From Scandinavian-inspired fare to delightful French bites, these tasting menus are sure to satisfy.
Not enough time for a full tasting menu experience? Check out our list of the best restaurants in Chicago you must try this year.
Exquisite plating at Alinea
With co-owners chef Grant Achatz and Nick Kokonas teaming up at one of the world’s best restaurants, there’s no telling what boundary-pushing dishes are ahead. Up the ante and book the Kitchen Table, which offers a front-row seat to all the chef action. 1723 N. Halsted St.
A sweet Scandinavian-inspired standout from husband-and-wife duo David and Anna Posey, Elske’s seasonal tasting menu deftly pairs farm-fresh produce and clever presentation with artistic verve and plenty of love to go around. 1350 W. Randolph St.
Chef Jenner Tomaska has quickly turned Esme into a Lincoln Park staple. This artful venture reimagines fine dining, with an emphasis on community connection. Enjoy a variety of culinary creations, including the Bubble Gum Pop made with fennel curry, squid, hearts of palm and spinach; and the Cloud Maker with chicken, dumplings, truffle, celery root and horseradish. 2200 N. Clark St.
Savor this scallop, red pepper, hon shimeji mushroom and ramp dish at Ever.
Built from the brilliant minds of Michelin-starred chef Curtis Duffy and partner Michael Muser, Ever turns any meal into an unforgettable experience. Diners feast on an eight to ten course tasting menu, emphasizing proteins from land to sea, seasonal vegetables and more—all complemented by carefully curated wine pairings by the bottle and glass. 1340 W. Fulton St.
Husband-and-wife chefs John Shields and Karen Urie Shields have a ton of culinary experience between them, and it shows on every plate of their 10 or so courses of this chic West Loop resto’s tasting menu. 177 N. Ada St.
James Beard Award-winning chef Rick Bayless has been digging deep into the culinary landscape of Mexico for many years. At sophisticated Topolobampo, he goes even further, offering a tasting menu experience with award-winning wine pairings and reserve spirits. 445 N. Clark St.
Chef Noah Sandoval of Oriole is known for his beautiful and delicate plating.
From the moment this intimate West Loop spot opened, its 15-course tasting menu earned many fans who can’t get enough of the beautifully crafted dishes of chef Noah Sandoval. 661 Walnut St.
Indulge in an evening of excellence at Claudia, where low lighting and plush, intimate seating make for a perfect romantic evening or tasteful business affair. Trevor Teich’s chef’s table experience brings vibrancy to your meal, serving up a unique ten to 15 course tasting menu with an intimate front-row seat to the kitchen. 1952 N. Damen Ave.
Settle in at Robert et Fils for refined French bites and delights. Nosh on a beautiful arrangement of cheese served with honeycomb, apple butter and herbed sourdough crackers; platinum ossetra caviar with brioche toast, crème fraiche and herbs; or steak frites accented with koji butter, fries and black garlic mayonnaise. For a sweet treat, opt for an apple tart tatin with caramelized apple, tahitian vanilla ice cream and black truffle. 4229 N. Lincoln Ave.
Indulge in edible art at George Trois.
When it comes to blending skill and flavor, chef Michael Lachowitz delivers a formidable selection of French-inspired fare at the Jean Banchet Award-winning restaurant George Trois. Satisfy your taste buds with an avant-garde ten-course tasting menu and exquisite wine pairings. 64 Green Bay Road
Chef Michael Carlson ensnares the senses at Schwa, presenting a fluid menu of inventive American cuisine. Conversate in a warm, welcoming atmosphere while enjoying artistic dishes—think quail with plum, matsutake and fennel, and wagyu with black garlic, smoked onion and huckleberry. 1466 N. Ashland Ave.
Chef César Murillo’s dedication to farmers means fresh ingredients at this cozy spot. Try the spectacular seasonal tasting menu featuring dishes such as wild-caught Busan crab and red cornmeal crepe with rutabaga variations, citrus beurre blanc, grapefruit segments and guajillo. Enjoy with wine pairings and an ambient view of a shimmering outdoor pond. 2610 N. Cannon Drive
Michelin-starred restaurant Omakase Yume takes sushi to the next level. The chef’s omakase tasting experience serves 16 savory courses prepared by legendary chef SangTae Park and customized to each guest's personal tastes. 651 S. Washington Blvd., Ste. 101
Photography by: FROM TOP, PHOTOS: COURTESY OF THE ALINEA GROUP; BY MICHAEL MUSER; COURTESY OF ORIOLE; BY THOMAS GAVIN
