Chicago: A Culinary Playground

Chicago’s Food Scene: A Culinary Playground 

 

The Michelin Star Powerhouse

Chicago is no stranger to culinary excellence, boasting 23 Michelin-starred restaurants as of 2024. But let’s talk about the elusive three-star rating, the holy grail of dining. Chicago is home to two three-star restaurants:

• Alinea: Helmed by Grant Achatz, Alinea has maintained its three-star status since 2011. It’s an experience that transcends food, blending art, science, and storytelling into every dish.

• Smyth: Led by John Shields and Karen Urie Shields, Smyth earned its third star in 2023. Known for its innovative tasting menus that highlight seasonal ingredients, it’s a testament to Chicago’s culinary creativity.

Three-star restaurants are exceedingly rare, with only 14 in the United States, making Chicago’s achievement even more remarkable.

Current Hotspots You Need to Try

West Kinzie Street: This buzzing street in River North is home to some of Chicago’s most exciting restaurants. Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf combines old-school steakhouse vibes with dishes like truffle mac and cheese and perfectly seared ribeye. For something a bit more modern, head to RPM Seafood, where the seafood towers and lakeside views are as impressive as the fresh oysters.

East Oak Street: If luxury dining is your thing, East Oak Street in the Gold Coast delivers. Le Colonial offers a refined take on French Vietnamese cuisine, with dishes like crispy spring rolls and caramelized black cod. With a great collection of shaken black teas, including flavors such as Hibiscus Herb Honey, Lychee, Mango, and White Peach

DuSable Lake Shore Drive: For views and fine dining, look no further than Navy Pier’s Offshore Rooftop & Bar. Known as the largest rooftop bar in the country, this spot serves up creative cocktails and small plates alongside panoramic views of Lake Michigan.

Most Anticipated Openings

 

Nic & Junior’s, a River North gem from the team behind Chicago Cut Steakhouse. This modern supper club will offer a nostalgic twist on classic American fare, featuring tableside preparations, prime cuts, and a curated cocktail menu designed to elevate the dining experience.

Adding to the excitement is The Alston, a luxurious rooftop restaurant set to open atop a Loop skyscraper. With a focus on globally inspired small plates and an emphasis on locally sourced ingredients, The Alston promises stunning skyline views paired with a vibrant social atmosphere. Expect this spot to become a major player in Chicago’s high-end dining and nightlife scenes.

Rumors are still swirling about a potential Momofuku opening in Chicago, the famed brand by David Chang. If it happens, expect long lines and dishes that redefine modern Asian cuisine.

The Must-Try Classics

 

While new restaurants create the buzz, Chicago’s food scene is also defined by the classics:

• Lou Malnati’s for deep-dish pizza.

• Portillo’s for an Italian Beef (Dipped).

• DiMato's Bakery & Italian Subs for authentic Italian sandwiches and fresh baked goods.

What makes the Chicago’s food scene stand out? It’s the diversity—a melting pot of cultures, cuisines, and styles. The city takes fine dining as seriously as it does its street food, creating a culinary playground where every bite tells a story. Whether it’s a Michelin-starred meal or a humble Italian beef sandwich, Chicago’s food has a way of staying with you long after the last bite.