Best Dinner Places to Eat in Elmhurst

"The cuisine is a lesson in mastery, but also a blend of modern science and practical magic. Air-filled balloons are edible, senses of taste, touch, smell are tested, mental and emotional boundaries are pushed. The menu, an ever-shifting chameleon, is a reflection of the wizards in the kitchen, led by chef Grant Achatz himself—no two meals are ever alike."

"Experimental , Molecular Gastronomy"

"This long-time West Loop favorite is a pioneer in the business-oriented district, drawing crowds with vibrant Mediterranean cuisine. Small and large plates almost demand ordering extra, just to sample as many flavors as possible. Roasted skate wing is exemplary of the kitchen's finesse with seafood, while memories of chorizo-stuffed medjool dates will keep you up at night."

"Good barbecue in the downtown area is scarce but Blackwood’s multiple locations help make up for it. The meats are slowly smoked for hours and include brisket, pulled pork, pulled chicken, and spicy pork sausages. Slather them in regional-style sauces and order some homemade sides for a real Southern feast."

"I like the pulled pork at Blackwood BBQ, but when the brisket is on, it’s some of the best in the city. That’s especially true if you ask for slices from the fatty end. Then each morsel of smoke-scented meat tastes as juicy and satisfying as rib-eye steak."

"A chic, brick-accented spot inspired by red-sauce joints of the 1950s The B. Hospitality guys (The Bristol, Balena, and Nonna's) opened the doors to their sprawling Randolph Street restaurant back in 2015 and have been serving up well-executed takes on mid-century, southern Italian cuisine ever since -- even with a menu overhaul leaning toward lighter, seafood- and veggie-focused fare a year later. The dining room's old-school vibe -- complete with crimson banquette seating, white tablecloths, and black-and-white photos -- invites diners to try pasta dishes inspired by the classics like rigatoni, in which the ricotta-topped pasta covered in a pork neck gravy is accompanied by spicy fennel sausage and fluffy meatballs."

"Restaurants Italian West Loop. When summer rolls around, the plant-lined sidewalk patio in front of this West Loop restaurant is populated by neighborhood folk sipping prosecco and piling prosciutto atop country bread. The interior of Formento's offers a different vibe entirely, with dim lighting, leather banquettes and tons of exposed brick."

"More snow globe dining, this time at the Italian spot along Randolph Street. As at sister restaurant The Bristol, the enclosed dining spaces seat four and come equipped with heater, ionizer and Bluetooth speaker. Reservations required."

"American , Bar Food"

"Each night at Ever, Michelin-starred chef Curtis Duffy serves a creative, high-concept and undoubtedly delicious array of eight to ten tasting courses. Those courses change frequently—all you’ll know going in is to expect a “[focus] on proteins from the land and sea, and seasonal vegetables complemented with fruits, grains, seeds and nuts”—but they’re all works of art in their own way. (Imagine, per a dish reported in the New York Times last year, caviar and king crab set atop a cucumber gel, in which the restaurant’s logo has been inlaid in the form of coconut pudding.)"

"Currently open for dinner service from Tuesday to Saturday each week, Ever is the creative brainchild of renowned chef Curtis Duffy and his business partner, Michael Muser. Having previously helped Avenues at The Peninsula Hotel Chicago and Grace earn two Michelin stars, it came as no surprise when Ever was awarded two Michelin Stars in 2020 after only a few months of service. The restaurant was designed by Lawton Stanley Architects and at full capacity is fairly intimate, seating only 75 guests including up to 10 in the private dining room."

"Ever, the new venture from Grace’s former chef Curtis Duffy and GM Micheal Muser, promises to offer an experience of a lifetime. The wait is already a month out with reservations starting in October for the 8- to 10-course meal that will last 2 and a half hours and feature proteins from the land and sea as well as seasonal vegetables."

"It doesn’t get any more old school than Chicago’s oldest family-owned bakery, which has been servicing Humboldt Park sweet tooths since 1911. As a specialty, Roeser’s offers low-glycemic options for birthday boys and girls who could benefit from reduced sugar, carbs and calories. Follow the bakery’s iconic neon sign to find cakes baked using recipes perfected over 4 generations with culinary skills to decorate to any theme you could possibly imagine, including a wide variety of licensed character cakes."

"Restaurants Bakeries Humboldt Park. One of Chicago’s oldest family-run businesses has operated out of the same storefront, distinguished today by its vertical neon sign and quaint painted lady facade, since its establishment in 1911. Today it’s a good all-arounder, with doughnuts and danish for breakfast, and a wide selection of cake slices and cookies (many in Chicago sports team motifs) for dessert."

"One of Chicago's oldest food purveyors, venerable Roeser's Bakery has been in business in Humboldt Park for more than 100 years. Beautiful custom cakes and tortes are a specialty, but don't miss the cookies and holiday items at this long-running local institution."

"You’re sure to get great shots of the iron bridges, boats smoothly sailing by, people kayaking in the Chicago river, and fun spots like the so-called River Domes at City Winery. There, guests enjoy wine and tapas from the comfort of a see-through, bubble-like dome, complete with comfy loungers and board games which makes it a fun addition to any Illinois getaway."

"Restaurants Mediterranean Loop. A micro version of the chain's outpost on Randolph Street, City Winery's Riverwalk location presents a short but smooth-sipping wine list and summery bites to match—plus, you can't beat the Riverwalk views."

"Newly finished, the riverwalk is a lovely 2-mile path right in the heart of the city along the Chicago River. It’s a great place for an after-work drink or dinner. Many bars and restaurants have set up shop here at river level including Beatnik on the River, City Winery, The Northman, O’Brien’s, and Tiny Tapp."

"The Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art is a modern art museum in Chicago's Ukrainian village. The UIMA, founded in 1971, hosts exhibits, book readings, film screenings, recitals, and theater. The UIMA has been a fixture in its neighborhood for more than 40 years and is one of 25 members of the Chicago Cultural Alliance."

"Chef Armando Gonzalez’s contemporary Latin American cuisine draws diners from all over Chicagoland to Libertad in Skokie. His dinner menu of mix-and-matchable small plates, divided..."