Discover why Chicago’s food scene remains one of the most exciting and diverse in the country. From Michelin-starred fine dining to creative neighborhood gems, these restaurants curated by Christopher Parr present something delicious for everyone.
Chicago is a city that thrives on culinary creativity, offering an unparalleled variety of dining experiences to satisfy every palate and budget. From Michelin-starred fine dining destinations to hidden neighborhood gems, the best Chicago restaurants for 2025 showcase the incredible diversity and innovation that make this city a world-class food destination. These are our favorite places, offering great meals that represent the best of Chicago eating across a range of price points, cuisines, and neighborhoods.
Whether you’re craving bold global flavors, classic American dishes with a modern twist, or under-the-radar spots that surprise and delight, the Windy City delivers it all. Discover why Chicago’s food scene remains one of the most exciting and dynamic in the country with this expertly curated Pursuitist Best of list. Each restaurant brings a unique perspective on what makes dining in Chicago legendary, ensuring there’s something exceptional for every type of food lover.
Boka
Location: 1729 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614
Why Pursuitist Loves It: Boka’s Michelin-starred cuisine blends elegance, seasonal ingredients, and unforgettable flavors in a stunningly designed space.
Chef Lee Wolen has become synonymous with modern American fine dining. Before joining Boka, Wolen honed his craft at Eleven Madison Park in New York and The Peninsula Hotel in Chicago. His approach to food emphasizes seasonal ingredients and meticulous execution, resulting in a menu that evolves with the seasons yet consistently dazzles.
Signature Dishes:
- Roasted Chicken with Black Truffle and Maitake Mushrooms
- Spring Pea Tortellini
Oriole
Location: 661 W Walnut St, Chicago, IL 60661
Why Pursuitist Loves It: A hidden gem in the West Loop, Oriole elevates fine dining into an immersive art form.
Chef Noah Sandoval is a master of balance and creativity. A two-time James Beard Award nominee, Sandoval’s menus at Oriole showcase his commitment to pushing culinary boundaries. Each dish is designed to surprise and delight, creating a deeply personal dining experience. His background includes time at Senza, where he earned Michelin stars for his refined gluten-free menu.
Signature Dishes:
- Foie Gras Brioche with Anise Hyssop
- Truffle-Laden Capellini
Girl & the Goat
Location: 809 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
Why Pursuitist Loves It: Stephanie Izard’s flagship restaurant revolutionized the West Loop dining scene with bold, globally inspired flavors.
Chef Stephanie Izard, the first female winner of Top Chef, is one of Chicago’s most beloved culinary figures. Her adventurous palate and commitment to creating approachable yet innovative dishes have earned her widespread acclaim, including a James Beard Award for Best Chef: Great Lakes. Izard’s playful style is evident in every dish, which is designed to surprise and delight.
Signature Dishes:
- Goat Empanadas
- Sautéed Green Beans with Cashews and Fish Sauce Vinaigrette
Akahoshi Ramen
Location: 2523 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
Why Pursuitist Loves It: Akahoshi Ramen offers an unparalleled ramen experience, crafted with precision and authenticity.
Chef Mike Satinover took an unconventional path to culinary fame. A ramen enthusiast turned Reddit sensation, Satinover spent years studying the art of ramen in Japan. His obsessive attention to detail is evident in every bowl served at Akahoshi Ramen, where he personally oversees the preparation of noodles, tare, and broth.
Signature Dishes:
- Sapporo-Style Miso Ramen
- Soupless Tantanmen
Alinea
Location: 1723 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614
Why Pursuitist Loves It: Alinea redefines modernist cuisine with creativity, innovation, and unparalleled presentation.
Chef Grant Achatz is one of the most celebrated chefs in the world. Overcoming personal adversity, including a battle with cancer, Achatz has become a beacon of culinary innovation. His avant-garde approach to dining, paired with Executive Chef Douglas Alley’s execution, has earned Alinea three Michelin stars and a place on countless “best restaurant” lists.
Signature Dishes:
- “Paint” Dessert with Blueberries and Liquid Nitrogen-Frozen Chocolate Mousse
- Salt-Baked Kohlrabi Shaved Tableside
Maple & Ash
Location: 8 W Maple St, Chicago, IL 60610
Why Pursuitist Loves It: This chic steakhouse elevates the traditional dining experience with indulgent touches and world-class wines.
Chef Danny Grant brings his Michelin-starred expertise to every dish at Maple & Ash. Known for his luxurious take on wood-fired cooking, Grant has a knack for creating menus that feel both sophisticated and approachable. His culinary philosophy emphasizes celebration, making Maple & Ash a top choice for special occasions.
Signature Dishes:
- Wood-Fired Dry-Aged Ribeye
- Caviar-Topped Pancakes (Sunday Brunch)
Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf
Location: 218 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654
Why Pursuitist Loves It: This French-inspired steakhouse blends timeless elegance with a fun, lively atmosphere.
Chef Brendan Sodikoff, the mastermind behind Bavette’s, is a culinary entrepreneur with a flair for blending fine dining with comfort food. His menus draw inspiration from classic French techniques, but his vision for a lively, unpretentious atmosphere makes Bavette’s stand out.
Signature Dishes:
- 16 oz. Ribeye with Béarnaise Sauce
- Roasted Bone Marrow
Maxwell’s Trading Co.
Location: 1215 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607
Why Pursuitist Loves It: Maxwell’s brings bold flavors and a convivial atmosphere to the West Loop dining scene.
Chef James Kim, a rising star in Chicago’s culinary world, leads the kitchen at Maxwell’s. With a background in Japanese and Basque cuisines, Kim’s menu focuses on small plates that pack a punch. His attention to detail and passion for sourcing local ingredients ensure every dish is a standout.
Signature Dishes:
- Miso-Glazed Japanese Sweet Potatoes
- Basque Butter Cake
Why Chicago’s Culinary Scene Shines in 2025
From hidden gems like Maxwell’s to Michelin-starred destinations like Alinea, Chicago remains a destination for food lovers. Its diversity of flavors, chefs who are true artists, and dedication to innovation make it one of the most exciting places to dine in the world.
