Diners' Choice: Best Food restaurants in Chicago / Illinois

OpenTable

Updated December 05, 2024

Looking for restaurants with the best overall cuisine in Chicago / Illinois? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Ceiba

4.9

4.9 (30)

$30 and under

Contemporary Mexican

Lincoln Park

About the restaurant

Ceiba - Restaurant & Lounge in Lincoln Park offers a vibrant dining experience with a blend of modern cuisine and relaxed elegance. Enjoy expertly crafted dishes and innovative cocktails in a stylish setting that invites both casual gatherings and special occasions. Join us for a memorable culinary journey where every meal is a celebration.

Top review

AmyVIP

Dined 1 day ago

Fantastic fusion food and everything we tried was fantastic! Great service too!

Piece Brewery & Pizzeria

4.8

4.8 (11)

$30 and under

Pizzeria

Bucktown / Wicker Park

About the restaurant

Currently only accepting reservations for parties of 6-16 online. Reservations for parties greater than 8 are very limited and large parties might be split into multiple tables. Please walk-in for small party availability.

At Piece Brewery, the spirit of piece, love, and harmony are infused into every bite and sip. Nestled in a skylit loft, this vibrant establishment seamlessly unites the flavors of award-winning, New Haven-style thin-crust pizza with the the longest continuously-operating and most award-winning brewpub in Chicago, a tradition that has been upheld since 2001.

Whether you're savoring a slice of our renowned pies or sampling our diverse range of house brews, every visit promises a symphony of taste and community. As the sun sets, the atmosphere transforms into a lively sports-bar setting, creating an unforgettable experience where great food, great brews, and great entertainment converge.

Top review

ROBERTVIP

Dined on Nov 1, 2024

Great pizza and beers. We loved the honey butter chicken and the Atomic Doug pizzas on this visit. Service was fast and friendly.

Ttowa

4.7

4.7 (219)

$30 and under

Korean

Arlington Heights

About the restaurant

Ttowa is a family owned restaurant led by husband and wife - Dong Ju and Og Eun Park. Ttowa welcomes new and returning patrons to enjoy a comforting Korean family meal served by the Park family. "또와" (Ttowa) means "come again" in Korean and we hope the food will indeed want you to dine with us again.

Ttowa is currently BYOB. Please enjoy your beverages with our complimentary "banchan" (side dishes) served with all entrees. Please don't hesitate to ask us for refills!

Signature Dishes:
- Dak Buns (Fire Grilled Chicken Buns)
- Dduk Bokki (Rice Cakes)
- Dolsot Bibimbap (Hot Stone Rice Bowl)
- Jjambbong (Seafood and Pork Noodle Soup)
- Samgyupsal (Sauteed Pork Belly)

Top review

JoeVIP

Dined on Oct 26, 2024

Had an amazing meal, also glad that it is BYOB now.

Nancy's Pizza - West Loop

4.9

4.9 (70)

$30 and under

Pizza Bar

West Loop

About the restaurant

Nancy's Pizza, the iconic Chicago brand that invented the stuffed pizza, has finally arrived in the heart of Chicago's restaurant district at 1000 West Washington in the West Loop. We have a story to tell, and we're telling it in a swanky spot that pays homage to its 1971 roots. While the menu is dominated by the brand's famous stuffed pizza, Nancy's offers a variety of pizza styles, including thin crust and "rustic" pizza, along with chef-created salads, pastas, sandwiches, appetizers and desserts. Most importantly, every item on the menu is made with only the freshest ingredients, and the comfortable bar features a selection of craft, imported and domestic beer (rotated seasonally) on draft and in bottles, signature cocktails and a nice selection of wine. The restaurant's design evokes the 1970s in tasteful surroundings with winks at retro design including lots of wood veneer, wallpaper that varies from flocked and geometrically patterned to an homage to Andy Warhol in the men's roo

Top review

Jennie

Dined 6 days ago

Visiting from Tampa Florida and wanted a local Chicago style pizza. Nancy's did not disappoint. Service was great and they had a variety' of pizza that fit everyone's request. Such a cute place to. Thank you Nancy's

AJI

4.9

4.9 (88)

$50 and over

Japanese Speciality

Lakeview / East Lakeview

About the restaurant

Discover an unforgettable dining experience at one of OpenTable's top restaurant destinations for ambiance, led by the talented Chef Kristian Cho. Recently named a 2024 Diner's Choice winner, our restaurant offers a 15-course omakase menu that pairs perfectly with our intimate, cozy setting—ideal for anniversaries, special occasions, or a memorable date night out. With over 30 years of collective expertise, our team is passionate about delivering exceptional service and a warm, inviting atmosphere, complete with a charming backyard for a unique evening. Join us and create lasting memories with those you love.

Top review

Alexandra

Dined 1 day ago

What a fantastic dinner! I highly recommend. All my fiancée wanted for his birthday was an omakase dinner so I took him here. It was incredible! They even wrote his name on their special board and did a birthday candle for dessert. I’ve barely tried sushi and don’t usually like fish but I decided to be adventurous and it sure was worth it! The food is truly so so good! Go to AJI, it’s worth it!

Molly's Kitchen & Bar

4.9

4.9 (492)

$30 and under

American

Mount Carroll

About the restaurant

Located in Mount Carroll, IL, Molly’s Kitchen & Bar serves
Classic Cuisine and Cocktails made from scratch.

Top review

OpenTable Diner

Dined on Dec 12, 2024

Molly’s is a gem- a must try and repeat! Best around the Midwest. Keep up the good work

Zentli

4.9

4.9 (63)

$30 and under

Mexican

Evanston

About the restaurant

Hear the joyful music of Mexico with a mix of Latin American and world rhythms, enjoy the colorful art, and taste delicious tacos in a warm community space.

Zentli (indigenous Nahuatl Language for "corn" or "maize"), is a casual restaurant that serves the best locally sourced Mexican street food in Evanston, Illinois. With fresh, natural ingredients and vegan & vegetarian options in eclectic, artistic digs, we’re your new local favorite.

We built Zentli to honor the ingenuity and hard work of Mexican people by bringing you the genuine flavors of street vendors through tasty food and mouth-watering drinks.

Top review

AvivaVIP

Dined on Nov 16, 2024

Delicious food, excellent service, great ambience. I absolutely loved it.

Tanoshii

4.9

4.9 (370)

$30 and under

Japanese

Andersonville

About the restaurant

The BEST way to experience Tanoshii for two people is to order signature "fish and chips" appetizer and 3 Mike's special rolls. (Chefs choice)

Tanoshii is often referred to as serving the best sushi in Chicago for over 13 years, crafting fresh Japanese classics in its bright eatery. For delicious starters signature appetizers "fish and chips" and "truffle rose" are highly recommended.

Tanoshii’s owner Mike Ham who's also a master sushi chef offers dishes renowned for their deft of fresh ingredients, and omakase dishes. Omakase in different words means chef choice. Chef uses fresh fish for the day and uses their creativity to deliver you the best sushi experience.

Tanoshii has been reviewed in the Our Chicago Food Blog and the Chicago Reader. Its welcoming setting features a sushi bar and take-out services

Top review

Varda

Dined on Dec 13, 2024

Our favorite neighborhood sushi restaurant. Truly a gem!

Slightly Toasted

5.0

5 (3)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

West Loop

About the restaurant

Award-winning cocktail and bourbon bar that is home to one of largest whiskey collections in Chicago with over 900 selections, 30+ private barrels, and 200+ vintage and rare bottles. Also home to 18 taps & 80+ cans of craft beer, and chef-driven comfort food.

Top review

Dmitriy

Dined on Nov 21, 2024

Great place! Great whiskey selection! John & Tyler (and the rest of the staff) are very knowledgeable and also very helpful and attentive, adding to the welcoming atmosphere!

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The FourNine

4.8

4.8 (239)

$30 and under

American

Mount Zion

About the restaurant