The brand-new long-awaited Hotel Robey in Wicker Park's omnipresent Northwest Tower is a rare standout Chicago dining and sleeping spot outside of downtown. The multi-building destination holds multiple bars and restaurants, but the ground-floor anchor cafe is where to find the best food here, most of which is well-executed French bistro fare. The weekend brunch is popular too, and head upstairs to the Up & Up rooftop for some of the best views in the city.

Paul Kahan and One Off Hospitality give the Gold Coast one of the most unique Italian seafood restaurants in the country. Located inside the Thompson Hotel, indulge in a variety of whole fish, lobster spaghetti, crudos, and all sorts of coastal dishes reminiscent of the Italian seaside. Much of the menu does change daily, so keep an eye on social media, and try the brunch, lunch, and downstairs bar too.

Yes, top dining can be found near the touristy Magnificent Mile. Inside the Four Seasons Hotel, much of Allium’s menu is farm-sourced and features a bit of everything for everyone, from lobster nachos to dry-aged steaks. Plus, get a taste of Chicago with former chef Kevin Hickey's DIY Chicago-style hot dog that is completely house-made for a unique take on one of the city's most famous dishes.

Midwestern hospitality is the focus at this popular restaurant on the seventh floor of the Park Hyatt on the Mag Mile. NoMi, meaning North Michigan, brings the farm and forge to the table with swanky farm-sourced dishes. The rooftop bar is a popular spot in the warmer months and offers a generous view of Chicago’s skyline.

One of the best-regarded Chinese spots in Chicago is an upscale hotel restaurant downtown. Try a variety of Cantonese and Shanghainese dishes that include some traditional classics and modern renditions including a signature Peking duck, golden shrimp, beef tenderloin, and standout dim sum. Weather permitting, the outdoor Terrace features its own menu of bar bites and snacks, and The Lobby, which has garnered a Michelin star, is a standout restaurant in its own right in The Peninsula Chicago hotel.

Formerly David Burke's Primehouse, the celebrity chef is gone but one of the best-regarded steakhouses in Chicago remains inside the James Hotel in River North. Steaks are dry-aged in a Himalayan salt-tiled aging room at this classic American steakhouse. Or diners can skip the big steakhouse experience and go for smaller-proportioned dishes, such as the thin burger, at the Primehouse bar.

This all-day restaurant by Lettuce Entertain You in the lobby of the Aloft Hotel in River North runs the gamut of chef-driven breakfast, lunch and dinner food; an assortment of baked goods, freshly-squeezed juices, coffees and artisan cocktails; and carry-out for those strapped for time or exploring the city. There’s a location in Streeterville as well, and a location opening in Fulton Market soon.

Adjoining the Hotel Palomar Chicago in River North and named after Jean Baptiste Point du Sable, Sable Kitchen and Bar is focused on cocktail creativity as well as sherrys, ports and vermouths. Some of the more unique cocktails include Spanish-style gin and tonics. Although you can sleep in the hotel upstairs, don't sleep on the food in the restaurant either.

Travelle, the swanky chef-driven restaurant on the second floor of the Langham, is an upscale food destination whether you're staying in the hotel or not. Flame-grilled small plates are some of the most popular dishes, as well as duck confit and some adventurous foods.

Semi-hidden on the second floor of the gorgeous and historic Chicago Athletic Association hotel across from Millennium Park, the menu at CCR is as much of a time capsule as the space it inhabits — it's inspired by menus of CAA’s past that date back as far as 1890. Much of the regional classic menu can be presented tableside, alongside the terrific cocktail menu by Paul McGee that highlights a slew of martinis. Also check out the outstanding rooftop, Cindy's; the casual food, drinks, and games in the Game Room; and the unique upscale drinking experience in Drawing Room.

Score Latin-American cuisine inspired by the bustling Peruvian street food scene high above the Loop on the 15th floor of the Kimpton Gray Hotel in The Loop. The menu ranges from ceviches to empanadas and many other Latin flavors in between. Regardless of the weather, the rooftop bar is open-round with a retractable glass roof, as is the standout swanky bar, Vol. 39, on the second floor. A third restaurant, the creative chef-driven Steadfast on the ground floor, is also worth a meal.