Quince
1625 Hinman Ave, Evanston, IL, 60201
Quince Menu
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Appetizers
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Entrees
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Dessert
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Cheese
Diabetics at Quiznos
Diabetics can cherish dining at Quiznos as the restaurant takes care of health preferences with under 500 calories menu. If you have diabetes, you can also opt for salads or soups and avoid desserts at all costs.
Foods to Avoid at Quiznos for Diabetics:
Veggie doesn't always mean healthy at Quiznos. You got to make some smart choices while dining at Quiznos if you're a diabetic. Avoid Veggie Guacamole and Mesquite Chicken sub at Quiznos for its high-calorie count. You should also skip the Apple Harvest Chicken salad with Honey Mustard dressing to limit your calorie intake. We would recommend avoiding all kinds of subs at Quiznos as most of the subs are rich in sodium except a few as mentioned in the food suggestions.
Food Suggestions for Diabetics at Quiznos:
Tater Tots Classic
Nutritional Facts: 210 calories, 11g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 3g), 790mg sodium, 25g carbs, 1g sugar, 0g fiber, 3g Protein
Egg & Cheddar (Sammie)
Nutritional Facts: 380 calories, 22g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 7g), 650mg sodium, 28g carbs, 1g sugar, 3g fiber, 16g Protein
Apple Harvest (Half Salad)
Nutritional Facts: 440 calories, 33g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 5g), 580mg sodium, 26g carbs, 20g sugar, 3g fiber, 11g Protein
Garden Salad
Nutritional Facts: 270 calories, 26g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 4g), 640mg sodium, 9g carbs, 5g sugar, 2g fiber, 2g Protein
Tomato Basil Bisque (Optional) Soup
Nutritional Facts: 160 calories, 12g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 3.5g), 500mg sodium, 12g carbs, 9g sugar, 0g fiber, 2g Protein
Healthy Meal suggestions for Quince
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Appetizers
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Entrees
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Dessert
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Cheese
High Blood Pressure at Quiznos
Sodium is always high in food items served at fast-food restaurants. Quiznos is no exception either. Try to keep your portion size in check to ensure that your sodium levels are in control while dining at Quiznos. Try the salads to enjoy a healthy meal at Quiznos if you're concerned with high blood pressure.
Foods to Avoid at Quiznos for High Blood Pressure
Most sub sandwiches served at Quiznos are high in sodium. It is recommended to avoid all types of sub sandwiches at Quiznos except a few mentioned in the food suggestions. You must also avoid Ham, Egg & Cheddar; Bacon, Egg & Cheddar; Sausage, Egg & Cheddar; and Steak, Egg, & Cheddar from the breakfast menu of Quiznos. Skip regular and bread bowl soups at Quiznos to keep your sodium intake in control.
Food Suggestions for High Blood Pressure at Quiznos
Tuna Melt (Sammie)
Nutritional Facts: 330 calories, 13g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 4.5g), 880mg sodium, 32g carbs, 3g sugar, 4g fiber, 21g Protein
Italian Meatball (Half Salad)
Nutritional Facts: 330 calories, 21g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 7g), 720mg sodium, 17g carbs, 7g sugar, 4g fiber, 22g Protein
Apple Harvest (Half Salad)
Nutritional Facts: 440 calories, 33g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 5g), 580mg sodium, 26g carbs, 20g sugar, 3g fiber, 11g Protein
Garden Salad
Nutritional Facts: 270 calories, 26g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 4g), 640mg sodium, 9g carbs, 5g sugar, 2g fiber, 2g Protein
Egg & Cheddar (Sammie)
Nutritional Facts: 380 calories, 22g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 7g), 650mg sodium, 28g carbs, 1g sugar, 3g fiber, 16g Protein
Tomato Basil Bisque (Optional) Soup
Nutritional Facts: 160 calories, 12g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 3.5g), 500mg sodium, 12g carbs, 9g sugar, 0g fiber, 2g Protein
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant blood pressure menu details.
High Cholesterol at Quiznos
Fast-food restaurants are the worst for people worried about high cholesterol. Most fast-food restaurants including Quiznos offer high calorie and sodium items on their menu. You need to be careful and watch your calorie and fat intake while dining at Quiznos.
Foods to Avoid at Quiznos for High Cholesterol
Avoid all types of 8” and 12” sub sandwiches at Quiznos to keep your cholesterol in check. If you're ordering salads at Quiznos, then skip the full plate to keep the cholesterol down. You must also avoid the desserts at Quiznos as well as everything on their breakfast menu as they are high in cholesterol.
Food Suggestions to Maintain Cholesterol Level at Quiznos
Lobster & Seafood Salad 4" Sub
Nutritional Facts: 300 calories, 11g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 5g), 850mg sodium, 40g carbs, 3g sugar, 2g fiber, 12g Protein
Turkey Ranch & Swiss (Sammie)
Nutritional Facts: 340 calories, 16g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 4.5g), 970mg sodium, 31g carbs, 4g sugar, 2g fiber, 19g Protein
Peppercorn Steak (Half Salad)
Nutritional Facts: 540 calories, 48g (Tans. Fat 1g & Sat. Fat 9g), 890mg sodium, 10g carbs, 4g sugar, 3g fiber, 16g Protein
Veggie Guacamole (Sammie)
Nutritional Facts: 420 calories, 25g (Tans. Fat 0.5g & Sat. Fat 7g), 800mg sodium, 34g carbs, 5g sugar, 5g fiber, 13g Protein
Honey Mustard (Half Salad)
Nutritional Facts: 470 calories, 35g (Tans. Fat 0.5g & Sat. Fat 8g), 880mg sodium, 17g carbs, 12g sugar, 2g fiber, 22g Protein
Chili Soup
Nutritional Facts: 160 calories, 5g (Tans. Fat 0g & Sat. Fat 1.5g), 550mg sodium, 19g carbs, 4g sugar, 6g fiber, 11g Protein
Sorry, We are updating this restaurant cholesterol menu details.
Q & A on Quiznos
When was Quiznos founded?
Quiznos began its operations in 1981. Jimmy Lambatos co-founded the restaurant chain with his business partner Todd Disner and opened the first Quiznos during the spring of 1981.
Where can I find a Quiznos nearby?
There are less than 800 Quiznos in the United States. You can use our Restaurant Listings directory to find a Quiznos nearby.
What's the Quiznos under-500 calories menu?
Quiznos offers Subs, Sammy, and Salads in different sizes and portions. You can rely on the under-500 calories menu to ensure that you order a low-calorie diet at Quiznos.
Are Quiznos sub sandwiches gluten-free?
Yes, Quiznos sub sandwiches are made with gluten-free bread. However, there's always a risk of gluten cross-contamination as is the case with all restaurants. Food items such as Harvest Chicken, Honey Mustard Chicken, Cobb, Peppercorn Caesar with Chicken or Mediterranean Chicken salads are your best bets for a gluten-free meal at Quiznos. You must avoid rice noodles, and soups as well as all types of desserts except Yogurt Parfait with mixed berries.
Are Quiznos sub sandwiches vegan?
The veggie sub sandwich stuffed with guacamole, black olives, lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, and mushrooms is your best bet for a vegan sub sandwich at Quiznos. Just avoid cheese and replace red-wine vinaigrette with balsamic vinaigrette. Choose white or wheat bread for your sub to go vegan.
When does Quiznos open and close?
Major Quiznos restaurants open at 7 AM in the morning and stays open until 9 PM at night. However, the timings may change as per locality. Use our Restaurant Listings directory to find the exact timings of the Quiznos near you.
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About Quiznos
Quiznos is an American franchise-based restaurant chain headquartered in Denver, Colorado. The fast-food restaurant offers toasted submarine sandwiches and pretty good at it. Quiznos is currently serving customers from fewer than 800 locations in the United States. In 2016, Quiznos was recognized as the ninth-largest submarine sandwich restaurant chain in the United States based on sales.
Quiznos was co-founded by Jimmy Lambatos who was an experienced chef and restaurateur having found Italian restaurant Footers in 1978. The first Quiznos started its operations in the spring of 1981. It was one of the earliest restaurant chains to server toasted submarine sandwiches. Quiznos specialized in sub sandwiches as well as salads, soups, and desserts building a loyal following over the years.
Healthy Food Options at Quiznos
Quiznos offers a great variety of submarine sandwiches stuffed with both meat and veggies. You can also try their salads and soups to opt for healthier food options at Quiznos. Just make sure that you don't intake too much sodium while ordering your favorite submarine sandwiches at Quiznos. Also, try avoiding extra cheese or other dressing that contain too much sodium or sugar.
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Address :
1625 Hinman Ave
Evanston, IL, 60201 - Phone (847) 570-8400
- Website https://www.quincerestaurant.net
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :Closed
- Mon : Closed
Tue
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : No
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Dinner
Parking : Valet
Bike Parking : Yes
Good for Kids : No
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Dressy
Ambience : Intimate
Noise Level : Quiet
Alcohol : Full Bar
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : Free
Has TV : Yes
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
WE SERVE THE FOLLOWING STATES
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Jennifer F.
We had a wonderful dining experience at Quince. We met another couple and everything that came to the table was fantastic. We wanted to enjoy some cocktails in the lounge before sitting to dinner. Our table was held without batting an eye. The waitstaff was knowledgeable and helpful. It was a cozy atmosphere and quiet. The halibut was one of the best things I've put in my mouth. Excellent food and service. Worth the price tag. I'm looking forward to another visit!
(5)Carter G.
This is my favorite restaurant in Evanston. The food is amazing, and endlessly creative without being too precious. It is easily on par with the best of restaurants in Chicago proper. Their wine pairings are also excellent, and the service is top notch. They even opened half an hour early just for us without batting on eye when we explained we had a group of about 9 people, and we were on a tight schedule. It is adjoined to the Homestead, which is a residential place for long-term guests (often associated with the university) so the walk through the ground floor does feel odd, but the restaurant itself is nothing to do with that and should not be penalized on that count.
(5)Eric W.
I must say that even though I didn't have time to stay for dessert, I really enjoyed my meal at Quince. I agree with others that the menu is small, inventive and pricey but definitely worth it. The food was artistically plated and really, really good. Our waiter was also very good, he spent a lot of time going over the wine list with us and helped us pick out a very nice wine that was tasty and paired nicely with our meals. Despite the cost, I really enjoyed the whole experience. I even liked the hotel it is in. It was very good and relaxing.
(4)Mike T.
We tried Quince a couple of years ago on Valentine's day, when they had a special menu. The food was good, with excellent plating, and good service. It was a nice place to dress up to and try a special menu. We had a duck dish, a dumpling soup, and a pork dish, which was flavorful.
(4)Sarah A.
I love this place. The atmosphere is classy and warm (fireplace, pristine silverware, service). The servers are great and love their attention to the courses - removing the appetizer forks and knives, coming to serve bread and refill glasses. The scallion and nut rolls are flavorful. The butter comes in oil and salt+pepper. I had a grand prix fixe meal a couple times and I don't think I'll get sick of it. I'd recommend everything but the one things that still lingers in my mind even after a year are the scallops (wow, I didn't know they could be so good...this is what I think of now whenever I think of scallops. It's my new standard...until something else takes the throne). Something to note is that the portions are small (beautiful plate presentation) but it *can* be a shock for your bf that orders the steak. This place is pricey, but you can use some restaurant.com coupons for this place, just be sure to read all the terms. I think my next trip will take advantage of a chef tasting menu!
(5)Basil H.
good
(5)Rena P.
A lovely (one time) experience. As it's restaurant week and Quince is a Michelin recommended eatery, I had to see for myself. I must say, the place is just lovely. There's isn't a more fitting word for it. Rustic, elegant atmosphere; fireplace; soft music; white tablecloths; pristine plate/glass/flatware. Small dining room with a separate area for private dining. The servers were also lovely. They were very attentive, pleasant and knowledgeable. In fact, they never skipped a beat. Replaced flatware after every course clearing, brought bread at every lull and clearly explained the menu and the imaginative preparations. So why only three stars for such a lovely experience? Sadly, if the taste of the food. Regardless of the interior of a dining establishment, the efficiency of the service or the presentation of the menu; the food itself needs to taste good. Many of the flavor combinations did not work for me. Case in point, the Crispy Pork. The meat was dry ans the Taro puree was flavorless--slightly disappointing. Next is the Ravioli. It was mostly raw. Fresh made, but still raw. When I cut into it, the filling was liquid, thus leaving nothing inside to bite into. The apples were sour and took over the entire dish thus leaving the mouth completely sour. The sticky rice dessert was also dry. That being said, meal highlights included the Pork in the third course. Just perfection. The kale was crispy and just heavenly. The mustard seeds were ravishing (and I'm not even a mustard fan). Though, I could have definitely done without the spaetzle. The bread was delicious, as was the Pistachio Bavaria. Just amazing. All in all, I'm glad I went. But i wouldn't go if it hadn't been for restaurant week. And, now I got another place off my list. Hopefully the others will live up to their reputation.
(3)Yvonne Y.
Food is very sophisticatedly prepared and the service is attentive. We had the cotes du rhone by the glasses ($9). Extensive wine menu with affordable choices. For appetizers, we had the bruleed bone marrow served on a small piece of toast with cashew butter. Delicious. Entree, we had the Pork dish that is of two pieces of pork with sorrel sauce, quince sauce, huckleberry and other condiments. Very delicious as well, only thing is I'd prefer if the pork is a bit tenderer. Amazingly, I wasn't that full. For dessert we both had the ginger creme brulee paired with carrot cake/cookie/cream. Very filling dessert and the flavors went well together. Staff was very friendly and answered some ingredient questions I had immediately. They give you space and yet are very accommodating and attentive. Little things like when they put your silverware down, they take the time to place them properly before walking away. I've been to a couple of Michelin-starred restaurants whose staff don't do that. Don't look too shabby. It's an intimate, romantic restaurant.
(4)David L.
Food: 4 Decor: 4 Service: 4 I came here with my gf for dinner around 8pm Friday. I called to make a reservation a few hours beforehand. We were promptly seated and served some hot, fresh walnut roll, regular sourdough, and wheat bread. 1. Nantucket Bay Scallops, 14 yelp.com/biz_photos/Jaw0… clams, romanesco, kale, sarsaparilla, rice wine vinegar ~Good, although it was borderline too salty, and the scallops were very tiny. 2. Duck, 30 foie gras, chestnut, pumpkin spice, brioche, fig-apple compote ~Good, although I wish the duck skin were a bit crispier. Foie was delicious and creamy, unlike any I've had before. The compote was excellent, although much too strong on it's own, but it was amazing with the brioche. 3. Grouper, 27 yelp.com/biz_photos/Jaw0… brussels sprouts, pancetta, black garlic cous cous, curry-caper emulsion ~Delicious. Grouper was cooked perfectly, and the accompaniments were good. I didn't really care for the sauce on top though since it was a bit heavy. 4. Melon sorbet, 3 Disappointing. It tasted like rice wine. Overall, somewhat hit and miss, but we'll have to drop by again since my gf loved it.
(4)chris j.
Lovely, lovely meal. We sat outside on a beautiful summer night, and Joe and Ann took great care of us. A couple of courses, each expertly prepared -- and an amazing cheesed course. Highly recommended.
(5)Keith A.
We chose Quince as the site of a small wedding reception (planned for 24 guests, ended up having only 15) based on its excellent food, its reasonable cost compared with a couple of other options in the area, and a 1920s-styled lounge that was precisely the right size and appealing in its decor (it also opens up onto the front porch, which was a delightful plus given the perfect weather we had on the day of our event). We had some communication problems getting the event set up and a contract written and signed beforehand. During the event, however, everything went flawlessly. Both we and our guests were bowled over by the quality of the food: our appetizers included a mixed green salad with little liquid-Parmesan croquettes that have to be tried to be believed, a curried seared scallop starter with pancetta and garlic, and a chilled beet soup; our chosen entree options were steak with Roquefort, bresaola and bok choy, halibut in a charmoula sauce, and mushroom-ricotta ravioli. Though Quince also has several superb dessert options, we provided our own cake instead. It was served by the pastry chef, who was wise enough to slice it VERY thinly. For a small private function, we would not hesitate to use or recommend this restaurant again.
(4)Cami R.
Excellent restaurant!! We orderd the veal and the new york strip, both OUTSTANDING! The ravioli and the barramundi were really good too. For dessert the S' mores and the pistachio bavarian, we loved them! Will be coming back for sure!
(5)Justine U.
I was here for a small wedding reception and had an awesome experience. The staff were incredibly attentive and very friendly. I don't know what the prices are like, but the food was EXCELLENT. The guests of the reception had a lot of varied dietary restrictions (vegan, vegan gluten free, vegetarian, omnivore, omnivore gluten free) and the servers noted what people ate and would bring them special snacks. Everyone at my table (vegan to omnivore alike) had nothing but good things to say about the food they received, three days later, I'm still thinking about the sweet corn ravioli: homemade pasta and this delicious cream sauce... yum.
(5)J C.
Absolutely amazing meal from start to finish. We received the warmest welcome upon our arrival. The decor was simple, elegant and inviting. The waiter was knowledgeable but not pushy and we never felt rushed throughout the meal. We ordered a great french wine. Started with the lobster and the crab. Followed with the veal and the small raviolis. Delicious!! The flavors were unlike anything we had ever experienced and the presentation was a feast for the eyes. Absolutely recommend Quince.
(5)Carol K.
Nice. Unexpectedly nice! Quince is located in the historic Homestead hotel in Evanston and I had the pleasure to eat there the other night. We arrived and were warmly greeted at the door. Waiting for our table we were ushered into a smallish bar where my martini awaited- the perfect start to my evening. Seeing that this is set up like a home, we moved from one side of the hall to the other when it was time to be seated for dinner. The room was lovely with windows facing the street and a fireplace on the wall. The chef's menu for the night while not huge, included many things that my friend and I chose to order and split. For me as a starter- i had the greens which tasted somewhat like a deconstructed Caesar salad. What they called "liquid Parmesan" on the salad were small balls of the cheese and were delicious! My friend went with the spicy lamb ravioli which must have been good since he wasn't sharing any! For our entrees- I had the duck and he had the pork. But it was the preparation of both of those that had us talking. The duck was perfectly prepared and served with wild rice and peas. The pork had a bit of a Caribbean thing going with papaya, pineapple and sticky rice. How we had room after all of that for dessert, I don't know but here's my hint- the cheesecake is better than the chocolate crepes. But check them out for yourself! Service was just okay. Our server seemed to be distracted but he really got everything to us okay- it just wasn't what I would call a friendly experience which was the only flaw of the evening. Street parking is usually pretty easy but they do have valet parking as well. Dinner for two ran about $150 including drinks. I don't get up to Evanston very often, but if I lived closer, Quince would certainly go on my list of places to visit again.
(4)Yanyao N.
Yum! This is a beautiful dining location to escape to in Evanston. Located in a lovely boutique hotel, it is so quaint and peaceful in here. Full marks for atmosphere. In my efforts to eat at every restaurant in Evanston, I decided it was finally time to dine at Quince. Luckily, we came tonight, on a Sunday when they offer a $35 3-course menu. It was a delightful introduction. I tried: - Squash soup. Loved it. I love when they have soups and put little bits and pieces in the bowl and then pour from a teapot at your table. - Pork. Served with pineapple sticky rice among other things. It was a PERFECTLY cooked piece of pork. - Guinea hen. I wanted to hug whoever made this. I asked the server if it was deboned initially because I was feeling lazy, and he said it was a prepared like a roulade. Excellent. Only, when it was brought it, it wasn't your average roulade, but the outer layer on the roulade was a super crispy skin. Perfection. This is a dish that was made by someone who likes to eat and thinks about things. My kind of chef. Hugs all around for crispy bird skin. - Chocolate crepe. Quite chocolaty. - Quince financier. Very fruity. I think I preferred the chocolate. We also shared the carrot ravioli appetizer because if I see an appetizer with CARROT CAKE in the menu description, I'm going to order it. It was awesome. Tiny little raviolis with a liquid carrot center, some carrot cake cubes, parsnips, foam. 2 gorgeous bites of sweet food to kick off the meal. Service was great. The support staff were funny and made jokes! I like that. This restaurant runs the danger of being a little stuffy, so I like when service staff can gauge what kind of customer you are and react accordingly. I will definitely return. I can picture how pretty this location would be in warmer, sunny weather. (Wasn't today so miserable? That guinea hen really cheered me up though!)
(4)Etienne D.
What a disappointing experience. Ask for the restaurant (right side), hope their replaced the waiters and it'll be a decent experience, for Evanston. The former chefs made the place famous, the current ones... edible. Service: 2/5. Polite but clumsy, the waiters were clearly new (one admitted to his third day), spilled wine repeatedly, forgetting to bring spoons with soup, forgot about our request for more bread, etc. Also, no one to welcome us when we walked in. Finally, server rushed the check without us asking, and taking it back while we were finishing our wine. Food: 3/5. Limited menu options. We had a good sample with our group. Halibut was OK, duck was great, raviolis were... well, if there had been more than 3, we might have enjoyed. Platting was clean, simple . Dessert were good, which make the experience a little better. Not a culinary experience, just a good meal which at $30 per entrees was below par. Wines: 4/5: good cross section, we tried a white, red and champagne. Prices were reasonable for the selection. Ambiance: 1/5. We were sat in their lobby/bar area that looks like a hotel lobby, where you see hotel guests constantly in and out. Chairs were conference room chairs, lighting was horrible (only one source). For a place of this standing, unacceptable unfortunately. The "restaurant" side looked pretty, request this side.
(3)Sue C.
Absolutely amazing. Divine dining experience with great flavors in all the dishes. I came with my bf for a nice dinner. We ordered a seafood and a foie gras for apps, halibut and veal for entree, and ice cream dessert. All the food was wonderfully prepared and full of flavor. The foie gras was perfect, with the right crispiness on the outside. The veal was tender and they included their unique take on a ratatouille, which was creative and delicious. A great spot for a romantic dinner!!! and overall just fabulous!
(5)Sylvia E.
Absolutely superior with a reasonable corkage fee. Atmosphere is down to earth and the food is out of this world yummy. The best part is my boyfriend and I dined here for only 85$ total! That's nothing for five star food!!
(5)Steve A.
Quince is almost a great restaurant. The service is superb. The dining rooms are homey and a touch formal. And the food is good. There's just no over the top dish to take it to the next level. A good reliable upscale meal in Evanston, better than Oceanique, not as good as Stained Glass.
(4)Atl L.
We've never been for dinner but went for brunch recently. It was a bit on the pricey side (which we expected) but the food was nicely presented and really tasty. It was a two course meal with 3 or 4 options for both courses. There were more servers in the restaurant than patrons but I guess brunch hasn't "taken off" yet. I hope they are busier at dinner!! Anyway, the servers were really great, attentive and nice. I was really happy with the nice French press coffee presentation, nice touch. There were several coffee options and LOADS of tea options. My husband prefers the classic iced tea, which they obliged him with. But they charged us for a refill ($3.50!!)!! Hope to go back for dinner eventually.
(4)Christiane R.
Perhaps they were short staffed the evening we went, but service was horrible from start to finish. I went with my family to celebrate my mother's birthday, and the service we received here just about ruined the celebration. I really expect more from a restaurant of this caliber, especially given all of the positive reviews. Three of us arrived separately, and the rest of the party were already seated once we had arrived. Instead of showing us to the table where everyone else was seated, the hostess simply pointed in the direction of the table. One member of our party had ordered a drink prior to our arrival, and didn't receive it for over 20 minutes. It took the staff 40 minutes to even serve us bread and take our orders. The waiter who was pouring the wine didn't allow anyone to taste it before sloppily pouring it into the glasses of those at the table who had ordered it, and one member of our party was even served the wrong meal before another waiter came to take it away and place it on the correct person's table. If I were that other patron, I wouldn't accept food that had been sitting at someone else's table before arriving at mine. I also didn't appreciate the fact that one server, with her blue nail polish, proceeded to point very closely to every ingredient on my plate to describe what it was (apparently, the staff loves to point). One bump and her hand would have been in my dinner. As the servers were constantly bumping into our chairs and our heads without as much as an apology, this was a real possibility. The food was alright, but I wish the only vegetarian entree didn't have blue cheese in it (a polarizing flavor). The S'more dessert was fantastic, but unfortunately, it came at the end of a very disappointing evening and wasn't enough to salvage it. From the rest of the reviews here, it appears that we may have gone on an off night, and that happens from time to time. I just wish the staff that did happen to show up that evening would have been more apologetic as to their mistakes, because, at the end of the day, it is those people that make it so that I will never return.
(1)Comensal A.
I could almost give Quince 5 stars, which is unusually high praise from me. They did so many things well. I don't get to Evanston often, so didn't even know about it. The dining room is lovely, if a bit dated. The staffers were cordial & polished. Nice wine list, with good selections at all price points. Intriguing menu -- thoughtful & innovative, with something for every taste. Pretty food, excellent flavors, nicely plated and well cooked (for the most part). And prices are fair for the quality of the food & service. The bread service was a harbinger of good things to come. We liked the walnut/scallion rolls and the multigrain bread. For starters, my companion's lamb pierogis stole the show flavor-wise, though my mixed green salad held its own due to parmesan puffs and infused dried tomatoes. My companion's mushroom ravioli was superb, rich & tangy with garlic and arugula. My halibut was beautifully composed & plated -- a lovely piece of fish, though drier than it ought to have been. Our dessert, a sour cherry bombe, was nicely presented & delicious. Regrettably, there is no espresso or cappuccino, only press coffee. We were there for an early dinner, and the light was lovely through the windows. My sense is that it might be a bit too dark for me later in the evening. The music, very Sinatra, was at just the right level to create a pleasant mood without interfering with conversation. An enjoyable dinner -- I will definitely be back when I'm in the area...
(4)sasha h.
Came here recently with my bf and his family for dinner and had a great night. Service was a bit slow but we were in no rush so it was fine. Intimate setting, great for a date or dinner with family, friends. Wine was flowing and their recommendations were great. The food was actually very good all around, we didn't have one bad dish amongst 4 people and 4 courses. Portions were large and presentation was creative. Recommend all of the following dishes which were flavorful and delicious Appetizers: bone marrow, greens, foie gras Entrees: scallops, duck, lamb Dessert: chocolate mousse, panna cotta Cheese: Cacio al Tartufo Italy sheep's milk, Monte Enebro Spain goat's milk, Carr Valley Apple Smoked Cheddar Wisconsin cow's milk
(5)Travis S.
Very nice ambiance and excellent food! We went for Valentine's Day and even though there were no options --- just a single prix fixe menu --- it was really excellent. There is a beautiful fireplace, the room is pretty, and it was quiet and intimate. The food was perfectly cooked: the lamb tortellini was delicious and we don't like pasta that much: it was perfectly al dente like in Italy. The scallops and quail were also perfectly cooked and juicy and the many little sauces and vegetables on the side were the perfect accompaniment.
(5)Jason M.
It's been exactly 3 weeks since I dined at Quince, and I'm still waiting for the blue cheese stuffed olives for my martini. I was offered them and was relatively excited. I mentioned them to the waiter again, and he said he'd bring them right out. If I had waited for those olives at Quince, I'd have lost my job by now. Thankfully, I did leave that night. This is a tough two stars. I generally rank places based on expectation (or cost). Quince is obviously better than Tony's Burrito Mex, but I'd probably give Tony a solid 3 stars. He's competing against other taco joints. Quince is competing against other overpriced fancy places. The space is odd. I don't just mean that you walk through a residential facility of some sort. Literally, the room we were in was odd. It felt like a three seasons room or a really fancy screened in back porch, despite having 4 very real walls. Pre-dinner, I had a borscht that was called something else because Quince is fancy and can't say things like borscht. Trust me...I spent a lot of time at Orbit Restaurant on Milwaukee in the 80s. That was borscht. For dinner, I had...hmm...well...I don't recall. Let me look at their menu online. Wow, I still have no idea. So, there you go...memorable, apparently. Don't get me wrong. Quince is solid and their dishes are inventive and good, but compared to their peers in this arena, they fall way short. In a city like Chicago, there's just no reason to go here versus one of the other modern fine dining establishments around.
(2)Amy L.
A lovely seafood place but I love their dessert a lot more. Anything on their sweet menu is worth trying out. The salad tastes really nice too. Hope the speed of serving could be faster.
(5)Amy A.
Today is the first day of restaurant week. Let me say that it did not start very well, but ended on a high note. Quince is the first restaurant we chose for RW 2013. The restaurant is in a multi-use building that also has an inn and a bar space. Street parking was non-existent, but they do have a valet for $7.00 + gratuity. When we arrived, we were seated promptly as there were only a handful of tables seated at 6:30 pm. Then we were greeted by our server, who I presume to be named Joe based on the receipt, but he never introduced himself. This is when things went downhill. Worst waiter I've ever had at a "nice" restaurant. Anyway, after asking for our drink orders and telling him water is fine for now, he seemed to become completely disinterested. Then it gets even worse. Earlier in the week, apparently the wrong restaurant week menu was uploaded on the website. When we noticed that the entree we wanted wasn't on the RW menu at our table, we asked about it with our waiter. He basically told us he can't honor the other menu, so I asked to speak with a manager. He disappears for 20 minutes. Then he comes back and tells me he doesn't know where I got the other menu from, but it wasn't from them...essentially accuses us of making it up!! You made us wait 20 minutes to accuse us of lying??? Once again, I asked to speak with a manager. A manager finally shows up and we show her the menu I had downloaded off the RW website. She apologized for the mix-up and honored it. A couple items were not available, but they were able to get us similar equivalents. We also asked for a different server, which they were able to accommodate. When our new server, Anne, came to take our order, she had already been briefed by the manager. She was very friendly and took our orders without any hassle. This is the kind of service that I come to expect at a high-end restaurant. First course: Wild mushroom soup. Amazing. Even my picky companion who normally hates mushrooms nearly licked the bowl clean. Second course: one order of scallops and one of the steak. The steak dish was very tasty, albeit on the small side. Everything on that plate was fabulous. The scallops were just okay...a tad over-seasoned and the accompaniments just didn't all quite go together. Third course: the peanut butter semifredo was the highlight of the entire meal. Every bite was perfection. Everything worked well together and had a perfect balance. All in all, 1 star was deducted for really crappy service by one waiter. But the manager, our substitute waitress Anne, and the tasty food made up for it. We gave Anne a generous tip, and hope all of our tip went to her and none to Joe!
(4)Neil B.
My wife and I recently went here for her birthday. The food and service were both very good, but to us it didn't quite live up to the 5-star billing in many of the other reivews. We also found the overall atmosphere to be a bit on formal / stuffy side. The building is quite old and being in our early 30s, we were the probably the youngest patorns by about 25 years on the Saturday night that we went. With an appetizer, two entrees, a couple of glasses of wine, and two desserts, our total bill with tip was around $160. Overall, it just didn't seem like a great value for the price.
(3)Kitty C.
Delicious food and lovely presentation. I had the lamb with rosemary and my husband had the pork. Great bread choices -- there were 4 to choose from. We both enjoyed our meals very much. Attentive service. Cozy dining room. You can still carry on a conversation without feeling like you're yelling. We started in their lounge for pre-dinner cocktails. I had the Quince martini -- wonderful flavor; refreshing and different. But the atmosphere was very subdued. Many times, we were the only couple in there. Would have liked more action. Maybe some background music? It just lacked a vibe. Also, the bartender was pulling double-duty -- sometimes the bartender, also assisting with service in the dining room. A lovely place for dinner if you're looking for a quiet and subdued experience.
(3)Janine M.
My husband and I came here for my birthday (and my husband mentioned that to the waiter). We ordered the tasting menu with the wine pairing. Here is our evaluation: Course 1---delicious scallop, excellent wine pairing (French chablis). Perfect. Course 2--halibut. Again, delicious. Albarino wine pairing was very good. (The waiter needs to learn to pronounce the names of foreign wines correctly. It was embarrassing for us to hear his poor attempt at pronouncing pretty basic terms.) Course 3--lamb pierogi. My husband loved it; I liked it. The Italian rose paired with it was not marked enough to complement the food. A stronger flavor--a Pinot, perhaps--would have fared better. Course 4--pork loin. Pretty good. The accompanying corn bread and mixed salad was better. The Cote du Rhone was spicy and tasty. Course 5--dessert. A cakey invention that was unique and interesting. No wine pairing. Really? That's a first. Every other tasting menu and wine pairing we've had has included a wine or aperitive. I would recommend it here. It seemed naked without one. Overall, the food was very good. The ambience was pleasant, although it was startling to hear the music move from classical to pop after the first half hour. Um, what happenedt? I don't think Avril Levigne belongs in this atmosphere! Most importantly, the service was mediocre. One of the bus boys--well, he greeted us when we came in, and offered us bread, so I don't actually know his title--nearly ran me over when we departed the restaurant. Please, you must respect a lady! But most disconcerting was when my husband asked the waiter a question, and he responded with "Huh?" Methinks the staff require some lessons to refine their manners. Oh yes, it was my birthday. Was anything special provided? Did the chef come out to thank us for coming? Did we feel important or cared for in any way? Nope. We won't be back.
(2)David D.
Quince is located in the facility once occupied by Trio, as well as others. The old Homestead Hotel has memories for us from our schoold days, and the crystal chandeliers are still there. The restaurant, on the other hand is really different. The old garden is now occupied by a building. The interior, though relatively austere, is comfortable, with a fireplace. We also examined the bar with the thought of having a steak frite, but it was too cold and sterile. We were there on a Thursday evening, so traffic was modest and the wait staff very attentive. Ours, although helpful, was not very knowledgeable when questioned about sources, etc., by my foodie partner. Dinner for us consisted of two entrees, the pork and the hanger steak. Both were flavorful and well presented. The mixed salad was similarly tasteful. When the waiter was asked about the 25 wines at $25 on Wednesdays, as offered on the Quince web site, he stated that that special was discontinued months ago. I was not particularly kindly in my choice of comments about outfits that don't update their own websites. He returned with a kind offer to present any of a series of nice French wines at that price, which we took him up on, so no harm no foul. Another customer had the same experience within our hearing, and their request was completely independent of ours, as they came in later. Overall a nice quiet evening and it took us 2 hours to finish. Enjoyed it and would not hesitate to recommend or to go back. This operation is not memorable for anything great, but it is nicely run, accomodating, and the food is good, so what more can one want.
(4)Sean L.
My wife and got to the burbs last year from the city - and while we love the neighborhoods, we miss the food and the music. Quince helped us feel better. We've tried every 'nice' restaurant from Highwood to Evanston, but never felt anything was good as our old stomping grounds. Quince was perfect. Our server educated us on the Chef's background first. We did the tasting menu with pairings - everything was perfect. We loved learning about the dishes. The crowd was attractive. The atmosphere was relaxing - it really felt like a date! No complaints on this one, - please keep up the good work, this was a great experience
(5)Ben B.
Wow! That's pretty much all I can say. I've been using Yelp for over a year now, and this is the first review I've written. I was inspired to do so because the food was that good...one of the best meals I've ever had. And the service was top notch. All I can say is, you should go here. Here's a run-down of what my wife and I ate: Appetizers: Pork Belly - 5 stars Squash Soup - 5 stars Cauliflower Raviolli - 4.5 stars Entrees: Venison - 5 stars Guinea Hen - 4 stars Dessert: Chocolate - 5 stars Olive Oil Cake - 3 stars Plus, you can bring your own wine for only a $10 corkage fee, which is really decent for a fancy restaurant.
(5)Sarah N.
This is expensive restaurant, but it worth to visit it if Alinea is too expensive for you. Good choice of wines, bite-sized dishes, however it is real food design that is hard to find in other "casual" restaurants. Only one problem - you will be still hungry after finishing your dinner.
(4)Sandy N.
Went here with a friend to use a Restaurant.com gift certificate. The ambiance is great! Super quiet and intimate. We had the: Seafood Sausage (black garlic, curried mussel, cabbage, scallion) - Okay, this was like.. 2/3 of a sausage. Think of your average hot dog, cut it into thirds, save a third for yourself, and serve the rest. Good, but TINY. Venison (juniper, rosemary, eggplant, raisin, crispy sausage) - very tender, the eggplant-raisin compote was good, crispy sausage was more like a crispy wonton filled with something seafoody. Good. Short Rib (orzo, sunchoke, salsify, beet, spinach, pine nut, shallot, garlic) - also really tender, liked all the additions.. they went very well together, yum. Olive Oil Cake (blood orange, sunchoke, candied fennel, rosemary, frozen yogurt) - the most interesting dish of the night, very moist cake with olive oil flavor.. definitely a really nice twist. I also liked the candied fennel, although the frozen yogurt was a bit tart for me. Overall, it was good. The dishes didnt make me say "wow!" but I was happy with all of the choices. Minus a point for the portion sizes though.. they were microscopic.
(3)Hank H.
Micheline rated fell below expectation. My wife and i both had the five course pairing. The service was good but the food was average. Chief's choice means whatever is on the menu that day.
(3)Mariya K.
Too many reviews, so mine wont make a sound. Really good place. for special moments - special place!
(5)Kerstin C.
I loved this charming and delicious restaurant! I liked it so much, I dined there two of the three nights I spent in Chicago. They had an amazing beet soup and a wonderful duck trio. For the level and complexity of the cuisine; I felt is was reasonably priced. The wines were excellent and the service was too. I hope to return.
(5)Craig L.
The food here is outstanding and service is good - so it hurts to give the 3 star rating. My wife and I came to enjoy our anniversay and there were four other tables occupied. It was all nice, quiet, and romantic. And then a table of 10 was seated in the middle of the small dining room. And they were not at all quiet. I now know for example, that the grandmother and her daughter have tried "Brazilian style" hair styling. Really gals?, TMI. These reviews have pointed out, and Quince should take note that large parties have to be seated appropriately..this party should be seated in a corner of the room but not the middle. This would make an attempt to have the rest of us diners at some distance from the party that overwhelmed the room. All future diners should ask before they make a reservation if there is a large party being seated that evening. Multiple smaller tables will not dominate the room as does one large seated party.
(3)Scott S.
Quince is the most recent fine dining establishment in this lovely rustic inn space at the Homestead. The heritage of that space is jaw-dropping: Trio, under Rick Tramonto and Gale Gand, then Shawn McClain, and finally Grant Achatz, followed by Trio Atelier. Highly experienced chef Andy Motto holds the reins here and produces perhaps the highest end food in all of Evanston, keeping the 16 year tradition of the Homestead having the best restaurant in Evanston. The atmosphere is casual, relaxed, and intimate; there are no pressures and this is reflected in the vibe of the food. Precise, yet with a carefree touch of whimsy and delight. The flavors are very nicely handled without being overpowering or bringing that lightness down, even on heavier dishes such as the ribeye with wild mushrooms, glazed baby vegetables, and red wine sauce. They used to be open for lunch, which was wonderful; the sunny room and open environment made it a wonderful place to just be relaxed and linger over some drinks with friends. Sadly, that ended somewhere along the way. Regardless, though the stated intention might have been to back down to more casual fare, it's still the best restaurant in Evanston with wonderful cuisine. Yes, I miss Trio more than I can say, but this is a winner of a change.
(5)Cassidy P.
Favorite was the liquid cauliflower ravoli. sounds gross, but yuuuuum!
(5)Trevor T.
Everything about Quince is right. The dinning room is intimate, interesting, and I would love to own a restaurant like this some day. Service was very good. The only thing that I would criticize was when we received out entrees two waiters dirscribed them both simotanesly, thus making it hard to pay attention, and I really want to know every part of these dishes. Ahhh the food. Everything was cooked to perfection. The parings on the plate are lovely. I had the Chestnut & Foie Gras Dumpling wild mushrooms , celery, spinach, pink peppercorn. I also had a Foie foam on it that was just wonderful and I think there are too many foams out there today, but this really make sense. Then I had the Venison with juniper, rosemary, eggplant, raisin, crispy sausage. The crispy sausage was really a fried Tortellini with sausage in it and was nice. The venison was perfect. End to end a perfect even cook on it = wonderful. Also the garnish was a think crispy pumpernickel cracker and I was wondering how they achieved that. Very cool. If your a food nerd like me this Quince is not to be missed. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was because of some nit-picky service things.
(4)Pete V.
Really great dinner tonight at Qunice. We did the $35 pre fixe menu, which sounded amazing when presented. Pork dumplings with radish and jalapeno appetizer, which was superb. I was a little confused at first because the dumplings were actually fried like egg rolls (I had expected soft steamed dumplings), but they did an excellent job on the dish. It even seemed like there was a hint of tuffle in the egg roll. Also, very nice presentation. My entree was the roasted pork with apple compote on brioche, asparagus, lima bean and gnocchi. Very sizeable portion and the pork was cooked to perfection. The lima beans were a creative and unique touch. My dessert was a deconstructed creme brulee. I feel like this dish was more of an experiment in art than a rich dessert to complete a meal. The chef used a chocolate mousee to resemble the satiny custard in the creme brulee and a hard candy to resemble the crisp, carmelized sugar top. It was a unique dish, but one that was better as a vision than execution. Overall we had a delightful meal. Awesome food, great service, my only complaint was that the meal did feel a bet rushed and the restaurant was completely cleared out by about 9:30, which I was a little shocked by. Regardless, the three course meal was outstanding and I would love to head back again for more.
(5)Albert L.
Quince is located on a quiet street a block from the lake. It's in this place called The Homestead, which is a quaint medium-sized B&B. The restaurant is divided into a couple sections: 1) main dining room , 2) small terrace dining room, 3) outdoor seating under a portico 4) two booth seats by the front door (avoid these if possible). The main dining room probably has the most ambiance, but is also a tad more hectic when things get busy. The small terrace dining room looked a little more private and the outdoor seating looked pleasant, with a well-manicured hedge of bushes separating you from the sidewalk. What I must say first is that the service is superb. When its not busy, you'll have two servers waiting on you, and when its busy, they hand off the orders to each other in a really efficient way. (Note: We noticed that the appetizer our neighbor ordered was inadvertently forgotten by the waiter, however the manager came and personally apologized) The food was superb. From the bread basket, try the kalamata olive or sourdough bread. It comes with a side of truffle-butter which is super fragrant. The shaved asparagus salad is also good (which was ordered by virtually everyone else in the dining room). We ordered the pork tenderloin and seared scallops. The pork slices was cooked just right with a tasty honey-glazed sauce and the seared scallops were absolutely delicious; soft on the inside but semi-firm on the outside. We finished off with white chocolate bread pudding and coffee which was also good. (Note: we were utterly stuffed by the end of the meal.) The wine list is diverse and economically priced. A glass of Chardonnay runs about $13 and you can get a half bottle of Gewurtztraminer for less than $30.
(5)Herine C.
We came here on Valentine's Day and had the prix fixe menu. The food was almost perfection. Almost, because I scalded the roof of my mouth on the amazing but infernal mushroom potsticker that came as the first course. I have never had that happen at a high-end restaurant. Food-wise, everything else was really, really marvelous. Our server, who also seated us, was twitchy, neurotic, and overly apologetic -- for no reason that seemed necessary (I didn't even let on about burning my mouth)! Every time she came over we winced a little because we were expecting some awkward exchange. We were early for the reservation, and she apologized profusely that it would be about 7-8 minutes and seated us in the little bar area (turned out to be more like 20, but hey, we were early!). She took our coats and left them on a chair within our sight lines for most of the dinner. We noticed that other people got little coat check tags and ours eventually came -- just before dessert. She promised to top off my husband's glass (wasn't actually necessary) but then never did. She never actually asked whether we wanted the meat of vegetarian options, but magically guessed correctly, because the right dishes kept appearing. The ambiance is a little homey/old-timey. It's also SUPER cozy; we became besties with the older couple seated next to us. Did I mention that it was Valentine's Day? Yeah....
(4)Anne C.
In all the years I've been dining in Evanston I'm surprised I didn't try this gem of a place sooner! I recently dined with a large group and all left happily fed and raving about Quince :) The atmosphere from the moment you walked in was modern, relaxing and just right for enjoying great food and the company of friends. There are tables perfect for larger groups and quiet tables of 2 tucked into intimate corners of the restaurant. The food was fantastic! I had the green salad, was so fresh and the "liquid Parmesan" - lightly fried rounds of cheese, while not what I expected from the description, were tasty. The halibut was cooked perfectly and the chocolate crepes were the perfect ending to a delicious meal. I'm already thinking of heading back for a lovely dinner w/hubby soon :)
(4)Eric B.
Hidden away in Eastern Evanston, nestled within the provincial Homestead Hotel, is a French - American restaurant of uncommon quality - Quince. Quince is a restaurant for those who take their food and drink seriously. The bar has several quality bourbon selections and the Baker's 7 year results in a superbly made Manhattan. There are the usual variations on the martini, as well, but the blueberry pomegranate concoction that Kelly ordered was not at all cloying. The menu is heavily favored toward American classics - duck, pork, lamb, steak - but prepared in French fashion. Our waiter raved about the pork loin prior to my order, but when I inquired about the Lamb and Waygu in Mediterranean style, he steered me there - and thankfully so! The lamb was seared. sliced, and cooked exactly to order - a pleasant bloody rare. The Waygu was braised with rich, chocolately, smoky flavors and equally divine. A superb turf'n'turf combination that I would not have considered. The wine list is extensive and pairs well with the food -- we went with the Gigondas and were not disappointed. If you feel like splurging, the Cote Rotie listed on the menu is an excellent example of the style. Our food was very filling, so for dessert, we simply shared the ice cream - three scoops, three flavors, all delicious. Throughout, the service was attentive and knowledgable. While they did not have a Sauternes for the foie gras of the day - seared with a pear reduction, and perfectly executed - the waiter did search for an acceptable substitute - a dessert wine from Australia, of all places. While the lack of Sauternes was a rare misstep, the substitute was more than adequate. The only real drawback of Quince is acoustics - in both the bar and the restaurant, conversations travel fast and loud. If your dining neighbors lack volume control, your dinner will double as a fact-finding mission. If you lack volume control, you'll be baring yourself to more than just your date or dinner companions. You have been warned. But I'll definitely be back, for the food, and the lives of others.
(4)Dante B.
My wife had the mixed greens salad and a sweet potato agnolotti; I had the octopus appetizer and the halibut entree. The dishes were prepared with an excellent presentation, and everything was delicious, including the dessert (an apple cheesecake/pastry). The portions were on the small side (esp. considering the price), but we were absolutely sated by the end of our mean nevertheless. The service was impeccable. Also, the restaurant lighting was much warmer and soothing than the brightly-lit photographs I'd seen online had led me to expect. I wouldn't call it a particularly romantic environment, but it is very nice, understated room. The bill came in at just under $100 (not including tip), though neither of us ordered any drinks (besides coffee with dessert). All in all, it was one of the best dining experiences we've had in a long time, and we will definitely return to Quince and recommend it to friends & family.
(5)Alex G.
YUMMY YUMMY YUMMY. The menu was cool and creative, the food fantastic, the service was so nice. In terms of whether you will like this place, think about what kind of evening are you looking for. It is pricey and it is very quiet outside (think "just the two of us" if you prefer outdoor seating). When you look past the "special occasion" prices, you will devour your meal. I had wine based on the server's reco and it was delicious and complimented the meal perfectly. My favorite part was that I got to look at the garden in front of the restaurant where my food was grown (primarily the basil). I think this place has carved out a great niche for itself and is so Evanston. You should go :)
(4)Shashi B.
We ate here last night and had a fabulous time. The service was excellent. We were really impressed with our waitress who managed to deliver great service yet serve the entire dining room. She was friendly and knowledgeable, whether giving helpful info about a wine choice or describing the menu items in helpful detail. The room is very pretty. Love the cozy fireplace. I did not notice any problems with acoustics. The food is delicious. This is a high-end dining experience with creative, contemporary food...but not so modern or weird that you don't want to eat it. Adored my salad with the goat cheese. The salmon with the spaetzle was excellent. I expected it to be very saucy...instead, the incredibly flavorful sauce was dotted creatively around the plate. In fact each presentation was gorgeous and precise - the chef is thinking as much about the taste as the visual presentation of the food. I had the apple water/panna cotta/oatmeal cake dessert and while unusual, it was light, refreshing and delicious. At the end of the meal, they brought complimentary banana cupcakes with milk chocolate frosting. Heavenly! Highly recommended - we will be back!
(5)Andrew K.
Really yummy, great service, limited, but inventive menu on the affordable side for what you get. The duck confit was remarkable. The pork tenderloin was tender and tasty. 3 cheers for broccolini. I always enjoy monkfish. They gave a complimentary glass of wine. The space was intimate. The pace was perfect. The check came in a handmade card-type holder.
(5)John B.
My wife and I had dinner here tonight - just wonderful. Very quiet (we were the only ones there from 5:00 p.m. opening until about 6:15 p.m., a shame given how good the food is). My wife had the prix fixe dinner (three courses) for $35, and I had an appetizer (stuffed squash blossom) and entree (duck). Everything from the bread to the dessert was excellent, as was the service. The dishes are complex (the dessert had at least five distinct parts, for example), but the combinations work very well together.
(5)Andrew Y.
Very nice dining room, and the food is overall well-prepared. It's a nice neighborhood gem for a romantic evening meal. The service is above-average, albeit a little on the awkward side. The prix-fixe is a very nice option. Overall, pretty comparable to its Trio days.
(4)Kristin B.
I recommend the shrimp appetizer, and for an entree the lamp chops.
(4)Horace L.
Quince has all the aspects of a "nice" restaurant. Lovely atmosphere, service, picturesque food, etc. The small portions and large price tags don't do much for me though. The polenta was about half the size of a cigarette packet. The fish was okay. The salad was excellent. I won't be returning. You might.
(3)Tom E.
Wonderful gem in Evanston that we overlooked for far too long. An excellent meal, fantastic service, and great wine list made it a definite for many future visits. The foie gras appetizer and duck entree are not to be missed! The only minor note I would give them is around the use of the fireplace in the main room. On a relatively temperate night, it was set on "surface of the sun", and I almost melted. In the end, the food and the service quickly helped me ignore the heat. The next time, I'll simply ask to be seated far away from the fireplace (which I will admit, is quite attractive) - no problem.
(5)Daphne L.
I finally had the opportunity to dine at Quince this summer for a going away party, and it was an absolutely lovely experience. We were in a private dining area just off of the main entrance, a perfectly sized room for our group of about 26. The service was wonderful, and the menu prepared for us was delicious, although I'm sorry I don't at this point remember all of our options. I do, however, remember that my chicken entrée with polenta was delicious, as was my salad to start. Not a great review, admittedly, but, I'd definitely go back for dinner.
(4)Leo D.
Outstanding food. The octopus was great. Fantastic service. Why go downtown when we have a great restaurant right here.
(5)Susan G.
Still Wonderful It had been a couple years since we last had dinner at Quince and we went recently on the spur of the moment. My husband enjoyed a martini and I started with a glass of prosecco. We then ordered the asparagus with serrano ham which my husband loved. I had the skate with brown butter potatoes and cabbage and my husband had duck breast that was served over forbidden rice. Both offered a variety of delicate flavors. For dessert we had coffee and the pumpkin spice semifreddo and home-made coconut ice cream. Portions are "right size" which means a little small, but you can get extra bread if you want. Our server suggested wine by the glass to accompany our entrees and the pairings were flawless. We will definitely not wait two years to visit again. Cost of our meal, including tax and tip came to about $80 per person.
(5)Christina L.
Wow. Just simply wow. If I could give this place 6 stars, I would in a heartbeat! Maybe even 7! There was not a single thing wrong here.. this was how a restaurant should be! When we came in we were a little early for our reservations, and that was absolutely no problem. We got seated in a corner booth which was perfect! Right next to the window. We were the only ones in the restaurant and it was really nice. We were wondering why no one was in the place but we didn't care to argue because it was nice and romantic. The service was phenomenal. I think every waiter that was working would stop by our table and check how we were doing and if we needed anything. They really made us feel like royalty! But onto the food! My boyfriend and I started off with the Azul Pensacorada cheese. It was served with some toasted bread, blackberry jam, rhubarb preserves, and honey comb. Bleu cheese and jam was new to me, and it was unbelievable the flavors presented were super nice. For an appetizer we got the Foie Gras. It came out and it was presented two ways very artfully. I forget exactly how, but the first was Foie gras placed upon a blackberry gelatin of sorts with a watermelon jelly sheet.. almost like a fruit roll up on steroids. The second style was foie gras atop a bean salad of sorts and that was simply outstanding. Both served with toasted brioche. A definite must if its on the menu! For our entrees, I got the Baramundi, which was the special of the night. The fish was prepared perfectly with one side crisp and the other as tender as can be. It was served on a bed of spaghetti squash, with 2 sauces then a scallop croquette on the side as well as a sautéed sorrel bed with salmon roe. When everything was combined it was truly unspeakable. The craziest part was when you combined any combination of ingredients on the plate together it would transform the flavor into a completely new taste. No matter what you combined it was always outstanding. My boyfriends dish was the same exact way. He ordered the duck, which was seared to a perfect medium rare. On the plate as well was wild rice, english peas, 2 sauces, basil tortellini, and a patty of duck confit. The tortellini was unlike anything we both have tasted before. So small in appearance, but when you bit the tortellini the flavor felt like a bomb going off in your mouth and just blowing away your brain and taste buds. It was outstanding! I ended up trying to barter some of my dish for more of the tortellinis to my boyfriend! For dessert we got the apricot dish. It was a apricot with meringue, blackberries, and a cheesecake mousse. This was another amazing part of our meal. The mousse was outstanding. Overall we agreed we truly never had anything so artfully prepared before and this was the best meal we have had! We will WITHOUT A DOUBT be returning!
(5)Kevin S.
Upon arrival there was one other table filled - the rest of the restaurant was totally empty. Of course, they seat us at the worst table in the restaurant (yes we had reservations - yes we even called and confirmed our reservation) - a table right in front of the exit to the patio - which in winter has a draft. They re-seated us with no issues but really? Why try to put us at a crap table when all but one table in the restaurant is empty? After the other table left, we were the only people in the restaurant for 30-40 minutes- when another couple comes in and where do they seat them? At the table right next to us. Really? The whole rest of the restaurant is entirely empty. But right next to the only other filled table in the restaurant - just a lack of common sense. Foie gras = duck flavored pudding. Ok, the waiter (who did a good job) did tell me that this wasn't' "normal foie gras", but rather more like a flan - but he also told me it was delicious - it wasn't. It literally tasted like duck flavored pudding - missing badly on taste and texture. Dreadful. The venison was OK - cooked well, but not very flavorful and vegetable sides were nothing special. My companion had the bass - also OK. In general, at this price point would expect much, much more - certainly common sense in seating customers in an empty restaurant. Overall, sadly disappointed. With all the option on the north shore, can find better for less $$.
(2)Michael B.
Really enjoyed the experience. Atmosphere was great along with the service and food. There is also a broad wine selection to accompany your meal. Have to admit their approach to foie gras sounded strange but it was fanatic, a great flavour and texture.
(5)Astrid G.
Had a satisfying dinner tonight at Quince! The atmosphere was great. They had different dining rooms--one fancier than the other. I was in the slightly more casual setting, with a fireplace, a bar, and comfortable, plushy couches. This private room was quieter than the other room--great for catching up with old friends/meeting new people. The meal first started off with the usual bread & butter. I had Greens (a salad) for my appetizer. Nothing too bad or too great--it was the usual. I then moved on to my entree, where I had halibut with sticky rice and mushroom. This dish was amazing! I loved every single bite of it, especially the mushroom--it was one I never saw/ate before. It was earthy, chewy--just goodness in every bite! For dessert I had Milk Chocolate Mousse with huckleberry, hazelnut, and banana. This was alright. This dish used dark chocolate, which is not to my liking as I don't really enjoy bitter tastes. But the hazelnut which topped the mousse was good! My friends had the blood orange sorbet, I believe, and they highly recommend it. I would definitely want to come back here again, and would recommend this place--especially for their entrees!
(4)Isabella P.
The atmosphere was rather quiet inside for seating but they had outdoor seating as well which was great for the beautiful night. The waiter was extremely friendly and gave us some tips on what to order depending on our mood and likes. They then bring a delicious assortment of bread out to try and we had to go back for seconds. The rosemary one was delicious and the focaccia they make in house which is great. They have a nice small garden out front which they use for the dishes and we had the chance to take a look on our way out. Ended up getting the duck dish and Halibut dish. Both did not disappoint. The flavor profile was amazing! With so many components to the dish you were not bored. The dish size is rather small, but the price is reasonable for the quality. Didn't leave hungry and it was a nice treat for us that we don't have often. All in all a great experience, great food, great atmosphere, and would definitely go back.
(5)Tiffany And Brian L.
Quince is a good, but not great, restaurant. However, there is something that is missing that just does not make it into the best restaurants in the area. Its location is quaint, isolated, and has great ambiance. However, the prices were rather high and the food did not match the expectations. Recently, Evanston has added many excellent restaurants, each with its own unique personality that I feel Quince lacks.
(4)Sergio A.
The vibe is kind of weird for younger couples, which makes sense if the target demographic is considered. I didn't particularly like how quaint and quiet the environment. However, they did have outside seating that overlooks a small and well maintained garden in front that has some of the plants they use to actually cook with. In talking to the waiter, I found out that there is also a large garden on the roof, which I thought was cool. You can get a sense that they cared a lot about the ingredients they were using. My partner and I shared the Halibut and Duck dish and they were both delicious. The service was also great. The restaurant definitely deserves a 3-dollar sign rating, but it is met with great quality. I would ultimately visit again.
(5)Melissa T H.
Wonderful service and excellent cuisine here. The atmosphere in the dining room is old world made modern, and it is located in a hotel that feels like a bed & breakfast. We didn't do the 5 course tasting menu as one of our party doesn't enjoy lamb or beef as much as we do, so we did an appetizer, entree and dessert and coffee each. We left extremely full (despite the elegant smaller portions) as the food was rich and amazing in quality. Hubby and I loved what we ordered: -Hearts of Palm Salad (first bites were wonderful - very bright notes, but the latter bites had rather tough hearts of Palm. Still, we'd recommend this.) -Lobster Appetizer - $15 - SO DELICIOUS!!!! Highly recommend. Entrees: -Lamb - excellent -Duck - simply awesome. Duck three ways: the breast was seared perfectly with a crispy skin, succulent dark meat, and the fois gras pate mousse was the finishing touch here. - HIGHLY RECOMMEND. Dessert: -Brown sugar cheesecake - not huge, but definitely shareable -Rhubarb - delicious, though not really what I expected. The service was wonderful, attentive and we enjoyed it all. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars? The restaurant doesn't feel like it belongs in the hotel, (the hotel entrance with the lobby little window reminded me of a pensione/hostel, which is at complete odds with the lovely restaurant.) And we were not allowed to order a tasting menu for 2 of the four of us. I do understand why not, but that would have upped the star for me. Overall, an excellent meal. Highly recommend, but it is pricey.
(4)Howard T.
We were blown away by the excellent service, the calm casually sophisticated surroundings and the inventive and beautifully prepared food. Finally, a restaurant where you can have a conversation and enjoy wonderful food, The menu does not give away just how clever and attractive the presentations are. The servers know the plates well and described the food entertainingly. The wine list was full of unusual ideas, if less expensive, but interesting wines were a little hard to come by. From soup to cheese, nothing disappointed. We'll definitely be back.
(5)matthew g.
Quince has a really nice atmosphere, the food was good, and our waiter and staff were very pleasant. But when all is said and done, it was just an OK place with a really fancy place pricetag. I'd go 3.5 if I could, but I error on the side of 3.
(3)Michelle M.
This was a lovely place and the food was exquisite. We went for my husband's birthday. I will agree with others though that this is a quiet restaurant for certain. Perhaps not for every day but perfect for a special occasion. The food is like fine art but the portions aren't going to fill up everyone. We would go back for sure.
(4)Rowena M.
Chicago Restaurant week has enough choices to make your head spin- so many choices, so little time! Quince was definitely a great choice! From the serene ambience, impeccable service and delicious food, this gem in Evanston is a testament that there are great places worthy of your visit during Restaurant Week. For starters, I had the wild greens with poached egg, followed by pierogo filled with goat cheese. The barramundi was spectacular with a garbanzo bean patty and delicate eggplant crisps. But my favorite part was dessert - a special treat made only for this event - sticky rice with exotic fruit and coconut; absolutely spectacular.
(4)Shelby E.
This place blew me away. Easily the best restaurant in Evanston by far. We came here for my husband's birthday and opted for the five-course prix fixe tasting menu with wine pairings, which was extremely reasonable (and totally worth it!) at $75 for the tasting and $25 for the wine pairings. The wine pairings were spot on, very unique, and also very generous - while they were supposed to be 2.5 oz pairings, I'd guess they were more like 4 oz. The food itself was stellar. The best course was the lamb followed closely by the escargot, but the monkfish and pierogi were also amazing. The dessert was a solid end to the meal, but did not blow us away. The bread selection was also fantastic - their focaccia was to die for. As for the service, while we had to wait slightly longer towards the beginning and end of the meal (only a few minutes), the pacing of the meal was excellent with enough time to finish our courses and savor our wine before the next. While initially a bit nervous about blindly choosing the five-course experience (the courses are chosen by the chef), this turned out to be fantastic as we might not have ordered those courses on our own which would have been a shame. We really enjoyed our meal and are almost certain to be back soon, perhaps for my birthday!
(5)Andrew G.
The food was awesome. My wife and I enjoyed the subtle blending of flavors in every dish. My wife had the duck, and I had the halibut. We started with greens and a shrimp appetizer. We finished with cheese and a scoop of sorbet. We also had a bottle of CdP blanc and a half bottle of chard with the cheese. Food is awesome. Ok, here's the second half of the review. The service was awful. Our waiter took forever to get the wine out to us, it was not to temperature, was put on ice at another table, wasn't poured on a timely basis. The half bottle came out slowly too. The servers walk around with a basket of bread slices, and give it to one at a time with tongs. Just leave the basket! We had to ask for bread twice. Everything was about 5-10 minutes too slow. We would have enjoyed the meal much more if the service was timely. It was not too busy at all. In fact, one of the issues with service might have been that we had a reservation at 8:15 on a Friday night. By the end of the evening, we felt like they wanted us out of there, even though a table of Northwestern faculty was there too. By the time we left, the valet had vanished, and I had to ask for my keys after waiting out front for 10 minutes. For an upscale place like this, the service was unacceptable. My recommendation is to not go too late, say no later than 6:30 or 7pm. Otherwise, you run the risk of having the staff peter out on you. Shame on Quince, since we won't be back, even though we spent over $200 for a dinner for two.
(3)Jaime L.
Always delicious: the food, the wine and definitely get the soup! The staff is amazing & they really care about your whole experience in their space. I highly recommend it. We love to sit in the bar, order wine & share appetizers. An Evanston gem for sure!
(5)Angela C.
Even with a Restaurant.com gift certificate, I didn't think my dinner here was worthwhile. The veal entree I had came with some mushrooms that tasted like they were soaked in vinegar, very much in discord with the rest of the dish. Also, the portion was quite small -- pity that the server's verbose explanation of the dish wasn't edible, because then I wouldn't have had to make Dinner Part 2 once I got home. Service was attentive, but I didn't particularly appreciate that the server spent a lot of time talking about his favorite items on the menu, none of which I was interested in, and I had to wait until he was done before I could ask questions about the things I wanted to eat. If you're thinking about eating here, I say save yourself some money and walk a few blocks over to another restaurant in downtown Evanston.
(2)Susan E.
Great service and amazing innovative food. Decor is cute, menu is someway limited. But the food was outstanding!!!
(4)Lobsang Y.
This is Bhuchu and I had dinner once and it's unbelievable. Most eaters are regular customer and they love the food and its employees and famazing customer service skills. I really recommend to give a try and I can promise that u will be happy and enjoyed. Only issue with this restaurant is location that it is located at the lake side and people kind hard to see.
(5)Helen S.
I came here with my bf for dinner. Everything was so distinctive and interesting. Right at the beginning, when they passed out the fresh-from-the-over scallion and walnut roll, I knew that I was going to enjoy this meal. We started with the scallop appetizer, which were disappointingly tiny. However, each of the components (tiny green tree-like vegetables, scallops, and clams) had a different sauce that complemented each other so well. I got the duck, which was amazing. This was my first time having non-Asian style duck and foie gras, and I really like it. The duck was tender, the foie gras was sitting on top of a piece of brioche which complemented each other really well, and there was also a chestnut filled eggroll paired with fig compote that essentially blew my mind. Each bite was a surprise. We got the melon sorbet as a palate cleanser, which tasted strange (not like any melon I've ever had?), and my bf's grouper was only okay but this still didn't take away from the fact that my duck was probably one of the best meals I've ever had.
(5)Jane W.
I've always known about this place (aka always saw it on yelp) but it wasn't until relatively recently that I finally visited. Interior is dark, romantic and cozy. In fact, maybe a little too dark. Started my meal with a Prince Island mussel appetizer... I'm usually disappointed by mussels prepared at other restaurants because the sauce they prepare them in is pretty bland... but I really enjoyed Quince's take on mussel! The sauce was green (not sure what is in it) and it was extremely flavorful and delicious. What made the experience even better was using the complementary bread and soaking up the sauce. YUM. I ordered the barramundi for my main course. First thing that I noticed was now TINY the portion was... Now I know this is a nicer restaurant and all, but I didn't pay $30 for such a tiny portion. Granted, it was delicious, but if it hadn't been for the fact that I had pretty much depleted Quince of their complementary bread (had like 5 big pieces of foccacia), I probably would've left hungry. Finished off the meal with a dessert. It was good, but not amazing, so for the sake of my arteries/thighs I'll probably pass on dessert next time. Overall, the mussels were the saving grace. Not sure if I'd return, especially for the price tag.
(3)Ted K.
It was like a flashback into the 70's. Felt like I was going to dinner with my parents. The decor was quite dated. Don't get me wrong though, the service was good as was the food, but just felt old. Had the clam chowder (I told you I felt like I was with my parents, so I ordered accordingly). which was quite good (and I lived in Boston for 17 years). The duck was disappointing though, no flavor. The key lime dessert was a deconstucted key lime pie. Quite delicious and inventive. I heard the ice creams were good too; I didn't get to try any because no one would share. Would go back when I get a kick of nostalgia.
(4)Abby I.
I love it, I love it! Quince is very cozy and romantic. The food and service is spectacular making it easily one of my favorite restaurants in the Chicago area and definitely worth a drive to the suburbs. For starters I had the soup of the evening which was a wild mushroom soup. Heavy on the mushroom flavor which I loved. Also, great with the bread rolls that came out with the appetizers. The pierogies with goat cheese, pine nuts, romanesco and olives. were small but packed with a lot of flavor. As my main course, I had the barramundi which was DELICIOUS. I was debating between the barramundi or scallops but I'm sure either/or would have been outstanding. Speaking of outstanding, the desserts are to die for. I highly recommend the peanut butter semifreddo. It's just a really good idea. I devoured the entire plate with a little bit of help from my date. The cinnamon bavarian had a nice presentation with the chocolate orbit and was very good as well. But back to the peanut butter semifreddo! Oh, and the drinks! I really wanted to try the Cider House but they were all out of cider so instead, the waiter recommended the Quince Martini which was VERY good. And this is coming from an anti-martini girl. I would love to come back and sample some of their other dishes and desserts!
(5)Tian Y.
One of my favorite meals in Chicago! We went on a Sunday night, bf was late getting in from the airport, so we had to delay our reservation until 8:30pm, not knowing they closed earlier on Sunday... oops. By 9:30 we were the last people in the dining room and we were out of there soon after that, but the staff was constantly courteous and attentive and never felt like they were rushing us at all. Service was great. Food was even better! Bf went for the Sunday prix fixe for $35 - a great deal. I had pork belly app, duck, and sorbet for dessert. Everything was so flavorful, and the duck was cooked to perfection and seasoned perfectly. While all the components worked well with my dishes, the plating is a little complicated for my taste - a little square here, and little dots here and there. Felt a little hectic to eat for me, though I suppose I had a "pick your adventure" time choosing what to eat with what, and everything complemented each other well. That's just personal preference, I suppose; definitely wouldn't stop me from eating here more often. Great, memorable meal. Will definitely come here more often.
(4)Elsa K.
I would give Quince a higher rating if the server had not told my husband and me that the tasting menu was unique per table. He commented that another couple in the restaurant ordered the 5-course tasting menu and what they would eat that evening would be different than ours. This set our expectation and we ordered the 5-course tasting menu. What we were served were smaller portions of things on the menu. We confirmed this by asking our server. There was nothing special or unique, as stated. And, to be honest, it wasn't worth the money we paid. If I had known this, then I would have ordered off the menu for a much lower price. I would go back to this restaurant but not for the tasting menu. Bad form, Quince. Bad form.
(3)Scott K.
Went on a date, chose it for the good reviews. The service was very good, and we enjoyed most of the food - I had the monkfish, my girlfriend had the veal. My only complaint about food quality is that the veal had a surprising, and unpleasant vinaigrette on one of the plate dressings. My bigger complaint is the quantity of the food - I am a fan of small plates and tapas, but the monkfish entree came with 5 gnocchi. Small portions are one thing, but this wasn't an entree portion - after the date, we went home and made dinner. tl;dr - Overrated, definitely not worth the price.
(3)Kent L.
Decided to give Quince a shot after looking up Michelin Star snubs for 2013 and seeing Quince appear on multiple reviewers' lists. That, on top of having a phenomenal experience at Vie (2012 Michelin Star recipient and fellow suburban upscale eatery) last year said to me this was the right choice for Valentine's dinner this year. What you can expect from Quince: Fantastic food served in a romantic environment, which although few tables overall, has appropriate table spacing and intimacy. Pulling out the receipt: - Specialty cocktails run around $11 as do appetizers - Entrees float just under $30, which in my opinion, makes the price point attractive for an upscale restaurant - Desserts about $8 For a special dinner, I do typically like to order multiple courses with at least a cocktail, appetizer, entree, and dessert. However, if you are not a big eater or would like to be somewhat price conscious, I would recommend skipping appetizers and saving room for dessert instead. An assortment of complimentary bread opens up every meal and appetizers were the weakest of the courses in my opinion. The mushroom soup is good, but very "light." Pass on the pierogi. It was just okay, but the serving size is small and hard to justify at $11. The veal entree was fantastic. Very tender and sauces very flavorful. The contrasting hardness and textures of the white beans, cauliflower, turnip, and mushrooms made for an interesting dish. My date had the Barramundi fish dish, which I was able to sample, and it was equally delicious. Both entrees were larger than expected. I strongly encourage you to order dessert here. We tried two: the Bavarian as well as the peanut butter and banana dessert; the latter being the better of the two with contrasting temperatures. Our waiter recommended "all the desserts" and "you can't go wrong with any of them," which is typically useless advice as it provides no direction whatsoever, but in this case, I believe him :). Reflecting on the overall experience, I'd rank Quince up there, especially given consideration to its "lower" price point (for upscale). It certainly beats most of the other Michelin Star restaurants I've tried in recent memory (Blackbird, Boka, Sepia, Mexique, to name a few). Certainly worth trying, and soon, as this place may be hard to get reservations for once it lands a Michelin Star (only a matter of time in my opinion).
(5)Kenny O.
Quince is housed in a wonderfully quaint re-modeled home and serves arguably the best food in Evanston. I was here my first week living in Chicagoland in September, and I'll talk about that near the end. The ambiance: Intimate. Romantic. I came here with 5 girls, so I didn't really get to take in the atmosphere to its full extent! There's a roaring (fake) fireplace in the middle of the dining area that further sets the mood. If only it were wood-burning... The food: Restaurant Week typically offers a restaurant's most popular dishes, but I was disappointed that they didn't have "Duck" on the menu (not even for +supplement). I ended up ordering their Bruleed Bone Marrow (with cashew butter, cara cara orange, scallion, and foccacia), which was pleasant. The cashew butter was the real star, I must say, which is both fortunate and unfortunate. I didn't know cashew butter was that tasty and deep, but at the same time, I was hoping for more savoriness to jump out of the bone marrow. The marrow was plentiful (always a plus for RW), but it lacked the 'uhmph' I was expecting from Quince. For my entree, I ordered their pork (with endive, sorrel, polenta, smoked potato, and huckleberry). It was a beautiful dish. That was the first thing that stuck out in my mind as it was brought out to our table and I began eating it. The actual dish was okay, from what I remember. Though since it was less than a month ago and I don't have great recollection of it, it's probably a sign that it was mediocre. The dessert was a tad disappointing. I ordered the Ginger Creme Brulee (with carrot cake). The creme brulee didn't pack any kind of a ginger punch and taste like a plain pot de creme. The carrot cake was rather bland and boring and was only edible when topped with some of the creme from its accompaniment (I really believe that a paired dessert should have components that should be able to stand up on their own, otherwise plate them how they're already meant to be eaten). The wine was a bit lackluster. Our fault for ordering off the 25 for $25 wine list (since it was a Wednesday). We also didn't pair accordingly since we ordered different dishes with only one bottle of wine. I didn't factor the wine into my review. ***September dinner: I had the Duck. It was delicious. Absolutely the best dish I've had in Evanston and all the suburbs combined. It's a tad pricey (though still MUCH cheaper than any decent entree at a River North/MM restaurant), and so well worth it. That dish alone is what is elevating my rating from 3/5 to 4/5. The service: The staff here is great and competent. No complaints. TL;DR. Order the Duck. Perhaps don't come here for Restaurant Week. Dessert is rather dull. Still one of the best restaurants in Evanston.
(4)Tom O.
You will have a hard time finding a better place for dinner on the North Shore than Quince. An excellent & innovative menu, experienced, professional, friendly staff and a super calm and inviting decor. I have never been disappointed here. @tomob
(5)Layne S.
Would have been 5 starts yet the portions were small, so I don't think the value was totally there. My fi-ance and I went on our 2 year anniversary. I used a coupon. A restaurant.com coupon. It's ok - we've been together 2 years. Its not like we just started dating and I used a coupon. Service was great. We were the first people there. I ordered a la carte and my fi-ance ordered off the $35 prix fixe menu. I had a lobster salad dish with almost no lobster. It had mushrooms on it. I usually don't like mushrooms yet this was very good. The flavors were great. My girlfriend had the "greens" salad. It was good. It had balls of liquid parmesan which were interesting and yummy. For entree I had the lamb duo which consisted of 2 lamb popsicles and braised lamb shoulder in a little ball. Portions were small yet the flavors were great. I made a good choice. My fi-ance had the "Pork". It was very good. For dessert I had the Cardamom Chocolate Mousse. It was actually bigger than appetizer and dinner plates. It was good. My fi-ance had a pumpkin creme brulee which she really enjoyed. I thought my dessert was better. Again wait staff were great and the food was solid. I would have liked larger portions, yet obviously that's just my preference. My fi-ance walked out after dinner full and satisfied.
(4)Helen L.
My parents came to visit for Mother's Day weekend so I brought them to Quince one night. We had such a great dinner! The dishes were so beautifully presented and equally tasty. The only reason why I'm giving them a four is that my mushroom ravioli was pretty awful because there was WAY too much salt added in (it must have been an accident so not too big of a deal)... other than that the night was very enjoyable!
(4)Leanne B.
My husband and I had a really weird experience at Quince three years ago and weren't eager to go back. The food was good but the service was totally bizarre -- our server, who was quirky in a non-charming way, disappeared for a long time and came back reeking of cigs, gross! And when we asked for a wine recommendation, he suggested the most expensive bottles on the menu, which we thought was lame. With such rare opportunities to splurge on dinner and so many solid options in both Evanston and Chicago, it just didn't seem worth trying again. Then I read the reviews and thought it deserved another chance. I was so glad we gave it another shot because it was incredible. Our food was phenomenal and unique (frisee salad with bacon vinaigrette, liquid cauliflower ravioli, salmon, pork tenderloin). Instead of ordering a bottle, we decided to go with the wine pairings and we were not disappointed. Since it was the service that kept us away for three years, this was one aspect of our experience that we highly scrutinized at our recent visit. Our server was excellent! She was actually more than a server -- she seated us, took our orders, gave incredibly detailed explanations of everything on the menu, suggested wine pairings, and cleared our dishes. She might have even brought our car around if we valet parked! (kidding) Quince is not the place to go if you want a bumpin' night out on the town -- it is low key, cozy, and calm, which I think are perfect characteristics for a night out with your man (or lady) or a few friends.
(4)Lydia M.
One word - OMG! Yes, delicious. It was a flavor explosion experience. And we want to go back. We ordered Pork Belly for appetizer and some seafood dish (don't recall the name). The Duck and Lamb Duo for main course. Passionfruit Sorbet for dessert. The chef was able to accomodate our gluten and dairy free preferences. The reason for 4 stars (and not 5) - the waiter was always in a hurry. One time he took my order and started to walk away without taking my husband's order. We felt really rushed. It almost appears he didn't want to bother with us. And we was the only waiter servicing the whole restaurant. Hopefully next time this won't happen.
(4)Vincent C.
I'm going to make the not-so-bold assertion that Quince is the best fine dining restaurant in Evanston. Nothing about Quince will completely knock your socks off, but the service is spot-on, the food is interesting and well-prepared and most importantly, it's very tasty. Most of your fellow diners will likely be on the other side of their mid-life crises, but it's still a very relaxed and casual atmosphere. It's definitely nice to be able to sit and move through a tasting menu (even if it's only a 5-course) at a leisurely pace as most upscale Evanston eateries seem to rush through those. I can put a good amount of food away, so I was surprised that I was completely full after my meal... gotta love all that butter! The cauliflower ravioli, which I would guess is Chef Motto's nod to Trio, was delicious. Not as rich and decadent as the Grant Achatz's black truffle explosion or white truffle quail egg ravioli at Schwa, but still, damn. The seasons and menu have changed, so I'm thinking it's about time to go back.
(4)Kristin S.
Agh! I just couldn't give 5 stars because I felt like I was going to go visit my grandpa in his nursing home. I know this is now a bed and breakfast of some sort, but it still reeks weirdly of "assisted living facility". Please, please, please do some remodeling. The restaurant area itself was fantastic. The decor in there is subdued, pretty and very cozy with the fireplace. We went here for my boyfriend's work Christmas dinner and had a great time. The food was excellent for the price. Boyfriend had the sweetbreads appetizer (very good, even though it was our first time eating sweetbreads) and I had the amazing butternut squash soup with the apple pie a la mode in the center. Pretty big portions on all accounts here as well. I got the duck for my entree which was very good, but not mind-blowing. The creamy orzo was what I remembered the most. My boyfriend got the lamb and that was very good from what I tasted. For dessert I had the cinnamon sugar doughnut with apple cider. Very cute and very good. Since my birthday was the next day, they also sent out a beautiful plate with "Happy Birthday" drizzled in chocolate and a dish of chocolate truffles to share. Those were heavenly. If I lived in Evanston rather than the city, I'd go again, but it's too far to go when there are more and better choices around me. Very good, fine-dining food for very decent prices. The service was adequate. I'm not picky, but my boyfriend and I were the last to show up and sat without drinks or menus for 10 minutes before someone noticed us. Otherwise, it was great!
(4)Jeff R.
Quince wash fantastic experience for our group of four. The service was attentive and perfect, just like everything we ate! One in our group had special vegan dietary requirements and the chef accommodated him beyond his expectations! The squash pierogi was sautéed in a delicious glaze and I loved it. For dinner, I had skirt steak that had the most delicious taste. My friends had the duck breast and the mushroom ravioli and both were over the top delicious. We'll be back!!!
(5)Marina M.
I tried Quince for the first time last night. The restaurant was cozy and charming. I'm a sucker for pumpkin (and butternut squash soup) so I started with the pumpkin soup. The flavors of the soup were amazing. As a bonus there is an apple pie a la mode in the center of the bowl. Dinner and dessert in one bowl...how can you beat that? I decided to stick to the vegetarian theme and had the ricotta gnocchi for my entree. The ricotta gnocchi is basically a fancy mac & cheese but with gnocchi instead of noodles. The top was perfectly crispy and the inside was cheesy and wonderful. It was pretty rich so I wasn't able to eat all of it. It was served with onion rings and swiss chard. The onion rings were amazing and not greasy. The swiss chard was a bit salty for my taste. I can't wait to go back. (extra info: Quince has a "kitchen table" that can accommodate up to 5 people. You get a special tasting menu and watch it be prepared by the kitchen staff.)
(5)Andrea B.
I came here to celebrate both my boyfriend and his grandmother's birthdays. At first glance, the building itself looks like it doesn't hold a restaurant at all, since it is some kind of bed and breakfast/hotel. Upon closer inspection, I realized that there is a small sign for Quince...i advise anyone going here to pay attention, because it can be missed! Inside, the restaurant itself is small and nicely decorated. Many people call it "cozy", and that's exactly what it is...there is really only one room for dining and some outdoor seating on warmer days. Although we went in the beginning of June, it was cold and rainy out, so our somewhat large group was placed by the fireplace which added a nice touch of heat (I get cold easily, so I was not complaining here!). Their wine list is HUGE, with at least 8 pages devoted to half bottle and full bottle selections. However, their glass list is given only one page, so I felt like I was misssing out on some great selections because I didn't want a whole bottle. Our waiter was very helpful and explained everything to us...the soup of the day (which was split pea with crayfish) and told us that the menus are printed daily, so you will probably never have the same meal twice. For an appetizer, I ordered the suckling pig, while my boyfriend and his friend ordered soft shell crab, and his mom ordered the soup. The food was amazing...the suckling pig came with a side mixture of fruits and celery which added a nice sweetness to the pork. The crab was very fresh and delicious! For an entree, I ordered the guinea hen...and I was blown away. The potatoes, the "creamed ramps", everything tasted wonderful. Others in our party ordered the scallops, teh Flat iron steak (also very good), salmon, and the pork belly. I don't think one person complained about any of the food, aside from the salmon being a tad too salty. For desert, Moat of us opted for the simple serving of gelato. I had blueberry, and again...I enjoyed every bite. My boyfriend and his friend each odered the Peanut Butter Pudding which i claimed looked "cute" (because the presentation is absolutely adorable). It seemed to be a deconstructed version of a Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich, but instead had little mini doughnuts and a small cup of a "malted milk shake". I definitely want to come back here again. The service was good, the food was better, which made for a very relaxing experience. I do recommend making reservations here first...since their staff and space is limited. I just could not rate it five stars because of the random (and almost hidden) placement of this jewel of a restaurant. Enjoy!
(4)Lisa H.
Best meal ever. Seriously, just go! The service, food, and experience is wonderful! I've been a few times and it never disappoints. Even better, I saw the chef at the Evanston Famer's Market this summer... No doubt buying fresh, local ingredients for the menu. It's expensive, but perfect for a nice night out.
(5)robert s.
Had dinner here Friday I was totally irritated having to drive to Evanston But traffic was great, and that was the start to a completely "delightful" evening This place is nicely decorated old school style, kind of country french The food rocked, the chefs are gifted and grounded. Haven't had a meal this good in years. Dinner for two with a nice wine was under $200 We had 1 Malbec 2 apps 1 soup 1 salad 2 entrees and a jelly doughnut :) The confit was great and i rarely say that The rotating staff were all fantastic Thank you for a great night, it will be nice to have you in my contacts list
(5)Sandy S.
This was my second visit to Quince. The first time I went during the summer with a friend to try the 3-course fixed price menu (not offered now that it's fall) and was blown away by the flavors and presentation. This second time I went with my husband and in-laws. We had early reservations (5:30) on a Sunday evening, but the place filled up completely by 7:30 (on both occasions) - so reservations are helpful. Service was great. Fairly attentive but not overbearing. A little sloppy on the dish place down/pick up from the busgirl (I was taught in catering to serve from the left, remove from the right - but that's just me being anal ;) and ditto on the water, but not a big deal. Our server helped with wine pairings and answered all of our questions about the menu. Note: The menu changes daily/seasonally, so don't be sad if dishes mentioned in other reviews or on Qunice's online menu are nowhere to be found. Even the bread basket/accoutrements were different from other reviewers. Everyone LOVED their food. My in-laws and hub were blown away by the flavors and presentation. Their entrees (ricotta gnocchi, salmon served 2 ways, lamb with chocolate-hazelnut sauce) were SO delicious. I had pork osso-buco over white beans and spinach. It fell off the bone and was SO tender and the presentation was gorgeous. However, it was completely, and I mean completely, devoid of flavor. It was as if the kitchen forgot something in the dish. I have never been so confused about an entree in my life. It was really quite disturbing, especially since my first visit was so positive. I had to ask the server for salt. And I never, NEVER salt ANYthing!!! Hence, minus one star. Dessert was to die for (we shared three). The ice cream must surely be made with a dozen egg yolks and pure cream, it was that rich. A lovely little plate of chocolates, lemon marshmallows, and almonds arrived with our check. As if we had room. Oof. Will I back despite the unfortunate osso-buco affair? You betcha! *wink*
(4)Tim S.
Really nice restaurant! The location is really nice. It's an old hotel with a really homey and calming atmosphere. The restaurant decorations are a little out of sync with the overall feel of the place though -- it's almost as if they are trying to be hip cool, but traditional and classic at the same time. That was my old issue with Quince. Otherwise, the food was tremendous. Servers were very good. Chef Mark even came out and chatted with us. They have a wine tasting event next week 2/28/08 that I'm planning to take my girlfriend to. I definitely recommend this place.
(5)Roya M.
A good place for deserts.
(3)Mike J.
Very decent place with nice atmosphere and courteous service. It is true that the portions in this place are not huge. In fact, they are on the smaller side, but hey - it's not exactly a steak house, right? If you are looking for fine dining experience and are willing to pay the price, you won't get disappointed. The only reason I'm rating it as 4 stars is because their music selection wasn't well thought-out, but I'm kind of picky when it comes to music.
(4)Heather K.
I went to Quince over the weekend for a late group dinner. I found the service to be quite good and we didn't feel rushed, even though we were basically closing the restaurant for the evening. Anyway on to the food... since I was spending more money than usual I was a bit more critical of my meal, but on the whole everyone was very satisfied with their orders. I started with the Chilled Cucumber Soup, which was presented as an empty bowl with a bed of julienne cucumber "noodles" and the soup was poured into the bowl at the table. I found the portion size to be a bit too small...considering it was $12. My only other complaint was that there was a bit too much mint infused into the soup. For my main course I went with Curry Scallops, which came with four giant scallops, each resting on a small bed of curry couscous and topped with julienne cucumber strips (theme of the night!) More tableside prep as a curry sauce was added to my dish once it was set down. I enjoyed the scallops but thought the overall curry flavor was a bit overpowering - maybe there was too much sauce? I couldn't exactly pinpoint it but the dish just tasted a bit overworked or overthought. We did a lot of plate-passing to try the other dishes, so if I were to go to Quince again, I would probably go for the Short Ribs or the Skirt Steak. The Lamb Chop with chocolate sauce was also very delicious. My favorite thing I sampled, however, was the "forbidden black rice" that came with the Yellowtail Snapper. Wow, I'd never tried anything like it. It was an amazingly aromatic rice, almost floral or perfume-like, and just very unique. For dessert I went with profiteroles and a cappuccino - nothing extravagant but a nice way to end the meal. The wine list was pretty extensive too; I went with a reasonably priced Gewurztraminer that I enjoyed. The contemporary theme of the menu stands in contrast to the sort of quaint, classic feel of the Homestead Hotel. But I found the overall experience to be quite lovely and would choose Quince again for a special occasion dinner.
(4)Dee W.
What a wonderful experience. The Quince Restaurant is tucked in the Homestead Hotel which is tucked away by the Lakefront. I've been wanting to try this restaurant and with a recent visitor in town, we treated her out to a nice dinner here. Apparently, they no longer serve brunch (except for Easter, Mother's Day, Father's Day and NU Graduation weekend) but dinner only. We opted for a customized tasting menu with wine pairings and the whole experience was amazing. I started with the Hamachi Tartare which included crispy shallots and moved onto the Grilled Whitefish. All this paired with a glass of Breussin Demi-Sec - a French off-dry white wine. Another is our group started with Cucumber Carpaccio which included shrimp and then, ended up with Lamb Spare Ribs and her lamb was succulent and perfectly done. The last in our group had the wedge salad and his entree was the Red Wine Braised Short Ribs. However, his glass of Cabernet was perfectly paired with his food. Service was fabulous - helpful, friendly, and timed perfectly. We polished off our dinner with their cheese plate and their Milk & Cookies specialty which is an ice cream sandwich with a glass of chocolate milk. A wonderful location for a special dinner. We can't wait to come back for another special occasion.
(4)Grace L.
Quince was a great place...the service was wonderful and the food was good. The actual dining room is very small and the environment seems a little aged. We ordered the soup of the day, which was a sweet corn with duck confit. It was a very comforting beginning to the meal. For the main courses we had the pork belly and the flat iron. Don't go with the beef on this one. The pork belly was really soft and tender. Quite the dish. For dessert we got the peanut butter pudding, a scoop of corn gelato and a scoop of cucumber sorbet. Unless you really dig your peanut butter and jelly and doughnut, don't go with that. The corn gelato tasted really good, much like cream corn with a little bit of vanilla just to make it sweet and not savory. The cucumber sorbet was really refreshing and light, very worth it. This would have been a four star-er, but the steak was just very poorly done. However, for a quiet night out, it's attentive service and quaint.
(3)Marion J.
OK, we have been back a few times since... It was good but not amazingly awesome. Jame roll was dry and old, foie gras appetizer was weird and runny, duck was not nearly as well cooked as we have seen in the past, etc.. Good not great. Honnestly because it used to be soo good, I am tempted to give 3.5 stars..
(4)George K.
I really appreciate the culinary innovations shown by this place. HOWEVER, I thought the menu offerings that included mysterious recipe ingredients primarily served to make Quine look pretentious. And the Land, Sea, Air menu categories were precious. The creaky, olf-time surroundings just didn't mesh with the nuvo food stylings. BUT, my main complaint was the service. We went on an evening when the restaurant was about 1/3 full. But every time our waiter came over he just banged in, interrupting table conversation each and every time. Not cool.
(3)Debbie R.
Had dinner last night at Quince with a friend and it was outstanding. For me, it was a nice change from my usual Chicago area dining experience at more casual restaurants with great food in also great quantity. At Quince, it's far more refined, more about quality than quantity. Portions are adequate not gargantuan. The whole setting is refined, elegant and intimate, but not stuffy, a great place for a special occassion or to have a nice conversation with someone and to be able to hear them. There is a lounge area that looks like an interesting place to meet someone for a drink. They start out with your choice from a basket of four different types of bread (and you can have all four if you want!), and for those people I know who judge a restaurant by the bread, Quince would have four stars! I had the lobster appetizer which was made up of exquiste morsels of blini and caviar and lobster and my friend had the soup of the evening, a delicious pureed squash soup. For entrees, my friend stayed vegetarian with the delicate Sweet Potato Agnolotti, sort of a ravioli made with apple, parsley, parsnip, salsify, pecan, and smoked cheddar, and I had the fabulous Lamb Duo with risotto, pine nut, saffron, olive, and heirloom squash. I'm very particular wtih my lamb and Quince made it perfectly. Both entrees had beautiful presentations. We shared the chocolate mouse cake. Our waiter was very attentive and professional. All in all it was a delightful and satifsying experience and now on my very top of the list of Evanston restaurants.
(4)eneda h.
Despite its good reviews I was hesitant to try this restaurant because I dont really have the best feelings towards the Homestead. However, I am glad we went there. The food was really good and perfectly prepared. As a starter I had a cauliflower soup with chestnuts and almonds and I had never thought cauliflower soup and chestnuts would be such a wonderful combination.I could have had just that soup for the rest of the night and been happy! As the main course I had the sturgeon and scallops and it was perfect. Dessert was also delicious and the orange/basil sauce that came with the chocolate mousse was heavenly. The service was also good. It wasn't intrusive at all and you did not have to wait with an empty plate in front of you forever. I really liked the ambiance. It was cold and snowy when we went there and the warm fireplace, the wood, the small room and the dim lights made you feel so warm and cozy. We opted to bring our own wine and pay the 10$ corkage fee and I think its very nice to have both options when going to a restaurant. Additionally I think the price is very adequate if not less than what I would have expected, which is always nice. Overall we had a wonderful experience at Quince and I can not wait to go back!
(5)Paige S.
My family went to Quince because I found them on Open Table.com . We were very satisfied with our experience. The food was excellent. I had the corn chowder to start, which was excellent and beautifully served. For dinner I had the ricotta gnocchi which was really creamy but surprisingly not to heavy. My sister had the scallops and my parents had the duck and the pork tenderloin. Everything was excellent and really beautifully plated. (We noticed during the meal that all of our dishes came on differently shaped plates.) The dessert was really good as well, I had the powdered donuts. Also their coffees are very good, they are french pressed and brought to the table which I think makes them just a tad bit better, definetly worth it. The ambiance in the resturant is warm and homy, with comfortable chairs and a firelplace with candles in it. Tthe food is modern and delicious, and the service was very attentive. Altogether it was an excellent dinner and I would reccomend Quince to anyone.
(5)Joe F.
I was expecting a little bit more out of Quince, but overall, the Valentine's special dinner my other and myself had was brilliant. To start, the service was quick and attentive. Our jackets were promptly taken and we were seated immediately for our reservation. For a table of two, we had at least 3 servers at any one point in time. I thought at first we had a server, a food runner, and a bread server, but the three people attending to our table changed hats several times throughout the night. It was mildly overwhelming, but mostly pleasant. In terms of the food, the food was great. Every dish was composed of cohesive and related flavors and textures, and was executed well. My only complaint is that none of it was really all too memorable...except for the fact that it was good. The high note of the evening was dessert, and I attribute that only to the fact that we made the switch from savory to sweet. I wish I left with more of a feeling of "Mmmmm, course three was really good because of this, and it was great because it built up to course four which tasted and felt like this". Instead, I just left with a "The whole meal tasted really good, but I can't really remember what we had except for dessert". I still do recommend Quince though, especially if you're looking for a nice romantic dinner, and I am sure I'll be back there at some point too.
(4)Sue R.
I have heard only good things about Quince. Never a bad review or comment. I remember when it was Cafe Provencal - Leslie Reis was the Chef and the place was out of this world wonderful. Every special event - and ordinary event for that matter - was celebrated here. Fish, chicken, beef, wine, desserts - everything was above and beyond perfect. The vegetables were prepared creatively, the salads with a hint of truffle or a bit of tart beets delectable. When it was Trio I heard complaints about tastings being too small although the food was described as quite good. Now I hear that Quince is back to the space's original and captivating menu - of course, it is Quince's own design, but the portions sound ample and the food fresh, prepared in interesting ways and delicious. Go and enjoy this historic space in Evanston - what delightful memories you will have to take with you.
(5)David G.
This space has a long history of very fine food. Unfortunately, I think it needs some improvement. I had dinner with a friend from out of town. We ordered the crab appetizer and the octopus appetizer. Both were extremely small portions and lacked any distinctive taste. They were bland. We had the pork tenderloin entree. Again bland and uninteresting. The best were the lentils and they were in short supply. Beautiful presentation and great service but the kitchen needs to work on flavor and be a little more generous with serving size!
(3)Laura S.
Just had dinner there last night. Okay, when we walked in we both thought it was immediately sort of stuffy with older clientele. However, once we got over feeling like the youngest people there (BTW We're 36 and 42) we settled into our own little table. The flavor explosion began with the appetizer. I had the lobster with seaweed and kumquats filled with basil seed, etc. It was so delicate looking with flavors packed into the tiniest pieces of food which were impeccably placed to appease you visually on the plate. Husband had the liquid cauliflower. He described it as having timed flavor bursts with intense cauliflower flavor. AWESOME. Entrees were the lamb and duck. Incredible. The sauces were so rich and developed. Dessert was three scoops of ice cream and the dark chocolate creme brulee. Being pregnant I can't drink, but felt totally buzzed after the dessert. The ice cream was like crafted with dense flavors of vanilla, chocolate and coffee. The creme brulee was outstanding. There were thimble sized pieces of almond cake that packed as much almond flavor as a fist sized cupcake. It was a wonderful experience. On the way out we noticed the bar/lounge area was packed with diners and drinkers. It's very mellow. I would definitely recommend this restaurant for a special occasion. Forgot to mention the amazing service that leads you wanting for nothing. They are blessed with a dedicated staff. They work very hard to ensure you have a top notch service.
(5)Meyke K.
The liquid cauliflower and ice-cream were very tasty, but our veal and lamb entrees were not that impressive. The service and ambiance were great, and the truffles they give you at the end of the meal were incredible.
(3)Hans L.
My wife and I dined here last evening, and to our taste buds' delight, the food was among the best we have had, anywhere. Easily the finest restaurant in Evanston, if not the north shore. Quince is quiet... but in a relaxed and calming way. Because the restaurant is located on a lesser traveled university street and annexed to a "residential manor", this is not the restaurant for you if you are looking for a bustling and vibrant scene. It is however, the restaurant for you if you are looking for a culinary tour de force. the flavor pairings with each dish were complex and perfectly layered - wonderful and complementary, not odd or austere. I would go into specifics about each dish we enjoyed from the heirloom tomato salad to the Parmesan foamed halibut, but one gets the feeling that whatever is ordered, it will be prepared not to disappoint. While the staff is both knowledgeable and respectable, it is noteworthy that the chef came out to our table to introduce himself... an aspect of the evening we found delightful. We will be back... long life and success to Quince.
(5)J W.
We went to Quince last Friday night for the fourth or so time. It was the best dinner by far. It was a cold, rainy night but the staff and the surroundings were warm and charming. We started in Q2, the lovely little bar, for martinis and champagne. I had a wonderfuly fresh mixed green salad with roasted beets and crispy goat cheese. Splendid! Followed by an unbelievable cauliflower ravioli appetizer . . . you have never tasted anything like it! Finally, I was served a pefectly prepared medium rare ribeye. My friends were kind enough to share tastings of their duck, lamb & wagyu zabuton, and butternut squash agnolotti, just so we could all sit there gaga over the food. Our waiter provided us with a perfect Rhone wine suggestion. Did I mention the cheese plate? Yum! Congratulations, Andy Motto, you have won me over!
(5)Aurora B.
What a wonderful restaurant! For full disclosure, my step-brother is an intern in the kitchen, but I do not think it clouded my opinion. I took my fiance here for his birthday and we had the pleasure of sitting at the "kitchen table" which really created a unique experience. It was amazing to see how this kitchen runs. The most interesting fact was how young all the chefs are, my fiance and I were by far the oldest people in the kitchen (27 and 28 respectively). The head chef is only 25 but he handled himself like a seasoned veteran and ran the kitchen in a very hands-on manner. Since we were sitting in the kitchen, we felt it appropriate to opt for the Chef's Tasting and we definitely made the right decision. I honestly loved all of the dishes, but their were a few standouts. We had a great hamachi salad and I loved the oyster soup. My favorite entree had to be the snapper. It was served over black rice and had the most amazing sauce. I was tempted to ask for bread just to soak up the remaining sauce. We had a couple of desserts, but my favorite was a hand made donut. I was completely stuffed by the time it arrived but I had to taste it. Overall, I had wonderful dining experience and I can't wait to go back.
(5)