Food award season is in full swing, from the recent Chicago Michelin Star ceremony to OpenTable’s Top 100 Restaurants list. Now, two more Windy City spots are being recognized on a national scale.
Esquire recently released its roundup of “The Best New Restaurants in America, 2025,” and a pair of trendy Chicago restaurants are among the 33 top picks. Here’s a look at the local winners!
Mirra
First up is Mirra, perhaps one of the busiest restaurants of food award season in Chicago for 2025. The Indian Mexican fusion eatery has garnered significant praise since its launch in August of 2024.
In addition to being a top Esquire pick for 2025, the restaurant recently made the esteemed Bib Gourmand list from Michelin.
The menu offers an array of shareable plates bringing the flavors of Latin America and Asia together in perfect harmony.
The Barbacoa Lamb Biryani is a must-try dish, according to Esquire, with the publication dubbing it a “no-brainer.”
PIZZ’AMICI
When it comes to Chicago pizza, deep dish is the historical king—but one new restaurant is redefining Windy City ‘za and giving pan pizza a run for its money!
PIZZA’MICI is Equire’s second local pick for the 2025 top restaurants in the U.S.
The West Town slice shop specializes in tavern style pies, and if the reviews are any indication, their take on pizza is worth writing home about.
“At Pizz’Amici, the vibes are immaculate and the pies are perfect,” said Esquire. Crusts thin yet tensile, tomato sauce zingy yet sweet, cheese a prov-and-mozz mix.”
So next time you’re looking to switch things up pizza-wise, PIZZA’MICI has you covered. But be prepared to wait—according to Esquire, lines typically stretch down the block!