A Chicago native’s guide to the restaurants I actually love. These are the places with the best combination of incredible food, unique atmosphere, and the kind of vibe that makes you want to stay a little longer.
Map
Sections
5
American
Asian
Latin
Breakfast/Brunch
Italian
American
Has the cutest patio and bathroom (for pics ofc)
O'Donovan's
One of my favorite brunches in the city! The breakfast sandwich is absolutely amazinf
Lula Cafe
This is such a beautiful restaurant with a great vibe! All of the pastas are to die for
Daisies
Amazing restaurant and wine bar! They also have a large space for events!
Uvae Kitchen & Wine Bar
Delicious upscale spot! Located in a beautiful space
Girl & The Goat
Such an amazing local spot! They are known for their sandwiches and I love getting to try a new one each time I visit!
Falcon's Handcrafted Sandwiches
Asian
Such amazing duck- I crave it all the time
Sun Wah BBQ
Great staff and food!
Ban Po Jung Korean Restaurant
Loveee the food here! Such a great selection of classic Thai dishes
Tuk Tuk Thai Isan Street Food
Amazing Indian food in a great location!
ROOP Chicago Innovative Indian Restaurant & Cocktail Bar
Yummy local Korean restaurant! Great quality meats and dishes
Cho Sun Ok Restaurant
Such amazing restaurant in Chinatown! Lots of variety and great quality
MCCB Chicago
Love this gem! The soup dumplings are so delicious
Hing Kee
Cozy restaurant in West Loop! Lots of delicious options
The Izakaya | Japanese Bar & Lounge | West Loop, Chicago
This place was beautiful! Love the traditional feel and food
MIDORI JAPANESE RESTAURANT - Updated August 2025 - 245 Photos & ...
Such delicious Thai food! This cash-only restaurant feels like an underrated gem in the neighborhood
Aroy Thai Chicago
Amazing Filipino-Cuban food. The decor is very cozy and the food feels very intentional
bayan ko
Latin
THE best margs in town!
Garcia's Restaurant
Yummy empanadas and live music on Saturdays!
Sabor A Café Chicago - Colombian Steakhouse & Live Music Venue
An amazing tapas restaurant! The paella is delicious
Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!
Yummy Cuban food! Lots of quality food and drinks
Mima's Taste Of Cuba
Great vegan option in Andersonville! Delicious margaritas as well
Penelope's Vegan Taqueria Andersonville
Breakfast/Brunch
The cutest breakfast spot! Lots of seating with a great patio
Bryn Mawr Breakfast Club
Great option in the Jefferson Park area! Friendly service and classic dishes
Sweet Cafe －Jefferson Park
Great American restaurant! Offers a lot of amazing breakfast options
Big Jones
Italian
The pizza and drinks were perfect for a friend’s night out!
Bungalow by Middle Brow
Great place for pizza by the slice! Such a cute patio area
Pizza Lobo Logan Square
Lovely Italian restaurant in Wicker Park! Amazing homemade pasta
Tortello
Great casual Italian restaurant with multiple locations! Large portions so great for sharing
The Pasta Bowl - Lincoln Park
The coziest spot in Ravenswood! Such a great atmosphere with amazing, authentic food
Spacca Napoli Pizzeria
Amazing Italian food in a cozy atmosphere! Perfect for a date night or outing with friends
