The story
At Sochi, husband-and-wife team Son and Chinh—both Saigonese natives—bring their shared dream to life on Chicago’s North Side. Theirs is a story that began in high school, continued through studies in Singapore and Australia, and finally found its true expression in the kitchen. “We see it is really meaningful of the work that can be done by both husband and wife together,” they say. The restaurant’s very name is a blend of their own: Son and Chinh.
The couple’s first creation, the Sochi cake—a take on the traditional Vietnamese banh it—was an early sign of what was to come. Today, Sochi introduces Chicagoans to a more traditional, yet elevated take on Vietnamese cuisine. The philosophy is clear: it all comes down to the hidden details, the extra steps that make each dish special. The team wants customers to see the process, smell the aromas, and “experience coming home.” This commitment to authentic, quality cooking earned Sochi a Michelin Bib Gourmand award in 2026, a recognition for good quality, good value cooking.
The menu is a thoughtful collection of Vietnamese classics and inventive plates. Starters range from the Original Spring Roll with shrimp, pork, and homemade peanut sauce to the Grilled Betel Beef, featuring ground filet mignon wrapped in betel leaf. Main dishes include the Saigon Pho, a limited-quantity bowl of brisket and flank steak in beef-bone marrow broth, and the Shaking Beef, with filet mignon served over beef marrow fried rice. A selection of salads, including the Ben Thành Market Salad and Watercress Steak Salad, rounds out the offerings. The atmosphere is designed for gathering with family, a place where the food creates fond memories.
Recognition
Ambience
Location