Our Top 10 Restaurant Picks in Chicago Right Now

by The OpenTable team

Updated August 02, 2019

There’s never been a better time to be a foodie in Chicago. It's not just about deep dish and Chi-style dogs- the Windy City has it all, from upscale ‘cue and lively Latin American fare to sublime sushi and white-hot new spots like Kumiko. Check out where OpenTable staffers are dining in Chicago now, and book a table to experience a few of our favorite restaurants.

BLVD Steakhouse

4.4

4.4 (2856)

$50 and over

Steakhouse

West Loop

About the restaurant

BLVD Steakhouse is a classic American steakhouse inspired by Hollywood's Sunset Blvd—the golden era's famed strip of dining and entertainment establishments. Our space embodies the glamour and luxury that defined Old Hollywood, offering sophisticated yet approachable service with a chef-driven menu of prime cuts, fresh seafood, and other seasonal favorites from Celebrity Chef/Partner Joe Flamm. Outside, our massive full season patio with a sprawling bar evokes an enchanted ‘secret garden’ look and feel with lush greenery, linen curtains, luxe upholstery, and romantic string lighting.

Top review

Sandovalvip

Dined on Sep 26, 2024

Loved it, everything was just perfect. Thank you!!

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4.4

4.4 (4005)

$30 and under

Barbecue

Gold Coast / Streeterville

About the restaurant

Since opening our doors in 2010, Chicago q has mastered the art of elevated BBq favorites. From our “Competition” Pulled Pork, St. Louis Ribs, Sliced Brisket, and crisp Coleslaw, Chicago q celebrates delicious, award-winning BBq from the Carolinas, Texas, Missouri, and Tennessee.

Whether dining in the comfort of our Savannah-style dining room or underneath the lights of our seasonally-constructed pergola, know that you’re getting the finest BBq Chicago has to offer. While you’re here, check out Chicago q’s extensive beverage menu, boasting a well-cultivated bourbon collection with hand-picked flights featured alongside craft cocktails – sure to perfectly compliment the smoky BBq flavors. Chicago q also offers private rooms for special events, accommodating up to 50 guests, as well as, catering to your home or office. Email events@latsko.com for your event & catering needs!

Top review

Jerry

Dined on Sep 20, 2024

We enjoyed pull pork, fried chicken. BBQ and mac&cheese Server was exceptional

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4.7

4.7 (1174)

$50 and over

American

West Loop

About the restaurant

PLEASE NOTE: *the patio is uncovered and seating is weather dependent
**We can accommodate vegetarian, pescatarian, gluten free, dairy free, nut/peanut free & shellfish free diets. Before booking, please email us at info@elskerestaurant.com regarding any restrictions not listed above as we may be unable to accommodate certain restrictions, or diners with multiple restrictions.

Elske means love in Danish, a nod to both David Posey’s Danish mother and the fact that the couple got engaged in Copenhagen. “Our travels in Denmark have really influenced us,” Chef Posey said. “We like that clean, simple aesthetic.” The dining room — all crisp lines, minimalist décor & soft lighting — is anchored by a wide open kitchen on one side & a small patio with a working fireplace on the other. Combined with the friendly service, it creates the impression that you’re eating in a supremely tasteful Scandinavian friend’s weekend home.

Top review

Craigvip

Dined 2 days ago

We enjoyed the fixed menu. It was well paced over 2.5+ hours and had a nice variety of dishes, mostly with fish but also including lamb and beef. Our server was great in explaining the wines that went with the dishes.

Juno

4.7

4.7 (1502)

$50 and over

Japanese

Lincoln Park

About the restaurant

Now offering a signature Omakase menu with a selection of seasonal ingredients crafted by Chef BK Park.

The Omakase experience will include approximately 20 bite size pieces including sashimi, appetizers, warm plates, nigiri, and dessert. Price is $125 per person, plus tax and a mandatory 20% gratuity will be added to the final bill. Cancellations within 24 hours will be subject to $25.00 fee per person. Please alert our team of any allergies or dietary restrictions when booking.

Juno is an intimate Japanese restaurant in the heart of Lincoln Park. Led by the expertise of Executive Chef/Owner BK Park, Juno strives to perfect a combination of quality and consistency in food and service. Juno offers a variety of traditional & non-traditional Japanese dishes as well as an extensive list of sashimi, nigiri and premium sake.

Top review

Jenna

Dined 3 days ago

Truly some of the best sushi in Chicago. I am gluten free and they take my allergies super seriously. Don't forget dessert! I had the mochi brownie and it was like ending the meal with a warm, comforting hug. Perfect spot for date night, impressing an out-of-town guest, or catching up with friends!

Kumiko

4.9

4.9 (755)

$50 and over

Dining Bar

West Loop

About the restaurant

Kumiko is a Japanese Dining Bar (ダイニングバー)* where food and drink are treated with equal reverence. Located in Chicago’s West Loop, Kumiko boasts incredible cocktails and spirits with exquisite food to pair.

Owner and bartender Julia Momosé blends Japanese ingredients and techniques to create an elevated menu of beverages and bites.

Whether you come to savor some of Japan’s finest saké or walk in for a lovely dinner with friends, Kumiko welcomes you with warmth and gratitude.

Kumiko is currently 18+ and does not offer a BYOB option. Sign up for our mailing list to receive occasional updates and news.

Top review

John

Dined 2 days ago

The Karage is delicious! Shoutout Chef Conner for a fantastic dining experience!

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Experience

Kumiko Tasting Menu

Mercadito - River North

4.5

4.5 (6204)

$31 to $50

Mexican

River North (Chicago)

About the restaurant

We are the city’s top Mexican restaurant for authentic modern cuisine, specialty tequila and mezcal cocktails, located in the heart of River North. Our culinary team features popular Mexican dishes, including our signature tacos, as well as fresh salsa and guacamole, ceviche, esquites and more.

Mercadito's lounge is nestled in the lower level of Mercadito. It offers a speakeasy-style experience with a chic and exclusive ambiance. The space features banquet-style booths and dim lighting that enhances the elegant wood furniture, creating an inviting and intimate atmosphere. Once inside, guests can enjoy the full Mercadito menu, with the same delectable cuisine and beverages that our restaurant is known for.

Top review

Dymond

Dined 5 days ago

Food and drinks are always amazing. Great ambience as well

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4.8

4.8 (7407)

$30 and under

Steakhouse

River North (Chicago)

About the restaurant

At Steak 48, we serve the finest steaks and high-quality seafood in an intimate and vibrant setting. Our diverse menu will satisfy any personal craving, as we serve the best USDA prime steaks, succulent seafood and shellfish along with inventive and classically inspired side dishes and appetizers. Located in River North, on bustling Wabash Avenue, Steak 48 brings a contemporary atmosphere to Chicago's dining scene. Visitors will be welcomed in the entryway with a view of our 3,000-bottle wine vault and chic decor. The lower floor features a lively bar where guests can enjoy something from our extensive wine, whiskey, bourbon, or signature cocktail list.

Top review

Ezekiel

Dined 2 days ago

First time visiting Steak 48. In town from Baltimore for my gf's birthday. They were so kind from beginning to end. The staff kept wishing her happy birthday and she got a card from the GM. Our waiter Raul was hilarious and very attentive. Every single thing we had was exceptional. Highly recommend and we'll be back.

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4.6

4.6 (5022)

$31 to $50

Peruvian

River North (Chicago)

About the restaurant

Tanta is dedicated to sharing the flavors and culture of Peru with Chicago, serving authentic Peruvian dishes and beverages in an approachable, fun and casual downtown setting. We provide service that is casual yet knowledgeable, genuine and attentive, utilizing locally sourced products and vendors that are sensitive to sustainable farming and fishing.

Tanta has two Chef’s Tables that each seat up to 10 people. These tables are located in our main dining room in between our open kitchen and cebiche bar which allows you and your guests to experience our chefs creating Peruvian cuisine while you dine.

The menu, created by Acurio and Tanta Chicago Chef Tito Rocha, takes diners on a voyage through Peru via its food. From the Pacific Ocean, through the Andes, to the desert, to the Amazon, Tanta celebrates the diverse landscape and ethnicities that make up Peru’s culture.

Top review

Shari

Dined 3 days ago

I LOVE Tanta! The food is always amazing! The ambience is phenomenal! I will always frequent Tanta!

Union Sushi + Barbeque Bar

4.5

4.5 (2316)

$31 to $50

Sushi

River North (Chicago)

About the restaurant

Where the quality and simplicity of Japanese cuisine meets the bustling energy of a downtown essential. Fresh, high-quality fish, marinated meat and veggies off the Robata grill and an inventive assortment of cocktails create a playful juxtaposition of Japanese and American culinary styles. It’s a true riff on the expected and traditional.

Ranked by The Michelin Guide as one of the 9 best Japanese restaurants in Chicago, Union combines the tempered art of Japanese dining with a fresh, colorful and urban vibe. Union ups the ante on Japanese dining with its high-energy beat, creativity and playful approach to Japanese-influenced cuisine from one of Chicago's best know sushi chef's Mike Ham "Sushi Mike"

Top review

Joyce

Dined on Sep 24, 2024

Ever since we’ve moved to River North, we were fortunate to find Union. The staff is always so friendly and the food is amazing. The truffle tuna and lychee martini is my favorite!

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