The Absolute Best Local Food in Chicago [Updated 2024]

Having tasted my way through dozens of meals, I've narrowed down my favorites to just twelve standout dishes that truly capture the essence of our vibrant food scene.

From deep-dish pizza to the rich flavors of Chicago-style hot dogs, each bite tells a story of our city’s diverse culture and culinary innovation.

Join me as we explore hidden gems and iconic establishments, showcasing the flavors that make Chicago a food lover's paradise.

Get ready to embark on a mouthwatering journey through my top picks, where the heart and soul of Chicago can be found on every plate.

Hermosa Restaurant

Highlights
Amazing Asian fusion flavors
Fantastic Po Boy and fried chicken
Delicious milkshakes
Fresh ingredients, made to order
Friendly, family-like service

Hermosa Restaurant is a delightful spot that beautifully marries Asian fusion with classic American comfort food. As I walked in, I was greeted by a warm, inviting atmosphere that instantly made me feel at home. The friendly, family-like service here is truly commendable—there's something refreshing about being treated like part of the crew!

I was eager to dive into their menu and decided to try the famous Po Boy along with their renowned fried chicken. Let me tell you, both were nothing short of spectacular! The Po Boy was a tantalizing blend of robust flavors, with each bite telling a delicious story. Meanwhile, the fried chicken was crispy on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside, making it hard to put down.

But the star of the show? Their milkshakes! Irresistibly creamy and decadent, they’re the perfect way to end any meal. I could taste the fresh ingredients in every dish, clearly made to order. Overall, Hermosa Restaurant is a hidden gem that every food lover in Chicago should seriously consider when hunting for unforgettable local cuisine!

You might also want to check out the best tamales in Aurora.

Creed On LAKE

Highlights
Delicious Soul Food
Exceptional Service
Free Banana Pudding
Comforting Mac & Cheese
Homestyle Atmosphere

Visiting Creed On LAKE was like a warm hug on a plate. From the moment I walked in, the homestyle atmosphere made me feel right at home. The aroma of delicious soul food wafted through the air, teasing my taste buds before I even sat down. I dove right into their signature mac & cheese, which was the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and perfectly baked to that delightful golden finish.

The service here is exceptional; the staff is genuinely friendly and attentive, making my dining experience even more enjoyable. As a little surprise, they offer free banana pudding, which was an absolute treat! It was light and airy, with just the right level of sweetness to leave my taste buds dancing.

While savoring each bite, I couldn’t help but appreciate how Creed On LAKE captures the essence of soul food. Every dish is crafted with love and authenticity, making it a must-visit spot for anyone seeking to indulge in the rich flavors of the community. If you're in Chicago and longing for a taste of comfort, this gem should be at the top of your list!

You might also want to check out the best thai food in Schaumburg.

LaShuk Street Food

Highlights
Great Middle Eastern food
Friendly staff
Vegetarian options
Cool atmosphere
Recommended dishes

Immediately upon entering the restaurant, I was greeted by the friendly staff who made me feel right at home. The atmosphere was cool and laid-back, making it perfect for a quick lunch or a night out with friends.

Now let's talk about the star of the show: the food! LaShuk Street Food offers some of the best Middle Eastern food in Chicago. From their juicy beef shawarma to their crispy falafel, every bite packed a flavorful punch. And for all you vegetarians out there, they also offer plenty of delicious vegetarian options that will satisfy your hunger and your taste buds.

My favorite dish from LaShuk Street Food was definitely their lamb kebab plate. The meat was cooked to perfection and paired perfectly with the tangy tzatziki sauce. It's no wonder that this dish is one of their recommended dishes!

Overall, my experience at LaShuk Street Food was nothing short of amazing. Great food, friendly staff, and a cool atmosphere make this place a must-visit for anyone looking for some delicious Middle Eastern cuisine in Chicago.

You might also want to check out the best sushi in Schaumburg.

Split-Rail

Highlights
Biscuits
Fried Shrimp
Variety of Dietary Restrictions

First of all, let's talk about the biscuits. Oh my goodness, they are divine! They're so buttery and flaky that they practically melt in your mouth. And the best part? They come with honey butter! It's like a match made in heaven.

But that's not all - I also tried their fried shrimp and it was amazing. The batter was light and crispy, and the shrimp itself was perfectly cooked. I could've easily eaten a whole plate of them!

What I really appreciated about Split-Rail though, is that they cater to a variety of dietary restrictions. As someone who follows a gluten-free diet, it can be tough to find good options at restaurants. But at Split-Rail, they have multiple gluten-free dishes on the menu that still taste delicious.

Overall, I highly recommend checking out Split-Rail if you're in Chicago. The biscuits alone are worth the trip! And if you have any dietary restrictions, don't worry - they've got you covered.

You might also want to check out the best sushi in Naperville.

Girl & The Goat

Highlights
Innovative flavors
Great service
Must-try pork shank
Tapas-style menu
Memorable experience

Firstly, let me tell you that this place is a true gem for foodies who crave innovative flavors. The restaurant offers a tapas-style menu that allows you to try a variety of dishes without committing to one entrée. From the moment I walked in, the atmosphere was buzzing and lively which added to the whole experience.

The service was impeccable! Our waiter was extremely knowledgeable about the menu and gave us great recommendations based on our preferences. And speaking of recommendations, you absolutely cannot leave Girl & The Goat without trying their must-try pork shank. It's cooked to perfection and melts in your mouth with every bite.

What I loved most about this restaurant is their ability to create memorable experiences. The flavors were so unique that it felt like an adventure for my taste buds.

In summary, if you're looking for a playful yet professional dining experience with great service and unforgettable flavors, then Girl & The Goat should be at the top of your list. Trust me, it's worth every penny.

You might also want to check out the best tacos in Elgin.

STRAIGHTLAW COOKING & CATERING

Highlights
Well-seasoned
Fresh menu
Unique options
Great customer service

First off, the menu at Straightlaw Cooking & Catering is fresh and unique. They offer a variety of options that you won't find anywhere else in Chicago. I was particularly impressed with their use of bold flavors and spices. Every bite was bursting with flavor and left me wanting more.

But what really set Straightlaw apart was their excellent customer service. From the moment I walked in, I felt welcomed and valued as a customer. The staff were knowledgeable about the menu and happy to make recommendations based on my preferences.

One dish that stood out to me was the jerk chicken sandwich. It was perfectly seasoned with just the right amount of spice. The bread was fresh and had a slight crunch to it, which added a great texture to each bite.

Overall, Straightlaw Cooking & Catering is a must-try for anyone looking for an exceptional culinary experience in Chicago. Their well-seasoned dishes, fresh menu options, unique offerings, and great customer service all make for an unforgettable dining experience.

You might also want to check out the best steak in Schaumburg.

EL ideas

Highlights
Amazing food
Immaculate vibe
Surprising courses
Welcoming atmosphere
Chef-owner interaction

First off, I have to say the food was amazing! Each course was a delightful surprise that burst with unique flavors and textures. But it wasn't just the food that made this place stand out. The immaculate vibe of the restaurant added to the overall experience. From the modern decor to the perfectly dimmed lighting, everything about EL ideas screamed elegance.

Another highlight of this restaurant is its welcoming atmosphere. The staff were friendly and attentive, making sure each guest felt comfortable throughout their dining experience. What really stood out was the interaction with Chef-owner Phillip Foss himself. He made rounds at every table, chatting with guests and answering any questions they had about his creative cuisine.

But what truly sets EL ideas apart from other restaurants in Chicago is its surprising courses. Without giving too much away, let's just say you'll be in for some unexpected twists and turns during your meal. You'll never know what's coming next!

Overall, my visit to EL ideas was an unforgettable experience that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a culinary adventure in Chicago.

You might also want to check out the best sushi in Evanston.

NoodleBird at Fat Rice

Highlights
Quality Asian food
Homemade dumplings
Discounted happy hour
Smoked tofu fried rice

Firstly, I was impressed with the quality of the Asian food. The flavors were bold and authentic, transporting me to the streets of Asia. But what really stood out were the homemade dumplings that were so juicy and flavorful, they practically melted in my mouth.

I also appreciated their discounted happy hour prices, making it a great spot for a casual hangout with friends or coworkers after work. And if you're a vegetarian like me, you'll be delighted to hear about their smoked tofu fried rice which was definitely one of the highlights of my meal.

The atmosphere at NoodleBird was modern yet cozy, making it an enjoyable dining experience. The staff were friendly and prompt in their service. I even got some recommendations from them on what to try next time I visit!

Overall, I would highly recommend NoodleBird at Fat Rice to anyone who is looking for delicious Asian cuisine in Chicago. It's an exceptional spot that truly showcases the best local food in Chicago!

You might also want to check out the best seafood in Schaumburg.

Viaggio Restaurant Chicago

Highlights
Amazing service
Diverse menu
Complimentary bread
Large portions
Beautiful bar

From the moment I walked in, I was greeted with amazing service. The staff was friendly, knowledgeable, and attentive throughout my entire meal. Their diverse menu offers something for everyone, from classic Italian dishes to unique twists on familiar favorites.

One of my favorite parts of the dining experience was the complimentary bread - it was warm, fluffy, and paired perfectly with their homemade olive oil dipping sauce. And let me tell you, they don't skimp on portions here! Each dish was served generously and left me feeling satisfied.

The beautiful bar adds a touch of elegance to the overall atmosphere of the restaurant. It's the perfect place to relax with a drink after work or on a weekend evening.

Overall, Viaggio Restaurant Chicago is definitely one of my top choices for local food in Chicago. The combination of great service, diverse menu options, complimentary bread, large portions, and beautiful bar make this restaurant stand out above the rest. Don't miss out on this gem!

You might also want to check out the best seafood in Naperville.

avec Restaurant

Highlights
Delicious food
Bacon-wrapped dates
Great sharing options
Nice wine selection
Private, quiet second floor

First of all, let me tell you that the food was delicious! The menu had a variety of options and everything we ordered was perfect. However, I must highlight the bacon-wrapped dates which were simply divine. If you're a fan of sweet and savory flavors coming together in perfect harmony, then this dish is for you!

One thing I loved about avec Restaurant is that they have a lot of great sharing options on their menu. It's the ideal place to go with friends or family and try different dishes without breaking the bank. Plus, it's always more fun to share, right?

The wine selection was also quite impressive. They have a good variety of wines that complemented our meal perfectly. Trust me when I say, a glass (or bottle) of wine will make your meal even better.

If you're looking for a quiet place to enjoy your meal without any disturbances, avec Restaurant has got you covered. They have a private second floor where you can sit back and relax while enjoying your delicious food.

Overall, my experience at avec Restaurant was fantastic! The food, atmosphere, and service were all top-notch. If you're looking for one of the best local food experiences in Chicago with lots of sharing options and great wine selection then avec Restaurant is definitely worth checking out!

You might also want to check out the best seafood restaurants in Schaumburg.

Palace Grill Restaurant

Highlights
Blackhawks-themed atmosphere
Friendly and attentive service
Delicious food options
Breakfast and lunch available
Terrific owner, George

Upon entering the restaurant, I immediately noticed the Blackhawks-themed decor, which gave it a unique and fun atmosphere. The staff was incredibly welcoming and provided friendly and attentive service throughout my visit.

As for the food, I have to say that I was impressed with the delicious options available. From classic breakfast dishes like fluffy pancakes and savory omelets to hearty lunch options such as burgers and sandwiches, Palace Grill had it all! Plus, they serve breakfast all day long - a win-win situation for me!

But what really stood out during my visit was the terrific owner, George. He greeted every guest with a smile and made sure everyone was enjoying their meals. His dedication to his restaurant and customers is truly admirable.

In conclusion, if you're looking for exceptional local food in Chicago with friendly service and a Blackhawks twist, then Palace Grill Restaurant should definitely be on your list of places to visit. With so many tasty options available for breakfast or lunch, this restaurant will surely satisfy your cravings.

Alinea

Highlights
Incredible, flavorful food
Excellent wine pairing
Perfect service and attentive staff
Accommodating dietary restrictions
Innovative, full-circle story dishes

First of all, I must emphasize that the food at Alinea is nothing short of incredible. Each dish was a symphony of flavors and textures, and every bite left me wanting more. Even the simplest dishes were elevated to new heights by the expertly curated ingredients and creative presentation.

The wine pairing was also excellent, with each glass complementing the flavors in the dishes perfectly. The staff was incredibly knowledgeable about each wine and made great recommendations for our meal.

Speaking of staff, the service at Alinea was perfect. Our waiter was attentive without being intrusive, and he accommodated all of our dietary restrictions with ease. The entire staff seemed to work together seamlessly to create an unforgettable dining experience.

One thing that stood out to me at Alinea were the innovative full-circle story dishes. Each course had a unique narrative woven into it, taking us on a culinary journey from beginning to end. It was truly a feast for both our taste buds and imaginations.

Overall, I highly recommend Alinea for anyone looking for an exceptional dining experience in Chicago. It's definitely one of the best local foods in Chicago!