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Tasting $285-465Tasting menuChef Grant Achatz
Alinea in Chicago is Grant Achatz's three-Michelin-star Lincoln Park dining room, the original American modernist tasting menu since 2005 at 1723 N Halsted.
Book60 days ahead
TipSalon is the shortest flow and the easiest to book; Kitchen Table is the deepest dive into the menu.
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Tasting $295Tasting menuChef John and Karen Shields
Smyth in Chicago is the two-Michelin-star West Loop tasting menu from John and Karen Shields, paired with The Loyalist downstairs and produce from their own.
Book30 days ahead
TipAsk for the wine-pairing 'reserve' option if you have a long evening; the cellar lists a deep run of Burgundy.
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Tasting $295Tasting menuChef Noah Sandoval
Oriole in Chicago is Noah Sandoval's two-Michelin-star tasting menu room at 661 W Walnut Street, a 28-seat West Loop room with strong caviar service.
Book30 days ahead
TipThe wine pairings lean Germanic and Austrian. Ask by region, not by tier; the value is on the long-pour bottles.
Ever 2 ★ ★ 4.5
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Tasting $295Tasting menuChef Curtis Duffy
Ever in Chicago is Curtis Duffy's two-Michelin-star Fulton Market tasting menu, opened in 2020 after he left Grace, with rigorous service and quiet plating.
Book30 days ahead
TipSit at the chef's counter if it is offered at booking; the view of the pass is the room's best seat.
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Tasting $245FilipinoChef Tim Flores and Genie Kwon
Kasama in Chicago is Tim Flores and Genie Kwon's Michelin-starred Filipino tasting menu at 1001 N Winchester in Ukrainian Village, doubling as a daytime.
Book60 days ahead
TipDay-room bakery and evening tasting menu run separate book-and-pay flows. Plan to come for both, on different days.
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Tasting $135 (à la carte)MexicanChef Rick Bayless
Topolobampo in Chicago is Rick Bayless's Michelin-starred Mexican fine-dining room at 445 N Clark Street, with menus that rotate every six weeks by region.
Book60 days ahead
TipFriday slots open 60 days out and disappear inside an hour. Set a 09:00 alarm for the exact 60-day mark.