For a soothing tropical vibe combined with a vibrant mix of Indian and Mexican dishes, head to this charming newcomer from award-winning chefs Zubair Mohajir (Coach House) and Rishi Kumar (Bar Sotano,Topolobampo). The duo whips up elegant, flavor-packed dishes that celebrate their respective cultural heritages—think lamb barbacoa biryani and roti quesadillas. Don’t miss the standout drinks, including stellar zero-proof options and clever cocktails like a mezcal highball with ginger and huitlaco.

With its stunning, AvroKO-designed blonde wood interiors and mid-century modern accents, this Loop steakhouse is where you go for a meat-centric extravaganza. Chef Andrew Lim combines Korean ingredients and flavors with steakhouse faithfuls, including premium wagyu prepared tableside on custom grills and a shrimp cocktail with gochujang sauce. For special occasions, book the tasting menu experience at the chef’s counter.

Named one of Eater’s best new restaurants of 2022, Khmai debuted a charming new window-filled space in Rogers Park this year. Here, James Beard semifinalist Mona Sang celebrates her Cambodian heritage with modern takes on classic street foods and family recipes. Expect bold, artfully plated dishes that change seasonally but could include tender short ribs in a tamarind broth or lemongrass beef skewers. Don’t miss the standout tasting experience or playful cocktails.

If the all-season streetside pergola and dining room adorned with colorful flowers overhead don’t tip you off to the lighthearted ambiance here, perhaps the menu of playful riffs on French American dishes will. “Bougie” chicken nuggets are topped with caviar, crispy tater tots come with smoked ketchup, and the cheese fondue service includes bacon and garlic sourdough. Pair it all with a glass of bubbly or one of the restaurant’s creative French-leaning cocktails.

Celebrity chef Evan Funke created the ultimate special occasion destination with this swanky, Italian steakhouse inside The St. Regis. Add in killer views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago River through dramatic, 40-foot windows in a stunning dining room, and it’s easy to see why Tre Dita was one of this year’s hottest restaurant openings. Menu highlights include Tuscan-inspired specialties like silky handmade pastas, premium wood-fired steaks, and a 700-plus bottle, all-Italian wine list.

Beloved Chicago chef John Manion is known for his live-fire cooking and vibey restaurants. And his latest hotspot, Brasero, is no exception. Start with hand-muddled caipirinhas before moving on to standout South American-inspired dishes like coconut-infused moqueca (seafood stew) and flame-kissed wagyu with chimichurri. Warm earth tones, soft lighting, cozy nooks, and soulful bossa nova music create a sultry ambiance—perfect for a date night or a group gathering.

This iconic Gold Coast steakhouse known as much for its expertly prepared steaks and seafood as for its stellar people-watching reopened with a bang just steps away from its old location. Rich red accents, custom millwork, imported tile, and the refurbished sign pay homage to the restaurant’s legacy as do the handcrafted cocktails, housemade pastas, oysters, and impeccably seared steaks.

On the coldest Chicago days, head to this second-floor restaurant for breezy, Cote d’Azur vibes and elegant French food. Chef Nikitas Pyrgis channels his Cannes roots with refined dishes like black truffle gougère, roasted escargot, and dover sole meunière. Pair them with playful cocktails like refreshing spritzes and a martini made with olive oil-washed vodka in a greenhouse-inspired space with floral accents and striking vintage chandeliers.

La Grande Boucherie is where you go for French brasserie-meets-steakhouse dishes. Located in Chicago’s Belle Époque building, the restaurant’s Art Nouveau-inspired interiors—think a mosaic tile floor and stained glass windows—are the perfect setting for feasting on pitch-perfect versions of French classics like boeuf bourguignon and bouillabaisse. Add in a deep drinks list that includes French-leaning wines, absinthe, and bubbles galore, and you have all the ingredients for a fancy night out.

Taking its name from the Spanish word for candle, Vela is a destination for chef Jorge Angula’s modern takes on Mexican classics. Expect standout dishes like barbacoa short rib, mole-topped pork belly, and taco al pastor. The intimate space features rich earth and jewel tones with candles galore Belly up to the cozy U-shaped bar for creative cocktails—get the cucumber margarita—and small bites at the lively happy hour.

“Professor” Anthony Scardino brings his Italian American upbringing and fine dining expertise to this chill pie shop in Old Town. Tuck into a cozy booth in the inviting, brick-lined space for top-notch pizzas. Choose from signature options like mushroom leek and a classic margherita along with build-your-own pies with customized toppings and five different crust styles (get the New York style). Italian hits like garlic knots and rigatoni alla vodka round out the compact menu.

Chef José Luis Chávez of NYC runaway hit Mission Ceviche brings his unique POV on Peruvian cuisine to Chicago with Kayao, The bold, contemporary menu zips through classic ceviches and Peruvian mains with Asian influences—think miso-marinated branzino and grilled octopus with potato confit. A suspended fabric ceiling adds a sexy, cozy vibe, while energetic music enhances the celebratory atmosphere—perfect for date nights and special occasions.

Renowned chef Richard Sandoval’s newest Chicago spot is a celebration of Latin cuisine. Expect signature dishes that incorporate South and Central American ingredients, ranging from Peruvian ceviche and Japanese-inspired maki to Argentinian empanadas and Venezuelan sweet corn cakes. Add in colorful cocktails, bold Latin American textiles, and festive music, and this is one party you don’t want to miss.