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Dinova’s Top Fine Dining Picks in Chicago, Illinois
Chicago is known for many things—sports, music, architecture, and of course, food. The Windy City is iconic for things like deep-dish, Chicago-style hot dogs, and Italian-beef. But there’s more than meets the eye when it comes to fine dining in The Second City. Chicago has a rich and culinarily diverse food scene that reflects the fabric of the city. Visitors might find it hard to choose, but don’t worry, we’ll break it down for you.
If there’s one thing Dinova knows, it’s business dining. Through our years we’ve learned what’s important to business diners, so we decided to put our heads together to offer our recommendations on the top places for fine dining for your next “wow” moment in Chicago. We gathered an extensive list of fine dining restaurants participating in our dining program for you to consider, and our business diners have the added benefit of earning rewards for dining there.
Impressive Menu
Tanta Chicago – Entering the doors of Tanta is like being transported across the ocean to the lively and bustling streets of Lima, Peru. Led by Chefs Gastón Acurio and Robert Rocha, Tanta is a culinary diamond that stands out in the River North neighborhood in Chicago.
- Authentic Peruvian dishes
- Private dining options
- Rooftop patio
Steak & Vine – A polished steakhouse with a modern twist, Steak & Vine pairs prime cuts and seafood in a stylish yet warm setting—perfect for celebrating wins or entertaining important guests.
- Steakhouse cuisine (prime cuts + seafood)
- Private dining suites
- Upscale, modern décor
Beity Chicago – Beity brings forward contemporary Middle Eastern cuisine in a sleek, modern environment. With focus on flavor-forward, elevated dishes, it’s well suited for clients looking to explore something distinctive.
- Middle Eastern / Lebanese cuisine
- Elegant, modern décor
- Warm, refined ambiance
Topolobampo – A modern look at Mexican cuisine, you’ll find a unique experience inside this fine-dining restaurant. With an ever changing, contemporary menu highlighting Mexican specialties, you’ll find a deeply rooted story amongst the dishes in Topolobampo.
- Michelin star restaurant
- Wine and agave spirit pairings
- Uniquely crafted menu
Best Cocktails and Drinks
Machine: Engineered Dining & Drink – Where the trifecta of innovative cocktails, globally inspired food, and in-house florists culminate to make for a truly unforgettable experience. Machine provides a chic and unforgettable experience, with a highly rated cocktail bar and happy hour.
- Cocktail workshops
- Tiki-inspired patio
- Excellent happy hour deals
Figo Wine Bar – Figo Wine Bar offers an authentic European wine lounge feel with small plates, global wines, and a relaxed but chic setting—great for lighter business dinners or tasting-focused meetings.
- Wine bar / tapas-style cuisine
- Robust global wine list and tastings
- Stylish, intimate seating
Francois Frankie – An elegant cocktail lounge and dinner spot, Francois Frankie serves refined dishes in a moody, artful space where live music and curated cocktails heighten every evening.
- Upscale lounge cuisine
- Live music and cabaret-style ambiance
- Cocktail-forward bar experience
The Franklin Room – A comforting turn-of-the-century, American-style tavern elevated with a modern approach. Whatever your drink choice is, The Franklin room has something for you. With bold new flavors crafted by passionate bartenders, you won’t leave disappointed.
- Large whisky menu with rare releases
- VIP rewards program
- Special whiskey club
Great Ambiance
Frontera Grill – Located in the River North neighborhood, Frontera Grill will transport you to the colorful, vibrant kitchens of Mexico. Dreamt up by celebrity chef Rick Bayless, this restaurant features Mexican folk art, mariachi music, and a packed menu.
- Unforgettable atmosphere
- Vegetarian menu available
- Ethically sourced ingredients
Fat Rosie’s – Bursting with character, Fat Rosie’s serves inventive American comfort cuisine in a vibrant, eclectic interior. It’s a fun choice for teams wanting lively energy without dropping the quality.
- New American / eclectic cuisine
- Bold, colorful décor
- Energetic, social atmosphere
Cafe des Architectes (CDA) – Chic, stylish and contemporary, with an elegant dining room and breezy outdoor terrace, this downtown delight is one of Chicago’s best restaurants. The splendor of modern French cuisine is in full celebration at CDA.
- Beautiful outdoor seating
- Special events
- Luxury dining experience
Peanut Park – Peanut Park brings a whimsical, cozy setting with elevated casual fare—ideal for business dinners that feel relaxed but not ordinary. Expect a menu of shareables and imaginative flavors in a lush, garden-inspired space.
- Modern American / shareable plates
- Indoor-outdoor garden aesthetic
- Comfortable, intimate ambiance