The 20 best restaurants in Chicago right now

What is it? A two-Michelin-starred fine dining experience from chef-owner Noah Sandoval.

Why we love it: Chicago is home to a number of upscale tasting menus, but few are able to match Oriole’s deft execution. Upon arrival, guests are escorted into a freight elevator and given a drink before the door opens to reveal the dining room. Though there’s no telling what Sandoval has in store each evening, you can look forward to a minimalist style of cooking that puts the spotlight squarely on the premium ingredients. And the room itself is a jaw-dropper—exposed brick gives a warm feeling, while tall wooden columns remind you that you’re in one of the trendiest neighborhoods in town. 

Time Out tip: Don't miss out on the beverage program—acclaimed mixologist Julia Momose and beverage director Emily Rosenfeld complement the food with inventive cocktails and an Old World-inspired wine list. And if you don't drink, don't fret: additionally, Mimose has also created a spirit-free pairing with creative, non-alcoholic beverages made to perfectly complement the menu.

Address: 661 W Walnut St, Chicago, IL 60661

Opening hours: Tue–Sat 5–9:30pm

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by BIRRIERIA ZARAGOZA (@birrieriazaragoza)

What is it? A family-owned Mexican spot that's the G.O.A.T. when it comes to goat meat. (Get it?)

Why we love it: Thick handmade tortillas, salsas made to order, bright-pink agua fresca, cinnamon-laced coffee—you can get all of that to go. Their only purpose, however, is to accompany the restaurant’s signature platters of chopped goat meat. Unlike other birrierias, this goat doesn’t touch a consommé until it’s plated, when some of the tomato-based broth is spooned over it. (That means no soggy tortillas here.) At that point, a good dousing of hot sauce, and maybe a squeeze of lime and some onions, is all you need for the city’s best tacos.

Time Out tip: The original Archer Heights location is temporarily closed due to a fire, so head to the Uptown location, which opened in 2023. Note that the Uptown restaurant is walk-in only right now, so plan accordingly.

Address: 4800 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 11am–7pm; Fri, Sat 11am–10pm; Sun 11am–9pm

What is it? An eight-seat sushi counter run by a bold and ambitious chef Otto Phan.

Why we love it: Phan left Austin, Texas to come to Chicago with the goal of offering the city’s best sushi. He fulfills those aspirations every night at his nondescript Logan Square restaurant, which is also one of the most expensive experiences in town. Those who can secure a seat are treated to a front-row view of the chef slicing raw fish and serving it on extra-large rice grains that have been seasoned with aged red vinegar. You’ll pay a pretty penny, but Kyoten’s omakase provides some of the finest bites money can buy, made with luxurious ingredients flown in from Japan.

Time Out tip: You have to be quick on your feet to snag one of those coveted counter seats—reservations for Kyōten open four weeks in advance, with the 4th week's reservations opening up weekly on Saturdays at 10pm. Set that reminder!

Address: Mode Logan Square, 2507 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Opening hours: Wed–Sun 6:30–11pm

What is it? Top Chef alum Sarah Grueneberg's pasta playground in the West Loop.

Why we love it: Italian food is meant to be shared, and at Monteverde, that's never an issue. Fill your table with a smorgasboard of small plates, handmade pastas, and shareable mains (read: they're freakin' huge). You absolutely mustn't skip the burrata e ham starter—which comes with warm English muffin-like rounds called tigelle—nor the spaghetti al pomodoro, a simple but soul-affirming dish that stars Grueneberg's spot-on roasted tomato sauce. And if you're a gluten-free eater, good news: the restaurant has an entire flourless "Senza" menu, swapping in Caponi rigatoni (made with corn and brown rice flour) for the menu's usual pastas. 

Time Out tip: Monteverde remains one of the hottest reservations in town, but if you can't snag a dinner table, try going for lunch. The menus are almost identical, minus a few dishes.

Address: Loft Lucia, 1020 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60607

Opening hours: Tue–Thu 11am–9:30pm; Fri, Sat 11am-10:30pm

What is it? An old-school Italian beef and ice stand over in Elmwood Park.

Why we love it: Just like with deep dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs, locals will never agree on the best Italian beef maker. The closest to a consensus is Johnnie’s, a legendary spot that necessitates a pilgrimage to the suburbs. You’ll have plenty of time to decide on what to order as you wait in line behind regulars—with sandwich-filling options ranging from classic beef to Italian sausage, double hot dogs to pepper and eggs—but we suggest getting the beef, doused in a generous helping of jus and served with hot peppers. Order a lemon Italian ice to cool your mouth off afterwards, the perfect refresher after an artery-clogging sandwich. Make sure to order your ice “no cover” to have the cup piled high with a precarious mountain of sweet and tangy goodness.

Time Out tip: It's cash only, so don't forget to stop at an ATM beforehand.

Address: 7500 W North Ave, Elmwood Park, IL 60707

Opening hours: Mon–Sat 11am–midnight; Sun noon–midnight

What is it? An upscale Korean restaurant from talented chef Dave Park and his partner, Jennifer Tran.

Why we love it: Jeong is the fanciest Korean experience in Chicago, bar none. Park, who previously ran celebrated food court stall Hanbun in the suburbs, uses modern preparations to elevate traditional flavors. At the roomier, full-service Jeong (pronounced “chung”) Tran oversees front of house as GM while Park helms both the focused tasting menu (eight courses) and a la carte dishes, suffusing childhood taste memories with joyful modernity. His tasting menu showcases gorgeous and inventive plates, like a disc of salmon tartare topped with doenjang yuzu gastrique, crunchy rice pearls and dollops of crème fraiche, and slices of succulent Australian Wagyu with carrot velouté, cabbage and makgeolli (Korean's milky, lightly sparkling rice wine).

Time Out tip: If you have food allergies or dietary restrictions, note that the kitchen can only accommodate pescatarians as well as certain modifications for expecting mothers.

Address: 1460 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60642

Opening hours: Wed–Sat 5–10pm

What is it? An elevated Latin concept in Chicago's Uptown neighborhood

Why we love it: Chef Norman Fenton has reinvigorated fine dining in Chicago, allowing modern technique and whimsy to mingle with ancient Latin American ingredients and manipulations with invigorating and delicious results.  The dishes are captivating, like a ravioli stuffed with puréed huitlacoche laze in truffle beurre blanc and garnished with fried corn silk or a blue corn tetela (masa pocket) stuffed with rich, gamey duck confit and the caramelized sweetness of roasted sweet potato. The late-night taco omakase centers on Fenton’s skill and shines most in his street food preparation: airy chicharrones with foamy esquites, buttery masa pockets stuffed with duck, crisp-edged confited suadero tacos. The restaurant earned its first Michelin star in 2024.

Time Out tip: For a more laid-back experience, book a seat at the late-night chef's counter for the eight-course taco omakase, featuring offerings like Alaskan king crab and wagyu tacos.

Address: 4662 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640

Opening hours: Wed–Sun 6pm–midnight

What is it? Chicago’s quintessential cash-only seafood smokehouse, located just north of the Indiana border.

Why we love it: Remember the bridge-jumping scene in Blues Brothers? It happened right next to Calumet Fisheries. The best way to get there is to drive—mostly because your car will double as your table when you leave with your bounty. One of the state's few remaining smokehouses, Calumet smokes all of its own seafood in-house using only natural wood. You can taste the difference when you sample the salmon, catfish and sturgeon—all of which are available by the pound. That shouldn't stop you from tacking on an order of crispy shrimp and cocktail sauce, the perfect grab-and-dunk appetizer for eating on the go.

Time Out tip: There's no seating inside, so plan to eat your smoked chubs, battered-and-fried shrimp, and garlic-smoked salmon on the curb or in your vehicle.

Address: 3259 E 95th St, Chicago, IL 60617

Opening hours: Mon-Thu, Sun 10am–8pm; Fri, Sat 10am-9pm

What is it? The king of thin-crust pizza done Chicago-style.

Why we love it: Serving pies since 1949 (although this location opened in ’65), Vito and Nick’s is a Chicago tradition. The cracker-thin, tavern-style crust is loaded up with rich red sauce, gooey mozzarella and fennel-flecked sausage chunks; test the limits with a few more toppings—we like mushroom, pepper, onion and black olives on ours. For the complete experience, stop by to sip an ice-cold Old Style in the dining room while catching a glimpse of the Bears or Sox game on TV. 

Time Out tip: The wait times for pie can run a little long on weekends, so order your drinks by the pitcher, and enjoy a true Chicago scene. (Or, thanks to a glut of national attention after the Food Network blew through town, scan the walls for plenty of reading material.)

Address: 8433 S Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60652

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 11am–8:30pm; Fri, Sat 11am-9:30pm; Sun noon-8pm

What is it? A modern Filipino-American bakery and fine dining restaurant from husband-and-wife team Tim Flores and Genie Kwon (Oriole), Kasama boasts both a Michelin-starred tasting menu and a selection of casual daytime dishes that'll have you saying, “I'll take one of each.”

Why we love it: Believe any and all of the hype on this one: Kasama really is as good as they say it is. Come by in the morning for brunch fare like a longanisa-topped breakfast sandwich or a full Filipino breakfast (longanisa/tocino, fried egg, garlic fried rice and pickled papaya) and some of Chicago's best pastries. At night, book a coveted seating for the restaurant's tasting menu, a Filipino-inspired journey that swings from dishes like nilaga with A5 wagyu to a perfect little croissant served with a sprinkling of freshly shaved black truffles.

Time Out tip: If you don't have your heart set on dining indoors, skip the inevitable line during the daytime and order online for pickup—we promise your meal will taste just as good. 

Address: 1001 N Winchester Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Opening hours: Wed 9am-3pm; Thu-Sun 9am-3pm, 5:30-9pm

What is it? An upscale, modern Indian experience led by chef Sujan Sarkar.

Why we love it: No restaurant in Chicago presents Indian flavors quite like Indienne. Sarkar blends refined techniques with South Asian recipes to create memorable plates, such as a poached egg bathed in curry studded with peas, sweet corn and crispy onions; chicken terrine draped with slices of truffle and sauced in a salty Amul cheese emulsion alongside a piece of leek; and succulent lamb chop plated with four colored sauces (inspired by different Indian regions) as well as garlic naan and black dairy dal. 

Time Out tip: If you're navigating specific dietary restrictions, there are, handily, separate vegan, vegetarian, non-vegetarian and pescatarian tasting menus all available—and all of which are reasonably priced! Set menu options are priced between $135 and $145, a relative bargain considering the River North location, adding to the restaurant concept's whole elegant but unstuffy vibe.

Address: 217 W Huron St, Chicago, IL 60654

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 5-10pm; Fri, Sat 5-11pm

What is it? Chef Erick Williams's love letter to the Southern experience of cooking through passed-down recipes and reimagined expressions.

Why we love it: You can practically feel the soul oozing from the menu at this Hyde Park restaurant. It's because Williams cooks with his heart, whether he's plating fried green tomatoes with tender shrimp and creamy rémoulade or fixing his famous collards, which arrive studded with hunks of smoked turkey meat. The menu’s boiled-down dish descriptions (pork chop, salmon, shrimp) all but hide the intense attention to detail that he devotes to techniques and sourcing methods. It's a reminder that we're here to be fed, first and foremost. Second only to the food is the ambiance, which is sexy without trying too hard—perfect for a cozy date night.

Time Out tip: Leave room for desserts, like a rich round of chocolate cake dressed with coconut cream, a snowing of sliced almonds and a quenelle of salted chocolate sorbet.

Address: Polsky Exchange North, 1462 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615

Opening hours: Tue-Thu, Sun 4–9pm; Fri, Sat 4-10pm

What is it? A modern American bistro with scaled-down service.

Why we love it: Housed in the former Nookies space on a boutiquey stretch of Halsted, John’s exudes timeless magnetism—narrow and warmly lit with cream and whitewashed brick walls, wood floors and soft banquettes the color of wheat. But from the minute you walk in, John's deviates from the norm. Orders are taken at the host stand, so guests must decide what they want in one go before they're seated. Fortunately, the menu is concise, featuring seasonal dishes executed with deft precision. You'll probably encounter something new each time, but on one of our visits, we enjoyed beef tartare with smoked onion aioli; mafalde with Manila clams and smoked butter; and cherry-glazed ribeye with garlic scapes.

Time Out tip: This is the one time you're gonna want to fill up on the fries—Kennebec potatoes cooked in beef fat, to be specific. 

Address: 2114 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614

Opening hours: Mon–Thu 5–9:30pm; Fri, Sat 5–10pm; Sun 5–9pm

What is it? An intimate 10-seat omakase restaurant tucked away inside Sushi-san.

Why we love it: Omakase-centric restaurants are so en vogue right now, but few match up to Lettuce Entertain You’s impressive 10-seat sushi counter. Led by chef Kaze Chan, The Omakase Room is a dazzling experience that’s both elegant and unstuffy. Diners are seated at a sushi counter, where they have a close-up view of the action. The convivial atmosphere encourages chit-chatting with the staff as they slice pristine pieces of raw fish to create 18 memorable courses, which include creations like caviar-topped otoro tartare and king crab handroll.

Time Out tip: Chicago isn't near an ocean, but that doesn't stop this resto from sourcing the freshest fish possible, so no sushi ick here! The Omakase Room has a direct partnership with the Yamasaki family at the Toyosu Fish Market and Martinez Produce and Seafood, ensuring deliveries of hyper-fresh seafood every single day.

Address: Sushi-san, 63 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60654

Opening hours: Wed–Sat seatings 5:30pm, 8:30pm

Why we love it: Thalia Hall restaurant Dusek’s shuttered in 2024, but its replacement has more than stepped up to fill the void. Fish and shellfish are the focus, appearing in dishes such as ceviche, aguachile, tacos, tostadas and more. Order individual cod or shrimp tacos or build your own from a whole fish—a wood-burning oven cranks out wondrous bites like an entire crispy snapper or dorade—served with tortillas and salsas. Dessert stars paletas and well-executed flan. Though Marsicos San Pedro may be a convenient place for a pre- or post-concert meal, it’s actually a dining destination all its own.

Time Out tip: You can certainly pop in for a solo meal but this is the kind of restaurant where you're gonna want to bring a hungry gaggle of pals and order a bunch of wood-fired goodies to share. 

Address: 1227 W 18th St, Chicago, IL 60608

Opening hours: Mon, Tue, Thu 5–9pm; Fri 5–10pm; Sat 11am-3pm, 5–10pm; Sun 11am–3pm, 5-9pm

What is it? A vaguely “contemporary American” restaurant from acclaimed chef Erling Wu-Bower.

Why we love it: In many ways, this singular menu synopsizes what it’s like to live and eat through major American cities right now—where cuisines, heritages and identities cram together and intermingle. The menu draws on all sorts of influences, making it tough to categorize the cuisine at Maxwells Trading: Chinese soup dumplings collide with pasta traditions of Bologna, Italy; Thai chili sauce dances with bitter greens and rare steak; and edible kelp whisks beurre blanc to the foamy seashore. What’s easy to understand, though, is why we’re smitten with it—suzuki tartare announces its arrival with intoxicating aromas; brûléed sweet potato bathes in a northern Thai-style curry; and the clay pot mushroom rice is simply a must-order. 

Time Out tip: You may have to plan ahead to snag a table, but it’s well worth the effort. Reservations operate on a 28-day window, and they go online at midnight. 

Address: 1516 W Carroll Ave, Chicago, IL 60607

Opening hours: Tue–Thu 4:30-9pm; Fri, Sat 4:30-10pm

What is it? A taqueria attached to a corner store.

Why we love it: Chicago’s best all-around taqueria specializes in tacos de fritangas, or fried meaty things cooked on a wide metal stovetop called a charola. You seriously can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, from the extra beefy suadero to the intricately spiced longaniza sausage. But the showstopper—and perhaps the best taco in the city—is the tripa. Order it crispy, and these little hunks from the cow’s intestine (not, as you would assume, the stomach) arrive as golden-hued and glistening crunchy nuggets. The super tender meat is a flavor conduit, so keep it simple with a sprinkle of diced raw onions and cilantro, a squeeze of lime and a spoonful of salsa. There's also a wide range of refreshing house-made beverages, including fresh-pressed juices, aguas frescas and blended licuadas (papaya, walnut).

Time Out tip: The best way to wash down that must-try crispy tripe taco is with a cup of cold, creamy horchata.

Address: 2500 S Whipple St #4138, Chicago, IL 60623

Opening hours: Mon-Wed, Fri-Sun 11am-9pm

What is it? John Shields and Karen Urie Shields’s two-for-one special in the West Loop: A fine-dining destination upstairs and the city's best burger in the sultry basement.

Why we love it: You can choose your own adventure at this double feature—and neither option will lead you astray. John Shields and Karen Urie Shields’s two-for-one special in the West Loop offers elevated tasting menus upstairs and the city’s best burger (yeah, we said it) in the dark, sultry basement. Cozy up on the couch with the Loyalist's messy medley of cheesy, oniony goodness and chuck-short rib-bacon blend patty. Or splurge for Smyth's multi-course tasting menu, a three Michelin-starred exploration of Smyth County, Virginia. The offerings change daily based on the couples' trips to a 20-acre farm located south of the city. The stunning and delicate dishes on offer incorporate fresh, seasonal produce, making every experience feel very, very special.

Time Out tip: If you just want the Loyalist's burger, it's also available for pickup and delivery.

Address: 177 N Ada Suite #101, Chicago, IL 60607

Opening hours: Mon-Sat 5-10pm, Sun 10am-2pm

What is it? The fine-dining beacon that started Boka Restaurant Group, one of Chicago's finest culinary collectives.

Why we love it: In its 20-plus years on Halsted Street, Boka has racked up a trophy case worth of awards, including one long-standing Michelin star and a handful of Jean Banchet Awards. But we prefer to let chef-partner Lee Wolen’s impeccable techniques—on everything from dry-aged duck and roasted chicken to ricotta gnudi—do the talking. It'd be a shame to skip dessert, which stars dreamy, sugar-filled confections with serious range—from peanut torte to dark chocolate with honey, miso and buckwheat.

Time Out tip: Avoid sitting at a table in the bar area if possible, as it’s so loud that we couldn’t hear our servers on a recent visit, and the elaborate garden wall in the other dining room is something to behold. But if you can’t, don’t worry—it’s worth sitting anywhere you can just to try that chicken. 

Address: 1729 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614

Opening hours: Mon-Thu, Sun 5-9pm; Fri, Sat 5-10pm

What is it? An all-day restaurant, bar and boutique market in West Town.

Why we love it: Despite the airy, plant-filled environs, Nettare’s food—punchy, rich and brackish on a recent evening—recalls the embrace of a neighborhood joint with knotty-wood walls. Drop by during the day for a selection of wine, beer and spirits, as well as coffee and pastries. When dinnertime rolls around, grab a seat in the 45-seat dining room, which was once a courtyard and is equipped with three large skylights, or the five-seat chef’s counter. The shareable plates take inspiration from Italian and Mediterranean flavors, with an emphasis on Midwestern ingredients. That means creative, ever-changing offerings like pierogies with giardiniera; beef belly with charred kohlrabi; and rhubarb tres leches cake.

Time Out tip: Nettare offers one of the most decidedly affordable tasting menus in town: Get five courses for $68; splash out an additional forty bucks for wine pairings. 

Address: 1953 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Opening hours: Wed, Thu 7am-10pm; Fri, Sat 7am-11pm; Sun 7am-9pm