Alcove - Evanston

I haven’t been back to Alcove for two years and this time the quality of food drops significantly. The lamp tastes nothing but salty the fish is the driest I ever had. I don’t know if they had a change of chef, everything tastes differently compared to two years ago. I didn’t have a good experience. Plus they surcharge 3% for credit card which is nonsense.

Second year in a row for a family birthday celebration. Everything was superb and the service was excellent. We had appetizers, entrees and several different desserts. This restaurant is an unassuming gem and should not be overlooked for an intimate dinner for two or a larger group or family gathering. Highly recommended.

Celebrated our 33rd wedding anniversary here tonight. It was a perfect evening - from warm, attentive, impeccable service, to the wonderful food. Ambiance was perfect for us - elegant, restrained decor, and no music, so you could have a conversation without yelling. Elegant, restrained decor. Our waitress was fabulous. I followed her recommendations for food which were excellent. I would highly recommend and we plan to return.

What a great place! The menu has lots of interesting selections -- the kind of menu that would draw me back over and over again to keep trying things -- if only I lived in the area! And for even more options, there's some specials each day that are tempting! The restaurant pays attention to details -- especially in the food. All items ordered were excellent and seemingly prepared without cutting costs. Additionally, the bread service is very good and they provide a sorbet intermezzo before the entrée, which is a very thoughtful touch that isn't done often enough at nice meals. The goat cheese tart and yellowfin tuna tartare were both excellent as starters. My braised beef short rib was rich and outstanding. Others in my group had a couple of fish entrees and one had lamb, and all loved it. The wine list has a lot of great selections and most bottles seem priced reasonably for what they are. The service was professional and super accommodating, with the kitchen happy to creatively work around a food allergy. The ambiance is comfortable and nice. Lighting decent. Noise level was low, though it wasn't terribly busy at the time of my visit. My only gripe is the 3% service charge for paying a card (they're very transparent about it though). Actual costs for most businesses are 2% or barely over, and for a fine dining restaurant where $75 - $100 person isn't uncommon, this should be a cost of doing business that's built into the pricing.

First visit to this space in any incarnation. Welcoming staff and very friendly, happy to talk about the menu and cocktail options on a casual friday. Really liked the octopus and the foie. House old fashioned is very smooth. Surprisingly didn’t hear much train noise. Expected that to be much louder.

Our third visit, the first time during warmer weather, allowing us to enjoy their outdoor seating patio for the first time which we found quite lovely considering the proximity to the train station. But that is all a part of the allure that is Alcove. We had a wonderful dining experience paired with fantastic service. My wife enjoyed the risotto while I took my time savoring each bite of the duck. We opted not to share a dessert—my choice, not my wife's. I loved the bread pudding. I'll add this was our first night out since having our second child two months ago, and this was the perfect evening for it. Thank you 😊

What a magical spot in Evanston. The Deco takes you to a little French-English town in Europe. The hostess greeted us with big smiles, and the waiter brought us through the menus and course everything perfectly. The energy of this place and team makes you enjoy more of every bite. We started with fantastic steak tartare followed by foie and veal shortbread. We chose for the main course perfectly prepared Duck. I have to munch on our Apple sorbet as a palette cleansing. I felt like I just had a bit of fresh green apple. A fantastic wine selection and dessert will not leave you disappointed. One of the best places I have eaten in a long time. We will be back. Thank you to the Chef and team for creating such a fantastic food experience.

The Alcove earned 5-stars in Atmosphere, Food and Service. Upon first gazing at the nondescript view from the street, I wondered what lay ahead? What appeared to be a subway entrance, it led us to a handsome red door flanked my large planters. Entering, I was I disbelief. Eye candy. Subdued lighting, contemporary decor and use of color. We were warmly greeted and shown to a nice table with banquette seating. The waitstaff were excellent. The wine was overflowing and the entree’s were superb. This night was a gift for our wedding anniversary and it was such a joyous celebration. Later, we found the real front entrance. Thank you Brian and Stephanie♥️

What a great place! The menu has lots of interesting selections -- the kind of menu that would draw me back over and over again to keep trying things -- if only I lived in the area! And for even more options, there's some specials each day that are tempting! The restaurant pays attention to details -- especially in the food. All items ordered were excellent and seemingly prepared without cutting costs. Additionally, the bread service is very good and they provide a sorbet intermezzo before the entrée, which is a very thoughtful touch that isn't done often enough at nice meals. The goat cheese tart and yellowfin tuna tartare were both excellent as starters. My braised beef short rib was rich and outstanding. Others in my group had a couple of fish entrees and one had lamb, and all loved it. The wine list has a lot of great selections and most bottles seem priced reasonably for what they are. The service was professional and super accommodating, with the kitchen happy to creatively work around a food allergy. The ambiance is comfortable and nice. Lighting decent. Noise level was low, though it wasn't terribly busy at the time of my visit. My only gripe is the 3% service charge for paying a card (they're very transparent about it though). Actual costs for most businesses are 2% or barely over, and for a fine dining restaurant where $75 - $100 person isn't uncommon, this should be a cost of doing business that's built into the pricing.

I really wish alcove lived up to its Yelp rating, but both times I've gone I've found issues with the service and even some of the food. On my most recent visit (mid April) I was celebrating a friend's birthday. We had an 8pm reservation and called the restaurant telling them we were running a couple minutes late. The hostess was incredibly rude and cold. Not a good start. Then we arrived at the restaurant and met the rude hostess in person -- I don't know what was going on but she didn't say hi, smile, or greet us. She just said "come" and then threw the menus on our table. The food itself is good but overpriced. I loved the octopus and my fish dish in lobster bisque. Absolutely delicious. However, the tuna tartare isn't very special and is a TINY portion. The beef tenderloin was also a bit tough and nothing to write home about. Our server was a nice British lady who was kind and attentive. The ambiance here is so weird, though. Both times I've been it feels eerily quiet, super stuffy and pretentious, and not very welcoming. I hope to try it again and improve my rating, but both times I've been the service has been lackluster and the food -- while some of it fantastic -- generally overhyped.

The best food I've had in at least ten years, exquisitely cooked and delicious. Service was good and the indoor seating was so quiet that my hearing-compromised 94 year mother could follow and participate in the conversation. A bit pricey, but absolutely worth it.

Brought my daughter here as her celebratory start business school kick-off! It was very good. We sat outside, which surprisingly wasn't too loud even with the train. Food and service were good. Expensive with not the largest portions, but tasty and the sorbet to cleanse our palates was a nice touch.

Visited yesterday for an anniversary dinner for my nephew and his bride of 8 years. Lovely atmosphere, congenial staff, great ambiance. Alcove Old Fashion x2 was quite nice. Great wine list and seasonal cocktail choices. Tuna tartare ( a tich heavy on the sesame oil per the brother), steak tartare, goat cheese tart quite good. Scallop special very well received by 2 attendees. Duck breast was cooked to perfection and nicely seasoned per nephew. Striped bass was great, until it wasn't. Lobster tortellini, sugar snaps and cauliflower florets served with a delicious, delicate saffron sauce was wonderful. Wish I had bread to absorb the lovely sauce. The fish was cooked very nicely. The issue that I had was a pocket of fish bones towards the final bites. Hoping this was a one time oversight. Needed to clean the filet up a bit prior to cooking. Shared desserts were grand. Crème brûlée, flourless chocolate cake and bread pudding, delicious. Interesting location, could not hear the trains/purple line arrivals./departures. Pluses - handicap parking. Minuses c- no valet parking. First time eating there. Hope to return soon.

This is one of the best kitchens in Illinois! Always surprising & always delicious. No tables are spaced close to another. After you pass the unattractive entranceway, in inside is very pleasant.

Today was second time visiting Alcove. My fiance and I love this place. The atmosphere and service is outstanding. Food is out of this world. All the food we have ordered has been "wow". We compare meals from Alcove with other restaurants we visit. The staff makes you feel so special when you are there. It is truly a gem of a restaurant. The staff is truly well versed in the choice of wines you like. Today I ordered oven roasted branzino filet and my fiancé ordered cod. Just wow. For appetizers we had roasted beet salad and their soup of the day (potato onion soup). Best food I've ever had. For desert we had the warm flourless chocolate cake and butterscotch and honey crisp apple bread pudding. Just amazing. It goes without saying Alcove is our favorite restaurant ever.

Cozy, delicious food, exceptional service... Dine at the Alcove for special occasions and white glove service! From the moment we arrived, we received a warm welcome, fantastic service and enjoyed our cocktails as well as all entrée selections. The palate cleanser between courses was a nice surprise! We didn't feel rushed and enjoyed our two hour meal. Will definitely make a trip back to Evanston again soon, when looking for a special dinner! Go!

This is place is literally a hidden gem in Evanston, booked a reservation to celebrate a birthday. The entrance is hidden passed the train station, very discreet, very cozy and romantically lit on the inside. Our server, I forget her name but she was a wonderful young English (?) woman who was very attentive to us, cleared the plates efficiently and made sure we were doing well periodically, brought us new silverware with each course, she also made great recommendations. She even brought us an apple sorbet by surprise- it was delicious tasted like fresh apples. we also got the quail, cauliflower soup and the GOLDEN NECTAR cocktail, I didn't photograph these dishes/drinks. - the portions seemed small but it was honestly perfect , we left full but not sluggishly stuffed! The cauliflower soup is delicious. The experience was great. I would definitely come back to try the rest of the menu with more friends. This place seemed great for romantic dates as-well as business meetings.

This hole in a wall restaurant is very easy to miss as it is located below the train tracks but I would recommend checking it out. For being below the tracks you could not hear the train as loud as I expected. The place was buzzing for a Thursday night but since we made a reservation we got seated immediately. We started off with wine and some house bread and a crab corn soup to follow which was super delicious. For apps we got the octopus and meatballs. The octopus was very soft, flavorful and melted in our mouths. The meatballs was alright and we could have honestly skipped ordering it. They also served us matcha gelato as a palate cleanser before the main course. For main course we shared the Duck breast. I would say it was very delicious and came with a sauce and veggies. We shared all the meals among two people and left with a happy belly! The staff here is very friendly and great service overall!

Nothing on the entree menu was under $40. The vodka and soda was watered down. The halibut was dry. The crab cake couldn't compare to Shaw's Crab House or anything close to a crab cake on the East Coast. The indoor dining was frigid. If u want to eat outside with the deafening sound of the Metra above your head, this is the place for you. There have to be better restaurants at half the price in Evanston. PS. The crème brûlèe was barely bigger than a silver dollar. Not enough for one vs. enough to share. Overall really poor value.

We had the most wonderful cocktails and dinner at Alcove Evanston last night. It's located under the Metra tracks, and we had no trouble with street parking. We each started with a delicious craft cocktail (and told the bartender so on our way out). We shared the romaine salad and ordered the short rib and branzino. Portions were generous, and we were too full for dessert. But we will be back! Very excited to find this restaurant! Thank you for a great evening!

ATTENTION: this is not a review of the food, we've never eaten there. I made a reservation for a family of 5 after checking out the menu on line. I thought I saw enough pescatarian/vegetarian offerings to merit a visit. However, when we got there, we saw only a vegetarian risotto and two fish offering... they were out of 1 of the fish dishes and both were served with shrimp, the special seafood was scallops, we don't eat shellfish. Almost all of the appetizers met our dietary requirements. It is such a lovely space that I'd love to dine there, I so wish they had more pescatarian/vegetarian options.

Exploring Evanston, we came upon Alcove. Menu looked interesting, but not inexpensive The place has been around for over 20 years but rebranded Never mind paying up for an exceptional meal/service, but this wasn't it Food wasn't great and service was kind but amateurish For over $100pp, I would not go back

Definitely a 10! Although I miss Chef's Station, Alcove is a continuation of the same ambiance, wonderful wine list, excellent service and lovely menu items. Celebrated a special occasion on Christmas Eve for a party of 2 with their limited seating prix fix menu. Excellent all around and so glad we still have Alcove in Evanston for those very special occasions where you can be sure food, service and wine will be perfect!

We had the pleasure of discovering ALCOVE for the first time last night -- and it was scrumptious! Very cool, romantic "hidden" location under the Metra tracks, beautiful intimate atmosphere, lovely service and the food! OMG! What a surprise. I had a scrumptious tartar and a monkfish to die for and my husband lost himself in the short ribs.. The raspberry sorbet feta cheesecake (frankly, I don't know what to call it..) was in my dreams last night. Everything perfection. Just outstanding. I WILL BE BACK!

Talk about a hidden gem underneath the metra station! Walking into the restaurant we were welcomed into a relaxing ambience and a beautifully decorated interior. From start to finish, I would have to say the service was outstanding and the food was impeccable. For our appetizers, we ordered the grilled baby octopus that just melted into your mouth with every bite, from the sauce to the way it was cooked was incredible. The soup of the day was a tomato soup with butter poached crab, that paired so well together. Would highly recommend asking for some bread to dip into the soup. I would have to say that the seafood here is very fresh and tastes like you're by the coast! For our main entrees we got the seared halibut and duck breast which were also delectable! To end the night we had a goat cheesecake which was interesting but the raspberry paired very nicely with. Hats off to the head chef/owner for truly providing an excellent fine-dining experience! We will definitely be back again.

Let's do parallel: two good and two bad things about this place. Good first. The quality of octopus and monkfish was superb! And the place does look like an alcove: underneath the train station, with a fancy corridor leading to a cozy inviting room with refreshingly minimalist stylist decor. Now bad. When I order fish and octopus, and pay almost $70.00 for the two, I expect a large octopus, and a large chunk of fish (maybe even the whole) on an elongated plate with at least four or five sizable extras. Thinly cut five slices of octopus, and a piece of fish the size of an espresso cup leave me wanting more... But the quality was good, a European seaside restaurant good!

Once again I found Alcove Evanston to be charming because of the location and the atmosphere. This hidden gem offers so many wonderful surprises. I dined the other night with friends who live nearby. We all ordered something different to drink and eat and we all loved everything. From wine to cocktails to martinis, the beverages were delicious. The roasted pear salad and goat cheese tart were a great way to start our meals. My arctic char was incredible. The fresh veggies and light broth really brought this dish home. My friend loved her mushroom risotto. The rack of lamb looked great and my friend said it was delicious. To finish our meal we shared a giant sundae. It was creamy and satisfying. The service was good - not exceptional. Our server was efficient but did not offer a personable element. I had a ticket for coat check. The manager saw we needed our coats and said someone would come and assist us in a minute - even though he was literally standing between us and the coat check closet. That's ok, the cuisine made up for the lack of gracious service. I will still return but hope service gets a touch better. It can make a huge difference in the diners' experience.

Came here on a Thursday night when they had two big parties. The reservation was easy to place. The waitress we had was prompt and very helpful with the menu. Also very friendly. The food was outstanding. The ambience and mood was great for a memorable date night or special occasion.

Wonderful experience and service. I had the crabcake appetizer and monkfish and both were fantastic. My wife said the soup was best she's ever had. This is on the pricey side directly below the metro station. It is a cool place that we definitely will frequent again.

Dined here last night and tried their tasting menu. The courses were actually not listed on the menu so I had no idea what I would be having next, which adds to the surprise. The food was absolutely delicious and the staff was courteous and attentive. There is ample parking either on the street or at the lot opposite the street. If I had to be picky, I would prefer for the food to be served faster... we were there for 3 hours for 6 courses which seemed a tad long for me. Nonetheless, it was a great experience and I would revisit.

We had a great meal but not great customer service one day after several fully satisfying experiences. Afterwards the Alcove stepped up, admitting their shortcomings on that night and offered satisfactory compensation. Everyone has a bad day but how you respond show your character. We'll be going back.

We've recently dined at the Alcove two times. Both were great dining experiences. It is a beautiful room with low lighting and no TVs or loud music. The food is absolutely excellent. Everyone ordered something different and each dish was really special. The staff there is super attentive and polite. You can't find any restaurants like this anymore that are quiet, elegant places to have a conversation amongst friends. Will be back often.

Just celebrated my wife's birthday. Food was fantastic. Some people in our party don't eat meat. The chef made up a vegetarian soup they said was great. The chef made a birthday cake that was wonderful. Great experience. Will definitely go back.

Nice dinner but uncomfortable seating, awkward waiter and very expensive bill in comparison to other places like it. Scallops were divine. Won't be back.

Small portions, food is mediocre and not great. We split the octopus appetizer, but it's a small portion. The tenderloin is smothered in a brown sauce. We ordered medium rare which came out as medium. It lacked flavor. Not worth $55.00. Go to a steak house for better steak. The Restaurant was empty. That's a sign too.

Wow. 7 out of 8 of us loved our food. The holdout said needed more salt. Definitely the most professional restaurant in Evanston. Perfect for a business lunch/dinner, gathering with friends, date night with friends. Easily the quietest restaurant for those of us that are trying to escape the hustle and bustle of other restaurants. Drink menu was terrific and cocktails were 10/10. Very impressed. Our group of 8 enjoyed the friendly and attentive staff. Bread was amazing and we branched out into salads and then entrees. What it lacked in quantity was made up in quality. Our favorite dishes were the lamb, risotto and salmon. Menus change regularly to reflect the freshest ingredients. I would eat there once a week if not for the price point. Very cozy indoor atmosphere, just all around great adult setting. Thank you for accommodating our group!

Food and service was fantastic. The ambience and interior feng shui were also spot on. Would recommend.

We loved our dinner at the Alcove. We had our meal outside and enjoyed the experience very much. Everything the three of us had was delicious. My husband and daughter had rack of lamb and I had salmon for our main courses. Service was really good. Could not have been a better experience.

Thanks once again to Yelpers for recommending this special place tucked away in a corner of Evanston. I was in search of a place to celebrate my wife's big 4-0 birthday in a special way. We have three small children and rarely do date night or enjoy a special meal so the chef and waitstaff of Alcove delivered in a huge way! We had the grilled octopus for appetizer followed by Branzino with seasonal veggies and the rack of lamb (with beef wellington) for our entrees. EVERYTHING was amazing and cooked to perfection! Since we opted not to drink cocktails, we splurged on desserts going with the apple bread pudding w vanilla ice cream and goat cheesecake topped with raspberry sauce. So so good and rich! One of the best meals in too long.

Amazing hidden gem. Everything was excellent and service was great. Came here with friends. We started with the lamb meatballs and fresh warm bread. Delicious. We split 3 entrees. The lamb chops, the duck, and the risotto, all of which were incredible. Highly recommend. For dessert, we got the Lemon Berry Dart which was a perfect finish to an excellent meal.

有一点贵，但是非常好吃，尤其推荐鹅肝。建议询问服务员当日的特色菜，一般来说都非常美味。 餐厅的服务也很好！位置很方便，就在purple line 地铁站旁边。

If you're looking for fine dining, you're in the right spot! Everything from the Tuna Tartar to the grilled octopus appetizer to the sea bass and lobster to the bread pudding was a gallery of delicious entrees. Each one presented beautifully. So why the 4 stars vs. 5? Front of the house wait staff lacked the attention you'd expect at a 5 star establishment. At times we felt forgotten. Such a bummer and we could overlook it (and laugh) because the food was so good. I wouldn't recommend this restaurant if you're in a hurry or require lots of attention to enjoy your meal. Hopefully they can hire more staff and give every table more intimate attention.

Really nice place with good outdoor seating. Bread pudding was exceptional. Everything we tried was great.

Alcove's staff is not particularly friendly (the hostess was borderline rude, the waiter never went over the menu - almost felt like we were inconveniencing them by dining in). The food was just ok, yet very overpriced.

Now called the Alcove this is a must eat. Spoiler alert this may be the best meal we have enjoyed in Evanston let along chicago. We took advantage of a warm Monday night and enjoyed dining outside nearly all alone which was amazing! We were able to order a half bottle of malbec wine perfect for two. We started with the Spanish octopus which was just wow. Not only did it look beautiful but the flavor was packed and we liked up every last bit. For the main course we tried the lamb meatballs that had some of the best eggplant and the lamb flavor really showed through. We also enjoyed the duck and gnocchi. Words can't describe how good the dish was. Easily the best gnocchi in the state. Lastly we ended with. Wow of a desseer..... grand Marnier souffle. O m g it was the best dessert. Served hot with gelato it left out jaws dropped off wanting more. Easily worth the splurge and can't wait to go back!

Absolutely delicious! One of the best meals we've had in a long time - starting with the goat cheese tart, then braised short rib, and Grand Mariner soufflé to finish. Such a gem!

Best octopus I've ever had, and the braised short rib was heavenly service incredible I can't wait to return best dinner I've had In north shore

Well, a true fine-dining, delicious and delicate food, good environment, perfect service at a reasonable price(~$40). Would go again to try some new dishes! BTW: there are indoor dining options, so don't miss it!

Well cooked and thoughtfully presented food. Friendly service relaxed atmosphere. Would go back for special occasion or light meal before the movie

Beautiful restaurant with delicious food for a special night out. We had a really nice evening here and tried multiple appetizers, all of which were delicious. Entrees we're great too!

The food is really good, and the service is good. It's a very traditional fine dining restaurant. I don't know how else to describe it, other than mature. It's sophisticated, but an older crowd for sure. I'm in my twenties and came here for a nice dinner, but there was no one else even close to my age. If the country club vibe is for you, definitely check it out cause the food really is delicious. If you're looking for relaxed fine dining I'd suggest heading to the city.

The food is amazing as well as the service of the staff. I had the salmon and it was so delicious, I have never had salmon like that. No words can explain you must try it for yourself. My husband had the pork tenderloin with mashed potatoes, loved it!!!!! To finish off dinner we had a bread pudding that was out of this world! I recommend Alcove Evanston to anyone wanting a gourmet dining experience with great food and wonderful professional staff!!! Elio, we absolutely loved everything that you made! To your wonderful staff that were so kind and helpful, thank you.

Beautiful restaurant with wonderful staff! They observed we were fasting and waited to bring our food out fresh - even remade it! Delicious soufflé for dessert that is a must try. Will definitely return!

We had a wonderful meal at the Alcove with friends and highly recommend it! The ambience is cozy and warm and the menu has so many appealing options. Our group had delicious short ribs (two people ordered them), rack of lamb, and beef tenderloin for entrees - all of which were the perfect portion - but there were so many other options including several seafood dishes. The apps are all shareable and delicious - we had lamb meatballs, grilled octopus, a yellowfin tuna tartare and a poached pear salad with many tasty ingredients. Wine list has some great options at decent prices. The Alcove is not only a special occasion restaurant - yes, the prices are more than an everyday restaurant but for the quality, presentation and ambience, it's a value. Check them out!

After moving a student into college this weekend we stopped for dinner at this restaurant. It was delicious from salads to cocktails and desserts! The service was impeccable especially our server, Mike. I highly recommend Alcove and will be back!

We enjoyed dinner here to celebrate a special occasion. The service was top notch; our server was attentive without hovering. My water glass was never empty and the food and drinks arrived quickly. Our table enjoyed the roasted beet salad and the roasted pear salad for appetizers. The duck was delicious and perfectly cooked. My mother had the steak and overall said the meals was one of her favorite meals ever. The dessert was phenomenal. We had the bread pudding, crème brûlée, and the rhubarb pie. I enjoyed the empress cocktail and my dad had the aviator. My father has a hearing loss and the restaurant was quiet enough that we could have a great conversation; I'm always thankful for restaurants with good acoustics. I highly recommend the Alcove.

Absolutely the best food in Evanston!!!! Everything was cooked to perfection! I had the baby octopus and it melts in your mouth it's just so delicious. The pear salad was amazing! My husband had the duck and it was so mouthwatering delicious that he said he would definitely be back for more! Elio is a great chef and his staff our so wonderful they are all so warm and welcoming to his restaurant. We will be back for more. If you haven't been to this amazing hidden gem you definitely need to try it!