Fig & Olive

My friend and I decided to give this restaurant a try for Chicago’s Restaurant Week. Huuuuge disappointment!
Not only was the food poor in taste and quality, it made us sick! I was up all night with severe abdominal cramping and well everything else that comes with an upset stomach. My friend was not feeling well after our meal either. She had the grilled salmon and I had the penne pasta. The pasta was a joke… it was a bunch of half cooked noodles tossed in olive oil with a couple of mushrooms thrown in. Terrible.
The only positive thing I could say about fig and olive is that they have a very nice atmosphere. I could see it as a good place to go sit at the bar for a drink… as long as you stay away from the food…

Meh… went Saturday night 6pm. Very cool looking place — not too crowded at that time (it definitely filled in as it got later). We tried the steak tartare — unfortunately kind of tasteless. The bruschetta was just ok. The soup — which was the entire reason I wanted to go — again tasteless… so disappointing. For entrée we got the Moroccan chicken — it was just ok. The best thing was the complimentary olive oil. Our server was so business — not friendly. We probably will not go back although the bar area is very cool. Maybe we would go for that but probably not.

The restaurant is beautiful. Come here and enjoy everything from the comfy seating, drinks, food and service. My first time here and I was not disappointed. My expectations were high and they exceeded my expectations.
The waitress was friendly, answered all of my questions and had great recommendations. I ordered the fig and olive cocktail, fig and olive salad, Lamb-​chops, risotto and desert. My dinner… All of it, was delicious! Pricey but worth every penny. If you’ve yet to try Fig and Olive, I highly recommend. FIVE STAR*****

Let me start this review by saying the entire staff was fantastic. They recognized much of what I report below and made an effort to fix the damage.
We were a party of 4 with reservations. We arrived about 30 minutes early and figured we would have a cocktail at the beautiful bar area while waiting for our table. To our surprise, they were able to seat us right away. Our table was upstairs, overlooking the olive trees and bar. The décor is awesome. The interior designers really got it right. So far, so good.
The waiter was attentive and made several welcome suggestions. We ordered to bottles of wine. Street price $ 18 each. Fig & Olive price $ 78 each. Those are Manhattan mark ups.
We ordered 6 CROSTINI. Meh. Nothing special.
Squash soup. Luke warm. Marginal flavors.
Fig and Olive Salad. Excellent.
Filet Mignon. The seasoning was too salty. The quality of the meat was very good. Cooked perfectly.
Branzino. Overcooked. Seasoning too salty.
So, overall the food was about 3.5 stars.
Why two stars overall? The AC system is a slim line system that is built along the beams in the ceiling. It blew straight down on us most of the evening. The assistant manager was apologetic and made several attempts to fix the situation. Very poor design. At the very least, they need to put deflectors on this system so that it doesn’t blow on the customers.
The thing that really put us over the top was the music. This is a high end dinner restaurant. Dinner for 4 was $ 500. The music was provided by a DJ and was loud, pumping, club music. Really? I have a hard time believing that this is what the patrons were looking for.
In a city with so many wonderful restaurant choices, there is no reason to choose Fig & Olive.

Fell in love with the restaurant as soon as I walked in the door. The interior of the place is great — they have tables and a really nice couch area setup that overlooks Oak St. making the visuals of the restaurant very appealing.
I visited during restaurant week and tried their set lunch menu — butternut squash and chestnut soup, chicken run with salad and a dessert crostini. Portions were very reasonably sized and it was a deal (price-​wise).

Went here for lunch on Saturday 01÷23÷16 for restaurant week. FIG AND OLIVE DOESN’T HONOR THEIR RESTAURANT WEEK LUNCH MENU ON THE WEEKENDS. No indication of that on the restaurant week website. We ended up ordering panini’s with a side salad and fries. Let me tell you. This restaurant is not cheap!
Chicken panini has shredded chicken, probably not cooked fresh. It was rather dry.
The side salad had no flavor but was limp from the abundance of dressing.
The fries were ok. They taste like mcdonalds fries. they dont taste like fresh cut potatoes.
Prosciutto panini– the prosciutto was not the quality I expected for the high price and minimal amount. I have had very good prosciutto and this was barely trader joes quality. Parts of the small sandwich didnt even have any meat.
Overall I will not be returning to this place. I am a foodie and this place was way to stuffy for my taste. If your going to act pretentious then have amazing food to warrant it.

Work Lunch for 5 on a Friday with a time limit — very bad idea. I’m sure the abrupt and angry service had to do with my supervisor’s curt and quick cutting the waiter’s speech off by demanding service («we’re ready to order»), but truth be told, it was rather slow. We had been waiting 15 minutes before she had to flag someone down to even fill the empty water glasses on the table, and then another 10 or so before the actual server came over. I’ll attribute this to 1) I don’t know what time the reservation was made for and the supervisor held us up on the office for about 5 – 10 minutes, so it’s possible we were late; and 2) the place was very crowded.
We all ordered from the prix fixe lunch menu. the Salmon Crudo was good, the Vegetable Linguine was extremely disappointing, and the Pot de Crème dessert was fabulous.
In summary:
Service: Slow and rough. I understand they were busy, but they were dropping utensils everywhere and were so curt and abrupt it was a big turn-​off. The time between each course was way too long for us — the entrée itself wasn’t served until an hour after we arrived, so our work lunch took 2 hours instead of the one we were allotted. I waited for the server for 20 minutes to ask for them to box up my leftovers, but when he rushed over he started piling all our things on top of each other before we could ask. What a waste.
Food: Decent. Not impressive though — at least what I ordered. Taste or Presentation — it was all hit or miss depending on the dish.
Atmosphere: Classy and beautiful. I loved the look of the place.
I would only try again if I have plenty of time to spare, and maybe even then only for drinks and desserts. The atmosphere would contribute to that as well. No more time-​limited lunches there for me though, that’s for sure. Overpriced and underwhelming.
On a side note, No mobile signal while inside for me or my other co-​worker. With how late lunch ended up being, I missed a work call and couldn’t contact regarding my extended stay, but eh, what can you do.

Slightly pricier than $$ would indicate, but the food, service, atmosphere were all very enjoyable. Bathrooms were also nice (great soap), as were the comfy seats. Went for brunch, the coffee was splendid as were the poached eggs and roasted potatoes, we would definitely return.

Fig & Olive originates in New York, and has branched out to California and Chicago. Hosting a friend from out of town, I couldn’t think of a better place to show off our lovely city. Nestled in the Gold Coast neighborhood amidst high end clothing stores on East Oak Street, you walk into Fig & Olive and take an elevator up to the second floor. You are greeted by a gorgeously adorned, bright and sunny main room with couch seating and coffee tables to your left, and table seating surrounding with floor to ceiling windows looking out onto East Oak. The room is beautiful and has trees growing in the middle of the bar and branching up through the open ceiling and into the third floor room — where guests may also choose to be seated.
This is one of the most beautifully adorned restaurants I have ever been to. Simple, casually elegant, modern contemporary, bright and sunny. The staff were lovely, and our brunch items were excellent. The French omelet, Italian omelet, house potatoes, and Crostini were all superb.
As a brunch spot Fig & Olive is perfection.

Come for the setting (the inside is… straight up cool — we sat on a sofa table), crostinis, drinks, and appetizers. Entrees were disappointing… actually, to be honest, they suck big time!
Ordered a variety of crostinis — good, great, awesome, wow… could not find one that I didn’t like.
Octopus a la gallega — Okay, if you were to asked them how much octopus did they actually used… very little… but I really enjoyed this nevertheless. Taste and freshness was on point with fun plating to boot.
Entrees — crappy. How else would I describe it? I had Chicken Tajinne I believe? Not sure if this is actually mediterranean tasting or indian style. Friggin awful. How is this item on their menu? Do they never sample their own offerings???

Restaurant trendy, bons produits, cuisine mediteranene originale, néanmoins un peu cher

The food has always been off here. Something just isn’t right. I usually go with colleagues (convenience and time restraints strictly keep us from venturing out further) for a bite and drinks, and the food has always been heavily American influenced. The food is FAR from Mediterranean (it doesn’t taste fresh). People do seem to enjoy the meals; I, for one, do not.
The drinks and setting are good. It’s a great spot to grab drinks and meet trendy people. Pass on the stale meals: vague tasting.

Wonderful meal at Fig & Olive. I had heard about the restaurant opening a year ago and have been meaning to try this place. My good friend’s husband arranged for a surprise birthday brunch and everything went off without a hitch.
This restaurant is classy, open and bright. We started off with the crostini samplers which all tasted amazing. For my meal, I ordered the poached egg with prosciutto which was delicious. Loved the hollandaise sauce and the blend of savory and soft textures. The hubby ordered the burger with their truffle fries. I have to admit– I ate most of his fries! They are my favorite kind: shoe string cut with truffles. Yum yum.
The service was attentive and my good friend had a wonderful brunch with her family and friends. Overall, a fantastic restaurant which I hope to return to in the near future.

I had high hopes for this restaurant but was shocked by the first floor. Whoa, what a meat market bar on a Saturday.
But once we got upstairs, the ambiance completely changed but the noise did not. I think a different decibel level and choice might be more fitting for such an elegant room.
We had the best table I’ve ever enjoyed in a restaurant — we were at an amply sized table for four tucked into the corner by the magnificent view. Outside it was all twinkly and magical. I was so very pleased that they let us be seated for our 5:00 reservation when we arrived, even though our party was not complete. We had had a bit of a communication breakdown with the other couple so they did not arrive until 5:30. We were treated like gold the entire time. Great customer service.
The prices were very steep but that’s on me, I should have researched the menu and Unilocal reviews more completely. I also did not realize that the Prix Fixe menu was available Sunday to Thursday. When I return, I will hit those nights for the prices and noise abatement.
We had the cheese board plus prosciutto which I completely enjoyed. Each cheese was perfect and the fig jam went wonderfully with them all. After that we split the mushroom/​truffle app which was divine. I literally closed my eyes to enjoy the flavors.
I wanted to have the paella as I had loved it in NYC. However, when I asked for it without scallops (and my husband asked for it without calamari) we were told no, it was prepared as is. This really surprised me as the NYC branch was very willing to do this and asked if I had other food allergies.
I had the lamb chops which were very nice. But not paella, first world problem, yes? But for the hefty price I would have liked to have what I wanted.
For dessert I had the sampler. If I am paying 12.00 for dessert, I want four! But the one with the cherries was hands down the best one. Next time I will get just that with my cappuccino, which was foamy and satisfying.
The service was a 5 as well as the desserts and apps.
But the inability to make the paella without scallops brings this review down to a four. I have trouble imagining there is a huge pan of already made paella sitting there all night. And if the rice is I can’t imagine the seafood sits there for hours. Disappointing but not deadly.
I would recommend you shut your eyes as you pass through the bar, go when you can get the prix fixe and not be allergic to scallops.
I would go again just for the cherry dessert and mushroom appetizer.

Fig & Olive was much more crammed and boisterous than I expected; however, we probably won their lottery by snagging the best table. It was right by the windows on the second floor. There was plenty of space all around us and we could gaze over the youthful crowd with pity. Around 7:30/8:00 PM on that Saturday a live DJ started playing jams for both levels of the restaurant.
The service was good. I always admire servers who are able to remember strings of orders and accurately relay them to the kitchen. Our server did that well. She also listed popular and her personal favorite menu items. All of our orders were delivered in a timely manner and then swept away when completed. At one point, our server noticed our conversation and joined in. Later, the manager came by and checked on us and then abruptly segued into discussing drafty windows and a parade. These bursts of interaction seemed incongruous with the service style of Fig & Olive. Sometimes restaurants are all about personal interactions but it was awkward here.
We shared two appetizers: a cheese and prosciutto board and truffle mushroom croquettes. The cheese board was good. The truffle mushroom croquettes were excellent.
Our four entrees were Penne Funghi Tartufo with added shrimp for $ 33, Rosemary Lamb Chops for $ 41, Filet Mignon for $ 44, and the Rivera Shrimp and Salmon Salad for $ 23. They were all good. We could get lamb chops and a filet mignon nearly anywhere and (for the price) I expect them to be good. The penne was too oily.
Our desserts were the Chocolate Fondant, Chestnut Mousse with Amarena Cherry, and the tasting of four bite-​sized desserts for $ 12 each. The desserts were excellent.
In the end, after two cocktails, one glass one wine, one glass of port, and some non-​alcoholic drinks, the bill for four people came to $ 317.14. I was satisfied with our evening until I saw the price-​tag. I would have expected more oohs and aahs over our food and drinks; more declarations of, «You have GOT to try this! It will change your life!» We could have had more sublime meals with flawless service at Naha, Café des Archictectes or Travelle.

The perfect ambiance to begin a mild night out with friends or a romantic date. My friends and I were visiting Chicago and decided to pop in for just one drink… but it ended up being 4! Chan was an awesome bartender… she gave us a good old fashioned welcome to chicago.
Cocktails here are great. I loved the Fig & Olive and their cucumber martini. I haven’t tried the food, but it all looks amazing. There is actually a Fig & Olive in Newport Beach that I want to check out now thanks to this experience.
If all of Chicago is like this, I should just move here.

Spent Friday night with my favorite guy at Fig & Olive and had an excellent meal.
We started out with a trio of the crostini. We were ²⁄₃ on our choices, I went with the waitresses recommendation to sample the Goat Cheese, Caramelized Onion, and Chive. I couldn’t have been any more pleased with my pick and my boyfriend felt the same about the Octopus, Hummus, and Pimenton that he chose. However, our third choice the Proscuitto, Ricotta, Fig, Olive, and Walnut really missed the mark. You’d think that the crostini named after the restaurant would be the best… unfortunately not the case here but we didn’t it spoil our meal.
Our next course was the Beef Tartare and it was probably my favorite dish of the night. I could not get enough of the well seasoned beef and the outstanding ingredients they paired with it with the capers truly topping it off!
For our final course we chose the Paella Del Mar and Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic Vinegar and Walnut. It was more great food, and for my boyfriend who loves seafood he was truly wowed by their rendition of paella! The rice was unbelievably light and the seafood was perfectly cooked.
As a fan of a good cocktail I was totally enamored with Fig & Olive’s, El Matador, a refreshing yet spicy tequila based cocktail served straight up in a martini glass. The cocktail was one of the highlights of my meal and while I was intrigued by the rest of their cocktails I couldn’t help myself and had to order a second one…
I’ve read a lot of complaints about Fig & Olive’s slow service and while I do not think our waitress was 100% on her a-​game I did not have the poor service so many other reviewers have written about. All in all our meal was delectable, the service adequate, and while I would not call Fig & Olive the best Italian Chicago has to offer it’s an overall good dining experience.

Octopus carppacio is absolutely my favorite snack here.
It’s a pleasure to see a tuna version offered, as beef is usually what’s put forth at similar establishments.
And their branzino is juicy and almost causes one to jump and do the holy dance once the balsamic and fig flavors wrap around your tongue.
The frites are on point and bring forth such a crunchy, shoestring mouthgasm.
This place has perhaps the best lunchtime music selection and audio setup anywhere near the Viagra Triangle. Natural light floods most of the 1^st level dining room and it really does feel like a friendly slice of Manhattan.
Makes me miss NYC.
Mario is a gentleman, top class bartender and navigator to guide you through a wonderful lunchtime jaunt.
And don’t dare slide back down that private elevator to the ground level without checking out dessert… and a chilled glass of rosé.

Great food with good (not great) service. Consistent with many good restaurants these days, the place was big and loud. Loud to the point the table of jerks next to us were extremely loud, continually disrupting our evening. Management just shrugged their shoulders when we complained.
Our crostini starter was awesome. We shared Dover sole, which was very good. Side dishes were boring. Overall an excellent meal, but the noise will keep us from coming back.

Sólo he cenado aquí en una ocasión, pero espero volver. Lo recomiendo. La comida estaba riquísima, el servicio muy atento y el local muy agradable. Era un sábado por la noche e incluso había DJ para ambientar. Me gusto especialmente el marisco y las ostras. El chef de la barra de marisco era español, Gallego, y los gallegos saben de «sea food».

This restaurant is beautiful. Come here and have a cocktail and enjoy the amazing surroundings if nothing else. There are trees going up through the restaurant out of the bar. The skylights make the interior feel like you’re out on a patio and the patio itself is a really gorgeous place to eat. I sat outside on the patio when I stopped in for lunch and I felt like I was in another universe. You’re surrounded by beautiful plants and you can only see the tops of buildings. You’d never notice the streets below. It really feels like you’re floating in the tree tops.
The service was great. Our waitress was really knowledgeable about the olive oils used and took time to answer our questions. She also made excellent suggestions for food which is the real star here. I tried the truffle risotto and the fig and gorgonzola risotto. Both were rich and decadent. The truffle was the best but the fig and gorgonzola was really delicious too. They have a great lunch prix fixe menu that I’ll definitely be back to try. Fig & Olive is definitely one of my new favorite places in Chicago.

Beautiful restaurant! I went here for brunch with a friend. It was a nice day out, so we decided to eat outside. My first impression was that the décor is gorgeous!
Food:
Prosciutto Mozzarella Panini — basil pesto, tomato, arugula, black olive
pesto mayonnaise
I thought the panini was delicious. The ingredients were fresh and I loved the pesto mayo that came with the panini. It was served with mixed greens which were also good. I tried my friend’s bloody mary and it was too spicy for me. Next time, I want to try the truffle fries and crostini.
Overall, I had a good experience and recommend coming here for brunch.

Me encanto el lugar, un restaurante muy lindo y bien situado, ambiente agradable y fresco, excelente servicio y el postre fue mi favorito. Tarta de manzanas caramelizadas