10 Must-Visit Restaurants in Chicago

I am sharing my treasured “go-to” list of my top 10 favorite restaurants in Chicago! Each trip I try to visit as many of them as possible. They never disappoint!

#1 SUNDA – 110 W Illinois St, The Hip spot for creative, Award-winning, New-Asian cuisine fusing ingredients that celebrate the Sunda Shelf landmass countries and cultures of Southeastern Asia including; Japan, the Philipines, Indonesia, Thailand, Korea, and China. $$-$$$, Food & Ambiance – Sophisticated, modern and fun. They serve deliciously inventive main entrees, sushi, dim sum, salads, noodles, rice, and vegan options. I strongly suggest reservations. We loved the Miso Glazed Sea Bass, Tiger Shrimp Tempura, and Braised Long Rib Ssam. https://www.sundanewasian.com

#2 MELI CAFE – 540 N Wells Ave, Award-winning breakfast and quick lunch spot, $$, Food & Ambiance – Casual, neighborhood Cafe and Juice Bar where the locals meet. They are known for their generous portions, vegetarian-friendly and gluten-free menu options, imported Greek Honey, eggs, biscuits, omelets, breakfast bowls, french toast, waffles, pancakes, crepes, wraps, sandwiches, and salads. One of my favorite things to order at the Meli Cafe is their Nutella French Toast with a side of applewood smoked bacon. Good Morning World! https://www.melicafe.com/menus

#3 PORTILLO’S – 100 W Ontario St, The famous, Chicago-born, street food chain, $-$$, Food & Ambiance – Popular with both tourists and locals. Be prepared for long lines at peak meal times. Fast-casual restaurant serving hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches & much, much more. Retro/fun decor with lots of autographed celebrity photo-endorsements on the walls. My recommendation is the Italian Beef sandwich, which is slow-roasted and thinly sliced with gravy on freshly baked french bread. Choose to add the roasted green, sweet peppers, and melted provolone cheese. Be prepared, it is messy…but sooo worth it! https://www.portillos.com

#4 FARMHOUSE CHICAGO – 228 W Chicago Ave, A funky Midwestern farm-themed hangout with salvaged decor serving American comfort food, over 30 regional beers and wines, $$-$$$, Food & Ambiance – Menu ingredients are seasonally sourced directly from local farming friends, the Green City Market, and their own rooftop garden in spring to fall. Be sure to make reservations. I highly recommend the Braised Short Ribs & Smashed Peas, Catalpa Bone-in House Smoked Pork Chop, and for dessert – Apple Bread Pudding. You are welcome! https://www.FarmhouseChicago.com/

#5 PRINCI BAKERY – 1000 W Randolph St, Renown Rocco Princi’s rustic Italian inspired bakery/restaurant/espresso bar chain. Every detail of the building, food, and beverages are carefully designed to create a rich sensorial experience. Princi has bakeries all over the world. $-$$, Food & Ambiance – Casual, classic European breads, pastries, sweet desserts, lunch selections, pizza, cocktails, and small plates. I stopped in for a coffee break for a delicious hazelnut latte and chocolate-filled croissant. Yummmmm! https://princi.com/

#6 RPM ITALIAN – 52 west Illinois St, Celebrity couple, Giuliana & Bill Rancic’s high energy, contemporary Italian restaurant features a menu with dishes meant to be shared. $$-$$$, Food & Ambiance – The restaurant has a modern vibe and a core selection of over a dozen different artisan/hand-made pastas made fresh daily, along with delicious antipasti, wood-fired pizzettes, crudo, steaks, chops, and simply grilled fish. Gluten-free menu options are also available. Be sure to make reservations in advance. It is one of those places “to see and be seen”. Dishes I highly recommend are Mama DePandi’s Bucatini, Short Rib Bolognese, Potato Gnocchi, Prime Beef Meatballs, and their Eggplant Parmesan. The Hazelnut Tartufo dessert is so good, that if you close your eyes, you will think it is summer and you are dining al fresco in Rome, Italy. Deliciosa! https://www.rpmretsaurants.com/rpm-italian-chicago/

#7 EPIC BURGER – 517 S State St, Chicago’s original home-grown, fast- food, burger restaurant chain. Epic burgers use only fresh, sustainably sourced ingredients and have an inspired mission to serve “a More Mindful Burger” $-$$, Food & Ambiance – Awesome burgers, fries, and shakes with vegetarian, halal-friendly, and plant-based options. I highly recommend the Nutella Shake complete with crushed hazelnuts, pirouette cookie, and chocolate drizzle. https://www.epicburger.com/

#8 PROTEIN BAR AND KITCHEN – 33 S Wabash Ave, Chicago’s “fast fuel” restaurant chain that serves nutritious and protein-packed food. $, Food & Ambiance – Craveable and satisfying high-protein salads, soups, wraps, and bowls customizable for all diets. Great for quick, nutritious breakfasts or lunches on the go or picnic fare. Love their Classic Buffalo Bar-rito with natural chicken, blue cheese, celery, carrot, and traditional buffalo sauce in a grilled low-carb tortilla. https://www.theproteinbar.com/

#9 LYFE KITCHEN – 831 N State St, LYFE stands for – Love Your Life Everyday, $-$$, Food & Ambiance – Chicago’s fast-casual restaurant chain that promotes a balanced life through unique, fun, fufilling and popular trending food and drinks including; a Kombucha Bar on tap, vegan snacks, bottled CBD teas, collagen waters, charcoal lemonade, and delicious flatbreads, salads, grilled fresh vegetables, and other tasty menu options. They rely on locally sourced products and proudly list the “makers” they buy ingredients from. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I recommend their turkey and havarti grilled cheese sandwich with a shaved brussel sprouts and parmesan salad. https://www.lyfekitchen.com/

#10 CAFE BA-BA REEBA – 2024 N Halsted St, Chicago’s original Spanish tapas restaurant, serving authentic Spanish cuisine with lively music. $$, Food & Ambiance – They are known for their delicious Paellas, seasonal-fruit Sangrias, and bite-size small dishes/tapas. Grab 3-4 friends and make a reservation to experience this fun, hip restaurant. On average, plan to order 2 dishes/tapas per person to be shared at the table with your friends. Be sure to make reservations well in advance for this popular restaurant. I recommend the roasted bacon-wrapped dates with apple vinaigrette, marcona almonds, roasted chicken empanadas, and their delicious mixed paella – with pork, sausage, and chicken. Don’t forget to order at least 2 pitchers of Sangria to share at the table as well. https://www.cafebabareeba.com/

BON APETIT!

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