Chicago’s restaurant scene truly has something for everyone, which makes choosing the top 10 restaurants in Chicago a formidable task.
Chicago is the City of Neighborhoods, many of which are known for the immigrant populations that have established roots and contributed their distinct flavors to this melting pot. From authentic Mexican cuisine in Pilsen to Eastern European delights in Ukrainian Village, foodies looking for enticing international options simply have to go across town to travel the world via their plates.
Chicago also has an extremely upscale side to its restaurant scene, which comes as no surprise as it hosts the James Beard Awards ceremony. Bucket-list-topping, Michelin-star-winning molecular gastronomy is just one Chicago restaurant trend you’ll find here.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, Chicago is also known for its inventive takes on American staples like hot dogs and pizza. You can’t go far without coming across a stand serving Chicago-style hot dogs or one of the city’s iconic deep dish pizza chains.
While it’s difficult to narrow down Chicago’s complex restaurant scene into just 10 choices, we’ve done our best. Without further ado, here’s our personal roundup of the top 10 restaurants in Chicago.
Top 10 Restaurants in Chicago
After taking into consideration all of what Chicago’s restaurant scene has to offer – from cheap eats to upscale experiences and ethnic gems – these are the best places to eat in downtown Chicago, in our opinion:
- Lula Cafe
- 1308 Chicago
- Alinea
- Kimski
- Park & Field
- Chicago Diner
- Manny’s Cafeteria & Delicatessen
- Uru-Swati
- The Piggery
- Angelina Ristorante
1. Lula Cafe
Lula Cafe has been a pioneer in the farm-to-table movement since 1999, shaping the Logan Square neighborhood into the hip foodie destination it is today. This inventive “cafe” is open nearly all day and serves brunch, lunch, and dinner in a funky space.
Lula Cafe is one of the best restaurants in Chicago, according to its spot on the Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand list and multiple James Beard Award nominations. The restaurant is known for its brunch, which offers delights like cannoli French toast – topped with ricotta, cherry orange marmalade, pistachios, and chocolate chips – and its signature breakfast burrito. Dinner favorites include the pasta yiayia (a sweet and savory bucatini made with feta, garlic, brown butter, and cinnamon) and chilled spicy peanut noodles. Getting a table here can be difficult, but it’s worth the wait and effort!
2. 1308 Chicago
Southern food may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the top 10 restaurants in Chicago, but 1308 Chicago is a can’t-miss spot. This Black-owned “speak-eatery” is known for its cocktails and Southern food with an original spin. If its spot on the Michelin Guide’s recommendations isn’t enough to give it a try, we don’t know what is.
You have to order the restaurant’s corn ribs: cobs of corn sliced like the meat version of the dish, slathered in sauce. While many of the dishes are vegetarian-friendly, the chicken burger is a must-try. It incorporates a Gochujang sauce for an unexpected fusion of Korean flavor. And the empanadas, which are filled with apples and drizzled with caramel, are a new take on classic apple pie. Similar to 1308 Chicago’s food menu, its cocktail list features updated classics, like a rosemary negroni, spicy paloma, and dirty chai latte martini.
1308 Chicago is both a destination in its own right and the perfect place to get dinner and drinks before catching a show at the Salt Shed–the former Morton Salt factory-turned entertainment venue across the street.
3. Alinea
Not only is Alinea one of the best restaurants in Chicago, it’s also one of the best restaurants in the world. Alinea is only one of 13 in the United States with three Michelin stars and holds a spot on the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list, making it a bucket list destination if you can snag a reservation and swing the $265-$495 per person price tag.
Fans of Netflix’s Chef’s Table will recognize Alinea’s chef and owner Grant Achatz from the show. Even those unfamiliar with his story can appreciate a once-in-a-lifetime dining experience at one of the best places to eat in downtown Chicago.
The ever-changing multi-course experience includes experimental dishes unlike anything you’ll have elsewhere. The “Paint” dessert gets rave reviews and comprises crumbled liquid-nitrogen-frozen chocolate mousse arranged alongside coulis in a way that resembles a Jackson Pollock painting.
4. Kimski
Kimski represents the beauty of Chicago’s melting pot. This pick for top 10 restaurants in Chicago fuses Korean and Polish cuisines in the historically Polish Bridgeport neighborhood. The unexpected combination represents the owner’s heritage and brings foodies an inventive and delicious menu.
Highlights include Kimski poutine (fries topped with kimchi beer gravy and Wisconsin cheddar curds), potato and cheese pierogies, and a Polish sausage served with kimchi.
If our recommendation isn’t enough for you to try Kimski, its spot on Time Out’s list of top Chicago restaurants you have to try in 2024 might sway you.
5. Park & Field
Park & Field is on our list of top 10 restaurants in Chicago because it’s a fan favorite. With more than 1,000 reviews, it has a 4+ star average rating on Google, which is no easy feat. Park & Field is more than just a restaurant; it’s an experience. Its bocce courts, many event spaces, and dog-friendly nature make it the perfect place for gathering, especially during Chicago’s beautiful summers. You can host your own party at the restaurant (and pay no rental fee), or come to one of the venue’s many events, like a screening of Vanderpump Rules and a sports game.
When it comes to food, Park & Field has something for everyone. Its menu features bar food classics like shareable appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, and salads, all while highlighting options for customers with dietary restrictions. The restaurant also has an extensive drinks list with craft beers, ciders, seltzers, cocktails, and slushies. Those abstaining from booze can also join in on the fun by choosing from several mocktail options.
6. Chicago Diner
While vegan and vegetarian diets have been on the rise in recent years, the Chicago Diner has been meat free since 1983, making it a pioneer and one of the best vegan restaurants in Chicago. This legendary establishment has won numerous accolades, including nods from the Michelin Guide and spots on best-of rankings from local press and vegetarian media outlets.
Customers can indulge in vegan versions of classic dishes like fish and chips, “chicken” parm, and Reuben sandwiches. The Chicago Diner also has lots of gluten-free options and two locations, making it accessible in more ways than one.
7. Manny’s Cafeteria & Delicatessen
New York City has Katz’s Deli and Chicago has Manny’s. This Chicago landmark earns a spot on our list of top 10 restaurants in Chicago thanks to its classic deli menu and 4.5-star Google rating after nearly 4,000 reviews.
A meal at Manny’s will make you feel like you’re back in your school cafeteria (but with much better food). Don’t expect restaurant table service here. Instead, you’ll grab a tray and go through the deli counter line to select your meal.
From breakfast to lunch and dinner, Manny serves deli favorites like lox on a bagel, challah French toast, Reuben sandwiches, matzo ball soup, and more. You can dine in or bring deli meats, pastries, and schmears home.
8. Uru-Swati
Chicago’s Devon Avenue is known as Little India and is home to dozens of Indo-Pakistani gems. Uru-Swati is on our list because it’s one of the best Indian restaurants in Chicago and also one of the best vegan restaurants in Chicago. It’s also been featured on Check, Please!, a local show in which foodies highlight their favorite restaurants. This largely plant-based spot is known for being a good value and bringing a lot of flavor to every dish.
Customers rave about the paper masala dosa, which is a thin, two-foot long crepe made of lentils and rice and served with spiced potatoes. The chana masala, chickpeas in a savory curry, is another crowd pleaser. With the majority of Uru-Swati’s menu priced below $15, you can fill your stomach while keeping your wallet full.
9. The Piggery
Like the name implies, the Piggery is all about indulgence. This establishment earns a spot on our list of top 10 restaurants in Chicago for its sandwiches and barbecue dishes. Locals may remember seeing the Piggery on Chicago’s Best, a show that highlights the city’s top restaurants.
Customers love the pulled pork sandwich, which is topped with fried onion strings. If you’re craving something heavier, opt for the ribs, mac and cheese, or pizza, or try a little bit of everything by ordering the Piggery trifecta platter. This weekend-only dish comes with a half slab of ribs, pork belly burnt end, a Texas link, baked beans, coleslaw, white bread, and pickles.
Beyond its enticing menu, the Piggery is a great spot to visit during the summer thanks to its rooftop terrace.
We also love the restaurant’s Instagram captions!
10. Angelina Ristorante
Chicago is home to incredible Italian food options and one of the best Italian restaurants in Chicago, in our opinion, is Angelina Ristorante. But you don’t have to take our word for it. The restaurant has also gotten attention from publications like Chicago Magazine, the Infatuation, and Eater Chicago. Located steps away from Wrigley Field in Lakeview, Angelina Ristorante is a local go-to.
In addition to serving classic Italian dinner dishes like beef short rib and rigatoni bolognese, the restaurant is most known for its brunch. For $30, you can get an entree and indulge in champagne. The eggs benedict and banana stuffed french toast are also fan favorites.
Chicago’s vibrant food scene has something for everyone. Narrowing this list down to just the top 10 restaurants in Chicago was a nearly impossible task, so if we missed your restaurant, shoot us a message!
Katherine is the Content Marketing Manager at TouchBistro, where she writes about trending topics in food and restaurants. The opposite of a picky eater, she’ll try (almost) anything at least once. Whether it’s chowing down on camel burgers in Morocco or snacking on octopus dumplings in Japan, she’s always up for new food experiences.
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