Next Restaurant
Chicago
Reviews
We experienced Next last night, thanks to some generous friends, and loved everything about it. The 1987 Wall Street themed experience was cleverly and expertly curated, so that period restaurant staples from the 80s things like oyster Rockefeller, prawn cocktail, steak and even the dirty cocktail were all presented in delicious and innovative ways. And the service was exceptional. There were a couple of moments when things weren’t quite optimal, but rather than us having to say anything, the staff were on top of things and noticed and rectified anything immediate. It was a special evening.
The food was not only delicious but beautifully designed. Each dish felt like a piece of art, with unique presentation and well-balanced flavors that made every course exciting. One highlight was the non-alcoholic drink pairing—it was surprisingly good. Each drink was carefully crafted to complement the dishes, and honestly, I didn’t miss alcohol at all.
The Japan menu is one of the best served at Next. Every course was delicious and amazing (see photos). I highly recommend it.
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.
