Chicago is a rather relaxed city, and that attitude extends to the fine dining scene as well. The city is home to fantastic food and wonderful restaurants. In fact, sometimes, it can feel like there are just too many unbelievable options. We certainly felt that way while choosing our favorite restaurants in the city. Anyway, without straying away from the topic any further, here are 3 great Chicago restaurants you must visit—the ones you must check out whether you are visiting for the weekend or you have called the city home for ages. Have a look at our pick and make sure you make your reservations pronto. Getting a table at these spots can prove to be quite challenging!

Oriole

From Genie Kwon and Noah Sandoval, Oriole has been rapidly building its reputation since its inception in 2016. You will be able to locate the restaurant just east of the Kennedy Expressway. The restaurant prides itself on offering an unpredictable and surprising menu. As a diner, you will not be able to see the full lineup until after you have finished your final course. As you see the dishes emerging from the exposed kitchen to your table, you will feel sensations that you have never felt before. You will probably want to dress up a little for this restaurant. The tall ceilings and white tablecloths give this space a feel of extravagance. Hence, if you don’t want to stand out for the wrong reasons, you should dress to impress.

We would recommend you to try their capellini, croissant, and caviar.

Alinea

If you want to eat food the likes of which you have never seen before, you should definitely head to Alinea. The restaurant is renowned and is regularly the recipient of prestigious awards. The food in this restaurant comes and goes effortlessly, and the servers all ensure that your wine glasses are filled and replaced throughout the meal. The restaurant is truly extreme in all the departments—extreme flavors, extreme presentations, extremely entertaining, and extremely expensive. A visit to Alinea can burn a huge hole in your pocket; even the most affordable meal for two diners can cost as high as $800. Some of the foods they offer include Steelhead Roe, Oyster Leaf, King Crab, Lobster, Razor Clam, Woolly Pig, and Scallop etc.

Roister

If you are not a big fan of the eclectic-ness of Alinea and would rather feel more comfortable in an environment that is boisterous, you should visit Roister. The slogan of the restaurant, “The kitchen is the restaurant, the restaurant is the kitchen,” makes total sense. For the most parts, seats in the restaurant surround the open kitchen. We would recommend you to try their beef broth, braised chicken breasts, chicken salad, deboned fried thighs, and sourdough pancake. Although the atmosphere of this place is casual, it can feel a little upscale as well. However, there is no need for you to feel like you have to dress up for this dinner.

Once you’re done with dinner, check out our Chicago escape rooms here.

Also, make sure to check out some breweries in the Chicago area while you’re here.