Mon Ami Gabi - Chicago, IL Review

I have been to Mon Ami Gabi many times over the years and it rarely disappoints.  I highly recommend it if you are up for a nice relaxing dinner with good traditional, but Americanized french cooking.

The location (5 stars) and ambiance (4 stars if alone, 3 stars if with kids)

The restaurant is located right on Lincoln Park, directly across from the Lincoln Park Zoo.  The out door seating is very pleasant and I recommend it if you want to enjoy the weather and have a more casual dinner.  This worked particularly well for us tonight since we had our three kids with us.  Although we have done it in the past, I would not feel great about having three noisy boys dine with us in the main dining room. The inside dining room is a bit more stuffy and populated with people looking for more formality and peace and quiet.  Although somewhat sheepishly, we arrived in the restaurants on our bikes, me in shorts, t-shirts and running shoes. Most people are dressed a bit nicer, but I did notice other people in shorts.  We went at 5pm.

The Food (4 stars)

I have had the steak frittes many times. It is simple but fits the bill quite well. Mon Ami Gabi offered about five different versions (with onions, blue cheese etc).  Tonight I ordered the Belgian Endive salad (which was good but not great).  For my entree I ordered two appetizers.  The melon and Serrano ham  (the Spanish version of prosciutto) and the smoked salmon with with capers, onions and creme fresh.  I thought the salmon was perfect, but I prefer traditional Italian prosciutto to the Serrano.  The Italian variety is lighter and moister. 

My wife ordered the beet soup and salad with seared tuna.  She raved about it.

Kids had their own steak frittes. I thought it was great they had a kids menu at a French Bistro. 

In the past I have also had the profiteroles for dessert.  They are among the best I have had.

All in all Mon Ami Gabi is among my favorite dining experiences.  Not an every day affair, but once a month or so is great.

Our dinner was $80 before tip  for two adults, three kids and and no wine or drinks.

http://www.monamigabi.com/second_level/monami_1.htm