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Alinea
If you are up for a culinary adventure, the three Michelin-starred Alinea is surely one of the most exciting restaurants in the country. Chef Grant Achatz, previously of the French Laundry, combines haute cuisine, science and art in set menus...
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Avec
Oowned by Paul Kahan, Avec is a local favorite for its creative cuisine. It’s also tiny, narrow and cramped, with wooden tables packed together and a communal atmosphere (and, due to its no-reservations policy, a reliably lengthy wait list). Open...
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Lula Cafe
This farm-to-table institution is beloved by locals and took inspiration from Chez Panisse for its seasonally driven fare. Though the dishes are of the same caliber as Chicago heavy-hitters Avec or Sepia, the ambiance (and pricing) are of a relaxed...
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Monteverde
Opened in late 2015, former Spiaggia chef Sarah Grueneberg’s long-awaited restaurant is one of Chicago’s hottest eateries (just try making a last-minute reservation). The Top Chef runner-up puts a personal twist on Italian classics, and pastas are the heart of...
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North Pond
Because of its off-the-beaten-path location—not only is it in Lincoln Park, but you actually have to walk through the grounds to get there—locals consider North Pond a beloved hidden gem. Its rustic Arts and Crafts design and lake view make...
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Sepia
Opened in July 2007 by Emmanuel Nony, a charming Frenchman who looks a little like Sting, Sepia is still buzzing. The charming restaurant, housed in a restored 1890s print shop, has a warm ambiance, with exposed brick walls, custom Art...
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The Publican
Modeled after a European beer hall, The Publican boasts rustic décor and a farmhouse-inspired menu that changes daily. The menu is focused on oysters, hearty meat dishes and beers from around the world.
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The Purple Pig
At this crowded spot on the Magnificent Mile, diners are welcomed by the following words: “Cheese, Swine & Wine.” With a menu light on green items and teeming with adventurous plates (crunchy pig’s ear, anyone?), the tag line is fitting....
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Topolobampo
The adjoining sister restaurant to Rick Bayless’s casual Frontera Grill, Topolobampo offers a more elegant dining experience. The atmosphere is a touch more refined, though still funky, with walls covered in museum-quality Mexican artwork in eye-popping colors. The menu, which...
Chicago

Courtesy Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, Thomas Hart Shelby
Chicago is a city with an appetite, with a thriving dining scene of boisterous steakhouses, avant-garde fusion spots, hushed temples of Michelin-starred haute cuisine and more. Whatever you do, make sure to book ahead—restaurants fill up fast in this eclectic, food-mad city.