How Many Michelin Star Restaurants in Illinois: Key Takeaways
- Illinois has 19 Michelin-starred restaurants as of August 2025, all located in Chicago.
- There are two restaurants with the highest three-star rating: Alinea and Smyth.
- Chicago's West Loop and Lincoln Park neighborhoods are considered culinary hubs for Michelin-starred dining.
Illinois is home to some of the most prestigious Michelin-star restaurants in the U.S., highlighting Chicago’s culinary prominence. This article explores the Michelin-star landscape across Illinois, focusing on Chicago’s acclaimed dining establishments.
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Overview of Michelin Star Restaurants in Illinois
All 19 Michelin-starred restaurants in Illinois are concentrated in Chicago, illustrating the city's role as the state’s gastronomic heart. The awards range from one to three stars, celebrating the city’s diverse and innovative culinary scene.
The Michelin Guide assesses restaurants based on food quality, mastery of technique, consistency, and culinary personality. A Michelin star indicates excellence, with three stars representing exceptional cuisine worth a special journey.
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Three-Star Michelin Restaurants in Illinois
Only two restaurants in Illinois hold the coveted three-star status, the highest rating given by the Michelin Guide. These establishments set the bar with extraordinary, innovative menus and top-notch service.
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Alinea, Chicago
Located in Lincoln Park, Alinea has been a staple of Chicago’s high-end dining scene since earning its three-star ranking in 2011. Chef Grant Achatz leads with pioneering molecular gastronomy techniques, providing diners with a multi-sensory, revolutionary experience. The restaurant is often celebrated for pushing the boundaries of culinary arts and offering tasting menus that combine science, art, and flavor.
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Smyth, Chicago
Smyth is situated in the West Loop and joined the three-star ranks in 2023. The husband and wife chef duo, John and Karen Shields, emphasize seasonal ingredients inspired by the Midwest’s distinct landscape. Their refined, approachable tasting menus reflect creativity and a dedication to local sourcing, garnering widespread acclaim.
Two-Star Michelin Restaurants in Illinois
Five restaurants in Chicago have earned two Michelin stars, indicating excellent cooking worth a detour. These venues often feature creative menus with exceptional ingredients and precise techniques.
Ever, Chicago
Located in the bustling West Loop, Ever is renowned for its ultra-modern approach to progressive American cuisine. Chef Curtis Duffy crafts 8-10 course tasting menus that emphasize seasonal components, plated as vibrant works of edible art.
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Oriole, Chicago
Also in the West Loop, Oriole offers an intimate setting paired with a contemporary American tasting menu. Executive Chef Noah Sandoval continuously evolves the menu, meeting high standards of creativity and execution.
Moody Tongue, Chicago
Based in the South Loop, Moody Tongue is unique as the world's first brewery to receive two Michelin stars. The restaurant expertly marries craft beer with fine dining, challenging conventional culinary concepts and offering a distinctive gastronomic experience.
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One-Star Michelin Restaurants in Illinois
The remaining 14 Michelin-starred establishments each hold one star, signifying "high-quality cooking", worth a stop. These encompass a variety of cuisines and dining styles, highlighting Chicago’s culinary diversity.
Such establishments are crucial to showcasing the city's extensive food culture. They provide approachable yet refined dining options across several neighborhoods, including the renowned West Loop and Lincoln Park areas.
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Where Michelin Star Restaurants Are Located in Illinois
Michelin-starred restaurants are largely clustered in Chicago's West Loop and Lincoln Park neighborhoods.
The West Loop is known for its energetic restaurant scene, drawing food enthusiasts with its innovative eateries and refined tasting menus. Lincoln Park offers a mix of upscale and creative dining experiences that cater to diverse tastes.
This concentration of stars enhances Chicago’s reputation as one of America's premier culinary destinations, meeting the expectations of both locals and tourists.
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Conclusion: How Many Michelin Star Restaurants in Illinois
Illinois' Michelin-starred restaurants, all located in Chicago, comprise 19 esteemed establishments as of 2025. With two restaurants holding the extraordinary three-star distinction, alongside two-star and one-star venues, the city offers a rich and varied spectrum of outstanding dining experiences.
The Michelin Guide's recognition solidifies Chicago’s position on the global gastronomic map, encouraging food lovers to explore its innovative and diverse culinary landscape.
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