Latest Chicago restaurant reviews

Located in the former Hub 51 space at the corner of Hubbard and Dearborn Streets in River North, Southeast Asian-inspired restaurant Crying Tiger is the first collaboration between Lettuce Entertain You and James Beard Award finalist and Lettuce alum chef Thai Dang. The vibe: Designed by David Collins Studio, who also designed Tre Dita, the space is characterized by vibrant hues, a rich amalgamation of textures and playful tableware that draws on the restaurant's Southeast Asian influences.  The food: The menu is inspired by the culinary traditions of Southeast Asia and the foods Dang and managing partner Amarit Dulyapaibul ate growing up. Standouts include the bird's eye chili and hamachi crudo, which is served on a green fish-shaped plate, the chargrilled sugarcane beef bo la lot wrapped in betel leaves and the clay pot lobster pad Thai. The drinks: Inventive cocktails like the milk punch of Thai tea with cognac, lemon and sugar cane complement an extensive selection of zero-proof beverages, which include spiced Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed coconut milk and salted mango limeade with preserved citrus served on shaved ice. Time Out tip: If you sit in the main dining room, you'll get a peek into the kitchen. If you prefer a more intimate experience, try to snag a seat in the bar area where you can choose from a high-top or a booth.

At LIA Tavern, the food is almost as captivating as the art on the walls. Chef and owner Justin Viacuinas reinvents the menu every few months when he brings in a new resident artist. During each residency, the artist's work is displayed throughout the space, and select dishes are inspired, and sometimes even replicate, the works themselves (previous highlights include the Warhol Martini, which is served in a Campbell's Soup Can, inspired by artist Joey Africa's vibrant work depicting the same can). The vibe: A modern, pop-art-inspired spot in River North accented by a rotating selection of vibrant artwork and Viacuinas' own massive painting, which is one of the city's largest, behind the bar. The food: Tavern-style pizzas, pastas and mains like roasted seabass and Cajun roasted chicken are equally approachable and elevated. The drinks: Many drawing inspiration from artworks, inventive cocktails include the Jackson Paint Can (mezcal, bourbon, orange liqueur, ginger, plum and citrus), which is served in an actual paint can, and a Malört Negroni. Time Out tip: The atmosphere here is fun, and during the warmer months, massive windows open for an indoor/outdoor vibe. This is a great spot for River North workers to come for happy hour or for a special occasion outing.

Located inside the ultra-luxe St. Regis hotel, this authentic Tuscan restaurant from celebrated chef Evan Funke offers an exceptional experience inside one of the city's most beautiful dining rooms. The vibe: A high-end Italian restaurant and bar that makes you feel like you might run into Kendall Roy at any time. The food: Handmade pastas anchor the menu, with highlights including the rigatoncini all'arrabbiata and the trofie al pesto. The menu is designed to share, so go all in and order a few things. We recommend starting with the fluffy focaccia and pillowy gnocchi fritti. The drinks: Signature and classic cocktails complement an extensive selection of bottles, some of which are priced at over $1,500. Time Out tip: Request a table by the soaring window to take advantage of the sweeping city views, and, if you come on a Wednesday or Saturday night during the summer, the fireworks across the street at Navy Pier. 

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. 

Of all things, it was a fried corn silk garnish that made me well up during the fourth “Ravioli” course at Cariño, Uptown’s spectacular Latin American tasting menu restaurant from co-owner/executive chef Norman Fenton.  What’s maybe more noteworthy about this dish, in which al dente ravioli stuffed with puréed huitlacoche laze in truffle beurre blanc beneath a wave of corn foam, is that truffle isn’t rained on top like dollar bills. Rather it’s deployed subtly to enhance the corn smut’s woodsy, fermented qualities. Adorning the bowl’s edge with dehydrated corn and “popped” sorghum, the corn silk looked like little singed hairs. It tasted grassy and toasty, unlocking a childhood taste memory of eating ineptly shucked, grilled corn on the cob with butter. This stuck with me as I unearthed the grain’s diverse expressions one by one, then in a chorus—buttery, minerally, toasty, earthy like mushrooms, gently acidic, sweet as if sun dried. And I cried, just a little.  This was one of countless moments that solidified my sense that Cariño might be the best dining experience in Chicago right now, and a redemption of the tasting menu, which too often feels like it’s reaching for Michelin stars to the point of wanton tedium. Yes, you’ll find some fine-dining hallmarks: molecular gastronomy, occasional Wagyu and a truffle or two. Yes, there’s a hint of chef-bro one upmanship, namely a dessert in which a perfectly fried churro is doubly overpowered by foie gras mousse and a spiced...

On the northern end of the North Pond Nature Sanctuary sits a lovely farm-to-table restaurant that’s every bit as charming as it is delicious. Housed in a building that was constructed in 1912 to be a warming shelter for ice skaters, North Pond now serves as one of the most romantic dining rooms in town.  The vibe: This cozy, inviting eatery sits within the North Pond Nature Sanctuary in Lincoln Park. Warm wood, cozy booths and natural light create an inviting vibe. The food: Chef César Murillo’s seasonally inspired tasting menu ($134) and includes three courses. Recent offerings include quail with turmeric yogurt, local sumac boondi and cucamelon; Chippewa trout with grilled baby corn and squash, corn and jalapeño relish and maple granola. The drinks: Round out the experience with the optional wine pairing ($74). Each dish on the menu is listed with a suggested pairing. The beverage list also includes a wide selection of cocktails like Post Melon (cachaca, heirloom melon, Luxardo maraschino, lime and grapefruit) and Punch Drunk Passion (vodka, vanilla, passionfruit liquor, raspberry cocchi and lemon), as well as plenty of wines by the glass. Time Out tip: This is the perfect place to bring a date for a special occasion or just because. Request a table by the window for the most romantic experience possible.

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.

If you’ve lived in Chicago long enough, chances are you already have a favorite pan pizza. Milly’s fantastic pies, though, may test your allegiances. The vibe: A warm neighborhood pizza joint. The food: Owner Robert Maleski started making pizzas during the pandemic and operated out of a ghost kitchen before moving into a brick-and-mortar space in Uptown. Today, the restaurant operates out of locations in West Town and Berwyn. Inspired by local legend Burt Katz, the dough is baked with a ring of mozzarella around it, resulting in a caramelized crust. Maleski tops the cheese and sauce with a host of ingredients and dollops of fresh mozzarella.  The drinks: It's all about the pizza here. As soon as the pie hits the table, you won't be thinking about drinks. Time Out tip: We’re big fans of the Craiglist.org, a winning combination of sausage, mushrooms, pappadew peppers, red onions, tomatoes, spinach and ricotta. Availability is limited, so it’s best to order ahead. Updated with reporting by Lauren Brocato

Located directly above Pizzeria Portofino, Lettuce Entertain You's ultra-popular RPM Seafood offers fresh fix, stiff cocktails and unrivaled views of the Chicago River. The vibe: Take in views of the Chicago River from the terrace or through one of the restaurant’s floor-to-ceiling windows while you dine on bone-in swordfish ribeye or charcoal-grilled black bass at the seafood king of the RPM restaurant empire. The food: Start your meal in spectacular fashion by ordering a seafood tower featuring prawns, Maine lobster, Alaskan king crab legs and East and West Coast oysters.  The drinks: The drink menu emphasizes tequila and mezcal cocktails but also offers plenty of bubbly by the glass if it's a festive occasion. Time Out tip: If the weather permits, you'll want to reserve a seat on the outdoor patio. The views of the river from the prime location between the Clark and Dearborn bridges are unmatched.  

Soak in riverfront and skyline views from three different levels at this West Loop steakhouse. The second and third floors of the restaurant feature tables spread across on spacious patios, while the fourth rooftop is available for private events. The vibe: A modern Italian steakhouse with exceptional views. The food: Gibsons Italia serves house-made pastas, high-quality cuts of meat and other Italian delicacies.  The drinks: A massive wine list offers something for everyone, plus a selection of beer, wine, spirits and low- and no-alcohol drinks. Time Out tip: Gibsons Italia offers one of the most unique views of the city, right where the river splits north and south.  

When the Wasabi team opened Ramen Takeya in the West Loop, they focused on something a little different—chicken broth. Unlike all the porky bowls that dominate Chicago's ramen scene, the chicken paitan is more delicate, and precisely what you'll want to eat to stave off a cold. It comes with springy noodles, onions and a bright-orange yolked egg. On the side, try a mini donburi bowl, packed white rice topped with salmon roe, basically a giant sushi roll. The space is small, but food comes out quickly, so you'll be moving along in no time.

Located in the former Hub 51 space at the corner of Hubbard and Dearborn Streets in River North, Southeast Asian-inspired restaurant Crying Tiger is the first collaboration between Lettuce Entertain You and James Beard Award finalist and Lettuce alum chef Thai Dang. The vibe: Designed by David Collins Studio, who also designed Tre Dita, the space is characterized by vibrant hues, a rich amalgamation of textures and playful tableware that draws on the restaurant's Southeast Asian influences.  The food: The menu is inspired by the culinary traditions of Southeast Asia and the foods Dang and managing partner Amarit Dulyapaibul ate growing up. Standouts include the bird's eye chili and hamachi crudo, which is served on a green fish-shaped plate, the chargrilled sugarcane beef bo la lot wrapped in betel leaves and the clay pot lobster pad Thai. The drinks: Inventive cocktails like the milk punch of Thai tea with cognac, lemon and sugar cane complement an extensive selection of zero-proof beverages, which include spiced Vietnamese iced coffee with condensed coconut milk and salted mango limeade with preserved citrus served on shaved ice. Time Out tip: If you sit in the main dining room, you'll get a peek into the kitchen. If you prefer a more intimate experience, try to snag a seat in the bar area where you can choose from a high-top or a booth.

At LIA Tavern, the food is almost as captivating as the art on the walls. Chef and owner Justin Viacuinas reinvents the menu every few months when he brings in a new resident artist. During each residency, the artist's work is displayed throughout the space, and select dishes are inspired, and sometimes even replicate, the works themselves (previous highlights include the Warhol Martini, which is served in a Campbell's Soup Can, inspired by artist Joey Africa's vibrant work depicting the same can). The vibe: A modern, pop-art-inspired spot in River North accented by a rotating selection of vibrant artwork and Viacuinas' own massive painting, which is one of the city's largest, behind the bar. The food: Tavern-style pizzas, pastas and mains like roasted seabass and Cajun roasted chicken are equally approachable and elevated. The drinks: Many drawing inspiration from artworks, inventive cocktails include the Jackson Paint Can (mezcal, bourbon, orange liqueur, ginger, plum and citrus), which is served in an actual paint can, and a Malört Negroni. Time Out tip: The atmosphere here is fun, and during the warmer months, massive windows open for an indoor/outdoor vibe. This is a great spot for River North workers to come for happy hour or for a special occasion outing.

Boka Restaurant Group’s dimly lit new pizza joint, located inside the former GT Fish & Oyster space on the corner of Grand Avenue and Wells Street, attracts the cool kids of River North. The vibe: The lively spot is impeccably designed, with modern checkered tiled floors and walls, moody green hues and exposed brick. The crowd ranges from folks bellied up to the bar during a sporting event to couples out for date night, all of whom can appreciate the vibey playlist that includes flavors of everything from the `80s to current hits. The food: Chefs and partners Chris Pandel (Swift & Sons, Cira, Swift & Son’s Tavern) and Lee Wolen (Boka, Alla Vita, GG’s Chicken Shop) serve a simple—but packed—menu. Specialty pizzas, which can be made half-and-half and with one of three dips (Calabrian chili oil, hot honey and garlic ranch), are the main draw, but the salads and pastas are not to be overlooked. The ricotta gnocchi is rich, pillowy and practically melts in your mouth. The drinks: The drink menu is very bubbly, as is en vogue right now, with standouts like the crisp Cucumber Spritz (Vodka, Cocchi Americano, St. Germain, lemon and cucumber soda) and Soda Rossa (Matchbook Strawberry, lemon and cola), plus zero-proof sips like Green River soda and Sprecher root beer. Time Out tip: I would never let a loved one dine at Zarella without ordering the vanilla malt soft serve. Undoubtedly my favorite item on the entire menu, the soft serve ice cream is lightly sprinkled with cookie...

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.

Located inside the ultra-luxe St. Regis hotel, this authentic Tuscan restaurant from celebrated chef Evan Funke offers an exceptional experience inside one of the city's most beautiful dining rooms. The vibe: A high-end Italian restaurant and bar that makes you feel like you might run into Kendall Roy at any time. The food: Handmade pastas anchor the menu, with highlights including the rigatoncini all'arrabbiata and the trofie al pesto. The menu is designed to share, so go all in and order a few things. We recommend starting with the fluffy focaccia and pillowy gnocchi fritti. The drinks: Signature and classic cocktails complement an extensive selection of bottles, some of which are priced at over $1,500. Time Out tip: Request a table by the soaring window to take advantage of the sweeping city views, and, if you come on a Wednesday or Saturday night during the summer, the fireworks across the street at Navy Pier. 

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. 

On the northern end of the North Pond Nature Sanctuary sits a lovely farm-to-table restaurant that’s every bit as charming as it is delicious. Housed in a building that was constructed in 1912 to be a warming shelter for ice skaters, North Pond now serves as one of the most romantic dining rooms in town.  The vibe: This cozy, inviting eatery sits within the North Pond Nature Sanctuary in Lincoln Park. Warm wood, cozy booths and natural light create an inviting vibe. The food: Chef César Murillo’s seasonally inspired tasting menu ($134) and includes three courses. Recent offerings include quail with turmeric yogurt, local sumac boondi and cucamelon; Chippewa trout with grilled baby corn and squash, corn and jalapeño relish and maple granola. The drinks: Round out the experience with the optional wine pairing ($74). Each dish on the menu is listed with a suggested pairing. The beverage list also includes a wide selection of cocktails like Post Melon (cachaca, heirloom melon, Luxardo maraschino, lime and grapefruit) and Punch Drunk Passion (vodka, vanilla, passionfruit liquor, raspberry cocchi and lemon), as well as plenty of wines by the glass. Time Out tip: This is the perfect place to bring a date for a special occasion or just because. Request a table by the window for the most romantic experience possible.

The vibe: When the temperatures drop, it’s hard not to want to escape to somewhere remote and exotic. After one (or four) slushies in this hidden oasis under Green Street Meats in the West Loop, you can almost pretend you’ve been transported to a gritty basement ramen shop in Tokyo.  The food: Reminiscent of the cautioning one might find from a buffalo wing-centric sports bar, the menu begins with a stern warning of how spicy the soup can be—and spicy it is, but worth the momentary pain. Balance the flecks of chili in the classic High Five Ramen with one of the milder bowls like the Shoyu or Special Ramen, which are still impressive without the seductively creamy tonkotsu broth. The drinks: The bracingly chilly bite of the fruity slushy cocktails will help tame the heat, too. Japanese beer, sake and cocktails are also on offer. Time out tip: Check out the Japanese Whisky menu, which features an impressive curation of sips like Hakushu 12 and 18 years, and Toki.

Not content with just one noodle empire, Strings owner Kenny Yang opened a new shop in the West Loop this year. Although the house specialty, gyukotsu-style ramen, is typically made with beef bones, Yang eschews tradition and uses bison bones instead. If you’re feeling extra ravenous, the $30 premium bowl featuring wagyu, beef tongue, beef chashu, braised beef and wontons filled with wagyu and truffle will hit the spot.