Diners' Choice: Contemporary American restaurants in Chicago / Illinois

OpenTable

Updated July 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Contemporary American cuisine in Chicago / Illinois? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyzes more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favorites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Valhalla

4.9

4.9 (18)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Bucktown / Wicker Park

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

VahaknVIP

Dined on Jul 19, 2025

Coming from someone who travels the world for the best food, this was an amazing experience - a must try place in Chicago

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Experience

Valhalla Tasting Menu at The Chef's Counter

Charlie Trotter's

4.8

4.8 (938)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Lincoln Park

About the restaurant

Behind an elegant Lincoln Park façade lies one of the most storied addresses in American gastronomy. Charlie Trotter’s defined an era—not just through visionary cuisine, but through its relentless pursuit of excellence and hospitality. Revered as the birthplace of the vegetarian tasting menu and the pioneering kitchen table, Trotter’s was never just a restaurant—it was a philosophy. Now, the spirit of 816 W Armitage quietly returns. Led by Dylan Trotter, the Guest Chef Dinner Series invites acclaimed chefs to interpret the legacy in their own voice. Each evening is singular. Each menu ephemeral. Every detail, intentional. For those who remember, it’s a return. For those who never knew, an invitation. Welcome to Charlie Trotter’s—once again.

Top review

Robert

Dined on May 31, 2025

An unbelievable experience. Fantastic food Incredible service in a perfectly matched atmosphere.

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Experience

Charlie Trotter's 38th Anniversary Dinner

Sepia

4.8

4.8 (5516)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

West Loop

About the restaurant

Seamlessly melding refined and rustic, vintage and contemporary, Sepia has the feel of an instant classic. The stylish space is warm and inviting, comfortable yet lively. The easy elegance of the room serves as the perfect backdrop for the inventive American cuisine. Chef Andrew Zimmerman's product-driven, seasonal menu showcases the purity and quality of the ingredients, letting both the ingredients and his passion for what he does shine through. Sepia celebrates tradition – with a modern twist.

To book reservations of 7 or larger, please email info@sepiachicago.com!

Top review

Donna

Dined 6 days ago

Amazing dining experience! Sepia had beautiful ambiance, delicious and creative dishes, and very attentive service. We plan to return.

Tala House

4.8

4.8 (324)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Andersonville

About the restaurant

We pride ourselves in offering only the best ingredients with an impeccable service. Whether you're joining us for dinner or weekend brunch, our dishes reflect a modern take on Chicago's melting pot of cultures where we celebrate our diversity and embrace flavors from around the globe. From locally sourced ingredients to unique flavor combinations, be ready to discover Tala’s story: cooking with no boundaries!

Top review

Ray and BethVIP

Dined 4 days ago

Love the dinners there; back patio is lovely. We had our first brunch there today and it was stellar! Best Bloody Mary; omelettes perfect, enchilada delicious, bagel and lox yummy and massive in size

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Experience

Community Table: Free Shots or Tequila Bottle

The Franklin Room

4.9

4.9 (1998)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

River North (Chicago)

About the restaurant

The Franklin Room celebrates the sense of connection one can only find in the neighborhood taverns of Chicago. Offering classic American tavern fare and no shortage of whiskey flair, our sophisticated speakeasy is your local go-to for quality meat dishes, fresh seafood, classic cocktails and the neighborhood tavern experience our city has perfected.

Our menu of delectable turn-of-the-century inspired American tavern fare starts there, then elevates the experience with a modern twist that creates a culinary experience you simply have to taste to believe. It's perfectly complimented by our beverage program, which showcases creative cocktails and a meticulous selection of spirits, wine and beer with a strong focus on independent distillers and limited-edition rare releases. Bring them together and you've got a uniquely Chicagoan experience, centuries in the making.

Top review

Nataly

Dined 7 days ago

The miso salmon was incredible. Gem salad was nice but nothing special. Overall had a good experience but the salmon dish was the highlight.

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Popular dish

Spicy Bourbon Mussels

Popular dish

LAMB CHOPS gf

Popular dish

TRUFFLED TUNA CRUDO gf

Boka

4.8

4.8 (7405)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Lincoln Park

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

RachaelVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Made our anniversary dinner special and the cocktails are seriously delicious

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Popular dish

Roasted Chicken

Popular dish

Black Truffle Roasted Chicken

Popular dish

Dark Chocolate

The Chew Chew

4.8

4.8 (1831)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Riverside

About the restaurant

The Chew Chew is celebrating 28 years of great food & hospitality in the heart of Riverside, IL directed by original Chef/Owner Scott Zimmer. Located one-mile east of Brookfield Zoo, 5 miles northwest of Midway Airport and 10 miles west of Downtown Chicago. There is a Metra Train stop on our block for safe & easy access in/out of the City. We feature a multi-level dining room, vibrant full-bar & a cozy outdoor patio May-October (weather permitting). Happy Hour daily 4-5:30pm with beer, wine & cocktail specials. Make sure to try one of our famous Jumbo Martinis during your visit! We appreciate all the great reviews & voting us Chicago's #1 Neighborhood Restaurant on Open Table. If you cannot find a reservation online, please call us direct 708-447-8781. We look forward to serving you.

Top review

Ellen

Dined 6 days ago

Genuinely friendly staff. Excellent service. Scallops and Steak dinners prepared to perfection.

Region

4.8

4.8 (2790)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Barrington

About the restaurant

A true neighborhood favorite and highly desired dining destination outside of the city of Chicago. Utilizing the diverse culinary bounty of this great nation, we aim to exceed your gastronomic expectations every visit.

Top review

David

Dined 3 days ago

An excellent menu and food presentation. The service was first rate.

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Popular dish

Miso Glazed Chilean Seabass

Popular dish

Steak Tartare

Atwater's in The Herrington

4.8

4.8 (1414)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Geneva

About the restaurant

Atwater's is a waterfront, intimate, fine dining experience in Geneva, IL. Our Executive Chef locally sources our menu and creates classical dishes with a modern touch. Our seasonal menu offers recipes that are nuanced to include ingredients that are at their peak of freshness. Atwater's offers breakfast, lunch, and dinner 7 days a week. Enjoy beautiful water and courtyard views, private dining space, and al fresco dining on our patio in season. Atwater's offers afternoon tea quarterly. We are nestled within The Herrington Inn, which is also a wedding venue, boutique hotel, spa, and corporate meeting venue. Open to the public and hotel guests, 365 days.

Top review

NansiVIP

Dined 3 days ago

My favorite place for breakfast! Beautiful, quiet and the service is wonderful. The food is exceptional and their cranberry mimosas, I think, are the best around! If you haven’t tried, I highly recommend

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Popular dish

8 oz Grilled Filet Mignon

Popular dish

Filet Mignon Bites Au Poivre

Popular dish

Filet Mignon and Eggs

Parkers' Restaurant & Bar

4.8

4.8 (4472)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Downers Grove

About the restaurant

The Very Best of Land & Sea. Zagat Rated and a four-time recipient of the Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence award, Parkers’ is a full service restaurant and bar serving lunch, Sunday brunch, dinner, and private functions. We are open for lunch Monday - Friday 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Sunday brunch 10:00 AM to 2:30 PM and for Dinner on Sunday - Thursday 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM, & Friday - Saturday 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

Great happy hour specials in the lounge, Monday - Friday, 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM. Live music in the lounge, Wednesday - Friday from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM & Saturday 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Our Crooners Thursday series features Lenny Capp, Randy McCallister, & Gary Ward. If New Orleans inspired food & jazz are more your style, come see McCrackin's Oysters and the Fred Cantu Dixieland Trio during during Sunday Brunch.

Top review

Sandra

Dined 5 days ago

It was very good. We shared an order of Oysters Rockefeller that were delicious and we got it free because I had joined their Loyalty Club when I made the reservations on Open Table. We each had a bowl of Clam Chowder that was also delicious, but we wish we had shared it because the bowl was so big. We also both had the cedar plank whitefish which was excellent, served with sauteed garlic spinach and mashed potatoes. The fish was perfectly cooked. The restaurant is an excellent place for a special meal. It's pricy, but very delicious.

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Experience

New Orleans Jazz Brunch

Experience

Sunday Dinner Jazz Series - August 3rd

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