Alinea

The only establishment of its kind in Chicago, Chef Grant Achatz's three-Michelin-starred institution is a multisensory delight. The venerable Lincoln Park establishment underwent a significant restoration in 2016, replacing its ominous, seductive decor with a light, classic setting. Every course on Alinea's tasting menus is a dramatic masterpiece served with faultless service, even though they cost between $205 and $475 per person: Expect a lot of dry ice, unusual fruits, and fun serving utensils. Achatz's famous helium taffy balloons, which fill the dining room with giggles and high-pitched laughing, are a great way to round off the evening.

It is also magical. Wine glasses are continuously refilled and filled with ease as the food is served, and the elegance of outstanding service even extends to your entry. As soon as we entered, we were sent to the second-floor salon for the most reasonably priced supper ($800 for two people, including a wine pairing). The salon, which accommodates groups of one to six people, was mostly used by date-going couples. At the table was our menu, with items with titles like "spectrum," "glass," and "yellow."

Between each course, guests get to play a guessing game by speculating on what might come next and how it might be served. The first dish, simply titled "ice," is served in the form of a wobbly ball of, you got it, ice, which you must balance while spooning spot prawn, banana, and coconut into your ice ball-slash-bowl as it freezes.

Google Rating: 4.6/5.0
Address: 1723 N Halsted StChicago60614
Phone: 312-867-0110
Opening hours: Dinner: Wed–Sun
Website: http://www.alinearestaurant.com/