Chicago is a food city through and through—one of The Food Network’s Biggest stars agrees!
Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives host Guy Fieri recently caught up with food bloggers Snacking Sisters and revealed that Chicago is his favorite Midwest City when it comes to culture and unforgettable eats.
“Chicago to me is a big little city,” he told the sisters. “It’s easy to get around. There’s a lot of culture, there’s a lot of history…I don’t know, there’s just something about it.”
Fieri’s Windy City dining escapades have taken him from the northern reaches of Rogers Park all the way down to the South Side. Here’s the legendary TV personality’s guide to all the local joints that’ll take you straight to “flavortown.”
Vito and Nick’s
Way down at 84th and Pulaski, Vito and Nick’s is a certified Chicago pizza institution. The South Side favorite has been spinning dough since 1920, specializing in the natural rival to Chicago Deep Dish—the Midwest tavern style pie.
Guy Fieri stopped by in 2008 for a taste of the restaurant’s signature cheese and egg pizza. For a thoroughly Chi-town special, guests can opt for the Italian Beef pizza.
If you’re looking to taste what the hype is all about, it’ll require a small pilgrimage—Vito and Nick’s doesn’t offer delivery. But while the restaurant lacks at-your-door service, its delivers big when it comes to flavor!
Kuma’s
This heavy metal bar and grill was recently named among the best burger joints in the U.S.—and Guy Fieri shares the same sentiment.
The Food Network host dropped by Kuma’s in 2009 to try out the joint’s famous burgers named after popular rock n’ roll bands.
Favorites include the chili-topped “Black Sabbath” burger, and the “Iron Maiden” with avocado and spicy cherry peppers.
Sun Wah BBQ
This Uptown Chinese staple serves up an authentic Hong-Kong feast fit for a king!
Sun Wah BBQ featured on Diners Drive Ins and Dives in 2018, with Guy sampling the roast pork and beef chow fun.
Other menu highlights include the crispy Beijing duck, peanut butter egg rolls, and even a whole roasted suckling pig.
Tre Kronor
Tre Kronor serves up Chicago’s Scandinavian heritage on a platter.
The far North Side restaurant is a long-time favorite for traditional Nordic comfort food like paper thin pancakes with lingonberry preserves and Swedish meatballs.
Diners Drive Ins and Dives covered the cozy bistro in 2009. Guy opted for the gravlax, a Scandinavian special featuring luscious cured salmon prepared in house.
Taste of Peru
Last but certainly not least, this unassuming Rogers Park eatery is one of Guy’s go-tos for authentic South American cooking. Diners Drive Ins and Dives covered Taste of Peru in 2010.
Guy’s favorite dish was the Lomo Saltado, a savory mix of fried beef, onions and tomatoes, and thick-cut french fries he described as “right on-point goodness.”
Additional menu highlights include traditional chicken tamales and beef heart kebabs or “Anticuchos.”