The Epicurean Table

Oriole is simply exquisite. Tucked discreetly behind an unassuming doorway in Chicago’s West Loop, the journey begins with a step into a freight elevator a threshold that transports you from the industrial streetscape into a world of refined luxury and exceptional fine dining. Once inside, every moment that follows is deliberately choreographed to heighten anticipation and re

Boka has been on our radar for quite some time, and we finally made the reservation we’ve been meaning to for years. Tucked into Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, Boka has earned a reputation for being one of the city’s most consistently excellent fine dining destinations and after our recent visit, we can confidently say that reputation is well-deserved. Holding a Michelin star since 2011, Boka has maintained this honor for well over a decade, no small feat in the ever-e

Mako is an omakase that quietly unfolds in waves each course subtle, balanced, and deeply intentional. It’s the kind of meal that demands attention, rewards curiosity, and reveals itself over time. With only 22 seats and a beautifully restrained aesthetic, Mako invites you into a tranquil world where each dish is a meditation on precision and purity. We often say that fine dining is less about extravagance and more about experience.

Tucked along a quiet stretch of Lincoln Park in Chicago, Esme is less a restaurant and more an immersive art installation, where every plate is a brushstroke, and every course a conversation. With its deeply conceptual approach to both food and space, Esme has earned its place among the most avant-garde dining destinations in the country. For lovers of modern art, Esme is a dream. The restaurant partners with local artists and reimagines the space and menu regularly around

Tucked in Chicago’s Lakeview neighborhood, Cariño feels like an open invitation into something personal. And indeed, the name says it all. Cariño, meaning “affection” in Spanish, permeates every aspect of the experience from the thoughtful design to the vibrant dishes to the warm, attentive service.

At Jabri Fine Dining, we return to Ever not just for the food, but for the experience the storytelling, the sense that something profound is unfolding with every course. Ever, the two-Michelin-starred destination in Chicago’s West Loop, continues to deliver moments of quiet beauty under the leadership of Chef Curtis Duffy. Each visit feels like a chapter in an ongoing narrative one that marries artistry, emotion, and exceptional technique.

Located in Chicago’s South Loop, Moody Tongue is the only Michelin-starred brewery in the world. This is not your typical gastropub or brew hall. This is fine dining reimagined through the lens of craft beer.

EVER, the two-Michelin-starred restaurant by Chef Curtis Duffy, located in Chicago’s West Loop, is a destination every food lover should experience. The dining room is hushed and modern, stunningly luxurious, and the food is absolutely meticulous. The tasting menu is rooted in technique and composition at the highest level, with each course serving as a thoughtful expression of seasonality and artistry.

Topolobampo, a Michelin-starred treasure from Chef Rick Bayless and Deann Bayless, has long been celebrated for elevating Mexican cuisine to the fine dining stage, and during our most recent visit, we were treated to a brilliant, playful, and deeply thoughtful menu.

When we think of Michelin-starred dining, we often envision extravagant tasting menus, meticulously plated dishes, and an atmosphere . . .

The Charlie Trotter Pop-Up, a collaboration with Next and Dylan Trotter, was a dining experience that went beyond the plate, it was an unforgettable evening honoring a culinary icon.

Our latest adventure led us to Next, a themed restaurant in Chicago known for its ever-evolving menus and immersive culinary storytelling.

Our visits to Alinea were nothing short of enchanting. Every time we step through the sleek, understated entrance, we know we are about to embark on something extraordinary around the corner.

Smyth has been on our culinary radar for years, and after finally experiencing it for ourselves, we can say we experienced some of the most beautiful food that was presented as artful as it was delicious.