Café Dior by Dominique Crenn — Restaurant in Highland Park

Luncheon at Café Dior by Dominique Crenn – A Symphony of Elegance & Flavor

This afternoon, I had the distinct pleasure of dining at Café Dior by Dominique Crenn in Highland Park Village, and to say it was exquisite would be an understatement. Every bite was a testament to culinary artistry, each dish meticulously crafted with precision and finesse.

From the moment one steps into Café Dior by Dominique Crenn, the atmosphere exudes sophistication and refined elegance. The décor is undeniably upscale—sleek, polished, and adorned with tasteful luxury. However, rather than embodying the ambiance of a traditional fine dining establishment, the space leans more toward an intimate lounge or upscale bar, where aesthetics take precedence over expansive dining accommodations.

The restaurant itself is quite compact, yet the staff operates with impressive precision, offering impeccable attention to detail and a level of service that is both warm and highly professional. Their attentiveness enhances the experience, though certain aspects fall just shy of exceptional.

As for the cuisine, the execution is undeniably excellent—each dish a thoughtful composition of flavors and textures. However, the portion sizes are modest, making it evident why the staff recommends that each guest order their own starter rather than sharing. While the quality is outstanding, diners with heartier appetites may find themselves longing for a more substantial offering.

Overall, Café Dior delivers a refined and stylish dining experience, ideal for those seeking culinary artistry in an intimate,...

This place deserves more than a quick review so here’s my full reflection.

We had the Afternoon Tea and every detail—from the food to the ambiance—was handled with care and creativity. The staff were exceptionally attentive and engaged, making the entire experience feel personal and relaxed.

Each bite from the three-tiered tray was thoughtfully crafted. The chicken salad sandwich was delicate and satisfying, the caviar & watercress choux had an elegant savory pop, and the salmon gravlax cracker delivered a smooth, briny richness. On the sweeter side, the hazelnut chocolate cookie had a perfect balance of nutty depth and crispness, the Piña Colada baba au rhum brought a boozy tropical warmth, and the banana & sesame canelé was soft and earthy with a caramelized edge.

The standout was the Jasmine Glacé dessert—a chilled jasmine ice cream crowned with a geometric sugar lattice that looked like it belonged in a fashion exhibit. The floral aroma was light and refreshing, and the design mirrored the precision of Dior’s couture—both in flavor and form.

The café itself is gorgeous: soft lighting, modern houndstooth chairs, and artistic details that echo the Dior brand without being overbearing. It’s elegant yet inviting, with a calming, relaxed vibe that made us want to linger longer.

Highly recommend this for anyone wanting a refined escape—whether you’re into fashion or just good food and...

I recently took my neighbor out to Coffee Dior for her birthday to enjoy their afternoon tea set, and we both had a lovely time. I ordered an iced matcha latte, and she had a hot tea—both were comforting and well-prepared.

The food combinations in the tea set were delightful, with a beautiful presentation. Everything was decorated with fresh flowers, adding a touch of elegance. My personal only small downside was the chicken salad sandwich—it was decent, but I thought it could’ve been elevated with a bit of cranberry for that sweet-tart balance. That said, my neighbor absolutely loved it, so it really comes down to personal taste.

One thing to note—the ceiling is a bit low, so the space can feel a little compact at times, but it didn’t take away from the overall experience. After we finished, we got to browse some of their products and perfumes, which was a fun and relaxing way to end our visit.

The service was truly outstanding. The staff seemed to recognize their regulars and took time to chat with each table in such a warm, personalized way. The general manager especially stood out—she had a real talent for making guests feel welcome and happy.

Definitely a place I’d recommend for a special afternoon, especially if you want a cozy, classy, and...