Top 5 Restaurants in Chicago

Expert-curated dining recommendations in Chicago, updated for 2025.

2. Girl & The Goat

★★★★½

Cuisine: New American

Location: West Loop

Hours: Daily: 4:30PM-11PM

Reservations: Recommended

Website: girlandthegoat.com

Highlights

  • Creative small plates
  • Celebrity chef Stephanie Izard
  • Vibrant atmosphere

Considerations

  • Long wait without reservation
  • Busy and loud

$$$

3. Au Cheval

★★★★½

Cuisine: American Diner

Location: West Loop

Hours: Mon-Sun: 11AM-12AM

Reservations: Not accepted

Website: auchevaldiner.com

Highlights

  • Famous burger
  • Late night dining
  • Craft cocktails

Considerations

  • Long wait times
  • No reservations

$$

4. Frontera Grill

★★★★

Cuisine: Mexican

Location: River North

Hours: Tue-Sat: 11:30AM-9PM

Reservations: Recommended

Website: rickbayless.com/restaurants/frontera-grill

Highlights

  • Authentic Mexican cuisine
  • Fresh ingredients
  • Award-winning chef Rick Bayless

Considerations

  • Limited seating
  • Can be spicy

$$$

5. Lou Malnati's

★★★★

Cuisine: Chicago Deep Dish Pizza

Location: Multiple Locations

Hours: Mon-Sun: 11AM-11PM

Reservations: Accepted

Website: loumalnatis.com

Highlights

  • Classic Chicago deep dish
  • Family friendly
  • Multiple locations

Considerations

  • 45-minute cook time
  • Often crowded

$$

Dining Tips for Chicago

What to Know

  • Restaurant Week in January/February
  • Many places offer heated outdoor dining
  • Check Cubs/Sox game schedules
  • Most venues accessible by L train
  • West Loop is the hot dining district
  • Reservations essential for popular spots