8 Best Restaurants in Chicago

Chicago, also known as the Second City, is the largest city in Illinois and the 2nd most populous city in the United States. The city is famous for attractions like The Bean, Wrigley Field, Lincoln Park, and its mix of skyscrapers and beaches. Chicago also boasts a diverse culinary scene influenced by flavors from around the world. From Latin American fare at Cariño, to top-tier sushi at Kyōten, to southern comfort food at Virtue, every corner of this city is filled with new flavors ready to enchant your taste buds. Below is a list of some of the most talked-about restaurants in Chicago. Let the flavor adventure begin!

Cariño is an upscale Latin American and Mexican-inspired restaurant in Uptown, operated by Chef Norman Fenton. It earned a Michelin star in 2024. The creative tasting menu blends modern techniques with classic Latin ingredients. Signature items include huitlacoche ravioli with fried corn silk and truffle beurre blanc, Ora King salmon, and late-night taco omakase.

Address: 4662 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640

Kasama is a contemporary Filipino-American restaurant and bakery. In 2025, it was elevated from one to two Michelin stars, marking it among Chicago’s elite fine dining destinations. Kasama serves inventive Filipino-inspired tasting menus and bakery items that reflect both creativity and cultural roots.

Address: 1001 N Winchester Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Oriole is a two-Michelin-star New American tasting-menu restaurant led by Chef Noah Sandoval. Guests are welcomed into an intimate, atmospheric space and enjoy a multi-course experience featuring refined seafood, game or premium meat, and seasonally inspired dishes — paired with high-end wines or curated beverages.

Address: 661 W Walnut St, Chicago, IL 60661

Kyōten is an intimate sushi and omakase restaurant in Logan Square, run by Chef Otto Phan. It offers carefully prepared nigiri and sushi using fresh, high-quality fish and traditional techniques. The small, counter-only setup provides a focused, authentic sushi experience.

Address: 2507 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Virtue specializes in modern Southern-style cuisine. Diners can enjoy smoked turkey collard greens, braised short ribs with mashed potatoes, fried green tomatoes with shrimp emoulade, and comforting desserts. Virtue offers a warm, relaxed atmosphere that celebrates comfort food with class.

Address: 1462 E 53rd St, Chicago, IL 60615

Birrieria Zaragoza serves its famous slow-roasted goat birria, including goat birria tacos, quesabirria, and classic Mexican-style accompaniments like consommé, handmade tortillas, and beverages such as horchata and hibiscus tea. It remains a go-to spot for birria lovers.

Address: 4800 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640

Monteverde is an Italian-focused restaurant in West Loop, celebrated for its house-made pasta and flavorful, shareable dishes. It delivers authentic Italian cuisine with a cozy, casual yet refined vibe — perfect for pasta lovers looking for quality and warmth.

Address: 1020 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60607

Maxwell’s Trading offers modern American dining with global influences. The menu blends flavors from Asia, Europe, and beyond — think clay pot mushrooms, tartare, creative vegetable dishes, and inventive flavor combinations. With its contemporary approach, cocktails, and welcoming atmosphere, Maxwell’s Trading is ideal for adventurous diners.

Address: 1516 W Carroll Ave, Chicago, IL 60607

Ready to explore Chicago and taste its incredible food scene? Book your stay at Skylark Motel Chicago and make the most of your culinary adventure today!