Chicago’s dining scene is a wonderland: food halls and four-star fine dining, all-American classics and globe-trotting cuisine from just about every country in the world. After all the meals the Modern Luxury Chicago team has had in 2024, these are the bites we’re still thinking about—and can’t wait to try again. Here, we reveal our favorite plates from the past 12 months.
King Crab Lobster Salad at Cindy’s Rooftop
12 S. Michigan Ave. / Website
“When Kaleena Bliss stepped into the role of executive chef at Michigan Avenue hot spot Cindy’s earlier this year, the Top Chef 21 contestant made an immediate impact with a menu refresh. Delectable salmon carpaccio was an instant highlight, but our fave dish was a bracingly refreshing king crab and lobster salad with mint, scallion, celery, cucumber, citrus, pickled fresno, radish, toasted nori and a soy ginger aioli dressing that was downright drinkable." —J.P. Anderson, Editor-in-Chief
Filet Mignon at Steak 48
615 N. Wabash Ave. / Website
“There’s nothing quite like an expertly executed prime steak, and River North spot Steak 48 knows how to bring all of the flavor and crave-worthy tenderness. The filet mignon is a melt-in-your-mouth indulgence, and—coupled with the truffle butter enhancement and the au gratin potatoes side—the overall experience is nothing short of divine.” —Fiona Good-Sirota, Digital Hub Editor
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201 E. Grand Ave. / Website
“Best gnocchi alla vodka with an Old-World Italian feel at Volare, where Benny makes you feel like family. The gnocchi dish is homemade in a creamy, famous vodka sauce. The portion is so big it’s perfect for lunch the next day, too.” —Courtney Sandler, Senior Account Executive
Peanut Butter Louis at Hawksmoor Chicago
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500 N. La Salle Dr. / Website
“Inspired by the iconic Peanut Butter Louis dessert at three-Michelin-starred Le Louis XV in Monte Carlo, Hawksmoor has put its own spin on the sweet—think rich peanut butter, Original Beans 55% Femme de Virunga chocolate and salted caramel ice cream—for a bite that’s creamy, indulgent and just the right amount of salty-sweet.” —Kaila Stang, Managing Editor
Pasta—any pasta—at Tre Dita
The St. Regis Hotel Chicago, 401 E. Wacker Drive / Website
“If you’ve watched the recent episode of Chef's Table featuring Tre Dita chef Evan Funke, you know how passionate he is about pasta—and at this St. Regis hot spot, it’s evident in every bite. Each pasta is handmade in the restaurant’s own “pasta lab”; my fave was the tortelli di zucca with heirloom squash, but it’s a safe bet that whatever you choose, you’ll come up a winner.” —J.P. Anderson, Editor-in-Chief
Wagyu Burger at Somerset
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Viceroy Chicago, 1112 N. State St. / Website
“Gold Coast gem Somerset’s wagyu burger is a can’t-miss pick I’ll be going back for. The mix of black truffle, tangy pickles, creamy American cheese and crispy leeks—complemented by a juicy wagyu patty, golden-brown bun and crisped-to-perfection fries—takes things to the next level.” —Fiona Good-Sirota, Digital Hub Editor
Grilled Prawns at Brasero
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1709 W. Chicago Ave. / Website
“One of the best new restaurants to open this year, this Latin-inspired West Town hot spot from industry stalwart John Manion (Mas, La Sirena Clandestina, El Che Steakhouse & Bar) serves up hit after hit, from Brazilian fried quail to grilled half lobster with miso chile garlic butter. If I had to choose just one dish, it’d be the grilled prawns, which on my visit were redolent of green curry garlic with toasted coconut and pickled fresno, every bite a smoky, tangy, umami-filled delight." —J.P. Anderson, Editor-in-Chief
Champagne & Fries at Willow Room
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1800 N. Halsted St. / Website
“OK, I admit I’m biased since my husband owns the place, but Willow Room’s decadent Champagne & Fries has been my go-to this year. Seriously, who can resist a bottle of Taittinger La Francaise Champagne with a mouthwatering pile of truffle french fries kissed with Parmesan and herbs?” —Amy Allen, Group Publisher, Weddings Chicago
Ribeye at Tavern on Rush
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1015 N. Rush St. / Website
“The ribeye was charred to perfection on the edge for a nice crunch but juicy, flavorful and cooked perfectly throughout. Best ribeye on the block. Welcome back, Tavern on Rush!” —Courtney Sandler, Senior Account Executive
Oeuf Arpège at Gavroche
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1529 N. Wells St. / Website
Veteran restaurateur Jason Chan (Juno, Butter) teamed up with notable chef Mitchell Acuña (Sixteen, Boka) to open this winsome Old Town nook, another of the year’s best new restaurants. Modern French plates like this ambrosia-like Nicolas Farm egg with Polanco caviar, pickled green garlic,freeze-dried corn, grapes and Brillat-Savarin crème show that the accolades are well-deserved.” —J.P. Anderson, Editor-in-Chief
Photography by: Cindy’s photo courtesy of Chicago Athletic Association; Tre Dita photo by Eric Wolfinger;
