A curated set of standout tables and local favorites.
Local favorites & classics
Lou Malnati's Pizzeria. Multiple locations (River North flagship at 439 N. Wells St.) · Chicago deep-dish pizza — A Chicago institution since 1971 and Yelp's top-rated pizza chain in the country. The signature buttery…
Pequod's Pizza. Lincoln Park (2207 N. Clybourn Ave.) · Chicago pan / caramelized-crust deep dish — Ranked among the nation's best pizzas for decades, Pequod's is distinguished by its caramelized-cheese crust — the…
Buddy Guy's Legends (Kitchen). South Loop · Louisiana / Southern BBQ — The kitchen at Buddy Guy's legendary blues club serves Southern-leaning comfort food — gumbo, catfish, ribs — alongside live music every night of the week.…
Kingston Mines. Lincoln Park · Bar food + live blues — Chicago's longest-continuously-running blues club (open since 1968) operates two stages simultaneously until 4 AM on weekends. It's less about the food and…
Pizzeria Portofino. 317 N Clark St · 4.9★ (18,747 reviews)
STK Steakhouse. 9 W Kinzie St · 4.7★ (18,079 reviews)
Quartino Ristorante. 626 N State St · 4.7★ (17,552 reviews)
The Dearborn. 145 N Dearborn St · 4.7★ (10,144 reviews)
Cafés, bakeries & casual
Girl & the Goat. West Loop / Fulton Market · Global-American, shareable plates — Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard's flagship draws loyal crowds to Fulton Market for bold, globe-spanning flavors divided into meat,…
Au Cheval. West Loop · American diner / burgers — Consistently voted one of the country's great burgers, Au Cheval's double-patty cheeseburger with housemade pickle and Dijonnaise inspires lines that routinely…
Goddess and the Baker, 33 S Wabash-Millennium Park. 33 S Wabash Ave · 4.3★ (3,037 reviews)
Magnolia Bakery. 108 N State St · 4.3★ (3,027 reviews)
Spinning J Bakery and Soda Fountain. 1000 N California Ave · 4.7★ (1,169 reviews)
Jennivee's Bakery & Cafe. 2925 N Halsted St · 4.6★ (1,260 reviews)
La Fournette. 1547 N Wells St · 4.7★ (816 reviews)
Fine dining & Michelin
Smyth. West Town / Fulton Market · Contemporary American (tasting menu) — Chicago's only three-Michelin-star restaurant as of 2026, helmed by chef John Shields. The seasonal tasting menu is rooted in…
Kasama. West Town / Ukrainian Village · Filipino (tasting menu + daytime bakery) — The world's first Filipino restaurant to earn a Michelin star — now holding two stars — from chefs Tim Flores and Genie…
Oriole. Fulton River District · Contemporary American (tasting menu) — Two Michelin stars and multiple Jean Banchet Awards define this intimate tasting-menu experience from chef Noah Sandoval. Housed in a…
Taqueria Chingón. West Loop · Mexican tacos / street food — A 2026 Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient praised for exceptional value, Taqueria Chingón brings elevated Mexican street food — housemade tortillas, creative…
Aba. 302 N Green St 3rd Floor · 4.8★ (11,155 reviews)
RPM Steak. 66 W Kinzie St · 4.7★ (5,784 reviews)
Gibsons Italia. 233 N Canal St · 4.7★ (4,363 reviews)
Bavette's Bar & Boeuf. 218 W Kinzie St · 4.7★ (4,165 reviews)