My Chicago Restaurant Roundup: Spilled Milk #316
More than 60 places to eat around the city, from Michelin-starred spots to casual pizza joints. Plus: There's no paywall!
This month on Spilled Milk I’m sharing my summer travel tips and recommendations for destinations across the United States. From Chicago to Texas, we’re exploring my favorite restaurants and things to do around the country.
I’ll also be cooking recipes inspired by each location and answering all your travel questions. You don’t want to miss a moment of our journey together—become a paid subscriber to Spilled Milk!
Chicago’s dining scene spans, well, everything, and this list celebrates it all. Here are over 60 of the city’s best eateries—from Michelin-starred temples to taquerias—each proving that in Chicago, culinary greatness comes in every imaginable size and shape. Apologies to all the great places I missed, the errors and omissions are entirely mine.
These are not in any kind of order.
Monteverde – Monteverde gets all the big things and the little things right, from pastas that simultaneously comfort and surprise (the bucatini cacio e pepe is “so sharp and peppery it slaps, so creamy you scrape the plate”) to a vibe that’s buzzy but never braying. Chef Sarah Grueneberg channels la nonna and her Texas roots in equal measure, making this West Loop Italian spot feel like a homey trattoria with the soul of a honky-tonk in the best way.
Oriole – This two-Michelin-star hideaway offers a tasting menu that’s as much whimsical journey as dinner, with “moments of toe-curling deliciousness” at every turn. In a city spoiled by three-star temples, Oriole wins hearts through warmth and fun: One minute you’re nibbling foie gras toast in the kitchen, the next you’re floating back to your table on a cloud of truffle and caviar, utterly charmed.
Photo: oriolechicago.com Alinea – Chicago’s original culinary magic show, Alinea remains one of only two local restaurants with the coveted three Michelin stars. Chef Grant Achatz turns dining into theater, and dishes arrive smoking, levitating or hidden in pillows of aroma. Yet beyond the pyrotechnics, there’s genius in every bite. It’s a bucket list experience for Michelin hunters and anyone who likes a little surrealism served alongside their supper
Smyth – Now Chicago’s second three-Michelin-starred restaurant, Smyth delivers high-wire gastronomy with soul. Husband and wife chefs John Shields and Karen Urie Shields spin magic from farm-fresh Midwestern ingredients, crafting a multi-course odyssey that’s both cerebral and deeply comforting. It’s rarefied dining that somehow feels like a warm embrace, exquisite technique without a hint of pretension.
Galit – At Galit, Chef Zachary Engel turns dinner out into a Levantine feast. The experience kicks off with puffy pitas inflated like “beach balls” and hummus so creamy it could win a dairy crown. From there, it’s an avalanche of Middle Eastern delights—foie gras-topped challah, house-made pickles, coal-kissed kebabs—that leave your table (and belly) completely covered. Finish with strong coffee and flaky baklava and bask in the “utter satisfaction” of a meal that feels like a joyous family gathering
Photo: galitrestaurant.com Avec – Everyone needs a back-pocket restaurant that’s “unfailingly delicious” yet unpretentious, and “Avec is ours.” Two decades in, this modern Mediterranean spot is still perpetually packed, whether for wine and chorizo-stuffed dates at midnight or a sunny lunch of hummus and house-made focaccia. The slow-roasted pork with braised greens could revive the dullest soul, and even after countless imitators, Avec’s warm, wood-clad space remains the go-to for chefs off-duty and anyone seeking comfort without fuss.
Kasama – By day, Kasama is a casual Filipino bakery drawing lines for ube donuts and longanisa sandwiches. By night, it morphs into one of the most coveted fine-dining reservations in town. This shape-shifting gem earned a Michelin star and a James Beard Award for its trailblazing approach. Where else can you grab a purple yam pastry in the morning, then return for a 13-course dinner (adobo, kinilaw and even that ube cake reimagined) that redefines Filipino cuisine? Kasama contains culinary multitudes and nails them all.
Virtue – A Hyde Park haven of Southern hospitality, Virtue wears its heart on the plate. Chef Erick Williams pays intrepid tribute to his forebears with soulful dishes, just with a new take. You might tear up over the luscious chicken gizzards and gravy (yes, it’s that good) or find poetry in a skillet of cornbread with honey butter that tastes like a hug from grandma. This is comfort food with conviction—“a plate of chicken gizzards…that tastes poignant” in its simplicity—and it’ll restore your faith in the power of a well-seasoned cast iron pan.
HaiSous – Chef Thai Dang has been called “a Rosetta Stone of a chef” for good reason. At HaiSous, his Vietnamese cooking stays true to its street-food roots while thriving in a chic Pilsen dining room. A few clever tweaks turn traditional dishes into revelations: You’ll spoon spicy chopped clams over crispy rice crackers (a Hue specialty gone haute) and wrap lettuce around whole fried fish that one writer called “both classic and modern.” It’s a masterclass in translation, making the flavors of Saigon sing just as vividly in Chicago.
Shaw’s Crab House – Part retro steakhouse, part rollicking oyster bar, Shaw’s is a downtown institution that proves “surf and turf” never goes out of style. Slide onto a barstool at the bustling Oyster Bar for a martini and a dozen freshly shucked bivalves or settle into a red leather booth for towering seafood platters and one of the city’s best lobster rolls. It’s equal parts Mad Men and maritime—polished service, classic cocktails, Key lime pie for dessert—and still the premier place to slurp and see.
Dear Margaret – A love letter to Midwestern ingredients written in fluent French-Canadian, Dear Margaret is as cozy as grandma’s kitchen. In fact, Chef Ryan Brosseau named it for his mémé (grandmother), and the place does feel like grandma’s house, from the warm welcome to the Old World plates. Expect Québécois comfort fare—tourtière meat pies, maple-glazed pork, sugar pie—all prepared with French technique and Midwestern heart. It’s rustic, nostalgic and utterly disarming; you’ll leave feeling like family (and probably calling your own grandma).
Boka – The flagship of one of Chicago’s great restaurant groups, Boka remains a linchpin of the fine-dining scene after nearly two decades. This Lincoln Park stalwart balances elegance and edge: Tasting menus come with unexpected twists, yet the service and execution are as polished as a new Bentayga. A seasonal dish like roasted duck with huckleberries might arrive looking like modern art, but one bite, and you’re in comfort food heaven. Consistently one Michelin star year after year, Boka is the rare spot that’s both innovative and dependable. It’s the kind of place that always delivers, even as trends come and go. Maybe my favorite place to dine in Chicago.
Kyōten – Hidden behind paper-covered windows in Logan Square, Kyōten is an eight-seat temple of sushi where Chef Otto Phan pushes the bounds of the omakase experience. This is edomae sushi on steroids: pristine fish aged and seasoned to peak flavor, rice calibrated to the perfect body temperature and a chef with almost monastic intensity. The price tag is as jaw-dropping as the uni (prepare accordingly), but aficionados swear it’s worth every penny for what one review aptly called a “pleasure palace” of raw fish. If you seek sushi enlightenment (and don’t mind a few magic tricks with chu-toro), Kyōten awaits.
Hermosa – On its surface, Hermosa looks like a humble hot dog stand on a quiet corner of Hermosa (yes, the neighborhood), but Chef Ethan Lim has grander ambitions hiding in plain sight. By day, he slings a cult-favorite Cambodian fried chicken sandwich and an Italian beef banh mi that unite Chicago and Khmer flavors. By night, this tiny spot transforms via a reservation-only “Family Meal” tasting menu that’ll blow your mind with Cambodian-American creations. Hermosa is deceptively ordinary and truly extraordinary—a reminder that some of Chicago’s best food comes wrapped in humble packaging.
Photo: hermosarestaurant.com Warlord – The name hints at the primal vibes: Warlord is an Avondale “lair of live-fire cooking that’s been drawing lines around the block.” Inside, it’s dark, loud, and utterly sceney—but then the food hits the table and all is forgiven. The ever-changing menu might feature charred garden vegetables alongside a Flintstonian dry-aged ribeye seared to crusty perfection. It’s a little chaotic and totally thrilling: A late-night dining den where you might wait two hours for a table, but you’ll leave blissfully carnivorous, smoke-scented and already planning your next conquest.
Elske – Translating to “love” in Danish, Elske is a Nordic-influenced dream that feels like a serene Scandinavian retreat in the middle of Chicago’s West Loop. The husband and wife team behind it won a Michelin star for their efforts, which combine foraged ingredients, fermentation and finesse in every plate. A tart of duck liver mousse with buckwheat and salted ramp might sound cerebral, but it eats like the world’s best chicken liver pâté: smooth, rich and a little naughty. From the hygge-cozy patio to the candlelit dining room, Elske charms your socks off in the most understated way.
John’s Food & Wine – Tucked in Lincoln Park, John’s Food & Wine feels like a French bistro collided with a Midwestern supper club, and the outcome is delightful. Chef John Shields (of Smyth fame) opened this more casual venture to let his hair down, and the result is an unfussy spot serving elevated comfort. One night you might get a perfect roast chicken with pan jus and fries, another night a luxurious lasagna layered with seasonal veggies. The wine list is smart but unpretentious, much like the place itself. It’s the kind of neighborhood gem where locals linger and industry folks wind down—a true foodie hangout disguised as a corner bistro.
El Che Steakhouse & Bar – Walking into El Che feels like stepping into a gaucho’s dream in the middle of the West Loop. This Argentine-inspired steakhouse cooks virtually everything over a massive live-fire grill, infusing a primal smokiness into its meats and vegetables. The star is the wood-fired ribeye: It’s fat caramelized and served with garlicky chimichurri, basically a love letter to the carnivore’s soul. But even the carrots come grilled and topped with creamy burrata, reminding you that fire makes everything better. Bold, boisterous and unapologetically meaty, El Che brings South American asado energy to Chicago, and we’re all better for it.
Ever – The name sets the tone: dining at Ever is an ever-evolving experience, each course more dazzling than the last. Two-Michelin-star chef Curtis Duffy (formerly of Grace) has created a minimalist oasis in Fulton Market where he can fully indulge his perfectionism. Dishes arrive like modern art sculptures. Think: A single pristine scallop in a green jus that tastes like the ocean’s garden or Wagyu beef hiding under a lacy veil of dehydrated kimchi. Service is ballet-level precise. And despite a recent fictional TV cameo (no, it didn’t actually close; yes, it’s very much open), Ever continues to deliver one of Chicago’s most luxurious, contemporary dining adventures.
Photo by Michael Muser. Obélix – A modern French bistro named after a cartoon Gaul, Obélix brings wit and élan to River North. Helmed by the brothers behind the venerable Le Bouchon, this is French cuisine unbound: Classics such as foie gras terrine are given clever twists (here it’s a foie gras “PB&J” with brioche and huckleberry), and the wine list playfully mixes grand cru with natural wines. The vibe is buzzy yet intimate, with a touch of Parisian bohemia. Whether you’re feasting on steak frites or indulging in caviar-topped onion dip (yes, really), Obélix delivers French savoir-faire with Chicago swagger.
Sepia – A pioneer of the West Loop dining boom, Sepia has aged like a fine wine: gracefully, with depth and character. Housed in a 19th-century print shop, its interior oozes vintage charm while the kitchen stays firmly in the present with seasonal New American fare. The menu reads like a farmers market dream: local produce, sustainable meats and an herbaceous sensibility. You might start with velvety sunchoke soup and move to sumac-crusted venison, all paired with wines from one of the most respected cellars in town. Elegant but never stiff, Sepia is the quiet virtuoso of Chicago dining (and it’s got the Michelin star to prove it.)
Smoque – Barbecue evangelism on the Northwest Side. Smoque turns out brisket so tender, it should come with a warning label. No frills, no fuss, just righteous smoke, sauce restraint and meat that speaks for itself. Chicago’s best BBQ.
Rose Mary – Joe Flamm’s “Adriatic drinking food” joint is a joyful mash-up of Italy and Croatia, proving that Chicago’s best new restaurants aren’t afraid to bring a little Dalmatian sass to their gnocchi. This is Croatian soul food swagger.
The Publican – The West Loop’s temple of pork and beer still roars after all these years. Communal tables, nose-to-tail excess and a room that buzzes like a stock exchange during happy hour, it’s a carnivore’s cathedral.
Pat’s Pizza – Forget deep dish—Pat’s is the real Chicago: cracker-thin, tavern-cut, sauced with a light hand and topped with the wisdom of three generations who know that pizza is meant to be folded and fought over.
Mi Tocaya Antojería – Chef Diana Dávila reimagines Mexican home cooking with the mind of a poet and the swagger of a street vendor. This is the kind of restaurant that makes you rethink what you thought you knew about mole. This is vibrant, personal cooking at its best.
Photo: mitocaya.com Topolobampo – Rick Bayless' crown jewel is still a master class in high Mexican cuisine—precise, painterly plates that could win art prizes if they didn’t already win your heart first.
Frontera Grill – Vibe: Chicago’s warmest Mexican institution. The elder statesman of River North still delivers soul-deep flavors and warm hospitality, proof that a restaurant with nothing left to prove can still show the kids how it’s done. America’s warmest Mexican institution? I think so. And the food is second to none.
Carnitas Uruapan – This no-nonsense Pilsen treasure serves the kind of pork carnitas that require a nap afterward. Lard-bathed, crispy-edged and gloriously fatty—a reminder that sometimes the simplest foods are the most profound.
Photo: carnitasuruapanchi.com Harold’s Chicken Shack – A South Side institution where allegiance is personal and the mild sauce is practically a religion. Harold’s doesn’t care about your artisanal free-range nonsense. It cares about flavor, and it wins. This isn’t just fried chicken: For some of us, it’s a religious experience.
Lilac Tiger & The Coach House – At Lilac Tiger, the party’s up front—spicy, neon and cocktail-drenched—but past the bar at The Coach House, chef Zubair Mohajir spins South Asian flavors into a fine-dining fever dream that demands your attention.
Esmé – A museum disguised as a Michelin-starred restaurant, Esmé curates not just meals but memories: artful, extravagant and slightly surreal, like a tasting menu written by a poet who also went to culinary school. Michelin-starred art you can eat.
Perilla Fare – The kind of Korean-American kitchen that makes you want to pull up a chair and never leave. Crispy soy-garlic wings, bibimbap that slaps and a hospitality so warm you could melt into the banquettes. Beefy Korean-American comfort food with world class skills.
Asador Bastian – Old school Spanish steakhouse energy, reborn with Chicago swagger. Think: prime beef charred with the fury of a Castilian sun, anchovies as salty as sailor’s language and wine lists deep enough to drown in. A Spanish steakhouse with Chicago muscle.
Au Cheval – The burger that launched a thousand imitators: greasy, decadent, perfect. Au Cheval didn’t invent the double-patty majesty, but it perfected it, in a room that feels like a cross between a diner and a dream. The Burger Standard by Which All Others Are Judged, and I love the draft root beer and the rest of the menu even more than the burger!
Alla Vita – Boka Group’s love letter to casual Italian joy. Ricotta pillows, blistered pizzas and unfussy pastas, all in a room so light-soaked and pretty you’ll wish you could move in permanently. Sun-drenched, joyful Italian comfort.
Photo: allavitachicago.com Lula Cafe – A farm-to-table trailblazer in Logan Square, Lula Cafe has been the beating heart of its neighborhood since 1999. Chefs and artists commune here over beet bruschetta and inventive pastas. It’s the rare spot where a Monday-night prix fixe can be as exciting as any Michelin meal. Lula’s secret is evolution. The menu constantly reinvents itself with whatever local produce is peaking. One constant, however, is the brunch: The tofu scramble and brioche French toast have achieved icon status. Unpretentious, community-minded and endlessly creative, Lula is the soul of Chicago’s bohemian dining scene.
Atelier – An intimate Lincoln Square restaurant where the dining experience feels like art in progress. Earning its first Michelin star in 2023, Atelier is run by Chef Christian Hunter, who brings a globe-trotting perspective to a tasting menu that might include Japanese uni, Midwestern rabbit, and Caribbean spices all in one night. The space is tiny and minimalist, putting all the focus on the plates that arrive looking like little canvases. But this isn’t precious food. It’s deeply flavorful and often playful (expect a witty take on a classic or two). Atelier proves that in the right hands, a tasting menu can tell a compelling story of place, heritage and pure imagination.
La Chaparrita Grocery – Don’t let the fluorescent lights and aisles of canned beans fool you: The back of this Little Village grocery conceals a taco haven that’s attained legendary status. La Chaparrita is famed for its antojitos (little cravings) like crispy tripas tacos that convert skeptics and griddled guisado tacos overflowing with spicy stews. You’ll stand at a counter next to locals, douse everything in smoky salsa and possibly drip barbacoa on your shoes—and you’ll love every messy second of it. This is real-deal Chicago street food, served in the most unassuming of settings and all the better for it.
Perilla Steakhouse – Blurring the line between Korean BBQ joint and modern steakhouse, Perilla makes grilling an upscale adventure. This West Town spot invites you to sear Wagyu beef and heritage pork belly right at your table, aided by banchan that could steal the show. The meat quality would make a rancher weep with joy, and the kimchi and ssam setup brings big Seoul vibes. Yet Perilla also offers composed dishes and craft cocktails, positioning itself somewhere between a night out in Itaewon and a power dinner in River North. Bring friends, an appetite and a willingness to leave smelling like smoke. It’s worth it.
Superkhana International – Fun, funky and fiercely flavorful, Superkhana redefines what an Indian restaurant can be. Co-chefs Yoshi Yamada and Zeeshan Shah fuse Indian traditions with Chicago swagger, tossing out genre rules like so much fenugreek. The result? Dishes like butter chicken calzones, achari pepperoni pizza or pav bhaji illuminated with truffle oil—Bollywood meets Wicker Park. Crucially, it all works, and the exuberant cocktail program (get the masala-spiced Old Fashioned) seals the deal. Superkhana is seriously good food having a lot of fun—a reminder that fusion, done with respect and creativity, can taste like pure joy.
Birrieria Zaragoza – This tiny Archer Heights storefront is ground zero for Chicago’s birria craze. Run by the Zaragoza family, it serves just one main thing—goat birria—and it does it to perfection. The goat is slow-stewed until spoon-tender, folded into fresh corn tortillas and served with a consommé so soulful you’ll want to bathe in it. It’s a pilgrimage spot for chefs and a lifeline for homesick Jaliscienses alike, routinely hailed as the best birria north of the border. There’s often a line, and they close when they run out (often early), but one bite of that succulent goat taco and you’ll know why people worship here.
Lem’s Bar-B-Q – A South Side institution for over 70 years, Lem’s is the soul of Chicago barbecue—literally. It’s a James Beard Foundation “America’s Classic” for 2025. This no-frills carryout spot in Chatham plies its trade in aquarium smoker-cooked rib tips and hot links drenched in a legendary mild sauce. The smell of hickory hits you half a block away, and the line often wraps around the building. There’s no seating, no white tablecloths, just carnivorous bliss handed over in brown paper. Lem’s proves that sometimes the best meals come in styrofoam boxes, with sauce on your fingers and a big smile on your face.
Indienne – Chicago’s first Michelin-starred Indian restaurant. Indienne marries the spice and warmth of South Asian cuisine with the polish of contemporary fine dining. Chef Sujan Sarkar’s River North spot offers a progressive tasting menu where golgappa shots and Gujarati fafda share the stage with foie gras halwa and champagne rasgulla. Each dish is a small work of art (and oft a wordplay on tradition), delivered with white-tablecloth finesse. The dining room is chic and modern, but the flavors—tamarind, cardamom, mustard seed—transport you straight to the streets of Mumbai and Delhi, albeit via a very luxurious first-class ticket.
Photo: indiennechicago.com Demera – For nearly 15 years, Demera has been Uptown’s gift to Ethiopian cuisine, a place where eating with your hands feels downright celebratory. Grab a spot by the muraled walls, order a messob platter and watch as it arrives laden with colorful mounds of lentils, stewed meats and vegetables on spongy injera bread. Scoop, share, repeat. Yhe flavors of berbere, spiced butter and clarifying herbs commingle joyously. Don’t miss the kitfo (Ethiopian steak tartare) or the silky shiro wat (chickpea stew). Demera is proof that a communal meal can be elegant and earthy all at once, and that fermented pancake bread truly is one of the world’s great culinary vehicles.
The Loyalist – Down a flight of stairs in the West Loop, The Loyalist is the cool little brother to the lofty Smyth upstairs and home to one of Chicago’s most famous burgers. This dimly lit den nails the art of the upscale pub: Cocktails are strong, the playlist is groovy and the Loyalist Cheeseburger (a wondrous stack of melty onions, bacon mayo and gooey American cheese) has a fanbase rivaling the Jordan-era Bulls. But don’t sleep on the rest of the menu, which can include elegant small plates or a decadent chicken liver éclair that shows the fine-dining chops of the kitchen. It’s the perfect refuge when you want top-tier food without the formality, a little bit of “restaurant royalty” you can actually relax in.
The Duck Inn – A Bridgeport gem with retro supper club vibes, The Duck Inn is named for its signature dish: A whole roast duck that’s brined, trussed, rotisseried and presented with the fanfare of a Thanksgiving turkey. Chef Kevin Hickey’s menu straddles comfort and creativity. That famous rotisserie duck comes with crispy skin and luscious meat worthy of last-meal status, but you’ll also find playful bites such as “duck in a blanket” (sausage roll) or truffled cheese curds. The mid-century décor (check the vintage Schlitz globes) and the killer backyard patio make it a place you’ll want to linger. Come hungry, leave quacking about how good it was.
Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf – Step into Bavette’s, and you feel like you’ve slipped into a jazzy 1920s speakeasy that just happens to serve world-class steaks. Low lights, red leather banquettes, a subterranean parlor bar—it’s mood with a capital M. The menu hits all the steakhouse high notes (dry-aged ribeyes, massive shrimp cocktails, a sinful bone marrow mashed potato) and adds a few French flourishes, like a silky chicken liver mousse to start. Despite its swanky vibes, Bavette’s never feels stuffy. The playlist leans modern, and the crowd is as likely to be celebrating a startup sale as a 50th anniversary. It’s consistently rated one of the top steakhouses in America and for good reason. Here, beef is boss, but ambiance is a close second.
Daisies – True to its name, Daisies in Logan Square is bright, fresh and full of life. Chef Joe Frillman built this restaurant on handmade pasta and Midwestern produce, crafting a menu that feels Italian by way of Illinois. His signature spaghetti with summer zucchini and silky egg yolk has become legendary, and seasonal dishes (often incorporating vegetables from his own family farm) keep things interesting year-round. There’s an Old World spirit in the house-made preserves and pickles, yet the vibe stays cool and contemporary. Pro tip: don’t skip dessert. The Misomisu pie (miso caramel meets tiramisu) is an East meets West sweet that encapsulates Daisies’ clever charm.
Photo: daisieschicago.com Roux – Nestled in Hyde Park, Roux is a delightful mash-up of Southern café and French patisserie, where beignets and gumbo share the menu with croissants and café au lait. By day, it’s a brunch hotspot: Picture flaky biscuits under a waterfall of crawfish gravy and café brûlot spiked with orange and brandy. By night, Roux leans into its New Orleans soul, serving jambalaya that would make a Creole grandma proud and bananas foster that’s flambéed with panache tableside. It’s the sort of joint every neighborhood wishes it had: warm, welcoming and walking that line between indulgent and refined with a confident swagger (and plenty of butter).
S.K.Y. – In a Pilsen space decked out like a chic den, Chef Stephen Gillanders is cooking “inspired American” cuisine that truly spans the globe. S.K.Y.’s menu is famous for a few must-haves: the Korean fried chicken with funked-up fish sauce caramel that will leave you licking your fingers and a luscious foie gras bibimbap that somehow marries French luxe with Korean comfort. There are also nods to Japan, Vietnam and the good old American South. It sounds like a wild fusion party, but Gillanders’ fine-dining pedigree keeps it all in elegant balance. The result is a restaurant as eclectic and cool as the city itself, where a bite of steak tartare on shrimp chips can feel perfectly normal.
Schwa – Dining at Schwa is an experience in controlled chaos—emphasis on experience. This tiny, music-blaring BYOB in Wicker Park has been defying conventions for over a decade, thanks to Chef Michael Carlson’s high-wire creativity and punk-rock ethos. There’s no front-of-house; the chefs themselves serve you cutting-edge dishes that might mix white truffle with Dr. Pepper reduction or send out ravioli oozing literal chocolate. (Yep, they did that.) It’s irreverent, unpredictable and often transcendent. One minute, you’re chatting with the chef about that heavy metal track playing overhead. The next, you’re silent, swooning over a sublime quail egg raviolo that’s become Schwa’s calling card. Love it or hate it, there’s nowhere else like it, and Chicago wouldn’t be the same without its wild child of a restaurant.
Boeufhaus – A self-described “boutique steakhouse” in Humboldt Park, Boeufhaus blends the best of American and French carnivorous traditions. It’s a cozy brick-walled space (more bistro than boisterous hall), turning out beautifully caramelized dry-aged steaks alongside elegant sides such as pommes anna and bone marrow éclairs. The ribeye for two, cooked to a perfect medium-rare and sliced tableside, can convert even the most jaded steak snob. But there’s nuance here beyond beef: House-made charcuterie, pristine oysters and a thoughtful wine list remind you this isn’t just about brute portions. Boeufhaus proves a steakhouse can be simultaneously macho and refined, a little bit of Paris and a lot of Chicago packed into one delicious package.
Bayan Ko – A Cuban-Filipino mashup sounds unusual, but when it’s done with as much heart as at Bayan Ko, it feels meant to be. This BYOB spot in Ravenswood is run by a husband (Cuban descent) and wife (Filipina) team, and their menu reads like a family reunion potluck of both cultures. Start with lumpia and croquetas side by side, then move on to ropa vieja empanadas and pancit noodles entwined with rich lechón. Every dish tells a story—of immigrants, of grandmothers, of two cuisines oceans apart finding common ground. It’s homestyle cooking presented with bistro polish, and the cozy dining room buzzes with the warmth of community. Fusion can be a dirty word, but at Bayan Ko it’s the sincerest form of love.
Photo: bayankochicago.com Noon-O-Kabab – For over 20 years, this Albany Park favorite has been serving some of the finest Persian cuisine in the Midwest. From the moment you tear into the complimentary sangak bread (a giant chewy flatbread the size of a table mat) and sprinkle on a bit of feta and herbs, you know you’re in good hands. The kababs, whether juicy char-grilled chicken or tender beef koobideh, are the stars, each carrying the perfect hint of smoke and saffron. But don’t overlook the stews. The ghormeh sabzi (beef and herb stew) is deeply comforting, and the fesenjan (chicken in walnut-pomegranate sauce) is tangy-sweet delight. The name “Noon-O-Kabab” literally means bread and kabab, and indeed those are musts, but everything here sings of the home-cooked warmth that defines Persian hospitality.
Spacca Napoli – In a city famous for deep dish, Spacca Napoli unapologetically flies the flag for Neapolitan pizza and has forged its own legend. Owner Jon Goldsmith trained with the pizza masters of Naples and brought back their secrets, from the blistering wood-burning oven to the finely milled Italian flour. The result: Pies with leopard-spotted crusts that are thin, chewy and lightly charred, wearing tangy San Marzano tomato and creamy buffalo mozzarella like high fashion. Try the classic margherita or the salsiccia e friarielli (sausage and broccoli rabe) paired with a glass of Aglianico. The dining room is often full of Italian accents (always a good sign), and the patio bustles all summer. If you’ve ever wanted to teleport to Naples for an evening, Spacca Napoli is the portal. And yes, it’s certified by the Associazione Verace Pizza Napoletana (true Neapolitan pizza authority) for realness.
Photo: spaccanapolipizzeria.com Shanghai Terrace – Tucked on the 4th floor of the Peninsula Hotel, Shanghai Terrace drips with 1930s glamour, all moonlit terraces, red lanterns and servers in cheongsam attire. It’s routinely named one of the city’s most romantic dining spots, but the food is just as dazzling as the ambiance. Refined Cantonese and Shanghainese dishes fill the menu. Think: delicate dim sum, aromatic Peking duck served with all the fixings and lobster fried rice that smells like luxury. There’s a creative flair, too. The chefs aren’t afraid to add modern presentation to classic flavors. Pricey? Sure. Worth it? Absolutely, especially when you’re wooing someone or treating yourself. On warm evenings, snag a seat outdoors with a skyline view and let the superb service pamper you. This is Chinese cuisine elevated to supper club elegance, without losing an ounce of its soul.
Daisy’s Po-Boy and Tavern – New Orleans by way of Hyde Park, Daisy’s is chef Erick Williams’ second spot on this list (see Virtue above). At Daisy’s, he’s in a playful Big Easy mood. The focus is on the humble po’ boy, but oh, what po’ boys these are. Overstuffed with fried shrimp or oyster mushrooms, dressed to the nines and cradled in perfect Leidenheimer bread shipped from NOLA, they deliver bayou bliss in each bite. Add a side of gumbo cheese fries or a bowl of chicken and sausage jambalaya that could hold its own on Bourbon Street. The tavern vibe is strong: Sazeracs and Hurricanes flow, jazz plays softly, and a convivial mix of students, locals and curious foodies chow down together. It’s proof that a great sandwich can anchor a whole restaurant and that Cajun/Creole comfort has universal appeal.
Dolo Restaurant – Chinatown’s crown jewel of modern Cantonese dining, Dolo combines the best of two worlds: vibrant Hong Kong–style seafood and a trendy bar atmosphere. Tanks of live seafood greet you; pick your swimmer of choice (crabs, fish, geoduck clams) and they’ll dispatch it into flavorful dishes faster than you can say “kung hei fat choy.” The dim sum here is among the city’s best: delicate shrimp dumplings, crispy taro puffs and golden pork buns that practically melt. By night, diners feast on spicy Szechuan-style lobster or wok-fried Dungeness crab while sipping craft cocktails such as the “Far East Old Fashioned.” With its stylish décor and upbeat energy, Dolo shows that Chinatown’s dining can be both classic and contemporary chic. It’s always bustling—and rightly so.
Redhot Ranch – Late-night burgers and dogs don’t get more iconic than Redhot Ranch, the anti-hero of Chicago’s flashy restaurant scene. RHR (as devotees call it) is bare-bones and proud of it: order at the counter, pay in cash and prepare for greasy-spoon greatness. The Depression-style burger, a smash patty affair wrapped in paper with judiciously applied cheese and a fistful of fries inside the bag, is frequently hailed as the best in town. The hot dogs come “dragged through the garden” in true Chicago fashion or served minimalist with just mustard and sport peppers as at the original. Either way, you’re eating standing up or in your car, ketchup is frowned upon, and everything is deliciously sloppy. From late-night hipsters to work-a-day regulars, all are equal in the eyes of the Ranch. In a city of gourmet this and artisanal that, Redhot Ranch stands as a comforting reminder that sometimes all you need is a griddle, fresh beef and a bit of attitude.
Immm Rice & Beyond – A treasure of Uptown’s Little Thailand, Immm Rice & Beyond offers a crash course in Thai street food without the 20-hour flight. The menu is a greatest hits of the open-air markets: aromatic khao soi noodle soup with a curry kick, tangy papaya salad brimming with chilies and peanuts and skewers of grilled pork that hit every sweet-salty note. True to its name, rice is celebrated in all forms; don’t miss the khao rad gaeng (Thai curry rice plates) from the steam table or the mango sticky rice for dessert. Immm keeps things casual (order at the counter, try not to drool on the display of curries), and the prices are as friendly as the staff. It’s a bit like walking into a Bangkok street stall magically transplanted to Argyle Street, complete with Thai pop on the speakers and aunties chattering over Thai iced tea. Beyond satisfying—sanuk mak (so much fun)!
Photo: immmchicago.com Johnnie’s Beef – The reigning king of Italian beef sandwiches, Johnnie’s is a true Chicagoland pilgrimage, even if it’s technically just outside city limits in Elmwood Park. No matter, we claim it as our own. This unassuming stand has one of the “iconic institutions” of Chicago eats: an Italian beef that sets the standard. Paper-thin slices of seasoned roast beef are dunked in savory jus, piled into a crusty roll and (if you do it right) topped with fiery giardiniera peppers. Order it hot and dipped (trust us) and prepare for a glorious mess as you bite in and juice runs down to your elbows. Add an Italian ice to cool the heat, and you’ve achieved Chicago food nirvana. Girl & the Goat is fine and all, but ask a local where to eat and more often than not, they’ll say “Johnnie’s.” It’s that beloved.
Vito & Nick’s Pizzeria – Chicago’s pizza legacy isn’t just deep dish. The tavern-style thin crust at Vito & Nick’s has been winning hearts since 1946. Out in the Ashburn neighborhood, this old-school joint feels frozen in time (in the best possible way) with vinyl barstools, string lights and a TV likely tuned to a hockey game. The pizza that lands on your red-checkered tablecloth is a masterpiece of thin crust: crispy, square-cut pieces sporting bubbly charred edges, a tangy sauce and a modest amount of melty cheese and toppings spread to the very edge. The sausage and giardiniera pie is a must, a perfect marriage of fatty, fennel-flecked sausage and pickled pepper punch. Grab a frosty mug of Old Style and soak in the nostalgia. In a city full of pizza debate, Vito & Nick’s is one thing most Chicagoans agree on, an absolute must-try slice of local history.
Calumet Fisheries – A tiny smoked-fish shack perched by the Calumet River on the Far Southeast Side, Calumet Fisheries is a living legend. (James Beard honored it as an America’s Classic in 2010.) There’s no dine-in; just step up to the counter of the shack (which looks like it hasn’t changed since 1928 because it hasn’t) and order smoked salmon, trout, shrimp or the famed fried smelts through the window. The fish is smoked on-site in old-school smokehouses out back, perfumed with cherry and oak wood. You can literally see the smoke drifting lazily upward as you drive up the 95th Street Bridge. Bite into a piece of their smoked salmon candy. and you get deep, alder-y smoke, salt, sweet glaze and rich fish all at once. It’s pure transcendence for $10 a chunk. Many have tried to replicate it, none have succeeded. Take your haul to go and enjoy it by the river or on the hood of your car. It’s a taste of old Chicago, persevering against the currents of time (and the Calumet).
Sun Wah BBQ – No list of Chicago’s best is complete without the roast duck mecca of Argyle Street. Sun Wah is a family-run Chinese barbecue hall famed for its Peking duck feast, an experience as delicious as it is theatrical. Order the whole duck, and it’s wheeled out and carved tableside. First, the crispy-skinned slices to wrap in pancakes with hoisin and scallions, then a second course of stir-fried duck meat with noodles or rice and finally a light soup from the roasted bones. It’s a carnivorous trilogy that never disappoints. Even beyond the duck, the menu reads like a comfort manual: barbecued pork hanging in the window, garlic stir-fried pea shoots, colossal beef noodle soups. The Cheng family has been serving Chicago for decades and even snagged a James Beard Classic Award in 2018 for their efforts. The dining room is always bustling with a joyous mix of locals and tourists, all licking their fingers. Bring a group (and a big appetite) and let Sun Wah show you what Cantonese barbecue is all about. 饭饭 (fan fan – “eat, eat”)!
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Nice list, John’s Food & Wine is not a John Shields restaurant though, I’m fairly sure.