By: Lindsay Garbacik By: Lindsay Garbacik | March 21, 2022 | Food & Drink
In Chicago, we’re used to seeing deep dish pizza stands on every block, but there’s so much more to Chi town’s dining scene than just that.
From southeast Asian cuisine to authentic Mexican plates to tediously curated multi-course tasting menus, there are a multitude of delectable, globally inspired restaurants throughout the city from some high profile James Beard Award-winning chefs.
Today, we’re taking a look at new, highly rated, and legendary restaurants of Chicago that you must try this year.
See Also: Every Chicago Talent Recognized As A 2022 James Beard Restaurant And Chef Award Nominee
912 N Nate St. / Website
The Cuisine: Italian
The Atmosphere: Lavish
Why You Need To Dine Here: Michelin starred chef Soo Ahn and head pastry chef Nicole Guini combine northern and southern cuisine for an array of shareable dishes.
120 East Delaware Place / Website
The Cuisine: American with an international flair
The Atmosphere: Contemporary and upscale
Why You Need To Dine Here: From James Beard Award-winning chef Jonathon Sawyer, the Chicago native brings elevated dining, creative presentation and local ingredients to the midwestern spot.
Pro Tip: Menus change by the season.
120 N Wacker Dr. / Website
The Cuisine: Innovative steakhouse
The Atmosphere: Sophisticated yet playful
Why You Need To Dine Here: Experience any kind of meat here with its wildly experimental and always changing seasonal menu. It’s guaranteed no two meals will be exactly the same.
Pro Tip: Staff members are highly knowledgeable about the raising, slaughtering, butchering and aging of a cow, making for curated meat selections and recommendations.
4852 S Pulaski Rd. / Website
The Cuisine: Mexican
The Atmosphere: Family-run and friendly
Why You Need To Dine Here: Founder John Zaragoza learned to make his signature birria from a visit to his birthplace in La Barca, Jalisco, Mexico. After that, he sold his house to rent a restaurant where he could sell his authentic birria in 2007, and the rest is history.
Pro Tip: Closed on Wednesdays
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4710 N Ravenswood Ave. / Website
The Cuisine: Brewery with elevated American classics
The Atmosphere: Lighthearted and industrial.
Why You Need To Dine Here: A large variety of craft beers from Chicago and around the country.
Pro Tip: Play one of the available board games while enjoying a brew!
2165 N. Western Ave. / Website
The Cuisine: American- Chinese
The Atmosphere: Low lighting, colorful walls and art hung throughout.
Why You Need To Dine Here: A huge menu of Americanized Chinese favorites from the same group who own Giant a few streets over.
Pro Tip: Planning a group outing? Reserve the rose menu in advance for a guaranteed table and feast for your group.
1007 W. Argyle St. / Website
The Cuisine: Chilean
The Atmosphere: Laid back and authentic
Why You Need To Dine Here: Serving up Chilean empanadas bursting with savory or sweet, flavorful fillings.
Pro Tip: Limited seating in the restaurant, but the shop has a robust online ordering system. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
@enpassantchi on Instagram
3010 W. Diversey Ave. / Website
The Cuisine: Rustic with soft lighting from an impressive array of chandeliers.
The Atmosphere: Elevated global comfort food and craft beer
Why You Need To Dine Here: This relatively new restaurant has quite the reputation and it certainly lives up to the hype. After nine years as chef for Hogsalt, this is Sam Englehardt’s first solo venture.
Pro Tip: Reservations are a must, the spot has just 39 seats. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays.
2200 N. Clark St. / Website
The Cuisine: Tasting menu
The Atmosphere: Classy and intimate
Why You Need To Dine Here: Opened in August 2021 by husband and wife duo Katrina Bravo and chef Jenner Tomaska, the art of the tasting menu is explored at the community-focused restaurant.
Pro Tip: The full tasting menu lasts about three hours. Ticketed reservations are required and nonrefundable.
1340 W. Fulton St. / Website
The Cuisine: Tasting menu
The Atmosphere: Moody and modern
Why You Need To Dine Here: Experience an eight to 10 course tasting menu from Michelin starred chef Curtis Duffy and Michael Muser. Ever earned two Michelin stars after its first two months of service in the 2021 Michelin guide. The menu changes frequently to include seasonal produce and new creations.
Pro Tip: The full tasting menu lasts about two and a half hours. Reservations become available two months in advance.
3209 W. Armitage Ave. / Website
The Cuisine: American
The Atmosphere: Cool and laid back
Why You Need To Dine Here: Well made, classic dishes from an experienced, James Beard Award-winning chef. Literally everything will make your mouth water.
Pro Tip: Get the blueberries! They’re doused in a ginger syrup that adds a sweet pop. Reservations are a must.
3 E Main St., St. Charles / Website
The Cuisine: American tavern
The Atmosphere: Dark wood accents with rows of plants bordering the ceiling.
Why You Need To Dine Here: Every dish is cooked on a wood-burning fire and is made from fresh, seasonal ingredients from local producers.
Pro Tip: Check their Instagram to learn about special events at the restaurant.
1800 S Carpenter St. / Website
The Cuisine: Vietnamese
The Atmosphere: Rustic brick walls and soft lighting.
Why You Need To Dine Here: Try the seasonal tasting menu and experience a history of Vietnamese cuisine as Michelin starred chef Thai Dang takes guests through the regions, time periods and flavors that are significant to his family.
Pro Tip: Wander next door to try the chef’s delicious take on chicken wings.
1516 E Harper Ct. / Website
The Cuisine: Chinese
The Atmosphere: Sleek and modern with lanterns filling the lobby
Why You Need To Dine Here: Authentic Cantonese style Chinese food from a family experienced in both the cuisine and the restaurant industry.
Pro Tip: Ask “what the kitchen is up to,” the owners have embraced it.
1460 W Chicago Ave. / Website
The Cuisine: Korean
The Atmosphere: Light, airy and intimate. Authentic Korean art lines the restaurant.
Why You Need To Dine Here: A multi-course pescatarian tasting menu with paired wines and cocktails from James Beard nominated chef Dave Park.
Pro Tip: Reservations are a must. Closed Sunday through Tuesday.
2200 N California Ave. / Website
The Cuisine: Charcuterie and salumi, made on site.
The Atmosphere: Exposed brick walls, original wood joists and restored antique honeycomb tiled floors pay homage to the original use of the building.
Why You Need To Dine Here: Fresh, cured meats and cheeses on enormous sandwiches available all day long.
Pro Tip: Order a charcuterie board to take home or use at your next gathering.
311 E 75th St. / Website
The Cuisine: Barbecue
The Atmosphere: No frills at all. You’ll be greeted by the stand’s colorful neon sign.
Why You Need To Dine Here: A staple for over 60 years in the city despite having no seating. Locals rave about the rib tips and hot links from this family run restaurant.
Pro Tip: Cash only
731 W Lake St. / Website
The Cuisine: Sushi
The Atmosphere: Modern and upscale
Why You Need To Dine Here: Six months after opening, the restaurant was awarded one Michelin star and four stars by the Chicago Tribune. Chef B.K. Park has over 20 years of experience working with seafood and sushi.
Pro Tip: Reservations are required, but can be made up until 2 p.m. on the day of, depending on the number of prior reservations. The space holds just 22 seats.
432 W Diversey Parkway / Website
The Cuisine: Seafood
The Atmosphere: Light, airy with coastal influences and plants on every window sill.
Why You Need To Dine Here: The restaurant has been awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand award every year since it opened in 2016.
Pro Tip: Views of the lake.
1005 W Argyle St. / Website
The Cuisine: Pizzeria
The Atmosphere: No frills and not much seating, but delectable smells.
Why You Need To Dine Here: Deep dish Chicago-style pizza with unique, high-quality toppings.
Pro Tip: A limited number of pizzas are made each day, so order online ahead of time to ensure you can get a pizza.
2800 W Logan Blvd. / Website
The Cuisine: Mexican
The Atmosphere: Colorful and laid back
Why You Need To Dine Here: From acclaimed chef Diana Davila, guests are treated to foods and drinks inspired by Davila’s heritage and travels through Mexico with her family.
Pro Tip: Open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday. Try the repollo enmasado!
63 W Grand Ave., 2F / Website
The Cuisine: Japanese
The Atmosphere: Modern, private and opulent.
Why You Need To Dine Here: Through a partnership with the Toyosu Fish Market, fresh ingredients are delivered daily. This 10-seat room lets you chat with chefs and watch up close as your multi-course meal is prepared.
Pro Tip: Reservations are a must.
661 W Walnut St. / Website
The Cuisine: New American tasting menu
The Atmosphere: Modern and moody with patterned accents.
Why You Need To Dine Here: Careful pairings from the sommelier see each dish paired with sake or wine. The restaurant has received two Michelin awards.
Pro Tip: Reservations are a must.
@parachutechicago on Instagram
3500 N Elston Ave. / Website
The Cuisine: Korean
The Atmosphere: Warm lighting, exposed brick and clear sight lines through the kitchen.
Why You Need To Dine Here: Winner of the 2022 James Beard Award for outstanding restaurant.
Pro Tip: Currently closed, the restaurant is shipping fried chicken and bing bread nationwide.
1359 W Taylor St. / Website
The Cuisine: Italian
The Atmosphere: Cool with large booths and simple decor.
Why You Need To Dine Here: Step into Chicago’s Little Italy for a taste of old school, classic handmade Italian food. The restaurant makes it a point to cook and prepare dishes exactly like co-owner Anthony Fiasche’s Italian mother.
964 W 31st St. / Website
The Cuisine: Pizza, fried chicken and ice cream.
The Atmosphere: Wood paneled walls and a cozy interior.
Why You Need To Dine Here: The answer’s in the name. What could be better?
Pro Tip: Follow the shop’s Instagram to stay updated on new menu items and merch launches. This shop has quite the internet following.
1600 W Chicago Ave. / Website
The Cuisine: Seafood
The Atmosphere: Over-the-top, vintage and highly detailed. Simply stunning.
Why You Need To Dine Here: Taste the flavors of Spain and Portugal’s Atlantic coast with a Michelin-starred tasting menu or a la carte options.
Pro Tip: Ask to be seated in the atrium at the chef’s counter.
932 W Fulton St. / Website
The Cuisine: Italian and Croatian
The Atmosphere: Croatian tavern with white washed brick walls, honey-colored wood accents and hanging plants.
Why You Need To Dine Here: The menu changes seasonally for what chef, owner, and Top Chef winner Joe Flamm calls “Adriatic drinking food.” With that being said, there is an excellent selection of European wines curated to pair well with the menu.
Pro Tip: Check out the dessert menu and its wine pairings.
1055 E 55th St. / Website
The Cuisine: New Orleans-inspired breakfast
The Atmosphere: Whitewashed walls with black accents and southern flair.
Why You Need To Dine Here: Decadent breakfast classics served all day.
Pro Tip: Try their exclusive sparrow coffee blend. Closed on Mondays.
2456 N California Ave. / Website
The Cuisine: French
The Atmosphere: Dimmed lights and vintage velvet banquettes at this speakeasy-inspired lounge.
Why You Need To Dine Here: The wine list features a diverse collection of Champagne and rare French wines.
Pro Tip: Reservations are a must.
5600 S Pulaski Rd. / Website
The Cuisine: Mexican
The Atmosphere: Industrial but intimate with plants arranged above the bar. .
Why You Need To Dine Here: Modern, creative dishes inspired by the many unique regions of Mexico. There are over 100 mezcales and agave spirits available at any time.
Pro Tip: Staff is very knowledgeable about mezcal, agave, tequila and spirits, ask them anything!
1931 W Chicago Ave. / Website
The Cuisine: Creole-infused soul food
The Atmosphere: Laid-back brick interior
Why You Need To Dine Here: From head chef and owner Bridgette Flagg comes soul food inspired by her grandmother and mother.
Pro Tip: Take their signature all purpose seasoning home with you by purchasing it in their online shop.
110 W Illinois St. / Website
The Cuisine: Southeast Asian
The Atmosphere: Bright and modular with wood ceilings
Why You Need To Dine Here: Modern, southeast Asian cuisine and a wide variety of premium sakes, Asian beers, wine and cocktails.
Pro Tip: Check out the restaurant’s bimonthly sushi rolling class on Saturdays.
720 N State St. / Website
The Cuisine: French Mexican
The Atmosphere: Modern and intimate
Why You Need To Dine Here: From chef Carlos Gaytan, the first Mexican chef to be awarded a Michelin star in both 2013 and 2014, comes unique Mexican creations made using French techniques.
@virtuerestaurantchi on Instagram
1462 E 53rd St. / Website
The Cuisine: Southern
The Atmosphere: Calm, classic and comfortable interior with the option for outdoor patio seating.
Why You Need To Dine Here: Well-made southern classics from an experienced chef committed to creating an honest community among its staff.
Pro Tip: Closed Monday and Tuesday.
Photography by: Courtesy of Unsplash
