Chicago, a city renowned for its vibrant culinary scene, offers a delightful array of hotel restaurants. Whether you're a discerning foodie seeking a Michelin-starred experience or a casual diner looking for a quick bite, Chicago's hotel dining scene has something for everyone. This guide explores 20 top-rated hotels that boast exceptional restaurants, ensuring your stay is as memorable for its dining as for its accommodation.
Luxurious Stays & Exquisite Dining: Top Tier Hotel Restaurants
These hotels offer more than just a room; they provide a complete culinary journey.
The Peninsula Chicago: Shanghai Terrace
This iconic hotel houses Shanghai Terrace, an award-winning restaurant specializing in elegant Cantonese cuisine. Expect impeccable service, stunning views, and a menu filled with exquisite dishes. Their dim sum is legendary.
- Key Feature: Authentic Cantonese fine dining.
- Price Range: $$
The Four Seasons Hotel Chicago: Alinea
For a truly exceptional culinary experience, look no further than Alinea. This three-Michelin-starred restaurant is a temple of molecular gastronomy, offering an ever-evolving tasting menu that is both innovative and unforgettable. Reservations are essential, often booked months in advance.
- Key Feature: Three-Michelin-starred molecular gastronomy.
- Price Range: $$
The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago: The Florentine
Located on the 14th floor, The Florentine offers breathtaking city views alongside its contemporary Italian menu. Their pasta dishes are a highlight. The ambience is sophisticated, making it perfect for a romantic dinner or a special occasion.
- Key Feature: Upscale Italian dining with panoramic city views.
- Price Range: $$
Waldorf Astoria Chicago: Margaret's
This sophisticated hotel's restaurant, Margaret's, serves modern American cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients. The atmosphere is elegant but approachable.
- Key Feature: Modern American cuisine in an elegant setting.
- Price Range: $$
Mid-Range Marvels: Great Food, Great Value
These hotels offer a balance of comfort and excellent dining experiences without breaking the bank.
Thompson Hotel Chicago: Nico Osteria
Nico Osteria offers authentic Italian cuisine in a stylish setting. It's a popular spot for both hotel guests and locals alike.
- Key Feature: Authentic Italian cuisine in a stylish setting.
- Price Range: $$
Hotel EMC2: The Dearborn
This Autograph Collection hotel boasts The Dearborn, a sophisticated brasserie offering American cuisine with a focus on locally sourced ingredients.
- Key Feature: Locally sourced ingredients and American brasserie fare.
- Price Range: $$
Kinzie Hotel: Andros Taverna
Enjoy a taste of Greece at Andros Taverna, featuring delicious Mediterranean dishes and a vibrant atmosphere.
- Key Feature: Delicious Mediterranean cuisine and lively atmosphere.
- Price Range: $
Hotel Julian: Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!
This lively spot serves classic tapas and paella in a fun, energetic setting.
- Key Feature: Lively tapas and paella restaurant.
- Price Range: $
Boutique Charm & Culinary Delights
Smaller hotels often pack a surprising punch in their culinary offerings.
Nobu Hotel Chicago: Nobu Chicago
This hotel is a destination for its world-renowned Japanese restaurant, Nobu. Expect creative sushi, innovative cocktails, and an unforgettable atmosphere.
- Key Feature: World-renowned Japanese cuisine.
- Price Range: $$
The Hoxton, Chicago: The Apartment
A stylish spot with a lively atmosphere, The Apartment serves a creative menu inspired by the building's history.
- Key Feature: Stylish, eclectic menu in a cool atmosphere.
- Price Range: $$
Diverse Dining Experiences: Exploring Chicago's Flavors
The following hotels represent a diversity of culinary styles and price points.
Hyatt Centric Chicago Magnificent Mile: Cedar Room
Located in the heart of the Magnificent Mile, Cedar Room offers a versatile menu with something for every palate.
- Key Feature: Diverse menu to satisfy all tastes.
- Price Range: $
Swissôtel Chicago: Amuse
Enjoy a sophisticated dining experience at Amuse, offering modern European cuisine with a focus on seasonal ingredients.
- Key Feature: Modern European cuisine with seasonal ingredients.
- Price Range: $$
Palmer House Hilton: The Palmer Bar & Grill
A Chicago classic, The Palmer Bar & Grill serves upscale American dishes in a grand setting.
- Key Feature: Upscale American cuisine in a grand setting.
- Price Range: $$
Loews Chicago Hotel: Cityscape
With stunning panoramic views, Cityscape offers a menu of classic American and international dishes.
- Key Feature: Classic American and international dishes with city views.
- Price Range: $$
Thompson Hotel Chicago: The Violet Hour
Not strictly a restaurant, The Violet Hour is a renowned cocktail bar that offers a sophisticated atmosphere and inventive drinks. It's a great spot for a pre-dinner drink.
- Key Feature: Award-winning cocktail bar.
- Price Range: $
Hotel Lincoln: The J Parker
Located on the rooftop, The J Parker boasts stunning city views and a seasonal menu. Perfect for a romantic dinner or a night out with friends.
- Key Feature: Rooftop bar and restaurant with city views.
- Price Range: $$
Beyond the Expected: Unique Culinary Gems
These hotels offer dining experiences that go beyond the traditional.
Ace Hotel Chicago: City Mouse
This stylish spot offers delicious and inventive small plates, perfect for sharing.
- Key Feature: Inventive small plates in a stylish setting.
- Price Range: $
The Gwen, a Luxury Collection Hotel: The Gwen Restaurant
This hotel’s restaurant offers a luxurious setting for a modern American menu.
- Key Feature: Luxurious setting and modern American cuisine.
- Price Range: $$
Catalina Hotel: Cindy's Rooftop
Enjoy stunning views and creative cocktails at Cindy's Rooftop.
- Key Feature: Rooftop bar with city views.
- Price Range: $
Choosing Your Perfect Hotel and Restaurant
This list offers just a taste of the incredible dining options available in Chicago hotels. When selecting a hotel, consider your budget, desired dining experience, and location. Remember to check for online reviews and make reservations in advance, especially for popular restaurants. Enjoy your culinary adventure in the Windy City!
Note: Price ranges are estimates and can vary depending on the menu and season. $$ indicates the most expensive, and $ indicates the least expensive.
