Chicago, the Windy City’s culinary crown, boasts over 7,300 eateries from Michelin starred temples to corner hot dog stands earning its third Michelin city status. The best restaurants to try in Chicago fuse Midwest heartiness with global flair deep-dish debates, molecular gastronomy, and James Beard winners galore. Neighborhoods pulse with diversity West Loop’s warehouse chic, Pilsen’s taquerias, Chinatown’s dim sum palaces. This guide spotlights must visits and the best trendy restaurants in Chicago, where reservations vanish in minutes and Instagram feeds explode. With 26 Michelin stars, 50+ Bib Gourmands, and seasonal farmers markets, Chicago feeds every craving. Download Resy, pack stretchy pants, and savor the Third Coast’s edible masterpiece.

Why Chicago Reigns as America’s Food Capital

Spanning 77 neighborhoods, Chicago’s food scene reflects waves of immigrants Polish sausages, Italian beef, Mexican mole elevated by farm to table ethos. The best restaurants to try in Chicago span casual (Portillo’s) to avant-garde (Alinea). James Beard Awards 2024 honored seven locals; Time Out ranked it 1 U.S. food city. Best times: Summer for patio season, winter for cozy steakhouses. Budget: Hot dogs $4, tasting menus $300+. Sustainability thrives 80% restaurants source locally via Green City Market. As best trendy restaurants in Chicago pop with natural wines and hyper-seasonal plates, diversity rules: 40% women/minority-owned. CTA trains connect hubs; Uber for late nights. Chicago isn’t just eating it’s cultural immersion on a plate. Let’s dive into the best restaurants to try in Chicago

Alinea Restaurant: Molecular Gastronomy Masterpiece in Lincoln Park

Alinea anchors the best restaurants to try in Chicago with Grant Achatz’s three Michelin-star wizardry, redefining dining since 2005. The Gallery menu (16-18 courses, $385-$475) unfolds like edible theater balloon desserts float, tableside scents evoke childhood. The Salon offers approachable 10-course ($275). Lincoln Park’s gray townhouse hides zero signage; enter via red door. Reservations drop 60 days ahead on Tock set alerts. Vegetarian menus dazzle; wine pairings add $295. Dress code: No shorts. Nearby Rose Mary pairs Croatian-Italian post-meal. Alinea’s innovation hot potato cold potato, black truffle explosion earns global pilgrimage status. Stay at Lincoln Hotel for seamless luxury.

Alinea tops best trendy restaurants in Chicago for boundary pushing creativity amid 2025’s experiential dining wave. New “Zero Waste” series repurposes scraps into art; augmented reality menus scan courses. NFT table reservations sold out in hours. Expect helium-filled edible balloons, temperature-shifting spoons. Pair with rare Japanese whiskies. Alinea’s fusion of science, storytelling, and flavor cements its avant-garde throne.

Oriole Restaurant: Intimate West Loop Elegance

Oriole shines among the best restaurants to try in Chicago, Ernest Wong’s two Michelin-star gem tucked in a freight elevator alley. The 15 course tasting ($295) journeys globally foie gras with persimmon, wagyu with fermented chilies served on custom ceramics. West Loop’s warehouse district hums nearby; enter via unmarked door. Extended counter (28 seats) fosters chef banter. Wine pairings ($195) curated by sommelier; non-alcoholic $125. Reservations via Tock 30 days out. Dress elevated casual. Post-dinner, hit Kumiko for Japanese spirits. Oriole’s warmth, precision, and storytelling elevate fine dining intimacy.

Stay at Nobu Hotel for rooftop views. As a best trendy restaurant in Chicago, Oriole’s 2025 “Sound of Flavor” series syncs courses to custom playlists truffle resonates with jazz bass. Zero-proof pairings use sonic fermentation. Collabs with local artists yield edible sculptures. Oriole blends Michelin rigor with approachable vibes, drawing foodie pilgrims nightly.

Smyth Restaurant: Farm-Driven Innovation in West Loop

Smyth claims elite status in the best restaurants to try in Chicago, John Shields and Karen Urie’s two Michelin-star haven in a former sausage factory. The 18 course menu ($285) celebrates Midwest terroir squash with smoked mussel, venison with huckleberry. The Loyalist downstairs offers smashburgers ($18). West Loop’s Randolph Row buzzes; book via Resy. Wine pairings $195; BYOB corkage $50. Vegetarian options shine. Dress code smart. Nearby Publican pairs post-meal beers. Smyth’s evolution from pop-up to icon reflects Chicago’s creative spirit.

Stay at Hoxton for warehouse chic. Smyth leads best trendy restaurants in Chicago with 2025 hyper-local foraging chefs harvest Lake Michigan ramps. “Farm to Turntable” vinyl pairings match courses to records. Guest chef series features Indigenous voices. Smyth’s sustainable, soulful plates redefine Midwestern cuisine.

Girl & the Goat Restaurant: Stephanie Izard’s West Loop Legend

Girl & the Goat roars as a cornerstone of the best restaurants to try in Chicago, Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard’s bold flavors since 2010. Shareable plates goat liver mousse, wood-oven pig face blend global twists. West Loop’s bustling corner; reservations via Resy 30 days. Walk-ins at bar. Craft cocktails like “Magic Beans” dazzle. Family-style encourages adventure. Nearby Au Cheval awaits late night burgers. Izard’s empire includes Cabra rooftop.

Stay at Ace Hotel for retro vibes. Girl & the Goat’s playful yet precise energy embodies Chicago’s approachable excellence.Remaining best trendy restaurant in Chicago, Girl & the Goat’s 2025 “Goat After Dark” late-night menu launches midnight ramen. Collabs with local brewers yield beer-infused desserts. Outdoor goat petting pop-ups charm. Izard’s empire expands sustainably.

Monteverde Restaurant: Italian Soul in West Loop

Monteverde delights among the best restaurants to try in Chicago, Sarah Grueneberg’s pasta paradise blending tradition with invention. Hand rolled ragu alla Napoletana, cacio e pepe wheeled tableside. West Loop’s corner spot; book Resy. House vermouth cocktails. Family style sides shine. Nearby Swift & Sons for steaks. Grueneberg’s James Beard win cements legacy. Stay at Publishing House B&B.Monteverde trends with 2025 fresh pasta flights six shapes, one sauce. Natural wine focus; pasta making classes. Outdoor piazza expands. Monteverde’s soulful Italian heart beats strong.

Giant Restaurant: Casual Logan Square Gem

Giant punches above in the best restaurants to try in Chicago, Jason Vincent’s no-reservations (mostly) haven. Uni shooter biscuits, blue crab with Old Bay butter. Logan Square’s cozy corner; arrive 4:30pm for seats. BYOB saves cash. Nearby Lula Cafe for breakfast. Vincent’s James Beard “Best Chef Great Lakes” shines. Stay at Longman & Eagle rooms. Giant trends with 2025 “Midnight Giant” late menu. Collabs with breweries. Outdoor parklets. Giant’s unpretentious excellence defines neighborhood dining.

Virtue Restaurant: Southern Comfort in Hyde Park

Virtue warms as a soulful best restaurant to try in Chicago, Erick Williams’ celebration of Black Southern cuisine. Smoked brisket, shrimp & grits. Hyde Park near Obama Center; Resy. Cocktails honor ancestors. Nearby Valois for classic diner. James Beard “Best Chef Great Lakes.” Stay at Sophy.Virtue trends with 2025 Juneteenth menus. Community suppers. Virtue’s hospitality heals.

Kasama Restaurant: Filipino-American Day-to-Night in Ukrainian Village

Kasama redefines the best restaurants to try in Chicago, Tim Flores and Genie Kwon’s Michelin-starred Filipino bakery by day, tasting menu by night. Breakfast sandwiches on housemade pandesal; 13 course dinner ($275). Ukrainian Village’s corner; dinner Resy lottery. Bakery walk in. Nearby Publican Quality Bread. James Beard “Best New Restaurant” 2023. Stay at Robey. Kasama trends with 2025 ube everything ice cream, cocktails. Dinner collabs with Manila chefs. Kasama’s day night duality captivates.

Planning Your Chicago Food Crawl

Navigate best restaurants to try in Chicago strategically. Fly ORD/MDW; Blue Line to Loop. Resy/Tock essential. Best trendy restaurants in Chicago book 30-60 days. Neighborhood clusters: West Loop trio in one night. Budget: Casual $50pp, fine $300+. CTA $2.50 rides. Food tours Chicago Food Planet. Dietary: Most accommodate. Chicago feeds strategically.

Chicago’s Table Awaits

The best restaurants to try in Chicago from Alinea’s balloons to Kasama’s pandesal craft edible poetry. Best trendy restaurants in Chicago evolve nightly. Book, taste, repeat your culinary odyssey begins. Now which of these best restaurants to try in Chicago are you going for? Let us know in the comment section!