 As of December 20, 2017, Alinea is the only Chicago restaurant to retain a three-star status, Michelin's highest accolade.The restaurant opened on May 4, 2005, and takes its name from the symbol alinea, which is featured as a logo.Co-owner Nick Kokonas wrote, of the restaurant's name, "If you're wondering about the name, Alinea literally means "off the line."