Located in the heart of Chicago, Lady Gregory offers a menu that beautifully marries Irish tradition with contemporary culinary flair. Known for its inviting atmosphere and expertly crafted dishes, the restaurant has quickly become a destination for food lovers seeking authentic flavors with a modern twist.
Whether you’re craving classic Irish fare or innovative seasonal plates, Lady Gregory’s menu delivers a rich experience that reflects the warmth and heritage of Irish hospitality while catering to the diverse tastes of a cosmopolitan city.
The menu showcases an impressive array of offerings, from hearty appetizers to indulgent desserts, all thoughtfully prepared with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Attention to detail is evident in every dish, ensuring that each bite tells a story.
Beyond just food, the menu is designed to complement a carefully curated drink list, making every meal a memorable occasion. For those who appreciate a meal that balances tradition and creativity, Lady Gregory’s Chicago menu is certainly a culinary journey worth exploring.
Starters and Appetizers
The appetizer section at Lady Gregory sets the tone for the rest of the meal, offering a selection that highlights both classic Irish starters and innovative small plates. Each dish is designed to awaken the palate with bold flavors and enticing textures.
Whether you’re sharing with friends or starting your solo dining adventure, these options provide a perfect introduction to the restaurant’s culinary style.
Among the favorites is the Irish smoked salmon served with house-made soda bread and a dill crème fraîche. This dish balances the smoky depth of the fish with the light, airy texture of the bread, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
Another standout is the black pudding croquettes, which are crispy on the outside and tender within, paired with a tangy mustard sauce to cut through the richness.
Vegetarian options such as the roasted root vegetable tart offer hearty and satisfying choices without compromising on flavor or presentation. These dishes often incorporate seasonal ingredients, ensuring freshness and variety throughout the year.
Popular Starters
- Irish Smoked Salmon with Soda Bread and Dill Crème Fraîche
- Black Pudding Croquettes with Mustard Sauce
- Roasted Root Vegetable Tart
- Seafood Chowder with Fresh Herbs
“The appetizers at Lady Gregory are a testament to how simple ingredients, when treated with respect and creativity, can create unforgettable flavors.”
Main Courses
The main courses at Lady Gregory are a celebration of Irish culinary heritage elevated by contemporary techniques and seasonal inspiration. The menu offers a range of hearty dishes that cater to meat lovers, seafood enthusiasts, and vegetarians alike.
Each entrée is crafted to deliver a balance of flavor, texture, and visual appeal.
Signature dishes like the slow-braised lamb shank showcase tender meat infused with rich herbs and spices, served alongside creamy mashed potatoes and a red wine jus. The pan-seared Atlantic salmon presents a lighter option, featuring crisp skin and a vibrant lemon-butter sauce that enhances the natural flavors of the fish.
For those preferring vegetarian fare, the wild mushroom risotto offers a comforting and earthy alternative, made with arborio rice and finished with Parmesan and truffle oil. This dish perfectly captures the essence of seasonal produce while maintaining a luxurious mouthfeel.
Comparative Overview of Key Main Courses
| Dish | Main Ingredients | Flavor Profile | Recommended Pairing |
| Slow-Braised Lamb Shank | Lamb, herbs, mashed potatoes, red wine jus | Rich, savory, herbaceous | Full-bodied red wine |
| Pan-Seared Atlantic Salmon | Salmon, lemon butter, seasonal vegetables | Light, citrusy, fresh | Crisp white wine |
| Wild Mushroom Risotto | Mushrooms, arborio rice, Parmesan, truffle oil | Earthy, creamy, umami | Chardonnay or Pinot Noir |
Each main course is thoughtfully paired with sides and sauces that enhance the overall dining experience, ensuring that every plate is a balanced composition of taste and texture.
Irish Classics Reimagined
Lady Gregory pays homage to traditional Irish dishes by reinterpreting them with modern culinary techniques and high-quality ingredients. This approach brings a fresh perspective to familiar flavors, delighting both locals and visitors with a renewed appreciation for Irish cuisine.
Take the shepherd’s pie, for example. While rooted in a traditional recipe, the restaurant elevates it by using grass-fed beef and incorporating a layer of creamy cauliflower mash, adding a subtle twist to the classic comfort food.
The dish is finished with a crispy golden crust, providing a satisfying contrast in textures.
Another favorite is the boxty pancake, a traditional Irish potato pancake served with smoked pork belly and a spiced apple chutney. This dish combines the earthy flavor of potatoes with the savory richness of pork and the bright sweetness of apples, creating a complex but balanced palate.
Traditional Dishes with a Twist
- Shepherd’s Pie with Cauliflower Mash
- Boxty Pancake with Smoked Pork Belly
- Coddle with Herb-Infused Broth
- Irish Stew with Root Vegetables and Guinness Reduction
“Reimagining Irish classics is not about changing their soul, but about honoring their legacy while inviting new interpretations.”
Seafood Selections
Given Ireland’s rich maritime heritage, seafood holds a special place on Lady Gregory’s menu. The restaurant emphasizes fresh, sustainable fish and shellfish, often sourced directly from local markets to ensure peak quality.
Seafood dishes are crafted to highlight the natural flavors while incorporating subtle enhancements.
The seafood chowder is a standout, brimming with clams, mussels, shrimp, and tender pieces of white fish in a creamy broth enriched with fresh herbs. It’s both comforting and sophisticated, perfect as a starter or a light main course.
Another popular choice is the pan-roasted cod, featuring a crisp skin, served over a bed of seasonal vegetables with a saffron-infused sauce.
For those who enjoy shellfish, the steamed mussels in garlic and white wine offer vibrant flavors and a touch of elegance. These dishes reflect the restaurant’s commitment to celebrating the ocean’s bounty while maintaining a distinctly Irish character.
Seafood Highlights
- Seafood Chowder with Clams, Mussels, and Shrimp
- Pan-Roasted Cod with Saffron Sauce
- Steamed Mussels in Garlic and White Wine
- Grilled Irish Oysters with Herb Butter
Vegetarian and Vegan Options
Lady Gregory recognizes the growing demand for plant-based dining and offers a thoughtfully curated selection of vegetarian and vegan dishes. These options are crafted with the same care and creativity as the rest of the menu, ensuring that non-meat eaters enjoy a full and satisfying culinary experience.
One highlight is the roasted beet and goat cheese salad, featuring fresh greens, candied walnuts, and a tangy vinaigrette. This dish balances earthiness and creaminess with a refreshing bite of acidity.
For vegan diners, the spiced lentil and vegetable stew is a hearty and warming choice, enriched with aromatic spices and served alongside rustic bread.
Additionally, the quinoa and roasted vegetable bowl offers a nutrient-packed option, combining textures and flavors that satisfy both the palate and the body. Lady Gregory’s commitment to inclusivity ensures that all guests find something special on the menu.
Plant-Based Favorites
- Roasted Beet and Goat Cheese Salad
- Spiced Lentil and Vegetable Stew (Vegan)
- Quinoa and Roasted Vegetable Bowl
- Grilled Asparagus with Lemon and Almonds
“A great menu respects all dietary preferences without compromising on taste or creativity.”
Desserts and Sweet Treats
The dessert menu at Lady Gregory is a delightful conclusion to any meal, offering traditional Irish sweets alongside inventive contemporary creations. Each dessert is made in-house, using fresh ingredients to ensure quality and flavor.
The classic Irish bread pudding features warm spices and a drizzle of whiskey caramel sauce, evoking comfort and nostalgia. For a lighter option, the lemon and elderflower posset provides a creamy, citrusy finish that cleanses the palate.
Chocolate lovers will appreciate the dark chocolate mousse topped with sea salt and hazelnut crumble, which combines richness with a satisfying crunch.
These desserts not only provide a sweet ending but also showcase the culinary team’s ability to blend tradition with innovation, leaving guests with a lasting impression.
Sweet Selections
- Irish Bread Pudding with Whiskey Caramel
- Lemon and Elderflower Posset
- Dark Chocolate Mousse with Hazelnut Crumble
- Seasonal Fruit Tart with Vanilla Cream
Beverage Pairings and Drinks Menu
Complementing the food menu, Lady Gregory offers a thoughtfully curated selection of beverages designed to enhance every dish. From classic Irish whiskeys to local craft beers and fine wines, the drinks menu caters to a variety of palates and preferences.
The whiskey selection includes well-known brands alongside rare finds, allowing guests to explore the depth and complexity of Ireland’s most famous spirit. Craft cocktails incorporate Irish ingredients like honey and herbs, creating unique and refreshing options.
For those who prefer non-alcoholic beverages, the menu features artisan sodas, specialty teas, and fresh-pressed juices.
Expert sommeliers are available to recommend wine pairings that perfectly match the flavors and textures of the dishes, ensuring a harmonious dining experience from start to finish.
Drink Highlights
| Beverage | Description | Best Paired With |
| Jameson Irish Whiskey | Smooth, with notes of vanilla and spice | Slow-Braised Lamb Shank |
| Local Craft IPA | Hoppy, citrus-forward | Black Pudding Croquettes |
| Chardonnay | Buttery, with hints of oak and tropical fruit | Wild Mushroom Risotto |
| Herbal Tea Blend | Light, soothing with floral notes | Lemon and Elderflower Posset |
“A well-paired drink elevates a meal from enjoyable to unforgettable.”
Conclusion
Lady Gregory’s Chicago menu stands as a testament to the rich culinary traditions of Ireland, thoughtfully reinterpreted for a modern audience. Every section of the menu reflects a deep respect for quality ingredients, balanced flavors, and innovative techniques that enhance but never overshadow the essence of each dish.
From the first taste of an appetizer to the last bite of dessert, diners are invited to experience a harmonious journey through Irish cuisine that is both comforting and exciting.
Whether you are a longtime admirer of Irish food or a curious newcomer, Lady Gregory offers something special that transcends the typical dining experience. The menu is a carefully crafted narrative of culture, seasonality, and creativity, making each visit an opportunity to explore and savor.
Paired with an extensive beverage selection and an inviting ambiance, Lady Gregory’s culinary offerings provide not just a meal, but a memorable celebration of Irish heritage in the vibrant city of Chicago.
