Chicago's North Side Is Home to a Thriving, Radiant Food Scene. These Michelin-starred Eateries Shine the Brightest
Chicago is a food town. From casual favorites of deep-dish pizza and Italian beef sandwiches to more refined Chicago-style steakhouses, Chicagoans know how to craft a great meal.
It's no surprise, then, that the rarest of culinary distinctions—the Michelin Guide Star—has found a home in Chicago with a bevy of establishments in the city's North Side.
Understanding Michelin's rating system means appreciating more than just a good meal in a nice restaurant. Ambiance and decor matter, but according to Michelin, stars are awarded based solely on what comes from the kitchen.
One star is excellent. Two stars, exceptional. As for three, let's just say it's an experience you won't soon forget.
In total, 25 Windy City restaurants boast ownership of a Michelin Star—all but four are North Side restaurants.
Now that we've whetted your appetite for the best of Chicago dining, here are the 20 can't-miss Michelin-Starred restaurants in Chicago's North Side.
Lincoln Park
Arguably one of Chicago's most historic and well-known communities, Lincoln Park offers food-lovers a diverse array of eateries to choose from, including the Midwest's only Michelin three-starred restaurant.
Cuisine: Contemporary
Michelin Stars: Three
The sole Chicago restaurant with the highly-coveted three-star rating, Alinea offers, unsurprisingly, one of the city's most extraordinary culinary experiences. If food is a performing art, then Alinea is its Phantom of the Opera, combining artfully-prepared dishes with impeccable service. There's also whimsy to the whole affair, which is capped with green apple, helium-filled balloons (which, yes, are edible).
Many consider Alinea to be one of the best restaurants in the U.S—a well-deserved accolade considering the rarity of the Michelin three-star rating (there are only 14 such recognized places in the nation).
Cuisine: Gastropub
Michelin Stars: One
Surprised a gastropub specializing in creative ales gets a starry nod from Michelin? You shouldn't be, considering this unique take on the classic pub comes from the same group behind the three-star Alinea. The bright and incredibly welcoming atmosphere is merely a set-up for a creative menu that features a very un-pub-like brunch on the weekends.
Cuisine: Contemporary
Michelin Stars: One
A favorite among locals, Boka features a very modern vibe with historical underpinnings— as if the 1920s and 2020s were one and the same. Whatever your interpretation, there's no denying that its impeccable food, including an eight-course tasting menu, is well-suited for any era.
Cuisine: Contemporary
Michelin Stars: One
Many restaurants serve farm-to-table and serve it well. However, with Elizabeth, you’ll realize that Chef Iliana Regan, due to her Midwestern upbringing, lives it. As the dishes arrive at the table—artful preparations which invoke nature or whimsical themes—you’ll wonder if they were prepared in a kitchen or came directly from the farm.
Cuisine: Contemporary
Michelin Stars: One
If you're in the mood for simple and intimate cuisine, Goosefoot is a natural choice. Sourced seasonally with care, its multi-course tasting menu pairs perfectly with the small environs, on-point service, and BYOB policy (you may purchase a bottle from their next-door food and wine store).
Cuisine: Contemporary
Michelin Stars: One
Situated at the northern end of Lincoln Park's North Pond Nature Sanctuary, North Pond is genuine farm-to-table. Chicago-rustic, if you will. The seasonal tasting menu is the main draw, although the brunch here is one of the city's best.
Near North Side
The Near North Side is arguably Chicago's most eclectic collection of neighborhoods.
It's here you’ll discover River North—lauded as Chicago's best after-hours locale, along with a thriving dining scene. There's also Streeterville and the Gold Coast with the world-renowned Magnificent Mile serving as the connective tissue between the two vibrant neighborhoods.
Of course, each location has its own culinary story to tell, as evidenced by these Michelin starred restaurants.
Neighborhood: River North
Cuisine: Contemporary
Michelin Stars: One
Entente mixes a multitude of styles and flavors with aplomb and without pretension. The menu is in constant flux, with ideas and inspiration flowing from the kitchen. But regardless of what makes its way to your plate, rest assured it will be a casual and delicious affair.
Neighborhood: Streeterville
Cuisine: Italian
Michelin Stars: One
Located on Chicago's vaunted Magnificent Mile, Spiaggia is a veritable Windy City institution and the spot to see and be seen. While the crowd often defines glitz and glamor, the food is the real star of the show. Classically-rich Italian fare permeates the menu, and for the more adventurous patron, a tasting menu shows off the restaurant's creative side.
Neighborhood: River North
Cuisine: Contemporary
Michelin Stars: One
Temporis is one of those spots that feel far more intimate than it already is (and, at only 20 seats, it's incredibly intimate). Couple that with an ever-changing five or ten-course menu, often inspired by the restaurant's hydroponic garden, and you’ll have a recipe for a unique date night experience.
Neighborhood: River North
Cuisine: Mexican
Michelin Stars: One
Fine Mexican cuisine can prove difficult to find in the Windy City. Should the craving strike, however, you'll rest easy knowing that Topolobampo exists to satisfy it. The two, ever-evolving, tasting menus regularly boast unique dishes that always remain faithful to classic regional Mexican cuisine.
Wicker Park
Chicago's hipster homestead, Wicker Park, certainly marches to its own drumbeat. But the youth movement that's happening in this northwest Windy City neighborhood also includes a fantastic array of restaurants and plenty of good times, including the singular genius of its lone Michelin-starred establishment.
Cuisine: Contemporary
Michelin Stars: One
Tucked into a nondescript section of North Ashland Avenue (a comedy club is two doors down), Schwa is full of surprises. Novel and, at times, offbeat, ingredients work their way into its artfully-crafted menu, which changes frequently based on the culinary mood of Chef Michael Carlson.
West Loop
Once a manufacturing hub, the West Loop has transformed into a tech central amid a sort of hipster renaissance. Instead of dilapidated buildings and empty lots, West Loop is a playground for those who love parks, culture, and food—especially food.
Cuisine: Contemporary
Michelin Stars: One
Translated into English, the Danish word Elske means "love." While eating here, that's precisely what you'll feel. One of the few fine-dining establishments embracing a casual, uninhibited aesthetic, Elske goes beyond just indulging you—instead, they’ll make you feel like a member of the family.
Cuisine: French
Michelin Stars: One
Technically part of an area just east of West Loop simply called The Loop, the indulgence of Everest starts with magnificent 40th-floor views atop the Chicago Stock Exchange. Few things steal attention away from the stunning vistas, but such is the genius of Everest, the long-time apex of French fine-dining in the city. Well, that and the deep, 1,600-bottle wine list.
Cuisine: Contemporary
Michelin Stars: Two
Some might consider it criminal that Chicago has just one three-starred Michelin restaurant, but West Loop favorite Oriole gives hope that a second isn't far away. Everything about Oriole is a study in perfection, from the 12-course prix fixe menu to the impeccable service to the chic, intimate setting. Even the unassuming, alleyway entrance builds up your expectations only to far exceed them the moment you walk through the door.
Cuisine: American
Michelin Stars: One
Some restaurants just exude a certain level of sophistication. Sepia, with its 19-century upscale-industrial décor and commitment to satisfying, sustainable plates, has plenty to spare. Perhaps its most stylish trick is a penchant for wrapping astonishing comfort food within the envelope of fine dining.
Cuisine: Contemporary
Michelin Stars: Two
Its industrial facade, notwithstanding, Smyth has a warm, welcoming atmosphere that carries through the entire dining experience. From the ambiance to the service to the three prix fixe menus, Smyth earns both of its Michelin stars with a casual, understated distinction not often found at this level of dining.
Newcomers
In addition to the above establishments, the West Loop is also home to Chicago's latest Michelin-starred eateries. All five of these culinary hotspots received their first Michelin star within the past year. Sure to start drawing even larger crowds, each of these restaurants is worthy of the top spot on your must dine list.
Cuisine: Japanese
Fun Fact: Living up to its fast-moving namesake shark, Mako employs a two-hour seating limit, which is necessary considering the entire restaurant holds just 22 seats—12 of which are at the sushi bar.
Cuisine: Contemporary
Fun Fact: Part-brainchild of Alinea's Grant Achatz, Next is never the same place twice, featuring rotating themes for both the restaurant and menu. Plans for 2020 include Tokyo, Mexico City, and The Fat Duck.
Cuisine: Japanese
Fun Fact: Winning the award for the lengthiest prix fixe experience on this list, Omakase Yume features a twice-nightly, 17-course tasting menu for guests at the restaurant's eight-seat bar.
Cuisine: Contemporary
Fun Fact: Yugen's digs boast some impressive pedigree, as the current restaurant is housed where the former Michelin three-star Grace once operated.
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