Chicago's Michelin star restaurants see major changes in 2025 guide

Chicago's fine dining scene experienced significant shifts in the 2025 Michelin Guide, with restaurants gaining and losing stars. The announcement revealed surprising changes for both celebrated establishments and rising culinary talents across the city.

Kasama achieves two-star status

The 2025 Michelin Guide Northeast Cities selection brought exciting news for Kasama in Chicago, according to the official Michelin announcement. The Filipino restaurant earned a promotion to two Michelin stars during a ceremony at Philadelphia's Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. The restaurant takes its name from the Tagalog word meaning "together," which reflects the collaborative work of husband-and-wife team Tim Flores and Genie Kwon. Flores brings his Filipino heritage to create modern interpretations of traditional cuisine, while Kwon's pastry expertise enhances the dessert offerings. 

The Michelin Guide noted that the duo cooks with remarkable creativity in their simple space. Their dishes reimagine homey traditional preparations in elegant ways, like an adobo featuring mussels and wild mushrooms that perfectly balances different flavors.

Smyth maintains three-star excellence

Smyth secured its three Michelin-starred status for the third consecutive year, as reported by FSR Magazine. Chefs John Shields and Karen Urie Shields continue to deliver warmth, vitality, and artistry that define their luxurious dining experience. The restaurant has enjoyed remarkable success beyond Michelin recognition, including being named North America's fourth-best restaurant in 2025. 

Chef John Shields expressed gratitude for the team and guests who make the journey possible, according to FSR Magazine's coverage. The restaurant opened in 2016 and has collected numerous accolades, including Restaurant of the Year from the Jean Banchet Awards in 2020. 

Smyth's approach emphasizes partnerships between ingredients, culinary techniques, and cooking instincts, with courses served using products from small farmers and select purveyors.

Galit celebrates fourth year with star

Galit retained its Michelin star rating for 2025, marking the fourth consecutive year of recognition, the Michelin Guide confirmed. The Middle Eastern restaurant in Chicago's Lincoln Park is led by James Beard Award-winning chef Zachary Engel and partner Andrés Clavero. Executive Chef Zachary Engel stated the recognition reflects the heart and dedication the team brings to the restaurant daily. The establishment was also named 2024 Restaurant of the Year by the Jean Banchet Awards and received a nomination for Outstanding Restaurant at the 2025 James Beard Awards, according to Michelin's announcement. 

Director of Operations Andrés Clavero emphasized that Galit focuses on creating cultural connections through genuine hospitality. The menu features a seasonal approach to Middle Eastern dishes with a four-course choose-your-own-adventure format designed for sharing.

Sifr retains Bib Gourmand recognition

Sifr kept its Michelin Bib Gourmand status in the 2025 guide for the second consecutive year, the Michelin Guide announced. The modern Middle Eastern restaurant, led by Culinary Director Sahil Sethi and Chef Sujan Sarkar, first received this honor in 2024. Chef Sethi expressed pride in the recognition, which validates the team's commitment to presenting Middle Eastern cuisine through a contemporary perspective, according to the Michelin announcement.

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Since opening in 2023, Sifr has gained acclaim for its bold, ingredient-driven menu blending traditional and modern culinary approaches. Sethi brings international experience from working at renowned kitchens, including Noma and Michelin-starred Rania in Washington, D.C., the guide noted. The restaurant is part of Chef Sujan Sarkar's Indigo Hospitality portfolio.

Alinea loses three-star status

Alinea suffered a demotion to two stars in the 2025 Michelin Guide, as reported by Chicago Eater. Grant Achatz announced the news on Instagram before the official ceremony, expressing disappointment while reaffirming the restaurant's commitment to creativity and excellence. Alinea had maintained three-star status since the Michelin Guide's Chicago debut in 2011, making this change particularly significant for the local dining landscape. 

The Michelin Guide confirmed that Alinea, along with Virginia's Inn at Little Washington and New York's Masa, received a downgrade, according to Chicago Eater's coverage. The restaurant celebrated its 20th anniversary this year with worldwide pop-up residencies, though recent reviews questioned its current relevance. This development leaves Smyth as Chicago's only three-Michelin-starred restaurant.