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Moto Restaurant Reviews List

Moto Restaurant

Moto features a chef's degustation menu nightly. The menu is designed by notable chefs Homaro Cantu, Ben Roche, and Richie Farina. Wine pairings are available for an additional charge.
See more Moto Restaurant details
92 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall 
4.5 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.5 / 5
(92 Reviews)
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Breakdown 92 reviews
5 stars
(60)
4 stars
(25)
3 stars
(3)
2 stars
(2)
1 star
(2)
Food 
4.6 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.6 / 5
Service 
4.6 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.6 / 5
Ambiance 
4.1 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.1 / 5
Noise Level
1.5 / 3
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
  • fit for foodies(80)
  • special occasion(74)
  • romantic(39)
  • notable wine list(33)
  • hot spot(14)
  • neighborhood gem(8)
Moto Restaurant Reviews List
Review 1 for Moto Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Great restaurant

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/18/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Visit to Moto was highlight of our trip to Chicago. Can't recommend it enough - food, service and customer care are top notch. We went with wine pairings, which were spot on."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 2 for Moto Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Magical contrast

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/15/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"My girlfriend and I went to Moto to celebrate our 2 years of dating. The service was better than what you see in movies. The food was amazing. The food was constantly changing, nothing was similar or the same taste repeating. It was contrasting and extremely imaginative, and fun. It made for a great memory and a lot of fun."
Dined on 5/15/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 3 for Moto Restaurant
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/15/2013
Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"It was supposed to be a birthday dinner and the restaurant never brought a candle cake!"
Dined on 5/15/2013
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Review 4 for Moto Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/04/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"GREAT MEAL!!! absolutely no complaints on the food...and would definitely come back. presentation was awesome as well. Other thoughts...1) reservation was accidentally cancelled due to having the same first and last name reserved at the same time 2) waiter stated that English breakfast was one of the tea options which I ordered (needed caffeine) however a different tea was poured. He stated that they didnt have that tea available however confused why he would have given me that option in the first place. I didn't feel like he took responsibility for bringing the wrong beverage. good tea either way. 3) There was also an accent barrier and hard to comprehend during meal descriptions"
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 5 for Moto Restaurant
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

An experience one should try once

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/11/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"Overall, I enjoyed my experience at Moto. That said, is it worth the price of entry? IMO, no. The food was very good overall. Some dishes were fabulous (all desserts, lamb 3-ways), others just average (cherry smoked fish). I knew what I was getting into before making the reservation. Perhaps my expectations were still a bit too high. We sat in the basement, and there were 4 parties with 14 people total. The acoustics were horrible with 4 hard walls and no soft fabrics to absorb. So the noise level rapidly increased. Upstairs was definitely quieter as we left despite the place being almost full. But I have to say that the service was extremely attentive, and the servers were very polite."
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 6 for Moto Restaurant
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Will go again

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/08/2013
Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"My dad and i went to moto to celebrate my last night in Chicago, and moto definitely matched up to our expectations. The services was great and so was the food, will go again."
Dined on 5/08/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 7 for Moto Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

High end dinner experience

Customer Avatar
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/03/2013
Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Incredible dining experience. Wonderful wait staff. Very attentive. Worth the expensive price. Awesome each course presentation."
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 8 for Moto Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

One of the greatest dining

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"One of the greatest dining experiences I've had. Four hours long, delicious food, and the presentations were just stunning. Probably not for everyone but if the web site intrigues you it's an amazing, unique experience."
Dined on 04/12/2013
 2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 9 for Moto Restaurant
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

An epicurious weekend in Chicago

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"We flew to Chicago for a long weekend and our main goal was good food. We were excited to try "molecular gastronomy" at Moto after researching all the best places to eat. Without getting into specifics on each course the overall presentation and variety of courses was very nice. Presentation was everything from elaborate serving apparatus and exquisite table service. The actual food itself was not as good as I expected. There wasn't one thing we had that we said "we have to have that again." Usually when we do a tasting menu (like the next night when we went to Everest) we comment on the merits of each course and wonder how it was prepared and wish we could make it at home. It didn't happen here. It was interesting and worth trying."
Dined on 04/12/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 10 for Moto Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Excellent-- top notch. Will

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Excellent-- top notch. Will definitely be back"
Dined on 03/27/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
0points
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Review 11 for Moto Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Food service was excellent

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Food service was excellent as was the food quality and inventiveness. I am a novice in the fine food/wine category and although the wine was also good, I did not know what kind of questions to ask and the sommelier didn't offer any details on the choice of pairings other than the name of the wine and where it was from. Would've been nice to receive some unsolicited details such as reason for that pairing, flavors, etc."
Dined on 04/06/2013
 2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 12 for Moto Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Outstanding culinary experience.

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Outstanding culinary experience. An exceptional pleasure for all 5 senses (yes, we did occasionally use our fingers during this 12 course meal). A must in Chicago. Great quality of service, prompt greeting (and most appreciated farewell) on the street, outside the restaurant.
Only one strange point (I would not say negative, though) : the waiters look more like bodyguards than, well, waiters, with their business suits, ties and earpieces...
We wish to repeat the experience ... And will definitely recommend Moto to all our friends ans family who visit Chicago."
Dined on 03/23/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
+1point
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Review 13 for Moto Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Exciting and creative meny

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Exciting and creative meny served with elegance. Personal and skilled staff"
Dined on 03/22/2013
 2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 14 for Moto Restaurant
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Elegant and unusual presentation.

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Elegant and unusual presentation. a little copycat to some of the other restaurants in the same model. but tastes generally were unusual and well set off, wine pairings surprising in some cases but well-selected."
Dined on 03/20/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, romantic, special occasion
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Review 15 for Moto Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

A Wonderful Experience

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"This was truly an extra special dining experience, really beautifully constructed tastes but with an element of fun too. The staff were an amazingly efficient team, as well as being friendly and engaging. The wine pairings were especially perfect. My only request would be some additional palette cleansers in the menu, some courses lingered into the next."
Dined on 03/16/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
0points
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Review 16 for Moto Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

The Best of Chicago

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Absolutely awesome. Our meal was a fabulous journey and we completely enjoyed the creative presentations as well as the amazing and delicious creations - you never knew was was coming next! I would recommend to include the wine pairings - that was a journey around the world too - from the USA to France to South Africa to New Zealand to Japan - extremely creative, romantic, and fun. The Chef went out of his way to accommodate our dietary restrictions (no pork or shellfish).
To cap off our anniversary evening, Chef gave us a tour of the kitchen and their micro-garden. All I can say is ---- wow! This is a must see if you are in or visiting Chicago."
Dined on 03/16/2013
 2010
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 17 for Moto Restaurant
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Excellent food, presentation

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Excellent food, presentation and staff. The ambience is very sterile however. Felt like we were in church."
Dined on 03/14/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 18 for Moto Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Bravo!

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Hands down best meal of my life. Bravo!"
Dined on 03/01/2013
 2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
0points
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Review 19 for Moto Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Amazing experience! Each

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Amazing experience! Each course is like a piece of art. Food was excellent!"
Dined on 03/01/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 20 for Moto Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

The servers are very knowledgable

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"The servers are very knowledgable about the food--where it came from, how it's prepared, everything. It's was the most amazing dining experience I've ever had :-)"
Dined on 03/02/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 21 for Moto Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

The presentation of the food

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"The presentation of the food was outstanding and the service was top notch. The portion sizes were perfect...the 13 courses left me satisfied, but not stuffed. Be prepared to stay awhile as the dinner lasted three hours."
Dined on 03/02/2013
 2003
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 22 for Moto Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Every dish carefully composed,

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
"Every dish carefully composed, and uniquely presented with a mix of elegance and whimsy. The wines paired with each course were inspired choices. The lovely dining room is designed simply, so that the dishes in front of you are the main attraction."
Dined on 03/02/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 23 for Moto Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Worth Every Penny

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"My second time at Moto was as amazing as my first. The food is incredible- true artistry in the conception, execution and presentation of the dishes. It's also incredibly playful and fun. I'd suggest getting the wine progression, a wonderful variety from producers I've rarely/never run into, and creative pairings, including a sake & a sour beer. The sommelier, Miranda, is lovely and wonderful- she tailored the amount of information on each selection to the interests of the table.
Dinner was a birthday present for my cook brother, and Dan, who called ahead about our reservation, was fantastic- knew his name when we arrived & arranged a kitchen tour where we met & chatted with Chef Richie.
Among the best dining experiences of my life."
Dined on 02/23/2013
 2008
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 24 for Moto Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

What an incredible experience.

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"What an incredible experience. Each course was beautifully presented- most in very original manners. The "river" course was served in a glass box with river bed stones where they smoked the salmon, trout, and sturgeon. you ate them out of the glass box with chop sticks.
Verv pricy but well worth the money. Service was top notch."
Dined on 02/23/2013
 2001
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 25 for Moto Restaurant
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Foodie experience

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Basically a great food experience but experience it once and no need to so it again. Our 15 courses were about 30 spoonfuls of food served over 2.5 hours. The wine pairings were cool, interesting, diverse but hit and miss. I loved the experience it found the $750 price for 2 people a little much."
Dined on 02/22/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 26 for Moto Restaurant
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Interesting Experience, but...

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"The Moto experience lasts about 3 hours. The food is presented in several courses, about 12. Each course has morsel-sized portions of interesting taste combinations. For example, there might be six bites or teaspoon size servings on a plate. Tasty, interesting, but nothing you sink your teeth into. The presentation is as much of the experience as is the food -- large terrariums with bunches of vines and spices, rocks and a few pieces of fish, for example. One notable concern is that many of the waiters do not speak English clearly, and speak very rapidly. That, combined with exotic descriptions that are not "every day" makes for a trying time if you truly want to understand what they are saying. Plan on $500+ for two people."
Dined on 02/16/2013
 2012
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 27 for Moto Restaurant
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Very good service. Was cool

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Very good service. Was cool to see the food being prepped downstairs. First course tasting "preview" was unique and witty. Had a great experience overall. It's a long tasting menu so be prepared to sit down for close to 4 hours."
Dined on 02/15/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 28 for Moto Restaurant
Overall rating 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5

Their service was so poor.

Food 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Service 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Ambiance 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Their service was so poor. we were waiting the coat for 20 min and coat was so cold and they did not say any word. and they took 20% service charge. It was terrible."
Dined on 02/16/2013
 2011
-1point
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Review 29 for Moto Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Absolutely without question,

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Absolutely without question, the best meal I have ever had.
Also, probably the most pricey, just be forewarned."
Dined on 02/16/2013
 2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 30 for Moto Restaurant
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

My husband and I went to Moto

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"My husband and I went to Moto for Valentine's Day. The service is incredible, our waiter was very attentive and helpful. It was a wonderful experience, perfect for a special occasion."
Dined on 02/14/2013
 2010
Special Features: special occasion
0points
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Review 31 for Moto Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Everything was delicious and

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"Everything was delicious and beautifully presented. Our server was a bit nervous, but very knowledgeable. Seems normal pricing is a bit high, but our Valentine's Day special menu with wine pairings was not bad at $200."
Dined on 02/14/2013
 2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 32 for Moto Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Valentine's Day Eve

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"A superb dining experience and a must for any Chicago foodie. The food was delicious, the parings were spectacular. My only complaint is that staff seemed a bit unpolished. Normally, the wait staff is mature and refined, I felt they were slightly young and uncultured/nervous."
Dined on 02/14/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 33 for Moto Restaurant
Overall rating 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5

Complete Waste of Money

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Ambiance 
1 / 5
(Poor) 1 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"When I made reservations, my wife and I were very excited to go. We went with another couple planned this dinner six weeks in advance. The plating of the food was good and the service was polite.
It was a unique experience, but coupled wine pairing it is $700 a couple. That is a tremendous amount of money for food that no one at our table described as better than "good". While I understand that the food is unique I "liked" less than half the courses. I left extremely disappointed and will never return.
Make sure to ask to sit away from the door. We were seated at a large booth two away from the door and had a chill of cold air every time the door was opened.
They did provide a kitchen tour we requested w our reservation."
Dined on 01/12/2013
 2012
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Review 34 for Moto Restaurant
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

Overall, this was a very”

Food 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Overall, this was a very” different” experience. The food they present is like art Work that is edible. Something to keep in mind however is that the potion sizes they serve are tiny. You definitely won't get your moneys worth in regards to the amount of food they are serving. This place is more about the presentation of the food."
Dined on 02/09/2013
 2010
Special Features: special occasion
0points
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Review 35 for Moto Restaurant
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Expensive. Overhyped.

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"I'm not sure what I expected walking into Moto, but I left disappointed. It's the epicenter of molecular gastronomy, which uses science to create new ways to prepare food. I love the idea and have enjoyed meals at other (less expensive) restaurants who use these techniques. I was quite surprised that there was little science involved in the creation of our 15 course tasting menu. The menu is full of imaginative ideas (i.e. venison 7 ways - including tartar, jerky and cured), but nothing that seemed of the calibre I expected. And certainly nothing worth $700 (for 2 including pairings). I was honestly relieved when our meal ended (make your own "brownies" that was a sweet brown mess of ick). Then we stopped for a buger on our way home."
Dined on 02/09/2013
 2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 36 for Moto Restaurant
Overall rating 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5

Off night; still glad we went

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Ambiance 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"I think we hit it on a bad night because service was off in several noticeable ways. Rather than dwell on that, I will say the courses ranged from really good to great. The most savory items and the desserts were what really shined.
I think what I was most disappointed with was the lack of detail given to us about each course. We were told what each course was very quickly and succinctly, but only a few times did we receive details of the molecular gastronomy involved. If we had had a menu to refer to before the meal or during it would have helped (guessing they don't do the edible menu anymore?).
We still had a nice time and enjoyed the experience because it was interesting and the pairings were good."
Dined on 02/09/2013
 2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 37 for Moto Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

As good as Alinea

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Moderate
Moderate
"I thought my meal at Moto last night was as good as Alinea a couple weeks ago. The progression of the tasting menu was just excellent and there was not one course I did not enjoy. The idea of starting with a tasting of the tasting menu was so clever and fun. The final Baking 101 course was also fun, and so tasty too. Pastry Chef Claire Crenshaw is creating some incredibly elegant desserts. The study of venison was amazing, an incredible interpretation of the animal. A few other favorite bites were a potato macaron with lemon creme fraiche and the first blanc de blancs fish course. Moto is not as wild in its techniques as I expected. The real craziness is at ING next door. Moto is definitely more refined, along the lines of Alinea or Grace."
Dined on 02/09/2013
 2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 38 for Moto Restaurant
Overall rating 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5

The Foody world is a strange place

Food 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
2 / 5
(Fair) 2 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Interesting concept but overall I think the praise I have read about the food at this spot has been written by folk who suffer from "the kings suit of clothes" syndrome.
The waiter was really attentive and polite but came over a little too much like an actor than a waiter. We chose to have the wine recommendation for every course,the sommelier knew her stuff and that was fun if a tad on the pricey side.
I would recommend the place, but only because I know a lot of posers for whom MOTO would be right up their street. 769 bucks .. they would love it!
I am not knocking the cost, my friend and I both knew what range to expect.
"
Dined on 01/29/2013
 2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 39 for Moto Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Moto is a must!

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
"Absolutely magnificent experience. Food is very tasty as well as artfully constructed. Service is excellent, knowledgeable staff."
Dined on 01/26/2013
 2006
Special Features: great for outdoor dining
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Review 40 for Moto Restaurant
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

While the food was quite impressive

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Energetic
Energetic
"While the food was quite impressive, with such concentrated flavors! We felt at this level of dining, for the price, the staff has some work to improve upon. The coats were stored in non-heated space, not on hangers; I was handed 2 coats to chose from, both were not mine. For my fiancee's bday, I was told an edible menu with his name on it was included, but never arrived, nor any special gesture to highlight his birthday AT ALL. Plus after several phone calls to discuss dietary restrictions, nothing was apparently communicated to staff, so we had to answer questions all over again, at the table, which was not enjoyable. Other diners were in gym shoes and athletic t-shirts, which made the experience too casual, plus space was noisy."
Dined on 01/26/2013
 2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 41 for Moto Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

Still going strong

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"Second time visiting and they really lived up to all it expectations. Last time the emphasis was more on the show. This time the emphasis was on ingredients but still with some amazing presentations.
Will definitely be back!"
Dined on 01/23/2013
 2009
Special Features: kid-friendly, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 42 for Moto Restaurant
Overall rating 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5

If you ever dreamed of being

Food 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Service 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Ambiance 
5 / 5
(Outstanding) 5 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"If you ever dreamed of being a judge on the show Iron Chef, well this is your chance! the restaurant has a very Zen like feel: quiet, tasteful, relaxing. We chose the tasting menu with 20 items and wine pairings. each mini entre was like edible art. It was as if the Iron chef was given unlimited time to prepare something extravagant to please his guests. We found ourselves truly excited to see what the chef would send out next! How do you create wine pairings for 20 entres? well they did it and for the most part, did it well. While we clearly had some favorites of the 20 mini entres, we enjoyed all of them. In particular, the presentation for the smoked fish called "the River" was incredible. An unforgettable experience."
Dined on 01/23/2013
 2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 43 for Moto Restaurant
Overall rating 
4 / 5
(Very Good) 4 / 5

very expensive. 15 course

Food 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Service 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Ambiance 
3 / 5
(Good) 3 / 5
Noise Level
Quiet
Quiet
"very expensive. 15 course meal, servers seem to be in a hurry to explain what the course was. presentations were creative, wine pairings were good. value of experience wasn't there."
Dined on 01/17/2013
 2006
Special Features: fit for foodies
+1point
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Moto Restaurant
Based on the average of (49) ratings-only reviews
Overall 
4.7 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.7 / 5
5 out of 5 recommend this product
Food 
4.7 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.7 / 5
Service 
4.8 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.8 / 5
Ambiance 
4.3 / 5
(Outstanding) 4.3 / 5
Noise Level
1.5 / 3
Moderate