Best Restaurants for Creative Cuisine in Lincoln Square

This is my second time going here this year and I will recommend it to anyone. The food and cocktails are excellent and unique. The environment is quite loud but really beautifully decorated.

Incredible Greek food with an amazing staff! Highly recommend. My wife is vegetarian and there are so many delicious items that are unique and not just rule cookie cutter Greek food.

I walked by Pasteur a few times this summer after beach days, always slowing down to admire its charm. The space looked so beautiful and inviting, and one morning, I paused to peek inside. Though the restaurant wasn’t open, the owner, Kim, noticed me and came out to chat. Her warmth and genuine interest made such an impression, I knew I had to come back. Last night, after recovering from bronchitis, I finally made it out for dinner. Pasteur was the perfect choice—and it exceeded all expectations. The Vibe The space is stunning—elegant yet cozy. Real flowers on every table and soft tea lights create a warm, welcoming ambiance. It’s the kind of place where you feel instantly at ease. Families, couples, and friends were softly enjoying themselves, while the staff moved gracefully throughout the room. The Drinks We started with a ginger pear martini that was light and refreshing—exactly what I needed. My friend ordered a Negroni next, and I enjoyed a perfectly balanced old fashioned. The cocktail list is creative without being over-the-top, and everything we tried was spot-on. The Food We shared a few dishes, and each one played out perfectly: • The Saigon Crepe (starter): A crispy rice flour crepe filled with shrimp, chicken, and mushrooms. You wrap pieces in fresh herbs and lettuce—fun, interactive, and absolutely delicious. • Signature Beef Steak: Tender cubes of filet mignon wok-seared to perfection, served with greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers. • Curry Duck: Roasted duck in a fragrant red curry with vegetables and kaffir lime herbs. We added a bit of chili oil for extra heat, and every bite was better than the last. The Service Kim herself was running the floor that night. She stopped by to chat and noted the menu is 39-years in the making. And it shines through in every detail, making the meal feel personal and special. Final Thoughts Pasteur is an experience. Between the thoughtful food, beautiful ambiance, and Kim’s passion, I found a new favorite spot.

Beautiful restaurant with very good food and creative drinks. While the smash burger looks unassuming when placed in front of you the second you pick it up you know it's something special. It has some serious weight to it and it tastes really and I mean really good. My wife had the steak salad and loved it. The sangria was very good as well. Overall a great dinning experience.

Great sushi, atmosphere and service. Unlike others who had a loud music experience at Enso that wasn’t an issue for us.