Led by chef Lee Wolen, this American hotspot has earned several MICHELIN Stars since opening in 2003. One of the fancy restaurants in Chicago, Boka keeps it fresh with a daily changing eight-course tasting menu, alongside seasonal farm-driven à la carte selections. The signature whole-roasted dry-aged duck is a dish fit for a celebration, as are the cocktails, some made with vintage spirits. With a plant-lined wall and whimsical portraits, the dining room is primed for one stylish party.

MICHELIN-Starred Elske is a go-to for a transportive celebration, thanks to a sophisticated Scandinavian sensibility that runs through its decor and menu. The outdoor fireplace and lush landscaping make you feel like you’re dining in Copenhagen—where chefs David and Anna Posey were engaged. (Elske does mean “to love” in Danish.) Choose from a multi-course menu or order à la carte—both offer elegant seasonal dishes. Anna’s superb desserts make this one of the best birthday restaurants in Chicago.

Shanghai Terrace is a swanky Chinese restaurant in The Peninsula Chicago. For an extra-special meal, dine on the lush terrace under burgundy umbrellas with skyscraper views. Or head to the main dining room, with a glam, Shanghai-inspired gold, ebony, and scarlet color scheme. Dishes are meant for sharing family style—quintessential to large Chinese gatherings—with standouts like a whole Peking duck with mandarin pancakes and plum sauce. Level up your celebration by adding dim sum to your order.

Fioretta’s vintage supper club-accented digs—complete with handmade crystal chandeliers—are decked out with many glamorous pockets to celebrate. For the ultimate wow factor, book the chef’s table in an open kitchen with prime views of the wood-burning hearth. Impeccably sourced steaks play starring roles on the menu, while housemade pastas like truffle mushroom lasagna are designed to share. Add in a throwback cocktail list, and you’ve got a winning formula for a celebratory evening.

One of the most beautiful restaurants in Chicago, chandelier-decked BLVD Steakhouse is a tribute to Old Hollywood glam. Both the mirrored dining room and the pergola-covered, full-season garden patio are well-suited for bachelorette parties and festive groups. Top Chef champion Joe Flamm brings tons of culinary cred to the classic American restaurant. Start with a decadent seafood tower or caviar service before graduating to celebration-friendly mains such as bone-in ribeye.

When you’re located in the heart of Lincoln Park (the lush greenspace and the neighborhood that takes its name) with views of a serene nearby pond and Chicago’s dramatic skyline, you’ve already tapped into special-occasion vibes. North Pond goes beyond its visual appeal with a seasonal, five-course tasting menu that embraces local ingredients that could include turmeric pastry-wrapped wagyu striploin with Yukon potatoes and ramps.

At his namesake trattoria, Milan native Riccardo Michi serves up some of the city’s best Tuscan fare. The cozy Lincoln Park mainstay is a go-to for its hearty, crowd-pleasing classic pastas like lobster-filled ravioli, plus specialty meats roasted in the restaurant’s wood-burning oven. Come early for the three-course happy hour menu, or linger over a glass of wine from the all-Italian list on the charming outdoor patio.

Open since 1941, family-run Gene and Georgetti is Chicago’s oldest steakhouse. A celebrity and local favorite, the throwback restaurant is dressed with red leather booths, white tablecloth-topped tables, and vintage black-and-white photos on the walls. Start your celebration with a seafood tower or caviar before moving on to signature prime steaks and housemade pastas, all served by attentive, well-suited waiters to complete the old-school vibe.

Popular LA chef Evan Funke and Chicago restaurant giant Lettuce Entertain You joined forces with a bang at this swanky Tuscan steakhouse inside The St. Regis. It’s already the ultimate special-occasion destination, thanks to silky handmade pastas, premium steaks, and a 700-plus bottle, all-Italian wine list. The glam dining room has arched portals, walnut timber paneling, and stunning views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago River through dramatic 40-foot windows.

With its stunning, AvroKO-designed interior full of light wood, sprawling banquette seating, and soft lighting, this Korean American steakhouse is what celebratory dreams are made of. Chef Andrew Lim combines Korean ingredients and flavors with classic steakhouse fare, including premium wagyu prepared tableside on grill tops. Sides like seasonal banchan and classic mashed potatoes round out the meal. For extra-special occasions, book the tasting menu experience at the chef’s counter.

One of the fancy restaurants in Chicago, Hawksmoor brings British steakhouse vibes to River North. Located in the historic LaSalle Powerhouse building, the sprawling, three-story restaurant has something for everyone—charcoal-grilled steaks, sustainably sourced seafood, and even a vegetarian “beef” Wellington. Restored, barrel-vaulted ceilings, parquet block flooring, and jewel-toned velvet booths add to the celebratory, old-school steakhouse atmosphere.

With his love for live-fire cooking and South American cuisines, chef John Manion’s restaurants are always a good time. And Brasero—his newest and one of the upscale restaurants in Chicago—is no exception. Toast over hand-muddled caipirinhas before moving on to small and large plates like flame-roasted swordfish and coconut-infused Brazilian seafood stew. Sultry vibes come courtesy of cozy nooks, soft lighting, and soulful bossa nova music.

At Anelya, husband-and-wife chefs Johnny Clark and Beverly Kim whip up modern takes on traditional Ukrainian dishes. With exposed plaster walls decked with decorative Ukrainian plates, the cozy restaurant feels like dining in someone’s home. Start with zakusky (appetizers) from a three-tiered rolling cart, then move on to standouts like barbecued catfish with horseradish, paired with Eastern European-focused wines and served by a staff of predominantly Ukrainian refugees.