
At Petite Edith, a French bistro in Chicago’s River North, every element — from the food to the service, from the wine to the warmth of the room — is shaped by intention. Led by Chef Jenner Tomaska and Katrina Bravo of Michelin-starred Esmé Chicago, the restaurant reflects their belief that true hospitality lives in both artistry and generosity. Rooted in French technique and guided by Midwestern spirit, Petite Edith celebrates the beauty of seasonal ingredients, thoughtful design, and the shared joy of a table well set. It is dining as conversation — graceful, heartfelt, and distinctly Chicago. Toujours, avec goût.
Hours
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | 5–10 PM |
| Thursday | 5–10 PM |
| Friday | 5–10 PM |
| Saturday | 5–10 PM |
| Sunday | 5–10 PM |
Address and Contact Information
Address: 878 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610
Phone: (312) 210-0623
Website: https://www.petiteedith.com/
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Reservations: opentable.com
Related Web Results
Petite Edith | French Bistro in Chicago’s River North • Petite Edith
Menus | Petite Edith French Bistro Chicago
Petite Edith Restaurant – Chicago, IL | OpenTable
Reviews
Just as memorable was the warmth of the staff — welcoming, knowledgeable, and genuinely excited to share the experience.
Petite Edith is one of those rare places that gets everything right: food, energy, and hospitality. We’ll absolutely be back!
II’d like to know who designed Petite Edith, because the decor embodies understated elegance that is luxurious without calling attention to itself. It’s where contemporary design meets cozy hospitality. It’s the kind of place where you instantly feel at ease, and where the space itself feels like part of the meal.
The room opens under soaring ceilings lined with sculptural, wave-like acoustic panels. Suspended beneath them, fabric pendants lend the room a dreamy, almost oceanic calm. Their soft geometric luminosity evokes the quiet grace of jellyfish—a subtle nod to the natural world that keeps the space feeling alive. Paired with the rose-clay–colored acoustic forms undulating across the ceiling, the effect is immersive and textural—the kind of detail that makes the restaurant not just beautifully designed but beautifully felt. The exposed industrial ceiling adds a contemporary contrast that highlights the space’s stylish balance between refinement and urban character.
Throughout the restaurant, seating is arranged with intention: dark wood tables anchor the room, surrounded by graceful, curved-back chairs and plush banquettes upholstered in muted coral. Candles flicker on every table, giving the dining floor a soft glow of warmth. The energy is vibrant yet unhurried; the space hums pleasantly with conversation, never feeling crowded thanks to generous walkways, high ceilings, and smart spacing. A mural depicting birds serenely perched among delicate branches, wrapped in a soft blue halo of light, adds a touch of whimsy and artistry.
At the heart of the room, an elegant marble-topped bar curves organically, anchored by a ribbon-like ceiling installation that adds quiet elegance overhead. Behind the bar, warm brass accents and lush greenery create a focal point that draws the eye without overpowering the space. It’s a bar that makes you want to linger over sparkling wine or craft cocktails.
Floor-to-ceiling windows offer expansive views of the surrounding cityscape. At night, reflections of twinkling trees and the glow from nearby buildings blend beautifully with the restaurant’s interior light, blurring the line between indoors and out.
My only critique is that while poetic vagueness works on a degustation menu—where surprise is part of the experience—an à la carte menu needs to be more explicit so you can order what you actually want. I’d seen a photo on social media of a stunning butterflied whole fish and assumed it was the trout, so I ordered the trout, only to discover it was an entirely different dish. What I’d mistaken for a whole pan-fried trout was actually the butterflied seabream, served as their reimagined “Fish and ‘Chips”—a crisp, elegant presentation with onion butter, citrus, and smoked potatoes, which made the naming conventions feel a bit at odds with the idea that form should follow function. That said, the trout I accidentally ordered was extraordinary—perfectly cooked and, like everything we tried, thoroughly enjoyable. A simple clarification on the menu—such as “Fish and ‘Chips’ reimagined: butterflied whole seabream with onion butter, citrus, and smoked potatoes”—would prevent the confusion without diminishing the charm.
Staffed by seasoned industry veterans—from the hosts to the bartenders, servers, and bar backs—Petite Edith achieved the rare feat of offering genuinely warm, seamless service within a day of opening.
Petite Edith shares a similar milieu with Oliver’s and Creepies, and while I’m fond of all three, Petite Edith is the one I’ll return to soonest and most.
Petite Edith
868 N Wells St, Chicago
The restaurant beautifully captures the spirit of a classic French bistro while elevating it with remarkable attention to detail. Every dish was clearly crafted with intention—each bite thoughtful, balanced, and absolutely delicious. The menu feels both comforting and refined, transporting you to a traditional Parisian bistro while still feeling fresh and modern.
What truly made the evening unforgettable, however, was the outstanding hospitality. The General Manager, Steven, took exceptional care of us and made us feel genuinely welcomed throughout the entire evening. Our server, Esabelle, was phenomenal—warm, attentive, and incredibly knowledgeable—ensuring that every part of our dining experience was seamless and enjoyable.
From the cuisine to the service to the atmosphere, everything was simply outstanding. We had an amazing time and are already looking forward to returning. Petit Édith is a truly special addition to the dining scene. ⭐️ ️
The interior is warm and inviting, with a cozy yet stylish atmosphere that works perfectly for both a relaxed dinner and a special night out.
Service is where Petite Edith really shines. The staff is attentive and genuinely welcoming, taking the time to walk through the menu in detail and offer thoughtful recommendations. Their drink pairing suggestions were especially helpful and elevated the overall experience.