Must Try Michelin Star Restaurants in Chicago, IL
When you want the ultimate culinary experience in Chicago, the coveted Michelin star should certainly serve as a guiding point. This extremely elusive awards identifies the highest of standards for both food and presentation. We’ve compiled for you a list of the finest restaurants in Chicago–all of which have received at least one Michelin star. Check out this post to read about some of our favorite restaurants with Michelin stars in Chicago, IL.
Alinea
1723 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614
(312) 867-0110
Alinea is found in the Lincoln Park neighborhood and is the only three-star restaurant in the city. It is only open for dinner, and reservations are an absolute must. The tasting menus can vary, though you’ll always want to enjoy it with a wine pairing for each course. Every menu will take you on a culinary journey as you relax in the dining room that offers a floor-to-ceiling view of Chicago’s downtown area.
Ever
1340 W Fulton St, Chicago, IL 60607
The Ever Restaurant has collected two Michelin stars for its fine dining tasting menu along with the luxurious atmosphere. There are countless dividers throughout the room, allowing you to have as much privacy within your party as you desire. Every plate that leaves the kitchen is carefully garnished, which is worth the anticipation as you wait between courses. The menus can include caviar, duck, lamb, rabbit, and a host of other exciting options.
Moody Tongue
2515 S Wabash Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
(312) 600-5111
Many believe Moody Tongue is quite worthy of the two Michelin stars that it has because of the incredible food as well as the ambiance of the dining room. It is actually a brewing company, so it’s quite the gem within our list. You’ll find exotic beers that can be served with cheese plates, salumi plates, roast lamb loin, and so much more. Even the desserts can be paired with the IPAs and stouts, so you’re in for an impressive experience.
Oriole
661 W Walnut St, Chicago, IL 60661
(312) 877-5339
Oriole is a favorite because of its elaborate tasting menu, which is dependent on what he chef decides. You can expect anything from spiny lobster to halibut to capellini to appear on the tasting menu. Cocktails, beer, and cider can also be served alongside your meal. Everything is carefully plated, and you can enjoy the art as you relax in the intimate dining space.
Smyth
177 N Ada St #101, Chicago, IL 60607
(773) 913-3773
Smyth offers high-end tasting menus of New American fare. You can complement each menu with wines so that you can truly indulge. The rustic chic dining room with its brick walls and casual lounge areas is quite comfortable. The bar, known as “The Loyalist,” is also one where you can find not only brewed coffee and rare tea cellar teas but also after-dinner libations. When you combine the two, it provides an unforgettable experience.
Kasama
1001 N Winchester Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
(773) 697-3790
Kasama is located in the Bucktown neighborhood and is one of the most recent restaurants to be awarded a Michelin star. It is both a laid-back bakery and restaurant with Filipino flair. The chefs behind the venture are Timothy Flores and Genie Kwon. You’ll find that the menu is extraordinary with the use of ingredients ranging from squid ink to smoked roe. Plus, you can indulge in the many freshly baked goods within the glass display case.
Claudia
1952 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
(773) 697-9486
Chef Trevor Teich is behind CLAUDIA, an upscale restaurant that features two different tasting menus. You can explore seven to nine-course meals that are filled with inventive and eclectic cuisines. Wines can be paired with meals to take everything to the next level. The ambiance is understated with white walls and statement art at every turn. A glass window also allows you to see the chefs hard at work creating the art that will land on every plate.
Goosefoot
2656 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60625
(773) 942-7547
Goosefoot stands out by offering not only innovative fare but also a BYOB policy so that you can bring in your favorite bottles of wine (or craft beer). The intimate space features a bar on the ground floor and a dining room on the second floor. The unique take on American fare includes everything from truffle mousse to sheep’s milk cheese. Special menus are also created around the holidays and should never be missed.
Topolobampo
445 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654
(312) 661-1434
Celebrity chef Rick Bayless is the mastermind behind Topolobampo. The name of the restaurant is just as unique as the dishes that come out of the kitchen. The refined Mexican cuisine is elegant, to say the very least. The rustic space is distinguished by exposed beams, various bottles on display around the bar, and white linen tablecloths. The menu incorporates some of the finest ingredients including lamb loin and guinea hen.
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