Where Chefs Eat in Chicago
You’re in luck. Top chefs are sharing their favorite places to dine out. We’ve partnered with Phaidon’s Where Chefs Eat, the best-selling restaurant guidebook with over 7,000 recommendations across the globe, to create a list of restaurants where chefs love to eat. Grab your copy, and get the inside scoop—from casual breakfast spots to award-winning culinary experiences. Plus, enjoy 30% off this must-have guide, just for being an OpenTable diner.
| Restaurants: | Franco's Ristorante, Parachute, Elske… |
|---|---|
| Price Range: | $$ - $$$$ |
| Cuisines: | Italian, Korean, American… |
| Neighborhoods: | Bridgeport, Avondale / Irving Park, West Loop… |
For 2 people today
Franco's Ristorante
$$$$·Italian·
Bridgeport
- Neighborhood Gem
- Good for a Date
- Casual
“Franco's in Bridgeport is doing classic Italian-American food in a very traditional Italian neighborhood that strangely, doesn't have many Italian restaurants.” – Kevin Hickey
Parachute
$$$$·Korean·
Avondale / Irving Park
- Creative Cuisine
- Fit for Foodies
- Good for a Date
“I could never cook this food — I admire Beverly Kim and Johnny Clark so much. They bring nuance and depth to their cooking. Just a fantastic place.” – Rick Bayless
Elske
$$$$·American·
West Loop
- Tasting Menu
- Fit for Foodies
- Special Occasion
“I love the owners and I can't wait to go back. They're trying to push tasting menus only, which is a dying breed of restaurant.” – Cosmo Goss
There aren’t any available tables for 2 today at 7:00 pm
View AvailabilityOriole
$$$$·Contemporary American·
West Loop
- Special Occasion
- Good for Anniversaries
- Romantic
“I'm very excited about some newcomers to our fine-dining arena. Noah Sandoval earned two Michelin stars straight out of the gate at Oriole.” – Phillip Foss
There aren’t any available tables for 2 today at 7:00 pm
View AvailabilityLes Nomades
$$$$·Contemporary French·
Gold Coast / Streeterville
- Quiet Conversation
- Romantic
- Special Occasion
“Les Nomades has been celebrating fine French cuisine in one form or another for over three decades.” – Kevin Hickey
Momotaro
$$$$·Japanese·
West Loop
- Good for a Date
- Creative Cuisine
- Fit for Foodies
“Special shout-out to the izakaya and mentaiko spaghetti by Chef Mark Hellyar at Momotaro.” – Phillip Foss
Table for 2 today
Boka
$$$$·Contemporary American·
Lincoln Park
- Special Occasion
- Good for Anniversaries
- Fit for Foodies
“The food is great and simple – it's not trying to be anything it's not. It's still one of my favorite restaurants in the city and it continues to define new Chicago.” – Cosmo Goss…Read more
Brindille
$$$$·French·
River North (Chicago)
- Special Occasion
- Good for a Date
- Romantic
“This is a Michelin-starred restaurant run by the amazing Chef Carrie Nahabedian. The place is stunning and her food is timeless.” – Norman Van Aken
Nico Osteria
$$$$·Italian·
Gold Coast / Streeterville
- Good for a Date
- Fit for Foodies
- Notable Wine List
Recommended by Chef Michael Friedman from The Red Hen
Naoki
$$$$·Japanese·
Lincoln Park
- Good for a Date
- Special Occasion
- Fit for Foodies
Recommended by Chef Carolina Bazan from Ambrosia
RPM Steak
$$$$·Steak·
River North (Chicago)
- Special Occasion
- Good for a Date
- Romantic
Recommended by Chef Jean Joho from Everest
Mon Ami Gabi
$$$$·French·
Lincoln Park
- Neighborhood Gem
- Good for a Date
- Special Occasion
“Fench Fare in a great ambience.” – Jean Joho
Cold Storage Seafood
$$$$·Seafood·
West Loop
- Happy Hour
- Bar Seating
- Good for a Date
“I love being able to eat at a classic East Coast oyster bar that's chef driven but still has the classic dishes of an old-school oyster bar. Whether it's the vegetable inspired di…Read more
Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse - Chicago
$$$$·Steak·
Gold Coast / Streeterville
- Special Occasion
- Good for Anniversaries
- Good for a Date
“I was born and raised in Chicago but lived around the world for thirteen years. Whenever I came home Gibsons was a must. It feels like the whole city is centered there – politicia…Read more
Table for 2 today
Everest
$$$$·French·
Downtown / Loop
- Special Occasion
- Scenic View
- Romantic
“Top culinary experience in finedinning in the Midwest.” – Jean Joho
Beatrix - River North
$$$$·American·
River North (Chicago)
- Casual
- Great for Brunch
- Healthy
Recommended by Chef Jean Joho from Everest