My hubby and I do this once a year, but we don't bother with the Prix Fixe Menu- We just tell the waiter that we would like to throw ourselves at the mercy of the Chef, with wine to match each course. It costs A LOT But is Soooooo worth the experience. We usually eat like 9-15 courses, of foods that we would have never ordered on our own.
Are you actually looking for a fine dining experience or just a good restaurant? Those listed so far...No offense are good resaurants, but by definition are not "Fine Dining Fare". The closest I saw was Coopers Hawk wineries, however their menu is pretty normal, though tasty, nothing exciting. As a matter of fact they are all listed as Casual or something thereabouts. By the true definition Fine Dining is going to cost $50+/person, and that's just per plate, no wine. Think Tru, French Laundry, Vie....
For that in the West suburbs, youre pretty much going to find typical fare, meat and potatos served three ways, and seafood.
Yes you're guaranteed a great meal(though I cant at all recommend Robertos in Elmhurst...Loved by all, and Ive never had worse italian food) but not the creativity and experience youre looking for.
Tramonto's Steak and Seafood
Now if you are willing to go out a little ways, there's always the pairings of Rick Tramonto and Gale Gand to satisfy your pallette, and the drive is so worth it. It is probably one of the better meals I've had for a while, and increadibly creative. This restaurant was featured on Top Chef Chicago. Mac and cheese with black truffles, and Goat cheese potatos au gratin to name a couple of sides. You can also do thier Prix Fixe menu inside the wine cage...AMAZING Experience. These two chef's are world renowned and opened Tru in Chicago. Here's the website. http://www.cenitare.com/. It's not listed as fine dining, though much closer than the other's I saw on the list.
In the future I recommend Opentable.com its free to sign up, and you can make reservations through them, earning points and gift cards. I can usually get a reserv through them when no one else can, and their reviews have been supurb.
Enjoy your Night out!