Best Historic Restaurants in Gold Coast / Streeterville

Ambiance is lively, fun, warm. Service was good. The pesto gnocchi and carbonara alone are worth going back for. We split the 24oz dry aged NY strip and very much enjoyed it, also a great value. The patata larda and sautéed mushroom sides were lackluster. Mushrooms cooked in scorched oil, not even a pinch of salt. Overall kind of disappointed with the sides. But we'll definitely be back for the pastas, maybe try the steak with the bitter green salad next time. Although we didn't try the pizza they looked and smelled delicious.

We had the absolute pleasure of dining at Alpana on Christmas Eve, and it was an unforgettable experience from start to finish. Nestled at 831 North State Street, this gem delivered a meal and an extraordinary dining experience. The ambiance struck a perfect balance between elegance and comfort. The warm lighting and chic decor made it feel festive yet relaxed—ideal for a memorable holiday evening. From the moment we arrived, the service was impeccable. The staff was attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about perfecting every detail. Now, let’s talk about the food—truly phenomenal! We started with the Butter Chicken Meatballs, which were tender, flavorful, and downright addictive. Then came the Whipped Feta & Truffle Honey platter, featuring house-marinated olives, pistachios, roasted peppers, rustic sourdough, and prosciutto. It was an absolute standout—if we could eat this daily, we would! The Kale and Farro Salad was a burst of flavor, refreshing and hearty all at once. For our mains, we shared the delectable Short Rib Bucatini with its luscious red wine-braised short rib ragu, herbed ricotta, and parmesan. Paired with the Red Wine Braised Short Ribs, every bite celebrated rich, savory perfection. The wine and cocktail list deserves its applause. My son and I enjoyed a glass of bold Cabernet while my daughter sipped on Prosecco, which perfectly complemented the meal. The selection is thoughtfully curated, with something for every palate. As tempting as the dessert menu was, we had no room left—but we’ll return to explore it next time. This was hands down the best meal I’ve had in a long time. Alpana is a must-visit for anyone seeking incredible food, top-notch service, and a cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere. We can’t wait to come back!

Wonderful experience with excellent service and ambiance

A unique dinning experience. It was our first time and the staff did an excellent job of guiding us to a wonderful experience. We got to enjoy several different types of seafood and tried two different steak types. Everything was prepared well and tasted fantastic. The sommelier was helpful and paired our meal with very nice wine.

We had an amazing experience all in all! I made reservations noting that we had a child in our party so they made sure to seat us somewhere that wouldn’t create issues for other customers. Our server, Mike, was attentive even while managing the bar on his own. He accommodated all our unique requests without hesitation. I would highly recommend 909 North for family or date night! Cocktails and food were spot on and service was superb!