Diners' Choice: Contemporary American restaurants in Chicago

OpenTable

Updated June 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Contemporary American cuisine in Chicago? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyzes more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favorites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Valhalla

5.0

5 (8)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Bucktown / Wicker Park

About the restaurant

Valhalla is a culinary gem in Chicago's Wicker Park, offering a unique gastronomic journey where modern elegance meets global flavors. The minimalist Scandinavian decor creates an intimate atmosphere, with warm woods and soft lighting that enhance your dining experience. Chef Stephen Gillanders' tasting menu showcases his creativity, featuring seasonal ingredients and diverse influences. Each course, from ocean trout lumpia to vibrant seafood ceviche, highlights his mastery of flavor and technique. Desserts by Pastry Chef Tatum Sinclair are a revelation, with each creation a stunning masterpiece that delights the senses. Valhalla is not just a restaurant; it's an unforgettable experience that invites you to savor every moment.

Top review

Christopher

Dined on Jun 8, 2025

My wife and I recently visited Valhalla for our anniversary on a rainy Saturday night in early June. It was our first time visiting Chicago and Valhalla came highly recommended by folks on the internet. From start to finish, the staff went above and beyond to make the evening truly special. We were greeted by a hand-written note from the staff welcoming us and wishing us a happy anniversary. We were seated at the counter for the 12-course tasting menu - there were only 4 others at the counter which I thought to be strange but we did have a 9 PM reservation, which is a touch on the later side. All 12 courses were well-thought and well-executed. Some standouts were the “surf” and “turf,” which are the first 2 courses consisting of 3 items each. The ceviche and katsu, in particular, were our favorites. The broths/sauces used throughout the night were all amazing - the spicy broth with the white curry noodles, the smoked pimenton butter served with the lobster tsukune, and the French onion latte are highlights. Chef Tatum flexes her pastry muscles on the 3 dessert courses. The marbled pavlova was a textural delight, the torrijas was like a decadent French toast stick, and the house-made chocolates were divine. One of the best meals we have had in a long time!

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Experience

Valhalla Tasting Menu at The Chef's Counter

Sepia

4.9

4.9 (5478)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

West Loop

About the restaurant

Seamlessly melding refined and rustic, vintage and contemporary, Sepia has the feel of an instant classic. The stylish space is warm and inviting, comfortable yet lively. The easy elegance of the room serves as the perfect backdrop for the inventive American cuisine. Chef Andrew Zimmerman's product-driven, seasonal menu showcases the purity and quality of the ingredients, letting both the ingredients and his passion for what he does shine through. Sepia celebrates tradition – with a modern twist.

To book reservations of 7 or larger, please email info@sepiachicago.com!

Top review

Rodrigo

Dined 6 days ago

Chef Andrew Zimmerman knows his game and Chef Kyle Cottle executes to perfection. I had the chef tasting menu, it was a journey through flavors and textures. Highly recommended.

The Franklin Room

4.9

4.9 (1984)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

River North (Chicago)

About the restaurant

The Franklin Room celebrates the sense of connection one can only find in the neighborhood taverns of Chicago. Offering classic American tavern fare and no shortage of whiskey flair, our sophisticated speakeasy is your local go-to for quality meat dishes, fresh seafood, classic cocktails and the neighborhood tavern experience our city has perfected.

Our menu of delectable turn-of-the-century inspired American tavern fare starts there, then elevates the experience with a modern twist that creates a culinary experience you simply have to taste to believe. It's perfectly complimented by our beverage program, which showcases creative cocktails and a meticulous selection of spirits, wine and beer with a strong focus on independent distillers and limited-edition rare releases. Bring them together and you've got a uniquely Chicagoan experience, centuries in the making.

Top review

AnnieVIP

Dined on Jun 4, 2025

Fun vibe, good cocktails, great service and tasty food

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Popular dish

Spicy Bourbon Mussels

Popular dish

LAMB CHOPS gf

Popular dish

TRUFFLED TUNA CRUDO gf

The Lobby

4.8

4.8 (1706)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Gold Coast / Streeterville

About the restaurant

Select from a memorable Contemporary American menu featuring outstanding dishes in an environment that blends the classic understated elegance of The Lobby's décor. Take a table by the soaring 20 ft high floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the Terrace. Breakfast is a favorite with both early-rising Chicago residents and hotel guests alike, who swear by starting the day with one of the many breakfast options, while The Lobby's approachable, yet American contemporary inspired à la carte is ideal for power lunches and sophisticated dinners.

Afternoon Tea is available on Fridays & Saturdays with seatings at 12:00 pm and 2:30 pm and Sundays with seatings at 1:00 pm and 2:30 pm. Please visit exploretock.com to book your reservation for Afternoon Tea.

NOTE: ALL AFTERNOON TEA RESERVATIONS ARE BOOKED VIA TOCK & ARE FULLY PRE-PAID.

Top review

JenniferVIP

Dined on Jun 5, 2025

Beautiful setting, elegant and the octopus was delicious..

Boka

4.8

4.8 (7354)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Lincoln Park

About the restaurant

Michelin-starred Boka Restaurant has been a cornerstone of Chicago’s dining scene since 2003. In 2014, following a major renovation, Chef Lee Wolen joined as Executive Chef and Partner, quickly gaining critical acclaim. Named “Chef of the Year” by both Phil Vettel of the Chicago Tribune and Eater Chicago in 2014, and again in 2015, Lee has helped elevate Boka to new heights. The restaurant offers contemporary American cuisine that highlights seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms. The sophisticated yet inviting ambiance sets the stage for an exceptional dining experience, with daily-changing tasting menus that showcase timeless and seasonal American flavors.

Top review

JoseVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Best duck I have ever tasted, appetizers were also amazing.

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Popular dish

Roasted Chicken

Popular dish

Black Truffle Roasted Chicken

Popular dish

Dark Chocolate

Brasero

4.8

4.8 (497)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

West Town

About the restaurant

Named by Robb Report as one of the Top 10 Best New Restaurants in the country, Brasero brings South American passion and Midwestern grit to West Town’s buzzing restaurant row. This sultry, high-energy space showcases Chef John Manion’s wood-fired Latin cooking, inspired by decades of experience. Expect flame-roasted chickens with rotating marinades, moqueca with rockfish, shrimp, clams, and Akahoshi ramen noodles, and steaks cooked over open fire. Enjoy linquiça with mojo de ajo, craveable sides, and bold flavors throughout. Sip a delicious regional classic like a caipirinha, explore our 100 wines under $100, or try a rotating mix of local and Latin-inspired beers. Join us for lively weekend brunch or drop by our cocktail bar for a drink and a bite. For groups of 6–10, book the Family Style Hearth Experience—fire-kissed and made to share.

Top review

Kevin

Dined 2 days ago

Really great food and gorgeous interior. The broccolini was the star of the dinner.

Girl & the Goat

4.7

4.7 (15301)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

West Loop

About the restaurant

Girl & the Goat opened in 2010 with the goal of offering a menu of bold, flavorful dishes designed to share in a fun and lively atmosphere. To complement the experience, we offer a curated selection of wines from around the world, focusing on small producers, along with a rotating list of craft beers and a playful cocktail menu crafted by our bartenders. The ever-changing menu, driven by locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, features favorites like sautéed green beans, roasted oysters, crispy short ribs, and confit goat belly. While reservations are encouraged for the dining room, our bar welcomes walk-ins, adventurers, and those who prefer spontaneity.

Top review

Thanu

Dined 1 day ago

Food was exquisite. We ordered 4 dishes and each dish was unique and wonderful taste combinations.

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4.8

4.8 (299)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Andersonville

About the restaurant

We pride ourselves in offering only the best ingredients with an impeccable service. Whether you're joining us for dinner or weekend brunch, our dishes reflect a modern take on Chicago's melting pot of cultures where we celebrate our diversity and embrace flavors from around the globe. From locally sourced ingredients to unique flavor combinations, be ready to discover Tala’s story: cooking with no boundaries!

Top review

ChristineVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Fabulous restaurant. delicious and artful food. Enjoyed the tuna, salmon, and cauliflower. All amazing and beautifully plated.

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Experience

Community Table: Free Shots or Tequila Bottle

Alpana

4.8

4.8 (613)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Gold Coast / Streeterville

About the restaurant

Alpana: Where Wine and Food Dance in Perfect Harmony Located in Chicago's historic Gold Coast, Alpana is a culinary haven where wine and food unite in a delightful experience. Under the guidance of Master Sommelier Alpana Singh, the youngest woman and first South Asian to earn this title, diners enjoy a unique atmosphere. Picture a chic bistro with warm lighting, vibrant decor, and lush greenery. The ambiance buzzes with conversation and the sound of clinking glasses, creating a sophisticated yet inviting space. Alpana's menu showcases Singh's dedication to pairing exceptional wines with globally-inspired dishes. Each plate is thoughtfully designed to enhance the flavors of specific wines, offering a memorable culinary journey. Begin with Crispy Polenta & Mushrooms, featuring rich parmesan and earthy black truffles. For the main course, savor Braised Short Ribs, perfectly complemented by a pinot noir. Seafood enthusiasts will love the Striped Sea Bass, enhanced by a fragrant fennel and saffron nage. Experience the perfect harmony of wine and food at Alpana.

Top review

Trinity

Dined 3 days ago

Good Cocktails and really good Mac n cheese , enjoyed my server

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Popular dish

Butter Chicken Meatballs

Popular dish

Striped Sea Bass

Popular dish

Wild Mushroom Ravioli

Slightly Toasted

4.8

4.8 (15)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

West Loop

About the restaurant

Award-winning cocktail and bourbon bar that is home to one of largest whiskey collections in Chicago with over 900 selections, 30+ private barrels, and 200+ vintage and rare bottles. Also home to 18 taps & 80+ cans of craft beer, and chef-driven comfort food.

Top review

JoanneVIP

Dined on May 20, 2025

The service was inviting and attentive. Had a fantastic Old Fashioned and Burrata appetizer. Nice atmosphere. Will go back.

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Experience

The Barrel Share: Old Forester

Experience

The Barrel Share: Buffalo Trace 2025

Experience

The Bottle Share: Double Eagle Very Rare 20yr

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