Chicago’s dining scene is being noticed for more than what’s on the plate. Two of the city’s newest restaurants—Adalina Prime in Fulton Market and Crying Tiger in River North—have been named among the most visually stunning restaurant openings in the country.

The national lifestyle publication Robb Report included both spots in its 2025 roundup celebrating restaurants where design is as memorable as the cuisine.

At Crying Tiger, which opened in October at 51 W. Hubbard Street, stepping through the door feels like being dropped into a bustling Southeast Asian night market. The space pulses with vivid colors, layered textures, and glowing light, while subtle industrial touches pay homage to Chicago’s architectural backbone.
The menu mirrors that sense of travel, showcasing the bold flavors of Thailand, Vietnam, and beyond. Expect fragrant curries, sizzling grilled meats, bright herb-packed salads, and noodle dishes built on layers of heat, citrus, and smoke—many shaped by the vision of Chef Partner and James Beard finalist Thai Dang.

Across town, Adalina Prime offers a very different kind of drama. The Fulton Market restaurant was praised for its soaring ceilings and sweeping, curved wood beams that rise overhead like the ribs of a grand cathedral. The kitchen leans into classic steakhouse luxury with a modern Italian accent: dry-aged cuts, handmade pastas, and polished seafood presentations designed for indulgent, lingering meals.

The recognition underscores a growing trend in Chicago: restaurants designed not just as places to eat, but as immersive experiences where atmosphere, architecture, and food work in seamless harmony.