chicago has one of the best food scenes in the US, if not the world. if you don’t know where to go though, it can be a bit overwhelming! i lived in downtown chicago for 3.5 years and tried my fair share of restaurants while there, so consider the below as your complete guide to chicago’s best restaurants. you’ll notice that some of my recommendations appear in more than one section in this guide – i just couldn’t narrow them down to one category! skip to a section by clicking one of the links below:
breakfast
pancakes, cinnamon rolls, and egg sandwiches galore. these restaurants are typically pretty casual and don’t require a reservation.
Little Goat Diner – Lakeview
opened by the same people behind girl and the goat, one of chicago’s most well-known restaurants, so you know this place is good. get their cinnamon roll.
the original pancake house – several (I go to Gold Coast)
there really is no better place to nurse a hangover in the city tbh. they have a huge menu filled with every sweet and savory breakfast option you can think of. the pancakes are obviously a must!
Stax cafe – river west
another great pancake spot!
southport Grocery and Cafe – Lakeview
a cute cafe with amazing breakfast options and unique grocery items.
Ann Sather – Lakeview
this no-frills swedish cafe is famous for their cinnamon rolls and for good reason!
brunch & lunch
many of the best restaurants in Chicago are known for their brunch and lunch offerings. I highly recommend making a reservation at these restaurants, especially on the weekend.
the Oakville – west loop
they describe themselves as “where napa valley meets chicago’s fulton market district” and I fully agree. I love the airy, earthy atmosphere in this restaurant, plus they have an awesome bar and incredible food. One of my bridal showers was also held here – it is an awesome event space!
Summer House Santa Monica – lincoln park
truly a quintessential chicago brunch spot. come here to enjoy their california-inspired menu in a bright, laid-back environment. ordering a bottle of rose is also a must. they also have an extensive display of pastries that are worth checking out.
Aba – fulton market
this mediterranean restaurant is well-known among chicagoans. aba’s space is gorgeous – filled with greenery, airy, and inviting – and their food is some of my absolute favorite in chicago. get the crispy potatoes, whipped feta, and crispy short rib hummus! we had our rehearsal dinner at aba, so safe to say I love it here!
beatrix – fulton market / river north
there are a few beatrix locations around the city, but I typically go to the fulton market or river north locations. It’s a modern cafe with great coffee and cocktails with even better food. i recommend the chilaquiles, green chicken chili, and straight “a” salad.
Happy camper – old town
Happy camper is a chicago staple. It’s the best Saturday afternoon starting point for a day bopping around Chicago’s bars, and they have delicious brunch. I always recommend the Old Town location over the wrigleyville location, except if you’re going to a cubs game, of course.
cira – Fulton Market
This expansive mediterranean restaurant in the bottom floor of the Hoxton Hotel is beautifully decorated and has a very comfortable atmosphere. The shakshuka is delicious, their banana bread sampler is a must-order for the table, and their burger is sneakily one of the best I’ve had in the city…
dinner
I’ve tried to make this list as concise as possible, but there are just too many amazing restaurants to choose from. you won’t regret going to any of these though. definitely make a reservation at these restaurants at least a few weeks in advance!
Aba – fulton market
as I mentioned in the brunch section, this mediterranean restaurant is one of my favorite places in the city. every single item I’ve tried has not disappointed, but I make sure to order the crispy potatoes, whipped feta, and crispy short rib hummus every single time.
avec – west loop / river north
another amazing mediterranean restaurant. the west loop location is very small / intimate, while the river north location is much roomier and has an awesome rooftop bar too. their chorizo stuffed dates wrapped in bacon are literally what dreams are made of – i think about these more often than I’d like to admit.
3 arts club – Gold Coast
such a cool restaurant in the restoration hardware store in the gold coast! it is of course beautifully decorated – think brick walls, arched windows, live trees, and a fountain in the middle of the restaurant. the food is always good too! I love the DÉLICE DE BOURGOGNE BOARD (strawberry preserves with a warm baguette), gem salad, burger, and shaved ribeye dip.
Momotaro – Fulton Market
definitely one of the best restaurants in Chicago. amazing japanese food – sushi, beef, rice dishes – they do it all. i highly recommend the beef tsukune sliders (a wagyu sausage with miso mustard wedged between a bao bun) and the chahan (a hot stone bowl of beef fried rice, prepared at the table). they also have an extensive drink menu – their monk’s journey cocktail is one of my favorite drinks in the city.
Siena Tavern – river north
one of my long-time favorite restaurants in the city. it’s awesome for groups big or small, they have fabulous espresso martinis, and their food is always top notch. the coccoli and burnt pepperoni pizza are the absolute must-orders, but you really can’t go wrong with the rest of the menu.
parlor pizza – west loop / river north
a laid-back pizza restaurant / bar, similar to happy camper! good for big groups.
Swift and Sons – fulton Market
incredible steak house. definitely a bit pricier (like any steakhouse), but worth it for a special occasion!
alla vita – West Loop
when this italian restaurant first opened, it was impossible to get a reservation. it’s still relatively difficult to book a reservation here, and for good reason. Their food is outstanding. the wood fired table bread and ricotta dumplings are the must-try items here, but make sure to try another pasta and a pizza too.
Green Street Smoked Meats – West Loop
unreal barbeque!! super casual – you order at the counter and find a seat. they also have a cool bar as well!
ema – river north
aba’s sister restaurant! similar menu to aba, but not the same. Very good, just a slightly less nice environment in my opinion.
Happy Camper – old town
a great brunch spot, but also an amazing casual dinner option. the dime piece pizza has a special place in my heart!!
rose mary – fulton market
this italian-croatian fusion restaurant was all the rage when it first opened. the interior is very light and airy with wooden fixtures and fun tiles throughout. all of the food and drinks I’ve had here have been amazing!
luxbar – gold coast
a chicago staple. This bar/restaurant is always packed, serving up high-end bar food and drinks. the french onion soup >>>
Avli – river north
there are several avli locations, but I typically end up at the River North one! the Lakeshore east location is great for nicer dinners though. I became obsessed with this restaurant during covid (mostly because it remained kind of open throughout covid). their drinks, atmosphere, and food are all 10/10. they used to have this orange cinnamon margarita that I’m still hoping they bring back someday. regardless, their trio of spreads is a must (tzatziki, hummus, and tirokafteri) and I also love their chicken souvlaki and saganaki.
ramen takeya – Fulton Market
delicious ramen!! casual restaurant.
pizzeria portofino – river north
gorgeous restaurant on the river! the place to go if you’re looking for amazing drinks, pizza, and vibes.
Trivoli Tavern – West Loop
a chicago classic. a cozy, but higher-end tavern tucked away down a brick alleyway. they have an awesome weekday happy hour that’s very popular too!
Qing Xiang Yuan (QXY) Dumplings – Chinatown
super unassuming and low frills, but there is almost always a line. so good!
Gibson’s italia – fulton river
there are several gibson’s restaurants in the city, and this one offers stunning views looking east down the river along with incredible italian food!
Chicago q – Gold Coast
a laid-back, cozy bbq restaurant. feels like you’re in someone’s home. love their bbq and of course all of their sides.
pequod’s – lincoln park
my personal favorite deep dish restaurant, but many “real” chicagoans don’t agree that it’s true chicago pizza (90% of them will tell you lou’s is the best of the best). regardless, this place is worth visiting!
fast casual
my fav fast casual restaurants! most of these are in several locations around the city. good for if you need a quick bite!
Small Cheval – Fulton River / old Town
the “fast food” version of the famous Au Cheval Restaurant. so so good!
sweetgreen – several
casual build your own salad chain restaurant.
Brown bag Seafood co – several
I don’t even like seafood, but got this all the time as it was in my office building. good salads / grain bowls.
Roti – several
mediterranean fast casual. similar to cava!
Firenze italian street food – west loop (inside ogilvie)
italian sandwich place inside of the french market in the ogilvie train station.
Velvet taco – west loop / gold coast
unique and delicious tacos!
Nando’s – west loop
chicago is one of the few US cities that has a nando’s! They are really big in the UK and specialize in peri peri chicken.
joe and the juice – gold coast / river north / loop
good juices and sandwiches.
Questions, comments, or thoughts?
let me know below!
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