Chicago Restaurants

Chicago eateries span a wide range of venues such as trendy see-and-be-seen spots, a remarkable selection of steakhouses, chef-owned fine dining temples and every kind of ethnic cuisine, including Italian, hands-only Ethiopian, Indian curries or spicy Thai. Unfortunately, Chicago is no longer the budget-dining destination it once was. But even though the prices have risen and many eateries have become trendy, service is still friendly.

Local cuisine

Chicago has become famous for its deep-dish pizza, which it claims to have reinvented. This consists of a thick layer of dough, covered in a chunky tomato sauce with plenty of mozzarella cheese sprinkled on the top. The classic Chicago hot dog is a frankfurter by Vienna Beef (a hallowed local food processing institution), stacks of chopped onions and green relish, a squeeze of yellow mustard, pickle spears, fresh tomato slices, a dash of celery salt and a couple of sport peppers, which are sure to turn your mouth into a raging bonfire. The rich, creamy Elis cheesecake, a Chicago icon, has been served at presidential inaugural ceremonies and many other high-profile events. For a behind-the-scenes look at Chicagos most famous dessert, Elis bakery on the northwest side of the city offers guided tours. After observing the cooking and decorating methods, you get to enjoy a slice of your favourite flavoured cheesecake.

Where to eat

The closer you eat to downtown, the more you pay. But the neighbourhoods are home to many good and reasonable eateries. The Italian Village, open since 1927, houses three separate Italian restaurants. Youll find a few fine-dining spots in Lincoln Park and Old Town, but most restaurants here are more casual, with average prices lower than in River North or along the Magnificent Mile.