We're going to Chicago this weekend--first trip sans bambino--and I've neglected to make any restaurant reservations. Yikes.

Any suggestions for a great Italian or American (or other) upscale dinner ($40-60 pp dinner) near Mag Mile/North Michigan AND more moderate ($15-20 pp lunch) sure bets for lunch in the same area would be much appreciated.

We're 30s, rather adventurous diners, but not willing to leave the general neighborhood. Staying at the Monaco.

Thanks in advance.

Do a search on Metromix.com for some ideas but a great upscale Italian with a great location is Spiagia on North Michigan.

I was just in Chicago this past weekend, and my local friends took me to The Greek Isles for a wonderful dinner. It is in Greektown, just south of downtown. It was about $25 per person, and we also ordered a bottle of Greek wine which was very good. Judging by the crowd on a Saturday night, it was a popular place!

I meant to mention also check out the lettuce entertain you website-they have tons of restaurants in the city and anything in the Loop, River North or Gold Coast would be close to you (a long walk/short cab.)

If you love wine, Bin 36 in Marina Towers (the building with twin corncob towers)is right across the river and has a young, fun atmosphere. You can order a sampler of different wine with each course. The food is basically American.

Italian Village in the Loop (walking distance from your hotel) has three restaurants in one building, from casual to formal. Vivere, the most upscale, is quite good. The Village is a Chicago tradition!

You should also take a look at some of our justifiably famous steakhouses - Morton's, Gibson's, Ruth's Chris, Chicago Chop House. All are within a mile or so of your hotel.

If you want the newer, edgier places, look at the West Randolph Street corridor; Blackbird, Red Light. It's aboout a 2 mile ride from your hotel.

Italian - Bice, Trattoria #10 (my favorite), Spiaggia

Classics: Everest, Dining Room at the Ritz Carlton, 95th at Hancock Center (food is OK - view is spectacular), Riva at the end of Navy Pier (great food and great views)

I'd call your concierge and put them to work for you.

On the mag mile I'd recommend at the high end NoMi in the Park Hyatt -- your concierge may be able to get you in if you call tomorrow. Mid-range is Bistro 110. Delicious Italian with an attitude is Bice.

Your hotel is actually in "The Loop" -- in the loop for trendy Italian I would recommend 312 Chicago in Hotel Allegro. Both the Monaco and The Allegro are Kimpton properties so your concierge should have "good pull" there.

metromix.com is good because it will let you look for restaurants near each other.

Don't forget to request your own goldfish pet for your room during your stay

http://www.monaco-chicago.com/html/goldfish.htm

Just back from our first weekend in Chicago-

Recommendation: Gioco - Italian
If you could move yourself just a few blocks south of the Mag Mile it will be worth it...just a short cab ride.

We had the best Italian dinner in trendy, up and coming southside Chicago (just a few blocks south of the Mag Mile) at a place called Gioco.

http://www.gioco-chicago.com/

Highlights. Homemade pastas, old world style, the best cheeses, amazing bread, extensive wine list. Everything was amazing.

Side Take: Chocolate Romance
Looking for a romantic chocolate side take on Mich Mile (south part) try
Moonstruck Chocolate Cafe
http://centerstage.net/restaurants/m...chocolate.html
We had a hot chocolate to die for... complete with a chocolate hand made candy in homemade whipped cream.. brilliant.

Kind regards,
Amanda