3 Best Restaurants in Illinois, USA

Top Chef Season 4 champion Stephanie Izard's always-packed restaurant lives up to the hype, serving her personal brand of sharable, eclectic plates with seasonal flair amid rustic decor with communal butcher tables and an open kitchen. Dishes are grouped into straightforward categories, like vegetable, fish, and meat—with an array of offerings made with goat, naturally.

Grant Achatz's buzzworthy sophomore effort is big on concept: the restaurant completely transforms its menu, tableware, decor, and beverage program every three months to focus on a unique theme, whether that’s an homage to famed chef Auguste Escoffier's tenure at the Ritz Paris or to Ancient Rome. Tickets for the one-of-a-kind meal from executive chef Alan Mileykovsky are paid for in advance, nonrefundable, and only available online.

Vermilion's focus on creative, high-end Latin–Indian fusion fare sets it apart on a busy stretch in River North, and lots of small-plate options, including takes on classic Indian street food for both brunch and dinner, encourage sampling. Despite cool fashion photography on the walls and techno music in the air, the vibe is warm and welcoming.