Chicago’s Michelin Restaurants
ALINEA RESTAURANT
STARS: 3
Alinea has received three stars every year that the Michelin Guide in Chicago has been published. Grant Achatz, chef and owner who once lost his sense of taste during a battle with tongue cancer, creates a menu featuring an 18-course dinner that could easily set you and your date back a grand. Not to mention, it is quite difficult to get in the door. Alinea operates like a theater company, selling pre-paid meal tickets instead of reservations. These tickets can sky-rocket at face value on websites such as Craigslist. But hey, if you have the funds and are able to either reserve months in advance or scour tickets online, go for it! It’s sure to be an experience.
ORIOLE
STARS: 2
Oriole is a restaurant hidden down an alley-like street in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood, offering an extended tasting menu presented by Executive Chef & Owner Noah Sandoval and Pastry Chef & Partner Genie Kwon. The Michelin-starred and Jean Banchet award-winning team host 28 in an intimate and elegant dining room shared with an open kitchen. The cost of the menu is $175 per person. Two pairing options are offered to accompany your meal. Curated by sommelier Aaron McManus, one features mixed beverages of wine, beer, and sake while the second pairs exclusively wine offered at $75 and $125 respectively.
SMYTH
STARS: 2
Smyth, owned by the talented husband and wife duo, John and Karen Urie Shields, was awarded its second star this year. Smyth can be found upstairs from the dual concept Smyth & The Loyalist. “Chefs John and Karen Shields have remarkable resumés at the best restaurants across the country. But what they have built in their own kitchen is even more remarkable,” said Michael Ellis, international director of the MICHELIN Guides. “Anchored by quality produce from The Farm, dining at Smyth is a naturally delicious and beautiful experience.” Source: Michelin Guide
