restaurants
Dinner Scene

Ambria

Exciting nouvelle French cuisine in Lincoln Park's Belden Stratford Hotel. Great for a splurge -- this is one of Chicago's most luxurious restaurants.
2300 N. Lincoln Park West
773.472.5959

Charlie Trotter's

The best in town, leave the cooking up to Charlie. Figure on spending at least $200 per person. Try to reserve the table in the kitchen, it's worth the extra money.
Dinner only. Reservations and jackets required (even weekdays are booked two months ahead).
816 W. Armitage (Just West of Halsted)
773.248.6228

Everest

Very expensive French restaurant in Chicago's financial district. owned by award-winning chef/owner Jean Joho.
One Financial Place, 40th floor, 440 S. LaSalle
312.663.8920

Morton's

Chicago's finest steak house, Morton's has a limited menu but the food is outstanding. Reservations advised.
1050 N. State
312.266.4820

Trio

The food is a combination of French, Italian and Asian, all on one plate. Reservations two to four weeks in advance for prime-time weekend nights. Ask whether the kitchen table is available for a behind-the-scenes look at top chefs in action.
1625 Hinman, Evanston
847.733.8746

Tru

Rich Melman and award-winning chefs Rick Tramonto and Gale Gand. Very good, expensive and cool.
676 N. St. Clair
312.202.0001

Spiaggia

Exceptional award-winning contemporary Northern Italian dishes in a formal and elegant setting with a great view of the lake. 980 N. Michigan
312.280.2750

The Pump Room

1301 N. State Pkwy.
312.266.0360