There’s a reason why Chicago is one of the country’s top foodie destinations.
Actually, there are thousands of reasons. Over 7,000 restaurants adorn the Windy City to suit every possible appetite and budget.
From charming and casual neighborhood eateries (with deep dish pizza!) to Michelin-star studded dining, Ryan Bluestone says that a visit to Chicago means enjoying some of the best restaurants in the Midwest — even the U.S. as a whole.
5 Great Chicago Restaurants to Try Right Now
Time Out Market
This is a bit of a cheat since Time Out Market is actually a collection of some of the best food Chicago has to offer. Some of the city’s best bakeries, highly rated restaurants, and unique bars have set up shop in this food hall within the Fulton Market District in the bustling Fulton Market.
Time Out calls itself a “curated” experience of nearly 20 food concepts over 50,000 feet, with everything from Ethiopian and West Indian fare and ramen to modern German American specialties and 1980s-inspired shakes. It’s OK to just call it “yummy.”
Ever
Stick around the West Loop and the reward is Ever, now best recognized as the restaurant hosting Richie in the “Forks” episode of FX show “The Bear.” The food is still the star here, though, with visionary Chef Curtis Duffy and his team continuing to earn Michelin stars.
Ever is a special experience, with guests enjoying 8 or 10-course meals that change with the season and usually feature a variety of exquisite meats, seafoods, and local veggies. It’s a very pricey meal, but it’s an experience that will never be forgotten.
Robert’s Pizza & Dough Company
There are hundreds of deep-dish pizza joints throughout Chicago, but Robert’s thin and crispy crust truly stands out to pizza fanatics. This Streeterville spot also offers a fantastic brunch menu on Saturdays and Sundays, with smoked salmon, huevos rancheros pizzas, and hearty fare like chili con carne.
The Bloody Marys are fantastic, too, made from Robert’s in-house and distinctive mix. Still craving deep-dish? Head to Pequod’s Pizza, consistently rated as one of the top deep-dish restaurants in the whole city.
Tanta
Want to truly experience the best Peruvian food? Get it from Gastón Acurio, one of the country’s most famous chefs, at Tanta.
Here, diners can fully embrace the country’s rich culinary offerings, with dishes blending ingredients from the ocean to the mountains with a multicultural fare thanks to Peru’s vibrant immigrant populations from Italy, Spain, and Japan. There’s nothing better than trying everything on Tanta’s lovely rooftop patio paired with unique drinks like the Ainoko, a blend of pisco, lychee, sake, and yuzu.
Andros Taverna
Named one of America’s best new restaurants by Esquire magazine in 2021, Andros still lives up to the hype, with its Greek fare that’s contemporary but honors classic Mediterranean techniques and tastes. The Logan Square stalwart is bright, bold, and Instagram-ready with Greek wines that are beyond excellent.
Diners can’t go wrong with the octopus or anything from the mezze list, especially the wood-fired pitas. Don’t forget to save room for loukoumades, traditional Greek donut balls with walnuts and cinnamon honey.
