Aria Restaurant & Bar

200 N Columbus Dr, Fairmont Chicago, Millennium Park, Chicago, IL 60601 312-444-9494

Description: DOWNTOWN. This hotel dining room has made quite a name for itself even outside of the property's confines. It draws rave reviews from business folks and other locals who can't get enough of the kitchen's Continental-Asian fusion fare. Flatbread pizzas and pan-roasted osaka black cod are notable, along with masaman-style braised veal shank and chestnut-crusted filet of striped bass. The dining room is nicely accented with mosaics and tapestries, and a sushi-and-sake lounge promotes relaxed nibbling.
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Atwood Café

1 W Washington St, Hotel Burnham, Chicago, IL 60602 312-368-1900

Description: THE LOOP. With only 70 seats, tables at this intimate restaurant are in high demand. Come for breakfast to avoid the crowds and to start your day off right. Eggs arrive in a variety of ways ­ poached in a benedict, served with home fries, or scrambled in a savory breakfast panini, for instance. A sweet banana pecan waffle, brioche french toast, and warm oatmeal rich with fruit and cinnamon provide alternatives. Fresh orange juice and Illy coffee and espresso are perfect liquid accompaniments.
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Bin 36

339 N Dearborn St, Marina City, Chicago, IL 60610 312-755-9463

Description: RIVER NORTH. Fine food and wines highlight the appeal of this city gem, a favorite of sophisticates. As you scan the fabulous New American menu, notice that each dish is paired with the staff's wine recommendations. At lunch, patrons are wowed by the likes of Niçoise salad with seared ahi tuna and sherry-walnut vinaigrette, and pesto fettuccine with Gulf shrimp. Plan on a leisurely meal ­ the wine list offers many excuses for enjoyment and edification. N.B. A quick lunch option helps folks on the clock.
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Café des Architectes

20 E Chestnut St, Sofitel Chicago Water Tower, Chicago, IL 60611 312-324-4000

Description: MAGNIFICENT MILE. Located in the Sofitel lobby, this restaurant boasts notable French cuisine colored with global inspiration and a well-selected French-American wine list. The design of the restaurant is contemporary, mirroring the architecture of the building itself. The menu features a mix of soups, salads, and seafood and meat entrees, including roasted monkfish and seared beef tenderloin. The wine list offers over 60 varieties; several are available by the glass.
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Caliterra Bar & Grille

633 N St. Clair St, Wyndham Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611 312-274-4444

Description: STREETERVILLE. This hotel eatery's tasty menu adds Californian style to Italian standards. The seasonal menu changes each month, and on Sundays, the kitchen is abuzz preparing for an over-the-top Sunday brunch. Plus, live jazz can be heard in the Calittera Bar. If you're feeling indulgent, dine at the chef's table, which seats 18 amid racks of wine bottles. The full bar serves draft and bottled beers, Scotch, bourbon, and over 100 wine varieties.
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Châtaigne

361 W Chestnut St, Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts, Chicago, IL 60610 312-873-2032

Description: RIVER NORTH. Châtaigne is the hands-on classroom/restaurant of students at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts of Chicago. As such, it offers great value since guests allow themselves to be a test audience for students-in-learning. No worries, though ­ meals are uniformly well-received by diners. So, give yourself over to the experience and find out just how well students take to their educations with dishes like sautéed striped bass, roasted red potatoes, Thai pork, an asparagus stir-fry, and chilled pear ginger soup. The menu also features a prix fixe lunch for $15 that includes an appetizer, soup/salad, and entree.
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Deca Restaurant + Bar

160 E Pearson St, The Ritz-Carlton, Chicago, 12th floor, Chicago, IL 60611 312-573-5160

Description: MAGNIFICENT MILE. This elegant, welcoming restaurant offers an inviting art-deco interior and a lovely view of Chicago's skyscrapers and the hotel fountain. As such, it's a charming spot throughout the day and night. The brasserie-inspired menu features an abundance of soups, salads, and appetizers; main courses include the Berkshire pork chop with buttered spaetzle, beef bourguignon and soft shell crab.
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Fox & Obel Food Market Cafe

401 E Illinois St, Chicago, IL 60611 312-379-0112

Description: STREETERVILLE. A casual American cafe, Fox & Obel includes a full espresso bar, international beers, wines by the glass, an in-house bakery, and a menu of soups, salads, and sandwiches. The dining room provides eat-in or take-out options, including a Mayberry chicken salad sandwich and a sandwich fashioned from turkey, cranberry, and brie.
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Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop

830 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611 312-337-9330

Description: MAGNIFICENT MILE. Famous Ghirardelli chocolate, made by the Italian chocolate maker, is served in upscale style at this Chicago favorite. The place serves plenty of ice cream drinks, along with amazing hot fudge sundaes and a dish called "Strike it Rich" that's as decadent as it sounds. This is also the perfect place to buy a souvenir; vast assortments of chocolates are boxed and ready to give ­ or keep.
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Heaven on Seven

111 N Wabash Ave, Garland Bldg, 7th fl, Chicago, IL 60602 312-263-6443

Description: THE LOOP. For Cajun and Creole favorites, you can't miss Heaven on Seven. Thanks to a location in a popular shopping area, it entices many locals to stop in for some of the zestiest gumbo this side of the Mason-Dixon. Or, try red beans and rice, jambalaya, or a catfish po' boy. All the Louisiana-style classics are boldly flavored and expertly prepared. Choose your poison from the wall of fiery hot sauces if you're feeling brave. The huge menu also offers basic lunchtime fare like deli sandwiches and burgers if you aren't in the mood for spice. Either way, the place is full of color and bustling with activity. Cash only.
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Intelligentsia Coffee Roasters

53 W Jackson, Monadnock Building, Chicago, IL 60604 312-253-0594

Description: THE LOOP. This street-side shop, winner of Chicago Magazine's "Best of Chicago," enjoys a loyal local following thanks to its expert gourmet coffee blends. Aside from tasting heavenly, Intelligentsia's coffees bear such colorful names as Black Cat and Librarian's Blend (it's decaf!). Here, you'll find everybody from wannabes and artists to local business types sipping fresh-brewed coffee, perusing the daily news, and enjoying a pastry or two.
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NoMi

800 N Michigan Ave, Park Hyatt Chicago, 7th floor, Chicago, IL 60611 312-239-4030

Description: MAGNIFICENT MILE. This restaurant offers an impressive view of the city as well as an upscale, elegant environment. Start off with peeky toe crab salad or a scallop tart. Next, order monkfish brochette, wild striped bass, or even the always-enticing veal strip loin. A full bar offers a vast array of wines and liquors. For added glamour, experience the romance of outdoor terrace dining by candlelight when the weather's pleasant.
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Original Pancake House

22 E Bellevue Pl, Chicago, IL 60611 312-642-7917

Description: SOUTH SIDE. This old-school local chain has a faithful following of devotees who love, as the name indicates, pancakes. The friendly, casual restaurant serves them up many ways, and you'll find Dutch baby pancakes, apple pancakes, and a variety of waffles. Omelets and crepes are also available. The eatery fills up quickly each morning ­ if you can, snag a more private window table that looks out onto Belleview Place.
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Pizzeria Ora

545 N La Salle St, Chicago, IL 60610 312-464-1872

Description: RIVER NORTH. Deep dish pizzas topped with all manner of goodies have found a niche in this Loop fave, where regulars ask, "How soon until my pizza's ready?" And who wouldn't with toppings such as Canadian bacon, chicken, mushrooms, feta cheese, pesto, pineapple, salsa, and more? Along with pizza, the menu also offers salads, sandwiches, and a host of dinner entrees including shrimp, salmon, and chicken dishes.
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Pump Room

1301 N State Pkwy, Omni Ambassador East Hotel, Chicago, IL 60610 312-266-0360

Description: GOLD COAST. The Pump Room is one of this city's legendary restaurants. Dine on fine Limoges china under the sparkle of crystal chandeliers and enjoy the contemporary French cuisine turned out by the Pump Room's award-winning chef.
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Seasons Restaurant & Lounge

120 E Delaware Pl, Four Seasons Hotel Chicago, 7th fl, Chicago, IL 60611 312-280-8800

Description: MAGNIFICENT MILE. This upscale hotel dining room pampers guests and makes them feel like royalty. The setting is elegant, boasting fresh flowers, crystal, and mahogany at every turn. The lofty location provides for great views of the cityscape below, and the menu is contemporary American with French influences. Possible entrees include Peking duck breast with wild French asparagus, clay pot-cooked Alaskan halibut with Chinese sausage, and Mediterranean Colorado lamb rack with tagine sauce. Look for seasonal specials as well as a tasting menu. The lounge provides a stylish setting for lunch, afternoon tea or cocktails.
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The Café

120 E Delaware Pl, Four Seasons Hotel Chicago, 7th fl, Chicago, IL 60611-1443 312-649-2349

Description: GOLD COAST. An offshoot of the popular, more upscale Seasons, this café offers similarly great food at more reasonable prices and in a more relaxed environment. American favorites are the specialty, and plenty of sandwiches, salads, pastas, and beef dishes satisfy any appetite. The dining room is cool and peaceful, and service is friendly and attentive. A prix fixe dinner is $35.00
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The Grill on the Alley

909 N Michigan Ave, Westin Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611 312-255-9009

Description: MAGNIFICENT MILE. Designed in the style of the famous Grill on the Alley in Beverly Hills, this restaurant is a favorite with the Michigan Avenue crowd, who stop in for quick bites during shopping excursions. The Grill offers a diverse menu that features Cobb salads and other light fare, as well as Chicago-style steaks and delicious specials. After hours, well-heeled patrons flock to the bar to nip on martinis, single malt scotches, and fine wines.
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The Lobby

108 E Superior St, The Peninsula Hotel, Chicago, IL 60611 312-573-6760

Description: RIVER NORTH. Come for breakfast, lunch, high tea, dinner, or dessert, and enjoy expansive views of the city's bustle from grandly proportioned windows. Extensive breakfast options range from traditional standards to decadent Nutella-stuffed French toast with banana brulee and "Nasi Goreng" Balinese fried rice with eggs and chicken satay. Live cello and piano music are available in the evenings. Note to chocolate-lovers: A buffet bar serves up the richest treats with coffees every Friday and Saturday night giving you energy to dance the night away while a contemporary jazz trio and singer perform.
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Wave

644 N Lake Shore Dr, W Hotel Chicago - Lakeshore, Chicago, IL 60611 312-255-4460

Description: STREETERVILLE. This see-and-be-seen hotspot draws a mix of folks to its modern dining room, which serves contemporary Mediterranean cuisine with a seafood focus. The house specialty should be ordered upon arrival ­ spice and molasses-glazed shrimp with candied orange, mulled red wine syrup, and cardamom. Notable entrees include poached monkfish, pan-roasted walleye, and pan-roasted American sturgeon. The interior features strong lines and curves, leather chairs and glass walls, a large projection screen, and a color scheme of red, black, and neutrals.
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