The Best Places to Eat in Chicago

From seafood to soul food, the dining options in Chicago are endless; the city is known for its deep-dish pizza, boundary-pushing fine dining, and everything in between. But where are the smartest, savviest diners eating out? Welcome to the Tastemaker Lists. We’ve pulled data from thousands of restaurants to find the top spots among OpenTable's most expert, seasoned diners. You’ll find everything from neighborhood gems to haute cuisine, rustic Italian to buzzy Japanese—all vetted by the types of tastemakers who know the best spots around the city. Impress your friends and family and score a table; we wish we could join you.

The OpenTable Team

11 Restaurants

Updated February 26, 2020

Restaurants:	goosefoot, SUSHI-SAN, Sepia…
Price Range:	$$$ - $$$$
Cuisines:	Contemporary American, Japanese…
Neighborhoods:	Lincoln Square, Chicago, West Loop…

goosefoot

$$$$

Contemporary American

Lincoln Square

4.9

1000 reviews

This intimate restaurant seats 30 people and invites everyone to really take the time to savor the flavors of Chicago. Goosefoot presents a fixed full-course tasting menu that changes with the seasons. Chef Chris Nugent sources and prepares local ingredients. Many of the plant and herb ingredients are grown on site. Some Goosefoot specialties include roasted quail, chestnut soup, and Angus beef with Goosefoot greens. Be sure to leave a full three hours to indulge in this taste festival and leave room for all three desserts.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

SUSHI-SAN

$$$$

Japanese

Chicago

4.7

794 reviews

The best of Japan meets the best of Chicago in this exciting restaurant. Delectable seafood and Japanese specialties grace the menu, but the sushi is the must-try. Pair the beer, brewed in Japan, with the Miyazaki Wagyu beef for a taste that offers just the right combination of bitter and savory. Chicago brewery enthusiasts will enjoy this restaurant for it's a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Sepia

$$$$

Contemporary American

West Loop

4.8

4633 reviews

Elegant Chicago dining at its very finest. Sepia offers a private dining experience to accommodate 60 for a seated meal and 100 for a cocktail party. Described as stylish and sexy, Sepia also offers a seasonal menu that celebrates local food sources. Complete with crystal chandeliers, Sepia offers an elegant, formal dining setting. The tasting menu is highly recommended and allows you to sample the rabbit, a trout dish, and several kinds of pasta. For dessert, the black walnut cake is a moist and sweet way to finish your Sepia meal.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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Taxim

$$$$

Greek

Bucktown / Wicker Park

4.6

1006 reviews

At Taxim, chef-owner David Nikolaos Schneider serves up iconic and succulent favorites, done Chicago style. For supper, try the duck gyro. Spit-roasted duck sizzles in a blend of pastourma spices. The duck is perfectly paired with sides including pickled chard and vibrant pomegranate reduction. At Taxim, the food presentation is exceptional. Contrasting colors and textures combine beautifully to the eyes.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Gibsons Italia

$$$$

Italian

River North (Chicago)

4.9

2151 reviews

This place has it all: three floors, two fireplaces, and a rooftop patio! Gibsons is famous for making Chicago famous for steak, and their signature WR Chicago Cut is the iconic dish to indulge in. Chefs cook this 22-ounce bone-in porterhouse to medium rare perfection and serve it with a choice of classic Chicago sides. The WR stands for William Rice, the famous Chicago Tribune food and wine critic.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

North Pond

$$$$

American

Lincoln Park

4.9

4182 reviews

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

The Izakaya at Momotaro

$$$$

Japanese

West Loop

4.7

595 reviews

This almost-hidden gem is a must see! Chicago is a legendary harbor landscape filled with mystery and and opportunity. This impressive cocktail bar style restaurant is brimming with sultry style and exotic allure. The Izakaya is a Japanese bar in the lower level of the Momotaro. Designed with perfect detail to echo the dark intrigue of the post-war Tokyo street scene, this 30-seat area features handpainted menus. To go with your saki and cocktails, the Izakaya offers a sharing menu. Try the tempura or the delectable sushi. The otori nigiri, the washagyu, and the Momomaki rolls are also highly recommended.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

Brass Tack

$$$$

Unspecified

Gold Coast / Streeterville

4.5

429 reviews

French fine dining at its most luxurious awaits you at the Margeaux Brasserie, where Chef Michael Mina brings his passion and flair for elegance to this incredible Chicago restaurant. Newly opened and sparkling with glamour, the beauty of the menu is perhaps the only thing that rivals the ambience. The dry-aged Rohan duck breast makes a delectable entrée. Pair it with a stem of fine French wine and plan a romantic evening on the Gold Coast.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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Les Nomades

$$$$

Contemporary French

Gold Coast / Streeterville

4.9

2027 reviews

Since the 1970s, Les Nomades has been one of Chicago's finest French restaurants. The decor is intimate and artful. The Les Nomades menu offers a four- or five-course option with a wide variety of starters, a selection of second-course dishes, seafood course, meat course, and a great selection of iconic French desserts. For a decadent starter, enjoy the escargots in Roquefort cheese with a crust of freshly baked French bread. The Roasted Duck Breast with savoy cabbage and truffle corn puree and the Grilled Scottish Salmon with wild rice, cucumber, and beet salad are highly recommended as main course items. For a salad that delights order the grilled romaine salad with warm goat cheese. Pomegranate, apple, and balsamic dressing bring some fruity notes to this rich and succulent salad.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

TAO Asian Bistro - Chicago

$$$$

Asian

River North (Chicago)

4.5

2247 reviews

The epitome of cool Chicago nightlife, Tao Chicago includes a rocking nightclub, special events, and a 300-seat restaurant. The menu delivers Pan-Asian style offerings from the sea, the sky, and the land. The tempura is a fan favorite, as is the Ginger Honey Glazed Salmon served with lotus root. Iconic Tao signature dishes on the menu include satay of Chilean sea bass, Wagyu rib eye, and crispy rice tuna. The beauty of Tao Chicago complements the flavorful balance of the dishes served there.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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Mon Ami Gabi

$$$$

French

Lincoln Park

4.8

6857 reviews

For over 20 years, Mon Ami Gabi has been setting a standard in French cuisine in Chicago. The ambience is delightful. The restaurant sits in a beautiful residential building bordering on verdant Lincoln Park. Classic French cuisine done Chicago-style is on the menu here. Iconic Mon Ami Gabi dishes include their signature Onion Soup Au Gratin, and the Braised Lamb Shank served with roasted brussels sprouts and fennel glaze. Mon Ami Gabi blends tradition with contemporary Chicago style. Each iconic Chicago dish brims with the urban sophistication and the progressive flavor attributed to all things Chicago.

At the moment, there's no online availability within 2.5 hours of your request. Do you have another time in mind?

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