Latest Chicago restaurant reviews

When it comes to pizza, Pizz'Amici means business. This West Town eatery inside a former barber shop is one of Chicago's most exciting debuts in recent years. It's a classic no-frills restaurant that instantly made a name for itself for its next-level tavern-style pies. It's also one of the hottest reservations in town right now, and because the space is tiny, it's almost impossible to get a table. But for the lucky ones who do get in, it's so worth the wait.  The vibe: The intimate, laid-back restaurant is reminiscent of an old-school pizza joint thanks to the black-and-white checkered flooring, bright red bar stools, white tablecloths and vintage Italian posters and artworks. The food: The menu is short and sweet, with pizza being the star of the show. We love the creamy Caesar salad, which is the perfect start to a family-style meal here. It's recommended to add at least three toppings (like hot honey, meat, garlic and peppers) to the 14-inch pies. They're crisp, fresh, razor-thin and perfectly sweet.  The drinks: The beverage program comprises a curated selection of Italian wines, cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks. Highlights include the Pepperoni Negroni (pepperoni-infused Letherbee, Zissou aperitivo and sweet vermouth) and the seasonal smoky Big Miami Guy (400 conejos, primo aperitivo, matchbook strawberry and lemon). Time Out tip: It can be extremely difficult to book a table. We got lucky when a same-day reservation became available around noon, but if you aren't...

While its name suggests otherwise, this West Loop neo-bistro is a cozy, charming spot for reimagined French fare. David and Anna Posey, together with chef de cuisine Tayler Ploshehanski, draw from the classics while weaving in Midwestern influences. The result is one of Chicago’s most distinctive French menus in recent years. The vibe: The restaurant is divided between two dining rooms, with large windows that flood the space with natural light during the daytime. Tightly arranged tables give the room a lively, bistro-like atmosphere. Diners seated at the back counter face a mirrored wall, which can feel a bit awkward. The food: Start with the Brie gougères, warm, buttery puffs balanced by drizzles of honey. The roast chicken with chicken liver and wine sauce is an excellent shareable option, featuring crisp skin and juicy, tender meat. Save room for Anna Posey’s sherbet meringue cake—the flavors rotate regularly. The drinks: Pre-batched cocktails include timeless favorites such as the Vesper, Negroni, and dirty martini. The wine list leans heavily toward French wines, with a handful of California selections. Time Out tip: Creepies doesn’t have a bar, so if you’re looking to linger over a pre- or post-meal drink, you’ll want to head elsewhere.

One of Chicago’s buzziest bakeries in recent years, Del Sur is well worth planning your morning around. Chef and owner Justin Lerias brings Filipino flavors to thoughtfully crafted pastries made with Midwestern ingredients, resulting in a lineup that’s far more interesting than your standard croissants and muffins. The vibe: The compact Lincoln Square shop has a sleek, modern look. It’s mainly a grab-and-go operation, so don’t expect to linger. The line can stretch during busy weekend mornings, but the friendly staff keeps things moving without making you feel rushed. The food: The longanisa croissant is a must-order, a flaky, toasted-rice laminated dough with house-made sausage, soy caramel, and cured egg yolk. The turon Danish, filled with caramelized banana jam and vanilla flan, channels the flavors of the classic Filipino snack, while the calamansi chamomile bun packs a bright citrus punch. The drinks: Coffee comes from local roasters, and Volition Tea supplies the teas. House-made syrups like salted pandan, ube and caramelized honey add a distinctive Southeast Asian touch to the drink menu. Time Out tip: Get there early—especially on weekends when waits can exceed 45 minutes and popular pastries tend to sell out quickly.

Taking up residence in the former Winchester space, the Michelin-starred modern Filipino-American concept is from husband-and-wife team Tim Flores and Genie Kwon (Oriole).  The vibe: An intimate, ultra-popular spot in the Ukrainian Village that always has a long line during the daytime. The food: During the daytime, Kwon’s pastries and options like chicken adobo and a killer breakfast sandwich cause lines to form down the block. But at night, Kasama transforms into a 13-course fine dining experience full of bold and exciting flavors. The drinks: The daytime drinks like an ube latte are balanced and fresh, and for dinner, a $195 beverage pairing is well worth the splurge. Time Out tip: If you're coming during the day, order ahead online. This way, you'll skip the long line and walk right inside to pick up your order. When the weather permits, head to one of the nearby parks to eat outside. 

One of Chicago’s most sought-after bakeries, Sugar Moon has earned a devoted following for its sweet and savory goods. The tiny Logan Square bakeshop rotates its offerings regularly, showcasing seasonal ingredients and inventive flavor combinations. The vibe: Sugar Moon is small and no-frills, with a pastry case that speaks for itself. There’s no seating, and the line usually forms outside before the shop even opens. The food: The selection spans sweet and savory options, from stuffed brioche and focaccia to croissants, galettes, scones and cookies. The tahini chocolate chip cookie, with flecks of smoked salt, is among the best in the city, while the banana pudding croissant is an indulgent treat filled with vanilla custard, banana, salted caramel and mascarpone whip. Keep an eye out for specials, as owner Dina Cimarusti has been known to create items like Italian beef galettes and corned beef croissants. The drinks: It’s mostly about the pastries here, but Sugar Moon also offers coffee, sodas and water. Time Out tip: The bakery is only open Friday through Sunday and does sell out, so arrive early if you have your heart set on a particular item.

The new West Loop spot from husband and wife David and Anna Posey (he of Blackbird, she of the Publican) has a name that comes from the Danish word for “love”—a nod to David’s heritage and the fact that the couple got engaged in Copenhagen. The food, however, is not Danish; the menu was made with simple fare and seasonal ingredients in mind. You can choose from a prix fixe menu (eight courses) or à la carte options; on our visit it seemed that groups were taking the latter route while couples opted for the tasting menu. Elske is a perfect intro to fine dining, with reliable and approachable dishes that will school diners new to coursed meals on what to expect—with complicated ingredients that are still complex in flavor, but without overly meticulous plating. We were hooked from the first dish. Two bowls—one filled with smoked fruits and vegetables like radishes topped with dill, the other an herbal tea of the same fruits and vegetables—contrast the bright crunch of the plants with the warm beverage, their flavors blending seamlessly together. The initial combinations (with options for wine or non-alcoholic beverages) were a sparkling Spanish white from the Canary Islands and a white grape juice carbonated with yeast and star anise. My date and I shared both, and after the first sip of the “juice pairing,” as our servers called it, we were taken aback. It’s bubbly and dry—it could have passed as wine. I’d never thought about how closely dry drinks could mimic their boozy...

As its name suggests, fresh seafood gets the spotlight at this lively Pilsen spot. With a wood-fired oven anchoring the space, the team puts a chef-driven spin on Mexican coastal cuisine, turning out pristine tostadas, aguachiles and other seafood specialties. It’s an ideal spot for dinner before a show at Thalia Hall, but the food is reason enough to make the trip on its own. The vibe: The space strikes a balance between polished and relaxed, and is suited for a leisurely dinner or drinks and bites at the bar. The food: The tuna tostada, layered with black garlic aioli, salsa macha, avocado and citrus, is a must-try appetizer. So are the crab rangoon empanadas, which combine creamy crab filling with a crisp, golden shell. The octopus Sonoran dog is one of the most creative items on the menu, a bacon-wrapped tentacle on a buttery bun with black beans, pico de gallo and salsa macha. For a larger main, the whole dorade is grilled until the skin is crisp and the flesh stays tender. It’s served with salsas and tortillas for making your own tacos. The drinks: A small selection of beer and wine complements cocktails centered on agave spirits, such as the La Fresona, a spicy-sweet mix of tequila, jalapeño, strawberry and Ancho Reyes. Time Out tip: After dinner, enjoy a nightcap at Tack Room, the piano lounge inside Thalia Hall.

This small Edgewater spot serves up some of the best deep dish in town. The vibe: Casual, lively, bright. The food: Owner George Bumbaris uses a sourdough starter and recipe that’s based on lagana—a Greek flatbread similar to focaccia. The bottom of each pie is also dusted with cornmeal while the edges of the crust are caramelized. And instead of putting the toppings under the sweet red sauce, Bumbaris layers them over it.  The drinks: A tight offering of Coke, water and bottled iced tea. Time Out tip: The menu pays tribute to famous Georges throughout history, so check out the fun creations like Weasley’s Spicy Red Top (Italian sausage, fire-roasted red peppers, spicy cherry peppers, ricotta) and Michael’s S&M (spaghetti, meatballs, ricotta, roasted garlic). Updated with reporting by Lauren Brocato  

Situated at Fullerton Avenue on Lake Shore Drive, Theater on the Lake is a year-round event venue with an on-site restaurant. A range of events are hosted here, from a roaring St. Patrick's Day celebration to the annual Air and Water Show viewing party, plus theater performances. Thanks to its location on the east side of Lake Shore Drive, it offers some of the best lake and skyline views in the city.

Just like Hogsalt's other concepts, which include Au Cheval, Armitage Alehouse and Gilt Bar, Bavette's is ultra-popular. You may have to sacrifice your firstborn to secure a reservation, but it's totally worth the sweat. The vibe: A moody, dimly lit steakhouse next to Gilt Bar. The food: Whatever you're in the mood for, you're likely to find something enticing thanks to the menu's extensive selection of cuts ranging from a 6-ounce filet mignon and 20-ounce dry-aged bone-in ribeye to a 32-ounce Porterhouse.  The drinks: Bavette's offers four variations of an Old Fashioned, as well as pickle back shots, spirit-free sips, wines and eight different ice-cold martinis. Time Out tip: Reservations are available up to 21 days in advance at 9am. We recommend setting an alarm; otherwise, you may have better luck as a walk-in.

While its name suggests otherwise, this West Loop neo-bistro is a cozy, charming spot for reimagined French fare. David and Anna Posey, together with chef de cuisine Tayler Ploshehanski, draw from the classics while weaving in Midwestern influences. The result is one of Chicago’s most distinctive French menus in recent years. The vibe: The restaurant is divided between two dining rooms, with large windows that flood the space with natural light during the daytime. Tightly arranged tables give the room a lively, bistro-like atmosphere. Diners seated at the back counter face a mirrored wall, which can feel a bit awkward. The food: Start with the Brie gougères, warm, buttery puffs balanced by drizzles of honey. The roast chicken with chicken liver and wine sauce is an excellent shareable option, featuring crisp skin and juicy, tender meat. Save room for Anna Posey’s sherbet meringue cake—the flavors rotate regularly. The drinks: Pre-batched cocktails include timeless favorites such as the Vesper, Negroni, and dirty martini. The wine list leans heavily toward French wines, with a handful of California selections. Time Out tip: Creepies doesn’t have a bar, so if you’re looking to linger over a pre- or post-meal drink, you’ll want to head elsewhere.

When it comes to pizza, Pizz'Amici means business. This West Town eatery inside a former barber shop is one of Chicago's most exciting debuts in recent years. It's a classic no-frills restaurant that instantly made a name for itself for its next-level tavern-style pies. It's also one of the hottest reservations in town right now, and because the space is tiny, it's almost impossible to get a table. But for the lucky ones who do get in, it's so worth the wait.  The vibe: The intimate, laid-back restaurant is reminiscent of an old-school pizza joint thanks to the black-and-white checkered flooring, bright red bar stools, white tablecloths and vintage Italian posters and artworks. The food: The menu is short and sweet, with pizza being the star of the show. We love the creamy Caesar salad, which is the perfect start to a family-style meal here. It's recommended to add at least three toppings (like hot honey, meat, garlic and peppers) to the 14-inch pies. They're crisp, fresh, razor-thin and perfectly sweet.  The drinks: The beverage program comprises a curated selection of Italian wines, cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks. Highlights include the Pepperoni Negroni (pepperoni-infused Letherbee, Zissou aperitivo and sweet vermouth) and the seasonal smoky Big Miami Guy (400 conejos, primo aperitivo, matchbook strawberry and lemon). Time Out tip: It can be extremely difficult to book a table. We got lucky when a same-day reservation became available around noon, but if you aren't...

One of Chicago’s buzziest bakeries in recent years, Del Sur is well worth planning your morning around. Chef and owner Justin Lerias brings Filipino flavors to thoughtfully crafted pastries made with Midwestern ingredients, resulting in a lineup that’s far more interesting than your standard croissants and muffins. The vibe: The compact Lincoln Square shop has a sleek, modern look. It’s mainly a grab-and-go operation, so don’t expect to linger. The line can stretch during busy weekend mornings, but the friendly staff keeps things moving without making you feel rushed. The food: The longanisa croissant is a must-order, a flaky, toasted-rice laminated dough with house-made sausage, soy caramel, and cured egg yolk. The turon Danish, filled with caramelized banana jam and vanilla flan, channels the flavors of the classic Filipino snack, while the calamansi chamomile bun packs a bright citrus punch. The drinks: Coffee comes from local roasters, and Volition Tea supplies the teas. House-made syrups like salted pandan, ube and caramelized honey add a distinctive Southeast Asian touch to the drink menu. Time Out tip: Get there early—especially on weekends when waits can exceed 45 minutes and popular pastries tend to sell out quickly.

One of Chicago’s most sought-after bakeries, Sugar Moon has earned a devoted following for its sweet and savory goods. The tiny Logan Square bakeshop rotates its offerings regularly, showcasing seasonal ingredients and inventive flavor combinations. The vibe: Sugar Moon is small and no-frills, with a pastry case that speaks for itself. There’s no seating, and the line usually forms outside before the shop even opens. The food: The selection spans sweet and savory options, from stuffed brioche and focaccia to croissants, galettes, scones and cookies. The tahini chocolate chip cookie, with flecks of smoked salt, is among the best in the city, while the banana pudding croissant is an indulgent treat filled with vanilla custard, banana, salted caramel and mascarpone whip. Keep an eye out for specials, as owner Dina Cimarusti has been known to create items like Italian beef galettes and corned beef croissants. The drinks: It’s mostly about the pastries here, but Sugar Moon also offers coffee, sodas and water. Time Out tip: The bakery is only open Friday through Sunday and does sell out, so arrive early if you have your heart set on a particular item.

We've rounded up the best chefs in the city to join us at Time Out Market Chicago, a culinary and cultural destination in the heart of Fulton Market. The 50,000-square-foot space houses more than 15 kitchens, three bars and one drop-dead gorgeous rooftop terrace—all spread across three floors. Our mission is simple: Bring Time Out Chicago to life with the help of our favorite chefs, the ones who wow us again and again. You'll find delicious dumplings from Qing Xiang Yuan, mouthwatering burgers at Gutenburg, fried chicken from Art Smith's Sporty Bird and extravagant milkshakes from JoJo's shakeBAR. If you're thirsty, sit down at one of the Market's bars to enjoy a menu of local beer, a robust wine list or a creative seasonal cocktail. And keep an eye out for events, concerts and artwork within the Market throughout the year—we're keeping our calendar packed with things to do.

Where to start at this sprawling ode to all 20 regions of Italy? With three restaurants, six counters, a market full of fresh and hard-to-find ingredients and a wine store with over 1,500 bottles of Italian wine, you’ll have to follow your heart (and your mouth). First, fuel up with coffee and a pastry while you browse the market’s daily selection. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, grab a quick lunch at Pizza alla Pala or Lavazza, or head to Pasta & More for bowls of fresh pasta prepared in minutes.  For a sit-down meal that transports you to Italy, head to La Pizza & La Pasta for pies topped with San Marzano tomato sauce and fresh finds from the market, or choose from an astonishing assortment of carbonara, which have been helpfully paired with wines that cut right through the richness. At Vino &…, you can work your way through wine flights while snacking on meatballs, housemade burrata, fresh focaccia bianca and more.  To get the most out of Eataly, book a store tour, where experts will guide you through tastings while you sip a glass of Prosecco. You can also take classes to learn more about Italian wine and cheese, pizza- and pasta-making and how to make Eataly’s ingredients sing in your home kitchen.

Opened in 1986, Chiu Quon is an old-school Chinese bakery that’s wonderfully unfussy. The Chinatown shop’s display cases are filled with a variety of baked goods, drawing a steady stream of customers from morning to night. It’s a dependable neighborhood spot where you can grab a satisfying meal without spending much. The vibe: The interior is clean and contemporary, but decidedly no-frills. The line moves quickly, so you’ll be in and out in no time. The food: The bakery specializes in Hong Kong-style pastries, with the barbecue pork buns being the main attraction. Portuguese egg tarts, featuring flaky pastry encasing a brûléed, creamy custard, are another standout, while sesame balls and pineapple buns are also worth adding to your order. The selection can vary throughout the day as everything is made fresh. For savory options, Chiu Quon offers traditional dim sum bites like shumai, rice noodle rolls and chicken feet. The drinks: The fridges are stocked with water, sodas, juices and more, and they serve coffee as well. Time Out tip: It’s cash-only, but there’s an ATM inside if you forget to bring bills.

Taking up residence in the former Winchester space, the Michelin-starred modern Filipino-American concept is from husband-and-wife team Tim Flores and Genie Kwon (Oriole).  The vibe: An intimate, ultra-popular spot in the Ukrainian Village that always has a long line during the daytime. The food: During the daytime, Kwon’s pastries and options like chicken adobo and a killer breakfast sandwich cause lines to form down the block. But at night, Kasama transforms into a 13-course fine dining experience full of bold and exciting flavors. The drinks: The daytime drinks like an ube latte are balanced and fresh, and for dinner, a $195 beverage pairing is well worth the splurge. Time Out tip: If you're coming during the day, order ahead online. This way, you'll skip the long line and walk right inside to pick up your order. When the weather permits, head to one of the nearby parks to eat outside. 

The new West Loop spot from husband and wife David and Anna Posey (he of Blackbird, she of the Publican) has a name that comes from the Danish word for “love”—a nod to David’s heritage and the fact that the couple got engaged in Copenhagen. The food, however, is not Danish; the menu was made with simple fare and seasonal ingredients in mind. You can choose from a prix fixe menu (eight courses) or à la carte options; on our visit it seemed that groups were taking the latter route while couples opted for the tasting menu. Elske is a perfect intro to fine dining, with reliable and approachable dishes that will school diners new to coursed meals on what to expect—with complicated ingredients that are still complex in flavor, but without overly meticulous plating. We were hooked from the first dish. Two bowls—one filled with smoked fruits and vegetables like radishes topped with dill, the other an herbal tea of the same fruits and vegetables—contrast the bright crunch of the plants with the warm beverage, their flavors blending seamlessly together. The initial combinations (with options for wine or non-alcoholic beverages) were a sparkling Spanish white from the Canary Islands and a white grape juice carbonated with yeast and star anise. My date and I shared both, and after the first sip of the “juice pairing,” as our servers called it, we were taken aback. It’s bubbly and dry—it could have passed as wine. I’d never thought about how closely dry drinks could mimic their boozy...

The award-winning bakery from One Off Hospitality has added a cafe to its wholesale operation. Stop by in the morning for a flaky croissant or kouign-amann with your coffee, or come later to enjoy tartines and big sandwiches sold by weight. Make sure to pick up a loaf of bread to take home, too.