The Best Restaurants in Chicago

It’s true that Restaurants in Chicago was once famed for its deep-dish pizza, seven-ingredient hot dogs, and Italian beef. However, in recent years, the breadth of Second City eating has grown dramatically, bringing in a number of restaurants with destination-worthy status—and plenty of honors (just look at the town’s Michelin-starred or James Beard Award-winning locations to see what we mean). To be sure, credit the unflappable industry workers for that coveted reputation, and they’ll likely direct your attention to all that supports their endeavors—farmers markets, the seasons of the Midwest (and the creativity behind such timeliness), and the tight-knit community here—a rare bond that so many restaurant pros in these parts admit to cherishing.

And the fact that Chicago is home to one of the world’s busiest, most connected airports only adds to the industry’s capacity to keep a finger on the worldwide pulse—as seen by the culinary landscapes that are currently sweeping the city. Here are the top restaurants in Chicago right now, from those serving Ethiopian platters or exquisite omakase menus to those serving Indian-inspired street cuisine or classic Beijing duck banquets.

Every restaurant on this list was hand-picked by Condé Nast Traveler editors and assessed by a local writer who has visited the establishment. Our editors evaluate both high-end and low-cost restaurants, weighing standout food, location, and service, as well as inclusion and sustainability credentials. This list is updated when new eateries open and current one change.

Aba

Modern Mediterranean food is pleasantly adaptable, offering complete tastes to vegans, vegetarians, and carnivores alike. And no one in Chicago understands the style like Aba. Hot and cold mezze are served alongside house-made spreads and bread. Raw sections are just as popular as flame-charred kebabs. Tamarind-Braised Short Rib is served with Smoky Garlic Hummus and Heirloom Tomato Orzo. Nobody goes hungry. It’s also a great place for cocktails with a view, thanks to its wide rooftop terrace and light-filled atrium (complete with plants and trees).

Pequod’s Pizza

Pequod’s is a veteran in Restaurants in Chicago competitive pizza industry, but it’s not a deep dish. Due to the high-sided pan the pizza is baked on, the style was devised by the late Burt Katz (before he started Burt’s Place), a Chicago cooking classic, and features a fluffier, airier dough with a black ring of crispy caramelized cheese. Expect a wait or reserve a table ahead of time online.

Claudia

This restaurant, which started as a twice-month pop-up in Chicago’s West Town in 2015, finally got a brick-and-mortar location earlier this fall—and a Michelin star soon after. Those pop-up days gave chef Trevor Teich and his team some sweet accolades and local love, and fans are now flocking here on a nightly basis for a taste of what Teich does best—contemporary fine dining emphasizing his training in French and Japanese cuisine, as well as his natural knack for storytelling. Discover it through his 10-course tasting menu, a lovely culinary excursion that, as the restaurant suggests, acts like a chapter from one of your favorite childhood novels.

Spacca Napoli

Chef-owner Jonathan Goldsmith has perfected the art of Neapolitan-style pizza, having previously worked in social work and real estate before committing himself to the trade. No deep dish here—these golden crust discs with seasonal toppings are the genuine deal. Spacca Napoli pizzas have a famous reputation due to their high-quality ingredients and a commitment to skill. With a relaxed, warm, and friendly ambience, it’s ideal for families and even take-out.

Elske

The perfect example of hygge is found in Elske’s walled courtyard, which features benches covered in fur, folded fleece blankets, and an outdoor fireplace. The word itself—Danish for “love”—also gives some sign of what to predict from Anna and David Posey, a married couple. There are two eating choices available, so you are not forced to eat for several hours if you don’t want to. The tasting menu is reasonably priced for the high quality it offers ($125) and consists of eight courses of contemporary American cuisine with Danish influences. It’s a unique restaurant that serves incredibly individualized meals that showcase a mastery of ingredients, presentation, and delicate tastes.

Honey Butter Fried Chicken

The décor of Honey Butter Fried Chicken has an artistic and modern vibe. The distinct fragrance of freshly fried fowl fills the air, and the whole menu is written on a chalkboard behind the counter. Avoid the salads and tofu and make peace with your poultry. The O.G. sandwich, a suitable place to start, is wrapped with crisp slaw and candied jalapeo mayo. Instead, go with a plain basket of breasts and thighs if strips between bread aren’t your thing.

Sun Wah BBQ

Crisp-skinned poultry begs from hooks behind the front window display even before you enter Sun Wah. Its prominence as a Chicago institution for Hong Kong-style Chinese barbecue is announced by the restaurant’s large, open floor plan, which can accommodate well over a hundred guests. With more than 150 options, the menu is extensive. Pick and select anything you want but be sure to try the Beijing (Peking) duck before you go. For over 30 years, it has been the Restaurants in Chicago trademark dish.