Our Story

Sandy Chen's culinary journey began in France, where she discovered a world of delightful and flavorful dishes that would serve as the inspiration behind Le Sud (The South). The quaint countryside towns of Provençe stirred memories of Sandy's hometown on the southeast coast of the City Wen Zhou (The South), Zhe Jiang Province—a picturesque waterfront locale embraced by mountains on three sides and the ocean on the other. The culinary traditions of both Sandy's hometown and Provençe share a common thread, The South: a commitment to simple, fresh ingredients and recipes passed down through generations.

Le Sud sets itself apart from Mediterranean cuisine by steering away from the intricate preparations and heavy, cream-laden sauces of la haute cuisine. Our cuisine focuses on delivering robust flavors through uncomplicated ingredients, paying homage to the Mediterranean with an emphasis on fresh seafood, the brininess of olives, quality olive oil, garlic, and, above all, the vibrancy of seasonal vegetables, fruits, and Herbs De Provence. Our menu is a dynamic canvas that evolves with the seasons, showcasing the freshest offerings.

As the sun graces us with its warmth during the beautiful summer months, Le Sud invites you on a culinary adventure with our vibrant and refreshing Summer Season Mediterranean Cuisine Menu. Immerse yourself in the essence of the season as we present a curated selection of dishes inspired by sun-kissed vegetables, fresh seafood, wood-grilled meats, and the coastal influences of the Mediterranean.

When the cold winds of Chicago winter descend, Le Sud transforms its menu to bring you the rich and savory flavors of our Winter Season Mediterranean Cuisine. Each dish is carefully crafted to warm your soul and tantalize your taste buds, embracing the essence of the season with the finest ingredients expertly prepared to bring a touch of warmth to your dining experience.

Since opening its doors in late summer 2018, Le Sud has become a beloved establishment among Roscoe Village neighbors and friends from across the city and suburbs. We take pride in the recognition received, such as one of the "Best New Restaurant", "Best Al Fresco Dining" and “Best Neighborhood Restaurant”. Reaffirming our commitment to providing a unique and delightful dining experience for our cherished patrons.

Read More about Sandy’s Inspiring Story


MEDIA COVERAGE


A roast chicken recipe from Le Sud Mediterranean's Chef William Lara

“This dish has been passed down through generations, and each time I prepare it, I feel connected to my roots and family traditions,” Lara says.

By  Chef William Lara Dec 5, 2024, 10:55am CST




by: Kristina Miller

Posted: Sep 12, 2024 / 12:35 PM CDT

Updated: Sep 12, 2024 / 01:39 PM CDT




John Ringor August 26, 2024


by Samantha Nelson and Eater Staff Updated Jul 23, 2024, 4:35pm CDT







Le Sud's new happy hour menu is available Tuesday through Sunday from 4:30-5:30 p.m. in the dining room or on the spacious and sunny sidewalk cafe, now fully open for the season. The complete happy hour menu is outlined below. For table reservations, visit LeSudChicago.com.

Patch.com, May 13th, 2024




$6 Happy Hour Menu

Le Sud, located in Roscoe Village, will launch a new happy hour menu starting on Tuesday, May 14. Chef William Lara's dishes ($6 each) include parmesan-garlic frites; Spanish croquettes; fried cauliflower bites; dolma; and falafel with tzatziki. Pair your Mediterranean fare with $6 cocktails (Sangria; French 75; Kir Royale; Tequila Mule) and $6 glasses of house wine (sparkling; white; red; rose). 

Chicago Food Megazine , May 13, 2024


MIDDAY NEWS

Lunchbreak: Zucchini Frittata


Where to Eat Brunch in Chicago Right Now

Brunch — not quite breakfast, not yet lunch — is one of the best parts of the weekend. The Eater Chicago Brunch Heatmap is here to help by highlighting the newest options for a delicious midday meal. Read More



Where to Dine on Heated Patios in Chicago

The cold is here to stay in Chicago, but that doesn’t mean it’s time to head indoors. Midwesterners are always made of sterner stuff and have a tolerance for low temperatures. Many of the fire pits and propane heaters that were en vogue in 2020 have become fixtures all over town, as have insulated tents that protect patio diners from bitter winter winds. Check out this list of the city’s best heated patio options. Read More


Le Sud Mediterranean Kitchen: Indulge in a lavish Valentine’s Day feast at Le Sud in Roscoe Village. Amid themed decor, savor a gourmet four-course prix fixe menu, boasting strawberry “heart” salad with prosciutto roses, surf and turf, and a decadent chocolate lava cake.


France has one of the world’s most celebrated culinary traditions, but you don’t need to fly across the ocean to get a taste.

Some of the best restaurants in Chicago serve French fare, offering new spins on classic dishes like steak tartare and foie gras. The city is home to beloved institutions that have been dishing out French onion soup for decades, as well as new spots exploring French-Moroccan and French-Canadian cuisine. There are cozy wine bars pouring Champagne and bordeaux and outdoor restaurants where you can pretend you’re people-watching in Paris. Book a spot at one of the best French restaurants in Chicago to take your tastebuds on a culinary journey. Read More


https://chicago.eater.com/maps/christmas-holiday-pop-up-bars-chicago

Let It Snow at Le Sud

This Roscoe Village restaurant’s Let It Snow pop-up is back with its annual family-friendly affair featuring festive food and drink in its main dining room, salon, and enclosed sidewalk cafe, all decorated for the holiday. Grown-up offerings include lamb pappardelle with brown butter sauce (kale, manchego) and an eponymous “Let It Snow” Christmas sangria (wine, ginger beer, brandy, apple cider, brown sugar cinnamon). Kids can expect ever-popular macaroni and cheese alongside hot chocolate and apple cider. Reservations and more details are available online.


Where to Order Thanksgiving Takeout in Chicago

Le Sud in Roscoe Village is prepared for Thanksgiving gatherings of all sizes, with dinner packages for two to four, six to eight, and even ten to 14. The team will offer brined, ready-to-cook turkey breasts and whole birds, as well as sides such as red quinoa (arugula, roasted butternut squash, pickled golden raisins, roasted pecans, pears), Brussels sprouts (pickled red onion, feta), and stuffing (apple, herbs de Provence, garlic, rosemary, fennel). Place pre-orders online by Friday, November 10 for pickup or delivery between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Wednesday, November 22


Where to Eat Brunch in Chicago Right Now Brunch — not quite breakfast, not yet lunch — is one of the best parts of the weekend. The Eater Chicago Brunch Heatmap is here to help by highlighting the newest options for a delicious midday meal. The latest additions to the list include the bottomless mimosa at Le Sud, and more


Sunday Brunch: Avocado Toast Recipe from Le Sud. Learn how to make Le Sud’s Avocado Toast. The chef was on WGN Morning News - Brunch Segment. Read More

Morning News May 28, 2023 / 09:31 AM CDT


Lobster Florentine Benedict with Yuzu Hollandaise Recipe. GIVING BACK - This recipe gives back to the Forrest E. Powell (Hecky Powell’s Father) Foundation Evanston Work Ethic Program. The Evanston WE Program exemplifies the FEP Foundation mission in action by providing ambitious ETHS (Evanston Township High School) students with comprehensive, pre-professional career/tech preparation through mentors, workshops, counseling, and financial assistance. Read More

Culinary Contributions

https://storyplaterecipes.com/

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Le Sud is Launching Weekend Brunch! Starting the weekend of April 29/30, the Roscoe Village restaurant will be open for brunch on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Enjoy Chef William Lara’s brunch fare with a French flair, along with $25 bottomless mimosas. Read More. Live Streaming

WGN Mid-day news by: Kristina Miller

Posted: Apr 20, 2023 / 12:43 PM CD


Le Sud will host a French-Mediterranean meal on Easter Sunday. In addition to Chef William Lara's new spring menu. Easter Dining at Le Sud Mediterranean Kitchen, Read More


Chicago food megazine

March 24, 2023



Spring Tasting Menu at Le Sud. Three Course Prix Fixe Benefits Friends of Lakeview. Guests will have the opportunity to preview new spring dishes with a special prix fixe. From Friday, March 24 to Sunday, April 2, the Roscoe Village restaurant will offer a three course tasting menu featuring the choice of any small plate, large plate, and dessert for $45 per person. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Friends of Lakeview, Read More

March 8, 2023

chicago foodmagazine

In celebration of International Women's Day and Women's History Month, Le Sud will hold a special "Women Winemakers" tasting event on Thursday, March 2. Starting at 7 p.m, read more


Women Winemakers Tasting Event at Le Sud

February 10, 2023

Chicago Food Megazine

Valentine’s Day specials at Chicagoland restaurants, from speed dating to make-your-own-wine night. Le Sud offer A glass of sparkling wine kicks off a $168 four-course dinner for two offered Feb. 10-12 and 14. The meal includes heart-shaped red beet salad, rib-eye au poivre, pistachio-crusted scallops and a red velvet cupcake. Read More

By Samantha Nelson

Chicago Tribune

Feb 03, 2023 at 11:56 am


Roscoe Village restaurant rolls out special holiday menu to support local school. CHICAGO (WLS) -- A popular restaurant in Roscoe Village is rolling out a special menu to put you in the holiday spirit. Le Sud is celebrating the most wonderful time of the year with its "Let it Snow" holiday pop-up. Read More

By ABC7 Chicago Digital Team via

Sunday, December 11, 2022

18 neighborhood favorites to try during Chicago Restaurant Week. You haven’t gotten a real taste of Chicago’s diverse restaurant scene until you’ve explored the city’s neighborhoods. That’s where you’ll find an incredible array of dining options representing cuisines from all around the world. Read More

by Choose Chicago

Published on December 13, 2022



30+ restaurants for an unforgettable New Year’s Eve dinner in Chicago. Say goodbye to 2022 and ring in the new year in true Chicago style — with an unforgettable meal. Here are just a few top picks for a spectacular New Year’s Eve dinner in Chicago, complete with champagne toasts, tasting menus, and special celebrations. And check out our full New Year’s Eve guide for more ideas to complete your only-in Chicago celebration with fireworks, live concerts, exciting events, and more.


by Rosalind Cummings-Yeates

November 29, 2022


It’s officially time to break out the twinkly lights, set up Christmas trees, and bust out the ugliest red-and-green sweater around. Many of Chicago’s bars and restaurants are doing the same, as more spots than ever are decking the halls with over-the-top holiday decor, special drinks in souvenir mugs, themed trivia, donation opportunities, and much more.

by Samantha Nelson, Naomi Waxman, and Eater Staff

Updated Dec 14, 2022, 4:13pm CST


Roscoe Village restaurant rolls out special holiday decorations and menu to support local school. The special runs the entire month of December, featuring a kid-friendly fare, holiday dishes, warm boozy beverages and Read More

ByABC7 Chicago Digital Team via

Sunday, December 11, 2022 11:31AM

















Deck the Halls and Satisfy Your Cravings at Le Sud this Winter

If there was ever a restaurant that could get you in the mood for the holidays, it’s Le Sud in Roscoe Village. This time of year, Le Sud has truly ‘decked the halls’ with holiday décor on nearly every inch of their space, inside and out. Diners can stay warm on their heated, four-season patio or embrace the coziness within the bustling main dining room. Sip on wintery cocktails and feast on comforting French-Mediterranean cuisine and when you’re done, you’ll be ready for the season!. Read More

by Emily Larsen

December 2, 2022

Chicago food megazine






















Le Sud's "Let It Snow" pop up will run from December 1-30, with special brunch hours added every Saturday and Sunday from 12-3 p.m. The brunch menu will feature bottomless mimosas and bloody marys for adults, and festive fare and face painting for kiddos 12 and under. 23% of sales from the children's menu (during brunch and dinner) will benefit Audubon Elementary School. Read More

Chicago Foos Magazine

Nov. 3rd 2022









Where to Order Thanksgiving Takeout in Chicago. Le Sud in Roscoe Village features dinners for two and four. The star is an herb- and lemon-brined roasted turkey breast with caperberry gravy and peach mostarda. The sides include duck confit and chestnut stuffing, and the dessert is pumpkin tiramisu with pumpkin mascarpone and an espresso liqueur. Read More

by Samantha Nelson and Eater Staff

Chicago.Eater.com

Oct 25, 2022, 2:10pm CDT






















Raise a glass to support breast cancer research at Le Sud! Raise a glass to support breast cancer research at Le Sud! During the month of #October, a portion of the proceeds from our "Pretty In Pink" cocktail will benefit the Lynn Sage Cancer Research Foundation's #ChicagosInGoodTaste campaign. This delicious pink drink is layered with plum brandy, earl grey tea, fresh lemon, simple syrup, Bailey's Irish cream and egg white ($15).

Chicago In Good Taste Lynn Sage . Org
Chicago Food MagazineP

October, 2022






Cheers to four years! Le Sud Mediterranean Kitchen will celebrate their fourth anniversary in Roscoe Village with a special prix fixe from Tuesday, September 20 to Sunday, September 25. Our menu features the choice of any small plate, large plate and dessert, paired with a flute of sparkling wine, for $48 per person. Three dollars from each prix fixe ordered will benefit Audubon Elementary School. Read More


Le Sud's Four Year Anniversary Menu

September 1, 2022

#chicagofoodmag



New Happy Hour Menu at Le Sud. Le Sud Mediterranean Kitchen, located in Roscoe Village, will launch a new happy hour menu on Tuesday, May 17. Available Tuesday through Saturday from 4:30-6 p.m., guests may enjoy select small plates, wines by the glass, and cocktails for $6 each. Read more


New Happy Hour Menu at Le Sud

Wednesday, May 11, 2022

#chicagofood


The best Mother’s Day brunches in Chicago, Treat your mom to eggs benedict, pancakes and bottomless mimosas with the the help of these special Mother's Day menus. Read more

Written by Emma Krupp

Wednesday April 27 2022

Timeout Chicago




Spring Prix Fixe at Le Sud Mediterranean Kitchen. Tasting Menu Benefits Local Food Pantries. Friday, April 29 to Thursday, May 12. Available Tuesday through Saturday evenings, the prix fixe features the choice of any small plate, large plate and dessert and new spring menu, paired with a glass of wine, for $42 per person. Three dollars from the price of each prix fixe will benefit local food pantries, Lakeview Pantry and Common Pantry. Read More

Wednesday, April 20, 2022

www.chicagofoodmagazine.com




Mother’s Day eating. Enjoy bottomless mimosas or bloody marys for $25 while dining on steak and eggs ($33), smoked ham & cheese croquette ($12) and other fare on the menu from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. view more




By Samantha Nelson

Thursday, Apr 21, 2022 at 4:09 pm

Chicago Tribune







Treat mom to a memorable meal at Le Sud Mediterranean Kitchen! On Sunday, May 8, the Roscoe Village restaurant will be open for Mother's Day dining from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m, Read More

Mother's Day Dining at Le Sud

Wednesday, April 13, 2022

#chicagofoodmag







Chef Sandy Chen and Le Sud are leading Chicago into ‘Restaurant Week’ Chef Sandy Chen joins Dane Neal on WGN Radio to share excitement for this year’s Chicago Restaurant Week. Hear as Sandy talks about her personal journey in food and experiences in cooking and business and the passion for the industry that is needed to succeed. Read More





by: Dane Neal

Posted: Mar 25, 2022 / 07:33 PM CDT

Updated: Mar 25, 2022 / 07:33 PM CDT






Chicago Restaurant Week, 15+ neighborhood favorites to try during. You haven’t gotten a real taste of Chicago’s diverse restaurant scene until you’ve explored the city’s neighborhoods including Le Sud in Roscoe Village Read more

Published on March 9, 2022

by Choose Chicago





WGN TV Midday Fix: Shrimp & Piparra Pepper. Lakeview Roscoe Village Restaurant Week. Read more

by: Kristina Miller

Posted:Feb 25, 2022 / 11:45 AM CST

WGN Lunchbreak








Le Sud Launches Weeknight Dining Deals. Kids Eat Free, Half Price Cocktails and Half Price Wine by Bottle. Read more

February 22, 2022

chicagofoodmagazine.com





Le Sud Launches New Weeknight Dining Deals: Tuesday 1/2 price signature cocktials. Wednesday kids eat free with adult entree purchase. Thursday 1/2 price bottle wine night. Read more

Tue, Feb 22, 2022 at 12:33 pm CT

Patch.com


Valentine's Day Dining at Le Sud. Surf and Turf for Two Paired with Sparkling Wine. On Monday, February 14, the Roscoe Village restaurant will welcome dining guests from 4:30-10 p.m. In addition to the regular dinner menu, we offer a special Surf and Turf for two, featuring a 16 oz wood-grilled ribeye, spiny lobster, sauce choron, mixed vegetables, yukon potato and steak salt, paired with two flutes of sparkling wine ($95). Read More

January 18, 202

chicago Food Magazine

New Year’s Eve dinner in Chicago: dine-in, takeout, and delivery options. Here are just a few top picks for a spectacular New Year’s Eve dinner in Chicago including Le Sud, whether you’re looking to dine-in or carryout. And check out our full New Year’s Eve guide for more ideas to complete your only-in Chicago celebration. Read more

December 13, 2021 by Rosalind Cummings-Yeates

Choose Chicago


Christmas Carryout Menu at Le Sud. Order by: Sunday, December 19 and Pick up: Thursday, December 23. Orders must be placed online at LeSudChicago.com by Sunday, December 19. Meals may be picked up on Thursday, December 23 between 4-8 p.m. Read more

December 8, 2021

By Chicago Food Magazine

Sensational Holiday and Christmas Pop-Ups Around Chicago. It’s the most wonderful time of the year at these bars and restaurants. Here are 20 jolly pop-up Christmas and holiday bars across Chicagoland this holiday season including Le Sud. Read more



Dec 6, 2021, 4:50pm

by Naomi Waxman and Eater Staff

Eater Chicago

Chicago restaurants offering Thanksgiving takeout and delivery No need to sweat over an open stove all day—these Chicago restaurants are offering delicious Thanksgiving takeout …Read More

Wednesday, November 3 2021

Written by Emma Krup, timeout Chicago






The Best Seats in the House It isn’t enough to get a great reservation — you need to get the best table, too. From a push-button for prosecco to a front-row view of pasta making, these seats are the top spots to settle in. Read more

OCTOBER 19, 2021, 8:39 AM

BY SAMANTHA LANDE, CHICAGO MAGAZINE






LE SUD REMAINS ONE OF CHICAGO’S BEST FOR MEDITERRANEAN CUISINE. Since opening just three years ago, Le Sud has created a reputation as one of the best of the Mediterranean-inspired restaurants in Chicago. Read more

June 16, 2021

by Tommy Hensel, Your Chicago Guide






Dishin’ on the Dish — salmon a la Ribereña from Le Sud Mediterranean Kitchen. The plate — traditionally served in the coastal mountainous region of Asturias, Spain — was an instant crowd pleaser when Le Sud added it to the menu last month. Read More

Chicago Sun times.com

July 7th, 2021

Happy hour menu, offered Wednesday through Sunday from 4:30-6 p.m. Our menu features an array of small bites for $6 each (fried cauliflower; grilled cantimpalitos; fried duck egg and frites), along with $6 glasses of wine, $6 select cocktails and $3 brews.  Read more

May 6th, 2021

By Madeline Kenney, Chicago Food Magazine






Executive Chef Michael Woodhall (Perennial; Gilt Bar; Bavette's) takes dining guests on a culinary tour through the South of France and the Basque region of Spain. The Roscoe Village restaurant is now open for indoor dining, and alfresco seating is offered on the spacious sidewalk cafe. Read more

May 11, 2021

By Patch.com






Must-Try Women-Owned Restaurants in Chicago and the Suburbs. March is Women’s History Month and by all means, be sure to laud the myriad achievements made by women, from Althea Gibson and Shirley Chisholm to Serena Williams and Tammy Duckworth. Show your support for women-owned businesses, and support legislation that continues to move women’s causes forward. Read more

by JULIE CHERNOFF March 18, 2021

BETTER Magazine

Live, love, work and play with greater purpose






Best Alfresco dining - Restaurants deserve some extra love this year. In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, restaurants have pivoted to everything from 100 percent take-out to patio dining. Here are BEST OF, restaurants in 2020! Le Sud (Citi) best alfresco dining. Koi Fine Asian Cuisine best Chinese Food (Suburbs). Read more

September, 2020

BETTER Magazine Live, love, work and play with greater purpose

Vote Best Al Fresco Dining (City)

Meet Sandy Chen: Philanthropist, Community Leader, and Owner of Le Sud & Koi Fine Asian Cuisine. The road ahead looks promising. By sticking together and supporting our local businesses, we can shape our communities for years to come. We are in this together. Read more

April 28, 2020

BETTER Magazine Live, love, work and play with greater purpose






This French Mediterranean eatery breaks all the rules—its Roscoe Village location is off the beaten path, and it refuses to be showy. It shines nevertheless with traditional dishes elevated by smart touches. Read More

Jun 24, 2019

The 10 Most Exciting New Restaurants in Chicago
Modern Luxury CS, Ariel Cheung

Travels through southern France inspired owner Sandy Chen (Koi Fine Asian Dining in Evanston) to open the restaurant. She said southern French cuisine reminded her of the food served in her native Zhejiang, a province along China’s east coast.  Read More



by Ashok Selvam@Shokdiesel Sep 27, 2018, 3:30pm CDT

Chicago Eater

Rather than putting a ton of effort into an outing and then only hitting one spot, why not extend the adventure? This week, we’re pairing sunny southern French cuisine at Le Sud with craft beer and games at Metropolitan Brewing. Read More

By AINE DOUGHERTY REDEYE | OCT 22, 2018 AT 12:25 PM

Chicago Tribune

This time of year, a taste of sunnier climates comes as a welcome surprise - even more so when it pops up in a place like Roscoe Village. Our Hungry Hound says there's a new French restaurant there, where they focus on flavors from the southern part of the country, near the Mediterranean. Read more

By Steve Dolinsky Saturday, November 17, 2018

ABC 7 HUNGRY HOUND

French restaurants have been closing in Chicago. Can Le Sud buck the trend? Mais oui. Given the general decline in the number of French restaurants in Chicago — particularly the dearth of new openings — these unapologetic accents carry a certain “come at me bro” bravado. Read more

By PHIL VETTEL NOV 12, 2018 AT 9:00 AM

Chicago Tribune









 
Sandy photo with red jacket.JPG

Sandy Chen

Owner Sandy Chen’s culinary inspiration stems from her father and grandfather, both personal chefs, who moved the family to the United States in 1984. Her father taught her how to artfully combine Eastern and Western ingredients and inspired her culinary talent. Sandy, who received Evanston’s 2013 Arts & Business Committee Leadership Award, The Lighthouse Rotary 2019 business ethics award and the Evanston Chamber of Commerce’s 2020 Businessperson of the Year Award. Sandy opened Chens Chinese & Sushi in wrigleyville from 1994-2012 and currently operates Koi Fine Asian Cuisine in Evanston. Koi has been repeatedly voted the ‘Best Asian Restaurant’ on the North Shore by Better Magazine. Sandy set her sights on opening a new restaurant inspired by French Mediterranean flavors. She is focused on globally inspired and locally sourced food. Now in Roscoe Village, where she bought her first house back in 1995, she is back home. With Le Sud, she brings her love for bold, fresh ingredients and her warm hospitality. For Sandy, the culinary world isn’t just her job, it’s her lifestyle.