These 5 Best Restaurants In Chicago Offer the Best Dining Experience

Illinois is home to some of the best restaurants in the world. The majority of these amazing restaurants, however, are located in the city of Chicago. From the breathtaking upscale restaurants to the more humble bistros, the best restaurants in Chicago on this list are sure to offer an unforgettable dining experience.

1. Roister, Chicago, Illinois

Roister prides itself on offering transparency to their diners regarding what goes into the making their meals. Instead of hiding its inner workings behind swinging doors, they cookout in the open, or as they refer to it “the restaurant is the kitchen, the kitchen is the restaurant.” Diners can look forward to upscale versions of homemade classics, like a caramelized onion lasagna and the whole chicken with chamomile. Their menu also includes an array of tempting classic cocktails.

2. Signature Room and Lounge, Chicago, Illinois

This Chicago staple is located on the 95th and 96th floor of the John Hancock Building in the heart of the well known Gold Coast neighborhood. The Signature Room touts some of the best views in Chicago, featuring large open windows showcasing beautiful Lake Michigan and famous skyscrapers. Their menu offers upscale modern American cuisine enhanced only by the unique perspective of the city from one of the tallest buildings in the midwest United States.

3. Next Restaurant, Chicago, Illinois

When one considers an unforgettable dining experience in Chicago, we immediately think of mega-famous, Michelin star chef, Grant Achatz. His restaurant project, Next, offers themed experiences on a seasonal schedule. You will need to check their website for current offerings. Past menus include “Tour Of South America,” as well as a re-creation of a twenty-year-old menu from The French Laundry. Your dining experience needs to be booked in advance, and queues can be long, so plan ahead or check back with their website in case of any last-minute cancellations. Well worth the preparation.

4. Montarra, Algonquin, Illinois

There is, however, an Illinois gem outside of Chicago. Without the hustle and bustle of the city, and still offering diners the upscale menu and experience they crave. They pride themselves at providing service comparable to that of downtown Chicago. The dining room is clean and enchanting, featuring a lovely water wall as well as a dreamy chandelier. Their menu includes elegantly plated contemporary American dishes worth leaving the city for.

5. Alinea, Chicago, Illinois

We absolutely had to save this one for last, as it is a hard act to follow. Alinea is also known as one of the most groundbreaking best restaurants in Chicago to ever exist, approaching food with a focus on the experience through the food. Diners can expect to be taken on a journey during their meal, from the minute they enter the restaurant and all the way through dessert.

Alinea is consistently viewed as one of the best restaurants not only in the country but in the world. With the stiff competition that exists in the restaurant industry, any accolades given to Alinea were certainly well deserved.