Boka does many things right. The food is elegant and the room aesthetically assured. But for all the accolades and all the cost it left me wanting more. Not more food. More feeling. Michelin gave it a star. I’ll give it credit. But don’t expect to leave dreaming about it.

Ciccio Mio delivers charm and just enough substance to keep its place in Chicago’s dining orbit. It’s a great date spot (maybe even a perfect one). Just don’t expect to be surprised. You’re here for the effect. And in that department, it delivers.

Gilt Bar gives you all the right signals but doesn’t deliver what matters most. The drinks are strong, the room is beautiful, but the food lacks finesse and the service stumbles. You won’t regret going. You just may not remember it either.

Nora looks the part, but she hasn’t written her script yet. The set design is winning. The meal, at times, is steady. But to elevate, the restaurant needs to choose an identity and commit. Until then, it remains a place that’s pleasant enough but not memorable.

Vela is stylish and self-aware. It's a mezcal-tinged hangout in a part of town that needs more places like it. With time, it could become one of River North’s best. For now, it’s a worthy evening out... just don’t expect everything on the table to match the energy in the room.

Tre Dita delivers exactly what it promises: elevated Italian food in a truly gorgeous room. It’s a reliable bet for a chic night out especially if you can snag a seat at the bar. Order the schiacciata, enjoy the view, and let the hotel do the rest.

Fioretta is Chicago’s answer to the modern supper club. It’s expensive, dramatic, and sometimes a little too pleased with itself. But when it works (and it often does) it’s a place you’re glad to be in.

Divan has polish, but not personality. The steak was solid, the caviar cute, and the cocktails trying very hard. You’ll leave full and searching for something a little more memorable.

Brindille is one of Chicago’s secret triumphs. It doesn’t need a spotlight to shine. It offers a deeply personal kind of elegance, but never stiff. It is what a restaurant should be: warm, precise, and human.