Billed as one of the best restaurants in Chicago, the Midwest, the United States and, indeed, the world, Everest is not surprisingly a popular dinner destination for Chicago locals and visitors alike. You're therefore guaranteed to have an enjoyable meal. To make it even more enjoyable, however, continue reading for tips that will help you maximize your comfort and minimize your confusion.

Reservations are strongly recommended, especially on weekends, and can be made in advance by calling the restaurant directly, or online via OpenTable.

Seating at Everest is simple and comfortable, as the 75-seat dining room has several options from which to choose. In the lower level dining room, for instance, there are both round and square tables. Especially large, the round tables are approximately 48 inches in diameter and set for between two and six diners. If you're a party of two, these tables will be more than enough room to spread out for multiple courses, and even if you're a party of six there will be a good 12 inches between you and your neighbor. Square tables, meanwhile, are approximately 36 inches and perfect for pairs that don't need quite so much space. While there are four more large rounds in the atrium, the rectangular tables on the Everest Terrace are smaller, at approximately 24 inches wide and 36 inches long, as they're designed for two diners who'll sit side by side on one side of the table. Tables throughout the restaurant are amply spaced, with several feet in between you and the next table in the atrium and at least 12 inches on the lower level. Seating throughout is in simple wood side chairs with upholstered backs and slender arms; at approximately 18 inches in diameter, they're perfectly comfortable. If you prefer booth seating to chairs, ask to be seated in the Everest Terrace, where the aforementioned rectangular tables for two are at an upholstered banquette along the south wall.

Although the atmosphere at Everest is refined, it's more social than stuffy. Jazz quietly plays in the background and the din of other diners in the dining room is low enough that you can easily enjoy conversation with your dining companions. And thanks to the restaurant's ample supply of art and city views, there's plenty to talk about. Of course, if you need more privacy, you can book one of Everest's six private dining rooms. Either way, look for the jovial Chef Joho, who makes regular appearances in the dining room, adding further to the restaurant's sophisticated yet social appeal.

Restrooms at Everest are located just beyond the Everest Terrace and on the same level, up a short set of steps from the Everest Atrium. If you can't climb the steps, the restrooms and the Terrace both are wheelchair accessible through the rear private dining entrance.

Jackets are preferred for gentlemen, although ties are optional.

Complimentary valet parking is available at Everest in its private underground parking garage, located beneath One Financial Place, on the west side of 440 S. LaSalle St. between Congress and Van Buren. Taxis are readily available in downtown Chicago and Everest also offers a luxury town car service that will pick up diners and drop them off at the locations of their choice -- anywhere within a 15-mile radius of the restaurant -- for just $15 per route.

Both Everest and Chef Jean Joho have won numerous awards. A member of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux/Relais Gourmand and Traditions & Qualite restaurant collections, Everest has earned a Five-Diamond Award from AAA as well as Mobil, not to mention top ratings from Zagat. Locally it's received four stars each from the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times and Chicago magazine. Other awards include: "Best Restaurant for Business Dining," Gourmet magazine, 2003; and "Best Restaurant in Chicago," Chicago magazine, 2003. Chef Joho, meanwhile, has previously been named "Best American Chef: Midwest" by the James Beard Foundation and has been nominated for several other James Beard award categories, including "Best Outstanding Restaurant," "Best Service," "Best Wine Service" and "Who's Who." He's also been honored as Bon Appetit's "Best Chef of the Year" and with the Robert Mondavi "Culinary Award of Excellence."

*Please note that the restaurants featured at TravelsinTaste.com may have changed their personnel, menu, pricing, decor, hours of operation, etc., since our last visit. The competitive and creative nature of the fine dining scene virtually assures that changes will occur on a frequent basis in order to make diners happier, meals more pleasurable and visits more frequent. Given their frequent fluctuations, most restaurants welcome inquiries about their current hours, menu and more.