Top Chicago Restaurants
Are you a real foodie, or just up for a splurge? Here are some of Chicago’s top celebrity-chef dining destinations.
Price Guide (not including wine)
$$$$$ = Stratospherically expensive! (could be $150 per person or more)
$$$$ = Very expensive (more like $75 - $100 per person)
$$$ = Expensive, but reasonable for a nice dinner out ( let’s say, $50 - $75 per person)
$$ = None on this list!
Alinea $$$$$ Lincoln Park
1723 N. Halsted (@Willow)
312-867-0110
Wed-Sun, dinner only, jackets suggested.
El: Red line to North/Clybourn
Experimental, innovative New American cuisine by celebrity chef Gary Achatz. One of the top foodie-destination restaurants in the U.S.
Carlos’ $$$$ Highland Park
429 Temple Ave, Highland Park (about 25 miles north of downtown)
847-432-0770
Tues-Sun, dinner only, jacket required.
I don’t usually include restaurants this far out of town; however, if you have a car and want a memorable, New French meal of the highest quality and with outstanding hospitable service, Carlos’ is frequently rated as Chicago’s top restaurant.
Charlie Trotters $$$$$ Lincoln Park
816 W. Armitage Ave
773-248-6228
Mon-Sat, dinner only, jackets required.
El: Brown Line to Armitage
Zagat rated Most Popular Restaurant in Chicago, and one of the top restaurants in the country. Experimental New American cuisine.
Crofton on Wells $$$ River North
535 N. Wells (@ Grand)
312-755-1790
Mon-Sat, dinner only, casual attire.
El: Brown line to Merchandise Mart; Red Line to Grand.
Chef Susie Crofton prepares elegant, healthy, seasonal New American. This is the sort of menu I love — it’s definitely on the list for my next Chicago visit. Bonus: several vegetarian offerings are available, and the accommodating chef and staff will do their best to “create a meal that is within your boundaries.”
Frontera Grill & Topolobampo $$$ River North
445 N. Clark (@ Illinois St.)
321-661-1434
Tue - Sat, Lunch and Dinner, casual attire.
El: Red Line to Grand
Authentic upscale Mexican by celebrity chef Rick Bayless; 2007 James Beard Foundation Award for “Outstanding Restaurant.” Sister restaurants share the same front door and bar; Frontera Grill is more casual and lively; Topolobampo more sophisticated and refined.
Les Nomades $$$$ Streeterville
222 E. Ontario St (@ St. Clair)
312-649-9010
Tue-Sat, dinner only, jackets required.
El: Red Line to Grand; then about a 6 block walk.
Lovely New French cuisine; formal, romantic, sophisticated, serene atmosphere in a Streeterville townhouse. Prix fixe menus only: $90 four-course, $115 five-course.
NoMI $$$$ Magnificent Mile, Gold Coast
Park Hyatt Hotel, 800 N. Michigan Ave. (@Chicago)
312-239-4030
Mon-Sun, breakfast, lunch, dinner, Saturday brunch, Sunday brunch; Business casual attire.
El: Red Line to Chicago
New French and sushi; swanky surroundings, beautiful people, beautiful view, lovely outdoor terrace. Popular for Sunday brunch as well.
Seasons $$$$ Magnificent Mile, Gold Coast
Four Seasons Hotel
120 E. Delaware Pl, 7th floor (btw. Michigan Ave and Rush)
312-280-8800
Mon-Sun, breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner; Sunday brunch.
El: Red Line to Chicago
Not just “hotel dining,” Seasons restaurant stands on it’s own as a fine dining destination. Seasonal New American cuisine in a formal, romantic, beautiful dining room with a great view. Lovely afternoon tea and outstanding Sunday brunch.
Tru $$$$ - $$$$$ Streeterville
676 N. St. Clair (@Huron)
312-202-0001
Mon-Sat, dinner only, jackets required.
El: Red line to Grand or Chicago; but either way, it’s gonna be about an 8-block walk. You might want to take a cab.
Inventive New French by chef Rick Tramonto (”a blend of mad scientist and magician”) in a modern, airy space with contemporary art. Prix fixe menus at $95, $145, $165. Outstanding dessert creations by pastry chef/partner Gale Gand.
