Chicago’s culinary scene has once again been lauded by the Michelin Guide, solidifying its reputation as a premier dining destination. The latest guide for 2024-2025 shines a spotlight on an impressive array of restaurants, awarding coveted Michelin stars to 20 establishments and recognizing 37 more with Bib Gourmand distinctions for their exceptional quality and value. This announcement reaffirms Chicago’s position as a food lover’s paradise, offering a diverse range of dining experiences from innovative fine dining to outstandingly delicious and affordable eats.
For those seeking the pinnacle of gastronomic excellence, the Michelin Guide’s star system is the gold standard. These stars are awarded based on anonymous inspections and represent the highest levels of culinary achievement. Chicago is home to restaurants boasting one, two, and the ultimate three-star accolades, ensuring that discerning diners can find an extraordinary meal for any special occasion. Beyond the stars, the Bib Gourmand designation highlights restaurants that offer remarkable food at moderate prices, proving that exceptional dining experiences don’t always require a hefty price tag.
Among the stellar recognitions, Alinea, under the guidance of celebrated chef Grant Achatz, continues to hold its three-star status. This Lincoln Park institution has maintained its top ranking since Chicago first earned its own Michelin Guide in 2011, a testament to its consistent innovation and unparalleled dining experience. The guide also celebrated individual talent with special awards, acknowledging outstanding service, young culinary talent, exceptional sommeliers, and remarkable cocktails, further showcasing the depth and breadth of Chicago’s restaurant industry.
Chicago’s Three-Star Michelin Restaurants
The zenith of culinary achievement, three Michelin stars denote “exceptional cuisine that is worth a special journey.” In Chicago, two restaurants proudly hold this distinction:
Alinea, located in Lincoln Park, is renowned for its avant-garde approach to dining. Chef Achatz’s tasting menus are theatrical, innovative, and deeply flavorful, offering a multi-sensory experience unlike any other.
Smyth, situated in the West Loop, provides an equally impressive but distinct three-star experience. Focusing on contemporary American cuisine with a strong connection to nature, Smyth delivers refined dishes with impeccable technique and profound flavors.
Two-Star Michelin Restaurants in Chicago
Restaurants with two Michelin stars are recognized for “excellent cuisine that is worth a detour.” Chicago boasts two such establishments, both located in the vibrant West Loop neighborhood:
Ever offers a sophisticated and elegant dining experience. With a focus on seafood and seasonal ingredients, Ever provides meticulously crafted dishes in a refined setting.
Oriole presents a tasting menu that is both creative and comforting. The intimate setting and warm hospitality enhance the experience of Chef Noah Sandoval’s innovative and flavorful cuisine.
Ever Restaurant’s elegant dining space, perfect for experiencing Chicago’s two-Michelin-starred cuisine.
Alinea’s innovative scallop dish, showcasing the creativity of this three-Michelin-starred Chicago restaurant.
One-Star Michelin Restaurants in Chicago
One Michelin star is awarded to restaurants offering “high-quality cooking, worth a stop.” Chicago’s diverse culinary landscape is reflected in its extensive list of one-star restaurants, spanning various neighborhoods and cuisines:
Atelier, Lincoln Square
BOKA, Lincoln Park
**Cariño*, Uptown
EL Ideas, Douglas Park
Elske, West Loop
Esmé, Lincoln Park
Galit, Lincoln Park
Indienne, River North
Kasama, West Town
Mako, West Loop
Moody Tongue, South Loop
Next, West Loop
Schwa, Wicker Park
Sepia, West Loop
Topolobampo, River North
* New additions to the 2024 guide
These one-star establishments represent a wide array of culinary styles, from contemporary American to international flavors, ensuring there’s a Michelin-starred experience for every palate in Chicago.
Exquisite salmon dish at Esmé, a one-Michelin-starred restaurant in Chicago known for its artistic presentations.
The inviting bar area at Galit, a one-Michelin-starred Chicago restaurant offering modern Middle Eastern cuisine.
Michelin Green Star for Sustainable Gastronomy
The Michelin Guide also recognizes restaurants committed to sustainable practices with the Green Star. Daisie’s in Logan Square is honored for its dedication to environmentally friendly gastronomy, showcasing that fine dining can also be responsible dining.
Chicago’s Michelin Bib Gourmand Restaurants: Quality and Value
For diners seeking exceptional meals at a more accessible price point, the Bib Gourmand list is invaluable. These restaurants are recognized for offering great food at a good value. Chicago’s 37 Bib Gourmand selections in the 2024-2025 guide highlight the city’s diverse and vibrant casual dining scene:
Birrieria Zaragoza, Archer Heights
Boonie’s Filipino Restaurant, North Center
Cellar Door Provisions, Logan Square
Chef’s Special Cocktail Bar, Bucktown
Chilam Balam, Lakeview
Ciccio Mio, River North
Daisies, Logan Square
Dear Margaret, Lakeview
The Duck Inn, Bridgeport
Frontera Grill, River North
Ghin Khao, Pilsen
Giant, Logan Square
Gilt Bar, River North
Girl & The Goat, West Loop
HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen, Pilsen
Kie-Gol-Lanee, Uptown
Lardon, Logan Square
Longman & Eagle, Logan Square
Lula Café, Logan Square
Mama Delia, Wicker Park
mfk., Lakeview
Mi Tocaya Antojeria, Logan Square
Mott St., Wicker Park
Munno Pizzeria & Bistro, Andersonville
Nella Pizza e Pasta, Hyde Park
Perilla, West Loop
Pleasant House Pub, Pilsen
Pompette, Bucktown
The Purple Pig, The Magnificent Mile
**Sifr*, River North
Sochi Saigonese Kitchen, Lakeview
Sol de Mexico, Belmont Cragin
Superkhana International, Logan Square
Table, Donkey and Stick, Logan Square
Tortello Pastificio, Wicker Park
Union, Logan Square
Virtue, Hyde Park
Yao Yao, Chinatown
* New additions to the 2024 guide
From cozy neighborhood eateries to bustling bistros, these Bib Gourmand restaurants offer a taste of Chicago’s culinary dynamism without breaking the bank.
Inside Yao Yao, a Chicago Bib Gourmand restaurant offering delicious and affordable dining experiences.
The inviting atmosphere at Union, a Bib Gourmand selection in Chicago known for its quality and value.
Dear Margaret’s Braised Beef Shank, a testament to the flavorful and value-driven dishes found at Chicago’s Bib Gourmand restaurants.
The bright interior of Tortello Pastificio, a Chicago Bib Gourmand restaurant where fresh pasta is the star.
Chicago’s 2024-2025 Michelin Guide selections demonstrate the city’s rich and diverse culinary offerings. Whether you’re seeking a once-in-a-lifetime three-star experience or a satisfying and affordable Bib Gourmand meal, Chicago’s restaurant scene has something to offer every diner. Explore these acclaimed restaurants and discover why Chicago continues to be celebrated as a top global food destination.
