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Mercat a la Planxa

Tapas Restaurant, Spanish Restaurant, and Paella Restaurant$$$$

South Loop, Chicago

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Mercat a la Planxa

7.9^/10

377

ratings

Ranked #3 for tapas restaurants in Chicago
The experts at Michelin Travel & Lifestyle and Food Network recommend this place
"Just get the tasting menu and let the chef take care of you."(15 Tips)
"The Bacon Wrapped dates are delicious!"(7 Tips)
"Chef Jose Garces’s colorful Catalan place pairs park views"(3 Tips)
"Hidden Gem within the BlackStone Hotel on South Michigan."(3 Tips)

134 Tips and reviews

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tapas
tasting menu
sangria
bacon wrapped dates
good service
blackstone hotel
catalan express
el bolero
brunch food
trendy
good for dates
breakfast food
park views
buffet
margaritas
meats
eggs benedict
cider
desserts
pork
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Erik ShaniJuly 16, 2013
Wow!!!! Very very good!!!! We did the tasting menu and enjoyed every single dish. Standing out we're the figs in bacon, the garlic shrimp and the cured meat. If you are in the city, come here!
Upvoted Mar 24
PureWowMay 30, 2017
Sharing tapas is great way to keep conversation flowing. After all, you have to talk about what you’re ordering if you’re sharing. By the time the garlic shrimp arrives, you’ll be old pals. Read more
Cole KennedyNovember 28, 2014
Been here 5+ times
Start your day off right with the Blackstone Benedict (eggs Benedict with truffled hollandaise). Head downstairs and grab Starbucks for coffee, though - $4 is too much for diner coffee.
Jasmine FriedlAugust 8, 2018
Try the luxury tasting menu. Not best-I-ever-had, but pretty good. Wine pairing is solid, and mushrooms are to die for!
Ilia FishbeinSeptember 27, 2015
I came for Sunday brunch, but opted out of the tasting menu. The chicken sandwich was fantastic and my girlfriend's grilled cheese with jam was great. Highly recommended!
Alexander JimenezMarch 30, 2018
The paella is amazing: located on Michigan Avenue overviewing Lincoln Park: a splendid evening with the family: amazing waiters
MartaApril 26, 2017
Everything is amazingly delicious! But this seafood and meat paella tops it all! Good to share with 4 people!
Shannon B.May 30, 2014
Been here 10+ times
One of the best spots in the South Loop. Iron Chef, Michelin Bib & great option for pre symphony or post McCormick Place!
Megan BannisterJanuary 3, 2013
A little bit pricey but the food was absolutely incredible. I highly recommend the jamón serrano & the arroz de coliflor. The staff was extremely helpful and very attentive as well.
Paul A.July 16, 2012
Easily a shining example of Chef Jose Garces' considerable talent. Everything on the menu is great, especially the bacon-wrapped dates and the lamb meatballs in a fois grois sauce.
Time Out ChicagoApril 3, 2012
Carving station featuring rosemary-roasted lamb and cider-glazed salmon: check. Dessert station: check. Three-course prix fixe (paella, prawns, bacon-wrapped dates)? Sounds crazy, but: check. Read more
Masha ShinderNovember 29, 2013
Me and my husband were here on Thanksgiving, we split thanksgiving dinner and it was absolutely amazing experience, I also had a glass of Chardonnay, and it was a perfect addition.
Alex ZaltsmanJanuary 9, 2015
Absolutely outstanding tapas restaurant at the Renaissance Blackstone hotel. Highly recommend the chef's tasting menu with wine pairing.
Kirstjen LorenzAugust 31, 2014
Been here 10+ times
The horchata dessert is, I think, the best thing on the dessert menu. Wonderful flavors, and you can get a small amount or a large amount.
Caroline WongJanuary 14, 2014
EXCELLENT tapas restaurant located in the South Loop, very close to the Symphony Center and the Art Institute. Perfect for a special occasion.
Dom MenesesMay 25, 2021
REALLY good fancy tapas, def on the expensive side but could work well for a group. you can come dressed normally or dress up for the location.
Michelin Travel & LifestyleMarch 3, 2013
Chef Jose Garces’s colorful Catalan place pairs park views with a menu of delicious ambition. Bodega N. 5 downstairs is a tasty bargain. – Green Guide Editor
Bill SkodaNovember 9, 2012
Try the Queso And Charcuterie Tapas - Way outside my comfort zone, rabbit and foie gras rillette was amazing. Queso tapas were Goat, Sheep and Buffalo.
JohnnaApril 20, 2013
Steak w/manchego & bacon biscuits in sausage gravy is delicious. Ditch the diet for this breakfast item!
Melissa RogersJune 18, 2013
Try the Embotellado Kiwi - a carbonated cocktail made with kiwi, thyme-infused vodka and a syrup of kiwi, thyme, coriander, sugar and white wine.
Thompson HotelsJune 20, 2011
Our concierge Catherine @ Sax Chicago loves having brunch here. The adventurous can place an order (at least 72 hours in advance) for a whole Cochinillo Asado (aka. a roasted suckling pig) for dinner.
Pep TriasJuly 30, 2018
Can’t go wrong by ordering gambas a la planxa, pulpo and pimientos del piquillo. Delicious!
Yonca TokbaşAugust 28, 2019
Super fast and good service.. best eggplant tapas ever! Vegan paella is really yummy.. loved it all!
Andreas KleinerMarch 11, 2015
Amazing food and drinks on the expensive side. Friendly staff. Overall best tapas in Chicago hands down!
ECavaOctober 1, 2010
The octopus a la planxa is legit divine. Baby octopus grilled, but still succelent and served with a bright, bracing sauce. Also, the pork belly and truffle cucumber slaw will make you see God.
Time Out ChicagoAugust 2, 2014
The sous vide pork belly at Mercat a la Planxa is like warm, pig-flavored ice cream, the meat and fat of it melting in the mouth. Read more
Time Out ChicagoMay 4, 2012
Your mom will like the three-course Catalan-inspired brunch menu. But she'll really like the bottomless Bloody Marys and mimosas for $8.
Chris AvilaFebruary 27, 2012
Been here 10+ times
My favourite dish is the pulpo (octopus with confit yukon potatoes with olive oil) and gambas al ajillo (garlic shrimp with guindilla chilies)
godless girlMarch 10, 2013
The chef's tasting menu is blissful. They will customize it for you if you have allergies or preferences--even down to the wine pairing.
Kathia CruzMarch 30, 2019
Excellent service and food! A really good experience, patatas bravas are the best!
Kelly ConroyJanuary 7, 2013
Amazing food, amazing service. Try the bacon-wrapped dates, patatas bravas, arroz coliflor... Ok everything is wonderful!
Erin FlynnJuly 30, 2017
Remarkable wine list, including multiple types of txakoli! Hard to find around here!
Leyla ArsanJune 15, 2013
Great lunch & brunch items. Excellent lamb chops!
EyalJuly 28, 2013
The bloody Mary buffet is great: build and garnish your perfect drink. The eggs benedict are phenomenal.
Karin KovitvongsaOctober 20, 2011
Hidden Gem within the BlackStone Hotel on South Michigan. Great interior, awesome Sangria, and best bacon-wrapped dates in the city!
Lauri LauritsenJuly 29, 2013
Food and service is spectacular! We will probably eat here 3 or 4 times before we leave!! Don't miss it!
Chicago magazineMay 7, 2012
Looking for something rich? Try the rabbit agnolotti with brandied cherries and truffle-chestnut purée or slow-cooked pork belly in sweet cider glaze. Read more
Chicago TribuneNovember 7, 2017
The Iberian pork shoulder at Mercat a la Planxa is naturally delicious. Read more
Annie ChambersOctober 30, 2011
Unbelievable creativity in each dish, a blending of unexpected ingredients that suit each other beautifully. You can watch them cook too.
Amber NelsonSeptember 23, 2015
Sensational food recommend the tasting menu although it's a lot of food!
Keith _May 14, 2023
I just paid $18 for an iceberg lettuce salad with parmesan cheese sprinkled on top. Pretty lazy effort by the restaurant. I paid for an easy win. But got a dud.
Carlos LopezMarch 29, 2016
A tad expensive for tapas but it's excellent food so it's worth it!
flying felizNovember 6, 2015
Try the French Toast - #otchefstable #chicago #breakfast #michelin #bibgourmand (via @Foodspotting)
Kirstjen LorenzJuly 28, 2015
Been here 10+ times
Upscale, creative tapas & a delicious seasonal sangria or two.
Jim OFebruary 16, 2015
The lamb chops are the best item on the menu followed closely by the bacon wrapped dates.
Cole KennedyNovember 26, 2014
Been here 5+ times
The Ensalada Verde is fresh and delicious. A great early evening snack.
Charlie JudyAugust 10, 2010
This place is seriously off-the-hook. Unbelievable...go here. Just get the tasting menu and let the chef take care of you. Sangria along the way is a must.
Rob van HalDecember 2, 2014
Amazing food and great service and venue. We can really recommend the restaurant ...simply WOW😃
Valentin GuerinFebruary 21, 2016
Good tapas (upscale) and nice service, but the place could me a bit cozier.
Stephanie GrahamJune 16, 2013
Sunday brunch is the way to go!! And more sangria or the bloody mary bar!!!!

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