Alright, let’s be real. When people think of Chicago food, their minds jump to deep-dish pizza and hot dogs dragged through the garden. And while we love our classics, that’s just scratching the surface. This city is a culinary heavyweight, a gritty, glorious playground of Michelin stars, legendary neighborhood joints, and bold new flavors that will blow you away.
This isn’t just another list. This is your battle plan for conquering the best bites in the Windy City. From once-in-a-lifetime splurges to the spots you’ll want to hit up every week, these are the 10 places that make Chicago one of the greatest food cities on the planet.
| Restaurant | Neighborhood | Cuisine | Price Guide | Vibe / Perfect For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alinea | Lincoln Park | Modernist American | $$$$ | The Ultimate Splurge, A Culinary Performance |
| Oriole | West Loop | Contemporary American | $$$$ | An Elegant Investment, Milestone Anniversaries |
| Kasama | Ukrainian Village | Modern Filipino | $ / $$$ | A Bustling Bakery & An Intimate Tasting Menu |
| Smyth | West Loop | Contemporary American | $$$$ | Elevated Farm-to-Table, Effortless Luxury |
| Boka | Lincoln Park | Contemporary American | $$$ | A Polished & Perfect Meal, High-End Date Night |
| Monteverde | West Loop | Italian | $$ | The Best Dinner Party, A Fun Night Out |
| Girl & The Goat | West Loop | Globally Inspired | $$ | A Perpetual Party, High-Energy Group Dinners |
| ABA Chicago | Fulton Market | Mediterranean | $$ | A Breezy Rooftop Escape, Summer Nights |
| River Roast | River North | Contemporary American | $$$ | Dinner with a View, Impressing Guests |
| The Dearborn | The Loop | American Tavern | $$ | A Downtown Go-To, Pre-Theater Dinner |
1. Alinea
Cuisine: Modernist American
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park
Price: $$$$ (The Ultimate Splurge)
Vibe: A futuristic art gallery meets a science lab.
Google Rating: 4.8 / 5
Michelin Status: ★★★
Let’s get one thing straight: you don’t just eat at Alinea, you experience it. This is the pinnacle, the bucket-list reservation that changes how you think about food. Chef Grant Achatz is more of a culinary wizard than a cook, turning dinner into a multi-sensory performance. Expect edible balloons, dishes that assemble themselves at the table, and flavors that are both mind-bending and breathtakingly delicious. It’s an expensive, theatrical, and unforgettable journey that solidifies Chicago’s place on the world stage.
Pro-Tip: When booking, spring for “The Gallery” experience. It’s the most immersive and theatrical option where you’ll see the kitchen in full swing. Also, clear your schedule—this is a three-to-four-hour affair you won’t want to rush.
2. Oriole
Cuisine: Contemporary American
Neighborhood: West Loop
Price: $$$$ (Elegant Investment)
Vibe: An intimate and sophisticated sanctuary for a milestone anniversary.
Google Rating: 4.8/ 5
Michelin Status: ★★
Tucked away in a quiet West Loop alley, Oriole is the definition of understated luxury. If Alinea is a rock concert, Oriole is a flawless symphony. You enter through a freight elevator into a serene, intimate dining room that feels like a secret club for people who are serious about food. Chef Noah Sandoval’s tasting menu is a masterclass in precision and grace, where every single ingredient shines. The service is so intuitive and warm, you’ll feel like the only person in the room.
Pro-Tip: Trust the sommelier. Their beverage pairings (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) are brilliant and elevate the meal from incredible to sublime. Be sure to mention any special occasion when you book.
3. Kasama
Cuisine: Modern Filipino
Neighborhood: Ukrainian Village
Price: $ (Daytime) / $$$ (Dinner)
Vibe: Energetic bakery by day; intimate tasting menu by night.
Google Rating: 4.5 / 5
Michelin Status: ★
Kasama is a true Chicago success story. By day, it’s a bustling bakery with lines around the block for life-changing pastries and one of the best breakfast sandwiches in America. By night, it transforms into a world-renowned destination offering a fine-dining tasting menu that celebrates Filipino cuisine with incredible creativity and heart. Chefs Timothy Flores and Genie Kwon have created something truly special—a place that feels both like a neighborhood staple and a world-class restaurant.
Pro-Tip: For the daytime cafe, go on a weekday to avoid the longest lines. For the dinner tasting menu, reservations are released months in advance and sell out instantly—set an alarm and be ready.
4. Smyth
Cuisine: Contemporary American
Neighborhood: West Loop
Price: $$$$ (Elevated Farm-to-Table)
Vibe: Effortlessly cool and comfortable, luxury that whispers instead of shouts.
Google Rating: 4.6 / 5
Michelin Status: ★★
Forget everything you think you know about “farm-to-table.” At Smyth, Chefs John and Karen Urie Shields aren’t just using fresh ingredients; they’re creating a deeply personal dialogue between their farm and your plate. The tasting menu is an ethereal journey through the seasons, presented in a gorgeous, minimalist space that feels like a cozy Scandinavian living room. It’s inventive, soulful, and so beautiful you’ll almost feel bad digging in… almost.
Pro-Tip: Can’t snag a reservation? Head downstairs to their sister bar, The Loyalist. It’s a chic, subterranean spot that serves what many locals consider the absolute best burger in Chicago.
5. Boka
Cuisine: Contemporary American
Neighborhood: Lincoln Park
Price: $$$ (Polished & Perfect)
Vibe: Sophisticated, chic, and always buzzing for a high-end date night.
Google Rating: 4.7 / 5
Michelin Status: ★
For over a decade, Boka has been the gold standard for upscale dining in Chicago. It’s the place you go when you want a guaranteed phenomenal meal without any fuss. The dining room is stunning (check out that living wall), the service is impeccable, and Chef Lee Wolen’s cooking is consistently brilliant. This Lincoln Park icon is a Chicago institution for a reason—it simply never misses.
Pro-Tip: When making your reservation, request a table in the back dining room for a fantastic view of the iconic living wall. It makes for a stunning photo backdrop.
6. Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio
Cuisine: Italian
Neighborhood: West Loop
Price: $$ (Worth the Wait)
Vibe: Loud, lively, and incredibly fun, like the best dinner party you’ve ever been to.
Google Rating: 4.7 / 5
Michelin Status: Featured
If carbs are your religion, prepare to worship at the altar of Monteverde. “Top Chef” alum Sarah Grueneberg has created a pasta paradise where you can watch the magic happen at the open pastificio (pasta workshop). The menu is a perfect blend of traditional Italian comfort and bold, creative twists. The energy here is infectious, the food is soul-warming, and every bite of handmade pasta will make you wonder what you’ve been eating your whole life.
Pro-Tip: The Cacio Whey Pepe is non-negotiable—just order it. For reservations, try looking for a 5 PM or 9 PM slot on a weekday; they’re your best bet. Otherwise, try your luck for a walk-in spot at the bar.
7. Girl & The Goat
Cuisine: Globally Inspired
Neighborhood: West Loop
Price: $$ (High Energy, High Flavor)
Vibe: A perpetual party fueled by creative food and a great soundtrack.
Google Rating: 4.7 / 5
Michelin Status: Bib Gourmand
Years after opening, getting a table at Stephanie Izard’s flagship restaurant is still one of the toughest tickets in town. And for good reason. Girl & The Goat is a whirlwind of bold flavors, wood-fired everything, and a high-octane energy that defines the West Loop. The menu of globally inspired small plates is designed for sharing, so grab a group of adventurous friends and order as much as you can. It’s loud, it’s fun, and it’s always ridiculously delicious.
Pro-Tip: Go with a group of 3-4 so you can try more dishes. Let your server guide you, but if the Wood Oven Roasted Pig Face or Sautéed Green Beans are on the menu, they are absolute must-orders.
8. ABA Chicago
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Neighborhood: Fulton Market
Price: $$ (Rooftop Scene)
Vibe: A breezy, beautiful rooftop escape for summer nights with friends.
Google Rating: 4.8 / 5
Michelin Status: Featured
Step into Aba and you’ll forget you’re in Chicago. This stunning rooftop restaurant feels like a lush Mediterranean oasis, with trees, string lights, and fire pits creating a magical atmosphere. The menu is built for sharing, featuring incredible hummus, spreads, and kebabs that will transport you straight to a Tel Aviv cafe. It’s a see-and-be-seen spot that actually backs it up with fantastic food and cocktails.
Pro-Tip: Always request a patio table. For the full experience, order the “Spread ‘Em All” so you can sample all their incredible dips and spreads with fresh-baked bread.
9. River Roast
Cuisine: Contemporary American
Neighborhood: River North
Price: $$$ (Dinner with a View)
Vibe: Upscale tavern meets riverfront spectacle, perfect for impressing guests.
Google Rating: 4.6 / 5
Michelin Status: Not Listed
Location, location, location. Perched right on the water, River Roast boasts one of the most breathtaking views of the Chicago River and the city skyline. But this isn’t just a tourist trap with a pretty face. The concept is centered around dramatic, whole-roasted meats, chicken, and fish that are carved right at your table. Add in live blues music and a fantastic drink list, and you have a quintessential Chicago dining experience.
Pro-Tip: Book your table for about 30 minutes before sunset. You’ll get to see the city transition from day to night, with the lights twinkling on over the river. It’s pure magic.
10. The Dearborn
Cuisine: American Tavern
Neighborhood: The Loop
Price: $$ (Downtown Go-To)
Vibe: A classic, sophisticated American brasserie that’s reliable and comfortable.
Google Rating: 4.7 / 5
Michelin Status: Not Listed
Nestled in the heart of the Loop’s theater district, The Dearborn is the urban tavern you’ve always been looking for. It’s a grand, welcoming space that feels both timeless and modern, offering a perfect escape from the downtown hustle. The Midwestern-focused menu is packed with elevated comfort food (get the fish and chips), and the bar program is absolutely top-notch.
Pro-Tip: This is the ultimate pre-theater dinner destination. When you book, let them know you have a show to catch, and their expert staff will ensure you have a fantastic meal without having to rush to your seats.
Now it’s your turn. We’ve shared our top 10, but the conversation doesn’t end here.
Which of these Chicago restaurants are you most excited to try?
Did we miss one of your favorite spots that deserves a spot on this list?
Drop your thoughts and suggestions below — your recommendation could be featured in our next update!
If you found this guide helpful, share it with a fellow foodie or tag us on social media using #ChicagoEats or #TasteChicago to show us your dining adventures. We’d love to see what you’re savoring!
