Claudia

Claudia ranks 8th on the list of best restaurants in Chicago. This restaurant, which began as a twice-month pop-up in Chicago's West Town in 2015, finally got its brick-and-mortar footing earlier this fall—and a Michelin star soon after. Those pop-up days allowed chef Trevor Teich and his team to garner some sweet accolades and local love, and fans are now flocking here on a nightly basis for a taste of what Teich does best—contemporary fine dining highlighting his training in French and Japanese cuisine—as well as his natural knack for storytelling. Discover it through his 10-course tasting menu, a whimsical culinary journey that functions like a chapter from one of your favorite childhood books, as the restaurant suggests.

Experience the charm of this restaurant before even stepping foot inside, housed within an 1880s-era storybook cottage in the heart of Bucktown (the golden snail door knocker only helps matters). When you do enter, it may feel like your home away from home, owing to the nostalgia it elicits. A display case near the foyer features mementos of beloved childhood stories, ranging from hardcovers of Peter Pan and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to objects like a clock and magnifying glass "cut in half"—reminiscent of Willy Wonka's office and the many "half-objects" it houses.

The fun doesn't stop there: a wine list reveals Alice in Wonderland-inspired illustrations, and that snail? From the service team's lapel pins to an entire course dedicated to it ("Snails in the Woods"), it is honored throughout the dining experience. Three distinct dining spaces are outfitted with velvety fabrics, rich wood tones, warm lighting, and mixed metal accents: the upstairs dining room, first-floor Chef's Table, and, just beyond, The Bar at Claudia, where guests can partake in an a la carte experience and enjoy an impressive selection of cocktails.

Google Rating: 4.5/5.0

Address: 1952 North Damen Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, 60647United States

Phone: (773) 697-9486

Website: claudiarestaurant.com