A meal at Alinea is the best overall dining experience you can have in Chicago.

Oriole is an outstanding tasting-menu-only spot in the West Loop.

Kyoten is an expensive omakase-only sushi restaurant in Logan Square. It’s definitely worth it for a special occasion.

Joe’s is consistently one of the best steakhouses in town, and you shouldn’t even order steak. Stone crabs are where it’s at.

Blackbird is an upscale restaurant in the West Loop with tasting menu options and a great weekday lunch.

Elske is a tasting menu spot in West Loop that doesn’t take itself too seriously, and we’re big fans.

Mako is a fancy omakase-only restaurant in the West Loop.

Omakase Yume is a very good omakase-only sushi restaurant in the West Loop.

Brass Heart is an expensive tasting menu restaurant in Uptown offering both a vegan and a regular menu.

Bellemore is an upscale restaurant in the West Loop serving very pretty but somewhat uneven American food.

Spiaggia is an upscale Italian restaurant in Streeterville with excellent Italian food.

Aviary is a cocktail bar with elaborate and expensive drinks.

North Pond is an upscale restaurant serving seasonal American food in the middle of Lincoln Park.

Herb is an upscale Thai restaurant in Edgewater, with a fix prixe menu and delicious food.