La Serre — Restaurant in West Chicago Township

My friend and I had a lovely evening at La Serre, and I will most certainly be going back next time I'm in town. Be sure to make a reservation if you don't want to worry about getting a table; I was able to book for a Sunday night about two days in advance.

I have nothing but praise for the food and drinks. Unfortunately, I was unable to get a cocktail (my fault, I forgot my ID), but the French 94 mocktail was light and tasty, and it comes in a champagne coupe so you can skip the alcohol and still feel sophisticated. I also appreciate when a mocktail isn't just an exact copy of an actual cocktail. Though this was clearly inspired by a French 75, it was a little more fruit-forward, which I enjoyed. We got mussels and fries to start — definitely good to share between two people — and the sauce was really unique, with a bit of a kick to it. We both got the truffle gnocchi, which also had a unique touch you wouldn't expect from just reading the menu. There was a very subtle lemony tang, balanced by another flavor in the sauce that was almost-but-not-quite sweet... I'm not a food expert, to be honest, so all I can say is, try it! The gnocchi are light and fluffy, and not too filling, but between that and all the mussels and fries, we were actually too full for dessert.

In terms of atmosphere, I quite liked the playlist — cool but not intrusive. I usually dislike faux plants as restaurant décor, but I actually didn't mind it here. Also, I LOVED the wallpaper. There was kind of a warm, tropical vibe, which was really nice in the dead of winter. I will say there's nothing particularly French about the experience, besides a couple French words thrown in on the menu, but whatever, that's not really what you're here for. Lastly, I don't factor this sort of thing into my ratings, because the restaurant can't control it, but I was pleased to see some people actually dressed up, which people are often not at nice restaurants in Chicago. Note for anyone who wears heels, though: you do have to climb some stairs to get to the restaurant, so definitely wear shoes you can walk in.

Our server was very kind and generally attentive. My one complaint in the service vein is that at one point, we asked for a little extra bread (they'd given us some initially with the mussels) so as not to waste the delicious sauce the mussels came in; we had to ask four or five times, and then we were surprised, when we received the bill, to see that we'd been charged $3 for three extra half-slices of bread. I'm sorry, but at a meal that's already over $100 per person, each extra half-slice of bread shouldn't be a whole dollar. I've eaten at my fair share of sophisticated restaurants, and little touches like that should be complimentary. I get that it's just $3 and it's not that big of a deal, but it's less about the amount of money and more about how it makes the customer feel.

I'll reiterate, though, that we had a really great time overall, and I do hope to...

Let me tell you, Chicago, I had an unforgettable evening at La Serre recently, and I simply have to sing its praises! From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere buzzed with a warm energy that instantly set the mood for a delightful night.

We started with a symphony of appetizers: crab croquettes that were like little pillows of pure, sweet crab happiness, thanks to the jumbo lump crab and that oh-so-creamy béchamel. Then came the truffle tater tots - crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and showered with the heady aroma of shaved black truffle. It was a decadent twist on a childhood favorite, and I'm pretty sure I let out a happy sigh with every bite.

Our server, Quinn, deserves a shoutout here. They were the epitome of friendly and attentive, explaining each dish with a passion that made us even more excited to try them. Plus, their knowledge of the menu was phenomenal. When we hesitated over a wine pairing, Quinn offered a suggestion that perfectly complemented both our meals - a glass of Jadix Picpoul. It was light and refreshing, a perfect match for the seafood feast we were about to embark on.

Speaking of feasts, the mains were showstoppers! The linguine with clams was a vibrant dance of flavors - the fresno chiles added a touch of heat, the toasted garlic brought a savory depth, and the lemon breadcrumbs gave it a bright, citrusy finish. But for me, the pan-seared scallops stole the show. Cooked to a perfect sear, they were juicy and tender, bathed in a red pepper pistou that was both rich and bursting with fresh flavor. The side of charred maitake mushrooms was an unexpected treat - earthy, smoky, and a perfect textural contrast to the delicate scallops.

By this point, we were positively stuffed, but there's always room for dessert, right? Right! And La Serre did not disappoint. The warm apple tart was a classic done beautifully - buttery crust, perfectly spiced apples, and a scoop of cinnamon brown sugar ice cream that added a delightful coldness to the warm filling. But if you're looking for something a little more decadent, then the brûléed French toast is your answer. Imagine thick slices of brioche soaked in a rich vanilla custard, then caramelized to a perfect golden crisp. Topped with a scoop of cinnamon brown sugar ice cream, it was a textural and flavor explosion that had me weak in the knees.

We finished the night with a potent L'Espresso Martini, the perfect ending to a truly memorable meal. La Serre isn't just about the food, though it's undeniably incredible. It's about the entire experience - the friendly service, the beautiful atmosphere, and the feeling that you're being treated to something truly special. If you're looking for a night to remember, La Serre is the place to go. You won't be...

La Serre: A French-Mediterranean Dream with a Modern Soul

From the moment we walked in, the ambiance swept us away to Saint-Tropez: warm lighting, elegant textures, and refined yet playful design that echoes the French Riviera’s easy glamour.

Impeccable Service:

What truly set the evening apart was the exceptional service. Our waiter was more than just attentive—he was a culinary guide. Deeply knowledgeable about both the food and the extensive wine list, he helped us navigate the menu with charm and intuition.

Delicious and Beautiful Dishes

Each dish was plated to perfection—worthy of Damien Hirst’s high standards for presentation—and every bite was a harmonious fusion of flavor and finesse. • Tuna Crudo: Delicate, sashimi-grade tuna dressed in a bright citrus emulsion, punctuated with subtle herbaceous notes. It was clean, precise, and refreshing—like a sea breeze on the palate. • Kumamoto Oysters: Rare and briny, these oysters were served ice-cold and accompanied by an elegant mignonette. The texture was sublime, and their natural sweetness shone through. • Crispy Skin Sea Bass: A standout. The filet was expertly seared with crackling, golden skin, served over a beautifully wilted bed of fennel and spinach that added an anise-kissed depth and earthy softness. The balance of crisp and tender, bold and light, was masterful. • Pekin-Style Duck Breast: A showstopper. Tender, juicy slices of duck breast were served alongside a creative array of toppings, sauces, and accompaniments—presented with crêpes and lettuce wraps. It was a build-your-own experience that married French technique with a playful, Asian-Mediterranean twist. Every bite could be customized—rich, tangy, sweet, or spicy—depending on your chosen pairing.

La Serre doesn’t just serve dinner—it creates memories. With its sublime flavors, artistic plating, Riviera-inspired interiors, and world-class service, this restaurant raises the bar for French-Mediterranean cuisine in the city. We left dazzled, delighted, and already planning...