Best Italian Restaurants in Chicago

If you are craving authentic Italian cuisine, you will be pleased to know that this city has a great variety of establishments with exquisite menus. Below are the ten best Italian Restaurants in Chicago:

1. Spiaggia

312-280-2750
980 N Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL 60611

2. Pane Caldo

312-649-0055
72 E Walton St
Chicago, IL 60611

3. Merlo on Maple

312-335-8200
16 West Maple St
Chicago, IL 60610

4. A Tavola

773-276-7567
2148 W Chicago Ave
Chicago, IL 60622

5. Viaggio Ristorante & Lounge

312-829-3333
1330 W Madison St
Chicago, IL 60607

6. Terragusto

773-248-2777
1851 W Addison St
Chicago, IL 60613

7. Lockwood

312-726-7500
Palmer House Hilton
17 E Monroe St
Chicago, IL 60603

8. Gioco

312-939-3870
1312 S Wabash
Chicago, IL 60605

9. Anteprima

773-506-9990
5316 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60640

10. The Noodle Cafe

847-251-2228
708 12th St
Wilmette, IL 60091

Best Restaurants in Chicago

Chicago has a rich tradition of fine dining establishments, and each time I visit I’m greeted by excellent cuisine combined with superior service.  From steakhouses to 8 course french feasts, this city has taste on the menu!  See below for the ten best restaurants in Chicago:

1. NoMI

312-239-4030
Park Hyatt Hotel
800 N Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL 60611

NoMI offers a new phase in world-class contemporary French dining on the Seventh Floor of Park Hyatt Chicago under the direction of proficient executive chef Christophe David, an expert of high-end restaurants across four continents. You will enjoy a distinctive blend of experiences, engaging all the senses, NoMI offers guests a multitude of choices. From the contemporary French cuisine intertwined with a international flair, to their award-winning design and awe-inspiring setting to the personalized and discreet service from a well-seasoned wait staff.

2. Atwood Cafe

312-368-1900
1 W Washington St
Chicago, IL 60602

The Atwood Café is an intimate restaurant found in the heart of Chicago’s Central Business District and the State Street retail and theater district. Enjoy colorful cuisine for breakfast, lunch or dinner in their vibrant dining room featuring contemporary American comfort food.

3. Odyssey Dining Cruise

888-957-2322
Navy Pier 600 E Grand Ave
Chicago, IL 60611

This dining cruise offers a refined yet affordable total entertainment experience starting at Navy Pier.  Sample creative appetizers, entrees and desserts prepared fresh on board daily by the Executive Chef. Dance to live music or sit back and relax while enjoying skyline views that drift past your table.

4. Fogo de Chao

312-932-9330
661 N Lasalle St
Chicago, IL 60610

Savor this dining establishments truly unique steakhouse atmosphere from Rio Grande do Sul in Southern Brazil. Their featured meats are seasoned to perfection and slow-roasted over an open flame to capture their individual flavor. The savory cuts are presented on skewers and carved tableside by their authentic Gaúcho chefs, at the guests’ request. They also offer a vast selection of wines to significantly enhance and complement every meat selection.

5. Tru

312-202-0001
676 N St Clair St
Chicago, IL 60611

This fine dining restaurant offers dynamic French cuisine, presenting fresh ingredients with bold creativity and an artistic display. They also have an award-winning wine list featuring over 1,800 selections from around the world.

6. Tizi Melloul

312-670-4338
531 N Wells St
Chicago, IL 60610

Take a voyage through the cuisine of the Mediterranean with tantalizing dishes like fire roasted mussels, crispy pork belly or tilapia with taro root gnocchi. They offer a full menu in the main
dining room as well as five course dinners served in the Moroccan Crescent Room.

7. Zed 451

312-266-6691
739 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60610

Indulge in modern upscale grilling, fire grilled steaks, ribs, seafood, poultry and game are served here alongside comfort food sides. They offer Harvest Tables laden with housemade soups, inspired salads, artisan cheeses and breads.

8. II Mulino

312-440-8888
1150 N Dearborn St
Chicago, IL 60610

Rest assured that only the finest extra virgin oils, the freshest herbs and spices, and the choicest tomatoes are used to create the entrees here. Enjoy top notch Italian cuisine like, Cannelloni, Fettuccine Ragout, or Ossobuco among many more delicious choices.

9. Crofton on Wells

312-755-1790
535 N Wells St
Chicago, IL 60610

Suzy Crofton is an award-winning chef that creates bold American flavors with sophisticated French technique. Crofton keeps the dining room fresh with contemporary china, dove grey linens, Reidel stemware and an endless supply of whimsical brushed aluminum accents creating an all-around delightful dining experiance.

10. Le Lan

312-280-9100
749 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60610

LE meaning French for THE, and LAN meaning ORCHID in Vietnamese, this symbolic name represents the delicate balance as eastern and western food and culture bond together while still maintaining their identities. This French Asian Restaurant is know as one the most romantic restaurants in Chicago.

Best Sushi Bars in Chicago

Don’t let the fact that Chicago is in the middle of the country fool you, this city has some excellent sushi bars.  From fast food to upscale dining experiences, these restaurants will satisfy your ‘raw’ craving, and will do it with style.  See below for the ten best sushi bars in Chicago:

1. RA Sushi Bar Restaurant

312-274-0011
1139 N State St
Chicago, IL 60610

2. Sushi Samba Rio

312-595-2300
504 N Wells St
Chicago, IL 60610

3. Blu Coral Contemporary Sushi

773-252-2020
1265 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60622

4. Coast Sushi

773-235-5775
2045 N Damen Ave
Chicago, IL 60647

5. Koko Sushi Bar

733-248-2988
3140 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60657

6. San Soo Gap San Korean BBQ and Sushi Bar

773-334-1589
5247 N Western Ave
Chicago, IL 60625

7. Butterfly Sushi Bar & Thai Cuisine

312-563-5555
1156 W Grand Ave
Chicago, IL 60622

8. Mirai Sushi

773-862-8500
2020 W Division St
Chicago, IL 60622

9. Tank Sushi

773-769-2600
4514 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60625

10. Sushi Wabi

312-563-1224
842 W Randolph St
Chicago, IL 60607

Best Bars in Chicago

Chicago has a vibrant nightlife which has been illustrated in Hollywood films and TV shows for decades, and I have become a fan of the city and its drinking establishments over the past few years.  As with many other metropolitan cities, no matter where you are, you are always within walking distance of a bar or pub.  Below are the ten best bars in Chicago:

1. Tryst… an upscale lounge

773-755-3980
3485 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60657

2. Spoon

312-498-7770
1240 N Wells St
Chicago, IL 60610

3. Rockit Bar & Grill

312-645-6000
22 W Hubbard St
Chicago, IL 60610

4. Black Beetle Bar & Grill

773-384-0701
2532 W Chicago Ave
Chicago, IL 60622

5. The Redhead Piano Bar

312-266-7642
16 W Ontario St
Chicago, IL 60610

6. Tin Lizzie

773-549-1132
2483 N Clark St
Chicago, IL 60614

7. Fizz Bar & Grill

773-360-5715
3220 N Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60657

8. Mad River Bar & Grill

773-935-7500
2909 N Sheffield Ave
Chicago, IL 60657

9. Cat’s Meow

773-489-6998
2700 W Chicago Ave
Chicago, IL 60622

10. Zella

773-549-2910
1983 N Clybourn Ave
Chicago, IL 60614

Best Wine Bars in Chicago

Looking to unwind after a hard day in fast-paced Chicago?  Well then I have good news for you, this city has some of the best wine bars in the country.  As you may be aware, Chicago was constantly in the news during the years of prohibition, and this city’s passion for spirits has not run dry!  I enjoyed each of the establishments I visited, I especially was happy to see the great service I received at the top selections.  Below are the ten best wine bars in Chicago:

1. 404 Wine Bar

773-404-5886
2856 N Southport Ave
Chicago, IL 60657

2. Pops For Champagne

312-266-7677
601 N State St
Chicago, IL 60610

3. Vivere

312-332-4040
71 W Monroe St
Chicago, IL 60603

4. Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse

312-266-8999
1028 N Rush St
Chicago, IL 60611

5. Vintage Wine Bar

773-772-3400
1942 W Division St
Chicago, IL 60622

6. Cab’s Wine Bar & Bistro

630-942-9463
430 N Main St
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137

7. Volo Restaurant Wine Bar

773-348-4600
2008 W Roscoe St
Chicago, IL 60618

8. Enoteca Roma Wine Bar

773-342-1011
2144-2146 W Division St
Chicago, IL 60622

9. The Bluebird Bistro & Wine Bar

773-486-2473
1749 N Damen Ave
Chicago, IL 60647

10. Juicy Wine Co.

312-492-6620
694 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60622

Best Coffee Bars in Chicago

Looking for that java fix?  Chicago has a great selection of coffee bars that will suit your ‘taste’.  Along with coffee, these establishments also offer a wide variety of exotic teas and other specialties, just in case you are in the mood for something different.  Either way, you will be able to sit back and relax due to their pleasant atmosphere and unique music.  Below are the ten best coffee bars in Chicago.

1. Fixx Coffee Bar

773-248-0841
3053 N Sheffield Ave
Chicago, IL 60657

2. Metropolis Coffee Company

773-764-0400
1039 W Granville Ave
Chicago, IL 60660

3. Caribou Coffee

312-214-0887
55 W Monroe St
Chicago, IL 60603

4. Intelligentsia Coffee

312-253-0594
53 W Jackson Blvd
Chicago, IL 60604

5. Savor The Flavor Coffee House

773-883-5287
2545 N Sheffield Ave
Chicago, IL 60614

6. Sip Coffee House & Garden

312-492-7686
1223 W Grand Ave
Chicago, IL 60622

7. Coffee Chicago

773-784-1305
5256 N Broadway St
Chicago, IL 60640

8. I Coffee House

773-777-7311
4945 N Milwaukee Ave
Chicago, IL 60630

9. Maui Wowi

773-321-6425
2854 N Broadway St
Chicago, IL 60657

10. Purabelleza Coffee & Art

773-276-1146
2161 N Western Ave
Chicago, IL 60647