Diners' Choice: Innovative restaurants in Chicago / Illinois

OpenTable

Updated May 05, 2025

Looking for the best restaurants that are fit for foodies in Chicago / Illinois? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Cariño

4.9

4.9 (15)

$50 and over

Latin American

Uptown

About the restaurant

Cariño
1. (afecto) love ⧫ affection
2. (apelativo) darling ⧫ honey

Cariño is a Spanish word that refers to a feeling of fondness or love that a person has for someone or something.

This concept is an immersive culinary journey offering a Latin-inspired tasting menu and taco omakase by Chef Norman Fenton. Each dish has been meticulously crafted to highlight the rich tapestry of flavors and ingredients found across Latin America. These unique combinations of traditional and contemporary techniques, promise to deliver an elevated dining experience that surprises and delights.

Every little detail of Cariño's intimate setting is deeply personal and tells a story rooted in family and love of craft offering each guest an opportunity for a truly memorable dining experience.

Top review

Richard

Dined 5 days ago

Outstanding artistry in food and presentation. We enjoyed a 12 course meal and were thoroughly entertained. Each course built on the previous like a wonderfully crafted novel. It was truly an enjoyable, flavorful and cultural experience.

MORA Asian Fusion-Plainfield

4.8

4.8 (239)

$30 and under

Asian

Plainfield

About the restaurant

Welcome to MORA Asian Fusion.
MORA brings the essence of the Chicago city dining experience to the suburbs of Chicago with an eclectic medley of asian fusion sushi and Robatayaki style cuisine. The space itself represents a stimulating harmony of nouveau chic décor where each art piece and wall sustain its own individuality. The layers of your aesthetic pleasure mimic the exquisite layers of flavors within its menu. The focus of MORA’s menu is to allow all guests to go on a journey of asian inspired flavors by sharing a variety of grilled small plates and enjoying the utmost fresh sushi and sashimi. The creators of MORA intend to take your eyes and tastebuds on a journey through a modernized and exclusive asian dining experience in Plainfield, IL.

Top review

Ashley

Dined on Apr 30, 2025

I’ve been twice and have loved it both times!! They should definitely hold events here!

Sushi Suite 202 - Lincoln Park Chicago by Sushi by Bou

4.7

4.7 (532)

$50 and over

Sushi

Old Town

About the restaurant

Step into the secret world of Sushi Suite, located in Suite 202 of Hotel Lincoln and accessible only with a key from the front desk, this hidden gem combines privacy, luxury, and the art of Omakase, meaning "Chef's Choice,". Sushi Suite offers an opulent 'Bougie' Omakase, $140 for 17 pieces 75-minute experience. Elevate your experience with bespoke cocktails and premium sake, perfect for igniting passions. Whether it's an intimate Date Night, a lavish Birthday Celebration, or an exclusive private seating, let us whisk you away on a journey of decadent sushi and immaculate service. Visit all of our unique locations, each with its own culture-inspired vibe!. Reserve now to secure a coveted seat at Sushi By Bou.

Top review

MarcVIP

Dined on May 1, 2025

Exceeded our expectations. Thought it was just a gimmick, however it was not. Legit good omakase. Great chef. Service, drinks, ambience all on point.

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4.7

4.7 (14)

$50 and over

Japanese

River North (Chicago)

About the restaurant

Omakase by Kanemaru in Chicago offers an unforgettable omakase experience crafted by Chef Shinichiro Kanemaru, whose culinary journey spans over 30 years. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and deep respect for tradition, Chef Kanemaru combines time-honored techniques with subtle innovation, delivering dishes that are both visually stunning and exquisitely flavorful. At Omakase by Kanemaru, the intimate 10-seat counter invites guests into Chef Kanemaru's world, where each meal is a personalized journey. His warm hospitality and expert craftsmanship make every visit feel like a special occasion, whether you're a sushi connoisseur or a first-time guest. For Chef Kanemaru, every bite is a reflection of his lifelong dedication to the art of sushi, and his welcoming nature ensures a dining experience that is both refined and deeply memorable.
*We will be temporarily closed from July 8th to July 17th and will reopen on July 18th.

Top review

Avery

Dined on Apr 12, 2025

My wife and I had a lovely experience. It was a traditional sushi experience with high quality fish. The courses were nicely sequenced and we left feeling satisfied with our meal. The space was bright but comfortable and intimate. We had a lot of fun and enjoyed our time. They charged us $10 for water which I felt was a little tacky considering how much we spent on the full experience but that’s splitting hairs. Overall, it was a great omakase experience.

Union Sushi + Barbeque Bar

4.5

4.5 (2327)

$31 to $50

Sushi

River North (Chicago)

About the restaurant

Discover one of the best sushi experiences in Chicago at Union Sushi + Barbeque Bar, a vibrant River North Japanese restaurant. Home to Chicago’s first Five-Course Hand Roll Omakase and an exclusive 10-Course Chef’s Omakase, Union blends premium sushi, Robata-grilled meats, and bold Japanese flavors. Enhance your omakase with A5 Wagyu, Hokkaido Uni, and Caviar for a truly elevated experience. Enjoy lively izakaya vibes, premium sake flights, rare Japanese whiskey, and craft cocktails. Steps from Willis Tower, Millennium Park, and the Riverwalk, Union offers a dynamic fusion of East and West. Perfect for culinary adventurers, Union is a must-visit for omakase in Chicago and one of River North’s top sushi destinations.

Open for Lunch, Social Hour and Dinner everyday!

Top review

ChloeVIP

Dined on Apr 30, 2025

Sushi was delicious the lychee martini was delicious and our server was so kind

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Popular dish

Matcha Short Cake

Experience

Five Course Hand Roll Omakase

Experience

Ten Course Premium Omakase

The Berkshire Room

4.5

4.5 (63)

$30 and under

Cocktail Bar

River North (Chicago)

About the restaurant

The Berkshire Room is an upscale lounge specializing in craft cocktails all created by a talented team. The atmosphere is retro classy and definitely worth a visit before or after dinner for cocktails with friends. There is ample seating either in the private side rooms, the booths in the lounge area or at the bar. The clientele that frequent the Berkshire Room rave about the dealers' choice, which allows guests to choose the spirit, flavor profile and glassware. The bartender then customizes a unique and customized cocktail.

Besides the tasty cocktails and the relaxing ambiance, the Berkshire also offers bar snacks and small dishes. The Berkshire room is located within River North's swanky ACME hotel.

Top review

Whitney

Dined on Apr 5, 2025

Everything was nice!!! We try Charcuterie board only and it was tasty. Though next, we’ll try more bites.

Stumara

4.5

4.5 (20)

$31 to $50

Georgian

Wheeling

About the restaurant

At STUMARA, we proudly introduce the rich culinary heritage of Georgia to the Chicagoland area. Our restaurant offers an authentic experience, bringing traditional Georgian (country) dishes to your table. Delight in our Georgian Burger, a savory fusion of familiar and exotic flavors, or enjoy the classic Khinkali, Georgian dumplings filled with juicy, spiced meat. Our Acharuli Khachapuri is a must-try—a warm, boat-shaped bread filled with melted cheese, butter, and a perfectly poached egg.

We are dedicated to offering a welcoming atmosphere where you can explore the diverse flavors and traditions of Georgian cuisine, whether you're new to these dishes or a seasoned enthusiast. We look forward to sharing the warmth and hospitality of Georgia with you.

Top review

DavidVIP

Dined 6 days ago

Food was great. Service was a little overwhelmed as we were at peak capacity. Would definitely visit again!

Shabu-Yo- Naperville

4.4

4.4 (31)

$31 to $50

Shabu-shabu

Naperville

About the restaurant

Please call the store for reservations for bigger parties.
15 minutes grace period and your reservation will be canceled.

New hours will begin starting June 1, 2025
Mon-Thu 11:30am-9pm, Fri & Sat 11am-9:30pm, Sun 11am-9pm
Last entry is an hour prior to closing time.

Experience a unique blend of cutting-edge robot technology and heartfelt hospitality. Enjoy fresh ingredients cooked in your personal pot while relaxing in a warm and inviting atmosphere.
And don’t miss our signature aged Wagyu beef.

To make your celebrations special, our robots will serenade you on birthdays and anniversaries.
Whether it’s a special occasion or an everyday treat, we promise to make your visit unforgettable!

Top review

Jody

Dined on Apr 23, 2025

This was my 1st time at Shabu and it was excellent. The vegetables were amazing and so fresh. We tried waygu beef and all sorts of veggies cooked in either Korean hot soup or miso soup. Our server was the absolute nicest young man! He explained everything. We will definitely be back. The place was spotless and the robots delivering the food were interesting! Loved it, great prices and worth your time to try this place.

Dave & Buster's - Lombard

4.2

4.2 (13)

$30 and under

American

Oakbrook Terrace

About the restaurant

Each Dave & Buster’s has more state-of-the-art games than ever, more mouth-watering menu items and the most innovative drinks anywhere. From wings to steaks, we’ve got whatever suits your appetite and our premium bar assures we’re stocked to satisfy! Plus, you can watch your game on one of our massive HDTVs with epic stadium sound.

Top review

Claudia

Dined on Mar 31, 2025

Excellent service. Fun for moms and kiddos too. We'll be back soon!

Utopian Tailgate

3.9

3.9 (191)

$31 to $50

American

Lincoln Park

About the restaurant

A place for friends, wanderers, and adventurers. May you have a drink in your hand and a song in your heart. A playground for grownups 21+

With a curated menu of elevated tailgate fare and an extensive bar program, Utopian Tailgate delivers high times, chill vibes, and an unforgettable experience where the party never ends... and neither do the views.

Perched high atop Piper's Alley, above world-famous comedy enclave The Second City, Utopian Tailgate is Chicago's best never-ending rooftop party. Super-sized Jenga, drinking games, disco dance party, and a whole lot more mix with elevated eats and whimsical whistle-wetters all year ‘round.

Reservations are encouraged, but we always accept walk-ins until we reach capacity. Reservations will be held for 15 minutes. We offer indoor and outdoor table reservations, as well as party booths (with minimum required spend). We're a 21+ venue.

Top review

Adam

Dined on Mar 30, 2025

The staff was friendly and accommodating. Lots of fun activities and lively music.

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