Chicago is home to some of the best world restaurants. Whether you’re a resident or just visiting for a weekend, you can be sure of a belt-busting food scene. And all cuisines are represented through Mediterranean, Italian, Indian, and Korean flare. Here is a rundown of some of the best Chicago restaurants.
Smoque BBQ
Smoque is the top Chicago restaurant for BBQ lovers. Once you place your order, the professional chefs will balance the pungency/sweetness of the sauce, the spiciness of rub, and the natural flavor of beef. Since the restaurant opened its doors in 2006, it has won many awards. Their detailed menu consists of:
- Sandwiches
- Platters
- Rib dinners
- Brisket
- Pulled pork
- Salads
- Sides
- Desserts
- Kid’s menu
If you have an event like a birthday party, graduation, picnic, reunion, weddings, or anniversaries, this Chicago restaurant will make your occasion unforgettable. They offer boxed meals that include mac & cheese sides, napkins, and utensils in a sealed container. Some of their catering services include:
- Pickup – they provide thermal packaging to ensure everything remains fresh for longer
- Contactless delivery service
- Event staffing
Piccolo Sogno
Piccolo Sogno is a Chicago restaurant that features a fresh and seasonal menu. All foods are prepared with fresh ingredients and accompanied by local wines. There are more than 400 wine selections, but the staff will help you pick the one that pairs perfectly with your wine. Some of the signature dishes in their menu are:
- Spaghetti Neri
- Rucula Uva
- Cesare
- Caprese
- Salmone
- Anatra
- Rosticcianna
- Bianca
Piccolo has a sister restaurant (Mallard Tavern) that is open for pickup and delivery.
Coco Pazzo
Since 1992, Coco Pazzo has been serving seasonal cuisines to residents and visitors. It’s located in a 100 years building with a rustic yet urban atmosphere. No matter the time you visit, you’ll find celebrities, politicians, and professionals. In 2017, this Chicago restaurant merged with Jack to create a menu that features Roman-inspired dishes and time-honored Tuscan favorites.
Their dessert menu is created by pastry chefs – from flowerless chocolate cake to crostata. They feature the finest ingredient to create the meal to perfection. Apart from that, they have an extensive list of grapas, scotches, and liquors.
The dinner menu consists of contemporary Tuscan-inspired from wild-caught salmon and house-made duck prosciutto.
Coco Pazzo also offers over 20 wine selections at affordable prices. Whether you’re a casual or serious wine lover, they are Tuscan-focused.
When it comes to organizing a special event, this restaurant can accommodate up to 150 guests. They offer blue velvet drapes and cocktails to match your special occasion. The staff will help you select flowers and wine pairings.
Tzuco
Tzuco is an French-Mexican restaurant that offers a myriad of culinary creations in a unique space. In 2014, Carlos Gaytan (the owner) opened a French-Mexican restaurant. The menu consists of carne asada, tuna ceviche, Tetela, broccoli, Mushroom cazuela, Mejillones, Pommes Frites, and French onion soup. Every day, they offer pick-up and delivery services that include to-go brunch.
Luella’s Southern Kitchen
Luella is the best Southern Kitchen well-versed with many cuisines. It’s owned by Daniel Reed and has a team of competent chefs who are ready to prepare your meal to perfection. The dinner menu includes:
- Pimento cheeseburger
- Shrimp and grits
- Chicken and waffles
- Buttermilk fried chicken
- Skillet cornbread
- Collard greens
- Bake mac cheese
Apart from that, the Chicago restaurant offers a brunch menu that includes beverages like Mexican Fanta and Coke. The restaurant operates from Monday to Friday from 4 pm to 8 pm.
Daisies
Daisies restaurant offers lunch, dinner, and drinks. Some of the dishes on the menu include Italian lamb, chicken palm, mushroom melt, pasta salad, coleslaw, potato salad, and white bean salad. The starters include herb salad, Brussels sprouts, pork lion, tortellini, ravioli, stracci, and root vegetable lasagna.
Home Run Inn
The Home Run Inn was open as a small tavern on the southern side of Chicago. Their goal is to bring people together and create a sense of belonging. This is a top Chicago restaurant that offers American cuisines. Some of the signature dishes on the menu include garlic fireball, buffalo chicken, Carolina BBQ chicken, double Pepperoni, to mention a few. If you’re a pizza lover, you can be sure the restaurant will serve the best pizzas with natural ingredients.
When it comes to catering services, the restaurant will provide dishes perfect for any occasion. And depending on your location, they can make a custom-delivery plan, day or night. Furthermore, Home Run Inn offers private rooms to both small and large groups.
Uproar
Uproar restaurant offers mid-west hospitality. Every space has backyard patios and front porches. Located in one of the fastest-growing neighborhoods, this Chicago restaurant serves American cuisines from some of the talented chefs. There’s also a vibrant bar and lodge section where you offer thoughtfully crafted cuisines. You can create a synergetic experience like no other. Uproar offers different dishes including:
- Frito Pie Mac
- Sweet potato fritter
- Cabbage salad
- FGT grilled cheese
- Brussels sprouts
- Warm skillet cookie
After you enjoy your meal, you can try some specialty cocktails like apple old-fashioned, strawberry basil lemonade, cucumber limeade, seasonal mule, red bull tropical tequila, and dark horse cabernet. Apart from that, this Chicago restaurant offers brunch on Saturdays and Sundays. Their selection includes whipped feta, tenders, sweet potato fritter, BLT, uproar burger, cabbage salad, and hash patties. The dessert includes a warm skilled cookie.
Gretel
Gretel restaurant serves authentic dishes with American cuisines, including burgers and oysters. It offers great food that makes you feel good even in bad times. The expanded menu consists of:
- A steak dinner for two
- Lobster bisque
- French Onion soup
- Vegetarian mushroom
- Pineapple
- Lime
In addition to the broad food repertoire, this Chicago restaurant offers drinks like tequila.
Mi Tocaya Antojeria
Mi Tocaya is a Mexican Restaurant that meets the needs of every traveler. The competent staff is committed to providing true service to the community. And this Chicago restaurant offers dishes like Chile Relleno, spaghetti squash, wild boar barbacoa, antojitos, local back Fritos, and streak burrito. There are also extensive beverage options that include cocktails like:
- Margarita
- Ponche Loca
- Chinana
- Manzana Borracha
- Lemongrass
If you’re looking for non-alcoholic options, you can try beverages like Mexican coke, Hibiscus tea, and nitro horchata.
Mr. Beef
Mr. Beef is a reputable Chicago restaurant that offers hassle-free dining. Some of the popular food items include a hot dog, French fries, cheese fries, hot dog & fries, combo sandwich, double cheeseburger, and mozzarella sticks. If you love hot dogs, there are different options on offer. You can order for delivery anytime – and the food is delivered to your doorstep.
Pizza Friendly Pizza
While Pizza friendly is a relatively Chicago restaurant in the block, it offers the best dining option and OSHA Train owners. It features specialty sandwiches, whole pie, and dishes with locally searched ingredients. Pizza lovers can try different options, like fig & pig, rapini and lemon, PFP R&D, or supreme. If you want to try their sandwiches, you go for veggie and Italian cold cut. This Chicago restaurant has kales, grapes, lettuce, chewy croutons, and white balsamic. Some of the beverages in their menu include:
- Signature-friendly fernet shot
- Bottle of red
- Bottle of white
- Maine root beer
- Topo Chico
- Dang Italian
The locals know this Chicago restaurant as their favorite spot roast beef stacked in a gravy-soaked bread.
Osteria Langhe
Osteria Langhe is dedicated to preparing cuisines with locally-sourced ingredients. It produces Italian dishes and authentic wines. In 2014, the restaurant opened its doors, and since then it has remained one of the top eateries in the region. Some of the dishes in their top menu include:
- Carno cruda
- Risotto
- Plin
- Ragu
- Insalata
After you enjoy your food, you can take local cocktails like the spritz, sun maiden, Classico, Siracusa, and osca 697 Rosso.
Virtue
Virtue is an authentic Chicago restaurant that offers unmatched hospitality and kindness. They pride themselves on providing great value. When you step into the hotel, you’ll meet chef Eric Williams who is ready to prepare foods that feature Southern Cuisines. This can be the perfect destination for business gatherings, family dinners, date nights, celebratory occasions.
If you’re on the go, you can order small rations like broccoli, gem lettuce, green tomatoes, mini lobster roll, or gizzards. On the other hand, those looking for large rations can choose shrimps, cauliflower, catfish, bbq chicken, or half chicken. If you want extra portions, you should mac & cheese, collards & smoked turkey, buttered grits, and red & rice.
The Duck Inn
The Duck Inn is a 100-year old restaurant that caters to the needs of every visitor. It has an extensive program that offers contemporary cocktails, wines, and a variety of food offerings. Every Sunday and Tuesday evening, you can enjoy craft beers, cocktails, and wine. Also, the restaurant features a retro-design aesthetic that will wow every visitor. Some of the dishes on the menu include:
- Grilled octopus
- Shrimp boil
- Farm roast
- Duck wings
- Brussels sprouts
- Burrata
- Duck fat French fries
Beer lovers can also enjoy craft beer like a banquet, ginger turmeric, lily buddy, millennial mansion, and karate cats. You can also enjoy cocktails like the Don, big salty tears, tusk & temper, the drunken master, blue & green, buttered banana bread, and the Batanga.
Avec
Avec is a renowned Mediterranean restaurant that offers an intimate setting. It prides itself on a culinary inspiration that features powerful aromas and cuisines. The menu boasts of more pasta, pizzas, and seafood. Every Tuesday, the Chicago restaurant holds a pizza party. They offer carryout and delivery options that include dessert and pizza.
If you want to hold an event, the restaurant offers catering events. Avec offers airy private rooms that complement rustic cuisines from seasonally-inspired cuisines thanks to the works of Chef Perry Hendrix.
Angelina Ristorante
Angelina Ristorante is a top Chicago restaurant with the slogan `Good Food Fixes Everything’. It features a unique brunch menu that consists of salads like BLT, pasta, breakfast burrito, caesar salad, and beverages. In addition to that, the dinner menu features a chicken sautéed with wine, spicy Italian sausage, seared beef tenderloin, and eggplant parmesan.
Kasama
There’s no other Chicago restaurant that offers freshly-baked products like the Kasama. It boasts of a detailed menu that reflects the Filipino culinary tradition. You can start by dipping your toe to the favorites in a casual atmosphere. Besides, the restaurant makes it possible for visitors to pick eggs, chocolate cookies, and ice cream. When it comes to drinks selection, you can choose wines with citrus and smoke notes. But their signature drink is the Alvaro Castro. It pairs well with chicken and mushroom. If you’re looking for breakfast, you can get a Filipino version of longanisa and fried rice.
Coal fire pizza
Coal fire pizza restaurant is located in West town Chicago. It’s designed for the most adventurous eaters and features the signature whipped ricotta and pepperoni pie. There are also a plethora of cocktails that accompany your dish. On the main menu, you’ll find salads like the House salad. It contains lettuce, fresh tomatoes, onions, mushrooms, and vinegar dressing. If you’re looking for something more unique, you can try the caesar salad. It features garlic butter croutons, romaine lettuce, and shredded parmesan. All pizzas contain six pieces served with:
- Sausages
- Napoli
- Margherita
- Fiorentino
- Pesto
- Four cheese
- White pizza
- Meat
Momotaro
Momotaro has its roots in the Fulton market. The main floor is dedicated to robata and sushi. This Chicago restaurant respects Japanese cultural heritage and offers an authentic dining experience to satiate your taste buds.
Their menu consists of asparagus coma, Jidori Kimo, tofu, Berkshire pork lion, steak seasoned with Japanese sea salt, rice, spot prawn, sweet omelet, purple sea urchin, and marinated salmon roe. If you want to hold an event, the elegant private dining room has you covered. The room is characterized by a mid-century office, private washrooms, elevator access, and private coat check. It can accommodate up to 40 people if you’re looking for a reception-style event.
Vito and Nick’s Pizzeria
If you’re looking for a renowned Chicago restaurant that specializes in thin-crust pizza, you can’t go wrong with Vito and Nick’s Pizzeria. This family restaurant boasts of many years of experience. And come to think about it- nothing compares to taking your favorite pizza and sip with an ice-cold drink. Furthermore, the pizzas can be topped up with:
- Zoe mozzarella
- Onion
- Black pepper
- Rich red sauce
- Fennel flecked sauce
Even if you’re a picky eater, you’ll always find something that can take your culinary experience to the next level. Of course, the ambiance makes it the perfect spot for families to relax.
