Alright, let’s get real about Chicago for a second. You’ve probably got a checklist: see the Bean, snap a pic at the skydeck, maybe catch a game. But if you think deep-dish pizza is the headline act of Chicago’s food scene, you’re missing the whole beautiful, messy, delicious story.
This city’s culinary heart beats far beyond stuffed crust. We’re talking about innovative tasting menus in trendy neighborhoods, legendary steakhouses where deals are made, and immigrant-run storefronts serving some of the most authentic flavors you’ll find anywhere.
If you leave Chicago just eating hot dogs and pizza, you did it wrong.
Get ready to loosen your belt and explore. We’re bypassing the tourist traps to bring you the absolute best restaurants to visit in Chicago. This is your all-access pass to where locals go for a blowout celebration, a quick lunch, and everything in between.
From hallowed fine-dining institutions to a tucked-away spot with the city’s best sandwich, consider this your roadmap to eating incredibly well in the Windy City. Let’s dig in.
1. Alinea
Let’s start with the mountain top. Alinea isn’t just a meal; it’s a full-blown culinary event that has consistently ranked among the best restaurants in the world. Chef Grant Achatz is a pioneer of avant-garde, multi-sensory dining.
Dining here is like front-row tickets to the most innovative food theater on earth. You don’t just eat the food; you interact with it, smell it, and experience it in ways that will surprise and delight you.
Courses might arrive on a pillow of scented air, or you might be invited to “paint” your dessert on the table. The menu is a complete surprise, a procession of 18-22 small, meticulously crafted bites.
It’s an investment, both in time and money, but for a once-in-a-lifetime experience that redefines what dinner can be, Alinea is the undisputed king. Securing a reservation here is a feat, but it crowns any list of must-visit Chicago restaurants.
2. Girl & the Goat
When Stephanie Izard won Top Chef, Chicago won big. Girl & the Goat in the West Loop is where her brilliant, bold flavors took permanent root.
The vibe is loud, energetic, and unfussy—a place where creative, shareable plates are the star. The menu is organized into vegetable, fish, and meat sections, and everything is designed for passing around the table.
Dishes are packed with texture and unexpected combinations that just work. You have to try the pan-roasted pig face (trust us, it’s incredible) or the wood-fired goat empanadas. Even the roasted cauliflower becomes a dish you dream about.
It’s the perfect spot for a group that wants to try a bit of everything. Girl & the Goat is a cornerstone of the Chicago food scene and a top restaurant in Chicago for a reliably exciting meal.
3. Au Cheval
The debate over the best burger in America often starts and ends at Au Cheval. This dimly lit, retro diner in the West Loop doesn’t take reservations, and the wait can be epic.
But that first bite of their single cheeseburger explains the hype. It’s a masterpiece of simplicity: two thin, griddled patties, melted cheese, dijonnaise, pickles, and thick-cut bacon on a soft bun. It’s messy, salty, rich, and perfect.
But don’t sleep on the rest of the menu. The fried bologna sandwich is a cult favorite, and their thick-cut fries are some of the city’s best. The vibe is hipster diner meets serious culinary craft.
For a life-changing burger and a true taste of Chicago’s no-frills excellence, braving the Au Cheval wait is a rite of passage. It’s a legendary Chicago eatery for a reason.
4. The Publican
Imagine a beer hall, a butcher shop, and a seafood shack had a beautiful, rustic baby. That’s The Publican.
This West Loop staple, with its long communal tables and farmhouse vibe, is a celebration of oysters, pork, and beer. The focus is on high-quality, simple preparations of the best ingredients, sourced with an obsessive eye.
You’ll find an incredible raw bar, whole roasted fish, and some of the best pork dishes in the city. Their pork rinds are a must-start, and the Publican Burger is a sleeper hit.
The atmosphere is convivial and loud, perfect for a festive dinner with friends. For a meat-and-seafood-centric feast in a uniquely Chicago setting, The Publican is an essential place to eat in Chicago.
5. Monteverde
Craving next-level Italian? Monteverde, from Top Chef winner Sarah Grueneberg, is where you go. This modern Italian spot in the West Loop is pasta paradise.
The atmosphere is warm and bustling, centered around an open kitchen where you can watch the magic happen. Chef Grueneberg’s hand-rolled pastas are the undisputed stars of the show.
Dishes like the Tortellini in Brodo or the famous Mountain Cheese Stracci are deeply flavorful and technically perfect. But it’s not just pasta; the antipasti and secondi (main courses) are equally impressive.
The energy is infectious, and the food feels both comforting and exhilarating. For the best Italian food in Chicago, Monteverde is the current champion.
6. Smyth + The Loyalist
This is a two-for-one powerhouse. Downstairs, The Loyalist is a dark, sexy burger and sandwich bar that secretly serves one of the city’s best burgers—a dry-aged, saucy marvel. But ascend the hidden staircase, and you enter Smyth, a two-Michelin-starred temple of fine dining.
The tasting menu here is a breathtaking journey focused on hyper-local ingredients, often foraged or sourced from the restaurant’s own farm.
The experience at Smyth is intimate, artistic, and deeply connected to the Midwest’s seasons. It’s the yin to Alinea’s yang—less theatrical, more earthy and profound.
Having both a world-class casual spot and an elite tasting menu under one roof makes this duo one of the most unique dining experiences in Chicago.
7. Kasama
Get in line. Kasama in Ukrainian Village has achieved something rare: it’s a world-class bakery by day and a groundbreaking Filipino tasting menu restaurant by night. In the morning, the pastries are non-negotiable.
The ham and cheese danish and the ube basque cake have achieved cult status, with lines often stretching down the block.
At night, it transforms. The tasting menu is a vibrant, personal exploration of modern Filipino cuisine, earning it Chicago’s first-ever Michelin star for a Filipino restaurant.
From the perfect chicken adobo to innovative, delicate courses, it’s a revelation. Experiencing both sides of Kasama is to witness a culinary phenomenon and is a must-visit Chicago restaurant.
8. Lou Malnati’s
Okay, we can’t completely ignore the deep-dish. And if you’re going to do it, you go to an originator.
Lou Malnati’s is a Chicago institution, famous for its “buttercrust” and its method of layering cheese directly on the crust, followed by toppings, then a chunky tomato sauce. The result is a rich, hearty, and delicious pie that defines the genre for many.
It’s a different beast than thin-crust pizza—it’s a meal, an event. Order the “Lou” or create your own, and don’t forget the house salad with that iconic sweet dressing.
While locals debate the best deep-dish spot endlessly, Lou Malnati’s consistent quality and history make it the most iconic choice for visitors. Trying it is a classic Chicago food experience.
9. Parachute
Tucked away in the Avondale neighborhood, Parachute is a gem from chefs (and spouses) Beverly Kim and Johnny Clark.
This Michelin-starred spot feels like a cozy, stylish neighborhood restaurant, but the Korean-American food is anything but simple. The flavors are bold, personal, and incredibly satisfying.
Dishes like their famous potato bing bread (a crispy scallion pancake) or the dry-aged duck are modern classics. The menu is concise and designed for sharing, making every visit feel special yet approachable.
Finding Parachute is like discovering a secret that the whole food world is in on. It’s a top-tier neighborhood restaurant in Chicago.
10. Giant
In the heart of Logan Square, Giant lives up to its name in flavor, not pretension. This is a chef-driven neighborhood spot where the vibe is relaxed, the service is friendly, and every dish on the seasonal menu packs a serious punch.
The cooking is inventive and vegetable-forward, with pasta and proteins that are equally memorable.
Their garlicky shrimp toast is legendary, and their handmade pastas are always a highlight. It’s the kind of place where you can have an incredible, creative meal without needing a special occasion.
Giant exemplifies Chicago’s incredible neighborhood dining scene and is a local favorite for a reason.
11. Galit
For a taste of the Middle East that’s both comforting and thrilling, head to Galit in Lincoln Park. This Michelin-starred restaurant focuses on modern Israeli cuisine, centered around shareable plates and their incredible, fresh-baked pita.
The meal often starts with a choice of dips and spreads, accompanied by pita that’s fluffy, chewy, and downright magical.
From there, you can explore grilled meats, vibrant salads, and stunning vegetable dishes. The shawarma-spiced lamb shoulder is a showstopper.
The atmosphere is warm, colorful, and perfect for a communal meal. Galit offers an accessible yet extraordinary tasting of Levantine flavors and is a standout Chicago restaurant.
12. The Purple Pig
Located right on Michigan Avenue’s Magnificent Mile, The Purple Pig is a lifesaver for tired shoppers and savvy locals alike. The tagline says it all: “Cheese, Swine, and Wine.” This bustling, communal-table spot specializes in bold, Mediterranean-inspired small plates meant for sharing.
You can’t go wrong with the fried deviled eggs, the salt-roasted beets, or any of their incredible pork dishes. It’s loud, fun, and consistently delicious.
For a great meal in the middle of the tourist zone that doesn’t feel like a tourist trap, The Purple Pig is your go-to. It’s a perfect Chicago lunch spot.
13. Virtue Restaurant
In the historic Hyde Park neighborhood, Virtue is a celebration of Southern and Afro-Diasporic cuisine from chef Erick Williams.
The space is elegant but welcoming, and the food is nothing short of spectacular. This is soul food elevated with incredible technique and the finest ingredients.
The catfish sandwich is a masterpiece, and the braised short rib will melt in your mouth. The sides, like the mac and cheese or the braised greens, are stars in their own right. The hospitality is genuine and warm.
Dining at Virtue is a deeply satisfying and important culinary destination in Chicago.
14. HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen
In the Pilsen neighborhood, HaiSous offers some of the most authentic and vibrant Vietnamese food in the city. Chef Thai Dang brings his family’s recipes to life in a bright, modern space.
The menu is a beautiful exploration of flavors, from steaming bowls of pho to crispy imperial rolls and clay pot catfish.
Everything is fresh, aromatic, and balanced. The cá kho tộ (clay pot fish) is a must-try.
It’s a destination-worthy meal that transports you straight to the streets of Saigon. For outstanding, chef-driven Vietnamese cuisine, HaiSous is a top Chicago restaurant.
15. Superdawg Drive-In
No Chicago food tour is complete without a hot dog. And while you can get one anywhere, Superdawg is an experience. This iconic, vintage drive-in features giant statues of “Maurie and Flaurie,” the hot dog mascots, on the roof.
You order via intercom from your car and get your food delivered on a tray that hooks to your window.
The hot dog itself is a quality, custom-made beef frank on a poppy seed bun, topped with the classic “Chicago” fixings. The crinkle-cut fries and milkshakes are the perfect accompaniments.
It’s a slice of pure, delicious Americana. For a fun, nostalgic, and genuinely tasty hot dog, Superdawg is a classic Chicago institution.
9. Parachute
Tucked away in the Avondale neighborhood, Parachute is a gem from chefs (and spouses) Beverly Kim and Johnny Clark.
This Michelin-starred spot feels like a cozy, stylish neighborhood restaurant, but the Korean-American food is anything but simple. The flavors are bold, personal, and incredibly satisfying.
Dishes like their famous potato bing bread (a crispy scallion pancake) or the dry-aged duck are modern classics. The menu is concise and designed for sharing, making every visit feel special yet approachable.
Finding Parachute is like discovering a secret that the whole food world is in on. It’s a top-tier neighborhood restaurant in Chicago.
Conclusion
So, there you have it—your passport to one of the most exciting and diverse food cities on the planet.
You’ve gone from tasting menus that challenge perception to classic deep-dish that comforts the soul, from a burger that sparks national debate to Vietnamese clay pots that tell a family story. Chicago’s table is set with ambition, tradition, and global flavor.
Now, the hardest—and most fun—part is up to you. Will you book that impossible reservation or brave the line for a pastry? Will you go for a Michelin-starred feast or a perfect hot dog from a drive-in? The best Chicago trip tries a little of everything.
Don’t just read about these incredible restaurants to visit in Chicago—start planning your edible adventure.
Book those tables, map out your neighborhoods, and get ready to discover why this city is a true heavyweight champion of eating. Your unforgettable meal is waiting. Where will you go first?