Esmé is a fine-dining restaurant at 2200 N. Clark St. in Lincoln Park from chef Jenner Tomaska and his wife and co-owner, Katrina Bravo. It serves a multicourse tasting menu that changes every 12 weeks, with each menu built around a collaboration with a local artist.
What it’s known for
Esmé describes itself as a mission-driven, Michelin-starred restaurant. For each menu, Tomaska and Bravo partner with an artist, creative or local figure and tell a story about that partner’s work through the dishes, the music and hand-crafted service pieces. The MICHELIN Guide notes a minimalist, gallery-like room with standing tables near the entrance for the opening bites, and mentions dishes such as Dover sole with sweet plantain, buckthorn and vanilla, and squab with salsify and huckleberry.
The 2025 MICHELIN Guide USA gives Esmé one MICHELIN star. Bar Esmé, part of the restaurant, is a more relaxed space with cocktails and an extensive wine list.
Good to know
- Hours (per the official site, October 2026): Wednesday–Sunday, 5–9 p.m.; closed Monday and Tuesday.
- Reservations: Book through OpenTable on the official site or email reservations@esmechicago.com. Parties of seven or more should email kbravo@twobyfive.com.
- Price: MICHELIN places it in its highest ($$$$) price category; the official site does not list the menu price.
- Contact: The restaurant lists email rather than a phone number (info@esmechicago.com).
- Neighborhood tip: Because the menu turns over every 12 weeks, the official site names the current menu (FRAME CHICAGO as of October 2026), so check it before booking.
Browse more Lincoln Park restaurants by cuisine or all Lincoln Park restaurants.
Sources: esmechicago.com, guide.michelin.com/us/en/illinois/chicago/restaurant/esme
Photo courtesy of Esmé.
