Latest Chicago restaurant reviews

Whether it's the extensive beverage program, the lively patio, or the beloved burger, there's a lot to love about Little Bad Wolf. The Andersonville spot is regularly packed and is home to one of the neighborhood's hottest patios.     The vibe: The space is elevated yet approachable, making it an ideal spot for date night or a solo evening at the bar. Head to the patio during the warmer months for the ideal dining experience.  The food: The Wolf Burger (three patties, bacon, American cheese, fried onion straws, housemade pickles, red-onion mayo, fried egg) is a standout. The only thing better than the Wolf Burger is a Wolf Burger paired with mac and cheese. It's rich, gooey and topped with honey-cured bacon, scallions and toasted breadcrumbs. There's also a selection of bao buns stuffed with fillings like pork, steak and duck. The drinks: The beverage program features an extensive selection of craft beers, cocktails and wine. Seasonal favorites include the warmed Wolf's Tail (tea-infused bourbon, Allspice Dram, housemade cinnamon syrup, lime and Angostura) and Diamonds and Rust (gin, Fernet Branca, housemade peppercorn syrup and lemon).  Time Out tip: Little Bad Wolf does not take reservations, so prepare to wait for a table if it's busy.

Bold and ambitious chef Otto Phan left Austin, Texas to come to Chicago with the goal of creating the city’s best sushi. He fulfills those aspirations every night at his nondescript Logan Square restaurant, which is also one of the most expensive experiences in town. The vibe: An intimate eight-seat omakase counter in Logan Square. The food: Those who are able to secure a seat are treated to a front-row view of Phan slicing raw fish and serving it on extra-large rice grains that have been seasoned with aged red vinegar. You’ll pay a pretty penny, but Kyōten’s omakase provides some of the finest bites money can buy, made with luxurious products flown in from Japan. The drinks: Elevate your meal with a beverage pairing, which includes sakes, wines, beer, and zero-proof sips like a spritz and teas and coffees. Time Out tip: If you're not planning on shelling out nearly $500 for a meal, head a few steps down to sister spot Kyōten Next Door for a more affordable, but equally impressive, experience.

On the 11th floor of the St. Regis Chicago, Miru pairs breathtaking views with upscale Japanese cuisine. While the glamorous setting is a major draw, the pristine sushi and polished service ensure the restaurant is more than just a scenic stop. A meal here feels equal parts escape and indulgence, complete with some of the city's best sights. The vibe: Miru balances warmth and elegance through its sleek design, featuring rich wood accents and floor-to-ceiling windows that offer sweeping views of the Chicago River and skyline. It’s a great spot for birthdays, anniversaries and other milestone celebrations. The food: The menu leans heavily on nigiri, sashimi and maki. Start with the kani kani crispy rice or an order of buttery otoro. The robata grill section presents options like smoked pork belly and charred octopus skewers, while larger plates include white miso black cod. Pastry chef Juan Gutierrez’s desserts are non-negotiable—especially the black sesame mochi. The drinks: Seasonal sips like the Cantaloupe Crush, made with Toki Black, cantaloupe shrub, yuzu, black lemon bitters and soda, are joined by a selection of classic cocktails. The wine list is extensive, showcasing bottles from around the world alongside a collection of sake. Time Out tip: During the summer, grab a table on the terrace (first come, first served) for a front-row view of Navy Pier’s fireworks show on Wednesday and Saturday evenings.

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.

Stephen Sandoval, the maestro behind Diego and Sueños, pays homage to Latin American steakhouse traditions at his restaurant in the heart of West Loop. Though it might be tempting to dismiss it as another chophouse, there’s far more to the experience than just prime cuts. The vibe: Trino strikes a balance between sophistication and approachability, offering a polished dining experience that never feels stuffy. Over the bar, a mural by local artists Raspy Rivera and CoCo Schramel acts as a visual centerpiece. The atmosphere suits everything from date night to a solo meal, and a Latin soundtrack hums in the background, adding energy to the room. The food: Familiar steakhouse standards are thoughtfully elevated here. Sweet Sinaloa blue shrimp are paired with a rojo cocktail sauce, while the tartare is layered with tallow aioli, mustard, machaca and a cured egg yolk. Don’t miss the tostada with crab, avocado, Asian pear, and pistachio, or the focaccia fry bread. Steaks star cuts like picanha and dry-aged T-bone seared on a Vulcan plancha, complemented by sauces such as corn liquor au poivre and chimichurri made with pequin peppers. The drinks: Expect a strong martini program alongside cocktails with subtle Latin influence woven in through spirits, bitters or aromatics. The menu also includes several spirit-free options. Wines span bottles from Mexico and Argentina to Spain. Time Out tip: Head downstairs after dinner for a nightcap at Laberinto, a speakeasy from the Trino team...

Lettuce Entertain You's ultra-popular spot below RPM Seafood serves lunch and dinner, with a menu centered around hand-stretched pizzas, artisanal pastas and grilled seafood. There's always someone celebrating a birthday, out-of-towners looking for a bite along the water and workers from nearby office buildings meeting for a power lunch or after-work drinks. The vibe: A lively riverfront restaurant with one of the best outdoor dining patios in the city. The service is good, the food is average and the views are unbeatable. The food: You can't go wrong with the cult-favorite charred pepperoni pizza and rigatoni vodka pasta for the table. The Caesar salad and crispy Parmesan fries are also standouts. The drinks: The drink menu always features a selection of quirky cocktails, like River North With A View (vodka, raspberry and Pimm's liqueur) and multiple variations of a spritz. If you're here with a group, you might want to opt for the Portofino Purse, a cocktail of your choice served in a glass handbag (yes, really).  Time Out tip: The whole point of coming here (usually) is to sit on the patio, so be sure to make a reservation in advance to secure one of the most coveted waterfront tables in Chicago.

Repeatedly named one of the world's best pizzerias, Robert's is a beloved Streeterville restaurant located along the quaint Ogden Slip. From husband-and-wife team Robert and Dana Garvey, it's known for its artisan thin-crust pizzas, delectable dough and stunning views overlooking the skyline and lake. The vibe: The casual indoor/outdoor dining areas are perfect for summertime dining along the river.  The food: The Cali Italia pizza (asiago, fresh mozzarella, gorgonzola cheese, fig jam, prosciutto di Parma, balsamic glaze, shaved Parmigiano Reggiano and EVO) is a standout. The Funghi (truffle cream base, wild mushrooms, garlic, and fresh ricotta) is another popular option, along with the creamy Caesar salad and the hearty meatball sandwich, both of which are great to pair with a pie. The drinks: The red sangria pitcher is a popular option for groups, and summer-ready sips like the blood orange margarita, Fig & Fable (vodka, lime, fig puree, St. Germain elderflower liqueur, Chinese 5 spice bitters) and Hugo Spritz are a few of our go-tos. There's also a selection of flavorful mocktails like the zero-proof Herbal Fizz (cilantro, basil, lime, cider and bubbles) and the hibiscus mule, as well as interesting Italian wines and local beers. Time Out tip: When the weather permits, try to snag an outdoor table and request a seat on the dock. There are a few tables down there, and it's the best seat in the house.

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.  

Chicago is home to a number of fine dining experiences, but few are able to match two Michelin-starred Oriole’s deft execution. The door in the back alley is relatively unmarked, as if the restaurant knows it’s worth seeking out. And it’s not wrong. The vibe: Upon arrival, guests are escorted into a freight elevator and given a drink before the door opens to reveal the dining room. Though there’s no telling what chef Noah Sandoval has in store each evening, you can look forward to a minimalist style of cooking that puts the spotlight squarely on the premium ingredients. The food: We can’t fault a single dish in the tasting menu, but past favorites have included the capellini, the caviar and the croissant. Bites like Hokkaido uni with tiger prawn, morita chili and maple, and Maine lobster with almond milk and geranium custard, black lime, fig leaf and tangerine lace are also fan favorites. The drinks: If you’re already in for a meal at Oriole, it would be a shame not to go the extra step and opt for the drink pairing. McManus is an expert in his field and makes sure that every dish is perfectly complemented, running the gamut from beer to wine to cocktails. Time Out tip: The first choice you’ll make when that napkin is safely in your lap is whether or not to take the drink pairing with the $325 tasting menu (you should—it’s perfect); the last choice you’ll make is if you want tea or coffee when it’s all done (you want that too—you’ll want to savor every moment you can at...

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...

Renowned chef José Andrés teamed up with Gibsons Restaurant Group for a two-pronged project in the Loop. Upstairs, guests can dig into prized steaks and suckling pig at Bazaar Meat, while the ground-floor Bar Mar focuses on seafood-driven dishes. The latter makes for an ideal spot for a drink and a bite after work, or a pre-show meal before a performance at the Lyric Opera of Chicago. The vibe: The space is lively, with a casual but polished feel. The centerpiece of the room is an octopus sculpture that hangs over the bar, which nods to the ocean-inspired menu. The food: A mix of raw bar offerings and small plates meant for sharing makes up much of the lineup. José’s Asian Taco—jamón ibérico, hamachi and caviar atop nori—and Galician-style octopus stand out, along with a buttery lobster roll finished with mayo espuma and pickled celery. For heartier options, there’s seared king salmon as well as short rib and frites. The drinks: Sip creative riffs on classic cocktails, including a spicy shiso margarita and a negroni blended with sherry, plus beers from local craft breweries like Half Acre and Dovetail. Time Out tip: Oenophiles, select bottles are 40% off on Mondays.

Whether it's the extensive beverage program, the lively patio, or the beloved burger, there's a lot to love about Little Bad Wolf. The Andersonville spot is regularly packed and is home to one of the neighborhood's hottest patios.     The vibe: The space is elevated yet approachable, making it an ideal spot for date night or a solo evening at the bar. Head to the patio during the warmer months for the ideal dining experience.  The food: The Wolf Burger (three patties, bacon, American cheese, fried onion straws, housemade pickles, red-onion mayo, fried egg) is a standout. The only thing better than the Wolf Burger is a Wolf Burger paired with mac and cheese. It's rich, gooey and topped with honey-cured bacon, scallions and toasted breadcrumbs. There's also a selection of bao buns stuffed with fillings like pork, steak and duck. The drinks: The beverage program features an extensive selection of craft beers, cocktails and wine. Seasonal favorites include the warmed Wolf's Tail (tea-infused bourbon, Allspice Dram, housemade cinnamon syrup, lime and Angostura) and Diamonds and Rust (gin, Fernet Branca, housemade peppercorn syrup and lemon).  Time Out tip: Little Bad Wolf does not take reservations, so prepare to wait for a table if it's busy.

Housed inside a historic century-old townhouse in River North, this intimate Spanish steakhouse is all class and luxury. The vibe: An elevated steak and seafood situated inside a townhouse from 1883. The food: Chef-owner Doug Psaltis, who also runs Andros Taverna, treats guests to a Basque-inspired menu full of delicacies like jamón ibérico and black truffle beef tartare. The stars of the show are the Txuleton steaks—well-marbled, bone-in cuts that are roasted over coals and available by the pound. Andros Taverna also provides a satisfying conclusion to the experience with indulgent desserts, such as a golden chocolate hazelnut cake and burnt Basque cheesecake. The drinks: Asador Bastian offers an award-winning wine list, featuring an extensive selection of Spanish sips. Time Out tip: The restaurant hosts events in collaboration with top names like Richard Geoffroy, the legendary former winemaker of Dom Pérignon.

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.

On the 11th floor of the St. Regis Chicago, Miru pairs breathtaking views with upscale Japanese cuisine. While the glamorous setting is a major draw, the pristine sushi and polished service ensure the restaurant is more than just a scenic stop. A meal here feels equal parts escape and indulgence, complete with some of the city's best sights. The vibe: Miru balances warmth and elegance through its sleek design, featuring rich wood accents and floor-to-ceiling windows that offer sweeping views of the Chicago River and skyline. It’s a great spot for birthdays, anniversaries and other milestone celebrations. The food: The menu leans heavily on nigiri, sashimi and maki. Start with the kani kani crispy rice or an order of buttery otoro. The robata grill section presents options like smoked pork belly and charred octopus skewers, while larger plates include white miso black cod. Pastry chef Juan Gutierrez’s desserts are non-negotiable—especially the black sesame mochi. The drinks: Seasonal sips like the Cantaloupe Crush, made with Toki Black, cantaloupe shrub, yuzu, black lemon bitters and soda, are joined by a selection of classic cocktails. The wine list is extensive, showcasing bottles from around the world alongside a collection of sake. Time Out tip: During the summer, grab a table on the terrace (first come, first served) for a front-row view of Navy Pier’s fireworks show on Wednesday and Saturday evenings.

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 & Enoteca, where they serve up Roman-style pizza by the slice, or 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.

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.

The rooftop restaurant and bar at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel offers some of the best views of the city, with an expansive look at Millennium Park and the Lake. The drinks are mostly balanced, and very pretty, while the American food is also mostly well-executed and comes in massive portions and is designed for sharing.

Bold and ambitious chef Otto Phan left Austin, Texas to come to Chicago with the goal of creating the city’s best sushi. He fulfills those aspirations every night at his nondescript Logan Square restaurant, which is also one of the most expensive experiences in town. The vibe: An intimate eight-seat omakase counter in Logan Square. The food: Those who are able to secure a seat are treated to a front-row view of Phan slicing raw fish and serving it on extra-large rice grains that have been seasoned with aged red vinegar. You’ll pay a pretty penny, but Kyōten’s omakase provides some of the finest bites money can buy, made with luxurious products flown in from Japan. The drinks: Elevate your meal with a beverage pairing, which includes sakes, wines, beer, and zero-proof sips like a spritz and teas and coffees. Time Out tip: If you're not planning on shelling out nearly $500 for a meal, head a few steps down to sister spot Kyōten Next Door for a more affordable, but equally impressive, experience.

More than two decades after working together at Evanston’s iconic Trio, John Asbaty and Alain Uy reunited to open this live-fire restaurant in Lincoln Park. The pair remodeled a century-old building once home to a German restaurant, the Golden Ox, transforming it into a striking modern dining room. The centerpiece of the open kitchen is a custom wood-burning hearth, charcoal oven and whole-log smoker that anchor the menu. The vibe: Polished enough for date night, yet also relaxed enough for a burger at the bar. The space feels cozy and lived in, with dim lighting in the lounge creating a warm, intimate tone. The food: Most of the menu, which highlights locally-sourced ingredients, is kissed by the hearth in some way. A coil of lamb merguez sausage comes with green coriander yogurt, red onion and mint, while roasted carrots are finished with harissa and pickled rhubarb. Plates are meant for sharing, especially the half chicken in jus with onion marmalade. Order a side of beef fat wedge fries to sop up the sauce. The drinks: The cocktail program spans spirit-driven riffs, from the smoked Manhattan with rye and chanterelle-infused vermouth to the highball with apple sage shrub. Zero-proof options include a Not Toddy and a Spagli-nada. Time Out tip: Stop by the bar during happy hour for $12 smoked wings and $10 wines and martinis.