Best Michelin Star Restaurants in Chicago [2024]

Chicago is a city known for its vibrant culinary scene, with a plethora of top-notch restaurants serving up some of the best food in the country. Among these are the city’s Michelin-starred restaurants, recognized for their exceptional cuisine, service, and ambiance. In this blog article, we’ll explore some of the best Michelin-starred restaurants in Chicago, from innovative tasting menus to classic American fare with a modern twist. Get ready to indulge in the ultimate dining experience in the Windy City.

Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf

Address: 218 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654
Phone: +1 (312) 624-8154
Details: $$$$, Restaurant

Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf is a Michelin-starred restaurant located in Chicago that offers an unforgettable dining experience. The atmosphere is cozy, elegant, and dimly lit, giving a feel of luxury. The service is outstanding, with attentive, knowledgeable, and professional staff who go above and beyond to make the dining experience enjoyable. The portions are huge, and the staff is excellent at suggesting extras that complement the meals perfectly.

The food at Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf is out of this world, with French quality and American portions. The gargantuan shrimp cocktail is a must-try, and the Chicago cut ribeye is cooked to perfection. The menu also features other dishes like steak tartare, salad with soft egg and bacon, and truffle fries with aioli. The spirits, wines, and sparkling water are of the highest standards, making it a perfect place for a date night or a pre-theater dinner.

Overall, Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a high-end dining experience in Chicago. The restaurant is highly recommended, making it difficult to get a reservation, but it is definitely worth the wait. From the ambiance to the food to the service, every detail is of the highest standards, making it one of the best culinary experiences in the city.

Monteverde

Address: 1020 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60607
Phone: +1 (312) 888-3041
Details: $$$, Italian restaurant

Monteverde is a Michelin-starred Italian restaurant located in Chicago that offers excellent food, service, and atmosphere. The lunch menu is reasonably priced, and the service is exceptional. The staff is knowledgeable, approachable, and passionate about the food, which is reflected in their recommendations. The Burrata Ham appetizer is a must-try, and the spaghetti Pomodoro and Cacio Whey Pepe are excellent choices.

The restaurant has a changing of shifts, allowing patrons to observe the staff being fed the exact food they just ate, which they devoured lovingly. The owner and chef personally delivered one of the pasta dishes and sought feedback on one of the seasonal specialty small plates. The staff is a gauge of which dishes are exceptional, and their passion for the food is evident in their recommendations. The atmosphere is a little loud, but patrons are able to converse.

The ability to sit at the bar and watch the hand rolling and cutting of pasta is a wonderful and unique touch. The butterscotch dessert is a must-try and is highly recommended. The restaurant features fresh pastas and great wine selections, and the gluten-free pasta is excellent. Overall, Monteverde is a restaurant that should not be missed in Chicago if you love Italian food, with warm tigelle bread, homemade sausage, and meatballs that are hearty and delicious, making it a top-notch dining experience.

Boka Restaurant

Address: 1729 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614
Phone: +1 (312) 337-6070
Details: $$$, American restaurant

Boka Restaurant is a Michelin-starred fine dining establishment located in Chicago that offers an unforgettable epicurean journey through an amazing array of treasures. The chef’s tasting menu with the wine pairing is highly recommended as it provides access to wines reserved for A-list customers. The service is impeccable, and the wait staff is well-versed in each of the wines and courses served. The clearing of the plates and service of the next course is like a well-choreographed ballet.

The atmosphere is upscale and pleasant, with a lovely and whimsical decor. The staff is friendly, genuine, and attentive to detail, making it a truly outstanding experience. The menu is delectable, with complexity and contrasts in flavor, temperature, and texture layered with aromas and visual composition and color of each plate. The Spanish octopus with fragrant dill, Kamachi crudo with fresh strawberry sauce, and the superb roasted duck and roasted chicken are highlights of the menu. The dessert of roasted rhubarb with coconut yazu sorbet and tapioca is a refreshing delight.

Boka Restaurant has reliable top-notch service, never with ups and downs, only ups. The cocktails and wine are delicious, and the knowledgeable sommelier is a highlight. The staff is a representation of the business and makes the experience authentic and unforgettable. The personalized menu with the guest’s names is a nice touch, and the staff is attentive to special occasions like anniversaries. Overall, Boka Restaurant is a must-visit establishment in Chicago, a true five-star customer experience that keeps patrons coming back for more.

Avec

Address: 615 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60661
Phone: +1 (312) 377-2002
Details: $$$, Mediterranean restaurant

Avec is a Michelin-starred Mediterranean restaurant located in Chicago that offers inventive and delicious food. The menu is set up with tapas-style dishes, making it easy to sample interesting combinations of items. The staff is attentive, friendly, and accommodating, making the dining experience exceptional. The service is occasionally slow because the place is packed, but overall, it is absolutely great.

The atmosphere is buzzing, with a beautiful setting that is best for adults. The restaurant is small and narrow, with one row of large tables and a bar. The communal-type table can be a bit close for comfort, but the bar is a great alternative. The cocktails are exceptional, and the chorizo stuffed dates wrapped in bacon are a must-try. The grilled prawns with baked pita and rotisserie chicken shawarma are truly amazing small plates, and the homemade pastas are deliciously seasoned and sauced.

Avec is highly recommended for a special evening, with consistently high-quality and fun service. The food is exceptional, and the prices are fair. The little gem salad, focaccia, squash pizza, baked cabbage, and affogato are all highly recommended. The staff goes out of their way to make guests feel welcomed, accommodating tricky allergies with ease. The gelato is the perfect dessert to end the meal. Overall, Avec is one of the best meals in Chicago and a must-try for anyone looking for a foodie experience that is sure to please the most discerning palate.

Lula Cafe

Address: 2537 N Kedzie Blvd, Chicago, IL 60647
Phone: +1 (773) 489-9554
Details: $$, New American restaurant

Lula Cafe is an exquisite farm-to-table restaurant located in Logan Square, Chicago, offering inventive and delicious food. The menu items vary daily, with some standard items, but all are good. The roasted beets, sweet potato dish, and French brioche toast with berries are heavenly. The crème brûlée and chocolate crème brûlée are wonderful desserts that leave you begging for more. The service is outstanding, personable, warm, and attentive, making every guest feel comfortable and happy.

The atmosphere is cozy and always busy, with an eclectic decor and charming waitstaff. The restaurant is crowded on weekends, so reservations are recommended. The staff is super friendly, dog-friendly, and committed to their customer service. The staff’s effort to make guests feel comfortable and happy with the experience shows their commitment to the customers. The kitchen staff cares about the dishes, and the waitstaff is extremely attentive and professional.

Lula Cafe is a gem that is well worth the wait, with fresh, creative, and delicious food. The vibe is good, and the mimosas and Sunday School cocktail are amazing. The tofu scramble and soft shell crabs are highly recommended dishes that are dripping with flavor. The restaurant is well known and popular, so calling ahead is recommended. Lula Cafe is a must-try for anyone looking for an inventive and delicious foodie experience in Chicago.

Girl & The Goat

Address: 809 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
Phone: +1 (312) 492-6262
Details: $$$, New American restaurant

Girl & The Goat is an upscale restaurant in Chicago, offering fantastic, organic, unique meals that are fresh, flavourful, and exceptional. The menu is inventive, and the dishes are meticulously crafted, with a lot of research behind each plate. The green beans, raw oysters with watermelon and horseradish, roasted pig face, and halibut with marcona almond butter and blueberry sauce are highly recommended dishes. The Sangiovese and pepper is an amazing drink that pairs well with the food.

The atmosphere is fun and bustling, with a good vibe and excellent service. The staff is friendly, attentive, and engaging, making the experience enjoyable and memorable. The restaurant manages great service and an upscale meal without being stuffy, with conversation being the only challenge due to the noise. The chef’s table is a unique experience that allows guests to talk to the staff while they are cooking and get recommendations.

Girl & The Goat is one of the best restaurants in Chicago, with outstanding food, service, and atmosphere. The restaurant is popular, so booking at the 60 days in advance limit is recommended to get a reservation at the time you want. The restaurant is excellent for special occasions, such as birthdays and anniversaries, and is accommodating to dietary restrictions, providing a gluten-free menu. Girl & The Goat is a must-try restaurant, and you will definitely want to eat there again.

Longman & Eagle

Address: 2657 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Phone: +1 (773) 276-7110
Details: $$ – $$$, American, Bar, Pub

Longman & Eagle is a fantastic restaurant located in the Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago. The food, drinks, and staff make you feel like you are in your favorite neighborhood haunt, just with a more adventuresome menu. The restaurant offers hearty fare for brunch, lunch, and supper, with a few vegetarian options too. The whiskey list is impressive, and the Out Side Bar is a great hangout spot.

The atmosphere is relaxed and laid-back, with a great vibe and excellent service. The staff is friendly, personable, and charming, providing guests with wonderful recommendations and everything they need for the evening. The restaurant is noisy at peak hours, but that is true at most places. The outdoor patio is a great spot to enjoy a meal and drinks, especially in the summer.

Longman & Eagle is a Chicago gem, offering unique and trendy dishes that are delicious and memorable. The restaurant is open for limited indoor and patio dining, as well as takeout and delivery. The menu includes house-stuffed sourdough pretzels, hand-cut French fries, smoked pastrami-style salmon Reuben sandwich, and Slagel Farm beef double Smashburger, among others. The restaurant also serves excellent breakfast burritos and coffee. The waiting staff is really friendly, providing excellent service and making the experience enjoyable. Longman & Eagle is well worth a trip out of your way for a visit.

Alinea

Address: 1723 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614
Phone: +1 (312) 867-0110
Details: $$$$, Fine dining restaurant

Alinea is a three Michelin-starred restaurant located in Chicago that provides a unique and unforgettable culinary experience. The restaurant offers a preset menu that includes around 9 courses, each dish being a unique presentation and theatre of the unexpected. The service is tremendous, with the wait staff being very friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the courses and wines. The staff makes guests feel comfortable and are informative about each dish, providing a brief description while it is served and describing it in more detail after it is finished.

The food is inventive, delicious, surprising, and fun, with each course being an experience in itself that leaves guests wondering what will happen next and what the chef was imagining when he put it together. The flavors experienced are unique and unforgettable, and the dessert finale is a great ending to the meal. The restaurant’s glass box set in the kitchen corner and the professional service provide a personal and intimate meal for guests. The atmosphere is dimly set, creating a beautiful evening for guests to enjoy.

Alinea is a memorable and emotional experience that is worth the monetary investment for a very special occasion. The restaurant lives up to its reputation, providing an entertaining experience that is full of boisterous laughter. The staff and servers themselves are half the reason the meal is so good and memorable. Guests are pleasantly surprised by how hilarious the servers are and how they play into their jokes and playfulness. Overall, Alinea is a one-time experience that guests will never forget, and it is worth booking three months in advance.

Eleven City Diner

Address: 1112 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60605
Phone: +1 (312) 212-1112
Details: $$, Diner

Eleven City Diner is a popular deli/diner in Chicago’s South Loop neighborhood that is known for its all-day breakfast and lunch fare. The restaurant attracts a wide variety of customers, from locals to tourists, who are captivated by the restaurant’s unique vintage decor, warm and lively atmosphere, and excellent service. The staff is friendly, efficient, and knowledgeable about the menu, making guests feel comfortable and at home.

The food at Eleven City Diner is amazing, with large portions that are made fresh to order. The menu is extensive and includes a variety of breakfast and lunch options that are sure to please everyone. The breakfast options include traditional favorites like scrambled eggs with bacon, sausage, or ham, and all-day breakfast items like French toast with baked challah, strawberries, bananas, and toasted coconut, and Belgian waffles with berries. The lunch options include an array of sandwiches, salads, and soups, with the corned beef and pastrami hash being a standout item.

The milkshakes, pink lemonade, and root beer float are delicious, and the coffee and soda are free refills. The restaurant is family-friendly and offers a comfortable atmosphere that is perfect for casual dining. Overall, Eleven City Diner is a must-visit restaurant in Chicago that provides guests with a great experience, excellent food, and top-notch service.

The Gage

Address: 24 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603
Phone: +1 (312) 372-4243
Details: $$$, American restaurant

The Gage is a Michelin Star restaurant located in the heart of downtown Chicago, across from the Art Institute. The restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes, from traditional Irish fare to Thai cuisine, providing something for everyone. The staff is friendly, attentive, and accommodating, making guests feel welcome and comfortable. The restaurant’s atmosphere is warm and inviting, with a beautiful vintage decor that adds to the overall dining experience.

The Gage’s menu is extensive, with a range of dishes that are sure to please everyone. The fish and chips are a standout item, with a light, flaky batter and crispy french fries. The Thai dish is also a must-try, with a perfect balance of flavors that are spicy but not too hot. Desserts are fantastic, particularly the cobbler and lime tart. The restaurant also offers a variety of drinks, including cocktails, wine, and beer.

The service at The Gage is exceptional, with staff members like Taylor, Romy, Fabio, Stephanie, and the bus person going above and beyond to ensure guests have a great experience. The restaurant is family-friendly, and the staff is accommodating to last-minute changes. The outdoor seating area is cozy and separated from walking traffic by huge planters, providing a perfect dining atmosphere. The bar area is also great, with friendly bartenders who make excellent drinks.

Overall, The Gage is a must-visit restaurant in Chicago that provides guests with an exceptional dining experience, great food, and top-notch service. The restaurant’s vintage decor, warm atmosphere, and extensive menu make it a great place to dine with friends or family. The staff’s attention to detail and friendly demeanor make guests feel welcome and valued.

Hugo’s Frog Bar & Fish House

Address: 1024 N Rush St, Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: +1 (312) 640-0999
Details: $$$, Seafood restaurant

Hugo’s Frog Bar & Fish House is a highly recommended Michelin Star restaurant located in Chicago. The restaurant is known for its delicious seafood dishes and excellent service. The staff is knowledgeable, attentive, and accommodating, ensuring that every guest has a great dining experience. The atmosphere is comfortable and upscale, with classic restaurant settings that are perfect for any occasion.

The menu at Hugo’s Frog Bar & Fish House is extensive, offering a wide selection of dishes that are sure to satisfy any palate. The seafood tower is a must-try, with fresh and delicious seafood that is sure to impress. The east coast oysters and clam chowder are also highly recommended. The restaurant offers a range of drinks, including wines, beers, and cocktails, with martinis being a standout item.

The service at Hugo’s Frog Bar & Fish House is exceptional, with attentive and friendly staff members like Ulysses and Frank, who go above and beyond to ensure that guests have a great dining experience. The restaurant offers a range of portion sizes, with the portions being generous and perfect for sharing. The happy hour deals, including $1 oysters and half-priced wine bottles, are a great deal and worth trying. The customer service is excellent, with staff members being accommodating and making guests feel welcome.

Overall, Hugo’s Frog Bar & Fish House is a must-visit restaurant in Chicago. The restaurant offers delicious food, excellent service, and a comfortable atmosphere, making it perfect for any occasion. The seafood tower, east coast oysters, and martinis are standout items. The happy hour deals are a great deal, and the customer service is exceptional. With its extensive menu, great service, and upscale atmosphere, Hugo’s Frog Bar & Fish House is a must-visit restaurant in Chicago.

RPM Steak

Address: 66 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654
Phone: +1 (312) 284-4990
Details: $$$$, Steak house

RPM Steak is a highly recommended Michelin Star restaurant located in Chicago that offers a unique and unforgettable dining experience. The restaurant’s atmosphere is upscale and elegant, making it perfect for special occasions. The staff is friendly and knowledgeable, with servers like Andrew and Brandi going above and beyond to make guests feel welcome and comfortable.

The menu at RPM Steak is extensive, with a wide variety of dishes that are sure to please any palate. The wagyu flight and the steak frites are highly recommended, with the steak being some of the best in Chicago. The truffle risotto is pure bliss, and the sides are beyond good. The bacon appetizer, iceberg wedge, roast chicken, and salmon are also standout items. The dessert menu, including the cotton candy dessert, is a must-try.

The service at RPM Steak is impeccable, with staff members being attentive and accommodating. The restaurant is perfect for large groups, with private dining rooms available for business dinners or special events. The restaurant requires a deposit for reservations, but it is refunded to guests. RPM Steak is pricey, but it is worth it for the amazing food, terrific service, and upscale atmosphere.

Overall, RPM Steak is a must-visit restaurant in Chicago for anyone who enjoys a unique and unforgettable dining experience. The staff is knowledgeable and friendly, and the atmosphere is elegant and upscale. The menu is extensive, with standout items like the wagyu flight, steak frites, and truffle risotto. The service is impeccable, with staff members going above and beyond to make guests feel welcome and comfortable.

Gilt Bar

Address: 230 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654
Phone: +1 (312) 464-9544
Details: $$, Restaurant

Gilt Bar is a highly recommended restaurant located in Chicago’s River North neighborhood that offers a unique and unforgettable dining experience. The atmosphere is intimate, with a speakeasy vibe complete with historic architectural features and 1920s inspired decor touches. The lighting and music adds to the mood, making it perfect for a romantic date night or drinks with friends.

The menu at Gilt Bar is exceptional, with standout items like the truffled mozzarella sticks, pork saltimbucca, smashed potatoes, spicy rigatoni, and Branzino. The cocktails are well-crafted and unique, with a phenomenal list that includes the 100 Year Old Cigar cocktail and Lion’s Tail. The service is positive, prompt, efficient, and knowledgeable, with staff members like Terrence going above and beyond to make guests feel welcome and comfortable.

The restaurant has a beautiful old Chicago vibe, with classic and cozy decor. The library downstairs is a must-see, with a big difference in atmosphere between the restaurant and the library. The bartender makes you feel like a long lost friend, and the staff is attentive and accommodating. Gilt Bar is a perfect spot for happy hour, with $5 old fashioned’s and a classy speakeasy look that is chill and sophisticated.

Overall, Gilt Bar is a must-visit restaurant in Chicago for anyone who enjoys a unique and unforgettable dining experience. The atmosphere is intimate and romantic, with a speakeasy vibe complete with historic architectural features and 1920s inspired decor touches. The menu is exceptional, with standout items like the truffled mozzarella sticks, pork saltimbucca, and Branzino. The service is positive, prompt, efficient, and knowledgeable, with staff members going above and beyond to make guests feel welcome and comfortable.

Oriole

Address: 661 W Walnut St, Chicago, IL 60661
Phone: +1 (312) 877-5339
Details: $$$$, Fine dining restaurant

Oriole is an exceptional Michelin-starred restaurant located in Chicago that offers a dining experience like no other. From the moment you walk in the door, to the time you walk out, Oriole gives you the perfect dining experience with impeccable service, creative and innovative food, and a beautiful dining room with very friendly and great service staff.

The multi-course tasting menu at Oriole is Kaiseki inspired, with each of the 12-14 courses having a unique and excellent flavor. The portions are small to allow for enjoyment of each one, and the beverage pairings are fantastic, with a good selection of properly aged wines. The service is attentive without being intrusive, with staff members going above and beyond to make guests feel welcome and comfortable. The restaurant itself is beautiful, with a chic lounge and an energetic yet private-feeling dining room.

The food at Oriole is creative, interesting, and delicious, with standout items like the foie gras with strawberries and anise, sablefish, and capellini. The presentations are brilliant, and the wine list is very good. The restaurant is thinking about dining as something larger than the sum of its parts, with each detail carefully curated to ensure a memorable dining experience. The staff is knowledgeable about the food, and there is a sense of inclusivity and humor that makes the experience even more special.

Overall, Oriole is an unforgettable dining experience that competes with the best in Paris or Kyoto. The food is creative and innovative, the service is impeccable, and the dining room is beautiful. The restaurant is definitely worth the price, and is perfect for special occasions like anniversaries or romantic dinners. Whether you’re a foodie or just looking for a unique dining experience, Oriole is a must-visit restaurant in Chicago.

Maple & Ash

Address: 8 W Maple St, Chicago, IL 60610
Phone: +1 (312) 944-8888
Details: $$$$, Steak house

Maple & Ash is a high-end restaurant located in the posh Gold Coast neighborhood of Chicago. The restaurant is known for its delicious seafood selection, grilled at high temperatures, and their absolutely fabulous pieces of beef that melt in your mouth. The atmosphere and venue are very classy and trendy, with a lively vibe that makes it a perfect spot for a good night out.

One of the standout features of Maple & Ash is their exceptional service. Staff members are extremely friendly, fun, and attentive, making guests feel welcome and comfortable. Even in the event of an inconvenience, the staff quickly sorts it out within a timely manner, ensuring that guests have an enjoyable dining experience.

Maple & Ash provides a wide variety of dishes to choose from, including sushi, custom rolls, king crab rolls, scallops, octopus, and meatballs. Guests can also enjoy freebies, starting with a sweet vodka drink and ending with huge starter salads that are split-able. The restaurant has a great wine list and specialty cocktails, including the delish espresso martini. All of these factors make Maple & Ash a perfect spot for special occasions like anniversaries, birthdays, or just a good night out in Chicago.

Nico Osteria

Address: 1015 N Rush St, Chicago, IL 60611
Phone: +1 (312) 994-7100
Details: $$$, Seafood restaurant

Nico Osteria is a fabulous restaurant located in the Thompson Hotel in Chicago, with a contemporary and vibrant atmosphere that is perfect for a date or a night out with friends. The restaurant offers a great selection of Italian wines, and their Burrata with ham and apples and Branzino are must-tries. The pasta dishes are also highly recommended, and most are priced under $20.

The staff at Nico Osteria is exceptional, with servers like Sofia and Lindsay providing attentive and friendly service. The chef is also very talented and attentive, frequently coming out to ask about the food and ensuring that every dish is prepared to perfection. Sergio, the GM, also ensures that everything runs smoothly, making sure every guest has a great dining experience.

The restaurant offers a great dining experience, with the chef’s bar providing a unique experience as guests watch chefs prepare food in ways they’ve never seen before. The oysters are very popular, and the cheesecake is next level and beautiful. Whether visiting for quick lunch, leisure dinner, or a special occasion, every visit to Nico Osteria is sure to exceed expectations.

Prime & Provisions Steakhouse

Address: 222 N La Salle Dr, Chicago, IL 60601
Phone: +1 (312) 726-7777
Details: $$$$, Steak house

Prime & Provisions Steakhouse is one of Chicago’s leading steakhouses, located at 222 North LaSalle Street, overlooking the Chicago River. The restaurant offers classic dishes in a deluxe setting, with marble bars, intimate booths, and a patio for cigars. The 500-square-foot dry aging room lined with Himalayan rock salt enhances the rich and unique flavors of the natural beef, which is seared in a 1,200-degree broiler and served on a sizzling hot plate topped with sea salt and Wisconsin all-natural grass-fed butter. The restaurant is open from Monday to Sunday, with executive chef Joseph Rizza offering a delicious menu of appetizers, salads, soups, steaks, seafood, and desserts.

The staff at Prime & Provisions Steakhouse is exceptional, with servers like Luis and Drew providing helpful, friendly, and accommodating service. The manager also handles issues well, compensating guests for any unexpected delays or issues. The ambiance is elegant, and all supporting staff are courteous and attentive. The food is amazing, with bone-in ribeye, shrimp appetizer, oysters Rockefeller, Dover sole almondine, and flaming dessert filet mignon being some of the highlights. The wine list is also perfect for a steak restaurant, with many appropriate choices at a variety of price levels.

The restaurant has gone above and beyond to ensure a delightful dining experience, even outside during Covid lockdown. The crab cake is a must-try, and the red wine is amazing. The restaurant offers great celebration options, and guests are treated wonderfully from the moment they walk in until they leave. The service is good, considering the labor shortage, and the quality of food is fantastic. Prime & Provisions Steakhouse is definitely worth a visit, with its excellent food, great service, and non-stuffy attitude towards customers.

Frontera Grill

Address: 445 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654
Phone: +1 (312) 661-1434
Details: $$, Mexican restaurant

Frontera Grill is a Michelin star restaurant in Chicago, known for its very delicious and authentic Mexican food. The staff is friendly and helpful, and the atmosphere is lively and fun. The menu changes regularly, and guests can expect creative, complex, and absolutely delicious dishes. The restaurant also offers great Mexican wine options.

The appetizers are a must-try, with the plantains and taquitos being favorites. The ceviches are also amazing, with one having shrimp and scallops, the next ahi tuna, and the last salmon. The guacamole is served with homemade fried tortilla chips, and the 3 ceviches are flavorful and delicious. The mains are also fantastic, with the pork and yam enchiladas, grilled salmon with raw peanuts in a bright orange sauce made of chilies with green beans, and skirt steak with the masa tamale being some of the highlights. The food is so good that even those on a keto diet can’t resist.

The service is friendly, prompt, and wonderful, with the staff accommodating special requests like a special margarita off the menu. The Fortaleza margarita is one of the best margaritas ever had, and the Carne Asada al Guajillo and steak tacos al pastor are amazing. The restaurant also offers great Mexican-inspired cuisine, with the mole being everything one could hope for. Frontera Grill is definitely one of the best kitchens around and is worth a visit.

Blue Door Kitchen & Garden

Address: 52 W Elm St, Chicago, IL 60610
Phone: +1 (312) 573-4000
Details: $$, American restaurant

Blue Door Kitchen & Garden is a must-visit Michelin star restaurant in Chicago, located in the heart of the Gold Coast neighborhood. The restaurant offers a cozy and intimate atmosphere, with an attentive and friendly staff. The menu is farm-to-table-inspired, with traditional brunch favorites and unexpected creative dishes. The fried chicken and waffles, shrimp and grits, and duck confit are some of the standout entrees, and the hummingbird cake and key lime pie are the perfect finish.

The restaurant is perfect for brunch or dinner, with options for both. The deviled eggs with andouille sausage and tomato soup are fantastic starters, and the red snapper with Carolina gold rice and braised greens is a unique and delicious entree option. The buttermilk fried chicken is a fan favorite and is served with garlic mashed potatoes, cornbread, and hot sauce. The service is attentive, thoughtful, and unrushed.

The restaurant also offers an outdoor dining option in the summer, with a garden that is open for outdoor dining. The interior is super cute, dressed up for winter with ski ornaments, frosted greenery, and fur touches that make it feel like a ski chalet. The restaurant is small enough to be romantic and big enough to accommodate nearly everyone with a hearty appetite. The Blue Door Kitchen & Garden is definitely worth a visit for those looking for great food, great service, and a cozy atmosphere.

The Publican

Address: 837 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607
Phone: +1 (312) 733-9555
Details: $$$, American restaurant

The Publican is a Michelin star restaurant located in the vibrant Fulton Market neighborhood in Chicago. The restaurant offers a meat-centric menu with a focus on family-style sharing. The staff is knowledgeable, attentive, and provides solid recommendations. The atmosphere is casual yet intimate, with a barn-like setting that works well for both large and small groups. The beer selection is great, and there are plenty of craft beverages to choose from.

The menu features an array of delicious dishes made to be shared, including charcuterie trays, fresh peaches, beet salad, 1/2 porchetta, half farm chicken, and pork shank. The oysters, mushrooms, and carrots are some of the standout dishes. The dessert menu is top-notch, and the fresh peaches are a must-try. The portion sizes are generous, so make sure to bring a group to enjoy all the delicious food.

The restaurant is perfect for a night out with friends or a family gathering. The service is friendly, informative, and attentive without being overpowering. The atmosphere is lively, and the closed street seating is a plus. The Publican is a treasure in the West Loop and is worth a visit for those looking for great food, great service, and a casual yet intimate atmosphere.

Chicago Cut Steakhouse

Address: 300 N La Salle Dr, Chicago, IL 60654
Phone: +1 (312) 329-1800
Details: $$$$, Steak house

Chicago Cut Steakhouse is a Michelin star restaurant located in the heart of Chicago. The restaurant is traditionally decorated and characterful, with amazing views of the river. The staff is very welcoming and engaging, providing an impeccable display of service throughout the dining experience. The outdoor seating is beautiful, and the ambiance is perfect for a business dinner, a romantic night out, or a larger group celebration.

The menu is excellent, with plenty of choices for pescatarians, steak lovers, and carnivores alike. The tuna tartare, cedar salad, crab bisque, and salmon are some of the standout dishes. The bone-in ribeye and filet are cooked to perfection, with perfect seasoning and tenderness. The sides are equally delicious, with mashed potatoes, creamed spinach, and macaroni cheese being some of the must-try dishes. The lobsterescargo is a divine appetizer, and the hash browns with jalapeño and cheese are excellent.

The service is highly attentive and engaging, with the waitstaff providing solid recommendations and impeccable service. The Irish owner Matt and waiter Joe are particularly noteworthy for their excellent service and attention to detail. The desserts are served on one shareable plate, making for a great ending to a perfect meal. While the prices are on the higher side, the quality of the food and service is worth every penny. Chicago Cut Steakhouse is a must-visit for those looking for an outstanding dining experience in Chicago.

Sepia

Address: 123 N Jefferson St, Chicago, IL 60661
Phone: +1 (312) 441-1920
Details: $$$, Fine dining restaurant

Sepia is a Michelin star restaurant located in Chicago that offers an outstanding dining experience. The decor is modern with rustic woods sprinkled in, and the ambiance is elegant without white tablecloths. The service is highly attentive, and the staff is friendly and engaging, ensuring that guests receive an impeccable dining experience. The cocktails are really excellent, and the overall experience is surprisingly affordable for the quality of the food and service.

The menu is outstanding and creative, with a 4-course dinner menu and a tasting menu with wine pairings that will not disappoint. The food is fabulous, with standout dishes such as the duck, salmon rillettes on toasted baguette slices, and the rack of pork. The appetizers are small flavor bombs, and the desserts are delicious. The Christmas dinner from Sepia is a no-brainer, with a sack of food neatly labeled with a comprehensive set of reheating instructions, making it easy to enjoy the meal at home. The packaging is excellent, and the various flavors and textures of the meal are satisfying.

The restaurant is a solid choice, with good value for the quality of food and service. The rack of pork, mashed potatoes with black truffle butter, and roasted root vegetables are standout dishes that last for two days. The service is stellar, and the atmosphere is elegant without being stuffy. Overall, Sepia is an excellent choice for a special occasion or a unique dining experience.

Terzo Piano

Address: 159 E Monroe St, Chicago, IL 60603
Phone: +1 (312) 443-8650
Details: $$$, American restaurant

Terzo Piano is a Michelin star restaurant located in the Art Institute of Chicago. The restaurant offers a contemporary and light atmosphere with stunning views of the city skyline. The service is professional, attentive, and excellent, ensuring that guests receive a relaxing and fulfilling dining experience.

The menu is innovative, stylish, and seasonal, with offerings that span vegetarian and meat lovers’ palates. The pasta is light, fresh, and inventive, while the seafood and burger are a hit. The desserts are creative and fun, with the banana bread pudding with hazelnut ice cream and cinnamon bark being a standout dish. The food is excellent, with dishes like the casarecce, lamb burgers, and rabbit cannelloni being particularly delicious. The restaurant also offers a good wine list and special sodas like the Rose Lemonade.

The decor is contemporary, and the seating is spacious, making for a bright, airy, and beautiful dining experience. The views of the Chicago skyline are breathtaking, making Terzo Piano a lovely place for lunch. The restaurant is not cheap, but the quality of the food and the location make it worth it. The restaurant is also a great value when considering the quality of the food and service. Overall, Terzo Piano is a highly recommended restaurant that offers a beautiful dining experience, innovative menu, and excellent service.

Chicago is truly a food lover’s paradise, with an impressive selection of Michelin-starred restaurants to choose from. From the innovative and experimental dishes at Alinea to the classic American fare at Smyth, each restaurant offers its own unique dining experience that is sure to satisfy even the most discerning palate. Whether you’re a local or a visitor, exploring these Michelin-starred restaurants is a must-do activity in Chicago. So why not indulge in the ultimate dining experience and treat yourself to a meal at one of these exceptional restaurants?