mfk. Restaurant

- 432 W Diversey Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60614

For discerning diners in the **Illinois** region, finding a Spanish restaurant that captures the sophisticated yet comfortable essence of Iberian coastal cuisine is a true pleasure. **mfk. Restaurant**, located in the heart of Chicago, has achieved this distinction, earning a coveted Michelin Bib Gourmand Award every year since its opening in 2014. This intimate, seaside-focused establishment draws its inspiration from the flavors and atmosphere of Spain’s Catalan and Basque coastal regions, offering an experience that is both authentic and creatively modern.

mfk. is more than just a place for tapas; it's a culinary journey rooted in simplicity and high-quality, fresh ingredients. As a proudly **women-owned** business, it embodies a dedication to detail and hospitality, making every visit feel like a special, personal occasion. The menu, thoughtfully organized from small to large plates, centers heavily on fresh seafood, utilizing simple preparations to let the natural flavors of the ingredients shine. Diners consistently praise the kitchen’s ability to turn fundamental Spanish dishes into elegant, memorable morsels.

Signature dishes that have captured the attention of Chicago locals include the highly-praised **Fideo**—toasted vermicelli noodles often featuring seafood, smoked pork, and a rich saffron cream—and the classic Spanish potato and onion omelette, the **Spanish Tortilla**, which mfk. offers with a unique twist, sometimes topped with salt cod brandade and a pickled fennel salad. Furthermore, the restaurant is celebrated for its decadent desserts, particularly the **Whole Basque Cake** and the **Burnt Basque Cheesecake**, which are so popular they are available for pre-order pickup.

The atmosphere at mfk. is a carefully crafted blend of **Casual**, **Cozy**, **Romantic**, **Trendy**, and **Upscale**. Its subterranean space, with whitewashed brick and nautical accents, manages to evoke a breezy, seaside oasis, perfect for an intimate **Dinner** or a special date night. The dining experience is complemented by a fantastic beverage program, earning the restaurant recognition for its **Great cocktails** and an expertly curated **Great wine list**, heavy on Spanish and easy-drinking selections.

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mfk. Restaurant enjoys a desirable location on the border of Chicago’s Lincoln Park and Lakeview East neighborhoods. This position makes it an easily reachable destination for residents across the city and the wider **Illinois** area who travel into the city for a premier dining experience.

Address: 432 W Diversey Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60614, USA

Located slightly below street level, the dining room offers an intimate and secluded feel. While it maintains a cozy size, the restaurant is committed to guest comfort:

• The location is central to the North Side of Chicago, accessible via public transportation and major city routes.
• While the space is small and intimate, it provides comfortable **Seating** for all diners.
• For amenities, the restaurant features a **Bar onsite**, **Restroom** facilities, and a dedicated **Gender-neutral restroom**. **Wi-Fi** is also available for guest use.
• The establishment is committed to being an inclusive space, identifying as **LGBTQ+ friendly** and a **Transgender safespace**.
• For those dining with younger guests, **High chairs** are provided.
• **Payment Options:** All standard payment methods are accepted, including **Credit cards**, **Debit cards**, and **NFC mobile payments**.

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mfk. focuses intently on providing a high-quality, focused dinner service and catering to a modern diner’s needs for flexibility:

• **Dining Service:** The primary dining option is **Dinner** with full **Table service** in a seated, reservations-preferred setting. **Dessert** is also a key component, with the famous Basque Cake available.
• **Reservations:** The restaurant **Accepts reservations**, with **Dinner reservations recommended** due to its small size and high popularity, often being fully booked.
• **Convenience Options:** For patrons who prefer to enjoy their meal at home, **Takeout** is available. Notably, specialty items like the **Whole Basque Cake** and **Burnt Basque Cheesecake** require a **One Day Lead Time** for pre-order pickup.
• **Atmosphere and Seating:** Guests can enjoy the small, cozy interior dining room or opt for **Outdoor seating** during favorable weather.
• **Beverage Program:** Operates as a full-service **Cocktail bar** and **Wine bar**, offering **Alcohol**, **Beer**, **Hard liquor**, and a highly-rated menu of mixed drinks and wine selections. **Coffee** is also available to accompany dessert.
• **Menu Offerings:** The food selection emphasizes **Small plates** (tapas), **Healthy options**, and refined **Comfort food**, along with numerous **Vegetarian options**.
• **Crowd and Ambiance:** The intimate setting is highly popular for **Solo dining** and date nights, appealing to a **Trendy** crowd who appreciate its **Romantic** and **Upscale** yet **Casual** vibe.

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What makes mfk. a standout destination in Chicago’s competitive culinary scene is its blend of focused cuisine and welcoming environment:

• **Michelin Bib Gourmand Recognition:** Consistently recognized by the Michelin Guide for offering 'good quality, good value cooking,' which is a rare endorsement for a Spanish restaurant in **Illinois**.
• **Seaside-Focused, Iberian Cuisine:** Specializes in simple, flavorful dishes inspired by the seafood-centric cooking of the Catalan and Basque coasts, such as boquerónes (marinated anchovies), crudo, and the seasonal featured fish.
• **Signature Fideo:** The **Fideo**, a toasted pasta dish, is a standout specialty that customers often call "unbelievably delicious and unique," making it a must-try for first-time visitors.
• **Acclaimed Desserts:** The **Whole Basque Cake** and **Burnt Basque Cheescake** are considered destination-worthy desserts, providing a perfect, decadent end to the meal.
• **Exceptional Bar Service:** Known for having a highly knowledgeable staff regarding liquor and wine, serving what one customer called "the best martini he has ever had," and offering a stellar **Great wine list**.
• **Intimate and Welcoming Ambiance:** The small, quaint dining room is described as feeling like you're in "someone's home," creating a perfect setting for a personal, warm, and **Romantic** evening.
• **Community-Focused:** Identifying as a **Women-owned** business and an **LGBTQ+ friendly** space highlights its commitment to a welcoming and diverse community.

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To secure a reservation for dinner or arrange for pre-ordered bakery items, please use the following contact details. Given the small size and consistent popularity, booking ahead is strongly advised.

Address: 432 W Diversey Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60614, USA

Phone: (773) 857-2540

For large group orders, such as the **Whole Basque Cake ($60.00)** or **Burnt Basque Cheescake ($60.00)**, remember to allow at least a **One Day Lead Time** for pre-order pickup.

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For anyone in the **Illinois** area seeking a high-caliber yet unpretentious Spanish dining experience, **mfk. Restaurant** is an exceptional choice. What makes it particularly worth choosing is its ability to deliver sophisticated, award-winning cuisine—like its simple, elegant seafood dishes—in an atmosphere that remains wonderfully personal and cozy. It expertly straddles the line between a neighborhood gem and a culinary destination.

The dedication to quality is evident not only in the fresh, simple food—from the recommended **anchovies with salted butter** and **shrimp gazpacho** to the complex **Fideo**—but also in the service. Customer reviews frequently highlight the staff's knowledge and attentiveness, ensuring items are "timed perfectly" even for a **Solo diner**, which is a sign of a truly professional operation.

Choosing mfk. means opting for a guaranteed wonderful experience, whether you are exploring their carefully selected **Small plates**, indulging in a perfectly made cocktail, or finishing the evening with a slice of their famous, crumbly **Basque Cake**. It is a place that truly celebrates the Spanish tradition of simple, high-quality food enjoyed in great company, making it a distinctive and highly recommended fixture in the Chicago dining landscape.

mfk. Restaurant

432 W Diversey Pkwy, Chicago, IL 60614, USA