The TOP 10 Contemporary Restaurants in Chicago

What is it? Miru sits inside The St. Regis Hotel at 401 E Wacker Dr. It holds the no. 17 spot on La Liste. The restaurant is a ten-minute walk from Cloud Gate and roughly twelve minutes from Millennium Park.

Why we love it: Miru offers a high-end intersection of contemporary, seafood, and Japanese culinary styles that justifies its position as one of the most expensive dining tickets in the city. The space provides a rare vantage point for a meal in this part of Chicago, leaning into the fine dining experience that its ranking suggests.

Good to Know: The terrace is the primary draw for those looking to dine outdoors, but ensure your attire meets the smart and elegant dress code before stepping onto the floor.

What is it? River Roast sits on North LaSalle Street, a short walk from the Chicago Riverwalk and less than ten minutes by foot from the House of Blues. It specializes in a mix of contemporary, fusion, and seafood-focused plates.

Why we love it: The dining room offers a view that avoids the crush of the more tourist-heavy zones, making the mid-tier price point feel like a rare find in this part of town. With nearly 5,000 guests rating the experience at 4.76, the restaurant manages to balance the high-volume output of a large-scale venue with the precision of fine dining.

Good to Know: The smart and elegant dress code at River Roast is best suited to the riverside terrace, so opt for layers if you plan to dine outside.

What is it? Tre Dita sits inside The St. Regis Hotel at 401 E Wacker Dr. This Italian restaurant holds an Excellence Award from Wine Spectator and operates as a fine dining destination just a ten-minute walk from Cloud Gate.

Why we love it: While many spaces in the area lean into the tourist rush, Tre Dita balances a high-end, contemporary approach to Italian cuisine with a focus on refined service. The combination of its location within the St. Regis and its formal environment makes it a rare, quiet choice for dinner near Millennium Park.

Good to Know: The kitchen’s commitment to classic Italian techniques shines through their pasta preparations, so plan for a slower pace to appreciate the nuance behind the contemporary menu at Tre Dita.

What is it? Kumiko is a high-end restaurant located on West Lake Street, a fifteen-minute walk from Millennium Park and the State Street Shopping District. It is recognized as the best bar in the Midwest by North America’s 50 Best Bars and holds a place on Food & Wine’s list of the top 15 bars in the USA.

Why we love it: This is an expensive, destination-worthy experience that prioritizes the intersection of Japanese and contemporary fusion techniques. While many venues near the nearby Willis Tower focus on volume, Kumiko maintains a consistent 4.78 guest rating by leaning into a fine dining aesthetic that feels both deliberate and intimate.

Good to Know: The smart and elegant dress code at Kumiko is best complemented by a slow-paced approach to their menu, as the Japanese fusion pairings are designed for prolonged, mindful consumption rather than a quick bite.

What is it? Monteverde is an Italian, contemporary, and classic restaurant located at 1020 W Madison St. It sits a ten-minute walk from the Willis Tower, providing a high-end alternative to the nearby downtown transit hubs.

Why we love it: The kitchen balances Italian tradition with contemporary techniques, resulting in a consistent caliber of fine dining that draws a high volume of positive feedback. Its 4.83 rating reflects a level of service and polish that justifies its place as a luxury destination, even with the shopping crowds of State Street only a short walk away.

Good to Know: The kitchen’s approach to classic Italian pasta requires guests to lean into the smart and elegant dress code to match the romantic atmosphere of the dining room.

What is it? Smyth is a contemporary restaurant at 177 N Ada St #101. It holds three Michelin stars and currently ranks no. 58 on La Liste and no. 89 on The World's 50 Best Restaurants list.

Why we love it? Smyth commands a singular position in Chicago’s fine dining landscape by pairing high-level creative cooking with an intimate, romantic atmosphere. It earns its place among the world’s elite rankings while remaining a nearly forty-minute walk from the crowds at Millennium Park and the Art Institute of Chicago.

Good to Know: The creative, modern menu at Smyth commands a premium price point, so reserve your evening accordingly if you intend to experience the full breadth of the kitchen’s contemporary style.

What is it? Ever sits on West Fulton Street, a twenty-five-minute walk from the United Center. The restaurant holds two Michelin stars and is ranked no. 17 on the 2024 La Liste.

Why we love it: This is high-stakes, contemporary dining that leans into a creative aesthetic rather than traditional comfort. With a guest rating of 4.92, it earns its expensive price point by delivering a precise, modern experience that few restaurants in Chicago can match.

Good to Know: The dining room at Ever features a beautiful, romantic atmosphere, so ensure your outfit meets the smart and elegant dress code before arriving.

What is it? Oriole is a contemporary restaurant on Walnut Street, positioned about a twenty-minute walk from the United Center and Union Park. It holds two Michelin stars and currently ranks at number 47 on La Liste.

Why we love it: This venue distinguishes itself through a rigorous approach to modern, creative cooking that commands an expensive price point. With a guest rating of 4.93 from over 600 reviews, it consistently delivers on the promise of its fine-dining pedigree without relying on trends to justify the cost.

Good to Know: The smart and elegant dress code at Oriole is strictly enforced, so leave the casual wear at the hotel before making the trek over from the nearby West Side landmarks.

What is it? Alinea sits at 1723 N Halsted St, a six-minute walk from the Steppenwolf Theatre Company. This Michelin-starred venue focuses on contemporary, creative cuisine within a space designed for fine dining.

Why we love it: The kitchen’s commitment to modern techniques justifies the high price point, separating it from the standard luxury dining room. With a 4.82 rating from over 2,700 guests, the restaurant delivers a consistent, romantic atmosphere that makes the most of its location a short distance from Lincoln Park.

Good to Know: Alinea enforces a smart and elegant dress code, so plan your wardrobe accordingly for this contemporary dining experience.

What is it? RPM Seafood is a modern, contemporary restaurant located at 317 N Clark St. It holds a Wine Spectator Excellence Award and sits a six-minute walk from the House of Blues Chicago.

Why we love it: This is a high-priced, fine-dining destination that leans into its proximity to the water with a layout designed for a view. With a guest rating of 4.86 from over 5,000 reviews, it captures a scale of luxury that remains consistent, making it a reliable choice for those navigating between the shops on State Street and the performances at the Chicago Theatre.

Good to Know: The kitchen focuses on contemporary seafood, so pair your selection with a bottle from their Wine Spectator-recognized list to match the acidity of the menu.