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Editor’s choice: 12 favorite restaurants in Chicago

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by Lisa Shames
Updated May 13, 2024

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.

4.7 (525)
$31 to $50
Indian
Avondale

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.

Top review
Marla
Dined on May 2, 2025
Great, delicious food for a reasonable price. Highly recommend it

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.

Top review
Marla
Dined on May 2, 2025
Great, delicious food for a reasonable price. Highly recommend it
4.8 (2194)
$31 to $50
Pizzeria
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.

Top review
Deb
Dined 2 days ago
A charming spot right along the Chicago River. Food was excellent and unique pizza options. The sourdough crust was amazing!! Highly recommend!

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.

Top review
Deb
Dined 2 days ago
A charming spot right along the Chicago River. Food was excellent and unique pizza options. The sourdough crust was amazing!! Highly recommend!
4.8 (1284)
$50 and over
American
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.

Top review
TanyaVIP
Dined on May 5, 2025
Really lovely interesting food. No qualms with anything. The juice pairing was especially delightful and thoughtfully done.

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.

Top review
TanyaVIP
Dined on May 5, 2025
Really lovely interesting food. No qualms with anything. The juice pairing was especially delightful and thoughtfully done.
4.8 (7329)
$31 to $50
Contemporary American
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.

Top review
EllenVIP
Dined 2 days ago
Love celebrating birthdays at Boka. Our favorite. Food delicious, so much attention, gluten free bread yummy and the birthday dessert was amazing!!

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.

Top review
EllenVIP
Dined 2 days ago
Love celebrating birthdays at Boka. Our favorite. Food delicious, so much attention, gluten free bread yummy and the birthday dessert was amazing!!
4.7 (2226)
$50 and over
Steakhouse
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.

Top review
Kyanna
Dined 3 days ago
Loved the service and the ambiance was great for my birthday!

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.

Top review
Kyanna
Dined 3 days ago
Loved the service and the ambiance was great for my birthday!
4.8 (1762)
$30 and under
Italian
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.

Top review
Kristin
Dined 5 days ago
An excellent meal with outstanding service from Spiro. A true neighborhood gem with that authentic old-school vibe — warm, welcoming, and unforgettable.

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.

Top review
Kristin
Dined 5 days ago
An excellent meal with outstanding service from Spiro. A true neighborhood gem with that authentic old-school vibe — warm, welcoming, and unforgettable.
4.5 (155)
$30 and under
Southern
West Town

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.

Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined on Jul 7, 2024
Just above Sunday brunch outside with delicious southern fare. Perfect Sunday!!

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.

Top review
OpenTable Diner
Dined on Jul 7, 2024
Just above Sunday brunch outside with delicious southern fare. Perfect Sunday!!
4.8 (14493)
$50 and over
Seafood
River North (Chicago)

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.

Top review
Richard
Dined 1 day ago
Great experience. Back waiters taking care of every plate exchange and clearing was evidence of attention to detail making a first class experience. Great year after year for 40 years!

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.

Top review
Richard
Dined 1 day ago
Great experience. Back waiters taking care of every plate exchange and clearing was evidence of attention to detail making a first class experience. Great year after year for 40 years!
4.6 (464)
$31 to $50
Korean
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.

Top review
AmyVIP
Dined on May 3, 2025
Absolutely fabulous dinner! Was celebrating my husband's 40th, every server wished him a happy birthday, they had a little card at the table. The food was exceptional! We're from Alberta so we know beef, the F1 was perfect, the mussels were the most plump and juicy we've ever had. The jjampong broth was killer (option to add noodles which we did)! We had the tradition, with banchan and ssam, added the F1, and a soondubu stew (comes with a bowl of rice). So full. My husband said might be the most full and satisfied he's been. Highly recommend!

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.

Top review
AmyVIP
Dined on May 3, 2025
Absolutely fabulous dinner! Was celebrating my husband's 40th, every server wished him a happy birthday, they had a little card at the table. The food was exceptional! We're from Alberta so we know beef, the F1 was perfect, the mussels were the most plump and juicy we've ever had. The jjampong broth was killer (option to add noodles which we did)! We had the tradition, with banchan and ssam, added the F1, and a soondubu stew (comes with a bowl of rice). So full. My husband said might be the most full and satisfied he's been. Highly recommend!
4.6 (7075)
$30 and under
Italian
River West

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.

Top review
SharnaVIP
Dined 1 day ago
Great food. Wonderful outdoor space for dinning. Can’t wait to go back

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.

Top review
SharnaVIP
Dined 1 day ago
Great food. Wonderful outdoor space for dinning. Can’t wait to go back
4.8 (964)
$31 to $50
Mediterranean
West Loop

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.

Top review
Lisa
Dined on May 4, 2025
Thank you so much for the perfect birthday brunch and dessert! We had the best time ☺️

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.

Top review
Lisa
Dined on May 4, 2025
Thank you so much for the perfect birthday brunch and dessert! We had the best time ☺️
4.9 (58)
$30 and under
American
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.

Top review
ColleenVIP
Dined 4 days ago
Had the braised short ribs with polenta and it was amazing… especially the little peppers

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.

Top review
ColleenVIP
Dined 4 days ago
Had the braised short ribs with polenta and it was amazing… especially the little peppers
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