Michael - Winnetka

There are a bunch of restaurants that I meant to write reviews about but was too busy to get to them, and Restaurant Michael is one of them. Well, it is already closed! However, I read somewhere that the owner is going to open two new restaurants using the same space of Michael (which is not very large), I hope he will read this review and make some improvements. Last year we celebrated our wedding anniversary at Michael with our grown daughter. We have been trying to find a good restaurant in the suburbs so that we do not need to always go to the city for our special occasions. We do go to a Japanese restaurant in our town on a weekly basis though. After reading about the staff on the Michael's website, I had the impression that their team would be very friendly and down to earth, since the two major men under the owner had very humble beginning. I even memorized their names so that I could greet them or even chat with them a little bit! Was I silly! The dinner was very S L O W (the restaurant was less than half full), and throughout the whole dinner, Sergio, the manager, didn't even look at our table. However, he spent a long time talking LOUDLY to an older couple who sat at a close-by table about their daily lives or whatever, and it was obvious that they knew each other. We didn't see the owner chef the entire night. The girl who took us to our table dressed very casually and basically didn't know what to do, and didn't smile at all. The overall impression was that the staff was arrogant and didn't care about new customers. There were two waiters serving our table, one very old and slow, the other one looked like a teenager and was very inexperienced. I thought the food was good, but hubby said that the food was just average (we have been to a lot of restaurants all over the world). For three people, we spent $300 there, not very expensive, but not cheap either. We expected better service.

I can see why you have failed again. Uninspired and pretentious would describe the crimes committed in this once praiseworthy restaurant. I am pleased to know that I will never again be tempted to waste my time pursuing fine cuisine in your presence.

A great restaurant with amazing food and excellent services. The atmosphere here is awesome. 5 stars!

Nice food,very professional staff.Double thumbs up!

The service, food, and price are all exceptional. We came here to celebrate my spouse's birthday. I'm thinking we will come here again in February for our anniversary.We definitely would recommend this place to anyone who enjoys great service and great French cuisine.