Whether you’re marking a special occasion or in the mood for a festive meal, these fancy restaurants in Chicago are made for celebrating. From modern Ukrainian fare in a cozy, wife-and-husband-owned space to made-for-sharing Cantonese and dim sum in a glam hotel, these nice restaurants in Chicago promise a memorable time for every occasion, even extra-special holidays like Christmas and New Year’s Eve.
Enjoy a MICHELIN-Starred meal at a chic Scandinavian spot in the West Loop. Dig into elegant farm-inspired fare with serene lake views in Lincoln Park. Go big with dinner and a view at a celebrity chef’s swanky steakhouse in River North.
Skip the wait by reaching for an OpenTable reservation instead.
Read on for a guide to 13 top fancy restaurants in Chicago.
For inventive seasonal American cuisine in an equally creative space: Boka (Lincoln Park)
Led by chef Lee Wolen, this American hotspot has earned several MICHELIN Stars since opening in 2003. One of the fancy restaurants in Chicago, Boka keeps it fresh with a daily changing eight-course tasting menu, alongside seasonal farm-driven à la carte selections. The signature whole-roasted dry-aged duck is a dish fit for a celebration, as are the cocktails, some made with vintage spirits. With a plant-lined wall and whimsical portraits, the dining room is primed for one stylish party.
For Scandinavian-leaning fare in a chic setting: Elske (West Loop)
MICHELIN-Starred Elske is a go-to for a transportive celebration, thanks to a sophisticated Scandinavian sensibility that runs through its decor and menu. The outdoor fireplace and lush landscaping make you feel like you’re dining in Copenhagen—where chefs David and Anna Posey were engaged. (Elske does mean “to love” in Danish.) Choose from a multi-course menu or order à la carte—both offer elegant seasonal dishes. Anna’s superb desserts make this one of the best birthday restaurants in Chicago.
For shareable Cantonese dishes at one of the fancy restaurants in Chicago: Shanghai Terrace (Gold Coast/Streeterville)
Shanghai Terrace is a swanky Chinese restaurant in The Peninsula Chicago. For an extra-special meal, dine on the lush terrace under burgundy umbrellas with skyscraper views. Or head to the main dining room, with a glam, Shanghai-inspired gold, ebony, and scarlet color scheme. Dishes are meant for sharing family style—quintessential to large Chinese gatherings—with standouts like a whole Peking duck with mandarin pancakes and plum sauce. Level up your celebration by adding dim sum to your order.
For prime steaks, housemade pastas, and glam touches galore that’s great for Christmas Eve: Fioretta (West Loop)
Fioretta’s vintage supper club-accented digs—complete with handmade crystal chandeliers—are decked out with many glamorous pockets to celebrate. For the ultimate wow factor, book the chef’s table in an open kitchen with prime views of the wood-burning hearth. Impeccably sourced steaks play starring roles on the menu, while housemade pastas like truffle mushroom lasagna are designed to share. Add in a throwback cocktail list, and you’ve got a winning formula for a celebratory evening.
For a celebratory feast from a Top Chef winner at one of the upscale restaurants in Chicago for New Year’s Eve: BLVD Steakhouse (West Loop)
One of the most beautiful restaurants in Chicago, chandelier-decked BLVD Steakhouse is a tribute to Old Hollywood glam. Both the mirrored dining room and the pergola-covered, full-season garden patio are well-suited for bachelorette parties and festive groups. Top Chef champion Joe Flamm brings tons of culinary cred to the classic American restaurant. Start with a decadent seafood tower or caviar service before graduating to celebration-friendly mains such as bone-in ribeye.
For seasonal farm-inspired cuisine in a serene garden setting: North Pond (Lincoln Park)
When you’re located in the heart of Lincoln Park (the lush greenspace and the neighborhood that takes its name) with views of a serene nearby pond and Chicago’s dramatic skyline, you’ve already tapped into special-occasion vibes. North Pond goes beyond its visual appeal with a seasonal, four-course tasting menu that embraces local ingredients that could include foie gras with sour cherries and grilled sablefish with charred corn.
For Italian dishes at a MICHELIN Bib Gourmand destination: Riccardo Trattoria (Lincoln Park)
At his namesake trattoria, Milan native Riccardo Michi serves up some of the city’s best Tuscan fare. The cozy Lincoln Park mainstay is a go-to for its hearty, crowd-pleasing classic pastas like lobster-filled ravioli, plus specialty meats roasted in the restaurant’s wood-burning oven. Come early for the three-course happy hour family meal, or linger over a glass of wine from the all-Italian list on the charming outdoor patio.
For old-school steakhouse fare from a beloved Chicago institution: Gene and Georgetti (River North)
Open since 1941, family-run Gene and Georgetti is Chicago’s oldest steakhouse. A celebrity and local favorite, the throwback restaurant is dressed with red leather booths, white tablecloth-topped tables, and vintage black-and-white photos on the walls. Start your celebration with a seafood tower or caviar before moving on to signature prime steaks and housemade pastas, all served by attentive, well-suited waiters to complete the old-school vibe.
For breathtaking lake views, Tuscan steaks, and impeccable pastas from a celebrated LA chef: Tre Dita (River North)
Popular LA chef Evan Funke and Chicago restaurant giant Lettuce Entertain You joined forces with a bang at this swanky Tuscan steakhouse inside The St. Regis. It’s already the ultimate special-occasion destination, thanks to silky handmade pastas, premium steaks, and a 700-plus bottle, all-Italian wine list. The glam dining room has arched portals, walnut timber paneling, and stunning views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago River through dramatic 40-foot windows.
For Korean-inspired riffs on classic steakhouse fare in a new Loop stunner: PERILLA steakhouse – River Walk (Downtown/Loop)
With its stunning, AvroKO-designed interior full of light wood, sprawling banquette seating, and soft lighting, this Korean American steakhouse is what celebratory dreams are made of. Chef Andrew Lim combines Korean ingredients and flavors with classic steakhouse fare, including premium wagyu prepared tableside on grill tops. Sides like seasonal banchan and classic mashed potatoes round out the meal. For extra-special occasions, book the tasting menu experience at the chef’s counter.
For signature British dishes paired with a Chicago steakhouse in a landmark building: Hawksmoor Chicago (River North)
One of the fancy restaurants in Chicago, Hawksmoor brings British steakhouse vibes to River North. Located in the historic LaSalle Powerhouse building, the sprawling, three-story restaurant has something for everyone—charcoal-grilled steaks, sustainably sourced seafood, and even a vegetarian “beef” Wellington. Restored, barrel-vaulted ceilings, parquet block flooring, and jewel-toned velvet booths add to the celebratory, old-school steakhouse atmosphere.
For South American-inspired, wood-fired fare at one of the nice restaurants in Chicago: Brasero (West Town)
With his love for live-fire cooking and South American cuisines, chef John Manion’s restaurants are always a good time. And Brasero—his newest and one of the upscale restaurants in Chicago—is no exception. Toast over hand-muddled caipirinhas before moving on to small and large plates like flame-roasted garlic chicken and coconut-infused Brazilian seafood stew. Sultry vibes come courtesy of cozy nooks, soft lighting, and soulful bossa nova music.
For modern Ukrainian cuisine in a cozy setting: Anelya (Avondale)
At Anelya, husband-and-wife chefs Johnny Clark and Beverly Kim whip up modern takes on traditional Ukrainian dishes. With exposed plaster walls decked with decorative Ukrainian plates, the cozy restaurant feels like dining in someone’s home. Start with zakusky (appetizers) from a three-tiered rolling cart, then move on to standouts like smoked mackerel and potato pancakes, paired with Eastern European-focused wines and served by a staff of predominantly Ukrainian refugees.
From cozy neighborhood Ukrainian spots to glam celebrity-backed steakhouses and intimate MICHELIN-Starred Scandinavian gems, there are plenty of special-occasion restaurants to choose from in Chicago. Whether celebrating a birthday with Cantonese and dim sum in a swanky hotel lounge or an anniversary or promotion at a festive Korean American steakhouse, these hotspots are sure to fill up quickly.
Ready to get the party started? Book one of the 13 fancy restaurants in Chicago on OpenTable now.
Want to learn more about Chicago’s amazing restaurant scene? These city guides can help:
- 12 gorgeous Chicago restaurants that will blow you away
- The 12 best restaurants to dine outdoors in Chicago
- 13 top restaurants for every kind of date in Chicago
Lisa Shames is a writer focused on travel and food culture in Chicago, IL. She has covered Chicago’s restaurant scene for publications including CS, Chicago Tribune, and Time Out and is the U.S. contributor for Sogoodmag.
