In a country filled with some of the most robust metropolises in the world, Chicago is certainly an institution. And the restaurant scene is eclectic enough to rival any eatery in Paris, Rome, and beyond.
The best restaurants in Chicago are seasoned with all manner of surprises, from Peruvian plates to Italian icons. Below, we’ll take a savory tour through fine dining restaurants sumptuous enough to please the Roman gods, as well as a few local diners that you’ll never forget.
Tanta Chicago
Tanta features inventive Peruvian cuisine in a stylish setting inspired by the country’s colorful culture. It’s a fun place to bring a group of friends who might enjoy sharing small plates and various mains. The rooftop is also a magical setting, especially as the sun starts to set in Chicago. One thing’s for sure: a glass (or two) of their red sangria will complement every bite you eat.
Girl & The Goat
Continuing with the theme of small plates, Girl & The Goat delivers. It also rivals Tanta for its bright and glowing decor. The menu features an array of options, from beer brioche, to roasted oysters, to a sticky glazed pork shank served with butternut squash kimchi and hoisin mayo. Mouth watering, right?
The Purple Pig
The Purple Pig manages to tantalize every sense. It features the flavors of Italy, Greece, and Spain, with an open kitchen and the most beautiful setting. While their main menu is robust, featuring over ten different pork dishes and a bounty of seafood and red meat selections, this is a fun place to come for brunch, as well. Their Mushroom Brioche dish, as well as Papas Bravas (pork belly, egg, parmigiano, and roasted garlic and mustard aioli) take the cake.
Quartino Ristorante
Sticking with the flavors of Italy, Quartino certainly deserves a nod on any “best of” list. It’s a bustling bi-level space where groups of friends and family go for large, family-style plates and even larger carafes of delicious Italian wine. The food here is about as authentic as it comes, and, given its popularity, reservations are highly recommended.
Alla Vita
Even though we typically choose restaurants based on Michelin stars and Zagat reviews, the decor matters, as well. After all, it sets the stage for a most glorious date night or catch up with an old friend. Alla Vita is straight out of a dream with its cream, wave-like lighting, and greenery dripping from the rafters. Everything here is whimsical and light, including the menu. Their pasta is homemade; their pizza is dripping with fresh cheese, and their main dishes will sweep you away – especially the wood-fired sea bream.
Rose Mary
Have you ever indulged in an evening filled with Croatian cuisine? It’s a night you won’t forget. Some of the menu items at Rose Mary include Burek (beef, onion, and mozzarella), Crni (squid ink, lobster brodo, confit squid, and tarragon), and tortellini Djuvec (red pepper, eggplant, zucchini, and Parmigiano). Things here take an interesting twist, given its Italian fusion, and you certainly will not leave disappointed.
Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf
If you’re in the mood for an upscale evening at a steakhouse, look no further than Bavette’s. The New American menu is the star of the show in this ornate, dimly lit wood and brick setting. You’ll feel a bit like you’re an art deco goddess nestled into a booth beside a rich and handsome man before a night at a jazz club. Here, they embrace a fanciful French flair, assuring every dish will dazzle and delight the senses.
Lou Mitchell’s
With brunch on the mind, let’s head to one of the best diners in all of Chicago. Lou Mitchell’s has been pleasing its customers since 1923. Can you imagine who’s passed through these doors? It actually gets better than that. It’s on the National Register of Historic Places because it proudly bears the badge of honor as the first restaurant on Route 66. Simply put, you can’t go wrong with anything on this menu. You’ll enjoy all the classics – from fluffy omelets to cloud-like pancakes – with an elevated twist.
Eleven City Diner
Eleven City Diner may not have the storied history of Lou Mitchell’s, but don’t let that deter you. Here, you’ll find high-class deli standards and classic American diner meals to soothe the soul. Set in a casual, retro-style restaurant, this is a great place to come to relive some of your family favorites like corned beef and hash, bagels and schmears, and delicious brisket.
River Roast
Let our tour of the world continue right from the streets of Chicago! River Roast is an upscale eatery that takes a New American spin on popular British dishes. If that didn’t perk your ears up, the setting will. Situated on the iconic Chicago River, you’ll enjoy stunning views of downtown while sampling savory dishes like branzino, salmon, and pork schnitzel. When spring sets in, this is the place to be for their outdoor seating, especially for a nice Sunday brunch.
Sepia
Sepia is a joy to visit any time of year because their seasonal menu is ever-changing – and ever-enchanting. It’s inventive and seamlessly melds some of the finest upscale American cuisines with a welcoming brick, tile, and wood interior. They have a delightful four-course menu where you can craft everything to your individual tastes. Imagine lingering over white sturgeon caviar, leek and peppercorn veloute, crispy cream cheese gnudi, honeynut squash cappelletti, tête de moine, and finishing it all off with some white sesame mont blanc. Heavenly, right?
Frontera Grill
Frontera Grill is definitely the kind of place where reservations are recommended because people flock to this place like the mecca of Mexican goodness that it is. The bold, bright bursts of color that greet you when you walk in are the perfect start to what’s about to come. You’ll wonder what in the world they put in their guacamole to make it so creamy and dreamy. People love to savor the ceviches and raw bar before diving into their classic regional Mexican specialties like enchiladas de mole rojo, puerco en mole chichilo, and mixiote de borrego. The only other thing you won’t be able to resist is their wide range of magnificent margaritas!
Topolobampo
You’ll have fun just saying the name, never mind the wonderful experience about to be served. Topolobampo is slightly more upscale than Frontera Grill, with no shortage of mesmerizing menu options like pozole de mole rojo (Alaskan king crab), aguachile de mole verde oaxaqueño (Baja kampachi and Hudson Canyon sea scallop), and manchamenteles (queso añejo cheesecake). They call it the Feast of the Seven Moles, and boy, you will feel like you’re on holiday when you’re here.
True Food Kitchen
After indulging every last taste bud the night before, you might want to walk on the healthy side the next day – and True Food Kitchen is here to serve. Here, you’ll relax into an eco-chich chain that serves health-conscious fare and vegan options, but you aren’t afraid to cycle in a cocktail or two. Their shareable make for a memorable start, including the wild-caught tuna lettuce wraps, edamame dumplings, and Mediterranean hummus. Then, you can continue on to any number of salads and bowls, sourdough pizzas, burgers, handhelds, and fish-filled entrees. You’ll leave here feeling healthy, wholesome, and ready to take on the Windy City.
Time Out Market Chicago
Out of all the savory hotspots on this list, Time Out Market Chicago may be the number-one must-see. It’s a 50,000-square-foot industrial hub for chef-driven designs and crafty cocktails served amidst communal seating and a glorious rooftop deck. Every moment of this memory will live on in your mind forever. The air is electric, and there’s, quite literally, something here for everyone. There are also countless shows and events to entertain its guests, meaning you can dine, drink, and dance in the same sensational setting.
Roka Akor
If something about your time at Time Out Market got your taste buds fired up for Japanese cuisine, be sure to book a table at Roka Akor the next day. It’s an upscale Japanese restaurant and bar supplying steak, seafood, and sushi in a clean and contemporary setting. Their à la carte sashimi is refreshing and delightful. Their steaks come with the finest, freshest dressings. And, if it’s all too overwhelming to decide, their signature maki rolls will make your night.
Mon Ami Gabi
We dabbled in French cuisine at Bavette’s, but it’s time to go full throttle. Mon Ami Gabi is a charming French bistro that highlights the classics like steak frites and onion soup, all while pairing it with the finest selection of wines this side of paradise. Located in Lincoln Park, you’ll feel like you’re in the lap of luxury as soon as you arrive and be very well catered to.
Shaw’s Crab House
In case we haven’t lured you in with enough seafood dishes, Shaw’s Crab House is here to save the day. Here, you’ll step into a relaxed space with a vintage vibe featuring fresh seafood dishes, an oyster bar, and an ample selection of sushi. They’ve been serving up savory dishes like griddled garlic shrimp and parmesan-crusted haddock for 40 years and have never lost their touch.
Pequod’s Pizza
You didn’t think we’d leave you without a Chicago deep-dish pizza recommendation, did you? Certainly not! Pequod’s Pizza is the answer. It’s an institution known for a very specific style of deep dish delights that feature caramelized crusts in a relaxed and welcoming setting.
Lottie’s
We’ll end with what’s become a popular tourist attraction if you’ve ever become engrossed in Chicago Fire – or any of the Chicago series on NBC. If you’re on the lookout for a sighting from Sergeant Voight or Kelly Severide, head to Lottie’s. Although it’s just your quintessential American sports bar, it will be fun to feel like you’re stepping into a scene with all the handsome men.
Chicago | A Treat for the Senses
Indeed, Chicago is a treat from start to finish. We hope you’ll try any number of these restaurants because, from the main course to the nightcap, you’ll be unendingly impressed.
Before you hit the streets of Chicago, or any other bustling metropolis, be sure to check out our destination guides. Together, we’ll help you craft the perfect itinerary for a most memorable trip.