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Food & Drink

Where To Eat Out In Artsy Illinois

Photo of James Norman
James Norman
27 October 2016

Chicago is a vibrant metropolis and plays host to a vast collection of culinary establishments. From cheap and cheerful fare to elegant restaurants, eating out in Chicago with our guide to the city’s diverse dining venues.

Downtown Chicago Illinois | © Dori/WikiCommons

Goosefoot

Diner, Restaurant, American, French, $$$
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A classic Goosefoot dish
A classic Goosefoot dish | Courtesy Goosefoot
Goosefoot’s goal is simple; the development of modern American cuisine, engineered by artisan farmers, and hand-crafted with French techniques. With over 150 known varieties of the goosefoot plant genus, the name perfectly embodies the rich, refined menu waiting to be discovered by visitors to the restaurant.

Cafe des Architectes

Cafe, Restaurant, French, $$$
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Cafe des Architectes, Chicago
Cafe des Architectes, Chicago | © Cafe des Architectes
Chef Greg Biggers has effortlessly created a series of signature French dishes, combined with the best of local Chicago flavors. The food tastes delicious, but also looks delicious, each plate crafted into a colorful masterpiece. Located in the Sofitel Chicago, in the chic Gold Coast area, the Architectes could well be the perfect end to a day’s shopping.

Cemitas Puebla

Restaurant, Mexican
Map View

For those seeking a healthy dose of spice in Chicago, Cemitas Puebla is an excellent choice. This Mexican restaurant specializes in authentic Poblano food, offering an experience like no other in Chicago. The explosive flavors come from their own family recipe, and the ingredients are home-grown, or imported from Mexico to ensure authenticity. The menu includes an exotic selection of meat wraps, tortillas, bread, pastries and Oaxaca cheese.

http://instagram.com/p/BNFHNiKDjcq/?taken-by=cemitaspuebla

Girl and the Goat

Diner, Restaurant, Beer, American, $$$
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The unconventional, award-winning Girl and the Goat’s menu is truly inspired, with wood-fired oysters, fried duck tongues, pork shank and roasted halibut among some of the highlights. There are also delicious chicken dishes available for those feeling less adventurous, as well as meals catering to the needs of those with gluten and dairy intolerances. Keep an eye out for the freshly baked bread and self-blended wine.

Taxim

Restaurant, Greek, $$$
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Taxim, Chicago
Taxim, Chicago | © Shanghai Terrace
Taxim specializes in Greek cuisine. The award-winning restaurant is situated in Wicker Park, and welcomes guests into a Byzantine-flavored environment with dramatic lamps, pillars and art pieces. Meat and vegetarian recipes from the mountains, islands and villages of greater Greece find their homes on the menu, alongside a selection of the finest Greek wines.

Shanghai Terrace

Restaurant, Chinese, $$$
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This restaurant is ornately decorated in a traditional Chinese style and offers diners spectacular views of the city below. The menu consists of Cantonese and Shanghainese dishes, served with a delicious array of sauces, spices and variations of meat. Try the steamed pork dumpling, one of the staple dishes of Shanghai city.

Alinea

Diner, Restaurant, Contemporary, American, Vegetarian, $$$
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Dish at Alinea | © Johnn/Flickr

Visitors to Alinea will find this restaurant a unique experience. The interior design is simplistic and spacious and triggers memories of art galleries or modern art museums. The ever-evolving menu is complemented by several classic and delicious wines, offering sophistication and richness of flavor. The award-winning Alinea operates on a ticket-based booking system, so it is recommended to visit the website in advance.

The Signature Room at the 95th

Situated atop the John Hancock Center, The Signature Room has received countless awards for its stunning views, impeccable service, and delicious food, sourced from local vendors. Available for lunches, dinners or Sunday brunches, and with unrivalled views of the city, many visitors now consider dining here a vital part of their Chicago experience.

The Signature Room at the 95th,875 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL, USA, +1 312 787 9596

The Signature Room at the 95th ®, Chicago, Illinois
© The Signature Room at the 95th ®

The Capital Grille

The Capital Grille features some of the best dry aged steaks found in Illinois, and although the meat is dried slowly, the seafood here is always fresh. Lobster macaroni cheese, the specialty of the house, is definitely one to try. Just blocks away from Magnificent Mile and Lakeshore Drive, the Grille offers the perfect retreat for diners after a long day working or shopping in the city centre.

The Capital Grille, 633 North Saint Clair Street, Chicago, IL, USA, +1 312 337 9400

The Capital Grille, Chicago, Illinois
© The Capital Grille

Sixteen

Restaurant, American, $$$
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Sixteen, Chicago
Sixteen, Chicago | © Sixteen
This Michelin-starred, Forbes Five Star and AAA Five Diamond restaurant is housed on the sixteenth floor of the Trump International Hotel & TowerChicago. Executive Chef Thomas Lents has created a menu that encompasses ingredients from all over the world to trigger dormant taste buds, where each dish is served with a separate wine. The 30-foot floor-to-ceiling windows that fill the venue offer breathtaking views across Lake Michigan, but diners can also see the Chicago River and the Wrigley Building from their tables.
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