Best Restaurants in Chicago Near the Magnificent Mile: Our Top 3 Picks
- Theresa Downs
- Nov 13
- 2 min read
I know why there are so many songs about Chicago — it has many attributes to sing about. We recently traveled to this great city for an Italian wine convention. Fortunately, we had some time for culinary exploration—the best kind, in my opinion. Here are three restaurants that quickly made our list of favorites to revisit.
First of all, hats off to the hotel where we stayed. The magnificent InterContinental Hotel struck a just-right balance of old-world charm and modern elegance. It felt good to be in the thick of things again.
Michael Jordan's Steak House – Chicago
Celebrity restaurants can be hit or miss, but Michael Jordan's Steak House exceeded expectations. Located inside the InterContinental Hotel, it exudes an understated grandeur that's immediately appealing. The menu strikes a balance between classics and trendy newcomers, making it difficult to choose. We split a top-tier Caesar Salad and an epic Delmonico Steak cooked to perfection. A trio of mashed potatoes and vibrant vegetable sides, such as Brussels sprouts and corn, made the meal even more memorable. A great glass of Malbec topped it all off.
📍 InterContinental Hotel, 505 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611
📞 (312) 321-8823
Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab
Joe's is one of those timeless white-tablecloth restaurants that everyone should experience at least once. Founded in Miami Beach in 1913, it has since become an institution. We ordered the amazing Seafood Salad, which featured King Crab, Lobster, Shrimp, and the famous Florida Stone Crab—worth the trip on its own. My pairing of choice: a crisp Sancerre (French Sauvignon Blanc). The atmosphere is warm and elegant, and the staff couldn't have been more welcoming.
📍 60 East Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611
📞 (312) 379-5637
Labriola Chicago
Labriola Chicago feels like stepping into your Italian grandmother's kitchen—if you're lucky enough to have one. On a rainy evening in Chicago, it offered the perfect comfort food oasis. Their Penne Alla Vodka was a standout, but the salads and desserts were equally memorable. If you're seeking classic Italian hospitality and hearty cuisine, this is the place.
📍 535 N. Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611
📞 (312) 955-3100
Whether you're in town for wine, weather, or weekend wandering, Chicago's culinary scene doesn't disappoint. These three restaurants offered us not just great meals, but great memories—and we can't wait to return.
🍷 Stay tuned for more tasting tips, pairing advice, and travel-worthy wine experiences.
