20 Best Restaurants in Chicago

Chicago - A City of Endless Eats

There's no arguing that Chicago has a particular charm and fascination that makes it a popular tourist destination for many people. However, navigating Chicago and finding your way around can be difficult unless you're a native of Chicago. Especially if you're looking for fantastic food!

When you're hungry and new to the neighborhood, nothing beats finding the right place to satisfy your hunger. Even if you live in Chicago, you might be looking for a change of scenery for your next night out.

Whatever your reason for visiting, read on for Red Roof's recommendations on the top places to eat in Chicago.

Monteverde Restaurant and Pastificio

This Italian restaurant on Madison St in Chicago's West Loop is regarded as the best destination in Chicago for high-quality Italian food. Try classic meals like Pork Shank, Cacio e Pepe, or Stuffed Cabbage to get great flavors without breaking the bank. Even better is the atmosphere, which is ideal for group gatherings or a romantic date on the heated patio.

Galit

Galit is one of the more recent additions to Lincoln Park and one of the most interesting in the city. It's a Middle Eastern small plates restaurant with consistently delicious food, from the creamy hummus (the one with brisket is outstanding) to roasted carrots to a thick and spicy shakshuka.

Longman & Eagle

It's difficult to determine whether this shabby-chic bar is better for dining or drinking. Let's start with eating. With its excellently prepared comfort meals like duck egg hash, wild-boar sloppy joes, and smoked trout stew with Brie and pickles. There's a full menu of small meals as well as whiskeys. Sit at the bar for a house-curated flight or create your own concoction.

Lem's BBQ House

Lem's has been in business since 1951, and aside from its historical significance, this Chatham landmark serves some of the best barbeque in the city. The ribs are aquarium-smoked, which is a method specific to Chicago's South Side, and the vinegary, sweet mild sauce (also specific to Chicago's South Side) complements the fatty meat perfectly.

Pequod's Pizzeria

We probably don't need to remind you that deep dish pizza is popular in Chicago. And if you're visiting for the first time, you must try some. But where should you go? Begin at Pequod's in Lincoln Park. They provide deep-dish pan-style with a "caramelized" crust. These pizzas are so good that lunch here might spark a decades-long quarrel between you and your New York buddies.

The Momo World

The Momo World is a modest counter-service restaurant in University Village that serves some absolutely delicious dumplings. There are numerous preparations available, including the traditional steamed jhol and more creative options like momo chaat or tandoori, which are steamed, fried, and then grilled. They're all fantastic, and each order costs less than $10.

Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse

Gibsons on the Gold Coast provides a Chicago steakhouse experience with mouth watering steaks and great sides. It's a little dated, but in a nice sense, and despite being on the Gold Coast, it's not too stuffy. The gathering is a mix of regulars, visitors, and locals celebrating birthdays or anniversaries.

The Publican

The Publican's menu includes a lot of meat, fish and vegetable alternatives. More importantly, everything is fantastic. Nowhere else in town can you eat barbecued carrots, oysters, and porchetta while sitting at a massive wooden table like you're in the Middle Ages. It's also worth noting that this restaurant serves a delicious weekend breakfast.

Au Cheval

If you want the best burger in town, go to Au Cheval and get a cheeseburger with bacon and a delicious fried egg on top. Au Cheval's bacon is a thick piece of pig belly, not the bacon you're used to getting with your breakfast dish.

Girl and the Goat

Girl and the Goat is a Chicago hot commodity. The food is served family-style, and the rotating menu emphasizes fresh ingredients combined in strong, globally influenced flavors.

Ramen Takeya

When compared to cities like New York or San Francisco, Chicago isn't recognized for its Asian cuisine, but it certainly holds its own. Ramen Takeya in the Fulton Market District is one of the best ramen spots in the city. The ramen here is light but filling, so if you don't want to stand in line for hours for High Five Ramen down the block, head over to Ramen Takeya.

All Together Now

All Together Now is a convenient all-day hangout at the intersection of West Town and the Ukrainian Village. It's a restaurant as well as a market, with a couple of tables set up for small groups. The food is excellent, with the well-seasoned lamb meatballs and succulent roasted chicken.

Amaru

This tiny Latin American restaurant in Wicker Park features a lively environment as well as delicious food with diverse tastes. There are chicken skewers in a spicy huancaina, for example, and yucca gnocchi with a superb rabbit bolognese. Almost everything on the menu is priced between $8 and $20, making it ideal for sharing.

Daisies

Daisies is an excellent vegetarian and "Midwestern pasta-focused" restaurant. There are always two non-pasta main courses, such as beef, chicken, or fish, and while those are wonderful, you should come here primarily for the pasta. While you're at it, try to find a peaceful spot on the rear patio.

Blue Door Farm Stand

Blue Door in Lincoln Park used to be a modest grab-and-go spot, but it's now a larger, nicer sit-down restaurant in the same area. The interior is decorated with a lot of plants and small watering cans to make it feel like a farmhouse, and the comfort cuisine on the menu fits right in. Expect cheese curds, fried chicken sliders and a plethora of massive salads.

Bar Roma

Bar Roma is the place to go for rustic Italian food. The room is filled with wood and distressed furniture, as well as bags of wheat. And the food is terrific, with a variety of meatballs (there's a whole part of the menu devoted to them) and excellent pasta. Get the Cacio e Pepe, and possibly a few more to share.

Glenn's Diner & Seafood House

This restaurant calls itself a diner, but it's much more. The emphasis is on freshly prepared seafood, with a blackboard menu that varies daily depending on what's flown in. Glenn's also offers 25 various cereals, all of which are served with cold milk and fresh fruit.

Vincent

Everyone should have a neighborhood restaurant that is as welcoming and excellent as Vincent. It's one of the nicest places in Chicago to hang out with friends and eat fantastic cuisine, and it would be impossible to get into if it were downtown. Make sure you order one of the mussel meals (there are various alternatives) and bring your own great bottle of wine if you plan on staying for a while.

Lula Cafe

Lula is a Logan Square neighborhood restaurant that has been offering farm-to-table cuisine since 1999. Lula is a full-service restaurant featuring seasonal meals such as roasted squash, cauliflower risotto, and duck breast. The menu changes, but it's always delicious.

Middle Brow Bungalow

Middle Brow in Logan Square is a brewery omplete with reclaimed wooden picnic tables, tea lights, and ornamental plants in birdcages. Order everything involving house-made bread (such as toasts and spreads), as well as the pepperoni pizza and lots of their light and hoppy beers.

The Top Restaurants in Chicago Are Sure to Satisfy

Appetizing and affordable, the best restaurants in Chicago are sure to appeal – and when it’s time to head back to your comfortable hotel and "digest the day", Red Roof will be right here waiting to welcome you.

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