The Best Chicago Restaurants For A Special Occasion - Chicago - The Infatuation

"Oriole is another spot that will give you one of the best meals of your life for a high price tag ($325). Despite the price, the environment (which you enter through a non-working freight elevator in an alley in the West Loop) isn’t stuffy at all. Attentive servers provide just the right amount of context while presenting you with dishes that will reframe your thoughts, like a truffle pasta with the power to finally convince you that truffles aren’t just a scam. And when it's time for the foie gras course (billowy foie mousse topped with blueberries on toasted brioche), you'll be moved to a counter seat in front of the open kitchen because we can only assume the chefs want to watch your face while you eat it. Reservations are available 90 days out, but prime dinner times are usually snagged quickly. But if you're ok with dinner ending around 11pm, there are occasionally some 9pm slots available." - adrian kane, veda kilaru, john ringor, nick allen