Boka: A Cool, Inviting (Michelin) Star in the World of Chicago Fine Dining
- Emily Simpson
- Jul 21, 2025
- 3 min read
Boka, a one-Michelin-Star restaurant in the Old Town Triangle neighborhood in Chicago, is a fantastic spot for date night, a celebration dinner, or even dining solo! The atmosphere is more relaxed than your typical fine dining experience, but the food is no less spectacular.
Chef Lee Wolen has won numerous awards for his seasonal contemporary menu, which changes based on what is available at the local farmers market. From the moment you enter, you know you’re going to have a special evening.
I dined at the bar at Boka at the beginning of July and opted for the tasting menu with the standard wine pairing. To say I rolled out of there at the end of the meal is an understatement. Chef offers both an 8-course tasting menu with optional standard, reserve, or non-alcoholic pairings (a trend I’ve noticed more and more at top restaurants), as well as an à la carte option. Their signature roasted dry-aged duck was offered as a supplemental course, but I stuck with the standard tasting- more than enough on its own. The standard wine pairing was full of surprises and small production vineyards.
One of my favorite courses from the meal was the Lightly Cured Bluefin Tuna, paired with pickled radish, buckwheat, and a delicate cucumber broth, served alongside a crisp Austrian Sauvignon Blanc. The dish was bursting with bright, fresh flavors- perfect for summer! The fatty tuna was cut with the pickle and citrus notes that came from both the radish and the broth. The Sauvignon Blanc from Austria (yes – not Australia, I had to triple check!) was crisp and clean and perfectly complemented the course.
Although I had six courses ahead of me, I nearly licked the plate clean.
My second favorite dish of the evening was
the Black Truffle Scarpinocc with toasted yeast, whey, and black pepper, served with Cardedu Caladu Cannonau di Sardegna, an Italian version of Spanish Garnacha. This dish was pure gluttony, and I enjoyed every second. It was rich, heavy, creamy, cheesy, umami-driven, and pure heaven. These scarpinocc, or filled pasta from Lombardy region of northern Italy meaning “little shoes,” were topped with fresh shaved black truffle. The Italian red paired perfectly, as the Italians know how to make a red that goes with food! At this point in the meal, course five, I was very happy with my decision to wear a loose- fitting outfit.
The absolute star of the menu was the Slow-Roasted Colorado Lamb Loin and Tenderloin with chestnut mushroom puree, ramp, mustard seeds, and a Madeira au jus, paired with a Mendocino Carignan. The meat melted in my mouth, and the puree brought a special savory profile that complemented the almost sweet delicate protein. The dish was so luxurious from the au jus that seemed to have been simmered for hours to the perfectly cooked ramp – wilted but not soggy. The wine was bright and fruit forward, with some complex earth and spice notes that highlighted the dish in such a unique way.
This Michelin star restaurant is not to be missed, whether you are just popping in for one of their spectacular cocktails at the bar (I saw so many yummy-looking drinks being made), splitting the iconic duck entrée, or diving into the full tasting menu. Chef Lee does such an amazing job of incorporating the freshest local ingredients with some of the best quality imports from around the country and the world. Boka has consecutively received a Michelin star since 2013, and it is easy to see why. From the service to the menu to the cocktail and wine program, everything comes together to create a phenomenal experience.
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