The 6 Best Hotel Restaurants in Chicago
From Spanish tapas to regional Italian food, restaurants at Chicago hotels are no longer an afterthought. Instead, they're a destination. Many local restaurant groups are opting to open inside a hotel to broaden their reach and also ride the trend of hip hotel dining. Book a table--and trust us, you will need a reservation!--at any of these spots and you won't be sorry.
Kimpton Gray Hotel
Why it made the list
Open since 2016, when the hotel debuted, Steadfast is from Chicago's Fifty/50 Restaurant Group and sets a very "Mad Men" tone with its 70s-style decor. Lunch might mean the quirky "kind of fancy cheeseburger" or a kale-caesar salad while dinner service includes everything from a build-your-own bread basket to caviar service as a starter, with entrees such as in-house dry-aged duck or filet mignon. Breakfast's sweet delights include a s'mores doughssant (fried croissant dough).
Thompson Chicago
Why it made the list
Some of Chicago's best rock-star chefs who have won national awards team up on Nico Osteria, a fine-dining Italian spot serving breakfast, lunch and dinner (plus weekend brunch). Subway tiles in the open kitchen and a living wall of greenery contribute to a "big-city" vibe. Chef de cuisine Bill Montagne once cooked at Le Bernardin in New York City. In a hurry? The three-course Rush Street Lunch specials are quick but don't compromise on quality and flavor.
Sofitel Chicago Magnificent Mile
Why it made the list
This intimate cafe (Cafe des Architectes) looks like it belongs in Paris, especially on warm days when the terrace is open. Bright red, black and white decor cultivate a modern setting for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Each afternoon is a twist on afternoon tea with le goûter (French for late-afternoon snacking) that starts with a hot beverage and eases into pastries and desserts alongside vanilla cream, brie cheese, Nutella and fresh berries. Dinner entrees are balanced between seafood and meat selections as well as a seven-course tasting menu and a line-up of hearty, inventive salads.
The Blackstone Hotel
Why it made the list
Within this historic hotel on South Michigan Avenue is a super-casual tapas joint (Mercat a la Planxa) that's authentic to Barcelona cuisine. Open for daily dinner (no lunch service), you can order paella for your group or share traditional tapas like anchovies, paprika sausage, olives or octopus. Weekend brunch combines beloved Spanish tapas like churros and patatas bravas with bread pudding and pineapple compote or a grass-fed burger topped with Tempranillo onion jam.
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