Regularly lauded as the best restaurant in Chicago, if not the country, Alinea lives up to the hype. Chef and mastermind Grant Achatz delivers a well-orchestrated ride that plays with textures and temperatures while remaining grounded in season, flavor and flawless execution. The menu is constantly changing, so you never know what dish will steal the show when you’re in the audience.
The chic residential neighborhood of Lincoln Park may be best known for its lake views and sprawling namesake park, but it’s also home to some of the best restaurants in Chicago. You’ll find everything from a celebrated tasting menu you’ll need to book months in advance to one of the best deep dish pizza spots in Chicago. You can even visit one of the best brunch spots in the city and then spend your day wandering the Lincoln Park Zoo or enjoying some sun at North Avenue Beach. Whatever you’re looking for in a meal, these restaurants are sure to deliver.
RECOMMENDED: Our complete guide to Lincoln Park Chicago