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Red Violet Reviews List
Red Violet
Red Violet is the first major, affordable upscale, Chinese-Themed dining establishment in downtown Chicago in 15 years. Red Violet is a new "modern Chinese" restaurant and lounge, offering the first true, affordable upscale Chinese restaurant option to the bustling River North neighborhood in downtown Chicago.
Red Violet's sibling is the popular Niu Japanese Fusion Lounge, located in River East.
Red Violet features a stunning-but not intimating 250 seat dining room with an emphasis on clean lines and modern design fused with traditional Chinese elements and antiques, plus an elegant bar/lounge area.
Red Violet delivers inventive Chinese fare with an unrivaled menu that fuses together the most authentic Chinese influences with contemporary elements, like foie gras and black truffle. The menu mainly focuses on Sichuan, Shanghai, and Beijing cuisine. Non-spicy stir-fries and sides, plus vegetarian options are also available.
See more Red Violet details
Red Violet's sibling is the popular Niu Japanese Fusion Lounge, located in River East.
Red Violet features a stunning-but not intimating 250 seat dining room with an emphasis on clean lines and modern design fused with traditional Chinese elements and antiques, plus an elegant bar/lounge area.
Red Violet delivers inventive Chinese fare with an unrivaled menu that fuses together the most authentic Chinese influences with contemporary elements, like foie gras and black truffle. The menu mainly focuses on Sichuan, Shanghai, and Beijing cuisine. Non-spicy stir-fries and sides, plus vegetarian options are also available.
58 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Rating Breakdown 58 reviews
5 stars
(19)
4 stars
(20)
3 stars
(15)
2 stars
(3)
1 star
(1)
Food
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.1
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- fit for foodies(27)
- good for groups(21)
- neighborhood gem(20)
- romantic(14)
- special occasion(11)
- great for lunch(10)
Red Violet Reviews List
Review 1 for Red Violet
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Red Violet Vs. Red Curry
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Food was wonderful! Just be careful to ask questions as some of the items are spicy"
Dined on 5/10/2013
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Review 2 for Red Violet
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great find
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We've been coming to red violet for about a year and love the food. This place is great overall and highly recommend."
Dined on 5/06/2013
Special Features: good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 3 for Red Violet
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Pleasant tasty food, but nothing about the evening was exceptional, we had to go thru 3 wine request to find a selection that wasn't out of stock??"
Dined on 5/04/2013
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Review 4 for Red Violet
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
It was good, not great. And
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"It was good, not great. And in that area--so restaurant heavy--you can't afford to be good. You need to be great. Service was attentive without overbearing."
Dined on 04/27/2013
2003
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Review 5 for Red Violet
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Took a friend here for a special
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Took a friend here for a special lunch and she was completely wow'd. She had the lunch special and loved every aspect of it from the way it looked to the way it tasted. I had the wok-seared pork dumplings to start and then enjoyed the shrimp fried rice. We both ordered this heavenly dessert -- it was chocolate cake, served in a bowl with a creamy pudding on top then covered by a thin layer of hard chocolate. When served, it comes with hot fudge which is poured on top and melts through the hard chocolate making it slightly easier to eat the dessert. I thought I would leave with a food coma. The entire bill, including hot tea and coffee with dessert, came to about $25 per person before tip."
Dined on 04/26/2013
2002
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem
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Review 6 for Red Violet
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Excellent First Impression
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"A group of 4 of us went for lunch. The ambience of the restaurant was really nice. The service was excellent. We did not have to ask for anything as everything we needed was provided before we had to ask. The waiter was very knowledgeable about the entrees and drinks, even the glassware that our beverages were served in. The food was excellent. The prices were great. You can have a business lunch or a romantic dinner at this restaurant. The desserts were absolutely heavenly. I will definitely go back to Red Violet. It was a wonderful experience overall and it was mFiry first visit."
Dined on 04/24/2013
2012
Special Features: good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 7 for Red Violet
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The food was delicious. We
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was delicious. We had a large party for a birthday and our server was very patient with us. I do appreciated there was a separate gluten free menu for my dietary needs."
Dined on 04/20/2013
2007
Special Features: good for groups, special occasion
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Review 8 for Red Violet
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
The food was really delicious.
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The food was really delicious. I ordered the tuna tartare on taro chips and I could have eaten an entire tub of that tuna - it was really good."
Dined on 04/07/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, hot spot
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Review 9 for Red Violet
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
I booked this for my daughter'rs
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I booked this for my daughter'rs 18th birthday and called the restaurant myself. I was assured flowers and a cake were available and that I would not need to supply same. I also requested a cake when i made the open table reservation. I received a call the day of the reservation--Aprl 6--to be told no cake and no flowers. The staff apparently did find some flowers, but no cake--altho they made a nice presentation re a normal dessert, which was fun. The person I spoke to on the phone did not comnvey the message to the manager and as a result, the things I asked for were not done. I would not recommend this resturant"
Dined on 04/06/2013
2006
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Review 10 for Red Violet
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Red Violet has become one
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Red Violet has become one of our regular destinations. Food is always very good. Great decor and very friendly service. I recommend it."
Dined on 03/30/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 11 for Red Violet
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Our new favorite Chinese place
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We were amount those who were disappointed when our favorite Chinese restaurant, Ben Pao, was replaced by a celebrity Italian place. This was our first visit to Red Violet and we have a new favorite Chinese place. Very different style and menu than Ben Pao, but as good or better in executing what they do. Although they have a list of classic (cliche?) Chinese-American dishes, the good stuff is on their "modern Chinese" menu. The Wonton Soup was extremely flavorful with beautifully made dumplings. Imperial Hot and Sour Soup is top notch.The Sha Cha Shrimp was different - a spicy dry rub rather than a sauce. Delicious! We also had Red Snapper with the sauce from the Red Chili Chicken - also outstanding. Only the fried rice was rather ordinary"
Dined on 03/30/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 12 for Red Violet
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Our server made the experience
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Our server made the experience extra amazing. Would def come back again"
Dined on 03/25/2013
2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, special occasion, scenic view, great for lunch
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Review 13 for Red Violet
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The concenpt is perfect but
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The concenpt is perfect but the food needs a touch of excitement. Cocktails are great but the menu needs attention. Servers are friendly and helpful. Hostess needs training. Seldoms asks to hang coats. Seated me facing the kitchen door when restaurant was half empty as it was a Monday night."
Dined on 03/25/2013
2003
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Review 14 for Red Violet
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great great great
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Great restaurant. Great food. My wife really enjoyed the whole lobster. Will definitely return"
Dined on 03/23/2013
2009
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, great for lunch
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Review 15 for Red Violet
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Red Violet by Zach and Taina
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Not going to change your life if you are an Asian food person, but adequate for a nice night out. Good hybrid of old and new world tastes. Tries a bit too hard."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem
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Review 16 for Red Violet
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Service and food are fine
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Service and food are fine but a bit pricey for Chinese food."
Dined on 03/09/2013
2008
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Review 17 for Red Violet
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Foodies and Vegetarians!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I'm a vegetarian and they had a fantastic special vegetarian menu. Service was terrific, the place is beautiful. I enjoy taking out of towners there for a long evening out."
Dined on 03/07/2013
2004
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, hot spot
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Review 18 for Red Violet
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Awesome Peking duck
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We found this place in our way to another and decided to try it out. The food was fantastic and the staff was on top of it. I will definitely be returning. I highly recommend the Peking duck and the calamari."
Dined on 03/07/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, hot spot
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Review 19 for Red Violet
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Love this place. This is
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Love this place. This is the second time I have gone and I love it every time. They have a vegetarian/vegan menu in addition to their regular menu. Its quality chinese. I definitely recommend it. It is never super busy and the dining area appears pretty small..."
Dined on 02/23/2013
2009
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Review 20 for Red Violet
Overall rating
(Fair)
2
/
5
Probably wont be open for
Food
(Fair)
2
/
5
Service
(Fair)
2
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Probably wont be open for much longer."
Dined on 03/01/2013
2010
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Review 21 for Red Violet
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Red Violet turned out to be
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Red Violet turned out to be a great option for more upscale Chinese cuisine. The decor had a trendy twist. The food was fantastic. A huge draw was the fact that the menu had both xiao long bao (soup dumplings) and peking duck. The duck was phenomenal! Will definitely be going back."
Dined on 02/10/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic
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Review 22 for Red Violet
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Overall, the experience was
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Overall, the experience was good. No complaints on the service whatsoever. It was a Thursday at 730 and the entire restaurant was basically empty. For being an Asian restaurant, most of the food was quite bland. Nothing was properly flavored. Either it was bland or spicy. We ordered the tuna tacos which I thought was the winner of the evening. Other items ordered were Chinese buns filled with Spinach and Mushrooms. I thought they were ok, others liked them a lot. I feel like it needed a dipping sauce. Dan Dan noodles and Tofu fried rice was good, I've had better. Halibut also was just right. I had a pear martini and that was delish. If I came back, it would either be for pre dinner drink or late night. Overall...meh!"
Dined on 02/28/2013
2011
Special Features: good for groups
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Review 23 for Red Violet
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Food/service was good -- (chocolate
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Food/service was good -- (chocolate) dessert was my favorite thing of the evening - kudos to the pastry chef!"
Dined on 02/27/2013
2011
Special Features: fit for foodies, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic
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Review 24 for Red Violet
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great food all the way around,
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great food all the way around, from the spring rolls, to the hot & sour soup and the red snapper. Dessert was fabulous too - the chocolate creme cake."
Dined on 02/25/2013
2010
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Review 25 for Red Violet
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance was nice. Food was
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Ambiance was nice. Food was good. Waitstaff was helpful and pleasant. Nothing particularly "modern" about their Chinese food."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2004
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Review 26 for Red Violet
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Best Chinese food I've had
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Best Chinese food I've had ever."
Dined on 02/16/2013
2012
Special Features: vibrant bar scene, fit for foodies, good for groups, late-night find, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Review 27 for Red Violet
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Good for dinner, even on Tuesday
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"I brought cousins in from Toronto there on a recommendation from a colleague. It was very good, although quiet on a Tuesday night. I hope they get more business, because the food and value is great."
Dined on 02/12/2013
2008
Special Features: good for groups, notable wine list
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Review 28 for Red Violet
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Same group that brought us
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"Same group that brought us the Niu Japanese Fusion Lounge at 332 East Illinois Street. Visited on a quiet Wednesday night. Intriguing menu and an engaging waiter made for a great night."
Dined on 02/06/2013
2008
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 29 for Red Violet
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
we have been to red violet
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Quiet
"we have been to red violet four times in the last four months.
the food is varied and interesting. The seasonings are each specific to the dish; no cookie cutter approach to cooking. we have never had a bad soup, appetizer, or entree. we don't eat desserts--so no comment.
there is an extensive drink list. those that prefer tea will be rewarded by the choice of teas and the presentation of the tea.
the decor is lovely.
most importantly, although there is background music, we have always been able to talk easily when there.
Heads up: we go early in the evening; I have heard it is a very lively place later."
the food is varied and interesting. The seasonings are each specific to the dish; no cookie cutter approach to cooking. we have never had a bad soup, appetizer, or entree. we don't eat desserts--so no comment.
there is an extensive drink list. those that prefer tea will be rewarded by the choice of teas and the presentation of the tea.
the decor is lovely.
most importantly, although there is background music, we have always been able to talk easily when there.
Heads up: we go early in the evening; I have heard it is a very lively place later."
Dined on 01/27/2013
2007
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic
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Review 30 for Red Violet
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
The Dim Sum Brunch was a delightful
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The Dim Sum Brunch was a delightful surprise at an unbelievable price! We loved every delicious bite and the Cucumber Vodka Bloody Mary's are a must. The upbeat new age music complemented the beautiful and fresh decor and the service staff were attentive, pleasant and timely. This was our first visit and we will definitely return soon!"
Dined on 01/20/2013
2005
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, romantic, special occasion, hot spot
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Ratings-Only Reviews for Red Violet
Based on the average of (28) ratings-only reviews
Overall
(Very Good)
3.8
/
5
2 out of 2 recommend this product
Food
(Very Good)
3.9
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
3.7
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate