How to book Chicago fine dining
Reservation windows, cancellation terms and what to confirm before paying.
01
★★★
West Loop
Smyth
Two tasting formats, with a published change coming in November. Compare menu costs and dietary policies before booking.
Cuisine
Contemporary
Price
$$$$
Details
Planning guide
Menu costs & booking guide →
Three Michelin stars · 2025
Smyth
Menu costs, reservation policies and practical advice are now in our dedicated guide.
Read the Smyth guide
02
★★
Lincoln Park
Alinea
Salon, Gallery or Kitchen Table? Compare the formats, published prices, time commitment and access before choosing.
Cuisine
Creative
Price
$$$$
Details
Planning guide
Menu costs & booking guide →
Two Michelin stars · 2025
Alinea
Menu costs, reservation policies and practical advice are now in our dedicated guide.
Read the Alinea guide
03
★★
West Loop
Ever
An 8 to 10 course tasting menu with a published service charge. See the budget for two, booking schedule and dietary limits.
Cuisine
Creative
Price
$$$$
Details
Planning guide
Menu costs & booking guide →
Two Michelin stars · 2025
Ever
Menu costs, reservation policies and practical advice are now in our dedicated guide.
Read the Ever guide
04
★★
West Town
Kasama
Daytime counter service and a reservation-only dinner are separate experiences. See dinner prices, pairings and booking rules.
Cuisine
Filipino
Price
$$$$
Details
Planning guide
Menu costs & booking guide →
Two Michelin stars · 2025
Kasama
Menu costs, reservation policies and practical advice are now in our dedicated guide.
Read the Kasama guide
05
★★
West Loop
Oriole
Dining room or kitchen table, with separate winter listings. Compare the menu costs, booking window and beverage options.
Cuisine
Contemporary
Price
$$$$
Details
Planning guide
Menu costs & booking guide →
Two Michelin stars · 2025
Oriole
Menu costs, reservation policies and practical advice are now in our dedicated guide.
Read the Oriole guide
06
★
River North
Indienne
Indian fine dining on Huron Street in River North. Check the published menus and dietary options before booking.
Cuisine
Indian
Price
$$$$
Details
Menu & booking
One Michelin star · 2025
River North · One Michelin star · Entry 06 of 20
Indienne
Read the full Indienne planning guide
Indian, Contemporary
Restaurant overview
Indienne describes its approach as progressive Indian fine dining. Its website brings together menus, an FAQ and a reservation link. Source.
Plan your visit
Compare the menu options with everyone in your party before selecting a booking. Ask the restaurant to confirm any dietary changes that matter to your visit.
Recognition source: MICHELIN Chicago 2025 starred selection. Historical recognition; check the current guide for updates.
Overview source checked September 8, 2026. This is a researched listing; we do not assign a critic score or report a firsthand visit.
07
★
West Loop
Elske
A West Loop restaurant with tasting and a la carte options described by Michelin.
Cuisine
Contemporary
Price
$$$$
Details
Menu & booking
One Michelin star · 2025
West Loop · One Michelin star · Entry 07 of 20
Elske
Read the full Elske planning guide
Contemporary, American
Restaurant overview
Michelin describes set-menu and a la carte options at Elske, with Danish influences in the cooking of David and Anna Posey. Source.
Plan your visit
Choose the format you want before comparing the budget with other restaurants. Check the current menu directly; a past menu or published review does not establish tonight's dishes.
Recognition source: MICHELIN Chicago 2025 starred selection. Historical recognition; check the current guide for updates.
Overview source checked September 8, 2026. This is a researched listing; we do not assign a critic score or report a firsthand visit.
08
★
Lincoln Park
Esmé
A Lincoln Park tasting menu built around changing artist collaborations.
Cuisine
Contemporary
Price
$$$$
Details
Menu & booking
One Michelin star · 2025
Lincoln Park · One Michelin star · Entry 08 of 20
Esmé
Read the full Esmé planning guide
Contemporary, Creative
Restaurant overview
Esmé describes a tasting-menu collaboration with artists that changes every twelve weeks. It also has a separate Bar Esmé offering. Source.
Plan your visit
Check which experience your reservation covers. The bar and tasting menu are different choices, so compare the current menu and booking terms for the one you intend to visit.
Recognition source: MICHELIN Chicago 2025 starred selection. Historical recognition; check the current guide for updates.
Overview source checked September 8, 2026. This is a researched listing; we do not assign a critic score or report a firsthand visit.
09
★
West Loop
Mako
B.K. Park's Japanese omakase in the West Loop, with sushi and cooked courses.
Cuisine
Japanese
Price
$$$$
Details
Menu & booking
One Michelin star · 2025
West Loop · One Michelin star · Entry 09 of 20
Mako
Read the full Mako planning guide
Japanese, Sushi
Restaurant overview
Michelin describes Mako as B.K. Park's omakase restaurant, including both sushi and cooked dishes. Source.
Plan your visit
Ask about the seating and dietary policy before booking. A photograph of a previous course does not establish the menu for your date, and the format should suit everyone in your party.
Recognition source: MICHELIN Chicago 2025 starred selection. Historical recognition; check the current guide for updates.
Overview source checked September 8, 2026. This is a researched listing; we do not assign a critic score or report a firsthand visit.
10
★
Lincoln Park
Galit
Middle Eastern cooking in Lincoln Park, with a seasonal menu and an official reservation waitlist.
Cuisine
Middle Eastern
Price
$$$$
Details
Menu & booking
One Michelin star · 2025
Lincoln Park · One Michelin star · Entry 10 of 20
Galit
Read the full Galit planning guide
Middle Eastern, Mediterranean
Restaurant overview
Galit describes a seasonal approach to Middle Eastern dishes. Its website links to its food and beverage menu and a Resy reservation and notification list. Source.
Plan your visit
Read the current menu before deciding what size group to bring. Use the official booking page to check party-size availability rather than assuming that a larger group is required.
Recognition source: MICHELIN Chicago 2025 starred selection. Historical recognition; check the current guide for updates.
Overview source checked September 8, 2026. This is a researched listing; we do not assign a critic score or report a firsthand visit.
11
★
Lincoln Park
BOKA
Seasonal American dining in Chicago. Use the official website to check menus and reservations.
Cuisine
Contemporary
Price
$$$$
Details
Menu & booking
One Michelin star · 2025
Lincoln Park · One Michelin star · Entry 11 of 20
BOKA
Read the full BOKA planning guide
Contemporary, American
Restaurant overview
BOKA presents itself as a seasonal American restaurant. This listing is a starting point for checking its menu and booking information. Source.
Plan your visit
For an anniversary or another timed occasion, confirm dietary needs and the expected duration directly. We have not rated the service or verified that any restaurant can guarantee a flawless evening.
Recognition source: MICHELIN Chicago 2025 starred selection. Historical recognition; check the current guide for updates.
Overview source checked September 8, 2026. This is a researched listing; we do not assign a critic score or report a firsthand visit.
12
★
West Loop
Sepia
Contemporary American cooking in the West Loop, led by Kyle Cottle.
Cuisine
American
Price
$$$$
Details
Menu & booking
One Michelin star · 2025
West Loop · One Michelin star · Entry 12 of 20
Sepia
Read the full Sepia planning guide
American, Contemporary
Restaurant overview
Sepia describes a contemporary American menu shaped by Midwestern seasonality and French technique, under Executive Chef Kyle Cottle. Source.
Plan your visit
If you plan to eat before a performance, ask the restaurant whether your arrival and departure times fit its current service. Location alone does not make a tasting menu a suitable pre-theater booking.
Recognition source: MICHELIN Chicago 2025 starred selection. Historical recognition; check the current guide for updates.
Overview source checked September 8, 2026. This is a researched listing; we do not assign a critic score or report a firsthand visit.
13
★
River North
Topolobampo
A River North restaurant with current menus, a menu archive and online reservations.
Cuisine
Mexican
Price
$$$$
Details
Menu & booking
One Michelin star · 2025
River North · One Michelin star · Entry 13 of 20
Topolobampo
Read the full Topolobampo planning guide
Mexican, Regional
Restaurant overview
Topolobampo's website publishes its current menu and a menu archive, alongside wine and agave information. It lists the address as 445 North Clark Street. Source.
Plan your visit
Use the current menu when planning your meal. The archive can provide background, but does not promise that a dish or experience will be available on your date.
Recognition source: MICHELIN Chicago 2025 starred selection. Historical recognition; check the current guide for updates.
Overview source checked September 8, 2026. This is a researched listing; we do not assign a critic score or report a firsthand visit.
14
★
West Loop
Next
A tasting-menu restaurant with changing themes. Check the theme and dates before purchasing.
Cuisine
Contemporary
Price
$$$$
Details
Menu & booking
One Michelin star · 2025
Restaurant overview
Next publishes a theme and service dates for each menu. The official website links to bookings and frequently asked questions. Source.
Plan your visit
Choose the theme intentionally and read the booking terms before payment. Different runs may offer different experiences; do not buy based only on a description of an earlier menu.
Recognition source: MICHELIN Chicago 2025 starred selection. Historical recognition; check the current guide for updates.
Overview source checked September 8, 2026. This is a researched listing; we do not assign a critic score or report a firsthand visit.
15
★
South Loop
Moody Tongue
The Dining Room at Moody Tongue offers a tasting menu. Check the Chicago dining experience before reserving.
Cuisine
Contemporary
Price
$$$$
Details
Menu & booking
One Michelin star · 2025
South Loop · One Michelin star · Entry 15 of 20
Moody Tongue
Read the full Moody Tongue planning guide
Contemporary, American
Restaurant overview
Moody Tongue publishes a tasting menu for its Chicago Dining Room and notes that dishes can change with seasonality. Its site lists The Bar as a separate offering. Source.
Plan your visit
Check which room your booking covers and ask what beverages are included. We have not verified that every course is paired with beer or that wine is unavailable.
Recognition source: MICHELIN Chicago 2025 starred selection. Historical recognition; check the current guide for updates.
Overview source checked September 8, 2026. This is a researched listing; we do not assign a critic score or report a firsthand visit.
16
2025 ★
Lincoln Square
Atelier
Included in Michelin's 2025 selection. Confirm current service and booking availability directly.
Cuisine
American
Price
$$$$
Details
Menu & booking
Confirm current service
One Michelin star · 2025
Lincoln Square · One Michelin star · Entry 16 of 20
Atelier
Read the full Atelier planning guide
American
Restaurant overview
Atelier appears in Michelin's 2025 one-star selection. Its own website lists 4544 North Western Avenue and recognition from earlier guide editions. Source.
Plan your visit
Atelier was not present in the current Chicago starred directory when checked. That absence alone does not establish a closure, but this listing should not be treated as confirmation of current service. Contact the restaurant before planning a visit.
Recognition source: MICHELIN Chicago 2025 starred selection. Historical recognition; check the current guide for updates.
Overview source checked September 8, 2026. This is a researched listing; we do not assign a critic score or report a firsthand visit.
17
★
Uptown
Cariño
Latin-inspired tasting menus, a chef's counter experience and taco omakase by Norman Fenton.
Cuisine
Mexican
Price
$$$$
Details
Menu & booking
One Michelin star · 2025
Uptown · One Michelin star · Entry 17 of 20
Cariño
Read the full Cariño planning guide
Mexican, Contemporary
Restaurant overview
Cariño describes three offerings: a Latin-inspired tasting menu, a chef's counter experience and taco omakase. Its website links to reservations. Source.
Plan your visit
Choose the specific offering before comparing prices and times. A listing for one format should not be read as a description of every experience available at the restaurant.
Recognition source: MICHELIN Chicago 2025 starred selection. Historical recognition; check the current guide for updates.
Overview source checked September 8, 2026. This is a researched listing; we do not assign a critic score or report a firsthand visit.
18
★
West Town
Feld
A West Town tasting menu that the restaurant says it develops around the ingredients available each day.
Cuisine
Contemporary
Price
$$$$
Details
Menu & booking
One Michelin star · 2025
West Town · One Michelin star · Entry 18 of 20
Feld
Read the full Feld planning guide
Contemporary, Farm to table
Restaurant overview
Feld says it creates each evening's menu in response to the ingredients available that morning, sourced through its network of producers. Source.
Plan your visit
Approach previous menus as examples of the format. If a particular ingredient matters to you, ask before booking rather than expecting a dish from a photograph to return.
Recognition source: MICHELIN Chicago 2025 starred selection. Historical recognition; check the current guide for updates.
Overview source checked September 8, 2026. This is a researched listing; we do not assign a critic score or report a firsthand visit.
19
★
Wicker Park
Schwa
Reservation-only and BYOB. Schwa's official site directs bookings to OpenTable.
Cuisine
Contemporary
Price
$$$$
Details
Menu & booking
One Michelin star · 2025
Wicker Park · One Michelin star · Entry 19 of 20
Schwa
Read the full Schwa planning guide
Contemporary, Innovative
Restaurant overview
Schwa lists BYOB service and online reservation times through OpenTable. The website gives its address as 1466 North Ashland Avenue. Source.
Plan your visit
Start with the official reservation link and check the terms for your date. Ask about beverage policies and dietary needs before making plans; phone-only booking advice is outdated.
Recognition source: MICHELIN Chicago 2025 starred selection. Historical recognition; check the current guide for updates.
Overview source checked September 8, 2026. This is a researched listing; we do not assign a critic score or report a firsthand visit.
20
★
Douglas Park
EL Ideas
A reservation-request format with confirmation after payment. Check the FAQ before planning dinner.
Cuisine
Contemporary
Price
$$$$
Details
Menu & booking
One Michelin star · 2025
Douglas Park · One Michelin star · Entry 20 of 20
EL Ideas
Read the full EL Ideas planning guide
Contemporary, Creative
Restaurant overview
EL Ideas explains that a reservation begins with a request. If space is available, the restaurant sends an invoice and confirms the place after payment. Source.
Plan your visit
Submitting the request is not the same as holding a confirmed table. Its FAQ discusses dietary restrictions and bringing beverages; ask the restaurant to confirm what works for your party.
Recognition source: MICHELIN Chicago 2025 starred selection. Historical recognition; check the current guide for updates.
Overview source checked September 8, 2026. This is a researched listing; we do not assign a critic score or report a firsthand visit.