Arun's Restaurant

We ate at Arun's on a Sunday at 5 PM and the restaurant was very quiet, which made the experience even better. The outside is very plain but when you come inside you will be quite pleased with the atmosphere. We had 4 servers taking care of us throughout our 3 hour experience. We had a strict vegetarian with us and she was very happy with all her dishes. 2 of us wanted spicey and 2 wanted mild and they always were clear on which dishes had the spicey or mild sauces. We were asked if we had any preferences were told they could easily substitute something else for the fish or any of the meats. Parking was easy and we were told there is valet parking on Fridays and Saturdays. The 12 courses were delicious and the presentation was amazing. Lots of little extra touches of flowers made out of veggies. We were given fresh silverware with each course. The goldfish made out of carrots were such a fun touch and the waiter asked if we would like to take them home and he placed them in a carryout container with water. I have already recommended this place to so many people. Allow lots of time and let it be your only experience that night, don't try to squeeze it in when you have tickets or a tight schedule. Sit back and enjoy this fantastic food experience! Bring a camera and be sure to take photos of each course. The staff even offered to take pictures of us too. Pros: Great service and presentation. more

For the price I paid, I expect exceptional, unique food, attention to detail and excellent service. I also expect to be served all my courses. I arrived with a group of 4 and asked for a menu so we would know what would be served to us. I was told by a waiter that they would verbal describe it when they serve each dish. The set $85 price includes 6 appetizers, 4 entrees (served family style) and 2 deserts. Unfortunately the staff at Arun?s is unable to count up to 12 and missed serving us one of the courses all together. The service was disorganized. We didn?t have a primary waiter but different people bringing out each course. There were times when the food would come out but we had no utensils or plates. When I initially was seated, there are these beautiful plates set out. The staff promptly removed them since they were just for show and never came back with any plates or utensil. Our first course came out and we had nothing to eat it on or with. Pros: Decor is nice Cons: Horrible Service! more

I just left arun and felt extremely compelled to share my review. The 12-course tasting was by far one of the worst meals I've ever had. My dining partner, who is a classically trained chef, said the food was no better than what you would eat at a food court. Nothing tasted fresh, many items were soggy, and some were spiced so much that the flavors masked the integrity of the food. As I paid the bill, I felt completely ripped off. Never, never go there. (I should have known upon seeing all the restaurant's empty seats when we entered the establishment). Pros: Good service Cons: Terrible food more

So if you want to go for really fancy thai food, this is the place. Imagine impeccable service, great... more

So if you want to go for really fancy thai food, this is the place. Imagine impeccable service, great gourmet food (read: small serving), unique t... more

I have heard about this restaurant over the years and after seeing it listed in the book ""1000 Places to See Before You Die"", I made a reservation. It was the worst meal. I could have ordered from my neighborhood thai restuarant and thoroughly enjoyed myself and saved $270.00. The presentation is lovely but if the food doesn't taste fresh, what is the point of carving carrots for hours to look like Nemo. I would rather spend my money at Nomi, Shanghai Terrace or Le Colonial. I felt really bad for the staff. They were very attentive and nice but seem unaware of the horrible food. Pros: nice servers Cons: awful food, very bright - needs dimmer more

According to Zagat ratings, Arun's is the only 5-star Thai restaurant in the United States. How lucky we... more

According to Zagat ratings, Arun's is the only 5-star Thai restaurant in the United States. How lucky we are to have this magnificent restaurant... more

When my parents were visiting, my husband and I wanted to take them to the best restaurants Chicago had to offer, and Arun's did not disappoint. Each appetizer was more tasty than the one before (and the presentation was great -- a cute carrot basket on one plate, an abstract fish on another), and the four entrees were each standouts in their own way (I loved the Massman beef and the lobster). And the two desserts were absolutely delicious! It truly was like being royalty in Thailand. I can't wait to go back! Pros: fantastic cuisine, attentive staff Cons: parking, not very romantic more

We dined at Arun's for the first time 2 weeks ago. Our dining companions were 1 hour late, yet they seated us and never blinked an eye. The service was wonderful, and the food was exquisite! Presentation, taste, aromas, everything! We will be back. more

Love, love, love this place!!! I love how they ask you if you have any dietary likes and dislikes in addition to dietary restrictions. The food presentation is beautiful. The portion sizes are perfect in that you have room in your tummy to try all the many dishes they bring to you. The staff caters to you so you feel as if its your own kitchen. Wonderful experience! Pros: Food, Service, Parking more

The first few times at Arun's was nice...12 courses of the best of Thai entree. If you go too often, you notice the menu doesn't change much. Great place for a special occasion. Pros: great service Cons: bad location more

Arun's came highly recommended, and since I LOVE Thai food, I decided that we absolutely had to go. Not only was the place lovely, the greeter was a joy: She seemed so genuinely pleased with our being there. Our waitress took time to carefully review our dietary preferences. And the fare reflected that exactly. Moreover, she helped with the wine selection, which enhanced the meal even further. Speaking of the meal, it was wonderful. We were served 6 small appetizers on lovely white plates: they were works of art, both visually and gastronomically. Then came the 4 entrees. They were each so different, and they complemented each other nicely. Finally, there were two desserts, served together: amazing! My next trip to Chicago will include a visit to Arun's. Pros: amazing food Cons: distance more

i had read mixed reviews in early 2005 and had given this place a miss, especially with what some of the others had said about the limited quantity of food. after reading the last 2 reviews before mine, i decided to finally visit arun's with my wife. first, the service is simply excellent. i have been to a few high-end restaurants where i thought that the service is a little overbearing. the folks at arun's were attentive to our smallest needs and created a wondeful, relaxed atmosphere. second, the food was awesome. the dishes were delicately flavored and the selection which the chef had prepared was fabulous. lastly, the quantity of food was just right and at the end of the meal, i didnt think either of us could have eaten a single additional morsel of food. we had a wonderful time and are definitely going back again. Pros: Awesome Food, Excellent Service more

This restaurant is amazing. I went there a few days ago with my family to celebrate a birthday, and it was definitely a night to remember. The staff is very attentive to you...there are about 4-5 people checking on you at all times. And the food---to die for! We tried to rank our favorites (1-12) and it was nearly impossible. Each dish was amazing in its own way, and served in beautiful layouts with cute garnishes. I would definitely go back! Splurge for a special occasion here... it's worth every cent!! Pros: Amazing Food Cons: dark street, bad location more

The latest review before mine almost made me forego this excellent gem of a restaurant. What made me change my mind was that this restaurant was in the New York times best seller ""1000 place to go before you die"". I certainly think I got what I paid for. "" FINE DINING"" The courses of food from the appetizers to the entre's were extremely delicious the atmosphere quiet and romantic a great place for a special occasion or in my case our anniversary. I liked the extra touch the new manager had in making sure we were having a good time. 2.5 hours too short. Give this restaurant a try, I highly recommend it. Pros: Food, Decor, Service Cons: Crowded Weekends more

This restaurant is remarkable, and it only gets better as the years progress. more

My husband and I were somewhat disappointed. When we read another members review about it being a ""Once in a lifetime experience,"" we realized the reviewer wasn't kidding. The food is good, except it wasn't exceptional, at least not for the price and the portions. Many of the appetizers, main entrees, and even the desert were no bigger than a teaspoon! We felt more like we were being teased and we were left feeling empty in stomach, wallet, and in our expectations. I agree that Chicago has much more to offer that can excite your senses and taste buds at a more reasonable price. Needless to say, for us it was a once in a lifetime experience. Pros: Good food, great service, prompt seating Cons: , Spoon-sized portions more

Don't expect to find the typical thai food that you'd expect at your local thai restaurant. The 12 course meal allows you to sample real thai food thats presented in a spectacular fashion. The service is good since its a tiny restaurant and you can spend your entire evening there without being rushed to finish your meal. The price is a high for the portions you're getting. If you're a heavy eater, expect to be hungry in a few hours. For such a nice restaurant, its located in a bad neighborhood. Just to warn you, it is very expensive. At least $200 per couple so try it once in your life is good enough. Pros: Food, Service Cons: , Location more

We went to Arun's with high expectations, but left sorely disappointed and with a lot less cash in our pockets. We felt as if we were at a large banquet--the food did not seem prepared to order, but rather waiting in the kitchen (like the chunks of over-cooked beef in the otherwise good curry). We felt rushed and disoriented as dishes were thrown out at us with hardly a minute of rest in between and we never saw a menu or any sort of description of what we were eating. In short, save your cash (our meal for two with a bottle of wine was $300) for a place that will make creative dishes to order w/fresh ingredients, rather than a place that seems to be resting on an old reputation. Pros: presentation Cons: food, very expensive more