Chicago is a city that doesn’t just eat—it dines. From deep-dish devotees to fine-dining aficionados, the city’s restaurant scene offers a delicious blend of bold flavors, global inspiration, and homegrown culinary innovation. Whether you’re craving Michelin-starred luxury or the best tacos on the block, Chicago’s kitchens deliver with soul and style. Here’s your definitive guide to the top 10 restaurants that truly define what it means to eat well in the Windy City.
1. Alinea
Image Credit: Alinea Restaurant
Dining at Alinea is nothing short of a theatrical experience. Located in Lincoln Park, this world-renowned, three-Michelin-starred restaurant redefines what modernist cuisine can be. The ambiance is sleek, artful, and intimate—every table feels like a private stage. Service is flawlessly choreographed, equal parts welcoming and mesmerizing. It’s an undeniable splurge, but the creativity and sensory wonder make it more than worth the price. The cuisine is avant-garde, experimental fine dining.
Best Dish to Try: The edible balloon. It’s playful, unexpected, and just one example of the multisensory magic you’ll encounter.
Unique Elements: Ever-changing tasting menus, interactive dishes, and a reputation as one of the best restaurants in the world.
Overall Impression: Alinea is a bucket-list destination where food, art, and science collide. It’s not just a meal—it’s an unforgettable journey.
2. Girl & the Goat
Image Credit: Girl & the Goat
Stephanie Izard’s West Loop hotspot remains a cornerstone of Chicago’s dining culture. The space buzzes with energy, blending rustic charm with urban edge. Service is upbeat, informed, and genuinely enthusiastic about the menu. Prices are mid-to-high, but the portions and flavor punch make it feel like a deal. The cuisine is bold, globally-inspired American small plates.
Best Dish to Try: The roasted pig face—don’t let the name deter you. It’s rich, crispy, and packed with flavor.
Unique Elements: A fearless menu that blends street food with fine-dining finesse, and a lively communal vibe.
Overall Impression: A playful, flavorful must-visit that combines fun with finesse. Perfect for group dining or a casual-but-special night out.
3. Oriole
Image Credit: Oriole
Tucked into an unassuming alley in the West Loop, Oriole is a hidden gem of sophistication. The interior is refined and serene, with soft lighting and a calm, open kitchen that exudes confidence. Service is elegant and deeply personal. It’s definitely an investment, but the tasting menu is worth every penny. The cuisine is refined Contemporary American with global touches.
Best Dish to Try: The ever-changing Japanese A5 wagyu course, which is often grilled tableside for maximum effect.
Unique Elements: Discreet alley entrance, small and intimate setting, and an impressive seasonal tasting menu.
Overall Impression: An under-the-radar fine-dining jewel that delivers luxury without pretension. Quietly one of Chicago’s best.
4. Kasama
Image Credit: John Sena
Kasama is redefining what Filipino food can be in America. Located in East Ukrainian Village, it transitions from a beloved bakery by day to a tasting-menu fine-dining experience at night. The atmosphere is modern and cozy with artistic flair. Service is warm and casual during the day, and refined and knowledgeable at night. Whether you’re here for pastries or the 13-course dinner, it’s worth every dollar. The cuisine is Filipino with French technique.
Best Dish to Try: The longanisa sandwich by day, or the black truffle adobo at night.
Unique Elements: It’s the world’s first Michelin-starred Filipino restaurant, and the husband-wife chef team brings heart and precision to every bite.
Overall Impression: A brilliant blend of comfort and high-concept innovation. Come for breakfast, return for a once-in-a-lifetime dinner.
5. Elske
Image Credit: Matt Libog
This Scandinavian-inspired gem in the West Loop lives up to its name (Elske means “love” in Danish). The space is minimalist and calming, with clean lines and a lovely outdoor courtyard. Service is intentional and unhurried. Prices are fair for such thoughtful cooking. The cuisine is Modern Scandinavian with seasonal American influences.
Best Dish to Try: The duck liver tart with buckwheat and pickled ramps—it’s a signature for a reason.
Unique Elements: A gorgeous heated patio, a focus on fermented and foraged ingredients, and a serene atmosphere.
Overall Impression: Elske offers a uniquely tranquil and deeply satisfying meal that balances style and substance.
6. Pequod’s Pizza
Image Credit: Lee D.
No list of Chicago restaurants is complete without deep-dish, and Pequod’s in Lincoln Park reigns supreme. The vibe is classic Chicago dive—with dim lights, red booths, and the scent of caramelized cheese in the air. Service is fast and efficient, even when it’s packed (which it usually is). The price is great for the size and quality. The cuisine is iconic deep-dish pizza.
Best Dish to Try: The sausage deep-dish with caramelized crust. It’s the gold standard.
Unique Elements: That chewy, crispy, burnt cheese crust that sets it apart from every other pie in town.
Overall Impression: A must-visit for any pizza lover. Pequod’s proves deep-dish can be indulgent, balanced, and downright addictive.
7. Lula Cafe
Image Credit: Lula Cafe
Located in Logan Square, Lula Cafe is a pioneer of Chicago’s farm-to-table movement. The vibe is creative, laid-back, and artsy—with rotating local artwork and an ever-changing menu. Service is casual but attentive, and the prices are modest for the quality. The cuisine is seasonal New American with global influences.
Best Dish to Try: The Pasta Yiayia, a simple but beloved dish with brown butter, feta, and cinnamon.
Unique Elements: A strong commitment to local farmers, artistic touches throughout, and a brunch that draws crowds for a reason.
Overall Impression: An essential Chicago neighborhood restaurant that feels like home and tastes like innovation.
8. Mi Tocaya Antojería
Image Credit: Mi Tocaya Antojería
Chef Diana Dávila’s vibrant spot in Logan Square is a love letter to regional Mexican cuisine. The decor is colorful and welcoming, bursting with character. Service is relaxed, friendly, and knowledgeable about each dish’s cultural backstory. Pricing is fair, especially for such high-quality ingredients. The cuisine is Mexican, rooted in tradition and elevated with bold creativity.
Best Dish to Try: The peanut salsa-topped lengua tacos or the queso fundido with house-made chorizo.
Unique Elements: Hyper-regional Mexican specialties rarely seen elsewhere, and a heartfelt, storytelling-driven menu.
Overall Impression: A joyful, flavor-packed dining experience that celebrates the complexity of Mexican food. It’s soulful, smart, and unforgettable.
9. Monteverde
Image Credit: Jacqueline C.
In the West Loop, Monteverde masterfully blends Italian tradition with Midwestern sensibility. The ambiance is warm, woodsy, and inviting—with a glassed-in pasta-making station front and center. Service is polished but fun. It’s on the pricier side for pasta, but the quality and craftsmanship more than justify it. The cuisine is modern Italian.
Best Dish to Try: The cacio e pepe or the ragu alla Napoletana with hand-pulled cavatelli.
Unique Elements: House-made pastas crafted visibly in front of diners, a stellar wine list, and a lively, welcoming atmosphere.
Overall Impression: A pasta lover’s paradise where tradition meets technique. It’s comforting, elegant, and consistently delicious.
10. Parachute
Image Credit: Davin L.
This tiny Avondale treasure offers Korean-American cuisine with a modern twist. The minimalist interior keeps the focus on the bold, inventive flavors. Service is personable and attentive without being overbearing. It’s moderately priced, with great value for its originality. The cuisine is Korean-American fusion.
Best Dish to Try: The bing bread with whipped butter and crispy onions—it’s iconic and wildly addictive.
Unique Elements: A small, rotating menu packed with inventive flavor combinations and the intimate, neighborhood feel.
Overall Impression: A small-but-mighty spot offering some of the most original food in the city. It’s creative, craveable, and totally unique.
Your Culinary Adventure Awaits
Chicago’s food scene is as diverse and vibrant as the city itself. From the cutting-edge genius of Alinea to the gooey, glorious comfort of Pequod’s, each of these restaurants offers a distinct perspective on what makes this city so delicious. Whether you’re savoring handmade soba at Kasama or twirling forkfuls of pasta at Monteverde, you’re tasting a piece of Chicago’s ever-evolving story.
But this list is just a beginning. Each neighborhood is a feast waiting to be explored. So grab a fork, follow your appetite, and create your own unforgettable map of Windy City eats. Let us know your favorites in the comments below—we’re always hungry for more.
