For 20 years as a dining editor and food writer, I’ve had front-row seats to the evolution of Chicago’s restaurants as I covered them for publications like CS, Chicago Tribune and Time Out. While it’s kept me on my toes (and in the gym), I’m lucky to watch them grow: A decades-old seafood spot has served oysters long before they became fixtures all over town; a third-generation Italian favorite still relies on family recipes to make magical lasagna and braciola; and a popular southwestern Indian restaurant traces its origins to a humble pop-up in a food hall.
Whether you’re looking for a festive vibe with terrific Southern food to match or a special-occasion star with MICHELIN cred, my 12 tried-and-tested Chicago restaurants won’t let you down.
Thattu (Belmont Central/Cragin)
From its early days as a pop-up followed by a spot in a food hall to its current charming home in Avondale, Thattu has earned many loyal fans along the way—and I’m one of them. There’s a lot of heart and soul here, courtesy of the wife-and-husband team behind it, Margaret Pak and Vinod Kalathil. Come for deeply flavorful dishes from Kerala—on the southwestern Indian coast—like black chickpea coconut curry and fish steamed in banana leaves, enhanced by warm and thoughtful service.
Robert’s Pizza and Dough Company (Gold Coast/Streeterville)
Unless you’re a tourist heading to Navy Pier, Robert’s might not be on your radar. But after trying one of the thin-crust pizzas, I bet that will change. Here, New York native Robert Garvey channels his 20-year culinary journey to create the perfect pizza dough—chewy and crispy—into pies that have earned spots on best-of lists. Not happy to rest on his laurels, Garvey can often be found working the room at this waterfront spot. My crustless plate speaks volumes.
Elske (West Loop)
There’s a lot to love about this MICHELIN-starred modern American restaurant beyond its name, which means “love” in Danish. The synergy between wife-and-husband chefs Anna and David Posey can be seen on the beautiful, often changing plates, which might include smoked duck liver tart or smoked Fjord trout with beets. There is so much personality here that I find it impossible to resist—from the flavorful, only-found-here dishes to the pretty wallpaper in the restrooms illustrated by Anna.
Boka (Lincoln Park)
Timeless and elegant Boka effortlessly walks the line between special-occasion restaurant and neighborhood gem. Open for more than 20 years, MICHELIN-starred Boka has thoughtfully evolved with updated decor (check out the preserved moss wall) and new chefs—and it’s been a joy for me to experience all of its iterations. Chef Lee Wolen crafts seasonal American cuisine that’s always delicious and never precious—think black truffle-roasted chicken and ricotta gnudi.
El Che Steakhouse & Bar (West Loop)
From its massive custom wood-burning hearth and kitschy trinkets on the walls to the Argentinian-leaning menu, El Che is filled with shoutouts to chef-owner John Manion’s South American childhood. The cozy West Loop spot is a full-fledged reflection of Manion’s connection to the continent—which means delicious flame-kissed steaks, seafood, vegetables, an entirely South American wine list, and gracious service that makes you feel like you are part of the family.
Mart Anthony’s (West Loop)
As neighborhood restaurants go, Mart Anthony’s is the one everyone wishes they could call their own—even if they don’t live around the corner. The third-generation spot sticks to family recipes for Italian dishes like meat lasagna, braciola, and chicken Vesuvio, all paired with old-school hospitality. Whether you sit at the bar or a table, conversations will flow—with bartenders, servers, and fellow diners. And look out for Marty Fest, its annual summer street festival, which is legendary.
Ina Mae Tavern & Packaged Goods (Bucktown/Wicker Park)
With its every-night-is-a-party attitude, this New Orleans-inspired spot never fails to bring a smile to my face. Taking its name from chef Brian Jupiter’s great-grandmother, MICHELIN Bib Gourmand recipient Ina Mae’s channels everything I love about a dive bar—laidback service, wallet-friendly prices—and ups the ante with hearty portions of Southern hits like fried catfish po’ boys and crispy fried chicken. Saving room for beignets can be challenging, but you should do it anyway.
Shaw’s Crab House & Oyster Bar (River North)
Long before oysters became ubiquitous at restaurants all over town, Shaw’s was a go-to for bivalve fanatics—and, some 40 years later, still is. Whether you sit in the retro dining room or at the friendly Oyster Bar (think Cheers but with awesome seafood), Shaw’s is the kind of place that always feels perfect, no matter your mood. A bowl of the New England clam chowder served with golf ball-size oyster crackers is good for whatever ails you.
Perilla (West Town)
With a focus on first-gen Korean American food, MICHELIN Bib Gourmand Perilla gives chef Andrew Lim a big culinary sandbox to play in. Sure, you’ll find traditional Korean dishes like kimchi stew and barbecue meats. But here, grill options also include mushrooms from a local indoor mushroom farm. Perilla gets bonus points for being all about unique local purveyors and cool collabs with other Chicago restaurants, and it’s this inclusive side that sets this cross-cultural fave apart.
Piccolo Sogno (River Street)
With two industry vets behind it—Tony Priolo handles the kitchen, Ciro Longobardo runs the wine program—Piccolo Sogno has been a Chicago go-to restaurant for years for those looking to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries. During the warmer months, the expansive, plant-filled patio is prime dining real estate. Pro tip: Order housemade pastas, like the pappardelle with wild boar ragu, in appetizer-size portions to save room for one of the stellar wood-fired pizzas.
avec (West Loop, River North)
Start thinking of iconic Chicago restaurant dishes, and avec’s bacon-wrapped chorizo-stuffed dates will top the list. Inspired by a recipe from owner Paul Kahan’s father-in-law, they are more than the sum of their parts. The same goes for the shoebox-sized MICHELIN Bib Gourmand recipient, which, along with its River North sibling, offers soulful Midwestern riffs on Mediterranean small plates. Snagging a seat at the buzzy bar here can feel like winning the lottery.
Forbidden Root Restaurant and Brewery (West Town)
With an eclectic approach to brewing, Forbidden Root consistently offers some of the most unusual beers in town—jasmine and minty shiso have made appearances in the botanical-forward beers. If you can’t decide between the 16 on-draft offerings, get a five-ounce pour or a tasting flight. That same something-for-everyone mentality extends to the food, with dishes like mushroom pot pie and a mortadella sandwich. Odds are the weekly release of specialty beers will make you a regular—just like me.
Lisa Shames is a writer focused on travel and food culture in Chicago, IL, and is the U.S. contributor for pastry magazine Sogoodmag. She also contributes to Block Club Chicago, the Chicago Tribune, and Chicago magazine.
