Located within a stone's throw of Steppenwolf, Landmark offers a flashy interior and equally extravagant menu. Expect to pay a decent buck, but the top-shelf presentation and unique ingredients make this place a must-stop spot for an upscale dinner before or after a show.

From the elegant, metallic catwalk overlooking the bar to the 30-foot ceilings, Landmark's architecture is as diverse as its martini menu. The trendy atmosphere suits the chic theatergoers and Lincoln Park locals who frequent the dining and bar areas. And when it comes to sheer size and space, Landmark excels. There are four separate areas inside, including a VIP area, the bar, dining room and a loungy basement area. While the decor is deliciously eye-catching, the food is why Landmark shines.

To start your dining experience, treat yourself to one of the salads or appetizers, which are mini-meals themselves. The chicken wings ($9) are anything but traditional; they're drizzled in a rhubarb glaze and served with meriguez sausage on goat’s milk yogurt. Enjoy goat cheese raviolis ($9), which come with pea shoots and spring onions served in a basil and parmesan broth. Entrees are straight out of "Top Chef," both in terms of presentation and components. For meat lovers, there’s wood-grilled beef tenderloin ($28) with braised market greens and honey-cured bacon in a sherry glaze. Or try the all-natural strip steak ($29) served over sliced heirloom tomatoes, wild watercress and garlic chives. Seafood offerings include citrus-cured ahi tuna ($10; it’s an appetizer) and wood-grilled trout ($24) with wheat berries, pea shoots, mushrooms and reisling poached shallots.

If you're looking for a substantially less intimidating meal, try the bar menu. There are other appetizers ($9-$11) and pizzas ($12) from the wood-burning oven. Wash everything down with wines from the "Fifty under $50" list.

Centerstage Reviewer: Robin Wright