Introduction to Alinea
A luxury-lifestyle magazine recently listed nine Chicago restaurants as among the 100 Greatest American Restaurants of the 21st Century – and one of them happened to take the top spot.
The Ranking
Alinea, a fine-dining restaurant in Lincoln Park, placed at No. 1 on the Robb Report’s rankings, which were released in mid-November. To determine the rankings, 250 chefs, restaurateurs, sommeliers and more were asked to name the 10 greatest restaurants in America that have operated this century.
Criteria for Selection
According to the magazine, each participant was asked to think about their own definition of greatness by considering the dining experience, influence, staying power and "other factors they deemed important in making a place truly great."
Praise for Alinea
Many restaurants that made the list lean toward the fine-dining end of the spectrum, including Alinea. The esteemed spot garnered high praise from reviewers, including one who said, "“Alinea didn’t just serve dinner; it rewrote the playbook."
"Few restaurants have ever achieved that rare combination of intellectual ambition and emotional resonance—and sustained it for nearly two decades…" chef and reviewer Chintan Pandya said. "…At its best, the kitchen felt like a symphony—every element meticulously placed, every gesture intentional. It reminded us that technique only matters if it serves emotion.”
Ellia Park, who was also one of the 250 reviewers, said that rather than a restaurant, Alinea "was more like a magical space that brought the chef’s imagination to life."
"Through this experience, I realized that fine dining can engage not only taste, but also sight, touch, and smell," she stated. "It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that completely changed my perception.”
Recent Developments
Despite widespread praise and exceptional reviews, the restaurant did encounter a setback in recent weeks; The Michelin Guide announced Alinea would shift to two stars, and the restaurant lost its coveted three-star Michelin distinction it held since 2011 in November.
According to the Robb Report, the restaurant has since taken its theatrics on the road to residencies in Brooklyn, Miami, Beverly Hills and Tokyo.
Reaction from the Chef
Chef Grant Achatz, who co-founded Alinea 20 years ago and has been at the helm ever since, welcomed the magazine’s ranking in an Instagram post.
"It is a true honor to be listed as Robb Report’s Greatest American Restaurant of the 21st Century," he said. "Thank you @robbreport and the jury of our peers, and a big Congratulations to all included."
Other Chicago Restaurants on the List
Along with Alinea, the following Chicago restaurants were included in the list:
No. 96 – Boka – Lincoln Park
No. 83 – Girl & the Goat – West Loop
No. 81 – Oriole – West Loop
No. 74 – Monteverde – West Loop
No. 41 – Virtue – Hyde Park
No. 39 – Charlie Trotter’s – Lincoln Park
No. 29 – Kasama – West Town
No. 18 – Smyth – West Loop
Conclusion
Alinea’s ranking as the Greatest American Restaurant of the 21st Century is a testament to its innovative and exceptional dining experience. The restaurant’s ability to engage all senses and push the boundaries of fine dining has earned it widespread acclaim and a loyal following.
FAQs
Q: What ranking did Alinea receive from the Robb Report?
A: Alinea was ranked as the No. 1 Greatest American Restaurant of the 21st Century.
Q: How were the rankings determined?
A: The rankings were determined by a jury of 250 chefs, restaurateurs, sommeliers, and more who were asked to name the 10 greatest restaurants in America that have operated this century.
Q: What other Chicago restaurants were included on the list?
A: Eight other Chicago restaurants were included on the list, including Boka, Girl & the Goat, Oriole, Monteverde, Virtue, Charlie Trotter’s, Kasama, and Smyth.
