The 10 best fine-dining restaurants in Chicago

What is it? A two-Michelin-starred fine dining experience from chef-owner Noah Sandoval.

Why we love it: Situated off the beaten path of Restaurant Row, just east of the Kennedy Expressway, Oriole didn't fall for the traditional trappings of a Michelin-starred restaurant. The cozy, understated dining room is just as welcoming of suits and LBDs as it is of T-shirts and jeans. Chef-owner Noah Sandoval dresses up the table with a parade of edible masterpieces—each bite more spectacular than the last.

Time Out tip: Do yourself a favor and don't peep the menu before you go—it's best to be surprised.

Address: 661 W Walnut St, Chicago, IL 60661

Opening hours: Tue–Sat 5–9:30pm

What is it? A modern Filipino-American bakery and fine dining restaurant from husband-and-wife team Tim Flores and Genie Kwon (Oriole).

Why we love it: Believe any and all of the hype on this one: Kasama really is as good as they say it is. Come by in the morning for brunch fare like a longanisa-topped breakfast sandwich or a full Filipino breakfast (longanisa/tocino, fried egg, garlic fried rice and pickled papaya) and some of Chicago's best pastries. At night, book a coveted seating for the restaurant's tasting menu, a Filipino-inspired journey that swings from dishes like nilaga with A5 wagyu to a perfect little croissant served with a sprinkling of freshly shaved black truffles.

Time Out tip: If you don't have your heart set on dining indoors, skip the inevitable line during the daytime and order online for pickup—we promise your meal will taste just as good. 

Address: 1001 N Winchester Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Opening hours: Wed 9am-3pm; Thu-Sun 9am-3pm, 5:30-9pm

What is it? Culinary mastermind Grant Achatz's two-Michelin-starred restaurant in Lincoln Park.

Why we love it: Sit back and enjoy the show, a well-orchestrated ride that plays with textures, temperatures and notions of “normal” cuisine, while somehow remaining grounded in season, flavor and flawless execution. Alinea's past stunners have included squab with peppercorn custard, sorrel and strawberries and cocoa-coated watermelon with cubed Kobe beef.

Time Out tip: You never know what dish will steal the show when you’re in the audience—but the infamous balloon is a guarantee (for now).

Address: 1723 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614

Opening hours: Mon, Tue, Sat, Sun 5-10pm

What is it? John Shields and Karen Urie Shields’s two-for-one special in the West Loop: A fine-dining destination upstairs (Smyth) and the city's best burger in the sultry basement (The Loyalist).

Why we love it: A dark, subterranean dining den, three Michelin-starred Smyth is suitable for midweek dinner and tipples. The Chef's Menu will run you more than $550, but you're guaranteed additional courses and a prime reservation time. Rack up the bill even further with an additional beverage pairing for either $245 or $475 extra.

Time Out tip: We recommend saving Smyth for a special occasion.

Address: 177 N Ada Suite #101, Chicago, IL 60607

Opening hours: Tue-Sat 5-9pm

What is it? Husband and wife David and Anna Posey's "slightly Scandi" West Loop restaurant.

Why we love it: Dining at Elske feels a lot like settling into a good friend's living room—if that friend were a Michelin-starred chef with a killer sense of style. The restaurant makes guests feel right at home with relaxed but professional service, divine eats and next-level desserts. Take the guesswork out of the evening by selecting the tasting menu (priced at $140) or choose your own adventure with the a la carte menu, which highlights some surprisingly affordable options. 

Time Out tip: Build in time to have one last glass of wine in the courtyard next to the wood-burning fireplace before you depart.

Address: 1350 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607

Opening hours: Mon, Thu 5:30-9pm; Fri 5:30-10pm; Sat 5-10pm; Sun 5-9pm

What is it? The fine-dining beacon that started Boka Restaurant Group, one of Chicago's finest culinary collectives.

Why we love it: In its 20-plus years on Halsted Street, Boka has racked up a trophy case worth of awards, including one long-standing Michelin star and a handful of Jean Banchet Awards. But we prefer to let chef-partner Lee Wolen’s impeccable techniques—on everything from dry-aged duck and roasted chicken to ricotta gnocchetti—do the talking. 

Time Out tip: Avoid sitting at a table in the loud bar area if possible, as the elaborate garden wall in the other dining room is something to behold. But if you can’t, don’t worry—it’s worth sitting anywhere you can just to try that chicken. 

Address: 1729 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614

Opening hours: Mon-Thu, Sun 5-9pm; Fri, Sat 5-10pm

What is it? An upscale, modern Indian experience led by chef Sujan Sarkar.

Why we love it: No restaurant in Chicago presents Indian flavors quite like Indienne. Sarkar blends refined techniques with South Asian recipes to create memorable plates, such as a poached egg bathed in curry studded with peas, sweet corn and crispy onions; chicken terrine draped with slices of truffle and sauced in a salty Amul cheese emulsion alongside a piece of leek; and succulent lamb chop plated with four colored sauces (inspired by different Indian regions) as well as garlic naan and black dairy dal. 

Time Out tip: If you're navigating specific dietary restrictions, there are, handily, separate vegan, vegetarian, non-vegetarian and pescatarian tasting menus all available—and all of which are reasonably priced. Set menu options are priced between $135 and $145, a relative bargain considering the River North location, adding to the restaurant concept's whole elegant but unstuffy vibe.

Address: 217 W Huron St, Chicago, IL 60654

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 5-10pm; Fri, Sat 5-11pm

What is it? The most sophisticated jewel in Rick Bayless' culinary crown.

Why we love it: Michelin-starred Topolobampo's elevated Mexican fare spotlights the country's ingredients through rotating themed menus, which have included the Mole Menu, Mexico's Wine Country, Oaxacan Christmas and Topolo Goes on Spring Break.

Time Out tip: You may see President Obama and his family here—it's one of their favorite Chicago restaurants.

Address: 445 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654

Opening hours: Wed, Thu 6-11:30pm; Fri, Sat 5:30-11:30pm

What is it? Chef Michael Carlson's out-of-the-box BYOB restaurant in Wicker Park.

Why we love it: Fewer than 30 diners can fit in this tiny Michelin-starred restaurant, and all of them must have made reservations weeks in advance. But if you manage to nab a spot at Schwa, you’ll be treated to intriguing creations like pine-flavored peekytoe crabs with marinated royal king mushrooms or sumptuous venison with a white chocolate foam. The menu changes often, but whatever the kitchen has up its sleeve, you’re certain to have a meal like nowhere else in town.

Time Out tip: Psst—It's good form to bring a pack of beer or a bottle of bourbon for the kitchen.

Address: 1466 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Opening hours: Wed-Sat 6-9pm

What is it? Grant Achatz’s follow-up to Alinea.

Why we love it: To dine at Next is a rare—and rarefied—opportunity to submit yourself to a very specific vision of what great dining might look like. That vision changes every three months, from French fare to Italian staples to modern plates that don’t even look like food. 

Time Out tip: We know what you're thinking: How does it compare to Alinea? You can expect a more lighthearted dining experience that doesn't skimp on flavor or experimentation.

Address: 953 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607

Opening hours: Wed-Sun 5-10pm