Chicago has so much to offer, and thanks to the incredible talent in their kitchens, the city’s best restaurants are considered to best among the most exciting in the United States. These venues are as varied as the city itself, and there’s something for everyone’s tastes, from Michelin-starred restaurants to pizza joints to budget-friendly and accessible restaurants. Whatever you’re looking for, Chi-town has got it; and the quality is always high, often using fresh ingredients from all over the state.
There’s no shortage of options when it comes to cuisine either; whether you’re craving Mexican, Korean, Mediterranean, Indian, or Italian… you name it, Chicago’s got tons of restaurants offering a wide range of options.
Chicago’s food scene is one of biggest feathers in the city’s cap. It doesn’t matter if you’re just visiting for a few days or have lived in Chicago your whole life; having a night out in town and dining at one of the restaurants listed below is a must!
Maybe you want to try some of Chicago’s famous dishes but are short on time. You may want to consider taking a food tour, which are becoming increasingly popular among tourists looking for a fun way to learn about the city of Chicago, and also among locals hoping to see their own city from a different perspective.
This option exists outside Chicago, of course – you can take a food tour in Paris, Rome, or Barcelona, to name but a few examples. While the concept remains the same around the world, each city adds its own twist, making it all the more enjoyable.
Food tours in Paris or Chicago will take you around these respective cities, to try the best street food and visit local favorites which have been around for decades and have become a major part of each city’s cultural identity.
There are many different options when it comes to food tours; just look up ‘food tours near me and browse what’s on offer, and you will undoubtedly find something that suits your tastes or catches your eye.
That said, we’ve compiled a list below of the ten restaurants which you should try at least once while visiting Chicago. It was hard work narrowing it down to just ten, but here they are:
Johnnie’s Beef
There are some things which Chicago locals will never agree on, like the best deep-dish pizza place, the best spot to get Chicago-style hot dogs or, in this case, which spot makes the best Italian beef. Either way, Johnnie’s is pretty close to the number one spot.
Vito and Nick’s Pizzeria
After many years of serving pies, Vito and Nick’s Pizzeria has become an institution for Chicagoans. Their pizza’s cracker-thin crust is filled up with sauce, delicious cheese and chunks of sausage – and you can always go crazy and try adding a few more toppings.
Monteverde
This is an incredible Italian establishment where everything is meant to be shared – the main dishes are always plus-size. Monteverde serves handmade pasta and some of the best starters in town, which you won’t want to skip.
Lem’s Bar-B-Q
Barbeques may not be particularly popular in Chicago, but Lem’s does the Southside proud anyway. Takeout is the only option, so be prepared to eat in your car or wait until you get home to try some of this venue’s delicious barbequed meat.
Evette’s
Evette’s specializes in intense, traditional Lebanese flavors like shawarma, golden fries and salads, made with as many ingredients as possible. The restaurant’s founder named it after his grandma, who inspired him with the amount of love she always put into her cooking.
Taquería Chingón
A fantastic homage to the best street foods from Mexico City, the Taquería’s tacos are to die for. Vegetarians need not worry, because the venue makes sure to include something for everyone on their menu, including veggie versions of some of their best-selling dishes.
Sochi Saigonese Kitchen
A married couple runs this Vietnamese restaurant, and they somehow manage to make the place feel casual and upscale all at once. It’s the perfect place for fans of Vietnamese food, whether you’re looking to grab a bite for lunch with some friends or have a date night.
Ken Kee Restaurant
Ken Kee’s decor is inspired by the streets and markets of 1950s Hong Kong. The venue offers an all-day menu with the option to customize your noodle bowl in any way you please, from the type of noodles to the broth and toppings.
Original Rainbow Cone
Of course, we couldn’t end this list with highlighting some options for those of you who enjoy a little (or not so little) dessert after a delicious meal. Original Rainbow Cone is a Chicago ice cream stand which has been around for years now, and their Rainbow Cone is unlike anything you’ll find elsewhere in the world.
JoJo’s ShakeBAR
Inspired by classic diners from the ‘80s and ‘90s, JoJo’s serves milkshakes of all shapes, sizes and flavours, as well as its signature shakes, which are highly recommended if you’re up for a little sugar rush.
As you can see, the city’s cuisine seems endlessly diverse – and this list only scratches the surface! If your goal is to check out as many different places in Chicago as possible, then these are as good a place to start as any. Once you’re done, you should be be able to make your way around town based on recommendations from locals, who are bound to know of other excellent spots that are worth investigating.
And even if you only get the chance to try one or two of the venues listed above, it will surely enhance your experience visiting the city of Chicago!
