Where to Eat in Chicago: Best Restaurants and Foods to Try

Last Updated on August 19, 2026 by Ioana

If you’re wondering where to eat in Chicago, start with the classics. Deep-dish pizza, Chicago-style hot dogs and Italian beef are part of the city’s identity, but Chicago’s restaurant scene goes way beyond those tourist staples.

I lived in the US for 14 years, including almost 10 years in New York City, so I came to Chicago with some very strong opinions about pizza. And yes, I tried the famous deep dish. I also tried the Chicago hot dog, pot pie pizza, donuts and several of the city’s sit-down restaurants.

Some were exactly what I expected. Others surprised me.

In this guide, I’m sharing the Chicago foods I think you actually need to try, plus the Chicago restaurants I’d prioritize.

If it’s your first trip, I’d also recommend checking out my Chicago itinerary and where to stay in Chicago for the first time so you can organize your sightseeing and restaurants by neighborhood. This blog post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase I may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Find out more here.

Chicago-Style Deep-Dish Pizza: Lou Malnati’s, Giordano’s and Pequod’s

Let’s start with the obvious one.

You can’t come to the Windy City and not try deep-dish pizza at least once.

It’s one of Chicago’s signature foods, and you’ll find plenty of restaurants serving it around the city. The names you’ll see most often are Lou Malnati’s, Giordano’s and Pequod’s.

If you’re only going to try one, I’d simply choose whichever is closest to where you’re staying. They’re all popular for a reason, and this isn’t something I’d spend an hour crossing Chicago to experience.

But here’s my unpopular opinion.

I don’t really like deep-dish pizza.

I’ve lived in New York City for almost a decade, so I’m very much a New York pizza person. To me, deep dish doesn’t really feel like pizza. It’s so thick and substantial that it feels more like a savory pie or casserole.

You also have to eat it with a knife and fork rather than picking up a slice and walking away.

The flavor is perfectly fine. The texture just isn’t my thing.

But don’t take my word for it. You absolutely should try it for yourself. You may love it, and trying Chicago’s famous deep dish is part of experiencing the city.

Pot Pie Pizza: Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Company

Here’s the pizza I actually loved.

At Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Co., you can order something called a pot pie pizza, and unlike deep dish, I think the name is much more accurate.

It’s an individual pot pie made from scratch with tomato sauce, sausage, mushrooms and plenty of melted cheese. When it arrives at the table, it looks completely different from what you might expect.

The dough is on top of the bowl, almost like a lid.

Then the server flips it over, revealing the melted cheese and turning the crust into a sort of bread bowl around the filling.

It’s delicious.

If you’re someone who isn’t convinced by deep dish, I would absolutely put this on your Chicago food list instead.

Chicago-Style Hot Dogs

You also need to try a Chicago hot dog.

A Chicago-style hot dog is very different from the simple New York version I’m used to. Instead of just putting a sausage in a bun with mustard or ketchup, Chicago loads it up with toppings.

You’ll typically get a poppy seed bun topped with mustard, relish, onions, tomato, a dill pickle spear and pickled peppers.

It is a lot.

And here’s another unpopular opinion: I prefer the NYC hot dog.

For me, there are simply too many toppings on the Chicago version, and eating it without making a complete mess is practically impossible.

But that’s exactly why you should try one.

It’s a quintessential Chicago experience, and you’ll find hot dogs all over the city, from classic stands to more modern restaurants.

Donuts: Stan’s Donuts

If you have a sweet tooth, make time for Stan’s.

I personally ate at Stan’s Donuts, and these were some seriously substantial donuts. They’re large, there’s a lot of filling, and there are so many flavors that you’ll probably have trouble deciding.

I got the Biscoff banana donut and absolutely loved it.

The combination of banana, Biscoff and the creamy filling was so good. It was easily one of my favorite sweet treats in Chicago.

Stan’s also has locations in areas that are convenient for visitors, including River North and Lincoln Park, so it’s easy to add a donut stop to your sightseeing.

If you’re a serious donut person, I’ve also put together a full guide to the best donuts in Chicago.

Best Brunch in Chicago: Yolk

Chicago does brunch very well, and I think it’s one of the best ways to start a sightseeing day.

I went to Yolk with friends and we waited about 20 minutes to get a table. It’s a popular place, so don’t be surprised if you encounter a wait, particularly on weekends.

Other popular options include Batter & Berries and Wake ‘n Bacon.

Batter & Berries is particularly well known for its French toast and creative breakfast dishes, while Wake ‘n Bacon has a more playful, indulgent brunch menu.

If you’re staying in a neighborhood like River North, Lincoln Park or Wicker Park, you’ll also find plenty of smaller neighborhood cafés where you can grab a breakfast sandwich and coffee without making brunch into a two-hour event.

Girl & the Goat: Best for a Fun Dinner

If you want one restaurant that feels quintessentially Chicago without being traditional Chicago food, I’d put Girl & the Goat high on your list.

It’s in the West Loop, one of the best areas in Chicago for restaurants, and was one of the restaurants that helped put the Randolph Street dining scene on the map. Chef Stephanie Izard’s menu focuses on bold flavors and dishes designed to share.

This is not the kind of place where you order one entrée and call it a night. I’d go with a group and order several things for the table.

The menu changes, but dishes have included roasted pig face, crispy pork belly, goat empanadas and sticky glazed pork shank.

I particularly like this format when traveling because you get to try several different flavors rather than committing to one dish.

It’s also a great spot for a date night or special occasion because the atmosphere is lively rather than overly formal.

Tip: Make a reservation. This remains one of the more popular restaurants in the West Loop.

Alinea: Best for a Once-in-a-Lifetime Dining Experience

If you want to splurge on one truly unforgettable meal in Chicago, Alinea is the restaurant I’d put at the top of your list.

This is not a casual dinner and it’s definitely not somewhere I’d recommend just because you need a place to eat. Alinea is a destination in itself, known for its highly creative tasting menus, elaborate presentation and experimental approach to fine dining.

The experience is very different from a traditional restaurant. You’re not simply ordering an appetizer, entrée and dessert. The tasting menu is designed as a progression of courses, with dishes that can be as much about presentation and surprise as they are about flavor.

It’s also one of the restaurants that puts Chicago firmly on the map as a serious food destination. If you’ve been wanting to experience one of the world’s famous fine-dining restaurants, this is the place to do it.

My tip: save Alinea for special occasions and plan well ahead. It’s expensive, but if you’re already willing to spend on a Michelin-starred dining experience, I’d choose Alinea over simply going to an upscale restaurant that happens to be in Chicago.

Monteverde: Best Italian Restaurant

Chicago has plenty of Italian restaurants, but Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio is one of the names I’d look at first.

The restaurant specializes in handmade pasta and modern Italian cooking, making it a great choice if you’re looking for something more elevated than a typical Italian-American restaurant.

This is the kind of place where I’d actually prioritize making a reservation rather than simply showing up.

It’s in the West Loop, so you can easily combine dinner here with drinks at one of the area’s wine bars or cocktail bars afterward.

The Purple Pig: Best for Small Plates

The Purple Pig is another Chicago classic, located near the Magnificent Mile.

It’s a great place if you like ordering lots of small plates and sharing everything. The menu focuses heavily on Mediterranean-inspired flavors, with meat, seafood, vegetables and cheese all making appearances.

The location is also convenient if you’re sightseeing around Michigan Avenue, so you don’t have to make a special trip across the city just to eat here.

It’s a good balance between casual and upscale, which makes it an easy choice for a first-time visitor.

Green Street Smoked Meats: Best for BBQ

If you’re in the West Loop and want something much more casual, go to Green Street Smoked Meats.

This is a Texas-style barbecue restaurant with a dark, industrial atmosphere, communal tables and massive portions. The menu includes brisket, pulled pork, pork belly and smoked chicken, along with classic sides.

This is not a delicate little dinner.

You’re getting a tray piled with meat.

There are also picnic tables and a patio when the weather is nice, which makes this a particularly good option in the warmer months.

If you’re traveling with a group, this is one of the fun places where you can order several things and share.

Armitage Alehouse: Best for a Cozy Dinner

If you find yourself in Lincoln Park, Armitage Alehouse is one of the restaurants I’d consider for a cozy dinner.

It’s inspired by the British pub tradition, but it feels much more polished than your average pub. The atmosphere is warm and atmospheric, making it the perfect place for a date night.

This is the kind of restaurant where I’d go when I want good food but don’t want a formal fine dining experience.

Where to Eat in Chicago by Neighborhood

One of my biggest tips is not to plan your restaurants without looking at a map first.

Chicago is big, and while downtown Chicago is easy enough to explore on foot, you don’t want to spend an hour crossing the city for dinner when there are probably ten great restaurants near you.

River North

River North is a great choice for first-time visitors because you’re close to the Magnificent Mile, Chicago River, Navy Pier and downtown attractions.

You’ll find everything from casual restaurants to upscale dining here.

West Loop

If food is one of the main reasons you’re visiting Chicago, I’d make a point of exploring the West Loop.

Randolph Street and the surrounding streets are packed with some of Chicago’s best restaurants, from Girl & the Goat and Monteverde to barbecue, Italian restaurants, cocktail bars and newer spots.

This is probably my favorite area to recommend to someone who wants to make dinner part of the experience.

Lincoln Park

Lincoln Park is a little more residential and relaxed, but there are plenty of excellent restaurants here.

It’s also a good neighborhood if you want to combine dinner with a walk through one of Chicago’s prettiest areas or a visit to the Lincoln Park Zoo.

Wicker Park

Wicker Park is a great option if you want a younger, more casual restaurant scene, independent shops, bars and live music.

It’s one of my favorite neighborhoods to simply wander around without a strict plan.

Gold Coast

The Gold Coast is where I’d go for a slightly more upscale atmosphere, particularly if you’re already shopping around Michigan Avenue.

You’ll find beautiful historic buildings, elegant restaurants and plenty of places for a cocktail.

What I Would Eat in Chicago If I Had Only 2 Days

If you only have a couple of days in Chicago, don’t try to eat at 15 restaurants.

I’d do this instead.

Day 1: Start with brunch at Yolk or Batter & Berries. Have a Stan’s donut later in the day. Try a Chicago hot dog for lunch, then have dinner at Girl & the Goat in the West Loop.

Day 2: Start with coffee and breakfast, then try a deep-dish pizza for lunch. I’d choose either Lou Malnati’s, Giordano’s or Pequod’s. In the evening, go somewhere like Monteverde, Alinea or The Purple Pig depending on your budget.

And if you’re still hungry, Chicago has plenty of excellent desserts and bakeries to discover.

Is Chicago Expensive for Food?

It can be, but you don’t have to spend a fortune.

Chicago has everything from food trucks and hot dog stands to Michelin-starred restaurants. You can have a relatively inexpensive lunch and then splurge on dinner.

The West Loop and River North tend to have plenty of higher-end restaurants, while neighborhoods like Wicker Park, Logan Square and Humboldt Park have lots of more casual options.

I’d actually recommend mixing the two.

Have a cheap Chicago hot dog one day, then spend more on a memorable dinner the next. That’s a much more fun way to experience the city than trying to eat at an expensive restaurant every night.

My Favorite Chicago Foods and Restaurants

If you want the short version, these are the places I’d prioritize:

• Best Chicago food experience: Pot pie pizza at Chicago Pizza and Oven Grinder Co.
• Best deep dish: Try Lou Malnati’s, Giordano’s or Pequod’s and decide for yourself.
• Best hot dog: Try a Chicago-style hot dog once, even if you end up preferring NYC’s version like I did.
• Best sweet treat: Stan’s Donuts, especially the Biscoff banana donut.
• Best fun dinner: Girl & the Goat.
• Best fine dining: Alinea.
• Best Italian: Monteverde.
• Best casual BBQ: Green Street Smoked Meats.
• Best neighborhood for food: West Loop.

Chicago’s food scene is much bigger than deep dish and hot dogs, and that’s probably my biggest takeaway. Yes, you should try the classics because they’re part of what makes Chicago Chicago. 

But leave yourself some room to discover the city’s modern restaurants, neighborhood gems and wildly diverse food scene too. That’s where you’ll find some of the best meals in the Windy City.