The Best Restaurants in Chicago
By Jamie Dutton
Chicago, the Windy City, is many things: a cultural mecca, a sports hub, and a town that takes its food very, very seriously. From deep-dish debates to avant-garde tasting menus, there’s a little something here for every palate. And since I’ve eaten my way through the city more times than I care to admit, here are the top five places that have won my heart—and my stomach.
1. Alinea
Let’s start with the big one. Alinea isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a culinary fever dream. Here, Grant Achatz turns molecular gastronomy into high art. Ever wanted to inhale your dessert through a balloon? Well, now’s your chance. The tasting menu changes often, but expect the unexpected—sometimes literally on fire. Be prepared for a meal that’s more performance art than dinner, which is perfect if you’ve ever wanted to eat your meal while participating in it.
2. Girl & the Goat
Stephanie Izard, one of Chicago’s favorite culinary daughters, made her mark here with a menu that’s both quirky and comforting. Don’t let the name fool you; there’s more than goat on offer—though you’d be foolish not to try the wood oven-roasted pig face. Yes, you read that right. This place is as much about bold flavors as it is about the sheer joy of eating, which makes it a no-brainer when you’re not sure what you’re in the mood for.
3. Oriole
Tucked away in a nondescript building, Oriole is where you go when you want to feel like you’ve discovered a secret. Two Michelin stars speak for themselves, but I’ll do a bit of speaking too: this place is worth every penny. The tasting menu is a journey, one that takes you from meticulously plated bites to courses that redefine what a meal can be. Think of it as a choose-your-own-adventure book, but with more foie gras.
4. Lou Malnati’s
Yes, we have to talk about deep-dish pizza. And if you’re going to have it, it might as well be Lou Malnati’s. I could wax poetic about the buttery crust or the mountain of cheese, but really, deep-dish speaks for itself. It’s as much a part of Chicago as the Bean or that one time Kanye ran for president. Just remember to bring a fork—and an appetite.
5. Smyth
Smyth is the quieter, more introspective sibling in Chicago’s bustling culinary family. It’s where you go when you want to contemplate your life choices over a bowl of fermented oats or experience a poetic seafood dish. Every plate is like a haiku, but one that makes you pause and consider why you don’t eat more things cooked in seawater butter. It’s intimate, a little mysterious, and completely satisfying—much like a good noir film set in the city.
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