The best restaurants in Chicago
249 restaurants we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.
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De Arcos Pizza
RestaurantsConverted house offering custom pizza pies & slices, plus salads, sandwiches & sides.
De Arcos Pizza
RestaurantsStix n Brix Pizza Cafe
RestaurantsWood-fired pies & sandwiches, plus draft beer & wine, served in an industrial, brick-lined space.
Stix n Brix Pizza Cafe
RestaurantsCapri Ristorante Italiano
RestaurantsEasygoing bar/eatery doling out traditional Italian specialties in a relaxed environment.
Capri Ristorante Italiano
RestaurantsGiordano's
RestaurantsKnown for deep-dish pizza, this casual chain serves other classic Italian food, plus beer & wine.
Giordano's
RestaurantsNaples Pizza
RestaurantsCasual restaurant offering pizza, Italian beef sandwiches, and other comfort food, plus a slot machine.
Naples Pizza
RestaurantsGianna's Pizza
RestaurantsThis snug pizzeria specializing in NYC-style pies also offers pasta, wings, sandwiches & salad.
Gianna's Pizza
RestaurantsCocula Restaurant Commercial
RestaurantsRelaxed joint offering traditional Mexican fare & margaritas in a standard setting.
Cocula Restaurant Commercial
RestaurantsFasano's Pizza
RestaurantsNo-frills, 1970s-era carryout firing up ultra-thin-crust pizzas, pastas & other Italian standbys.
Fasano's Pizza
RestaurantsPalermo's of 63rd Pizza and Restaurant
RestaurantsFamily-friendly spot serving pizza & Italian-American dishes in old-school digs for 50+ years.
Palermo's of 63rd Pizza and Restaurant
RestaurantsNella Pizza e Pasta
RestaurantsNeapolitan pies from a special oven, pasta, antipasti & salads pair with cocktails & Cal-Ital wines.
Nella Pizza e Pasta
RestaurantsAlynia zushi & karaoke lounge
RestaurantsLow-key locale putting out sushi, oysters and other Japanese eats, plus karaoke.
Alynia zushi & karaoke lounge
RestaurantsPizza Castle
RestaurantsVenerable, family-owned counter serve turning out old-school pies, wings & burgers for takeout.
Pizza Castle
RestaurantsAscione Bistro Hyde Park
RestaurantsTraditional & updated Italian fare is served in a relaxed dining room with full bar & a patio.
Ascione Bistro Hyde Park
RestaurantsCarmelo's Taco Place
RestaurantsComfortable, family-friendly restaurant with a kids' menu and playground, serving tacos and other Mexican dishes.
Carmelo's Taco Place
RestaurantsSit Down Cafe & Sushi Bar
RestaurantsSleek, stylish cafe featuring pizza, sushi & sandwiches plus a full bar, smoothies & coffee drinks.
Sit Down Cafe & Sushi Bar
RestaurantsSushi Thaime
RestaurantsBright, casual eatery offering Japanese, Chinese & Thai cuisine plus a large variety of sushi rolls.
Sushi Thaime
RestaurantsPalermo's 95th Italian Cuisine
RestaurantsRustic, family-owned eatery serving pizza, antipasti & classic Italian entrees since 1961.
Palermo's 95th Italian Cuisine
RestaurantsTaqueria El Perez
RestaurantsCasual, family-friendly restaurant serving flavorful tacos, enchiladas, and other traditional Mexican meals and desserts.
Taqueria El Perez
RestaurantsSakura Japanese Express
RestaurantsLow-key place for sushi, rolls, classic Japanese dishes such as hibachi and ramen, plus delivery service.
Sakura Japanese Express
RestaurantsFox's Restaurant & Pub
RestaurantsComfortable corner restaurant & bar serving thin-crust pizzas & American pub grub.
Fox's Restaurant & Pub
RestaurantsS & T Provisions
RestaurantsNeighborhood deli noted for its pizza sets (including thin-crust), plus a wide array of frozen pasta dishes.
S & T Provisions
RestaurantsTaqueria El Taquin
RestaurantsAuthentic Mexican staples like enchiladas and tacos served in casual surroundings.
Taqueria El Taquin
RestaurantsTacos Don "Memo"
RestaurantsRelaxed eatery offering familiar Mexican dishes such as tacos, tortas, and tamales.
Tacos Don "Memo"
RestaurantsPizza 750
RestaurantsLaid-back spot offering a broad menu of wood-fired pizzas, plus wraps and wings.
Pizza 750
RestaurantsOld Chicago Pizza Company
RestaurantsFamily-friendly chain restaurant featuring Italian entrees along with a wide beer selection.
Old Chicago Pizza Company
RestaurantsLos Magueyes - Burbank
RestaurantsRegional Mexican seafood dishes & cocktails in a stone-accented interior with sea-blue accents.
Los Magueyes - Burbank
RestaurantsMr. Taco Mex
RestaurantsFriendly taco joint featuring crispy tortillas, steak and carnitas, among other staples.
Mr. Taco Mex
RestaurantsDanny's Pizza Place
RestaurantsBare-bones pizzeria with checkered tablecloths serving extra-large pies & classic Italian eats.
Danny's Pizza Place
RestaurantsTaqueria Eden Y Alex Pizza
RestaurantsCasual restaurant offering pizza with deep-dish options, plus tacos, and chicken fingers.
Taqueria Eden Y Alex Pizza
RestaurantsBartolini's Restaurant
RestaurantsWarm, understated institution serving everyday Italian fare, including pizza, pasta & sandwiches.
Bartolini's Restaurant
RestaurantsChant Restaurant In Hyde Park
RestaurantsTrendy late-night eatery featuring creative, Asian-inspired global cuisine & a full bar.
Chant Restaurant In Hyde Park
RestaurantsMama Luigi's Restaurant & Banquets
RestaurantsOld-world cornerstone since 1948 serving Italian classics & steaks in a relaxed-yet-refined setting.
Mama Luigi's Restaurant & Banquets
RestaurantsFrankie V's Bar & Grill
RestaurantsCasual spot (bar area out front) serving pizza, burgers, wings and fried chicken.
Frankie V's Bar & Grill
RestaurantsEl Faro
RestaurantsMexican outpost serving signature steak burritos & chile relleno tacos in no-frills digs, open 24/7.
El Faro
RestaurantsBirrieria Ocotlan
RestaurantsCasual eatery popular for goat-meat birria and other Mexican comfort fare, plus consomé.
Birrieria Ocotlan
RestaurantsCapri Ristorante
RestaurantsLow-lit, sophisticated choice dishing a variety of Italian entrees & wine in a casual setting.
Capri Ristorante
RestaurantsMeshico
RestaurantsMexican eatery with a homey feel offering fajitas, tacos, burritos, enchiladas and flautas.
Meshico
RestaurantsRoute 66 Pizza
RestaurantsLow-key Italian-American eatery turning out hand-tossed pizzas, pasta, burgers & more.
Route 66 Pizza
RestaurantsMaya's Pizza
RestaurantsCasual, family-owned restaurant offering homemade Chicago-style pizza and other comfort food until late.
Maya's Pizza
RestaurantsNaples Pizza
RestaurantsCounter-serve eatery serving Italian & American staples from deep-dish pizzas to burgers.
Naples Pizza
RestaurantsCasciani's Pizzeria
RestaurantsOld-fashioned mainstay for pizza & casual Italian fare ranging from sausages to steak sandwiches.
Casciani's Pizzeria
RestaurantsL & L Pizzeria
RestaurantsNeighborhood eatery for pizza and other comfort foods, plus friendly service.
L & L Pizzeria
RestaurantsThe Oven
RestaurantsCasual Italian eatery dishing up pizza and pasta, along with comfort staples.
The Oven
RestaurantsMedici On 57th
RestaurantsU of Chicago BYO hangout where pizza, burgers & sandwiches figure among the American eats.
Medici On 57th
RestaurantsSora Temakeria
RestaurantsLaid-back eatery serving straightforward Japanese dishes such as sushi and maki rolls, along with Latin-inspired fillings.
Sora Temakeria
RestaurantsDao Sushi and Thai
RestaurantsStrip-mall spot serving sushi & other Japanese fare, Thai food & hibachi amid modern Asian decor.
Dao Sushi and Thai
RestaurantsJet's Pizza
RestaurantsCounter-serve chain offering Detroit-style pizza with flavored crusts, plus wings & subs.
Jet's Pizza
RestaurantsBella Mia Fine Dining
RestaurantsThis contemporary eatery boasts Italian classics, occasional live music & a white-tablecloth vibe.
Bella Mia Fine Dining
RestaurantsFranconello
RestaurantsWhite-tablecloth Italian eatery serving stalwart classics like veal piccata & pasta Bolognese.
Franconello
RestaurantsPaisans Pizzeria - West Lawn
RestaurantsPizza & pasta, plus gourmet burgers, offered in a casual space that's part of a small local chain.
Paisans Pizzeria - West Lawn
RestaurantsCervantino's Authentic Mexican Restaurant #2
RestaurantsLaid-back, family-run joint preparing classic Mexican dishes such as burritos, enchiladas and tortillas, plus options for vegetarians.
Cervantino's Authentic Mexican Restaurant #2
RestaurantsSouth Kawa Japanese Restaurant
RestaurantsA variety of sushi & other Japanese eats served in a stylish, modern space with a big-screen TV.
South Kawa Japanese Restaurant
RestaurantsShinya Ramen House - Midnight Diner
RestaurantsJapanese noodle soups & skewered snacks in a classic izakaya with a chill vibe & outdoor seating.
Shinya Ramen House - Midnight Diner
RestaurantsFrancesca's on 95th
RestaurantsUpscale-casual eatery and bar serving Italian fare, including gluten-free and vegetarian options, plus a kids' menu.
Francesca's on 95th
RestaurantsWise Guy's Pizza
RestaurantsPopular pizzeria, with thin-crusted pies and slices.
Wise Guy's Pizza
RestaurantsConte's Pizza
RestaurantsLongtime pizzeria serving crispy-crusted pies, burgers and wings.
Conte's Pizza
RestaurantsCiao Ragazzi Restaurant & Bar
RestaurantsVibrant restaurant serving traditional Italian cuisine, including wood-fired pizzas, plus beer and wine.
Ciao Ragazzi Restaurant & Bar
RestaurantsGiordano's
RestaurantsKnown for deep-dish pizza, this casual chain serves other classic Italian food, plus beer & wine.
Giordano's
RestaurantsCountry House Restaurant
RestaurantsCasual, family-owned eatery serving an extensive menu of locally sourced American & global dishes.
Country House Restaurant
RestaurantsHog Wild Oak Lawn
RestaurantsBarbecue place known for its pork chops and other classic dishes, served in an informal setting.
Hog Wild Oak Lawn
RestaurantsMandi king ملك المندي
RestaurantsCasual, welcoming eatery dishing up classic Yemeni dishes, Middle Eastern fare and seafood boils.
Mandi king ملك المندي
RestaurantsAl Bawadi Grill
RestaurantsFestive & colorful strip-mall spot featuring Middle Eastern fare plus palm trees & lanterns.
Al Bawadi Grill
RestaurantsAlasala Restaurant
RestaurantsCasual, clean-looking eatery with a drive-thru serving rotisserie and broasted chicken, alongside falafel and shawarma.
Alasala Restaurant
RestaurantsAl Bawadi Grill
RestaurantsPopular spot featuring traditional Middle Eastern and Palestinian dishes, plus vegan options.
Al Bawadi Grill
RestaurantsWaffle Pancake House
RestaurantsFamily-run breakfast spot specializing in traditional food staples, omelets, waffles and pancakes.
Waffle Pancake House
RestaurantsMeat Moot Burbank / Illinois
RestaurantsRestaurant specializing in halal smoked meats, including brisket and ribs, plus sides and sauces.
Meat Moot Burbank / Illinois
RestaurantsM'dakhan
RestaurantsTraditional Middle Eastern fare and smoked American meats are dished up in a casual setting with live entertainment.
M'dakhan
RestaurantsThe Pit Rib House
RestaurantsVast venue for wood-smoked BBQ & comfort food, beer & wine in casual digs packed with memorabilia.
The Pit Rib House
RestaurantsCrab King Cajun Boil & Bar
RestaurantsCasual venue known for traditional Louisiana seafood boils paired with beer or cocktails.
Crab King Cajun Boil & Bar
RestaurantsMighty Halal
RestaurantsBroasted chicken, sandwiches, and other Middle Eastern fare served in a family-friendly setting.
Mighty Halal
RestaurantsAsia Buffet & Grill
RestaurantsLarge, unfussy restaurant featuring unlimited portions of Asian & American comfort foods.
Asia Buffet & Grill
RestaurantsHuck Finn Restaurant
RestaurantsRelaxed destination with a homey diner vibe serving classic comfort food & donuts.
Huck Finn Restaurant
RestaurantsVito & Nick's Pizzeria
RestaurantsFamily-owned, South Side institution serving up thin-crust pizza & Italian favorites since 1932.
Vito & Nick's Pizzeria
RestaurantsKefi Greek Cuisine + Bar
RestaurantsUpscale Greek restaurant serving small plates and comfort food in a cozy atmosphere.
Kefi Greek Cuisine + Bar
RestaurantsFattoush
RestaurantsGreek-inspired provisions offered in a low-key, wood-trimmed diner, with an airy hookah lounge.
Fattoush
RestaurantsHakuna Matata
RestaurantsLow-key, quick-serve eatery offering Middle Eastern plates from kebabs to shawarma platters.
Hakuna Matata
RestaurantsTaco Burrito King
RestaurantsLocal chain cooking up Mexican staples in a down-to-earth, counter-serve locale.
Taco Burrito King
RestaurantsChicago Waffles Oak Park
RestaurantsCasual spot for breakfast, brunch, and burgers with vegan and vegetarian options, plus cocktails.
Chicago Waffles Oak Park
RestaurantsLa Catedral Cafe Little Village
RestaurantsEasygoing eatery offering brunch & European-inspired Mexican dishes in a snug, colorful dining area.
La Catedral Cafe Little Village
RestaurantsPortillo's Cicero
RestaurantsChicago-born chain for hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches & more, plus beer & wine, in retro digs.
Portillo's Cicero
RestaurantsThe Soul Food Lounge
RestaurantsAiry eatery serving soul food staples in a vibrant tavern setting.
The Soul Food Lounge
RestaurantsGolden Corral Buffet & Grill
RestaurantsFamily-friendly buffet chain featuring all-you-can-eat American fare, plus salad & dessert bars.
Golden Corral Buffet & Grill
RestaurantsRed Barrel Restaurant
RestaurantsFamily-friendly restaurant serving familiar American fare in a casual space with a bar and karaoke.
Red Barrel Restaurant
RestaurantsSawa's Old Warsaw Restaurant
RestaurantsLong-running (since 1973) eatery offering buffets of Polish & American fare at lunch & dinner.
Sawa's Old Warsaw Restaurant
RestaurantsHome Run Inn Pizza
RestaurantsOld-school local chain serving an assortment of pizzas, pastas & burgers in casual environs.
Home Run Inn Pizza
RestaurantsUncle Remus Saucy Fried Chicken
RestaurantsLongtime, casual spot serving soul food including signature sauce-laden fried chicken.
Uncle Remus Saucy Fried Chicken
RestaurantsFreddy's Pizza
RestaurantsCorner food mart plating squares of thick-crust pizza & other Italian eats since 1968.
Freddy's Pizza
RestaurantsLacoco's Pizza & Wings
RestaurantsLocal joint serving a menu of pizza, pasta, American fare & homemade Italian ice, plus a full bar.
Lacoco's Pizza & Wings
RestaurantsTequila CS Cantina Grill
RestaurantsTacos, fajitas & Mexican seafood, plus tequila drinks, in lively digs with colorful arched walls.
Tequila CS Cantina Grill
RestaurantsTACO TACO SPOT - Burnham
RestaurantsComfortable setting for quick bites including steak tacos, nachos, and burritos.
TACO TACO SPOT - Burnham
RestaurantsBlind Faith Cafe
RestaurantsBlind Faith Cafe keeps Evanston’s vegetarian scene inspired with creative meatless plates and a legit on-site bakery turning out craveable…
Blind Faith Cafe
RestaurantsEden
RestaurantsEden is all about seasonal, local flavors, with an on-site greenhouse feeding a menu of simple, clean dishes that actually taste like the…
Eden
RestaurantsBuffalo Joe's - Clark St.
RestaurantsBuffalo Joe's - Clark St. is serving some of the North Side's best wings, from Mild to Spicy to the infamous Suicide, plus crisp buffalo…
Buffalo Joe's - Clark St.
RestaurantsPasta Palazzo
RestaurantsMake it your move this week with Pasta Palazzo, the cozy Italian spot with handmade pastas, jalapeno gnocchi, and daily specials like…
Pasta Palazzo
RestaurantsSapori Trattoria
RestaurantsSmall, cozy, and all about housemade pasta, Sapori Trattoria nails the classics with comforting sauces and the kind of plates that make you…
Sapori Trattoria
RestaurantsRoka Akor
RestaurantsUpscale Japanese restaurant & bar supplying steak, seafood & sushi in a contemporary setting.
Roka Akor
RestaurantsLittle Goat Diner
RestaurantsStephanie Izard's diner serving a huge menu of creative, gourmet takes on comfort food classics.
Little Goat Diner
RestaurantsLe Colonial Chicago
RestaurantsUpscale French-Vietnamese fare in a Gold Coast row house with balcony seating & an outdoor patio.
Le Colonial Chicago
RestaurantsDave's Hot Chicken
RestaurantsCasual, Nashville-style, chicken-focused chain serving tenders, sliders, fries, and crispy wings in a laid-back spot.
Dave's Hot Chicken
RestaurantsLongman & Eagle
RestaurantsHipster spot with modern farm-to-table fare & nose-to-tail eats plus whiskey & craft cocktails.
Longman & Eagle
RestaurantsDaNang kitchen
RestaurantsStraightforward Vietnamese storefront cafe with traditional fare including pho with coffee.
DaNang kitchen
RestaurantsBoulevard Bistro
RestaurantsCasual place serving American breakfast standards, eggs and steaks amid a friendly atmosphere.
Boulevard Bistro
RestaurantsFioretta
RestaurantsItalian American steakhouse with world-class cocktails, a glamorous vibe, and live entertainment.
Fioretta
RestaurantsStacked and Folded
RestaurantsCasual eatery offering American comfort fare such as burgers, tacos, and salads, plus happy hour.
Stacked and Folded
RestaurantsSaigon Sisters
RestaurantsRelaxed Vietnamese mini-chain outpost serving a menu of banh mi sandwiches, bao buns & soups.
Saigon Sisters
RestaurantsOvo Frito Cafe
RestaurantsLaid-back restaurant whipping up pancakes, omelets and other familiar breakfast fare, plus lunch options.
Ovo Frito Cafe
RestaurantsSummer House Santa Monica
RestaurantsCalifornia fare & wines, plus homemade breads, served in a breezy, beach house-inspired space.
Summer House Santa Monica
RestaurantsCafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!
RestaurantsSpanish tapas, paella & pitchers of sangria fuel a lively scene at this classic Chicago restaurant.
Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!
RestaurantsChubby Cattle BBQ | Chicago
RestaurantsCasual all-you-can-eat eatery featuring premium Japanese and Australian Wagyu beef, plus sushi.
Chubby Cattle BBQ | Chicago
RestaurantsSmyth
RestaurantsRustic-chic venue offering tasting menus of inventive, high-end New American fare & wine pairings.
Smyth
RestaurantsSea Ranch Sushi Evanston
RestaurantsThis casual, counter-serve sushi spot also stocks a selection of Japanese grocery items.
Sea Ranch Sushi Evanston
RestaurantsCM Korean Fried Chicken of Evanston 충만 치킨
RestaurantsKorean restaurant specializing in fried chicken, including a signature dish cooked by frying and grilling.
CM Korean Fried Chicken of Evanston 충만 치킨
RestaurantsCrisp
RestaurantsCounter-service eatery serving Korean fried chicken, burritos, and veggie bowls with a delivery option.
Crisp
RestaurantsSushi-san
RestaurantsStylish spot with a long sushi bar specializing in sashimi, plus cocktails served in soda cans.
Sushi-san
RestaurantsDave’s Hot Chicken
RestaurantsFast-casual chain featuring fried-chicken items such as tenders, sliders and sandwiches.
Dave’s Hot Chicken
RestaurantsFrida's Breakfast and Lunch
RestaurantsLow-key restaurant serving Mexican-inspired breakfast & lunch, plus wraps, pancakes & French toast.
Frida's Breakfast and Lunch
RestaurantsHarvest Room
RestaurantsLocally sourced breakfast, lunch & dinner are served in a modern space, plus vegan & kid's menus.
Harvest Room
RestaurantsBlue Door Kitchen & Garden
RestaurantsAmerican restaurant serving seasonal food & cocktails in an elegant, intimate setting with a patio.
Blue Door Kitchen & Garden
RestaurantsHawaiian Bros Island Grill
RestaurantsChain eatery whipping up Hawaiian plates, including chicken and pork, rice, macaroni salad and pineapple.
Hawaiian Bros Island Grill
RestaurantsTOMO Japanese Street Food
RestaurantsRamen and rice bowls served at an eatery featuring Japanese street food, plus karaage and takoyaki.
TOMO Japanese Street Food
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