The Best Chicago Restaurants, According to our Tastemakers

The OpenTable Team

You’re in Chicago for 48 hours, and you’re hungry. What’s the plan? We’ve pulled data from thousands of restaurants to find the best restaurants among OpenTable's most expert, seasoned diners. You’ll find the best restaurants in Chicago—all vetted by the types of tastemakers who know the best spots around the city. You'll want to follow their lead.

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…

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goosefoot

$$$$·Contemporary American·

Lincoln Square

783 reviews

Romantic
Good for a Date
Good for Anniversaries

Here, no detail is overlooked. It's evident the moment you walk into Goosefoot, one of the best places to eat in Chicago. French techniques enhance each dish, carefully prepared wi…Read more

100% recommended

Best Overall in Chicago / Illinois

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SUSHI-SAN

$$$$·Japanese·

River North (Chicago)

678 reviews

Fun
Good for a Date
Fit for Foodies

Think you know sushi? This place will make you think again. Sushi San takes the culinary art up a notch. An Omakase dinner, a six- or 14-course meal, is a cultural experience. The …Read more

95% recommended

Japanese in Chicago / Illinois

Table for 2 today

Sepia

$$$$·Contemporary American·

West Loop

3,801 reviews

Special Occasion
Fit for Foodies
Creative Cuisine

Executive chef Andrew Zimmerman made this place a top lister. Historical and contemporary flair complete its elegant interiors. You won't find traditional dinnerware here, either. …Read more

87% recommended

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Taxim

$$$$·Greek·

Bucktown / Wicker Park

668 reviews

Good for a Date
Great for Outdoor Dining
Authentic

Take your taste buds on a trip to the Mediterranean with a visit to Taxim. When the weather's warm, bask in fresh air overlooking the city while enjoying your meal on the rooftop t…Read more

93% recommended

Table for 2 today

Gibsons Italia

$$$$·Steakhouse·

River North (Chicago)

1,126 reviews

Scenic View
Waterfront
Great for Outdoor Dining

Gibsons Italia, one of the top Italian restaurants in Chicago, is like nothing you've ever experienced. Run by chef Jose Sosa, and one of the best steakhouses in Chicago, Gibsons I…Read more

95% recommended

Scenic View in Chicago / Illinois

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North Pond

$$$$·American·

Lincoln Park

3,384 reviews

Romantic
Special Occasion
Good for Anniversaries

A trip to Lincoln Park, is incomplete without dining in North Pond. It's worth stopping in for the view alone, but the food here makes it one of the best restaurants in Chicago. Ch…Read more

93% recommended

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The Izakaya at Momotaro

$$$$·Japanese·

West Loop

279 reviews

Fit for Foodies
Good for a Date
Romantic

A modern take on Japanese cuisine awaits at The Izakaya at Momotaro. Familiar plates of nigiri and sashimi are served alongside more unique ones. Not your typical Japanese eatery, …Read more

Table for 2 today

Pelago

$$$$·Italian·

Gold Coast / Streeterville

1,550 reviews

Romantic
Good for a Date
Special Occasion

Delicious food and the perfect, contemporary interiors. They combine to create a modern dining experience at Pelago. Simple yet soft colors and refined elements, highlighted by the…Read more

83% recommended

Table for 2 today

Margeaux Brasserie - Waldorf Astoria

$$$$·French·

Gold Coast / Streeterville

755 reviews

Special Occasion
Good for a Date
Romantic

French cuisine sits front and center at Margeaux Brasserie in Waldorf Astoria, one of the best places to eat in Chicago. The luxe 1920s vibe sets the scene for a perfect dining exp…Read more

89% recommended

Most Booked 1000-Point Tables in Chicago / Illinois

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Naoki

$$$$·Japanese·

Lincoln Park

540 reviews

Good for a Date
Special Occasion
Fit for Foodies

If you love the charm of a speakeasy and the unbeatable taste of sushi, you won't want to miss Naoki. It was named one of the Best Restaurants in Chicago by Zagat, Chicago Magazine…Read more

95% recommended

Japanese in Chicago / Illinois

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Everest

$$$$·French·

Downtown / Loop

2,128 reviews

Special Occasion
Scenic View
Romantic

Fantastic views, delectable bites and an award-winning chef give you the perfect trifecta that is Everest. Risotto, oysters, and lobster are just a few options on the menu. Everest…Read more

Scenic View in Chicago / Illinois

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Erie Cafe

$$$$·Steakhouse·

River North (Chicago)

885 reviews

Neighborhood Gem
Special Occasion
Business Meals

If you're in the market for a steak that's cooked to perfection every single time, make sure you put Erie Cafe at the top of your list. One of the best places to eat in Chicago, th…Read more

93% recommended

Table for 2 today

Cold Storage Seafood

$$$$·Seafood·

West Loop

385 reviews

Happy Hour
Bar Seating
Good for a Date

Love seafood? Then a visit to Cold Storage Seafood at West Fulton Market is on the agenda. Oysters on the half shell, chowder and mussels are crowd favorites. With its industrial d…Read more

81% recommended

Table for 2 today

Les Nomades

$$$$·Contemporary French·

Gold Coast / Streeterville

1,620 reviews

Quiet Conversation
Special Occasion
Romantic

Elevate your French dining experience here. Les Nomades has long been one of the top restaurants in Chicago. Its fixed-price menu includes four or five courses, each made with the …Read more

94% recommended

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TAO Asian Bistro - Chicago

$$$$·Asian·

River North (Chicago)

853 reviews

Good for a Date
Special Occasion
Good for Birthdays

The atmosphere of Tao Chicago is electric, as it is both a restaurant and a nightclub, with interiors designed to excite. You can choose to eat in the main dining room or ask for a…Read more

92% recommended

Asian in Chicago / Illinois

Table for 2 today

Sai Cafe

$$$$·Japanese·

Lincoln Park

390 reviews

Neighborhood Gem
Special Occasion
Bar Seating

Sai Cafe is a perfect blend of artistic flair and addicting food. This restaurant offers Asian foods with unique selections. Locals rave about the Hamagi Jalapeno and Dynamite, a b…Read more

100% recommended

Best Overall in Chicago / Illinois

Table for 2 today

India House, Chicago

$$$$·Indian·

River North (Chicago)

666 reviews

Casual
Good Vegetarian Options
Authentic

India House concludes our list as one of the top Indian restaurants the Windy City has to offer. During the day, you can enjoy the lunch buffet, and get a good sampling of its best…Read more

Indian in Chicago / Illinois

Table for 2 today

Blackbird

$$$$·Contemporary American·

West Loop

4,473 reviews

Fit for Foodies
Special Occasion
Hot Spot

James Beard award-winning chef Paul Kahan brings the authentic taste of Midwestern cuisine. At Blackbird, you can find some of the best food in Chicago. The dishes range from veget…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

Whether you're looking for an early lunch or late-night fare, you'll find it at Eight Bar and Patio. The atmosphere is a focus here at one of the best bars in Chicago, where you ca…Read more

98% recommended

Not available on OpenTable

Booth One - Permanently Closed

$$$$·Contemporary American·

Gold Coast / Streeterville

610 reviews

Good for a Date
Special Occasion
Romantic

Booth One offers classic American dining. Here, you can indulge in full main courses on the dinner menu or opt for bar food if you're stopping in for a drink or two. Take a step in…Read more

92% recommended

Not available on OpenTable

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