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Matilda RestaurantA-Worth Trying

Name: Matilda Restaurant
Address: 535 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60654, Chicago, United States
Rating: 4.9

535 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60654 · Mexican restaurant, Japanese restaurant, Peruvian restaurant · 4.9/5 Google (1350 reviews)

Reservations · Outdoor seating

Ambitious Peruvian-Mexican fusion with standout service and presentation, best for adventurous diners with a budget for premium small plates; value and service consistency can vary.

Why it gets an A- for overall quality

Matilda delivers solid A-grade performance through exceptional food quality—standout tuna tartare, lomo saltado, and plantain-chorizo tacos showcase genuine culinary creativity—paired with knowledgeable, personable service and appealing two-space design. However, inconsistent execution on seasoning and portions and occasional service delays at peak times prevent the higher distinction needed for grade A territory. The modern Peruvian-Mexican fusion concept delivers memorable moments for diners seeking adventurous flavors.

Restaurant Summary

The room feels warm and buzzing, with a stylish dining space upstairs and an intimate speakeasy below. Plates arrive like mini art pieces, and service from named pros earns raves: "Our server knew the menu cold and made great calls." However, there are moderate authenticity concerns mostly around polarized peak-time service impressions rather than fake-sounding praise. The culinary approach leans modern Peruvian-Mexican: ceviches and aguachiles with playful twists, lomo saltado with polish, and a risotto-like paella brightened by leche de tigre. Expect creativity over comfort: a few diners find seasoning bold or portions small, while many call the tartare, plantain-chorizo tacos, and corn dessert musts. For families, the vibe is lively but seating is cozy and tight. Kids who like tacos or simple proteins may do fine, but there is no kids menu and flavors skew adventurous. Safer picks include carne asada tacos and rice sides; ceviches and spicier guisos suit more curious eaters.

At a Glance

Standout tuna tartare, plantain-chorizo tacos, and Elote Quemado dessert
Knowledgeable, personable servers with strong allergy guidance
Small portions and premium cocktail prices
Waits past reservation and pacing hiccups at peak times
Creative/fusion menu - not traditional comfort food

What Sets It Apart

peruvian_mexican_fusion
tuna_tartare_excellence
signature_corn_dessert
on-site_speakeasy

What People Love

Vibrant fusion flavors with elegant plating
Servers who tailor dishes to preferences and allergies
A lively two-venue experience with a hidden lounge
Memorable signature dessert that feels one-of-a-kind

Points of Concern

Pricing is premium with portions that some find small
Service can lag during rush: delays at seating and course pacing
Octopus and paella portions sometimes underwhelm despite price
Review patterns show signs of polarization (peak-time service complaints vs. many detailed praises)

Service & Dining Experience

Service StyleTable Service Average Cost$70-96 per person ReservationsRecommended

What to Order

Start with Tuna Tartare or Scallop & Aguachile, share one taco set, split Lomo Saltado or Paella, finish with Elote Quemado; plan $95-$140 per person with drinks.

Perfect For

Adventurous date nights with cocktails
Small-group celebrations exploring shared plates
Seafood lovers seeking ceviche and tartare
Pre- or post-dinner speakeasy visits

Location Insights

Area: Trendy River North corridor with lively nightlife, modern restaurants, and cocktail bars attracting date nights and groups.

Safety: Generally safe, well-trafficked at night; typical downtown precautions apply during late hours.

Nearby: Near galleries, bars, and popular dining spots; speakeasy downstairs adds nightlife draw.

River NorthRiver North is renowned for its lively dining scene featuring upscale restaurants, trendy bars, and art galleries. The area attracts a mix of locals and visitors seeking nightlife, fine dining, and cultural experiences in a stylish urban setting.

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Monday16:00–22:00 Tuesday16:00–22:00 Wednesday16:00–22:00 Thursday16:00–22:00 Friday16:00–23:00 Saturday11:00–23:00 Sunday11:00–21:00

Available: Reservations, Outdoor seating

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