Bandol Brasserie & Raw Bar

Been to this place three times now. The food is always on point, there’s a decent selection of spirits, wine, beer and the cocktails are solid. There’s a few mocktails on the menu as well. The prices are fair. I personally love the jazzy music selection, chill vibes. Shout out to Cesar, the bartender who served me twice, great service and makes a great drink. I’ll be back soon.

I sat at the bar with Vanessa who was amazing. She helped me work around my nut allergy on the menu and made an Old Fashioned for me with the habanero in it since their pre-made batch was out. I've worked in customer service a while now, and Vanessa was top notch even with a swiftly filling bar.

We arrived late in the service. We were greeted immediately and treated like royalty. Unfortunately our selections were popular and we went with our third choice - the lobster roll. Oh. Mah. Word. That was amazing lobster and the seasoning was perfect- not overwhelming. Quality lobster and cooked well. Our server was Spencer and the manager on duty was dahlia (sp?) How do I know? Because each of these smoking high positivity folk came over and introduced themselves. Spencer was our server. We liked how they handled the sold outs- that’s a make or break for any restaurant. They definitely made us feel we made the best choice for supper tonight. We shared Virginia Oysters, escargot, fries (omg!!!) and the lobster roll. Do not hesitate to eat at this establishment. Quality of food was wonderful. Chef skill was on point. Bartender on point. And... the face of the place, the server, also on point. It’s clear the manager does a great job!

I had a fantastic experience at Bandol Mediterranean Brasserie! The food was absolutely exceptional, particularly the chicken, bursting with flavor. The service was top-notch – attentive, friendly, and professional, which made the dining experience even more enjoyable.I highly recommend this place to anyone looking for great Italian cuisine and excellent service.

Cesar is absolutely amazing!!! I have an allergy and be ensured my meal was free of my allergen. Also, let me look at the drinks to make sure it was also safe. Cesar went above and beyond my entire dining experience. I watched him engage with everyone, didn’t stop moving, was super busy, but had a smile the entire time! Loved his positive attitude and his work ethic. Very talented! The food was phenomenal! Will definitely be back!!!

We stumbled upon this absolute gem one afternoon and were delighted! The food was fabulous, the drinks were amazing, and our service was beyond wonderful (thanks Caesar!) Absolutely will return!

Absolutely charming French restaurant with authentic cuisine and a cozy, elegant atmosphere. The food is always exceptional! My favorite is the fresh oysters and the specialty burger. Oh let me not forget the seafood salad! Special thanks to the Servers & Chefs hard work. Many thanks to the manager, Dalia who always makes our experience memorable. Truly top-notch service!

A Culinary Masterpiece in the Heart of Chicago: Bandol Mediterranean Brasserie Raw Bar Our first night in Chicago, and we had the absolute pleasure of dining at Bandol Mediterranean Brasserie Raw Bar—and let me tell you, it was an experience in every sense of the word. From the moment we stepped inside, we were met with an ambiance that felt effortlessly elegant—warm lighting, modern yet cozy decor, and a lively yet intimate energy that set the perfect tone for the night. This felt & tasted like michelin star dining to me! Now, let’s talk service. The staff? Impeccable. Our server was attentive without being intrusive, knowledgeable about every dish, and passionate about what they do. That level of care and precision is something that elevates a dining experience from good to unforgettable. He was also personable and provide top tier customer service! But the real showstopper? The food. A Tastebud Journey Like No Other Every bite was like a Michelin-starred symphony—bold flavors, delicate textures, and an execution that screamed top-tier culinary craftsmanship. If I lived in Chicago, Bandol would be a weekly must. Hands down, one of the best meals I’ve ever had. Here’s what we indulged in: Shrimp & Lobster Ravioli Silky, delicate pasta pockets filled with succulent shrimp and sweet lobster, all smothered in a creamy, rich tomato-infused sauce that was velvety perfection. The balance of seafood sweetness with the indulgent sauce made this a dish I could eat on repeat. Mussels MARINIERE white wine sauce, frites, fines herbs A bold, briny, and buttery delight. The mussels were plump and fresh, bathed in a rich vodka sauce that carried just the right amount of tang and depth. Paired with the grilled, herb-buttered bread for soaking up that sauce? Absolute heaven. Crab Cakes served with Truffle Oil Golden, crispy perfection on the outside, luxuriously tender and packed with lump crab on the inside. The truffle oil added a layer of earthiness that made this dish sing. And that slight citrusy zing from the charred lemon? A chef’s kiss moment. POULET ROTI ALFREDO (Darrell’s Dish) A comforting, creamy dream. The Alfredo sauce was rich but not overpowering, perfectly coating each bite of penne and tender, juicy chicken. Fresh herbs and a light dusting of parmesan elevated this to elegant comfort food at its best. French Onion Soup (Darrell’s Dish) A bowl of deep, slow-cooked onion richness, topped with a thick, golden, bubbling layer of gruyere cheese. Every spoonful was warm, hearty, and downright addictive. The kind of dish that reminds you why classic French cuisine never goes out of style. Black Manhattan (My Drink) A dark, brooding, and smooth classic cocktail—this wasn’t just a drink, it was an experience. The balance of whiskey, amaro, and bitters was smoky, slightly sweet, and complex, giving the perfect finishing touch to an already flawless dinner. Final Verdict: A Must-Visit Gem in Chicago If you’re in Chicago and love food that speaks to your soul, do yourself a favor—get a reservation at Bandol. The atmosphere, the service, and the culinary magic happening in that kitchen make this a top-tier, can’t-miss dining experience. Would I go back? Without hesitation. Would I recommend it? Only if you love incredible food. Bandol Chicago – where flavor, elegance, and pure culinary bliss come together in one unforgettable meal.