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The Top 5 Restaurants in Chicago

The five restaurants in Chicago discussed in this article are among the best. Whether youā€™re looking for amazing molecular gastronomy-inspired cuisine, a modern interpretation of classic American cuisine, or a unique dining experience that changes every few months with a new theme or cuisine, the restaurants listed below offer unrivaled quality.

1. Alinea ā€“ Alinea is considered one of the best restaurants in the world, and for good reason. The molecular gastronomy-inspired cuisine is an experience in itself, with multi-course menus that engage all of your senses.

2. Girl & the Goat ā€“ This highly acclaimed restaurant is known for its bold flavors and creative dishes that showcase the talents of celebrity chef Stephanie Izard. The menu features a wide range of small plates, perfect for sharing and trying a little bit of everything.

3. Next ā€“ Another restaurant by renowned chef Grant Achatz, Next offers a unique dining experience that changes every few months with a new theme or cuisine. From a futuristic space menu to a historical tour of Thailand, each menu is carefully crafted and highly anticipated.

4. Smyth ā€“ This Michelin-starred restaurant offers a modern interpretation of classic American cuisine. The menu is based on seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms, resulting in dishes that are both innovative and familiar.

5. Pacific Standard Time ā€“ With a focus on California-inspired cuisine, Pacific Standard Time offers a bright and flavorful menu that highlights fresh, seasonal ingredients. The open kitchen and airy atmosphere make for a welcoming dining experience thatā€™s perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner.

The Top 5 Restaurants in Chicago

1. Alinea - The Top 5 Restaurants in Chicago

Alinea

Address: 1723 North Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614
Hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 5:00 PM ā€“ 9:00 PM
Phone Number: (312) 867-0110

Alinea is among the three-Michelin-starred restaurants in Chicago located in Lincoln Park. It is known for its inventive, avant-garde cuisine that blends science and art to create a truly unique dining experience. The restaurantā€™s interior is modern and minimalist, with an open kitchen that allows diners to watch the chefs at work. The table settings are also a work of art, with custom-made plates, bowls, and utensils that are designed to complement the food.

The signature dish at Alinea is the edible balloon, which is made with green apple taffy filled with helium. When served, the balloon is released from a pin and floats up to the ceiling, where diners can pluck it out of the air and eat it.

Here are 5 main menu items at Alinea:

ā–£ Osetra ā€“ This dish features Siberian sturgeon caviar served with a variety of accompaniments, including freeze-dried beet, quail egg, and brioche.

ā–£ Hot Potato ā€“ This dish is a deconstructed baked potato that is served in a glass with a slice of black truffle and a dollop of sour cream.

ā–£ Surf Clam ā€“ This dish features a razor-thin slice of surf clam served with ponzu sauce, smoked applewood, and celery.

ā–£ Wagyu ā€“ This dish features wagyu beef served with pickled garlic, soy, and nori.

ā–£ Duck ā€“ This dish features a roasted duck breast served with a variety of accompaniments, including foie gras, pear, and hibiscus.

The restaurant service at Alinea is impeccable, with a team of knowledgeable and attentive servers who guide diners through the multi-course tasting menus. Each dish is presented with a detailed explanation of the ingredients and techniques used to create it. The pacing of the meal is also carefully orchestrated, with dishes arriving at just the right time to keep the meal flowing smoothly.

Customer Reviews:

ā€œAlinea is an experience like no other. The food is inventive and delicious, and the service is top-notch. I especially loved the edible balloon ā€“ it was such a fun and unexpected touch.ā€ ā€“ Sarah

ā€œIā€™ve dined at some of the best restaurants in the world, and Alinea is right up there with them. The attention to detail is incredible, from the table settings to the food itself. Itā€™s definitely a splurge, but worth every penny.ā€ ā€“ John

ā€œAlinea was a truly unforgettable experience. The food was so creative and delicious, and the service was outstanding. I would highly recommend it to anyone who loves food and wants to try something new and exciting.ā€ ā€“ Emily

In summary, Alinea is of the exceptional restaurants in Chicago that offers a unique and memorable dining experience. From the avant-garde cuisine to the impeccable service, every detail is carefully considered to create a meal that is both delicious and unforgettable. While it is a splurge, it is definitely worth it for anyone who loves food and wants to experience something truly special.


2. Girl & the Goat - The Top 5 Restaurants in Chicago

Girl & the Goat

Address: 809 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
Hours: Monday to Friday, 4:30 PM ā€“ 11:00 PM; Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 AM ā€“ 2:00 PM, 4:30 PM ā€“ 11:00 PM
Phone Number: (312) 492-6262

Girl & the Goat is part of the popular restaurants in Chicago in the West Loop neighborhood that offers a creative and bold menu of small plates. The cuisine is described as ā€œfun and unpretentious,ā€ with a focus on seasonal ingredients and bold flavors. The restaurantā€™s interior is industrial-chic, with exposed brick walls, high ceilings, and a large open kitchen.

The signature dish at Girl & the Goat is the crispy pig face, which is a whole pig face that is deboned, braised, and fried until crispy. It is served with a sunny-side-up egg, tamarind, cilantro, and red wine-maple sauce.

Here are 5 main menu items at Girl & the Goat:

ā–£ Wood-Grilled Broccoli ā€“ This dish features charred broccoli served with pickled anchovy, chili, and Parmesan.

ā–£ Goat Carpaccio ā€“ This dish features thin slices of goat served with smoked trout roe, beet relish, and horseradish cream.

ā–£ Grilled Octopus ā€“ This dish features tender, charred octopus served with black garlic, fava bean, and radish.

ā–£ Duck Tongues ā€“ This dish features crispy duck tongues served with a sweet and sour glaze and pickled vegetables.

ā–£ Crispy Short Rib ā€“ This dish features braised short rib that is pressed and fried until crispy. It is served with whipped goat cheese, squash, and figs.

The restaurant service at Girl & the Goat is friendly and knowledgeable, with servers who are happy to guide diners through the menu and make recommendations. The pacing of the meal is also well-executed, with dishes arriving at a comfortable pace to allow diners to enjoy each one.

Customer Reviews:

ā€œGirl & the Goat is one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago. The small plates are perfect for sharing, and each dish is packed with bold and delicious flavors. The crispy pig face is a must-try!ā€ ā€“ Rachel

ā€œI was blown away by the creativity and flavors at Girl & the Goat. The grilled octopus was tender and flavorful, and the crispy short rib was a standout dish. Canā€™t wait to go back!ā€ ā€“ Alex

ā€œThe service at Girl & the Goat was excellent, and the food was outstanding. We tried a variety of dishes, but the wood-grilled broccoli was my favorite ā€“ so simple but so delicious. Highly recommend this restaurant!ā€ ā€“ Michael

In summary, Girl & the Goat is a fantastic restaurant in Chicago that offers creative and bold cuisine in a lively and fun atmosphere. The small plates are perfect for sharing, and there are plenty of options for vegetarians and meat-lovers alike. The signature crispy pig face is a must-try, but there are plenty of other delicious dishes to choose from as well. Overall, highly recommended!


3. Next - The Top 5 Restaurants in Chicago

Next

Address: 953 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607
Hours: Varies depending on the menu. Reservations required.
Phone Number: (312) 226-0858

Next is amid the highly acclaimed restaurants in Chicago that offers a unique dining experience with each menu change. The restaurant is known for its innovative cuisine, which is inspired by a particular theme or cuisine for each menu iteration. The interior is sleek and modern, with minimalist decor that puts the focus on the food.

The signature item at Next varies with each menu, but the attention to detail and creativity of each dish is consistent across all menus. The restaurant has previously offered menus inspired by the cuisine of Thailand, Japan, and Spain, among others.

Here are 5 main menu items from past menus at Next:

ā–£ Nitro Poached Grits ā€“ From the El Bulli menu, this dish featured liquid nitrogen-poached grits with a savory tomato broth and olive oil powder.

ā–£ Phuket ā€“ From the Thailand menu, this dish featured coconut milk-poached shrimp with tamarind and lemongrass.

ā–£ 21st Century Foie Gras ā€“ From the Paris 1906 menu, this dish featured foie gras torchon with brioche and a warm cherry compote.

ā–£ Osechi ā€“ From the Kyoto menu, this dish featured a traditional Japanese New Yearā€™s meal with a variety of small dishes, including pickled vegetables, roasted fish, and braised pork.

ā–£ Oyster and Pearls ā€“ From the French Laundry menu, this dish featured poached oysters with tapioca pearls and a sabayon of pearl tapioca.

The restaurant service at Next is highly attentive and knowledgeable, with servers who are well-versed in the menu and the theme of each iteration. The pacing of the meal is also well-executed, with dishes arriving at a comfortable pace to allow diners to savor each one.

Customer Reviews:

ā€œIā€™ve been lucky enough to dine at Next for several different menus, and each one has been an incredible experience. The creativity and attention to detail is unmatched, and the service is top-notch. Canā€™t wait to see what they do next!ā€ ā€“ Ryan

ā€œThe Spain menu at Next was one of the best dining experiences of my life. The food was creative and delicious, and the service was impeccable. Highlights included the nitro-poached grits and the lamb shoulder.ā€ ā€“ Sandra

ā€œI was blown away by the Kyoto menu at Next. Each dish was beautifully presented and packed with flavor. The OsechiĀ was a standout dish, and the service was excellent. Canā€™t wait to see what they come up with next!ā€ ā€“ Jason

In summary, Next is a unique and highly acclaimed restaurant in Chicago that offers a new dining experience with each menu iteration. The cuisine is innovative and creative, and the service is top-notch. While the menus can be expensive, they are worth the splurge for anyone who loves food and wants to experience something truly unique and unforgettable.


4. Smyth - The Top 5 Restaurants in Chicago

Smyth

Address: 177 N Ada St, Chicago, IL 60607
Hours: Wednesday to Sunday, 5:00 PM ā€“ 10:00 PM
Phone Number: (773) 913-3773

Smyth is one of the Michelin-starred restaurants in Chicago located in itā€™s West Loop neighborhood. The restaurant offers modern American cuisine that is focused on showcasing the best seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms. The interior is warm and welcoming, with a rustic yet elegant decor that creates a cozy atmosphere.

The signature item at Smyth is the Hearth Bread, which is baked in-house in the restaurantā€™s wood-fired oven. The bread is served with cultured butter and a variety of house-made spreads and jams.

Here are 5 main menu items at Smyth:

ā–£ Cauliflower ā€“ This dish features roasted cauliflower served with a sauce made from pickled apple, raisin, and smoked cheese.

ā–£ Aged Beef Tartare ā€“ This dish features raw beef that has been aged in-house for 60 days, served with bone marrow and fermented chili.

ā–£ Dry-Aged Duck ā€“ This dish features a roasted duck breast served with a variety of accompaniments, including turnip, orange, and miso.

ā–£ Pork Shoulder ā€“ This dish features slow-roasted pork shoulder served with a variety of accompaniments, including fermented garlic and pickled ramp.

ā–£ Potato ā€“ This dish features a crispy potato served with a variety of sauces and toppings, including smoked egg yolk and caviar.

The restaurant service at Smyth is attentive and knowledgeable, with servers who are happy to answer any questions about the menu and make recommendations. The pacing of the meal is also well-executed, with dishes arriving at a comfortable pace to allow diners to savor each one.

Customer Reviews:

ā€œSmyth is a gem in the West Loop. The food is exceptional, with a focus on seasonal ingredients and creative flavor combinations. The aged beef tartare and dry-aged duck were standout dishes. Highly recommended!ā€ ā€“ Elaine

ā€œThe service at Smyth was outstanding ā€“ our server was knowledgeable and attentive throughout the meal. The pork shoulder was delicious, and the potato dish was a surprising standout. Canā€™t wait to go back!ā€ ā€“ Alexander

ā€œSmyth was a wonderful dining experience from start to finish. The hearth bread was incredible, and the cauliflower dish was a standout. The service was also excellent. Highly recommend!ā€ ā€“ Sean

In summary, Smyth is a fantastic restaurant in Chicago that offers modern American cuisine focused on seasonal ingredients. The hearth bread is a must-try, but the rest of the menu is also packed with delicious dishes. The service is top-notch, and the warm and welcoming atmosphere makes for a comfortable and enjoyable dining experience. Highly recommended!


5. Pacific Standard Timev - The Top 5 Restaurants in Chicago

Pacific Standard Time

Address: 141 W Erie St, Chicago, IL 60654
Hours: Monday to Thursday, 5:00 PM ā€“ 9:30 PM; Friday and Saturday, 5:00 PM ā€“ 10:00 PM; Sunday, 5:00 PM ā€“ 9:00 PM
Phone Number: (312) 736-1778

Pacific Standard Time is the best of the California-inspired restaurants located in Chicago in the River North neighborhood. The restaurant offers a menu that is influenced by the flavors and ingredients of the West Coast, with a focus on seasonal produce and wood-fired cooking. The interior is bright and airy, with a mix of natural materials and modern decor that creates a casual yet upscale atmosphere.

The signature item at Pacific Standard Time is the grilled bread, which is served with a variety of house-made spreads and dips, including whipped ricotta and smoked trout roe.

Here are 5 main menu items at Pacific Standard Time:

ā–£ Grilled Avocado ā€“ This dish features grilled avocado served with sweet corn, Fresno chili, and crispy quinoa.

ā–£ Charred Octopus ā€“ This dish features tender octopus that is grilled and served with fennel, citrus, and salsa verde.

ā–£ Wood-Fired Pizza ā€“ The pizza at Pacific Standard Time is made in a wood-fired oven and topped with a variety of seasonal ingredients, such as summer squash and goat cheese.

ā–£ Wood-Grilled Chicken ā€“ This dish features half of a chicken that is grilled and served with seasonal vegetables and a lemon-caper vinaigrette.

ā–£ Black Cod ā€“ This dish features grilled black cod that is served with sweet peppers, chickpeas, and salsa verde.

The restaurant service at Pacific Standard Time is friendly and welcoming, with servers who are knowledgeable about the menu and happy to make recommendations. The pacing of the meal is also well-executed, with dishes arriving at a comfortable pace to allow diners to enjoy each one.

Customer Reviews:

ā€œPacific Standard Time is one of my favorite restaurants in Chicago. The food is always fresh and flavorful, and the service is fantastic. The grilled bread and charred octopus are must-try dishes!ā€ ā€“ Adam

ā€œThe wood-fired pizza at Pacific Standard Time is some of the best in the city. The toppings are always inventive and delicious, and the crust is perfectly charred. Highly recommend this restaurant!ā€ ā€“ Jeremy

ā€œI loved everything I had at Pacific Standard Time, but the black cod was a standout dish. The flavors were perfectly balanced, and the fish was cooked to perfection. The service was also excellent. Canā€™t wait to go back!ā€ ā€“ Benjamin

In summary, Pacific Standard Time is a fantastic restaurant in Chicago that offers a California-inspired menu with a focus on seasonal ingredients and wood-fired cooking. The grilled bread is a must-try, but the rest of the menu is also packed with delicious dishes. The service is friendly and welcoming, and the bright and airy atmosphere makes for a comfortable and enjoyable dining experience. Highly recommended!


If you want to experience the best that Chicago has to offer, these five restaurants should not be missed. As James Beard said, ā€œFood is our common ground, a universal experience.ā€ Whether youā€™re from Chicago or from out of town, these five restaurants provide a unique and delightful experience that is sure to impress. Now that you know about the top five restaurants in Chicago, itā€™s time to plan a visit.




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