Gilda
★ 4.5 · 25 reviews Chicago Opened July 2026
Chicago's first Basque tavern, pintxos and all
Gilda calls its cooking dirty Basque: the pintxo counter and cider-house habits of San Sebastián, done with a heavier hand. Chefs Jeremy Leven, Rafael Esparza and Anthony Baier opened it on West Chicago Avenue in July 2026, the city's first tavern built around the format.
The counter carries the small skewered bites the name refers to. Past that the kitchen moves into bigger plates, lamb albondigas and gambas tossed through pasta among them. Seating is communal and tight, closer to a bar you eat at than a dining room you book.
What guests say
Reviews by Google-
lisa c 27 reviews · Local Guide 6 September 2026
the food was outstanding. Had the croquettes, tuna, tomato salad, deviled eggs, boquerones, bavette.....wine pours were generous and went perfectly with the meal. Quality of ingredients were superb. Love this place.
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Sarah Van Druten 8 reviews 4 September 2026
Incredible, unique, delicious dishes that taste like an elevated home-cooked meal. The hospitality, atmosphere, and overall vibe are spot on and I can’t wait to come back.
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Seth Bernstein 13 reviews · Local Guide September 2026
Gilda is Chicago’s second (partially) Basque restaurant, and it’s an absolutely phenomenal addition to Chicago’s food scene. It’s both elevated and casual at the same time. It’s also a little authentic, a little Midwestern, and a little creative — which is why the team calls the restaurant “Dirty Basque” and not just Basque. Most of all, it’s extremely delicious, and it’s a local restaurant helmed by great local folks striking out on their own. At Gilda, Mondays will be a fully walk-in pintxos night, while Thursday through Sunday will have pintxos at the bar and a full dinner menu alongside it in the dining room. HIGHLY recommend a visit before it’s impossible to get in. But, also, because it’s important to support restaurants like this wholeheartedly.
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Camille de Haro 5 reviews September 2026
Gilda is an amazing addition to the Chicago restaurant scene. The past 2 times I visited, the vibes were great, bustling and buzzing which made it very reminiscent of a tavern you would find on every corner in Spain. The food is fun and delicious, and the staff is great. Liz was super sweet, and helped me snag a seat at the bar. Gilda will definitely be taking a spot in my usual restaurant rotation.
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Brenden Ali Zarrinnam 8 reviews · Local Guide 30 August 2026
Tremendous basque culinary experience, knowledgeable servers and fantastic food with high quality ingredients. Transports you straight into Parte Vieja, San Sebastián
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