Topolobampo Reviews
Submitted by Shaan Somani on 04/07/2022
Shaan Somani 4 stars rating.
An elegant set dinner in a beautiful space. Overall, my brother and I enjoyed the six-course meal, made up solely of ingredients from the pre-Columbian world. However, while the dishes were incredibly flavorful and bold, I found the absence of dairy and sugar resulted in an unmet need for something to offset the savory flavors. Moreover, the pacing of the meal was very slow - it took 3 hours to receive all six dishes. This didn't seem to bother other patrons, but I felt the pacing could definitely have been improved.
Of all the dishes, my favorites were the quail (incredibly tender!) and the chocolate dessert. The scallops & octopus were also well cooked and delicious. The only dish I didn't care for was the peanut cake - the flavors were fairly boring.
I'm glad to have tried Topolobampo, though in all honesty, given the amount of food received for $200, I would be more likely to recommend other set dinners in Chicago for a better value.
Izzy M 4 stars rating.
The setting and pacing of this meal for traveling through mexico's countryside was perfectly paced and timed.
For me the highlight of the meal came actually at the pre-stage where tortilla soup with an empanada shone with a delicacy and flavor that astounded for a simple dish. Fresh Washington oysters were also spectacular and sole of the freshest we have ever tasted.
On to the main seating where we had some amazing shrimp and tuna also fresh and well flavored. Some of the areas where this meal didn't shine as well for us were in the savory where the umami and savory seemed to sit too densely and heavy - and needed something else on the plate to cut through it.
The cacao pre,dessert exemplified its focus, which can be polarizing. While the goats milk dessert achieved the right balance for me as a capstone for the meal.
Submitted by Izzy M on 06/25/2022
Sharanya Sarkar 5 stars rating.
My first-ever michelin star experience!
And I wasn't disappointed at all!
The taste is just amazing! Do try the Duck Carnitas (the meat is so soft it'll melt in your mouth) and Pollo en Pipian Verde!
Photos attached: tequitos, pollo en, duck carnitas
Submitted by Sharanya Sarkar on 05/29/2022
Eric Hays 3 stars rating.
Overall we enjoyed the evening - good company and good flavor. But pacing was very strange with waits between courses of around 20min and at least once where we were asked how the food was twice in between courses when no food had been served since the last time it was asked. Maybe the kitchen was running behind or something. In terms of the menu, we were there for the pre-Columbian menu. The dishes were very yummy, but I had a hard time differentiating them. All just one rich mole type sauce after the next. So although each was delicious, a series of 4-5 in a row was boring. We still had a good time, but with the bad pacing, uninspiring menu, and high cost, I wouldn't return.
Submitted by Eric Hays on 05/10/2022
John Nichols 5 stars rating.
Delicious. All the food, drinks and dessert were all marvelous. Check out the pecan pie, and those hand made tortillas!
Submitted by John Nichols on 04/12/2022
Sergio Campos 5 stars rating.
Outstanding staff and food that, one can tell, has been made with a burning passion. We had the Dia De Los Muertos Oaxaca menu 2021 with the wine pairing. Every single course was exquisite and the presentation was extraordinary. I would certainly recommend for those looking for an authentic Mexican food elevated, yet true to its roots.
Submitted by Sergio Campos on 11/10/2021
Carmela Ver 5 stars rating.
Topolobampo is a must try in Chicago! The experience from beginning to end is incredible! All the dishes are flavorful, well balanced, yet still tastes like authentic Mexican food. There were only a couple of dishes that were slightly oversalted, but we still ate everything.
I highly recommend adding on a drink pairing with your meal. We had a total of 6 courses paired with 5 wines. The selections were spot on and enhanced each dish.
The atmosphere itself is very relaxing. The wait staff were attentive and kind, which made the evening more enjoyable.
If you have dietary restrictions, still try to go! Our dinner party is always a challenge since one person is vegetarian and the other has both a tree nut and seafood allergy. The chef was able to accommodate all our dietary restrictions without compromising quality.
I could go on and on about all the wonderful aspects of this restaurant. I am definitely recommending this place to everyone I know- it's worth every cent we paid, and more! I plan on coming back again in the future!
Submitted by Carmela Ver on 10/01/2021
Max Rosen 5 stars rating.
A culinary adventure that you will never forget. Topolobampo is the peak of authentic Mexican cuisine, and the absolute best restaurant in Chicago.
To start, we were served some appetizers that weren’t on the listed menu - an added perk just to warm us up. A nice, warm tortilla soup in a small sippable glass, with a tiny chip and guacamole and spicy empanada on the side. Woke up my tastebuds to get ready for what was ahead.
I was nervous going into the tasting menu. Not because I didn’t like the menu, but because I have food allergies that I felt would limit my experience. Boy, was I wrong. By telling them weeks beforehand about my allergies, the staff accommodated me by going above and beyond. For instance, instead of halibut in coconut sauce, I was served crispy cauliflower with a squash sauce. Delicious - delicious like I could eat this every day for the rest of my life. Other tasting items were just as perfect. To name a few: soft pork loin in a creamy tomato sauce; Chinese noodles with tasty eggplant in a spicy sauce, Mexican-fusion style; and of course, the best for last - dessert! A flaky Dutch pastry with sweet cream and cheese followed by Mexican chocolate covered in sprinkles and a special surprise to go bag of donuts and hot chocolate mix.
From my experience, I can confidently say this place is a gem. It’s a Chicago treasure. Go here, and you will not regret it. Hopefully you’ll cherish it and the company you can enjoy it with, just like I did. Thank you Chef Bayless and the Topolo staff for an unforgettable experience.
Submitted by Max Rosen on 08/13/2021
Gabriela Moralejo 5 stars rating.
Excellent food. Menu is extensive and seasonal to a particularly high standard. Definitely fine dining. Staffs are professional, friendly and well knowledgeable. I was personally impressed by the visit from Chef Rick Bayless, what an opportunity!
Submitted by Gabriela Moralejo on 03/17/2021
Daniël 5 stars rating.
We tried Topolobampo’s Topolo At Home menu and frankly were blown away by it. To begin with, the “production value” was very high. A lot of care went into packaging very ingredient, and the provided instructions were clear and practical. They also included a link to a video with playing instructions, and a link to an accompanying Spotify playlist.
This was not a ready to eat menu, every course required preparation and plating, but that ensured high quality and freshness.
Every course was great in its own right, but the ceviche and the crêpe cake stood out as absolute highlights. My only complaint is that the piece of cake was very small... I’d love to have twice the portion :)
Submitted by Daniël on 01/30/2021
