

Ever RestaurantĬurrently open for dinner service from Tuesday to Saturday each week, Ever is the creative brainchild of renowned chef Curtis Duffy and his business partner, Michael Muser. The latter is a scarcely-imaginable 19-course journey inspired by the couple’s time in Virginia.

There are three taster menus to choose from, ranging from the entry-level Classic to the luxurious Omaha. Menu items are described in an understated tone, such as the “milk chocolate”, which is actually a spectacular umami-bomb. Although the restaurant has earned two Michelin stars and is unmistakably a fine dining establishment, it remains welcoming while the menu itself is approachable. The restaurant itself is housed in an unassuming industrial building, but go up the stairs and you will find a décor that is comfortable and inviting. Latest in Luxury View all newsletters By the Elite Traveler team Sign up to our newsletter Sign up here The Gallery menu, a 16-to-18 course experience is an ingenious journey through cutting-edge molecular gastronomy and classic fine dining. The team of creative staff and innovative collaborators produce a forward-thinking, deconstructed cuisine worthy of its three-star status. The Alinea group now boasts a number of outlets (including Next, another restaurant on this list) but it is at this original outpost that Achatz brings all of his ingenious skills together. This remarkable popularity is down to Achatz’s hypermodern and emotional approach to dining, which is respected the world over. The annual poll – decided by Elite Traveler’s jet-set readership – has consistently seen Grant Achatz’s three-Michelin-star restaurant in either first or second place. The highest-ranking North American restaurant and the six-time winner of Elite Traveler’s Top 100 Restaurants, the esteemed eatery’s reputation speaks for itself. Kicking off our list of the best restaurants in Chicago is Alinea. Thanks Mana, for acclimating our taste buds to the healthiest trend.Alinea They’ve picked up the vegan craze, with some added flavor. From one enterprising chef to another, we’ve got all the angles covered. Chicago’s list of new restaurants is constantly changing. Restaurants mix five-star cuisine with five-star views, whether its 80 floors high or smack-dab on the river. Good luck finding another city with so many BYOB joints. Sorry Epcot, but you can’t compete with this worldly influence.

Nearly 100 years later we can thank France for colonizing Vietnam, turning out Le Colonial’s amazing fusion cuisine. Sample the ceviche bar at Nacional 27 before dancing the salsa. Those in fear of living without hometown specialties are pleasantly surprised.

Residents hail from all over the world, inspiring ethnic alcoves and an enormous variety in cuisine. Chicago may be known for deep-dish pizza, but it’s hardly the star. The restaurant scene is hot and getting hotter.
