Fine Dining Restaurants in Chicago, IL

“The very first course, the Dahi Puri, is one of the best dishes I've eaten in my life. A symphony of flavors, presenting themselves one by one and then in combination. Absolute bliss. The vegan tasting menu is culinary heaven on earth. And what makes this restaurant possibly the best I've been to in the world is not only their culinary achievements, but that they excel to the highest levels at absolutely every other part of the dining experience.. the waitstaff, the music, the table spacing, the décor, the tableware, the flatware, the wine menu, the wine glasses, the timing of the courses.. all perfection. Every single staff member from hostess, servers, bartenders, Sommelier, food runners.. every person is an absolute delight. Their attentiveness, kindness and attention to detail is extraordinary. It's clear that they are at the very top of their field and genuinely enjoy working here. Whoever does the hiring here deserves a Michelin star. I've been to great restaurants where the dining experience is ruined because you're seated so close to the other tables you may as well join in on their conversation. Not here. Same with music - the volume level and music selection must pair well with the meal and it's astonishing how many restaurants miss this. Indienne gets it right. When the restaurant Alinea in Chicago was Michelin-rated the best in North America and 6th best in the world, with many others calling it the best in the world, I was lucky enough to have dined there three times. The vegan menu at Indienne is well on it's way to that level with dishes like the Dahi Puri and Avocado Kebab having already arrived. I walked in off the street on a Thursday and although they were packed, they were able to offer me a table. So if you don't have a reservation, still go! You can also eat at the bar, although you can't do the full vegan tasting menu at the bar. You're limited to 3 vegan dishes with bar seating but honestly you'll still be full and in heaven.“

“What an amazing experience, will be back.“

“A very creative kitchen serves up surprising dishes in every course, even dessert, where many restaurants just go through the motions. They also serve up cocktails that you are not likely to see anywhere else. What comes as no surprise, is that they are a Michelin starred restaurant.“

“My husband and I kicked off our honeymoon by going to Carino. Carino has been on our radar for awhile and it was our first Michelin star experience. We loved it. The food was incredible and so was everything Norman did for us. We can't wait to come back.“

“Exceptional progressive menu, engaging chef team, delicious and interesting food, thoughtful wine pairings, just a really charming experience overall. I loved the amuse of beef tartare, roe, and pine nuts in a tiny pastry shell, loved the slightly sweet pate a choux with a buttery slice of beef, loved the fermented accents-- ramps, kumquat, pineapple, loved that the beef never felt overwhelming, loved every single pastry bite and the caviar supplement is a MUST honestly. 10/10 for both food and hospitality.“

“Absolutely incredible dinner! Went for my husband’s birthday and were amazed at the food quality, presentation and level of service.

Definitely the best restaurant experience I’ve ever had both in Chicago and other cities we’ve visited. We will be back for the fall menu.“

“Omg this was incredible. Why are you reading this, go book a reso now.“

“I love that Kendall remembers and reminds graduates to visit. Thank you for all the alumnae newsletters and information.“

“Dinner was excellent. Stopped in for a quick bite with spouse, as we were visiting in Chicago and our hotel was around the corner. Our server, Olivia, was excellent. Great warmth and personality. The table next to us was a bit loud, but that had to do with the individual and not the restaurant. As expected at Capital Grille, food was on point. As was the Negroni that I had.“

“Dining at Alinea was unlike anything I had experienced before. It was more than just dinner; every course felt like a creative performance. The presentation, flavors, and attention to detail were outstanding. The staff explained everything perfectly.“

“Initially we had a few issues. The room wasn’t ready and the kids were fussy and tired but the hotel gave us free deserts in the restaurant Adorn. They were amazing. The customer service was excellent. We finally got to our beautiful room with spectacular views and were very happy but the kids stuff that we requested wasn’t there. They again made up for it and went over and beyond. The kids loved getting an ice cream party, robes and treats. Four Seasons is an outstanding hotel. We will definitely be back. We’ve been home for 2 days and the kids already want to go back!“

“The first thing I noticed was how engaging the hostess was. We were seated upstairs and we loved the feel of privacy there. Our server was Blake a conscientious young man. I informed him that this was our first visit and he walked us through the menu and specials. We order various cuts of steak and one chicken meal. The sides were Brussels spouts, Lobster Mac and cheese and broccoli. The drinks were apple martini and lemon drops both served on dry ice and was quite the presentation! Every entree was delicious and served with the perfect temperature. We don’t live in the city of Chicago so driving down for over an hour to Mastro’s was worth it!“