10 Best Restaurants in Chicago

Are you a food lover? Then welcome to Chicago — the city where calories don’t count and the pizza is basically a meal-sized hug. From legendary deep-dish pies and juicy steaks to bold, globally inspired small plates, the Windy City delivers flavors as big as its skyline.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a lifelong local looking for new foodie adventures, these 10 restaurants promise mouthwatering dishes, unforgettable dining experiences, and maybe even a few Instagram-worthy moments (cheese pull optional, but highly encouraged).

If burgers were royalty, Au Cheval would be the crown jewel. Famous for its decadently juicy cheeseburger — complete with melted American cheese, Dijonnaise, pickles, and optional bacon, fried egg, or foie gras — this spot makes you wonder why you ever ate anywhere else. Hungry for more? Try their roasted bone marrow or chopped chicken liver, because life’s too short for boring starters.

Location: 800 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
Fun Fact: Au Cheval is so popular that wait times can rival a rollercoaster line — bring patience (and maybe a snack).

Lou Malnati’s is basically the poster child for Chicago-style deep-dish pizza. With buttery crusts, gooey cheese, rich tomato sauce, and savory sausage, each pie is like a warm hug from the city itself. Don’t miss the Malnati Salad, which pairs perfectly with a slice of their legendary pizza.

Location: 439 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60654
Fun Fact: While Lou Malnati’s wasn’t technically the first deep-dish pizzeria, it’s one of the most iconic — and possibly the most photographed.

For a dining experience that feels like dinner and a magic show rolled into one, Alinea delivers. Known for theatrical, avant-garde dishes like the Black Truffle Explosion and edible helium balloons, this Michelin-starred spot (two stars as of 2025) turns food into performance art.

Location: 1723 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614
Fun Fact: Eating at Alinea may require a moment of bravery — not because it’s spicy, but because you might be presented with food floating in midair.

One of Chicago’s oldest steakhouses, Gene & Georgetti has been serving up perfectly cooked chops, hearty steaks, and Italian classics since 1921. While the menu features dishes like Veal Scaloppine and Chicken Marsala, the atmosphere — warm, historic, and authentically Chicago — is the real main course.

Location: 500 N Franklin St, Chicago, IL 60654
Fun Fact: Reportedly, long-time locals and famous visitors alike have dined here, making it a living piece of Chicago’s culinary history.

Founded in 1966 by two taxi drivers, Gino’s East became one of Chicago’s quintessential deep-dish spots. Their pizzas feature thick, buttery crusts, heaps of cheese, rich tomato sauce, and hearty toppings — a true Chicago classic that demands a fork and knife.

Location: 162 E Superior St, Chicago, IL 60611
Fun Fact: Gino’s East helped put Chicago deep-dish pizza on the global map, so if you leave without trying it, are you even in Chicago?

Mediterranean-inspired, wine-friendly, and pork-approved, The Purple Pig makes sharing plates a joy. Highlights include bone marrow, pork specialties, and a variety of cheeses that pair perfectly with a bold glass of wine. It’s the ideal spot for those who believe life is better when you share it… especially the food.

Location: 444 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Fun Fact: The Purple Pig is named after the founder’s favorite childhood toy — a nod to fun and flavor in equal measure.

Noodle enthusiasts rejoice! Joy Yee’s offers an enormous noodle menu featuring Korean Spicy Noodles, Pad Thai, and countless other options. Bonus: it was among the first places in Chicago to serve Taiwanese-style bubble tea, proving that noodles and tapioca pearls are a match made in heaven.

Location: 2139 S China Pl, Chicago, IL 60616
Fun Fact: With three locations in Chicago, Chinatown, and Evanston, your noodle cravings are never far from being satisfied.

Chef Stephanie Izard’s Girl & the Goat is bold, creative, and unapologetically delicious. The menu, organized by meat, fish, and vegetables, offers unique shared plates — from Roasted Pig Face to Sautéed Green Beans — perfect for adventurous diners.

Location: 809 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
Fun Fact: This restaurant’s playful and lively atmosphere has made it a Chicago favorite and a must-visit for foodies who like their meals with a side of excitement.

If stuffed deep-dish pizza is your love language, Giordano’s speaks it fluently. With multiple locations across the city, Giordano’s serves thick, cheesy pies that keep both locals and visitors coming back for more. Garlic bread lovers, rejoice — it’s legendary here too.

Location: 130 E Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60601
Fun Fact: Giordano’s claims its recipe is inspired by Italian Easter Pies, giving each slice a taste of tradition.

Tzuco brings French-Mexican fine dining to the Gold Coast, led by Michelin-starred chef Carlos Gaytán. Dishes like Barbacoa, spicy roasted octopus, and French onion soup with a poblano twist blend elegance and bold flavor seamlessly.

Location: 720 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654
Fun Fact: Chef Gaytán is the first Mexican chef to earn a Michelin star — and at Tzuco, you can taste exactly why.

Ready to make your Chicago foodie adventure even easier? Book your stay with our curated list of top hotels and find the perfect home base for exploring the city’s best restaurants and attractions.

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Silversmith Hotel Chicago Downtown

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