Are you looking for a chic and dim lit restaurant to spend a quiet evening? If so, Fig and Olive is the perfect location for you. Nestled on the second floor of the Oak Street Location, Laurent Halasz has created the perfect setting for an evening meal. Surrounded by some of the most well-known brand name shops in the Chicago area, going out to dinner turns into a fun night on the town.
Dining Area:
Whether you want to enjoy some of their famous Olive Oils, grab a quick cocktail, or just sit down for a delicious meal, this restaurant will not disappoint. The ambience of Fig and Olive is taken straight from the heart of the restaurant itself. The wood floors, dim lighting, and art work, makes you feel like you are in the South of France, Spain, and Italy. The 10,000 square foot dining area provides a lovely and intimate spot for friends to gather. The wood on both the ceilings and the floor, as well as the full glass wall facing Oak Street, gives the feeling that you are in an outdoor space in downtown Chicago. On the opposite spectrum the use of grey tones and marble give the area a more modern and up to date spin on a classic European restaurant.
Square one: The Crostini’s ($3 for 13, or 6 for 22) were a little taste of heaven. In one bite, I experienced a punch of flavor; it was the perfect way to start off my meal. The Crostini I sampled was topped with Caramelized onions, chives, and goat cheese. My favorite part about the appetizer was that the onions were grilled to perfection, and the goat cheese was not overpowering. With every bite I took, I experienced a more flavorful taste then before.
Phase Two: Salmon is a favorite dish for many restaurant goers. At some restaurants the Salmon is the main dish and there is nothing else that adds flavor. I have learned that when you have a dish such as salmon, the fish tends to overpower the rest of the meal, taking away some of the chef’s special additives. The chef paired the Salmon ($26) with endive, kale, cauliflower purée, olive & piquillo condiment. Fortunately, Fig and Olive did an excellent job of bringing out all the different flavors in the dish.
Fig and Olive may be a little pricier than what the average college student is used to. With that being said, stop going to chipotle for a few days and treat yourself to a nice meal with your closest friends. The dim lit atmosphere, amazing food, and friendly staff will not leave you unsatisfied.