Matilda Restaurant

Finally got around to trying Matilda! Went on a Friday night. The space is beautiful. There was a line for the speakeasy inside of the restaurant but we were able to get by easily to go to the host stand. The hosts were friendly. There was one host that was very obviously chewing gum and popping it loudly so that wasn’t super welcoming. Drinks were good. The food tasted fresh but ultimately fell a bit short during this visit. The cheek birria guiso lacked salt/flavor. It had a great tenderness though. Our server (I believe his name is David) was great! He helped make the experience more enjoyable. I would like to give this spot another chance because of all the great reviews. Ojalá la próxima vez sea una mejor experiencia.

This was the best dinner experience that I’ve had in Chicago in a long time. The flavors were so inquire, presentation of food was top tier, and service was impeccable. Get the plantain tacos and the pallela! David took great care of us, he had the best recommendations and was extremely knowledgable on my allergy — he immediately knew what I could eat and what dishes could be adjusted to be gluten free. This is a great place to go on a date, with friends, or family! I will 100% be back!

Matilda is such a cozy spot with beautiful presentation and bold flavors. Recommend -The grilled prawns in creamy sauce were definitely a highlight and perfectly cooked. -The tacos were also amazing, crispy with great texture and well-balanced toppings. -The braised beef was tender and comforting, and the crispy rolls were a perfect way to end the meal. The only is that the tables are a bit too small, and the space feels quite tight. It can be slightly uncomfortable when people are moving in and out because the layout is a bit cramped. Overall, the food is impressive and worth trying (and slightly crowded) dining experience.

Even in a city with a food scene as AMAZING as Chicago, Matilda STILL stands out. One of the best dining experiences I have had in a long time. Each and every dish was 9/10 or higher. The service was phenomenal (thanks David!), welcoming and personal while also being efficient. Absolutely LOVED the tuna tartare, pulpo a la brasa and sweet plantain tacos! 10/10 would recommend.

This is now one of my favorite spots in the city! From the moment we walked in, the energy was warm and inviting. Both the restaurant and underground speakeasy were buzzing with lively, effortlessly cool energy. Upstairs is bright, airy, and elegant, while the speakeasy downstairs is dark, sleek, and intimate. Both spaces are stunning and feel like a little escape - a place where people are connecting and genuinely enjoying themselves. The food was unexpected, beautifully presented, and absolutely delicious! We had the tuna tartare, sweet plantain & chorizo tacos, lomo saltado, and the elote dessert - each dish blew us away. I wish my photos did them justice. I let our wonderful server, Fernando, know I don’t drink, and he brought me a passion fruit mojito mocktail that was hands down th