Best Contemporary American Restaurants in South Side

One of the best dinners I’ve had in Chicago! Avec is truly a magical experience, and the food is divine!

Fantastic pre-show dinner! The roasted salmon on pesto mashed potatoes was the best I’ve ever had. Wonderful waiter who brought our food in a timely manner without making us feel rushed. Definitely recommend!

Visiting from London, my partner and I were looking for somewhere exceptional but not stuffy, for a reasonable price. Sepia fit the bill on all three counts. The space is ambient and intimate while remaining elevated. We were in the second seating and must admit it was almost too loud at the start of our service but quietened to a comfortable level over the course of the evening. The menu had brilliant selections, and taking the plunge on the wine pairing was a good idea for our choices in particular. Lovely service from start to finish - very personable, and the staff we met were a huge part of what made the experience so enjoyable. The food itself was wonderful, and at $110/pp it's a carefully considered and interesting menu which won't break the bank. Between myself and my partner we ordered 8 of the 16 dishes on offer and are still changing which was our favourite on an almost daily basis (my current frontrunner is the chocolate creme catalana paired with the Uruguayan Alcyone - completely indulgent but you only live once). There's a sense of humour to the menu, and without being too outre, creative flourishes hide in every dish - whether that's a reimagined classic, interesting flavour pairing, new texture, or thoughtful presentation. This was a relaxed treat night for us and we were delighted by the experience on every front. A wonderful evening, a highlight of our Chicago trip, and a great memory to take home with us (plus an Espresso Martini to die for).

I had such a lovely time at brunch with my friends. The food was good and the bottomless mimosas were indeed bottomless. The ambiance was enjoyable and the staff were very nice and attentive