Three Stars
Alinea
Located in Lincoln Park, Alinea is often only available when reservations are made up to two months in advance. In 2005, Grant Achatz opened Alinea, one of 14 restaurants in the U.S. to have earned three Michelin Stars in 2022. In addition to its cuisine, Alinea is known for its presentation. Every course is served in a theatrical style to create an unforgettable culinary adventure.
Two Stars
Moody Tongue
Experience the first brewery in the world with a 2-Star Michelin rating! The Dining Room at the South Loop’s Moody Tongue combines a brewery tasting room with contemporary cuisine. Chef Jared Wentworth and brewmaster Jared Rouben work closely to produce a “hyper-seasonal” tasting menu of more than 10 courses. These menus are accompanied by beer pairings, with a dessert of its famous German chocolate cake.
Ever
Michelin-starred chef Curtis Duffy opened the dinner-only Ever at Fulton Market in 2020, at the height of the pandemic. The 2.5 hour Dinner consists of an eight-to-10 course meal of different proteins and veggies “from land and sea.” Ever serves contemporary cuisine with a changing menu based on seasonal ingredients. They can meet dietary needs given 72 hours advance notice!
One Star
Boka
A mainstay of Chicago’s acclaimed fine dining scene, Lincoln Park’s BOKA has earned Michelin stars every year since 2011. It offers a seven-course tasting menu that changes daily and a seasonal à la carte menu. The contemporary American restaurant is the brainchild of Lee Wolen, the 2015 Chef of the Year by the Chicago Tribune! BOKA is also celebrated for pastry chef Kim Mok’s desserts and its service.
Claudia
Located in the hip Bucktown neighborhood, Claudia is an adventurous restaurant that offers Japanese and French cuisine. Upon making the reservation, diners are asked about hobbies and childhood memories and Trevor Teich tailors the seven-to-nine course tasting menu (or nine-to-11-course Chef’s Table dinners) based on the responses. Claudia, which began as a pop-up restaurant, also has a bar that features à la carte French cuisine
Oriole
Oriole is a contemporary American restaurant in the West Loop established in 2016. The creator, Noah Sandoval, was named one of Food & Wine’s Best Chefs in 2017. Sandoval uses his culinary skills to create an impressive, “constantly evolving” tasting menu. You will find innovative cocktails and an extensive, white wine-focused wine list that can be paired with the meal.
Smyth
John Shields and Karen Urie Shields took inspiration for Smyth from their five-year stint in rural Smyth County, Virginia. They’ve designed the New American West Loop restaurant with a living room-style atmosphere intended to make you feel at home. The prix fixe dinner menu frequently changes and incorporates seasonal produce. Open Tuesday through Sunday for a 2.5 or 3.5 hour chef’s table experience, Smyth also conveniently offers delivery and takeout.
EL Ideas
EL Ideas is a contemporary New American restaurant that serves guests in an intimate setting. It is located in Douglas Park, where Phillip Foss created EL Ideas as an experimental, interactive space. The restaurant is part-dinner party, part- performance and patrons are encouraged to interact with each other.
Elske
Located in the West Loop, Elske serves modern American cuisine with seasonal ingredients. They offer à la carte items as well as a set menu starting at $115. This is accompanied by wine or juice pairings available at an additional cost. Executive chef David Posey and pastry chef Anna Posey’s evolving philosophy is to deliver “simplistic fare, seasonal ingredients, and energetic hospitality.”
