We lived in Chicago for 5 years before moving back home to Indiana and the one thing we miss the most is the food. There is no shortage of great restaurants in Chicago and after living there for 5 years I feel like we didn’t even scratch the surface. Most of our recommendations are not in downtown Chicago. Some of the best places to eat are outside the heart of the city so don’t be afraid to hop on the train or take an Uber to explore the smaller neighborhoods. A good rule of thumb is to make reservations for anywhere you want to eat for dinner, some of the popular spots book up months out. Keep reading to find our absolute favorite restaurants in Chicago!
Breakfast/Brunch
Little Goat Diner
A part of the Girl and the Goat and Duck Duck Goat group. West Loop location has closed but according to their website, they are opening a new location in the Southport Corridor. Perfect for brunch.
Big Jones
This is my uncle’s restaurant, I would say I’m biased but as a James Beard award finalist, it’s objectively a great place to eat! It’s our favorite at brunch time, but you can’t go wrong with lunch or dinner here either. Make reservations. Located in Andersonville. There’s no parking lot but paid parking is available on the street.
Make reservations here: https://bigjoneschicago.com/reservation/
Ann Sathers
Come here for the huge portions and cinnamon rolls the size of your face. Multiple locations but we frequented the Lakeview spot.
Southport Grocery
Great spot for brunch in the Southport Corridor. Very small restaurant so reservations are a must.
Batter and Berries
This is a really popular breakfast spot in Lakeview so reservations are needed especially on the weekends. They do a waffle platter that’s great to share or as your main dish!
Lunch
5411 Empanadas
Walk-up empanada shop. Get the date and goat cheese flavor. Multiple locations: Wicker Park, Southport, and Lakeview.
Panes Bread Café
This is our favorite sandwich spot in Lakeview. We usually went here for lunch but they have a good breakfast too!
Portillo’s
A classic. Our favorites are the Italian beef, chopped salad, cheese fries, and chocolate cake shake. Located in River North.
Au Cheval
Often touted as the best burger in Chicago. There’s always a wait here so go early or make reservations. Good for lunch or dinner. Located in the West Loop. If you are looking for something quicker and more casual, check out Small Cheval in Old Town, West Loop, Fulton River District, and Wicker Park.
Big and Littles
Walk-up and order spot in Lakeview with hoagies and po’ boys.
Strings Ramen
Favorite ramen spot, located in Lakeview.
Bop N Grill
Fast casual restaurant, Korean-style burgers. Get the kimchi fries. Located in Lakeview.
Roost
Walk up and order chicken sandwich spot in Wrigleyville.
Dinner
Monteverde
I have a lot of Italian restaurants on this list, but if you go to any of them make it Monteverde. Our favorite Italian in Chicago. Located in the West Loop.
Make reservations here: https://monteverdechicago.com/
Piccolo Sogno
They have an awesome outdoor patio. One of our favorite Italian restaurants. Great for special occasions. Located near River West.
Andy’s Thai Kitchen
The best Thai we found in the city. Casual restaurant. Located in Lakeview. If you’re going on the weekend make reservations, less busy during the week.
Barcocina
Our favorite Mexican-style restaurant, tapas-style dining. Located in Lakeview. They have the best margaritas.
Avec
Another one of our top favorite restaurants in the city. We’ve only been to the River North location. Make sure you get the chorizo-stuffed dates and the focaccia.
Make reservations here: https://www.exploretock.com/avecrivernorth
Giant
Located in Logan Square but worth the trip out there. Tapas-style dining. Good for a special occasion.
La Scarola
Great classic Italian spot with paper table coverings and huge portions. Located near River West.
Lou Malnati’s
Joseph’s favorite deep dish spot.
Pequod’s
Emily’s favorite deep dish spot.
Happy Camper
Great atmosphere here. The Old Town location is our favorite. They do really good pizza with unique flavors that are not the classic Chicago deep dish!
DMK Burger Bar
Best burgers in Lakeview.
Public House
Great nachos. Known for their beer cake shakes, which are actually delicious. Located in the loop (downtown Chicago).
Topo Gigio
This is our favorite Italian spot in Old Town.
Bar Siena
Thin crust specialty pizzas. Cool atmosphere and great cocktails. Located in West Loop.
RPM Italian
Good spot to go if you’re trying to stay in the Loop. Pricey.
Pizzeria Portofino
The food here is good but the draw is the location. Located right on the Chicago river, ask for a table outside.
Girl and the Goat
Stephanie Izard can do no wrong, that’s why three of her restaurants are on this list. Located in the West Loop this popular restaurant is hard to get into so make sure to get reservations early. Get the green beans.
Make reservations here: https://girlandthegoat.com/reservations-chicago
Duck Duck Goat
Another Stephanie Izard gem, this time in the form of Chinese-inspired food. Also located in the West Loop.
Sapori Trattoria
Favorite Italian spot in Lakeview.
Alinea
If you want to go all out, this is one of the most expensive restaurants I’ve ever seen. They did special take-out days during 2020 so we got to try the food at a much more reasonable price, and it was amazing. Michelin star. Located in Old Town.
Yuzu Sushi and Robata Grill
Great sushi. Located in West Town.
Qing Xiang Yuan Dumplings
Great dumplings, located in Chinatown.
Snacks
Jeni’s
Emily’s favorite ice cream spot.
Oberweis
Joseph’s favorite ice cream spot.
Do-Rite
Emily’s favorite donut spot. They also have great chicken sandwiches.
Stan’s
Joseph’s favorite donut spot.
BomboBar
Instagram-worthy gelato and donut desserts. Located in the West Loop.
