As a hardworking mom, there’s nothing wrong with a routine menu of comfort foods, like chicken nuggets and, well, more chicken nuggets. But sometimes, you need a break – a chance to experience culinary excellence. And with so many acclaimed restaurants in Chicago, there’s no reason not to splurge occasionally and indulge in a good meal that has won international recognition. Michelin Stars are the height of culinary excellence, and while the top restaurants in the world are awarded 3 Stars, even a 1-star Michelin rating is a remarkable feat. When you’re ready to put down the plastic fork and truly reconnect to the art of food, check out one of these Michelin Star restaurants in Chicago.
Experience Culinary Excellence with Michelin Star Restaurants in Chicago
Alinea
1723 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614
Alinea is arguably the most famous and highly acclaimed restaurant in all of Chicago. Its coveted Michelin 3-Star rating makes it one of only 138 in the world to receive the esteemed honor and one of only 13 in the United States. Alinea has also been named the Best Restaurant in the World by Elite Traveler and has received recognition with several coveted James Beard Awards. Convinced yet? This incredible restaurant is known for its innovative multi-course tasting menu that is just as appealing to the eyes as the palate.
Elske Restaurant
1350 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
Elske is a modern American restaurant in the West Loop neighborhood. Derived from the Danish word meaning “to love,” this beautiful, inviting restaurant focuses on “simplistic fare, seasonal ingredients, and energetic hospitality.” Chefs David and Anna Posey serve dishes that combine contemporary and classic techniques for a truly delicious and ingredient-driven menu. They’ve maintained their 1-Star Michelin rating since 2017 and an impressive list of other acknowledgments and accolades. Experience their modern, soulfully cooked dishes a la carte or from a set menu, with the option to include a skillfully chosen wine or juice pairing.
Temporis Restaurant
933 N Ashland Ave., Chicago, IL 60622
Temporis is an intimate, contemporary restaurant “unbound by the conventions of fine dining.” Their ten-course tasting menu constantly evolves, featuring ingredients grown in their remarkable hydroponic garden. In Latin, “temporis” means “time,” and the restaurant’s chefs are constantly playing with and challenging the constructs of time. From fermenting ingredients to using a three-year-old sourdough starter to honoring history with nostalgic dishes, time is far from a construct in their kitchen. Temporis received 1 Michelin Star in 2018 and has maintained it ever since. Their hydroponic garden allows them to experiment with various herbs, flowers, and greens at any time of year, regardless of season.
Oriole
661 W Walnut St, Chicago, IL 60661
Oriole, a contemporary American restaurant helmed by Executive Chef and owner Noah Sandoval, resides in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood. Oriole has repeatedly been awarded 2 Michelin Stars since opening in 2016, a distinguished acknowledgment of their evolving tasting menu. They also recently received the Jean Banchet Award for Restaurant of the Year. Pair your sensational meal with a wine from their specially curated selection, or bring in your own special bottle for a corkage fee. Make date night even more special by booking the overnight Loft above the restaurant for a relaxing stay after a world-class meal!
Smyth and The Loyalist
177 North Ada Street, Chicago, IL 60607
Smyth and The Loyalist is a dual-concept restaurant from the brilliant minds of John Shields and Karen Urie Shields. After years of experience in fine dining, the couple relocated to Smyth, a small county in Virginia, where they honed their culinary vision using locally grown ingredients as inspiration. Returning to Chicago, they’ve opened their newest culinary endeavor. On the first floor is Smyth, a newly awarded 3 Michelin Star tasting menu restaurant, and just below it is a neighborhood bar and lounge known as The Loyalist. Both restaurants feature uncompromising attention to detail and artful inspiration.
Michelin Star Restaurants in Chicago
These Michelin Star restaurants in Chicago aren’t just good – they’re “maybe the best meal I’ve ever had in my life” good. Expect to try ingredients and flavor combinations you’ve never experienced before and to come away inspired to conduct your own experiments in the kitchen.
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