It’s official: Fig & Olive has arrived in Chicago, and Executive Chef Pascal Lorange is crafting dishes inspired by the coastal cuisines of Italy, Spain and the south of France. “Chicago has long been a food city, and niche-y, high-end Fig & Olive fits right into the diverse mix,” says Jennifer Olvera, author of Food Lovers’ Guide to Chicago. The city’s blend of ethnic neighborhoods, independent eateries and fine-dining destinations provides a fitting backdrop for a restaurant focused on Mediterranean flavors.
The menu highlights bright, ingredient-driven plates such as zucchini blossom and goat cheese ravioli and grilled rosemary lamb chops. Smaller plates include a fig and Gorgonzola tartlet featuring warm Gorgonzola, prosciutto, fig, walnut, arugula and tomato tucked into flaky puff pastry. Olive oil is central to the experience: every meal begins with freshly baked rosemary olive oil fougasse and a tasting of three extra virgin olive oils, allowing guests to appreciate nuanced flavors and pairings.
Beverage offerings are equally considered, with an extensive wine list that complements the Mediterranean-focused menu, artisan cocktails crafted to highlight botanical flavors, and a rotating selection of local craft beers on draft. The restaurant occupies a 10,000-square-foot, two-story space that blends retail and dining. The ground floor features a retail area stocked with specialty items, while upstairs provides a main dining room, private dining options, a bar and an open-air terrace.
Architectural and design touches reinforce the Mediterranean concept: live olive trees and a broad skylight create an airy, sunlit atmosphere that evokes a coastal setting. The combination of thoughtful food, curated beverages and a distinctive dining environment positions Fig & Olive as a destination for both special occasions and casual gatherings in Chicago.
With its emphasis on fresh olive oils, seasonally driven ingredients and a relaxed yet refined ambiance, Fig & Olive brings a taste of the Mediterranean coast to the Windy City—offering visitors and locals alike a place to explore familiar and new flavors in a welcoming, well-appointed setting.