Seemor
ApoloniaA-Worth Trying
105 E Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616
· Restaurant, Mediterranean restaurant
· 4.6/5 Google (731 reviews)
Reservations · Takeout
Stylish modern Mediterranean spot near McCormick Place with standout puff bread, seafood and pastas, strong service highs but occasional slow nights and salty seasoning; great for shareable dinners and the chef’s tasting if you enjoy inventive flavors.
Why it gets an A- for overall quality
Apolonia delivers solid A-grade performance through exceptional food quality featuring inventive modern Mediterranean seafood and pastas, paired with distinctive design appeal and engaged service staff. However, inconsistent execution on busy nights and notably slow service pacing prevent it from reaching grade A territory, making it a reliable neighborhood destination rather than a regional standout.
Restaurant Summary
Apolonia feels sleek and modern from the moment you spot the open kitchen and warm lighting near McCormick Place. Servers are often engaged and proactive, with several guests praising thoughtful fixes when something was off. One diner summed it up simply: "The room looked sharp and the team made us feel relaxed." On rare peak nights, service slows and the room can run warm, but most visits land as polished and welcoming. The cooking leans modern Mediterranean with inventive seafood and pastas rather than grandma’s recipes. Signature bites like the Black Truffle Puff Bread, dry-aged halibut, and sausage sugo pasta show confident technique and bold seasoning. Expect contemporary flavors—harissa, nduja, crudo, and creative desserts—delivered in shareable courses or a value-forward tasting menu that highlights house favorites. Families are generally welcome: staff have offered coloring sheets for kids and there are friendly options like the cheeseburger, simple salads, and gelato. Portions skew moderate and flavors can be adventurous, so cautious eaters may prefer safer picks (burger, branzino) and a shared dessert like The Pistachio.
At a Glance
- Creative modern Mediterranean with standout seafood and housemade pastas
- Signature desserts and pastry program, especially The Pistachio
- Warm, stylish room with an open kitchen and helpful staff
- Service can be slow and strained on busy or understaffed nights
- Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food
What Sets It Apart
- chef_tasting_menu_value
- open_kitchen_theater
- signature_pistachio_dessert
What People Love
- That first bite of truffle puff bread
- Perfectly cooked branzino and halibut
- Attentive fixes when something goes wrong
- Light, nutty Pistachio dessert finish
- Sleek, open-kitchen vibe
Points of Concern
- Service delays and long gaps between courses on busy nights; plan extra time
- Seasoning can run salty on some dishes; speak up for adjustments
- Small to moderate portions may leave big appetites unsatisfied without starters
- Review patterns show signs of strain during large-party nights which may not reflect typical service
- Limited options for conservative palates or picky eaters
Service & Dining Experience
Service StyleTable Service
Average Cost$58-78 per person
ReservationsRecommended
What to Order
- Start with Yellowtail Crudo or Artichoke Hummus for lighter openings
- Choose one pasta to share (Blue Crab Bucatini or Fiorentini) before a seafood main
- Finish with The Pistachio or Alto el Sol Chocolate Cake depending on richness preference
Perfect For
- Pre-convention dinner near McCormick Place
- Date night with shareable plates
- Seafood and pasta lovers seeking modern flavors
- Tasting-menu explorers
Location Insights
Area: Convention-center adjacent corridor serving visitors and locals; sleek new-build vibe with hotel and arena traffic.
Safety: Generally well-trafficked around events, typical urban precautions; bright avenues and venue security nearby.
Nearby: Steps from McCormick Place, Wintrust Arena, hotels; close to Chinatown and South Loop dining.
ChinatownChinatown is a vibrant, culturally rich neighborhood known for its authentic Chinese restaurants, markets, and shops. The dining scene is centered around traditional and modern Asian fare, attracting both locals and tourists looking for genuine ethnic dining experiences in a bustling, community-oriented atmosphere.
Practical Information
Opening Hours
Monday11:30–14:30, 17:00–22:00
Tuesday11:30–14:30, 17:00–22:00
Wednesday11:30–14:30, 17:00–22:00
Thursday11:30–14:30, 17:00–22:00
Friday11:30–14:30, 17:00–22:00
Saturday10:00–15:00, 17:00–22:00
Sunday10:00–15:00, 17:00–22:00
Available: Reservations, Takeout
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