The Resy Hit List: Where In Chicago You’ll Want to Eat in February 2025
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There’s no question we hear more often: Where should I go eat? And while we at Resy know it’s an honor to be the friend who everyone asks for restaurant advice, we also know it’s a complicated task. That’s where the Resy Hit List comes in.
Consider it your essential resource for dining in Chicago: a monthly-updated guide to the restaurants that you won’t want to miss — tonight or any night.
Four Things In Chicago Not to Miss This Month
- Anywhere but here: It’s not that we don’t love our great city, but February can be a tough month. We’re long past the holidays and still a far cry from spring break. Luckily, it’s not hard to find an escape thanks to our rich dining scene. From Beatnik’s Mediterranean vibes to Petit Pomeroy’s bistro setting and The Pearl Club’s London-inspired decor, we’ve got plenty of restaurants that’ll transport you far from Chicago’s deep freeze. Here’s the full list.
- Don’t forget V-day: Need a restaurant with a bit of romance? We’ve got plenty of options, from the intimate bar at Gilt to Cindy’s Rooftop for impressive views and even more impressive food. Whether or not you’re currently attached (going out with friends counts, too!), Valentine’s Day provides an excellent excuse to have a night on the town. Check out our favorite spots for date night right here. And if you need a little inspiration, take a look at our upcoming events for a variety of Valentine’s Day experiences, like live jazz at Mesler or a three-course meal at Diego.
- Achieve regular status: There’s nothing better than returning to a restaurant you know and love, where the team knows your name, has a seat ready for you, and gets your favorite cocktail going right away. That’s the beauty of being a regular, whether you prefer a bistro setting like Pompette or the modern Southern food at Big Jones. And PS: It doesn’t hurt to be a regular during the cold months, when business is notoriously slow. You may already have your go-to restaurants settled, but if you’re looking for inspiration, check out all the spots where we want to be regulars (and let’s compare notes!).
- Fresh hits: Chef Jason Hammel of Lula Cafe recently opened LOULOU by Lula, a “creative studio” that will play host to a wild rotation of food events. (Think: drag brunch, communal meals with live music, and more.) Another new place to add to your list? Omakase by Kanemaru, a minimalist spot where fish is the focus on the second floor of La Grande Boucherie. See the rest of Chicago’s latest openings right here.
New to the Hit List (Feb. 2025)
Beity, Bistro Campagne, Wurst Behavior, Ciccio Mio
1. Galit Lincoln Park
Food bringing people together is a sentiment that’s immensely true at Galit, where chef Zachary Engel and his business partner Andrés Clavero offer their Midwestern takes on Middle Eastern cuisine — Engel drawing from his Jewish heritage and Clavero from his Palestinian background. On particularly cold nights, there’s nothing better than visiting this Lincoln Park gem to dip a fresh-from-the-hearth pita into a slew of creamy dips or dig into a hefty mushroom tagine. It’s true that the four-course meal here can be a bit daunting, whether you’re sitting at the chef’s counter overlooking the bustling kitchen, or tucked away at a table in the back. But that’s only because the options—from the smoked turkey shawarma to the crisp falafel—are just too good to narrow down. The solution? Come hungry and with friends.
2. The Purple Pig River North
Whether you’re parked at a communal table, dining solo at the chef’s counter, or at a two-top along the red banquette, The Purple Pig is always a good time. The bustling restaurant has long been a Chicago standby (since 2009!) for friendly service and exceptionally good food from James Beard award-winning Chef Jimmy Bannos Jr. Given the name, you shouldn’t be surprised that the pork dishes here are standout, from the crispy pig’s ear to the milk-braised Berkshire pork shoulder. But pork isn’t all they’re doing well. In fact, the Mediterranean-inspired menu’s secret power may just be in its vegetables: salt-roasted beets with pistachio butter, roasted squash accented with figs and goat cheese, and carrots with carrot cake crumbles.
3. Vajra Wicker Park
After closing in 2022, moving to a new space in Wicker Park, then opening with just takeout and as a bar, Vajra’s serene dining room is finally open and serving the intricate Nepalese and Indian cuisine for which executive chef Min Thapa is known. Come for lunch or dinner to enjoy a colorful meal featuring both traditional and modern takes on iconic dishes. Think: an elegant samosa tart baked with Amul cheese and tangy harissa chutney, and a lobster momo with hog plum sauce and chile crunch oil. And while the restaurant is now full-service, don’t skip the happy hour, where you can enjoy $5 beers and $10 momos or $9 samosas.
4. Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio West Loop
Beyond the Beard award and “Top Chef” exposure, Sarah Grueneberg’ West Loop restaurant Monteverde has racked up accolades every year since its 2015 debut. It’s no surprise why: Grueneberg continues to churn out gorgeous, rustic Italian dishes, like delicate ribbons of hand cut pappardelle with lamb sugo; roasted chicken and asparagus ravioli; and grilled shrimp spiedino with fava beans and artichokes. The space is open and bright, with high ceilings and long windows, and a convivial feel—perfect for group celebrations. If you’re in the market for dinner and a show, sit at the bar to see the pasta station in action.
5. Lula Café Logan Square
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 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).
6. Beity West Loop
Beity is the first of its kind in Chicago: Lebanese fine dining from chef Ryan Fakih. Everything from the stone arches to the chandeliers have been designed to resemble Lebanese features, and the playlist is a mix of classic Middle Eastern music. There are two dining areas for the tasting menu, plus a la carte options at the bar. Either way, linger over the mezze — smooth parsley hummus with lamb confit and creamy labneh with za’atar, for example— with perfectly fluffy pita. The drinks are already racking up accolades (bar lead Olivia Fadden was the 2024 Michelin Guide Chicago Exceptional Cocktails Award winner), too: try the Chimney Smoke, with Scotch and Lebanese whisky, green Chartreuse, Benedictine, and tobacco bitters.
7. Superkhana International Logan Square
Superkhana International has long been one of our favorite spots — maybe it’s the excellent brunch, maybe it’s the charming outdoor space, or it’s the fact that it’s simply an always-reliable place for great food and drink. Founded by two buddies, Zeeshan Shah and Yoshi Yamada, Superkhana specializes in what they call “Indian-ish” cuisine. A few perfect examples of what that means: chile cheese naan, butter chicken calzones, and beef brisket with basmati rice congee, garlic spinach, and chile oil. Whether you stop in to the inviting, sunlit space for brunch, dinner, or a snack between meals, you’ll feel the warmth the moment you arrive.
8. Big Jones Andersonville
Big Jones has been an Andersonville staple for comfort food and Southern hospitality since 2008. And chef Paul Fehribach and partner Mark Armantrout aren’t just dedicated to good food and service —they also care deeply about sourcing, procuring ingredients from 40 local farms and farmers markets (you may recognize some like Fischer Farms and Hazard Free Farm) and specialty purveyors across the South. Tuck in to a menu with a distinctly modern approach to Southern cuisine, in all of its regional glory, with dishes like swamp cabbage (aka hearts of palm) with grilled shrimp, three types of gumbo, and refried oxtail rendang. Don’t miss weekend brunch, with its baked goods like duck boudin kolaches and buttermilk crullers, plus griddle cakes galore.
9. Wurst Behavior Irving Park
From husband-and-wife team Gosia Pieniazek and Artur Wnorowski (Pierogi Kitchen), Wurst Behavior is all about classic Polish and German recipes with a little Chicago attitude, from pork shoulder kielbasa served in a hoagie roll to a mushroom truffle brat topped with Swiss cheese and a quintessential Chicago dog. Unlike a lot of other hot dog spots around town, there’s actually table service here, so you can park, order, and enjoy your meal on-site, and even get some great cocktails, too. Try a pickle brine-spiked Great Lakes with your plate of pierogies or a margarita to cool down your chili dog, and thank writer Dennis Lee for the tip. It’s all allowed when Wurst Behavior’s the status quo.
No reservations, more info here.
10. Mi Tocaya Antojería Logan Square
Diana Dávila’s spot in Logan Square has long been a Resy favorite for its vibrant, colorful decor, regional Mexican cuisine, and Midwestern hospitality. And yet, we were delighted to learn even more about the chef’s history and mission in her Corner Table interview. From its website to the space and the menu itself, Mi Tocaya is all about nostalgia, comfort, and breaking stereotypes. Visit any day of the week to satisfy your cravings with dishes like bay scallop aguachile with leche de tigre and spicy pequin chiles, or the crispy and endlessly craveable crab tetela. “I really feel that if you love what you’re doing and love what you’re putting in, the ingredients are going to absorb that, and give you the best of what they have,” says Dávila. We couldn’t agree more.
11. Sanders BBQ Supply Co Beverly
James Sanders only recently opened Sanders BBQ Supply Co in Beverly, but with regular movie nights, live music, and a constant stream of diners, the spot is already feeling like part of the community. Enjoy an al fresco barbecue feast on one of two outdoor patios, or get your order to go. The menu doesn’t follow any strict barbecue dogma: There’s influence from all over the map. We suggest the beef ribs, pulled pork, some peach tea smoked wings, and anything else you can fit onto your tray (sauces are self-serve). With live wood fires and meats sliced to order, Sanders is doing everything right, so you really can’t go wrong.
No reservations; more info here.
12. Atelier Lincoln Square
With a Michelin star in its belt, Atelier is most certainly a fine dining destination. But fine dining here doesn’t mean uptight. In fact, chef Christian Hunter’s Atelier is as accessible as it is tuned up. The menu is driven by the season, but also inspired by the way people like to eat, taco joints and Asian takeout very much included. With dark walls and curtains and sparse wooden accents, the restaurant’s clear focus is the art on the plate, and the snippets of entertainment diners get looking into the open kitchen. Visit for a tasting dinner with wine (or spirit-free!) pairings and leave with a deeper understanding of what the team means when they say Atelier is all about “fine dining folk cuisine.”
13. The Duck Inn Bridgeport
There’s a reason why The Duck Inn made it into our list of the best restaurants of 2024. The cozy spot has everything we want out of a neighborhood standby, starting with its warm, welcoming dining room. Then there’s chef Kevin Hickey’s menu — duck is the star, in rotisserie form served with duck fat fries, in a Chicago-style beef and duck dog, and in chile-braised duck sopes. But it’s not all duck, all the time: butternut squash agnolotti, monkfish with soft shell crab XO sauce, and barbecue braised short rib make The Duck Inn a perfect spot for all.
14. Armitage Alehouse Chicago
It is almost impossible to think about fall without immediately dreaming of the roaring fireplace, dim lanterns, cushy seating, and the seriously comforting food at Armitage. From the team behind Aster Hall, Au Cheval, and Trivoli Tavern, this perennial Lincoln Park hotspot was made for the season—it’s like slipping into an intimate 1920s-inspired dream. Sip your Vesper, Boulevardier, or a strong ale, then dig into something from the Anglo-Indian-inspired pub menu, like the steak and ale pie, pike fish and chips, or chickpea and potato tikka masala. Something sweet? The salted chocolate mousse is always a good idea, too.
15. Mariscos San Pedro Pilsen
From the chefs behind Taqueria Chingon and Obelix comes Mariscos San Pedro, a bright new seafood spot on the ground floor of Thalia Hall. Signs for micheladas and cervezas beckon you in to a front room with a long wooden bar for grabbing a pre-concert snack, or a back area with tables for larger groups. While the vibe is decidedly casual, the food that arrives is thoughtful and pristine. There are beautiful layered seafood platters, black garlic-topped tuna tostadas, and wood-fired scallops with funky ‘nduja. From red wine cocktails to a seasonal ranch water, drinks are just as interesting, so get yourself to Mariscos San Pedro before everyone does.
16. Bistro Campagne Lincoln Square
Bistro Campagne has been a neighborhood fixture since it opened in 2002 — a staple for classic French cuisine in a quaint atmosphere. White tablecloths and natural light offset the dark wooden features, though in the warmer months, the ivy-and flower-filled back patio is the spot to be. As for the menu, Francophiles will be delighted by the classics: French onion soup, escargots, duck leg cassoulet, and steak tartare all have their place, and the team is dedicated to using sustainable agriculture whenever possible. The ingredients are all excellent, and the rustic dishes perfectly executed.
17. Sifr River North
If you’re tired of winter’s bitter chill, head to Sifr for its new, all-season enclosed rooftop (the largest rooftop dining space in River North). You’ll get sprawling views of the city, while enjoying chefs Sujan Sarkar and Sahil Sethi’s stunning Middle Eastern cuisine, including all manner of colorful mezze, hearth-roasted meats and grilled kebabs, and housemade breads (be careful, that pita is hot!). Of course, if you can’t make it to the rooftop, Sifr is still a beautiful space to behold: a long, plant-covered bar, a sprawling green banquette, lots of natural light, and whitewashed brick walls make for a dining room fit for celebrations, date nights, and everything in between.
18. Kasama Ukrainian Village
Even with a James Beard Award and a Michelin star, Kasama is far from resting on its laurels, continuing to wow diners with its Filipino-style tasting menu in a casual yet energetic setting. For those lucky enough to get a coveted reservation expect a colorful and intriguing multi-course meal that changes with the seasons: there might be a buttery croissant laden with truffles, a mushroom adobo with mussel foam, and lamb belly kare-kare with peanut puree. Can’t wait for dinner? Pop in for brunch at the cafe, which is first-come, first-served. The buzzy little space brighten your day with chicken adobo over garlic rice, and a breakfast sandwich that takes your classic egg and cheese up a notch with the addition of salty longanisa.
19. Ciccio Mio River North
From the Hogsalt team, Ciccio Mio has long been a Resy favorite for date night. From the plush red banquettes to the velvet curtains and the mood lighting to the tuxedo-ed servers and gilded framed artwork, you’ll feel like the protagonists of your own romance novel. And luckily, the food meets the moment. Dig into Italian dishes like paccheri alla norma with smoked eggplant and a delightfully spicy rigatoni with vodka sauce. Take your pick between chicken or veal parmesan or share a hulking coal-fired ribeye, and finish the evening with something sweet — perhaps panettone bread pudding or tiramisu? (Or both — we won’t judge.)
20. Shang Noodle Chicago Streeterville Streeterville
Winter days call for housemade noodles of all forms, and for that we look to Shang Noodle. While there are three locations, we’re calling out the Streeterville outpost for its soothing ambiance: neutral tones, comfy seating, and elegant lighting make an ideal setting for slurping, whether on Taiwanese beef noodle soup or a zippy chow mein. If you visit with a group, go for the dim sum, too — soup dumplings and barbecue pork buns are shareable and craveable, as are a slew of other options, from dry hot pots to stir-fries. Need some extra heat? Go for any of the Sichuan dishes, like mapo tofu or the Sichuan casserole, for that spicy-tingly málà sensation.
