The Resy Guide to Chicago’s 2023 Michelin Winners

Esmé has continued to set a bar for exceptional fine dining in Chicago. Husband-and-wife duo executive chef Jenner Tomaska and creative director Katrina Bravo offer a tasting menu rooted in classical French cooking but also create an experience that’s much more.

Galit remains one of the top neo-Israeli restaurants in the country, and a great addition to Chicago’s dining scene. The choose-your-own-adventure, four-course menu here walks you through flavors both instantly familiar and just a bit more dashing and offbeat. In other words, chef Zach Engel’s cooking is both grounded in tradition, and boundary-less in the best way.

Stephanie Izard brings her Peruvian-inspired concept to the Hoxton. While the menu, full of small plates and snacks, is more conducive to groups willing to pass and share everything, you can easily enjoy a dinner for two (or solo) with things like duck ceviche with gooseberry, crab causa, and salmon saltado. Cocktails are always a yes.

There’s a reason that this is one of the best cocktail spots in Chicago. From the same team as the acclaimed Giant, here you’ll find a mix of American-Chinese classics, finessed tropical cocktails, unexpected wine, and a proper Midwest tavern vibe. Pro tip: Don’t miss the walnut shrimp.

You’ve got to love a restaurant whose two signature dishes are a beef and duck fat hot dog served Chicago-style, and a whole rotisserie-roasted duck with duck-fat potatoes — and there’s plenty more that you’ll crave at this neighborhood Bridgeport treasure from chef Kevin Hickey, of Allium fame.

When something as simple as pan con tomate becomes a revelation, you know you’ve got yourself a hit, and Mama Delia is here to enlighten us all, one tapa at a time.

With three chefs who’ve worked in Michelin-starred kitchens at the heart and soul of Pompette, chances are everything is just a bit more extra. The Bucktown spot is all clean lines and minimalist, with a menu rife with French and Italian influences, right down to the cheese plates and hanger steak with fingerling potatoes. The wine list is stellar; peruse and enjoy.

You’ll want to be a regular at this Magnificent Mile standout, where James Beard Award-winning chef Jimmy Bannos Jr. serves a meaty Mediterranean-accented menu (with plenty of seafood and vegetable dishes, too) that demonstrates why he’s been dubbed “The Prince of Pork.”

Superkhana International is the irreverent Indian spot you always wanted near you — and if you’re in Logan Square, that dream is a reality. (Or a short ride away.) The vibes and delicious Indian food prepared by Zeeshan Shah and Yoshi Yamada are always top notch.

Call it pub grub with pedigree. Call it New American. However you want to define Union, it’s clear that it’s newly Bib-worthy, including its deep beer and whiskey collection.