Chicago is known for having some of the best pizza around. But the Windy City is home to other 5-star cuisines, too. From upscale bistros to mom-and-pop diners to food trucks, restaurants offer something for every palate. Here's the scoop on dining options in the country's third-largest city.
Restaurants Downtown Chicago
Dining opportunities downtown are practically limitless. There are lots of bars & grills where you can grab a burger after work. You can also find cafes and upscale places with themes related to Chicago history or sports teams.
Since a lot of people work downtown, the dining scene here caters to busy people. There are many restaurants downtown Chicago where you can find multiple eateries under one roof in one of the many food courts. Another option, food halls, are a little more upscale than your average food court.
But, for the most part, they still allow for casual dining. Many popular Lettuce Entertain You restaurants are located here, too.
River North Restaurants
River North is like an extension of downtown, so you will find many of the same types of restaurants here that you see in the city's core. River North restaurants are an eclectic collection of ethnic eateries, cafes, steakhouses, and taverns.
Restaurants North Side Chicago
Beyond River North, Chicago's North Side encompasses several neighborhoods and a wide selection of dining options. The North Side is an incredibly diverse area, so you can find a lot of cultural cuisines — Asian, Latin American, European, and more.
West Loop Restaurants
The West Loop has grown considerably in recent years, drawing restaurants and other businesses to the area. In fact, Infatuation.com refers to the West Loop as the "Disneyland of neighborhoods" for Chicago restaurants. West Loop restaurants include several trendy eateries, many of which offer ethnic cuisine and casual dining options.
Restaurants on South Loop
The South Loop is another part of the city that has really grown over the last couple of decades. Restaurants on South Loop include everything from rooftop bar & grills to fast-casual places to steakhouses.
Southside Chicago restaurants feature a variety of ethnic cuisine, soul food, and standard American fare. One popular destination is The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant on Michigan Avenue two blocks south of Roosevelt Road.
Chinatown Restaurants for Full Flavor
Chinatown comprises a relatively small part of the city, but it's not lacking for restaurants. (The intersection of Wentworth and Cermak puts you right in the middle of this community).
Chinatown restaurants provide ample opportunities to taste authentic fare. New Chinatown Chicago restaurants are arriving on the scene fairly regularly, so if it's been a while since you visited this area, there are likely to be some restaurants there that weren't there the last time you stopped by.
Greektown Restaurants: The Legendary Gyro
While much of the Greek population has migrated from Greektown, several well-known restaurants remain. Greektown is a small area in the vicinity of South Halsted and West Jackson Boulevard.
Many restaurants in this neighborhood have been here for decades, and they strive to offer a dining experience similar to what you'd enjoy in Athens.
Restaurants Near Union Station
If you're looking for restaurants near the train station, you won't be disappointed. This part of downtown has a collection of restaurants and cafes, pubs, and fast food places.
You can also grab a meal or a snack in Union Station. In addition to individual lounges and restaurants, there is a food court on the mezzanine level.
Little Italy Restaurants
Little Italy restaurants on Chicago's West Side, especially around Taylor Street, run the gamut of dining options, from pizzerias that offer a more casual experience to upscale places that offer multiple courses and a wine list. This is the ideal locale to get a good piece of tiramisu.
Restaurants on the River Chicago: Enjoy the Riverwalk
To bring tourists to the often-overlooked and much-maligned River, the city has opened a Riverwalk. Restaurants on the Chicago River are mostly seasonal, so you may not find as many places open during the cooler months.
Restaurants by Chicago Parks
Wrigley Field, where the Chicago Cubs go to bat, is surrounded by too many eating places to count. Before and after game time, establishments on Clark Street are packed with revelers.
Downtown parks are surrounded by dining options too. Restaurants near Millennium Park offer a wide variety of dishes at every price range.
Several neighborhoods are especially well-known for their restaurant scene. These include the diverse Hyde Park on the city's south side, along with several "hipster" north side communities, such as Lincoln Park and Wicker Park.
Chicago Airport Restaurants: Grab a Bite Before Flight
Chicago is home to two airports, Midway Airport and O'Hare Airport. O'Hare is the larger and busier of the two, but both have great dining options within their network of terminals and concourses.
Some airport restaurants offer a menu and atmosphere parallel to what you'd find at the city's top eating establishments. There are also plenty of dining venues in the neighborhoods surrounding the airports.
Restaurants Near Chicago Theater
Whether you want a fancy dinner or a laid-back burger while checking out the city's theater scene, this part of town has something for you. Since the theater district is downtown, this area is definitely not lacking when it comes to dining venues.
Restaurants here cater to just about every budget and preference in terms of food and ambiance.
Old Town Restaurants
Old Town Chicago restaurants can be found from the near north area to Lincoln Park. This community features an incredibly diverse selection of dining options, from pubs to classy places.
Restaurants on Chicago Streets
Visitors to the city are especially likely to frequent Chicago restaurants downtown because they usually attend conventions and stay in hotels there. Michigan Avenue is lined with shopping and dining venues.
Restaurants on streets that draw tourists and locals alike are some of the most well-known places around. Likewise, Randolph Street restaurants cater to the downtown crowd. Taylor Street on the West Side is another popular dining destination, as it winds through Little Italy.
Rush Street has excellent restaurants and vibrant nightlife.
Italian Restaurants the City’s Heart
Little Italy on Chicago's West Side features several places where you can get authentic cuisine, from delis specializing in pastrami sandwiches to more chic places with a wine list.
But you can find great Italian restaurants outside Little Italy too; some of the best spots are obscure neighborhood places that may not make any "Top 10" lists but still provide a superb dining experience. Downtown is also home to several Italian eateries.
Mexican Restaurants
You can find Mexican restaurants in nearly every neighborhood, including downtown. Mexican neighborhoods such as Little Village on the West Side are home to sit-down restaurants and tiny taquerias nestled between other businesses.
Vegan Restaurants: Delicious and Great for You
Looking for healthy options?
The north side (Logan Square, Lincoln Park, and Edgewater) has an especially high concentration of vegan restaurants. They offer everything from classics like tofu and chickpea dishes to plant-based comfort food like mac and cheese, nachos and, yes, the ubiquitous Chicago hot dog.
Indian Restaurants
The primary place to find Indian restaurants in Chicago is Devon Street, a section of the North Side that is a treasure trove of Indian establishments and culture. Some restaurants offer Indian food in conjunction with other types of ethnic cuisine, such as African dishes.
Seafood Restaurants: Fish, Crab and More
Chicago is far from the ocean, but many of the city's seafood places bring in fresh catch every day so you can experience maritime cuisine as if you were on the coast. Many of these restaurants, including One Off Hospitality restaurants, are on the north side. Menus include a variety of fish, some of which come from New England, snow crabs, mussels, and clams.
Ethiopian Restaurants: A Community-centered Event
Most Ethiopian restaurants in Chicago are on the north side. They range from casual family-style dining to a more upscale experience. Some of these places offer other cuisines in addition to Ethiopian, such as dishes from India or other parts of Africa.
Great Chinese Restaurants
As you might expect, some of the most frequented Chinese restaurants are located in Chinatown, a small enclave on the city's south side. But many other neighborhoods boast excellent Chinese food, too.
Chicago Pizza Restaurants: Going Deep
The downtown area and near the north side are home to well-known gourmet pizza houses. These Chicago pizza restaurants typically offer specialty and deep-dish pizzas at a somewhat higher cost than what you'd pay at many neighborhood establishments.
The quality of the food is usually worth the price.
Famous Chicago Restaurants
Many a celebrity has opened an eatery in this vibrant city. (Take Michael Jordan's Restaurant). Other restaurants have become icons because they've been operating for nearly a century or more.
Still, other places have earned a solid reputation for being staffed by celebrity chefs. Several restaurants have earned fame because they're frequented by celebrities.
Iconic restaurants in Chicago, many of which are in downtown, River North, and Gold Coast, range from upscale steakhouses to delicatessens. Some of these places serve famous Chicago pizza, too.
French Restaurants
If you like French cuisine, Chicago won't let you down. You can find great French restaurants in the form of casual cafes and upscale places alike.
Menu items include pastries, escargot, and—get ready—calf brains on toast. You'll also find more everyday lunch and dinner selections like omelets, steak frites, duck, and salads.
Vegetarian Restaurants: Healthy, Non-Meat Options
To support healthy eating, the city has several restaurants that are primarily or exclusively vegetarian or vegan, especially on the north side (Uptown, Lakeview, Edgewater).
Some of these restaurants offer a more formal dining experience, while others are casual. While several restaurants offer traditional vegetarian options, others have managed to create plant-based comfort foods like pizza and nachos.
Greek Restaurants
Greektown on the near west side (West Loop) provides several Mediterranean dining options within a small geographic area. But this isn't the only place to get good Greek food.
Other Greek restaurants can be found in River North and Gold Coast, both of which are on the near north side.
Steak Restaurants
Chicago is home to several world-class steak restaurants, and many of them are downtown and on the north side. Whether you're going out for date night or an evening with your extended family, you can find a place that has the atmosphere and menu selections you're in search of.
German Restaurants: A Hearty Meal
German restaurants in Chicago serve authentic cuisine and in most cases, German beer. Popular menu items include cabbage dishes, ribs, and bratwurst. Many of these places have an atmosphere similar to an inn or pub.
Japanese Restaurants
The city offers premier Japanese cuisine. Some restaurants serve only Japanese food. Other Japanese restaurants have items on the menu that trace their origins back to other Asian countries.
Thai Restaurants
Chicago has a number of Thai restaurants, some of which are within a few blocks of each other, especially in the downtown and near north side areas. They range from casual places where you might spend a night out with friends to more upscale places that you might go to with work colleagues or clients.
Soul Food Restaurants
The metropolitan area can serve up some excellent soul food, especially in primarily African-American communities on the south and west sides. Some of them offer buffets so you can get second helpings.
Korean Restaurants
Chicago is home to several Korean restaurants and sushi bars, many of which are in Uptown and other parts of the North Side. Other options include Korean barbecue places, where it's possible to cook the meat right at your table.
Hot Dog Restaurants: Chicago’s Signature Street Food
It would be impossible to list every establishment where you can get a Chicago-style hot dog, but one of the best places for them is Portillo's, which has several locations in the city and the surrounding metro area.
This restaurant also has other items on the menu, such as burgers, salads, and fish sandwiches.
Peruvian Restaurants
Chicago boasts several excellent Peruvian restaurants. Menu items include highland dishes, sweet potato chips, calamari with salsa, and recipes that include chicken and avocado. These places are scattered throughout town, with several on the north side.
American Restaurants
American restaurants are ubiquitous in nearly every part of Chicago. They take many forms — from rooftop bistros to family-owned diners, although there aren't as many of the latter as there once were.
Turkish Restaurants: Falafel from the Gods
There are a host of places in Chicago that serve exclusively Turkish or a combination of Turkish and other Mediterranean food. Here you can find classic dishes from the region, such as falafel, kebobs, and baklava. Several of the most popular Turkish places are located on the north side.
Polish Restaurants
The Chicago area is home to a large Polish population, so Polish restaurants aren't difficult to find. They offer traditional dishes such as potato pancakes, cabbage, and dumplings stuffed with meat or cheese.
Sushi Restaurants: Raw or Cooked
Chicago offers great sushi restaurants. Sushi bars feature just about every type of sushi roll you can think of. Often, you can get other side dishes, like potstickers, to go with your sushi rolls.
Vietnamese Restaurants
Many Vietnamese places can be found in the Uptown neighborhood on the north side. Argyle Street is home to several Vietnamese restaurants.
African Restaurants
You can find several African restaurants in Chicago. Ethiopian cuisine is widely available, and some restaurants also offer dishes from different regions of Africa.
Mediterranean Restaurants
Good Mediterranean cuisine is available throughout town, but the north side has an especially high concentration of Turkish and Mediterranean eateries. Some of them also have a bakery section where you can get bagels and other items for breakfast or dessert.
Columbian Restaurants: All Times of the Day
Columbian restaurants serve up rich cultural cuisine. Some of them are open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, while others are steakhouses that are open only in the afternoons and evenings.
Brazilian Restaurants: Grilling Your Favorite Dish
Brazilian steakhouses can be found throughout the city (especially downtown and on the north side) and suburbs. Some of these places even have all-you-can-eat options. Their menus include food from Brazil along with dishes from other Latin American countries, such as Mexico and Argentina.
Russian Restaurants
Several restaurants specialize in Russian and Eastern European food. You're especially likely to find Russian restaurants in northside neighborhoods.
Spanish Restaurants: Olive Oil on Everything
There are several tapas places that are highly recommended. Other Spanish restaurants serve a variety of foods alongside dishes that originated in Spain.
Persian Restaurants Around Chicago
On the lookout for Middle Eastern cuisine? In Chicago, you can find Persian restaurants that serve a variety of Mediterranean favorites, like hummus and kabobs. Many Persian restaurants are on the north side.
Jamaican Restaurants
Most Jamaican restaurants in Chicago are found on the south and far north sides. They sell a full selection of authentic dishes: jerk chicken and pork, curried goat, oxtail, plantain and vegetables, and red snapper. These are great places to have lunch or dinner, and many of them have kids' menus or give you the option to order small or large portion sizes.
BBQ Restaurants
Several barbecue places can be found downtown and in the city's many neighborhoods. Dishes include everything from pulled pork sandwiches to grilled chicken and other foods you might expect to sample at backyard cookouts. There are also Korean barbecue places where the meat is cooked right at the table. Jamaican barbecue is also available.
New Restaurants in the Local Area
Chicago has such an eclectic restaurant scene that there is always room for up-and-coming places to eat. New restaurants, including pop-ups and food trucks, tend to set up around downtown and anywhere else there's a lot of foot traffic.
Brunch and Lunch: Midday Fillup
Chicago has a host of places that attract lunch or brunch crowds, such as cafes and family restaurants. Many of the neighborhoods have restaurants that may not be well-known to tourists and visitors, but serve up tasty and healthy breakfast options.
Rooftop Restaurants
Rooftop dining has increasingly become a "thing" during the last few years, so there are plenty of places where you can enjoy a meal at the top of a building, with stunning views of the Chicago skyline. However, due to Chicago's frigid climate, rooftop dining is usually practical only a few months out of the year, unless the area is enclosed.
Michelin Star Restaurants
Chicago is home to a number of Michelin Star restaurants. These 5-star restaurants provide a first-rate dining experience with superb cuisine. Many of these places are or have been staffed by celebrity chefs, and others who got on staff there to learn from them.
Michelin Stars are highly coveted, so these 3 Michelin Star restaurants strive to continue to provide the kind of food and service that got them where they are.
Romantic Restaurants for Your Next Date
Chicago has a number of spots that are ideal for date nights. Many a marriage proposal has happened at a Chicago eating establishment. Downtown has plenty of romantic restaurants with a view of the city skyline and the shimmering waters of Lake Michigan.
However, many date night places are tucked away in the communities outside of downtown. You can find romantic hangouts for just about every budget.
Plus, any restaurant that has earned its share of positive reviews is a good place to impress a significant other or celebrate a wedding anniversary.
Fun Restaurants in Chicago
Whether you're looking for fun romantic restaurants, fun date night restaurants, or cool places to take out-of-towners, you won't be disappointed by what's on the menu. Fun restaurants in Chicago can be found all over town — from dive bars to family restaurants to classy establishments.
Good Restaurants that Won’t Disappoint
With so many places to eat in Chicago, a restaurant has to be good to stay in business, so most strive to provide the best menu and service possible. You can find great restaurants everywhere, and many of the iconic places are downtown.
But the surrounding neighborhoods have their share of excellent eateries too. Look for online reviews and whenever possible, ask someone who lives there for recommendations.
Dog-Friendly Restaurants
Chicago has several restaurants and bars that allow you to bring your canine companions along. You can enjoy outdoor seating and a variety of dishes like pizza and burgers. In some cases, dog-friendly restaurants will give your pooch treats and water bowls on the house.
Kid-Friendly Restaurants
When you want to take the kids out to eat, it's important to find a place that's family-friendly. Kid-friendly restaurants provide kids menus and child-sized portions. Some places even have kid-sized cups and provide crayons and paper to keep the children entertained while they're waiting on their food.
Outdoor Restaurants to Try
Summers in Chicago are tragically short, so outdoor dining is only doable for a few months out of the year. But that doesn't stop many restaurants from offering it, especially downtown where eatery owners want to make use of all available space.
Patio restaurants not only give you the chance to enjoy Chicago's brief respites of warm weather, they're great places to people-watch and admire the city's architecture.
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to an uptick in the number of restaurants with outdoor seating. In some parts of the city, especially in neighborhoods outside downtown, streets have been blocked off to allow restaurants to set up more tables outside.
Restauranteurs are also getting creative as they find ways for people to dine outdoors even as the weather cools. Some places have set up miniature greenhouses for couples or small groups that protect diners from the elements but still allow them to socially distance from other customers.
Fancy and Nice Restaurants
There are fancy and nice restaurants throughout the city, but many of the most upscale can be found in and near downtown and on the more iconic parts of the city. These areas include Little Italy, Greektown, other parts of the West Loop, lakefront communities, and parts of the north side.
Unique Restaurants
Many restaurants in Chicago are one-of-a-kind, partly to establish their own personality and partly to set themselves apart from the competition. What makes a restaurant unique could be anything from its decor to its ambiance to its menu.
One place, for instance, is known for being somewhat formal, yet it plays alternative rock music to entertain diners, something you wouldn't expect at a trendy place.
FAQ
How many restaurants are there in Chicago?
TripAdvisor reported in 2019 that there were 8,100 restaurants in Chicago. That number has probably changed since then, but it's still safe to say you could go out to eat thousands of times without patronizing the same place twice.
What are must-try restaurants in Chicago?
The Chicago Firehouse Restaurant in the South Loop is a landmark with a rich history. The menu includes steaks and seafood, as well as seasonal dishes.
Another of the must-try restaurants in Chicago is London House on the Magnificent Mile. It's a luxury hotel that also provides a one-of-a-kind rooftop dining experience.
How many Michelin Star restaurants are in Chicago?
According to city government stats, there are 26 Michelin Star restaurants in Chicago.
What is the most expensive restaurant in Chicago?
Chicago has several expensive restaurants, so it's difficult to pin down which has the priciest menu. However, a few that are well-known for their excellent (and costly) dishes include Alinea, Les Nomades, and Brindille.