Top 5 Chicago Neighborhoods for Food Lovers: Ultimate Dining Guide

No matter where you go in Chicago, you’ll find a diverse selection of places to eat and drink in every corner of our city. These neighborhoods in particular have established themselves as foodie favorites, with new, buzz-worthy restaurants and bars popping up every day.

Need a tour guide? We’ve rounded up some of Chicago’s most restaurant-centric areas and (most importantly) where to eat in all of them. One tip — make your reservations ahead of time.

Get a taste of the trend-setting West Loop

If you can only make it to one foodie neighborhood, the forever-hip West Loop is a frontrunner. Located in the former meatpacking district, the neighborhood is now home to one of the city’s hottest dining scenes and it’s all centered around Randolph Street, aka Restaurant Row.

Here, you’ll find celebrity chefs opening their latest hot ventures, cool new bars taking over historic factory buildings, buzzing sidewalk patios and rooftop lounges — and that’s all within a couple of blocks.

A few must-try, taste-making spots in the West Loop.

• Girl and the Goat, the flagship restaurant of Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard
• Au Cheval, home to one of the country’s most famous burgers (and equally famous waits)
• The Aviary, an innovative cocktail spot by the groundbreaking team behind Alinea
• Momotaro, acclaimed modern Japanese food and a perfect date night vibe
• avec, Mediterranean shared plates from the place that basically started the shared plates trend
• The Publican, acclaimed food with a beer hall vibe in one of the neighborhood’s original hit spots
• Sushi Dokku, a popular sushi spot with a subterranean cocktail bar, Booze Box

Live it up in River North

Just north of the river from the Loop, River North is a popular destination for high-end dining. Once an industrial area, the neighborhood is now known as a hotspot for drinking and dining. It’s bustling streets are lined with sleek steakhouses, award-winning cocktail bars, trendy restaurants, and plenty of other spots to get your fine-dining fix. It’s the perfect place for a special occasion dinner, an unforgettable cocktail, or a night out on the town.

Here are a few spots that’ll give you a taste of River North.

• RPM Steak, a modern take on a classic Chicago steakhouse
• Topolobampo, elevated Mexican cuisine from revered chef Rick Bayless
• Eataly, a multi-story Italian marketplace complete with restaurants and bars
• Vermilion, known for their global dishes featuring Latin and Indian flavors
• Three Dots and a Dash, acclaimed tiki drinks with a hidden alleyway entrance (look for the tiki torches)
• River Roast, meat dishes carved tableside with waterfront views

Get authentic flavors in Pilsen

Most Chicagoans know that the best tacos are in Pilsen, but that’s not all this Latino community has to offer. Pilsen’s dining scene is a vibrant blend of old and new that draws on multi-cultural and multi-generational influences. Think hot new fusion places setting up shop next to mom-and-pop taquerias, historic buildings transforming into multi-concept dining destinations, all within a colorful and dynamic community.

Here are a few Pilsen restaurants that represent the flavor of the neighborhood.

• HaiSous, a modern Vietnamese kitchen with an excellent tasting menu
• Taqueria El Milagro, a tortilla factory that happens to sell some of the city’s best tacos
• Dusek’s Board and Beer, owner of one Michelin star on the ground floor of historic Thalia Hall
• S.K.Y., contemporary fare with flavors from all around the globe
• Carnitas Uruapan, a family-owned taqueria known for their piles of slow-cooked pork

Try out classics in Lincoln Park and Lakeview

These residential neighborhoods are beloved for their tree-lined streets, charming shops, and sprawling green space along the scenic lakefront. They also happen to be home to some of the city’s most beloved restaurants. You’ll find a lot of Chicago classics here, from cozy brunch spots, to international favorites, to one of the most acclaimed restaurants on the planet.

Here’s a few spots to eat around Lincoln Park and Lakeview.

• Summer House Santa Monica, a sun-filled escape with fresh, seasonal dishes
• Cafe Ba-ba-reeba!, the long-running tapas restaurant that still draws crowds for its signature sangria
• Batter & Berries, home to French toast flights and DIY mimosas (its BYOB!)
• Chicago Diner, proudly meat free since 1983 and known for their vegan shakes
• DryHop, gastropub fare in a rustic space, with plenty of house-made brews
• Alinea, a multi-sensory experience from one of the best restaurants in the world

Hip eats in Wicker Park, Bucktown, and Logan Square

There’s no shortage of places to eat in Wicker Park, Bucktown, and Logan Square. And not just any places to eat. This area is known for their creative, eclectic vibes, so it makes sense that it’s home to some of the city’s most talked-about spots. You’ll find block after block of packed BYOB patios, creative fusion fare, and some of the hottest tables in town.

Check out some of the neighborhoods’ top spots to eat.

• 90 Miles Cafe, Cubanos and mojitos are the go-to move in this colorful space
• Longman & Eagle, elevated tavern fare and endless whiskey options
• Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits, get a slice of that day’s pie flavors — but hurry, they go fast
• Big Star, street food-inspired tacos on one of the city’s buzziest patios
• Dove’s Luncheonette, a solid brunch menu of South-inspired Mexican cuisine in a retro space
• Pub Royale, crave-worthy Indian fusion in a laid-back setting

For a full list of restaurants, please click here.