The Best Places to Eat in Chicago

The OpenTable Team

From seafood to soul food, the dining options in Chicago are endless; the city is known for its deep-dish pizza, boundary-pushing fine dining, and everything in between. But where are the smartest, savviest diners eating out? Welcome to the Tastemaker 20. We’ve pulled data from thousands of restaurants to find the top spots among OpenTable's most expert, seasoned diners. You’ll find everything from neighborhood gems to haute cuisine, rustic Italian to buzzy Japanese—all vetted by the types of tastemakers who know the best spots around the city. Impress your friends and family and score a table; we wish we could join you.

20 Restaurants

Updated August 27, 2019

Restaurants:	goosefoot, SUSHI-SAN, Sepia…
Price Range:	$$$ - $$$$
Cuisines:	Contemporary American, Japanese…
Neighborhoods:	Lincoln Square, River North (Chicago), West Loop…

For 2 people today

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For 2

Date

Today

Time

7:00 PM

goosefoot

$$$$·Contemporary American·

Lincoln Square

782 reviews

Good for a Date
Romantic
Good for Anniversaries

This intimate restaurant seats 30 people and invites everyone to really take the time to savor the flavors of Chicago. Goosefoot presents a fixed full-course tasting menu that chan…Read more

100% recommended

Best Overall in Chicago / Illinois

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SUSHI-SAN

$$$$·Japanese·

River North (Chicago)

677 reviews

Fun
Good for a Date
Fit for Foodies

The best of Japan meets the best of Chicago in this exciting restaurant. Delectable seafood and Japanese specialties grace the menu, but the sushi is the must-try. Pair the beer, b…Read more

94% recommended

Japanese in Chicago / Illinois

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Sepia

$$$$·Contemporary American·

West Loop

3,801 reviews

Special Occasion
Fit for Foodies
Creative Cuisine

Elegant Chicago dining at its very finest. Sepia offers a private dining experience to accommodate 60 for a seated meal and 100 for a cocktail party. Described as stylish and sexy,…Read more

87% recommended

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Taxim

$$$$·Greek·

Bucktown / Wicker Park

668 reviews

Good for a Date
Great for Outdoor Dining
Authentic

At Taxim, chef-owner David Nikolaos Schneider serves up iconic and succulent favorites, done Chicago style. For supper, try the duck gyro. Spit-roasted duck sizzles in a blend of p…Read more

93% recommended

Table for 2 today

Gibsons Italia

$$$$·Steakhouse·

River North (Chicago)

1,123 reviews

Scenic View
Waterfront
Great for Outdoor Dining

This place has it all: three floors, two fireplaces, and a rooftop patio! Gibsons is famous for making Chicago famous for steak, and their signature WR Chicago Cut is the iconic di…Read more

96% recommended

Scenic View in Chicago / Illinois

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North Pond

$$$$·American·

Lincoln Park

3,383 reviews

Romantic
Special Occasion
Good for Anniversaries

This place has it all: three floors, two fireplaces, and a rooftop patio! Gibsons is famous for making Chicago famous for steak, and their signature WR Chicago Cut is the iconic di…Read more

93% recommended

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The Izakaya at Momotaro

$$$$·Japanese·

West Loop

279 reviews

Fit for Foodies
Good for a Date
Bar Seating

This almost-hidden gem is a must see! Chicago is a legendary harbor landscape filled with mystery and and opportunity. This impressive cocktail bar style restaurant is brimming wit…Read more

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Pelago

$$$$·Italian·

Gold Coast / Streeterville

1,549 reviews

Romantic
Special Occasion
Good for a Date

This award-winning restaurant offers iconic Italian American dishes, and was the Gambero Rosso Top Italian Restaurant for 2018. Chef Mauro Mafrici offers a full menu, a five-course…Read more

84% recommended

Table for 2 today

Margeaux Brasserie - Waldorf Astoria

$$$$·French·

Gold Coast / Streeterville

754 reviews

Special Occasion
Good for a Date
Romantic

French fine dining at its most luxurious awaits you at the Margeaux Brasserie, where Chef Michael Mina brings his passion and flair for elegance to this incredible Chicago restaura…Read more

90% recommended

Most Booked 1000-Point Tables in Chicago / Illinois

Table for 2 today

Everest

$$$$·French·

Downtown / Loop

2,128 reviews

Special Occasion
Scenic View
Romantic

For breathtaking views and a fine French meal, Everest is the tops. Ideally situated on the 40th floor of the Chicago Stock Exchange, the view of the iconic Chicago cityscape is a …Read more

Scenic View in Chicago / Illinois

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Cold Storage Seafood

$$$$·Seafood·

West Loop

385 reviews

Happy Hour
Bar Seating
Good for a Date

This is a feast for seafood lovers! Cold Storage specializes in Chicago-style seafood and they do not disappoint. They offer small plates, seafood towers, a raw bar à la carte, and…Read more

81% recommended

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Les Nomades

$$$$·Contemporary French·

Gold Coast / Streeterville

1,617 reviews

Quiet Conversation
Romantic
Special Occasion

Since the 1970s, Les Nomades has been one of Chicago's finest French restaurants. The decor is intimate and artful. The Les Nomades menu offers a four- or five-course option with a…Read more

94% recommended

Table for 2 today

TAO Asian Bistro - Chicago

$$$$·Asian·

River North (Chicago)

846 reviews

Good for a Date
Special Occasion
Good for Birthdays

The epitome of cool Chicago nightlife, Tao Chicago includes a rocking nightclub, special events, and a 300-seat restaurant. The menu delivers Pan-Asian style offerings from the sea…Read more

93% recommended

Asian in Chicago / Illinois

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Sai Cafe

$$$$·Japanese·

Lincoln Park

390 reviews

Neighborhood Gem
Special Occasion
Bar Seating

This restaurant prides itself on offering sushi and fresh seafood prepared to each diner's unique specifications. Sashimi is on the menu, of course, and maki. Chefs prepare seafood…Read more

100% recommended

Best Overall in Chicago / Illinois

Table for 2 today

Tarantino's

$$$$·Italian·

Lincoln Park

497 reviews

Good for a Date
Neighborhood Gem
Casual

Enjoy Chef Marcello Mendonca's contemporary Italian dishes in a warm, inviting, and comfortable setting. Chef Marcello successfully pays tribute to Old World Italian cooking tradit…Read more

94% recommended

Table for 2 today

Mon Ami Gabi

$$$$·French·

Lincoln Park

4,836 reviews

Good for a Date
Neighborhood Gem
Special Occasion

For over 20 years, Mon Ami Gabi has been setting a standard in French cuisine in Chicago. The ambience is delightful. The restaurant sits in a beautiful residential building border…Read more

96% recommended

French in Chicago / Illinois

Table for 2 today

Blackbird

$$$$·Contemporary American·

West Loop

4,473 reviews

Fit for Foodies
Special Occasion
Hot Spot

Chef-owner Paul Kahan's flagship eatery has an innovative spirit: a spirit that has always driven progress and industry in Chicago. The fixed price lunch menu is a fan favorite. Bl…Read more

91% recommended

Not available on OpenTable

Eight Bar and Patio

$$$$·American·

Gold Coast / Streeterville

56 reviews

Great for Outdoor Dining
Bar Seating
Casual

Fans love the casual atmosphere of this upscale restaurant with outdoor seating. The Eight Bar is a classic Chicago bistro. Start with the wild Burgundy escargots in lemon herb but…Read more

98% recommended

Not available on OpenTable

Freds Chicago at Barneys New York - Permanently Closed

$$$$·Italian·

Gold Coast / Streeterville

1,099 reviews

Bar Seating
Fit for Foodies
Great for Lunch

What's not to say about how fantastic this iconic restaurant is? Serving a wide range of popular American dishes, Freds boasts a proud menu with something for everyone. People don'…Read more

90% recommended

Not available on OpenTable

Booth One - Permanently Closed

$$$$·Contemporary American·

Gold Coast / Streeterville

610 reviews

Good for a Date
Special Occasion
Romantic

This 1920s-inspired beauty is a restaurant and social club designed for those who love to mingle in the classic American style. Located at the site of the former Pump Room, Booth O…Read more

92% recommended

Not available on OpenTable

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