Next Chicago

Awards

MICHELIN Guide

One star restaurant, 2025

All Michelin stars in Chicago All Michelin stars in United States All 1 star Michelin in Chicago All 1 star Michelin in United States

OAD

North American Restaurants 2026, 87

All OAD North American in Chicago All OAD North American in United States

Elite Collection

Elite Collection Top 100 2019, #41

All Elite Collection Top 100 in Chicago All Elite Collection Top 100 in United States

Restaurant Ranking

Restaurant Ranking 2024, #611, PRO #18.00, USER #0.00

All Restaurant Ranking in Chicago All Restaurant Ranking in United States

Chef

Alan Mileykovsky

Cuisine

Contemporary, Eclectic

• 2025
• 2019
• 2018
• 2016

Dinner at Next Chicago

on 13 Nov 2025

by Jon Cheng

Nine years ago, I cornered Grant Achatz in the middle of a New York restaurant to say hello, and he didn’t flinch when I loudly asked him, “Are you Grant uh-CAHTS?”. To make amends for butchering his name, I read his book. Twice. Two years later, when I needed to fly to Chicago to interview for graduate school, I picked my interview date based on when I could get a reservation at @nextchicago , which was serving an earlier @alinearestaurant menu (2011-2015), then proceeded... More

Nine years ago, I cornered Grant Achatz in the middle of a New York restaurant to say hello, and he didn’t flinch when I loudly asked him, “Are you Grant uh-CAHTS?”. To make amends for butchering his name, I read his book. Twice. Two years later, when I needed to fly to Chicago to interview for graduate school, I picked my interview date based on when I could get a reservation at @nextchicago , which was serving an earlier @alinearestaurant menu (2011-2015), then proceeded not to attend a networking event at said school in favor of dinner.

Said school eventually did not extend an offer for admission, but Next kindly accommodated a solo diner and delivered an experience to remember. While the first thing I recall is @ed.tinoco inviting me, an unknown guest, to his gleaming kitchen, showing me my ticket, and astutely pointing out that I did not once get up from my seat to visit the bathroom, the second is the food: nineteen courses that deliver equal parts theater and elemental pleasure. I liked good theater, and still do, and while I cannot vouch for the state of Alinea today, my visit to Next is my closest analog. I do not doubt that Alinea’s spirit of innovation is alive and well. The ‘hot and cold’ potato would still hit hard, as would the Pollock-esque dessert course; both of them making diners like me feel like a real-life Charlie in Achatz’s Willy Wonka-esque gastronomic factory.

We deserve a restaurant like Alinea as much as we deserve chefs who keep pushing when the map says stop. So, two stars on a list; three stars in my book.

Photos are from my visit in Nov 2018. Less

Meal at Next: Italia

on 12 Jul 2019

by Jhonatan Cano

Meal at Next: Alinea 2011-2015 – Chicago

on 15 Dec 2018

by Jhonatan Cano

Next restaurant second part of the Alinea sequence came with plenty more surprises. The experience is packed with unexpected moments that showcase the emotional approach Grant Achatz had at that moment in time as well as it is possible to see all the connection and evolution of his cuisine through the years.

Hidden items in the center of the table, floating garnishes, edible centerpieces, a pork belly being cooked in front of you without realizing it, unique plate-ware, and a dessert plated directly... More

Next restaurant second part of the Alinea sequence came with plenty more surprises. The experience is packed with unexpected moments that showcase the emotional approach Grant Achatz had at that moment in time as well as it is possible to see all the connection and evolution of his cuisine through the years.

Hidden items in the center of the table, floating garnishes, edible centerpieces, a pork belly being cooked in front of you without realizing it, unique plate-ware, and a dessert plated directly on the table are some things you will experience in this menu.

This menu was a reminder of how far ahead Grant Achatz and his team were in that period of time. And most importantly that they keep pushing to find new ways to discover what a restaurant can be.

Next: Alinea 2011-2015 is a masterpiece. Less

Meal at Next: Alinea 2005 – 2010

on 17 Jul 2018

by Jhonatan Cano

Next restaurant started its third menu of the year with a very ambitious representation of the dishes that Alinea was making from 2005 to 2010.

My first visit to Alinea was in 2009. I was particularly very exited for this menu as it gave me the opportunity to taste dishes that I only have read in books and no other restaurant could replicate. A few dishes transported me back in time while others made me realized (again) how far ahead Grant Achatz was at that time.

It is a unique menu. Once again... More

Next restaurant started its third menu of the year with a very ambitious representation of the dishes that Alinea was making from 2005 to 2010.

My first visit to Alinea was in 2009. I was particularly very exited for this menu as it gave me the opportunity to taste dishes that I only have read in books and no other restaurant could replicate. A few dishes transported me back in time while others made me realized (again) how far ahead Grant Achatz was at that time.

It is a unique menu. Once again Jenner Tomaska and team found a way to exceed the very high expectations they have created on themselves . Less

Meal at Next: French Classique

on 21 Feb 2018

by Jhonatan Cano

Highlighting classic and historical French dishes, French Classique menu is full of technique and flavor. Recipes that are rarely seen nowadays come to life with the expertly touch of the team at Next to even elevate them a little higher. Loved it!

Meal at Chicago – Next ‘The French Laundry’

on 26 Sep 2016

by Jhonatan Cano

Meal at Chicago – Next ‘Terroir’

on 30 Aug 2016

by Jhonatan Cano

Meal at Miami – Alinea

on 21 Feb 2016

by Jhonatan Cano