Best Chicago restaurants

Our Local Expert Says:

Hop Leaf is a welcome change to your run-of-the-mill bar in Chicago. Beer snobs flock here, and if beer's not your thing, there are lots of other options that are different than standard mixed drinks. Don't miss the mussels or frites.

Description:

If you don't know your Farmhouse from your Trappist or your Abbey-style ales, or perhaps, more importantly, if you do, then Hopleaf should be your next destination for a goblet or two. In addition to an extensive list of Belgian beers available on tap (over 15) or by the bottle (over 100), this tavern also features beers from all over North America and Europe. If beer isn't your thing (gasp!) then check out the wine list; Hopleaf features a number of wines available by the glass or bottle. Of course, with all this drinking you'll probably want to do a little eating. A few standout features on the menu include the mussels (white-wine steamed or white-ale steamed, your choice) and the frites with aioli.

Description:

Owners Rick and Deann Bayless are widely credited with bringing authentic Mexican regional cuisine to a wider audience. Their restaurant is the place to taste real Mexican food, so don't show up expecting a plate of nachos with processed-cheese topping. The building actually houses two restaurants: the casual Frontera Grill (plain wood tables, terra-cotta tile floor) and the fine-dining Topolobampo (white linen tablecloths, a more hushed environment). At both restaurants, the focus is on fresh, organic ingredients supplied by local artisanal farmers.

At Frontera, the signature appetizer is the sopes surtidos, corn-tortilla "boats" with a sampler of fillings (chicken in red mole, black beans with homemade chorizo, and so on). The ever-changing entree list might include pork loin in a green mole sauce; smoked chicken breast smothered in a sauce of chiles, pumpkin seeds, and roasted garlic; or a classic sopa de pan ("bread soup" spiced up with almonds, raisins, grilled green onions, and zucchini). Yes, you can also get tacos (with fillings such as portobello mushrooms, duck, and catfish). The Baylesses up the ante at the adjacent Topolobampo, where both the ingredients and presentation are more upscale.

It can be tough to snag a table at Frontera during prime dining hours (they only accept a limited number of reservations each day), so do what the locals do: Put your name on the list and order a few margaritas in the lively, large bar area.

For an affordable taste of Frontera downtown, stop by Frontera Fresco, a counter-service lunch spot on the 7th floor of Macy's, 111 N. State St. (tel. 312/781-4884). You can sample authentic Mexican tortas, quesadillas, and tamales, all priced less than $8; it's open Monday through Saturday from 11am to 4pm.

Description:

Locations all over the city, thin crust and deep dish, and mostaccioli to die for--Giordano's is known for being at the top of Chicagoans' "best of" lists, particularly when it comes to pizza.  Stuffed to the brim of its flaky golden crust, the deep dish at Giordano's won't disappoint--try the Special (sausage, green pepper, and onion) or the Hawaiian (Canadian bacon, pineapple, and onion).  Definitely start off by sharing a family-style salad to get your greens in, and if you can possibly manage to save room for dessert, savor some tiramisu.  Not in the mood for pizza? Try one of their meatball or Italian sausage sandwiches. 

Our Local Expert Says:

A simple, unpretentious, and precise fine dining experience, provided by a warm staff that will leave you completely amazed.

Description:

Schwa offers top-notch food in a laid-back environment. The focused, meticulously prepared menu is stunningly presented. Also, the minimalist atmosphere, lacking affectation and excess, consists of just fourteen tables. Both attributes combine to ensure that the emphasis is on the food and the restaurant's mantra of "food as art" is made apparent. Schwa Restaurant is BYOB, so bring along your favorite bottle of vino to compliment the meal. Reservations are recommended.

Description:

There are no two finer words in the English language than 'encased meats,' my friend. Try the duck fat fries if they have them.

Description:

Reza's doesn't look like the typical Middle Eastern restaurant. Housed in a former microbrewery, it has high ceilings and expansive, loftlike dining rooms. The Persian-inspired menu will soon make you forget all about beer. Specialties include a deliciously rich chicken in pomegranate sauce and a variety of kabobs with heaps of dill rice (although, in a nod to carb-conscious diners, they'll substitute a salad if you want). Despite the menu's meat-heavy emphasis, there's a selection of vegetarian plates, too. If you can't decide what to order, go for an appetizer combo: a generous sampler of Middle Eastern dishes including hummus, stuffed grape leaves, tabbouleh, and other standbys, nicely presented in a red-lacquer bento box. Reza's has another location in Andersonville, at 5255 N. Clark St. (tel. 773/561-1898), but the River North spot is the most convenient for visitors staying downtown.

Description:

Foodies flock to the namesake restaurant of chef Charlie Trotter, Chicago's first celebrity chef. Yes, he's done TV shows and authored a series of cookbooks (with almost impossible-to-follow recipes), but Trotter's focus is this restaurant, a shrine to creative fine dining.

There is no a la carte menu, so this is not the place to come if you're a picky eater. Your only choice is to decide between the vegetable ($135) or grand ($155) degustation menu. Trotter delights in presenting diners with unfamiliar ingredients and presentations, and prides himself on using only organic or free-range products (so you can feel good about indulging). The entree descriptions signal Trotter's attention to detail; sample dishes from a recent menu include steamed Casco Bay cod with cockles, picholine olives, artichokes, and stinging nettles; and roasted saddle of rabbit with fingerling potatoes, turnips, and mustard greens. Be prepared to linger: Dinner here can take up to 3 hours. The dining room may be formal, but the overall attitude is not intimidating. The wine list is extensive, and a sommelier is on hand to help match wines with each course.

For a taste of Trotter's gourmet fare without the high price tag, check out Trotter's to Go, his gourmet food store in Lincoln Park at 1337 W. Fullerton Ave. (btw. Lakewood and Wayne aves.; tel. 773/868-6510).

Description:

Fogo de Chão is a paradise for meat lovers! And at this location, diners can exploit the all-you-can eat service to the maximum with its wide range of salads, Brazilian side dishes, vegetables, and of course, sizzling fire-cooked meats. Traditional Brazilian drinks and desserts complete the meal. Now that should reassure any finicky foodie! Don't forget to try the decadent signature dessert, Papaya Cream.

Description:

The majority of Indian restaurants serve north Indian cuisine, so it is always a fresh and inviting change to find a place that offers dishes of the southern variety. Connoisseurs understand that distinct tastes and flavors are particular to different regions. There are many strong vegetarian dishes here, and this is really the specialty. And, as if your meals are not spicy and flavorful enough, you are presented with various mix-and-match sauces as accompaniments.

Description:

Japonais serves authentic Japanese food in a warm and soothing ambience. The restaurant has two dining rooms; both are spacious and elegant with cozy seating arrangements. The lounge & bar is very romantic with its plush interior and comfortable sofas. Make sure you try at least one of the sushi combinations and the Sashimi. The restaurant hosts private parties and has live music performances from time to time.