Ambria or Bistro Campagne? Help!

My sister and I are celebrating something special this weekend, and I have narrowed down our "fancy schmancy" restaurant options to 2: Ambria and Bistro Campagne.

I implore my fellow LTH'ers to help me make a decision!

We are game for anything and everything. I have studied both their menus and find that they each are unique and interesting in their own ways. I have read review upon review and they are both raved about. Price isn't an issue. I just can't seem to make a decision!

Please help! I need to make reservations soon!

This should be an easy decision, as these are completely different restaurants. Campagne is basically a very good casual neighborhood bistro - it is not "fancy shmancy". It has perfectly cooked simple food with a French/Belgian flair. People wear anything from jeans to suits and dresses at Campagne.

Ambria is an upscale purely french dining experience in an old fashioned room where jackets are required for men. The food is served on fancy platters by very attentive waiters. Ambria's food is very good, though for this type of dining I think you'd do better at Everest downtown or Carlos in Highland Park.

Ambria, btw, is at least twice the price of Campagne.

Perhaps I should phrase it this way:

Which would be a better choice to celebrate something very special?

Additionally, I realize that the two are relatively unrelated as far as cuisine; I know I'm not comparing one bistro to another.

All in all, who has better food? Wine? Dessert?

Without a doubt, between your two choices, I would go to Bistro Campagne. My last meal at Ambria was horrific. From the divorced dad cussing loudly at his son at the next table to the tired and uninspired food, it was a terrible night. I have also had subpar meals at Bistro Campagne, but the last few that I have had there have been excellent. FYI, a more consistent alternative is Tournesol just a few blocks south of Bistro Campagne.

If you want a memorable meal, and money is no object, Ambria would be a better choice - it will be a longer evening, less casual, more expensive (although I would choose Carlos or Charlie Trotter - or Sanford in Milwaukee, myself).

Bistro Campagne is an excellent bistro, worth the money, but without the "pretensions" to create "food art."

As noted, they are different worlds.

If what you want is a "dining experience" go to Ambria. If what you want is an enjoyable meal, Bistro Campagne. And like MAG I also would say Tournesol (unless it's summer and you can sit outside at BC

This question reminds me of the last presidential election. Where's the box to check "neither"?

If you're looking for really great food, the Bistro wins, hands down. Chef Altenberg is a stickler for the freshest, organic food from sustainable family farms -- and it makes a huge difference. The food is excellent and as close to an authentic French bistro as I have found in Chicago.

I love Ambria. The room is one of the classiest and fanciest in Chicago. The food, I have always loved and the service is formal and friendly. Ambria without question.

Just went to Ambria. Here are some quick points.

1. the room is dated
2. The staff are either too old or too unprofessional, expalnations, while through held up the flow of the diner they were so long
3. Had to hijack another waiter to get better service
4. Silverware was so old and all scratched up
5. Bread was just okay for a $200 dinner
6. Drinks were good, wine expalnations were subpar
7. Appetizers were excellent, foie gras
8. Lobster and veal were both very good main course
9. Dessert of hazlenut souffle was bland and uniteresting, the presentation was okay
10. overall I rate this restaurant a 5.5-6/10. I think that LEY have forgotten about this place, what I thought was going to be a dining event was more akin to a lonely old restaurant with a great chef.