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Chicago

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United States

Bayan Ko is a vibrant restaurant located at 1810 W Montrose Ave in the heart of Lincoln Square, Chicago. This unique dining establishment specializes in a creative fusion of Filipino and Cuban cuisine, offering a delightful 5-course tasting menu that showcases rich flavors and innovative dishes. With a cozy and artsy ambiance, Bayan Ko is perfect for food enthusiasts looking for an unforgettable culinary experience.

At Bayan Ko, guests can indulge in a variety of dishes that highlight the best of Filipino and Cuban flavors. The restaurant is known for its:

5-course tasting menu featuring signature dishes like Lobster Rice and Octopus Adobo.

A mix of rich and inventive flavors that are both familiar and exciting.

Vegetarian options available, ensuring a diverse menu for all diners.

Bayan Ko is conveniently situated in Lincoln Square, a neighborhood known for its rich cultural heritage and vibrant community. Visitors can explore nearby attractions such as:

The Lincoln Square Park, perfect for a leisurely stroll.

Local shops and boutiques that showcase unique crafts and goods.

Cultural events and festivals that celebrate the diversity of the community.

Bayan Ko offers a range of amenities to enhance your dining experience, including:

Outdoor seating for a relaxed dining atmosphere.

Takeout and delivery options for those on the go.

Reservations recommended to ensure a spot in this popular eatery.

Creative Filipino-Cuban fare & BYOB offered in a snug, artsy setup with outdoor seating.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURfeVBXeFh3EAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJF2DcZgPTD4gRKm-aJ9pu4BM/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURfeVBXeFh3EAE

Whewww you know when you find a neighborhood gem? 💎

Sat down for the final day of the 5-course tasting. Everything was good, but the lobster rice and the Wagyu did it for me. So rich and deep in flavor. I drooooooled over the plantain puree and they brought me a lil cup with the bill. 😂 very fun staff— Alfredo & Kyle made my night such a joy. The dessert was decadent, probably added to my top 10 global desserts. I’m not a huge fan of hazelnut but the texture on that bibingka was otherworldly. I cannot wait to try out the diner.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURyNDlxcFFnEAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJF2DcZgPTD4gRKm-aJ9pu4BM/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURyNDlxcFFnEAE

Amazing 5-course tasting menu blending Filipino and Cuban flavors.

Each of our dishes were complex layers of flavors woven into an amazing experience. Cooking techniques were spot on. All three of us had a different favorite dish (arroz caldo / octopus / dessert).

Service was attentive and courses were well paced. Good sized portions and attractively balanced plates.

Very enjoyable experience!

My only (very minor) critique is that our menu was entirely very rich dishes - would have liked one lighter course.

Note: Reservations only, no walk-ins

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNYaklYelB3EAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJF2DcZgPTD4gRKm-aJ9pu4BM/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNYaklYelB3EAE

I like their diner food even before they moved their regular menu from the main restaurant to the diner.  But when I heard about them getting on to the Michelin list and having a pre-fixed menu, I had to try it for myself.  And as much as I like their regular menu, they NEED WORK on their entire experience in their main restaurant if they ever want a Michelin Star.  First off, the service was SLOPPY.  You have one guy dressed as t-shirt and jeans and a lady who doesn’t look like she wants to be there.  I got sat by the door.  So, when people enter and leave I get a breeze of cool air.  I put down a deposit of $10 when I reserved my spot and a deposit for the wine pairing, but was told it would be “refunded” back to me instead of applied to my final bill.  By the way, I’m STILL waiting for that refund at the time of this post.  The guy with the t-shirt was my server and had ZERO KNOWLEDGE of the wines he was serving me.  No backstory of the wine, no explanation to why this was selected with the dish, NOTHING like a starred Michelin restaurant.  “Here’s (insert name of wine).  Enjoy”.  Seriously, if you want that Star, you have to know the “Who What Where Why When and How” of what you’re serving.  Plus, some of the wines were served in glasses I would not serve wine in.  The last glass in particular looked just wrong.  The food was just ok, nothing that says, “Wow” in my mind.  Although, one dish in particular (the beef dish) was chewy in its medium rare (more like rare) state, not melt in your mouth as a Wagyu steak would be.  Overall, like I said, I like the diner food.  But they need work on their pre-fixe menu and service, especially if they want that Michelin Star or even be elevated to “Bib Gourmand”.

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNYaWZYc3N3RRAB&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJF2DcZgPTD4gRKm-aJ9pu4BM/reviews/ChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNYaWZYc3N3RRAB

The food was really good, we would definitely go again, it’s like nothing I’d ever had before & I’ve had a lot of fine cuisine.  Love their take on filipino/cuban fusion food.  I’m interested to see how they develop their menu going forward.  I would recommend going to try modern Filipino food!

https://www.google.com/local/review/rap/report?postId=ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURidGRmSlh3EAE&d=17924085&t=1

places/ChIJF2DcZgPTD4gRKm-aJ9pu4BM/reviews/ChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURidGRmSlh3EAE

We had a great experience at this place! The tasting menu is inventive while reminiscent of familiar flavors.

I cannot recommend enough the Octopus adobo! Adobo is a staple dish in my house but this just takes it to a whole different level. I also never knew I needed lobster on my Arroz Caldo. What a treat!

Tasting menu is $95 per person, for a 5-course meal. It’s an intimate experience and very accessible by public transportation.

Savor 5-Star Filipino-Cuban Cuisine at Bayan Ko, Lincoln Square, Chicago

Bayan Ko is a culinary gem in Lincoln Square, Chicago, offering a delightful fusion of Filipino and Cuban cuisine in a cozy atmosphere. The restaurant features a menu filled with traditional recipes and innovative dishes, inviting diners to experience the rich flavors of Filipino heritage.

Bayan Ko

Savor the vibrant flavors of Bayan Ko in Lincoln Square, Chicago! Experience a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds. Discover more today!

Savor 5-Star Filipino-Cuban Cuisine at Bayan Ko, Lincoln Square, Chicago

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