Attention Foodies: The Best Foodie Restaurants to Try in Chicago, IL

Foodies of Chicago, Unite!

From deep-dish pizzas to insanely innovative fusion dishes (Indian/Mexican anyone?), Chicago’s food scene is a playground for adventurous eaters.

The Windy City’s chicago foodie spots blend old-world charm with modern dining excellence.

Talented chefs transform fresh, local ingredients into masterpieces that tell the story of this diverse metropolis. Read on fellow Foodies!

No Vacancy

Located in Chicago’s vibrant River North neighborhood, No Vacancy brings elevated dive bar energy to the Windy City’s dining scene.

This trendy spot serves up comfort food with a modern twist, making it a hit among locals and visitors alike.

The restaurant’s playful menu and creative cocktails create an experience that keeps guests coming back for more.

Food Highlights

  • Birria Egg Rolls: 8-hour braised beef with oaxaca cheese, served with consume and charred lime
  • Pretzel-Crusted Chicken Tenders: A crowd favorite paired with agave mustard and housemade ranch
  • NV Burger: 100% certified black angus blend of ribeye, chuck & brisket, topped with dual cheeses and house sauce
  • Charred Brussels Sprouts: Enhanced with nueske bacon lardons and fig balsamic reduction

Atmosphere

The laid-back setting creates the perfect backdrop for both casual dining and social gatherings.

The space buzzes with energy, especially during their popular happy hour from 4:30-6:30 PM on weekdays.

The restaurant stays open late with the kitchen serving until 11 PM nightly, making it an ideal spot for evening entertainment.

Bottom Line

No Vacancy delivers the perfect mix of quality food, creative drinks, and a fun atmosphere that makes it an essential stop in River North.

The combination of shareable plates and craft cocktails creates an ideal setting for everything from date nights to group gatherings.

Address: 509 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60654

How Can It Be Gluten Free Cookbook Collection: 350+ Groundbreaking Recipes for All Your Favorites
$27.33
Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
01/18/2025 03:47 am GMT

Brasero

Chef John Manion brings the sizzling flavors of South America to Chicago’s West Town neighborhood with his newest venture, Brasero.

This sultry Latin American restaurant combines Midwestern sensibility with South American flair, earning recognition as one of the Best New Restaurants in the Country by Robb Report and a nomination for “Best New Restaurant” at the 2025 Banchet Awards.

The restaurant also features an innovative wine list with 100 South American bottles under $100.

Food Highlights

  • Wagyu Picanha: A Brazilian cut of round steak served with chimi-vinaigrette and Brasero salt
  • Moqueca: A luxurious seafood medley featuring shrimp, clams, and mahi-mahi in coconut broth with dende fried nuts
  • Braised Pork Shank: Served with smoked Ibérico pork belly and feijoada risotto
  • Salmon Ceviche: Prepared with black garlic leche de tigre and served with house-made plantain chips
  • Pão De Queijo: Brazilian cheese bread elevated with truffle Catupiry cheese and apple butter

Atmosphere

The space exudes elegance and fun with an atmospheric dining room that manages to be both sophisticated and playful.

The service team delivers a VIP experience while maintaining a warm, friendly demeanor that never feels obtrusive.

Bottom Line

Brasero offers an unforgettable dining experience that masterfully blends traditional South American cooking techniques with modern innovations, making it a must-visit destination for foodies in Chicago.

Address: 1709 W Chicago Ave Chicago, IL 60622

Mastering Pizza: The Art and Practice of Handmade Pizza, Focaccia, and Calzone [A Cookbook]
$17.59


Buy Now
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
01/18/2025 01:42 am GMT

Mirra

Among Chicago’s hottest foodie spots, Mirra brilliantly marries Indian and Mexican flavors in the vibrant Bucktown neighborhood.

This exciting addition to Chicago’s foodie restaurants creates an innovative dining experience that food lovers won’t soon forget.

Scallop tacos! Thep

The restaurant’s creative menu reflects the passionate vision of James Beard Award nominee Zubair Mohajir and Chef R Mino.

Food Highlights

  • Lamb Barbacoa Biryani: A stunning fusion dish sealed with roti that serves 2-3 people, combining tender lamb with fragrant basmati rice and saffron
  • Chaas Aguachile: A refreshing blend of buttermilk-lime aguachile with garlic-serrano achar and crispy curry leaves
  • Rasmalai Tres Leches: A creative dessert featuring olive oil citrus cake with mango mousse and saffron cardamom-infused milks
  • Crispy Taco: Hudson Bay scallops served with Mexican green curry and crispy fenugreek roti
  • Octopus Sopecitos: Blue corn sopes topped with Chettinad-style octopus and som tum

Atmosphere

The space exudes elegance with its stunning interior design and warm ambiance, creating an intimate setting perfect for both special occasions and casual dining experiences.

Bottom Line

Mirra represents the evolution of Chicago foodie spots, offering an unparalleled fusion experience that pushes culinary boundaries while maintaining authenticity and exceptional flavors.

Address: 1954 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60622

Dear Margaret

Chicago’s foodie spots keep getting better, and Dear Margaret brings a delightful French-Canadian twist to the Windy City’s dining scene.

Located in the heart of Lakeview, this intimate foodie restaurant transforms Midwestern ingredients into soulful French-Canadian comfort food.

Chef Ryan Brosseau, who grew up in Ontario, crafts dishes inspired by his grandmother’s cooking, making this spot one of Chicago’s most talked-about dining destinations.

Food Highlights

  • Duck Liver Mousse: Silky smooth perfection served with homemade nine-grain toast and smoked pickled onions
  • Pommes Dauphine: Airy French potato puffs with a crispy exterior and creamy interior
  • Steak Frites: Tender bavette cut served with beef tallow-fried Kennebec potatoes and roasted garlic aioli
  • Roasted Squash: A seasonal favorite with lemon charmoula and premium olive oil
  • Fried Smelts: Lake Ontario delicacies fried in beef tallow with tartar sauce

Atmosphere

The space feels like stepping into a cozy Canadian grandmother’s cabin with exposed brick walls and warm wooden accents.

The intimate environment creates the perfect setting for both special occasions and casual dinners.

The restaurant’s blue exterior welcomes diners into a warm, inviting space that masterfully balances nostalgia with modern sophistication.

Bottom Line

Dear Margaret delivers an exceptional dining experience that combines honest cooking with warm hospitality, making it a must-visit destination for food lovers seeking something uniquely different in Chicago’s vibrant restaurant scene.

Address: 2965 North Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, IL