Next - Chicago

I recently came here with friends to celebrate my birthday and had their Tuscany menu. I’ve got to be honest. While the food and wine pairing was fine, I was pretty disappointed by the overall experience. The staff were friendly but there was really nothing special or memorable about the place. The tables are way too close together. You could hear the conversation of the table next to you. One of the staff knocked a bottle of olive oil off the table and nearly got it all over my friend. The food and presentation is average at best. We came for my birthday and they really didn’t do much special for it. I think they put a candle in a desert and gave me a tiny cookie. The overall lack of creativity for the price was a let down. I expected far more from a sister restaurant to Alinea. If you’re looking for spectacular, look elsewhere.

Our dining experience was nothing short of excellent! All of the staff we interacted with were incredibly friendly and helpful. The Tuscan menu was fantastic. All of the dishes were interesting yet accessible. Lots of warm cozy feeling food. Flavors were kinda all over the place but not in a bad way. Presentation was definitely top notch. Would highly recommend for anyone looking for a true high end dining experience.

I’m sorry Tuscany was far too pricey for the meal. I have eaten at Trio, Alinea and 3 times at Next. This was the most out of balance given costs. The larger menu has frankly too much food and everything of interest is an upcharge. Though to be fair the truffle amount was fine for the price, but the reccoed amount overshadowed the ravioli. No one offered the Fiorentina upgrade. The non alch pairing was too much of the same essential thing. This was my last visit to Next … I think they need to revisit the model, the pricing and whether the ceremony has overwhelmed the culinary experience. I could have had 2 full Fiorentina and truffle meals at a good restaurant like RPM Italian and the food would have been every bit as good, just half the price. The food was great but not any better than the good competition. They have lost themselves in the “experience”. You can do better

Next was an elevated tasting experience that wasn’t pretentious. The Tuscany menu delighted the pallet, especially the raviolo and the wagyu short rib. We got the shortened menu, and it was perfect we still left satisfied. Going later in the evening is a great way to save on the price too. We couldn’t wait for the “next” course, and will definitely come back the next time we visit Chicago. Service was impeccable. This menu doesn’t accommodate gluten allergies, which was fine for us, but limited our ability to bring our friends here. We opted for North Pond for our time with them, which is also a great place.

We had the private dining experience tasting the Tour of Tuscany. We had 8 friends all indulging in a once in a lifetime experience to celebrate MANY occasions! Absolutely loved the whole experience from taking us down past the speakeasy to the private dining area with our own host and restrooms. They never once rushed us and Jessica honestly made the experience the best! I cannot speak highly enough of Jessica treating us like family and a long time friend while being so professional, intelligent, and sharing all the knowledge of the dishes! So much laughter and love in one room with the exquisite food and wine will be moments I will never forget. Thank you!