If you live in Chicago, you know how recognizable The Allis is in the West Loop. And if you have ever been, you know how much their ambiance and environment enhances the space. The Allis has extremely tall ceilings, impressive chandeliers and large scale windows. There is a variety of comfy furniture throughout – making it feel particularly cozy. I love how peaceful the restaurant is, while at the same time it is upscale and stylish. Everything has a romantic feel, from the dim lighting to the gorgeous plates. There are a ton of noteworthy visuals filling the restaurant including a gallery art wall and an exposed kitchen. The restaurant space was recently extended upstairs to the first floor and let’s just say it is definitely worth checking out…
I had quite a variety of gluten-free menu items at The Allis and they all tasted delicious. I started with the Crudité and Hummus. The dish was very colorful and so beautifully presented, I didn’t even want to eat it! The crunchy veggies gave it a great texture and the hummus had the perfect amount of flavor. Next, I had the Roast Delicata dish with pomegranates and pumpkin seeds. I loved how the combination of ingredients tasted. When I tried the Tuna Crudo paired with avocado and a green salsa verde, it was light and refreshing. The roasted brussels sprouts dish was the most flavorful one I had! The mix of hazelnuts and currants added the perfect pop of incredible flavor. Finally, I had one of the most popular menu items: the avocado toast. The gluten-free bread had a great texture and there was a TON of avocado piled on top! The chef finished off the dish with a soft egg and pepper flakes on top. Another favorite dish of mine was the Ribollita Soup with white beans and kale. It’s not too often that you see a restaurant serve a gluten-free soup, so whenever I see one I have to give it a try. As a whole, every aspect of my meal was fantastic!
I was happily surprised to hear that The Allis offered gluten free-desserts. I had the chance to try the Pavlova with Berries and the gluten-free Macaroons (off the menu). I enjoyed my sweets paired with hot almondine tea in the cutest black and white, floral tea pot. Everything was lovely and the atmosphere just added to the meal. I had such a pleasant lunch experience, and I’m dying to go back to try the brunch. All egg dishes could be made with gluten-free toast!
The best part about The Allis was how comfortable I felt eating with food allergies. The chef came out to speak with me about my dietary restrictions, wrote everything down and assured me I was being served GF safe food. It’s so great to see a restaurant take allergies seriously and serve amazing food, as well! From a delightful Friday night cocktail to a filling Sunday morning brunch, The Allis is great for countless occasions and will make you a recurring visitor in no time!