The Eater Chicago 38 is a collection of the city’s best restaurants that provides answers to the classic question, “Where are the spots everyone should eat at in Chicago?” The regularly updated list recognizes some all-time greats, restaurants that push
culinary boundaries, notable newcomers, and more. This is as much for locals who want to make the most out of their dining out as it is for visitors unfamiliar with the city. While 38 barely covers the breadth of Chicago’s not-to-be-missed restaurants, it’s a good start — until the next list at least.
Eater’s editors regularly dine at restaurants and check in with industry insiders to create this map to ensure it contains the essential restaurants you need to know about at this moment. The list reflects Chicago’s diverse cuisines, neighborhoods, and prices with casual counter-service spots represented side-by-side with fancy white-tablecloth restaurants.
For the fall 2026 update, we’re shaking it up by removing Harold’s Chicken Shack, Chubby Boys, Oliver’s, and Del Sur Bakery (we, too, are patiently waiting for its reopening). Taqueria Chingón gets swapped for sister spot Mariscos San Pedro. Lao Peng You, Feld, Creepies, and Schwa all get well-deserved spots on the list.
Each location on the map includes an abundance of relevant info, including a rough range of pricing for each destination. This list includes a rough range of pricing for each restaurant on our list: One $ means entrees are mostly under $10; $$ signifies entrees under $20; $$$ means the average entree is under $30; and $$$$ indicates pricier entrees or tasting menus.
To be considered for the Eater 38, restaurants must be open for at least six months. For the most exciting new restaurants in town, check out the heatmap.
— Additional reporting by Lauren Brocato, Jeffy Mai, and Brenna Houck
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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.
Sanders BBQ Supply Co.
1742 W 99th St, Chicago, IL, 60643, US
773-366-3241
Open for: Lunch, dinner
Price range: $$
Other barbecue restaurants on Chicago’s South Side may have been doing it for longer, but there’s a certain energy atSanders BBQ Supply Co. in Beverly thatseparates it from other smoked meat specialists. Owner James Sanders and pitmaster Nick Kleutsch embrace Texas-style barbecue while still playing nice with other regional styles. The ribs might be the best in the city, and there’s juicy brisket and great sides, too. Don’t skip the brisket burger, a thick patty that is the perfect antidote for folks tired of smash burgers. The two patio areas add to its laidback charm, as does the BYOB policy. Customers can alsoplace orders online.
Must-try dish: The beef ribs are a popular item, often selling out early, so plan accordingly.
Calumet Fisheries
3259 E 95th St, Chicago, IL, 60617, US
(773) 933-9855
Open for: Lunch, dinner
Price range: $$
One of the few remaining shacks for smoked seafood in Chicago,Calumet Fisheries hasinspired generations to visit the South Side for salmon, shrimp, and other delights. A throwback where customers order takeout and either eat at home or in their cars, this restaurant is a James Beard America’s Classic winner. It’s also an escape from the urban bustle and a destination for tourists and locals. Even an electrical fire in 2023 couldn’t keep this favorite down for long.
Vibe check: There’s no seating. Park along the Calumet River (perhaps bring your beverage of preference) and prepare to enjoy your food on the curb or in your vehicle.
Carnitas Uruapan Restaurant
1725 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608, USA
(312) 226-2654
Open for: Breakfast, lunch
Price range: $$
Chicago’s Mexican community and food enthusiasts worldwide flock to this family-ownedcounter-service institution in Pilsen, which celebrates all parts of the pig. Order carnitas by the pound at the front counter and settle into a table — if one is available — to build your own tacos with a mix of salsas, tortillas, and beans, or opt for ready-made tacos, soup, and cactus salad. Prepare for lines and waits during peak weekend hours. In January 2025, the father-and-son team behind Carnitas Uruapan, Inocencio and Marcos Carbajal, opened aflagship location in Little Village in a former furniture store featuring all the restaurant’s signature dishes along with a full bar. There’s a third location in Gage Park.
Vibe check: The Little Village location leans into its neighborhood and the Mexican culture of its owners with a vibrant interior design; the other two locations are great for a quick lunch.
Virtue Restaurant
1462 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615, USA
(773) 947-8831
Open for: Dinner
Price range: $$$
In 2018, Chicago restaurant veteran Erick Williams finally opened the restaurant he’d been dreaming of. At Virtue, Williams is intent on smashing all expectations for Southern food, offering a new perspective on Black cuisine. If customers want lighter fare, there are plates like the biscuits with pimento cheese and locally sourced honey. For richer appetites, the beef short ribs with creamed spinach and crushed potatoes satisfy. Williams won the James Beard Award in 2022 for Best Chef: Great Lakes, and Virtue was one of Eater’s Best New Restaurants in 2019. As Williams stepped back to manage other restaurants, he trusted Virtue to protégé Damarr Brown, who went on to win the 2023 James Beard Award for Emerging Chef. Grab an after-dinner cocktail at Eater Award-winning sister spot Cantina Rosa, next door.
Best for: A come-as-you-are dinner with friends; a date where the food is just as memorable as the company.
The Duck Inn
The Duck Inn" />
2701 S Eleanor St, Chicago, IL, 60608, US
(312) 724-8811
Open for: Dinner, weekend brunch
Price range: $$$
The Duck Inn is the ultimate neighborhood restaurant, a family-friendly place that Bridgeport locals regularly visit for Italian beef and duck fat-infused hot dogs while drinking a cold brew. But with luxe dishes like rotisserie duck, chef Kevin Hickey’s restaurant menu also caters to special occasions. The cocktail and wine list is not only one of the best for a good drink on the South Side, but the city at large. The spacious back patio often features weather-permitting special events like pig roasts and pizza nights with guest chefs.
Must-try dish: It’s called the Duck Inn for a reason — the signature rotisserie duck can feed a crowd.
Mariscos San Pedro
1227 W 18th St, Chicago, IL, 60608, US
(312) 508-4700
Open for: Dinner, weekend brunch
Price range: $$$
From the moment itopened in 2024, this Pilsen restaurant earned fans for its creative approach to classic Mexican seafood dishes. Not an easy feat in a neighborhood full of standout south-of-the-border spots. But the trio of busy chefs behind it — Marcos Ascencio, Oliver Poilevey, and Antonio Incandela — have cred to spare, including experience at Taqueria Chingón, Obelix, Le Bouchon, and thejust-opened Chez Poulet. Located on the ground floor of historic Thalia Hall, Mariscos San Pedro is playful when it comes to its interior design with cute illustrations and colorful tiles throughout. But the restaurant is serious when it comes to the integrity of dishes like hamachi aguachile, camarones al mojo, and pulpo con mole. The bar is perfect for a quick bite before heading upstairs for a show, while the two dining rooms provide a more leisurely setting.
Must-try dish: Satisfy all your seafood cravings with torre de mariscos, a towering layered masterpiece of tuna, octopus, shrimp, and scallop finished with a trio of salsas and avocado.
HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen
1800 S Carpenter St, Chicago, IL 60608, USA
(312) 702-1303
Open for: Dinner, Sunday brunch
Price range: $$$
HaiSous in Pilsen was a remarkable comeback story for Thai and Danielle Dang after they endured financial fraud at their previous restaurant, Embeya. Born in Vietnam, Thai uses a number of techniques from back home, including clay pot cooking, to create a menu that’s as ambitious as it is unpretentious, with dishes like fried whole fluke with herbs. Danielle Dang’s expertise with cocktails should also be recognized, as she pairs drinks to complement the food. At the Dangs’ neighboring cafe,Cà Phê Dá, customers can enjoy wings, banh mi, and Vietnamese coffee. Thai Dang was a2025 James Beard Award finalist for Best Chef: Great Lakes.
Best for: Groups, date night, and fans of family-style dining.
Manny’s Cafeteria & Delicatessen
1141 S Jefferson St, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
(312) 939-2855
Open for: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Price range: $$
The torchbearer for a dying breed of Jewish delis and diners in Chicago, Manny’s has endured for more than eight decades in the South Loop thanks to its massive, delicious corned beef and pastrami sandwiches, an array of hot, homestyle dishes on steam tables, and a family-friendly atmosphere cultivated over generations. The cafeteria-style setting is plastered with decades-old newspaper clippings and letters from Chicago luminaries. The space also houses a to-go area for bagels, sweets, coffee, and food. In its heyday, Manny’s was where Chicago politicians were often seen brokering deals.
Best for: A filling, yet simple meal; catching glimpses of politicians on Election Day; a pastrami sandwich.
Monteverde
1020 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
(312) 888-3041
Open for: Lunch, dinner
Price range: $$$
The first restaurant from former Top Chef and Spiaggia vet Sarah Grueneberg has cemented itself as one of Chicago’s top Italian destinations and earned her a James Beard Award for Best Chefs in the Great Lakes in the process. These days the kitchen is led by executive chef Bailey Sullivan, who, alongside Grueneberg, will expand to a new Bucktown trattoria in 2027. Pastas are the stars at this West Loop hot spot, and customers can see cooks hard at work behind the counter, rolling out dough and creating outstanding noodles. You could make a meal out of the stuzzi (snacks) like ’nduja arancini, especially when paired with an Italian-leaning cocktail, but save room for what’s to come. The restaurant’s pandemic takeout menu remains, while the dining room offers options like whole-bird chicken Parmesan. There’s also a notable gluten-free menu.
Best for: Pasta lovers; folks sick of red-sauce Italian American cuisine.
Creepies
1360 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL, 60607, US
(312) 579-2727
Open for: Lunch, dinner
Price range: $$$
When it opened in mid-2025, the chatter about Creepies centered on its name. Now, those in the know focus on the food that balances French culinary know-how with Midwestern sensibility to create a restaurant that’s charming in so many ways. Equal parts bistro and chic diner, Creepies is the brainchild of husband-and-wife chefs David and Anna Posey, who are also behind next-door Elske (stellar in its own right), and chef Tayler Ploshehanski. Start with warm Brie gougeres as you linger over the wine list full of intriguing offerings, before moving on to heartier dishes like steamed mussels with fennel, roasted chicken in a liver and wine sauce, and Parisian gnocchi. Save room for one of Anna’s desserts, including a rotating soft-serve sundae.
Vibe check: Dinner reservations can be tough, so opt for lunch instead, where the tight menu is no less interesting.
Smyth
177 N Ada St Ste 1, Chicago, IL, 60607, US
(773) 913-3773
Open for: Dinner
Price range: $$$$
John Shields and Karen Urie Shields have brought their brand of fine dining to life in Chicago, pushing boundaries with an extravagant tasting menu. In the competitive world of cutting-edge cuisine, Smyth’s recent 10-year anniversary speaks volumes. The techniques, ingredients, and service are all top-notch, as one might expect from Chicago’s only restaurant with a full three-star rating from the Michelin Guide. If that weren’t enough to recommend it, in 2026 Smyth topped the list of North America’s 50 Best Restaurants. Having developed close relationships with purveyors throughout the Midwest, Smyth delivers creative dishes that highlight superb produce complemented by creative culinary techniques that heighten their flavors. All this precision and behind-the-scenes dedication comes at a price: Smyth is also one of Chicago’s most expensive meals at $420 per person on the low end and $550 for the three-and-a-half-hour Chef’s Menu.
Know before you go: Can’t get a table at Smyth? Check out the basement bar, the Loyalist. It’s more casual, but its French-leaning menu offers plenty of surprises, while its burger has earned celebrity status in Chicago and beyond.
Oriole
661 W Walnut St, Chicago, IL, 60661, US
312-877-5339
Open for: Dinner
Price range: $$$$
Fine dining with an attitude could be one way to describe two-Michelin-starred Oriole, one of Chicago’s most celebrated tasting menu restaurants. That attitude isn’t meant to make diners feel uncomfortable. The service is impeccable, from recognizing left-handers want their wine glasses on the left side to adapting for most dietary preferences and restrictions with ease. Oriole is welcoming in a way most fine dining restaurants are not. Chef Noah Sandoval, a 2025 James Beard Award winner for Best Chef: Great Lakes, is one of the most ambitious chefs in the country, serving upwards of 16 courses or so, depending on the day. At recently opened All Well, Sandoval and former Oriole chef de cuisine Larry Feldmeier offer a more casual culinary vision.
Best for: Tourists with $450 per person to spend on food and drink; bucket-list meals; those wanting to jump headfirst into the world of fine dining.
Rose Mary
932 W Fulton St, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
(872) 260-3921
Open for: Dinner
Price range: $$$
Joe Flamm and his partners went big in Fulton Market, opening a meticulously designed restaurant that’s become a destination for out-of-towners who know Flamm from his Top Chef win. But Rose Mary, described as “Adriatic drinking food,” is also locally beloved for its European notes that fuse Italian, Croatian, and Midwestern sensibilities. The pastas would have been at home at Spiaggia, the late, great Chicago Italian restaurant where Flamm cut his teeth. The ribs have a sticky sauce that breeds familiarity to those who grew up on either the Southwest or Northwest sides. There’s a great energy in the restaurant, as well as a lovely patio on Fulton Market for the warmer months. Since opening Rose Mary, Flamm has continued his passion for Italy with Il Carciofo and Bar Tutto, both in the West Loop.
Best for: A fancy but not-too-stuffy dinner. While Rose Mary doesn’t offer regular weekend brunch service, be on the lookout for special holiday brunches.
Maxwells Trading
1516 W Carroll Ave, Chicago, IL, 60607, US
(312) 896-4110
Open for: Dinner
Price range: $$$
Maxwells Trading is housed in a large space on the outskirts of the West Loop with a rooftop garden and plenty of private dining rooms. Co-owners Erling Wu-Bower and executive chef Chris Jung draw on their backgrounds as children of Asian immigrants, and the cultural melange that is Chicago. The menu features Chinese, Thai, and Japanese flavors, but no single country defines the restaurant. It’s a playful restaurant where diners are invited to dunk flatbread in a variety of dips, and Japanese sweet potato is a surprising standout. Great cocktails and wine round out one of the best restaurants in the city. Its stylish yet minimalist interior design provides the perfect understated backdrop to the globetrotting dishes coming out of the kitchen.
Vibe check: Maxwells Trading is a place for omnivores, vegetarians, and vegans to dine together in harmony.
Frontera Grill
445 N Clark St, Chicago, IL, 60654, US
(312) 661-1434
Open for: Lunch, dinner
Price range: $$$
Rick Bayless is the Oklahoma-born chef who obsessed over Mexican cuisine — appearing on TV and creating his own grocery-food empire. His River North restaurants are Chicago landmarks. His flagship, Frontera, which opened in 1987, provides more casual dining, while sibling Topolobampo, which opened two years later, was one of the first restaurants in the U.S. to present Mexican food in a fine dining atmosphere. Bar Sótano is the baby of the group, a basement tavern that serves as an experimental space with pop-ups and creative cocktails. Bayless’s name often prompts emotional responses when it comes to discussions about cultural appropriation, but there’s no question that he’s raised the appreciation for Mexican food in America. (Fast-casual sandwich shop Xoco is also in the same building.)
Best for: Avoiding touristy River North surrounded by Mexican art — a preview of what’s to come on the plates.
Pizz’amici
1215 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL, 60642, US
(312) 285-2382
Open for: Dinner
Price range: $$
As Chicago tavern-style pizza finally starts to catch attention around the country, the city’s pizzerias are having a bit of a renaissance. Leading that pack is Eater Award-winning Pizz’amici, a buzzy late-2024 opening from a hospitality duo, Billy and Cecily Federighi, with lots of highly regarded pizza work under their collective belts. True to style, pizzas here come with a cracker-thin crust that’s charred on the bottom and topped with options like halal pepperoni, fennel sausage, and Chicago standard J.P. Graziano Giardiniera. Its low-key stylish interior leans into nostalgia while old-school dishes like sausage and peppers continue the sentiment.
Insider tip: Despite being close to two years old, Pizz’amici is still quite a hot reservation. But if you can get there right at 4 p.m. when it opens, you might be able to score a walk-in table.
Asador Bastian
214 W Erie St, Chicago, IL, 60654, US
(312) 800-8935
Open for: Dinner
Price range: $$$$
Asador Bastian isn’t for the faint of heart. Housed in an historic townhouse, this River North Basque restaurant specializes in deeper, meatier-flavored txuleton beef sourced from older Galician dairy cows. Make sure to order extra piquillo peppers and the bone marrow potato puree for a decadent experience. Steakhouses remain popular in Chicago, but husband-and-wife team Doug Psaltis and Hsing Chen, take a different approach with lots of seafood and dessert options that split from tradition.
Know before you go: While the steaks are a big part of the menu, with breeds that aren’t served often in the U.S., calling Asador Bastian a steakhouse would be selling the restaurant short. The seafood and vegetables are often more memorable than the meat, and the dimly lit space is sexy and intimate.
Lao Peng You
2020 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL, 60622, US
(872) 206-8624
Open for: Lunch, dinner
Price range: $$
Thankfully for us, brothers Eric and Daniel Wat paid close attention to the dumpling-making expertise of their Chinese grandmother while growing up. Their handiwork can be found in each of Lao Peng You’s plump dumplings, which range from pork and dill to mushroom and chive, served in a fragrant dried shrimp-based broth. Up the heat by making your own dipping sauce with soy, black vinegar, and homemade chile oil (purchase a jar on your way out). Handmade noodles have a terrific chew, whether you opt to get them in soup or not. Prime the palate for the bold flavors to follow with the cold eggplant salad packed with garlic, cilantro, and vinegar. The small, no-frills space fills up fast, so get there early to avoid leering at the food on the tables nearby as you wait.
Must-order dish: Not ordering the wonderfully crispy bing bread, available stuffed with lamb, green onions, or sweet red bean, isn’t an option. Put your order in immediately, and your patience will be rewarded with a small bag of the still-warm round flatbread.
Feld
2018 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL, 60622, US
Open for: Dinner
Price range: $$$$
“Relationship to table” might not sound like a description of an amazing dining experience, but in the hands of chef Jake Potashnick, it is. It’s a philosophy that’s part of the Ukrainian Village restaurant he created in June 2024 and earned him a James Beard Award in 2026. At Feld, Potashnick takes his global culinary experience and pairs it with the deep relationships he’s forged with growers, fishermen, ranchers, and dairy farmers to create a tasting menu restaurant like no other. (Potashnick often posts his farm visits on Instagram.) Some of the 25 to 30 ever-changing courses ($225 per person) that make up the menu let the pristine products speak for themselves, while others use techniques to make them taste even better. At the open 20-seat restaurant, you’ll get the chance to hear in detail all about them and create some relationships of your own.
Best for: Ingredient-obsessed diners who value the stories of those supplying their food as much as a delicious dining experience.
Kasama
1001 N Winchester Ave, Chicago, IL 60622, USA
(773) 697-3790
Open for: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Price range: $$ for bakery, breakfast, and lunch; $$$$ for dinner
Although 2020 was a challenging time to open a restaurant, the pandemic couldn’t stop the husband-and-wife team of Tim Flores and Genie Kwon. Kasama was one of the year’s true bright spots, and one of Eater’s 11 Best New Restaurants in America for 2021. Kwon handles the amazing pastries, like ube and huckleberry Basque cake or a confit salmon Danish, while Flores prepares Filipino dishes for breakfast and lunch, including spins on lumpia and rice plates with tocino (roasted char siu-like pork) and longganisa (sausage). Kasama broke real ground when it introduced a fine dining dinner menu ($325 per person), one of the few Filipino tasting menus in the country. The pair won a James Beard Award in 2023 for Best Chef: Great Lakes, and the restaurant earned a second Michelin star in 2025. You can bypass the long morning lines by ordering ahead.
Best for: Taking a day off and having the time to wait in line; special occasions; top-notch weekend brunch takeout; endearing yourselves to a host by bringing a pastry box to their house.
Schwa Restaurant
1466 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL, 60622, US
(773) 252-1466
Open for: Dinner
Price range: $$$$
Mention a current trend in high-end restaurants and odds are Schwa has been doing it for years. A blending of back- and front-of-the-house staff? Check. A more laidback approach to fine dining and tasting menus? Done. Music that leans more towards what the staff listens to than the guests? Yup. A BYOB policy? Still going strong more than 21 years later. Located in a nondescript storefront in Wicker Park, Schwa was ahead of the curve in fine dining and has a Michelin Star to show for it. Chef Michael Carlson has always marched to the beat of his own drum creating here-today-gone tomorrow dishes on the expansive tasting menu ($215 per person) like sablefish with corn, rhubarb, and corn husk. Fortunately, Schwa’s runny quail egg raviolo with truffles, a mainstay since the beginning, is on regular rotation.
Best for: Those who like their fine dining with a hefty serving of personality where the line between the front-of-the-house and back- is blurred in all the best ways.
Johnnie's Beef
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7500 W North Ave, Elmwood Park, IL 60707, USA
(708) 452-6000
Open for: Lunch, dinner
Price range: $
The best example of Chicago’s iconic Italian beef sandwich exists outside of the city at the two suburban locations of Johnnie’s Beef. The original space in Elmwood Park is a relic that first opened in 1961 (the second outpost is in Arlington Heights). The menu is simple: beefs (the monosyllabic term locals use for Italian beef sandwiches), charcoal-grilled Italian sausages, and hot dogs. The thinly sliced meat is seasoned with hints of oregano, and the hot peppers deliver plenty of heat without overwhelming a bite. Don’t sleep on the beef-sausage sausage, which combines tender slices with a robust sausage. Pepper-and-egg sandwiches are also available daily; they’re mostly aimed at Catholic customers who need a meat-free option on Lenten Fridays. For dessert, there’s stellar lemon Italian ice. While the city has plenty of beef options, Johnnie’s is worth the drive to the burbs.
Best for: A quick bite; answering, “What makes an Italian beef so special?”
Alinea
1723 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614, USA
(312) 867-0110
Open for: Dinner
Price range: $$$$
More than 20 years in, chef Grant Achatz’s temple of molecular gastronomy is one of Chicago’s most revered dining institutions. Name a culinary award, and odds are Alinea won it. The restaurant has also been the launch pad of other top chefs, including Curtis Duffy, John Shields, Jenner Tomaska, and Dave Beran. Inside the luxurious Lincoln Park dining room, expect a sensory overload. Achatz’s kitchen is known for employing heavily scented citrus, smoke, and other smells to provide diners with a theatrical experience, and servers present dishes as though they’re works of art. However, those looking for the old Alinea may be in for a few twists as Achatz proclaimed a new day for Alinea in its Gallery and Kitchen Table spaces, following its 21st anniversary. Michelin-rated Alinea is the restaurant that appears most frequently on Chicago bucket lists, and it has a ticket price to match; seatings start at $450 per person in the Salon and climb to $594 per person for the more experimental menus.
Best for: A bucket list; Michelin-star hunters; folks who like dinner with a side of theater.
Kyōten
2513 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL, 60647, US
(312) 678-0800
Open for: Dinner
Price range: $$$$
Omakase restaurants have taken off in recent years, and Kyōten was a pioneer in the movement when it opened in 2018. Chef Otto Phan moved from Austin to Chicago with a mission to elevate the city’s sushi scene, and he’s accomplished just that. The nigiri reflects the Edomae tradition, a style that enhances flavor through marinating and preservation of the fish. Phan also seasons large-grained rice with aged red vinegar and showcases pricier cuts like amadai (Japanese tilefish). At more than $400 per person, it’s among the city’s most costly and exclusive experiences. But for those who can, it’s well worth the splurge. There’s also the newer option ofKyōten Next Door, which features the same purist sushi style for its omakase menu as its older sibling albeit at more down-to-earth prices.
Vibe check: This intimate eight-seat restaurant puts the spotlight squarely on the sushi. Beyond that, the atmosphere is minimal.
Hermosa Restaurant
Jack X. Li/Eater Chicago" />
4356 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60639, USA
(872) 802-4920
Open for: Lunch, dinner
Price range: $$ for lunch and $$$$ for family meal
Hermosa may look similar to a neighborhood hot dog or beef stand that many Chicagoans grew up with, but owner Ethan Lim, who did a stint as a server at Alinea Group’s Next Restaurant and the Aviary, uses his culinary talent to take Chicago classics to the next level, incorporating Asian flavors to create a Cambodian fried chicken sandwich. For those who want a composed meal, Lim also offers a popular Family Meal — essentially a chance to buy out the entire room for an 11-course BYOB communal dinner with a custom tasting menu for up to 14 people, something Lim says is integral to the Cambodian dining experience.
Must-order dish: Hermosa is known for its fried chicken sandwich, but don’t overlook the roast chicken; it’s become a fixture at dinner. The herbs and flavors are memorable.
Mirra
1954 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL, 60622, US
(773) 729-6214
Open for: Dinner, weekend brunch
Price range: $$$
The history of Mexican and Indian fusion cuisine in America dates back to the early 20th century, but it’s taken decades for the genre to receive the recognition it deserves. Mirra, named a 2024 Best New Restaurant in America by Eater, celebrates these connections driven by the shared vision of Rick Bayless vet Rishi Kumar and a Top Chef alum Zubair Mohajir. They joined forces to create this refined yet casual space that serves dishes like lamb barbacoa biryani and scallop tacos. There’s a chef’s counter for those craving more of a fine dining experience. The pair recently opened another restaurant, Mariela, in the Loop in 2026.
Best for: Fans of Indian and Mexican food who want to try something different.
Redhot Ranch
2449 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, USA
(773) 772-6020
Open for: Lunch, dinner, late-night snack
Price range: $
It’s hard for Chicago hot dog stands to differentiate themselves, as most of them use the same product: dependable Vienna Beef. But Redhot Ranch has managed to stand out. First, it uses sausages with natural casings. This provides the dogs with a bite, snappier than the Oscar Mayer that many Americans grew up eating. The stand also serves Depression dogs, the Chicago variant that comes with French fries on top of the bun. The smash burgers are also fantastic and one of the best deals in town. Redhot Ranch has locations in Lakeview, Logan Square, and Skokie. 35th Street Red Hots, near Sox Park in Bridgeport, is from the same owners and has an identical menu.
Best for: An affordable meal any time of day or a late-night bite after the bars.
Esmé
2200 N Clark St, Chicago, IL, 60614, US
Open for: Dinner
Price range: $$$$
Esmé isn’t for everyone. Jenner Tomaska and his wife, Katrina Bravo, have transformed a Lincoln Park corner space into a gallery where they can showcase local visual artists on a rotating basis. The commitment extends to the tasting menus, which complement the artists’ works through dishes and other esoteric means. There’s playfulness at this special occasion spot, which is celebrating its five-year anniversary, but that doesn’t mean it’s not elegant. Tomaska is a Chicago native and an Alinea Group veteran. The lineage is apparent, but the chef is keen on giving customers more than just the standard fine dining experience.
Vibe check: Esmé often hosts special events and partners with local artists to exhibit their works, transforming the dining room every few months.
Akahoshi Ramen
2340 N California Ave, Chicago, IL, 60647, US
Open for: Dinner
Price range: $$
Mike Satinover, known to fans as “Ramen Lord,” opened his first restaurant in late 2023 to considerable buzz. He’s lived up to the hype, serving some of the best bowls of noodles in Chicago. The concise menu offers just a few options: miso ramen, shoyu ramen, and two soupless variants. For first-timers, the namesake Akahoshi miso ramen is a perfect introduction — homemade Sapporo-style noodles mingling with bean sprouts, green onions, bamboo shoots, and chashu in a rich, savory broth. Satinover’s monthly and seasonal specials highlight lesser-known ramen styles and are also well worth trying.
Know before you go: If you can’t get a reservation, arriving early, when the restaurant opens at 5 p.m., usually lands you a table or a spot at the window counter without a long wait.
Galit
2429 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL, 60614, US
(773) 360-8755
Open for: Dinner
Price range: $$$
Lincoln Park’s Michelin-starred Galit delivers fine dining that’s accessible and bundled with the warm hospitality befitting of a neighborhood restaurant. Chef Zach Engel, a 2017 James Beard winner for his work at Shaya in New Orleans, with co-owner Andrés Clavero, has created a place that blends influences from Israel, Iraq, Palestine, and more. The menu is a family-style, four-course prix fixe for $115 per person. (Tuesday through Thursday the communal table offers a la carte, too.) The pitas are the best in town, accompanied by dishes like smoked turkey shawarma and brisket hummus. The desserts from pastry chef Mary Eder-McClure are also worth noting, and the phyllo pie demonstrates much of the restaurant’s spirit, reminding diners of baklava but with a twist. Scott Stroemer’s beverage program offers region-specific wines and spirits often unavailable elsewhere. Reservations are recommended. If you can’t score one, try its sibling, the more casual restaurant, Cafe Yaya.
Vibe check: Bring friends — the menu is made for sharing.
Daisies
2375 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647, USA
(773) 697-9443
Open for: Breakfast, lunch, dinner, Sunday brunch
Price range: $$ for cafe, $$$ for dinner
Since chef Joe Frillman and his team at Daisies moved to a new bigger home in 2023, the restaurant has been packed for dinner. During the day, the spacious dining room might be the best place to work from home, with plenty of outlets, strong coffee, and an avalanche of pastries from ace baker and business partner Leigh Omilinsky. She is also the genius behind the restaurant’s can’t-miss desserts, right down to the gelato. Some establishments are spread too thin and don’t really excel in one category, but Daisies is the exception. It’s a family-friendly, all-day restaurant with a fun wine list.
Vibe check: It’s one of the best places to bring a laptop and work while enjoying coffee and pastries. Stick around for a stellar happy hour; Daisies has ample bar seating for walk-ins.
Nadu
2518 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL, 60614, US
(312) 590-5676
Open for: Dinner
Price range: $$$
Pronounced one of Eater’s Best New Restaurants of 2025, Nadu is the latest addition to the Chicago Indian dining landscape from Michelin-starred Indienne chef Sujan Sarkar and head chef Sanchit Sahu. Nadu’s focus is on regional Indian cooking with dishes ranging from those found in small village homes to street food in the big cities with each one firmly rooted in a story and a place. Its name, after all, means “homeland.” Punjabi kadai paneer mingles alongside Kerala-style double-roasted beef short ribs on the menu, offering diners context to realize the breadth and depth of India’s cuisine. Nadu also offers a $60 two-course menu with options as well as supplements.
Insider tip: Those hoping to score the whole Dungeness crab should place pre-orders 48 hours in advance.
Lula Cafe
2537 N Kedzie Blvd, Chicago, IL 60647, USA
(773) 489-9554
Open for: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Price range: $$$
Chef and owner Jason Hammel continues to keep community at the forefront of operations at Lula Cafe, which has, since 1999, endeared itself to many in Logan Square as a welcoming space for new American cuisine. This is an all-day cafe with fresh pastries and a stellar breakfast burrito. At night, a deep wine list accompanies seasonal dishes like roast chicken, beet bruschetta, and baked French feta with jalapeño basil oil, cucumber, and marinated olives. The first Monday of the month, Lula offers a three-course farm dinner for $54. And pick up a copy of Hammel’s cookbook on your way out. Lula won the 2024 James Beard Award for Outstanding Hospitality. The sidewalk patio is prime for people-watching.
Best for: Getting an early start to your day; brunch with friends; basically, anything — this is the Swiss Army knife of Chicago restaurants.
Mi Tocaya Antojería
2800 W Logan Blvd, Chicago, IL 60647, USA
(872) 315-3947
Open for: Dinner
Price range: $$$
Few chefs share the talent and drive that Diana Dávila exhibits at her Logan Square Mexican restaurant. Dávila isn’t shy about taking risks and refuses to pander to some mythical version of the “typical American diner.” The molcajete-muddled guacamole and skirt steak burrito are stellar, but customers should dive into other regional Mexican items such as pork belly carnitas and squash blossom atoladas. Each dish comes with a thoughtful explanation on the menu of its inspiration, deepening the connection between place and origin. There’s a small patio for the warmer months.
Best for: Date night; crushing cravings for a burrito; wanting chef-y yet unpretentious Mexican food.
Milli by Metric
3110 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL, 60618, US
(773) 904-2900
Open for: Breakfast, lunch
Price range: $
Metric Coffee’s Avondale cafe made a major splash when itdebuted last September. The artful space, courtesy of Metric co-founder Darko Arandjelovic, combined with pastry chef Lou Turner’s (Obelix) seasonal and classic pastries — ranging from carrot tarragon loaf and pain au chocolat to a breakfast hash galette — has made Milli a magnet for daytime rendezvous. The many local purveyor shoutouts on the menu speak to Milli’s commitment to sustainable sourcing. Its beverage menu is no less thrilling, with traditional coffee drinks, including a handful of pour overs, and creative cocktails (on-draft vermouth, anyone?) later on. In the warmer months, a sprawling outdoor patio offers even more space to hang.
Best for: With plenty of seats, outlets, and a relaxed atmosphere, this is a great spot to get some work done on your laptop.
Santa Masa Tamaleria
7544 W Addison St, Chicago, IL, 60634, US
(312) 982-9306
Open for: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Price range: $$
Santa Masa Tamaleria, as its name reveals, explores all things masa. What started as a necessity during the pandemic has become one of the city’s favorite spots to get fresh tamales covered in vibrant sauces, tacos on handmade tortillas stuffed with green chorizo, pork shoulder, braised chicken, and more. There are numerous sweet breakfast items, including capirotada, a seared French toast that fans of banana pudding will adore, as well as savory morning dishes like chilaquiles and an egg-filled burrito with chipotle cream. On the weekends, there’s pozole, too.
Best for: A casual meal backed by serious cooking. There is a lot of intense flavor layering and cooking going on in this small kitchen. This is for folks who are there for great food and can appreciate friendly service without bells and whistles.
Cariño
4662 N Broadway St, Chicago, IL, 60640, US
(312) 722-6838
Open for: Dinner
Price range: $$$$
After closing Brass Heart in 2023, Norman Fenton triumphantly returned with Cariño, a Latin American restaurant that quickly rose to the top of Chicago’s fine dining scene and earned one of its highest distinctions — a Michelin star. Drawing on his time in Mexico and Central America, Fenton presents a tasting menu of playful dishes that thoughtfully employ seasonal ingredients. Fresh masa is a star here, serving as the base for a number of dishes. (Fenton will open a sibling tortilleria in fall 2026.) The signature course is a huitlacoche-stuffed ravioli, garnished with fried corn silk, that arrives bathing in a truffle sauce. It’s both striking and comforting, a true celebration of Latin American flavors.
Vibe check: For a more laid-back experience, opt for the late-night taco omakase. It offers eight courses of corn tortillas filled with luxe ingredients like wagyu, king crab, and more, plus two drinks.
Birrieria Zaragoza
4800 N Broadway St, Chicago, IL, 60640, US
(773) 334-5650
Open for: Lunch and dinner
Price range: $$
Although its original location in Archer Heights has been closed since July 2025 due to a fire, a second location in Uptown has filled the void, offering the Zaragoza family’s beloved birrieria made from a 100-year-old recipe. Don’t let the simple menu fool you; the goat-focused dish that gives the restaurant its name goes through a time-consuming process before it arrives in front of you, full of deep flavors. The handmade tortillas and accoutrements form the foundation of this signature Chicago meal. Get there early, as it often closes by early evening. It was also a favorite for cast members from The Bear while on location.
Best for: A nourishing meal for folks who want to experience a classic Mexican dish prepared in the traditional style.
