Visiting or moving to a new city is one of the most exciting things you can do. If you’ve got a limited time, you’ll want to make sure you do all of the right things, and if you’re staying for a while, you’ll want to try every spot you can.
If the Windy City is your destination, you’re one of the lucky ones. In fact, Chicago was just named Bon Appetit Magazine’s Restaurant City of the Year. To celebrate, we teamed up with our friends and Chi-Town locals at Olio City to feature the single best restaurant from 30 – yes, you read that right – of Chicago’s different neighborhoods.
Albany Park
Can’t-miss spot: Noon O’ Kabab
4661 N Kedzie Ave
Persian mosaics and a long bar line this exotic spot that caters to a hungry crowd most nights. If you’ve got questions, servers are more than happy to guide you through the menu of Middle Eastern specialties.
Andersonville
Can’t-miss spot: Tre Koner
3258 W Foster Ave
Tre Kronor sees your average eggs-n-bacon and raises you a Swedish sausage and Havarti omelet instead. Scandinavian breakfast has all the sweet lingonberries and savory corned beef for a mighty good lookin’ breakfast. Not to mention, this place is cheap, comfy, and otherworldly chill.
Irving Park
Can’t-miss spot: Smoque BBQ
3800 N Pulaski Rd, Ste 2
A bit out of the way, but well worth the trip, Smoque BBQ is widely considered to be the best ‘cue joint in the Windy City. Try the brisket, dabble in some sides, and don’t forget to score a rack of ribs.
Boystown
Can’t-miss spot: The Chicago Diner
3411 N Halsted St
The all vegan Chicago Diner is a culinary landmark in the meat-free community, but herbivores and carnivores alike will find something to love on their extensive and innovative menu. Vegans are frequently blown away at the glorious meat-free resurrection of meals they thought they’d given up for good. As for meat lovers—they’ll stop grumbling as soon as they take their first few bites.
Bridgeport
Can’t-miss spot: The Duck Inn
2701 S Eleanor
The Duck Inn was named one of the Best New Restaurants in America by Esquire, and the cocktails here are kickin’ like a three-legged ninja. Go for the rotisserie duck, which was rated by Chicagoist as the city’s most epic entree; an honorable mention going to a cocktail made with duck fat.
Chinatown
Can’t-miss spot: Lao Sze Chuan
2172 S Archer Ave
If you’re going to visit one restaurant in Chinatown, this should probably be it. Chef Tony has two more Lao Sze Chuan locations in Chicago—and one in Vegas at The Palms—but this is still his flagship restaurant. You can order hot pots to enjoy a DIY meal, pick something random off the massive menu, or ask the staff for a suggestion. There’s no wrong way to dine here.
Humboldt Park
Can’t-miss spot: Kai Zan
2557 W Chicago Ave
At Kai Zan, you’ll forget just how far Chicago is from the ocean, thanks to its shockingly fresh 10-course omakase selected by the chefs themselves (they’re identical twins!). This means oyster shooters, sashimi as smooth as butter, and salmon-wrapped sushi scallops.
Edgewater
Can’t-miss spot: Ethiopian Diamond
7537 N Clark St
Ethiopian Diamond is usually very chill, mostly because the place is so big. Even with several large groups dining at once, there’s plenty of room for visitors to stretch out while they sip on house-made, Ethiopian honey wine. It’s great for parties, vegetarians, and people who hate forks. Ethiopian Diamond offers a memorable dining experience that’s lots of fun and easy on the wallet.
Hyde Park
Can’t-miss spot: The Promontory
5311 S Lake Park Ave W
The gourmet, open-fire cooking and live music of the Promontory stick out from the all-too-usual Hyde Park college scene. Created by the same folks that did Thalia Hall and Dusek’s, the Promontory is a high concept take on cooking’s most essential aspect: an open flame. Not sure what to get? Try the lamb burger with chickpea fries.
East Lakeview
Can’t-miss spot: Crisp
2940 N Broadway Ave
For those who believe that if you’ve had one chicken wing, you’ve had ‘em all, we implore you to try the goods at Crisp. The Korean-focused menu revolves around perfectly seasoned fried chicken spiked with a range of spicy and mellower sauces, and paired with authentic Korean sides.
Lincoln Park
Can’t-miss spot: Alinea
1723 N Halstead St
The Big Kahuna of the Chicago restaurant scene, Alinea has a well-earned reputation for being the best of the best. Grant Achatz’s iconic restaurant has the rare distinction of earning three Michelin stars for the past six years running, which is a feat no other Chicago spot has yet to match.
Lincoln Square
Can’t-miss spot: Gather
4539 N Lincoln Ave
Gather is charming through and through, from its vine-covered patio walls to its open kitchen. The restaurant takes half reservations, half walk-ins, and Sunday brunch is an absolute must.
Logan Square
Can’t-miss spot: Longman & Eagle
2657 N Kedzie Ave
Longman & Eagle attracts a thoroughly bohemian crowd, but the place itself feels more old school. The walls are decorated sparingly, and the gleaming wood bar invites patrons to saddle up and throw back a $3 shot of one of the 300 whiskies the restaurant keeps on hand. Oh, and did we mention that Anthony Bourdain visited the spot on an episode of ‘Parts Unknown?’
North Center
Can’t-miss spot: The Bad Apple
4300 N Lincoln Ave
There isn’t much Bad Apple gets wrong. With incredible burgers like the Fig Is In and the Brave Blue World anchoring a stellar food menu, you might even forget to check out their alcohol selection. Don’t. Their beer list runs the gamut from local favorites to international wunderkinds, and their cocktail menu will make you swear you’re downtown.
Old Town
Can’t-miss spot: Topo Gigio
1516 N Wells St
An Old World atmosphere shines through at Topo Gigio thanks to its white linen tablecloths, exposed brick, and rows of wine bottles gracing the walls. Try the Conchiglie alla Sarda—seashell pasta with ground sausage, peas, and pecorino cheese in a tomato-cream sauce.
Pilsen
Can’t-miss spot: Dusek’s
1227 W 18th St
Originally erected in 1892, this restored building now houses a social hub that features a concert venue (Thalia Hall) and establishments for drinking and dining. Dusek’s is the main-floor anchor of the building, and its confident gastropub fare draws locals looking to relish the expertly prepared shrimp and grits, beer-braised veal cheeks, and root vegetable cassoulet.
Printer’s Row
Can’t-miss spot: Umai
730 S Clark St
A handsome South Loop eatery that celebrates the versatility of Japanese cuisine, Umai boasts a jam-packed menu that offers everything from sushi and ramen to barbecue and steak.
Ravenswood
Can’t-miss spot: Spacca Napoli
1769 W Sunnyside Ave
Praised for its consistency and oven-baked authenticity, Spacca Napoli gets all the prosciutto and pecorino right for your most Neapolitana experience. If one thing’s for certain, it’s that these guys care a whole lot. Just taste it in the pizza.
Rogers Park
Can’t-miss spot: Heartland Cafe
700 N Glenwood Ave
Perhaps the essential Rogers Park restaurant, Heartland Café has been a keystone of the neighborhood for more than 35 years. It started serving local, organic fare eons before it became cool to do so. Most of the menu here is made with ingredients from small, organic, and artisanal producers, like Earth First Farms in Michigan. Taste the difference when you order up the buffalo chili or vegetable gratin, but make sure to leave room for the daily special dessert.
River North
Can’t-miss spot: Frontera Grill
445 N Clark St
As his PBS Show “Mexico: One Plate At A Time” might have already shown you, Rick Bayless knows more than a thing or two about our neighbors to the south. More than that, he’s redefined the possibilities of Mexican cuisine throughout his storied career—a fact you can experience in every course at Frontera Grill from drinks to dessert. From inventive ceviches and flavorful street food to massive entrees like the duck carnitas for two, Frontera Grill is high-end Mexican food like you’ve never experienced.
South Loop
Can’t-miss spot: Acadia
1639 S Wabash Ave
With quality contemporary cuisine, an absurdly impressive wine list, and gorgeous minimalist interior, it’s really no surprise this upscale and beautiful spot has been awarded two Michelin stars. Read More.
Streeterville
Can’t-miss spot: Purple Pig
500 N Michigan Ave
The Purple Pig is a meat-lover’s paradise with a thing for pork and an extensive wine list to match. Those interested in stepping outside the palate’s comfort zone will find the menu’s eclectic items to die for.
The Loop
Can’t-miss spot: The Gage
24 S Michigan Ave
The modern design, quality cocktails, and inventive New American menu make for a stylish time for locals and tourists alike.
Ukrainian Village & East Village
Best Restaurant: Arami
1829 W Chicago Ave
One of Chicago’s quintessential Japanese restaurants, Arami has been a Michelin Bib Gourmand selection four times. The sushi here is downright pretty, to the point where you might just feel guilty actually eating it.
University Village
Can’t-miss spot: Davanti Enoteca
1359 W Taylor St
Modeled after a rustic wine bar, Davanti Enoteca’s space carries communal high-tops of reclaimed wood, a 10-seat bar you’ll actually vie for, and a retail wine selection along exposed brick walls.
Avec
Can’t miss spot: Avec
615 West Randolph Street
Though Avec is anything but low-brow, it still feels like the kind of spot where you can at least loosen your tie before you kick back a few glasses of wine.
Uptown
Can’t miss spot: Tank Noodle
4953 N Broadway
The South Asian base with a twist of French that defines Vietnamese cuisine is on proud display at Tank Noodle. The seafood omelets and bahn mi are alway a safe bet, though courageous eaters will be rewarded for stepping out into the culinary unknown.
West Town
Can’t-miss spot: Frontier
1072 N Milwaukee Ave
There’s a lot going on at Frontier. It’s a solid spot to catch the game, it regularly hosts events such as crawfish boils and fish fries, and there’s a beer garden outfitted with a fancy fireplace.
Wicker Park & Bucktown
Can’t-miss spot: Presidio
1749 N Damen Ave
Presidio looks like the living room you always wish you had. Soft lighting, plush couches, and exposed brick walls make this a place to unwind with friends or get to know a date.
Wrigleyville
Can’t-miss spot: Sheffield’s Beer and Wine Garden
3258 N Sheffield Ave
Before every bar in the multiverse got into the craft-beer game, Sheffield’s was already serving it for years alongside tasty barbecue and a cozy fireplace. Inside, you’ll find a classic Chicago tavern with a sturdy wooden bar and a fireplace. But step outside on a warm day, and you’ll encounter a packed patio with picnic tables and tree cover.
PS – When you’re ready to search for apartments for rent in Chicago and want to know more about each restaurant and its neighborhood, all you’ll need is this post and the Olio City iOS app. Let us know which one’s your favorite!
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