Cebu Chicago — Restaurant in Lake View Township

We had an incredible experience from start to finish for my husband's birthday brunch at Cebu! Ada was so lovely and easy to work with over the phone in the initial accommodation stages, and our server Lenndy was warm, friendly, and very attentive. She took great care of our table and was quick on the draw with everything; there was very little that we actually had to ask for. Not a single glass verged on being empty without Lenndy showing up with a fresh one. Both my husband and I have worked in the service industry, so we have a high bar for what we deem as exceptional service. Lenndy surpassed all our expectations. Expo was also on point, as all dishes were coursed and timed properly with zero hiccups. This is saying a lot because we ordered A LOT.

Cebu's dining room is beautiful, clean, modern, and spacious- they accommodated our party of 17 with ample breathing room between other tables on a busy Sunday. Food was delicious; I think between our group we must have ordered nearly dish from sweet to savory, and the hand-crafted drinks (coffee and cocktails!) were wonderful too. The bottomless lychee mimosas in particular were a hit with us, as well as pandan cold brew and the Painkiller cocktail. For brunch, we'd recommend sticking to the first two columns on the menu (plates) over the sandwiches/burritos. But let's be real...if you're ordering a sandwich here, you probably don't know what you're doing or where you actually are. PLATES, people!

Group favorites were: lumpia, calamari, popcorn chicken in sambal bbq, Milo French toast, Panpancakes, short ribs tapsilog, lechon kawali, Cebu lechon, chicken inisal, ube waffles. Longanisa was unfortunately sold out and we definitely want to return to give that plate a try. Portions are large and shareable. The kids in our group (ages 2-8) were pleased with the menu options and the kitchen modified entrees to suit kid-sized appetites. They also happily stored our cake until it was time to serve (so yes- you can bring in your own cake). Even the other patrons were awesome: when it was time to sing Happy Birthday, the entire restaurant joined in (my cousin says it's the Filipino way)! I mention this because sometimes you can discern the outcome of an experience by the type of crowd a restaurant attracts (IYKYK), and this one's got good folks. The demeanor of every single staff member we encountered as well as other diners truly added to the warm, lively atmosphere. HUGE thanks to the Cebu family for making our visit so special- we look forward to future celebrations together!

Some quick points: Large parties require a CC on file to secure a reservation and cancellations inside a 24hr window incur a $15/pp charge. No issues whatsoever adding more people to our reservation 1.5 hrs before our seating time. You can bring in your own cake- just give them a heads up first No kids menu but very kid-friendly Accommodating of various dietary concerns: we had nut and allium allergies in the group and they was able to find something on the menu they were happy with that they did not have to ask the kitchen to modify Easy metered...

We had a delicious meal at Cebu in Chicago.

This modern Filipino restaurant masterfully delivers on the promise of its culinary heritage, offering a delightful experience from breakfast through dinner.

The open layout is a breath of fresh air, with ample space between tables, ensuring a comfortable and uncrowded dining experience.

Drinks came with an unexpected detail: the orchid flower frozen inside the ice is a beautiful, surprising touch.

For the appetizers, the "tuna kinilao" (ceviche) wins my heart; no strong citrus flavor here,

Sashimi-grade tuna chunks are delicately marinated to allow the tuna flavor to shine along the bed of sherry tomatoes, cucumber, and onion salad, served over coconut cream; it's hard not to ask for seconds.

Don't overlook the Sizzling Gambas the description does not do them justice, they are a colorful spectacle & the sauce has a delightful sweet and sour flavor. You will be tempted to lick your fingers.

The entrée menu features Filipino staples, but with an elevated twist.

The "Rib-eye Salpicao" is a standout, boasting a rich, strong-flavored sauce that pairs perfectly with the creamy bed of mashed potatoes.

Seafood lovers will appreciate the grilled "Adobo Glaze Salmon," which comes with Brussels sprouts and a secret glaze that truly elevates the dish.

And then there are the desserts, which are an adventure in themselves.

The Banana Pudding is a deconstructed masterpiece.

Served in a snifter glass, each component is cooked separately, allowing you to create a unique flavor explosion with every spoonful.

But the real showstopper is the Halo-Halo. It's big enough to share, but honestly, you...

I recently dined at Cebu Chicago, a modern Filipino restaurant that truly impressed me with its culinary offerings and vibrant atmosphere.

The highlight of the meal was undoubtedly the Lechon pork belly served over garlic fried rice. The pork belly was perfectly crispy on the outside while remaining tender and juicy inside, pairing excellently with the aromatic and flavorful garlic fried rice and tamarind sauce.

Another standout dish was the short rib, which was succulent and cooked to perfection. The fried calamari was also delightful, boasting a crispy coating and tender meat that was simply irresistible. The tamarind fries added a unique and tangy twist to the meal, complementing the other dishes well.

To wash it all down, their mocktail selection was outstanding. The coconut pandan drink was refreshing and aromatic, offering a taste of the tropics. The purple yam painkiller drink was both unique and flavorful, while the Cebu Sunset drink, with its combination of calamansi orange and butterfly pea flower, was a visually stunning and delicious treat.

Overall, Cebu Chicago provides an exceptional dining experience with its innovative take on traditional Filipino cuisine and impressive drink selection. It's a must-visit for anyone looking to explore modern Filipino flavors in a warm and inviting setting and friendly, professionally staffs.

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