Cafe des Architectes
3.9
- Neighborhood: Gold Coast
- Sofitel Chicago Water Tower
- 20 E. Chestnut St.
- Chicago, IL 60611
- 312-324-4000
August update: Martial Noguier, the longtime chef at one sixtyblue, is taking over as executive chef October 1. He'll also oversee the Sofitel's room service and banquets/private dining, plus food service in LeBar. Check back for future updates.
Cafe des Architectes, located in the lobby of the Sofitel Chicago Water Tower, is a modern French brasserie with dramatic appointments created by interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon. Vibrant colors, overstuffed chairs, sprawling banquettes and lamps that employ upside-down toques as lamp shades grab your attention. The cafe's contemporary menu, is fundamentally French with influences from Asia, the Mediterranean and Latin America. Sample dishes include: pan-seared scampi with English pea cream and a caviar miso reduction; curry roasted lamb with roasted figs; black olive-crusted beef tenderloin with rosemary jus; and honey-glazed roasted farm squab with a green shallot and pepper jus. All of the pastries, croissants and breads are baked in-house.
Getting There
- Cross Streets:
- Chestnut and Wabash.
- Parking:
- Paid Lot, Street Parking Difficult, Valet, and Metered. Paid Lot: Garage on Chestnut.
- Public Transportation:
-
CTA Bus: 29 State, Michigan Avenue routes, include 151, 145, 147, 146.
Red Line Train: Chicago stop, Clark and Division stop.
- Wheelchair Access:
- Yes
The Basics
- Hours:
-
Breakfast: 6 a.m.-11:30 a.m. daily
Lunch: 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. daily
Light fare: 3-5 p.m. daily
Dinner: 5-11 p.m. daily
Brunch: 11:30 a.m.- 5 p.m. Saturday-Sunday
- Cuisine:
- French and Mediterranean
- Meals Served:
- Breakfast, Weekend Brunch, Dinner, and Lunch
- Price Range:
- $$$ ($16-$25)
- Reservations:
- Accepted
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar and Wine
- Restaurant Style:
- Cafe
- Bar Style:
- Lounge and Wine
Features
- Atmosphere and Personality:
- Theme. Architectural
- Internet Access:
- Yes
- Features:
- Kids Menu, On-site Merchandise, Scenic View, Catering, and Prix Fixe Meals. In the lobby gift shop.
- Specialties:
- French and Mediterranean cuisine with accents from Asia and South America.
- Payment Methods:
- Cash, Debit Cards, Major Credit Cards, and Traveler's Checks Accepted
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Seating :
- For 96
Write a review
Rate Cafe des Architectes
"A Great Find"
Cherry from Southwest Suburbs - May 27, 2008
I wanted to try this restaurant during Restaurant Week, however, my husband was out of the country. We decided to try it on a Sunday during the rec...
Report This Comment"Very sophisticated dining experience"
Jill from Roscoe Village - April 18, 2008
My husband and I went for dinner on a Friday night. Unfortunately, we had theater tickets and only had about 90 minutes to spend on dinner. I wis...
Report This Comment"Brunch was divine"
SouthSide Blondie from HydePark - March 5, 2008
Brunch was delicious, elegant, prices were reasonable if not cheap, and the surroundings are very modern and classy. The restrooms are unfortunate...
Report This CommentOTHER French Restaurants YOU MIGHT LIKE
-
Au Bon Pain
(1 rating)
- Loop 180 W. Jackson Blvd. Chicago IL 60604 312-341-0828
-
Vie De France Restaurant
(1 rating)
- Magnificent Mile 835 N. Michigan Ave. Chicago IL 60611 312-266-7633
-
Dionne's Gallery Cafe
(2 ratings)
- 606 N. Dixie Hwy. Momence IL 60954 815-472-6081
-
Let's Go Bistro
(3 ratings)
- 970 W. Warren Downers Grove IL 60515 630-795-0100
-
La Petite Creperie
(2 ratings)
- 115 N Johnson St Woodstock IL 60098 815-337-0765



