Overview

Let the salivation begin! If you weren’t having food cravings before reading this blog, you will be by the time you’re done. Chicago has become one of the largest food hubs in the world with new eclectic restaurants popping up in basements of historical buildings all the way to Michelin Star chefs cooking up menus that are not only appetizing to your palette, but to your eyes as well.

Below is a variety of places I have dined at in Chicago that range from offering grilled octopus to cheeseburgers. I highly recommend every single one of them! If you’re looking for things to do in Chicago, head on over to my 15 Best Things to Do in Chicago travel blog post!

The Purple Pig

  • Price: $$$
  • Category: Small-plate Mediterranean
  • Order: Ricotta Gnocchi, Salt-Roasted Beets, Grilled Octopus, Chicken Thigh Kabobs, Housemade Meatballs, Whipped Cheese Stuffed Cannoli, Lemon Bar
The Purple Pig
The Purple Pig in Chicago

Argo Tea Cafe

  • Price: $
  • Category: Gourmet teas and snacks
  • Order: Matcha Vanilla Latte, Earl Grey Vanilla Crème, Green Tea Ginger Twist, Pomegranate Raw Bar
Argo Tea Cafe

Friends Sushi

  • Price: $$$
  • Category: Japanese (sushi)
  • Order: Seaweed Salad, Friends sushi roll, Crispy Creamy sushi roll, California sushi roll
Friends Sushi
Friends Sushi in Chicago

Portillo's

  • Price: $
  • Category: American
  • Order: Chicago-style Hot Dog, Chili Cheese Dog, Crinkle Cut French Fries
Portillo’s

Shake Shack

  • Price: $
  • Category: American fast casual (burgers)
  • Order: ShackBurger, Cheese Fries, Frozen Custard Concrete
Shake Shack
Shake Shack in Chicago

Volare Ristorante Italiano

  • Price: $$
  • Category: Italian
  • Order: Warm Kale Salad, Fattoria Risotti, Spaghetti Neri al Pesce, Gnocchi alla Vodka
Volare Ristorante Italiano

The Signature Lounge at the 96th

  • Price: $$$$
  • Category: American
  • Order: Michael David “Freakshow” Cabernet Sauvignon, Margherita Pizza
The Signature Lounge at the 96th
Signature Lounge at the 96th in Chicago

Fogo de Chao

  • Price: $$$
  • Category: Brazilian
  • Order: Full Churrasco Experience or just Market Table
Fogo de Chao

Stan’s Donuts and Coffee

  • Price: $
  • Category: American
  • Order: Biscoff Pocket donut, Maple Caramel Bacon Pecan Bar donut, Strawberry Glazed donut, Plain Old Fashioned donut, Chocolate Peanut Butter Pocket donut, Glazed Old Fashioned donut
Stan’s Donuts & Coffee
Stan's Donuts in Chicago

Trattoria No. 10

  • Price: $$$
  • Category: Italian
  • Order: Herb pappardelle with wild mushrooms, leeks, garlic, thyme, white wine, and gorgonzola; gnocchi with cream sauce; tomato bisque with pesto
Trattoria No. 10

Sugar Factory

  • Price: $$
  • Category: American
  • Order: Lollipop Passion Signature 60 oz. Drink, Spinach Artichoke Dip
Sugar Factory
Sugar Factory in Chicago

Giordano's

  • Price: $
  • Category: Italian (deep dish pizza)
  • Order: Famous Stuffed Deep Dish Pizza (cheese and mushrooms)
Giordano’s

Gino's East

  • Price: $$
  • Category: Italian (deep dish pizza)
  • Order: Spicy Kale Cesar, Deep Dish Spinach Margarita Pizza
Gino’s East
Gino's East deep dish pizza

True Food Kitchen

  • Price: $$
  • Category: Health-driven seasonal food
  • Order: Cucumber Cooler drink, Edamame Dumplings, Grilled Artichoke & Pesto Pizza
True Food Kitchen

Garrett Popcorn Shops

  • Price: $$$
  • Category: Gourmet Popcorn Shop
  • Order: Garrett Mix (cheddar and caramel popcorn)
Garrett Popcorn Shops
Garrett Popcorn in Chicago

Hofbrauhaus Chicago

  • Price: $
  • Category: German
  • Order: Giant Pretzel Combo, Sausage Plate, Chicken in Mushroom Sauce, mug of Original beer
Hofbrauhaus Chicago