Looking for the best fine-dining restaurants in Chicago? Well, you’ve come to the right place!
Whether you’re celebrating a milestone or just fancy a ritzy night out, Chicago is stacked with award-winning and stellar fine-dining spots.
Without further ado, we present you the best fine-dining restaurants in Chicago!
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1. Alinea
Touched by the godly hands of head chef and co-owner Grant Achatz, famous for his creative use of molecular gastronomy, Alinea stands atop the pantheon of Michelin-starred restaurants in the city (highly recommend his Netflix Chef’s Table episode).
Opened in 2005, this multi-award-winning restaurant continues to attract individuals with a penchant for modernist cuisine.
I mean, who doesn’t want to try the Grande Dame of Chicago’s haute cuisine?
Enjoy a tasting menu experience like no other, whether you’re at the Kitchen Table, The Gallery, or The Salon — three Alinea dining rooms offering distinct experiences of both fine dining and performance art.
Here, you have classics such as the perfectly marbled A5 wagyu procured straight from Japan, the Charred or arctic char made out-of-this-world by modern techniques, and the infamous edible helium balloon.
The line-up changes, of course, but what remains is Alinea’s nearly 2 decades of 3-star excellence, evident in how even one visit is more than enough to make your time one for the books…unforgettable.
Be sure to book in advance; you are basically competing with the rest of the world for a much-coveted seat inside this mecca where inventive recklessness is laced with culinary prowess.
What to order: Multi-Course Tasting Menu, Wine Pairing
Address: 1723 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614, United States
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2. North Pond
North Pond is a unique fine dining restaurant that highlights a soulful experience as you sit in tranquility in the heart of Lincoln Park — owning the majestic views of the dramatic Chicago skyline and the sanctuary all to yourself.
You are basically sitting on an important piece of history as the building was established in 1912 as a shelter for ice skaters before it was redesigned into the renowned restaurant.
The main dining room is highlighted by earthy hues of brown and cream, from floors to ceiling and anything in between. The colors perfectly preserve the cozy vibes befitting of a safe space.
North Pond takes the artistic and crafty approach to preparing their food, so prepare to be mind-blown at the quality of what they offer.
Surrender yourself to their Seasonal Tasting menu, featuring the best of local produce and the freshest ingredients at the height of their season, on top of impeccable service from friendly staff.
Some outstanding dishes include the Golden Gazpacho with Busan crab salad and tempura crab leg, the Foie Gras with kale, Cahokia “dirty” brown rice, and spinach aioli, and a Wagyu with bruleed bone marrow, radish, and Vietnamese herbs. Divine!
What to order: Seasonal Tasting Menu, Wine Pairing, Brunch Tasting
Address: 2610 N Cannon Dr, Chicago, IL 60614, United States
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3. Les Nomades
Step into Les Nomades, and you’ll find yourself transported to a little slice of Paris, right in the heart of Chicago.
This French-inspired sanctuary resides in a beautifully preserved brownstone building, ideal for those intimate special occasions with your loved ones.
From the gleaming white tablecloths to the sparkling crystal chandeliers and curated artworks, every nook and cranny oozes refinement.
But what truly sets Les Nomades apart is the unparalleled service; you’ll feel like royalty without the stuffiness often associated with such upscale establishments.
The culinary journey begins with a four-course pre-fixe menu – a dream come true, we might say. Start with the Asparagus Risotto, a dish that tantalizes not just your taste buds but also your eyes with its elegant presentation.
Move on to the second course, where the Warm Lobster and Shrimp Salad steals the spotlight. It’s a lavish serving of lobster and shrimp, elevated by a tangy mango dressing.
The meat course is something to write home about: the Braised Wagyu Beef Short Rib is cooked to melt-in-your-mouth perfection, complemented by luxurious Pommes Gratin and a rich bordelaise sauce that adds layers of opulence.
What to Order: Asparagus Risotto, Warm Lobster and Shrimp Salad, Braised Wagyu Beef Short Rib
Address: 222 E Ontario St, Chicago, IL 60611
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4. Goosefoot
Don’t be fooled by Goosefoot’s modest size; this small-scale gem packs a big punch in flavor and creativity.
The atmosphere, while intimate, is far from cramped—each table feels like its own cozy world.
The understated design allows the vibrant dishes to shine, and you’ll find the staff to be extraordinarily knowledgeable, explaining each course as though narrating your favorite tale.
The seasonal menu changes so frequently you’ll rarely have the same dish twice, but that’s part of the magic.
They offer a “surprise” seasonal multi-course tasting menu, which takes you on a whimsical culinary escapade.
Each dish, like their tender Angus Beef, is presented with artistic flair and paired with garnishes that capture the essence of the season.
What to Order: Surprise Seasonal Multi-Course Tasting Menu
Address: 2656 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
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5. Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf
Imagine a venue where the elegance of a classic steakhouse meets the lively energy of a jazz bar—that’s Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf for you!
The ambiance is warm, with dark wood and leather giving the place a timeless feel, while jazz tunes softly fill the air.
Their menu is a meat lover’s paradise, with offerings that extend well beyond the traditional.
You can indulge in towering seafood platters or classic prime ribeyes. Bavette’s even shakes up the cocktail scene with innovative renditions of timeless classics.
For starters, don’t skip the Truffle Mac and Cheese, an irresistibly rich dish.
Their Traditional Filet Mignon is cooked just the way you like it, arriving at your table with steak salt and a side of bearnaise that elevates each bite.
If you’re in the mood for poultry, Bavette’s Spiced Fried Chicken is a delightful blend of succulent meat and crispy, spicy coating.
What to Order: Truffle Mac and Cheese, Traditional Filet Mignon, Bavette’s Spiced Fried Chicken
Address: 218 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654
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6. Oriole
Hidden in the bustling West Loop neighborhood, Oriole offers a gastronomic experience that’s hard to match.
This two-star Michelin restaurant features a calm and serene interior, designed with minimalist elegance in mind.
The warm wood accents add a touch of homeyness to the overall sophistication.
What sets Oriole apart is its open kitchen, allowing you to watch the chefs as they prepare your meal, turning the act of dining into an interactive spectacle.
The Tasting Menu at Oriole is like a theatre performance, where each dish is a distinct act in a spellbinding play. The rich Capellini with black truffle feels like a warm hug, while the Miyazaki Beef is a true showstopper.
It’s evident that each dish is crafted with meticulous attention, from the creamy Foie Gras to other innovative courses that change frequently.
You can bring your own wine or opt for their masterfully curated pairings, which can turn your meal into a true ensemble of flavors.
What to Order: Tasting Menu
Address: 661 W Walnut St, Chicago, IL 60661
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7. Boka
Boka sets the bar high; it would be an understatement to say that they are one of those restaurants you should never miss in your entire life.
This critically acclaimed restaurant has several awards under their belt. I mean, with a trifecta of phenomenally executed food, impeccable service, and beyond aesthetically tasteful vibes, Boka checks all the boxes!
Feel the classy and cozy atmosphere as you become mesmerized in their interior design that goes away with one choice over the other. Here, you have candles and lights, brick walls and smooth surfaces, black and white — all in a peacefully inviting ensemble.
There’s no question that food at Boka is transcendence.
The Hokkaido Scallops are melt-in-your-mouth bliss that brings out the flavors blessed by the gods of the sea.
Boka’s Beef Tartare will make you believe that the beef marries the vegetables with how well they go together.
Or, you could go all out with their tasting menu featuring 7 courses highlighting seasonal American fare. You’ll understand how they got 6 consecutive Michelin stars. Wow.
What to order: Beef Tartare, Scallops, Whipped Cheesecake
Address: 1729 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614, United States
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8. Mastro’s Steakhouse
Mastro’s Steakhouse is more than a dining venue; it’s an experience that starts the moment you step in.
The dark wood and leather interiors immediately command attention, giving off a classic steakhouse feel.
Dim lighting and live music further enhance the vibe, making it ideal for romantic evenings or celebratory dinners.
Now, let’s talk about the food. The Bone-In Filet 12Oz isn’t just steak; it’s a culinary marvel.
Cooked to perfection, this filet mignon oozes flavor with each bite, and the sizzling sound it makes as it’s brought to your table is a precursor to the sensory delight that awaits.
Accompanying this is the Creamed Spinach, a blend of earthy spinach and creamy sauce that elevates the steak experience.
Dessert is the crown jewel: the Mastro’s Signature Warm Butter Cake is so rich and heavenly that it becomes an event on its own, especially when topped with ice cream.
What to Order: Bone-In Filet 12Oz, Creamed Spinach, Mastro’s Signature Warm Butter Cake
Address: 520 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL 60654
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9. Ever Restaurant
Situated in Chicago’s bustling Fulton Market district, Ever Restaurant boasts the esteemed recognition of two Michelin stars.
Under the culinary direction of Chef Curtis Duffy, this upscale dining spot specializes in an elaborate tasting menu that spans between 8 to 10 courses, with a focus on high-quality proteins sourced from both land and sea.
As you enter, you’re immediately drawn to the room’s tasteful design, adorned in various shades of gray that create an atmosphere of calm and contemplation.
This carefully orchestrated setting acts as a prelude to the gastronomic adventure that awaits, where each detail is meticulously planned to elevate the dining experience to an art form.
The restaurant prides itself on an ever-evolving menu, one that undergoes frequent updates to include seasonally available vegetables, fruits, and grains, as well as seeds and nuts.
Each dish is not just a meal, but a visually stunning piece of art that excites the palate as much as it delights the eye.
One standout example of Ever Restaurant’s ingenuity is a dish featuring coconut jelly paired with opulent King Crab and garnished with lavish caviar.
It magically serves as a microcosm of the restaurant’s commitment to delivering an extraordinary dining experience that transcends the ordinary.
What to Order: Tasting Menu
Address: 1340 W Fulton St, Chicago, IL 60607
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10. Sepia
The moment you enter Sepia, you’re embraced by an ambiance that elegantly fuses elements of the past and present in its design.
The interior exudes a rustic charm intermingled with luxurious details, paving the way for an extraordinary time.
But it’s not just the atmosphere that captivates; the staff serves as more than just waiters—they act as culinary ambassadors, adeptly guiding you through a meticulously crafted menu where every ingredient has its own unique narrative.
A perfect example of this is their Dry Aged Rohan Duck—a dish that serves as a testament to the finesse of American cooking. Each bite of this duck offers a meltingly tender experience that screams quality.
Elevate your dining experience even further by opting for the wine pairings, specially curated to harmonize with your selected dishes.
What to Order: Four-Course Menu
Address: 123 N Jefferson St, Chicago, Illinois
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11. EL Ideas
Dining at EL Ideas is an interactive escapade that transports you right into the epicenter of the kitchen’s creativity.
The setting is cozy and intimate, giving the chefs a stage to not only display their culinary masterpieces but also share the fascinating stories behind each dish.
One of the highlights here is the Chef Tasting Meal, which is more like a roller coaster of flavors and textures, curated by the imaginative culinary team.
One minute you’re awestruck by the artistic presentation of a Foie Gras dish, and the next, you find yourself joyfully licking a quail egg topped with caviar directly from your plate.
And because the menu changes with the seasons, each visit offers a brand new gastronomic journey.
Don’t forget, this is a BYOB establishment, giving you the flexibility to bring a bottle of your favorite wine to perfectly complement the meal.
What to Order: Chef Tasting Meal
Address: 2419 W 14th St, Chicago, IL 60608-2145
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12. Eddie V’s Prime Seafood
Featuring nightly live music, Eddie V’s Prime Seafood is the place to be if you’re looking for a seafood restaurant offering a fine dining experience.
Additionally, you also get to enjoy hand-carved steaks and an award-winning wine list in a stylish, sophisticated, and relaxed atmosphere.
Almost all seafood restaurants that we’ve reviewed in Chicago offer great crab cakes, and the Jumbo Lump Crab Cake at Eddie V’s is no exception. Sauteed to golden perfection, the crab cake has loads of crab meat, and is a perfect balance of crispiness and flavor.
The creamy and spicy chive remoulade is a welcome addition.
The Chilean Sea Bass here is perfection on a plate! The fish is steamed to perfection, and is flaky, buttery, and just falls apart with just a touch of the fork; the light soy broth at the bottom bursts with flavor, and adds a nice savouriness to the fish.
The Maine Lobster Tacos are made with fresh, house-made tortillas, and come with huge chunks of succulent lobster; the grilled sweet corn pico de gallo adds freshness and a slight sweetness to the tacos.
If your taste buds are craving something different, try the Kung Pao Calamari.
Finished with roasted cashews, there is a kick to the sauce, and the calamari is beautifully cooked.
What to order: Jumbo Lump Crab Cake, Chilean Sea Bass, Maine Lobster Tacos, Kung Pao Calamari
Address: 521 N Rush Street, Chicago, IL 60611
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13. RPM Italian
When Italian classics meet modern fare, you get RPM Italian in River North area, yet another sister collaboration of the famous RPM restaurants in the city.
Step into a space of black, white, and opulent wood and leather accents, with circular disks of light spanning across the ceiling, perfectly arranged to suit any aesthetic taste.
Fine dining is elevated to the next level with RPM Italian’s star-studded menu.
It features head (and palate) turners such as the Maine Lobster Ravioli made with housemade pasta and ragu that hits home and the Spicy King Crab in squid ink pasta, with all the right spices enhancing the flavor.
The Brussel Sprouts would be an amazing side character to this beautiful story: crispy and flavorful. Roll the curtains down with the sweet flavor and tangy notes of the RPM Cheesecake, along with a glass of Pinot Noir.
What to order: Ricotta Cavatelli, Crispy Brussel Sprouts, Spicy King Crab, Charred Pepperoni Pizzette, RPM Cheesecake
Address: 52 W Illinois St, Chicago, IL 60654, United States
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There you go, that’s a wrap for our fine dining list! Chicago is a food lover’s paradise, offering everything from famous pizzas and hotdogs to these fine dining jewels that offer meals you’ll remember for a lifetime.
Still hungry? Check out our picks for the best brunch spots in Chicago!
How We Create Our “Best” Lists
All Noms Magazine’s “best” lists are created using multiple factors and signals to help readers find the best restaurants, things to do, and places to stay at. Some of these factors and signs include personal experiences, correspondence with locals, and compiling experiences from review sites.
Each list is also created to be balanced (in terms of price, cuisine type, ambiance, and more) as possible. This means that the lists are not specifically created in ranking order. You should be comfortable picking from any of the spots on the list and generally have a good time. But of course, YMMV (your mileage may vary) and everyone may have different experiences/palates.