Chicago Dining Guide
Discover the best restaurants, hidden gems, and culinary tours in the Windy City.
Michelin Stars
Deep Dish Pizza
Hot Dogs
Chicago's Food Scene
From Michelin-starred fine dining to legendary street food, Chicago offers one of America's most diverse culinary landscapes. The city boasts 22 Michelin-starred restaurants, iconic deep-dish pizza, and innovative chefs pushing boundaries.
Chicago's Best Restaurants
Our curated selection of must-try dining experiences across price points and cuisines.
Alinea
Molecular Gastronomy | Tasting Menu
Grant Achatz's groundbreaking restaurant offers an immersive culinary experience that changes seasonally.
Lincoln Park
Lou Malnati's
Deep Dish Pizza | Chicago Classic
The gold standard for Chicago-style deep dish with buttery crust and chunky tomato sauce.
Multiple Locations
Girl & The Goat
Global Flavors | Top Chef Winner
Stephanie Izard's flagship restaurant featuring bold, globally-inspired shared plates.
West Loop
Portillo's
Chicago Dogs | Italian Beef
The iconic fast-casual spot for authentic Chicago-style hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches.
Multiple Locations
Oriole
Fine Dining | Tasting Menu
An intimate, elevated dining experience from Chef Noah Sandoval.
West Loop
The Purple Pig
Mediterranean | Small Plates
James Beard Award-winning wine bar with creative pork-centric small plates.
Magnificent Mile
Chicago Food Tours
West Loop Gourmet Tour
Sample dishes from 5 award-winning restaurants in Chicago's hottest dining district, including a Michelin-starred stop.
Deep Dish & Tavern-Style Pizza Tour
Taste Chicago's iconic pizza styles at 4 legendary spots, including hidden neighborhood gems.
Chicago's Culinary Hotspots
West Loop
Home to Chicago's highest concentration of Michelin stars and trendy eateries along Restaurant Row.
Chinatown
Authentic dim sum, Szechuan hotspots, and bubble tea shops in a vibrant cultural enclave.
Pilsen
Mexican taquerias, artisanal coffee shops, and innovative Mexican-American fusion cuisine.
Chicago Dining Tips
- Reservations: Book 1-2 months in advance for Michelin-starred restaurants like Alinea or Smyth
- Dress Code: Business casual for fine dining; Chicago is generally casual elsewhere
- Local Specialties: Don't leave without trying deep dish, Chicago-style hot dogs, and Italian beef
- Neighborhood Gems: Venture beyond downtown to Logan Square, Andersonville, or Hyde Park for authentic local flavors
- Seasonal Dining: Summer patio dining and winter comfort food are particularly memorable in Chicago
Hungry for More Chicago?
Download our free Chicago Dining Passport with 50+ must-try restaurants across all neighborhoods.
