After hours of exploring restaurants in Fulton Market, River North, Chinatown, Wicker Park, Hyde Park, etc., making reservations, and savoring many delicious dishes, we’ve finally narrowed our findings down to what we consider the best restaurants in Chicago. From staff favorites to city staples and the most talked-about new spots, we’ve compiled a list of 15 incredible places.
Our team has carefully selected every restaurant on this list. Our editors and the Secret Chicago team depend on personal experiences, recommendations, editorial reviews, customer feedback, and thorough research to bring you the best restaurants in Chicago. This list is regularly updated as we discover new openings and revisit established favorites.
Omakase Yume
We’re starting our list with a standout in the Chicago restaurant scene: Omakase Yume. Located in the West Loop, this restaurant is recognized for its omakase experience, which offers an intimate 16-course journey for just eight guests. The menu features delicious sushi bites inspired by Japanese and Korean cultures, leading Omakase Yume to earn a highly coveted Michelin star.
However, what truly sets Omakase Yume apart are Chef Sangtae’s Korean signature touches, such as Kimchee Puree—a subtle nod to his mother’s cooking—and Kanpachi garnished with a blend of smoked sea salt, sesame oil, and ground seaweed.
📍Address: 651 W Washington Blvd Suite #101, Chicago, IL 60661
🍽️ Make a reservation at Omakase Yume here
Bonyeon
Next on our list is Bonyeon, the sister restaurant of Omakase Yume. Bonyeon is recognized as Chicago’s most luxurious and the first beef-centric omakase experience, which Chef Sangtae Park and his wife, Restaurateur Kate Park, also conceptualized.
The high-end, multi-course menu showcases the nuances of various beef cuts intricately layered with Korean flavors and traditions. Following the same philosophy of highlighting the ingredients in their simplest form, as demonstrated with sushi at Omakase Yume, Bonyeon offers an elevated 14-course tasting menu at the chef’s counter. This includes a collection of small plates that emphasize different beef cuts’ distinct flavors and textures.
Guests can expect a variety of rare and premium selections, such as Wagyu, American Wagyu, and A5 Japanese Wagyu, These are prepared in creative ways, including Tteokgalbi, Pyeonyuk-chae, and Wagyu Sukiyaki, with many dishes grilled directly in front of you. We suggest pairing the course with a 2011 Cháteau Canon Chaigneau, and if you’re feeling really zesty, a glass of the Champagne Bollinger to start. —Tori Levy
📍Address: 651 W Washington Blvd, Chicago, IL 60661
🍽️ Make a reservation at Bonyeon here
Monteverde
You can’t talk about the best restaurants in Chicago without mentioning Monteverde. Like many other dining spots, Monteverde is a popular destination in the West Loop, making it nearly impossible to secure a reservation. However, whether we manage to book a table at 4 p.m. or 9:30 p.m., we always leave satisfied.
As you ascend the few stairs to Monteverde, you’ll be pleasantly surprised by its rustic, Midwestern charm. The restaurant feels airy and spacious, even when every table is occupied. The menu features dishes rooted in Italian flavors, such as the Gnocchi con Pesto, which consists of gnocchi generously topped with house-made lemon ricotta, basil, Tuscan pine nuts, and Sardinian pecorino. At the same time, you’ll find more adventurous options, like the potato-filled Žlikrofi— a dish made with roasted pearl onions, Montasio cheese, brown butter, mieli thun honey, and freshly shaved burgundy truffle on top. —Tori Levy
📍Address: 1020 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60607
🍽️ Make a reservation at Monteverde here
Rose Mary
At Secret Chicago, we are enthusiastic fans of Top Chef, so when we learned that Joe Flam, the winner of season 15, was opening a new restaurant, we couldn’t wait to be among the first to try it out—this was over three years ago, in 2021. Even after all this time, Rose Mary remains one of our favorite spots in Fulton Market.
The menu features an inventive and comforting array of Italian-Croatian dishes. It rotates seasonally and is divided into five distinct sections: vegetables, Fish, Pasta, Meat, and Risotto. We recommend trying a dish from each section to fully appreciate everything it has to offer.
Some standout dishes that we can’t stop thinking about include the Crni, a risotto enriched with squid ink, lobster broth, confit squid, and tarragon, and the Tuna Crudo, which is topped with crispy capers, shallot-beef fat vinaigrette, and veal aioli. If we could, we would take home a jar of that aioli!
📍Address: 932 W Fulton St, Chicago, IL 60607
🍽️ Make a reservation at Rose Mary here
Virtue
Virtue made this list because the restaurant exudes warmth and friendliness, capturing the essence of Southern hospitality. Located in Hyde Park, the Southern American restaurant was crafted by owner and award-winning Chef Erik Williams, alongside recent James Beard winner Chef Damarr Brown.
The menu features Southern delicacies that are sure to impress, such as their flavorful gumbo—which you’ll want to return for—and their blackened catfish served with Carolina gold rice and barbecue carrots, and, of course, scallops accompanied by black-eyed peas, broccolini, red pikliz, country ham vinaigrette, and cornbread crumbs. We promise that these dishes will delight you with familiar flavors while introducing exciting new tastes.
📍Address: 1462 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615
🍽️ Make a reservation at Virtue here
Daisy’s Po’ Boy and Tavern
Daisy’s Po’ Boy and Tavern is another restaurant created by Chef Erik Williams, named in honor of his late Aunt Daisy, who was married to his Uncle Stew, a man with Louisiana roots and a love for delicious food.
This Up-South Po-boy shop captures the vibrant spirit of New Orleans through its most famous and classic sandwich, bright colors, and lively music. Among the must-try items, you can’t go wrong with any of the Po’ Boys, but our top recommendation is the alligator po’ boy, which will transport you straight to The Big Easy with a single bite.
📍Address: 5215 S Harper Ave, Chicago, IL 60615
🍽️ Make a reservation at Daisy’s Po’ Boy and Tavern here
Akahoshi Ramen
Founded by Mike Satinover, known on Reddit as “Ramen Lord,” Akahoshi Ramen uniquely blends Japanese and American cooking styles in the city. The restaurant’s name pays tribute to both Sapporo and Chicago, echoing Satinover’s commitment to offering authentic yet innovative ramen dishes.
One standout dish is miso ramen, which features slender Sapporo-style noodles in a rich, velvety broth. It is topped with thinly sliced green onions, tender bamboo shoots, and pork belly chashu—a combination that might even win over those who typically do not enjoy ramen.
📍Address: 2340 N California Ave Suite B, Chicago, IL 60647
🍽️ Make a reservation at Akahoshi Ramen here
Kyoten Next Door
We know this list of the best restaurants in Chicago features several omakase spots, but we couldn’t narrow it down to just one—and Chef Otto Phan’s latest omakase is a jewel. And might we add quite reasonably priced?
Kyoten Next Door is an intimate 10-seat experience that focuses exclusively on nigiri, combining both style and substance. The fish is cut generously, scored deeply, sauced well, and pressed onto ample mounds of rice, resulting in hearty portions. We particularly enjoyed the avocado wrapped inside a tuna hand roll, which was a unique twist. You really can’t go wrong with a whole Japanese scallop served on an equally large bed of rice.
📍Address: 2513 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
🍽️ Make a reservation at Kyoten Next Door here
Bungalow by Middlebrow
While Chicago is saturated with pizza joints, finding the right ones is essential, which is why we’ve added Bungalow by Middle Brow to this list. The charming brewery features a thoughtfully curated menu with classic options, including Margherita, or unique pizzas, such as one with a combination of eggplant and sweet peppers.
The pizzas are delicious; you’ll find their crusts flavorful, a satisfying balance between soft and crunchy. In addition to the beloved pizzas, the restaurant’s atmosphere is inviting, with a rustic patio and communal tables that enhance the dining experience.
📍Address: 2840 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
🍽️ Make a reservation at Bungalow by Middlebrow here
Warlord
Warlord is one of the most sought-after dining spots in Chicago, so be prepared to wait in line for up to two hours for a seat. However, the experience is definitely worth the wait. The restaurant is open from Friday to Monday, and reservations are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Chefs Emily Kraszyk, John Lupton, and Trevor Fleming cook over a live-fire grill in an open kitchen, with the most coveted seats located at the chefs’ counter.
The menu changes weekly and emphasizes preservation and the use of live fire in its cooking. Some standout dishes include foie gras ganache served with grilled bread and salty-sweet honey butter, whipped foie, and rhubarb dressed with a beetroot reduction.
📍Address: 3198 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
🍽️ First come, first serve
Maxwells Trading
At Maxwell’s Trading, you can expect casual yet attentive service, delicious food, refreshing cocktails, and nostalgic vinyl music. Their cuisine draws inspiration from multiple continents, featuring delightful Japanese fusion. The appetizers and shared plates really shine, showcasing how Maxwell’s Trading adds flavor and creativity to every dish.
The Japanese Sweet Potato is skillfully paired with a tangy curry sauce, and the Half Chicken a la Brasa is perfectly charred yet remains moist—when combined with the collard greens, the bite offers a blend of savory flavors.
📍Address: 1516 W Carroll Ave, Chicago, IL 60607
🍽️ Make a reservation at Maxwell’s Trading here
Daisies
Daisies has many reasons for being featured on our list of the best restaurants in Chicago. First, the space itself is spacious and offers plenty of seating. The rustic decor, including a brick bar wall and wooden tables, creates a cozy atmosphere perfect for enjoying time with friends. Equally impressive is the menu, which blends Italian cuisine with a Midwestern flair. Our current favorites include the Pappardelle and the Agnolotti. Since the menu changes with each season, there’s always a reason to return and try something new. Additionally, Daisies earned a Green-Michelin star for its sustainability efforts, solidifying its status as a must-visit destination for fine Italian dining.
📍Address: 2375 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
🍽️ Make a reservation at Daisies here
Galit
This Middle Eastern restaurant celebrates the spirit of togetherness. Galit’s inviting space fosters a sense of community through its innovative dishes made from seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. The menu consists of four courses: Hummus, Salatin, Over Coal, and Dessert. Depending on the number of guests, you’ll have the opportunity to sample nearly everything, and you may discover delightful dishes you might not have normally chosen.
📍Address: 2429 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
🍽️ Make a reservation at Galit here
Bronzeville Winery
Bronzeville Winery is another place we have deemed one of the best restaurants in Chicago. Founded by Chef Eric Williams and Cecilia Cuff, this establishment seamlessly blends arts, culture, and hospitality—connecting people through food and wine. Upon entering the winery, you will be welcomed by effervescent scenery featuring a rotating art collection, a beautiful mural, and the sounds of live music.
While Bronzeville Winery is celebrated as one of the most beloved wine bars in Chicago, we are raving about the changing seasonal menu that is both tasteful and surprising. The American menu showcases dishes that reflect southern roots, such as Duck Breast—a sweet, pan-seared maple leaf farms duck breast paired with white cheddar grits, raspberries, and micro arugula—and Creole Salmon Pappardelle featuring grilled five-spice salmon served over pappardelle pasta in a creole Bianco sauce. Since this is a winery, you’ll have no trouble finding a glass of wine to complement your meal. The extensive wine list highlights women, minority, and African-American-owned labels.
📍Address: 4420 S Cottage Grove Ave, Chicago, IL 60653
🍽️ Make a reservation at Bronzeville Winery here
JM Seafood
JM Seafood is one of the more casual restaurants on the best restaurants in Chicago list, yet it offers equally delicious food. This popular establishment serves a traditional Chinese menu that is cooked to perfection. Notable menu items include the Twin Lobster Sticky Rice, which is served steaming hot, and you’ll find yourself salivating over the ginger-infused lobster meat.
Another standout dish is the Pepper Pork Belly with Chicken Pot, known for its rich flavors and generous portions—a meal you’ll often see shared among diners. The one thing we will complain about is the wait time. However, you can call ahead and add your name to the waitlist, and we recommend doing so.
📍Address: 3312 S Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60608
🍽️ First come, first serve