I haven’t been in Chicago in a long time and I wonder what are some great restaurants to visit. I would like to feel safe and possibly stay in downtown area for easy access.  
Recommendations please!

Le Colonial.  French/Vietnamese right on Oak Street. Enjoy!

Maple and Ash. It’s on most people’s top 3 list.

I cook from scratch extensively and have friends in the restaurant industry. So, I'm pretty choosy about what makes the cut. Here's 4 solid recommendations in the downtown area:  
1) Bazaar Meat by Jośe Andres-hands down my favorite restaurant in Chicago
2) Ema- Mediterranean  
3) Tzuco-upscale Mexican
4) Monteverde-Run by Grueneberg (the chef at the helm during Spiaggia's 4 star run)

Would respectfully add anything within the Boka Group including Boka, Swift & Sons, and Momotoro. Also check out Sepia, Brindille, North Pond Cafe and Les Nomad. All have great food & are good for dates imo.

BLVD
Marchesa
Grill on 21
Ever and After
Trivoli Tavern
The Smith

hampton social is a good seafood/lunch spot, get the lobster roll