Mandrake

We decided to stop in for drinks and were not disappointed. The cocktails are amazing. The bartender is very personable. He suggested a Gin drink, and even though I don't typically like Gin, it was outstanding. We can't wait to return next week to try the food. The decor is moody and upscale, and feels like a comfortable speakeasy. Everyone is very nice and Talkative. The Mandrake is a wonderful addition to Geneva.

Mandrake is a `city experience` without going to the city. When we saw Mandrake on Instagram we decided to go there without hesitation. We made a reservation for Sunday evening but the place was not that busy as I would imagine on Friday and Saturday dinners. We were welcomed, our coats taken and we were seated right away. Restaurant decorations are awesome with branches and mirrors on the ceiling. Our server Austin explained to dishes to us and we got a bottle of white wine for starters. The selection is very pleasing and prices affordable , I was happy they got an awesome wine from Portugal. The plate positions are meant to be shared so we chose five and one dessert:

Chili Roasted Broccoli--for me usually broccolis are boring but this one was very delicious with a nice kick of chili and pine nuts dukkah.

Butternut Squash Arancini--we both agreed it was one of the best Arancini we have eaten. Ideal crispiness, well seasoned, served with lemon aioli was a perfect set.

Cornmeal dusted Skat Wing--that is a perfect fish for me and I was pleased to have a Skate Wing which is a superb tasting fish but not very popular, served with mushrooms and pickled cippolini was a perfect pairing for the wine!

Grilled Baby Octopus--very refreshing, light, ideal to finish the course.

Chia Panna Cota--an Italian stable and chia version, very warming yet subtle, ideal for the winter dessert.

We were told that Mandrake will be changing menu as the seasons come which is also a great information and understanding of farm to table concept. The dinner was great, service was great, atmosphere was great, we will definitely visit again!!

Lovely experience here tonight. Our server, Sarah, was excellent and the chef, Jared is kind, humble and going to be a star. I really hope they bring one to the city, although I like that this gem is in cute area where it’s a bit unexpected.

The ONLY thing I will say is I didn’t feel welcome by the man at the door, Adrian at all and neither did my friend. Judging by the attitude he exhibited he’s the one responding to unfavorable reviews here in a poor manner. In any case, I’ll be back.

Mandrake is an absolute winner and such a welcome addition to the region. This is small plates fine dining done right, while still accessible. We ordered four plates and a dessert and everything was incredible, bursting with lush flavors and textures, and portions were quite generous so we left stuffed.

Favorite dishes on the winter menu included the butternut squash arancini, the duck, and the boca negra chocolate cake with pomegranate ice cream, but everything was delicious. The cocktails were also very tasty and unique. The atmosphere is sexy and upscale but still cozy, and the service was perfect.

Of course, it’s not going to be for everyone and every occasion but no great restaurant should be. If you’ve been curious and wanting to check it out, don’t delay.

This place became one of my favourite restaurants. Delicious and special taste dishes 👍🏻. Amazing atmosphere. Professional staff.
I definitely recommend it 🫶🏻👍🏻

Our first time and we loved it. We’ll definitely be back. Our favorite was the lamb lollipops.

Lovely place with some of the best food we’ve had in awhile. We absolutely loved the decor and the concept with the seasonal menu, ensuring the best in every bite being served. The owner who was hosting was so humble and very pleasant with every interaction. We definitely will be back, it’s worth every penny. Wishing you guys all the continued success! Incredible food and experience. Thank you.

Super impressed with my first visit. Mandrake is a great addition to the Geneva area. I tried several plates and really enjoyed their wine recommendations. Their service is exceptional. Sara and Austin made our visit a very special one. I can’t wait to come back.

Had a lovely meal with a good friend. We enjoyed every dish and the service was great. We felt very welcome and will definitely be back!
For me the stand-outs were the risotto and the salmon.

They’ve done a great job with this place - ambiance, food, and service were all impeccable. Loved the decor and vibes. Food is fantastic, almost intimidating in how good it looks. Staff are very in tune with their tables and will be catering to you often. Portion sizes are great ESPECIALLY for the prices, very reasonable for the quality they put out. I’ve been twice now and have had their burrata, arancini, scallops, steak, and pork belly dishes. Very much looking forward to the spring menu but will miss the burrata and scallops dearly

We really could not have been more impressed. From the more complicated dishes like quail and foie gras, scallops, and lamb to the rice sitting below the chicken thigh everything was honestly perfect. The 40 year port for only $13 is also a steal! We ordered the whole menu which was perfect for the four of us to share. This place should be packed every night. There is somehow only one person cooking in back and it all still came out as good as it possibly could. We will be back!

Fantastic across the board! Great atmosphere, super convenient, delicious shareable small plates, and killer wine list.

The quality of the food is a level above anything else in the Western suburbs. Everything is elevated and classy without any pretentiousness or stuffiness.

The sommelier took the time to ask what dishes we were ordering to provide recommendations that would pair best with what we ordered and based on our likes/dislikes. That level of service is hard to find outside of downtown Chicago.

5/5, Geneva is lucky to have Mandrake

Delicious food and comfy atmosphere! Highly recommended! Will come again for sure!

There really isn't anything else like Mandrake in the suburbs. This is the sort of restaurant you expect to find in downtown Chicago, but without the hefty prices and long drive. Atmosphere is unbelievable, the staff extremely attentive, knowledgeable, and always smiling. The food, though, is the real star of the show. You place your order in full and the chef courses it out so that each plate comes out in perfect time and in a building experience that finishes with an epic dessert. We had the french cheese board, wagyu, salmon, octopus, risotto, grilled grapes, and the boca negra dessert.

Absolutely outstanding and can't wait to go back! Well done, Mandrake!

One of a kind gem tucked right here in the suburbs. Geneva couldn't be luckier to have Mandrake. Service was wonderful, and the plates were all well thought out and came to us in a beautiful succession. Can't wait to go enjoy the patio this summer.

Fantastic service. Small plates were exciting and well executed. Excellent wine pairings and cocktails wrapped it all up into a perfect evening. Highly recommended.

I couldn't have been more impressed with Mandrake. My husband and I frequently dine at incredible restaurants in Chicago and abroad. Good food and great restaurants are sort of our "thing". We have never seen this caliber of cooking and service outside of the Michelin starred places in major cities. The coursing was exceptional, and the flavor profiles and technique were impeccable. There's pedigree in that kitchen you won't find anywhere else in the suburbs. I would go so far as to rank it among the best in the Chicagoland area.

The service was punctual, knowledgeable, and extremely kind. We never ran out of water, the maitre de' (they actually have one here) was always walking around refilling glasses of wine and warmly chatting with the other customers. This restaurant even has a floor sommelier that talks you through wines to pair with your chosen courses.

We went through 7 courses and two bottles of wine for two people, and spent probably less than half we would've for the same food and service in downtown Chicago. Now we have a place less than 30 minutes away!

Well done, Mandrake. You've made these foodies extremely happy.

Outstanding new dining destination in Geneva. Enjoyed three courses plus dessert, will definitely be back and can't wait to bring friends out from the city.

We loved the atmosphere, the service and the food. Staff was so friendly and helpful. We really had a great Valentine’s dinner and will be back.

Excellent food, atmosphere. Service was very good and better than expected for being open less than a week. We will definitely be back frequently.