The Chicago dining scene is vibrant, creative, and diverse. There are flavors from Mexico, the Midwest, France, and everywhere in between here, and we’ve ranked some of our favorite spots for incredible food in Chicago down below.

While it’s always a good idea to stop for a hot dog in the windy city, these refined restaurants are for the discerning diner ready for a whole-ass experience. 

1. Community Tavern

Community Tavern is one of the best restaurants in Chicago for so many reasons. Their bar rocks, they’ve got free meals for kids under 12 on certain days, and their dining experience is eclectic AF. You can find traces of Italian, American, Thai, Vietnamese, Chinese, and more in their cuisine, and we are living for the way it all tastes.

One dish to try at Community Tavern is the Kim-Cheese Fries, made with house-made kimchi, Merkt’s cheddar cheese, and scallions. This insane combination made us want to come back to this dining room as soon as we walked out the door.

You can find Community Tavern at 4038 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60641.

2. Alinea

This fine dining restaurant is pricey for sure, but it’s also definitely worth the cost. You’ll pay $295 for a 15 (yes, we said 15)-course tasting menu that includes traces of cuisines from around the world. The vibe is posh and sophisticated yet playful and adventurous. The dishes are not just food but art on a plate.

But that's not all, folks! Alinea is also a celebrity hotspot. Who needs TMZ when you can just grab a table at Alinea and spot A-listers like Beyoncé, Oprah, and George Clooney? (Okay, maybe not George Clooney, but a boy can dream.)

In all seriousness, Alinea is an unforgettable dining experience that combines culinary genius with theatrical flair. Whether celebrating a special occasion or just treating yourself to a night out, Alinea is the place to be.

Alinea is located at 1723 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614.

3. Kasama

This little Filipino restaurant is located in Chicago’s Ukrainian Village and serves some delicious breakfast, brunch, and much more. They’ve also got their own multi-course deliciousness in store.

For $235, you get a meal that will absolutely blow your mind. The breakfast sandwich and espresso are to die for, but that 13-course spectacular is really something else. They’ve also got some delicious desserts on the menu, so you won’t be disappointed even if you just go for coffee and a treat.

And Kasama is a hotspot for foodie celebrities. This Filipino-American restaurant offers a unique fusion of flavors that has caught the attention of big names like Chance the Rapper and Greta Gerwig. They come for the adobo fried rice and stay for the vibe.

Kasama is located at 1001 N Winchester Ave, Chicago, IL 60622. In addition to the amazing dine-in food, they also do takeout and delivery.

4. Xocome Antojeria

This Archer Heights Mexican spot is famous for their quesadillas, which are absolutely ginormous. Crispy tortillas filled with carne asada, cheese, and fresh veggies make this a Chicago restaurant you won’t want to miss. Did we mention their carne is made with steakhouse-grade filet mignon? Yes, please!

Some say Xocome has the best Mexican food in all of Chicago, from tacos al pastor to picaditas and enchiladas. We can’t argue with that high praise, but we do want to warn you that they currently close at 8 p.m., so get it while it’s hot, babe!

Xocome Antojeria is located at 5200 S Archer Ave Suite 8, Chicago, IL 60632.

5. Uncle Jerry’s Pizza Company

You don't always have to look downtown when you want incredible authentic Chicago deep-dish pizza. In fact, some of the best deep-dish pizzas we’ve found are actually in Cary, Illinois, just about an hour away from Chicago. Folks leave the city all the time to get some unforgettable ‘za.

The secret to Uncle Jerry’s incredible pizza is the double-fermented crust, which is seasoned to perfection. All that seasoning and the delicious sourdough make Uncle Jerry’s deep dish stand out in the crowd.

You can find Uncle Jerry’s at 133 W Main St, Cary, IL 60013.

6. Monteverde

Monteverde is a culinary playground that will leave your taste buds begging for more! From the moment you step inside, you're transported to a cozy Italian grandmother's kitchen — if your grandmother was a sassy diva who loved to party. The vibe is fun and funky, with mismatched chairs and bold, colorful artwork adorning the walls.

And the food? Mamma mia, it's amazing! Monteverde's signature dish, the cacio e pepe, is a creamy, cheesy dream that has even caught the attention of celebrity foodies like Chrissy Teigen and John Legend. 

Another big winner on the Monteverde menu isn’t food — it’s a cocktail. The Fortunella really impressed us when we went. It’s a mix of vodka, kumquat, sirene Americano, ginger, dry vermouth, honey, and soda and has a completely one-of-a-kind flavor. Just try it!

Monteverde is located at 1020 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60607.

7. Galit

Galit is a Lincoln Park restaurant that has some of the best hummus in the city, if not the country. Topped with delicious brisket, it might not even be fair to call this stuff hummus. It’s a main course. It’s an experience. It’s a lifestyle. Did we mention they have a Michelin star?

This modern Israeli restaurant offers a fresh and flavorful menu that has caught the attention of big names like Kim Kardashian and Chrissy Teigen. But it's not just the food that draws in the stars — it's the vibrant and lively atmosphere that makes Galit a must-visit. So why not join the ranks? Your taste buds (and Instagram followers) will thank you.

Galit is located at 2429 Lincoln Ave, Chicago.

8. Gogi

If you want to find the best Korean food in Chicago, Gogi should be the first stop on your journey. They’ve got all the classics, including beef bulgogi, bibimbap, short ribs, and galbi, and they’re all done better than just about anywhere else we’ve tried. 

We think the quality of the ingredients and the diversity on their menu make them one of the best, but it might also just be that this place is pure magic.

If you go to Gogi, you need to get KoreanBBQ. This place does it right. The tender, spicy fried chicken is nothing like the standard American stuff, and if you’ve never tasted it, Gogi won’t do you wrong.

Gogi is at 6240 N California Ave, Chicago, IL 60659.

9. J.P. Graziano Grocery and Sub Shop

This classic Chicagodeli in the West Loop is authentic Italian and has been around since the late 1930s. If you want a quick bite to eat, there’s nothing better than their Caprese sub. Everything’s fresh and top-quality, from the meat to the veggies to the attitude in the place. We like J.P.’s subs a lot, but we keep coming back because of how iconic this place is.

J.P Graziano is at 901 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607.

10. Chiu Quon Bakery

Let me tell you, Chiu Quon Bakery in Chicago is a hidden gem that even celebrities can't resist. This Chinese bakery offers a variety of sweet and savory Asian dumplings that are perfect for any time of day. Stars like Justin Timberlake and Anna Kendrick come for the famous egg tarts, pineapple buns, and sesame balls.

But it's not just the delicious pastries that draw in the celebs — it's the unassuming atmosphere and affordable prices that make Chiu Quon a favorite. You don't have to break the bank to indulge in some of the best baked goods in Chicago, and that's something that even the rich and famous can appreciate.

Go try it out at 901 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607.

11. Superkhana International

Located in Logan Square, this Indian spot opened back in 2019, and we’ve been in love ever since. Their brunch is what keeps us coming back, and the fruit chaat (fruit, mint syrup, and candied nuts) is one of our favorite treats in the spring or summer. They’ve also got incredible Indian French toast topped with almond dukkah and galub jamun syrup. It’ll blow your mind.

The dessert at Superkhana international is really something else, too. Get a hot chai with oat milk and sip its spicy goodness alongside their chai leches cake. That whipped cream and the spiciness of the chai make everything right in the world. Namaste.

Superkhana International is at 3059 W Diversey Ave, Chicago, IL 60647.

12. Mr. Beef on Orleans

If you’re in River North and want an iconic steak sandwich, Mr. Beef on Orleans is the only spot you need to try. They’re loved by locals and tourists alike, thanks to the Chicago dog, the spicy beef sandwich, and those hot, crispy French fries. Woof, daddy.

They’re not an award-winning fine dining establishment, but they’ve won the heart of Chicago. They are located at 666 N Orleans St, Chicago, IL, 60654.

13. Pequod’s Pizzeria

This isn’t your typical Chicago-style deep dish. These are pan-style pizzas that are filled with hot, spicy sauce and have a crust that’s totally unique. While we can’t say it’s the GOAT of Chicago pizza, it’s worth a try at least once. 

Find it at 2207 North Clybourn Ave.

Chicago: Lots To See, Lots To Taste

Chicago is a city with a never-ending offering of delicious food. These are just a few of the city’s best restaurants, but there are tons more we didn’t have time to mention! You’ll just have to go experience the city for itself and try as much local food as you can.