Michellin Guide.
boka*
alinea***
north pond*
schwa*
goosefoot*- 2020 Michellin star
entente*
spiaggia* (9/2021 closed its doors)
smyth**
mako*
topolabampo*- Rick Bayless Tasting Menu in the heart of river north. I have had the pleasure of eating here 3 times (and counting).. click here for my review.
next*- part of the alinea group; located in fulton market
oriole**
omakase yume*
sepia*
yugen*
elske*
EL Ideas*
Acadia**
Kasama- filipino michellin starred restaurant that is all the rage. I set an alarm at midnight to get a reservation. Evan and I went at 8:30 pm (the only spot left on a saturday). This place blew us away. Everything we tried was incredible.
Chicago Date Night:
Bavettes- Hogsalt restaurant located in River North. Bavettes is one of the harder restaurants to get into in Chicago for a good reason. The steak here is some of the best in the city. Only to be matched by great service, interiors, music, and cocktails.
Ciccio Mio- Another Hogsalt favorite directly next to Bavettes and Gilt Bar. Ciccio Mio serves up the same great interiors, service and music. The Ciccio Mio pasta dishes are fabulous. Some of my favorites are the lamb ragu and the pesto pasta dish. Ciccio also offers gluten free pasta for those with allergies. I will also add that I am not the biggest cheese fan and I ordered the burrata from the appetizer section, holy moly! It was to die for!
Gilt Bar
Trivoli Taverna
Armitage Alehouse
Proxi- this fulton market restaurant has an excellent wine list. I have only had appetizers and wine here with friends and it did not disappoint. I love chardonnay and they had an excellent one! Also, if you are ordering appetizers, I recommend the sweet potato chaat & muhammara.
Club Lucky- great italian spot in bucktown with excellent martinis.
S.K.Y- restaurant in Pilsen. the staff is wonderful. I ordered takeout from S.K.Y during the pandemic multiple times. It was always excellent. I linked the menu here. My favorites (for a gluten allergy), the cucumber salad, seabass and salmon. If you enjoy gluten aka bread, make sure to get madeleines, dumplings, and fried chicken. click here for my review.
Lula Cafe
Tuco and Blondie- mexican spot in Southport. Tuco has a great patio and one of the only places that serves queso in the city.
Mindys Hot Chocolate - ** closed during Covid ; reopened as a bakery in wicker park
Elizabeth - ** closing feb 2023; reopening with a new name and chef.
Le Bouchon - authentic french restuarant, this cute quaint restuarant is located in Bucktown and reminds me of a cafe that would be in France. They have a lot of great french wine option and the staff is well educated about the regions. Le bouchon is great about creating authentic french food by the use of white asparagus, beats and foie gras. I highly reccomend trying the mussels or escargot. Both are well seasoned and chefs kiss. For mains check out the steak frites and chicken dish.
Etta.
Mott St.
mfk.
Longman & Eagle- has had a Michelin star (2011-2017) fun industrial vibes. great restaurant with excellent cocktails. The menu changes regularly put has lots of eclectic dishes featuring different kinds of meat. For example, fried goat ravioli and braised rabbit.
La Scarola - a chicago italian classic located in west loop. However, i will say when i went in March 2021 i was a bit underwhelmed. Willing to give La Scarola a second chance but for now I would choose Topo Gigio, Orsos and Piccolo Sogno over La Scarola.
Adalina- fun italian restaurant in the gold coast. Adalina has gluten free pasta options, the mafaldine is my favorite dish on the menu.
Rose Mary - popular restuarant in fulton market. the chef was a winner on top chef and this spot opened over a year ago and is still difficult to get into. this spot serves up croatian food with an italian influence. the must tries are the pasta dishes and rissottos as well as the ribs- the ribs are a family recipe of his that fall off the bone.
Lyra- greek spot in fulton market. vibrant and fun vibe. great place for birthdays and larger groups. they always bring out sparklers with dessert- as if you are at a greek island or club. My favorite dishes here are the meat dishes served on salt rocks- pork chop and lamb; these are both served with salt and other sauces for seasoning. Super delicious.
Gioia - located at the end of fulton market. This italian spot has a fun dish on the menu thats pasta for two. They can make it gluten free or regular. They bring out bibs if you order this dish which makes it quite a fun experience.
Dear Margaret- Do not go to DM without ordering the steak frites. This resturant adds a special charm to the block. it has a great patio and the chef and his wife are super hospitable. We ordered dessert on our first trip to dear margaret, they served these delicious dessert bars that had a cookie base and chocolate top, almost like an ice cream bar. The wife said it was a family recipe, they sure were delicious.
Andros Taverna- a newer greek restaurant in Logan Square. Andros serves up a weekend brunch and dinner. We went for brunch and can say the greek salad and gyro were fabulous. I also dried their date shake that was fabulous and the greek ice cream. The ice cream was incredible!
Le Select
Obelix
My Chicago Restaurant Bucket list:
The Perch - the perch is located close to wicker. I went to perch for a work lunch and we were all very impressed. The menu has lots of heathlier options. There was a large vegetable plate we ordered for the table that had grilled zuchini, onions, squash, you name it! I ordered the salmon that was too die for and there were also lots of interesting salad options. Highly recommend perch for a weekday lunch, casual dinner or even weekend brunch.
Ping Pong - Asian Fusion restaurant in Lakeview. This is one of the most underrated restaurants in Chicago. First of all, it is BYOB which is fabulous. Second of all the food and music are fabulous. I am trying to work ping pong into my rotating regulars. The pad thai and curry dishes here are top notch.
HaiSous- Trendy viatnamese restaraunt in Pilsen. HaiSous offers an a la carte menu and a seasonal tasting menu. I have gone twice so far. The first time was for restaurant week and I thought the food was amazing. Same with the cocktails. The second time I went, the food was super adventurous. We were eating a lot of snails.
Parachute- yet to go but i have heard the bread is a must order.
Daisies - Italian spot in Logan Square. Daisies makes some of the best homeade pasta the city has to offer. They also have this cocktail that is a mushroom margarita, my mouth waters just thinking about it.
Ceres Table - Italian spot in Lakeview. On my list of places to visit.
Coda di Volpe- a neighborhood hot spot in southport. Cute for a sunday casual meal. Coda Di Volpe specializes in pasta and pizzas. The gluten free pizza is very "bready" i would skip it.
chilam balam- byob mexican restaurant located in lakeview
Boefhaus
Osteria Langhe
Chicago Cocktail/Wine Spots:
The Dandy Crown- new cocktail spot that opened in 2021. Has a full service kitchen serving dishes such as cauliflower nachos, roasted halibut and beef short rib.
Rootstock Wine & Beer Bar- located in Ukranian village this spot has bites and tons of wine and beer options.
Diversey Wine- natural wine shop in Logan Square.
King Cup- fun cocktail bar in Lincoln Park. they also have a psychic!
Milk Bar- located in the chicago althetic club, 12 seat bar with great spirits.
Dorians- first come first serve bar hidden behind a record store in wicker park. Also, has live jazz!
Armitage Alehouse- coming soon! first cocktail lounge by HogSalt! Cant wait for this to open in Lincoln Park
Red and White Winery- wine tastings every Saturday until 4 pm. There is an adjoining restaurant if you end up needing a snack
Greendoor Tavern- love this neighborhood tavern right in River north.. the best part is there is a speakeasy underneath.
Fox Bar- fox bar is located in the same building as soho house but is open to the public. Serving up craft cocktails and cozy dark vibes.
LazyBird- located in the Hoxton hotel, this cocktail spot has live music and great drinks.
Meadowlark- new trendy cocktail bar. Make sure to make reservations. this spot in logan square is very popular since it opened (late 22/early 23).
Bar 504- cocktail bar above Le Select. Just opened winter 2023. Very swanky.
boka*
alinea***
north pond*
schwa*
goosefoot*- 2020 Michellin star
entente*
spiaggia* (9/2021 closed its doors)
smyth**
mako*
topolabampo*- Rick Bayless Tasting Menu in the heart of river north. I have had the pleasure of eating here 3 times (and counting).. click here for my review.
next*- part of the alinea group; located in fulton market
oriole**
omakase yume*
sepia*
yugen*
elske*
EL Ideas*
Acadia**
Kasama- filipino michellin starred restaurant that is all the rage. I set an alarm at midnight to get a reservation. Evan and I went at 8:30 pm (the only spot left on a saturday). This place blew us away. Everything we tried was incredible.
Chicago Date Night:
Bavettes- Hogsalt restaurant located in River North. Bavettes is one of the harder restaurants to get into in Chicago for a good reason. The steak here is some of the best in the city. Only to be matched by great service, interiors, music, and cocktails.
Ciccio Mio- Another Hogsalt favorite directly next to Bavettes and Gilt Bar. Ciccio Mio serves up the same great interiors, service and music. The Ciccio Mio pasta dishes are fabulous. Some of my favorites are the lamb ragu and the pesto pasta dish. Ciccio also offers gluten free pasta for those with allergies. I will also add that I am not the biggest cheese fan and I ordered the burrata from the appetizer section, holy moly! It was to die for!
Gilt Bar
Trivoli Taverna
Armitage Alehouse
Proxi- this fulton market restaurant has an excellent wine list. I have only had appetizers and wine here with friends and it did not disappoint. I love chardonnay and they had an excellent one! Also, if you are ordering appetizers, I recommend the sweet potato chaat & muhammara.
Club Lucky- great italian spot in bucktown with excellent martinis.
S.K.Y- restaurant in Pilsen. the staff is wonderful. I ordered takeout from S.K.Y during the pandemic multiple times. It was always excellent. I linked the menu here. My favorites (for a gluten allergy), the cucumber salad, seabass and salmon. If you enjoy gluten aka bread, make sure to get madeleines, dumplings, and fried chicken. click here for my review.
Lula Cafe
Tuco and Blondie- mexican spot in Southport. Tuco has a great patio and one of the only places that serves queso in the city.
Mindys Hot Chocolate - ** closed during Covid ; reopened as a bakery in wicker park
Elizabeth - ** closing feb 2023; reopening with a new name and chef.
Le Bouchon - authentic french restuarant, this cute quaint restuarant is located in Bucktown and reminds me of a cafe that would be in France. They have a lot of great french wine option and the staff is well educated about the regions. Le bouchon is great about creating authentic french food by the use of white asparagus, beats and foie gras. I highly reccomend trying the mussels or escargot. Both are well seasoned and chefs kiss. For mains check out the steak frites and chicken dish.
Etta.
Mott St.
mfk.
Longman & Eagle- has had a Michelin star (2011-2017) fun industrial vibes. great restaurant with excellent cocktails. The menu changes regularly put has lots of eclectic dishes featuring different kinds of meat. For example, fried goat ravioli and braised rabbit.
La Scarola - a chicago italian classic located in west loop. However, i will say when i went in March 2021 i was a bit underwhelmed. Willing to give La Scarola a second chance but for now I would choose Topo Gigio, Orsos and Piccolo Sogno over La Scarola.
Adalina- fun italian restaurant in the gold coast. Adalina has gluten free pasta options, the mafaldine is my favorite dish on the menu.
Rose Mary - popular restuarant in fulton market. the chef was a winner on top chef and this spot opened over a year ago and is still difficult to get into. this spot serves up croatian food with an italian influence. the must tries are the pasta dishes and rissottos as well as the ribs- the ribs are a family recipe of his that fall off the bone.
Lyra- greek spot in fulton market. vibrant and fun vibe. great place for birthdays and larger groups. they always bring out sparklers with dessert- as if you are at a greek island or club. My favorite dishes here are the meat dishes served on salt rocks- pork chop and lamb; these are both served with salt and other sauces for seasoning. Super delicious.
Gioia - located at the end of fulton market. This italian spot has a fun dish on the menu thats pasta for two. They can make it gluten free or regular. They bring out bibs if you order this dish which makes it quite a fun experience.
Dear Margaret- Do not go to DM without ordering the steak frites. This resturant adds a special charm to the block. it has a great patio and the chef and his wife are super hospitable. We ordered dessert on our first trip to dear margaret, they served these delicious dessert bars that had a cookie base and chocolate top, almost like an ice cream bar. The wife said it was a family recipe, they sure were delicious.
Andros Taverna- a newer greek restaurant in Logan Square. Andros serves up a weekend brunch and dinner. We went for brunch and can say the greek salad and gyro were fabulous. I also dried their date shake that was fabulous and the greek ice cream. The ice cream was incredible!
Le Select
Obelix
My Chicago Restaurant Bucket list:
The Perch - the perch is located close to wicker. I went to perch for a work lunch and we were all very impressed. The menu has lots of heathlier options. There was a large vegetable plate we ordered for the table that had grilled zuchini, onions, squash, you name it! I ordered the salmon that was too die for and there were also lots of interesting salad options. Highly recommend perch for a weekday lunch, casual dinner or even weekend brunch.
Ping Pong - Asian Fusion restaurant in Lakeview. This is one of the most underrated restaurants in Chicago. First of all, it is BYOB which is fabulous. Second of all the food and music are fabulous. I am trying to work ping pong into my rotating regulars. The pad thai and curry dishes here are top notch.
HaiSous- Trendy viatnamese restaraunt in Pilsen. HaiSous offers an a la carte menu and a seasonal tasting menu. I have gone twice so far. The first time was for restaurant week and I thought the food was amazing. Same with the cocktails. The second time I went, the food was super adventurous. We were eating a lot of snails.
Parachute- yet to go but i have heard the bread is a must order.
Daisies - Italian spot in Logan Square. Daisies makes some of the best homeade pasta the city has to offer. They also have this cocktail that is a mushroom margarita, my mouth waters just thinking about it.
Ceres Table - Italian spot in Lakeview. On my list of places to visit.
Coda di Volpe- a neighborhood hot spot in southport. Cute for a sunday casual meal. Coda Di Volpe specializes in pasta and pizzas. The gluten free pizza is very "bready" i would skip it.
chilam balam- byob mexican restaurant located in lakeview
Boefhaus
Osteria Langhe
Chicago Cocktail/Wine Spots:
The Dandy Crown- new cocktail spot that opened in 2021. Has a full service kitchen serving dishes such as cauliflower nachos, roasted halibut and beef short rib.
Rootstock Wine & Beer Bar- located in Ukranian village this spot has bites and tons of wine and beer options.
Diversey Wine- natural wine shop in Logan Square.
King Cup- fun cocktail bar in Lincoln Park. they also have a psychic!
Milk Bar- located in the chicago althetic club, 12 seat bar with great spirits.
Dorians- first come first serve bar hidden behind a record store in wicker park. Also, has live jazz!
Armitage Alehouse- coming soon! first cocktail lounge by HogSalt! Cant wait for this to open in Lincoln Park
Red and White Winery- wine tastings every Saturday until 4 pm. There is an adjoining restaurant if you end up needing a snack
Greendoor Tavern- love this neighborhood tavern right in River north.. the best part is there is a speakeasy underneath.
Fox Bar- fox bar is located in the same building as soho house but is open to the public. Serving up craft cocktails and cozy dark vibes.
LazyBird- located in the Hoxton hotel, this cocktail spot has live music and great drinks.
Meadowlark- new trendy cocktail bar. Make sure to make reservations. this spot in logan square is very popular since it opened (late 22/early 23).
Bar 504- cocktail bar above Le Select. Just opened winter 2023. Very swanky.