El Ñandú Restaurant
Reviews & Links Last night, I was Argentinian. That's right. Don't let my ginger hair and translucent skin fool you - last night, my Argentinian family at El Nandu welcomed me with open arms. First, they brought me bread and two of the most amazing sauces I've ever had. The chimichurri-style sauce perhaps the greatest thing I've ever ingested. It was absolutely perfect. I wanted to put it all over every bit of food I ate that night. Next, empanadas. My dining-partner and I split three - Tucumana, Jamon y Queso, and Pollo. Our server was very patient with my pronunciation (''tu-cu-ma-na?'') and quickly brought out three warm, delicious empanadas. No worries on figuring out which was which - they are all adorably stamped with the name of their contents. (Sidenote: I wanted to beg my new Argentinean family to show me how this was done. Is there a mini branding-iron back in the kitchen? Show me! Teach me!). My favorite empanada was the Tucumana - steak, eggs, olives, and onions in a toasty-flaky shell. The smell alone made my knees go weak. I followed with Pollo Al Ajo - chicken with roasted garlic. Perfectly tender, perfectly seasoned. I mixed some of the chimichurri sauce into the mashed potatoes I had on the side, and the result was divine. All the while, I was being serenaded by a father/daughter guitar and vocal duo. While I was unfamiliar with the songs, other diners did not hesitate to sing along, which only enhanced the feeling of conviviality and community. If I closed my eyes a little and drifted off, I was no longer in snowy Logan Square - I'd been transported to a sunny courtyard in Buenos Aires. At the end of the night, it was time to bid farewell to my new Argentinean family. I can't wait for the next family reunion. By: Helena B. Chicago, IL www.yelp.com ___________________ My family came over to visit and I wanted to take them somewhere we have never been to before. I asked a friend about any restaurants and she recommended El Nandu (she is from Argentina). We started off with Empanadas, which I have to say are some of the best!!! Then we had some nice red wine and our entrees (very generous portions). We topped off the night with some nice chocolate cake. I absolutely loved it!!! we were seven people and the bill was only $112. Everyone should try it! I will def. go back especially for the Empanadas. By: Ani B. Chicago, Illinois IL ww.yelp.com _____________________________ Very hip yet cozy atmosphere. The empanadas Tucumanas are as close as you can get to being in Tucuman,Argentina. The chicken milanesa was very good. Don't miss the desserts that have Dulce de Leche; they are heavenly! I have been here several times and have yet to be disappointed. On the weekends it's best to call ahead and make reservations; it gets pretty crowded. By: Nan B. Northlake, Illinois IL www.yelp.com ________________________________ El Nandu is an Argentinian restaurant in Logan Square. BF and I went to try the empanadas. There was a place in New York I used to always go to and just get empanadas for my meal so I thought we'd do that. We ended up each getting two empanadas for starters and then each ordering entrees in addition. Everything was fabulous. Very tasty. We loved the two condiments we were served even though we don't know what they were. They were both green and delicious. We will definitely be back. This is what we had: * Criolla Empanada: A delicious blend of ground bell, red peppers, onions, yellow raisins, hard - boiled eggs, herbs and other condiments. * Pollo Empanada: Stuffed with tasty chicken, red bell peppers, green onions, herbs and other condiments. * Camarones Empanada: For the seafood lover, this empanada is filled with fresh shrimp, paramesan and white cheese, herbs and other spices * Maiz Empanada: Fresh corn mixed with green onions, red bell peppers, hard - boiled eggs, cheese, herbs and other mouth - watering condiments * Pollo Al Chimichurri: A grilled, boneless breast of chicken topped with creamy version of our famous and popular chimichuri sauce, made of garlic, parsly and olive oil. * Churrasco Encebollado: Our most popular churrasco! This tender char - broiled steak is served with a top- layer of fresh cut and grilled onions. By: Rachelle B. Chicago, Illinois IL www.yelp.com __________________________________ The spinach empanada here is one of the top 5 things I've ever eaten at a restaurant. When I first took a bite into it, I thought ''are you serious?'' Yes I was. By: Pinaki S. Chapel Hill, NC www.yelp.com ____________________________________ I dropped into El Nandu for the first time in about a year and was surprised to find a completely rehabbed interior, a new bar, what appears to be a new kitchen, and a new seating arrangement. Nandu was one of my favorite steak and/or empanada haunts back in the day and I was worried the new changes might extend to the food which needed no tampering. They *did* change things around -- a tad. And, well, holy smokes flavor attack to the mouth! The empanadas (we had cheese, shrimp, and corn) were even flakier and tastier than I remembered. For my meal I ordered the entrana (skirt steak) rare with mashed potatoes. The steak was massive and folded over on itself and tasted so wonderful and juicy. I wish you could have been there, really. Service was excellent and we'll make it a point to be back sooner than later. By: Christopher J. Chicago, Illinois IL www.yelp.com _____________________________________ In a word, YUM ! My friends and I had 3 different empanadas (beef, ham, seafood) and they were perfection. Hot, crispy, flaky crust with delicious fillings. Top them off with the provided ''sauces'' and you could very well make a meal out of it. The entrees were equally as tasty and portioned large. My friends split a entree of grilled sweetbreads and shortribs. My first time eating sweetbreads, but will not be my last!! I had steak which was lightly bread, and fried to crispy goodness. Oh, did I mentioned it was topped with melted cheese....? I know!! By: Dean S. Chicago, Illinois IL www.yelp.com ________________________________ I live near El Nandu and pass by it often, so I've been wanting to try it. I wish I'd done so sooner! I ended up going in for a late lunch, so the place was understandably empty. The service, though, was still great - you never know what you're going to get during off times. I had a breaded steak (I've already forgotten what it was called - Milanese, maybe?), which was very flavorful and accompanied by a huge side of mashed potatoes. I ended up taking at least half of it home, which made for some great leftovers. My favorite part, though, was the empanadas. I had a relative who was from Argentina who made these wonderful ground beef and olive empanadas when I was growing up, but no one was ever able to pin her down on a recipe - we've never been able to recreate it. El Nandu had a similar sounding empanada on the menu so I decided to give it a chance - it was like being transported back to my childhood! It was wonderful, not only for the nostalgia, but it was also excellent (I made my companion confirm this, as I figured I'm probably pretty biased on this one). I thought the other empanadas we tried were also exceptional. All in all, a great experience, and I will be back. By: Megan L. Chicago, Illinois IL www.yelp.com _________________________________ My boyfriend and I went here after making a mental note about it from Check Please a few weeks ago. While I won't be inviting any of my veg friends here anytime soon, we carnivores loved it! A great place to go if you want to transport yourself away from the Chicago winter and into somewhere with warm surroundings, spice, and yummy sangria. Also note...it seemed to be a good place for all ages and group sizes from dates, to families, to celebrations! By: Jenna D. Chicago, Illinois IL www.yelp.com _________________________________ El Nandu had been around for years and the food has only gotten better. I haven't been to Argentina but want to have a sense of how good the food can be I suggest you go to this eatery. The empanadas are a must and honestly doesn't matter which one you try you'll love it all. They have a great peach and Dulce de leche dessert that you'll love. The waitstaff is attentive and the prices won't hurt your pocketbook. I'd suggest heading there during the a weeknight. Weekend can get crowded. By: Lissette A. Chicago, Illinois IL www.yelp.com __________________________________ With a signifcant other who did time in Paraguay as a Peace Corps volunteer, we get to visit this place regularly to sample some good South American cuisine. Start with the empanadas. They are all very good. I usually move on to the milanesa sandwich which is also very, very good. Good comfort food for the cold Chicago winter. The atmosphere is bustling and busy. By: Mark S. Chicago, Illinois IL www.yelp.com ________________________________ We Walked in after seeing this place on Check Please! and Reading the reviews here. The atmosphere was really cool with this interesting art. Our server was very polite and helpful but not in a rush and laid back. I enjoyed this approach to serving. They put 2 kinds of dipping sauce in front of us called ''chimichurri sauce'', Both equally tasty. I could have eating and old shoe with this stuff and been very happy! I could not get enough! The empanadas were extremely tasty as well as the one meal we shared because it was so large. Best rice I have ever eating and the steak was great. I had an americano coffee after dinner that was delicious and some interesting deserts I did not know if I would like BUT were very good. The flan was the best I have ever had too. This place is a bit pricey but you can share a main meal and there is plenty I was stuffed and I am a big eater. I missed the guitar player who was about to perform, I love a good guitar player and will have to catch him next time. For a new experience and new tastes you have to go and pick up some extra sauce! By the way I do not drink but the lemonade was great! By: Martin P. Chicago, Illinois IL www.yelp.com _________________________________ A friend brought me here a year ago for my birthday. It was a random pick. Wow. Since then, at least twice a month I drive 30 minutes out of my way to eat here. The empanadas exceed their reputation. The milanesa con queso may be the best meat dish I've ever tasted. Their chicken is purely stunning. The sauces are perfect. The sangria...how the hell do they make their sangria so good?! The service is outstanding. I've never had a problem with waiting or my orders, and my waiters have always been extremely humble and polite. The atmosphere is busy, but still very warm and friendly. I've never had to wait for a table, but I don't expect this to last long while word gets out about this place. I'm searching for a gripe, but I simply have none. Since my first time dining here it has remained my favorite restaurant in the world. I've tried many Latin American joints, many that are much more expensive, but El Nandu reigns the holiest of the holy. I simply cannot find a more fulfilling meal anywhere. By: Benn J Hometown, Illinois IL www.yelp.com _________________________________ Don't be put off by how foreign ''Argentinian'' food sounds. This restaurant will appeal to any meat-and-potatoes loving American. My fiance loves the steak topped with cheese and onions, while I prefer the chicken with chimichurri sauce (an incredible mixture of parsley, olive oil, and garlic). We were a bit hesitant to try this restaurant at first but are so glad we did - it's been a favorite ever since. By: Katie G. IL www.yelp.com ________________________ This Argentinian restaurant is one of the best Chicago has to offer. Food is delicious, the churrasco is fantastic, the sauces they have melt in your mouth, empanadas amazing, music is entertaining. Parking is EASY around there. Come hungry or share with a friend because the portions are big. By: Dancing Princess Rogers Park, IL www.metromix.com _______________________________________________ I LOVE THIS PLACE!!! The service is excellent, the empanada's (carmaron/queso)are 2 die for, the sangria is just right. I definitely recommend this lovely place for a perfect first date or family gatherings. YOU WILL LOVE IT :) By: VO Chicago, Illinois IL www.metromix.com ________________________________ What a great place! The staff is attentive and friendly. The food is so delicious, if you are a steak person and have never had Argentinian cuisine, go! You will be returning! There was a line out the door by the time we left. Had a baby with us and they were very accomodating! Wonderful gentleman played guitar, it was a Sat. Lovely atmosphere. By: Shannon Reeve Chicago, Illinois IL www.metromix.com __________________________________________ We had always heard about this place so decided to finally stop in. The food was unbelieveable, we were pleasently surprised by everything, the atmoshpere is cute, and service very friendly. If you're tired of the same thing and looking for something different, look no further and check this place out! By: David from Chicago, Illinois IL www.metromix.com _______________________________________ Unbelievable steaks at unbelievable prices By: Schaffa www.zagat.com _______________________ Outstanding empanadas. By: kinaida www.zagat.com _______________________ Maybe it was the sangria that sweetened up the night, or the classical guitarist giving a flamenco twist to contemporary rock, or the atmosphere of festivities that lasted well past midnight on thursday night, or it could have just been the empanadas that satisfied even this vegatarian's tastebuds... but all in all, i am fully looking forward to the next time i find myself at el Nandu... p.s. did you know that Nandu means a kind of ostrich in the indigenous language of Guarani (from Paraguay)??? something to impress your waiter... By: laparaguayita www.centerstagechicago.com _______________________________________ Awesome atmosphere, the food is even better. But be warned, the chimichurri is addicting! By: Rebecca www.centerstagechicago.com ___________________________________ This is the best place ever... By: Katherine Miller www.centerstagechicago.com _________________________________________ Whether you’re out on an all girls/guys night or a one on one date El Ñandú is the perfect choice. The food tastes great and the portions are very well sized. The staff is very friendly and the atmosphere is very relaxing. They also have live music on certain days of the week which adds a lot to the experience. I have been going to this restaurant for at least 3 years and have never been disappointed. By: Ms. Uruguay www.chicago.menupages.com ______________________________________ My wife is Chilean and brought me here to this Argentinian restaurant when we started dating. I had never eaten an empanada before. I have eaten many since and from other establishments. The criolla style is OUT OF THIS WORLD DELICIOUS! The others styles are also great. The chimichurri sauce is a perfect companion. They have a small menu overall, but the food is delicious. Delicious wine and sangria, But it is a fabulous date place, small cozy, a bit tight, and loud with conversation when busy, and when they have live singer/musicians....usually solo guitarists. We've been back a couple of dozen times in the last few years. It's wonderful and I highly recommend it. By: Vinny www.chicago.menupages.com _________________________________ Best restaurant in town I love this place I'm uruguayan and we eat pretty much the same food when I found this place I was very happy my family and I have been going there for over 3 years I believe and its always been great. Great food fast service. Its the same food I've been eating since I was little so it is authentic. By: CSMobileUser www.citysearch.com ________________________________ great food, does anything else matter? El Nandu's is excellent. I have been there twice, ordered different dishes each time, and have been impressed each time. When I think back to the steak with onions and cheese, it still leaves me salivating . The sangria is a must, as is the carmel flan. Overall, this restaurant is a must! By: lburro1 www.citysearch.com __________________________ Link to articles and more reviews: |