Obélix
French restaurant · River North ·
Classic French fare meets fusion flavors in a refined yet casual setting
Classic French fare meets fusion flavors in a refined yet casual setting
"At this white-tablecloth French spot, it’s common to see couples feed each other buttery escargot for their anniversary while servers expertly fold someone’s napkin shortly after they leave their seat. But you'll also see people popping in for after-work glasses of Beaujolais at the bar, and friends in matching jean jackets attempting to equally split the Korean-inspired tête de cochon. Obelix expertly walks the tightrope of feeling formal without being stuffy—a balance that extends to its menu of classics like French onion soup and playful, fusion-y dishes like foie gras tacos." - Team Infatuation
"This River North spot looks like a typical white-tablecloth French restaurant. It’s not. Obelix expertly walks the tightrope of feeling formal without being stuffy. And that same balance is present in its menu, which is filled with a mixture of classic dishes like escargot and beef wellington, as well as playful, fusion-y ones like the foie gras-filled taco. Yes, we know the squab pithivier on the menu might say Serious French Restaurant, but it’s counterbalanced by a hip-hop playlist and attentive servers who are chill enough to crack a few jokes. Come here for any celebration that you want to feel special, but not take too seriously. Reservations are released 30 days in advance. But while dinner seats can be hard to nab (unless you want to eat at 10pm on a Thursday), it's much easier to snag a spot for weekend brunch at 10:30am-2pm, or lunch at 11:30am-2:30pm on Thursday, Friday, and Monday." - adrian kane, veda kilaru, john ringor, nick allen
"Obelix is located in a quieter part of River North where, instead of witnessing drunken couples arguing with bouncers, you can enjoy some fantastic French food in relative serenity. That said, while Obelix is upscale enough to have white tablecloths, it's not stuffy. They have a fun hip-hop playlist and friendly servers who are chill enough to crack a few jokes. This spot is from the same team as Le Bouchon, and while they have delicious staples, the most exciting dishes are the fusion-y ones that have an international spin. From their steak tartare with a spicy and pungent shio kombu, to their impressively complex foie gras taco (a.k.a. foie-co), the combinations of flavors are interesting and unexpected. Reservations are released 30 days in advance. But while dinner seats can be hard to nab (unless you want to eat at 10pm on a Thursday), it's much easier to snag a spot for weekend brunch at 10:30am-2pm, or lunch at 11:30am-2:30pm on Thursday, Friday, and Monday." - adrian kane, veda kilaru, nick allen, john ringor
"Obelix is located in a quieter part of River North where you can have an upscale date night in relative serenity. It's a French spot from the same team as Le Bouchon, and they have a fusion-y menu with good, creative dishes like the steak tartare with shio kombu and a surprisingly delicious foie gras taco. And while the dining room is filled with white tablecloths and looks like a Swiss chalet, it's not stuffy—the space is busy and upbeat thanks to friendly servers and an energetic hip-hop soundtrack. Reservations are released 30 days in advance. But while dinner seats can be hard to nab (unless you want to eat at 10pm on a Thursday), it's much easier to snag a spot for weekend brunch at 10:30am-2pm, or lunch at 11:30am-2:30pm on Thursday, Friday, and Monday." - adrian kane, john ringor, veda kilaru, nick allen
"Obelix, a great French spot in River North, is open for lunch on Thursday, Friday, and Monday (including a $45 prix fixe option). And while they have delicious French staples, the best and most exciting dishes on the menu are the fusion-y ones that have interesting and unexpected flavor combinations, like the foie gras taco or the steak tartare with shio kumbo. Obelix is upscale enough to have white tablecloths, but it's not stuffy. They have a fun hip-hop playlist and friendly servers who are chill enough to crack a few jokes. Reservations are released 30 days in advance. But while dinner seats can be hard to nab (unless you want to eat at 10pm on a Thursday), it's much easier to snag a spot for weekend brunch at 10:30am-2pm, or lunch at 11:30am-2:30pm on Thursday, Friday, and Monday." - adrian kane, john ringor, nick allen, veda kilaru