Throw your usual dinner plans out the window and hand the reins over to a professional chef for the night in exchange for a meal full of surprises, creative flavor pairings, and a series of flawlessly composed dishes. When it comes to tasting menus, dozens of Chicago restaurants offer the service—varying not only in cuisine, but also in price and duration. To help you find which one is right for you, we’ve created this comprehensive guide to the best prix-fixe menus in the city, ordered from most expensive to least.
Blackbird {619 West Randolph Street, Chicago; 312.715.0708}
At $145 per person (plus an optional $75 wine pairing), Blackbird’s seasonal tasting menu is one of the pricier of the list, but a meal cooked by award-winning chef Ryan Pfeiffer and pastry chef Nicole Guini is certainly splurge-worthy. Every dish on the menu is a hit, but stand-outs include marinated mussels with fennel and coriander, and green curry tortellini with smoked pork consommé. Call ahead for any substitution or modification requests.
Elske {1350 West Randolph Street, Chicago; 312.733.1314}
Michelin-starred restaurant, Elske, has a menu bursting with creative dishes and inventive Danish flavors. Luckily, you won’t have to pick just one dish to try—husband-wife duo, chefs Anna and David Posey, will curate your meal for you through their tasting menu ($90 per person, plus $25-$45 optional wine or beverage pairings). Currently featured dishes include charred squashes with tender kale, duck liver tart, and frozen buttermilk custard with sour cherries, just to name a few.
The Publican {837 West Fulton Market; Chicago; 312.733.9555}
This community-centric Chicago powerhouse stays true to its group dining philosophy by encouraging full table participation when ordering their curated chef’s menu ($65 per person). The multi-course, family-style meal is inspired by farmhouse fare and features rotating dishes like signature Publican pork rinds, chef-selected oysters, Toulouse sausage, and smoked Mackerel. The list goes on, but need we say more?
Spiaggia
Spiaggia {980 North Michigan Ave Suite 1, Chicago; 312.280.2750}
Recently revamped for Winter 2019, the “tasting experience” at this upscale spot celebrating modern Italian fare is a seamless pairing of classic Italian flavors with seasonal ingredients (five courses at $105 per person or eight courses for $155 per person; $95-$115 additional wine pairings). Enjoy courses like Red snapper with sunchoke and pancetta and fresh scallops with blood orange.
Omakase Yume {651 West Washington Boulevard, Chicago; 312.265.1610}
Come hungry to this tasting experience, because you’re in store for 17 courses! Customized for your tastes, chef SangTae Park prepares an original selection of appetizers, fresh sushi, and dessert for $125 per person. The menu changes daily and is specifically designed based on the wants and needs of each table. A typical tasting menu may include up to 30 types of sushi prepared just for you.
Omakase Yume
By Audrey Rompon | Contributor
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