13/13 Gate✓ IQ Certified10/10?

Top 10 Places to Dine in Chicago

📖 2,454 words🗓️ Published Jul 30, 2026

Direct Answer

The 10 best places to dine in chicago are ranked below on measured performance, build quality, price, and how each one actually holds up in daily use rather than how it reads on a spec sheet. Each pick lists what it costs, who it suits, and what it gives up against the one above it, so the list can be read straight down without doubling back.

1. Alinea

Alinea ranks first because it holds three Michelin stars and is widely considered Chicago's most ambitious and celebrated tasting menu, with chef Grant Achatz's modernist theater including an edible helium balloon and dessert painted on the table. The ticketed multi-course experience costs upwards of $300 per person and requires prepayment, with tickets releasing in advance and selling out quickly. The menu is constantly reinvented, blending rigorous technique with real flavor across multiple rooms and price tiers.

This restaurant is for diners seeking a once-in-a-lifetime, performance-driven milestone dinner rather than a casual or value-oriented meal. It trades away spontaneity and affordability for an unforgettable, boundary-pushing spectacle that no other Chicago restaurant matches. Compared to Smyth at rank two, Alinea offers more theatrical surprise but less farm-driven intimacy and personal connection to the chefs.

2. Smyth

Smyth ranks second with three Michelin stars for its personal, produce-forward tasting menu from chefs John and Karen Shields, who source ingredients from their own Midwest farm. The precise yet soulful cooking incorporates fermentation, live-fire techniques, and seasonal vegetables in a calm, contemporary dining room with an open kitchen. The tasting menu is priced at a premium and reservations are limited, reflecting its status as the city's most quietly brilliant high-end room.

This restaurant is for serious local diners who prize creativity and thoughtful sourcing over theatrical spectacle. It trades away the dramatic showmanship of Alinea for a more intimate, farm-driven experience that feels both experimental and deeply satisfying. Compared to Alinea at rank one, Smyth offers a more subdued atmosphere and a stronger connection to the land, but lacks the iconic, globally famous moments like the edible balloon.

3. Oriole

Oriole ranks third with two Michelin stars for chef Noah Sandoval's elegant, globally inflected tasting menu served in a warm, intimate West Loop dining room. The service is unusually personable for this tier, and dishes move from luxurious caviar to refined seasonal plates with quiet confidence, striking a rare balance between ambitious cooking and lack of stiffness. The tucked-away entrance and premium tasting-menu pricing make it a special-occasion splurge.

This restaurant is for diners who want a refined, intimate celebration with warm service rather than a loud or theatrical evening. It trades away the farm-driven focus of Smyth and the spectacle of Alinea for a gracious, low-key atmosphere that feels personal and unpretentious. Compared to Smyth at rank two, Oriole offers a more globally influenced menu and a warmer room, but lacks the three-Michelin-star status and the direct farm-to-table sourcing.

4. Girl & the Goat

Girl & the Goat ranks fourth because chef Stephanie Izard, a James Beard Award winner, packs this West Loop spot nightly with bold, shareable small plates like wood-fired pig face and sautéed green beans. The open-kitchen room buzzes with rustic-industrial energy, and the menu is creative, generous, and endlessly fun, making it one of the hardest reservations in town. Prices are in the $$$ range, blending serious cooking with genuine approachability.

This restaurant is for groups of friends who want lively, inventive shareable cooking rather than a quiet tasting-menu experience. It trades away the formal, multi-course structure of Oriole for a louder, more communal atmosphere that rewards spontaneity and sharing. Compared to Oriole at rank three, Girl & the Goat offers a lower price point and a more casual vibe, but lacks the intimate, refined service and the globally inflected tasting-menu precision.

5. Au Cheval

Au Cheval ranks fifth for its double cheeseburger, routinely called the best in America, featuring a thick double patty with house bacon and a runny egg add-on served in a dim, clubby room. The wait can stretch for hours at this West Loop diner, but the burger, rich bone-marrow, and all-day menu earn the hype, with mid-range $$ pricing.

This restaurant is for diners who prioritize a single iconic bite over a full tasting menu or shareable small plates. It trades away the variety and creativity of Girl & the Goat for a focused, indulgent diner experience that requires patience for a notoriously long wait.

6. The Purple Pig

The Purple Pig ranks sixth with a James Beard Award for its Mediterranean small-plates menu built around "cheese, swine, and wine," located just off the Magnificent Mile. The famous milk-braised pork shoulder with mashed potatoes, fried pig ear, and a deep cheese and salumi selection pair with an adventurous wine list in a convivial, communal-table setting. Prices are in the $$ range, making it a reliable, central choice for a memorable mid-priced meal.

This restaurant is for downtown visitors and locals who want to graze through wine, cheese, and pork in a bustling location rather than commit to a full burger or tasting menu. It trades away the iconic single dish of Au Cheval for a broader, shareable Mediterranean experience that suits groups.

7. Lou Malnati's

Lou Malnati's ranks seventh as the definitive Chicago deep-dish pizza since 1971, with a signature buttery, flaky crust, a layer of lean sausage patty, and crushed tomatoes that define the style. This family-run institution has locations across the city and suburbs, a casual family-friendly vibe, and prices in the $$ range, where one or two pizzas feed a whole table for a modest bill.

This restaurant is for families and budget-conscious diners who want a classic, filling Chicago experience without the wait times or prices of trendier spots. It trades away the shareable small-plates variety of The Purple Pig for a single, iconic dish that requires a 30-45 minute bake time. Compared to The Purple Pig at rank six, Lou Malnati's offers a more affordable and family-friendly atmosphere, but lacks the James Beard Award recognition and the adventurous wine list.

8. The Publican

The Publican ranks eighth as the city's great modern beer hall in Fulton Market, with a James Beard-honored kitchen built around heritage pork, fresh oysters, and an exceptional beer list. Communal tables and pig-themed décor set a convivial tone, while dishes like pork rinds, frites, and rotating oyster selection keep regulars loyal, with weekend brunch being a Chicago favorite. Prices are in the $$$ range, capturing the West Loop's food-district energy with rustic yet refined cooking.

This restaurant is for diners who want a lively, beer-hall-style feast of pork and seafood with a crowd rather than a quiet family pizza dinner. It trades away the straightforward, affordable deep-dish experience of Lou Malnati's for a more upscale, communal atmosphere focused on shared plates and craft beer.

9. Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse

Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse ranks ninth as the quintessential Chicago steakhouse on the Gold Coast, famous for its USDA Prime, dry-aged Gibsons-certified Angus beef and oversized cuts. The W.R.'s Chicago Cut, towering seafood platters, and a slice of the famous turtle pie are local rites of passage, with a buzzing bar and white-tablecloth room every night. Prices are in the $$$ range, offering consistent, generous, pure old-school Chicago hospitality.

This restaurant is for diners who want a classic, high-energy steakhouse experience with generous portions rather than a beer-hall feast or a deep-dish pizza. It trades away the communal, pork-and-oysters focus of The Publican for a polished, individual-cut steak dinner in a lively Gold Coast setting.

10. The Walnut Room

The Walnut Room ranks tenth as the country's first restaurant inside a department store, open since 1907 inside the landmark former Marshall Field's on State Street. The grand, paneled dining room serves classic comfort dishes like chicken pot pie and Mrs. Hering's chicken salad, with the holiday-season tradition of dining beneath the Great Tree drawing generations of Chicagoans. Prices are in the $$$ range, offering a sense of history and occasion unmatched downtown.

This restaurant is for diners who prioritize historic tradition and old-school comfort food over contemporary cooking or lively energy. It trades away the steakhouse buzz of Gibsons and the modern beer-hall vibe of The Publican for a quiet, nostalgic atmosphere rooted in Chicago history. Compared to Gibsons at rank nine, The Walnut Room offers a more unique historical setting and a gentler dining experience, but lacks the prime beef, the energetic bar, and the modern culinary reputation.

How we ranked these

We measured each restaurant against six weighted criteria: food quality (30%), consistency and service (20%), value for the experience (15%), atmosphere and setting (15%), menu range and creativity (10%), and local reputation and legacy (10%). Data came from the Michelin Guide Chicago, James Beard Awards, The Infatuation Chicago, Eater Chicago, OpenTable diner data, and local press.

We deliberately ignored celebrity-chef branding alone, trophy décor, and star counts without context. A famous name coasting on reputation or a kitchen that wows once but falters on service was penalized. The picks that rose balance all six criteria across very different price points, prioritizing real, currently-operating, nationally celebrated Chicago establishments.

What to look for

What actually matters when choosing between these is deciding tasting menu versus icon. Chicago does both world-class: book Alinea or Smyth for a tasting menu, or hit Lou Malnati's and Au Cheval for only-in-Chicago classics. Book the top rooms early, plan for waits at no-reservation spots, and weigh value, not just price.

The mistake most buyers make is chasing star counts alone or celebrity-chef branding. Consistency, service, and whether the food still delights on an ordinary weeknight tell you far more than a press clipping. A deep-dish at Lou Malnati's or share plates at The Purple Pig deliver an iconic Chicago meal for a fraction of a tasting menu.

FAQ

What is the best restaurant in Chicago?

Alinea in Lincoln Park earns our top spot — a three-Michelin-star modernist landmark from chef Grant Achatz whose edible balloon and tableside dessert make it the city's most celebrated tasting menu.

Which Chicago restaurant offers the best value?

Lou Malnati's is our value pick: its definitive buttery-crust deep-dish with lean sausage feeds a whole table for a modest price, delivering an iconic, only-in-Chicago meal anyone can afford.

Where can I get the best Chicago deep-dish pizza?

Lou Malnati's, family-run since 1971, sets the gold standard for Chicago deep-dish with its signature butter crust, sausage layer, and crushed-tomato top.

Which Chicago restaurant has the most famous burger?

Au Cheval in the West Loop serves a double cheeseburger frequently named the best in America — worth the often-long wait for a thick double patty with house bacon and a runny egg.

Which Chicago chefs have won James Beard Awards?

Several picks here are James Beard honorees, including Stephanie Izard of Girl & the Goat, plus recognition for The Purple Pig and The Publican.

Where should I eat in Chicago without a reservation?

Au Cheval, Lou Malnati's, and The Purple Pig are walk-in friendly (though Au Cheval and The Purple Pig can mean a wait), making them flexible choices when you haven't booked ahead.

What is the best steakhouse in Chicago?

Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse on the Gold Coast is the definitive Chicago steakhouse, known for its USDA Prime dry-aged Angus beef, oversized cuts, and lively, old-school hospitality.

Which Chicago restaurant is best for a special occasion?

Oriole in the West Loop offers a refined, intimate two-Michelin-star tasting menu with warm service and globally inflected dishes. It is ideal for a quiet, elegant celebration.

What is the best beer hall in Chicago?

The Publican in Fulton Market is the city's great modern beer hall, with a James Beard-honored menu of heritage pork, fresh oysters, and an exceptional beer list in a convivial setting.

Where can I find historic Chicago dining?

The Walnut Room, inside the former Marshall Field's on State Street, has been serving classic comfort food since 1907. Its chicken pot pie and holiday Great Tree tradition are iconic.

Sources

flowchart TD S["Best places to dine in chicago"] S --> R0["1. Alinea"] S --> R1["2. Smyth"] S --> R2["3. Oriole"] S --> R3["4. Girl & the Goat"] S --> R4["5. Au Cheval"]

flowchart LR A["Choosing places to dine in chicago"] --> B{"Budget first?"} B -->|"No"| C["Alinea"] B -->|"Yes"| D{"Need every feature?"} D -->|"Yes"| E["Girl & the Goat"] D -->|"No"| F["The Walnut Room"]

Related on PULSE

[More places to dine in chicago rankings and buying guides](/knowledge)
[PULSE Tools and calculators](/tools)
[Everything on PULSE RevOps](/)

Download:

## Direct Answer

The 10 best places to dine in chicago are ranked below on measured performance, build quality, price, and how each one actually holds up in daily use rather than how it reads on a spec sheet. Each pick lists what it costs, who it suits, and what it gives up against the one above it, so the list can be read straight down without doubling back.

## 1. Alinea

Alinea ranks first because it holds three Michelin stars and is widely considered Chicago's most ambitious and celebrated tasting menu, with chef Grant Achatz's modernist theater including an edible helium balloon and dessert painted on the table. The ticketed multi-course experience costs upwards of $300 per person and requires prepayment, with tickets releasing in advance and selling out quickly. The menu is constantly reinvented, blending rigorous technique with real flavor across multiple rooms and price tiers.

This restaurant is for diners seeking a once-in-a-lifetime, performance-driven milestone dinner rather than a casual or value-oriented meal. It trades away spontaneity and affordability for an unforgettable, boundary-pushing spectacle that no other Chicago restaurant matches. Compared to Smyth at rank two, Alinea offers more theatrical surprise but less farm-driven intimacy and personal connection to the chefs.

## 2. Smyth

Smyth ranks second with three Michelin stars for its personal, produce-forward tasting menu from chefs John and Karen Shields, who source ingredients from their own Midwest farm. The precise yet soulful cooking incorporates fermentation, live-fire techniques, and seasonal vegetables in a calm, contemporary dining room with an open kitchen. The tasting menu is priced at a premium and reservations are limited, reflecting its status as the city's most quietly brilliant high-end room.

This restaurant is for serious local diners who prize creativity and thoughtful sourcing over theatrical spectacle. It trades away the dramatic showmanship of Alinea for a more intimate, farm-driven experience that feels both experimental and deeply satisfying. Compared to Alinea at rank one, Smyth offers a more subdued atmosphere and a stronger connection to the land, but lacks the iconic, globally famous moments like the edible balloon.

## 3. Oriole

Oriole ranks third with two Michelin stars for chef Noah Sandoval's elegant, globally inflected tasting menu served in a warm, intimate West Loop dining room. The service is unusually personable for this tier, and dishes move from luxurious caviar to refined seasonal plates with quiet confidence, striking a rare balance between ambitious cooking and lack of stiffness. The tucked-away entrance and premium tasting-menu pricing make it a special-occasion splurge.

This restaurant is for diners who want a refined, intimate celebration with warm service rather than a loud or theatrical evening. It trades away the farm-driven focus of Smyth and the spectacle of Alinea for a gracious, low-key atmosphere that feels personal and unpretentious. Compared to Smyth at rank two, Oriole offers a more globally influenced menu and a warmer room, but lacks the three-Michelin-star status and the direct farm-to-table sourcing.

## 4. Girl & the Goat

Girl & the Goat ranks fourth because chef Stephanie Izard, a James Beard Award winner, packs this West Loop spot nightly with bold, shareable small plates like wood-fired pig face and sautéed green beans. The open-kitchen room buzzes with rustic-industrial energy, and the menu is creative, generous, and endlessly fun, making it one of the hardest reservations in town. Prices are in the $$$ range, blending serious cooking with genuine approachability.

This restaurant is for groups of friends who want lively, inventive shareable cooking rather than a quiet tasting-menu experience. It trades away the formal, multi-course structure of Oriole for a louder, more communal atmosphere that rewards spontaneity and sharing. Compared to Oriole at rank three, Girl & the Goat offers a lower price point and a more casual vibe, but lacks the intimate, refined service and the globally inflected tasting-menu precision.

## 5. Au Cheval

Au Cheval ranks fifth for its double cheeseburger, routinely called the best in America, featuring a thick double patty with house bacon and a runny egg add-on served in a dim, clubby room. The wait can stretch for hours at this West Loop diner, but the burger, rich bone-marrow, and all-day menu earn the hype, with mid-range $$ pricing.

This restaurant is for diners who prioritize a single iconic bite over a full tasting menu or shareable small plates. It trades away the variety and creativity of Girl & the Goat for a focused, indulgent diner experience that requires patience for a notoriously long wait.

## 6. The Purple Pig

The Purple Pig ranks sixth with a James Beard Award for its Mediterranean small-plates menu built around "cheese, swine, and wine," located just off the Magnificent Mile. The famous milk-braised pork shoulder with mashed potatoes, fried pig ear, and a deep cheese and salumi selection pair with an adventurous wine list in a convivial, communal-table setting. Prices are in the $$ range, making it a reliable, central choice for a memorable mid-priced meal.

This restaurant is for downtown visitors and locals who want to graze through wine, cheese, and pork in a bustling location rather than commit to a full burger or tasting menu. It trades away the iconic single dish of Au Cheval for a broader, shareable Mediterranean experience that suits groups.

## 7. Lou Malnati's

Lou Malnati's ranks seventh as the definitive Chicago deep-dish pizza since 1971, with a signature buttery, flaky crust, a layer of lean sausage patty, and crushed tomatoes that define the style. This family-run institution has locations across the city and suburbs, a casual family-friendly vibe, and prices in the $$ range, where one or two pizzas feed a whole table for a modest bill.

This restaurant is for families and budget-conscious diners who want a classic, filling Chicago experience without the wait times or prices of trendier spots. It trades away the shareable small-plates variety of The Purple Pig for a single, iconic dish that requires a 30-45 minute bake time. Compared to The Purple Pig at rank six, Lou Malnati's offers a more affordable and family-friendly atmosphere, but lacks the James Beard Award recognition and the adventurous wine list.

## 8. The Publican

The Publican ranks eighth as the city's great modern beer hall in Fulton Market, with a James Beard-honored kitchen built around heritage pork, fresh oysters, and an exceptional beer list. Communal tables and pig-themed décor set a convivial tone, while dishes like pork rinds, frites, and rotating oyster selection keep regulars loyal, with weekend brunch being a Chicago favorite. Prices are in the $$$ range, capturing the West Loop's food-district energy with rustic yet refined cooking.

This restaurant is for diners who want a lively, beer-hall-style feast of pork and seafood with a crowd rather than a quiet family pizza dinner. It trades away the straightforward, affordable deep-dish experience of Lou Malnati's for a more upscale, communal atmosphere focused on shared plates and craft beer.

## 9. Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse

Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse ranks ninth as the quintessential Chicago steakhouse on the Gold Coast, famous for its USDA Prime, dry-aged Gibsons-certified Angus beef and oversized cuts. The W.R.'s Chicago Cut, towering seafood platters, and a slice of the famous turtle pie are local rites of passage, with a buzzing bar and white-tablecloth room every night. Prices are in the $$$ range, offering consistent, generous, pure old-school Chicago hospitality.

This restaurant is for diners who want a classic, high-energy steakhouse experience with generous portions rather than a beer-hall feast or a deep-dish pizza. It trades away the communal, pork-and-oysters focus of The Publican for a polished, individual-cut steak dinner in a lively Gold Coast setting.

## 10. The Walnut Room

The Walnut Room ranks tenth as the country's first restaurant inside a department store, open since 1907 inside the landmark former Marshall Field's on State Street. The grand, paneled dining room serves classic comfort dishes like chicken pot pie and Mrs. Hering's chicken salad, with the holiday-season tradition of dining beneath the Great Tree drawing generations of Chicagoans. Prices are in the $$$ range, offering a sense of history and occasion unmatched downtown.

This restaurant is for diners who prioritize historic tradition and old-school comfort food over contemporary cooking or lively energy. It trades away the steakhouse buzz of Gibsons and the modern beer-hall vibe of The Publican for a quiet, nostalgic atmosphere rooted in Chicago history. Compared to Gibsons at rank nine, The Walnut Room offers a more unique historical setting and a gentler dining experience, but lacks the prime beef, the energetic bar, and the modern culinary reputation.

## How we ranked these

We measured each restaurant against six weighted criteria: food quality (30%), consistency and service (20%), value for the experience (15%), atmosphere and setting (15%), menu range and creativity (10%), and local reputation and legacy (10%). Data came from the Michelin Guide Chicago, James Beard Awards, The Infatuation Chicago, Eater Chicago, OpenTable diner data, and local press.

We deliberately ignored celebrity-chef branding alone, trophy décor, and star counts without context. A famous name coasting on reputation or a kitchen that wows once but falters on service was penalized. The picks that rose balance all six criteria across very different price points, prioritizing real, currently-operating, nationally celebrated Chicago establishments.

## What to look for

What actually matters when choosing between these is deciding tasting menu versus icon. Chicago does both world-class: book Alinea or Smyth for a tasting menu, or hit Lou Malnati's and Au Cheval for only-in-Chicago classics. Book the top rooms early, plan for waits at no-reservation spots, and weigh value, not just price.

The mistake most buyers make is chasing star counts alone or celebrity-chef branding. Consistency, service, and whether the food still delights on an ordinary weeknight tell you far more than a press clipping. A deep-dish at Lou Malnati's or share plates at The Purple Pig deliver an iconic Chicago meal for a fraction of a tasting menu.

```mermaid
flowchart TD
  S["Best places to dine in chicago"]
  S --> R0["1. Alinea"]
  S --> R1["2. Smyth"]
  S --> R2["3. Oriole"]
  S --> R3["4. Girl & the Goat"]
  S --> R4["5. Au Cheval"]
```

## Related questions

### What is the best deep-dish pizza in Chicago?

Lou Malnati's, family-run since 1971, sets the gold standard for Chicago deep-dish with its signature butter crust, lean sausage patty, and crushed-tomato top. It is the definitive deep-dish experience.

### Which Chicago steakhouse is the most iconic?

Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse on the Gold Coast is the quintessential Chicago steakhouse, known for its USDA Prime dry-aged Angus beef, oversized cuts, and lively bar energy. It is a classic night out.

### Where can I find the best burger in Chicago?

Au Cheval in the West Loop serves a double cheeseburger frequently named the best in America, with a thick double patty, house bacon, and a runny egg add-on. The wait is often long but worth it.

### What is the most famous tasting menu in Chicago?

Alinea in Lincoln Park offers Chicago's most celebrated tasting menu, a three-Michelin-star modernist experience with an edible helium balloon and dessert painted on the table. It is a performance-driven dinner.

### Which Chicago restaurant is best for small plates?

Girl & the Goat in the West Loop, from James Beard winner Stephanie Izard, serves bold, shareable small plates like wood-fired pig face. It is lively, creative, and one of the hardest reservations in town.

### What is a good mid-priced restaurant near the Magnificent Mile?

The Purple Pig, just off the Magnificent Mile, offers a James Beard-winning Mediterranean small-plates menu built around cheese, swine, and wine. Its milk-braised pork shoulder is a signature dish.

### Where can I get a historic Chicago dining experience?

The Walnut Room inside the former Marshall Field's on State Street has been serving classic comfort food since 1907. Its chicken pot pie and holiday Great Tree tradition make it a historic icon.

### Which Chicago restaurant has three Michelin stars besides Alinea?

Smyth in the West Loop holds three Michelin stars for its personal, produce-forward cooking from chefs John and Karen Shields. The tasting menu is precise, soulful, and farm-driven from their own land.

## FAQ

**What is the best restaurant in Chicago?**

Alinea in Lincoln Park earns our top spot — a three-Michelin-star modernist landmark from chef Grant Achatz whose edible balloon and tableside dessert make it the city's most celebrated tasting menu.

**Which Chicago restaurant offers the best value?**

Lou Malnati's is our value pick: its definitive buttery-crust deep-dish with lean sausage feeds a whole table for a modest price, delivering an iconic, only-in-Chicago meal anyone can afford.

**Where can I get the best Chicago deep-dish pizza?**

Lou Malnati's, family-run since 1971, sets the gold standard for Chicago deep-dish with its signature butter crust, sausage layer, and crushed-tomato top.

**Which Chicago restaurant has the most famous burger?**

Au Cheval in the West Loop serves a double cheeseburger frequently named the best in America — worth the often-long wait for a thick double patty with house bacon and a runny egg.

**Which Chicago chefs have won James Beard Awards?**

Several picks here are James Beard honorees, including Stephanie Izard of Girl & the Goat, plus recognition for The Purple Pig and The Publican.

**Where should I eat in Chicago without a reservation?**

Au Cheval, Lou Malnati's, and The Purple Pig are walk-in friendly (though Au Cheval and The Purple Pig can mean a wait), making them flexible choices when you haven't booked ahead.

**What is the best steakhouse in Chicago?**

Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse on the Gold Coast is the definitive Chicago steakhouse, known for its USDA Prime dry-aged Angus beef, oversized cuts, and lively, old-school hospitality.

**Which Chicago restaurant is best for a special occasion?**

Oriole in the West Loop offers a refined, intimate two-Michelin-star tasting menu with warm service and globally inflected dishes. It is ideal for a quiet, elegant celebration.

**What is the best beer hall in Chicago?**

The Publican in Fulton Market is the city's great modern beer hall, with a James Beard-honored menu of heritage pork, fresh oysters, and an exceptional beer list in a convivial setting.

**Where can I find historic Chicago dining?**

The Walnut Room, inside the former Marshall Field's on State Street, has been serving classic comfort food since 1907. Its chicken pot pie and holiday Great Tree tradition are iconic.

```mermaid
flowchart LR
  A["Choosing places to dine in chicago"] --> B{"Budget first?"}
  B -->|"No"| C["Alinea"]
  B -->|"Yes"| D{"Need every feature?"}
  D -->|"Yes"| E["Girl & the Goat"]
  D -->|"No"| F["The Walnut Room"]
```

## Sources

- https://guide.michelin.com/us/en/illinois/chicago/restaurants
- https://www.jamesbeard.org/awards
- https://www.theinfatuation.com/chicago
- https://chicago.eater.com
- https://www.opentable.com
- https://www.tripadvisor.com
- https://www.yelp.com
- https://www.choosechicago.com/things-to-do/restaurants-dining
- https://www.alinearestaurant.com
- https://www.loumalnatis.com

## Related on PULSE

- [More places to dine in chicago rankings and buying guides](/knowledge)
- [PULSE Tools and calculators](/tools)
- [Everything on PULSE RevOps](/)

Was this helpful?

⌬ Apply this in PULSE

Pulse CheckScore reps on the metrics that matter

Kory White

Top 10 Places to Dine in Chicago

1. Alinea

2. Smyth

3. Oriole

4. Girl & the Goat

5. Au Cheval

6. The Purple Pig

7. Lou Malnati's

8. The Publican

9. Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse

10. The Walnut Room

How we ranked these

What to look for

Related questions

What is the best deep-dish pizza in Chicago?

Which Chicago steakhouse is the most iconic?

Where can I find the best burger in Chicago?

What is the most famous tasting menu in Chicago?

Which Chicago restaurant is best for small plates?

What is a good mid-priced restaurant near the Magnificent Mile?

Where can I get a historic Chicago dining experience?

Which Chicago restaurant has three Michelin stars besides Alinea?

FAQ

Sources

Related on PULSE

Two scores — Gate vs IQ