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12 Best Restaurants In Downtown Chicago

People eating at a sidewalk cafe in Chicago

Chicago’s culinary scene might be best known for deep-dish pizza and hot dogs, but this city is a foodie’s paradise. Downtown alone is home to over 275 restaurants, with all the food you could ever dream of.

Each Chicago restaurant offers a unique take on the flavors and cultures that define this incredible city. Don’t believe me? Just ask Food and Wine Magazine, which named Chicago as one of the top ten food cities in America in 2023.

“The Midwest mindset means that restaurants, bars, and cafés are warm and welcoming — more often than not, giving off the feeling that you’ve just walked into a spot a friend owns,” writes Erika Owen at Food and Wine. “Communities of immigrants pepper the city’s 77 neighborhoods, offering unforgettable no-frills meals spanning the globe.”

Owen is right. Chicago is second to none in our swath of restaurant experiences. And don’t worry, this list isn’t just about fine dining.

We’re here to give you a sense of all that downtown has to offer, not just the most expensive options. After all, as a Chicagoan, I’m never opposed to some Chicago-style hot dogs. Just don’t try to give me ketchup for it.

People eating at a sidewalk cafe in Chicago
Page Light Studios / Shutterstock

TL;DR: Our Top Picks

Restaurant Name Cuisine Type Price Range Address Phone Number Website
Cindy’s Rooftop American $$$ 12 S Michigan Ave (312) 792-3502 cindysrooftop.com
Oriole New American $$$$ 661 W Walnut St (312) 877-5899 oriolechicago.com
Cleo’s Southern Cuisine Southern $ 4248 S Cottage Grove Ave (773) 575-7120 eatcleos.com
The Purple Pig Mediterranean $$ 500 N Michigan Ave (312) 464-1744 thepurplepigchicago.com
Au Cheval American $$ 800 W Randolph St (312) 929-4580 auchevaldiner.com

Best Restaurants in Downtown Chicago

1. Cindy’s Rooftop

Address: 12 S Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60603

Housed on the 13th floor of the historic Chicago Athletic Association building, Cindy’s Rooftop offers a unique perspective of the city few other restaurants can boast. With a glass atrium above, diners can embrace the illustrious views of Lake Michigan, Millennium Park, and the bustling downtown all year long.

You’ll have a sky-high view of the best tourist attractions in Chicago, which makes this a fun spot for visitors and locals alike. Not to mention it’s housed in a stunning 1890s Gothic building which only adds to its charm.

Run by Chopped Grand Champion Executive Chef Kaleena Bliss, this rooftop…

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