The Resy Hit List: Where In Chicago You’ll Want to Eat Right Now

There is no shortage of steakhouses in Chicago, but Bavette’s (from the Hogsalt team) stands out, starting with its sultry, speakeasy-style tone. No business lunches here: Bavette’s is here for date night and special occasions, with shimmering chandeliers and candlelight, plush velvet seating, and jazz standards to set the tone. There are two floors with varying energies, depending on whether you’re having a lively get-together or a more intimate meal. Then there’s the French-inflected menu, with steakhouse classics—a traditional wedge salad, massive porterhouse, and Bearnaise-drizzle filet—along with welcome surprises: freshly baked sourdough, buttery lobster frites, and spiced fried chicken.

Photo courtesy of Monteverde

Perhaps you’re near the United Center or you’ve been shopping around the West Loop. Maybe you just have a hankering for a bowl of fresh pasta. Whatever the occasion, there’s no better spot for the moment than Monteverde, Sarah Gueneberg’s acclaimed Italian restaurant. The menu is full of hits: hand-cut tagliatelle bolognese, and more unique “Pasta Atipica,” like cacio whey pepe, which uses ricotta whey to create a particularly luxurious sauce (to which you can add freshly shaved white truffles, in season). Pro tip: Want to see Gueneberg’s team in action? Get a counter stool by the bar for a perfect view into the pastificio—a “pasta factory” where you can witness pasta hand-made to order.

Bonyeon, from Omakase Yume’s Sangtae and Kate Park, puts a spin on Chicago’s steakhouse scene by offering, instead, a unique beef omakase. There are only 12 seats at this intimate Korean-and Japanese-influenced spot, and a dozen or so carefully constructed courses, all using ultra-premium beef culled from a variety of suppliers. The space itself is as artful as the food: dark, moody walls envelop a spotlit bar with elegant velvet chairs in a deep sea blue. Each seat has prime views of chef Park at work, preparing dishes that highlight interesting cuts, like ribeye cap and outside skirt steak. There are two seatings each night (at 5 and 8 p.m.), with each prix-fixe meal taking about two-and-a-half hours from start to finish.

Open since 2006, Eleven City Diner is a neighborhood standby for classic delicatessen standards and hearty breakfasts. The bustling, family-friendly spot has a retro feel, with leather booths and neon signs boasting of hand-rolled matzo balls. We’re not sure what’s taller: the Junior’s cheesecakes, the corned beef sandwiches, or the stack of fluffy pancakes. It’s all there, along with challah French toast, knishes, and bubbe’s chicken soup. Do grab an egg cream or chocolate phosphate before you go.

A neighborhood fixture since 1999, Lula Cafe has been doing farm-to-table cooking since long before it was a staple. The cafe itself is as charming as its sign, beckoning hungry diners with lots of outdoor seating (when weather permits) and a long bar for solo guests and plenty of seats to post up within.  With two James Beard nominations under his chef’s coat and a long history of delicious, cuisine-bending dishes, chef and owner Jason Hammel’s menu is packed with rotating hits, so order whatever sounds good, whether that’s glazed delicata squash with black rice, or Slagal Farm roast goat. One staple: pasta “Yia Yia,” an irresistible combination of feta, garlic, brown butter, and cinnamon (trust us—it works).

Regional Mexican specialties, Midwestern sensibility, and carefully sourced ingredients meet at Rick Bayless’ Frontera Grill. Since opening in 1987, Frontera has been a pioneering force in terms of raising Mexican cuisine’s profile in Chicago, and though its success has not come without moments of controversy, many of the city’s exceptional new Mexican restaurants would not be here without it — which might be why the mayor declared Rick Bayless Day last month, to celebrate Frontera’s 37th anniversary. The vibe at Bayless’ original spot remains casual, the menu is sprawling (do try the shortrib mole negro), and there are five different margaritas to choose from, so if you haven’t been in a while, now is the time.

Photo courtesy of Obelix

It hasn’t been open for all that long, but Obélix feels like it’s been around for forever, in the best possible way. Brothers Nicolas and Oliver Poilevey (whose family is behind the iconic Le Bouchon) have racked up plenty of accolades for their modern French charmer, with good reason. While the white tablecloths and wooden chairs lend a traditional brasserie feel, the menu gets playful: Those sweet-looking macarons are filled with foie gras, the duck sausage is spiked with lemongrass, the beef Wellington has an al pastor Hollandaise. You can even get a Foie McGriddle with steamed egg, pancakes, and maple mustard at brunch. The kitchen is having a good time here, and it shows.

Duk’s Red Hots is now Modern Relish. While change can be hard, especially when it comes to longtime culinary standbys, partners Anthony Pagliuca and Angela Villanueva are making an effort to maintain some traditions, while bringing in others. Duk’s longtime manager Carol Chavez is sticking around, along with the classic Vienna all-beef hot dogs. There’s also Italian beef sandwiches, double-bacon burgers, and lots of onion rings—plus a dog-friendly patio on which to enjoy them. Some new things to look forward to: a potential liquor license and extended breakfast hours coming soon. 

No reservations; more info here.

Tim Flores and Genie Kwon’s Kasama has continued to top lists and earn accolades since it opened in 2020. And for good reason: The Filipino-style tasting menu is pure excitement from start to finish. While the food is thoughtful and endlessly creative—hamachi and golden kaluga caviar get a dollop of caviar cream in the kinilaw, and an indulgent hunk of A5 wagyu is sweetened with caramelized onions—the vibe is decidedly down to earth. (All those awards haven’t made Kasama the least bit stuffy.) While the 13-course meal takes some time, you can always get a taste of Kasama’s genius by visiting the cafe, for breakfast sandwiches amped up with savory longanisa sausage and punchy giardiniera, comforting chicken or mushroom adobo with fragrant garlic rice, and a truffle-laden croissant or two.

A stalwart of the South Side barbecue scene since 1954, Lem’s is an iconic spot to hit when a craving for smoky-saucy rib tips and hulking hot links strikes (don’t sleep on the succulent fried chicken, either). While the original founders, brothers Bruce and Myles Lemons, have passed, their children keep the fire going, using an oversized aquarium smoker (a uniquely Chicago invention) and finishing their ribs with a deliciously tangy sauce. First-timers should note that there’s no seating at this pint-sized joint—and there’s often a wait—so place your order, have some patience, and be sure to get extra napkins for the road.

No reservations; more info here.

It’s thrilling to have Cellar Door Provisions back in the groove (and now on Resy) after a pandemic closure, as chef-owner Ethan Pikas brings some of the city’s finest breads and pastries to Logan Square. Of course, carbs aren’t all, with Pitkas’s tight menu of seasonal Mediterranean dishes (like white endive gratin and gnocchi in a ham bone broth) written casually on a chalkboard outside to entice passersby. Whether you drop in for a full meal or just a glass of natural-leaning wine—the selection is broad, with lots skin-macerated options—take a moment to relish in the general warmth of the space, perfectly accented with friendly service.

No matter the season, there’s nothing more comforting than tearing open an almost untouchably hot pita made in Galit’s wood-fired oven. Dunking it in all manner of dips, like hummus and masabacha? Even better. And that’s just the start of the four-course menu at Galit, which offers almost too much good food, whether you’re parked at the bar overlooking the kitchen or at a table in the lively dining room. Chef Zachary Engel utilizes the aforementioned hearth for more than just the pita—that fire kisses many of his Middle Eastern-inflected specialties, like turkey shawarma and harissa-spiked lamb. While the mains occasionally rotate, expect plenty of smoke and absolutely zero stomach space left by the end of your meal.

It seems like the whole city is celebrating Daisies’ return (it closed last March to move to bigger digs a few blocks down), and the new 5,500-square-foot spot has room for all. Grab a table—or a bar seat, or the chef’s table—to partake in owner Joe Frillman’s excellent pasta dishes, like rigatoni with ‘nduja and pappardelle with a mushroom ragu. Much of the menu is refreshingly vegetable-forward, though meat is added in creative ways, like carrots dressed with duck fat. And think beyond dinner: Visit during the mornings and early afternoons to hit up Daisies’ pastry case for tasty buns, scones, and breads.

Call  (773) 697-9443 for reservations.  

Sharing is the name of the game at Tigist Reda’s beloved Uptown standby for classic Ethiopian cuisine and hospitality. Simple, fuss-free tables make way for seriously colorful food, from crisp meat or veg-filled sambussas to a family-style messob with an array of stewed meats, misir wot (creamy, spicy split lentils), and collard greens with garlic and ginger. It’s a choose-your-own adventure meal that’s as exciting for omnivores as it is for vegans, with injera aplenty to soak up all the sauces and sides. The housemade honey wine is always flowing, so be sure to try a glass before you leave.  

Sun Wah has been a must-stop in Chinatown for seriously good Hong Kong-style Chinese barbecue since 1986. The space feels more like a food hall than a restaurant, with high ceilings, and simple overhead lighting. Groups small and large come here for warming congee, sweet and sour pork, lobster (from the live tank!) with black bean sauce, and spicy mapo tofu, sure, but the main event can be seen from the windows: the Beijing duck. Carved and served ready to tuck into steamed buns and dress with scallions and plum sauce, it’s succulent and special. Don’t miss it—in fact, call ahead to make sure they have enough before you head over. Then prepare yourself.

No reservations; more info here.

Photo courtesy of Superkhana

For “Indian-ish” cuisine—like a bechamel-laden pizza with chicken kabob, chopped dates, and pine nuts; and a zucchini masala fry with chewy rice cakes—there’s no better place than Superkhana International. Founded by friends Zeeshan Shah and Yoshi Yamada, the restaurant is inviting and vibrant inside, with colorful curtains, whitewashed exposed brick, and lots of natural light. Visit with a group to catch up over chile cheese naan and ice-cold beers. And with options like dosa hash and savory griddle cakes with fresh Mick Klug Farm peas (they don’t skimp on local produce), don’t overlook Superkhana as a brunch destination, either.

From the owners of Tavern On Rush comes this new fast-casual spot specializing in fresh pasta. The kitchen is overseen by Michelin-starred chef Vincenzo Vottero, who turns out Roman-style pasta, like a seven-layer lasagna bolognese and eggplant ravioli with a hint of lemon zest. There’s also Roman-style pizza with slow-fermented dough, and a build-your-own pasta section with various shapes and sauces. Pop in to witness the pasta lab in action, then take your meal home or enjoy on-site in the casual, cozy dining area.

No reservations; more info here. 

If you’re a ramen fan in cooking or in eating, you likely know of Ramen Lord, aka Mike Satinover, a ramen obsessive (and Oak Park native) who made his name hosting ramen pop-ups all over the country and, well, talking about ramen on Reddit. His new 55-seat shop has lots of space for guests to watch the magic in the open kitchen, along with a long high-top for them to slurp communally. Satinover’s menu reveals his knowledge of ramen deep cuts—as with the tantanmen, inspired by Sichuan dan dan noodles. But for any ramen newbie, the place to start is his signature bowl and the shop’s namesake, which features a miso broth, homemade Sapporo-style noodles, and juicy pork chashu.

No reservations; more info here. 

It doesn’t get much more exclusive than this sultry stalwart of the Chicago cocktail scene. The eight-seat speakeasy-inspired spot—from the team behind Cherry Circle Room and Drawing Room—is the perfect date night venue for those who want to discover rare spirits and ingredients amidst glowing candlelight and old-fashioned chandeliers. While there’s a list of special whiskeys and cabinets full of intriguing bottles, you can always ask the bartender to whip you up something to meet the mood. Hotel bars are often generic, over-crowded, and dull; Milk Room is anything but–which is why you definitely need to reserve your spot in advance.