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Boka

Boka

New American Restaurant and American Restaurant$$$$
Lincoln Park, Chicago
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8.9/10
317
ratings
  • Stars
  • Stars
    The experts at Michelin Travel & Lifestyle and Eater recommend this place
    • Michelin Travel & Lifestyle
    • Eater
  • Tips
    Shannon J.
    "Lee Wolen for Best Chef"(5 Tips)
    Samuel G.
    "The tasting menu was one of the best meals I’ve ever had."(9 Tips)
    Urban Nomad
    "One Michelin star"(3 Tips)
    Adam S.
    "The tasting menu with wine pairings was outstanding."(5 Tips)
Tips and Reviews icon100 Tips and reviews
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  • Leslie L.heart icon on user image
    Leslie LopezOctober 23, 2014
    My dinner at Boka was the best dinner I've had in a long time. I decided to be "boring" and order chicken. Man, was I wrong. This was the most amazing chicken I've ever had. Lee Wolen is a master.
    Upvoted Oct 11
  • Pocket S.
    Pocket SunSeptember 21, 2014
    Third time having dinner here. Consistent high quality and nice decor. Cauliflower salad, cod ravioli and duck breast were great. Date with divinity was a good light cocktail.
  • Eater
    EaterMarch 6, 2014
    The Boka revamp is now open with acclaimed chef Lee Wolen launching a completely new menu. A new buildout, 180 degrees from the prior look, adds to the more approachable vibe. Read more
  • Lina N.
    Lina NguyenMay 19, 2017
    The tasting menu and wine pairing is out of this world!! Kudos to the chef for a gastronomical experience. We even decided last minute to sit at the bar and enjoy, and it was amazing.
  • Xinnieheart icon on user image
    XinnieFebruary 4, 2017
    Came here for restaurant week and very happy with the visit. Everything is so well made, especially the seared scallop. I enjoyed everything from starters to dessert.
  • Kevin M.
    Kevin M. McNally, CMPJanuary 26, 2019
    Fine dining at its best! Amazing decor-check out the living wall with animal pictures framed. Service and staff-Excellent. Bar is engaging. Menu-Wow! Dry Aged Duck Breast-OMG. Reservations a must.
  • Martin S.heart icon on user image
    Martin SlusarzDecember 1, 2015
    One of the finest restaurant experiences in the city of Chicago. All aspects (ambience, appetizers, wine, claims, entrees, desert and service) were spectacular. We went loved BOKA!
  • Abi C.
    Abi CarmenMay 4, 2015
    Been a while since I've been there as I have been traveling but the food was fantastic and service above and beyond. Would go back as soon as I can and try the rest of the menu.
  • TripExpert
    TripExpertMay 15, 2015
    We feature Travel + Leisure, who says, "After starting with creative handcrafted cocktails, which can be customized...move on to seasonal specialties like the braised beef short rib ravioli." Read more
  • Redeye Chicago
    Redeye ChicagoAugust 3, 2014
    Chef Giuseppe Tentori changes the contemporary American menu every couple of weeks, but you can always count on your meal being prepared with locally sourced, seasonal produce. Read more
  • Chicago Tribune
    Chicago TribuneJanuary 6, 2017
    The flagship restaurant in the Boka Restaurant Group combines Lee Wolen's approachable yet astonishing savory dishes with Meg Galus' imaginative and delicious pastries. Read more
  • Eater
    EaterMay 6, 2016
    Now a decade old, the Boka Group's flagship restaurant is better than ever following a reboot that added chef Lee Wolen and a stunning remodel. Read more
  • Shannon J.
    Shannon JeropkeFebruary 17, 2017
    Boka was nominated for Outstanding service, Kevin Boehm and Rob Katz for Outstanding restaurateur, Meg Galus for Oustanding Pastry Chef, Lee Wolen for Best Chef: Great Lakes for the 2017 Beard Awards.
  • Time Out Chicago
    Time Out ChicagoFebruary 28, 2012
    $33 will get you beef-cheek ravioli with lobster jus, herb-crusted whitefish with brussels sprouts and prawn slaw, and chocolate praline with hazelnut ice cream, coffee foam and candied hazelnuts. Read more
  • Linda F.
    Linda FelterOctober 8, 2014
    Boka does "simple" deliciously! The rotating menu updates with the season - but stick with the classics the chef does great with chicken and vegetables. Simple but oh so delicious.
  • Chicago Tribune
    Chicago TribuneJanuary 15, 2015
    The beautifully composed broccoli salad at Boka consists of raw, shaved broccoli stems and florets, brightened with preserved lemon and a barely there lemon vinaigrette. Read more
  • Danielle @.
    Danielle @DanielleDuncanOctober 24, 2011
    first time I had duck, scallops and edemame mac & cheese (have to try it), 2nd time I went for the grand tasting menu w/ wine pairing. you really can't go wrong.... foodie heaven! martinis are A+!
  • Leonardo G.heart icon on user image
    Leonardo GastmannFebruary 7, 2015
    Great good, really well prepared, the presentation is great.... The downside is definitely the fact that it comes in really small portions... If you are hungry, like starving, leave for another time..
  • Tanheart icon on user image
    TanOctober 28, 2018
    One of my favorite dinners in Chicago! Sage bread, beet smoked salad, ricotta dumplings and bass with eggplant! Everything delicious!
  • Angie O.heart icon on user image
    Angie OsmanskiMarch 21, 2016
    Amazing food with an even better presentation. Must sit in the patio, such a great atmosphere!
  • Eater
    EaterNovember 14, 2016
    This Chicago restaurant will shave Alba white truffles over tagliolini with parmesan for $36 for four grams or $72 for eight grams. Read more
  • Peter H.heart icon on user image
    Peter HardersFebruary 9, 2013
    There's only one true option when it comes to libations at Boka: The Dealers Choice. You select a spirit and a flavor or two and let the mixologist work their craft. It's beyond amazing.
  • L K.heart icon on user image
    L KSeptember 14, 2016
    Arguably the best meal of my life thus far. Also, take a look at the decorations on the wall.
  • Chicago magazine
    Chicago magazineApril 13, 2012
    Expect the whimsical (an eel terrine and grilled baby octopus with Korean short ribs), the decadent (foie gras with grilled bananas in a baking-spice gastrique), and everything in between. Read more
  • Kate W.
    Kate WagnerSeptember 19, 2018
    Possibly one of the best meals I’ve ever had. Beef tartare is a must. Really inventive flavors and texture.
  • Samuel G.heart icon on user image
    Samuel GiddinsDecember 11, 2017
    The tasting menu was one of the best meals I’ve ever had. Definitely worth going to for a special occasion.
  • Kayleigh G.heart icon on user image
    Kayleigh GiorgioNovember 20, 2011
    Been here 10+ times
    Although I hear the menu will soon be changing, the tuna sashimi and korokke with whipped avocado is absolutely delicious. Also, try an "Old Money" cocktail. My favourite on the cocktail menu!
  • Jon B.heart icon on user image
    Jon B.April 8, 2023
    Incredible tasting menu hitting all sorts of flavors, textures and aromas. A solid choice for a special occasion.
  • Aykutheart icon on user image
    AykutJune 6, 2015
    Lovely staff, delicious food and a total experience! Try octopus and duck. We fell in love with the wine from reserved list!
  • Rick B.heart icon on user image
    Rick BendixMarch 19, 2020
    The food is delicious, especially the grilled octopus appetizer and the trout entree. The service is outstanding.
  • Michelin Travel & Lifestyle
    Mediterranean and Asian tastes meld in snapper carpaccio or pho w/ duck + bigoli. Get peanut butter semifreddo for dessert. – Green Guide Editor
  • Yangzhi Z.
    Yangzhi ZhaoJune 19, 2011
    Being right next door to Alinea can be quite daunting, but Boka does not disappoint. Fantastic service, excellent tasting menu, and at a fraction of the price. Try the Alaskan Halibut.
  • Michelin Travel & Lifestyle
    Although the selection of à la carte dishes are all worthy of your palate, consider opting for the pricier Grand Tasting Menu for a peek into the creative mind of Chef Guiseppe Tentori. - Inspector
  • ISC C.heart icon on user image
    ISC ChicagoAugust 19, 2023
    Grilled Hokkaido Scallops (uni, cherry tomato, tarragon)
  • Pocket S.
    Pocket SunAugust 11, 2014
    A special place with memories. Very high quality dishes. I love the decor after the renovation. Will definitely go back.
  • ISC C.heart icon on user image
    ISC ChicagoAugust 19, 2023
    Iced Irish Coffee (jameson, la colombe cold brew, tonka)
  • ben m.
    ben mOctober 28, 2014
    Renovation looks good. Don't miss the octopus, the fluke and the chicken is surprisingly delicious.
  • Spoon University
    Spoon UniversityJune 2, 2016
    The beautiful outdoor patio is particularly charming, with brick walls, white-flowered trees and simple but elegant black iron-wrought chairs. Read more
  • Erick N.
    Erick NeuMay 8, 2014
    Been here 25+ times
    If Tomasz is working the bar make sure to order a #Tomcat - phenomenal Mezcal based cocktail that is not on the menu
  • Jack O.heart icon on user image
    Jack OlinAugust 10, 2014
    Carrot salad and chicken was great. Also had the cheesecake for dessert. Beautiful inside.
  • Ivan E.heart icon on user image
    Ivan EngMay 19, 2017
    Tasting menu is incredible. The best are the desserts and Foie Gras.
  • Melissa E.heart icon on user image
    Melissa EMarch 25, 2015
    Truly wonderful appetizer and presentation. I had the duck and it was perfectly cooked.
  • Mary V.heart icon on user image
    Mary VruwinkAugust 26, 2019
    Unbelievable food, fantastic service, this will be a meal you won’t forget!
  • The Feast
    The FeastJune 9, 2011
    Chef Giuseppe Tentori is a Charlie Trotter protege and a James Beard nominated chef whose dedication to seasonal and sustainable products has become a trademark of his inventive dishes.
  • Chicago magazine
    Chicago magazineJanuary 16, 2012
    Must-try cocktail: Weston. This drink’s components read like a snapshot of its creator’s day off: Four Roses bourbon, strong coffee syrup, and pipe tobacco.
  • ISC C.heart icon on user image
    ISC ChicagoAugust 19, 2023
    Slow Cooked Halibut (cauliflower, seaweed, roasted clam broth, vadouvan)
  • Asheart icon on user image
    AsJune 14, 2019
    all is great! Ricotta dumplings is the best 🥂
  • Kelli W.
    The friendliest and most attentive service around! Great food at very small, fancy quantities.
  • Olivia
    OliviaMay 15, 2016
    They mastered attention to details, fabulous food.
  • Jake S.
    Jake SungApril 27, 2012
    Everything on menu is delicious. Try GRILLED BABY OCTOPUS and BEEF TENDERLOIN. You won't regret.
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