Okay, so I’ve been meaning to check out this place called “ilia” in Chicago for a while now. Everyone’s been talking about it, and the pictures online looked amazing. So, I finally decided to go and see what all the fuss was about. This is how it all went down.

First, I looked up their address and hours. Gotta make sure they’re open, right? It would be terrible to show up with they are closed! Thankfully, they’re open pretty late, which is perfect for a dinner adventure.
Then, I checked out some reviews online, I wanted a general idea of the price. Saw a few people mentioning it was a bit pricey, but worth it. Okay, I’m prepared to spend a little extra for a good experience. Also I need to konw what people liked, so i know what to order.
Getting There
Getting there was a bit of a process. I took the train, because parking downtown is always crazy. I think I got off at the wrong stop, though, because I ended up walking a few extra blocks. My bad! But hey, it was a nice day, so no big deal. I like to walk anyway.
The Experience
When I finally arrived, the place was packed! Good sign, right? Luckily, I had made a reservation, So they take me to the table. The vibe inside was really cool – very modern and chic, but also comfortable.
I spent a good ten minutes just looking at the menu. Everything sounded so good! I asked the waiter for recommendations, and he was super helpful. After some serious deliberation, I ordered an appetizer .

The food arrived pretty quickly, which was great because I was starving. I took one bite, and oh my goodness, it was incredible! Seriously, one of the best meals I’ve had in a long time.
The Verdict
Overall, I would say that ilia definitely lived up to the hype. It was a little on the expensive side, but the food, atmosphere, and service were all top-notch. I’m already planning my next visit! Maybe I’ll try their cocktails next time. I heard those are amazing too.
If you’re in Chicago, you should for sure try this place, you won’t regret it! And don’t forget to make a reservation!