Tala House

Tala House reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Review summary

1. C

   Carrie VIP

   Chicago56 reviews

   4.0

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 4

   Nice brunch spot. Good mocktails. Wish the eggs were cooked in the shakshouka, not cooked separately and placed on top.
   

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2. L

   Lori

   Chicago1 review

   5.0

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   We love Tala! Today was the first time we tried brunch, and it did not disappoint! The French toast, the beef/pastrami omelette, the pancakes, the breakfast potatoes, and the herb omelette/frittata were all scrumptious with lots of flavor. We decided to sit on the patio today on a lovely day with a bright blue sky. Tala has been one of our favorite dinner places! The service is always exceptional. What a gem has been added to the neighborhood! Thank you Tala!  
   

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3. K

   Karen

   Chicago17 reviews

   3.0

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 3

   Tala House is a great place to have in the neighborhood. While outstanding when it first opened, food quality has slipped. What was once subtle spicing in their dishes has become overpowering and exaggerated. Maybe just a bad night?! If you are seated at the table for two near the kitchen, you will leave smelling like the kitchen. Friendly owner and great drinks are nice, but I hope they pay attention to keeping an elevated cuisine, especially for the price point. Keep at it, please.
   

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4. J

   Jack

   Chicago4 reviews

   5.0

   Dined 7 days ago

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Our server, Blake, was incredible and knew the menu front and back. The service was great and the food was to die for. Definitely will be returning soon. Excellent music choices too.
   

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5. J

   Joseph

   Chicago8 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on April 20, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   The food was lovely and flavorful, the drinks were very tasty and the staff were very kind, efficient and quiet. It was a great place for our family’s Easter brunch. The Muhammara, shakshuka, and omelets were amazing and the desserts were swoon worthy! We will definitely be back soon!
   

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6. P

   Pamela VIP

   Chicago17 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on April 18, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   One of our absolute favorite places for brunch or dinner.
   

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7. OT

   OpenTable Diner VIP

   Los Angeles2 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on April 16, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Absolute neighborhood gem. The staff are wonderful and the food is delicious and beautiful. Also strong mezcal cocktail list :)
   

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8. B

   Brad

   San Francisco4 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on April 11, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Fantastic crab cakes and salmon. The Sea Bass was just a tad overcooked. They accidentally confused our order and that meant two dishes came out about 4 minutes behind the first one (not bad!). And then they brought us a free side dish with apologies. Overall phenomenal service, I would go there again any time.
   

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9. D

   Diane

   Chicago4 reviews

   5.0

   Dined on April 6, 2025

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   I’ve been to Tala House three times now, and it never disappoints. Their menu defies easy classification and embraces a variety of influences. However, bold flavors and fresh ingredients are at the heart of every dish. The warm atmosphere and extra-friendly service help to make each dining experience an unforgettable one. Every friend who I’ve introduced to Tala House has thoroughly enjoyed their meal and vowed to come back. I can’t recommend Tala House enough and am already looking forward to trying out their patio once summer arrives. It's phenomenal!
   

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10. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Chicago1 review

    5.0

    Dined on April 6, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4

    My wife and I arrived early from a show at Old Town School but the young women at the host stand got us seated anyway at a "high boy" near the kitchen but, as a former chef, I don't mind watching the work. The place was jumping since it was 7:15 on Saturday night and it is quite loud plus the music also is lively but it wasn't stifling. Also, be aware that, if you sit by the kitchen, the exhaust does overshoot the hoods a bit and it is a tad smokey. I had a Tempranillo glass and my wife asked about a mocktail and the very hospitable server recommended one she really enjoyed. We shared what I would call a contemporary take on a classic Greek salad and the flavors were excellent. The slice of goat cheese was a bit large even for us to share but it's a very creamy and delicious goat cheese for sure. We both decided on fish entrees; she had Chilean sea bass and I had skate. My skate was expertly seared and crispy on the surface but still moist it was served with some carefully sauteed (not black) spinach and a proper lemon-caper butter sauce. Aside from being slightly over seasoned I still thought the dish was excellent. My wife's bass was also perfectly seared with a crisp exterior and moist inside and hers was served oved shiitake risotto. Now, I am a quibbler when it comes to risotto and although this one was very good, it was a bit watery and, if I'm not mistaken, was finished with cream of which I'm not a fan. Still, a very well conceived dish. We decided to splurge and opted for a Key lime tart which hit the spot for us and Ash, the owner, sent us some little digestifs to finish. All in all, we had a wonderful experience and will return.
    

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