[Chicago Food Journal] RL Restaurant | The Only One in the World

From the first glance, it’s hard not to fall for this place. The only one of its kind globally, yet it never chases the “trendy” label. It’s not about keeping tourists away—rather, it embodies RL's consistent philosophy: understated, refined, old-money elegance, without ever being flashy.😊😂 Tucked away around the corner of the Ralph Lauren store on Michigan Avenue, it’s easy to walk right past. But the real challenge isn’t finding it—it’s getting a table. On my first visit, even the bar area was packed with waiting guests, layered inside and out. When I asked the host, I was told no seats would be available until after 10 PM. Checking OpenTable, the earliest reservation I could find was January 12th of next year.💕😍 If I had to describe it in trendy terms, it’s definitely quiet luxury old-money style. Very classic American—not chasing trends, not forcing updates. The furniture and decor even show signs of time’s touch, following a timeless, never-out-of-style route. It’s as if saying: No matter how the outside world changes, I remain myself.❤️👍 From seating to dining, the service reflects high quality—polite, restrained, never pushy, never making you feel pressured by over-the-top enthusiasm. A dedicated staff member refills water with perfect timing, never leaving your glass empty. In a restaurant like this, leaving a reasonable tip as a sign of respect for the service feels completely natural. Speaking of restaurants, value for money naturally comes to mind. Here, it’s exceptionally high for its category. Lunch prices aren’t irrationally steep like some similar spots in Shanghai. Objectively speaking, few restaurants in Shanghai can truly match it overall.😁👌 PS: The hostess was a classic American sweetheart—blonde, blue-eyed, poised, dressed in a neat and elegant uniform, herself a part of the restaurant’s charm. #ChicagoEats #RLRestaurant #QuietLuxury #OldMoneyStyle #FineDiningChicago