Bryan L.
Yelp
Eat Fine Design may not have the most attention-grabbing name, but it's hands down the best Thai restaurant I've come across in Chicago!
The restaurant itself is cozy with a very friendly staff. The space accommodates about 5-6 groups at a time. It's worth booking a table ahead of time since they are always very busy, and it's nearly impossible to get a walk-in table before 8:30.
The food here is truly exceptional, with each dish carrying unique flavors and plated beautifully. Among the appetizers, the crispy chives cakes stood out for their crispy exterior and gooey center, the crispy calamari for a delightful fish-flavored spice, the Eson sausage with a rich and porky taste, and the papaya salad for its incredibly refreshing taste.
Moving on to the mains, the duck red curry featured crispy duck pieces and a medley of fruits, including lychees, pineapple, and grapes--an unexpectedly delightful combination. The durian Massaman curry packed a strong kick with creamy durian pieces. The Gway Teow offered a comforting noodle dish, and the basil tilapia was well-flavored with crispy pieces of tilapia. The fire cup packed a serious punch of heat, while the flavor was comforting.
One standout feature is that all curry dishes come with a side of purple rice, offering a healthy alternative to the standard jasmine rice. It's worth noting that their spice levels are on a Thai scale, so even mild spice here can be quite spicy elsewhere. With such an extensive menu of unique Thai dishes of great quality, we can't wait to return and explore more of what they have to offer.