Chicago Restaurants in Chicago with Celebrity Chef

Pretty Cool Ice Cream

Celebrated pastry chef Dana Cree teams up with the proprietor of Bang Bang Pie Co. for this artisan ice cream shop.

Duck Duck Goat

Before celebrity chef Stephanie Izard opened her third restaurant, she extensively traveled throughout China so she could properly pay homage to one of her favorite cuisines. The executive chef/partner of Girl and the Goat and Little Goat had already found much success in her previous projects with the Boka Restaurant Group, so she already had a built-in audience.

Split-Rail

"New Americana" is the bill of fare at this lofty West Town restaurant, the solo debut for Zoe Schor. After catapulting to local fame at Ada Street, the talented chef decamped to open her own venture, honing in on the playful, irreverent and progressive flavors she became known for at the Bucktown restaurant.

Schwa

Michael Carlson's acclaimed, tiny BYOB offers creative three- and nine-course degustation menus.

Smyth + The Loyalist

In a neighborhood teeming with celebrity chefs, trendy restaurants and high-concept cocktail lounges, it's a challenge to stand out. But husband-wife duo John Shields and Karen Urie Shields have managed to capture the local foodie world's attention in the West Loop with their dual concept.

Revival Food Hall

This massive collective from the team behind 16" On Center (Longman & Eagle, The Promontory, Punch House, Moneygun) plays up some of Chicago's top original concepts. Miniature versions of 15 restaurants are situated in a 24,000-square-foot marketplace called Revival Food Hall, which is on the ground floor of The National, a restoration of a historic 1907 Daniel Burnham-designed 20-story building.

Radio Room

The duo behind Barrio, Public House and other downtown favorites teams up with a former "Top Chef" fan favorite, Fabio Viviani, for a rustic, yet stylish Italian eatery in River North.

Rose Mary

Reservations at Rose Mary are taken 60 days in advance, and it is one of the harder places in Chicago to reserve a table; that's because it's so awesome.

Mercadito

NYC restaurant known for killer tacos and a casual, yet upscale setting moves into the old Sugar/La Pomme Rouge space. This is the third outpost, but it takes the trend farther by offering an expansive dining room and lower-level cocktail lounge called Double A.

Lula Cafe

Logan Square's hip destination for brunch, lunch and dinner continues to thrive even with an explosion of new restaurants opening around it. Chef/owner Jason Hammel specializes in a farm-to-table approach to dishes.

Bellemore

Another notable product of Boka Restaurant Group (Boka, Girl & The Goat, GT Prime, etc.), Bellemore aims to be yet another shining star in the West Loop corridor.

The Exchange

Housed in Daniel Burnham's historic Railroad Exchange building, The Exchange restaurant is headed up by James Beard-nominated Chef Brian Huston, serving a menu designed to please the many people who stop into this Michigan Avenue location.

Pizano's Pizza & Pasta - State Street

I opened Pizano’s in 1991 and this legacy is our foundation. I learned about pizza from my father with that knowledge developed our now famous thin crust pizza that Oprah has called "her favorite" and the USA Today listed as top 10 in the Nation. We feature great food steeped in Italian tradition, skillfully prepared from the highest quality ingredients, and served in an inviting atmosphere in which to celebrate friendship and family.

Claudia

You may have had a chance to marvel at the culinary arts as practiced by Chef Trevor Teich at Michelin-starred restaurants like L2O, NoMI or Acadia. Or maybe you visited his old pop-up, Claudia; now, Teich has a brick-and-mortar restaurant of the same name, and he is crushing it.

Galit

There are, across the country, several Middle Eastern restaurants and chefs that have garnered a James Beard award; now Chicago has one, too, with Galit, headed up by GM Andres Clavero (formerly of Nico Osteria) and James Beard award-winning Chef Zachary Engel.

Cabra Chicago

Famed chef Stephanie Izard has teamed up again with Boka Restaurant Group for this Peruvian-inspired rooftop restaurant at the Hoxton Chicago hotel.

Lillie's Q

Charlie McKenna (Avenues, Les Nomades, Tru) goes downscale with his award-winning BBQ concept in Bucktown. Craft beers and a full bar complement the slow-smoked pulled pork, chicken, baby back ribs and house specialty: beef tri-tip

La Scarola

Classic Italian eatery serving up hefty portions of pastas, hand-made meatballs and more. Even though it's small, it's a hot spot where you're certain to spot a celebrity or two, including politicians, actors and music stars.

Coco Pazzo

Tuscan-inspired dishes such as wood-roasted rack of pork and salmon highlight the menu at this River North favorite, which also offers a a well-rounded, Wine Spectator Award-wining, Italian wine list and house-made desserts.

Elizabeth

This "tickets only" restaurant is owned by Iliana Regan, a talented, self-taught chef who gained a solid following after hosting a number of underground dinners at her North Side home.

MANA food bar

A hip vegetarian restaurant in Wicker Park owned by the team behind the now-shuttered Sushi Wabi. Most of the items on the globally inspired menu come in two sizes.

Obelix

Oliver Poilevey is the son of Jean-Claude and Susanne Poilevey, who for decades had brought French food to Chicago at restaurants like Le Bouchon and La Sardine.

Cervecería Cruz Blanca

The West Loop lays claim to more celebrated chefs than any neighborhood in Chicago. There's Grant Achatz, Stephanie Izard, Curtis Duffy, Bill Kim, John Manion, Paul Kahan and Sarah Grueneberg. And most recently, in 2016, Rick Bayless (Frontera Grill, Topolobampo) opened not one, but two restaurants in the area.

North Pond

The Arts and Crafts-style structure that houses North Pond was originally built in 1912 as a warming shelter for Lincoln Park ice skaters. Chef Bruce Sherman takes a seasonal, market-driven approach to American food, using produce from small, local farmers. Sherman won a James Beard award in 2012 for Best Chef: Great Lakes.

Lyra

Lyra is a Greek restaurant, newly opened in the hip and happening Fulton Market neighborhood, offering traditional Greek food with contemporary flair.

Bar Mar by Jose Andres

The Bazaar and Bar Mar by José Andrés come to Chicago through the efforts of Michelin-starred chef José Andrés and his ThinkFoodGroup team.

Big Star Mariscos

Big Star Mariscos joins other One Off Hospitality restaurants and bars -- including The Publican and Violet Hour -- specializing in South of the Border seafood.

Virtue Restaurant & Bar

MK the Restaurant alums Erick Williams and Jesus Garcia have joined forces to open this upscale Hyde Park eatery specializing in reinvented Southern fare. Virtue Restaurant & Bar boasts Williams as executive chef and Garcia as general manager, and they've assembled a talented team of seasoned and up-and-coming culinary artists.

Brasero

"Midwestern sensibility with the flavors of South America" -- that's how John Manion describes his newest restaurant, Brasero.

Little Goat

Stephanie Izard's contemporary diner concept opened late December 2012. It's part of the BOKA Restaurant Group and includes artisan coffee and bread service

Maxwells Trading

In the Kinzie Corridor, Maxwell Trading adopts a new restaurant model: a place to eat and a place to shop for things like books and paper

Venteux

Chef Don Young (Temporis, WoodWind) at Venteux provides his takes on traditional French bistro classics, with a number of other popular dishes, ensuring that everyone will be happy when they dine at his new restaurant.

Curfew

On the website, Curfew describes itself as an American tavern...but that designation seems very unfair. Curfew is a lot more than just a place to go for drinks; their menu of delectable edibles is broad and deep.

Le Bar

Its futuristic design attracts a stylish crowd of European hotel guests and the area's young professionals. The menu, which is different from what you'll find at Cafe Des Architectes, is composed of share-able plates such as soft pretzels, mini burgers and cheese trays.

Alla Vita

In late 2021, with a string of hit restaurants -- Girl & The Goat, Swift & Sons, and many, many others -- The Boka Group opened Alla Vita, a venture into a place serving traditional Italian red sauce dishes...with many creative innovations.

Stefani's Bottega Italiana

From the people behind the legendary Tavern on Rush, Stefani's Bottega Italiana delivers classic Italian cuisine, prepared right.

Dining Room at Kendall College

Open for lunch and dinner, The Dining Room at Kendall College offers both a la carte and prix-fixe menus prepared by culinary students.

Juno

Former Arami chef B.K. Park teams up with Jason Chan (Butter, Urban Union) for a neighborhood-friendly Japanese and sushi eatery.

Big Kids

Chef Ryan Pfeiffer, formerly of the legendary and now shuttered Blackbird, is reaching back to the comfort foods of his childhood: sandwiches. Heads up: some of these sandwiches are rather unusual.

Fish Bar

The guys behind DMK Burger Bar have opened a seafood-focused eatery adjacent to DMK. The market-price Maine lobster roll and oyster po' boy sandwich are the stars of the menu at Fish Bar.

Roister

It's safe to say that Grant Achatz and Nick Kokonas own the corner at Fulton Market and Morgan Street. That's because they're behind four wildly successful establishments there: The Aviary, Next, The Office and 2016 newcomer Roister.

Old Irving Brewing Co.

What was originally envisioned as Crooked Fork Brewery by Homaro Cantu became Old Irving Brewing Co. in the wake of his death. Longtime Cantu friends and colleagues helped envision the far northwest side taproom, which features unique brews along with a bevy of equally original dishes.

Nonnina

From the talented team behind Chicago’s acclaimed Piccolo Sogno comes Nonnina, featuring classic and modernized takes on beloved family recipes. Partners Tony Priolo and Ciro Longobardo brought in Executive Chef/Partner Chris Macchia and longtime Piccolo Sogno team member Ricardo Brizuela as General Manager/Partner.

Harry Caray's Tavern - Navy Pier

Opened in March 2010, this is the newest tribute to the late Cubs sportscaster, who reigned over Chicago's airwaves for more than 30 years. Diners can enjoy favorites from Harry Caray's Italian Steakhouse as well as Harry's signature Holy Cow! Burger

Margeaux Brasserie

One of the country's foremost celebrity chefs is finally in Chicago, as Michael Mina marks his local debut with this French stunner. Adjoined by a casual French patisserie called Petit Margeaux, this elegant brasserie on the third floor of the Waldorf Astoria Chicago hotel features all the upscale stylings one would expect of a Parisian parlor.

Bottlefork

Food and booze are in perfect unison at Bottlefork with acclaimed chef Kevin Hickey. The food features booze and the booze features food

Xoco

Rick Bayless is a celeb chef on primetime television, and a loved chef in Chi-town.

Ramova Grill & Taproom

The original Ramova Grill opened in 1929; in 2012,it closed; in 2024, it was reborn as Ramova Grill & Taproom.

Superkhana International

Superkhana International represents the next step in the evolution of Indian-American cuisine in Chicago, a clear break with the more traditional offerings on Devon Avenue.

The Chopping Block Merchandise Mart

The Chopping Block's claim to fame is that with proper instruction it can transform anyone into a gourmet cook. Classes vary and are seasonal, ranging from summer barbecue themes to flavorful vegan cuisine. Classes tend to be on the small side so that each student may get personal attention. Guests may also book private parties, and they also have occasional classes for kids. A second location is in Lincoln Square.

Girl and the Goat

"Top Chef" winner Stephanie Izard teamed up with restaurateurs Kevin Boehm and Rob Katz to open a casual yet trendy eatery in the West Loop in July 2010.

St. Clair Supper Club

Chef Grant Achatz grew up in Saint Clair, Wis. That inspired him to open this supper club based on his experiences growing up in a state that revered them. His is as classic as they come: You'll find taxidermy on the walls, a brandy Old Fashioned for imbibing and prime rib on the menu.

Somerset

Set on the first two levels of the Viceroy Hotel, Somerset is the first Gold Coast establishment from Boka Restaurant Group.

Gilt Bar

The space formerly occupied by Aigre Doux is now a slick cocktail lounge and restaurant focusing on classic cocktails and farm-to-table cuisine. Owned by Brendan Sodikoff, the restaurant specializes in charcuterie, burgers and entrees under $20.

Butcher & the Burger

An innovative dining concept that places a modern spin on the old-fashioned butcher shop. At this 30-seat, counter-service restaurant, Al Sternweiler combines his love of burgers with a desire to provide diners with access to prime cuts of locally sourced meats to take home, prepared dishes and an outstanding selection of burgers to be served in-house.

EL Ideas

Former MeatyBalls food truck owner Phillip Foss opened a ballsy, six-seater in the heart of Pilsen to explore the food he really wants to cook. To snag a hard-to-get reservation, email reservations@ELideas.com.

Le Select

Le Select is the result of a working union between Danny Rose, an born-in-Chicago chef with restaurants in New York, and the BOKA Group, one of the most consistently successful restaurant groups in the city.

Big Jones

Coastal Southern cuisine gets an update in Andersonville with potato-herb croquettes and sweet-tea infused pork chops, plus a focus on locally grown, sustainably-farmed food.

Flour Power

During the pandemic, restaurants opened with an eye toward weathering the health crisis with business models designed to keep customers and staff safe in these worst of times; Flour Power is built around the concept of pasta for take-out, though it has the indoor space that will open up when the pandemic passes..

Kostali at the Gwen

It's a family affair at Kostali as cousins Michael Nahabedian and Carrie Nahabedian team up for the third time with this project at the Gwen hotel. Located on the lobby level, Kostali focuses on coastal cuisines of southern Europe and northern Africa.

The Duck Inn

Former Four Seasons Chicago Executive Chef Kevin Hickey left his post of almost 20 years to join forces with Rockit Ranch Productions (Rockit Bar & Grill, Sunda, Underground) to open two chef-focused projects. Bottlefork is his effort in River North, and The Duck Inn is Hickey's tribute to his old stomping grounds of Bridgeport.

Cafe Des Architectes

The Sofitel's red-hued, lobby-level restaurant serves American contemporary cuisine with French accents. The menu is seasonal and Executive Chef Greg Biggers works with many local farmers and purveyors to insure the freshest ingredients.

Akahoshi Ramen

Japanese cuisine is known for its elegant simplicity, and the newly opened Akahoshi Ramen follows that basic, elemental approach with a restaurant that's tightly focused on one classic Japanese food: ramen.

Monteverde

A former "Top Chef" finalist, Sarah Grueneberg has made her West Loop eatery one of the hottest destinations in the country. Monteverde, which is her collaboration with industry vets Meg Sahs and Robert Mosher, is her interpretation of modern Italian cuisine.

The Bristol

You'll find an eclectic, ever-changing menu of seasonal small plate- and large-plate dishes at this semi-casual Bucktown eatery. Daily specials can be found on the chalkboard in the back of the dining room, which is designed to look like an updated cafeteria. Expect plenty of game dishes.

A Tavola

Chef Dan Bocik's romantic destination for Northern Italian fare concentrates on classics like gnocchi with brown sage butter and parmesan and tagliatelle Bolognese. The small and selective menu points out the chef's strengths and fresh ingredients. Bocik also offers regular cooking classes.

Ema

"Top Chef" alum Chris "CJ" Jacobson joins the ranks of Stephanie Izard (Girl and the Goat, Little Goat, Duck Duck Goat), Sarah Grueneberg (Monteverde) and Fabio Viviani (Bar Siena, Siena Tavern) with the thrill of an instant hit eatery in an ultra-competitive Chicago market.

Nobu

Nobu Hospitality Group, which is owned in partnership by famed actor/producer/director Robert DeNiro, opened its signature restaurant as well as a boutique hotel on 12,000 square feet of property in summer 2020. The high-end, Japanese-influenced eatery boasts locations in New York, as well as Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Capetown, South Africa.

Waydown

Waydown is Ace Hotel Chicago’s rooftop bar and lounge. Named after a sad song by Illinois native John Prine, Waydown draws inspiration from the long and storied tradition of Midwestern watering holes, offering ample views of the downtown skyline, nightly music and strong, no-nonsense drinks.

Little Beet Table

Fresh from New York City, Little Beet Table is a vegetable-centric restaurant recently opened in the Gold Coast.

Café by the River

Café by the River offers another innovative dining experience from Chef José Andrés, who adds to his already formidable restaurant group this classic American coffee shop and café with Spanish flair.

Big Star

Bustling and bursting with energy, bourbon, beer and tacos, Big Star in Wicker Park is one of the all-star restaurants operated by Chicago Chef Paul Kahan (Blackbird, Publican, and others) and the One Off Hospitality Group.

Good Stuff Eatery

"Top Chef" alum Spike Mendelsohn--who competed against Chicago chef Stephanie Izard (Girl and the Goat, Little Goat) during season four--brings his burger concept to the Windy City. Expect gourmet burgers, fries and shakes in a fancy setting.

The Chopping Block Lincoln Square

The Chopping Block's claim to fame is that with proper instruction it can transform anyone into a gourmet cook. Classes vary and are seasonal, ranging from summer barbecue themes to flavorful vegan cuisine. Classes tend to be on the small side so that each student may get personal attention. Guests may also book private parties, and they also have occasional classes for kids. A second location is on the first level of the Merchandise Mart.

The Publican

This homage to beer, pork and fish from chefs Paul Kahan and Brian Huston proffers hand-selected, sustainably harvested fish and seafood as well as

Lans Old Town

Famed restaurateur Jimmy Ma is back cooking in Lincoln Park. Located in former “Heat Sushi space on Sedgwick. He cooking only what he great Chinese food that does not include the usual sushi his famous for. It’s also BYOB.

Indie Cafe

Executive Chef Iggy Waranon and Co-Owner Gui Prasartkul came to Chicago in 1998 to study the arts of photography(Governor State University) and film making(the School of the Art Institute of Chicago)

Pompette

Billed as “Buck Town’s newest all-day neighborhood café and wine spot,” Pompette stands out in one of Chicago's most competitive, and undeniably hip, neighborhoods.

Segnatore

The end of 2021 saw the opening of many Italian restaurants in Chicago; at the top of the new openings is Segnatore.

Adorn

Adorn at the Four Seasons is a lively new restaurant from James Beard award-winning Chef Jonathon Sawyer, serving exceptional food and full of surprises.

Bar Siena

Working off the success of Siena Tavern, DineAmic Group opened a two-story, 8,000-square-foot spin-off concept in the West Loop. Top Chef fan favorite and partner Fabio Viviani helms the culinary department along with Bar Siena’s Executive Chef Jeremy Tannehill

Chez Moi

Dominique Tougne, who cooked for years at Bistro 110, brings the cuisine of his grandmother's Bordeaux restaurant and his native Alsace to this restaurant that opened in fall 2012.

Dusek's Board & Beer/Punch House

The team behind The Empty Bottle and Longman & Eagle have restored an old Pilsen opera house to its original state, but with contemporary updates. Originally named Thalia Hall, Dusek's Board & Beer and lower-level Punch House

Dove's Luncheonette

It's an extension of next-door neighborhood Big Star, the famed taco-and-whiskey honky tonk, but Dove's Luncheonette boasts a unique Tex-Mex concept. Owned by One Off Hospitality (avec, Blackbird, Nico Osteria, Publican, The Violet Hour), it resembles an updated New Mexican diner.

Tanta

Famed Peruvian chef/restaurateur Gaston Acurio--who boasts more than 30 restaurants around the globe--brought his brand to Chicago in 2013.

Ēma

Jaleo

Jose Andres -- renown Spanish chef, humanitarian and Nobel Peace Prize nominee -- brings to River North the Chicago outpost of Jaleo, a Spanish restaurant that sets a new bar for inventive, delicious tapas.

Lao Sze Chuan - Chinatown

Spicy Szechwan fare is the specialty at this Chinatown favorite, but those who prefer less heat can find delicious offerings such as tea-smoked duck.

Pretty Cool Ice Cream

Pretty Cool Ice Cream is the handiwork of esteemed pastry chef Dana Cree, who developed a fan following for her ice creams while serving as pastry chef at The Publican restaurants.

Gaijin

Open mid-November 2019, Paul Virant’s Gaijin specializes in okonomiyaki, a kind of soft Japanese pancake, adorned with multiple toppings, including pork belly and octopus, and for dessert, kakigori, a shaved ice confection with syrups and ice cream buried in the center. ki.

Frontera Grill

Description: Rick Bayless' famed restaurant brings its guests Mexico one plate at a time. Frontera Grill uses organic and custom-grown ingredients to bring diners bold flavors and immediate freshness in every dish

Pasteur

What's old is new all over again. The iconic French-Vietnamese restaurant reopened in 2012 after a five-year hiatus with original chef Dan Nguyen at the helm.

Prosecco

The Italian restaurant from siblings Mark and Stefania Sparacino (Sparacino Ristorante) leans toward Venice and its signature sparkling wine, but the seasonal menu of antipasti, carpaccio, pastas and seafood and meat entrees showcases all the regions of Italy.

Sunda

This exotic, River North concept is named after Southeast Asia’s Sunda Shelf. Sunda is owned by the Rockit Ranch Productions team, which is also behind Rockit Bar and Grill, Underground and The Duck Inn.

Atelier

Atelier under Chef Christian Hunter has quickly risen to become one of the city's very best places to eat and drink.

Table, Donkey and Stick

The former Bonsoiree space has been reborn into a rustic European restaurant serving chef-driven cuisine inspired by the Alps.

Trinity Bar

Trinity Bar is not your average bar. Rather, it's an Irish-accented dining and drinking den in Lakeview with an elevated approach to food and cocktails. The former can largely be attested to Mike Sheerin, the acclaimed local chef who came aboard to revamp the storied bar.

XOCO Bistro

Rick Bayless broadens his empire in Chicago with his second XOCO, bringing his torta-focused wares to Wicker Park with a larger location and expanded menu offerings.

Dos Urban Cantina

Happy hour occurs every Wednesday at this Mexican-focused eatery in Logan Square. That's an ideal way to sample the seasonal menu at this highly praised destination that's been dubbed “the most important Mexican restaurant since Topolobampo” by Chicago Tribune restaurant critic Phil Vettel.

GT Fish & Oyster

Named after Executive Chef Giuseppe Tentori, the seafood-focused restaurant is part of the Boka Restaurant Group, which is also behind Balena, Boka, Perennial

goosefoot

Former Les Nomades Executive Chef Chris Nugent breaks out on his own with this neighborhood-friendly offering in Lincoln Square. The restaurant’s focus is high-quality seasonal ingredients, and guests choose from the eight-course or 12-course menus.

Heaven on Seven

The original of Jimmy Bannos' Cajun Creole concept, one of the most classic New Orleans-inspired restaurants in Chicago, expanded out of his family's lunchroom, now has a Naperville location, but regulars still like this comfortable Loop spot best.

Bistronomic, 840 N. Wabash Ave.

Paris-born chef Martial Noguier is behind this award-winning bistro showcasing the best from his homeland. Bistronomic is one of the trendy Gold Coast neighborhood's most sophisticated, under-the-radar restaurants in an area teeming with such gems.

Marisol

French Quiche

Don’t let the name of this restaurant fool you: there’s a lot more at French Quiche than simply some of the best quiche you will ever taste, prepared by Dominque Tougne, who gained praise and a devoted following for his outstanding cuisine at Chicago’s Chez Moi.

Bokuchan

Avondale’s Bokuchan, Chicago’s first dedicated Japanese curry shop, opened recently for takeout and delivery only, and the food is designed to travel well without everything sloshing together. It’s that kind of thoughtfulness that sets Bokuchan apart.

Adalina

Adalina is a traditional Italian restaurant, with some major twists of creativity and imagination.

Bronzeville Winery

Bronzeville Winery is the biggest thing to hit Bronzeville in quite some time.

Publican Quality Meats

DMK Burger Bar

Michael Kornick and David Morton's eco-friendly eatery features a number of chef-driven burgers made with grass-fed beef, naturally raised turkey and veggie patties promising to actually taste good.

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Arun's Thai Restaurant

Opened in 1985, Arun's was the first high-end Thai restaurant in Chicago. Opened in 1985, Arun's was the first high-end Thai restaurant in Chicago

Sepia

Sepia’s approach to modern American cuisine is unpretentious and understated. There are three areas in which to dine: in the main dining room, a circular, semi-private dining section for about 14, and the spacious front-room lounge.

Interurban Cafe & Pastry Shop

Former Charlie Trotter's and Glazed and Infused pastry star Christine McCabe has broken out on her own with this edgy sweets and savories shop located in an alley. Incidentally, it's located pretty close to her old stomping crowds of Trotter's. Ingredients are local and seasonally driven.

The J. Parker

The 13th floor is nothing but good vibes as J. Parker is the only bar in the city overlooking beautiful Lincoln Park. There are also nice views of the lakefront, which especially come in handy during the Chicago Air & Water Show weekend. You'll find it atop Hotel Lincoln, and it’s open yearround.

LUXBAR

Michael Shrader puts his own spin on American pub fare at LUXBAR. The concentration is sourcing seasonal products locally when possible, incorporating them into classic dishes with proper, well-executed techniques.

Leña Brava

Another big new entry from world-famous chef Rick Bayless, Leña Brava is his ode to all things Baja. With a focus on fresh seafood, the sprawling West Loop restaurant features everything from whole-fish preparations to octopus carnitas. To drink, the bar boasts one of the largest mezcal collections in Chicago.

The Purple Pig

The Purple Pig is a Mediterranean wine bar helmed by chef/partner Jimmy Bannos Jr. The restaurant offers cheese, swine, and wine, among other standout dishes,

Elske

The year 2017 was big for culinary couple David and Anna Posey, who opened Elske to a barrage of accolades. The restaurant is situated in the West Loop and pays homage to the couple's Danish heritage.

sifr

Middle Eastern cuisine is generally viewed as heart-healthy and delicious, and sifr is one of the newest restaurants offering good-for-you and good-tasting food of the Middle East.

Mon Ami Gabi

Daisy's Po' Boy and Tavern

Chef Erick Williams, owner of Virtue, Mustard Seed and Daisy's Po' Boy and Tavern is on fire, opening restaurants that consistently win local and national acclaim.

Frontier

The guys behind Lottie's and the Pony Inn have opened a third location, featuring the down-home cooking of chef/partner Brian Jupiter.

Dee's

Since it’s opening in 1983, Dee’s Mandarin and Sushi Lounge has served the Lincoln Park neighborhood. Dee’s is now open for only carry out and delivery.

Chef Bill Kim's Pizza & Parm Shop

Chef Bill Kim, one of Chicago’s most revered chefs, made a name for himself at the Asian-influenced Urban Belly; now, Chef Kim is trying his hand at pizza, Detroit style, at his Chef Bill Kim’s Pizza & Parm Shop, with locations in Chicago and Oak Brook.

Longman & Eagle

The team behind the Empty Bottle in Ukrainian Village opened this whiskey-focused eatery in Logan Square in 2010. Longman & Eagle features re-imagined pub grub with a bold menu featuring wild game and generous portions. The craft cocktail and beer menus are also exceptional.