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From deep dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs to Michelin-starred dining, our family’s Chicago food trips have been flavorful journeys through the city’s best bites.
Where We Ate in Chicago
Over two trips, we explored both iconic favorites and Michelin-level experiences. Each stop added something special to our time in the Windy City.
Wildberry Pancakes and Cafe
Cold mornings in Chicago called for breakfast delivered to our hotel. Wildberry’s Signature Berry Bliss Pancakes were light and fluffy, and the Butcher Block Skillet was hearty enough for two.
Ramen-San
After walking the Magnificent Mile in the cold, we warmed up with ramen, pork buns, and karaage. While the broth wasn’t as rich as what we’ve had in San Francisco, it was a quick and satisfying lunch.
The Purple Pig
One of our favorite meals. Dishes like crispy pig’s ears and squid ink pasta were creative and perfectly executed. We ordered a table full of plates and loved every bite.
Beatrix
Breakfast delivery one of the mornings came from Beatrix—French toast, hash browns, and a bacon cheddar egg sandwich. Simple, fresh, and comforting.
Portillo’s Hot Dogs
We couldn’t leave Chicago without eating at Portillo’s a few times. The Italian beef sandwiches and Chicago-style hot dogs were classics, and the chocolate cake milkshake was a fun surprise.
Girl & The Goat
Dinner here was lively and full of energy. We enjoyed the pork shank and roasted pig face, though some dishes didn’t quite meet our expectations.
Starbucks Reserve Roastery
This five-story roastery on Michigan Avenue offered buttery pastries and a fun coffee stop. Worth visiting if you’re nearby.
Pequod’s Pizza
For deep dish, we went to Pequod’s, famous for its caramelized cheese crust. Delicious, but two medium pizzas for four people was far too much food!
Standing Passengers Coffee House
Part coffee shop, part art gallery, this small spot served excellent coffee with beans from Dark Matter. A hidden gem.
Aya Pastry
Aya Fukai’s bakery impressed us with everything we tried. The cheddar scallion biscuit stood out as one of the best pastries of our trip.
avec River North
Mediterranean-inspired plates, thoughtful service, and bold flavors made avec one of our favorite dinners. The chorizo-stuffed dates and beef heart bolognese were unforgettable.
Sawada Coffee
This creative coffee shop offered a military latte with layers of matcha, espresso, cocoa, and vanilla. The camouflage donut was as fun as it was tasty.
The Loyalist
We came for a light meal but couldn’t resist ordering more. The cheeseburger was rich and juicy—one of the best we’ve had anywhere—and the roasted chicken was cooked to perfection.
Hanabusa Cafe
A Japanese souffle pancake brunch spot near the Art Institute. The pancakes were light, fluffy, and worth the stop.
Alinea
Our first trip ended with Alinea, Chicago’s world-renowned Michelin three-star restaurant. Every course was a surprise, from arctic char in maple syrup to wagyu with truffle sauce. The dessert finale—painted directly onto the table—was pure theater and unforgettable.
Second Trip Highlights
On our return visit, we focused on restaurants that combined creativity, warmth, and local flavor.
Bar Kumiko
This intimate cocktail bar and restaurant blended Japanese and Midwestern influences. We tried small plates alongside carefully crafted cocktails, and everything felt thoughtful and refined.
Lula Cafe
Located in Logan Square, Lula Cafe has a relaxed neighborhood feel. The farm-to-table menu is seasonal and vibrant. We especially enjoyed the pasta and vegetable-forward dishes. It’s possibly our new favorite restaurant in Chicago, and it’s open all day.
Galit
At this Michelin-starred Middle Eastern restaurant, the flavors were bold and unexpected. The spreads, wood-fired pita, and lamb dishes stood out as some of the best meals we’ve had in Chicago. However, the price was much higher than that of most restaurants we’ve eaten at in Chicago.
Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio
Handmade pasta is the star here. The cacio e pepe and ragu alla napoletana were deeply comforting, and the open kitchen made dining feel personal and engaging. We loved our bar seating, ask for it when you make your reservation a month in advance.
Virtue
Southern cooking with heart. We loved the fried green tomatoes, shrimp and grits, and the warm hospitality that made the whole experience memorable.
Is Chicago Worth Visiting for Food?
Chicago’s food scene offers everything from casual street eats to world-class fine dining. Deep dish pizza, iconic hot dogs, inventive pastries, and Michelin stars all make the city a dream destination for food lovers. Both of our trips left us full and inspired, and we know there’s still more to taste next time.
More to Explore Nearby
If you’re in Chicago for food, you’ll also want to make time for the city’s other highlights:
- Millennium Park – Home to Cloud Gate (“The Bean”) and family-friendly public art
- Art Institute of Chicago – A world-class collection of art in an iconic setting
- Navy Pier – Rides, lakefront views, and family attractions
- Chicago Riverwalk – A scenic path with cafes and stunning city views
