
15 restaurants that define Chicago

by Kristine Hansen and Sarah Freeman
Updated December 15, 2023
The Windy City has long prided itself on its groundbreaking restaurant scene. But in recent years, the rest of the country has noticed as well. Chicago’s best restaurants have routinely scooped up MICHELIN stars and launched the careers of star chefs such as Rick Bayless and Stephanie Izard.
An opulent Gold Coast restaurant shakes up long-standing steakhouse traditions. An acclaimed Peruvian chef brings Andean bounty to River North. An unassuming Ukrainian Village spot recently became the world’s first MICHELIN-starred Filipino restaurant.
There’s never been a better time to celebrate the iconic spots that have shaped Chicago’s restaurant scene into the juggernaut it is today. Read on for a guide to 15 spots that are essential to the city.

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