What better way to celebrate a special occasion than at one of the city’s finest dining destinations? Here are eight of our favorites.
Feast on Ever’s mouthwatering salmon with mustard and orange fennel.
1. Adorn Bar & Restaurant
James Beard Award-winning chef Jonathon Sawyer and pastry chef Juan Gutierrez thrill with a changing menu of seasonal contemporary cuisine in the chic environs of the stunningly renovated Four Seasons Chicago just off the Mag Mile. 120 E. Delaware Place, adornrestaurant.com
2. Alinea
With co-owners chef Grant Achatz and Nick Kokonas teaming up at one of the world’s best restaurants, there’s no telling what boundarypushing dishes are ahead. Up the ante and book the Kitchen Table, which offers a front-row seat to all the action. 1723 N. Halsted St., alinearestaurant.com
Scrumptious carrot dauphine at Esme
3. Elske
A sweet Scandinavian-inspired standout from husband-and-wife duo David and Anna Posey, Elske’s seasonal tasting menu deftly pairs farm-fresh produce and clever presentation with artistic verve and plenty of love to go around. 1350 W. Randolph St., elskerestaurant.com
4. Esme
Chef Jenner Tomaska has quickly turned Esme into a Lincoln Park staple. This artful venture reimagines fine dining, with an emphasis on community connection. Enjoy a variety of culinary creations, including a Bubble Gum Pop made with fennel curry, squid, hearts of palm and spinach; and the Cloud Maker with chicken, dumplings, truffle, celery root and horseradish. 2200 N. Clark St., esmechicago.com
5. Ever
The brainchild of Michelin-starred chef Curtis Duffy and partner Michael Muser, Ever turns any meal into an unforgettable experience. Diners feast on an eight- to 10-course tasting menu, emphasizing proteins from land to sea, seasonal vegetables and more— all complemented by carefully curated wine pairings by the bottle and glass. 1340 W. Fulton St., ever-restaurant.com
A peek at Smyth’s chic interior
6. Girl & the Goat
The flagship restaurant that helped launch Stephanie Izard to culinary stardom continues to wow diners with a range of plates both large and small. 809 W. Randolph St., girlandthegoat.com
7. Oriole
From the moment this intimate West Loop spot opened, its 15-course tasting menu earned many fans who can’t get enough of the beautifully crafted dishes of chef Noah Sandoval. 661 Walnut St., oriolechicago.com
8. Smyth
Husband-and-wife chefs John Shields and Karen Urie Shields have a ton of culinary experience between them, and it shows on every plate of their 10-plus courses of this chic West Loop resto’s tasting menu. 177 N. Ada St., smythandtheloyalist.com
Photography by: MICHAEL MUSER; SANDY NOTO; COURTESY OF SMYTH
