Fine dining in Chicago: 10 standout restaurants to book ASAP

Chef Andrew Zimmerman’s Sepia has long been a destination for its MICHELIN-starred American tasting menu. Located in a former 1890s-era print shop, Sepia’s warm and inviting atmosphere is enhanced by vintage photographs and exposed brick walls. Settle in for a four-course menu starring dishes like crispy cream cheese gnudi and black truffle toast along with optional caviar service. With an award-winning wine list to match, Sepia takes fine dining in Chicago to the next level.

At MICHELIN-Starred schwa, Food & Wine Best New Chef alum Michael Carlson serves up a highly ambitious and personal New American tasting menu. Seasonal, globally inspired dishes rotate frequently, but expect pairings like cornbread with leche de ligre and ramen with katalfe. With its hip-hop soundtrack and sultry dining room, it’s no wonder that Schwa is one of the topChicago fine dining spots.

Run by acclaimed chef Lee Wolen, MICHELIN-Starred Boka has been one of the best Chicago fine dining experiences since opening in 2003. You’re here for some of the city’s top contemporary American fare—think sweet corn gnochetti and slow-cooked halibut. The intimate dining room boasts foliage-covered walls with regal art pieces of animals dressed in fine attire. Settle into one of the curved booths or on the charming, tree-lined back patio for your meal.

Indienne is the brainchild of chef Sujan Sarkar, who marries traditional Indian flavors with classic techniques. Come for the reservation-only tasting menu, filled with juicy kebabs, fragrant curries, refined seafood dishes, and more. The restaurant also offers vegetarian, vegan, and pescatarian tasting menus. Cozy up to the bar to enjoy the elegant small plates, or settle into a burgundy booth with a white tablecloth for the whole experience.

Part art installation, part fine-dining restaurant, MICHELIN-Starred Esmé comes from Next Restaurant alum chef Jenner Tomaska and wife Katrina Bravo. The duo partners with local creatives to serve up an evolving, multi-course tasting menu on custom ceramics in a minimalist, gallery-like space—resulting in a one-of-a-kind experience every time.

When Ever opened in 2020, it earned a Chicago Tribune four-star review and two MICHELIN Stars. It’s still a hotspot for James Beard Award-winning chef Curtis Duffy’s gorgeous New American tasting menus, served on sleek black tables outfitted with museum-quality lighting—it’s peak Chicago fine dining. After dinner, head to the restaurant’s stylish cocktail bar, After, for creative drinks and fancy snacks.

RPM Seafood comes from celebrity couple Giuliana and Bill Rancic and Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises. The stunning, multi-level restaurant overlooking the Chicago River boasts some of the city’s best seafood. Dig into lavish seafood towers, refined crudos, and luxe pastas and steaks in the sophisticated space with white chairs and light wood tables. Pro seat: grab a seat by the floor-to-ceiling windows for peak views.

With a spot on The World’s 50 Best Bars list, Kumiko is known for its innovative drinks and seasonal, Japanese-influenced menu. Chef and celebrated bartender Julia Momosé crafts both cocktails and dishes with precision and refinement—go all in on the omakase tasting experience, or opt for à la carte options like caviar service and a playful Wagyūkatsu sando. Don’t miss the standout sake list, designed for sipping in the minimalist space with light wood furnishings and white walls.

Some of the best fine dining in Chicago, El Che Steakhouse & Bar prepares meat and seafood in the South American asado style over an open flame. Expect different cuts of premium steaks alongside whole fish, housemade chorizo, and sweetbreads. The wine list is also one of the most innovative in the city, including bottles from exclusive South American producers. Settle into the cozy dining room with an open kitchen and watch the experts at work.

One of the best destinations for fine dining in Chicago, Proxi focuses on coastal Asian cuisine inspired by the personal journeys of celebrity chef Andrew Zimmerman and chef de cuisine Jennifer Kim. The menu stars luxe seafood dishes like a Hokkaido uni shooter and lobster sujebi along with wood-fired steaks. The contemporary interior blends the minimalist stylings of Asia with curved booths.