7 Fancy Restaurants in Chicago Worth Getting Dressed up for
More than tummy-warming slabs of deep-dish pizza or relish-slathered frankfurters, Chicago has long remained a culinary mainstay for a variety of cuisines, beverages, and overall dining experiences. While tourists and locals alike can (and should) indulge in a deep-dish pie or Chicago dog, the Windy City offers up a variety of Michelin star destinations, laidback dives, trendy cocktail rooms, and homey coffeehouses. Those who like to get dressed up for a night out on the town will be particularly at home here, as there is no shortage of fancy restaurants in Chicago; how about a lavish autumn-inspired dessert served amongst a waterfall of dry ice to close out your main course of lemongrass lobster and truffle tortellini? Salmon tartare with a side of black truffle croquettes more your speed? Or perhaps you’re just looking for a gingerbread-flavored cocktail to cap off the night. No matter your mission, Chicago’s got a whole host of reasons for you to dress up and save some room in the stomach. Check out 7 of those reasons below:
1. Goosefoot
2656 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 942-7547
If the thought of lemongrass lobster and truffle tortellini caught your eye, call ahead and make reservations so that it can also catch your taste buds— no, really, you’ll want to make a reservation. Once your name is on the list, a varied menu of sumptuous delights, prepared painstakingly through careful French techniques awaits. The best part? Goosefoot is BYOB, as well as TYOC… take your own chocolate! All Goosefoot guests leave with a signature Goosefoot chocolate bar so that even once the evening dresses and suit jackets have been shed, you can still enjoy a bit of dessert from the comfort of your own bed.
2. Alinea
1723 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 867-0110
Upon entering through the unsuspecting heavy metal doors of Alinea, the senses are immediately alerted to an aura of sleekness and innovation from the restaurant’s contemporary minimalist interior. This, of course, serves as a knowing precursor to the range of futuristic gastronomic experiences to come. While some eateries may use theatrical gimmicks at the expense of a plate’s flavor quality, Alinea proves that attention to detail makes a difference when serving up culinary offerings that dazzle both the taste buds and the mind. Think vanilla jerky (a fun umami dish of dehydrated prime beef tenderloin styled to look like a vanilla bean pod that arrives at the table stashed away in a spice jar, blended soups served in test tube glasses, and for dessert, an edible green apple-flavored balloon that actually inflates!
3. Ciccio Mio
226 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 796-3316
If over the top theatrics aren’t your thing, keep it classic and classy with a night out at Ciccio Mio. This intimate lounge, which evokes the aesthetics of Moulin Rouge, serves as the setting for delectable vodka sauce pasta, olive oil-drenched antipasti, and stunning mixed berry pavlova. Good luck snagging that reservation.
4. Acadia
1639 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 796-3316
Getting all dressed up calls for giving in to a few indulgences, and what better way to indulge than with trying out the chef- recommended wine pairings with each of your courses? When it comes to the two Michelin-starred Acadia, you can’t go wrong with wining and dining.
5. Duck Duck Goat
857 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607
(312) 902-3825
At Duck Duck Goat, you’ll find stylish maximalist décor and a smorgasbord of maximum flavor. Inspired by traditional Chinese flavors with a contemporary twist, Stephanie Izard serves up an enticing menu of dim sum soup dumplings, duck fried rice (with a decadent soy egg that your fork will melt right into), scallion pancakes, and more. If you’re looking for fancy that doesn’t quite break the bank, Duck Duck Goat might just be your spot.
6. Jeong
1460 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60642
(312) 877-5016
If the thought of salmon tartare and black truffle croquettes caught your eye earlier, don’t worry, I didn’t forget about you. Introducing Jeong, the innovative Korean kitchen bringing the mouthwatering flavors of yuzu lemon and spicy gochujang to Noble Square. Start off with the savory tteokbokki rice cakes served atop a bed of charred cabbage; next, consider mains like decadent crispy octopus or the elegant and crowd-pleasing salmon tartare; if you’re still craving one more appetizer before dessert, treat yourself to the sunchoke croquette smeared in a dollop of kimchi truffle sauce.
7. Sable Kitchen & Bar
505 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 755-9704
Calling all cocktail enthusiasts! Sable Kitchen & Bar pairs New American cuisine with skillfully crafted cocktails. The gastro-lounge not only features a grand 40-foot bar, but it is said to house Chicago’s most complete collection of Amber Spirits, as well. Besides the delicious drinks, the deviled eggs are also a hit! With its sleek and upscale ambiance, the atmosphere definitely gives off an early glamorous Hollywood vibe that is perfect for a fancy night out!
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