Chicago is a vibrant metropolis and plays host to a vast collection of culinary establishments. From cheap and cheerful fare to elegant restaurants, eating out in Chicago with our guide to the city’s diverse dining venues.
1. Goosefoot
Diner, Restaurant, American, French
Goosefoot’s goal is simple; the development of modern American cuisine, engineered by artisan farmers, and hand-crafted with French techniques. With over 150 known varieties of the goosefoot plant genus, the name perfectly embodies the rich, refined menu waiting to be discovered by visitors to the restaurant.
2. Cafe des Architectes
Cafe, Restaurant, French
Chef Greg Biggers has effortlessly created a series of signature French dishes, combined with the best of local Chicago flavors. The food tastes delicious, but also looks delicious, each plate crafted into a colorful masterpiece. Located in the Sofitel Chicago, in the chic Gold Coast area, the Architectes could well be the perfect end to a day’s shopping.
3. Girl and the Goat
Diner, Restaurant, Beer, American
The unconventional, award-winning Girl and the Goat’s menu is truly inspired, with wood-fired oysters, fried duck tongues, pork shank and roasted halibut among some of the highlights. There are also delicious chicken dishes available for those feeling less adventurous, as well as meals catering to the needs of those with gluten and dairy intolerances. Keep an eye out for the freshly baked bread and self-blended wine.
5. Shanghai Terrace
Restaurant, Chinese
This restaurant is ornately decorated in a traditional Chinese style and offers diners spectacular views of the city below. The menu consists of Cantonese and Shanghainese dishes, served with a delicious array of sauces, spices and variations of meat. Try the steamed pork dumpling, one of the staple dishes of Shanghai city.
6. Alinea
Diner, Restaurant, Contemporary, American, Vegetarian
Visitors to Alinea will find this restaurant a unique experience. The interior design is simplistic and spacious and triggers memories of art galleries or modern art museums. The ever-evolving menu is complemented by several classic and delicious wines, offering sophistication and richness of flavor. The award-winning Alinea operates on a ticket-based booking system, so it is recommended to visit the website in advance.
7. The Signature Room at the 95th
The Signature Room at the 95th
Situated atop the John Hanco*ck Center, The Signature Room has received countless awards for its stunning views, impeccable service, and delicious food, sourced from local vendors. Available for lunches, dinners or Sunday brunches, and with unrivalled views of the city, many visitors now consider dining here a vital part of their Chicago experience.
The Signature Room at the 95th,875 North Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL, USA, +1 312 787 9596
8. The Capital Grille
The Capital Grille
The Capital Grille features some of the best dry aged steaks found in Illinois, and although the meat is dried slowly, the seafood here is always fresh. Lobster macaroni cheese, the specialty of the house, is definitely one to try. Just blocks away from Magnificent Mile and Lakeshore Drive, the Grille offers the perfect retreat for diners after a long day working or shopping in the city centre.
The Capital Grille, 633 North Saint Clair Street, Chicago, IL, USA, +1 312 337 9400
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.
