Old Town’s Gavroche is not trying to be the biggest restaurant on Wells Street. At just 30 seats, the boutique bistro at 1529 N Wells Street leans into intimacy, serving modern French plates built on bold flavors and luxe ingredients. Owner Jason Chan partners with executive chef Mitchell Acuña and pastry chef Christine McCabe on a tight, seasonal menu where foie gras, caviar, and steakhouse-caliber cuts share space with updated bistro classics. The team bills the snug room as a “petite revolution,” a setting meant to spotlight meticulous technique and Midwestern terroir rather than sheer scale.
The bistro recently turned up on WGN‑TV’s Daytime Chicago, which showcased the crew’s emphasis on modern cooking methods and small-plate sharing, according to WGN‑TV. Diners can find the full à la carte lineup, operating hours, and Resy booking options on Gavroche.
Owner and kitchen pedigree
Jason Chan has been a familiar name in Chicago hospitality for years, bringing a consultant’s mindset and a string of respected projects to the table at Gavroche. His latest Old Town venture and long-standing influence on the city’s dining scene were profiled by Chicago Magazine. Gavroche also reunites Chan with pastry chef Christine McCabe; the pair previously opened Sugar Cube at Time Out Market, according to Time Out.
Menu highlights and what to order
On the plate, the kitchen goes all in on indulgence. Highlights include La Belle Farms’ “Hudson Valley Foie Two Ways” at $32, the King Louis Royale at $55, crowned with seared foie gras and Polanco caviar, and an A5 Miyazaki ribeye listed at $81, according to Gavroche. Beef-fat pommes frites, truffles, and assertive finishing touches push familiar brasserie staples into richer, more contemporary territory. Portions and pricing track with the boutique scale of the room, while the ingredient list stays firmly in splurge mode.
Where Gavroche fits in Old Town
Gavroche slots into a small but growing cluster of tight, French-leaning spots around Chicago and is listed as a go-to Old Town address in Eater’s directory, according to Eater Chicago. Early coverage from The Infatuation and neighborhood diners has praised the restaurant’s warm service and ingredient-forward cooking, while also flagging the pricing in relation to the compact space; see The Infatuation.
Reservations and practical info
With only a handful of tables, snagging a seat can require some planning. Gavroche is located at 1529 N Wells St in Old Town and can be reached at (312) 898‑8925, per TripAdvisor. Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends and for special occasions.
