The seven at a glance
Prices cover one menu before tax, drinks and extras. Ever adds 20% service, Next adds 20%, and Sepia adds a 3.5% surcharge. Elske adds a removable 4% surcharge. Ask Smyth, Oriole and Mako about current service charges and gratuity before comparing totals.
| Restaurant | Stars | Format | Menu per person | Dinner length | How to book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Smyth | 3 | Smyth Menu or Chef's Menu | $420 or $550 through November 4, 2026. From November 5, ask. | 2.5 to 3 hours; Chef's Menu about 3.5 hours, through November 4 | Tock. Rolling 90 days at noon Central. |
| Ever | 2 | 8 to 10 course tasting | $345 | 2 to 2.5 hours | OpenTable. Usually first Tuesday monthly, 9 a.m. Central, two to three months ahead. |
| Oriole | 2 | Extended tasting, Dining Room or Kitchen Table | $325 or $375; Winter 2026 to 2027 listings $345 or $395 | Ask | Tock. Up to 90 days ahead. |
| Elske | 1 | Set menu or shared à la carte | $145 set menu; à la carte mains $28 to $50 | Table allocation of 2 hours for two; 2.5 for three or four; 3 for five or six | OpenTable. Ask when dates open. |
| Mako | 1 | Seasonal omakase | $225 | Ask | Tock. Ask when dates open. Same-day bookings until 2 p.m. if seats remain. |
| Sepia | 1 | Four-course prix fixe or eight-course tasting | $125 or $195 | Prix fixe 2 to 2.5 hours; tasting 2.5 to 3 hours | OpenTable. Rolling, about two months ahead. |
| Next | 1 | Fashion, 10-course themed tasting | Ask for your date and time on Tock | Ask | Tock, prepaid. Ask when public dates open. |
Oriole's prices are dated September 8, 2026. Select the listing for your date before using either winter price. Ever's $345 is dated September 30, 2026.
Which one fits your evening
For a shorter published schedule, Elske gives two guests two hours at the table. Sepia estimates 2 to 2.5 hours for its four-course prix fixe. Its eight-course tasting takes an estimated 2.5 to 3 hours. Confirm your finish before buying event tickets.
For a longer tasting, Smyth's current Smyth Menu takes 2.5 to 3 hours. Its Chef's Menu takes about 3.5 hours and accepts no dietary restrictions or allergies. Those formats run through November 4, 2026. Ever offers one fixed progression. Plan on 2.5 hours. Ever needs dietary notice at least 72 hours ahead and will not substitute for dislikes.
For dish selection, Elske offers family-style à la carte alongside its set menu. Decide at the restaurant, but everyone at your table must choose the same format. Sepia's prix fixe gives four choices at each of four courses. Confirm dietary needs before choosing Sepia's more restrictive tasting menu.
For an omakase counter, Mako serves sushi and cooked dishes in the chef's order. Mako serves the whole room at the same pace. Late guests join the meal in progress. It cannot accommodate vegetarian, vegan or kosher diets, or soy or sugar allergies. A gluten-free omakase is available on request.
For a changing theme, Next's Fashion menu runs through January 10, 2027. Prices vary by seating. Fashion has no vegan option, and the kitchen cannot remove egg, dairy or soy. For seating choice, Oriole offers its extended tasting in the dining room or at the Kitchen Table. Contact Oriole before booking. Give dietary notice at least 24 hours ahead.
Addresses and getting there
- Smyth is at 177 N. Ada St., Suite 101, Chicago, IL 60607. Confirm the garage and elevator route for step-free entry for your room and date.
- Ever is at 1340 W. Fulton St., Chicago, IL 60607. The closest L stop is Ashland on the Pink and Green Lines. The attached garage gives four hours of validated parking for $7. The entrance is on Ada Street, just north of Fulton. The accessible route includes the garage.
- Oriole is at 661 W. Walnut St., Chicago, IL 60661. There is no valet. Oriole's FAQ says metered parking is plentiful along Desplaines Street and Union Avenue. A garage is at 650 W. Fulton Market.
- Elske is at 1350 W. Randolph St., Chicago, IL 60607. There is no valet. Metered parking is on Randolph, unmetered spots are on Ada and Lake streets, and a paid garage is across the street at 1371 W. Randolph.
- Mako is at 731 W. Lake St., Chicago, IL 60661. There is no valet. Street parking is on Halsted and Lake streets, and a lot is directly across the street.
- Sepia is at 123 N. Jefferson St., Chicago, IL 60661. Metered parking is on Jefferson and Randolph. There is no valet. Request step-free access in your reservation for the adjacent entrance with an elevator.
- Next is at 953 W. Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607. Valet is on Morgan Street at West Fulton Market. Validated parking costs $20 for the first four hours and $25 for up to eight.
Booking windows compared
- Smyth opens a rolling 90 days at noon Central on Tock. Use the live calendar. From November 5, 2026, only the extended Chef's Menu remains, with full prepayment. Ask for its price and dietary terms before paying.
- Ever usually releases dates on the first Tuesday of each month at 9 a.m. Central, two to three months ahead.
- Oriole opens up to 90 days ahead on Tock and holds back no tables.
- Elske uses OpenTable. Ask when reservations open.
- Mako uses Tock. Ask when dates open. Same-day reservations close at 2 p.m. There are no walk-ins.
- Sepia opens rolling reservations about two months ahead on OpenTable. On November 4, 2026, the $195 prepaid Sepia × Zaragoza dinner is the only menu and allows no dietary modifications.
- Next uses prepaid Tock tickets. Ask for the public release date.
Sources and updates
This comparison uses the restaurant guides below. Confirm prices, menu dates and booking terms for your visit before paying.