Where To Eat Out In Artsy Illinois

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.

Goosefoot

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.

Goosefoot, 2656 West Lawrence Avenue, Chicago, IL, USA, +1 773 942 7547

Cafe des Architectes

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.

Cafe des Architectes, 20 East Chestnut Street, Chicago, IL, USA, +1 312 324 4063

Cemitas Puebla

For those seeking a healthy dose of spice in Chicago, Cemitas Puebla is an excellent choice. This Mexican restaurant specializes in authentic Poblano food, offering an experience like no other in Chicago. The explosive flavors come from their own family recipe, and the ingredients are home-grown, or imported from Mexico to ensure authenticity. The menu includes an exotic selection of meat wraps, tortillas, bread, pastries and Oaxaca cheese.

Cemitas Puebla, 3619 West North Avenue, Chicago, IL, USA, +1 773 772 8435

Girl and the Goat

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.

Girl and the Goat, 809 West Randolph Street, Chicago, IL, USA, +1 312 492 6262

Taxim

Taxim specializes in Greek cuisine. The award-winning restaurant is situated in Wicker Park, and welcomes guests into a Byzantine-flavored environment with dramatic lamps, pillars and art pieces. Meat and vegetarian recipes from the mountains, islands and villages of greater Greece find their homes on the menu, alongside a selection of the finest Greek wines.

Taxim, 1558 North Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL, USA, +1 773 252 1558

Shanghai Terrace

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.

Shanghai Terrace, 108 East Superior Street, Chicago, IL, USA, +1 312 573 6744

Alinea

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.

Alinea, 1723 North Halsted, Chicago, IL, USA, +1 312 867 0110

The Signature Room at the 95th

Situated atop the John Hancock 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

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

Sixteen

This Michelin-starred, Forbes Five Star and AAA Five Diamond restaurant is housed on the sixteenth floor of the Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago. Executive Chef Thomas Lents has created a menu that encompasses ingredients from all over the world to trigger dormant taste buds, where each dish is served with a separate wine. The 30-foot floor-to-ceiling windows that fill the venue offer breathtaking views across Lake Michigan, but diners can also see the Chicago River and the Wrigley Building from their tables.

Sixteen, 401 North Wabash Avenue, Chicago, IL, USA, +1 877 458 7867