Esmé is a tasting menu restaurant in Lincoln Park that’s perfect for a celebratory meal.

Gioia is an upscale Italian restaurant in the West Loop.

Adalina is an upscale Italian restaurant in the Gold Coast.

Hai Yen is a southern Vietnamese spot in Uptown where you should definitely order the bò 5 món (beef 5 ways).

Brass Heart is an expensive tasting menu restaurant in Uptown offering both a vegan and a regular menu.

Ciccio Mio is a great Italian restaurant in River North from the team behind Gilt Bar and Bavette’s.

Kumiko is an upscale cocktail bar in the West Loop with high-end bar snacks and a tasting menu in the basement.

Kai Zan is a BYOB sushi spot with one of the best and most affordable omakase options in the city.

The Bamboo Room is a secluded bar-within-a-bar at Three Dots And A Dash that features vintage rum drinks and attentive bartenders.

Jeong is an upscale Korean restaurant in West Town with delicious food.

Althea is an upscale and creative vegan restaurant in Saks Fifth Avenue.

Gibsons is a classic Chicago steakhouse that deserves its reputation.

A meal at Alinea is the best overall dining experience you can have in Chicago.

Topolobampo is a fancy tasting menu Mexican restaurant in River North.

Kyoten is an expensive omakase-only sushi restaurant in Logan Square. It’s definitely worth it for a special occasion.

Omakase Takeya is a high-end sushi spot underneath Ramen Takeya in the West Loop.