You know, I've never been to Chicago but I've always wanted to go. One of the restaurants at the top of my list is Alinea. I remember hearing about it in a number of magazines as being among the best in the country.

One unexpected magazine, MIT's Technology Review, had a really http://www.technologyreview.com/video/taste/">interesting video on analyzing Grant Achatz and his preparation techniques.

It sounds like an amazing experience.

Forager - since I'm an MIT graduate, I couldn't resist clicking on the video you suggested on "...analyzing Grant Achatz and his preparation techniques." Thanks for recommending it! I found the video fascinating, and I would think it would be of great interest to Extravigator readers that love fine food, prepared in a very creative way. Keep those recommendations coming!

I am born and raised in Chicago, now live in LA. Any trip back is for "Chicago Food". Ribs from Carsons, Pizza from Uno, Duo or Ginos, Chicago Hot Dogs from Byrons or Portillos, Steaks at Gibsons or The Chop House AND, if I am within 50 miles of Chitown, a detour for Chicago Italian Beef at Al's. Otherwise, alot of great restaurants like any other city. You go to Chicago for Chicago food.

I must respectfully disagree with Frank Warda. Ribs at Carsons are ok, Pizza from Uno, Duo or Gino's are ok but the line to get in is not worth it at all, please do not fly all the way to Chicago for a hot dog. Kiki's Bistro is chic country french that, after opening about 15 years ago is still booked solid most nights of the week, on a clear sunny day go to champagne brunch on the 95th floor at the John Hancock Building. You will be dazzled. For inventive, romantic italian, go to Spiaggia on Oak and Michigan. Room 21 in the south loop is where Al Capone did his dirty deeds and while the food is fine, the decorations are over the top so it's a neat experience. Looking for some tasty lamb? Go over to Greektown just west of the loop. Getting a seat in the courtyard at casual Athena's is a must in the summer or for winter guests, get to Santorini's and sit by the big white stone fireplace. How about some dim sum? Get to "Phoenix" in Chinatown but go early because it gets crowded. French Moroccan can be found at Chez Joel's on Taylor Street and if a fine dining, BYOB place sounds good, try THINK on Western.

Has anyone been to Sepia? I am planning on having dinner there when I visit Chicago in March, but would love to hear from anyone who has actually been there. Also, does anyone have good restaurant recommendations for pre-Lyric Opera dinner (i.e., something close by)? Thanks!

I have to second Nanoose--don't go to one of the best restaurant cities in the U.S. thinking Chicago means Pizzeria Uno and hotdogs.

Those from other areas of the world may not know that reservations almost anywhere in Chicago--including Charlie Trotter's, but not Alinea--via www.opentable.com.

My top pick is Charlie Trotter's. Just take a cab to Lincoln Park. While newcomers like Alinea are getting most of the press now, I still prefer Trotter's. The experimental is understated--no bacon on a wire or pillowcases full of lavender-scented air here--and the decor is very traditional. But what makes Trotter's far above the rest, in my opinion, is the impeccable and attentive service. Whereas service in other fine restaurants in Chicago tends to be aloof and rushed, at Trotter's it is gracious and poised. A tasting menu at Trotter's is like a delightful stroll, whereas at Alinea you have the sense that you (and the staff) are hurtling toward a finish line.

That said, if it's experimental you want, don't hesitate--go for Alinea (also in Lincoln Park). The experience is absolutely worth it. I have gone many times and will go again.

However, if are in the mood to do something completely unique and you have the time (or assistance) to play an interminable game of phone tag and "sorry, voicemail full" to get it, try to get a reservation at Schwa. The entire restaurant is 26 seats (not tables), and completely run by four rather scruffy looking friends. The atmosphere is very, very relaxed, they play whatever music they like, and your waiter will probably be the chef/owner, who is--there is no other word for it--a genius. The restaurant is in a very unpromising looking building in a still-gentrifying area of Wicker Park.

The old Avenues (at the Peninsula) under Graham Elliot was amazing, but I haven't tried it since they brought in a new chef.

Spiaggia, located right on Michigan Ave., is of course wonderful. The food is excellent and the space is arranged in tiers to maximize the views for most of the tables. Despite its excellence, I can't claim Spiaggia is my favorite Chicago restaurant, but if fine Italian dining is your thing, you can't go wrong here.

Mexican food in Chicago means Rick Bayless. Topolobampo is 10 minute walk (or a short cab ride) from most hotels. If you go, you *must* go for dinner. Do not be tempted to go for lunch or you will be sorely disappointed. Similarly, if you can get a reservation, go to Topolobampo over its sister restaurant, Frontera Grill (which never accepts reservations).

I wouldn't bother much with other "top" restaurants in Chicago. (L20 is nice, but doesn't compare, and Tru jumped the shark several years ago. Moto has too much fascination with cooking with liquid nitrogen. If you must have French, try Everest and be warned it's hard to find.)

Other good bets, if you want something a little less eventful, are Blackbird (great food, but tight space), Spring (Wicker Park, mostly asian-inspired seafood), Graham Elliot (downtown), or Kiki's Bistro. But really there are a ton of good options--just ask around.

Has anyone been to Le Colonial in Chicago lately and if so would you recommend it?

Shawfly, yes, I would recommend--if you haven't been there before, it's a throwback to Colonial French Vietnam. It's also on Rush street so it's right in the thick of the strip of swanky bars and restaurants-- so the theatre/circus/people watching is good too.