Superstar sauce-rer Grant Achatz is world renowned for leading the charge in progressive cuisine, and multi Michelin-starred Alinea serves as his ultra-sleek food lab slash playground. Expect the unexpected in unapologetic, brain- and palate-pleasing 18- to 22-course degustations putting the astro in gastro – it’s truly sophisti-plated mouth magic and theatre. Celebrating a special occasion? Make it one to remember with the generous wine pairing. 1723 N Halsted / Lincoln Park / +1 312 867 0110 / dinner Wed-Sun / alinearestaurant.com

With three Michelin stars and the most expensive starting set menu in Chicago, Grace has awfully hefty expectations to meet. Thanks to master pan-handler Curtis Duffy, it does so effortlessly and beautifully via artful ‘Flora’ (veggies) and ‘Fauna’ (proteins) tasting menus, sating both hardcore meat-lovers and herbivores. It’s a serene diner for an evening out, and if you ask nicely you’ll receive a tour of the kitchen plus photo op with the handsome chef. 652 W Randolph / West Loop / +1 312 234 9494 / dinner Tue-Sat / grace-restaurant.com

She ain’t no spring chicken, coming up on 30 years in the hood, but this consistently excellent city stalwart is still reeling ’em in with minimalist vibes and creative, delectable eats. Owner Paul’s no longer at the stove but chef Perry Hendrix sure knows how to dish up a sizzly wood-grilled sturgeon and boundary-pushing bites like… miso yogurt and sweetbreads? Go the 10-course set, or the $25 prix-fixe lunch deal is one of Chicago’s best bargains. Cui-scene! 619 W Randolph / West Loop / +1 312 715 0708 / lunch Mon-Fri, dinner daily / blackbirdrestaurant.com

The aforementioned kitchen-wiz Grant Achatz and his biz partner Nick Kokonas were pioneering the ‘pop-up’ dining concept long before it became a global phenomenon : Next is their trail-blazing, transformative culinary experience, with tri-annual themed feasts keeping things interesting (and the foodies flocking). 2015 saw the nostalgic ‘Paris 1906’, Spanish sidewalk-chic ‘Tapas’, and wine-focused ‘Terroir’ closing out the year. Who knows what’s next? There’s a season pass for diehards – or check Facebook and keep fingers crossed to score a last-minute open table. 935 W Fulton / Fulton Market / online ticket system with full payment made at booking / nextrestaurant.com

More about classic American comfort food than frou-frou new age bells n’ whistles? Then you’d better arrive early to this perma-packed Lincoln Park flopspot, delivering a rare take on Chicago’s ubiquitous deep dish pizza – the gooey, sinful, signature ‘pizza pot pie’. While here, throw out the calorie counter and order the diet-be-damned Med bread or an iconic ‘Oven Grinder’ sarnie too. Can’t bear to leave? Frozen pizzas make fantastic take-home trophies. 2121 N Clark / Lincoln Park / +1 773 248 2570 / daily / chicagopizzaandovengrinder.com

Before the C.21st ‘speakeasy’ became the it trend for every bar worth its vintage Macallan, there was this unsigned, grand chandeliered and velvet-draped salon in Wicker Park. Today it still serves impeccably, meticulously mixed sips at the marble bar or in high-design wingback armchairs – but beware they’re strict on the rules. Mobile phones off as you enter, and don’t even think about ordering a Cosmo, lest you be relegated to cocktail Siberia. 1520 N Damen / Wicker Park / +1 773 252 1500 / daily / go early / theviolethour.com

From Illinois grain to bottle to martini glass, the city’s first distiller turned h eads with its local vodka, winning widespread acclaim… but they certainly didn’t stop there. Sample handmade limoncello, award-winning amaro and fernet-dogma, their spice-laden take on the Scandinavian staple Aquavit, or go traditional with faultless London dry gin. Take the illuminating tour for a behind the scenes look, or grab a group to try their range of innovative cocktails over dinner. 564 W Randolph / West Loop / +1 312 707 8780 / Tue-Sat, 45min tours Tuesdays and Saturdays at 5:30pm / chdistillery.com

Locals love this ultra-hip, hyper-curated seasonal marketplace featuring a dynamic line-up of 80+ artisans from around the region. The focus is to showcase the best fashion, design and of course, food – from Kitchfix cookies to Zapp’s breads and Spirit Tea blends; from Old Town Social’s salami to Dusek’s sarnies to Ruth & Phil’s gourmet ice cream… There’s more than enough to keep you fuelled for shopping. Check the website for dates and bring your appetite. Locations, dates, tickets and vendors TBD / usually held on Sunday / dosemarket.com

Whether you want to channel your inner Martha or you’re looking to max out on Chicago’s endless culinary diversity, make the pros at TCB your first port of call. Boisterous but informative cooking classes are bolstered (or is that hindered?) by free-flowing wine, and a friendly environment. From sushi to tapas to Julia Child to knife skills 101, there’s a course to suit all levels and appetites. Chop chop. Suite 107 / Merchandise Mart Plaza / River North / +1 312 644 6360 / thechoppingblock.net

So you broke the bank at Alinea and dove headfirst into a deep dish pie. What’s next? Whip on your sack dress or elastic harem pants and sign up for one of these savvy tasting tours, where expert eaters will whisk you around Bucktown/Wicker Park, Gold Coast/Old Town, Chinatown and Lincoln Park in search of Chi-town’s best local and ethnic flavour fests… You’re burning calories in between stops, aren’t you? Book online at chicagofoodplanet.com / private tours available