• Alinea Phone: 312-867-0110 Address: 1723 North Halsted City: Chicago State: IL
• Google Map

• • Concierge.com Recommendation: "Rising star and culinary rocket scientist Grant Achatz (formerly of Trio and Napa's French Laundry) raises the bar on New American cooking at his techno-chic Lincoln Park restaurant."

• • Frommer's Exceptional Rating: "The most anticipated local restaurant opening of 2005, chef Grant Achatz's Alinea is a place no serious foodie should miss."

• • Fodor's Choice: "Avant-garde chef Grant Achatz specializes in deconstructing and rebuilding food in a way that's playful and modern -- and not for everyone."

• http://www.mkchicago.com/ mk Phone: Address: 868 N Franklin St City: Chicago State: IL
• Google Map

• • Frommer's Exceptional Rating: "The presentations are tasteful rather than dazzling; Kornick wants you to concentrate on the food, and that's just what the chic, mixed-age crowd does."

• http://www.trurestaurant.com/welcome.html Tru] Phone:312-202-0001 Address: 676 N Saint Clair St # 1 City: Chicago State: IL
• Google Map

• • Concierge.com Recommended: "Be ready to spend the evening ogling too-beautiful-to-eat creations: perhaps Tru's trademark "caviar staircase," a spiral of glass "steps" topped with dollops of multicolored fish eggs..."

• • Frommer's Exceptional Rating: "Meals here are all prix fixe; if your wallet and stomach permit, shell out the big bucks for the seven-course Grand Collection or eight-course Tramonto's Collection."

• Charlie Trotter's Phone: 773-248-6228 Address:816 West Armitage City: Chicago State: IL
• Google Map

• • Concierge.com Recommendation: "Celebrity chef and local hero Charlie Trotter's shrine to "New American" cooking is still the hottest dining ticket in Chicago. Foodies from all over gladly shell out $145 per person to sample his seven-course tasting menus made with globally available organic ingredients."

• • Frommer's Exceptional Rating: "There is no a la carte menu, so this is not the place to come if you're a picky eater. Your only choice is to decide between the vegetable ($115) or grand ($135) degustation menu."

• • Fodor's Choice: "One of the nation's most experimental chefs, Trotter prepares his menus daily from the best of what's available globally."

• Gibsons Phone: 312-266-8999 Address: 1028 N Rush S City: Chicago State: IL
• Google Map

• • Frommer's Very Highly Recommended: "The dining rooms evoke a more romantic time, from the sleek Art Deco decor to the bow-tied bartenders. The portions are notoriously enormous, so Gibson's is best for groups who are happy to share dishes..."

• Moto Phone: 312-491-0058 Address: 945 W Fulton Market City: Chicago State: IL
• Google Map

• • Concierge.com Recommendation: "Cantu practices what is known as molecular gastronomy, a postmodern approach to cooking that is often multisensory."

• • Frommer's Exceptional Rating: "For the ultimate made-to-order dish, an insulated box cooks a piece of fish right at the table. Cantu's got a sense of humor, too -- during a raw food course, he uses a "virtual aroma device" to emit a subtle smoky scent, and sometimes the menu itself is edible."

• {{MfRestaurant

|name=Spring |address=2039 W North Ave |city=Chicago |state=IL |postal_code=60647 |country=United States |phone=773-395-7100 |url=http://www.springrestaurant.net/ |map_url=http://maps.google.com/maps?f=l&hl=en&q=Spring&near=2039+West+North+Avenue,+Chicago,+IL&layer=&ie=UTF8&om=1&ll=41.914797,-87.679181&spn=0.011401,0.029182&z=15&iwloc=A |type=American }}

• • Frommer's Exceptional Rating: "Spring is not a scene: Diners step down into a dining room hidden from the street, sink into the banquettes that zigzag across the center of the room, and concentrate on the food."

• • Fodor's Choice: "Like McClain's cooking, the restaurant's interior design faces east for inspiration, beginning with a rock garden in the foyer."

• {{MfRestaurant

|name=Frontera Grill & Topolobampo |address=445 N Clark St |city=Chicago |state=IL |postal_code=60610 |country=United States |phone=312-661-1434 |fax=312-661-1830 |url=http://www.rickbayless.com/restaurants/grill.html |map_url=http://maps.google.com/maps?f=l&hl=en&q=Frontera+Grill&near=445+North+Clark+Street,+Chicago,+IL&layer=&ie=UTF8&om=1&ll=41.894451,-87.63103&spn=0.011404,0.029182&z=15&iwloc=A |type=Mexican }}

• • Concierge.com Recommended: "Don't miss the fabulous raw bar, Saturday brunch, or Topo's $75, five-course tasting menu. A local crowd also gathers for the wide selection of margaritas and Mexican beers."

• • Frommer's Exceptional Rating: "At Frontera the signature appetizer is the sopes surtidos, corn-tortilla "boats" with a sampler of fillings (chicken in red mole, black beans with homemade chorizo, and so on)."

• • Fodor's Choice: "Devotees of chef-owner Rick Bayless queue up for his distinct fare at this casual restaurant, brightly trimmed in Mexican folk art."

• {{MfRestaurant

|name=Park Grill |address=11 N Michigan Ave |city=Chicago |state=IL |postal_code=60602 |country=United States |phone=312-521-7275 |url=http://www.parkgrillchicago.com/ |map_url=http://maps.google.com/maps?f=l&hl=en&q=Park+Grill&near=11+North+Michigan+Avenue,+Chicago,+IL&layer=&ie=UTF8&om=1&ll=41.886145,-87.623434&spn=0.011406,0.029182&z=15&iwloc=A |type=American }}

• • Frommer's Very Highly Recommended: "The dining room itself is simple but welcoming, with floor-to-ceiling windows along one wall that look out onto the Michigan Avenue skyline..."

• {{MfRestaurant

|name=Atwood Café |address=1 W Washington St |city=Chicago |state=IL |postal_code=60602 |country=United States |phone=312-368-1900 |url=http://www.atwoodcafe.com/ |map_url=http://maps.google.com/maps?f=l&hl=en&q=Atwood+Cafe&near=1+W+Washington+St,+Chicago,+Cook,+Illinois+60602,+United+States&ie=UTF8&cd=1&geocode=0,41.883205,-87.627911&om=1&ll=41.885298,-87.627919&spn=0.005703,0.014591&z=16&iwloc=A |type=American }}

• • Frommer's Very Highly Recommended: "If you're tired of the exotic menus at trendy restaurants, Atwood Cafe will come as a welcome relief. Located in the historic Hotel Burnham, this place combines a gracious, 1900-era feel with a fresh take on American comfort food."

• {{MfRestaurant

|name=Sushi Wabi |address=842 W Randolph St |city=Chicago |state=IL |postal_code=60607 |country=United States |phone=312-563-1224 |url=http://www.sushiwabi.com/ |map_url=http://maps.google.com/maps?f=l&hl=en&q=Sushi+Wabi&near=842+W.+Randolph,+Chicago,+IL&layer=&ie=UTF8&om=1&ll=41.892374,-87.648325&spn=0.02281,0.058365&z=14&iwloc=A |type=Japanese }}

• • Frommer's Highly Recommended: "Artfully presented sushi and chic crowds are the order of the day at Sushi Wabi, Randolph Street's Japanese jewel."

• Hot Chocolate Phone: 773-489-1747 Address: 1747 N Damen Ave City: Chicago State: IL
• Google Map

• • Frommer's Highly Recommended: "Mindy Segal's desserts got raves when she worked at the restaurant mk. So when she opened her own place in early 2005 -- with a dessert theme, no less -- there were lines almost immediately."

• • Lonely Planet Selection: "Come for dessert, stay for dinner' might be the motto at this happening Bucktown fooderie."

• {{MfRestaurant

|name=La Creperie |address=2845 N Clark St |city=Chicago |state=IL |postal_code=60657 |country=United States |phone=773-528-9050 |url=http://www.lacreperieusa.com/ |map_url=http://maps.google.com/maps?f=l&hl=en&q=La+Creperie&near=2845+N.+Clark,+Chicago,+IL&layer=&ie=UTF8&om=1&ll=41.938201,-87.645793&spn=0.011397,0.029182&z=15&iwloc=A |type=French/Belgian }}

• • Frommer's Very Highly Recommended: "Don't leave without at least sharing one of the dessert crepes, which tuck anything from apples to ice cream within their warm folds."

• • TripAdvisor 3.5 Rating (Note: Community rating; may change)

• {{MfRestaurant

|name=Wishbone |address=1001 W Washington Blvd |city=Chicago |state=IL |postal_code=60607 |country=United States |phone=312-850-2663 |url=http://www.wishbonechicago.com/ |map_url=http://maps.google.com/maps?f=l&hl=en&q=Wishbone+Restaurant&near=1001+W.+Washington+Blvd,+Chicago,+IL&layer=&ie=UTF8&om=1&ll=41.887135,-87.652144&spn=0.011406,0.029182&z=15&iwloc=A |type=American Regional }}

• • Frommer's Very Highly Recommended: "Known for Southern food and big-appetite breakfasts, Wishbone's extensive, reasonably priced menu blends hearty, home-style choices with healthful and vegetarian items."

• • TripAdvisor 3.5 Rating (Note: Community rating; may change)

• {{MfRestaurant

|name=Silver Cloud Bar and Grill |address=1700 N Damen Ave |city=Chicago |state=IL |postal_code=60647 |country=United States |phone=773-489-6212 |url=http://www.silvercloudchicago.com/ |map_url=http://maps.google.com/maps?f=l&hl=en&geocode=&time=&date=&ttype=&q=Silver+Cloud+Bar+and+Grill&near=chicago+il&ie=UTF8&om=0&ll=41.916234,-87.676349&spn=0.011401,0.029182&z=15&iwloc=A |type=American }}

• • Frommer's Very Highly Recommended: "The motto of this casual cafe is "Food like Mom would make if she was gettin' paid." Indeed, Silver Cloud is comfort food central, with a laid-back pub-meets-diner decor and suitably attitude-free clientele."

• • TripAdvisor 3.5 Rating (Note: Community rating; may change)

• {{MfRestaurant

|name=Rose Angelis |address=1314 W Wrightwood Ave |city=Chicago |state=IL |postal_code=60614 |country=United States |phone=773-296-0081 |url=http://www.roseangelis.com/ |map_url=http://maps.google.com/maps?f=l&hl=en&geocode=&time=&date=&ttype=&q=Rose+Angelis&near=chicago+il&ie=UTF8&cd=1&om=0&ll=41.933668,-87.661972&spn=0.011397,0.029182&z=15&iwloc=A |type=Northern Italian }}

• • Frommer's Very Highly Recommended: "Tucked in a residential side street in Lincoln Park, the restaurant fills the ground floor of a former private home with a charming series of cozy rooms and a garden patio."

• • TripAdvisor 4.0 Rating (Note: Community rating; may change)

• {{MfRestaurant

|name=Karyn's Cafe |address=1901 North Halsted Street |city=Chicago |state=IL |postal_code=60614 |country=United States |phone=312-255-1590 |fax=312-255-1592 |url=http://www.karynraw.com/ |map_url=http://maps.google.com/maps?f=l&hl=en&q=karyn's&near=738+North+Wells+Street,+Chicago,+IL&ie=UTF8&om=1&ll=41.900201,-87.63339&spn=0.011403,0.029182&z=15&iwloc=A |type=Vegetarian }}

• • HappyCow Very Highly Rated (Note: Community rating; may change)

• {{MfRestaurant

|name=Green Zebra |address=1460 W Chicago Ave |city=Chicago |state=IL |postal_code=60622 |country=United States |phone=312-243-7100 |url=http://www.greenzebrachicago.com/ |map_url=http://maps.google.com/maps?f=l&hl=en&q=Green+Zebra&near=+1460+west+chicago+ave,+Chicago,+IL&layer=&ie=UTF8&om=1&ll=41.900392,-87.664719&spn=0.011403,0.029182&z=15&iwloc=A |type=Vegetarian }}

• • HappyCow Very Highly Rated (Note: Community rating; may change)

• {{MfRestaurant

|name=The Chicago Diner |address=3411 N Halsted St |city=Chicago |state=IL |postal_code=60657 |country=United States |phone=773-935-6696 |url=http://www.veggiediner.com/ |map_url=http://maps.google.com/maps?f=l&hl=en&q=Chicago+Diner&near=3411+N+Halsted+St,+Chicago,+Cook,+Illinois+60657,+United+States&layer=&ie=UTF8&om=1&ll=41.95266,-87.649612&spn=0.022788,0.058365&z=14&iwloc=A |type=Vegetarian }}

• • HappyCow Highly Rated (Note: Community Rating; may change)

• HappyCow: Chicago Vegetarian Restaurants