When dining out, one of the most intriguing menu items is often the “Chef’s Special.” It’s usually highlighted, given a fancy name, and presented as the must-try dish of the day. But is it truly special, or is it just a clever way for restaurants to push certain ingredients? To find out, I decided to test a few chef’s specials at different restaurants and see if they lived up to the hype.
What Makes a Chef’s Special?
Before diving into the taste test, let’s break down what a chef’s special actually is. In theory, it’s a dish that showcases the chef’s creativity and culinary expertise—something unique, seasonal, or made with premium ingredients. However, some restaurants use it as a way to move excess inventory, offering a dish that isn’t necessarily remarkable but helps reduce food waste.
To see whether the chef’s special is truly worth ordering, I visited three different types of restaurants—a fine dining establishment, a casual eatery, and a trendy café.
Fine Dining Experience – The Gourmet Touch
At an upscale French restaurant, I ordered the Chef’s Special: Pan-Seared Duck with Cherry Reduction. It was plated beautifully—perfectly cooked duck breast, a deep red cherry glaze, and a side of truffle mashed potatoes.
The verdict? This was exactly what a chef’s special should be. The duck was tender and juicy, the cherry sauce added a delightful balance of sweetness and acidity, and the truffle mashed potatoes were smooth and flavorful. You could tell this wasn’t a dish they served every day—it had thought and finesse behind it.
Casual Eatery – A Slight Letdown
Next, I visited a popular American-style diner that listed a Chef’s Special: BBQ Pulled Pork Mac & Cheese. It sounded indulgent and comforting, so I had high hopes.
While the portion was generous and the flavors were decent, it didn’t feel particularly special. The pulled pork was a bit dry, and the mac and cheese lacked the creamy richness I expected. It seemed more like a last-minute combination of ingredients rather than a carefully crafted dish. It wasn’t bad, but it didn’t feel like something the chef put extra thought into—it was just another version of their regular menu items.
Trendy Café – A Creative Surprise
Finally, I visited a small, Instagram-worthy café where the chef’s special was Miso-Glazed Eggplant with Soba Noodles. This wasn’t something I would typically order, but I decided to give it a shot.
The result? A pleasant surprise. The eggplant had a deep umami flavor from the miso glaze, and the soba noodles were light yet flavorful. It was a dish that felt intentional—like the chef had taken inspiration from different cuisines and experimented with unique flavors. This was the kind of chef’s special that introduces you to something new and exciting.
So, Is the Chef’s Special Worth Ordering?
Based on my experience, it depends on the restaurant. In fine dining and innovative cafés, the chef’s special is often a dish you won’t find on the regular menu, showcasing creativity and premium ingredients. However, in more casual spots, it can sometimes be a repackaged version of existing dishes or a way to use up extra ingredients.
If you’re unsure whether to order the chef’s special, here are a few tips:
- Ask about it. A good server will happily explain what makes the dish unique.
- Check if it aligns with the restaurant’s style. If you’re at a steakhouse and the special is a seafood dish, it might not be their strongest offering.
- Trust your instincts. If it sounds like something truly unique, go for it! If it feels like just another version of a regular dish, you might want to explore other menu options.