Restaurant La Sardine

"Oliver and Nicolas Poilevey, whose parents founded iconic Chicago French restaurants La Sardine and Le Bouchon." - Ashok Selvam

"La Sardine is one of the two French restaurants created by Susanne Poilevey and her husband Jean-Claude. Susanne Poilevey passed away after battling cancer for five years. The restaurant is now managed by the couple’s three sons, one of whom is the executive chef." - Daniel Gerzina

"Although La Sardine’s Restaurant Week menu is among the cheaper options ($36), it isn’t worth it. The menu is limited, with two choices per course all of off-menu items. But with other French options like Margeaux Brasserie and Mon Ami Gabi (which includes a glass of wine) knocking it out of the park this year, La Sardine is a better choice outside of Restaurant Week." - Elizabeth Atkinson

"With a combined 45 years of service between them, Le Bouchon and La Sardine continue to produce “utterly authentic” French fare at a high level. Though the two bistros are similar, Phil Vettel thinks each has “very nice” specials that help distinguish itself from the other. La Sardine presents a “picturesque tableau” of seared scallops surrounded by fava-bean puree, oyster mushrooms, and pickled strawberries, as well as “airy and custardy” pike quenelles in a lobster-bisque sauce. Both offer “superb” tarte aux pommes for dessert, which is “highlighted by a memorable crust, caramel-drizzled apples and house-made vanilla ice cream.” Overall, Vettel says the two spots “seem well-equipped to achieve more” in the coming years. [Tribune]" - Jeffy Mai

"Venerable French restaurant La Sardine offers a $16 charcuterie board, $11 frog legs, and more." - Ashok Selvam