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

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.

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.

Girl and the Goat

Diner, Restaurant, Beer, American

Jul 28, 2010 - Chicago, Illinois, U.S. - The Girl & The Goat restaurant and bar was opened in the summer of 2010. The menu consists of 30 items: 10 vegetarian, 10 meat, and 10 fish.(Credit Image: © St Petersburg Times/ZUMApress.com)

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.

Taxim

Restaurant, Greek

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.

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.

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.

The Signature Room at the 95th

The Signature Room Hancock Tower Chicago

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 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.

About the author

James Norman

A Cardiff-born writer, James Norman is a professional wordsmith, creating content across several different sectors. A BA English (Hons) graduate, James has interviewed key figures in Welsh communities relating to the environment, health and tourism. His passion for writing began at an early age, contributing to collections of poetry published throughout his childhood. A keen traveller and photographer, James is equally happy trekking through historical ruins, or dining inside neon-dipped skyscrapers. His travel highlights include journeying through the People’s Republic of China and working in Edinburgh and Brussels. James’ cultural highlights include walking the Great Wall of China, and standing face-to-face with Munch’s masterpiece, The Scream, in Oslo. Follow James on Twitter @jamesnorman7_ for more of the above.