Kostali By Naha - Chicago

A delightful and delectable restaurant only to be found in a chic boutique hotel. Everything was superb including the service.

We had a lovely meal here great service and fresh, tasty dishes. Comfortable seating and lovely decor a great night out where you least expect it. Suggest booking a drink on the balcony before or after but don't miss the food here. Thanks to Kaylaand the team for a night we all enjoyed so much!

**Drinks:** They can be a bit hit or miss. I tried a bubbly rosé that lacked complexity, but the Kostali’s version of a gin and tonic was spot on. **Food:** The menu features an extensive array of dishes that draw from the entire Mediterranean region, covering Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. While the dishes may not complement each other perfectly, each one is delicious in its own right. One thing to note: the lamb ribs had an Asian twist, as the sauce reminded me of a sweet and sour flavor. **Service:** The staff was very attentive and quick. **Ambience:** When we arrived, there was live music! The restaurant has a quiet atmosphere, making it perfect for dates or meetings. I also loved the cozy circular seating arrangements!

The ambiance was cozy, with a limited number of tables for high tea. The bar area and live DJ added a fun vibe, but I wish we had been seated in a brighter spot, as we ended up in a section without direct lighting. I loved the table setting, which included a charming hat hairpin accessory. As for the tea selection, it consisted of tea bags served in a large pot. I had hoped for loose tea, so I was disappointed to find only tea bags available. The pot was quite large, which meant refills weren’t necessary during our 90-minute experience, but it felt more like the pot was for sharing. Each of us wanted our own tea, so we ended up pouring our own, which was a bit inconvenient. In my experience with afternoon teas across the city, this was the only place that served tea in bags. The snack selection leaned more towards sweets than savories, but most of the offerings were enjoyable. As for the service, it was just okay. I would have normally tipped 20% regardless, but knowing I had already paid a 20% tip in advance made it disappointing to receive minimal service. Overall, it was a mixed experience.

The flavors were perfectly balanced. The bucatini pasta with bacon and nduja was delicious, offering a rich taste without being overwhelming. Dishes like the spicy bread spread delivered heat and flavor without being just spicy. Additionally, there was an excellent selection of Mediterranean wines!