Chicago Restaurants in Chicago with Reservations Recommended

Provare

Provare balances -- beautifully -- between Italian and Creole culinary traditions, drawing a little from each to create dishes with big flavors.

Sushi Dokku

Former Sushi Wabi owners Susan Thompson and Angela Hepler-Lee open a 50-seater sushi spot near their former digs. They're aiming to set it apart with what they're calling "dressed nigiri bites."

Temporis

Temporis offers adventure dining, a tasting menu experience that presents foods you've never heard of as well as foods you know...but in new and exciting combinations.

Back Room

The venerable live blues and jazz venue moves one block south after more than 40 years in the same home. In its new space, the Back Room is now under ownership of Three Headed Productions, which also owns the adjacent The Drawing Room.

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.

Baptiste & Bottle

Perched high above the Magnificent Mile shopping district, Baptiste & Bottle is situated on the 20th floor of luxury hotel property Conrad Chicago. It's the second restaurant by famed chef Richard Sandoval, who is also behind Latinicity in the Loop.

The Drifter

There are many "secret" cocktail lounges in Chicago that regularly attract curious night-crawlers. There's The Office, the invite-only bar underneath The Aviary in the Warehouse District. You'll also find Booze Box below West Loop hot spot Sushi Dokku. And in River North, there is the titillating The Drifter, a sort of bumbling dive of a basement bar mixing booze and burlesque.

Kindling

Kindling offers live-fire cooking in Willis Tower, a Chicago landmark (that most locals still refer to as Sears Tower).

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.

Wishbone - West Loop

Long before Randolph Restaurant Row came to be the West Loop's heralded culinary destination, Oprah Winfrey had put Wishbone on the map. The Southern-influenced restaurant

Oyster Bah

One daily happy hour event that's for the entire family is at Oyster Bah, which offers free meals for children when adults purchase discounted oysters. That occurs 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Thursday and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Friday-Sunday.

Porto

Porto is a Michelin star restaurant that is guaranteed to wow!

Saba Italian Bar + Kitchen

Modern Italian cuisine & cocktails are dished out in a stylish setting with ample living greenery.

Somerset

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

Dance Studio Vol. 1

The former home for nightclub Studio Paris is now Dance Studio Vol. 1. Owned by the Melman siblings (R.J., Jerrod and Molly), the establishment aims to attract an upscale, yet fun loving crowd that loves to dance.

Cherry Circle Room

Rooftop bar Cindy's gets all the attention because it overlooks Millennium Park, but Cherry Circle Room is the true star of Chicago Athletic Association Hotel. It's tucked away on the second level of the restored property, which was a men's only club for a number of decades after opening at the turn of the 20th century.

Hamachi Sushi Bar

Small, minimalist and modern, this sushi bar offers kosher sushi — so don't look for eel or octopus, althought they do have faux shrimp and crab. Vegan sushi available, too. Kosher supervision by the Chicago Rabbinical Council.

Three Dots and a Dash

Three Dots and a Dash is a tropical retreat in the heart of River North. Its tiki theme, complete with a thatched roof over the main bar and rotating list of classic and original Polynesian cocktails, makes it one of the most popular lounges in the city.

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.

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.

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

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.

Taureaux Tavern

Cochon Volant Brasserie's owners, Well Done Hospitality, opens a second French-focused restaurant in the Loop.

Monarch and Lion

Chicagoans like pubs and, recently, our city has seen a lot of pubs opening up: Monarch and Lion is the newest entrant, and it promises to be one of the best.

Anelya

Anelya is the latest effort from husband/wife team of Johnny Clark and Beverly Kim (Parachute, Wherewithall), who now serve up a menu of Ukranian classics.

Old Towne Pizza Pub

Bar Pub Sports

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.

Yao Yao

Named a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant in late 2023, Yao Yao's signature dishes are pickled fish.

PR Italian Bistro

Authentic Italian fare gets a boost with this North Side eatery by a Venetian-born chef. Stefano Roman has transformed his former Pizza Rustica into PR Italian Bistro, featuring more sophisticated offerings to complement Italian comfort cuisine.

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.

Parson's Chicken & Fish Lincoln Park

The team behind such hits as Cherry Circle Room, Cindy's and Lost Lake take on fried chicken and fish--again--in a sprawling space in Lincoln Park.

Osteria Langhe

Open seven nights a week, Monday is especially busy at this Italian-inspired eatery located in one of Logan Square's most popular dining districts (You'll find Dos Urban Cantina, Giant and Scofflaw nearby). That's because guests may take advantage of the industry-night half-price cocktails that includes authentic Italian aperitifs like the Negroni and spritz.

10pin Bowling Lounge

From corporate events to social gatherings, events are truly our specialty! As the largest venue of our kind in downtown Chicago, we can accommodate groups of up to 400 people, and with our HD video wall we can easily display customized videos or presentations to provide both a professional and fun event!

Costera Cocina Tulum

Costera Cocina Tulum, as the name implies, is coastal cooking in the style of Tulum, a city on Mexico's Yucatan peninsula.

Spectrum Bar & Grill

This neighborhood bar with American & Greek foods keeps late hours & has live music on weekends.

Segnatore

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

Les Nomades

The legendary French restaurant opened in 1970 and continues to thrive in Streeterville as one of the top destinations for fine dining. It's housed in a turn-of-the-century brownstone with the original woodwork and wood-burning fireplaces.

Miru

Miru at the St. Regis Chicago is yet another Japanese restaurant and yet another concept from Lettuce Entertain You...and it is awesome.

Smoke Daddy

Live music, slow-cooked, smoked meats and craft beers are just a few of the reasons why this BBQ joint has been a popular attraction in the Wicker Park neighborhood for more than 15 years.

Maman Zari

Maman Zari announces that it offers a "Persian culinary experience," a rarity in Chicago.

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.

La Serre

La Serre is the latest from DineAmic Hospitality, which also is the restaurant group behind Bar Siena, Fioretta, and Lyra.

City Winery

This New York import in the West Loop makes its own wines on premise. The menu varies from light appetizers to full entrees meant to pair well with the wines. Nightly live entertainment features, too.

Volo Restaurant Wine Bar

Jon Young and Stephen Dunne's Volo has been named by numerous Chicago food and drink media as having one of the best neighborhood wine lists, date spots and outdoor patios.

Lyra

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

The Dearborn

The Lawless family is quietly building a restaurant empire in Chicago. First came The Gage, which paid tribute to their deep Irish roots. Then The Dawson, Acanto, The Dearborn, Beacon Tavern and Coda di Volpe.

Wilde Bar & Restaurant

Literary-themed upscale Irish pub with leather banquettes, extensive beer list & American bar fare.

UMMO

There's been more than a little buzz about UMMO, the new Italian restaurant opening in the Hubbard Street party zone.

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.

Tesfa Ethiopian Cuisine

The food at Tesfa Ethiopian Cuisine looks so, so good: colorful, glistening, approachable.

Oakville Grill & Cellar

From Lettuce Entertain You, Chicago's premier restaurant group, comes Oakville Grill & Cellar, bringing a new level of restaurant dining to Chicago's Fulton Market neighborhood.

WhirlyBall

Everything from elevated bar fare and an impressive craft beer selection to laser tag, bowling, and whirlyball are present and accounted for at WhirlyBall's massive new Bucktown facility.

Aikana

Aikana is aiming to serve the high-end of Central and South American food in Chicago, focusing on well-known Mexican cuisine as well as lesser known (in Chicago) cuisines of Venezuela and Columbia.

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.

Mason

Located on the lobby level of Found Hotel, Mason is the first of what's expected to be a small chain of steakhouses by the h.wood Group. Its name originates from a street in Southern California on which another location is soon to open.

Selva

Billing itself as a "secluded sanctuary on top of The Emily Hotel," Selva is where you want to be on a summer night.

Kitsune

Iliana Regan, the famed forager with the Michelin-starred Elizabeth Restaurant, opens a second restaurant in Lincoln Square. Kitsune is a completely different concept, merging Midwestern fare with home-style Japanese cuisine.

Cerise

Bringing a dash of style and sex appeal to the once-sleepy after-hours scene in the Loop, Cerise is the energetic and vibrant rooftop bar perched atop the Virgin Hotels Chicago. The 26th floor haunt is bedecked in bright reds and mod design elements, with skyline views from three different vantage points. Order cocktails indoors or out, and snack on an abbreviated izakaya-inspired food menu by Rick Gresh.

Pilsen Yards

Pilsen Yards is a “bar-centric and music-driven hangout in the heart of Pilsen,” with a Latin-inspired street food menu and a drinks list showcasing excellent tequila, mezcal and whiskey.

India House

Traditional Indian food is featured at this River North restaurant, which also boasts locations in Buffalo Grove, Hoffman Estates and Schaumburg. You'll find tandoori-style cooking as well as Bombay street food items on the menu.

Soulé

Soulé is the first fine dining restaurant of its kind to locate in south Lawndale...in the past fifty years.

Heritage Restaurant & Caviar Bar

A number of local restaurant vets keeps this Humboldt Park-based restaurant running smoothly. Heritage is inspired by classic Eastern European cuisine and is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

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.

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.

Norman's Bistro

You'll find a host of house-made dishes on the menu at this Bronzeville restaurant specializing in Southern and South American cuisine. Signature items include shrimp and lobster pot pie, Turducken Chili Mac and a baby back ribs platter.

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.

American Girl Cafe

Little girls dine with their dolls at this very special cafe catering to them. Meals include semi-formal, afternoon tea service and dinner, which can be made gluten-free.

Travelle

Situated in a landmark Mies van der Rohe tower, Travelle's concept is inspired by ports of call throughout the Mediterranean. Guests may indulge in the "Chef's Table" or "Cellar Table" for different experiences.

Cira

Boka Restaurant Group--which was named James Beard's "Outstanding Restaurateur of the Year" in 2019--teams up with B. Hospitality (The Bristol, Formento, Swift & Sons, et al) for an all-day Mediterranean eatery at the Hoxton Chicago hotel.

Enoteca Roma Ristorante

You'll get an authentic Northern Italian experience at this comfortable Wicker Park bistro and bakery. Owner/chef Fabio Sorano whips up signature dishes from his homeland and his mother oversees the bakery, Letizia's. The wine and cocktail list are all Italian focused.

ROOF on theWit

This 7,000-square-foot restaurant and cocktailing destination is atop the 27th floor of the hotel. Bites are tapas-style and share-able, with most popular being flatbreads and lamb sliders.

Flamingo Rum Club

Chicagoans can now get a rich taste of South American and Caribbean entertainment yearround with the arrival of the Flamingo Rum Club. It's rich with flavor, particularly honing in on nostalgic Cuban culture.

The Warbler

Gather is one of the biggest dining success stories in Lincoln Square, so it didn't come as a surprise when its owners decided to open a sequel next door. The Warbler is situated in a much larger space that includes an open kitchen, round bar and spacious patio for 120 guests.

Yococho

In a city like Chicago, it might seem like another Japanese restaurant is simply redundant; but Yococho is a Japanese restaurant with a difference.

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.

Pizzeria Portofino

This waterfront pizzeria aims to transport guests to the ritzy Italian Riviera. Pizzeria Portofino, owned by the Lettuce Entertain You group, showcases hand-stretched pizzas and coastal wines.

Reggie's Music Joint

We're not happy 'til you're not happy. Bar, Music Venue, & Rooftop Deck.

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.

Rittergut Wine Bar & Social Club

The specialized wine lounge attracts mostly an after-work crowd looking to wind down. One of its best features is the "tasting room" where guests may sample a variety of wines and small-plate dishes.

Coco Pazzo Cafe

Coco Pazzo Cafe adds a touch of sophistication to their casual dinner offerings. From mushroom and Parmesan bruschetta and lasagna with creamy béchamel sauce to spaghetti carbonara with pecorino and pancetta and a variety of thin crust pizzas, each dish is inspired by flavorful simplicity.

Bocadillo Market

Bocadillo means sandwich, and you can get such casual food -- and a good deal more -- at Bocadillo Market, all created with the very finest ingredients, many available in the accompanying market.

Bistro Monadnock

Bistro Monadnock is the newest in a line of French restaurants to open in the city in the past few years.

Salero

Modern Spanish cuisine is re-interpreted at the sparkling Salero by the team behind popular Lakeview eatery Wood. Guests will find an extensive selection of pinxtos--the Basque region's equivalent of tapas--plus sherry, Spanish wines, gins, sangria and more behind the bar.

Apogee

Apogee replaces Vertigo Sky Lounge on top of the Dana Hotel in River North. It's a much sleeker affair now that The Fifty/50 Restaurant Group has taken over--with the award-winning Benjamin Schiller at the helm.

Wherewithall

Chef/owners Johnny Clark and Beverly Kim describe their restaurant Wherewithall as “contemporary American with a menu that reflects Chicago’s evolving diversity.”

Ina Mae Tavern & Packaged Goods

Brian Jupiter, who's over the culinary programs at Frontier, Pony Inn and Lottie's, has breathed new life in the Wicker Park space once known as the beloved dive bar Beachwood Inn.

Bar at the Peninsula Chicago

Located on the terrace level of Peninsula Chicago, Z Bar overlooks the Magnificent Mile. The cocktail lounge is a luxurious experience, offering upscale, unique cocktails, a raw bar and an occasional celebrity sighting.

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.

Izakaya at Momotaro

An izakaya is a traditional type of Japanese bar, with food designed to pair well with beer and sake.

Planta Queen

Planta is an upscale vegan restaurant on the near northside of Chicago, a neighborhood long home to many of the city's best steakhouses.

Aroy Thai Restaurant

Great neighborhood traditional authentic Thai restaurant. Intimate and relax atmosphere with dishes full of flavor and spices! BYOB

Kit Kat Lounge & Supper Club

Kit Kat offers a well-crafted menu of American cuisine and more than 70 cocktail choices, but the reason to head to this Boys Town spot is the entertainment.

Hoyt's Chicago

Named for prominent businessman William M. Hoyt (1837-1925), the casual hotel restaurant offers affordable American fare in a setting prime for business meetings and after-work meetups.

Funkenhausen

Noted Chicago Chef Mark Steuer skillfully combines his Germanic and Southern heritage at this gastropub-styled eatery in West Town. Formerly the chef at Hot Chocolate, El Che Bar and Carriage House, Steuer offers hearty plant-forward and meat-focused dishes at Funkenhausen.

Indienne

When visiting Indienne, you can leave your preconceived notions of Indian cuisine at the door.

WoodWind

WoodWind is situated in the former space of GreenRiver, the highly lauded, yet now shuttered cocktail lounge and eatery. Though there's a strong emphasis on cocktails here, expect a completely different experience.

Le Sud

Le Sud in Roscoe Village serves Mediterranean food, with a strong French influence, healthful but, just as importantly, quite delicious.

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

Pops for Champagne

The city's first-ever lounge dedicated to sparkling wine and Champagne continues to set the standards. The venue seamlessly pairs vino with a menu of smart small plates and raw bar items.

The X Pot

With locations in Las Vegas and Los Angeles, The X Pot is opening in Chicago to offer a new kind of "dinner and show" experience .

Fireside Restaurant

Housed in an early 20th-century roadhouse, the Fireside offers home-style food with a Cajun kick in an ultra-casual setting. More than 60 beer brands are available, and the summertime patio is a neighborhood favorite.

Loaf Lounge

Loaf Lounge in Avondale is a counter-service, casual place, serving up outstanding sandwiches and baked goods.

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.

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.

Brasero

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

Brass Heart

Chef Matt Kerney, formerly of Michelin-starred Longman & Eagle, heads up the kitchen in this fine dining restaurant that specializes in 9- and 12-course tasting menus, two of which are fully vegan.

Kashmir

Do you like to drink and dance with beautiful people? Yes?! Then Kashmir is for you.

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

La Josie

Carnivale

A venue this big, vibrant and full of energy deserves a fitting menu. Carnivale spotlights the cuisine of many countries in South America and there's an exotic cocktail list to complement.

Franklin Room

The owner of Union Sushi + Barbeque Bar has opened an American-focused tavern and restaurant in River North. This time around, Union Sushi chef Chao Thapthimkuna explores turn-of-the-century cuisine that's created with the modern diner in mind. The menu showcases dishes such as house-brined corned beef with grilled cheese and sauerkraut; venison chops, shrimp pot pie; and meat, cheese and smoked fish boards.

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.

Fremont

Chicagoans take their brunch outings pretty serious, which is why it's no surprise Fremont is at the top of the crop for its unique dining program for weekend warriors. Most weekends boast a waiting list for reservations, which they claim can be up to a month.

Apolonia

Focusing on coastal Mediterranean cuisine, with an emphasis upon the Italian culinary tradition, Apolonia brings a fresh taste of the highest quality ingredients combined in ways that will blow your mind.

Smyth + The Loyalist

The best sibling duo!

Atlantic Bar and Grill

Informal spot for Irish chow & brews, plus live music nights & sports broadcasts in chill environs.

Cafe Selmarie

The Lincoln Square venue is several places in one: a bakery, coffeehouse, lunch spot and romantic destination for dinner. Daily lunch and dinner specials are also an attraction.

The Palm Court

The elegant Palm Court is at the heart of the historic Drake Hotel, which is located in the pristine Streeterville neighborhood on Chicago's Near North Side. The highlight of the space is a limestone fountain with a 275-year-old giant bronze urn as its centerpiece. Most locals head here for the daily high tea offering, but there's so much going on at this venue throughout the year.

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.

Joe's Imports

Joe Fiely, operating partner and wine director for Francesca’s Restaurant Group, has traded doughnuts for fine wines at this space once occupied by his Glazed & Infused pastry shop. His namesake restaurant in the Fulton Market District showcases his passion for vino and globally influenced fare.

Hinoki Sushiko

Hinoki Susiko is an intimate, two-level restaurant with two distinctly different rooms, serving extremely high-quality sushi and other Japanese cooked items.

Machine: Engineered Dining & Drink

From the team behind Headquarters Beercade comes this highly ambitious project combining global fare, high-concept cocktails and an in-house floral program.

Portsmith

Chef Nate Henssler and the team from Portsmith make it their mission to find the best quality and freshest seafood. Henssler, a New Hampshire native, honors the seafood and fisherman from his hometown with bold flavors yet simple plating.

Italian Village

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 Walnut Room

In the Iate 1890s, the very first restaurant in a department store was opened. The Walnut Room was born to feed the hungry shoppers who needed to fuel up between power shopping. One employee's famous chicken pot pie helped launched the phenomenon, and it can still be found on the menu today with its original recipe.

Untitled

This River North attraction is a throwback to yesteryear, particularly during the years when Prohibition was in effect. Untitled features four distinct experiences: the whiskey lounge, champagne salon, Backstage live music room, and library-influenced dining room.

Omakase Yume

Having earned a Michelin star in 2021, Omakase Yume has solidified its place as one of the best-known and finest spots in Chicago for Japanese cuisine.

Seven Ten Lanes

Seven Ten Lanes is an Art Deco bowling and billiard mecca sure to please even your most discerning of party guests. Seven Ten Lanes has various private party rooms that accommodate many types of private functions, for groups from 20 to 400.

Bandit

Original DineAmic Hospitality (Prime & Provisions, Siena Bar, Siena Tavern, others) partners Lucas Stoioff and David Rekhson go back to their roots, in a sense, with this project in the West Loop neighborhood. Bandit, a casual, yet fashionable American eatery and sports lounge, is decorated with a slew of vintage paraphernalia and cranks out modern comfort food.

Community Tavern

Husband-and-wife team Joey and Brenna Beato have taken over the reins at Community Tavern in Portage Park. What was once touted as a neighborhood steakhouse when it opened in 2015 is now a modern American eatery influenced by Asian accents.

RPM Seafood

First came RPM Italian. Then came RPM Steak. So it was natural for RPM Seafood to follow. With the latter, Lettuce Entertain You has gone all the way out, aptly situating the restaurant directly on the Chicago River.

Komo

At Komo, Executive Chef Macku Chan combines two traditional Japanese coursed eating styles: kaiseki and omakase.

Yuzu Sushi & Robata Grill

LondonHouse

avec River North

From One Off Hospitality, the restaurant group that brought you such Chicago classics as Blackbird, Publican and avec, comes avec River North, specializing in sophisticated yet casual Mediterranean-influenced cuisine

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..

The Gage

Steps from Millennium Park, The Gage serves upscale comfort food, fine wines, boutique beers and whiskeys amid a vintage decor. The tavern is situated in a group of three buildings collectively known as the Gage Group that were built in 1889–1890 by Holabird & Roche for the millinery firms of Gage Bros. & Co., Theodore Ascher & Co. and Edson Keith & Co.

Stefani's Bottega Italiana

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

Lockwood Restaurant and Bar

On the lobby level of the historic Palmer House Hilton, Lockwood offers contemporary cuisine rooted in French and Italian traditions. In the Lockwood Bar, Chef Joe Rose plans to bring a brasserie-type feel with seafood platters and a French-inspired menu.

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.

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.

Coquette

Pink and Parisian are two words that describe Coquette, the latest offering from Bonhomme Hospitality Group (Celeste, Disco, Porto and many others).

Up & Up

Located on the 13th floor rooftop of Wicker Park's Robey hotel, Up & Up is a unique kind of bar. It boasts contemporary cocktail creations from a chic roof space typically reserved for the downtown set. Sprawling views of downtown Chicago are a nice backdrop, while both indoor and outdoor spaces provide views and lounge-y comforts for guests.

The Patio at Café Brauer

Dine and drink waterside at Chicago’s most scenic al fresco restaurant and bar: The Patio at Café Brauer. The Patio is located just south of the main zoo grounds beside Café Brauer (2021 North Stockton), a historic Prairie School-style landmark.

Riccardo Trattoria

Riccardo Michi's classic Italian cooking is deservedly popular, but that can mean long waits for tables, even with reservations.

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.

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

Thattu

There are many restaurants in Chicago serving regional Indian cuisine; Thattu is perhaps the first to focus on the food of Kerala in southern India.

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.

Output Lounge & Sports Bar

Output Sports Bar for die-hard Chicago fans will never miss a winning moment with 16 TVs broadcasting every Bulls, Blackhawks, Bears, Cubs and Sox games, plus more.

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.

Bambola

Bambola is a recent addition to the Bonhomme Hospitality Group's restaurant portfolio, joining others like Porto, Beatnik, Bordel, Disco and Celeste.

Lobby at the Peninsula Chicago

The Michelin-starred Lobby at the Peninsula Chicago serves contemporary American cuisine for breakfast, lunch and dinner -- plus traditional tea service.

Bub City

It's the 1990s all over again with the resurrection of Bub City, a country-themed BBQ joint owned by Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises. This time around, LEYE chairman Rich Melman's children have updated the concept, which includes Three Dots and a Dash, an ambitious cocktail program and lower-level tiki lounge.

Play Kitchen & Cocktails

A hybrid of sorts, Play Kitchen & Cocktails is located in the Gold Coast in the Division Street entertainment corridor.

Le Colonial - Chicago

Le Colonial, with locations in New York and San Francisco, also boasts a popular outpost in the heart of Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood. After more than 20 years in its original space on Rush Street,

Cindy's Rooftop

The scene-y rooftop lounge and restaurant is located on the 13th floor of the Chicago Athletic Club Hotel. Its biggest draw is the view, of course, which includes Millennium Park, Grant Park, Michigan Avenue and Lake Michigan.

Bar Goa

Goa is a city on the southwestern coast of India; it's a former Portuguese territory, and the food at Goa restaurant in Chicago reflects a blend of Indian and Portuguese culinary traditions.

En Passant

En Passant offers "Old World Comfort Food," with a menu that includes such simple things as a Grilled Cheese (with several cheeses: fantastic) as well as "fancier" dishes like Black Sesame Glazed Halibut and Duck Confit & Apricot Terrine.

Parlor Pizza Bar

Nora

Gone are the days when hotel restaurants were an after-thought; Nora, the restaurant in the St. Clair, is the centerpiece of this classic Chicago hotel.

Free Rein

"Food shouldn’t have to be complicated to be delicious." - Free Rein Executive Chef Kristine Subido

Dorian's

It was great to relive our younger years with Saved By The Max - Saved By The Bell Pop Up Shop Diner & Bar, the kitschy Wicker Park sensation that has since moved on to a permanent space in West Hollywood. But now it’s time to grow up again—especially those of us who watched the show in its prime—as the owners have created a more sophisticated establishment in its space.

Badou Senegalese Cuisine

Senegalese cuisine gets the spotlight at this Rogers Park storefront eatery. Badou also specializes in soul food, Jamaican and vegetarian fare.

Millie's Supper Club

Thanks to a long-term love affair born during summer trips to the Northwoods, a real Wisconsin style supper club has opened in the city of Chicago. Owner Brian Reynolds is the man smitten by supper clubs and he is excited to have opened his own -- Millie's Supper Club. It is named for his grandmother, who introduced Reynolds to many of the iconic Supper Clubs throughout Wisconsin as he was growing up.

Sushi-san

The Pavilion

Located on the second floor of The Langham, Chicago, the Pavilion offers a comfortable, leisurely space to enjoy afternoon tea.

The Whale

A throwback to the fashionable casinos of the 1940s and 1950s, The Whale is located in Logan Square. The vibrant and colorfully hued venue is owned by Legacy Hospitality, the same team behind The Vig (Old Town) and Welcome Back Lounge.

Anteprima

Anteprima serves Italian home-style cooking with an emphasis on local and organic producers. What's super cool is that diners may order the popular house-made pasta dishes in half-size portions. Tagliatelle, pappardelle and gnocchi are some of the highlights of the menu.

Bacchanalia

Welcome to Bacchanalia Italian Restaurant in Chicago! Located just minutes away from downtown Chicago, experience authentic Italian Cuisine. Named after the Roman God Bacchus, Bacchanalia has been a well-known Chicago Institution for over 37 years.

Sinha Elegant Cuisine

Vol. 39

Overlooking the bustling foot traffic in the Financial District, Vol. 39 positions itself as an upscale cocktail lounge to wind down in after a hectic day at the office. Its vibe is meant to resemble a traditional law library, with plenty of leather-bound books throughout the space and low-slung leather chairs and banquettes on which to settle down.

Chicago Magic Lounge

Upon entering Chicago Magic Lounge, guests are greeted by a small room filled with “active” laundry machines which concealed a hidden door.

Swift & Sons Tavern and Oyster Bar

The casual sibling to Fulton Market District's Swift & Sons steakhouse, Swift & Sons Tavern and Oyster Bar is in the former home for Dutch & Doc's. The Boka Restaurant Group is also behind this venture.

Cold Storage

Cold Storage--the second seafood-focused eatery from the esteemed Boka Restaurant Group--positions itself as a "restaurant within a restaurant." The 60 seater is tucked inside Fulton Market District hot spot steakhouse concept Swift & Sons.

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.

Due Lire

This Italian restaurant in Lincoln Square opened in November 2010 with a chef who was previously at Bice and Gioco. Dishes include antipasti like calamari and mussels, pasta like gnocchi bolognese and short rib ravioli, and entrees like pancetta-wrapped filet and Cornish hen.

Lure Fishbar

With locations in New York City, South Beach and now Chicago, Lure Fishbar lays out a spectacularly broad and deep selection of fish and seafood.

Oriole

With the Michelin-starred Senza, chef/owner Noah Sandoval proved that gluten-free could go gourmet. But with his current venture into Chicago's red-hot dining scene, he demonstrates that his cuisine appeals to all palates.

Hampton Social Streeterville

Inspired by the popular East Coast vacation destination, Hampton Social Streeterville features a seafood-centric menu, craft beers and a laid-back, beachy atmosphere.

Homestead on the Roof

This is the fourth restaurant from Greg Mohr and Scott Weiner (The Fifty/50, West Town Bakery, Roots Pizza). The concept merges a farm-to-table approach with global cooking. The menus are seasonal. Former Boka Restaurant Group head bartender Benjamin Schiller has joined the team to make hand-crafted, signature cocktails.

Arbella

The clubby little sister to Tanta, Arbella is two doors down from the celebrated Peruvian-inspired restaurant. Nightly, it features popular local deejays, who spin deep house and Latin beats as guests sip on exotic craft cocktails.

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.

The Terrace at Trump

The luxury outdoor lounge offers an enviable view of the Chicago River and Navy Pier fireworks. It's also popular during the summer for its unique settings that change annually:

River Roast

Local powerhouses Tony Mantuano (Bar Toma, Spiaggia, Piano Terzo) and John Hogan (Kiki's Bistro, Keefer's Steakhouse) join forces to create this meat-focused waterfront restaurant and bar.

Gino's East - River North

Grafitti-covered, tourist-filled flagship location of a venerable Chicago pizza chain known for its deep-dish pizzas

Acanto

Located next door to his highly regarded The Gage restaurant, Billy Lawless' Acanto is a completely different concept from its predecessor. It's Italian focused for one (The Gage is Irish inspired), and the wine selections are much more curated for a well-defined list.

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.

Offshore

Winter’s Jazz Club

It’s the sort of place to completely immerse yourself into the music. No cell phone use allowed—and that’s a good thing. Winter’s is a traditional jazz club that’s been modernized. You’ll love it for its intimacy and dedication to the best of straight ahead, classic, vocal and swing.

Texas de Brazil - River North

RM Champagne Salon

The glamorous space serves as one of the highlights of the Randolph Restaurant Row, and spotlights many vintage and boutique Champagnes and sparkling wines. Owned by the team behind

Blue Door Farmstand

Blue Door Farmstand is where you want to go when what you're looking for is a vegetable-centered meal in a homey, undeniably comfortable atmosphere.

Proxi

Through a fresh and innovative American lens, Proxi, a sister restaurant to Partner and Executive Chef Andrew Zimmerman’s Sepia, scours the most culinary-rich corners of the globe to inspire a menu that celebrates the bold flavors of multicultural street foods through pristine ingredients.

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.

Nisos Mediterranean

"Nisos" means "island" in Greek, and the intent of owner Brad Parker and chef Avgaria Stapaki is to make your entry into Nisos Mediterranean feel just like you stepped off the plane in the Greek islands.

Elia

Elia means "olive tree" in Greek, and it's also the name of a new modern Mediterranean restaurant in Chicago's Wicker Park.

Bar Ramone

Don't dare call Bar Ramone a tapas bar. The bustling River North hot spot is so much more--though it does specialize in Spanish fare and wines.

Streeterville Social

This massive terrace lounge at the Loews Chicago Hotel boasts some of the largest al fresco space in Chicago, with cocktails, wine and beer as part of its draw. Ultimately, most people flock here for the enormous patio, which is open seasonally, complete with a huge lawn and outdoor games.

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.

Arami

The Fujimura brothers of Small Bar (and also two Michelin-star rated Entente) have opened this West Town Japanese spot.

Wood

Quiote

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.

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.

Pinstripes - Streeterville

One thing's for certain: Bowling never goes out of style in Chicago. From the old-school pin setup at Southport Lanes to Seven Ten Lanes near the University of Chicago, there's a great variety from which to choose.

Bordel

This esoteric speakeasy space above Black Bull takes its cue from NYC's PDT and Canelaria in Paris. While Bordel's a cocktail lounge on the highest level, it also incorporates live entertainment in the mix.

Shannon's Irish Pub

Shepherd’s pie, steaks & hearty Irish & American fare served in a cozy tavern with a backyard patio.

Twin Anchors

Housed in an 1881 structure and opened in 1932, Twin Anchors is known for its fall-off-the-bone ribs, fish and chips, steaks and sandwiches. It's been a hangout of celebs since Frank Sinatra, and scenes in the movies "Return to Me" and "The Dark Knight" were filmed here.

Petterino's

Munno Pizzeria & Bistro

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.

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.

The Ladies' Room

Logan Square's brimming with notable bars set on taking Chicago's cocktail culture to the next level. There's Mezcaleria, which aims to educate guests on the joys of the smoky, agave Mexican spirit. Also, there's Lost Lake, a divey Polynesian-themed bar with unconventional tiki tipples.

Brasserie by C & C

About twelve years ago, Cookies & Carnitas opened in Edgewater and made a name for itself serving the eponymous foods and creating a neighborhood spot that garnered excellent reviews and neighborhood love.

LÝRA

LÝRA offers authentic Greek dishes with locally sourced ingredients, and it's the newest restaurant in a wave of contemporary Greek restaurants opening in Chicago.

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.

Formento's

Gone is the throwback southern Italian-focused menu in favor of modern, northern Italian fare at this cheery eatery in the heart of the West Loop neighborhood.

Ceres' Table

Giuseppe Scurato moves his authentic Italian-focused eatery to Lakeview from Uptown.

Kyoten

There are sushi bars and there are sushi bars…and then there’s Kyōten, which shows that even in a market saturated with so many seafood options, there’s still room for a truly exceptional practitioner of the sushi arts to shine.