The former meatpacking and printing district turned tasting-menu corridor. Randolph Street is the spine; Fulton Market runs parallel to the north.
Smyth in Chicago is John and Karen Shields's two-Michelin-star tasting menu on Ada Street, with produce from their own farm 90 minutes south of the city.
OrderThe yolk in sea-buckthorn vinegar; it has been on the menu since 2016 for a reason.
TipThe companion bar downstairs, The Loyalist, runs an excellent burger if you can't land the upstairs seats.
Oriole in Chicago is Noah Sandoval's two-Michelin-star room on Walnut Street in the West Loop, a quiet 28-seat tasting menu with a strong caviar service.
OrderThe opening caviar course; the kitchen treats it as the focal pivot, not a bookend.
TipThe wine pairings are unusually well-judged at the German-and-Austrian end. Ask for them by region, not by tier.
Ever in Chicago is Curtis Duffy's two-Michelin-star Fulton Market tasting menu, opened 2020 after Duffy left Grace, with rigorous service and quiet plating.
OrderThe foie gras course; it is the dish that follows Duffy across his career.
TipSit at the chef's counter if it is on offer at booking. The view of the pass is the room's best seat.
Elske in Chicago is David and Anna Posey's Danish-influenced Michelin-starred Randolph Street kitchen, a married chef-team plate with restraint and clean.
OrderThe duck-liver tart, an opening course that has stayed on the menu since 2016.
TipThe Aquavit pairings are the room's secret weapon. Ask Anna for the by-the-glass walk.
The Publican in Chicago is Paul Kahan's Fulton Market mead-hall, opened 2008, anchored by the heritage pork chop and a daily oyster list of 20 to 30.
OrderPublican-style pork chop for the table, with one of the ham flights.
TipThe walk-in counter at the bar is first-come, first-served and turns over fast. Aim for 17:30 if you cannot book.
avec in Chicago is the cedar-walled Mediterranean wine bar next to Blackbird's old space, with the dates-wrapped-in-bacon plate that has run since 2003.
OrderThe chorizo-stuffed bacon-wrapped dates; on the menu since opening for good reason.
TipThe communal seating means a walk-up at 17:00 usually beats waiting for a table. Bring a friend who likes elbows.
Monteverde in Chicago is Sarah Grueneberg's Italian dining room on Madison Street in the West Loop, a pasta-led menu with all the dough rolled in the open.
OrderThe cacio whey pepe; the kitchen ferments its own pecorino whey for the sauce.
TipSit at the pasta-counter seats if they're on offer. The kitchen rolls dough at eye level.
Girl & the Goat in Chicago is Stephanie Izard's Randolph Street wood-fire kitchen since 2010, with the pig face plate that came back when Bravo's Top Chef.
OrderThe wood-fire pig face; the green beans with cashews and fish sauce vinaigrette.
TipIf the dining room is fully booked, walk up to the bar at 17:00 for the same menu and no wait most weeknights.
Bonci Chicago is Gabriele Bonci's West Loop pizza al taglio counter on Sangamon, the first US outpost of the Rome bakery, with rectangular pies cut by weight.
OrderMortadella and pistachio cream; potato and rosemary; whatever seasonal vegetable is current.
TipWalk up at 11:30 for the widest selection. By 14:00 the popular cuts are gone for the day.
Halsted Street from Adams to Van Buren becomes an open-air Greek table on 28 to 30 August 2026, the festival's 36th year: gyros and souvlaki from Athena, Zeus, Mr. Greek Gyros and other Greektown restaurants.
TipFree with a suggested donation to the Greektown Chamber; Friday runs 16:00 to 22:00 and the weekend days from 11:00, when the gyro lines are shortest.
The Aviary in Chicago opened 2011 as Grant Achatz's Alinea Group cocktail lab, applying fine-dining technique to a five-course tasting of cocktails paired with small plates.
TipTock reservations only, no walk-ins. The seasonal 5-course tasting is $145; sit at the bar to watch the kitchen build the drinks.
The Office in Chicago is the 21-seat speakeasy beneath The Aviary, hidden behind an unmarked door with vintage spirits, Persian rugs and one bartender per night.
TipReservations through Tock only. The vintage spirits list goes deep; tell the bartender what era or distillery you want and they pull the bottle.
Private tour · 2 hours
Short on time? Discover Chicago’s food, stories, and local life on this small-group Loop walk. Perfect for first-time visitors with iconic bites and insider tips in 2 hours.
Guided tour · 3 hours
Discover Chicago’s trendiest dining scene on a guided walk. Taste chef-driven dishes, sip craft brews, and explore West Loop’s hidden gems.
Guided tour · 3 hours
Taste Chicago’s iconic foods on this Loop District tour! Deep dish pizza, Italian beef, gourmet popcorn and more tastings, plus our delicious Secret Dish!
