Gold Coast Chicago Restaurants

Superb Gourmet Vietnamese dishes with a French twist. The ambience is as special and ideally suited to the fare! You’re transported to Old Colonial Vietnam complete with the tropical flavor of banana trees, rotating ceiling fans, a multitude of French lanterns, scattered tribal rugs and old black and white vintage photographs from the French Colonial era. We particularly enjoyed the sea bass and the green curry shrimp. The cocktails were all excellent!

I have been going to RL since they first opened. Always lovely, comfortable, clubby, excellent. It is a joy to be there. It is hard not to have the Dover sole. My favorite. And tonight. Joseph was our waiter. He was superb. Attentive but not too much. Classy. Friendly. But not too much. Works on the west side of the restaurant. I would ask for him. Can’t wait to go back.

We have high tea at the Palm Court every year between Christmas and New Year’s. It is our way of setting aside a special treat time for our family once the Christmas buying rush is over and The Palm Court does not disappoint. The choice of teas is broad and the scones warm. Each edible was well presented, fresh and tasty. Service was attentive but not intrusive. Loved the harpist and singers in old world garb. And don’t miss the 50% off Christmas baubles in the downstairs gift shop. Our only quibbles were with the closeness of the tables and noise level. The room was packed, a tribute to its popularity. Best high tea in Chicago.

We had the absolute pleasure of dining at Alpana on Christmas Eve, and it was an unforgettable experience from start to finish. Nestled at 831 North State Street, this gem delivered a meal and an extraordinary dining experience. The ambiance struck a perfect balance between elegance and comfort. The warm lighting and chic decor made it feel festive yet relaxed—ideal for a memorable holiday evening. From the moment we arrived, the service was impeccable. The staff was attentive, knowledgeable, and genuinely passionate about perfecting every detail. Now, let’s talk about the food—truly phenomenal! We started with the Butter Chicken Meatballs, which were tender, flavorful, and downright addictive. Then came the Whipped Feta & Truffle Honey platter, featuring house-marinated olives, pistachios, roasted peppers, rustic sourdough, and prosciutto. It was an absolute standout—if we could eat this daily, we would! The Kale and Farro Salad was a burst of flavor, refreshing and hearty all at once. For our mains, we shared the delectable Short Rib Bucatini with its luscious red wine-braised short rib ragu, herbed ricotta, and parmesan. Paired with the Red Wine Braised Short Ribs, every bite celebrated rich, savory perfection. The wine and cocktail list deserves its applause. My son and I enjoyed a glass of bold Cabernet while my daughter sipped on Prosecco, which perfectly complemented the meal. The selection is thoughtfully curated, with something for every palate. As tempting as the dessert menu was, we had no room left—but we’ll return to explore it next time. This was hands down the best meal I’ve had in a long time. Alpana is a must-visit for anyone seeking incredible food, top-notch service, and a cozy yet sophisticated atmosphere. We can’t wait to come back!

Gibson's is one of my favorite restaurants of all times. We live in San Antonio but make it a point to make reservations when in Chicago, Because of the holidays, I scheduled reservations 3 months in advance. Service was superb, as always. I ordered the W.R.'s Chicago Cut and was very disappointed. The steak was cold and did not appear anywhere close to 22 oz. My son ordered a 7 oz Filet Mignon, and he was disappointed as it was very dry and overcooked. I know I could have said something at the table, but I didn't want to ruin the moment as we were having such a great time being together. The service was outstanding, and hope that next time it will be the same Gibson's experience.