Top 10 Best Chicago Restaurants

The top 10 Chicago restaurants based on real customer reviews on Yelp and TripAdvisor are Alinea, Au Cheval, The Capital Grille, Giordano's, Lou Malnati's Pizza, Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab, Smith and Wollensky, True Food Kitchen, Johnnie's Beef, and Bavette's Bar and Boeuf.
Chicago has earned a reputation as one of the United States’ top culinary destinations. Located in the Midwest along Lake Michigan, the Windy City offers famous dishes such as deep-dish pizza, Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef, and unique creations like Chicken Vesuvio and Jibarito sandwich, and carved its place in American food history. Portillo’s in the Loop serves classic Chicago dogs, while Al’s Beef and Johnnie’s Beef are staples for Italian beef sandwiches.
Chicago’s cuisine reflects various global influences shaped by waves of immigrants since the 1800s. Italian, Greek, Mexican, and Asian cuisines have become integral to the city’s food scene. Italian immigrants popularized dishes like Italian beef and Chicken Vesuvio, while James Dewar invented Twinkies in the Chicago suburbs. Regional Mexican food and upscale dining experiences from the best restaurants in Chicago like Alinea and Oriole demonstrate Chicago’s range from traditional to modern fine dining.
Food festivals and tours further showcase Chicago’s diverse food offerings. The Taste of Chicago is an annual downtown event showcasing the city’s best dishes, while the Lincoln Park Greek Fest celebrates authentic Greek cuisine alongside music and dancing. The Windy City Smokeout brings together barbecue, country music, and craft beer each summer. Walking tours of neighborhoods like Chinatown offer visitors a chance to explore unique flavors and experience the city’s multicultural food traditions firsthand.
The top restaurants in Chicago are listed below:
- Alinea
- Au Cheval
- The Capital Grille
- Giordano's
- Lou Malnati's Pizza
- Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab
- Smith and Wollensky
- True Food Kitchen
- Johnnie's Beef
- Bavette's Bar and Boeuf


- 22 Item Prices
- $39.55 Average Item Price
Description:
Alinea is a multi-awarded restaurant known for its innovative tasting menus and experiential dining. Alinea was awarded three stars by the Michelin Guide in 2010 and has been named the Best Restaurant in the World by Elite Traveler.
Type of Restaurant:
Fine Dining
Type of Food:
Experimental and whimsical
Signature Dish:
Hot Potato, Cold Potato
Osetra
Black Truffle Explosion
Balloon
Location:
1723 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614
Special Feature:
Wine pairing
What Makes It Special:
Alinea is one of only 13 restaurants in the U.S. to earn the coveted Michelin 3-Star rating.
What Sets It Apart
Inventive dishes and one-of-a-kind dining experience
Operating Hours:
5:00 PM to 10:00 PM daily
Price:
$325 to $495 per person

- 55 Item Prices
- $15.60 Average Item Price
Description:
Au Cheval is a diner-style restaurant and bar with an open kitchen and a passion for cheeseburgers and egg-focused entrees.
Type of Restaurant:
Diner
Type of Food:
American classics and comfort food
Signature Dish:
Double Cheeseburger
Beef Cheek Marmalade
Pork Belly Bacon
Fried Bologna Sandwich
Location:
800 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
Special Feature:
Makes one of the best burgers in Chicago
What Makes It Special:
Legendary Chicago bar and restaurant serving elevated diner fare, highlighted by the signature cheeseburger.
What Sets It Apart
Au Cheval is the quintessential tavern experience in the Windy City.
Operating Hours:
10:00 AM to 11:15PM Mondays through Saturdays
10:00 AM to 10:15PM Sundays
Price:
$30 and under per person

- 37 Item Prices
- $21.78 Average Item Price
Description:
The Capital Grille is a fine-dining steakhouse known for dry-aged steaks and an extensive wine list.
Type of Restaurant:
Steakhouse
Type of Food:
Dry-aged steaks, fresh seafood, and classic American sides.
Signature Dish:
Seared Tenderloin with Butter Poached Lobster Tails
Porcini-rubbed Bone-in Ribeye with 15-year Aged Balsamic
Sliced Filet Mignon with Cipollini Onions, Wild Mushrooms and Fig Essence
Location:
633 N St Clair St, Chicago, IL 60611
Special Feature:
Personalized service and a sophisticated atmosphere ideal for celebrations and business dining.
What Makes It Special:
Focus on dry-aging steaks in-house and a curated selection of world-class wines.
How It Stands Apart:
Exceptional service and attention to detail, with a menu designed for refined palates.
Operating Hours:
Monday to Thursday: 11:30 AM - 9:00 PM
Fridays: 11:30 AM - 10:00 PM
Saturday: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Sunday: 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Price:
Price ranges from $50 to $100 per person.

- 108 Item Prices
- $15.53 Average Item Price
Description:
Giordano's is synonymous with “best” stuffed pizza in Chicago. The restaurant chain has been Serving Chicago-style deep dish stuffed pizza since 1974.
Type of Restaurant:
Pizzeria
Type of Food:
Deep dish pizza
Signature Dish:
Chicago Classic Deep Dish
Fresh Spinach Deep Dish
Cheese Deep Dish
Giordano's Sampler
Locations:
730 N Rush St, Near North Side
223 W Jackson Blvd, Downtown / The Loop
130 E Randolph St Prudential Plaza
Special Feature:
Authentic Chicago style pizza
What Makes It Special:
Giordano's signature Mozzarella cheese is specially produced for the restaurant by skilled Wisconsin cheese makers using only the very best milk
What Sets It Apart
The American pizzeria chain that specializes in Chicago-style stuffed pizza.
Operating Hours:
11:00 AM to 10:00 PM Daily
Price:
$15 to $20 per person

- 53 Item Prices
- $15.27 Average Item Price
Description:
Lou Malnati's is one of the top pizza restaurants in Chicago known for authentic deep dish pizza recipes. The pizza is hand-made from scratch using premium mozzarella cheese, plum tomatoes, and fresh toppings layered on a delicious crust.
Type of Restaurant:
Pizzeria
Type of Food:
Deep dish Chicago-style pizza
Signature Dish:
World Famous Chicago-Style Deep Dish Pizza
The "Lou"
The Malnati Chicago Classic
Locations:
3986 N Avondale Avenue
439 North Wells Street
805 S. State Street
1235 W Randolph Street
3333 W. Fullerton Avenue
1520 North Damen Avenue
1120 North State Street (at State & Rush)
3859 West Ogden Avenue
958 W. Wrightwood Avenue (Lincoln Park)
4340 N Lincoln Avenue
410 North Michigan Avenue
6456 South Cicero Avenue
Special Feature:
Famous deep dish original Chicago-style pizza
What Makes It Special:
Flaky, buttery pizza crust, a secret sausage blend, vine ripened plum tomatoes, and fine mozzarella cheese
What Sets It Apart
Lou Malnati's is considered the oldest family name in Chicago-style pizza
Operating Hours:
Typically 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM for most locations
Price:
$30 and under per person

- 594 Item Prices
- $27.65 Average Item Price
Description:
Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab is a restaurant chain famous for USDA Prime steaks, quality seafood and world-famous Florida Stone Crab claws.
Type of Restaurant:
Steakhouse and Seafood Restaurant
Type of Food:
Steaks and Seafood
Signature Dish:
King Crab
Florida Stone Crab Claws
Bone-in Filet Mignon
Colossal Lump Crab Cake
Location:
60 E Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Special Feature:
They are famous for their giant stone crab claws.
What Makes It Special:
Joe's features an extensive selection of seafood, flown in fresh daily, to complement the world's finest Florida Stone Crab claws
Operating Hours:
11:30 AM to 9:30 PM daily
Price:
$50 and over

- 854 Item Prices
- $49.84 Average Item Price
Description:
Smith & Wollensky is a popular steakhouse in Chicago with restaurants all over the United States, known for USDA Prime grade beef that is dry-aged and hand-butchered in-house.
Type of Restaurant:
Steakhouse
Type of Food:
Steaks
Signature Dish:
Swinging Tomahawk
Signature Filet Mignon
Bone-in Rib Eye Au Poivre
Shellfish Tower
Location:
318 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654
Special Feature:
Steaks dry-aged for 28 days and hand-cut by an in-house butcher.
What Makes It Special:
Smith & Wollensky is America's premier steakhouse, serving USDA Prime dry-aged steaks, premium seafood and award-winning wines.
Operating Hours:
12:00 PM to 8:30 or 9:00 PM Daily
Price:
$50 to $90 per person


- 162 Item Prices
- $14.59 Average Item Price
Description:
True Food Kitchen offers brunch, lunch and dinner with healthy, chef-driven seasonal food & handcrafted drinks.
Type of Restaurant:
Health-Focused Restaurant
Type of Food:
Healthy food
Signature Dish:
Kale Salad
Ancient Grains Bowl
Edamame Dumplings
Spaghetti Squash Casserole
Location:
1 W Erie St Unit A/Floor 1, Chicago, IL
Special Feature:
Offers health-focused dishes made from scratch with seasonal ingredients
What Makes It Special:
True Food Kitchen offers an eco-chic vibe and serves health-conscious fare and delicious cocktails.
Operating Hours:
Mondays through Fridays 11:00 AM to 9:00 PM
Saturdays and Sundays 9:30 AM to 9:00 PM
Price:
$30 and under

- 19 Item Prices
- $2.72 Average Item Price
Description:
The legendary Johnnie's Beef in Elmwood Park is a Tiny, no-frills, cash-only restaurant and rated as one of the best beefs in Chicagoland.
Type of Restaurant:
Fast food
Type of Food:
Sandwiches and bowls
Signature Dish:
Italian Beef
Italian Sausage
Pepper and Egg
Combo Beef & Sausage
Location:
7500 W North Ave, Elmwood Park, IL
Special Feature:
Authentic Italian beef sandwiches
What Makes It Special:
Johnnie's beef roasts 300 pounds of a lean and tough cut of beef for 4 hours, added with sweet peppers and gravy made with a secret blend of seasonings.
What Sets It Apart
Johnnie's Beef is a legendary Chicago institution.
Operating Hours:
11:00 AM to 12:00 AM daily
Price:
$10 to $15 per person
What Food is Chicago Famous For?
Chicago famous foods include Chicago-style hot dogs, deep dish pizza, Italian beef, and Chicken Vesuvio. Chicago dogs such as those available at the iconic Portillo's, are all-beef hot dogs covered in a colorful assortment of mandatory toppings: finely chopped white onions, yellow mustard, sliced tomatoes, neon green sweet relish, dill pickle spears, celery salt, and sports peppers. Deep dish pizza is an authentic Chicago pizza featuring a buttery crust and layers of cheese and tomato sauce. Another famous Chicago food is the Italian beef, made from thin cuts of roast beef simmered and served on French bread. Chicken Vesuvio is a classic Chicago specialty made with crispy pan-fried chicken and potatoes.
What is the Average Cost of Meal in Chicago?
The average cost of a meal in Chicago in fast food restaurants range from $5.99 to $15.99. A meal for two persons in a mid-range restaurant cost an average of $100. The price of a meal at high end restaurants range from $85 to $495 per person. Some of the most popular fine dining restaurants in Chicago include Alinea, Oriole, Indienne, and Kyōten Next Door. According to BUdgetyourtrip.com, the average daily cost for food in Chicago is around $85 ($85) per person, with previous travelers spending between $32 to $233.
What are the Most Popular Fast-food Restaurants in Chicago?
Famous Chicago fast food restaurants are listed below:
- Portillo's: Home to America's favorite Italian beef, burgers, and Chicago-style hot dogs.
- Shake Shack: Known for premium Angus beef burgers, fries and milkshakes.
- Velvet Taco: Features globally inspired tacos with bold flavors made in-house with fresh local ingredients.
- Johnnie's Beef: A Chicago institution, Johnnie's Beef is rated as one of the best beef in Chicagoland.
- The Hat Chicago: A cozy eatery known for Chicago-style street food including hot dogs, sausages and charburgers.
- Jimmy's Gyros & Grill: A popular fast food restaurant in Chicago famous for Gyros and hearty Chicago-style sandwiches.
- Maxwell Street Depot: A staple in Bridgeport, Maxwell Street Depot is a no-frills restaurant that serves Polish sausage, Chicago-style hot dogs & burgers 24/7.
What are the Best Bar Restaurants in Chicago?
The best bars in Chicago according to TripAdvisor are listed below:
- Guinness Open Gate Brewery: A beautiful pub and brewhouse featuring a Taproom, Restaurant, and the first ever Guinness Bakery.
- Fado Irish Pub: A very friendly and traditional Irish pub in Chicago known for pub food faves, whiskey, Guinness, and sports viewing on TV.
- Flight Club Chicago: An upscale entertainment venue that combines Social Darts with food and drinks
- Burger Bar Chicago: A casual restaurant in Chicago known for gourmet burgers and craft beer
- Big Bar: One of the cool bars in Chicago located at the Hyatt featuring pub grub & floor-to-ceiling windows for city views
- Billy Goat Tavern: A chain of taverns in Chicago, Illinois and Washington, D.C. that serves burgers, beer, and more
What are the Must Try Restaurants in Chicago?
The must-try restaurants in Chicago according to Redditors are listed below:
- Giordano’s: Famous for its Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, known for its thick, buttery crust, layers of mozzarella cheese, and rich tomato sauce. A must-visit for pizza lovers.
- Luke’s Beef: Renowned for its Italian beef sandwiches, made with thinly sliced seasoned roast beef served on fresh Italian bread and often topped with giardiniera or sweet peppers.
- Johnnie’s Beef: Celebrated for its iconic Italian beef sandwiches and char-grilled Italian sausages. The smoky, savory flavors and traditional preparation make it a local favorite.
- Harry Caray’s Restaurant: Known for Chicken Vesuvio, a Chicago classic featuring roasted chicken with potatoes, garlic, and white wine sauce. Also offers a range of hearty Italian-American dishes.
Chicago must try foods include authentic Chicago style pizza, Chicago hot dogs, Italian Beef, and Chicken Vesuvio.
What are the Best Spots for Authentic Chicago Style Hot Dogs?
The best food spots in Chicago for authentic Chicago style hot dogs according to Yelp contributors are Portillo's & Barnelli's Chicago, Al's Beef, Devil Dawgs-Gold Coast, Chicago's Dog House, and Fatso's Last Stand. Each of these Chicago food spots offers a true taste of Chicago's iconic hot dogs, characterized by an all-beef frankfurter nestled in a poppy seed bun and topped with yellow mustard, chopped onions, bright green relish, tomato wedges, a dill pickle spear, sport peppers, and a dash of celery salt.
What are the Newest Restaurants in Chicago?
The new restaurants in Chicago that have quickly become popular are listed below:
- 3M Restaurant: Considered one of the best new restaurants Chicago has to offer, 3M Restaurant specializes in Balkan cuisine and showcases a lunch buffet daily.
- Brasero: Specializing in South American and Latin cooking, Brasero offers shareable bites, steaks, fresh seafood and hand-crafted cocktails.
- TAMA: This new bistro in Chicago is building a name for itself as one of the fast-rising restaurants specializing in Mediterranean and Asian cuisine.
- Dear Margaret: This restaurant combines Midwestern ingredients in French-Canadian cuisine, located in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood.
- El Xangarrito: Chef Rogelio Benitez showcases Mexican staples such as tacos, enchiladas & meat plates in this newly opened Mexican restaurant.
What Restaurants in Chicago Serve Vegan Food?
Popular vegan restaurants in Chicago include Alice & Friends' Vegan Kitchen, PLANTA Queen, and Bloom Plant Based Kitchen. Alice & Friends' Vegan Kitchen, located at 5812 N Broadway, is renowned for its creative and flavorful vegan dishes inspired by global cuisines. PLANTA Queen, at 413 Clark St, specializes in Asian-inspired vegan fare, offering an upscale dining experience with innovative plant-based creations. Bloom Plant Based Kitchen, situated at 1559 N Milwaukee Ave, focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients and serves a menu that highlights the best of plant-based culinary artistry.
What Restaurants in Chicago Serve Gluten-Free Food?
The best restaurants in Chicago that serve gluten-free food according to Eater are Arya Bhavan, Defloured, and Spacca Napoli. Arya Bhavan is an all-vegan Indian restaurant that has an entire menu of gluten-free dishes. Defloured is a gluten-free bakery known for cakes, bars, cookies, and whoopie pies. Spacca Napoli is known for their Neapolitan pizzas which can be made gluten-free on request.
Are Restaurants in Chicago Healthy?
Yes, many restaurants in Chicago offer healthy dining options, with establishments like True Food Kitchen, LYFE Kitchen, and Chicago Raw. True Food Kitchen focuses on nutrient-rich, seasonal ingredients. LYFE Kitchen, known for organic, low-calorie meals, caters to various diets. Vegan-focused spots like Chicago Raw emphasize unprocessed, plant-based meals packed with nutrients. Numerous restaurants provide gluten-free, keto-friendly, and low-sodium dishes, ensuring health-conscious diners have ample choices across Chicago.
Is Chicago a Good Destination for Food?
Yes, Chicago is a great destination for food with a wide range of food options from famous restaurants from iconic pizzerias like Giordano's and Lou Malnati's, to Michelin-starred restaurants offering one-of-a-kind dining experiences like Alinea. Chicagoans highly recommend food tours like the Best in Chow Chicago Food Planet Tour for out of town guests. There are more than 25 food festivals in Chicago every year including the Windy City Hot Dog Fest, Lincoln Park Greek Fest, and Taste of Chicago.
What are the Famous Cuisines in Chicago?
The famous cuisines in Chicago include:
- Chicago Cuisine: Known for its deep-dish pizza, Chicago-style hot dogs, and Italian beef sandwiches.
- Polish Cuisine: Reflecting the city’s large Polish-American community, favorites include pierogi (dumplings filled with potatoes, cheese, or meat), kielbasa (Polish sausage), and paczki (Polish doughnuts).
- Italian Cuisine: Chicago is home to iconic Italian eateries specializing in dishes like chicken Vesuvio, ricotta-filled cannoli, and house-made pasta. Italian influences are also seen in pizzas, with thin-crust tavern-style being a popular alternative to deep dish.
- Greek Cuisine: Chicago is home to dozens of Greek restaurants offering an array of delicious foods like Flaming Saganaki, Moussaka and kebabs.
- Mexican Cuisine: Chicago has a strong Mexican culinary influence, offering everything from street-style tacos to mole dishes. Authentic taquerias like Carnitas Uruapan and high-end spots like Frontera Grill by Rick Bayless showcase the diversity of Mexican flavors.
- Indian Cuisine: The city’s Devon Avenue, also known as "Little India," features a wide range of Indian restaurants serving staples like butter chicken, samosas, biryani, and dosa.
What Type of Food Does Chicago Usually Offer?
The type of food Chicago offers reflects the city's cultural heritage and innovative food styles. Commonly served food in Chicago are the iconic deep-dish pizza, Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches, Polish pierogi, Mexican tacos, and Indian curries. Restaurants in the city cater to a variety of tastes, featuring American comfort food, global cuisines, and fusion dishes.
Deep-dish pizza is baked in a round steel pan to achieve its signature thick crust, while Italian beef is slow-cooked and thinly sliced before being dipped in flavorful jus. Chicago-style hot dogs rely on the art of layering fresh, locally sourced ingredients without ketchup. The city also excels in barbecue, with meats slow-smoked for hours to achieve tenderness and flavor.
Does Chicago Have a Unique Dish?
Yes, there are unique dishes invented in Chicago including the Chicago-style deep dish pizza, Chicago-style hot dogs, Italian beef, and Jibarito sandwich. Chicago-style deep-dish pizza, layered with rich ingredients and baked in a thick crust, can be enjoyed at Lou Malnati's or Giordano’s. Chicago-style hot dogs, featuring Vienna Beef on a poppy seed bun with mustard, onions, bright green relish, tomato wedges, a dill pickle spear, sport peppers, and celery salt, are best tried at Portillo’s or The Wiener’s Circle. Italian beef sandwiches, served on an Italian roll with thinly sliced beef and optional giardiniera, are specialties of Al’s Beef and Johnnie’s Beef. The Jibarito sandwich, crafted with fried plantains instead of bread and filled with steak, garlic oil, onions, and cheese, originated at Borinquen Lounge in Humboldt Park and is available in several other unique Chicago restaurants.