The Michelin Guide Chicago 2018: 25 Michelin-Star Restaurants to Visit in Chicago by 30Seconds Travel

Michelin has announced its highly anticipated annual star selections for the eighth edition of the "MICHELIN Guide Chicago 2018." This year’s selection highlights 25 establishments that have been awarded one or more Michelin stars.

Alinea and Grace, respectively led by chefs Grant Achatz and Curtis Duffy, retain three stars, the highest recognition offered by the guide. The restaurant, Smyth, located in West Loop, earns two stars for 2018. “Chefs John and Karen Shields have remarkable resumes at the best restaurants across the country. But what they have built in their own kitchen is even more remarkable,” said Michael Ellis, international director of the MICHELIN Guide. “Anchored by quality produce from The Farm, dining at Smyth is a naturally delicious and beautiful experience.”

In total, there are four restaurants awarded two stars in the MICHELIN Guide Chicago 2018. Among them, Sixteen, located in River North, retains its two-star distinction after a change in the kitchen. The new Chef Nick Dostal has taken the menu in a new direction with influences of France, Italy and Asia.

Chicago is home to 19 one-starred restaurants, of which two are new: Elske and Entente. Danish for “love,” Elske is the newly opened venture of husband-and-wife team chefs David and Anna Posey. Both have experience at Michelin-starred restaurants in Chicago, and together they have created a unique and striking experience in the West Loop, mixing Scandinavian and contemporary American influences. 

At Entente, which means “friendly understanding,” guests are invited to a service of high quality food and delectable cocktails. Chef Brian Fisher unites with pastry chef Mari Katsumura and owner Ty Fujimura for a creative yet classic menu that changes based on inspiration and input from the team.

Three Stars (Exceptional cuisine, worth a special journey)

• Alinea: Lincoln Park and Old Town, Chef Achatz
• Grace: West Loop, Chef Duffy

Two Stars (Excellent cuisine, worth a detour)

• Acadia: Chinatown and South
• Oriole: West Loop
• Sixteen: River North
• Smyth: West Loop

One Star (High quality cooking, worth a stop)

• Band of Bohemia: Andersonville, Edgewater and Uptown
• Blackbird: West Loop
• Boka: Lincoln Park and Old Town
• Dusek’s (Board & Beer): Pilsen, University Village and Bridgeport
• EL Ideas: Pilsen, University Village and Bridgeport
• Elizabeth: Andersonville, Edgewater and Uptown
• Elske: West Loop
• Entente: Lakeview and Wrigleyville
• Everest: Loop
• Goosefoot: Andersonville, Edgewter and Uptown
• GreenRiver: Loop
• NAHA: River North
• North Pond: Lincoln Park and Old Town
• Parachute: Humboldt Park and Logan Square
• Roister: West Loop
• Schwa: Bucktown and Wicker Park
• Sepia: West Loop
• Spiaggia: Gold Coast
• Topolobampo: River North