a family favorite. They have tasty options for all!
(5)Heather K.
Bonjour, mon petit bureau de change! Just wanted to share my thoughts on a lovely dinner that I recently shared with my family at Mon Ami Gabi. As I tend to do when faced with the prospect of food I don't have to pay for, I went a bit overboard. Started with the onion soup which came in a gigantic crock...I think it weighed about 2 pounds. Really tasty, and was more on the sweet side than on the beefy side. I've had, you know, "real" onion soup and I must say that the Gabi version definitely held its own. Side note, if anyone is really into onion soup and likes reading blogs, go to theonionsoup.com , it's quite...informative. On the complete opposite end of the first course spectrum, my mother had a light and healthy butter lettuce salad with shaved veggies and a citrus dressing. I stole a bite and sort of wished I had gone the salad route instead. At this time in my review-writing, I am also realizing that I left out the part where I ate half a baguette before my soup even hit the table. Time for entrees and I was already completely stuffed. But, it was my mom's birthday and I needed to stay strong. Therefore I devoured a filet mignon like nobody's business. Giant portion, perfectly cooked, though I wasn't crazy about the merlot butter it came with. (Should I really be adding butter to a steak?) The other wine sauce was good though. The pommes frites were thin, crispy and in abundance. Between THREE PEOPLE eating off my plate we were still unable to finish them off. Other family members enjoyed the scallops, roast chicken, pork tenderloin and vegetarian sampler. And don't forget about dessert... a complimentary birthday profiterole for my mother (good), creme brulee (better) and flourless chocolate cake (best). My regrets of the evening were: - not sharing the bowl of onion soup w/ my sister - only eating a single piece of lettuce - only eating 3 green beans I definitely had to sleep that meal off. I'll plan things out a bit healthier next time. Great service though and lovely location inside the Belden-Stratford Hotel. And I think it's better than Marche(?!) Well, until next time.. foux de fa fa! Au revoir!
(4)Susan L.
overrated, overdone, overpriced French food. Go there only if you have a LettuceEntertainYou gift certificate--better yet, if you've got one of those, go to a different restaurant.
(1)Megan D.
Delicious food and wonderful atmosphere! The only problem we had was the service. Our waiter was rude and seemed to be annoyed that he had to serve us. We ordered coffee and were enjoying it except our waiter clearly wanted us to leave. He and the manager kept looking over at us and the waiter was pacing back and forth by our table. We are sensitive to taking up a table when a restaurant is busy but there were two empty tables by us! The busser was excellent - very nice man but the waiter was even rude to him. Very good food, very good atmosphere. I think there's just one bad egg on the waitstaff.
(3)Masha C.
Expensive, but hands down best steak I've ever had! Perfect place for special occasions!!
(4)Lesley G.
This place is super good. I have been there a few times and have never been disappointed. The steaks are some of their specialties. Last time I went I had the salmon, which was also great. Everything is just perfectly cooked. It's not cheap, but you get what you paid for.
(4)Melissa H.
This was my first french restaurant experience and I was pretty impressed. Its definitely a romantic restaurant. The food was great and so was the service. Its not too french but just french enough. I'd recommend MAG to anyone who is intimidated by french cuisine.
(4)Amanda T.
I remember way back, when I was a wee lass in fifth grade, the teacher made us kids give a presentation on our favorite thing to eat. And my presentation was was on French onion soup, specifically from Mon Ami Gabi. Now, many many years later, it's still one of my favorites. I never really remember what I get as an actual entree when I go, because the onion soup eclipses everything else. The frites and, as simple as it sounds, even the bread are amazing. It's no Les Nomades, but nevertheless, c'est magnifique!
(4)Psusennes R.
Searching for refuge from the summer rain, we found Mon Ami Gabi. The adorable restaurant shares space with a high end apartment and L20. The service is so smooth and fantastic... like clock work! Complimentary bread & butter, the chef also included a sample of their orzo special of the day. We started our meal with a pretty standard green salad and a delicious and creative cold red pepper soup. Entrees ordered was steak & frittes and scallops with mushrooms and asparagus. I just typed all that out and started drooling. It was all very delicious. The steak may have been tendarized and grilled to perfection. Not normally a fan of sauce, the sauce that accompanied the steak was fabulous. It was a cream sauce seasoned with tarragon. We ended dinner with ice cream over a berry crumble and cappucino. Happiness! With four drinks, our bill came out to 90$. Locals visit this place and yes, many of its visitors are older (over 30) and well to do. Also, they have a wine cart (most wines from France). I will return!
(4)Don W.
Went here several times while in Chicago, and my wife, who's a French native, was CRAZY about it. I particularly like the whipped veges (forgot what it's called, but a califlower-based pate), profiteroles, and macaroni au gratin. The mac is baked and uses several real cheeses that I'm certain were shredded on site that day. Probably the best mac I've ever had. The meats are good, but I don't care for the ultra-thin, ultra-crispy fries (and neither does my wife). You know how sometimes at McDonald's you get a couple burned-to-a-crisp fries that were stuck in the deep fryer for a while - they serve a whole plate of those here like it's a good thing. I also was not wowed by their chocolate mousse. Regardless, the food is very good overall, and the service is always particularly excellent and professional. It's definitely a pricey joint though, so if you're not on your work's tab like I was, be weary of $60+ checks for two.
(4)Hana K.
I love French cuisine and this place does a pretty good job at doing French compared to a lot of other places. I loved their Coq Au Vin and steak frites. The frites were nice, thin and crispy, the way they should be and the chicken for their Coq Au Vin was perfectly cooked. I would recommend getting reservations here because it gets very crowded, if you are not familiar with the area you most likely will end up passing it because it is part of another building, and sometimes walking around in there can get tight.
(4)Tiffany L.
Went with a friend last year and the food was excellent. We went in the fall so they had an amazing pumpkin spread for their bread. It was hard to stop eating that. We both ordered a halibut dish and it was so fresh and cooked perfected. The price is about right for what you get. great service, mellow atmosphere, wonderful food...I now want to try the one in oak brook since this was such a great experience!
(5)Andrew P.
I thought Mon Ami Gabi to be one of the most overrated dining establishments I have ever found. The Beldon is a pretty place to wander around before the meal, but the dining experience was not satisfying at all. We had a reservation for 8pm on a Friday night. We were not seated until 9pm. I understand things get backed up (especially on a weekend), but what's the point in even making a reservation if you are going to be seated in whatever order you show up in anyways? The menu: I did not like the bread (it felt and tasted like it had been sitting out for a week), but the butter was great. The lobster bisque was the most salty and fishy bisque I have ever had. The bisque was a terrible, terrible way to start off the meal. I enjoyed the frites. They were tasty. Then again, they are french fries. Sonic and McDonald's can do that. My steak was cooked correctly, but the flavor left me wondering why someone would ruin a nice piece of meat with that much seasoning. The Service: The water service was great. My water glass rarely got below 1/2 full before being refilled. The waiter showed up only 10 or 15 minutes after we sat there looking annoyed because we couldn't find him. Even sending the water fillers to find our server was a chore. He sucked. I thought that the menu was overpriced for the quality of food we received. All in all, I would not recommend Mon Ami Gabi to anyone looking for a nice night out. Maybe it was because it was a weekend, maybe not. Either way, i don't think there is any excuse for this meal being so all around dissatisfying. The service was terrible, the food overseasoned, overpriced, and underwhelming. The quality of the meal left a lot to be desired...
(1)Lizzy G.
I wish I had gone to this restaurant much sooner! It was tres yummy (That was lame, sorry Yelp.). The restaurant is smaller than I expected but it is so adorable. I love the art deco appeal of the entire place. I was thrown by the entrance being off to your immediate left when you enter the Belden Stratford, but it seems typical of restaurants in buildings of that era (i.e. Pump Room, etc). The cutsie W.C. sign illuminating the corridor to the restrooms was great as well. I wonder how many people ask what the WC stands for! We were seated in the very front of the restaurant, in front of the bar. It was very nice, the corner table, so my boyfriend and I were both able to enjoy the corner booth running the front wall. I maybe would have preferred to be seated behind the bar (next time) to avoid the ins and outs at the host stand and bar, but it's a smaller place, so noise is inevitable. And the table was still cozy and lovely for the two of us. The food was delicious. I think you could go for appetizers and drinks and leave stuffed! (The table to our right did just that) The duck confit my boyfriend had was a full duck leg on a healthy portion of lentils and pearl onions. I had the butternut squash soup with creme fraiche and scallion and it was delicious! I have to admit I love the new trend of serving soups table side from different kinds of serving vessels. It's cute, interactive, memorable and still relatively unique. We chose right by avoiding salads because the steak frites bernaise my boyfriend got came on the most enormous of dishes! The pile of steak frites was too much for the both of us! Oh goodness, and the bernaise sauce that came with the steak was so yummy (I am a vegetarian but still eat egg product). Delectable with the pile of steak frites! I went with the vegetarian sampling and while everything on my plate was very tasty I felt they could have done more. It was basically a side of mashed cauliflower, asparagus, green beans and lentils. Good, but not what I expected. There are a number of vegetarian side dishes to choose from and if I had known four would be on the plate I would have asked if I could chose. Having no main starch was a little different ( no au gratin potatoes or macaroni gratin? I feel like I missed out. This is expected I suppose, in a french bistro, but I made out like a bandit in Paris for weeks and have had more options at different spots around Chicago, so I maybe if they felt they had clientele they could do a little more with the menu? Nothing is better than a French restaurant with vegetarian options! I swear it would sell! Overall, I think I could have ordered better but my boyfriend ate enough food for days! Everything was delicious and I would go back to enjoy lunch outside on the patio, have drinks and appetizers or maybe try and correct my ordering mishaps. Either way, if you like steak frites, give Mon Ami Gabi a try! The meat (according to the bf) is tender and delicious, and the sauces from the dozen styles in which you can order steak frites all sound delicious so I don't think anyone could go wrong!!
(4)James L.
This place was definitely worth it. I came here after having a fabulous dinner at the location in Las Vegas. The one in Vegas is located in Paris hotel right across from the Bellagio Fountains. I was hoping this location would be just as good and it sure was. I had the New York Strip which was juicy and tender. Also tried the sirloin which was just as good. Both dishes were around $20. I don't exactly remember the size in ounces but it was definitely enough to fill me. Atmosphere is great and price is very reasonable compared to comparable restaurants with similar quality steak. Their frites (aka french fried) are one of a kind. Very delicious. Outdoor seating is available and is perfect when its not too hot or cold.
(4)Mindy V.
Everything is so solid and good here. Always perfectly cooked, excellent appetizers..... I had the Steak Roquefort... so good with the blue cheese sauce. Its nice and cozy and always good.
(4)Yvette B.
I have had nothing but wonderful experiences at Mon Ami Gabi. The only drawback is they are usually a little late seating for reservation time, but in my opinion, well worth the wait. I have never been disappointed with any of the dishes that we have ordered. Last visit had mussels appetizer...DELICIOUS. Escargot...DELICIOUS. And a cheesy scallop appetizer...need I say it.?..DELICIOUS. Our server was outstanding. My friend ordered the roquefort steak option and what the backwaiter brought out from the kitchen was a different steak from the menu...the waiter immediately noticed my friend did not receive the right dish. I know you might say, well of course he would notice, but you would be surprised at how many restaurants I have dined at where the main server themselves bring out the wrong dish or come to your table to see how things are and still don't notice that there is anything wrong with your order. He immediately asked to rectify the situation...we told him no worries, my friend was going to keep the original item brought out. The server was kind enough to get some roquefort "sauce" in a gravy boat for my friend to enjoy as he liked to top his steak. He also comped a couple of glasses of wine. Along with that throughout the entire meal our waiter was attentive, friendly and just awesome. I would totally ask for him to wait on us again. I can't wait for summer for the outdoor patio to open. Oh, and I had a tuna steak served atop a portobello mushroom and it was nothing less than absolutely delicious. The only bummer is I think it was a special, which means I will have to get lucky having that again.
(5)Brandon H.
The food and service is outstanding. The scheduling and organization for reservations is sub-par. I understand this is a popular spot, but waiting 20-30 minutes past a reservation time made weeks before hand is unacceptable. Regardless of the operations, the food.. from the appetizers (we had the scallops and escargot) to the entree (filet w/ butter and red wine reduction) to the desert (Creme Brule) was outstanding. Even the bartender (after waiting 10 minutes to work ourselves is to a position to order drinks) was helpful. This place is a fantastic restaurant, and is just missing the organization to reach perfection. On a busy night, expect mayhem. On an off night, this may be the perfect quiet spot.
(4)Stephanie P.
We were on vacation in Chicago in July and heard about Mon Ami Gabi from the concierge at the Four Seasons hotel. All of their other recommendations proved to be great, so off we went with our 2 young children. We enjoyed the whole experience from the warm baguette, nice wine list to the steak frites-Meat so tasty and fries very thin and crunchy. It was a very busy Thursday night, very crowded but our server kept things flowing despite the 3 very large parties seated near us that he was taking care of. We enjoyed a great meal as a family and our kids enjoyed the food, esp the frites! Would love to go back again when we visit the wonderful city of Chicago next time.
(4)Alissa B.
First off, this place has the BEST French Martinis...delicious. I came here for the first time one winter night and was so impressed. Their wine selection is amazing, the ambiance is excellent and their pork shank is to die for. I have always gotten great service and recommend this place to anyone and everyone who will listen.
(5)Kelly D.
I could live here. The atmosphere is so elegant and beautiful. it's like going back into the 20's or 30's. Everything that I have had here is so yummy. Especially the steak frites. Worth every penny. It's inside the Belden-Stratford Hotel which is beautiful itself. The outdoor seating is lovely too in the summer. The wait staff are very friendly and attentive.
(5)gabriella m.
Delicoius steak frites, fast service and a walk in the park is only steps away. Wonderful for a date night.
(5)Amber B.
Well, this is my first trip to Chicago, and not only am I impressed with the city, but also the hotel I found and the amazing restaurant located inside. That of course being Mon Ami Gabi at the Belden Stratford Hotel. I am extremely impressed with the service, the food, and the entire experience dining here. When my mother and I first entered the intimately sized dining area, we realized that reservations for a Saturday night would have been a good idea. With less than a two minuet wait, however, we were seated at the bar where we received better service than many of those dining at tables. The bar tender was quick to take our drink orders and even offer us regular menus, he was attentive, remembered all of the dinner specials without missing a beat, and never once treated us like we were in the way for ordering food at the bar. The wine selection was good, as was the assortment of appetizers, which is what we were there for. I had the english pea soup with tomato and leeks and the escargots, and my mother had the butternut squash soup and the salmon salad. The soups were heavenly. The pea soup tasted like summer and eating homegrown peas off the vine in my grandmothers backyard. The escargots was amazing too (although this was my first try). My moms salad came out with seared tuna instead of salmon, it was very tasty but a bit over salted. Her meal was on the house due to the mix-up, we didn't even have to ask to complain! The meal was served with a fresh, warm baguette and garbanzo bean and lemon spread that was delicious. We also had to try the black currant sorbet, which was sweet, tart, and very refreshing. Overall the experience we had at Mon Ami Gabi was great. I would definately go again if I make it to Chicago in the future. We made sure to stop on the way out to commend the manager and thank him for a lovely evening.
(5)Michelle J.
Mon Ami Gabi has been one of my favorite french places as long as I can remember! The roasted chicken, pom frites, profiteroles, wine, salad, soup, skate, mashed potatoes, steak and herb butter are ALL TO DIE FOR!! Every family occasion we go to Mon Ami. My aunt even had her wedding there! It has become a family tradition and no where else compares to the amount of customer service and satisfaction I feel when I visit time after time!
(5)tricia l.
I was there last night--and have been there many times before--and I just have to write a RAVE REPORT about our waiter DAVID!!! I don't think I have ever had such good, fun, perfect, perfect service anywhere. I am going to ask for him every time I make a rez at Mon Ami. I told him last night that I was going to write him up big and so am doing just that. He is worth his weight in gold.
(5)heather d.
im a big fan of mon ami gabi. the food is great, huge portions and a great value. We were there the other night had, 2 drinks, 2 steak frites, a salad, an app and a dessert and our bill was less than $100 and was delicious!!!! im hungry just thinking about it!!
(4)Jennie C.
I don't think I'll return here ever. It took well over half an hour just to get my salad before my main course. I think the waiter forgot about us, which is cool just let me know you finally remembered. When he was around he was attentive and friendly. My Caesar salad was just too fishy. I know anchovies are used in the dressing, but it was overpowering. I didn't understand my salmon served on a bed of cooked cabbage. And sorbet for dessert still had a fishy taste. I ended up home and sick for the night. I believe partly from the food and partly from the bad date I was on. I also was not a fan of being sat so close to another patron that she consistently felt the urge to keep moving her purse closer to her and keeping her hand on it like i was just waiting to grab it and go. I don't think I give off a thug impression, maybe I have more street cred than I thought? Also when sitting that close it made it hard for her to get up to leave the table without knocking about her table and my table and I did get a great flash of a thong in my face. That might have also contributed to my ill feelings.
(1)Amy L.
My sister used to live in this building and hostess there, so we'd always go when I came in town. It's fabulous and so are all the other Lettuce Entertain You places as well. Right across from the zoo. It's in a great location in Lincoln Park. Portions are a good size and the food is delish :) And they have the best desserts..so save some room!
(4)Morgan B.
This place is really good. I went there for my birthday. It is a fun atmopshere!!!
(4)EJ F.
Great place for steak and frites. Not the best French cuisine in the world but for the price and the quality it's a great place. I've always gotten the traditional steak with frites so I can't comment on other menu items but it all looks good.
(4)Jill and Ying J.
Steak frites..... steak frites.....STEAK FRITES. And warm soft bread. That's really all we remember from this meal (went a few years ago), and all you will likely remember as well. The steaks are good, served with 6 or 7 different sauces, but they are not nearly as memorable or 5-star worthy as the MASSIVE serving of authentic French style frites (fries) that come with it. These are definitely not your regular McD's style "Freedom Fries." Fried to a crisp, thin as a chip, small as a paperclip, the frites are crunchy and exceedingly addictive. No wonder they give you such a massive serving. *hint* smear some of the delicious sauce with the frites and the flavors explode even more in your mouth. As any great reproduction of a French bistro, each meal starts off with a warm, fresh, crunchy-on-the-outside-soft-on-the-inside baguette butter. The wine selection is massive, and the decor softly whispers romantic date. A must-eat to woo your significant other.
(4)Kerry D.
It's a great space, nice decor, WONDERFUL service- but the food was not what I was expecting. Three of us sent the onion soup back (which I love almost everywhere) and the main courses were fine- but from the other reviews and word of mouth- I was hoping for a lot more. I'm going to stick w/ Kiki's and Bouchon for my bistro fare from now on.
(3)Stephanie H.
I dined at Mon Ami Gabi for the first time a couple of Friday's ago. It was a late dinner, arriving close to 10:30....we were the last people2 in the restaurant...our service and food were fair, I believe mostly due to our poor timing. We ordered steaks, that came out luke warm.... I would like to visit again, at a more 'normal' dining hour...in hopes of having a better overall dining experience, and increase the star count.
(3)J T.
Mon Ami isn't my first choice for bistro food in Chicago but it's certainly one I won't turn away. There are always a couple of hits and misses, but for the most part, I'm always satisfied at the end of the meal and always return.
(3)scot o.
for a chain, this place is one of our favorites. fun frenchy atmosphere. good food and drinks in the beautiful and elegant belden-stratford hotel. cap of the evening at L20 for a cordial or dessert and go for a walk past the conservatory. you can do no wrong. make reservations or go later.
(5)Anna B.
Go to Mon Ami for the cozy romantic atmosphere and the friendly bar- and waitstaff. The food is good, but Brasserie Jo's is better.
(4)Marissa D.
every time i come to mon ami i like it more and more. such a wonderful atmosphere, and service is excellent. their maison (house) salad is excellent. fresh greens with goat cheese. perfect. i always order one of their steak frites. it's so nice that they have variations on it, so you can get a dijon one or a bourdelaise (my favorite), etc. and the frites - different from most frites, and SO good! let's talk about dessert. everything is good, but the bananas fosters crepe is the best thing i have ever put in my mouth. it comes in a giant plate of homemade caramel and i can't get enough. i want to bathe in that caramel. moving on.........here's a tip - bring your own wine. sure, there's a corkage, but it's always a savings to bring wine to a place that will let you! in conclusion, if you want great french food at a moderate price, go HERE!
(4)KM I.
Warm french baguette, bacon and poached egg frisee salad, pomme frites with aioli while sitting outside the Belden Stratford....done
(5)Rick W.
Great service, food is excellent and not too pricey. Atmosphere is great as well. Highly recommend.
(5)Erika K.
My dining endeavors during Chicago's restaurant week have left me disappointed with some serious midnight munchies. So why would I keep trying? Because during restaurant week, I can use my $100 Lettuce Entertain You gift card and dine for two at their French bistro installment, Mon Ami Gabi. Despite my previous bad luck, I left this restaurant with a full belly and a little box filled with leftovers Full review and pictures here! thebuckwheater.com/mon-a…
(4)Irene G.
Mon Ami Gabi exceeded my expectations. The outside of the place is very pretty with lights and located in Lincoln Park. Parking is a little difficult, but we were able to get a spot pretty close by. Anyway, dined here with a friend who had a little too much wine before we got there so we had to make it quick as our server seemed a bit angry with my friend's "condition" especially after he ordered an alcoholic beverage to start. :P On to the food: We each had a salad entree and frites (fries). I was expecting the menu to be more pricey but it's actually on the cheaper side for a French restaurant. I definitely plan to come back (with someone sober) to try their warm brie cheese and escargot. One negative is the tables are too close to one another so that when you get up to leave, you have to be careful not to bump into the other peoples' tables. Also, children makes Mon Ami less intimate because it's really a nice date place. However, Mon Ami Gabi is now one of my favorite LEYE restaurants. See you soon Mon Ami!
(4)Tori T.
I've never had a bad experience at Mon Ami Gabi. Each time, my service is even better than the last. But after this visit, I'm not sure it could get much better. We went Wednesday night for my birthday and it was packed! On a Wednesday! Our server, Ryan, was incredible. Even though he was surely very busy, you never would have known. He took his time with us and carefully explained each special, along with a few items on the menu he thought we might enjoy. We started with a bottle of Sparkling Wine because hey, you need champagne when you're eating French cuisine. We ordered the steak tartare as an appetizer-it's an entrée, but I would recommend getting some to share and taking it home (it's just as fabulous the next day). We then split the chicken grandmère, which was amazing as always. This is by far my favorite dish on the menu, if we are including steak tartare as an appetizer. The pommes purée were perfect and just melted in your mouth. Ryan then surprised us by bringing me a profiterole with a birthday candle. It was amazing!! We were so full, but there's no way to resist their dessert. Overall, my meal was really great but our server, Ryan, is what made it so special. Thanks Ryan, we will definitely be back!
(5)Jessa P.
Okay so the hostess assumed that the customer made the mistake of having the wrong reservation time. Should have turned around at this point. Checked our VM and email confirmation- both were the right time. The Point: horrendous service! We understood that it was valentines weekend, and we were prepared for a longer wait, but seriously our waiter was just standing there... Literally just standing there. We had to flag him down to order. Flag him down for drinks. Then flag him down for the check. He never came by the table proactively except for when he was dropping off the check. Food was good, of course consistent with the other MAGs. I had the scallops, however, no carbs come with this dish, so tread carefully when it comes to your alcoholic consumption with only the scallops as a buffer. This was one of those times when the service failure far outweighed the food! And I forgot my Lettuce card at home and no one even bothered to help me collect the points! Terrible experience and I have told several people about how much I do NOT recommend this restaurant to anyone. Time to deflag this specific location... Unworthy of Lettuce branding.
(2)Sara P.
I thought the food here was pretty good. I had the steak frites in the peppercorn sauce. The steak and sauce were good, but it needed more sauce. The frites were a bit overdone, needed salt, and I was craving something to dip them in. Some extra sauce on the steak would have been perfect... The bread and butter were delicious. The service was good as well. I definitely wouldn't call this "french food," since it feels like a steakhouse. It's a nice place if you feel like some good bread and steak and have money to spend.
(4)Kristy F.
Atmosphere: Large, warm, intimate, fancy, warm lighting, soft booths. Service: Our waiter was very knowledgeable and made a great recommendation but she wasn't attentive enough and we had to ask for refills and whatever else we needed. It was a busy night so it's understandable. Food: They started us off with a load of bread you have to tear to eat and some soft butter. Was okay. Then they offered a scoop of carrot coleslaw which was just OK. I ordered the Steak Bordelaise which is a 10oz cut on thin steak marinated in red wine and drowned with sweet caramelized onions served with a large heaping helping of home made frites. DELICIOUS. The onions were a nice compliment with the potatoes so ketchup was unnecessary.The thin cut of the steak made it hard not to devour so take your time eating. It's a very filling meal. I also ordered the Pain Perdu which is a pineapple bread pudding in rum sauce. The waitress recommended a scoop of vanilla which I will also recommend to you. Yum. Conclusion- I'd love to return however the meal was a bit pricey for my usual tastes. Will have to treat this place as an occasional treat for me. =) 4 stars.
(4)Donna C.
This is why it is nice to have a history with a restaurant. We dined here last night. Our reservation was ready and we sat outside on a beautiful evening. The place was very busy and still was able to provide excellent service, timing the meal as not rush you. Our server was perfection. Even when I was given the wrong steak, they immediately corrected it and were so nice about it.... The caesar salad was fresh and the dressing the the perfect amount. My filet was cooked to perfection and the merlot reduction is the main reason to order this dish. I love the very authentic steak classique,which is delicious. My only recommendation is to stay away from the hanger steak, it's quality is too much of a variable in otherwise a perfect meal. This is still one of my places for that french feeling!!! I dine at mon ami gabi whenever possible...
(5)Sarah M.
I'll start off with a positive comment-the food was great. I'm not a huge fan of French food-could take it or leave it. Mon Ami Gabi makes French food approachable without completely Americanizing it. I appreciate that. The service however, definitely not up to the standard I would expect at the restaurant. We had to ask for menus for a couple members of our party who were seated without them. Our waiter took a very long time to take our order for appetizers and entrees. We ordered a bottle of wine which he managed to splash everywhere and then removed from the table when there was still some left. The table next to us had far more people sitting at it than it had capacity to hold which resulted in a very tight experience. The one benefit of our bad service was the waiter mishearing us order brie and escargot as appetizers and brought us three orders of escargot instead. At least we got 2 complimentary appetizers?
(2)Gary C.
So...I don't speak a lick of French. I had some trouble reading the menu. Well, I've got a hard time reading period, but that's another story. But I'll tell you one thing that I'm good at: eating. I've dined at Mon Ami Gabi a couple times and I won't be the last to say that the food is great. In my most recent visit, some friends and I ordered a number of delicious things. They're the type of things that I'd suggest to friends [like you!] and order again during another visit. The hors d'oeuvres that deserve honorable mention are the Escargots de Bourgogne and Baked Cheese. The snails came out in a baking dish in a garlic butter sauce that looked like a nuclear-green ooze...but it tasted like butter. Yummy green butter. The baked cheese was humongous. It's not just cheese, though. There's a bed of herb-infused tomato sauce and a loaf of garlic-ish bread. [Insert French phrase for "so good."] You can't go wrong with some Onion Soup Au Gratin, aka French Onion Soup...or would they just call it Onion Soup...?Hmm. Well anyways, it's sweet. Like awesome-sweet and sweet-tasting. The cheese is baked on top of the cup/bowl and the onions are very soft and, you guessed it, sweet. As far as entrees go, you really can't go wrong with any of the steak frites. The steaks are pounded quite thinly, and the frites are plentiful. With that said, the portions are large, especially if you're getting an hors d'oeuvres or two. As far as non-steak items, I've only had the opportunity to try the Lemon-Thyme Seared Salmon, which is exactly how you think it tastes: lemony, thyme-y, and yummy. I had the opportunity to try a few of the desserts, but to be perfectly honest, nothing stood out. But I don't have a sweet tooth. So you might want to try a little something off the dessert menu. Okay, I lied. I know some French: Bon appétit.
(4)Ron S.
Beautiful, everything ! We went just before Christmas 2013. It was a surprise dinner out with my girl friend, she was so happy. I don't even want to tell you any more so you can be surprised too.
(5)Ermelinda C.
Cannot say enough great things about the amazing dinner experience we had here: Great location, great ambiance, very polite service and staff. The food was absolutely delicious starting from appetizers (the mussels, and the sea scallops) to the entrees (file and home made fries and the salmon and leak quinoa) to the desserts (creme brûlée and the banana crepes). The paired wines of choice was Beaujolais and it made for a perfect match for all of our courses. I would definitely come back to Mon Ami Gabi again, and I am looking forward to a dining experience on their beautiful outdoor patio!
(5)Tim C.
I have to admit, I cheated. I went to a French restaurant and ordered a Ribeye. This after telling myself (when I picked the place) that I would try some 'traditional' french fare. On the bright side, it was served with Béarnaise sauce and brussel spouts with bacon so technically it's french right? We also had the oysters which were nice and fat not like the 'standard' oysters that you get in most places in Chicago and the mussels which had this sauce that I had to resist just picking up the bowl and drinking. The waiter was very nice and attentive and his suggestion for a wine was awesome. This is a great spot to take a date, it's nicely lit and friendly but intimate. The fact that it was in a secluded residential type area also added to the ambiance. I would definitely try this place again. Maybe next time I'll try to stick to something more traditional.
(5)Frances B.
This restaurant is as good as it gets- outstanding service, beautiful atmosphere and wonderful food. The steak frites, the sol special, the scallop appetizer, traditional french salad, the seasonal fall salad and desserts (chocolate mousse and creme brulee) were just delicious. I would definitely recommend making a reservation, especially on weekends. We will be back soon, we're looking forward to becoming regulars.
(5)Kristen B.
Great experience. Sat outside on a beautiful Saturday night. They really have the serving down as many bussers and servers took care of us as items were ready to be delivered or cleared. Lovely wine list. Food was great. Also surprisingly kid friendly. They brought my 2 and 4 year old carrots and homemade ranch at the start of our meal and my children were happy and entertained with the crayons they supplied, the gorgeous view and people watching for the entire 1.5 hour meal. I like this location better than the Oak Brook location although that one is great too!
(5)Alex H.
I'm going to try and keep this one short and sweet: Mon Ami Gabi is a solid casual french spot in the Belden-Stratford Hotel. For food alone, I'd probably have rounded up to a 4. The service, however, was executed at a snail's (or should I say an escargot's) pace. I love the scene and if you can snag a table outside in summer, you won't be disappointed.
(3)Jessica C.
Mon Ami Gabi is actually part of a chain of restaurants located in Las Vegas, Oak Brook, IL, Reston VA and Bethesda, MD. And while you wouldn't necessarily correlate chain restaurants with great neighborhood spots, Mon Ami Gabi is the definitely an exception. The service was beyond fantastic (our waitress was constantly making recommendations that were fabulous!) and the food was so tasty. I went with my two sisters and ordered the Steak Roquefort, Skate Wing and Salmon en Croute. All of these entrees were amazing. What also stood out, perhaps among all the dishes we ate were the Sea Scallop Gratinees that came served piping hot and full of cheese, a delicious fennel cream and a tender and perfectly cooked scallop! For my full review, please read my blog post: youngfoodies.com/restaur…
(4)Joanne B.
I went here a few nights ago with my fiance and his sister. We had a 8:45 pm reservation but the restaurant was running late. This was not a big deal because we only had to wait around 10 minutes. We were seated across from these big open patio doors. Since it suddenly dropped into the 50s or 60s, we were all freezing. We asked if they could shut the doors but the were unable to do that. The food was excellent if pricey. My scallops were fresh and cooked perfectly. My fiance's steak frites was a gigantic steak with a mound of frites! These weren't your ordinary french fries though. They were like those potato sticks your mom would stick in your lunch but they were flatter, crispier, and better. Desserts were just awesome - you can never go wrong with creme brulee and profiteroles. Our server was attentive and accomodating. I admit we might have been a bit of a pain because of the door issue, but she handled it well. My fiance's sister cannot eat wheat and she made sure we had gluten-free bread at all times. This place is not the kind of restaurant I would go to regularly but it's definitely worth going on a special occasion (or when you get those little LEYE scratch-off coupons in the mail ;) ).
(4)Kevin Z.
I've been going here for the last 14 years - and have to say I have never had anything but great food and great service.
(5)Amir L.
One of my favorite French bistro in the city. Great service , great French onion and the steak bordelaise is soooo tasty!!! Worth every penny
(5)Damian C.
I've walked by Mon Ami Gabi and the Belden-Stratford hundreds of times over the past 4 years and have always wondered what world lay behind those big glass doors. All the built-up anticipation met its maker on Friday when I took the s/o here for a birthday dinner. To be honest, I was pretty glad this restaurant made it on the list of 4 choices to have a birthday dinner as I'd been looking for a reason to try this place out. I set up a reservation on OpenTable and included a note to let the staff know that there was a birthday amongst the two of us. We stopped in at 8 on Friday and the hostess led us to our table, a small two top squished in between two very animated (and awkward) tables of 4. I know they hold reservations for indoor seating, and we did have the option to take a seat outside prior to being seated, and who knew it would be unseasonably amazing weather on Friday, so it's our fault for not asking to get a roomier selection. And, to be honest, it was pretty funny listening to the one girl talk about zookeeping internships and the two guys at the other table constantly one-up each other about who was better than who. We put in an order for red wine and the baked cheese. Phenomenal. I know it's not complicated to whip up some goat cheese but it definitely filled the goat cheese void I've had for quite a while. My date ordered the filet and I, after much consideration, opted for the Steak Au Poivre (I had a peppery craving). To avoid looking like a jackass and ordering a steak medium-well, I figured I'd let loose and try medium. The timing was great and half-way through our neighbor's chat about the best locations to purchase homes in Chicago with easy access to the freeway our steaks and mound o' frites came out. Tender, juicy, perfectly seasoned, delicious, loved it. The frites were OK - a little thin and crunchy. Tasty, but would have rather had something a little more potato-y. Either way, I scarfed down the entire plate. Thankfully I was able to walk some of it off on the way home! After they cleared our plates the waiter came back out with a chocolate birthday cake and a candle to wish a happy birthday. It was pretty low-key, thankfully, because we were definitely too full to get a gaggle of staff members drawing attention to us with a loud birthday cheer. The dessert was irresistable and thankfully we were able to find a little room to gobble it up. All in all, a great night. Next time I'll go for the outdoor seating, though. Weather permitting, of course.
(4)Luke S.
I went here last night for my birthday. Joe's is my go to LEYE place and I compare all others to Joe's. I thought that we should change it up for my birthday and once again Lettuce does not disappoint. I would argue that they are the best run restaurant group in the nation. I had walked by Mon Ami Gabi at least 100 times and always said to myself "I need to try this place". We made an 8pm reservation and when we showed up they said it would be a few minutes before our table was ready. We tried to fit into the bar area, but it was small and swamped. The restaurant had a decor similar to Wildfire or Joe's. After a few uncomfortable minutes of trying to figure out where to sit, we somehow managed to wedge onto the last bar-stool and ordered a couple drinks. The bartender was friendly and knowledgeable. He recommended a wine that we ended up ordering a bottle of at our table. After 10ish minutes we were seated. Our server was good, but I can't say he was gushing with personality. Maybe I'm spoiled by Frankie (Joe's), but I guess the service was what I would expect in France. He was always looking after us to be sure we were OK, but never took the time to truly chat with us. We ordered a lot of food and it was all wonderful. The starters were escargot and french onion soup, which they split for us at no additional cost. I'm not sure if I have had escargot before, but it was a couple bites of flavorful awesomeness. I went with the Steak Frites (Blue Cheese Edition) and the lady went with the Cod. HOLY FRITES! I think they gave me 2lbs and I probably polished off 1.99lbs of it. They brought out a free desert for my birthday and we also got the creme brule which had a thicker coat of burnt sugar than any I have ever had. Overall it was a great experience.
(4)Katy O.
I have eaten at this MAG as well as the one in Oakbrook and thoroughly enjoyed myself- and my meal- both times. We came here in December before heading over to walk through the Zoolights at the LP Zoo. The place was packed (we weren't the only people who had this idea) so we were glad to have a reservation. They have an excellent french onion soup here. The steak frites is a good option and is done well here. One person in our party had the scallops, I had the fish special, someone had the chicken- and everything was great. The food is spot on and we had great service. You really do feel a bit like you are in Paris in a cozy bistro.
(4)Carly G.
I went to Mon Ami Gabi with my boyfriend and we sat outside on the patio. The atmosphere was amazing - the perfect mix of romantic, upscale, and cozy. The food was delicious!! We had the sea scallops gratinees for appetizer and then had the skate wing and steak bordelaise. Would recommend all of it!! The best part was the service...it was a nice warmish Chicago night at first, but then the temperature dropped like 10 degrees and I hadn't brought a jacket. I didn't say anything, but the waiter must have noticed I looked cold so he brought me a Mon Ami "shawl" - basically a nice clean table cloth that I could wrap around my shoulders. So nice of him!!
(5)Meg K.
My husband and I took my parents here as a thank you, and it was perfect. It was 'fancy' without breaking the bank and the service was great. Towards the end of the meal my mom tried to rob what was left of the bread (it's really gooood bread), the waiter took it much to my mom's dismay. But he brought back a whole loaf for her to bring home. It was fun. The tables are close together but neither party sitting near us were too loud. I guess that makes us the loud ones!
(4)Elle M.
Another Christmas Eve meal with the family in the books. And Mon Ami Gabi did not disappoint. There were six and a half of us (six plus high chair) tonight and everyone left happy. I had the chicken liver mousse for a starter. It came with this delicious red wine mustard that really cut through the richness of the mousse. Really a perfect pairing. I loved it. Other appetizers around the table: duck confit with lentils which was well enjoyed, and cream of parsnip soup, which wasn't even around long enough for anyone else to sample. For my main I had the beef bourguignon. I figured it's a specialty of the house, I've never had the classic preparation, I may as well. It was great. The beef fell apart in my mouth and the sauce was incredibly flavorful. As far as beef stew goes, it was a 10. The course that really wowed me was dessert, and as I went to pastry school and am pretty snobby when it comes to dessert, that's pretty surprising. As a special they had buche de noel in a chocolate-coffee preparation. I don't know how the crap they got that sponge so freaking light and fluffy, but it was incredible. My brother had the apple tarte tatin, which also surprised me. The slices of apple weren't those little thin dried out things you encounter at so many places. They were big and thick and juicy and warm and deeeeelectable. Aces on dessert, guys. For reals. The atmosphere was what I expected. Bistro-y, festive. The place was hopping, but we were very comfortable nestled in our little corner. All in all, an incredibly enjoyable Christmas Eve. Thank you, Mon Ami Gabi!
(4)Harish V.
Great straight up french food.
(4)Christina L.
My friends and I were so excited to experience mon ami gabi, that was until we waited until 10pm for our 830pm reservation. Yes, the food is standard compared to it's lettuce entertain you counterparts- which means not waiting an hour and a half. What is the point waiting for food that is sub par and staff that is stuffy and incompetent at their job? clearly this is a 50+ scene but that doesn't mean those that are 30 get terrible service. I created profile just for this moment of complaining about my experience at Mon Ami Gabi. If you want a French experience you will enjoy and not feel the need to write a negative review I highly recommend bistro campagne in Lincoln Square.
(2)Scott O.
This is the second New Years Eve in a row we have eaten there and it may become, not only a permanent NYE fixture, but may have become our favorite restaurant in Chicago. Our server, Ryan, was fantastic and extremely helpful. The Pouilly-Fuisse was marvelous. The food is perfection. I had the frisee salad, duck confit, and sea scallops and my partner had the onion soup, oysters, and escargot. Everything was exquisite. I cannot recommend this restaurant highly enough. The only thing that spoiled the evening was the closeness of the tables and being sat next to a group of people who brought 3 toddlers and 2 babies to a restaurant that is not meant for children. Remember when people used to hire babysitters?
(5)Helen H.
I was so excited to try this place since the menu for restaurant week- it looked fantastic plus all the great reviews. Overall, I was really disappointed, and probably would've given this a place 2-stars because they really did not meet my expectations; however, with an objective eye, it really is probably a 3-star place. Ambiance: nice, french- ish, tons of Seniors there... very awkward when you're 20 years younger than everyone else. Not sure about seating arrangements. I felt like i was in a Chinatown restaurant where you had to share tables. You couldn't just turn the table a little to get into the booth, you had to pull the table ALL THE WAY into the aisle to get to your seat. I also just felt incredibly uncomfortable sitting so close to others. Literally only a foot apart on both sides. My dining partner and I had very limited conversations. Service: Very nice! Our server was incredibly attentive and knowledgeable on food and recos. Food: so-so. French 75- decent, but not strong at all. Sangria- decent, again, not very strong. French onion soup- cheese was delicious, but there was something wrong with the broth.. it wasn't salty enough? I'm not really sure how soup can be bland, but it was. I'm asian, and I'm fairly sensitive to saltiness, so i extremely dislike rich and salty foods, and even i found this soup to be bland. Cesar salad- decent, again, something was off again though. not terrific, not terrible. Lemon chicken with Frites- chicken was good, tender, but nothing "wow." I loved the frites because they remind me of the super crispy fries you get at the bottom of a Mcdonald's french fry container. however, i could've gotten these for $1 instead of Mon Ami Gabi. Steak- some kind of butter, dont' remember the name. really too rich, and very buttery. The steak itself was cooked well. Mac and cheese- okay. nothing special. weird cheese layer on top. Trio Desserts- again, everything so so, nothing amazing, nothing terrible. Price: expensive for so-so food, and decent portions- nothing gigantic nor tiny. Goldilocks style, but expensive. Won't be coming back here again. restaurant week- not worth it.
(3)Anna V.
Whenever my family comes to visit we go here. It's one of the only things we can agree on. It's got a nice spot on the lake. I had a birthday dinner here once awhile ago with six people. Somehow they botched the reservation and we ended up waiting an extra 45 minutes waiting for a table. It was fine, but the staff went overboard compensating for it. Free appetizers? Sure. ALL of them. I have now tried all three cheeses - the baked brie with honey drizzle and nuts is a favorite. Good salad. Really wonderful creamy and salty mushroom soup. They also have a very good choice of wines, which is impressive, because the bottles are not overpriced. I always get the same entree here after years, and it is the steak au poivre medium rare. It is always the same: pounded-thin steak with brandy peppercorn sauce. Right amount of heat, super super tender, and sopped up with thin, flat, crispy airy potato curls that really aren't that frite-like. That same botched reservation got us dessert too. The little profiterole with a candle in it always warms me a little bit. The mousse with crispy espresso balls is the single best thing this restaurant serves, and they brought it out special in addition to the rest of the free stuff because I mentioned that I loved it. It was a 2 hour recovery for all of us afterwards, but it was one of the best. I love coming here even when it isn't over the top like that, and I have several times since. I agree with the reviewer who hates that there are kids here, but it's allowed because of who owns this place - Lettuce Entertain You is supposed to be 'family friendly,' which as a snotty and easily annoyed single person in Chicago, I sometimes resent. But LEY must be doing something right, because at all three of their restaurants I like (Osteria via Stato, Cafe Ba Ba Reeba, and here) seem to disguise the fact that they are part of this huge chain really well. Normally there is a lot of chain hostility. Including from me. But not here.
(5)John And Jen R.
This place is sooo good and you feel like you are in a Bistro in France. I always get the steak frites and then dream of it for weeks afterwards. The French Onion soup is to die for as well. I will be back for sure!
(5)Chuck B.
I've dined at Mon Ami Gabi twice and both times were very enjoyable experiences. My go-to has been the steak frite, which at $23-25 is a great deal in my opinion. Although the steak is not gigantic I have found myself very satisfied after eating it both times. A generous pile of thin, crispy fried potatoes are delicious after being tossed in the remainder of the steak juices and whatever bearnaise is left over. As a starter the warm kale, bacon and soft poached egg salad was very nice in addition to the obligatory warm French baguette and butter. Warm chocolate cake with whipped creme fraische was a perfect end to the meal and large enough to split with my choco-holic father. The service style was a little rushed for a Monday evening, but that may be attributed to the special Seder dinner that was being offered. Nonetheless, our server was attentive, kind and brief. Atmosphere was fun, energetic and noisy but not to the extent that conversation would be strained. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a mid-level priced French bistro. I will certainly be going back whenever my steak frite craving arises.
(4)Tay H.
Our dinner here turned out to be the surprise hit of my weekend! We showed up without a reservation, but were promptly seated on their cute patio (it wasn't even 6pm...we skipped lunch). The waitstaff was amazing and the food was good. I was a little disappointed with how thin the steak was, but the appetizer and desserts were great! I can't wait to return.
(4)Jimbo M.
Took the lady to Mon Ami Gabi for Valentine's Day and it proved to be a great choice. The atmosphere is fantastic, perfect for a romantic or intimate dinner. Along w/ a bottle of wine, we kicked off the dinner w/ the baked goat cheese, which I highly recommend. I decided to try something new and get the steak tartare, which was solid, but nothing extraordinary. I should have stuck w/ the filet, which is what the lady ordered, and it was delicious. The service was friendly and efficient and the dinner was a hit. Looking forward to getting back there soon.
(4)Nicki W.
It's a disgrace that my life has not included dining at Mon Ami Gabi until last week. This will be my new neighborhood spot for sure as the service, food and atmosphere were spot on. A friend and I stopped by on a Tuesday night for a laid back dinner to catch up. Our waiter was a doll and very helpful when making wine pairings to our dinners. He was attentive but also understood that we were conversing for 98% of the time and let us do our thing. For dinner I had the lovely Lemon Chicken Paillard which is considered a house favorite (and I know why!) the sauce is a buttery, lemony, garlicy dreamy creation and I finished every bite. My friend had the Scallops which she also enjoyed. Dessert was so phenomenal, I've been thinking about it the whole week. When you go, you must have the Chocolate Tart. Chocolate graham cracker crust, coffee sauce (which is YUM), and whipped cream. I consumed the entire thing. Let's just say, when I walked out of Mon Ami Gabi, my pants were not fitting properly. I was totally satisfied and I can't wait to come back and try some more of their seafood options. It's really a cute little place.
(5)Susan W.
Oh how I wish I could say OO LA LA...Tres Bien!! But, me o my how hard I try.. 1.. made a 6:30 reservation..we were placed in a dark, rear corner..asked to be moved, got a better seat in the main room. It seems 9 out of 10 times when I visit a restaurant I ask to please be moved to a better seat! My money is real guys!!! 2.. Saw our waiter very briefly three times..he was very anxious to take our order, we were not ready, once order taken we had to get attention of other waiters..staff.. 3. The steak and pomme frittes were delicious, the escargot perfect and the profitolerros, scrumcious...but for some reason, we felt a bit rushed, a bit ignored.. BUTTTTT..this is a french bistro and this may just be the flavour the ambiance that Mon Ami Gabi wishes to exude... 4. We chilled in the Beldon Strattofd lobby while waiting for our carriage..so peaceful, so old time Chicago... I like KiKi's Bistro as well.. Was on a visit from Buffalo, NY..we have nothing like this so why am I even complaining???
(4)Maj B.
As much as I want to love Mon Ami Gabi the food just never impresses me. Don't expect a noise free dining experience. This place gets loud on Fridays and Saturdays. Great service is reason enough to visit.
(3)Elise K.
Perhaps the problem was that I had carryout... I had the salmon dressed with capers. It wasn't the best salmon I've ever had, but easily close to the worst!
(2)Jackie H.
I had a great 24th birthday dinner here two weekends ago. The steak au poivre was a slice of Paris in Lincoln Park. The wine my dad wound up selecting was the perfect complement to the food, and we all made sure we left room for the profiteroles. The decor was cozy, the conversation was invigorating, and the lobby of the Belden-Stratford was the perfect bookend to a perfect evening.
(5)Meredith B.
I had a really lovely dinner here last night! There were 12 or 13 of us, yet somehow service was smooth and flawless. They were great with the wine service, our glasses were never empty! I began with the escargot, which came out piping hot and bubbling in garlic-butter sauce. The french onion soup was also fantastic, hot and gooey. Something about the bowl it was served in made the soup stay hot for 20 minutes! The butter lettuce/goat cheese/beet salad was all right, but not a standout. The beets had good flavor, but there were very few of them. Skimped a bit on the cheese as well, but it was nice and light. For my entree, my boyfriend and I split the ribeye with frites and bearnaise sauce. The steak was a great size for splitting, and it was a pretty good piece of meat! Not as good as a true "steakhouse" but it was cooked very well, a lovely medium-rare but with a nice crust on the outside. Honestly, it didn't require the bearnaise sauce. I've never had steak frites before but I got a kick out of the little crispy things - they weren't like any American style fries I've ever had. Addictively crunchy, but not terribly flavorful. Which is maybe how they are supposed to be! Creme brulee was classic, tasted just as it should. Which is delicious. And the prices are actually quite reasonable! I know it's a corporate owned place, but you don't get that feeling at all when you eat there. It feels authentic, and it's affordable! If i had a craving for French, I think I'd return here!
(4)Eliza B.
I have been here on several occassions, and have always thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I don't know which I'm more impressed with, the food or the service! Both have always been outstanding. On our most recent trip to Mon Ami Gabi, we were sat a few minutes after our reservation, and the hosts and server were very gracious and apologized for the wait- they made sure we were taken care of all night! (And keep in mind, we hadn't said anything or complained, they were just very on top of things.) The food is always incredible; fresh, flavorful, and perfectly seasoned. The wine list is great too, and I'm always impressed at their array of wines by the glass and classic cocktails. Our server Eleni was incredible. She was very friendly, extremely knowledgeable about the food and wine menus, and was very attentive. Mon Ami Gabi has that kind of unobtrusive service, where you don't realize your empty glass or plate has been cleared, or that your water has been poured, or that your new glass of wine has arrived (that's my favorite!). It was the perfect balance of friendly, outgoing, and attentive service without being overbearing or annoying (i.e., the server who wants to tell you their life story). From start to finish, we had a wonderful experience here, and can't wait to return!
(5)Robert W.
Steak frittes were great, service at bar is spectacular.
(4)Lauren B.
Charming! Five stars for the soups (French onion and vegetable), service, and desserts ( warm chocolate tart. Omg.). Four stars for the entrees- we had the trout and scallops, no complaints but not exceptional. Two stars for the cocktails. Great place to take family or go for a celebration.
(4)John G.
Always a nice treat when we got to see the Zoo lights. Great service and food. Steak good to perfection
(5)Lyn W.
This is our 3rd time at Mon Ami Gabi when we have visited Chicago. We love the atmosphere, the service and the food! Started out with French onion soup and the soup de jour - spring vegetables puree that I wanted to bath in and then our entrees: my husband a steak and I had a fish special that were both wonderful. Finished with coffee and a strawberry dessert! We will be back.
(5)Monika S.
I wanted to update my review below, as the "one off issue" that occurred below was handled very well by the General Manager, Stephanie. Though it took a few months (Stephanie was just now informed) the GM contacted me today and was sincerely apologetic for what occurred at my sister's bridal shower and immediately refunded all of my money for the event. She was very friendly and completely about customer service, and even asked that I contact her, the next time we plan to dine at Mon Ami Gabi, so that she can make sure we have a great experience. As I stated in my review below, the FOOD WAS DELICIOUS, it was the amount that was an issue for me, and now that Stephanie has rectified the situation, and has provided me with exceptional customer service, I feel I can definitely give Mon Ami Gabi another chance. Thanks Mon Ami Gabi, for taking responsibility for this issue, and taking action to fix it. I look forward to dining with you in the future!
(4)Tiff W.
I came here for Restaurant Week with my girl friends & everything was nomtastic. The restaurant itself was kind of crowded, but I can see why it's so popular. It was really cute, albeit loud and the tables were quite close together (I wouldn't come here if you wanted a quiet romantic dinner). As we were seated, we were given a loaf of warm bread, butter, and a small shredded carrot salad. Their wine list is also decent, and I had a lovely glass of Cote du Rhone. The french onion soup was absolute perfection. It wasn't too salty, and there was the right ratio of bread to cheese to soup. The portion was also giant...I didn't finish it because I was already starting to get full and I was afraid I wouldn't have room in my stomach for my steak frites (that fear was completely warranted, as it turned out). The steak frites...don't you love it when you order a steak medium rare at a restaurant and it actually comes out medium rare? You'd think that it would be easy to do, but you'd be surprised at the number of restaurants that fail to cook steak to your preferences. I digress. Anyway, the slab of meat was GIANT. The heap of frites was GIANT. They say size doesn't matter but I sure did appreciate a big ol' plate of meat and potatoes in front of me. I got my steak with the Bordelaise sauce (red wine and caramelized onions) and my only complaint was that the sauce was a little sweet for my liking, but this was completely my fault...caramelized onions are just naturally sweet. I think I'd try the peppercorn sauce next time. The fries were definitely different from what I expected...skinny and crispy. But I loved them! Unfortunately, there was absolutely no way I could finish all of my steak, let alone the fries. Dessert was a trio of creme brulee, chocolate mousse, and grapefruit sorbet. The creme brulee and chocolate mousse were amazing. The grapefruit sorbet was a little bitter and jarring after you had the other two, but after a while, it was really refreshing. I'd definitely come back to Mon Ami Gabi for their normal menu sometime!
(4)Robin M.
I love this place. I wanted to wait for a return visit before yelping just to make sure it was as lovely as I remembered the first time. It was indeed! First time went with Boyfriend for a romantic birthday dinner; it was a bit noisy but entirely manageable. The champagne was delish, the frisee and warm bacon salad my absolute favorite (topped with a poached egg); the steak and frites were so good and the desserts (crumble for me; profiteroles for him) were really great. The service was simply impeccable. It was a magical night! Took a friend the other night and she just loved it (and she's from Paris). Since I loved my meal the first time, I duplicated it. She loved the gazpacho and her steak. The wine list is quite extensive and very well chosen. We shared the bananas foster (it was huge; we dug in and still left 1/2 of it on the plate) -- the caramel and bananas were so wonderful I wanted to bathe in it. But that would be wrong. So I didn't do that. But I really, really wanted to. It can get a bit cozy in there, but as my friend said, this would be perfectly Parisian if the tables were smaller. So for all you complainers -- this is space and a half! Moving the tables for you to get into and out of is just the way it is done. Deal with it. Can't wait for an excuse to go back! Let's see: I'll go to celebrate National I Need a Poached Egg Day! Or, look, I found lint in my pocket. Whatever you decide (I'm going with lint) get thee hither to Mon Ami Gabi. It is freakin' awesome!
(5)Natalie S.
Ahhhh. Now that I've changed into elastic waisted pants so my gut has more room... I'm ready to review Mon Ami Gabi. The husband and I had some Lettuce Entertain You gift cards burning a hole in our pocket so we picked MAG. I was nervous because our usual go-tos for LEY giftcards are Cafe Ba-Ba-reeba or Wildfire. I was not disappointed. We started out with escargot. My husbands comment was "the only thing I didn't like about it was that I had to share". They were AWESOME. We were the trashy ones using the bread to scoop the remaining garlic oil out of the little cups. So be it... I can live with my shame. Next we has the French onion soup. Yum. It was sweeter than the onion soups I've had in the past but I liked it. Then came entrees. I had the steak classique. I liked it a lot... but saying it was love is excessive. It came with a tremendous amount of pomme frites and I didn't enjoy them nearly as much as some of the other reviewers. Oh well... Yeah, the tables are close together but it didn't bother us at all. It made for good people watching! Our server was friendly and thorough. I'd definitely go back... especially for the escargot!
(4)Alexis W.
Clearly has decided what it wants to do and does it very well-- DELICIOUS bread and butter precedes classic French bistro fare--esp. delicious fries and perfectly cooked steak. Delightful location, too, inside a venerable old hotel/residence in Lincoln Park. Always cozy (tho I hate that word!) and inviting on a cold night.
(3)Sean M.
Not a great French menu, overpriced, atmosphere was not romantic.
(3)Drew R.
Old school French is what I was expecting. Old school french is exactly what I got. This was the perfect place for a date night. Our server was very knowledgeable, was able to recommend a good bottle of wine to go with our food, and was very attentive. We started with the baked brie which was perfect, rind and all. It went really well with the baguette they give each table. The French onion soup was well balanced. My girlfriend and I both had the Streak Frites was bernaise sauce. I ordered mine medium rare, and the temperature was spot on. The best I've had in ages. I ended the meal with the creme brûlée, which came out perfectly. All in all it was a great experience and a perfect place for a date night. Good food, good service, and decent value for a four-course dinner with a bottle of wine.
(5)Kirstan L.
Visited during Restaurant Week and loved it! The food was wonderful, especially the trout & the beer bourguignon. But the very best part of the experience was our waiter, Sacha. He was the right amount of attentive & engaging. Plus, he was really funny!! Definitely looking forward to going back, trying some new items, & hopefully sitting in Sacha's section again!
(5)Eric B.
Great French onion soup. Warm crispy bread. Fine wine. Love the location (in my hood). The interior is pretty. I got the hangar steak bc it was cheap and someone else was paying for me and several others. Would have preferred to try something else. I had a good time and would recommend this place over bistro Margot. Less expensive and tastes the same.
(4)Grace M.
Nestled in the front of the historic Beldon-Stratford, Mon Ami Gabi is a lovely and tasteful fine dining establishment. Have eaten here numerous times, sitting both inside and out on the patio, and have loved every single minute of it! I'm a Francophile, and this food does not disappoint! Top notch, a Chicago gem! Sometimes the patio tables can be a little too close together, however, which means if you're handicapped or elderly, it can be a tad uncomfortable outside during peak hours, unless you ask for tables to be adjusted! I've had someone's elbow in the back of my head before. Otherwise, this is one of my favourite places to dine in Chicagoland, and we always manage to stop and enjoy when in town!
(5)Mike S.
Another reviewer wrote "this is a great restaurant for couples who want to be romantic and disgusting and coupley...ordering rich food, drinking red wine, and walking home holding hands. time to puke, gross-o. it was awesome." And that's pretty much a perfect synopsis of Mon Ami Gabi. There's date night and DATE NIGHT, and this is a good one to have in your back pocket for a really big night, like a birthday, anniversary, or hell, even proposing. While one should be prepared to splash the cash at this establishment, thankfully, I was able to enjoy the evening on my lovely girlfriend's dime as she brought me here for my birthday. I dare say she swept me off my feet. You can hate the cliche of the classy French restaurant on date night all you want, but Mon Ami Gabi has a great location on Lincoln Park West, a relatively small menu, but with its limited options done right, and an extensive wine list for all price levels. There's even outdoor seating in the summertime, but depending on when you go, it will be a longer wait. My only complaint is that Mon Ami Gabi MOUNDS ON the frites. I could only finish half of them after we each ordered a filet mignon and split a bottle of pinot noir, both of which were, in a word, exquisite.
(5)Bruce N.
LOVE LOVE LOVE this place. We have gone back to this place several times since we moved from NYC to Chicago. One of the consistently good places we have found and that says a LOT for Chicago. All of us had great meals. Interesting combinations, well served. great service, not a forever wait, comfortable atmosphere and was wonderful even for our kids. The only place that serves children like they were special too and not like the adults were at a nice restaurant and the kids are at McDonald's. I hate where a place treats the kids like they are eating something not so special. This place put our children's food on very nice white china divided plates that made the food look very nice. It also helped with our son who hate food touching other food. VERY NICE TOUCH! My father-in-law and I both had the scallops with butternut squash puree and brussel sprout and hazel nut saute. I was AMAZING. So So good. I highly recommend this place. You can't go wrong.
(5)Lim K.
After searching the Internet to find a restaurant nearby my daughter's place I found Mon Ami Gabi. The restaurant is located inside a luxury apartment home building. The lobby was beautifully decorated with the Christmas tree and bright lights. Soon after we were seated a loaf of French bread with butter and celery root slaw were served. My daughter and husband ordered beer. I ordered hot green tea and I liked it very much. We started off with escargot, smoked salmon, and housemade pate as appetizer. They were all tasty and delicious. As main courses we ordered sea scallops and grilled salmon with spinach salad. The sea scallops came with sautéed brussel sprouts and mashed cauliflower. It was the best tasting brussel sprouts I've ever had. We had to order an additional side dish of brussel sprouts. For the dessert we had Mille feuille of berries. It was very light and delicious. The service was excellent. We will definitely go back.
(5)Braden C.
Make sure to have a reservation but the decor and the food is worth it. Be ready to drop at least a cnote.
(4)Caroline M.
Reserve this place for an indulgent, classy evening only! I consumed an entire days worth of calories in a span of 2 hours here at Mon Ami Gabi...and it was totally worth it ('cept for the mousse...more on that later). Start off with a cocktail. They are strong. I likey! Then, order the scallops gratin--which I wasn't exactly sure how those would be....to my surprise...um...Heavenly!!! 4 scallops smothered in a rich gruyere, fennel & onion sauce & broiled till nice & caramelized. Perfection, I tell you. Since, we shared a scallop app. I couldn't get the scallop main course...so I opted for the hanger steak instead. It was unbelievably tender & full of flavor. It's rare that I would order a hunk of meat at a restaurant, since it just seems so boring, but I was feelin' adventurous (and tipsy). Highly recommend that. Plus, it happened to be their least inexpensive meat option at $18--yay! Oh, and it was served with a massive amount of addictively crispy potatoes. Their dessert menu bored me....classical French selections included--creme brulee, profiteroles, choc mousse & crepes. The mousse was just a blob of chocolate on a plate. *yawn* Save your $7; or better yet, get another drink. Girls Night Out Approved! ::stamp:: PS: Reservations are an absolute must!
(4)Jaclyn S.
The food here is delicious. The service is impeccable. The only problem with this restaurant is the same problem with a lot of restaurants these days - and that's asking couples on a Saturday night to sit in what I would consider pretty intimate seating next to families with children. I'm sorry - but kids have no place at Mon Ami on a Saturday night. Or, if you are going to welcome children, don't seat those families at banquette tables next to people who are clearly out to enjoy a nice - maybe even romantic - evening together. Listening to kids squabble over the green crayon while their parents drink martinis and ignore them is a total mood killer, Mon Ami...
(4)Kathryn R.
It's mid August now and the evenings are balmy and romantically soft near the lake at night. This place is just a couple of blocks from the water in a lovely upscale neighborhood with valet parking ($12) and a large patio outside under the stars. I spent a leisurely 40 minutes waiting for a table (it was very busy this night) with a glass of very good wine "people watching", absorbing the lively buzz in the restaurant and relaxing into the atmosphere which is fun French at its best. I had six fresh oysters and wished I'd ordered 12. The "Petite Salad Maison" was a little too petite for me so I wished I'd ordered the Caesar which is "grande". I eat my salad with my meal or afterwards, a kind of "digestif" and fresh counterpoint to the meat and potatoes. House steak medium rare is to be savoured. Luckily there is a mound of good frites (thin and crisp fries) to pick over. Very good. A meal is an experience in life. We have good and bad experiences. Mon Ami Gabi is a little like a trip to Fouquet's on the Champs Elysee here in Chicago. Go on vacation and have a meal!
(5)Kristal R.
INCREDIBLE food!!! Escargot, mussells, and scallops are a must!!
(5)Eric G.
The Bad: This place is cramped. Really cramped. Move the table to sit down, hope you don't have to pee otherwise it will be a production kinda cramped. Because so many people were packed in such a small space it got noisy. We were sat next to the bar and it had a very "bar" atmosphere because of it. Our portions were inconsistent. 3 of our party ordered the special (monkfish). I received the monkfish, clump of basil, and a few small bits portion. The man sitting across the table from me received the monkfish and no bits portion. The woman sitting across from me received the monkfish, potato, and squash awesomeness. The Good: The hostess was friendly and welcoming. They had a nice selection of wine. The waitress was friendly and never rushed us. My water glass was never empty. The food was good. Gluten free options! Overall: It felt like a rehabbed bar that was trying very hard to be upscale dining. The inconsistent portions really put us off. We will be eating around the corner next time.
(2)Victor M.
I was here for a friend's birthday and I couldn't finish my entree (Steak Classique) and neither did the other guest at my table. Why? We began our French cuisine with Escargots de Bourgogne, Country Style Pâté, and Mussels Marinière... with Fresh Hot French bread.. We got.. many loaves. Because the sauce was that good and it requires lots of dipping! Frites are fresh cut fries and my steak was a smashed skirt steak cooked to perfection; medium rare. Dessert was passion fruit sorbet and a cobbler that i vaguely remember. Staff is very helpful and courteous. Note: Clientele - seniors having a good time and couples on fancy dates. So dress attire? Business casual+; dont be like me with a pair of jeans and a pair of new balances that's been waiting to be replaced for two years..
(5)Mark M.
My girlfriend and I went to Mon Ami Gabi for a nice Valentine's Day dinner. Located right across the street from the Lincoln Park Zoo (which we conveniently explored before dinner), Mon Ami Gabi has an extremely authentic French feel. I'd know, I spent a semester in Paris. The restaurant is at the bottom of a fancy hotel, the same hotel that hosts the very famous L2O restaurant. The food was great. I got the beef bourgogne. The beef was so tender and the red wine sauce had a great flavor. I wasn't a huge fan of the ham in the dish though but overall it was very enjoyable. The scallops we got as an appetizer were incredible! Oh and I almost forgot! The chocolate mousse was some of the best I've ever had. It had the perfect mousse texture and chocolatey flavor and came with these delicious chocolate covered rice crispies on top. For a very French dining experience in Chicago, check out Mon Ami Gabi. Best of all, the prices were very reasonable. An appetizer, salad, beer, two entrees and a dessert came out to around $70.
(4)Jessica Y.
I went here for my birthday on the recommendation of a friend who is a foodie like me, so I knew I couldn't go wrong! It was a very enjoyable evening with great friends and food! The restaurant is a bit small and when it gets crowded, there isn't too much room to move around and gets loud, but the food makes up for it! We ordered a few appetizers including the Chicken Liver Mousse (a must have!), Escargots de Bourgogne (the sauce pretty much masked the taste of the snails) and Sea Scallops Gratinées, which were wonderful! For the main course, I ordered one of the steaks and it was served just as I ordered - cooked to a medium. I've had better hand cut frites, but they weren't too bad. Pair it with a French Martini and you're good to go! No one ordered dessert, but I was given a Profiteroles as my birthday cake and it was delicious! Recommended!
(4)Amanda C.
My mouth is still watering from my dinner here. I went during restaurant week and had predicted this would be a pretentious and stuffy restaurant, but it far exceeded my expectations in atmosphere and food. We had a reservation for 7:30 and were seated about 7:40, but it was very easy to wait in the lobby of the Belden-Stratford (not a bad place to have to wait) and someone came to find us when the table was ready. We had a great server- super friendly, not overly attentive, and had some good jokes. I think his name was Don? The cocktail menu has a lot of great French options. I had the French 75, which contrary to another review, I thought was very strong, and I like strong drinks. The wine cart is cool because you can just order by the glass out of that. We started off with some crispy baguettes with butter and lentil salad. From the prix fixe menu for restaurant week, I ordered escargots (they make them here with pesto- and the sauce is great for dipping the bread) and Steak Frites with Bernaise sauce. My friends ordered their steaks cooked differently and all of them were cooked perfectly according to what we asked for. Next time I would ask for a variety of sauces- one of us ordered the Brandy Peppercorn and it was also very good. I think red meat is the way to go here. One of our group ordered salmon which was good, but clearly not their specialty. Frites are great and they will bring you ketchup upon request. Onto the desserts: o.m.g. Chocolate mousse, mango sorbet, and creme brulee. The creme brulee had the perfect torched crust on top and it was probably one of the most delicious desserts I have ever had in my life. I would go back to order an entire bowl of this. The restaurant is very cozy with dark colors and the bar in the middle. When a big group left I noticed they play jazz music. You can easily valet a car and it takes them all of about 2 minutes to retrieve it. Such a great experience- definitely recommend for restaurant week or anytime.
(5)Melissa H.
I must say the Yelpers threw me for a loop on Mon Ami Gabi. There wasn't much French food actually on the menu. It was more of a steak house with French sauces dumped on top. If you didn't want steak and fries or a salad, you had maybe 3 other options. Now I will get over the fact that the menu isn't in French, because we are in Chicago, but there is no reason why there isn't much actual French food on the menu. Their menu IS posted on their website; I'd recommend you check it out before you go if you're a French food regular. Some other issues; parking is difficult here if you are intent on driving. It cost me $18. Service was very slow; we were stuck there for over 2 hours, most of it spent waiting for our server to return to our table. Also, we had reservations for a birthday party, but when we got there, we still had to stand outside the restaurant and wait for a table. Tables were CRAMMED together; I couldn't get up to go to the bathroom from our round table without the person next to me having to get up and let me through. Take the other positive reviews into account, but please also heed my warnings...
(2)Richie D.
I'm always skeptical when giving a large restaurant chain like Lettuce Entertain You a chance. Yes, the recipes are next to perfect, but is the quality and service just as good? I'm no longer in the suburbs, so why not go to one of the thousands of other local restaurants?? Well I figured I'd give it a shot once I was able to pronounce Mon Ami Gabi (I'm a Spanish speaker, I'm worthless when it comes to French). First off, be sure to make a reservation on OpenTable because this place seems to always packed. We were stuffed in this small room with a large, boisterous party which was the only downfall. Thankfully the waitress apologized several times and was lovely. I love pre-fixe menus and they happened to have one for Restaurant Week. I went "All French" by ordering the Onion Soup Au Gratin, Steak Frite Classique, and Chocolate Mousse. Instead of a three-course meal, it's actually a four-courses because of the fresh, long baguettes they serve with olive oil. The French Onion soup was spectacular, not too salty and plenty of soaked bread and bubbly cheese. Moving on to the main entree, the steak was perfectly cooked as I like it with just the right amount of juice. I ordered the Classique-style with maître d'hôtel butter because I wanted to taste the true steak flavor versus peppercorn, onions or cheeses like the other style options. I'm glad I chose to do it this way. The frites are curly shoestrings, my fav! Then the Chocolate Mousse dessert was spectacular. It filled up a clear glass Mason jar with plenty of mousse and these crunchy chocolate beads that were delish. Even after an entire jar I wanted more. I take back what I said about chains, even though I prefer to support a local, family owned restaurant with my money. Mon Ami Gabi is a great choice if you're looking for a spot-on good meal (they got it down pat) in a great location being within the gorgeous Belden Stratford Hotel facing the Lincoln Park Zoo & Nature Conservatory. They also have a fairly lengthy Gluten-Free menu since most of their items are meat.
(5)James K.
We go here for special events, graduations, etc. We also take all our out of town friends to Mon Ami. Great french bistro, fun cuisine. The wines by the glass are a special treat. One of us likes reds, the other whites. The only place we have every been in the US that offers Chateau neuf de Pape by the glass!
(5)Annie N.
It has been a while since I wined and dined here - and it has taken me that long to compose this review. No worries - my memory is not scattered. I simply could not throw couple words together to describe the incredible time I had here - but here it is: Apetizer: The Escargots - don't be grossed out by snails, definitely DON'T google their image before the meal. they're full of protein (I think??) - and even if they're not, Mon Ami Gabi makes them so good that you mostly taste the garlic sauce, not the snail itself. I could eat this appetizers for dinner, but sadly there were only a few. However, they have complimentary bread that tasted amazing when dipped in this sauce. French Onion soup came in huge portion - unfortunately I didn't get to taste it :( Main dish: of course the steak and fries are fabulous. My two friends both got it, and their plates looked amazingly good. I really like the fries served with it - thinner cut and very crispy. I personally don't like a big piece of meat - so I ordered a beef bourguignon. It was delicious, perfectly done. The portion was on the bigger size but I finish everything without hesitation. Desert - perhaps the best part. We got the chocolate mousse, creme brulee and mango sorbet. Need I say more? I tried to eat them as slowly as I could to taste everything and to savor the last moment of an amazing meal. The service was excellent - we did not have any issues from the beginning to the end. Waiter was extremely polite and attentive. The place was a little bit too cramped, and that's the only complain I have. Will definitely come back here again soon.
(5)Patricia S.
We planned on eating outside but due to threatening weather patio was closed so we ate inside. We asked for table by window (several were free....we had a 5:30 reservation). We were told that all of those were being held for people who had requested a window table when thy made their reservation. When we left by 7:00 all of these tabes remained free.
(3)Jay n.
I sure was expecting more from a LEYE restaurant. The location / building is really neat - right across from Lincoln Park in an old hotel/condo building....old school, first class all the way. The restaurant however, is crammed into a pretty small space. The bar area is very small, seats only a few people, so there is really no room to stand and wait, or have a drink while waiting for a table to open. We had a reservation for 12 people for 8pm on a Saturday, and probably waited about 15 minutes. We were seated in the back room, which was quaint but crowded. The place was HOT......very, very HOT. The kitchen must have been right behind my seat.....because it was uncomfortably HOT....even the women were complaining. Food was OK. My hanger steak was good, but the 'frites' part of the meal.....terrible. Really, you can't even get french fries right in a french restaurant? Overall, a very unremarkeble experience. One order finally made it out by the time most of us were finished - a steak. Waiter said he would comp that, but then decided to bring a bunch of deserts to the table, and not comp the steak. (this after we brought our own cupcakes to be served for desert, as we were celebrating a 40th birthday). Again, poor communication. Got the bill, and had to ask if they could add the gratuity for us, since we had a large party and it would be easier when splitting up among 6 credit cards......they said 'sorry, we can't do that'. What? You can't add gratuity to table of 12 ? That's SOP anywhere else. Over the years I've come to expect a great experience at most LEYE restaurants, they really get it right. Mon ami Gabi on the other hand did not live up to that standard, and we won't be coming back any time soon. Two (2) Stars is a very generous rating.
(2)Matthew M.
We love our French food and this restaurant definitely had all the right elements to fulfill our French appetite. Mon Ami Gabi is a cute French bistro located in a hotel. It was crowded before we arrived to after we left. The tables are close together and it is very cozy. The service was good. We were seated at a table that was right in the middle of the action, so we got bumped by a few of the guests. Our waiter offered us great suggestions and the menu. The French Onion soup was sweet and very tasty! The Steak Frites with Roquefort cheese sauce is a must have! The steak was tender and the sauce was flavorful. For dessert the Creme Brulee was good and one of the best ones that I have had. Overall, this was a great dinner and I'm looking forward to coming back.
(5)Chris C.
Their steak frites are still amazing. During my last visit, I also had a bowl of their sweet potato soup which was out of this world! I don't care if they are a chain because they are off the chain!
(5)Erika G.
Went here last night for my birthday. Still a sexy, charming, cute, delicious (as was my dining companion) little boite with reliably great French bistro food. I always seem to think of this place when I'm undecided about where else to go. Casual and unpretentious, yet still chic and French in feel. Steak Dijon - steak with mustard! Brilliant. Mouth watering! Dishy co-diner had Steak Bernaise - MON DIEU! We needed a walk after those steaks 'cos it was impossible not to devour them entirely. The Salade Maison to start is perfect - the vinegarette dressing just the way I like it - and is large enough to share. We got a delicious birthday creme puff with ice cream in it gratis 'cos of my birthday - be sure to mention if you are celebrating. I've been here more than once for something and always got a comp. The interior has always been irresistible to me - Chic, small, low lighting, glamorous tables. The bar is just great - if I lived in the Belden-Stratford I would surely be a Degas painting in no time and would have my "regular" booth. Something that bugged me, but this has nothing to do with the quality of the dining experience otherwise. WHO WEARS GYM SHOES OUT TO DINNER, I ASK YOU?!! People! Have SOME style and attempt to be chic when dining out! I have successfully erased the bad mojo about this place mentioned in my previous reviews. Ommmm!
(4)Veronica B.
It was a wonderful dining experience! My boyfriend and I had always wanted to go so I took him there for his graduation. The server we had was not only helpful with her suggestions but made our first experience there memorable. I definetly will go back.
(5)Jennifer J.
Yummy French food. I really heart this place and love their food and specialty drinks. I think one of the perfect date night dinners is: mussels, crusty French breas, French onion soup loaded with gueyre, a couple of cocktails followed by a shared dessert...All at Mon Ami Gabi. This place is romantic and warm feeling. I definitely like the layout of the place and last time I went we got a cozy and cute little booth table out of the way from the hustle and bustle that is any restaurant. Love their French martini. I can easily have two of those. Their mussels are great and they give you extra bread to get all of the juices. (Isn't that usually the best part?!) French onion soup is a must at any French restaurant you go to and theirs won't disappoint. My bf really loves this place and likes to go here on our more occasional upscale date nights. Overall, count on good service and good food if you come here. The crowd is usually a mixture of people in their 60s and the mid 20s-30s range and for me, that usually equals delicious food.
(5)Trish P.
Not even 1 star ... I disagree with all the positive reviews. We met friends for dinner last night. I had the roasted chicken and frites. The chicken was good, the frites were dry and over cooked. My husband had a paper thin steak along with dry over cooked frites. He did not like it either. We won't be back. If you want French cuisine - head to either Bistro Margot or Le Bouchon ... 100% better AND worth every $$$!
(1)Susan M.
I love Mon Ami Gabi. The food is always well prepared and beautifully presented. The cocktails are superior. And the service is impeccable.
(5)Jeff K.
We made a last minute reservation for 7PM the other night on Open Table. No problem. Made our way to the Belden Stratford hotel and wandered into Mon Ami Gabi. A very nice little setting, our waiter was very helpful. We each had a glass of house wine, my wife had the Cote Du RHone and I had the Burgundy. He provided information on the daily specials, and gave us 15 minutes to decide. Normally, I would think that was too long, but we enjoyed our time together after a long day. The couple next to us spoke French to each other, and made away with an extra loaf of the baguette in her big purse. Very smart. The waiter brought a sample of the chestnut soup for us, which was quite nice of him. And it was delicious. Pam ordered that as an appetizer and also had Steak Frite Au Poivre. I ordered the Steak Frite Roquefort. Quite simply, it was the best Steak Frite we've ever had. We were very happy, not too full, and enjoyed our leisurely walk back to the apartment. This is a great take on a classic French bistro, and we can't wait to get back to try something new.
(5)Hans H.
Steak frites?! I'm there. Yeah, meat and starch is quite the french thing, so sorry if you wanted veggies, but I'm here for the protein. Went here for a friend's birthday, and had the steak frites with the peppercorn sauce (forget the french name) medium-rare, with the soup of the day new england clam chowder. Some others had the special, the chicken....ermm....darn, forgot what it was called, but it was browned and then braised in a cast iron pot in its own juices. Wonderful flavor there. All great, presentation wonderful. It's a pretty packed space though and you definitely need reservations. I saw at least 2 couples get turned away at the door. And, mention someone's birthday and they get dessert!
(4)Linda C.
We were here 2 weeks ago. This restaurant is in the Belden-Stratford Hotel. We were seated immediately with a reservation. Each table was given a fresh loaf of just baked French bread and great butter. Each table also got a carrot salad on the house. We started with the mussels(mussels mariniere)--very juicy. We were soaking up the juice with the bread. We had the Steak Bordelaise and the Steak Bearnaise. Both came with the lightest pommes frites--so good and airy. We finished with the cream puffs (profiteroles) and coconut sorbet (sorbet du jour). The food was excellent. I am taking a star away because I have to ask our waiter twice for the dessert menu and three times to get the check.
(4)bill s.
Great food, great service, well worth the wait and price!
(5)Jamie R.
this place is great! I highly recommend it. The food was obviously outstanding. I recommend the scallops for an appetizer. The location and atmosphere of the restaurant is great. It was very nice but also comfortable. What I loved most, though, was the outstanding service. The waiter was extremely friendly and genuine and really gave us a great experience. Definitely check this place out! Also, forgot to mention, they are very reasonably priced!
(5)Rachel H.
I came here for an awesome friend's bday and loved my prime rib special and sweet potatoes au gratin. The escargot was delicious and the shrimp cocktail looked as if it were on steroids...delicious ones. There was a corking fee for the champagne we brought and also a fee for the bday cake we brought but I'm not gonna be a whiny ass about it like some of the party guests. What do you expect? I'll be coming back here to get points on my Lettuce Entertain You card. EDIT I returned for my own birthday and tried more delicious goodies including the french onion soup which was a little on the sweet side, and the steak frites with red wine sauce which I adored. Everyone enjoyed the food from the beef wellington to a pork chop which sent my companion straight to night night town. Also this time, they waived the cake cutting fee! Hooray!
(5)Al T.
Awful music used that is also loud. Paper table clothes??? Tacky.
(2)Emily B.
I headed to Mon Ami Gabi DURING Restaurant Week, but not necessarily FOR Restaurant Week. Any how, the place was packed with prix fixers so I stalked the tiny bar and waited for a seat to open before posting up on a stool for the night. I started with a reasonably priced cotes du rhone and ordered the filet mignon MR with a merlot butter reduction. I requested it served with au gratin potatoes and French cut green beans instead of the "signature fries" that came with it. This was the Good Call of the century, however they are a little weird about substitutions because that was the side that was supposed to go with the special of the night (pepper-crusted ribeye), and there were only apparently a set amount allotted. I thought that was strange, but they accommodated me and my cheesy potato needs. Everything came out perfectly, I mean that in regards to both flavor and timing. The steak was a solid medium rare and the sauce on it was delicious, even though I could eat a filet with just a little S&P. The sides were also done without a flaw. You know, last week I ate at the Chicago Cut house and spent 3 times what I did at Mon Ami, yet I liked Mon Ami 3 times better. Go figure. I finished the meal with a total foodgasm known as the bananas foster crepe. It's a crepe the size of a burrito stuffed with vanilla ice cream, drenched in warm caramel sauce with sliced bananas all over it. I shared it with the stranger sitting next to me so as not to look like a glutton (or waste this masterpiece). Few other points: -Located in the iconic Belden-Stratford Hotel, across from L2o -A piping hot baguette served in a paper bag is sent to each table with sweet butter -There is a special every night of the week
(4)Erin K.
What a wonderful dinner we had! Unfortunately, I don't remember our servers name but he was great (semi-long brown curly hair with glasses)! I am always interested in recommendations from the servers - I mean, they're there everyday, they know what's good! - and his did not dissappoint. We started with the onion soup, which is my favorite dish in the world. It was a little weak on broth but flavor was great! We then split the scallop au gratin app. My boyfriend LOVES scallops and I just like them. This, however, was amazing! Highlight of the meal. Every step of the meal was perfect. I had never heard raving reviews of Mon Ami so went in with no expectations at all and consequently was blown out of the water! We decided to have dinner there on a whim and it turns out to have been a great decision! Can't wait to go back!
(5)Laura H.
So my husband and I decided to go here after reading all the rave reviews. We are big fans of the Lettuce Entertain You restaurants, but sadly this one was not one of my favorites. Starters: the French Onion soup which was great! Piping hot, gooey messy cheese and the perfect balance of soup/bread. I really enjoyed it. The apple, goat cheese and beets salad was also a winner. Fresh, crisp and light. Entrees: with the limited options, we both opted for the Steak Frites. I had the bernaise sauce and my husband the bordelaise (carmelized onions and red wine). Both of these were just so-so. Steak wasnt well seasoned and really did need the sauce to make it better, which should never happen. It should accompany it, but not make the meal. On the plus side, portions were huge. To finish: we shared the berry cobbler. um um good! Now, i am 6 months pregnant and have been wanting cobblers and crisps for awhile now, but this one was out of this world good. This place is a bit expensive for what youre getting, but its a fun spot for a special occasion. That being said, I probably wont be venturing back unless its just to pick up the cobbler to go :)
(3)David E.
Mon Ami Gabi was wonderful. I had a few guest from out of town and took them there the other night for the first time. A+ service and the food was great. I had the Salmon and Leek. I highly recommend. I'll def. go back!
(4)Alfonso L.
First of all, Mon Ami Gabi is a beautiful restaurant, overlooking Lincoln Park and for the holiday season, it is bedecked with amazing lighting inside and outside of the historic Belden Stratford hotel, a lovely property.. It was a bustling night and the service was better than impeccable, personable and professional in every way. The décor resembled a fin de siècle Parisian bistro on the Rive Gauche, everything so well appointed, from the menus to the open bottles of wine that were in various islands of the restaurant for servers to grab. I started the meal with a delicious tranche of country pate, and it was a marvelous display of cornichons, pearl onions and olives, and these triangled slices of pain de mie. The pate had a lot of flavor. But I much preferred taking pieces off my freshly baked individual French loaf of bread that came to my table. The bread was toothsome and wonderful, just like a mini-baguette should taste. One of the real showstoppers came next, as I ordered the warm bacon salad. Utterly genius how they melded all the distinct flavors so nicely, how they mixed the salad ---the vinaigrette into the crisp frisee leaves, and the warm lardons (bacon cubes), and of course, the perfectly poached egg that, when cut, just oozed more yolky richness into the already stellar salad. This is something that is truly authentically French and is not only a mainstay on all French bistro menus, but it's an excellent starter to any substantial meal. I decided to go with one of Mon Ami Gabi's specialties, which are the steaks. Since I couldn't decide which sauce I wanted to accompany my steak, béarnaise or bordelaise, my efficient server David suggested that they just bring out both sauces. Both were good, of course, but I was partial to the béarnaise because it was so decadently rich. The caramelized onions in the bordelaise were just a tad sweet for my taste buds at that moment. The steak? Like butter soft. Like a large portion, almost pounded out, but having loads of beefy flavor and I'm glad I ordered it medium. The dish sang so much that it really didn't seem like it was a huge steak slab like those you'll find at other behemoth Chicago steakhouses like Harry Caray's or Ditka's. If it's thick grub that you want, Fred Flintstone-style, then this probably isn't your place. But I guarantee that you'll have an extremely substantial and rich and flavorful steak. I actually didn't mind the fries, but I admit these aren't the shoestring-style, thin "allumettes" that you'll find in French restaurants. What they were were almost flattened thin potato crisps, not chips because they did taste like French fries. They were good, so do not misunderstand. I eschewed the ketchup that David offered to bring me, preferring to dip the fries in the béarnaise sauce. It is a testament to the flavor dexterity of the chef that I never once had to add any seasoning to my entire meal. That's how good it was. The dessert was just as marvelous. I ordered the chocolate profiteroles, served as a giant pair, smeared with rich chocolate sauce and with two globes of Haagen Dazs vanilla ice cream. Normally I find that when the profiteroles are served this way, they become dense and hard to eat. These were soft and easily sumptuous, a perfect end to the meal. Finally, a glass of the Beaujolais Villages, a crisp red, complemented the meal and left me very happy to say that I had an outstanding French meal in a beautiful part of Chicago
(5)K B.
I went here for restaurant week, the 4th restaurant week dinner over a 7 day period. I must admit, I had the lowest expectations for this meal, however it ended up being maybe my favorite restaurant week experience. I had the steak frites with Steak Bearnaise sauce, and it was beyond killer. I mean, somehow with my spoon I managed to clean my bowl of literally every last drop - it really looked like someone had rinsed the bowl off.
(4)Julia G.
I must admit, my first experience at this little French bistro was NOT pleasant. I was so close to the table beside me that I nearly felt like they were sitting on my lap, the steak was too chewy and I nearly spit 1/2 of it out (sorry if I'm being too explicit), and the company I was with didn't help. On a positive note, my friend who absolutely loves this place convinced me to give it a 2nd chance. Since I live 1 block away, I was inclined due to the sheer convenience of the location. So, I said yes and that's what prompted this positive review. I ordered fish this time---excellent choice for someone like me who prefers lamb over steak, we sat in the back and had a lot more room, and the company was excellent. We shared their fish special and another fish which was on the menu. The bread they served was nice and warm and once we ate through 1/2 of it, they brought us more... The Beaujolais wine was excellent. My only reason for giving this place a 3 versus a 4 is the space issue. Since its small, you feel a little cramped. If you are looking for a small and intimate spot, I would recommend this place but it's not good for big groups.
(3)Laura B.
Love the restaurant, we frequent the location in Las Vegas often. The food was spectacular as usual, the service left a lot to be desired. Our waiter Mark made the experience underwhelming. He was inattentive and forgetful, extremely frustrating. Tainted the overall experience.
(3)Erika O.
Delicious and not pricey!!! Cozy place, awesome food and starters!
(5)Vince S.
Had a great meal with awesome service. My wife loved the Butter salad with Apples and Beets. Our steaks were excellent and well-prepared (hers the Steak Classiq, mine the Steak Au Poivre). But the standout aspect of the evening was our waiter's service. Clearly, David loves his job, knows his menu and his winelist, and is able to connect with his customers! He gave credit to the Manager, Stephanie, for setting the tone. Clearly, they've got a good thing going. We will be back!
(5)Dave S.
I don't know who Gabi is but this place is definitely my friend! Date night with the wife is something I always look forward to especially when good food is involved. Having a ton of LEYE gift cards laying about we decided on Mon Ami Gabi as it was one of the few LEYE restaurants we had yet to try in the City. We started with escargot. SUPERB!! I wish I had a straw for the garlic herb sauce in which these delicious former snails were swimming!! The complimentary baguette made for a suitable vehicle for said juices. My only complaint was having to share with my wife and the melancholy that swept over me when we slurped up the last remaining drop. Next, French onion soup. Arguably my wife's and my personal favorite soup. It was hot, well balanced, and a sizable portion. A bit sweeter than most I've had in the past but that didn't stop me from inhaling it like my last breath of fresh air. Unlike what I would have done at a Chinese restaurant, I resisted lifting the bowl to my lips and drinking what little evaded my spoon. Steak Roquefort. Sublime. Tender. Creamy. The only thing that would have made it better... less pomme frites. Yes; less. Although the fried potatoes were delicious they swarmed the plate and interfered with each attempt to cut into the main attraction, Steak Roquefort. The steak was outstanding but next time I'll go with the mashed potatoes or another vegetable all together. Dessert is typically a must when creme brulee is on the menu; however, this particular night we planned poorly and reached belly capacity before the last course could be enjoyed. We will definitely save room for the brulee next time. I did see several delivered to other tables and the burnt top looked smooth, caramel-y, and crispy unlike many other places that have spots of black and cream with uneven browning. It's not a question of will we go back but rather a question of when. Mon Ami Gabi is mon ami!
(4)Michael S.
The place does not disappoint. Scallops and escargot appetizers: butter laden delights. Steak Dijon, rare; Skatewing tender and both perfect. The Chopin martinis were perfect, too; even smoother than and not the Grey Goose I'm sure my dining partner was sure she was drinking (I ordered them when she was in the W.C.) And it didn't hurt any that our waiter was a former Pump Room captain from my Maitre D' days. It was fun to see him and catch up. NO complaints about the comp'd round, of course. So, the service was awesome. But it would have been anyway. Given that on balance Lettuce Entertain You has elevated the duo of great themes and average food to a high art form, this place and the Lettuce Folks deserve high praise.
(5)Kathy L.
This place is a WIIIINNNNNEEEERRR!!! The service here was amazing, the waiter even had a french accent to match the french food. I judge any place that gives out free bread on the quality of their bread. The bread alone would get this place 5 stars...and their butter is awesome! On top of the bread, tried the escargots, mussels, steak with peppercorn sauce and chicken. There wasn't anything that didn't make me give a Rachel Ray "MmMMmmmm this is so good, you have to try it." Bottom line - great food, great service, and great atmosphere.
(5)Rick R.
I've been coming here for ages since it was even Un Grande Cafe. Food is exceptional and service cant be beat. Steak Frites are always a hit and seafood also fresh and delicious.
(5)Cindy G.
My absolute favorite restaurant of all time, end of story. My top menu picks are the escargot, French onion soup, steak Roquefort (with a pinot noir), and the bananas foster.
(5)Binal M.
This was my first time at this restaurant with my girlfriends. On a Wednesday night they had about 30 mins wait time which we never expected but reasonable as we didn't have a reservation. The service was great, they made sure we had ordered and checked on us on timely manner. The food came right on time and was hot. I order a grilled Salmon with Spinach Salad and it was cooked to perfection. The dressing was really nice & fresh pepper on top made all the difference.My friends loved their Pepper seared Ahi Tuna Salad & mussels marienere. The mussels were huge and garlicy. I loved their serving size unlike any french restaurant they were huge. We couldn't even finish our salads let alone the entrees which we never ordered. We ended up spending just about $20/person which wasn't bad al all. Will surely be back with my hubby.
(5)Jen S.
o mon dieu, i love this place. to start with, there are fantastic gluten-free options. AND FRENCH FRIES. delicious little frites in a huge pile and YUM into the mouth they go. their steaks are divine, even if you don't pick the choicest and most expensive cut of meat. the herb butter is great, too. their scallop dish is also super-delicious. AND ORDER LIKE TWO DESSERTS. the chocolate mousse is divine but i really, really love the chocolate pudding cake with the salted creme caramel. beyond that, the servers are wonderful people, and the atmosphere is nice and fancy, yet comfortable. it feels like you're out for a ritzy dinner but you don't go broke paying for it. best of all worlds. in my bellay. i would go weekly if i could :)
(5)Absolutely phenomenal food, world-class service. I visited with two friends and we were treated so well. The service was attentive and friendly without being pushy, and the food was truly exquisite. Bizarrely, the highlight was not even a French dish a creamed corn risotto which was utterly magnificent. The food is on the pricey side, as you'd expect for fine French cuisine, but it is worth every cent.
(5)Jackie A.
My steak was really dry and the service was extremely slow... All together I doubt I would go back
(3)mark s.
Consistently Excellent. Pros: high quality food and service Great ambiance - feels and tastes like a real European Bistro. Outdoor cafe one of the best in the city. Staff are very professional, efficient and friendly. Free warm baquettes with butter. Try to stop at one, but they will bring more no charge. Cons: Dining room can be loud. Overall: One of my favorites in Chicago or the world.
(5)Angela B.
As usual, I had a great dining experience here on Saturday. We put our name in around 7:30 which gave us time to check out Zoo Lights at the Lincoln Park Zoo. We returned an hour later and our table was ready. The cozy, warm atmosphere and good energy was exactly what we were looking for. We had the Butter Lettuce & Honey Apple Crisp salad, Lemon-Thyme Seared Salmon, Trout Grenobloise, and Bananas Foster Crêpe for dessert. It was all excellent. Our server was friendly, attentive, and great when I asked for some recommendations. You really can't go wrong here.
(5)Jennifer E.
I co-hosted a baby shower here during the day on a Saturday. The brunch menu was awesome (great quiche, and amazing french toast) and the price was great for a group of people. It made a huge difference that we didn't have to clean or cook ourselves. We were able to put up some decorations and have a great gift table. And since they are not open during the day, we had the whole restaurant to ourselves with our own server. She was great. Also the punch was delicious! You can't have a shower without good punch.
(5)Spencer J.
Amazing!! been here here twice and it might be my favorite restaurant in Chicago. Highly Recomended!!
(5)Erin M.
I have been dying to try Mona Ami Gabi for some time now as I always pass the elegant Lincoln Park Location on my way home from work. I decided it would be the perfect venue for my birthday celebration. The restaurant area was quite small and the tables were pretty close together, however, the food was so amazing, I hardly noticed. I started off the meal with Escargots de Bourgogne. While this appetizer was tasty, I have had much better escargot at various other restaurants - I would not recommend them here. I happened to go on a Wednesday and elected their Plats Du Jour for my main course; Burgundy Braised Beef Bourguignon. This was a little slice of heaven. I loved how the noodles came first and the wait staff slowly poured over the stew like entre tableside. The beef was so tender and flavorful; my mouth is watering just thinking about this meal. A must if you dine here on a Wednesday. Everyone else in my party thoroughly enjoyed their entrees as well - this is French done right.
(4)Mark C.
Incredible food, incredible service, every single time. Great authentic French food. The steak frites are as good as they get. The Lincoln Park location is very cozy and tables in the back make it a relaxed dining experience. The service and expertise of the entire staff was impressive. I haven't had a bad meal here, and enjoy having both new dishes and old favorites.
(5)Kelly A.
Excellent service and food. My friend and I both have good allergies, and they could not have been more helpful. We even got gluten free bread! We both had the Dover sole special. Amazing. Our waitress, Molly, was outstanding. She really went above and beyond for us!
(5)Lesley A.
L'experience a Mon Ami Gabi n'est pas le meilleure, parce que j'ai diner au France. J'ai beaucoup des expectations pour l'ambience, la cuisine et j'ai voir un garcon qui parle le Francais. Mais, je ne les ai rien recevoir! My French is rusty, but the gist is, I expected more from Mon Ami Gabi. It was my first time trying French food in Chicago, and was spoiled by having French food - in France. To me, I see French food as being about rich flavors and sauce, none of which I experienced here. I was also looking forward to dining in a French restaurant where I could perhaps speak to a waiter in French. Nope, the waitstaff and ambiance of the restaurant were very much Chicago steakhouse with its dark woods, dim lighting and definitely English speaking waitstaff (aside from the most awkward moment where one of the waitstaff misinterpreted our request for another plate...instead bringing us two full loaves of bread and extra butter. For five of us we had four full loaves of bread!) I tried escargot for the first time, and it was delicious, though not something I would get on a regular basis. I think people are so enamored with the escargot here because it's doused in butter. For my entree I tried the non-steak option most Yelpers fawned about: Roast Chicken & Frites (grandmere style, mushrooms, bacon, pearl onions). It didn't blow me away. The chicken skin had a nice crispness, and the frites were something different as they coated my entree. I've reached a point where fried potatoes are simply, fried potatoes. I was even more disappointed that they didn't offer ratatouille. I've wanted to try ratatouille for quite some time now. In fact, their menu looked more like a Chicago steakhouse (look at their side vegetable menu. Garlic spinach? Pommes puree a.k.a mashed potatoes? I don't think so). Sauvez votre l'argent pour un autre restaurant.
(2)George K.
The location is great since it's Lincoln Park Zoo adjacent and guess what? I love the zoo! That being said, the restaurant was really nice and while Lettuce Entertain You hasn't really let me down, it's never overwhelmed me either. Dragon and I both got steaks, she went with the Ribeye special while I had the Filet Merlot. The steaks were well-cooked and the sides were nice. Again, nothing that really set it apart from any other steak. The highlight was a lava chocolate cake dessert with vanilla ice cream. It was a great way to finish things off and since it was January 1st, New Year's Resolution lasted all of about 18 hours. Well done! I'd recommend as a nice night out, but wouldn't if you are wanting to get a Chicago experience instead.
(3)Dan D.
As far as good country-style French cuisine, Mon Ami Gabi is one of my favorites in Chicago. The serving sizes are large - you get a lot for your money. The food is exquisite and top-quality through and through. The wine selection is extensive and simply HUGE. The atmosphere is classic and relaxed. Finally, the location is amazing - a stroll across the street for the Lincoln Park Zoo. That sums it up! My favorite used to be the Braised Shortribs (offered only on wednesdays now...) --- super tender, no need for knives. Now, I love the fish selections on the menu. The Thyme-seared Salmon was great! Highly recommended.
(4)Tal C.
Came here for restaurant week with a couple of friends, and enjoyed it. We all got steak frites (mine had the Bordelaise sauce: caramelized onions and red wine). The frites were a bit soggy, and I would have like a bit more flavor (a sauce to dip them in would have been nice). We also started out with mushroom soup and caesar salad- both pretty good. Overall, this place is cute, food is good, and the warm french bread at the beginning is amazing. A tad pricey for what you get though.
(4)M J.
I went to Mon Ami in the summer of last year. We sat outside had two fillets m. that were just about ok (they have some kind of a sweet sauce for the fillets and I am def. not a fan of sweet with my entree). I had to flag someone down for pepper... our waiter was just not there .... at all. He came when we were done and asked " was it ok?" we asked for the manager and complained. Our dinner was free yet we still left a $100.00 (the cost of dinner) tip for the manager... we just wanted her to realize that service is horrible! I went back to mon ami for drinks and dessert just recently. Dessert was wonderful. The french martinis were amazing. This time the service was great. I found out that the owner of Mon Ami is the same as the owner of Cafe Babareeba. I think I may go back ....... just not with such high hopes. The crowd is definitely older, but the atmosphere is great. It's crowded, but in a cute way - as you would expect from a French establishment.
(2)Kristin M.
So in terms of the food, I would actually only give this place three stars. The service is what gained Mon Ami an extra star. I see that some other people complained about the service, but we had a stellar waiter, I believe his name was Cal. He made an excellent wine recommendation, when the hubs ordered a pricey glass of champagne he gave it to us for the price of a less expensive glass, and brought out extra house made hot fudge sauce with dessert with out us even asking. And yes, the house made hot fudge was so good I had a couple of spoonfuls of it all by itself. The simple reason that Mon Ami looses a star is because of my entree. I went for the beef wellington, which while the steak inside the pastry was delicious, the pastry itself was atrocious. I'm sorry but they shouldn't have served it, I ended up peeling the pastry off of the steak. At least the entire entree wasn't ruined due to the gummy, undercooked pastry, because the steak was cooked perfectly and was tasty, but I didn't just order steak, I ordered beef wellington. Anyway, everything else was tasty, probably some of the best french onion soup around. And I must mention (and this is personal preference) but I did not like the frites, they were more like strips of potato chips instead of a french fry. They didn't really have a potato taste or texture left, they were more like a chip. But maybe this is how they're actually served in France? Which is fine, I just didn't care for them.
(4)Liwei Y.
This place is very popular and the earliest reservation I could make was at 10 (it closes at 11). So I ended up coming here for drinks and deserts. I tried the caramel, salt, and chocolate cake, chocolate mousse, and profiteroles. Yes, I love chocolate! They were all really good. My friends and I devoured the deserts pretty fast. The drinks were good and pretty strong (because mine was a combo of only alcohol). I tend to think I have decent tolerance and after 1 drink, I was buzzed.
(4)Meghan B.
It's interesting, because I expected a little more from this place based on reviews. My boyfriend and I were thinking of coming here for our anniversary dinner, but opted to go for easter brunch instead and I'm so glad we did. The food was good and the wait staff was nice, but there was nothing exceptional about any of it. We got to our reservation on Easter on time and had to wait for an additional 30 minutes and then got shoved in a corner. Seriously, the farthest, darkest corner. So, it was an ok experience. If you are expecting a French bistro with lots of atmosphere, I would assume it's better at night. Daytime dining here was not amazing. The food was good, though, so give it a try - maybe not on a holday!
(3)Bridget H.
Delicious traditional French menu! Everything you'd expect to find is there - mussels, cheese plate, hanger steak, onion soup, etc... We ate a variety of steak and fishes and all were excellent. The place is busy and bustling, so it's not the best for a quiet, calm dinner. The location is beautiful. The service is solid, but the waitress was a brisk and rushed our party a bit - this seemed to fit with the atmosphere, but when at a nice dinner, one likes to linger a bit. I think the prices are very reasonable - bottle of wine, three soups, three entrees, and coffee/dessert for about 160$.
(4)Sandra C.
We had a delicious dinner,Best onion soup ever. Delightful service. Highly recommecnded for french food without all the sauces.
(4)George D.
Is it just me, or do French restaurants always have the best atmosphere? It's always the perfect blend of classy and laid-back. Mon Ami keeps that up with the traditional bistro decor: tile floor, intimate table spacing, mirror-backed benches, lots of warm colors, etc. Anyway, the star on the menu, like it is at a lot of bistros, is the steak frites. Here, they do it six or seven different ways, which is great if you're looking for some variety. My personal favorite of the ones I've tried is the Steak Dijon, which is covered with a totally addictive dijon mustard butter--sounds like two things that don't go together, right? Give it a shot, you'll love it. And the frites... talk about addictive. Who invented the salted, fried potato anyway? Genius! I challenge you to name a more perfect food!
(4)Joanie B.
Mon Ami Gabi is lovely and the location inside of the classic and beautiful Belden Stratford Hotel, makes it even more so. It was like being in a real French bistro except that we weren't in France and everyone was speaking english. The bread! A whole baguette delivered to your table, piping hot in a paper bag along with a nice hunk of sweet butter. The amuse bouche was rabbit (!) with diced potatoes. Je ne mange pas cute little bunnies!!!! Actually, it was mostly seasoned diced potato and I think the closest it came to having rabbit in it may have been when one hopped by the restaurant. Delightful specialty cocktails, a sweet waitress (Jen), and excellent service. The French onion soup was chock full of onions in a delicious broth and topped with a generous portion of cheese and crouton. The Escargot was nestled in a garlic herb butter that begged to be mopped up with that wonderful bread. Our entrees were Boeuf Bourguignon with house made noodles and pork tenderloin wrapped in applewood smoked bacon - both excellent and delicious. We were sufficiently buzzed at that point so we shared a glass of Beaujolais Nouveau - I'm not an oenophile but I always enjoy that yearly treat. Robust house blend coffee and chocolate mousse topped with little crispy chocolate spheres were the perfect ending to a wonderful meal and experience. If I still lived there, Mon Ami Gabi would definitely be one of my haunts.
(4)karen s.
So sad to give this visit such a poor review. Vegas location is perhaps our favorite restaurant. Chicago location left a lot to be desired. Service was abysmal and while we appreciate the "free" dessert---we would have preferred even adequate service and happily paid for all desserts! Come on Chicago--Please up your service level!
(2)Danny B.
Pretty darn good. Ate @ Mon Ami Gabi on a Friday night before walking to Theatre on the Lake. Made my reservation early Friday afternoon and they only had availability very early or very late. Professional service and charming atmosphere; it's connected to a pretty swank, old school hotel that now doubles as a hotel & residences. We were seated on their large outdoor deck looking at the park; for a July evening it was a little cool due to the breeze (you have been warned). They start you with a warm baguette in a paper bag, whipped butter, and a tiny scoop of some orzo salad (nice touch!). Their selection of wines by the glass is diverse; the waiter identified a a red and a white that were delicious and complex. We started with their 3 artisan cheese plate - all tasty in their own way. The gazpacho was very ok - a little waterier and less multi-vegetabley than I like it (but I think I'm a gazpacho snob...I'm usually disappointed but had a good one recently elsewhere that I hoped could be replicated). Our two main courses were the roast chicken and the ahi tuna salad. I was glad my dish was the roast chicken - very juicy and kinda buttery. It's served with a fine medley of bacon, mushrooms, cooked garlic, and cocktail onions (mmmmmm...cooked cocktail onions). I recommend this dish. The ahi tuna looked better than it tasted - it gave the appearance of being raw in the center, but it was pretty well done on the outside and that overpowered the rawness. The gf said it had too much fennel, but I'm not sure that I would be able to identify fennel in a blind taste test of 3 spices I've never personally cooked with. Moral of the story: stick with bistro food and this Lettuce Entertain You seems to be a can't miss. Stray from bistro food, and you're on your own.
(3)Deborah E.
Every month, I ask myself the eternal question - should I tear up my Lettuce Entertain You membership card or not? I have had my card for years - back when the cards were FREE and the company was much more giving and kinder to their members. Over the years, they have picked away at the member perks so much that now I could really give a shit if I use my card or not to get my Frequent Diner points. Having said that, there are a couple of LEY restaurants that will always be near and dear to my heart and one of them is Mon Ami Gabi. God, I love this restaurant. Love the location; love the service; love the ambiance. Love the little tiny 6 seater bar where you can have a drink while you wait. And last, but certainly not least, I love the food. On a recent evening, the four of us had a food orgy: - Sea Scallops Gratinées with caramelized fennel, onion marmalade, mussel cream (we all ooed and ahhed so much other these & all agreed that if you added a few more scallops, this dish could be an entree) - Butternut Squash soup w/crème fraîche, chive = to DIE for! - Macaroni Gratin - with a white cheese, perhaps Gruyere - fantastic! - Whipped cauliflower - xxoo!! - Steak Bordelaise w/ caramelized onion, red wine sauce served with stupendous pommes frites - Gabi's Fish & Frites w/French tartare sauce; very interesting dish, the 2 pieces of fish resembled hash brown squares in size and were flat and thin with a very thin fried batter - we also had a couple of specials, one being a fish and another being the daily beef special, and both were a thumbs up Desserts - Bananas Foster Crêpe (vanilla ice cream, bananas, foster sauce) - HUGE portion that should be split with 2-4 people. The chocolate mousse (light semi-sweet chocolate) was a let-down for me but that was my fault. I ordered it knowing full well that my preference is a deep dark chocolate mousee. To me, this mousse was so light that I and my comrades could hardly taste the chocolate at all. All in all, I will continue to frequent Mon Ami Gabi - whether I use my Frequent Diner club card or not. But a note to LEY: I used to always recommend your restauarants to my long distance manager who would seek my recommendations when she would come into Chgo and take us on big $$$ dinners. But NO MORE! As she uses her co. Visa, you won't let me use MY member card to get the points. Dudes, if it were not for my recommendation, you wouldn't be getting the G.D. business, right? I say, you lose then - my business will go elsewhere.
(5)Gwendolyn H.
This is an amazing date place! The staff is very professional without being to stuffy and the food is amazing. I probably go here at least 5-6 times a year when I'm with a small group or on a date. The steak & frites are all perfectly prepared and enough to keep you full throughout the night if you go out afterwards. The mussels are great - nice rich, garlic flavor - and not too chewy. Unfortunately, I would pass on the creamed califlower side. It has so much cream and butter in it that it has no flavor and is somewhat mushy. I also recommend getting a bottle of wine - they have a good selection of prices and types.
(4)Hugh B.
I have a love-hate relationship with Mon Ami Gabi. I love the atmosphere. I love the setting in a gracious old building across from the park and I love the faux French bistro decor. Lettuce Entertain You does faux VERY well. On a winter night (the best time to go there, in my opinion), the place is humming. I love the food, usually. I usually get a shrimp cocktail and the roasted chicken grandmere style. This is with roasted mushrooms, pearl onions, and garlic. Served with frites, of course. I REALLY love the frites -- they are in my opinion the best in the city and reason enough to go here. For dessert the chocolate mousse is superb. Now for what I hate. I hate that even with a reservation, they often make you wait on a crowded night. They've been in business long enough to have their act together on that score. I really hate that they have SHITTY -- and I mean really SHITTY -- tables. The tables in the bar area are bad enough, but even worse is a four-top that they've placed right outside the swinging kitchen door. The door opens constantly and every server in the restaurant brushes you when you sit there. Nasty. They tried to give us that table last night and I howled. The hostess initially gave me the stink-eye and maintained that another table wouldn't open up for 20-30 minutes (right...) so we camped out at the hostess stand and lo-and-behold a better table opened up within less than a minute and we were seated there. Perhaps it helped that I had reserved through Open Table and my profile shows how often I dine out (and how many times I've been to MAG). But for the nasty tables, this is a four- or even five-star experience. So go and enjoy, but beware.
(3)Shannon R.
Overall, my experience here was good. It's a "chain" restaurant which living in Chicago I always prefer local spots. We started with the baked brie which was pretty delicious. I had mussels with frites and they were tasty. The table wine selection was good as well. The biggest drawback was the table seating. There are a number of tables cramped in this small space and we were a table of 2 that felt like we were on display in the middle of this small area. The staff kept bumping into us at no fault to them. Beyond that small issue, everything else was great.
(4)Linda G.
I've been to Belgium several times so I am a spoiled gourmand. Mon Ami Gabi -- with its On-The-Park location in the classy looking Belden Stratford Hotel -- and french menu and decor -- sets you up for high expectations. I was first annoyed by our waiter who seemed like a recently fired "corporate guy" who couldn't pronounce the Belgian beers. Then I was VERY annoyed by my chunky Paté ala Oscar Meyer. The Frites were cooked to cinders -- etc etc. There are much better places in this city to spend money.
(1)Lawrence Y.
The only way I could describe our dinner at Mon Ami Gabi was... awkward. Our server, who I don't think even told us his name, seemed nice at first but it seriously became awkward by the time we left. The food itself was fine and somewhat filling (we had the Steak Au Poivre and Steak Roquefort)... but the experience was really off-putting. Our server couldn't pronounce "worchestershire" (lol), and he looked at me oddly when I asked if they had some sauces on the side (like bbq, A-1, ketchup or whatever)... and this wasn't for my steak, it was for my frites (because I need dipping sauce for any fries). He offered ketchup. When it came time for the check, I used a LEYE gift card... he came back, held on to the LEYE gift card (by putting it in his pocket) that still had a balance on it and explained that if i wanted to give a cash tip I could, or if I wanted to put on the gift card I could... I was planning on just putting the tip of the gift card anyway but the fact that he kept it in his pocket caught me off-guard. He came back after we wrote in our tip, picked it up and said "let me just make sure everything is right", looked it over and said "ok everything is right"... I don't know about you, but that was just strange!
(2)Jennie C.
Lettuce Entertain You, you have never let me down. Of keeping up with the tradition of celebrating birthdays at LEYE restaurants, I recently had dinner here to celebrate my 22nd. For the longest time, I wanted to go to Wildfire to have my favorite dish, Beef Wellington. But the reservations were made for MAG -- and I settled on getting their Fruits de Mer platter (which looks delicious). Imagine my surprise when the special of the day was Beef Wellington. You know what I ordered then. The service, the ambiance, the wine selection (they also have a wine cart), selection of entrees, the introductory carrot salad, and everything else was simply amazing. Thank you for a wonderful experience! As a side note: Although the dim Maggiano's-esque lightning makes it intimate for couples, the ambiance makes it great for groups (I went with 2 others). I must have either came during a noisy time, because I felt at times, I could listen to other people's conversations since the spacing is pretty tight.
(5)Emma M.
I came here for my birthday dinner and had a great time. We ordered cocktails to start- the french martini is quite amazing. It's made with champagne. For appetizers we ordered escargot (my first time ever so I can't compare them to anything else, but really, really good) , mussels (I prefer smaller mussels- these were quite jumbo) and shoe string potatoe fries. I was really tempted to get the french onion soup, but was already beginning to feel full and still had to eat dinner. For dinner I ordered the hanger steak and it was so rich, juicy and full of flavor. I would definitely get that again plus it's one of the cheaper steaks on the menu. Our server was very knowledgeable about wine so he had some good recommendations for a bottle. I'm looking forward to coming back sometime in the near future.
(4)Roxanne A.
I was fortunate to eat here with my friend 's family. It was really great. This restaurant is situated in the Belden-Stratford hotel. We came at a perfect time before the rush and were able to get seated in the outdoor patio. The bread with carrot and butter spread was good. I started with the vichyssoise soup (cold potato and leek soup). The waiter was funny and brought out the bowl with just the leeks and croutons and said, "It is a very light soup". Then he came over and poured the soup over the leeks. It was so good. For the entree, I had the Steak Classique, which was fabulous. I ordered it medium and it came out medium. The maitre d' butter on top was amazing. It may have been pesto based. To cap off an already great meal, I had the profiteroles dessert which was so good with vanilla ice cream in the middle of pastry puffs, drizzled with the most amazing chocolate fudge sauce. They didn't skimp on the chocolate and I was almost licking the bowl to get ever bit in my mouth. The food was great and the service was impeccable. One note though. The square tables are a little small so if you have 4 people on it, it can be a little cozy. It doesn't detract from the experience, but it's something to keep in mind.
(5)Nicholas P.
Mon Ami Gabi is a delectable and lively little bistro that serves classic French cuisine in Lincoln Park. If you're looking for an affordable and lively French restaurant, look no further. Recommended: Jumbo Crab Cake (Amazing), Steak & Frites (Yum), Crème Brûlée, and Café Gabi. Avoid: Mon Ami Gabi Caesar Salad (too plain, lacked any flavor). I've had friends raving to me about Mon Ami Gabi for some time now. So when it was a time to take my boyfriend out for a fun and romantic evening I decided to give it a try. Mon Ami Gabi is set in the historic Belden-Stratford Hotel Apartments on Lincoln Park. In the summer time there is outdoor seating with beautiful views of the park itself. The atmosphere is intimate, robust, and lively. Its décor is reminiscent of an older French Bistro and it's filled with a mix of small groups and intimate couples. Tables are nestled close to one another and the ambient lighting is low, with an upbeat vibe. Our visit started off rocky. Despite the fact that we had reservations and arrived early we had to wait 30 minutes after our reservation to be seated. I'm glad we hadn't planned anything after dinner or we would have been late or had to rush our meal. The server was prompt and accommodating, especially given the fact it was our first time to Mon Ami Gabi. We had an extended look over the menu and with so many delicious choices we decided a collaborative effort was necessary to try a variety of dishes. We chose several hors d'oeuvres, entrees paired with wine, followed by dessert and after dinner drinks. When the escargot was served I didn't realize it was still in its cast iron baking dish. The server neglected to warn us that it was extremely hot and I ended up scalding my mouth. Not a good way to start off any meal. The rest of the dishes came in a timely manner and were very good. Followed by a wonderful crème brûlée, and an after dinner drink. I was pretty content. Despite some set backs, Mon Ami Gabi managed to serve up a wonderful dining experience. I look forward to trying them again.
(4)Sabrina M.
Now, my nature is to be anti-franchise, anti-chain which would mean that I would be anti-a-Lettuce-Entertain-You establishment. But Mon Ami Gabi is absolutely wonderful. I've never had a bad meal here. The cut of meats are always great and prepared well. and the pomme frites? To die for. Gives Mickey D's a run for its money in the fries department. Mon Ami Gabi does what it does well. Like Sarah Palin, it doesn't veer from the script. But unlike Sarah Palin, it's consistent and consistently good.
(4)Job E.
The food is well priced, especially considering the quality and atmosphere. $20 for a steak and side is a great deal. Its not the best steak ever, (this is a 'cafe' not a steakhouse), but they make up for it with good sauces. Our server was impressively friendly and courteous. Wine and appetizers round out the bill to the $$$ range, all-in-all not too bad. I went with mon amour; she was impressed, which is enough for me to bump up a 4-star to a 5-star.
(5)Stacey P.
My dislikes- 1. The seating, I felt smooshed. It was kinda like being on an airplane. That is, no one is really ON TOP of you, but it's close enough that you often have to touch someone you'd rather not (no offense mari and albert). 2. The bread. I just don't like bread that is hard. I think maybe some people do? If you like hard bread, then the bread's AWESOME!!! 3. The frites. I'd rather have an option of veggies or mashed potato or SOMETHING other than those frites. They were like potato chips. Not bad just like... you know. I'd rather have something else. (You can order sides for extra money, but I'm suggesting replacing the frites with a "side" or getting rid of the frites completely, lowering the price of the steak, and making all sides a la carte). My likes- 1. The steak. It was yummy. I ordered the hangar steak which was tender, flavorful, and cooked to my liking. My friend got this filet with a wine sauce that was excellent! Everyone enjoyed their steaks. 2. The location. Yeah, you feel pretty fancy eating there. It's kind of fun.
(3)Amy R.
This is one of my go-to places for very special evenings. A great romantic atmosphere that's really high-class feeling without being too stuffy. And food, oh the food. Savory, complex, fresh... I'm no food reviewer, let's stick with "damn good." I love a rare, bloody steak. I love crushed black pepper. Enter the peppercorn steak. Enter me peeing myself a little at the table in joy. (Not really, but it made me very happy.) Definitely save room for dessert. I've had nearly every dessert on the menu and they are so good. I prefer any of the baked fruit crumbles (usually seasonal). The only complaint I have is that they took my favorite meal in the entire world--we're talking "last meal on Earth" meal--off the menu. (Bacon wrapped pork with some type of berry sauce, FYI.) Please bring it back!! And the menu is a little limited if you don't like fish or steak, but then again, I value variety. So if you don't mind having just one page of very good options, then it probably won't bother you.
(4)R O.
Solid, if unspectacular, Mon Ami Gabi gets it done. Quality service, good food, and with the prices that aren't intimidating, I always enjoy myself. While the wine list is a bit pricey, everything on the menu itself is well worth it (if you skip the wine, the place isn't nearly as expensive). The steaks have never failed and are well prepared--but do remember that this isn't a Chicago steak house. I'm a fan of the atmosphere, the GF isn't nearly as high on it as I am, but like most LEY everything is very well thought out. The execution is excellent and MAG, like most LEYs, hints at having fun. The space is a bit tight and the location not perfect for public transit, but over all a fun dining experience.
(4)Jacqueline W.
Went here with a Lettuce Entertain You gift card and was not disappointed. Some of the tables are a little close to each other but overall the experience was good. Service was nice, they were busy on a Saturday night but the staff was on it. The prices were what I expected for the area and website. We found free parking quickly by the LP Conservatory and the short walk across the park added to everything else..Good spot for a fancy date. The views are so pretty and the hotel where the restaurant is located is gorgeous. It's no Paris but use your imagination Chi-town ;)
(4)Linds R.
I have no issue with Lettuce Entertain You in general, but I think that if this place were not a chain, it would be much more special. I had the skate (very, very good), my fiance had the steak and pomme frite (also good), and we had a bananas foster dessert thing that was yum. All in all, it was a pleasant meal with good food and nice ambiance. But like I said, it wasn't special.
(3)Betsy C.
Mon Ami Gabi was our final nice restaurant on our trip to Chicgo. It is located in a nice historical hotel in Lincoln Park. This has some other locations in other cities and I almost let that deter me. My daughter had not done a gourmet French restaurant before- This fit the bill- The seating is tight and cozy, but true to European dining. We had a good cheese platter as an appetizer, the cheese choices were perfect, the bread was like a raisin bread, I would have chosen something more true, but the crusty bread they gave us earlier went well with it. We each had a salad- I had their equivalent of the Lyonaisse- yum! We each got a different steak and Frittes- very good! We got a side if macaroni gratin- good! We were so full that sadly we didn't have room for dessert. This was a good experience! Not perfect, but everything was really good!
(5)Susan O.
There is no better or more consistent restaurant in Chicago. The wait staff are true professionals -- let them recommend the perfect wine. The food is always perfect, from the warm olive jar, soups, frisee salad and short ribs or trout or steak with bearnaise sauce to the bread pudding or chocolate mousse. Beautiful atmosphere across from the zoo and outdoor seating in summer. This is living.
(5)Christina G.
I love this place! My boyfriend and I went here for a romantic dinner and that is just what we got. The atmosphere is so inviting and warm. We had a knowledgeable server who answered my wine questions right away. They have a great rolling cart that carries all their wines by the glass. I had a delicious pinot noir that was recommended by our server. The bread they started us with was so crunchy and warm. My favorite! We started with the baked herb cheese and the duck confit (for my boyfriend, I am a vegetarian). Both were excellent! I had the vegetarian sampler (lentils, green beans, whipped cauliflower and macaroni gratin). My boyfriend had the lamb chop special. We were both very pleased with our meals. SO good. We were so full, but decided to try the dessert. We got the bananas foster..it was HUGE!!! Honestly, one of the best desserts I have ever had. We will definitely be going back here for another romantic dinner soon!!
(5)Jim D.
Isn't it great when you run into your good friend's parents on the street and they invite you for a free dinner....anyone.....all right fine, but this stroke of dumb luck got me a pretty tasty meal. The setup is fairly elegant, however points to them for not scoffing at my sandals, shorts and wrinkly collared shirt (hey, they said I didn't have to change). The tables are pretty cramped together, regularly moved out to squeeze customers in. Use the bathroom before getting pressed in. The wine selection is strong with a sommelier on hand (or so my hosts told me), but the beer selection is a bit of a weak hodge-podge of whatever they could find at their European beer importer, which I feel higher end restaurants really fall short on. Steak frites are the main strength of the menu, however the frites are more like shoestring fries. They are quite tasty, just not my thing. The steak is fantastic, not quite steakhouse quality but reasonably priced at about 20 bucks. All and all, I wasn't blown away and their were too many things off about the place, the cramped space, weak beer menu, lack of non-steak options for the more finnicky eaters, but it was pretty good and free for me! Thank you for humoring my half-hearted attempt at reviewing haute cuisine.
(3)Amy X.
this is a great restaurant for couples who want to be romantic and disgusting and coupley. that's what i did! like three months ago, i took some guy here for valentine's day, and we both had a grand old time. we ordered really really rich food and then ate it and talked about how good it tasted while sitting in a booth in the corner and drinking red wine and giggling and staring into each others' eyes. then we walked home holding hands. the end. time to puke. gross-o. it was awesome. mon ami gabi is a cozy place to cozy up to someone. it's decorated in a very "typical" french bistro type of way -- dark curtains, chalk blackboards, wine bottles on the wall, picture of the eiffel tower. despite the stereotypical nature of the romantic atmosphere, the service and food made for a really pleasant experience. my actions that night might have made me sick, but the food most definitely did not. a nice french bistro experience, and i'll make sure to behave myself better the next time i return.
(4)Elizabeth C.
They have amazing food and wine. The service is almost always wonderful, but I would like to see a little bit more variety on their menu.
(4)Ben B.
Great food and awesome atmosphere. Somewhat hard to find due to lack of signage. The wait staff seems just a little snotty or is it just me??? Maybe thats just part of the French experience???
(4)Martha Z.
Take me back here soon, but please don't make me front the bill! I can not stop salivating over the steak in Merlot sauce whatever it was it was amazing dinner. And how could I say no to the garlicky buttery bliss of escargot?! I am going to come here armed with all my Lettuce Entertain reward certificates and have myself one hell of a feast. Edit I took my boyfriend here for his birthday and it was a repeat of deliciousness. I definitely recommend the crab cakes, they are 2nd best to joes!
(5)Kitty R.
Always love it! Been going here for years! Very consistent and excellent food.
(4)Rebecca C.
My boyfriend's and my go-to place for any and every special occasion - birthdays, Valentine's day, anniversaries, you name it! Mon Ami has never let us down :) I usually feel compelled to get a steak every time I go because they are so darn delicious. I'd say my favorite preparation is the Steak Classique, with the Steak Bearnaise being a close second (clearly, I'm one for putting some butter on my steak). The steaks are usually served with thinly sliced frites which they pile on the plate - I tip my hat to you if you're able to finish them all! If you find the frites to be overwhelming, you can ask for aside of mashed as a substitute. Mon Ami is fairly priced, which, I suppose, is easy to say for someone who is always paid for (thanks, hunnie!) and the service is top notch and very speedy. Oh! And you get a free profiterole on your bday!!
(5)Lisa P.
I have yet to try the location in Lincoln Park, however the Mon Ami in Vegas was PHENOMENAL. If only for the melt-in-your-mouth mash potatoes & French Onion soup, GO. The soup had a thick, warm layer of cheese on top- it was so delicious. And I don't even LIKE French Onion soup.
(4)Jessica F.
I adore Mon Ami Gabi. The first time I went here was with my boyfriend when we first started dating. I have been there many times since! From the food to the serivce, everything about Mon Ami Gabi is top-notch. The food is well worth the price! With an extensive wine collection, it is a great restaurant for any wine affectionado. The portion sizes are very large. I ordered the peppered steak which was amazing. The steak comes with crunchy little fries exquisite. For dessert, we ordered a chocolate lava cake which was the closet to heaven I will probably ever get. Def. a great dining experience! :) If you have some cash and want to spend it wisely on a great experience, Mon Ami Gabi is a great choice!
(5)Sam W.
Atmosphere: Older crowd and very cramped tables. There were two couples within a foot of us on each side and the table had to be removed for anyone to exit. Service: Solid. Everything was as good as can be, which is standard with all LEYE restaurants. Food: We ordered the mussels which were insanely good. They came in a cast-iron pot and had the most flavorful broth in this world. I could eat probably 10 pounds of these beautiful mollusks. The complimentary baguette was tasty, and if it is served warm, really hard to stop eating. The one entree that everyone loved was the steak au poivre with frites. The steak was loaded with flavor and the peppercorn sauce was out of this world good. Don't mess around with any of the fish or the specials, just get a steak and thank me later. As for dessert, the apple tart was extremely disappointing and really quite bland. The profiteroles were great though. Also on this night, they had a special dessert called the Tour de France, which was two wheel-shaped pastry doughs with sweet cream in between and surrounded by fresh berries. Really tasty and not the type of dessert that leaves you feeling like you consumed a small baluga whale. Overall: If you like french food and are over 30, Mon Ami Gabi is for you. If you are like me, under 30 and into the younger crowd and small-plate concept, head to Paris Club.
(3)Pascal M.
ZZZZZZZZZZZ, this place is tired and old. food is so-so, service is good but not great. went here over the weekend and i was simply not impressed. the duck confit was dry and was made even dryer by pairing it with lentils. it needed something sweet to finish the dish. my scallops were pedestrian and uneventful, except for the asparagus and whipped cauliflower. my girlfriend got a pork shank that i thought was the highlite of the meal. also had a butternut squash soup that was pretty good, my girlfriend got the frisee salad, hard to mess that one up though. drinks are over priced and nothing special. this place is simply not the best of what chicago has to offer.
(2)Mike P.
If you're looking to have a pleasant evening that involves a copious amount of red wine, escargot and steak bearnaise then look no further. This place is excellent and offers a great atmosphere and wonderful time.
(4)Austin A.
So I went here on a date and there are a few things I remember. One, the wine service is neat. There is a guy who wheels a cart around and serves it by the glass. I think I tried 5 different kinds, (did I mention Im a boozehound) Two, with the bread they serve this pea/lentil type spread and REAL delicious creamy butter. At one point I licked the butter off the knife, I can assure you that my date was impressed. Third, I dont remember what I had for main course because I got so much pleasure by the wine cart guy that I blacked out. I wonder why Im single. But I woke up the next morning not feeling hungover so whatever I ate must have been special. Real classy place for a first date. Edit: Im not a drunk, my date sucked and he became more interesting when my blood alcohol exceeded the legal limit. Nerd.
(4)Ann J.
I gave this five stars because not one of the four of us had an off dish AND everyone loved what they ate AND some of the items were stellar. Plus service was very attentive and the atmosphere was great . . . true French Bistro style where there are linens on the table, but the patrons are in casual clothes. I've been to many a bistro in France and loved that the wait staff here at M.A.G. had to pull the table away from the long bench seat for us to be able to be seated . . . so authentic. (Those of you complaining about feeling crowded, get over it, there is a ton more space here than if you were in Paris in a bistro.) The difference between this and a true French bistro is that here the waiter came to our table right away, lol. The potato leek soup was the best we'd had. The boeuf bourguignon was gorgeous and the noodles in it were absolutely perfect. We had a great Cote du Rhone wine, great escargots, great cheese on the 3 cheese board (but I agree the portions were not generous enough), and the desserts were superb (say that with a french accent please). We liked the pomme frites that came with the steak bernaise (husband said steak was perfect). My mashed potatoes had no seasoning, but I had the pork tenderloin and could completely ignore the mashed potatoes for the flavor of the pork. Back to the desserts: chocolate mousse, smooth and not too rich. Blood orange sorbet, ahhhh. I used the sorbet as a palate cleanser so that I could switch between eating everyone's dessert they could not finish, lol. White chocolate bread pudding with ice cream and carmel sauce was hands down the best dessert, it sounds overpowering but really was not, it was hard to stop eating it. Finally the creme brulee done perfectly, smooth smooth smooth.
(5)Mike T.
Very bad and slow service, but ok food (just ok). We had to wait 20 minutes before being able to order our drinks, and 20 minutes to actually have our drinks. When we finally managed to order food, more than 1 hour had passed. The food arrived pretty fast, though. We had mussels (good), two steaks (good) and scallops (ok). French fries are AWFUL. The desserts were below average. I don't think I will ever go back.
(2)Emma C.
Yet ANOTHER perfect meal at Mon Ami Gabi, under the twinkling lights on the patio. My husband's halibut--the daily special--was indeed very special. The flourless chocolate cake with hot fudge and creme fraiche was like nothing I have ever tasted before, so light and pillowy and warm I thought it would float off the plate. The service was impeccable, as always. Going to Mon Ami Gabi is more than a dinner, it's a culinary vacation. Favorite restaurant by a country kilometer. Oh la la.
(5)Steven M.
Mon Ami Gabi is a fantastic place. Yes it's part of a five restaurant chain (the one in Vegas is a great spot). But in terms of a fun, reasonably authentic, and actually affordable French bistro experience this is a gem. First, Mon Ami Gabi is situated inside the gorgeous Belden Stratford Hotel, right off Lincoln Park. One caveat, it's a pretty good hike from the nearest CTA station but taxis are plentiful and they have a valet for your designated drivers. There's a wonderful outdoor seating area and a small but inviting bar to have a drink or four while waiting for an outside table to open up. For me it's five stars for ambiance. The wine list is short but packs a punch with solid offerings from all over France and a smattering of domestic labels. Good range of prices as well, we had a '05 1er Cru Burgundy for just $71. Several attractive wines at the $40-$50 price point as well. For some reason I'm addicted to their bread which is served hot upon seating. The menu is pretty straightforward, I think their variety of appetizers is the highlight. The escargot is not to be missed. My favorite part is dipping the aforementioned bread into the pesto once all the snails are gone! The steamed mussels are an amazing choice and you can't really go wrong with the steaks. The cuts of beef aren't really that spectacular, but the sauces are out of this world. Hard to decide which one to have. And I don't know how they do their haricots verts and potatoes gratin but both were absolutely 5 star. Service was only average (although the bartender was awesome). Usually one thing you can count on at a good French place is extremely knowledgeable (while often stuffy/pretentious) wait staff. Maybe we got the newbie, but she was pretty middling in terms of helpfulness, attentiveness and knowledge. All in all a dependable, beautiful, fun and reasonable place to have a great meal. Highly recommended.
(4)Victoria H.
Mon Ami Gabi is a wonderful restaurant and dining experience. It has become a tradition in my family to go every year before we head back to school and for my mom's birthday for over 7 years. Every year I find myself looking forward to the night. Mon Ami creates a comfortable and special dining environment where they deliver delicious dishes. Our server has always been great- they really help make the evening. My favorite cocktail is the French 75. Its a crisp and refreshing way to start your delicious (and rich) french meal. Next up I always get the frisee salad. The bacon is always so thick and smokey which perfectly complements the vinegary dressing. I love this salad and crave it all the time. For entrees, the scallops and stakes are always delicious. The scallops are perfectly carmelized and the sides complete the dish well. The steaks are always delicious, generously portioned, and cooked perfectly. Do not get my started on their fries. I am constantly picking them off other peoples plates if I do not order it myself (good thing that there are always PLENTY for sharing). All of the entrees are classic french and they are BIG. Splitting works perfectly well if you aren't very hungry. If you have room for the dessert, the profiteroles are always delicious. The chocolate sauce is homemade and delicious. If you are looking for a special evening in a comfortable atmosphere with fantastic food, Mon Ami is the spot for you! Bon apetit!
(5)Jon L.
By now, Mon Ami Gabi is a Chicago icon. Supersized portions of well-executed bistro fare emerge from the kitchen into a chic, convivial room that instantly evokes Paris. While everything is good, particular standouts include perfect shrimp cocktail, flavorful hangar steak (a real value, to boot), and terrific fish preparations. Veteran servers ensure a pleasurable experience. And, oh, the bread. . .
(5)George L.
What a wonderful experience! Both my companion and I commented on how we felt like we were "in Paris." The service was superb, the french onion soup the best we've ever had, the mussels were scrumptious, and the warm french bread (with salmon and trout spread) was magnifique! The atmosphere is lively, and the quarters, those close, were still comfortable. Three friends in Tampa recommended Mon Ami to me, and I'm soooo glad I took their recommendation.
(4)Hannah C.
Ok so I clearly love the restaurants in Lettuce Entertain You but this one might be a favorite. I happen to be somewhat of a Francophile after living in Paris for a bit and visiting when I get lucky, and I will say that dining here was not a far cry from the real thing (aka a steak/oyster/frites bar). Service was amazing. They brought me gluten free bread (always a plus), and their Steak-frites looked so darn good that I actually broke my pescatarian streak for them and it was TOTALLY worth it. There was a great crowd even on a Tuesday night, and it wasn't too fancy (there were people in jeans) but definitely had a classier feel to it. Can't wait until I get my next meat craving (in maybe a year?) so I can return.
(5)Matthew S.
My girlfriend and I had about $75 in LYEY gift cards, and we discussed what restaurant we wanted to go to. I vetoed L. Woods and Wildfire because we'd both been there about 100 times and we wanted to try something different. After reading the yelps about the oakbrook location, we decided to go to the Lincoln Park location instead, mostly due to the fact that we felt that going to a restaurant in a mall parking lot isn't the swankiest way to dine. After fighting rush-hour traffic on the Kennedy on Thursday night, we made our reservation about a half-hour early. It was busy, but we were able to be seated immediately, which was pretty nice, especially considering how small this place is. We shared a bowl of french onion soup and some sort of scallop appetizer to start. The onion soup was delicious, but I thought the scallops suffered because it was extremely cheesy. I love scallops, and would have preferred a simpler dish. Still tasty, however. My girlfriend order beef bourginon, which I had a bite of. The beef cheeks were extremely tender and flavorful, and she enjoyed it as well. I got steak frities au pouvir, which was a thin cut of steak topped with whole black peppercorns and (I believe) some sort of brandy sauce. The steak was cooked perfectly, it was jucy and delicious. The frities were a little disappointing (as other yelpers have noted), but they were nice to snack on, and the ones that made their way into the sauce were very tasty once they got soggy. For dessert, we had the bananas foster crepe, which was very good, although we both agreed we would have liked it infinitely better without the crepe, as it was a little rubbery. All in all though, this place was great. I never found myself wondering where our server was, and every time he came by he poured some more beer in my glass (I order a 22oz bottle of Goose Island's Sofie, which was delicious btw). The restaurant looks great, and I'd love to come back in the summer when they have the patio open. It was pretty reasonable, also. The check came to about $85, which I thought was perfect considering how much food we had. I would definitely recommend this place, and I'm planning on going back to enjoy the patio, featuring a view of Lincoln Park.
(4)Eazmg C.
standard LEY establishment, good atmosphere, good service, good food. I'd recommend the sea scallop gratinees and steak bordelaise
(4)HJ K.
That was my 4th time dining there last night. Just thumbs up every time. Me and a friend of mine were seated at the bar since there was an hour wait for the table. It turns out pretty good. The bartender was attentive and helpful. Plus, the food we got was just fantastic ever! Can't wait to be back :)
(5)Lauren H.
I came here for a wine and food event. The service is always great and the food was beyond my expectations.. we had 5 course meal and everything was made to perfection. I've also been to the oakbrook location and it is just as perfect.. Love french food!
(5)Rory G.
Why is it that in this country you can have OK French food, call the place a Bistro,charge outrageous prices and be pretentious. This place goes against all that true foodies stand for, those of us that search for the shining hidden gem. A bistro in France is a little joint on the corner feeding people who can't make it home to eat, usually a simple menu of half chicken or steak with fries or mussels. The fare is usually cheap, filling and the quality is phenomenal. The chefs know what they do and they do it well, hence the small menu. Here, the chefs have to try to make a monumental menu of items and the food turns out mediocre at best. If you want to impress you date with your high-school french and how you think snails are cool, pay for your meals as if it were priced in Euros, then this is the place. Mais si tu veux trouver un meilleure resto pour la nourriture Francaise, tu iras autre part. Enough said
(3)jared s.
dont need to say much here outside of AMAZING...
(5)Brenda V.
Great experience, the hostess honored our reservation without delay, they offer great wine selections and the food was fresh, nicely prepared, at the proper temperature and good sized portions. Service was courteous and professional without being overbearing. This place is very romantic in the evening.
(5)Linda D.
Having once worked in this restaurant in the legendary Belden Stratford in Lincoln Park West with my jazz group when it was a night club (can't remember what it was called.....Boombala or something), I was interested in finding out what kind of restaurant it had become. To my utter delight, it was French, very casual, and a little on the Provincial side. The food was outstanding, the wait staff courteous and attentive and the prices far below what I have paid in the past for food half as good. I was with my son, daughter-in-law and young grandson, and they had been to another French restaurant and weren't prepared to enjoy this one nearly as much. They were delighted with everything and left saying they had found their new favorite restaurant. No sense mentioning what we ate because everything was prepared perfectly and we enjoyed every morsel.
(5)Billy B.
Absolutely fantastic! Me and my family went there recently and there is not one bad thing I can say about it. I've been there many times as I live in the neighborhood but have never written a review. To start they have a phenomenal wine list. We ordered a Sauvignon Blanc that was great. For our entrees we all had steak that was out of this world. They serve an American portion in French style. I had a 22 oz Rib eye with Roquefort Bleu Cheese on it. Unbelievable! Go there!
(5)Sarah F.
Went on Friday night. It was packed. We had a reso, but still had to wait awhile. Service was okay. Food was okay. I liked the steak and frites, but the french onion soup was nothing to write home about. The creme brulee was too runny and the sugared top was more chewy, rather than light and crispy. I would like to go back, however, to see if I would have a better experience. Oh, and the butter and spicy lentils that come with the bread were great, but bread was NOT great. Willing to give this place another chance.
(3)Geoffrey S.
The New York Strip and Frites are great, as is the escargot. Our waiter was fantastic and Juan the manager is a great guy.
(4)Kat W.
This place allows me to go back to my Belgian(French) roots. Escargot, Bisque D'Homard, Steak Frites, Creme Brulee, and Profiteroles. They are excellent. And yet they don't have pretentious prices This is a great place if you want to eat French cuisine or "French Steak", but if you want to eat good steak in general, then this is not the place. This place only has two types of steak in the regular menu. The steak was a bit tough, but everything else was great.
(5)Ben E.
An excellent place for utterly typical bistro food -- the menu is limited and barely changes, so don't come here for creative efforts on the part of the chef or to sample the true range of French cooking. Instead, enjoy the moules frites or a steak in a lively room with efficient, very helpful waitstaff. I'll admit that my favorite thing about Mon Ami Gabi is the fact that you can almost always get Chateauneuf-du-Pape by the glass, which is a really, really good thing if your dining companions don't want to split a bottle.
(4)Catherine B.
This restaurant was amazing - my fiance and I each had a glass of wine at the (crowded) bar while we waited for our table, but we had barely sipped it before we were seated. The restaurant was at the same time bustling and romantic, and the food was beyond description. The steak with Merlot butter is a must.
(5)M J.
The food is great, and the atmosphere is quaint/casual--a dimly-lit, nicely-crowded, dark-wood-filled dining room. Not necessarily the place to go if you want quiet corners and whispered conversation, but still a great choice for solid french fare, and friendly/helpful wait staff.
(4)mark s.
i crave the Steak Roquefort at Mon Ami. this is how i mon ami: - buy a couple bottles of red wine and some good chocolates. - order takeout: 1 steak roquefort & a salad (it is definitely enough for 2 people) - they also include a loaf of their bread. - arrive early and get a drink at the bar (martini) - take the bag'o'delicious home and feast with your date. have a great meal, avoid the crowd & save 50 bucks.
(5)Neal K.
Mon Ami is a perennial favorite of mine. I've had steak-frites all over this great city of ours and you can't beat the way they do it at this spot on the park. Sit outside, it's nahs. Honestly, for $17.95 you'd be hard pressed to find a better steak and potatoes entree in my opinion. Try the hanger steak or the bordelaise. Great mussels, escargot, and onion soup. This place tipifies all that Lettuce stands for - simple standard fare done at a high level. The wine selection is very good (heavy on the Burgundy, Bordeaux, and Cote du Rhone of course), and they have good wines by the glass if you don't want to make it a super $$ evening. Sure I love trying tasting menus and the newest Brazilian/Japanese/Nigerian/Leprechaun fusion place (I'd call such a fictitious place Sushi Lag-O'Sambas). But if you want a go-to restaurant that always delivers for a special occasion, a weeknight, or even a lunch before enjoying the lakefront, you can't go wrong at Mon Ami.
(5)M M.
I thought this place was just OK. The location is really pretty- right in the Belden-Stratford. We started out in the bar area and it was so cute because all of the old residents of the building seemed to migrate from their condos upstairs to the downtstairs bar- very 1920's. I went here because I had LEY gift certificates with my boyfriend for our one year. I was expecting a quiet, romantic, french restaurant. No WAY. This place is loud and bustling. So I guess I was a little disappointed in that regards, but I should have done my research, this was during my pre-yelp days. The food was typical and EXPENSIVE. I had salmon and my boyfriend had steak- both of which were good, but not for that price. Definitely would have been disappointed had I spent my own money on this place.
(3)Jason S.
Great food. The perfect little outdoor patio area right next to Lincoln Park. The location can't be beat. Service is usually good there. Check out the patio area in the summer.
(4)Amanda G.
I went to the one in Vegas in December and LOVED it, so needless to say I was excited to take my husband and some friends there last weekend. It did not disappoint. We all had steaks and frites and it was great. Excellent onion soup, but I love the Potato and Brie soup more. Very nice atmosphere if you feel like dressing up a bit. Not quite as good as the Vegas location, but I'll go there again! Make reservations!
(4)Kt R.
My boyfriend took me here for my birthday and our server, David, was wonderful. He was attentive, informative and very friendly. The muscles were great...dip your bread in them!...but in the end our great booth seating and our server made my experience great. Thank you!
(4)JP S.
Excellent French food. Knowledgeable and friendly waitstaff.
(4)Laura W.
Mon Ami is our go to place for special occasions....the boyfriend's birthday, my birthday, and then we just went a couple of weekends ago with a group of our friends. We got to dine outside on the patio and the night had a crispness to it...it felt like Fall was finally here! We were well taken care of by the staff and the food is always so yummy......I don't think I have ever had a bad entree. Waitstaff always seems super knowledgable about wines. The last time we were there we had a selection of appetizers....the scallops are quite delish as well as the pate. The bread is always nice and crunchy! I had the ribeye (you can take the girl out of Texas, but you can't take Texas out of the girl!) as well as a few other of our friends. It was cooked to perfection and the au gratin potatoes were so yuuuuumy! I don't know when the last time I have had these, but they were well worth all the calories! One of my friends had the skate and another the halibut, both were quite tasty. I was surprised at how well Mon Ami does fish. I think the next time I will definitely go for the seafood! The berry crumble for dessert............I HIGHLY recommend it. I have always loved the profiteroles, but I fell in love this dessert!! We will definitely go back again and again to this place!
(4)Sara F.
I love this place. I have visited this restaurant many times and it is now my parents favorite place to go in Chicago when they come to visit. The way to go is with the Mussels and Steak Frites. The Frites are amazing!!!! Also, they have a great wine selection and amazing desserts. The place has wonderful ambiance, but it can be a bit loud. I like that in a restaurant but understand that isn't for everyone. The only thing I would stay away from are the scallops. Maybe the chef accidently poured salt all over them by mistake but they were so over-salted. That doesn't represent the rest of their food. Amazing!
(4)A. M.
Mon Ami is one of my favs in Chicago. It's exactly what a French bistro should be - charming and comfortable. While the food might not be 5 stars, it's always solid. The bar up front is a little small, which is bad news if you have to wait for a table. But the wine cart which offers plenty of "tastings" makes up for it. After not having been there for a while, we went there last night w/ another couple. I had the mussels and everyone else had steaks. We all agreed the food was very good. Unfortunately our waiter was pretty much MIA all night. But for such a fun night with great food, I'm willing to consider this a blip on the radar.
(4)Jessica M.
Went to Mom Ami Gabi for a romantic dinner with the boyfriend, courtesy of a Lettuce Entertain gift certificate that I got from my boss. I'll have to say, it was the BEST DINNER I've had in a LONG TIME. Parking in the neighborhood was okay, there were quite a bit of open spots, so, we didn't have any problems there. We had a reservation and were seated immediately upon arriving. They already had our table ready for us. Our waitress was okay, nothing special, but still very nice. Our food came out quickly. We shared an order of the brie and also an order of the garlic spinach, as our appetizers. They were delicious! For the entree, my boyfriend ordered the Blue Cheese Steak and I ordered the Steak Bearnaise. The steaks were ordered Medium-Rare and came exactly the way we ordered them. They were perfect! While my boyfriend loved his Blue Cheese steak, we both agree that the Steak Bearnaise was one of the BEST steaks we've ever had! The Bearnaise sauce was rich and and absolutely mouth watering. Once it was gone, I wanted to lick the plate clean. I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND this Steak Bearnaise!!!! Also, the servings are HUGE and definitely worth the price! For desserts we had the chocolate mousse and the Profiterole Trio. We thought they'd be small servings, but ended up being soo massive that we almost couldn't finish the desserts. The ambience was great, it was quiet and fancy-like. Although, the tables are little too close together, but that is my only qualm. Great Restaurant! Great Food! Highly Recommended!
(4)Jonathan w.
Went there last night for dinner. The French Onion soup was delicious with the baked gruyere on top perfectly melted to a brownish tint. The bread, as always, was delicious, served with soft butter that melded immediately after putting it on. For dinner I had the chicken frites. Chicken was perfectly cooked with skin-on and juicy and flavorful. The frites were a little overcooked and too crunchy for my taste but still very good. For dessert we had a seasonal pumpkin cake with cinnamon ice cream. The cake was a little too think and the dessert a little heavy after a big meal. Still, over all, a very good experience. Mon Ami is very dependable, great service, good country french cooking. Certainly will be back.
(4)elizabeth n.
For a nice french meal head to Mon Ami Gabi. The steak pomme frites are delicious and the soups and salads are great as well. The waiters are very helpful if you need help deciding on an entree and they are extremely pleasant. Next time I will definitely try the desserts if I can save room.
(4)Sarah B.
Well, if you're on a diet you'll probably want to look elsewhere. However, if you have no qualms about ingesting what I imagine is a truly staggering amount of calories, than Mon Ami Gabi is the place to do it. Scrumptious cocktails, a FABULOUS scallop appetizer and one of the very best steaks I have ever had (soaked in a brandy peppercorn sauce, heavenly) with a pile of delicious frites made for a truly memorable dining experience. Our server was knowledgeable and very attentive, even in the midst of a packed Saturday night crowd (definitely remember those reservations!) and everything was basically perfect, I just have one little quibble: the dessert left a lot to be desired. Now, I definitely do NOT have the most sophisticated palate, am the least picky eater you will ever find and I have to confess that my taste might even be described as slightly trashy (I appreciate my Wonder Bread and Kraft Cheese, OK?) But even I could tell that the chocolate mousse we had was sub-par, so I can only imagine what my culinary arts degree toting/professional baker dining companion thought. At any rate, save for the dessert, everything else was flawless.
(4)Rachel A.
We had an 8:15 reservation. We were finally seated at 8:45 with barely so much as an apology. Generally in this situation I've had my bar tab comped and a generous apology -- a half hour is pretty late. The place seemed to have a decent amount of tourists, which I was a bit suprised at since it isn't on Michigan Ave., but I guess they probably flock to the LEYE restaurants. The appetizer was delicious (shrimp with garlic and butter) and the steak-frites were acceptable, not great. I've had better at Bistrot Margot. The bananas foster dessert was amazing! At the end of the meal when the waiter presented us with the check and THEN apologized for the wait and comped our wine (cheapest bordeaux) and appetizer. That was very nice and very appreciated, but I would've liked to know at the beginning of the meal so that things didn't start out so sour. I guess they were waiting to see how expensive of a bottle we ordered.
(3)Suzanne S.
I've been to the one in Oak Brook for work, and wanted to take my husband. He surprised me by taking us here for our 1st anniversary (this is what happens when you marry a boy from Southern IL, he thinks something high class and French is a LEY chain, but I digress). It was just a perfect dinner. We ate on the patio, listened to bugs and people buzz around Lincoln Park into twilight. Drank a very good bottle of wine, ate a fantastic meal, and stumble happily home up Clark. Everything was just tasty...the house filet with Merlot butter was fantastic, as were some scallops we had.
(4)Judicious Z.
We live in the neighborhood and over the past 17 enjoy dining here a few times a year. My husband almost always orders one of their steaks with frites, I tend to jump around and most often order 2 of their impressive appetizers as my entree. This place IS so charmingly consistent and spot-on, it is easy to see why so many reviewers have given it top ratings. A warm and gracious reception as we enter, excellently prepared food, knowledgeable and efficient waitstaff, an expertly trained and friendly service staff emerging out of no where with water, a new spoon immediately as desert is served, etc. Mona Mi Gabi in the beautiful Belden Stratford building hits all the points. Whether it's enjoying their patio dining in the summer or their cozy french dinners once the chill takes hold, we are always pleased. And the menu and wine pricing are a good value. If for any reason your a skeptic because it's a chain, or you weren't impressed with another location, stop by and discover what we consider a "local place." I should add that this week we dined at a nearby restaurant that aspires to service the same crowd but the location was empty when I arrived at 6:30 and had only 4 tables filled at 7:30. That tells you something! I'm proofing this and realize I sound like I work for the restaurant chain - I don't. We just returned from enjoying another fine dinner and I suppose I'm feeling very taken care of. It must have been the dessert.
(5)Lori C.
Mon Ami Gabi is a good option if you want French Food. I've had the steak pomme frites and that is really good but my favorite is the grilled salmon salad. It has a citrus dressing on it and has orange and grapefruit slices and is really tasty.
(5)Dee W.
Try the pork tenderloin wrapped with bacon and the flourless Chocolate cake is outstanding. During the summer, the patio is the best place to be - the service is great and the atmosphere is very warm and inviting.
(4)Lo S.
My boyfriend and I used gift certificates we had gotten for xmas here. Based on all of the reviews I read I wasn't expecting a quiet, romantic place, but this place is full out LOUD. You are basically shoulder to shoulder with the table next to you, and the person next to us snorted so loudly when he laughed I thought I was going to die of laughter!! The food was VERY good, though, but overpriced for the ambience. We were seated right away, which was great. Also loved the location- in the quaint Beldon-Stratford. I felt like I was back in the '20s! :)
(3)Lucas M.
I've been here before, and I actually remember it being better than it was last night, but it was still good. With so many restaurants on the scene now, it's hard to stand out. But Mon Ami Gabi does what it does, and it does what it does well. However the menu has not changed since October of 2006, so I was a little disappointed to see that some seasonal styles of cooking and ingredients weren't used. Brasserie Jo (a fav of mine) just last week had nice Alsatian tasting to show of some German influences in the French Alsace region, but alas, that's a different review. The restaurant is very country in decor, but is warm and accommodating. The service is quite nice and is very attentive. I'm a big fan of the wine cart. I like not having to wait for the waiter to travel to the bar for every glass if you don't get a bottle. I had the fillet mignon frites special, and my date had the scallops. The escargot was great as was the pate. I had flowers delivered to the restaurant, and they were waiting for us at our table, so the hostess came through there. There is a coat check, valet, and the valet flags down cabs too. I thought the prices were right in line with similar styles of bistros. All in all, a pleasant night out. In the future I would like to see some more creations in addition to the existing menu, but the restaurant is still a hit.
(4)Lala R.
This is one of my favorites in Chicago! Good location- right by the park and parking is fairly easy to find. Good bang for your buck! If you like fish I suggest you try to Skate- yum!!
(5)Renato P.
Went to this place for my wife's birthday and she had a very happy birthday because of it. I was uneasy when I first stepped into the building it is in because its like some sort of hotel or fancy condo co-op. As soon as I entered the place, everything got exponentially better. The wait staff was friendly , helpful and catered to my kid excellently. I had the pate (I've had better) was pretty good, The onion soup (soup was good , I guess I don't like the Gruyere cheese baked on top, a little sharp for me) was OK. I had the Raw Oysters and they were very good. My wife ,kid , and I got the Steak Clasique , everyone really liked it. It was a sirloin pounded thin and covered in a delicious herb butter. The fries are flat and thin and I wasn't thrilled with that, I've had better , but they were good. My mother got the Steak Wellington , the Friday special, and while I'm not thrilled with mushrooms , a major ingredient, She loved it , I thought it was very good. We ordered the chocolate cake and the creme brulee and both were very good. We all left this place happy , and my wife left with a new favorite French restaurant.
(4)mike s.
steak frites are fantastic...go with the filet or the sirloin instead of the regular hanger steak. trout is amazing. grandmere's chicken and frites is way bettter than anything my grandma ever made. house cab is always good. very kid-friendly before 7pm [there is a little frites menu] ...letling your 6 year old daughter practice ordering in french almost justifies her private school tuition. AND they have takeout
(5)katherine ..
solid french bistro with large portions and decent prices. it gets noisy and is tight, so those with claustrophobia should try to get a freestanding table. i crave the frites and tomato salad.
(5)Mark P.
Mediocre French bistro. What you would expect from a Lettuce Entertain You establishment. Moules and steak were just ok. Pomme frites were more like shoestring potato chips and flavorless at that.
(3)Amy B.
Currently my favorite meal in Chicago - Steak Classique. DELICIOUS!!!
(5)Stephanie M.
French food from crepes to steak and frites. Warm french bread at your table. The French martini here is the best I've ever had. You can taste the chambord, you can taste the pineapple, and the vodka is enough to give you a buzz.
(3)Kate D.
Mon Ami Gabi is a fantastic "French" restaurant. The ambiance is truly upscale. The food portions are small and the steak is very 'thin' but the 'pom frites' are the best outside France.
(4)Joe S.
All right, LETTUCE haters. I'm talking to you here. Bashing our hometown mangia monolith is getting pretty popular, but this is a REALLY solid bistro. Possibly the best frites (those are fries to you laymen out there) in town, solid cassoulet, great bouillabaise, and wonderful chicken grand-mere style. Bacon-wrapped pork tenderloin is luscious, ask for it medium rare to keep it juicy though. Steaks are just OK. The Skate is much better, and other seafood choices can't miss, either. One of the few places in town you can get bananas foster, and they do a nice job on it. Their french onion soup is simply magnifique (that's french, y'know). Attentive service, great bartender. Here I go , about to complain about wine again (my wine whine, i supppose), but would it kill these french places to carry more than ONE brand of Pouilly-Fuisse? MORE WHITE BURGUNDY ALREADY, jeez. Lighting is perfect, decor is dead-on dark francais bistro. Bigger IS sometimes better. Lettuce Entertain You hits a homerun here.
(4)Shenelle B.
I just went here on Sunday for a nice dinner and I was really excited to try this restaurant. I was a bit claustrophobic because I was seated at a table where there were two people sitting on both sides if me on the booth side of the table. They had a lot more elbow room then me :-( A plus was the waiter. He knew what he was talking about and was very nice and attentive. I started out with the Escargots de Bourgogne which was amazing considering it was my first time trying it. I absolutely loved the Frisée & Bacon Salad the ingredients were fresh and I am still craving it two days later. For the main course I had the Steak and Fritz with peppercorn and blue cheese sauce. The meat was so tender you could cut it with a butter knife. I would def recommend this place!
(4)Ali W.
I was here on a Thursday night with a couple girlfriends. They seated us pretty fast. To my surprise the restaurant is actually pretty small inside so I could see it being pretty hard to get a seat. Make sure you make a reservation. I had the beef bourguignon and cesear salad. Both were very good. The beef was cooked just right. One of my friends had the steak and the other had the lemon chicken. Both were very pleased as well. We were most pleased with the dessert. As part of restaurant week the tasting included mango sorbet, chocolate moose and a creme brule. I liked them all and they were all in a very good serving size. I'm really glad i finally came here as it is down the street from me. Definitely will be going back and taste some things on the full menu.
(4)Michael D.
Good and bad. My table was right next to the bathroom, and the bar, so I constantly was moving my chair to avoid getting a crotch or ass to the back of my head. My waitress was nice, but I just sensed some arrogance about her? I'm not versed in French food, so I had a few questions, and i just felt a tone in her delivery. To her defense, my wife didn't feel the same way. Food was real good. I started with the baked cheese and the olive jar which were very flavorful. For my entree I had the Salmon over Orzo, which I am now kicking myself for not getting the special/ fish of the day which sounded better. Salmon was cooked well, I felt the Orzo may have been a little over cooked for my liking. My wife had a salad which she was pleased with. I may go back, there were a few items I wanted to try but for whatever reason I did not.
(4)Frederick C.
Six of us dined at Mon Ami Gabi last night, and it was one of the best dining experiences all of us had ever had! The sauce on the scallop appetizer was delectable, the trout melted in your mouth, and the steak bernaise was delicious and cooked to perfection. The atmosphere is great, but perhaps the best part of our meal was the impeccable service and the great sense of humor of our waiter John. Several of our party were late, and he served them quickly after they arrived. He patiently learned the intracasies of my camera to take a group photo, and let us taste several wines until we found one we liked. We can't wait to get back and highly recommend this restaurant, where we hope we can sit at one of John's tables!
(5)Jake C.
Steak Frites! Woo-Hoo! First, I recommend a reservation. My wife and I went on a Monday night, and I am glad we had a reservation. It was crazy full with folks having the Passover menu. So maybe I just recommend a reservation if you go during Passover. Anyway..... Martini was good. Wine by the glass options were good. My wife and I shared a soup and a salad. The soup was a great mushroom soup, not too creamy. The salad was a mixture of spring greens with bacon and a soft poached egg. Wonderful fresh taste to the plate. Dinner was Steak Frites for each. My wife had the bearnaise sauce which I thought was just ok. I had the red wine reduction with caramelized onions and it was incredible. The flavors blended together well and the medium done steak was perfectly cooked. Finished off with a Chocolate Mousse which was a generous portion, plenty enough for the two of us to share. In my OpenTable reservation I made a note that we were celebrating our anniversary. Bonus points to the restaurant for making note of this, wishing us a good one and offering the dessert on the house. Staff was all very pleasant. Only minor hitch was at one point our main server was out of sight for a while, but another server took our order and the evening progressed just fine. We spent a good 2 hours dining and never felt rushed, and the servers took time to answer all of our questions about the menu. They really made a great experience out of our special occasion.
(5)Adisak P.
I love Mon Ami Gabi. I've been coming here for over ten years. They have a nice warm dark wood decor and an intimate feel that is perfect for a date. In summer time, they open their patio which is also a great place to enjoy a view of Lincoln Park and the Zoo with a small group of close friends. The service is attentive, knowledgeable, and extremely polite and well mannered. Last night I stopped by for dinner with a group of four friends. It was a Friday night and was quite busy but they added us to the waitlist for the outside and told us it would be 30-40 min. We got a couple martinis at the bar and waited -- The Parisian Martini, a twist on the classic French Martini with Cointreau instead of Chambord, is wonderful. The bartender pours this concoction into a Martini Glass with a bit of Champagne and an Orange slice and the result is heavenly. So 45 minutes later and two Martinis (I also got a Belvidere Dirty with Blue Cheese Olives) we were on the patio and ready to eat. The wait was actually good because the temperature outside cooled off quite a bit and it was more comfortable on the patio than it would have been if we were immediately seated. They brought warm french bread and butter which was great to accompany our starting dishes of French Onion soup and Butter Lettuce and Asparagus. All four of us ordered fish: scallops with whipped cauliflower, skate wing (one with chips and one with frittes), and a salmon salad. The fish was all very delicious and well prepared. We had a bottle of Sancerre which complemented the flavors perfectly. After dinner we turned to dessert with the Bananas Foster and Chocolate Mousse. The waiter surprised us by bringing an extra Bananas Foster for free (we told him we were sharing and he wanted to make sure we had plenty to share). All in all, a quite pleasant evening in beautiful Lincoln Park with a nice group of close friends. Everything turned our perfectly even though we didn't have plans and didn't make reservations and the extra dessert at the end was... well, icing on the cake.
(5)The M.
Veggie in a french restaurant ..!$^*#! Need I say more. However the dessert was great.
(2)Matt M.
One year after my first visit to this "Lettuce Entertain You" outpost I finally find it fit to commit my review to rather than keep it contained in memories of tender, medium-rare steak frites, slightly too sweet french onion soup with gruyere, and the nigh on elderly lady at the table adjacent who participated in all of our conversations. We walked in without a reservation on a Thursday night, which I don't recommend doing after seeing the line that blossomed after our arrival. Contained in the elegant Belden-Stratford residences just a few blocks from the lake, Mon Ami Gabi provides a decent experience that leaves you sated. As another reviewer stated so well, "I don't think it's the epitome of classy dining". As I find myself saying so often, know what you're getting into and you'll walk away satisfied. Mon Ami Gabi gives you an above average meal with good service and a well-polished attitude; no more, no less.
(4)Mollie H.
Living a block away from this restaurant, we have to make a concerted effort not to O.D. on it. With that said, we try to pick a a few nights a year to have a great meal here. One of those nights is New Years Eve. You wouldn't expect too much from a restaurant that doesn't really promote NYE festivities but upon entering Mon Ami Gabi, it's clear they are ready to celebrate in style. Black & silver balloons cover the entire ceiling, pretty feathered crowns & top hats are passed out, and they make sure everyone is set with blowers, horns & all sorts of noisemakers before 12. There isn't a better way to have a low key NYE with delicious wine & steak. Also- try to hit this place up in the summer and enjoy dining on their beautiful patio. It's a great escape!
(4)Eugene K.
The Good: An affordable French restaurant. Their arctic char was prepared perfectly! Sweet potato soup was also very tasty! The Bad: There's nothing really that stood out about the food. The Country Pate was more pork butt and fat than liver or veal. French onion soups are usually over salted for my tastes at most restaurants, their's was very under seasoned. The beef bourguignon didn't have that melt in your mouth taste you want with the braised beef. The beef was also butchered with too much ligament intact, tasty with Pho not so much with beef bourguignon. The Ugly: Parking is a nightmare, just valet your car. Overall my experience was positive, my palate for French Cuisine is still growing but I can definitely say Mon Ami Gabi didn't have anything memorable in my opinion which is what makes it 3 stars over 4. I've had just about everything I had tonight at another restaurant that did it better for less money. Thanksfully everything was paid for with a LEYE gift certificate.
(3)Ingrid R.
The food was very good and the service was good. We arrived 5 minutes late for our 7.30pm reservation on a Saturday night. We had to wait over 20 minute for a table (I wish we'd been 25 minutes late). Friends of ours happened to be there the same night and they said they had to wait for their table too despite being on time for their reservation. We were advise to get a drink at the bar which was impossible because it was fully seated and after trying to make eye-contact with the bar tender for a few minutes we decided we'd go for a drink across the lobby (the restaurant is in The Belden Hotel). I will review there later (if you're not loaded (with money not booze) don't go). The atmosphere was not what I was hoping for. We were at the corner of a couch that was attached to the wall. I was facing one table and my husband was facing another. It was quite cramped. Although I wasn't bumping elbows while eating it was a squeeze to get in due to us being in a corner with tables to both free sides and our couch being on the other two sides. The restaurant was pretty noisy. I tried to imagine what kind of night it would be good for but couldn't. Maybe a large family (older family) night. Definitely not the romantic dinner I had hoped for. We had escargot and the baked cheese for appetizers which were very good. I had Steak Roquefort (awesome) and my husband had a medium steak which was definitely not medium (looked exactly like the rare I ordered). Both were delicious though. The profiteroles for dessert were good. I'm giving it 3 stars because the food really was good, but I don't think I'll be rushing back.
(3)Gabe L.
Being "Gabe", people always joke around with me being their "Mon Ami", but that doesn't rhyme with "Gabe". Silly people. I sat outside on a beautiful evening, got some French wine, some Steak Frites, la vie est belle ... The hotel lobby was beautiful, and Shakespeare's statue watches you eat from the park. What a creepo.
(4)Kristen S.
Mon Ami Gabi is seriously as good as it gets - and even better that it has a delicious gluten free menu! I love that they bring me warm, fresh-from-the-oven gluten free bread with olives. Such heaven. I have the fish here, usually, and every time it is fresh, seasonal, and fantastic. My husband loves the steak frites every time. And for dessert the chocolate mousse and the peach parfait. Parking is difficult, and valet (worth it!) is $12. The restaurant is adorable and service is friendly. Highly, highly recommended!
(5)Kate B.
So, I don't understand the hype of this place. Everyone was so excited when I told them I was having dinner here, and in the end... it's a perfectly lovely French restaurant with perfectly lovely food and wonderful servers. But I don't think it's the epitome of classy dining, that everyone makes it out to be. I saw a lot of people in jeans and sweaters and it had a fairly easy going vibe to it. It was fine. But I don't think its atmosphere compares to places like Petterino's... Did I like it? Yes! Absolutely. I'd recommend it to friends. But I wouldn't swallow my tongue if someone invited me to go again. (Major props for having a FABULOUS wait staff.)
(4)Lynn W.
Wonderful fun place for girls night out. Server, David, was very professional, engaging, and attractive! Food was delicious. Atmosphere was relaxing and fun. Would definitely go back.
(4)Valerie S.
Loved the steak frites. Very reasonably priced for a french restaurant and in the Lincoln Park location. We could only find valet parking though, which was a little pricey, but that's not the fault of the restaurant. The service was great and the ambiance was nice.
(5)Alisa G.
One of my favorite restaurants. The escargot is excellent. And I discovered my favorite drink here -- a French 75.
(5)Katrina S.
I LOVE french cuisine and after hearing great things about Mon Ami Gabi I jumped at the opportunity to check it out when I got the invitation. WHAT a let down. It started bad and just got worse. A fly in my dirty martini was the start (ironic much?). The waiter apologized and took it back but no offer to comp a new one. We ordered Escargot which came out so burnt I wondered why it left the kitchen. It was black and boiling so furiously I thought it must be near the temperature of the surface of the sun! We had to send that back as well. The pate just wasn't good and the texture was off - much less desirable than other pate I have eaten. This could be a taste issue but I have never had a pate I didn't like - until now. I started to feel guilty for telling the waiter everything he put in front of us just wasn't cutting it (even though he didn't really seem to care). We decided to cut our losses, pay the tab & leave. I have been to several other French restaurants in the city that were far superior in service, value & quality. It would have to be some supercalifragilistic circumstances to ever bring me back here.
(2)Jess P.
WOW. going to this place I NEVER thought I would love it as much as I did as I am not such a fan of French cuisine....however...like I said before WOW! The food was amazingly delicious!!!! I will say, I am not such a fan of the location..it is rather odd and usually restaurants that are attached to hotels or apartments are not the best....Mon Ami Gabi took me by suprise! Our waiter was extremely helpful...as I am somewhat unfamiliar with French wines he helped my boyfriend and I to choose one according to taste...not just the most expensive one on the menu! Wine was GREAT! and he even brought us out a complimentary appetizer of olives since it was our first time dining there...awesome!! We ordered the 3cheese appetizer...which was great...but a little lacking in the amount for price component.... BUT, did I mention the free warm bread! could hardly keep my hands off...it came with some sort of carrot based dip and butter...wasn't a fan of the carrot stuff but bread and butter...always great! For dinner my bf and I both ordered steak dishes...I ordered the steak and blue cheese (subbed potato au gratin instead of frites, no problem)! and my bf got the steak with dijon mustard butter & frites...my steak was simply amazing...LARGE portion! and every bite was quality steak! the potatos were almost heavenly ! and although I didn't taste the dijon steak my bf said it was amazing too! Absolutely LOVE this place...only downside is price...I would say be ready to splurge or try going for lunch!
(5)Matthew G.
The food here is consistently very good. The Sea Scallops Gratinee are an amazing starter and you cannot go wrong with any entree. The drinks are a little overpriced, but the food is extremely affordable for the quality. As far as service, the waitstaff is always extremely attentive. The manager is always very present and each time I have been, I have received a very enthusiastic, "Thank You" on my way out the door.
(4)