Best Authentic Restaurants in Uptown

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Cuisine

AmericanItalianSteakhouseSeafoodFrenchIndian

Regions

ChicagoNear WestNorth Suburbs

Neighborhoods

Bucktown / Wicker ParkCiceroDowntown / LoopEvanstonGold Coast / StreetervilleGoose Island

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for brunch

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

75 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

1. Cariño

4.9

Exceptional(15)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Latin American • Uptown

Booked 1 time today

Cariño1. (afecto) love ⧫ affection2. (apelativo) darling ⧫ honeyCariño is a Spanish word that refers to a feeling of fondness or love that a person has for someone or something.This concept is an immersive culinary journey offering a Latin-inspired tasting menu and taco omakase by Chef Norman Fenton. Each dish has been meticulously crafted to highlight the rich tapestry of flavors and ingredients found across Latin America. These unique combinations of traditional and contemporary techniques, promise to deliver an elevated dining experience that surprises and delights.Every little detail of Cariño's intimate setting is deeply personal and tells a story rooted in family and love of craft offering each guest an opportunity for a truly memorable dining experience.

A photo of Le Bouchon - Chicago restaurant

2. Le Bouchon - Chicago

4.8

Exceptional(2228)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• French • Bucktown / Wicker Park

Booked 65 times today

Le Bouchon has been thriving in Bucktown since 1993, serving classic French Bistro food in a dining room that will transport you to Paris. Voted one of the best French Restaurants in America by Timeout Magazine. Open from 11am-10pm Monday - Saturday.

3. Boka

4.8

Exceptional(7353)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Lincoln Park

Booked 74 times today

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.

A photo of Kie-Gol-Lanee - Uptown restaurant

4. Kie-Gol-Lanee - Uptown

4.8

Exceptional(269)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Uptown

Booked 16 times today

Opened in 2016, this Uptown Mexican eatery continues to gather accolades, including a spot on The New York Times' recommendations "36 hours in Chicago" and four straight years of being a MICHELIN Guide Bib Gourmand restaurant right up to the present.An immersive experience of Oaxacan cuisine featuring layudas (a.k.a. Mexican pizza), tamales oaxaqueños, enchiladas de mole, cornish hen and tacos de birria just to name a few. Their selection of margaritas made with homemade agua frescas with no artificial syrups and mimosas on the weekends is a must! Diners know to leave room too for the Oaxacan nicuatole (a flavored flan) and tres leches cake.Kie-Gol-Lanee comes from the Zapotec dialect meaning "Piedra Antigua" (old stone). Its Spanish version "Quiegolani" is the name of a small village in Oaxaca, Mexico, where the owners and siblings are from. Maria and Reynel Mendoza run this operation with their spouses, Leo and Sandra, whose mission is to preserve their family’s original recipes.

5. The Palm Court

4.7

Exceptional(5220)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Afternoon Tea • Gold Coast / Streeterville

Booked 30 times today

For those who love their afternoon teas fresh, fragrant and steeped in history, Palm Court at The Drake Hotel serving tea for over a century. Even the Queen and Princess Diana have made their royal visits here. Your afternoon tea begins with Palais de Thes menu, which features 15 tea blends including classic selections like the English Breakfast to modern yet delightful twists like the Mélange du Cap.Tea is served in individual tea pots accompanied by the traditional three-tiered tea tray filled with an arrangement of gourmet finger sandwiches and scones; and dainty petit fours with complements of preserves, lemon curd and English double Devon cream.And let’s not forget about our little tea. The Prince & Princess Afternoon tea service, suitable for children between 3 and 12 years of age is available throughout the duration of afternoon tea service.Reservations are heavily encouraged. Tea service seating duration is 90minAdults $78 / Kids $35(3-12)Valet available at $26 for 3 hours

6. LAUREL

4.4

Awesome(52)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• American • River North (Chicago)

Booked 6 times today

LAUREL, nestled in The Talbott, blends New American creativity with Mediterranean flavors, sourcing local and seasonal ingredients. Experience Mediterranean warmth paired with cosmopolitan flair in our full-service yet casual setting, offering a culinary journey for any occasion. Our design pays homage to the Mediterranean's diverse landscapes and artistic influences, creating a modern ambiance. Welcome to LAUREL, where craftsmanship meets creativity, and every meal celebrates flavor, community, and the art of living well.

A photo of ISTMO Oaxacan Cuisine restaurant

7. ISTMO Oaxacan Cuisine

4.7

Exceptional(137)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Mexican • Lakeview / East Lakeview

Booked 3 times today

We celebrate the culinary connections between the Oaxacan region in Mexico and a neighboring international cuisine. It highlights the vibrant flavors, traditional techniques, and unique ingredients of Oaxaca, while also incorporating elements and influences from a neighboring culinary tradition.Meet Carlos Lopez Muñoz, a culinary virtuoso hailing from the vibrant tapestry of Oaxaca, Mexico. His gastronomic odyssey began in the heart of his family's kitchen, weaving a narrative steeped in the rich culinary tradition of "El Istmo."

8. Divan

4.2

Awesome(183)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Steakhouse • River North (Chicago)

Booked 39 times today

Located in Chicago's vibrant River North neighborhood, Divan Chicago is a modern steakhouse and supper club offering an upscale dining experience with American steakhouse classics and refined European influences. Enjoy premium steaks, fresh seafood, and late-night dining in a stylish setting with live music and a private dining room available. Join us for happy hour and experience one of River North's most sophisticated destinations.

9. Valhalla

5.0

Exceptional(8)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary American • Bucktown / Wicker Park

Booked 5 times today

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.

10. The Coach House

4.8

Exceptional(63)

$$$$Price: Very Expensive

• South Indian • Bucktown / Wicker Park

Booked 5 times today

Coach House, 2x James Beard Award and Jean Banchet Award-nominated Chef Zubair's Mohajir’s latest venture, is a Tasting Menu experience featuring a heavy dose of South Indian flavors whilst avoiding direct tradition. Coach House is located in the rear of Lilac Tiger's street food location, on Division St.Our 7-course Tasting Menu rotates seasonally, and is featured on Friday and Saturday nights at 5:45pm and 8:30pm; this experience gives insight into the culinary traditions that Chef Zubair was raised with, reimagined through a modern lens.Your experience can be supplemented with one of our thoughtfully-curated wine and cocktail pairings, or you and your guests can select your sipper from our worldly wine list, elegant cocktails, and vibrant and non-alcoholic signature drinks.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

S
SarahVIP
Chicago / Illinois •7 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Really enjoyed our meal at le bouchon! The duck for two was delicious and I’m excited to go again to try another dish in the future. It is extremely loud in there, so plan accordingly
More info
Le Bouchon - ChicagoPrice: Expensive• French• Bucktown / Wicker Park
•
4.8
M
matthew
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
The food was fantastic and the service was excellent! We’ll definitely be back!!
More info
Kie-Gol-Lanee - UptownPrice: Moderate• Mexican• Uptown
•
4.8
S
SoniaVIP
Los Angeles •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Absolutely lovely experience, all around. So luxurious and elegant!
More info
The Palm CourtPrice: Very Expensive• Afternoon Tea• Gold Coast / Streeterville
•
4.7
J
JoseVIP
New York City •20 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Best duck I have ever tasted, appetizers were also amazing.
More info
BokaPrice: Expensive• Contemporary American• Lincoln Park
•
4.8
R
Richard
Chicago / Illinois •2 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 4, 2025
Outstanding artistry in food and presentation. We enjoyed a 12 course meal and were thoroughly entertained. Each course built on the previous like a wonderfully crafted novel. It was truly an enjoyable, flavorful and cultural experience.
More info
CariñoPrice: Very Expensive• Latin American• Uptown
•
4.9

Explore OpenTable

Neighborhood
Authentic

Uptown

Hanson Park
Evergreen Park
Schaumburg
North of Foster / Rogers Park
Evanston
Skokie
Worth
Orland Park
Lakeview / East Lakeview
Old Town
South Side
Lisle
Lincolnshire
Elmhurst
Oak Park
Batavia
Burbank
Roscoe Village
Albany Park
Glenview