The ideal way to commemorate an anniversary, have a birthday getaway, or make any day a special occasion is with fine dining. Looking for the top restaurants for special events in Illinois’ North Suburbs? You are in the ideal place. These eateries turn a typical Saturday (or Monday or Tuesday) night into a memorable one.
Elske (West Loop)
Thanks to a sophisticated Scandinavian aesthetic permeating its design and menu, Michelin-starred Elske is a go-to for a transcendent celebration. Thanks to the outdoor fireplace and drop lights, you’ll have the impression that you’re dining in Copenhagen.
Milwalky Trace (Libertyville)
The only question is which bottle of wine best suits the day’s special, as the Milwalky Trace restaurant greets you and sets the mood to compliment the gourmet food. Start the meal with a fizzy salt air margarita before choosing from authentic Mexican dishes. Fantastic tasting menus are also available if you want to step things up for your celebratory evening.
BLVD Steakhouse (West Loop)
BLVD glistens with Old Hollywood splendor and is particularly suitable for bachelorette parties or proposing. The West Loop Steakhouse has one of the largest collections of chandeliers in the city and romantic string lights for an enchanted garden atmosphere.
Boka (Old Town)
Boka’s main dining area, which features a wall of plants and humorous paintings, is ready for a chic gathering. The place keeps you on your toes with a daily-changing seven-course evening tasting menu.
Shanghai Terrace (River North)
The Peninsula Hotel is home to the chic Chinese restaurant Shanghai Terrace. With standouts like Three Treasures fried rice with wagyu beef, chicken, and duck, the meals should be shared family style, as is customary at sizable Chinese parties. Adding a dim sum to your order will raise the bar for your celebration.
Basant Modern Indian (North Center)
Basant, a contemporary Indian restaurant in North Center, combines traditional Indian dishes with fresh local ingredients. It is a popular location for romantic milestones due to its exquisite decor and dark lighting. Signature meals include fall-off-the-bone lamb shank roasted in spices, salmon in coconut milk, and spicy tomato sauce.
Obelix (North Side)
Visit this chic newcomer for a celebration with a French twist. Oliver and Nicolas Poilevey, brothers whose parents owned the well-known Bucktown eatery Le Bouchon, opened a restaurant that pays homage to French classics while leaving plenty of opportunity for individual interpretation.
Kasama (West Town)
Prepare for fine-dining sophistication without being pretentious as you celebrate a birthday or an anniversary with inventive meals like kare kare (lamb belly with a peanut curry) and a sophisticated twist on halo-halo that blends Asian pear granita and pandan ice cream.
Fioretta (West Loop)
There are many glitzy details to celebrate in Fioretta’s retro supper club-inspired quarters, featuring a live entertainment stage and numerous handmade crystal chandeliers. Book the chef’s table with great views of the wood-burning fireplace for the ultimate wow factor.
Parachute (Avondale)
This Korean-American gem’s celebratory meals have a boisterous dinner party vibe thanks to a communal table that extends to the bar. The beverage menu also has a solid Korean emphasis, including various soju and takju, two Korean liquors perfect for toasting special occasions.