"Indienne in River North definitely falls into the fine dining category. Its large dining room is full of white tablecloths and staff bustling around in crisp jackets, and the menu’s dishes are plated artistically. Most of the food has some kind of French twist, so you’ll find things like eclair canapes filled with goat cheese and chutney, malai tikka formed into a terrine and sauced tableside, and a cute little potato pave accompanying the perfectly medium rare lamb chop. Right now Indienne offers a nine-course tasting menu for $125-$135 and a separate a la carte menu. Reservations are released 60 days in advance, but the bar area is reserved for walk-ins. There, you’ll most likely find an empty seat or two and can order food off an a la carte menu. Or, if you’re not a gambler and need a guaranteed reservation, be willing to eat before 6pm or after 8pm." - adrian kane, veda kilaru, john ringor, nick allen