Let us be honest. At some point in time, we have found ourselves in a pickle regarding where to eat. It could be for a date or a family dinner, and even an important meeting over dinner. So, to help you out, below is a list of the best restaurants in Chicago.
Oriole
“The Best Restaurant in Chicago for Seafood”
Oriole is amongst the best in Chicago. The eatery is more on the pricier side, but don’t let that throw you off. It is worth every penny you’re going to spend. From the moment you step into the diner to the checkout, be assured of a great time.
Spoiler alert! Oriole is kind of hard to locate. Although once you do, it will serve a cocktail as if to make up for it. If that wasn’t enough, be prepared to receive a gift as well when you go home.
One of the specialties is their in-house butter, which is sure to leave you wanting more. The staff is well aware of that. Therefore, they will make sure to provide you with some as you go.
The chefs at Oriole ensure to change the menu regularly to keep track of the customers’ needs. The Nigiri here is like no other. What sets it apart from other seafood eateries is the seasoning it uses. This seasoning alone has paved its way into the list of one of the best restaurants in Chicago. Indeed, you must try the Lemon Souffle, especially if you’re a big fan of sweet and savory delicacies.
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Alinea
“Best Fine Dining Restaurant in Chicago”
Chef Grant Achatz and his partner Nick Kokonas took Alinea down to its bare bones in 2016. They opted for a timeless, traditional look instead of a modern-industrial look.
The diner has ivory walls, artworks, and a beautiful curve staircase suited for a 19th-century stage show. It replaced the dwindling black corridor, metal stairway, and patio doors.
Alinea offers three different dining options: The Kitchen Table seats just six people and costs $385 per person. The Gallery, on the main floor, has a 16-18 course menu that costs $345. Last but not least, The Salon, located on the restaurant’s second floor, serves a 10-to-14-course menu. It charges $165 per seat.
The restaurant makes the best use of gastronomy to serve dishes like the cured trumpet mushroom with blueberry. Besides, it serves black garlic with brown spice duck dumplings, edible balloons, and steak with truffle.
Also, Alinea does not just provide you with a meal; it gives you a theatrical experience. The cuisine is a masterclass in technique, science, and practical magic.
The dishes bring your senses to the test and pushes your mental and emotional limits. No two dishes are the same on the menu, representing the kitchen experts, led by Achatz himself. It’s no wonder why Alinea deserves to be among the best restaurant in Chicago.
Mastro’s Steakhouse
“Best Steak Restaurant in Chicago”
One of the Best Steakhouses in Chicago! You can easily guess by the name that this restaurant specializes in everything steak-related. It also serves a wide variety of seafood cuisine. The diner is a favorite for many locals as well as celebrities alike. Hence for many, it is among the best restaurants in Chicago for steak.
Mastro’s Steakhouse offers a broad array of authentic styled steak and seafood and exceptional service. It provides a one-of-a-kind dining experience through the means of the best quality food. The best dish on their menu is most definitely the Japanese A5 wagyu. You must try Mastro’s Wagyu Hamburger!
They believe in forming a bond with their guests to make the relationship more than just about food. That is why the diner pays complete care in training its chefs and staff to achieve its goals.
The restaurant has different menus dedicated to specific events such as Easter or Lent. Besides, it also offers takeaway and delivery services.
Make sure you do not go with your casual clothes if you plan to visit Mastro’s Steakhouse or any of its other branches. It is because there are specific requirements when it comes to how you dress. Hence, to avoid any refusal, ensure that you appropriately dress for the occasion.
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ELSKE
“The Best Restaurant in Chicago for American Danish Cuisine”
David and Anna Posey’s ELSKE is à la carte and tasting menus of creative American fare with Danish cultural influences.
ELSKE’s dishes are bright and straightforward, with unprocessed ingredients, many of which are from nearby farms. Moreover, the duo places a strong emphasis on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients that have bagged it a Michelin Star.
The restaurant has an open kitchen on one side and a small patio with a working fireplace on the other side. The wood-fire hearth, local food, and organic menu are essential pieces of the changing menu at ELSKE.
ELSKE draws guests who prefer the peaceful atmosphere. Such as people looking for a nice night out or a small family dinner.
The restaurant has two dining options.
We prefer the modestly priced eight-course meal. It is a mix of American dishes with a Danish twist.
That is if you want a fine dining experience without burning a hole in your purse. The menu includes Smoked fruit tea, delicious butter with sea salt, soft duck mousse, and liver tartare.
Besides this, Elske also has a range of wine, beer, cocktails, and alcohol-free drinks. Such as grape juice with star anise and beet juice with cranberry and mushroom.
Next Restaurant
“The Best Upcoming Restaurant in Chicago”
Right off the bat, what sets Next Restaurant apart is its approach to the food itself. The food and cuisine of the restaurant are different from all the other restaurants out there. It is evident from the fact that its menu changes every three months. The chefs at Next decide what stays on the menu. Similarly, they also discuss which items need to go depending on the season and the meat source. Rightfully, Next Restaurant has what it takes to be on this list of the best restaurants in Chicago.
To dine at this exquisite restaurant, you need to buy tickets and pay for them in advance. It is because this restaurant does not offer reservation services. The prices for a meal are also variable, depending on which day of the week it is.
The cuisine menu is nothing short of authentic and daring. The menu (both food and drinks menu) boasts of many great items. Such as the roasted lamb that sits on top of lamb rillettes. It has sweetbreads and onion rings as toppings. For the finishing touch, the entire dish sits in a pool of in-house demi-glace.
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The Loyalist
“Best Cheesy Burger Restaurant in Chicago”
The Loyalist is a part of chefs John Shields and Karen Urie Shields two in one dining experience. The combo earned a Michelin star in less than two years.
Located right below its counterpart, “Smyth,” which is a fine dining restaurant. The Loyalist is a dark, moody, underground bar with black ceilings, concrete slabs, and crimson lighting.
It is the perfect place for a laid-back hangout with a broad and reasonably priced wine range. The restaurant will take you on a journey. From the simple Classic menu to the more lavish 19-course Omaha menu, there’s something for everybody.
The restaurant-bar serves amazing Sunflower Butter & Potato, salted ham, duck egg, mussels, raw oysters.
And of course, we also recommend their beloved Dirty Burger. It is a delicious mix of fresh onions, bacon, short ribs, and gooey cheese. It is a perfect meal to have when you chill on the couch.
Apart from their range of wine and craft beers, The Loyalist also serves their pick of delicious milkshakes and sundaes.
The Capital Grille
“The Best Grill Restaurant in Chicago”
If you are in the mood for a great cut of prime steak, The Capital Grille serves it best. The restaurant is known widely all across the nation for its dry-aged steak cuts and authentic range of wines. It is also famous for its seafood dishes. It’s not just the variety of food that attracts customers. The restaurant’s fantastic service quality and ambiance are what pulls them in.
The chefs at The Capital Grille do not compromise on ingredients. They source out quality and fresh ingredients from the best suppliers.
The dry-aged steak at the restaurant takes about 18 to 20 days to finish aging. This process gives the steak a rich flavor and great texture. That is why The Capital Grille is among the best restaurants in Chicago when it comes to dry-aged steaks.
The Capital Grille has a diverse variety of sides and desserts too. The most sorted are the Potatoes au gratin and Crème Brulee, respectively.
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Conclusion
Restaurants in Chicago serve a variety of cuisines from all over the world and at diverse price points. From simple, minimalist menus to up-scale theatric dining experiences, there’s something for everybody. So, follow this foolproof to find the best restaurants in Chicago.
