10 Best Michelin Star Restaurants in Chicago
Home to an astounding 54 Bib Gourmand recommendations and an additional 25 Michelin rated restaurants. Whether you’re a resident of the city or just visiting – Chicago is one of the top cities in the United States to be in when it comes to high-quality food experiences. Here is a list of 10 of those 25 Michelin rated restaurants.
1. Alinea
1723 N. Halsted St., Chicago IL 60614
Considered to be one of the top restaurants in the world if you can snag a table at Alinea you absolutely have to go. If you’re one of the lucky ones that can go Alinea has 3 different incredible experiences: the kitchen table, the gallery menu, and the salon menu – no matter the one you choose you are in for an incredible experience. The menu constantly changes based on the season with the restaurant choosing a theme for that time period. From September 12th to January 17th 2021, the menu is inspired by the restaurant The Fat Duck the world-famous restaurant based in Berkshire, England. Despite the price point, with the cheapest option being $210, there’s a reason why Alinea is ranked as the 7th best restaurant in the world and is an absolutely can’t miss dining experience.
2. Smyth
177 N. Ada St., Chicago IL 60607
Not to be confused with the bar The Loyalist, also owned by the same group and a fantastic time on it’s own, Smyth is another one of Chicago’s incredible dining experience – coming in with two full Michelin stars. Much like Alinea the menu changes constantly and you’re going for the full experience but whatever is in season is more than likely going to make your stomach quite happy. What really sets Smyth apart from most Michelin rated restaurant is their casual dress code as they have created a very warm environment that’s welcoming to all but with the twist of having some of the best food in the world.
3. Oriole
661 W. Walnut St., Chicago IL 60661
Comfort and elegance is the best way to describing at Oriole with everything from the decor to the menu itself offering you an extremely pleasant dining experience. The 16-course meal comes in at $195, without the wine pairing, but trust us when we say you should definitely get the pairing if you can because of their incredible wine menu and sommelier. Despite recently losing pastry chef Genie Kwon, and chef de cuisine Tim Flores, Oriole has not missed a single beat. If you’re lucky enough to get your hands on the Cappellini you are in for one of the best pasta dishes of your life.
4. Acadia
1639 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago IL 60616
Unfortunately currently closed due to COVID-19, when they open back up Acadia is a must-visit for any foodie in Chicago because of their absolutely stunning menu and execution. When visiting Acadia the must-have is the Acadia House Provisions Burger – not exactly what you would expect from a two-star Michelin restaurant however the execution of said burger is absolutely flawless. The lobster roll is made from deliciously sweet lobster on lavishly buttered bread and is absolutely delicious for any lobster roll fan. The steak frites come with a beautiful 16-ounce ribeye cooked to perfection with foie gras butter and is stunning in its own way. As for dessert the sesame and sorghum, black sesame custard with sorghum koji ice cream is just one of the amazing dishes on the menu to indulge in.
5. Omakase Yume
651 W. Washington Blvd., Chicago IL 60661
Chef Sangtae Park has struck gold with Omakase Yume combining his years of experience in traditional Japanese cuisine with a slight Korean influence. If you are new to Omakase dining it’s when the chef picks what you will eat and Chef Park does not miss. Because it is Omakase you never quite know what you are going to eat but it is an absolutely thrilling experience as everything is catered perfectly to you. Omakase Yume was awarded their first Michelin star in 2020 – an incredible feat all things considered and they definitely don’t let you down. Another plus about an Omakase experience is you get to watch the chef prepare the food right in front of you so not only are you paying for one of the best meals of your life you also get an incredible show at the same time!
6. North Pond
2610 North Cannon Dr., Chicago IL 60614
North Pond is an incredibly fascinating restaurant – earning their first Michelin star in 2020 itself. While you don’t quite know what you’re going to eat, as the menu – including the type of cuisine itself – changes weekly, you do know it is going to be of the highest quality. On top of an ever-evolving menu, one of the biggest attractions to North Pond is their price point with their “seasonal tasting” coming in at just $85 per person. Not only do they offer different types of cuisine each week, North Pond also offers an absolutely stunning brunch menu that comes in at just $42 per guest. We haven’t even talked about the cocktails which deserve an article on their own. If you’re looking for an incredible Michelin-rated dining experience at an affordable price look no further than North Pond.
7. Moody Tongue
2515 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
This 2 Michelin star restaurant combines incredible flavors and class without being pretentious. The interior has dark paneling and concrete floors giving it a very intimate and moody feel, imagine that. There are two parts to this spot: the bar area and then the dining area. At Moody Tongue, executive chef Jared Wentworth combines the most flavorful food with brewmaster Jared Rouben’s intricate and creative brews. Here, they say beer is their food, and their philosophy of culinary brewing makes for one of the most flavorful experiences you’ll ever have. The minimalist setting is intriguing and Moody Tongue is sure to wow all of you beer and food lovers.
8. EL Ideas
2419 W 14th St, Chicago, IL 60608
Dining at EL Ideas is like having dinner and a show. When you choose to dine here, you know you are in for a treat as each visit is quite the experience. You will make a reservation and pay prior to your visit so you can really take your time and not feel rushed. The servers bring each course out to the tables and explain what each dish is, and how to eat it. Another interesting thing about this restaurant is that it’s BYOB. The whole goal here is for the guests to have fun and experience something totally different. You can see into the kitchen from the dining room, giving the restaurant a relaxed and friendly environment. One of the dishes EL Ideas is known for is the french fries and ice cream course. Everything here is fun, inventive, and it is an unforgettable experience to say the least.
9. The Purple Pig
444 Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Perfect for large groups or a couple sitting at the bar, The Purple Pig is the Mediterranean restaurant of your dreams. It’s comfortable, friendly, and has a great atmosphere. Presentation combined with immaculate flavor is what you’ll get from the dishes at The Purple Pig. You can actually taste the smokiness of the smoked pork tongue and the burrata cannoli is truly a work of art. The menu covers dishes from land, sea, and everything in between. There’s no doubt that you’ll find something to love on this menu. It’s always a treat dining somewhere that has been awarded a Michelin star, and it is easy to see how this restaurant earned it.
10. Topolobampo
445 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654
A nice hot meal at a Mexican restaurant always hits the spot, but when the Mexican restaurant also happens to have a Michelin star, boy are you in for a treat. Their menu is full of creative and flavorful items that are sure to wow you. From carne asada to tostadas, you are going to enjoy any dish that you order here. They also have some noteworthy cocktails like the blue agave margarita and the cucumber basil cooler, along with red and white wines that will pair perfectly with your meal. Bring a large group or take your special someone here for dinner, Topolobampo can accommodate all of your needs. If you live in Chicago or are just visiting, this is definitely one of the restaurants worth stopping at.
Editors Note: This article was originally published on November 28, 2020 and last updated on January 27, 2022. Please refer to restaurant websites and social media pages for the most up-to-date information.
Featured Blog Posts
Instagrammable Brunch Spots in Chicago, IL
It’s no secret that Chicago is one of the top food cities in the country. However with so many options, sometimes that can make it even harder to choose where to go eat. We’ve put together a list of brunch spots around the city where you can get incredible food in a gorgeous, fun, lively atmosphere. Continue reading to see our list of the top Instagrammable brunch spots around Chicago.
Cheap, But Fun, Date Night Ideas in Chicago, IL
The perfect date night doesn’t have to cost a ton of money, at the end of the day it’s really just about spending time together. We’ve put together a list of cheap and FUN date ideas for you and your significant other to take part in, whether it’s sunny and 75 or snow is coming down in Chicago, IL.
11 Best Girls Night Out Spots in Chicago
The girls are going out in Chicago tonight! If a night out with your friends is exactly what you need to catch your breath in the Windy City, you’ll be thrilled to hear that Chicago has tons of bars and restaurants that are perfect for the occasion. The scene here offers food, drinks, and a little dancing. Get ready to take your pick from this list of the 11 best girls night out spots in Chicago, IL.
7 Best Black-Owned Bars in Chicago, IL
In Honor of Black History Month, it’s time to talk about the incredible black-owned bars in Chicago! These spots deliver curated menus with craft cocktails and inspired, rich cuisine. Check out our list of the seven best black-owned bars in Chicago, IL.