Chow Down Chi Town
Every summer, I find myself back in Chicago.
Maybe it's the perfect weather. Maybe it's the lakefront walks, the rooftop bars, the energy of the city, or the fact that Chicago somehow manages to feel both familiar and exciting every single time I visit. Whatever the reason, it's become one of my favorite annual traditions.
And while Chicago has no shortage of incredible architecture, museums, shopping, and attractions, let's be honest—I'm here for the food.
Over the years, I've eaten my way through well over 100 restaurants across the city. I've waited in long brunch lines, hunted down hidden neighborhood gems, celebrated special occasions at some of Chicago's most acclaimed dining destinations, and happily planned entire days around a single meal. Tough job, I know.
Normally, I share detailed itineraries from my trips, complete with hotel recommendations, activities, and day-by-day plans. But this guide is different.
This is my Chicago restaurant guide.
A collection of the restaurants I've personally visited, loved, photographed, and recommended time and time again. Some are iconic Chicago institutions. Others are newer spots that deserve a place on your must-visit list. What they all have in common is that I would gladly spend my own money to return.
And speaking of money—this guide isn't sponsored. I wasn't paid to include these restaurants, and nobody purchased a spot on this list. These are simply my honest opinions based on my experiences dining at each location, taking into account the food, atmosphere, service, and overall experience.
So whether you're planning your first trip to Chicago or looking for your next reservation in a city you already love, grab a snack before you continue.
Trust me—you're going to get hungry.
In no specific ranking or order, here are the hot spots I recommend you visit in Chicago.
Tortello
@tortello_pastificio
Well, we've finally arrived at my number one spot.
The best of the best. The restaurant I recommend more than any other. And I promise you, I'm not steering you wrong here.
If you're looking for the best Italian food in Chicago, go to Tortello.
I don't say that lightly. From the pasta to the sauce, the salad to the dressing, the focaccia, the ricotta, the tomatoes, even the croutons—everything is exceptional. There isn't a single item I've tried that I wouldn't happily order again. Every ingredient feels intentional, every dish beautifully balanced, and every bite reminds you why simple food is often the hardest to perfect.
And somehow, it gets even better.
Everything is made fresh daily under one roof. During my visit, I had the opportunity to spend time with founder Dario Monni and learn about the story behind Tortello. Originally from Venice, Italy, Dario learned the art of handmade pasta from his Nonna at a young age, carrying those traditions with him long before opening his Chicago pasta shop.
Listening to him talk about ingredients was fascinating. He shared stories about sourcing products from Italy, working with local suppliers, and even his search for the perfect eggs to use in his pasta. When someone cares enough to obsess over every detail, you can taste the difference.
My recommendation? Visit on a sunny afternoon. Grab a table outside. Bring people you enjoy spending time with. Order more than you think you need. Pour a glass of Prosecco and take your time.
Because that's the thing about Tortello: you can taste the love behind it.
You can taste the years of practice, the family traditions, the trial and error, and the pride that goes into every plate. It's the kind of food that reminds you why restaurants matter in the first place—not just because they feed you, but because they tell a story.
And Tortello tells a beautiful one.
What's pictured:
🍝 Tortelli Pasta — Filled with burrata and topped with butter, sage, and toasted hazelnuts.
🍅 Summer Salad — Fresh Roma tomatoes, homemade croutons, and aceto balsamico.
🍯 Focaccia with Ricotta & Honey.
Carnivale
@Carnivalechi
Some restaurants serve dinner. Carnivale throws a party.
The moment you walk through the doors, you're surrounded by soaring ceilings, vibrant colors, dramatic artwork, and an energy that's impossible to ignore. Located in Chicago's West Loop, Carnivale has become one of the city's most iconic celebration destinations, and after one visit, it's easy to see why.
What sets Carnivale apart is that the entertainment doesn't stop at the décor. Throughout the year, the restaurant hosts live samba dancers, Latin-inspired performances, music events, and immersive dining experiences that transform an ordinary dinner into a night out. If you're lucky enough to visit during one of their entertainment nights, don't be surprised when performers appear throughout the dining room and the entire restaurant feels like it's joined the celebration.
Of course, the food holds its own. The menu showcases Latin fusion cuisine inspired by Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean, with bold flavors, colorful presentations, and dishes that are just as memorable as the atmosphere. Pair your meal with one of their creative cocktails and you'll quickly understand why Carnivale has remained a Chicago favorite for special occasions, birthdays, girls' nights, and celebrations of every kind.
If you're looking for a quiet dinner, keep scrolling. If you're looking for one of the most fun dining experiences in Chicago, Carnivale belongs at the top of your list.
What's pictured:
🥩 Ropa Vieja — Braised beef, pickled onions, aji amarillo aioli, queso fresco, and sweet plantains.
🍬 Cotton Candy Martini — Ketel One, Pimm's No. 1, raspberry, lime, and cotton candy.
🔥 Gaucho Steak — 16 oz. USDA Prime 45-day dry-aged ribeye with roasted garlic mashed potatoes and chimichurri.
Maison Marcel
@maisonmarcelchi
Maison Marcel feels like stepping into a charming Parisian café right in the heart of Chicago. Equal parts bakery, café, and neighborhood gathering spot, it’s the kind of place that makes you want to slow down and savor your morning. Every dish arrives beautifully plated, turning breakfast into an experience that's just as visually stunning as it is delicious.
Opening bright and early at 7 AM, Maison Marcel offers the perfect start to the day. Between the aroma of freshly brewed coffee, warm buttery pastries, and thoughtfully crafted dishes, it's impossible not to fall in love with the atmosphere. After one visit, I understood why so many people rave about this place. It's become a staple on my Chicago must-visit list, and I already can't wait to see what new creations they'll dream up next.
What's pictured:
🥖 Big Mama Burrata — Stracciatella cheese, cherry tomatoes, basil, rustic bread, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Easily one of the best burrata dishes I've had in Chicago—the cheese is unbelievably creamy and absolutely perfect.
🍳 French Breakfast — Eggs any style served with a basket of fresh French bread. Simple, classic, and executed flawlessly. Chef's kiss.
🐟 Smoked Salmon Tartine — Smoked salmon, organic country bread, herbed cream cheese, and capers. Fresh, flavorful, and the perfect balance of rich and light. ✨
The Brunchery
@brunchonclark
For more than 80 years, The Brunchery (formerly Frances's) has been a beloved Chicago institution, serving breakfast, lunch, and brunch long before brunch became the cultural phenomenon it is today. Known for comforting classics, family recipes passed down through generations, and famously oversized sandwiches, this longtime favorite continues to be a gathering place for locals and visitors alike.
Today, The Brunchery is blending its rich history with a fresh new vision under Chef Rylon's leadership. The menu offers everything from indulgent brunch flights to soul-satisfying comfort food, alongside creative cocktails and a mimosa experience that's perfect for celebrating with friends. The bright, charming interior is filled with fun brunch-inspired décor, including a photo-worthy wall of signs and quotes that practically begs for a picture.
Whether you're catching up with friends, celebrating a special occasion, or simply treating yourself to a leisurely brunch, The Brunchery delivers the kind of experience that keeps people coming back year after year. I have a feeling this will remain one of my Chicago summer traditions for many years to come.
What's pictured: French Toast Flight, Mimosa Tower, Fresh Fruit, and the Eggs Benedict Flight. 🍓🥂✨
Pizzeria Portofino
@pizzeria.portofino
If I had to choose one restaurant to spend a summer afternoon along the Chicago River, Pizzeria Portofino would be at the top of my list. Nestled directly on the waterfront, this Italian-inspired hotspot combines incredible food, refreshing cocktails, and some of the best views in the city.
What keeps me coming back is that the menu never feels stale. The burrata changes with the seasons, and every version somehow manages to be better than the last. I've enjoyed it topped with fresh summer fruit, seasonal vegetables, and other creative combinations that highlight the freshest ingredients available. It's one of those dishes I order every single visit without even looking at the menu.
And before the Chicago deep-dish loyalists come for me, hear me out—the thin-crust pizza here is fantastic. Perfectly crisp, loaded with flavor, and paired with house-made sauces that elevate every bite. It's the kind of pizza that disappears from the table much faster than you intended.
The atmosphere is what truly sets Pizzeria Portofino apart. During the warmer months, the floor-to-ceiling windows open completely, creating an airy indoor-outdoor dining experience that feels more like the Italian coast than downtown Chicago. Add in a cocktail inspired by the Mediterranean, boats floating by on the river, and a sunset reflecting off the skyline, and you'll quickly understand why this spot has become one of Chicago's most sought-after reservations.
Whether you're entertaining out-of-town guests, planning a date night, or simply looking for a restaurant that feels like summer, Pizzeria Portofino delivers every time.
What's pictured:
🍓 Imported Burrata & Local Strawberries — Pistachio pesto, aged balsamic, and ciabatta.
🐟 Tuna Tartare — Basil pesto aioli and ciabatta.
🍕 Charred Pepperoni Pizza — Ezzo pepperoni, mozzarella, Mama Lil's peppers, and Portofino hot honey.
Formentos
@formentoschi
Formento’s is the kind of restaurant that reminds you why Chicago has one of the best dining scenes in the country. Inspired by classic Italian-American cooking, every detail feels intentional—from the warm atmosphere to the beautifully executed dishes that arrive at the table looking like works of art.
Known for its house-made pastas, impeccable service, and timeless menu, Formento's strikes the perfect balance between upscale dining and genuine hospitality. Whether you're celebrating an anniversary, gathering with family, or simply treating yourself to a memorable meal, it feels like the kind of place worthy of an occasion—even if the only occasion is that you're hungry.
What impressed me most was the quality of every single dish. The pasta is made fresh daily, the portions are incredibly generous, and each plate showcases the rich, comforting flavors that make Italian cuisine so beloved. And those roasted potatoes? Perfectly crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and impossible to stop eating.
If you're looking for a restaurant that delivers on both atmosphere and execution, Formento's deserves a spot on your Chicago dining list. It's one of those rare places where every course leaves an impression long after the meal is over.
What's pictured:
🍝 Bucatini
🥩 New York Strip
🥔 Roasted Potatoes
🍅 Veal Parmesan
The Gwen
@thegwenchicago
Perched atop The Gwen Hotel just steps from the Magnificent Mile, Upstairs at The Gwen offers one of the most underrated rooftop experiences in Chicago. Inspired by the hotel's Art Deco design, the rooftop feels sophisticated without being stuffy, making it the perfect escape from the crowds below.
Whether you're taking a break from shopping, meeting friends for cocktails, or looking for a quieter rooftop with skyline views, this spot delivers. The outdoor terrace offers sweeping views of downtown Chicago, creating an atmosphere that feels both elevated and relaxed. It's the kind of place where one drink easily turns into two as you watch the city buzz around you.
What I love most about Upstairs at The Gwen is that it doesn't try too hard. The views speak for themselves, the cocktails are thoughtfully crafted, and the menu offers a selection of shareable bites that pair perfectly with an afternoon on the terrace. If you're visiting Chicago during the warmer months, this is an excellent place to unwind after exploring the city.
For an extra treat, stop by for weekend brunch, served Saturdays and Sundays from 7 AM to 2 PM. During the summer season, reservations are highly recommended.
Quartino
@quartinochicago
If your group chat can never decide where to eat, send them to Quartino.
The menu is built around sharing, which means everyone gets to try a little bit of everything. Fresh pasta, roasted meats, pizzas, salads, endless wine options—it's the kind of place where the table is completely covered in plates within twenty minutes of sitting down.
The energy here is half the experience. The dining room is loud, bustling, and packed with people passing around dishes and pouring another glass of wine. It feels like you've stumbled into an Italian dinner party rather than a restaurant. In fact, if you're looking for a quiet, romantic dinner, this probably isn't your place. If you're looking for fun, however, you're going to love it.
Wine lovers should come prepared. Quartino's wine list is extensive, with plenty of options available by the glass, carafe, or bottle, making it easy to try something new without breaking the bank.
My advice? Bring at least four people, order way more food than you think you need, and plan to stay awhile. Some of the best meals in Chicago happen around crowded tables, and Quartino has perfected that experience.
What's pictured:
🍗 Roasted Chicken
🥔 Gnocchi
🍝 Signature Alfredo
I hope you enjoyed my post! If you'd like to reach out, please do not hesitate. For personal & business inquiries you can reach me on my email, coraincolor@gmail.com, you can leave a comment through my contact page, or you can find me on Instagram @coraincolor.
Check back to my website, new posts usually come weekly. So, stick around, your support means more than you know.