Chicago's Winter Dining Guide: Michelin Stars and Festive Flavors Shine in the Windy City
Festive Outdoor Eats Amid Holiday Lights
Chicago is not just a city—it's a celebration of flavors, especially as the year winds down. In this culinary haven, every corner sings a different tune of taste, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers during the festive months of November and December.
Chicago's Culinary Tapestry: A Feast for the Senses This Holiday Season
As the holiday lights twinkle on the Magnificent Mile, a different kind of sparkle awaits the gastronomes—the MICHELIN Guide Chicago 2023 has announced its selection, and it's as tantalizing as the city's famed skyline.
Exceptional Three-Starred Dining at Smyth
Smyth, crowned with three MICHELIN Stars, is a place where creativity and seasonal produce dance in harmony. Chefs John Shields and Karen Urie Shields have elevated the West Loop dining scene with dishes that are as poetic on the plate as they are in flavor. Imagine a quail egg, gently smoked and crowned with caviar, sharing space with a divine peach gel and wasabi cream.
Star-Studded Delights Across the City
With 154 restaurants boasting 38 types of cuisine, Chicago's dining scene is a constellation of culinary stars. Two new entrants have shimmered into the spotlight: Atelier, where Chef Christian Hunter crafts American cuisine into art, and Indienne, where Chef Sujan Sarkar blends a modern vision of Indian flavors with a French twist.
Sustainable and Savory: Daisies Wins the Green Star
Sustainability takes center stage at Daisies in Logan Square, where Chef Joe Frillman showcases the bounty of his brother's farm. Their philosophy? A steadfast commitment to local, sustainable sourcing and minimizing waste.
More Than Just Michelin Stars: Chicago's Culinary Attractions
The Christkindlmarket beckons with its festive spirit, offering a smorgasbord of holiday treats and crafts—a blend of Chicago's cheer and German tradition. Plus Lakeview's Gallagher Way transforms into a winter wonderland complete with an ice rink.
Embrace the Seasonal Splendor
In Chicago, food isn't just eaten; it's experienced. As the city transforms into a winter wonderland, your taste buds can embark on a journey from the warm embrace of Bib Gourmands' comfort food to the innovative dishes of star-studded establishments.
The Warmth of Indoor Dining
Inside the city's culinary mosaic, over 7,000 restaurants wait to tell their stories through dishes that range from the iconic deep-dish pizza to innovative plates that redefine fine dining.
Festive Outdoor Eats Amid Holiday Lights
As the city is adorned with holiday lights, indulge in the simple pleasures of roasted chestnuts, candied almonds, and hand-warming hot cocoa from cheerful vendors.
With a culinary scene as rich and diverse as its cityscape, Chicago invites you this holiday season to taste, toast, and celebrate. Whether you're dining under the stars or sipping hot cocoa while strolling through festive markets, Chicago is ready to serve you memories that will last a lifetime. Join us in this city of flavors, where every bite tells the story of a place worth a special journey.
The Chef Global Restaurant and Chef Sentiment Ratings plus Critic Reviews from our industry-leading Restaurant Critic - Paul Barron.