The best restaurants in Gold Coast, an upscale neighborhood in Chicago, are going to cost you some pretty pennies. Fortunately, most come with great food, drinks, and (my personal favorite) people-watching. Head to Gold Coast where Chicagoans and visitors alike come to see and be seen.
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La Storia
I love the back patio at La Storia. Try to snag a seat out there, if possible. The burrata is *chef’s kiss* and the espresso martinis aren’t half bad either. While they traditionally stick with Italian dishes, the menu has more recently transitioning to a broader “tastes of the Mediterranean.” Also, it doesn’t hurt that the head chef is originally from Sardinia, Italy – one of my favorite places in the world!
Maple & Ash
Maple & Ash is a favorite spot for celebrations, especially with its quirky and explicit menu for birthdays, anniversaries, etc. Expect to shell out some money here and be sure to dress for the occasion as well (they WILL turn you away if you’re wearing baseball hats, flip flops, anything overly casual). If you can adjust to that, you will be rewarded with a delicious raw bar and steaks. The brunch is also quite popular and bougie.
Will you consider dining in another fun neighborhood next door to Gold Coast? You may also want to check out the Best Restaurants in River North, Chicago.
3 Arts Club Cafe
Located inside the Restoration Hardware, 3 Arts Club Cafe is a cozy escape. However, due to its popularity, be sure you reserve in advance! I can’t say the food is anything show-stopping, but the aesthetic definitely is. I’d say this is where you come here to take Instagram pics or bring your out of town friends rather than target this as your usual lunch spot.
Gibson’s Steakhouse
Gibson’s is a Chicago staple. It is most well-known and frequented for its delicious steaks – and don’t forget dessert! It has an ideal location in the Viagra Triangle (the humorous nickname for this intersection of streets and restaurants), so try to be near the window if possible. While it is pricy, the portions are generous!
Somerset
Setup inside the Viceroy Hotel, Somerset is another chic venue. I personally find the vibe best to come for breakfast or brunch. They also have a small patio dining space out front during summer, but it is quite small and for once I prefer the inside. If you choose to have a drink, opt for one of their unique cocktails named after various 1950s celebrities.
Le Colonial
Ah, Le Colonial – where Vietnamese and French dining collide. As Le Colonial claims itself, this upscale restaurant embodies “the seductive spirit and vivid flavors of 1920’s French Colonial Southeast Asia.” The meal presentation is on point, the interior is astounding, and the flavors are out of this world delicious. I promise you cannot go wrong with anything on the menu.
Fig & Olive
While a bit more hidden than the other Gold Coast restaurants, Fig and Olive is a crowd pleaser. With a wide array of incredible, mediterranean-inspired dishes, you’ll have to physically drag yourself out of the restaurant to stop eating. With only 5 national locations, be excited Fig and Olive graced Chicago with its presence.
RL Restaurant
Transport yourself to a Ralph Lauren country club at the RL Restaurant. Located AT the Ralph Lauren store off Michigan Avenue, the RL Restaurant truly embodies all things Ralph Lauren. In fact, even the food is served on RL plates. While there is a small patio when the weather is nice, I still recommend sitting indoors. Outside, you’re too close to the chaos of cars and people on Michigan Avenue and while I love people-watching, this isn’t the vibe I want (they tried to enclose it with plants, but it doesn’t work well).
That concludes my best restaurants in Gold Coast, Chicago! I can’t wait to hear which are your favorites.
For more Chicago neighborhood restaurants, check out: