15 perfect restaurants in Chicago, United States
Sophie Watts
US Travel Writer
Welcome to the windy city of Chicago, where deep-dish pizzas reign supreme and culinary delights await at every corner. A recent gastronomical expedition has unearthed the city's 15 best restaurants, bursting with flavors that will make your taste buds tap-dance with joy. From charming Italian trattorias that will have your grandmother nodding in approval to avant-garde eateries that redefine the term "food experience," Chicago has got your cravings covered. Just remember to bring an empty stomach and a stretchy waistband – trust us, you'll need them both!
Save destination1. Bavette's Bar & Boeuf
218 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA
Welcome to Bavette's Bar & Boeuf, a whimsical oasis of culinary delight tucked away in the heart of Chicago. Prepare to embark on a carnivorous adventure as you step into this cozy, dimly lit steakhouse where the meat is as tender as a love-struck poet's heart. Be prepared for flavor explosions that will make your taste buds dance the cha-cha, as Bavette's expertly marries classic steakhouse fare with a sprinkle of delightful surprises.
Learn more2. Eataly Chicago
43 E Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Welcome to Eataly Chicago, where you'll find yourself caught in the ultimate Italian love affair right in the heart of the Windy City! With two sprawling floors of culinary delights, this food lover's paradise is a tantalizing blend of gourmet grocery store, bustling market, and lively restaurants, all under one roof. Prepare to indulge in a feast for the senses, as your taste buds embark on a journey through the delicious nuances of Italy's rich gastronomic landscape.
Learn more3. Blackbird
619 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60661, USA
Nestled in the heart of the vibrant city of Chicago, Blackbird is a restaurant that promises to tickle your taste buds and jazz up your culinary escapades. With a quirky blend of sophistication and playfulness, this eatery effortlessly blends art and food, bringing you a gastronomic experience that will leave your taste buds dancing and your Instagram followers drooling. From their perfectly seared scallops that melt in your mouth to their decadent desserts that will make even the strictest of dieters contemplate a cheat day, Blackbird is a haven for food enthusiasts looking for a whimsical dining adventure.
Learn more4. Roister
951 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
Welcome to Roister, where culinary masterpieces are created with a playful twist, leaving your taste buds begging for more. Nestled in the heart of Chicago, this eccentric gem is a gastronomic delight with a mischievous demeanor. From their mouth-watering rotisserie chicken to their whimsical take on classic comfort foods, Roister prides itself on taking your dining experience to new, delicious heights. Diners beware – one taste of their unforgettable dishes and you'll be smitten with Roister's quirky charm, leaving you with an insatiable desire to return again and again.
Learn more5. Carnivale
702 West Fulton Market Street, 702 W Fulton St, Chicago, IL 60661, USA
Welcome to Carnivale, where all your senses will have a party of their own! This vibrant Chicago hotspot is a playground for foodies seeking a fiesta for their taste buds. Get ready to be dazzled by the carnival-inspired décor, sip on refreshing cocktails that will transport you to tropical destinations (without the pesky airfare), and indulge in mouthwatering Latin American and global fare that will leave you wanting more. If you're looking for a celebration that promises a kaleidoscope of flavors and a carnival atmosphere, Carnivale is the place to be!
Learn more6. The Publican
837 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
Welcome to The Publican, a lively and whimsical culinary haven nestled in the heart of Chicago. Prepare yourself for a feast fit for a locavore king, as this vibrant establishment boasts a menu bursting with farm-to-table creations. Indulge in their unique offerings, which include everything from succulent oysters that dance on your palate to hearty pork dishes that will leave you squealing with delight. Don't be fooled by the pub name, for The Publican is far from your average watering hole – it's an irresistibly quirky sanctuary for foodies seeking an unforgettable dining experience.
Learn more7. Next
953 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
Welcome to Next, the avant-garde culinary experience in the heart of Chicago! Prepare to have your taste buds sent on a wild rollercoaster ride as this restaurant takes you on an adventure through time and flavors. From dining in the roaring '20s to traveling to a mythical Japanese forest, Next will teleport you to different eras and cuisines faster than a Chicagoan trying to catch the L train during rush hour. So buckle up and get ready to feast like a time-traveling foodie!
Learn more8. Au Cheval
800 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
Welcome to Au Cheval, the culinary mecca for all breakfast lovers and self-proclaimed connoisseurs of the holy trinity: burgers, bacon, and beer. Located in the heart of Chicago, this beloved eatery promises a taste bud adventure like no other, with waits so long you'll have plenty of time to contemplate the meaning of life and invent a new dance move. Prepare to indulge in a burger experience that's so good, you might find yourself proposing to it instead of your significant other.
Learn more9. Giant
3209 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, USA
Welcome to Giant in Chicago, where the food is as colossal as the name suggests! Prepare to embark on a culinary adventure of gigantic proportions as you step into this delightful dining establishment. With a menu that promises to satiate even the most insatiable appetite, Giant is the perfect spot to indulge in ridiculously delicious food that will make your taste buds do jumping jacks of joy. And fear not, for there's no need to bring your magnifying glass - everything here is giant-sized, including the flavors!
Learn more10. Smoque BBQ
3800 N Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60641, USA
Welcome to Smoque BBQ, where the Chicagoans go to experience meaty nirvana. Nestled in the heart of the Windy City, this temple of smoked perfection is unlike any other. Brace yourself for a dangerously delicious encounter with tender brisket so succulent it could moonlight as a pillow, saucy ribs that make your taste buds tango, and sides that could win a cafeteria brawl. Just be prepared to leave with a newfound addiction and a permanent BBQ stain on your soul.
Learn more11. Schwa
1466 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622, USA
Welcome to Schwa in Chicago, where culinary magic meets the whimsical world of gastronomy! Brace yourself for an unforgettable dining adventure as you step into this unassuming restaurant that is anything but ordinary. Known for its eccentricity and elusive nature, Schwa offers a mind-boggling fusion of flavors that will make your taste buds do the happy dance, served by a staff that could moonlight as stand-up comedians if they weren't so skilled in creating masterpieces on a plate.
Learn more12. Girl & The Goat
809 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
Nestled in the vibrant city of Chicago, Girl & The Goat stands as a culinary gem that will make your taste buds dance like nobody’s watching. Step foot into this hip restaurant to embark on a gastronomic adventure where globally inspired flavors take center stage. Be prepared to embrace the delightful chaos of a menu so intriguing that even a cheese lover might consider ditching their beloved dairy for an evening (but let's be real, are we ever really ready to say goodbye to cheese?).
Learn more13. Alinea
1723 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614, USA
Welcome to Alinea, a culinary spaceship where gastronomy takes off to new, mind-bending heights. Nestled in the vibrant streets of Chicago, this Michelin three-star restaurant will unleash your taste buds on an intergalactic journey they never thought possible. Prepare to be astounded as you indulge in Chef Grant Achatz's daring flavor combinations, presented in dishes that look like they were curated by Picasso himself.
Learn more14. Oriole
661 W Walnut St, Chicago, IL 60661, USA
Welcome to Chicago, the Windy City! When it comes to dining, Oriole is an absolute gem nestled in this bustling metropolis. Prepare to be whisked away into a gastronomic wonderland where delectable dishes are served with a side of unforgettable charm. With its ingenious culinary creations, Oriole is a must-visit spot for food enthusiasts who are seeking a taste of pure magic while exploring the city.
Learn more15. Spiaggia
980 N Michigan Ave Suite 1, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
Welcome to Spiaggia, a little slice of Italy tucked away in the heart of the Windy City. Prepare yourself for a delightful dining experience where the Chicago skyline is the appetizer, and the panoramic lake views are the main course. This upscale Italian restaurant boasts a menu so exquisite, you might find yourself questioning if you accidentally crossed continents.
Learn moreHow to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Chicago by plane is to fly into O'Hare International Airport or Midway International Airport, both of which are served by major airlines from most major cities in the world. You can check prices and schedules on websites like Expedia or Kayak.
Car
The best way to get to Chicago by car is to take one of the major highways, such as I-90 or I-94, which both run through the city. However, be aware of traffic congestion during peak travel times.
Train
The best way to get to Chicago by train is to take an Amtrak train, which connects the city to other major cities in the United States, such as New York, Washington D.C., and Los Angeles. The main train station in Chicago is Union Station.
Boat
The best way to get to Chicago by boat is to take a ferry from Navy Pier to locations such as Michigan City or St. Joseph. However, this mode of transportation is not as common as the others and may have limited availability depending on the season.
Bus
The best way to get to Chicago by bus is to take a Greyhound bus, which connects the city to most major cities in the United States. The main bus station in Chicago is the Greyhound Station.