No matter where you go in Chicago, you’ll find a diverse selection of places to eat and drink in every corner of our city. These vibrant neighborhoods in particular have established themselves as foodie favorites, with new, buzz-worthy restaurants and bars popping up every day.
Need a tour guide? We’ve rounded up some of Chicago’s most restaurant-centric areas and (most importantly) where to eat in all of them.
Get authentic flavors in Pilsen
Most Chicagoans know that Pilsen is home to some of the city’s best Mexican cuisine, but that’s not all this vibrant community has to offer. Pilsen’s dining scene is a dynamic blend of old and new that draws on multi-cultural and multi-generational influences. Think hot new fusion places setting up shop next to mom-and-pop taquerias and historic buildings transforming into multi-concept dining destinations, all within a colorful and artistic community.
Here are a few Pilsen restaurants that represent the flavors of the neighborhood.
- HaiSous, an award-winning modern Vietnamese restaurant
- 5 Rabanitos, a colorful taqueria that serves classic Mexican dishes
- S.K.Y., contemporary fare with flavors from all around the globe
- Carnitas Uruapan, a family-owned taqueria known for their piles of slow-cooked pork
- Il Vicinato, a classic Italian restaurant that’s called Pilsen home since 1983
Go deeper and spend a day in Pilsen with this colorful itinerary.il vic
Go old school or new school in Bronzeville
Bronzeville is a historic neighborhood steeped in African American culture and legacy. It’s also home to a diverse restaurant scene that’s attracting foodies from every corner of the city. Exciting new spots are popping up alongside long-time establishments, creating a unique mix of old and new.
Here are a few spots to check out in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood.
- Pearl’s Place, a legendary spot for homemade Southern soul food
- Bronzeville Winery, a contemporary wine bar with a menu fueled by local urban gardens
- Norman’s Bistro, frequented for Cajun Creole cuisine and live music on Sundays
- Peach’s on 47th, known for dishes like shrimp and grits and their signature coffee
- Yassa African Restaurant, a colorful spot for Senegalese fare, like traditional stews and whole fish
- Ain’t She Sweet Cafe, a quaint cafe beloved by locals for their healthy options
Find more restaurants and bars in Bronzeville.
Try out classics in Lincoln Park
This lakefront neighborhood is beloved for its tree-lined streets, charming shops, and sprawling green space along the scenic waterfront. It also happens to be home to some of the city’s most beloved restaurants. You’ll find a lot of Chicago classics here, from cozy brunch spots to international favorites to award-winning hot spots. Here are a few spots to eat around Lincoln Park.
- Bar Esmé, features artful plates and a chic atmosphere
- Batter & Berries is a go-to for some of the city’s best brunch dishes
- BOKA, a long-standing fine-dining option that’s perfect for date night
- Dear Margaret explores French-Canadian cuisine, crafted from Midwestern ingredients
- Galit offers a shareable menu of award-winning Middle Eastern cuisine
- Cafe Ba-ba-reeba!, the long-running tapas restaurant that still draws crowds
Start checking off your culinary bucket list with these local favorite restaurants in Lincoln Park.
Find hip eats in Logan Square
There’s no shortage of places to eat in Logan Square. And not just any places to eat. This area is known for its creative, eclectic vibes, so it makes sense that it’s home to some of the city’s most talked-about spots. You’ll find block after block of packed BYOB patios, creative fusion fare, and some of the hottest tables in town.
Check out some of the neighborhoods’ classic and trending options.
- Longman & Eagle, elevated tavern fare and endless whiskey options
- Daisies, a sustainably-minded and Italian-inspired pasta joint and bakery
- Giant, a tiny spot that’s big on flavor with inventive shared dishes
- Cafe Con Leche is a popular spot for Mexican breakfast and brunch favorites
- Osteria Langhe celebrates the culinary traditions of Italy’s Piedmont region
- Andros Taverna, serving up modern Greek fare in a gorgeous sunny space
Find more top spots to eat in Logan Square.
Discover dim sum and beyond in Chinatown
Chicago’s historic Chinatown neighborhood is a blend of tradition and modernity, and there’s truly something for everyone when it comes to cuisine. Feast on dim sum at family-owned restaurants, sip craft cocktails at a trendy speakeasy, or try a bit of everything at a bustling food hall. You’ll find all the classic Chinese flavors you love, and then some.
- Evergreen Restaurant is a long-running favorite for a variety of classic dishes
- HOLU is a modern take on an Asian steakhouse with prime meats and sushi
- MingHin Cuisine features all-day dim sum and authentic Cantonese dishes
- Chiu Quon is Chinatown’s oldest bakery, with more than 100 types of traditional treats
- Nine Bar is a hip cocktail bar hidden behind an unassuming takeout counter
- 88 Marketplace is the city’s largest Chinese supermarket with a can’t-miss food court
- King Karaoke offers private karaoke rooms, plus craft cocktails and Asian pub-style fare
Dive deeper into top dining destinations in Chinatown.
Get a taste of the trend-setting West Loop
If you can only make it to one foodie neighborhood, the forever-hip West Loop is a frontrunner. Located in the former meatpacking district, the neighborhood is now home to one of the city’s hottest dining scenes and it’s all centered around Randolph Street, aka Restaurant Row. Here, you’ll find celebrity chefs opening their latest hot ventures, cool new bars taking over historic factory buildings, buzzing sidewalk patios and rooftop lounges — and that’s all within a couple of blocks.
A few must-try, taste-making spots in the West Loop:
- After, the cocktail bar companion of three Michelin-star Ever
- Girl and the Goat, the flagship restaurant of Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard
- Momotaro, acclaimed modern Japanese food and a perfect date night vibe
- avec, Mediterranean shared plates and wines in a communal setting
- Monteverde, an acclaimed Italian restaurant where the pasta is made fresh before your eyes
- The Publican, an eclectic, farmhouse-inspired menu with a beer hall vibe
- Sushi Dokku, a popular sushi spot with a subterranean cocktail bar, Booze Box
Dive into this foodie favorite area with more restaurants and bars in the West Loop.
Live it up in River North
Just north of the river from the Loop, River North is a popular destination for high-end dining. Once an industrial area, the neighborhood is now known as a hotspot for drinking and dining. It’s bustling streets are lined with sleek steakhouses, award-winning cocktail bars, trendy restaurants, and plenty of other spots to get your fine-dining fix. It’s the perfect place for a special occasion dinner, an unforgettable cocktail, or a night out on the town.
Here are a few spots that’ll give you a taste of River North.
- RPM Steak, a modern take on a classic Chicago steakhouse
- Topolobampo, offering elevated Mexican cuisine from revered chef Rick Bayless
- Eataly, a multi-story Italian marketplace complete with restaurants and bars
- Bar Goa serves Indian cuisine from the country’s southern coast
- Asador Bastian serving luxurious cuts of beef with Basque influences
- Vermilion, known for their global dishes featuring Latin and Indian flavors
- River Roast, featuring meat dishes carved tableside with waterfront views
Check out more buzzy restaurants and bars in River North.
