With summer in full swing, Chicago is full of visitors. This comes with plenty of content about what not to miss when you visit, and whenever someone I know comes into town, I get questions about where to eat. I don’t dare to claim I’m an expert on the food scene here—there are far too many restaurants for me to truly feel like I know them all, plus so many other favorites that I don’t have room for here—but I have my go-tos, and the places I’ve recommended that win every time. I’m certain this list will change as I continue to live here, but it felt like the right time to share a v1.
A casual bite
Zazas Pizza: Their pizza is good, yes, but their funky caesar salad is what hooked me: all your favorite things about a caesar salad, plus a little umami in their unique dressing. I recently learned they do amazing cheese curds as well.
Beautiful pizza from Zazas. Sultan’s Market: It feels incredibly rare to find cheap restaurant food these days, but my last order here was less than $10 for an entree and a side, both of which were incredible. Get the falafel sandwich and thank me later.
Cafecito: With multiple locations around the city, Cafecito is my go-to when I’m craving a cup of tea or a memory from my trip to Puerto Rico. The tostones and tres leches are both great options.
The temptation to order Cafecito’s tostones weekly is high. Bolivar & Lincoln: There was an arepa spot in my college town that I loved, and the arepas here brought me back to that (except these ones are much bigger). Everything on the menu looks good—you can’t go wrong here.
A filling meal featuring beans and plantains. Colectivo Coffee: I get their Garden Goddess sandwich every week
and it never gets old (and it’s less than $10!). Their smoothies are great, too.
A nice meal
Indienne: I came here before they got their Michelin star and left the restaurant predicting its prompt arrival. Their prices have jumped since then, but I would still go back. They do such a good job of showcasing Indian flavors in a fine dining setting, satisfying both my expectations for Indian food and my soapbox view that fine dining prices shouldn’t be exclusive to European cuisine.
A pani puri-inspired first course at Indienne. Ēma: I’ve taken my entire family here and despite our different tastes, we all loved it. Think shared Mediterranean plates, greenery hanging from the ceiling, and efficient service. Given the menu format, you can spend as much or as little as you want to, but I’ve never managed to spend less than $100 here.
Topolobampo: Since becoming vegetarian, I’ve missed Mexican food the most. There are still plenty of amazing plant-focused dishes, but my favorites always had meat. Enter Topolobampo, a multi-course meal that highlights all of the flavors of the cuisine I love while accommodating my vegetarianism. I was shocked by how good every dish was and am always looking for a reason to go back.
Monteverde: A restaurant with a lot of hype, all deserved. They featured different vegetables throughout the year (be still, my seasonal produce-loving heart!) and even though I wasn’t into asparagus at the time, I liked how they prepared it.
Planta Queen: Not local to Chicago, but I eat here so often it would be ridiculous not to mention it. As someone with lifelong dietary restrictions, it is so rare that I walk into a place where I can order anything on the menu. Planta offers that. If you’re vegan, vegetarian, or just want to try a new take on Asian cuisine, go here.
Something sweet
Floriole: One of my favorite bakeries in the city, both for its sweets and its lunch options. Try the tomato soup!
Tomato soup, amazing bread, and a beautiful tart made for an amazing brunch. Verzenay: A farmers’ market favorite with a beautiful shop in Lincoln Park. Their tarts are divine, and their seasonal scones are one of my favorite Saturday morning bites.
Firecakes Donuts: I’m convinced their vanilla donuts are infused with magic. Not cheap (~$5 a donut), but worth it for a treat.
