Want to Impress? These Restaurants Will Blow You Away
via Gioia
The holidays are over and a new year is here! Have you made your resolutions? No? Don’t worry - You can use ours! It’s a simple one…
To visit as many of Chicago’s top spots for awesome food in 2023!
Sounds fun, doesn’t it?! There are so many fantastic restaurants and bars to visit in Chicago, whether you’re coming for the first time or the tenth. But these hot spots, these are the ones SURE to impress you and your guests! Get ready to be blown away…
Gioia {133 West Randolph Street, Chicago; 773.672.8955}
If you haven’t been to Gioia yet, add it to the top of your list immediately! Named the "Top Emerging Italian Restaurant" in 2022, Gioia combines high-end interiors with menu items like housemade pastas. Their Gioia nei Paccheri is served tableside and a must-order for the table.
The Signature Room at the 95th® {875 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago; 312.787.9596}
When you think of city views and the best spot to bring out of towners, you think of The Signature Room. This ritzy spot sits high above Michigan Avenue and provides one of the best views you can get of Chicago. Combine those views with delicious food and an expansive lounge space, and you have one of the must-visit restaurants in the city.
Indienne {217 West Huron Street, Chicago; 312.291.9427}
Brought to life by acclaimed Chef Sujan Sarkar, Indienne resides in a 19th-century printing warehouse in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, and only opened in Fall 2022. Advertised as progressive Indian fine-dining, this eatery provides a provocative and delectable tasting-menu, with vegetarian and non-vegetarian items to choose from. Perfect for when you want to explore a whole new palette - and treat yourself to boot!
Bar Siena {Multiple Locations}
Cozy, lively and a perfect mix of welcoming but up-scale, Bar Siena is a longtime favorite of many Chicagoans… and for good reason. Visit one of their multiple locations - in both the city and the burbs! - for creative twists on Italian food, great drinks, and all around good vibes.
Shanghai Terrace at The Peninsula {108 East Superior Street, Chicago; 312.573.6744}
Not only is the Peninsula a stunning 5-star hotel in the heart of downtown Chicago, but their restaurant Shanghai Terrace has some of the best high-end Chinese food in the city. Bring your date or family here and be surrounded by swanky '30s-era decor with beautiful views of the city. Just make sure to re-visit in the summer too when you can take advantage of their rooftop dining space!
via After
After Lounge {1338 West Fulton Street, Chicago}
After — the highly anticipated bar and lounge from Chef Curtis Duffy of two-Michelin-starred restaurant Ever, is here and better than anticipated. Unlike Ever, where reservations are required and the tasting menu prices are lofty, After Lounge provides a chic and futuristic feel with drinks and bites at a more affordable price. Perfect for when you reallyyy want to impress your date.
Tengoku Aburiya {651 West Washington Boulevard; 312.846.6633}
If you need a high-quality Japanese place for dinner, look no further. From classic Maki, rice and noodle dishes, and Sake galore, Tengoku is the West Loop spot to be. It’s the sister restaurant of Omakase Yume, located next door, and you can taste that expertise in every bite.
Oriole {661 West Walnut Street, Chicago; 312.877.5339}
If you weren’t looking for it you would almost miss this nearly hidden spot in Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood. Located down an alley-like street, chef and owner Noah Sandova has brought high-end New American to a stylish space. And even though it’s tucked away, the menu deserves a special moment in the spotlight.
via Gibson’s Italia
Gibsons Italia {233 North Canal Street, Chicago; 312.414.1100}
Want authentic pasta and risotto, but your friends want steak? Head over to Gibsons Italia. Located in the Fulton River District, this restaurant not only has amazing food, but beautiful views and is enough to WOW just about anyone.
Nobu Chicago {854 West Randolph Street, Chicago; 312.779.8800}
Want to impress any out of town guests with a sushi experience they won’t forget? Nobu is a no-brainer! Known for its fusion of traditional Japanese dishes with Peruvian ingredients, some diners even claim it’s one of the top sushi spots in the world. You’ll just have to determine what you think!
Esmé {2200 North Clark Street, Chicago}
Go to Esmé for the mouth-watering food, but stay for the mission that is apparent from every angle in this Lincoln Park spot. Chef Jenner Tomaska and wife Katrina Bravo wanted to make this restaurant not only an opportunity for fine-dining but for philanthropy and art. It’s the most beautiful meal you’ll have this year for sure.
By Madison Freeman | Special Correspondent