Every year, OpenTable pulls data from millions of diner reviews and reservation trends to reveal the most in-demand restaurants in the country. This year, Chicago made a strong showing with sixteen spots on the Top 100 list, five of which earned a standout score of 4.9.
Wicker Park’s Valhalla has been drawing attention from the start. Chef Stephen Gillanders runs the kitchen with sharp focus, building an ever-changing tasting menu around seasonal ingredients and global flavors. The menu features fresh seafood, clever pairings and artful platings. The Scandinavian decor adds to the calm, intimate vibe that makes dining here feel special, but not pretentious.
Right off Michigan Avenue, adjacent to the Ralph Lauren flagship store, RL Restaurant remains one of the city’s most reliable spots for a power lunch or date night. The space reflects Ralph Lauren’s signature style, mixing dark woods, leather seating and a clubby atmosphere. The menu is all about American classics, like crisp salads, steaks and a lobster rolls. The polished service and extensive cocktail list keep diners coming back.
Noriko specializes in handrolls made right in front of diners. The room is small, the pace is quick and the rolls arrive one at a time so the seaweed stays crisp. The team sources quality fish and builds each roll with simple ingredients that highlight freshness. It's the whole package that offers a memorable experience unlike typical sushi spots.
Set inside Lincoln Park with a postcard view of the water, North Pond continues to be one of the city’s most distinctive dining rooms. Chef César Murillo builds a five course tasting menu around peak seasonal produce and thoughtful technique. The Arts and Crafts style space keeps everything grounded and serene. Tables near the pond fill first, and the entire setup rewards diners who arrive early. The restaurant’s long commitment to seasonal cooking remains its biggest strength.
A Chicago staple for big nights out, Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak and Stone Crab delivers seafood shipped in daily and some of the city’s best steaks. The Florida stone crab claws are the star, but the bone-in ribeye and classic sides hold their own. It is the kind of place where servers remember regulars, and the key lime pie is nonnegotiable.
Chicago also scored eleven more winners with 4.8 ratings: Akahoshi Ramen, Alla Vita, Daisies, Elina’s, Gibsons Italia, Le Colonial, Mon Ami Gabi, Pizz’amici, Pizzeria Portofino, Rose Mary and Topo Gigio.
Find the full list of the top 100 restaurants here.