Casamar — Review by Eating With Tod
Chicago, United States — Filipino
Casamar is Chicago's first Michelin-starred Filipino restaurant, famous for its viral breakfast sandwich that justifies the hype despite premium pricing. The perfectly executed sandwich features crispy hash browns, creamy soulé eggs, and flavorful Filipino sausage, complemented by exceptional pastries. While the quality is undeniable, customers must be prepared for significant wait times.
What was great: Viral Filipino breakfast sandwich with crispy hash browns, perfectly cooked soulé eggs, and flavorful Filipino sausage; exceptional pastries including the Basque cake and truffle-filled quason; quality ingredients and execution
What could improve: High price point at $16 per sandwich and $18 for pastries; long wait times with customers queuing up to 3 hours before opening
The Dishes
The star of the show is the famous Filipino breakfast sandwich that went viral three years ago and continues to draw massive crowds. The sandwich features a Martin's potato roll as the base, topped with a homemade crispy hash brown, juicy Filipino sausage with excellent texture and spice, a perfectly cooked soulé egg, and a slice of American cheese that ties everything together. The construction creates a beautiful balance between textures and flavors. The accompanying rice wine vinegar sauce acts as a palette cleanser, cutting through the richness of the sausage, eggs, and hash browns with impressive acidity. Beyond the sandwich, the pastry selection deserves special attention. The Filipino Basque cake offers a lighter option, while the quason at eighteen dollars is an intense experience filled with truffle cream that dominates the palate. The truffle component is so pronounced that some might find it overwhelming for breakfast, though it would be phenomenal as a restaurant dessert.
The Experience
Casamar operates as a reservation-focused establishment with a challenging walk-in situation. Arriving thirty minutes before opening meant joining a queue that stretched down the entire block. The reviewer waited one hour and ten minutes despite arriving early, and other customers mentioned waiting up to three hours. This is clearly the norm rather than an exception. Staff efficiently managed the crowd, and once inside, the ordering process moved smoothly. The sandwiches are prepared fresh to order unless customers have booked online, resulting in a brief ten-minute wait for food preparation.
Value and Pricing
At approximately eighty-nine British pounds or sixty-six pounds sterling for two breakfast sandwiches, two pastries, and two coffees, this meal commands premium pricing. Individual sandwiches cost sixteen dollars, with pastries ranging to eighteen dollars. For context, this translates to roughly thirty-three dollars per person, placing it firmly in the luxury breakfast category. The quality of ingredients and execution justifies the cost, but customers should budget accordingly and understand they are paying for both the food quality and the Michelin-starred experience.
Notable Moments
That is ridiculous material from the crispiness of the hash brown, the spiciness of that Filipino sausage, the light, airy, creamy soulé eggs, and that slice of American cheese on top just brings everything together.
For a desser in the restaurant, this would be absolutely phenomenal. My god, is it intense for breakfast.
The Verdict
Casamar absolutely lives up to its viral reputation and Michelin-star status. This restaurant is best suited for dedicated food enthusiasts willing to invest time and money in an exceptional breakfast experience. First-time visitors should arrive well before opening to minimize wait times and definitely order online if possible. The combination of impeccable execution, quality ingredients, and genuine innovation in Filipino cuisine makes this a must-visit destination in Chicago, despite the crowds and premium pricing.