If you live in Chicago, you’re privy to Michelin-star restaurants. And usually, those restaurants you hear about, like Aliena, where you slurp from a helium balloon and uncover mysteries within each dish, are out of reach budget-wise. But if we told you some about some secret Michelin star restaurants that are not only delectable but super cheap? Get ready to make those reservations because we’re about to spill the tea on the best Michelin star restaurants in Chicago, where you can score a budget deal on Michelin Guide–recommended restaurants.
1. Kasama
This James Beard award-winning bakery, and modern Filipino restaurant, was conceptualized by chefs Genie Kwon and Timothy Flores—and a fine-dining, 13-course tasting menu of Filipino-inspired food that will delight your taste buds. However, if the tasting menu is out of your price range, you can stop by first thing in the morning and try some of the most palatable sweet and savory pastries. This renowned restaurant has a counter-service breakfast menu, so make sure to get here early because it’s first come, first serve, and sometimes a line trails blocks.
Find the location below:
📍: 1001 N Winchester Ave, Chicago, IL 60622
💰: $$$$
🍜: Filipino
2. Birrieria Zaragoza
There’s something quite special about a family-owned restaurant sharing its past-down recipes for others to enjoy. It’s no wonder it’s included in the cheap Michelin guide restaurants in Chicago. Birrieria Zaragoza is a Mexican cuisine located in Archer Heights and noteworthy for one specialty—goat. Splattered across the menu, you’ll find goat-inspired dishes that are tender and delightful; whether you want it in a plate or bowl, bone-in or out, etc., there is an array of ways to enjoy these savory Michelin Guide recommended dishes.
Find the location below:
📍: 4852 S. Pulaski Rd., Chicago, 60632
💰: $
🌮: Mexican
3. Ghin Khao Eat Rice
Some places you go for the food, others for the scenery, and Ghin Khao is a restaurant that harmonizes both. When you arrive at the restaurant, bright colors are painted across the walls and dazzling graffiti-like signage adds to the bright and lively dining experience. This laid-back spot offers remarkable Thai cuisine, including “Grandma’s Pork Belly,” the delicious taste and tangy aroma will make you salivate.
Find the location below:
📍: 2128 W Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60608
💰: $
🍚: Thai
4. Smoque BBQ
There’s an erroneous belief that good, and we’re talking about really good BBQ, can only be found in Texas; however, for those who say that they have never tasted Smoque BBQ. As soon as the doors open, the affordable Chicago Michelin Star restaurant has a chalkboard of the day’s selection and smoking plates cooking mouth-watering barbecue in the back. The cafeteria-style restaurant offers communal seating where you can rave with the other customers about the brisket and tangy and sweet sauces. Guy Fieri even mentioned Smoque BBQ as one of his favorite restaurants on Diners, and Drive-Ins and Dives.
Find the location below:
📍: 3800 N. Pulaski Chicago, IL 60641
💰: $
🥩: BBQ
5. Sepia
This inventive, fine-dining restaurant inspires upscale American cuisine, seamlessly melding refined and rustic dishes. As you enter this Michelin Star restaurant in Chicago, you’re greeted with a lush warmness, sleek yet lively style. Built from an 1890 print shop, the restaurant was crafted off the Windy City’s history, and the menu is rooted in nostalgic American dishes while reinventing them simultaneously.
Find the location below:
📍: 123 N Jefferson St, Chicago, IL 60661
💰: $$$
🍜: American
6. Galit
This Middle Eastern Restaurant was designed to celebrate closeness. The space built for community brings everyone who comes together through their seasonal and localized approach to forward-thinking Middle East dishes. With a four-course, choose-your-own-adventure menu, this Michelin star restaurant in Chicago is a homey space for those who love to feast together.
Find the location below:
📍: 2429 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
💰: $$$
🍜: Middle Eastern