One of my favorite hobbies is exploring new restaurants in the food haven that is Chicago! My list of favorite restaurants is constantly growing and evolving, but here are several of my current favorites (*updated as of 5/2/18)

Upscale

• Les Nomades
• North Pond
• Oriole (phenomenal tasting menu experience)
• Next

Brunch

• Big Jones (awesome New Orleans grub)
• Dove’s Luncheonette
• Flo (for a solid Mex brunch)
• Longman & Eagle (not as good as it used to be, but still worth checking out)
• The Publican
• The Original Pancake House (I’m a sucker for those pancakes!)
• Marisol (more for the ambience – it’s located at inside Chicago’s Museum of Contemporary Art)

Trendy/Small Plates

• Bernie’s Lunch & Supper (love their burger and rooftop, but haven’t been in a while so not sure if it still holds up to my review!)
• Dusek’s
• Longman & Eagle
• Giant
• Avec (a classic – the most consistently delicious restaurant)
• Au Cheval & Small Cheval
• Tanta
• The Purple Pig (touristy, but the food is still great)
• Maude’s Liquor Bar
• Green Street Smoked Meats
• Proxi
• Two
• HaiSous
• Bad Hunter (for the vegetarians!)
• Parachute

Casual

• County Barbeque
• Big Jones
• Lula Cafe
• Fountainhead (one of the most beautiful rooftops)
• Del Seoul
• Big & Little’s
• Cafecito (BEST Cuban sandwiches)
• Dryhop (my favorite burger in the city)
• Smoque BBQ
• Nha Hang Viet Nam (best pho!)
• Pub Royale (Brit-style Indian pub)

 Japanese

• Kai Zan
• Yuzu
• Yellowtail Sushi (formerly Hatsu Hana)
• Momotaro & Izakaya Momotaro
• Toro Sushi
• Arami
• Wasabi (BEST ramen!)
• Furious Spoon

Asian

• Le Colonial (one of my favorite spots in Chicago – gorgeous restaurant with consistently delicious French-Vietnamese food)
• Lao Schezwan
• Chengdu Impressions
• MingHin Cuisine
• Shanghai Terrace
• Duck Duck Goat
• Fat Rice
• HaiSous

Thai

• JJ Thai Street Food
• Rice Cafe
• Opart Thai

Italian

• Trattoria Ultimo (my favorite restaurant in Chicago!)
• Sapori Trattoria
• Balena
• Siena Tavern
• Piccolo Sogno
• Riccardo Enoteca
• Topo Gigio
• A Tavola
• Osteria Langhe (my first meal here was amazing, but not as consistent anymore)
• Buona Terra
• Monteverde

Spanish

• Cafe Babareeba
• Salero
• Mercat a la Planxa

Mexican

• Lena Brava
• Veneno de Nayarit
• Mi Tocaya Antojeria

Steakhouses

• Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf
• Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse (yes, it’s a chain, but seriously the most consistently good steak!!!)
• Boeufhaus (for an intimate, anti-steakhouse vibes in Ukrainian Village)
• Prime & Provisions
• Maple & Ash (overpriced, but super scene-y and fun for a special occasion)
• Tango Sur (awesome byob Argentinian steak spot!)
• Folklore