Michelin Star restaurants have always had a certain impression on my mind. The posh setting, the delicate music, pretty food and heavenly flavours all together, seem too good to be true. And a chance to explore beyond the mainstream culinary world is exciting to say the least!
What better place to set out on this gastro-journey than Chicago! With a little of everything, and the best of all, this city is simple, thrilling, interesting, romantic and adventurous, all at the same time. Here is a list of the feasty-miracles in the city, and with some of the world’s best restaurants making it to this list, I’m sure that you’ll be allured into planning your next special occasion at one of these. Take a look at our list of the top Michelin Star restaurants in Chicago.
THREE STAR
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Alinea
Expect: One of the only two Three Star Michelin Restaurants in Chicago, Alinea is more of a theatre that a usual restaurant. Fine dining accompanied with exciting theatrics, you will be surprised by the menu, the service and most importantly, the show that they put up for you. With a grand 20-meal course, you are set to have an emotional ride with a combination of fun, quirky, elegant, challenging and some very extraordinary preparations. Planning a meal here in advance is a must!
Must Try: Lobster, Rhubarb
Where: 1723 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614, USA
Price: $75 - $150
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Grace
Expect: Treat yourself to an exquisite culinary experience here, at Grace. Famous for being the most expensive restaurant in Chicago, and one of the top-most expensive in the country, be ready for your pocket to feel a little light, but your mind and soul blessed and happy. The elegance starts with the restaurant's ambience, and extends all the way to each and every dish. With a separate menu for vegetarians, Grace has been successful in winning the hearts of millions of people.
Must Try: Australian Black Truffle, Alaskan King Crab
Where: 652 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60661, USA
Price: $75 - $150
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TWO STAR
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Acadia
Expect: Known for its innovative menu and creative preparations, Acadia is a place that meets all of your expectations. With a friendly, yet sophisticated vibe, the ambience is tasteful, the staff friendly and the food, needless to say, delectable. Flavours are unique and beckoning, especially for the adventurous foodies. With a menu inspired by coastal Maine, the diverse fusion dishes are spectacular.
Must Try: Hamachi, Australian Wagyu beef, Chocolate pudding cake
Where: 1639 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60616, USA
Price: $50 - $74
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Oriole
Expect: Chef Noah is known to be contemporary, global and traditional at the same time, and this reflects in the intricate menu that Oriole offers. A new addition to the list of the Michelin Star Restaurants in Chicago in 2017, this place is all set to become the next best thing. While the food presented is delicate and flawless, it is the atmosphere in the jovial open kitchen that makes for great entertainment.
Must Try: Scottish langoustine, Chicory custard
Where: 661 W Walnut St, Chicago, IL 60661, USA
Price: $75 - $150
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Sixteen
Expect: Lauded by Michelin, Forbes, and more AAA, Sixteen has reached new heights. Not only in the culinary brilliance, but being on the 16th floor, it offers its guests the beauty of these heights, and the city’s skyline. Showcasing talent that encompasses traditional as well as modern techniques, they give new identity to all the pristine ingredients, and this is an experience that must be lived, as words cannot do justice to this brilliance.
Must Try: Peking duck breast with chestnut, pear and citron
Where: 401 N Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Price: $75 - $150
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ONE STAR
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Band of Bohemia
Expect: A new entrant to this reputed list is the Band of Bohemia. Known to be one of the few brewpubs to earn a Michelin Star, they aim to present the best, on the plate and in the glass. Try their unique brews to judge them aptly, I’m sure you’ll be impressed. The setting is casual and relaxing, with light music, good lighting, and a cosy, intimate seating arrangement. On busy days, reservations are recommended, but on other days, you’ll find a great spot to enjoy this unpretentious soulfood.
Must Try: Copper-hued ale brewed with toasted fennel, Fresh pasta tinted green from nettles
Where: 4710 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago, IL 60640, USA
Price: $25 - $49
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Dusek's
Expect: Portraying two sides of the same coin, Dusek's is a casual gastropub where you can meet up with friends, and also the kind of place to take your special someone on a date. With the famous Thalia Music Hall neighbouring it, the restaurant is very popular for its romantic setting. The place offers comforting, delicious food, which has a lasting impression on a foodie’s mind. Do try their beers and their “weekly” finger dishes.
Must Try: Wood-roasted pretzels, Tortellini
Where: 1227 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608, USA
Price: $25 - $49
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EL Ideas
Expect: EL Ideas is a place that you must visit if you are looking for a unique culinary experience. While the exquisite food is the main crowd-puller, the setting is entertaining and one of a kind. Set like a test kitchen in the basement, food is served on one table at the same time. The music is energetic and that, with the overall friendly ambience, makes this perfect for a young crowd. Delicacies are beyond the traditional cooking styles, and this makes the meal even more thrilling.
Must Try: Tosaka, Chocolate cake batter
Where: 2419 W 14th St, Chicago, IL 60608, USA
Price: $75 - $150
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GreenRiver
Expect: Another addition to the Michelin Bib Gourmand list of Chicago is GreenRiver. Located on the 18th floor, a gorgeous panoramic view of the entire city welcomes you. And nothing can tempt you away from the wrap around terrace when the weather is fine. Whether you decide to spend some time at the bar, or move over for a bite, you will be surprised with the creativity displayed on your table. Stepping away from the conventional methods, every course tickles the tastebuds. Their desserts are refreshing, and a must try!
Must Try: Beef tartare, Slagel Farm ribeye, Citrus chiboust
Where: 259 E Erie St, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Price: $50 - $74
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Naha
Expect: Being one of the oldest, and the most reputed restaurant, Naha ensures perfection. With fifteen years of culinary brilliance, Naha still has some incredible magic up its sleeves. With a delicate, light setting, the ambience may seem too simple. Be rest assured that what they serve is far from being mediocre and satisfactory. With a unique blend in the techniques, ingredients and cuisines, this restaurant will forever be a favourite amongst all in Chicago.
Must Try: Sea scallops, Concord grape tart
Where: 500 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA
Price: $50 - $74
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Parachute
Expect: A perfect place for the youngsters to enjoy a couple of hours with friends, Parachute has gained ample fan-following. With exceptional skill in the fields of Korean pantry and au courant technique, the husband-wife chef couple never seize to leave their guests in awe. While the menu is every foodie’s dream, the desserts certainly steal the show.
Must Try: Baked potato bing bread, Panna cotta
Where: 3500 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618, USA
Price: $25 - $49
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Sepia
Expect: Armed with the best combination of spectacular atmosphere, and even better cuisine, Sepia is a restaurant meant to be on the top. The decor hints to a time from the past, while the cuisine and the recipes have progressed beyond today. American delicacies are prepared with hints of global intricacies. Each and every course is exquisite, and a visit here is a must!
Must Try: Chicken, Toffee-coconut cake
Where: 123 N Jefferson St, Chicago, IL 60661, USA
Price: $50 - $74
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So, set out on this fine dining escapade, take a stroll through the woods of diverse cuisines, dive into the flavours and make the most of this incredible journey. Across the city are the best culinary destinations waiting to be explored by each and every foodie. So, set the date, book a table, and make the occasion special by dining at any of the top Michelin Star restaurants of Chicago.
