The story
In August 2021, Chef Jenner Tomaska and his wife and partner Katrina Bravo opened Esmé in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. The name, French for “beloved,” signals the warmth at the heart of this mission-driven, Michelin-starred fine-dining restaurant. Tomaska and Bravo have reimagined the tasting-menu model, weaving philanthropy and art directly into the foundation of the experience.
The restaurant’s contemporary tasting menu transforms each quarter, drawing inspiration from Chicago’s vibrant creative culture. With each new iteration, Tomaska and Bravo collaborate with local artists, creatives, and luminaries to build an entirely new experience every 12 weeks. The goal is a cohesive story told through thoughtfully composed dishes, music, and hand-crafted service pieces. This fusion of fine dining and artistry earned Esmé a Michelin star—a recognition of its high quality cooking and its singular vision.
Dining at Esmé is a seasonal journey. Chef Tomaska’s fine-dining background is on full display in a menu that evolves while revealing inspiration from the city’s art scene. The restaurant describes it as transforming the everyday into works of art. Guests dine amidst sculptures, paintings, and objets d’art chosen to inspire creativity and relaxation.
Beyond the main dining room, Bar Esmé offers a more relaxed experience. With only 16 seats, this intimate, modern space serves world-class cocktails and French-inspired dishes with a playful, casual Parisian bistro twist. It is a place for handcrafted cocktails and an extensive wine list in a stylish, moody atmosphere.
Esmé is deeply committed to supporting Chicago through philanthropic endeavors. A portion of the proceeds from the tasting menu is donated to humanitarian organizations and local causes. This ensures that the restaurant’s culinary excellence contributes directly to the well-being of the community, making each meal part of a larger story of giving back.
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