Chicago Michelin-Starred Topolobampo | A Journey into Mexican Cuisine

Looking through the food photos on my phone, times have really changed. At the end of 2023, I visited a low-key yet surprising Michelin one-star restaurant with a friend 👯: Topolobampo, which specializes in high-end Mexican 🇲🇽 cuisine. There aren’t many Mexican restaurants in Chicago that have earned Michelin stars, so I was especially curious about how it would perform. 🌟 Rating: 🌕🌕🌕🌕🌑 (4/5) ✔️ Perfect for: Fans of Mexican cuisine 🌮, those looking to try a different style of Michelin dining, and diners who value flavor over gimmicks. ❌ Not for: Fans of minimalist cuisine 🍽️ or those who can’t handle spice 🌶️. The Opening: Bar Snacks & Cocktail Experience 🍸 The dining experience at Topolobampo is divided into stages. We started by being led to the bar area for appetizers and cocktails. 🥂 Oysters & Corn Soup 🦪 The oysters were fresh, with a slightly spicy seasoning—refreshing and appetizing. 🌽 The corn soup was a highlight—silky, rich, and perfectly spiced, with the distinctive flavors of Mexican spices. It really whetted the appetite. After a few drinks, we were seated for the main course. The dishes at Topolobampo were more refined than I expected, yet deeply rooted in traditional Mexican flavors. 🔥 The roasted duck with Mole Poblano and seared foie gras was the most surprising dish of the meal. 🦆 The duck was cooked perfectly—crispy skin, juicy meat, paired with the rich cocoa and spice flavors of Mole Poblano. The layers of flavor were incredible. The foie gras was soft and smooth, with just the right amount of richness, adding a luxurious touch to the dish. 🦞 Monkfish Cheeks with clams and crab meat were also unique. The fish was tender and bouncy, and the clams and crab were flavorful, though the dish was slightly on the salty side 🧂. 🧀🌽 The cheese-stuffed corn tortillas were aromatic and satisfying, with melted cheese oozing out—a classic representation of Mexican flavors. 🍰 Dessert: Surprisingly Thoughtful Many Michelin restaurants start to slack off when it comes to dessert, but Topolobampo’s desserts were clearly crafted with care. They featured Mexican-inspired flavors, beautifully plated and rich in texture, providing a fitting end to the dining experience. 🌮 A Low-Key but Worthwhile Mexican Fine Dining Experience 🎭 Compared to some Michelin restaurants that rely on gimmicks, Topolobampo focuses more on the flavors themselves, especially in the main courses. Each dish carries a strong Mexican essence while maintaining the refinement of high-end dining. For those looking to try something different in the fine dining scene, Topolobampo is an excellent choice! #Chicago #MexicanRestaurant #Michelin #MichelinStar #ChicagoLife #ChicagoFood #ChicagoFoodie