The 37 best restaurants in Chicago right now

What is it? A two-Michelin-starred fine-dining experience from chef-owner Noah Sandoval.

Why we love it: Chicago is home to a number of upscale tasting menus, but few can match Oriole’s deft execution. Upon arrival, guests are escorted into a freight elevator and served a complimentary drink before the door opens to reveal the dining room. Though there’s no telling what Sandoval has in store each evening, you can expect the cooking to put the spotlight squarely on the premium ingredients. And the space itself is a jaw-dropper, with exposed brick adding warmth and character, while soaring wooden columns nod to the industrial roots of one of the city's trendiest neighborhoods. 

Time Out tip: Don't miss out on the beverage program—it complements the food with inventive cocktails and an Old World-inspired wine list. And if you don't drink, don't fret: Oriole offers a spirit-free pairing with creative, non-alcoholic beverages.

Address: 661 W Walnut St, Chicago, IL 60661

Opening hours: Tue–Sat 5–9:30pm

What is it? An elevated Latin concept in Chicago's Uptown neighborhood.

Why we love it: Chef Norman Fenton has helped reinvigorate Chicago's fine-dining scene, marrying modern technique and whimsy with ancient Latin American ingredients to produce bold and memorable flavors. The dishes are captivating, like a ravioli stuffed with puréed huitlacoche laze in truffle beurre blanc and garnished with fried corn silk, or a blue corn tetela (masa pocket) filled with rich, gamey duck confit and roasted sweet potato. At 10pm, the team shifts gears with a taco omakase, where Fenton’s skill and creativity shine through a series of thoughtfully crafted takes on street food. Think: airy chicharrones with foamy esquites, buttery masa pockets stuffed with duck and crispy confited suadero tacos. The restaurant earned its first Michelin star in 2024.

Time Out tip: For a more laid-back experience, book a seat at the late-night chef's counter for the eight-course taco omakase, featuring offerings like Alaskan king crab and wagyu tacos.

Address: 4662 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640

Opening hours: Wed–Sun 6pm–midnight

What is it? A family-owned spot for slow-cooked goat.

Why we love it: Thick handmade tortillas, salsas made to order, bright-pink agua fresca, cinnamon-laced coffee—you can get all of that to go. Their only purpose, however, is to accompany the restaurant’s signature platters of chopped goat meat. Unlike other birrierias, this goat doesn’t touch a consommé until it’s plated, when some of the tomato-based broth is spooned over it. (That means no soggy tortillas here.) At that point, a good dousing of hot sauce, and maybe a squeeze of lime and some onions, is all you need for the city’s best tacos.

Time Out tip: The original Archer Heights location is closed for now due to a fire, so head to the Uptown outpost, which opened in 2023. Note that the Uptown restaurant is walk-in only, so plan accordingly.

Address: 4800 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640

Opening hours (Uptown): Mon–Thu 11am–7pm; Fri, Sat 11am–10pm; Sun 11am–9pm

What is it? An eight-seat sushi counter run by a bold and ambitious chef Otto Phan.

Why we love it: Phan left Austin, Texas to come to Chicago with the goal of offering the city’s finest sushi. He fulfills those aspirations nightly at his nondescript Logan Square restaurant, which is also one of the priciest experiences in town. Those lucky enough to secure a seat are rewarded with a front-row view of Phan slicing pristine fish and placing it atop extra-large grains of rice seasoned with aged red vinegar. It's a splurge, but Kyōten's Edomae sushi is widely regarded as the Midwest’s best, thanks to premium ingredients sourced from Japan.

Time Out tip: If you're unable to book a reservation at Kyōten, consider its sibling, Kyōten Next Door, a more relaxed experience at a lower price point.

Address: 2507 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Opening hours: Tue–Sun 6:30–9pm

What is it? A vaguely “contemporary American” restaurant from acclaimed chef Erling Wu-Bower.

Why we love it: In many ways, this singular menu synopsizes what it’s like to live and eat through major American cities right now—where cuisines, heritages and identities cram together and intermingle. The menu draws on all sorts of influences, making it tough to categorize the cuisine at Maxwells Trading: Chinese soup dumplings collide with pasta traditions of Bologna, Italy; Thai chili sauce dances with bitter greens and rare steak; and edible kelp whisks beurre blanc to the foamy seashore. What’s easy to understand, though, is why we’re smitten with it—suzuki tartare announces its arrival with intoxicating aromas; brûléed sweet potato bathes in a northern Thai-style curry; and the clay pot mushroom rice is simply a must-order. 

Time Out tip: You may have to plan ahead to snag a table, but it’s well worth the effort. Reservations are released three weeks in advance, and they go online at 7am. 

Address: 1516 W Carroll Ave, Chicago, IL 60607

Opening hours: Tue–Thu 4:30-9pm; Fri, Sat 4:30-10pm

What is it? Top Chef alum Sarah Grueneberg's pasta playground in the West Loop.

Why we love it: Italian food is meant to be shared, and at Monteverde, that's never an issue. Fill your table with a smorgasboard of small plates, handmade pastas and shareable mains (read: they're freakin' huge). You absolutely mustn't skip the burrata e ham starter—which comes with warm English muffin-like rounds called tigelle—nor the spaghetti al pomodoro, a simple but soul-affirming dish that stars Grueneberg's spot-on roasted tomato sauce. And if you're a gluten-free eater, good news: The restaurant has an entire flourless "Senza" menu, swapping in Caponi rigatoni (made with corn and brown rice flour) for the usual pastas.

Time Out tip: Monteverde remains one of the hottest reservations in town, but if you can't snag a dinner table, try going for lunch. The menus are almost identical, minus a few dishes.

Address: 1020 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60607

Opening hours: Tue–Thu 11am–9:30pm; Fri, Sat 11am-10:30pm

What is it? An old-school Italian beef and ice stand over in Elmwood Park.

Why we love it: Just like with deep dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs, locals will never agree on the best Italian beef maker. The closest to a consensus is Johnnie’s, a legendary spot that necessitates a pilgrimage to the suburbs. You’ll have plenty of time to decide on what to order as you wait in line behind regulars—with sandwich-filling options ranging from classic beef to Italian sausage, double hot dogs to pepper and eggs—but we suggest getting the beef, doused in a generous helping of jus and served with hot peppers. Order a lemon Italian ice to cool your mouth off afterwards, the perfect refresher after an artery-clogging sandwich. Make sure to order your ice “no cover” to have the cup piled high with a precarious mountain of sweet and tangy goodness.

Time Out tip: It's cash only, so don't forget to stop at an ATM beforehand.

Address: 7500 W North Ave, Elmwood Park, IL 60707

Opening hours: Mon–Sat 11am–midnight; Sun noon–midnight

What is it? A Latin-inspired steakhouse with a fresh take on the classic formula.

Why we love it: Steakhouses are hardly in short supply, but chef Stephen Sandoval and business partner Oscar Sotelo set their West Loop restaurant apart by going beyond the tried-and-true. Staples such as shrimp cocktail and beef tartare are exemplary renditions, the latter mixed with tallow aioli, mustard, machaca and a cured yolk. The real story unfolds as you work your way through the rest of the menu. The cangrejo tostada arrives as a verdant disc layered with crab, avocado, dill, Asian pear, and pistachio, while buttery empanadas are stuffed with spiced lamb. Cuts range from picanha to dry-aged T-bone, with house-made sauces like the chimichurri providing the perfect accompaniment. Don’t skip the spuds, either—there are three different preparations, plus a potato of the day. 

Time Out tip: Cap off the evening with a nightcap at Laberinto, a speakeasy from the Trino team that’s tucked away downstairs.

Address: 738 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60661

Opening hours: Tue-Thu, Sun 4:30-9pm; Fri, Sat 4:30pm-12:30am

What is it? An upscale Korean restaurant from talented chef Dave Park and his partner, Jennifer Tran.

Why we love it: Jeong is the fanciest Korean experience in Chicago, bar none. Park, who previously ran celebrated food court stall Hanbun in the suburbs, uses modern preparations to elevate traditional flavors. At the roomier, full-service Jeong (pronounced “chung”) Tran oversees front of house as GM while Park helms both the focused tasting menu (eight courses) and a la carte dishes, suffusing childhood taste memories with joyful modernity. His tasting menu showcases gorgeous and inventive plates, like a disc of salmon tartare topped with doenjang yuzu gastrique, crunchy rice pearls and dollops of crème fraiche, and slices of succulent Australian Wagyu with carrot velouté, cabbage and makgeolli (milky, lightly sparkling rice wine).

Time Out tip: If you have food allergies or dietary restrictions, note that the kitchen can only accommodate pescatarians as well as certain modifications for expecting mothers.

Address: 1460 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60642

Opening hours: Wed–Sat 5–9:30pm

What is it? An intimate West Town restaurant that's reminiscent of an old-school pizza joint.

Why we love it: This no-frills restaurant instantly made a name for itself with its next-level tavern-style pies. The menu is short and sweet, with pizza being the star of the show. 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. 

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 spending time refreshing OpenTable, try walking in when the restaurant opens. It's best to get there a few minutes early, as there's typically a line outside the door, meaning almost all tables are accounted for within the hour.

Address: 1215 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60642

Opening hours: Wed-Fri 5-10pm; Sat 4-10pm; Sun 4-9pm

What is it? A wood-fire-driven restaurant from chef Zubair Mohajir, with a menu inspired by the flavors and traditions that have traveled along the historic spice routes.

Why we love it: Mohajir’s deeply personal concept traces the history of migration through food, following culinary influences from South Asia through the Middle East, North Africa and Europe. Wood-fired cooking is the focus, starring dishes like Bicol-style mussels, beef cheek nihari with black garlic naan and whole branzino served with Moroccan olive relish. Don’t miss the tableside duck, based on a nearly 1,000-year-old Numidian recipe, which is as much of a storytelling experience as it is a meal.

Time Out tip: Head to Bobo, a Filipino-inspired cocktail bar in the back of Mohajir, for a pre- or post-dinner drink.

Address: 2630 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614

Opening hours: Wed-Sun 5-10pm

What is it? Chicago’s quintessential cash-only seafood smokehouse, located just west of the Indiana border.

Why we love it: Remember the bridge-jumping scene in Blues Brothers? It happened right next to Calumet Fisheries. The best way to get there is to drive—mostly because your car will double as your table when you leave with your bounty. One of the state's few remaining smokehouses, Calumet smokes all of its own seafood in-house using only natural wood. You can taste the difference when you sample the salmon, catfish and sturgeon—all of which are available by the pound. That shouldn't stop you from tacking on an order of crispy shrimp and cocktail sauce, the perfect grab-and-dunk appetizer for eating on the go.

Time Out tip: There's no seating inside, so plan to eat your smoked chubs, battered-and-fried shrimp, and garlic-smoked salmon on the curb or in your vehicle.

Address: 3259 E 95th St, Chicago, IL 60617

Opening hours: Mon-Thu, Sun 10am-8pm; Fri, Sat 10am-9pm

What is it? A Korean fine-dining restaurant where premium beef is the star of the show.

Why we love it: Bonyeon elevates Korean barbecue into a refined omakase experience. The intimate 12-seat chef’s counter offers a front-row view of chefs expertly grilling wagyu and other delicacies, all served with thoughtful accompaniments that highlight the quality of the beef. While it’s not a traditional steakhouse, Bonyeon is a destination for those looking to indulge in some of the city’s best cuts.

Time Out tip: In addition to standard and reserve wine pairings, guests can opt for sool pairings featuring fermented beverages like soju and rice wine.

Address: 651 W Washington Blvd, Chicago, IL 60661

Opening hours: Wed-Sun 5-10:30pm

What is it? Chef Erick Williams's love letter to the Southern experience of cooking through passed-down recipes and reimagined expressions.

Why we love it: You can practically feel the soul oozing from the menu at this Hyde Park restaurant. It's because Williams cooks with his heart, whether he's plating fried green tomatoes with tender shrimp and creamy rémoulade or fixing his famous collards, which arrive studded with hunks of smoked turkey meat. The menu’s boiled-down dish descriptions (pork chop, salmon, shrimp) all but hide the intense attention to detail that he devotes to techniques and sourcing methods. It's a reminder that we're here to be fed, first and foremost. Second only to the food is the ambiance, which is sexy without trying too hard—perfect for a cozy date night.

Time Out tip: Leave room for desserts, like a rich round of chocolate cake dressed with coconut cream, a snowing of sliced almonds and a quenelle of salted chocolate sorbet.

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

Opening hours: Tue-Thu, Sun 4–9pm; Fri, Sat 4-10pm

What is it? The fine-dining beacon that started Boka Restaurant Group, one of Chicago's finest culinary collectives.

Why we love it: In its 20-plus years on Halsted Street, Boka has racked up a trophy case worth of awards, including one long-standing Michelin star and a handful of Jean Banchet Awards. But we prefer to let chef-partner Lee Wolen’s impeccable techniques—on everything from dry-aged duck and roasted chicken to ricotta gnudi—do the talking. It'd be a shame to skip dessert, which stars dreamy, sugar-filled confections with serious range—from peanut torte to black walnut chocolate cake.

Time Out tip: Avoid sitting at a table in the bar area if possible, as it’s so loud that we couldn’t hear our servers on a visit and the elaborate garden wall in the other dining room is something to behold. But if you can’t, don’t worry—it’s worth sitting anywhere you can just to try that chicken. 

Address: 1729 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614

Opening hours: Mon-Thu, Sun 5-9pm; Fri, Sat 5-10pm

What is it? The king of thin-crust pizza, done Chicago-style.

Why we love it: Serving pies since 1949 (although this location opened in '65), Vito and Nick’s is a Chicago tradition. The cracker-thin, tavern-style crust is loaded up with rich red sauce, gooey mozzarella and fennel-flecked sausage chunks; test the limits with a few more toppings—we like mushroom, pepper, onion and black olives on ours. For the complete experience, stop by to sip an ice-cold Old Style in the dining room while catching a glimpse of the Bears or Sox game on TV. 

Time Out tip: The wait times for pie can run a little long on weekends, so order your drinks by the pitcher, and enjoy a true Chicago scene. (Or, thanks to a glut of national attention after the Food Network blew through town, scan the walls for plenty of reading material.)

Address: 8433 S Pulaski Rd, Chicago, IL 60652

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 11am–8:30pm; Fri, Sat 11am-9:30pm; Sun noon-8pm

What is it? A modern Filipino-American bakery and fine-dining restaurant from husband-and-wife team Tim Flores and Genie Kwon, Kasama boasts both a Michelin-starred tasting menu and a selection of casual daytime dishes that'll have you saying, “I'll take one of each.”

Why we love it: Believe any and all of the hype on this one: Kasama really is as good as they say it is. Come by in the morning for brunch fare like a longanisa-topped breakfast sandwich or a full Filipino breakfast (longanisa/tocino, fried egg, garlic fried rice and pickled papaya) and some of Chicago's best pastries. At night, book a coveted seating for the restaurant's tasting menu, a Filipino-inspired journey that swings from dishes like nilaga with A5 wagyu to a perfect little croissant served with a sprinkling of freshly shaved black truffles.

Time Out tip: If you don't have your heart set on dining indoors, skip the inevitable line during the daytime and order online for pickup—we promise your meal will taste just as good. 

Address: 1001 N Winchester Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Opening hours: Wed 9am-3pm; Thu-Sun 9am-3pm, 5:30-9pm

What is it? A taqueria attached to a corner store.

Why we love it: Chicago’s best all-around taqueria specializes in tacos de fritangas, or fried meaty things cooked on a wide metal stovetop called a charola. You seriously can’t go wrong with anything on the menu, from the extra beefy suadero to the intricately spiced longaniza sausage. But the showstopper—and perhaps the best taco in the city—is the tripa. Order it crispy, and these little hunks from the cow’s intestine (not, as you would assume, the stomach) arrive as golden-hued and glistening crunchy nuggets. The super tender meat is a flavor conduit, so keep it simple with a sprinkle of diced raw onions and cilantro, a squeeze of lime and a spoonful of salsa. There's also a wide range of refreshing house-made beverages, including fresh-pressed juices, aguas frescas and blended licuadas (papaya, walnut).

Time Out tip: The best way to wash down that must-try crispy tripe taco is with a cup of cold, creamy horchata.

Address: 2500 S Whipple St #4138, Chicago, IL 60623

Opening hours: Mon-Wed 11am-9pm; Fri-Sun 11am-8pm

What is it? A tiny Thai restaurant specializing in regional noodle dishes and street fare.

Why we love it: Noodles Party skips the usual pad Thai in favor of a rotating selection of specialties. One night, you might find a rich bowl of soup teeming with tender duck, blood cubes and springy noodles, while your next visit could yield a fragrant khao soi. No matter what's on the menu, expect deeply flavorful noodle dishes and hearty rice plates that keep even regulars coming back for something new.

Time Out tip: Check Instagram before you go to see the latest weekly menu.

Address: 4205 W Lawrence Ave, Chicago, IL 60630

Opening hours: Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat 11:30am-11pm

What is it? An upscale, modern Indian experience led by chef Sujan Sarkar.

Why we love it: No restaurant in Chicago presents Indian flavors quite like Indienne. Sarkar blends refined techniques with South Asian recipes to create memorable courses, such as a poached egg bathed in curry studded with peas, sweet corn and crispy onions; chicken terrine draped with slices of truffle and sauced in a salty Amul cheese emulsion alongside a piece of leek; and succulent lamb chop plated with vibrant colored sauces (inspired by different Indian regions) as well as garlic naan and black dairy dal. 

Time Out tip: If you're navigating specific dietary restrictions, there are separate vegan, vegetarian, non-vegetarian and pescatarian tasting menus all available—and all of which are reasonably priced! Set menu options are priced between $135 and $155, a relative bargain considering the River North location, adding to the restaurant's whole elegant but unstuffy vibe. For light bites, grab a seat at the bar, where an a la carte menu is on offer.

Address: 217 W Huron St, Chicago, IL 60654

Opening hours: Mon-Thu 5-9pm; Fri, Sat 5-9:30pm

What is it? An intimate 12-seat omakase counter showcasing a seasonal tasting menu by acclaimed chef Mari Katsumura.

Why we love it: Shō delivers everything you want from a standout omakase experience: pristine seafood, meticulous technique and dining space that feels both polished and welcoming. There’s more than just nigiri here, as Katsumura serves hot and cold dishes, pressed hand rolls and interactive courses that bring a playful, immersive element to the meal. Every detail feels intentional, from the curated sake and whisky lists to a playlist that features artists like Daft Punk and Frank Ocean.

Time Out tip: If you prefer bubbles, Shō offers an excellent selection of grower Champagnes.

Address: 1533 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610

Opening hours: Wed-Sat 5-11pm

What is it? An intimate 10-seat omakase restaurant tucked away inside Sushi-san.

Why we love it: Omakase-centric restaurants are so en vogue right now, but few match up to Lettuce Entertain You’s impressive 10-seat sushi counter. Led by chef Kaze Chan, The Omakase Room is a dazzling experience that’s both elegant and unstuffy. Diners are seated at a sushi counter, where they have a close-up view of the action. The convivial atmosphere encourages chit-chatting with the team as they carve pristine pieces of raw fish to create 18 memorable courses, which include creations like caviar-topped otoro tartare and king crab handroll.

Time Out tip: Chicago isn't near an ocean, but that doesn't stop this restaurant from sourcing the freshest fish possible, so no sushi ick here! The Omakase Room has a direct partnership with the Yamasaki family at the Toyosu Fish Market and Martinez Produce and Seafood, ensuring deliveries of hyper-fresh seafood every single day.

Address: Sushi-san, 63 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60654

Opening hours: Wed–Sat 5:30-11:30pm

What is it? A neo-bistro from Elske owners David and Anna Posey.

Why we love it: Creepies brings together French and Midwestern influences for a dining experience that's refined but never feels pretentious. The Brie gougères are a must—the warm puffs are coated in honey, offering a rich, sweet bite. Pillowy Parisian gnocchi are blanketed in Swiss cheese, ham and egg yolk, an indulgent dish that’s comforting and deeply satisfying. The roast chicken rests in a pool of liver and wine sauce, best enjoyed with a side of fries made for sopping up every last drop. For dessert, Anna Posey delivers an ever-changing rotation of sherbet meringue cake, so save room.

Time Out tip: While Creepies serves alcohol, it lacks a bar. Head to Elske, a few doors away, for a pre- or post-dinner drink.

Address: 1360 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607

Opening hours: Mon, Thu-Sun 11am-2pm, 5-10pm

What is it? A modern Indian restaurant celebrating the rich diversity of regional cuisines across the country.

Why we love it: Each dish tells its own story, highlighting the distinct flavors, traditions and foodways of a different part of India. Start with the Parsi-style keema per eda, topped with a sunny-side-up egg and potato salli, or the Kundapur king prawn ghee roast, coated in a fiery Byadgi chili masala. For a splurge, the whole Dungeness crab arrives in the shell with your choice of garlic butter or peppery ghee roast. Cocktails get similarly creative, incorporating Indian ingredients like masala chai and roasted cumin.

Time Out tip: This is a particularly good pick for vegetarians, with dedicated meat-free options throughout the menu.

Address: 2518 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

Opening hours: Mon-Thu, Sun 5-9:30pm; Fri, Sat 5-10:30pm

What is it? A Nordic-Japanese fine-dining experience in West Town.

Why we love it: Atsumeru is quietly serving one of Chicago's best tasting menus. Chef Devin Denzer has transformed the former Temporis space into a two-story destination, where diners begin the evening in a cozy basement lounge before heading upstairs for dinner. Nordic and Japanese flavors come together in seafood-forward dishes like trout and prawn chawanmushi, as well as scallops in sudachi sauce with crispy chicken skin. Even the desserts dazzle—the signature milk and pine course features milk ice cream wrapped in white chocolate, served in fermented pine needle juice and pine needle oil. 

Time Out tip: Wine and non-alcoholic pairings are available, though guests are also welcome to bring their own bottles for a $35 corkage fee.

Address: 933 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Opening hours: Wed-Sat 5-9pm

What is it? Grant Achatz’s world-renowned temple of molecular gastronomy in Lincoln Park.

Why we love it: Service here is a highly choreographed production. A variety of dishes served among fire, ice and smoke steal the show. Achatz and his team revamped the menu in 2026, but previous favorites have included Alinea’s (very tiny) version of a Chicago hot dog and the iconic helium balloon for dessert. Beverage pairings range from $195 to $475. Non-alcoholic pairings are also available, and if you want to bring your own bottle, be prepared to pay the $125 corkage fee. 

Time Out tip: Alinea still sells out most nights, so be sure to make a reservation well in advance. Your best bet is to set a reminder for the 15th of the month, two months before you plan to go.

Address: 1723 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614

Opening hours: Daily 5-10pm

What is it? A modern American bistro with scaled-down service.

Why we love it: Housed in the former Nookies space on a boutiquey stretch of Halsted, John’s exudes timeless magnetism—narrow and warmly lit with cream and whitewashed brick walls, wood floors and soft banquettes the color of wheat. But from the minute you walk in, John's deviates from the norm. Orders are taken at the host stand, so guests must decide what they want in one go before they're seated. Fortunately, the menu is concise, featuring seasonal dishes executed with remarkable precision. You'll probably encounter something new each time, but on one of our visits, we enjoyed beef tartare with smoked onion aioli; mafalde with Manila clams and smoked butter; and cherry-glazed ribeye with garlic scapes.

Time Out tip: This is the one time you're going to want to fill up on the fries—Kennebec potatoes cooked in beef fat, to be specific. 

Address: 2114 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614

Opening hours: Tue-Thu 5-9:30pm; Fri 4-10pm; Sat 11am-2pm, 4-10pm; Sun 4-8:30pm

What is it? A live-fire restaurant centered on Midwest ingredients.

Why we love it: By rehabbing the century-old space that once housed the German institution Golden Ox, John Asbaty and Alain Uy have ignited Lincoln Park with a concept rooted in regional flavors and rustic techniques. At the heart of the kitchen is a custom wood-burning grill, which drives the menu. While dry-aged steak and roast chicken appear as expected, it’s the vegetables that emerge as surprise standouts. Salt-roasted carrots are dressed with harissa and pickled rhubarb; charred cabbage is finished with brown butter hollandaise and trout roe; and marinated beets meet grilled radicchio and goat cheese. Ox Bar & Hearth strikes a balance between approachability and refinement, appealing to a wide range of palates while still delivering a sophisticated experience.

Time Out tip: Grab a seat at the bar or lounge for happy hour, between 5-6pm, on Wednesday, Thursday or Sunday to enjoy bites like smoked wings and frito misto alongside drink specials.

Address: 1578 N Clybourn Ave, Chicago, IL 60642

Opening hours: Wed, Thu 5-9pm; Fri, Sat 5-10pm; Sun 10am-1:30pm, 5-9pm

What is it? John Shields and Karen Urie Shields’s two-in-one destination in the West Loop, providing a fine-dining experience upstairs and the city's best burger in the sultry basement.

Why we love it: You can choose your own adventure at this double feature—and neither option will lead you astray. Bite into the Loyalist's burger, a messy medley of cheesy, oniony goodness and chuck-short rib-bacon blend patty. Or splurge for Smyth's multi-course tasting menu, a three Michelin-starred exploration of Smyth County, Virginia. The offerings change daily based on the couples' trips to a 20-acre farm located south of the city. The stunning and delicate dishes on offer incorporate fresh, seasonal produce, making every experience feel very, very special.

Time Out tip: If you just want the Loyalist's burger, it's also available for pickup or delivery.

Address: 177 N Ada St, Suite #101, Chicago, IL 60607

Opening hours: Smyth: Tue-Sat 5-9pm; The Loyalist: Mon-Sat 5-10pm, Sun 10am-2pm

What is it? An intimate Italian-American spot in Lincoln Park inside the former Tarantino’s space.

Why we love it: Dimmi Dimmi is helmed by chef Matt Eckfeld, who worked under Bill Kim at Urbanbelly and cut his teeth at high-end spots like Carbone and ZZ’s Club in New York. The menu is robust with all the expected classics: salads, pastas, pizzas, fish and meat dishes. The paper-thin-crusted, tavern-style pizza is also solid. 

Time Out tip: Reservations can be hard to come by, so if you can't secure one, try walking in on a weekday. The earlier, the better.

Address: 1112 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60614

Opening hours: Tue, Wed 4-9pm; Thu, Sun 11am-3pm, 4-9pm; Fri, Sat 11am-3pm, 4-10pm

What is it? A Sichuan restaurant in Uptown serving fiery, flavor-packed dishes.

Why we love it: YooYee doesn't hold back on the heat, with dishes like cumin-laced lamb, mapo tofu and whole fish swimming in spicy broth. The hand-pulled noodles are also good, while sweet-skinned duck offers a break from the chili-heavy menu. The casual spot near Argyle has quickly become home to the neighborhood’s most sought-after tables.

Time Out tip: The restaurant shares a parking lot with several nearby businesses, but spaces can be hard to come by during busy times.

Address: 4925 N Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640

Opening hours: Mon-Thu, Sun 11:30am-9:30pm; Fri, Sat 11:30am-10pm

What is it? A family-owned sub shop in the West Loop that's been in operation since 1937.

Why we love it: This is an old-school Italian joint, with a late-night walk-up window, that doesn't ever skimp on quality or service. We love the signature Mr. G sandwich, which is made with prosciutto, salami, sopressata, aged provolone and marinated artichokes.

Time Out tip: J.P. Graziano frequently collaborates with local brands and restaurants. Keep an eye out for its giardinera at places like Pizz'amici and even cannabis-infused giardinera at nuEra dispensaries.

Address: 901 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607

Opening hours: Tue, Wed 11am-4pm; Thu, Fri 11am-4pm, 5-11pm; Sat 11am-4pm, 5-11:30pm

What is it? An all-day restaurant, bar and boutique market in West Town.

Why we love it: Despite the airy, plant-filled environs, Nettare’s food—punchy, rich and brackish on a recent evening—recalls the embrace of a neighborhood joint with knotty-wood walls. Drop by during the day for a selection of wine, beer and spirits, as well as coffee and pastries. When dinnertime rolls around, grab a seat in the 45-seat dining room, which was once a courtyard and is equipped with three large skylights, or the five-seat chef’s counter. The shareable plates take inspiration from Italian and Mediterranean flavors, with an emphasis on Midwestern ingredients. That means creative, ever-changing offerings like pierogies with giardiniera; beef belly with charred kohlrabi; and rhubarb tres leches cake.

Time Out tip: Don't sleep on the breakfast sandwiches or baked goods.

Address: 1953 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Opening hours: Thu, Sun 8am-9pm; Fri, Sat 8am-10pm

What is it? An all-day cafe and the fourth restaurant from celeb chef Joe Flamm's Day Off Group.

Why we love it: Inspired by the wine bars and eateries of Italy, Bar Tutto serves brunch, lunch and dinner, in addition to a bustling grab-and-go counter in the cafe. Highlights include the pillowy, ultra-fresh fusilli (pesto, Parmesan and basil), the decadent rigatoni (guanciale, pecorino and black pepper), and the flavorful mozzarella crostino (butternut squash mostarda and candied pepitas). 

Time Out tip: If you're here for dinner, the best seat in the house is at the chef's counter in the back. You'll get an up-close view of the well-choreographed kitchen staff working their magic, and you might even get a chance to chat with Flamm during your meal.

Address: 1110 W Carroll Ave, Chicago, IL 60607

Opening hours: Mon-Fri 7am-10pm; Sat, Sun 8am-11pm

What is it? Chefs Johnny Clark and Beverly Kim's love letter to Ukrainian cooking.

Why we love it: Anelya's offerings are modern-meets-traditional Ukrainian cuisine—fulfilling, heavy on root vegetables, oily fish and grains, and often sporting a sour edge from naturally fermented ingredients. It's a love letter to Clark's roots and named after his grandmother; standouts include trout roe tart and lokshyna, egg noodles layered with porcini mushrooms and farmer's cheese. Spirit-forward cocktails are seasoned with infusions, bitter aperitifs and house-fermented kefir, while spirit-free drinkers can opt for kvass, a traditional house-fermented beverage resembling kombucha.

Time Out tip: Explore a thoughtfully curated selection of Eastern European wines, and save a little money on Wednesdays, when bottles are half-price.

Address: 3472 N Elston Ave, Chicago, IL 60618

Opening hours: Wed, Thu, Sun 5-9pm; Fri, Sat 5-10pm

What is it? A pandemic-born pizzeria with locations in West Town and Lakeview.

Why we love it: Every pizza has a defining feature—whether it's the zingy red sauce, the buttery crust or the imaginative toppings. At Milly's, it's not hard to tell what sets owner Robert Maleski's pies apart. A halo of caramelized mozzarella wraps around each creation, lending a deeply satisfying crunch to each slice. Crafted in small quantities, these pan pies usually sell out, but if you can get your hands on one, go for the Untitled #1, with pepperoni, jalapeños, Glorys tomatoes and fresh mozzarella.

Time Out tip: Availability is limited, with preorders starting at 8am each day, so it’s best to plan ahead.

Address: 925 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Opening hours: Wed-Sun 4-8pm