Next Restaurant

For the first time in a long while, we left a Michelin-star restaurant disappointed. We dined at Next for their Winter “Japan” menu with high expectations, especially after two fantastic experiences at Alinea and other Michelin-star restaurants in Chicago. Unfortunately, most of the dishes felt underwhelming, and there wasn’t a single standout course that justified the anticipation. While the presentations were beautiful and thoughtfully plated, the flavors and combinations often didn’t come together in a compelling way. Service was professional and attentive, but it couldn’t make up for a menu that lacked depth and a defining highlight. Given the restaurant group’s reputation, this was our biggest culinary disappointment in Chicago.

Amazing, once in a lifetime experience with Space at Next. The service was attentive and engaged ( they actually cared about my experience ). The experience was unworldly and the food was unique and eye-opening. I adored this meal and wish I lived in Chicago to experience it again. One regret was splurging on the wine tasting. It was too much wine, and I didn’t appreciate the pairing (others might). I wish I had a few glasses ala carte instead.

Next Restaurant continues to set the bar for immersive dining experiences. This quarter’s Japan trip–inspired tasting menu was a beautifully executed journey through flavors, techniques, and balance. The menu offered a thoughtful mix of raw and cooked courses, seamlessly moving between sweet and sour elements, each dish feeling intentional and perfectly timed. Every course was precise, elegant, and layered with depth, showcasing both traditional inspiration and modern execution. The Ultra Reserve wine pairing elevated the entire experience—expertly curated and dynamic, with standout selections and a few sake pairings that complemented the menu flawlessly. Service was exceptional from start to finish: attentive without being intrusive, genuinely friendly, and highly knowledgeable. The tea

I visited Next for the Osteria Francescana menu, and it was deeply impressive. The way they reinterpreted Massimo Bottura’s vision was both playful and incredibly creative. A quick note on the wine for fellow enthusiasts: I opted for the highest-priced pairing, expecting a lineup of heavy-hitting, "prestige" labels. Instead, the selection leaned heavily toward rare and obscure finds. While it wasn't exactly what I expected (I was hoping for a bit more "grandeur" given the price point), I have to admit the selections were fascinating. They were rare, intellectually stimulating, and paired with surgical precision. The service, however, was flawless. The staff’s knowledge and their ability to explain the nuances of both the food and the rare pours were perfect. Even with the unexpected dir

May I say thank you for such a wonderful experience! Your service was so refreshing! Your staff made this an awesome experience! Can’t wait for our NEXT meal!