The Story
When Lettuce Entertain You opened Ambria in 1980 with Chef Gabino Sotelino, it was the restaurant group's first venture into true fine dining. The Belden-Stratford building's elegant setting became the backdrop for classical French cuisine elevated by Sotelino's sophisticated technique and warm, often humorous service.
Ambria quickly earned every accolade possible: four-star ratings, first-place Zagat honors, and the James Beard Perrier-Jouet Chef of the Midwest award for Sotelino in 1997. Chicago magazine later named it the seventh best restaurant in the city's history. Sotelino trained close to a thousand people during his 27-year tenure.
In 2007, Ambria served its final meal. 'It's bittersweet,' the team said. The restaurant closed on a high note, its reputation intact. (In 2019, a revival was announced via a partnership between Lettuce and the Alinea Group, but pandemic timing complicated those plans.)
🍽 Signature Dishes
Impeccable technique honoring French tradition
Multi-course celebrations of the chef's craft
💡 Did You Know?
- Sotelino is the 'Gabi' in the name of Mon Ami Gabi (another LEYE restaurant)
- Chicago magazine named Ambria the 7th best restaurant in Chicago history
- A 2019 revival was planned but complicated by the pandemic
👤 Notable People
🏙 What's There Now
Belden-Stratford building; revival planned but delayed [VERIFY current status]
Original Address: 2300 N. Lincoln Park West, Chicago, IL 60614