Splurge-Worthy Dining in Chicago

From blowout meals to special occasion dining, here are our favorite restaurants worth the price tag.

The Duck Inn

Rating: 4.8 (3.4K reviews)
Cuisine: New American
Price Range: $$$
Description: You’ve got to love a restaurant whose two signature dishes are a beef and duck fat hot dog served Chicago-style, and a whole rotisserie-roasted duck with duck-fat potatoes. Located in Bridgeport from chef Kevin Hickey, of Allium fame.

Trivoli Tavern

Rating: 4.8 (18K reviews)
Cuisine: American
Price Range: $$
Description: Down the uneven cobblestone steps at this hidden tavern, build your perfect date night as follows: Vesper cocktails and elegant shrimp cocktail, followed by decadent truffle rigatoni, roasted prime rib with horseradish, and a bottle of Bordeaux.
Location: West Loop

Bavette's Bar & Boeuf

Rating: 4.9 (27K reviews)
Cuisine: Steakhouse
Price Range: $$$
Description: Every meal is a feast at Bavette’s. The modern steakhouse seduces with its speakeasy feel. The drinks are stellar and the burger is one of the city’s best.

Omakase by Kanemaru

Rating: 4.6 (70 reviews)
Cuisine: Japanese
Price Range: $$$
Description: A great omakase experience should feel like a private dinner party. This minimalist Japanese den, tucked away on the second floor of La Grande Boucherie, offers exquisite seasonal dishes and sushi made with prime ingredients.

Maxwells Trading

Rating: 4.8 (4.6K reviews)
Cuisine: Contemporary American
Price Range: $$
Description: Everything here is impeccably thought out, from chef Erling Wu-Bower’s attentive menus to the rooftop garden and apiary. Flavors are plucked and blended in unique ways such as grilled eggplant and tomato confit with warm flatbread.

Brindille

Rating: 4.7 (1.1K reviews)
Cuisine: French
Price Range: $$$$
Description: At this opulent French classic from chef Carrie Nahabedian, you’ve got to try the side dishes like foie gras or black truffles on anything, along with the Brindille tarte tatin.

Omakase Shoji & Izakaya

Rating: 4.8 (562 reviews)
Cuisine: Japanese
Price Range: $$$
Description: Pristine sushi created by masters in a beautifully understated yet stylish room, presented by chef Takahashi Shoji, who brings his expertise to this 10-seat counter.

Maple & Ash Chicago

Rating: 4.7 (250 reviews)
Cuisine: Steakhouse
Price Range: $$$
Description: One of the city’s essential see-and-be-seen spots, known for a menu by two-Michelin-star winner Danny Grant featuring wood-fired steaks and an excellent wine list.

Ascione Bistro

Rating: 4.8 (7.1K reviews)
Cuisine: Italian
Price Range: $$
Description: An Italian restaurant known for its cozy atmosphere and gourmet dinner options, located in Hyde Park.

Club Lucky

Rating: 4.7 (8.3K reviews)
Cuisine: Italian
Price Range: $$
Description: A charming spot in Wicker Park, great for groups and offering outdoor dining options.

Old Pueblo

Rating: 4.7 (4.7K reviews)
Cuisine: Mexican
Price Range: $$
Description: Situated in Lincoln Park, known for its vibrant flavors and ambiance.

Galit

Rating: 4.7 (11K reviews)
Cuisine: Middle Eastern
Price Range: $$
Description: Offers a unique blend of middle eastern flavors, known for creative dishes and a welcoming atmosphere.

Bonyeon

Rating: 4.8 (305 reviews)
Cuisine: Korean Steakhouse
Price Range: $$$
Description: A unique take on the steakhouse experience, offering multi-course tasting menus centered around beef.

Omakase Yume

Rating: 4.8 (1.6K reviews)
Cuisine: Japanese
Price Range: $$$
Description: Michelin-starred oamakase in West Loop offering only eight seats for an intimate dining experience.

Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio

Rating: 4.9 (21K reviews)
Cuisine: Italian
Price Range: $$
Description: Known for its artisan pasta dishes crafted by chef Sarah Grueneberg, blending traditional and modern techniques.