13 Upscale Chicago Restaurants That Feel Like a Luxury Escape

Chicago’s dining scene offers some of the most luxurious restaurant experiences in the world. From award-winning chefs to stunning atmospheres, these upscale establishments transport guests into a world of culinary excellence. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself, these restaurants provide an unforgettable escape from everyday life. Each venue combines exceptional food with impeccable service and elegant surroundings.

1. Sepia

Contemporary American cuisine meets artistic presentation at this West Loop gem. Chef Andrew Zimmerman creates dishes that look like paintings on the plate, using seasonal ingredients from local farms.

The restaurant’s warm lighting and exposed brick walls create an intimate atmosphere perfect for romantic dinners. Wine enthusiasts will appreciate the carefully curated selection that pairs beautifully with each course.

Service here feels personal yet professional, with servers who genuinely care about your dining experience. Every detail, from the handcrafted cocktails to the artisanal bread, shows the kitchen’s dedication to excellence.

2. Alinea

Molecular gastronomy reaches new heights at Grant Achatz’s world-famous establishment. Each meal becomes a theatrical performance where food transforms before your eyes through innovative cooking techniques.

Diners experience courses that challenge every sense, from edible balloons to dishes served directly on the table. The minimalist dining room lets the food take center stage without any distractions.

Reservations require planning months ahead, but the three-hour journey through creative cuisine justifies the wait. Staff members act as guides through this culinary adventure, explaining each unique creation as it arrives.

3. Girl & The Goat

Bold flavors and creative combinations define Stephanie Izard’s flagship restaurant in the West Loop. The menu features globally inspired dishes with unexpected ingredients that somehow work perfectly together.

Sharing plates encourage conversation and exploration, making every meal feel like a culinary adventure. The industrial-chic space buzzes with energy while maintaining an upscale atmosphere.

Wood-fired cooking adds smoky depth to vegetables and meats alike, creating memorable flavors you won’t find elsewhere. The knowledgeable staff helps navigate the adventurous menu, ensuring everyone finds something they love despite the unconventional offerings.

4. Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf

Old-world glamour meets modern steakhouse excellence in this River North destination. Dark leather banquettes and vintage lighting transport guests to a bygone era of sophisticated dining.

Prime cuts of beef receive expert preparation, while the raw bar offers fresh seafood options. Classic cocktails flow from the marble bar, mixed with precision by skilled bartenders.

The atmosphere encourages lingering conversations over excellent wine and perfectly cooked steaks. Live jazz music on select evenings adds another layer of elegance to an already impressive experience that celebrates traditional American steakhouse culture.

5. Boka

Seasonal American cuisine shines at this Lincoln Park favorite, where Chef Lee Wolen creates dishes that celebrate the best of each season. The menu changes regularly to showcase peak-season ingredients.

Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the dining room with natural light, creating an airy atmosphere that feels both sophisticated and welcoming. The open kitchen allows diners to watch culinary artistry in action.

Vegetarian options receive the same attention as meat dishes, proving that plant-based cuisine can be just as luxurious. The thoughtful wine program features selections that complement the ever-changing menu perfectly.

6. Ocean Prime

Fresh seafood takes center stage at this upscale chain’s Chicago outpost, where the raw bar displays the day’s finest catches. The sleek interior combines modern design with classic steakhouse elegance.

Signature dishes like the smoking cocktails create memorable moments that extend beyond just the food. The extensive wine list includes selections from around the world, perfect for pairing with delicate fish preparations.

Professional service ensures every need is anticipated, from special dietary requirements to celebration arrangements. The combination of consistently excellent food and polished atmosphere makes this a reliable choice for important occasions.

7. Alla Vita

Italian cuisine receives a modern interpretation at this West Loop restaurant, where traditional techniques meet contemporary presentation. The pasta is made fresh daily, creating the perfect foundation for creative sauces.

The open kitchen design lets diners watch chefs hand-roll gnocchi and toss pasta in large pans. Warm wood tones and soft lighting create an inviting atmosphere that encourages relaxation.

Wine selections focus heavily on Italian varietals, offering both familiar favorites and lesser-known gems. The knowledgeable staff can guide diners through regional specialties, making each meal an educational experience about Italy’s diverse culinary landscape.

8. Next Restaurant

Culinary time travel defines this unique concept restaurant, where the entire menu changes quarterly to focus on different cuisines, eras, or themes. Each transformation brings new decor, music, and service styles.

The ticketing system eliminates traditional reservations, with guests purchasing admission to specific themed experiences. Past menus have explored everything from ancient Rome to 1980s fast food, elevated to fine dining standards.

Staff members receive extensive training for each new concept, ensuring authentic experiences that transport diners to different times and places. The theatrical approach to dining creates memories that last long after the final course.

9. Oriole

Japanese-influenced fine dining reaches artistic heights at this West Loop destination, where Chef Noah Sandoval creates visually stunning tasting menus. Each course arrives as a work of art that almost seems too beautiful to eat.

The minimalist dining room focuses attention on the intricate food presentations and impeccable service. Natural materials and clean lines create a zen-like atmosphere perfect for appreciating culinary craftsmanship.

Sake pairings complement the delicate flavors, while the chef’s counter offers front-row seats to watch precision cooking techniques. The multi-course format allows flavors to build throughout the evening, creating a memorable culinary journey.

10. Maple & Ash

Glamorous dining meets exceptional steaks at this Gold Coast hotspot, where the atmosphere buzzes with energy and sophistication. The dramatic interior features rich materials and striking design elements.

Dry-aged steaks receive expert preparation, while creative sides and appetizers showcase the kitchen’s versatility. The raw bar offers premium seafood options for those seeking alternatives to beef.

Craft cocktails flow from the impressive bar program, featuring both classic preparations and innovative creations. The scene attracts Chicago’s social elite, making people-watching almost as entertaining as the excellent food and service throughout the evening.

11. goosefoot®

French technique meets Midwestern ingredients at this intimate Lincoln Square gem, where Chef Chris Nugent creates refined tasting menus in a cozy neighborhood setting. The small dining room ensures personalized attention.

Seasonal ingredients from local farms inspire constantly changing menus that showcase the region’s agricultural bounty. Wine pairings feature selections from small producers that complement each carefully crafted course.

The casual yet sophisticated atmosphere encourages lingering over multiple courses and wine pairings. Reservations are essential at this hidden treasure, where fine dining feels approachable rather than intimidating, making every guest feel like a welcomed friend.

12. Smyth

Farm-to-table philosophy reaches its pinnacle at this West Loop restaurant, where John and Karen Shields create tasting menus using ingredients from their own farm. The connection between land and plate is unmistakable.

The industrial-meets-rustic interior reflects the restaurant’s agricultural focus, with natural materials and earthy tones throughout. Diners can taste the difference that comes from knowing exactly where each ingredient originated.

The wine program emphasizes natural and biodynamic producers who share the restaurant’s commitment to sustainable practices. Each course tells a story about seasonality and terroir, creating an educational dining experience that connects guests with their food’s origins.

13. Elske

Scandinavian-inspired cuisine finds its Chicago home at this West Loop restaurant, where Nordic techniques and ingredients create unique flavor profiles. The light-filled space reflects the clean aesthetics of Northern European design.

Fermentation and preservation techniques add depth to seasonal ingredients, while the wood-fired oven imparts smoky flavors to vegetables and meats. The minimalist presentation lets each ingredient’s natural beauty shine through.

Natural wines and creative cocktails featuring Nordic spirits complement the food program perfectly. The husband-and-wife team behind the restaurant brings authentic passion to their interpretation of Scandinavian hospitality, creating warmth despite the cool aesthetic.