Make the first decision here
- Separate mains and the smallest example subtotal: Gaijin.
- Vegetable-focused dishes to share: Avec West Loop.
- A pasta each: Monteverde.
- A shared chicken dinner: The Publican.
What the example orders cost
Figures are USD for two people, excluding drinks, dessert, tax and tip. Quantities differ; these are starting orders, not promised complete meals. The planning amount applies the posted charge to the food subtotal, not a final bill or gratuity calculation.
| Restaurant | Example food order | Food subtotal | Posted added charge | Planning amount before tax and tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gaijin | Tofu okonomiyaki $19, pork okonomiyaki $25, bok choy $10 | $54 | 3%: $1.62 | $55.62 |
| Avec West Loop | Hummus $14, deluxe focaccia $24, coal-roasted cabbage $32 | $70 | 3.5%: $2.45 | $72.45 |
| Monteverde | Cacio whey pepe $27, gnocchetti con pesto $29, larger Oma’s salad $19 | $75 | 4%: $3.00 | $78.00 |
| The Publican | Chicken $46, baby gem lettuce $17, breads $11, butter $2 | $76 | 3.5%: $2.66 | $78.66 |
Monteverde permits surcharge removal on request. Recheck prices before ordering; The Publican calls its dinner menu a sample.
Gaijin: when you each want to choose a main
One person wants tofu; the other wants pork. Gaijin gives that disagreement a straightforward answer without requiring two restaurants. Its Osaka-style okonomiyaki is a savory cabbage pancake, with a tofu version that includes mushrooms and spinach and a pork version with belly, bacon and bonito. Add the bok choy in the example order if you want something to share alongside them. Dinner menu.
The practical advantage is individual choice. Gaijin’s FAQ also confirms vegan options and a modified okonomiyaki preparation; discuss the necessary changes rather than assuming the standard order fits. You can reserve a table or chef’s-counter seat. Monday is the catch: the restaurant is closed. Add-ons can also nudge that modest starting subtotal upward.
950 W. Lake St., West Loop. Official booking link.
Avec West Loop: when the vegetables are the plan
Avec’s example order makes a case for choosing the vegetables first. Chickpea hummus comes with tahini, sumac and pita; deluxe focaccia brings taleggio, truffle oil and herbs; coal-roasted cabbage is paired with carrot tarator, cashews and vadouvan. That is a specific shared order with bread, cheese and a vegetable centerpiece, rather than a collection of side dishes chosen around a meat main. West Loop menu.
Choose it if you both enjoy building dinner together. If one diner wants an entirely separate plate, Monteverde or Gaijin makes that simpler. The authorized booking page lists communal and counter seating, a meaningful consideration if a private table is part of your plan. Strict dietary requirements still need a preparation check; listed ingredients do not settle every question.
615 W. Randolph St., West Loop. Reserve the West Loop location.
Monteverde: when sharing should stop at the salad
There is a useful compromise between “order everything together” and “keep your fork away”: share the salad, choose your own pasta. At Monteverde, cacio whey pepe pairs fusilloni with pecorino, lemon ricotta whey and four peppercorns. Gnocchetti con pesto takes another direction, with lemon ricotta, basil, pine nuts and Sardinian pecorino. The larger Oma’s Green Mountain Salad adds little gem lettuce, avocado and crunchy vegetables. Official food menu.
This is the choice for two people who want to compare plates without negotiating every dish. The restraint is in the calendar. Monteverde normally serves Tuesday through Saturday, with specific exceptions listed on its reservation page. Check those notices before tying dinner to the rest of your evening; an unusual service date can change which restaurant makes sense.
1020 W. Madison St., West Loop. Reservations and service notices.
The Publican: when dinner is built around one shared dish
The Publican takes some guesswork out of the shared-main decision: its chicken appears in the section of dishes intended to feed two or more. The listed order is a roasted half chicken with summer sausage and beef-fat frites. Our example adds baby gem lettuce, bread and butter. It is a clear starting plan for a pair who wants to build around meat; the sausage and cooking fat also explain why this order will not suit every diet. Sample dinner menu.
For a bigger commitment, the chef’s menu is $85 per person and requires the whole table to participate. For two, that is $170, or $175.95 after the published 3.5% supplement, before drinks, tax and tip. Confirm the day’s dishes: the posted menu may vary in the restaurant.
837 W. Fulton Market, Fulton Market. Authorized reservations.
Before you book
Check service days, especially for Sunday or Monday. Follow the official booking route and review the terms for your reservation; these links do not establish availability.
For shared orders, ask the server about portions and your appetite. Discuss any dietary preparation requirements too. Menu arithmetic helps with spending; it cannot settle those questions.
Choose the evening you actually want
Start with Gaijin for separate mains at the lower subtotal, Avec for shared vegetables, or Monteverde for a pasta each. The Publican gives you a shared chicken plan or a clear step up to a chef’s menu. Agree on dinner first; the bill is easier to discuss when you know what you are buying.
Researched October 13, 2026, using official locations, posted menus and restaurant-authorized booking information. These recommendations are based on research; we have not sampled these meals.