Chicago-style deep dish pizza is the heartiest of the pizza varieties and is typically eaten with a knife and fork.
Illinois Office of Tourism
Food bursting with flavor, farm-to-table freshness and legendary bites you can’t resist: Chicago is a foodie paradise.
Chicago is no ‘second city’ when it comes to bold, unapologetic flavors. Most known for its famed Chicago hot dogs, deep-dish pizza and Italian beef (with hats off to The Bear), Chicago is home to a deep-rooted food culture that makes visiting the city a culinary delight. You’ll find just about every type of cuisine you’re looking for in Chicago. Its proximity to Midwest farms means you’re getting fresh produce, meat and dairy.
From hidden speakeasies to avant-garde tasting menus, Chicago chefs are adventurous and eager to experiment. With more than 11,500 restaurants in the Chicago metro area, we’ve narrowed it down with this handy guide to the best of the best. Happy eating!
Giordano’s Chicago Pizza (223 W. Jackson Blvd.)
There’s a great deep-dish showdown that’s been brewing in Chicago for decades. Which of the dozens of deep-dish eateries serves up the city’s best ooey-gooey pie? You’ll hear of many contenders, but for the very best, go for the legendary Giordano’s Chicago Pizza. This is not your typical mozzarella-topped pizza. These are more akin to pizza casseroles with a buttery double crust, stuffed with melty Wisconsin mozzarella, then topped with a rich tomato sauce. The classic stuffed deep-dish pizza is the go-to here, or opt to add the excellent fennel-rich sausage.
Superdawg Drive-In (6363 N. Milwaukee Ave.)
Experience the retro charm of Superdawg Drive-In, the old-school 1948 drive-in with carhop service that hasn’t changed much in more than 75 years. This hopping spot didn’t invent the Chicago-style dog; they perfected it. Their iconic Superdawg is a thick and snappy, topped with all the classic trimmings, like golden mustard, piccalilli (a tangy, slightly spicy relish), kosher dill pickle, Spanish onions, a hot pepper and famously, never one drop of ketchup. The crinkle-cut fries are too good to share, and so are the Supersodas, their playful take on a soda float.
Classic Italian beef sandwich, dipped in homemade aus jus, and served on classic French bread.
Mr. Beef
Mr. Beef (666 N. Orleans St.)
If the phrase “Yes, Chef!” stirs a craving for Italian beef, you’re likely already familiar with Mr. Beef. Or, at least the fictionalized “The Original Beef of Chicagoland,” the setting of the hit TV show, The Bear. It’s a thrill and a relief to report that The Bear got it right; Mr. Beef is where you’ll find Chicago’s best Italian beef. Be prepared to wait in line, though the fork-tender roast beef smothered in au jus is worth it.
Kasama (1001 N. Winchester Ave.)
A new era of Chicago restaurants is making headlines around the world for fine dining excellence, and Kasama should be at the top of your list. A crowning achievement, as the first Filipino restaurant in the world to be awarded a Michelin star, this tasting-course menu features modern cooking with a Filipino twist. If you’re unable to snag a reservation, drop by during the day for a casual traditional Filipino breakfast, featuring must-try pastries like the Black Truffle Croissant and their Ham & Cheese Danish.
Girl & The Goat (809 W. Randolph St.)
A Chicago favorite since 2010, Girl & The Goat is Chef Stephanie Izard’s West Loop powerhouse known for bold, global flavors. The renowned eatery remains trendy and lively, making it an excellent choice for an upscale night out on the town. The small plates menu is ideal for sharing with a group, featuring go-to staples such as the wood-oven roasted pig face, grilled octopus and house-made sausages.
Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio (1020 W. Madison St.)
On the hunt for the best pasta in Chicago? Follow the raves (and James Beard recognition) to Monteverde, where Chef Sarah Grueneberg combines Italian culinary training with her Texan roots and global flavors. The menu shines with innovative takes on Italian classics, such as the Cacio Whey Pepe, Chef Grueneberg’s elevated version of cacio e pepe, which features ricotta whey and peppercorns and the Gnocchetti con Pesto, tiny handmade gnocchi in a basil, ricotta and Pecorino pesto.
Bavette's Bar & Boeuf (218 W. Kinzie St.)
Romance is in the air at Bavette's Bar & Boeuf, a sultry, jazz‑age speakeasy and steakhouse. The live jazz sets the scene for this roaring 20s hot spot, with a menu of refined classics. Their signature dishes include the dry-aged bone-in ribeye with their tangy béarnaise sauce, the truffle mac and cheese and outstanding buttermilk-fried chicken served with creamy mashed potatoes.
Ann Sather (909 W. Belmont Ave.)
Come to Ann Sather for the iconic cinnamon buns, stay for one of Chicago’s best breakfasts. This Swedish-American diner is a local favorite, offering a menu that includes thin, crepe-like Swedish pancakes with tart lingonberry jam, crispy potato pancakes, and an array of benedicts featuring smoked salmon, crab cake, and creamed spinach varieties. The portions here are generous, so come with an appetite and a friend.
Neapolitan pizza is known for its simple, high-quality ingredients and a soft, chewy, and airy crust with slightly charred edges.
adobe stock
Spacca Napoli Pizzeria (1769 W. Sunnyside Ave.)
Chicago pizza is so much more than just deep dish deliciousness. Locals know that great pizza can be found in a variety of styles throughout the city, like Spacca Napoli Pizzeria, a notable standout. It’s here you’ll find authentic Neapolitan style perfected in a wood-fired oven imported from Naples. Indulge in their creamy pistachio pizza, topped with house-made sausage. Also, try the Bufalina pizza, featuring gooey mozzarella di bufala and Pecorino cheese. Save room for their classic panna cotta dessert.
Freshly made Mexican churros—crispy, golden, and sweet
Adobe Stock
Taqueria Chingón (817 W. Fulton Market St.)
Delight in the vibrantly fresh flavors of Mexico City’s street food at Taqueria Chingón. The former pop-up, now casual eatery in Fulton Market, serves up some of Chicago’s most delicious and lauded tacos. Every bite is bursting with flavor as the taco spot puts in the effort to make their own chewy, grilled tortillas. Choose from a variety of innovative taco styles, including their most popular duck carnitas, as well as a rotating slate of adventurous and unique offerings, such as blood sausage (morcilla), al pastor octopus and celery root crafted “al pastor.”
Ready to experience the bold flavors, rich history, and vibrant energy of Chicago? Our friendly expert AAA Travel Agents make planning a breeze—from booking top-rated hotels to designing custom itineraries. Skip the stress and start your Windy City adventure with confidence.
Information about attractions, restaurants and other businesses was accurate at the time of publication. Offerings, hours and availability may change, and some locations may have closed since. We recommend checking directly with the business before visiting.
