Diners' Choice: Best Overall restaurants in Chicago / Illinois

OpenTable

Updated September 05, 2024

Looking for the best overall restaurants in Chicago / Illinois? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

La Catedral Cafe & Restaurant - North Lawndale

4.9

4.9 (6)

$30 and under

Mexican

North Lawndale

About the restaurant

An award-winning, Mexican café serving up a Guadalajara-inspired, extensive menu

Top review

Aglaet

Dined on Aug 11, 2024

Beautiful decor, great customer service and delicious food!

Rollapalooza

4.9

4.9 (357)

$30 and under

Sushi

Lakeview / East Lakeview

About the restaurant

COZY AND WARM RESTAURANT. FRESH AND DELICIOUS RESTAURANT. WE ARE NOT NO.1 RESTAURANT. HOWEVER WE DO OUR BEST TO SERVE OUR CUSTOMERS.

Top review

`Andrew

Dined on Aug 31, 2024

If you like sushi this is the place to go! Excellent service and the food is fabulous!

AJI

4.9

4.9 (73)

$50 and over

Japanese Speciality

Lakeview / East Lakeview

About the restaurant

Discover an unforgettable dining experience at one of OpenTable's top restaurant destinations for ambiance, led by the talented Chef Kristian Cho. Recently named a 2024 Diner's Choice winner, our restaurant offers a 15-course omakase menu that pairs perfectly with our intimate, cozy setting—ideal for anniversaries, special occasions, or a memorable date night out. With over 30 years of collective expertise, our team is passionate about delivering exceptional service and a warm, inviting atmosphere, complete with a charming backyard for a unique evening. Join us and create lasting memories with those you love.

Top review

Alyssa

Dined 6 days ago

A truly special and amazing experience. The food was so delicious and more accessible than I anticipated (first time doing omakase)

The Alderman

4.9

4.9 (199)

$30 and under

Cocktail Bar

Pilsen

About the restaurant

Winner of the 2022 Jean Banchet Award for Best Bar, THE ALDERMAN is an intimate, 16-seat cocktail bar tucked away, behind closed doors, within Pilsen Yards. The cocktail list rotates some of its original cocktail features, while the twists on American classics are staples of the cocktail list.

With a plush velvet banquette and a 4-seat counter, it’s the perfect room for a night cap, a date, or a casual evening of one to several astonishingly good cocktails.

Top review

Steve

Dined 5 days ago

I’ve been to many mixology and speakeasy spots in Chicago, and the Alderman is up there with the best of them. Sitting at the bar was a fun drinking experience. Roger was cool to interact with and shared some different shots of liquors that are hard to find. I will definitely be back soon.

NaKorn

4.9

4.9 (338)

$30 and under

Thai

Evanston

About the restaurant

NaKorn started with our belief that authentic Thai food should be found not only in Thailand—but here, as well.

Our menu offers a perfect blend of bold flavors with traditional, old-world recipes in a modern presentation. Using only the finest ingredients, we created unique dishes layered with flavors.

Top review

Marissavip

Dined 7 days ago

Delicious food and thoughtful service as always – thanks for making my birthday special!

Sushi Suite 202 - Lincoln Park Chicago @ Hotel Lincoln

4.9

4.9 (490)

$50 and over

Sushi

Old Town

About the restaurant

Step into the secret world of Sushi Suite, located in Suite 202 of Hotel Lincoln and accessible only with a key from the front desk, this hidden gem combines privacy, luxury, and the art of Omakase, meaning "Chef's Choice,". Sushi Suite offers an opulent 'Bougie' Omakase, $140 for 17 pieces 75-minute experience. Elevate your experience with bespoke cocktails and premium sake, perfect for igniting passions. Whether it's an intimate Date Night, a lavish Birthday Celebration, or an exclusive private seating, let us whisk you away on a journey of decadent sushi and immaculate service. Visit all of our unique locations, each with its own culture-inspired vibe!. Reserve now to secure a coveted seat at Sushi By Bou.

Top review

kate

Dined 1 day ago

This was the best experience. The drinks were excellent. The omakase was incredible. Chris was the best! We will be back!!

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4.9

4.9 (1387)

$31 to $50

Scottish

St. Charles

About the restaurant

A passion for authenticity. Nostalgia for heritage, and recipes that have been passed down and held dear. Ingredients sourced from the Isles, and from local farmers.

Welcome to Balmoral Restaurant. Grand Scottish Fare as you’ve never experienced before.

Lush, dark Scottish wood tones greet you upon entering Balmoral Restaurant. A deep-set coffered ceiling hides recessed lighting, designed to light your table elegantly, providing just the right mood. Scottish designs surround you, from the tartan carpet, to wrought iron fixtures, to the swords and shields of lore, to wall murals that evoke the placid Scottish countryside. At Balmoral, we bring the incomparable splendor of Scotland to you.

Top review

Robert

Dined on Sep 9, 2024

We had the best experience celebrating an 85th birthday with our friends. Babs was efficient and friendly. We have been to Balmoral numerous times and this was one of the best experiences yet. All of our meals were perfectly cooked and very tasty. We will surely be back again.

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Popular dish

Dalkeith's Pork Chop

Popular dish

Ye Auld Sticky Toffee Pudding

Geja's Cafe

4.9

4.9 (5491)

$31 to $50

Fondue

Lincoln Park

About the restaurant

For over 59 years, fondue dining at Geja’s Café has been a favorite indulgence for Chicagoans as well as out-of-towners. It’s a perfect way to kindle romance, celebrate a special occasion or simply join family and friends for a fun and unforgettable dining experience.
To start we offer a Swiss Gruyere cheese fondue, served with fresh breads, fruits and vegetables for dipping. Our crisp house salad, dressed with tangy Dijon vinaigrette, offers a counterpoint to the rich, warm cheese fondue appetizer.
Next, you’ll cook your choices of Australian lobster tail, Gulf shrimp, beef tenderloin, fresh sea scallops or boneless chicken breast in a pot of sizzling soybean oil or broth. The main course is served with fresh vegetables and eight gourmet dipping sauces.
Our famous chocolate fondue is flamed table-side, and presented with marshmallows for roasting and other delectable dippers.

A 4 % operational fee is added to all checks to work in concert with Chicago's One Fair Wage Ordinance.

Top review

Tansy

Dined 1 day ago

We ordered the Prince Geja's and the Vegetarian Premier Dinners. The first one had 2 pieces of chicken, beef tenderloin, shrimp, scallops, and lobster and the vegetarian had 4 pieces of Tofu. This way we got to try everything on the menu! It came with many vegetables like zucchini, carrots, mushrooms, potatoes, red and orange peppers, broccoli, and onions. We also got the two Fall fondues-the cheese one with brie, Swiss, and gruyere, beer and vodka and the dessert one with Belgium white chocolate and heavy cream with apple strudel pieces, and cinnamon. Both unique and delicious. Our server Michael was the best! Very knowledgeable and attentive, and so was the lady who brought us clean plates and cleared the table. I wish I could remember her name! We thoroughly enjoyed cooking our food. Such a wonderful atmosphere. Love the fact that it is in the basement and so cutely decorated. WE were celebrating my birthday, and they even brought us a free red velvet cupcake with the most delicious whipped cream topping! We will return!

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Popular dish

Belgian Chocolate Fondue

Popular dish

Prince Geja's Combination

Popular dish

Cheese and Chocolate Fondue

Komorebi

4.9

4.9 (237)

$30 and under

Sushi

Bucktown / Wicker Park

About the restaurant

Japanese restaurant with elegantly plated sushi, rolls & cooked fare in a rustic-chic storefront.

Top review

Omar

Dined on Aug 18, 2024

Amazing, great food and service. Shoutout to Miguel at the sushi bar who gave us a great sushi experience.

Les Nomades

4.8

4.8 (2218)

$50 and over

Contemporary French

Gold Coast / Streeterville

About the restaurant

One of Chicago’s finest dining experiences awaits you in this elegant town home setting that balances formality and friendliness. Your dinner may be paired with fine wines, as uncommon ingredients come together in perfect harmony. In operation since 1978, Les Nomades remains true to its distinctive character as an oasis of civilized tranquility amidst the bustling activity of its Streeterville location. Culinary creations delight the most discriminating palates. Savor Sautéed Foie Gras, or Lobster Ravioli with seared scallops; Roasted Breast and Confit Leg of Duck, or Duo of Roasted Partridge and Bison. Artisan cheeses are extraordinary and the pastries are sublime.
Please keep in mind that proper attire is required including a jacket for gentlemen.

Top review

Hughvip

Dined today

What a beautiful restaurant - wonderful ambiance, creative, perfectly prepared cuisine, attentive and thoughtful service. Perfect evening!

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