The best West Loop restaurants to try right now

Chicago is home to oodles of fine dining experiences, from big names like Alinea to relative newcomers Kasama and Esmé. But no foodie's checklist is complete without a meal at Oriole, chef Noah Sandoval's two Michelin-starred restaurant. The multi-course tasting menu—which costs $325 in the dining room and $375 at a kitchen table—is filled with clever, beautiful, indulgent bites that allow guests to be swept up in the experience.

Sarah Grueneberg left Spiaggia to open her own restaurant in 2015, and while she brought along the masterful Italian techniques she honed there, she left the fine dining trappings on Michigan Avenue. Monteverde is warm and welcoming, making it ideal for an indulgent date night. It'd be a crime to visit and not try the housemade pastas—from spaghetti with roasted tomatoes to chicken and pesto gnocchetti. Balance out the meal with a few piattini (small plates) and stuzzichini (snacks); just be sure to save room for dessert.

Housed in the former Checker Taxi building, El Che Bar is Chef John Manion’s Argentine steakhouse, a love letter to his time traveling throughout the country. Locally sourced vegetables, grilled meats and whole seafood are cooked on custom-built grills and chapas in an open hearth. Menu standouts include grilled oysters topped with scallion citrus mayo, quail served with red chimichurri and the Mar de Plata, which includes charred lobster, seared scallops and shellfish butter.

Boka Restaurant Group's foray into Japanese cuisine in 2014 was a resounding success, bringing a variety of elegant raw fish dishes and other classics to West Loop. Favorites include robata-grilled Mishima skirt steak seasoned with Japanese sea salt and beef fried rice with maitake mushrooms and soft-poached egg. You can also opt to have the chef choose a selection of sushi for you and spice it up with a bit of freshly-grated wasabi root.

The old school vibe at this corner shop isn’t manufactured—the Graziano family has been doing its thing here since 1937. While it’s hard to go wrong with any of their sandwiches, the Mr. G—prosciutto, salami and sopressata, with biting aged provolone and marinated artichokes tucked into crackly-crisp bread anointed with hot oil and truffle mustard vinaigrette—claims house specialty status for a reason. Just be prepared to wait for your order, because the lunch rush is a very real phenomenon here.

How should one categorize the bold, veg-heavy, anything-goes dishes at Maxwells Trading? In many ways, the singular menu sums what it’s like to live and eat through major American cities—where cuisines, heritages and identities cram together and intermingle. Start off with a Japanese eggplant with tomato confit, slurp on the pork shoulder soup dumpling tortellini, chow down on juicy half chicken with a side of tangy collard greens and wrap it all up with a decadent black tea tiramisu. 

If you need a break from the traditional (read: hoity-toity) fine dining experience, book a seat at Roister. There are no white tablecloths, the music is loud and you can totally get away with wearing jeans. Brunch is available, but you'll want to go for dinner, when you can fully appreciate the open-hearth kitchen and everything it has to offer. The whole chicken is a must and includes flaky fried thighs, roasted breast, and housemade hot sauce. Toss in an order of truffled cheddar rillettes and pastrami short rib, and you'll see what all the hype is about.

Diners come to this beloved concept from One Off Hospitality and chef Paul Kahan for three things: To sample the massive list of brews while basking in the golden-hued, beer hall–like space; run through the current roster of impeccable charcuterie, oysters and locally-sourced meats; or begin their weekend days with arguably the best brunch in town (think waffles with honey butter and jam and thick slabs of housemade bacon).

Traditional Indian dishes are made with local ingredients and modern cooking techniques at ROOH Chicago, which has made its mark on Randolph Street since opening in 2019. While the menu has plenty of noteworthy meat dishes like Bengali lamb shank, it’s especially friendly to vegetarians and vegans with options such as sweet potato chaat with spinach tempura. ROOH's well balanced cocktails incorporate ingredients used in Indian food such as persimmon, cardamon and turmeric.

Few Chicago restaurants possess the staying power that Girl & the Goat has been able to maintain since 2010, when it opened on Restaurant Row in the West Loop. It's still tough to nab a reservation at Top Chef Stephanie Izard's flagship spot (she has a satellite location in Los Angeles), where diners can nosh on sauteed green beans, goat empanadas, goat belly and wood-oven–roasted pig face.

You’d be excused for focusing solely on the barbecued meats at this modern Korean spot. After all, they’re terrific—from the marinated L.A.-style galbi and thick pork collar to the well-marbled cuts of wagyu. But don’t miss out on the rest of the menu. The scallion pancakes and Korean fried chicken wings are must-try starters, while the kimchi fried rice is studded with bits of bacon and spam (optional but recommended) and the silken tofu stew is comfort in a bowl on a cold day.

There are a few things you should know before visiting Avec. First and foremost: Prepare to give up any notion of personal space upon entering. The cozy, always-packed, Mediterranean-skewing West Loop restaurant offers communal seating and shared plates (fear not—you don't have to share with your neighbors). Whether it's your first visit or your 15th, you must order menu mainstays chorizo-stuffed medjool dates and the "deluxe" focaccia with taleggio cheese, airy ricotta, truffle oil and fresh herbs.

Chef and owner Joe Flamm combines his Italian heritage with the bright flavors of Croatian cuisine at this Fulton Market spot named for his grandmothers and the herb native to both countries. You’ll feel like you’ve taken a trip to the Mediterranean sitting amidst the restaurant’s pale stone and blue tiles while dining on a seasonal menu of shellfish cooked on a custom charcoal hearth, housemade pastas and grilled meats. Pair your meal with a glass from the wine list, which emphasizes bottles from Italy and the Balkans, or a Rose Mary spritz.

Gibsons Restaurant Group goes Italian with this ritzy waterfront property that's ideal for those nights when someone else is picking up the tab. Because it's Gibsons, the menu is crowded with steaks and seafood, but there are also some fantastic antipasti offerings (we daydream about the arancini) and pasta courses to be had. Though it's a splurge, the seven-year-aged risotto is worth every penny.

The omakase menu at this tiny West Loop restaurant changes daily based of of chef Sangtae Park's whims and what's in season and available to him. But if you're willing to put your trust—and $225—in the knowledgeable sushi chef, you can indulge in a 16-course menu that's packed with appetizers, the freshest cuts of fish and dessert. There are three seatings a night, and only six seats at the omakase counter, so be sure to make a reservation well in advance.

Meaning love in Danish, Elske is an appropriate name for a venture from husband-and-wife team David and Anna Posey. Though the relatively affordable tasting menu (priced at $125) is a no-brainer for special occasions, the à la carte menu makes Elske surprisingly accessible for an average weeknight. Piece together a progression of savory plates from David—they're always changing and loaded with farmers-market fresh produce—and save room for Anna's otherworldly desserts. The sunflower seed parfait with sour honey and bee pollen has been on the menu since day one, and it's easy to see why after just one bite.

For its latest concept, DineAmic Hospitality celebrates 1950s Italian American cuisine with an opulent steakhouse in Fulton Market. The stunning 8,200-square-foot space is decked out in crystal chandeliers, fresh florals, booths dressed in lavender mohair, dark leather chairs and other elegant touches. This is a place to see and be seen, and chef Joe Rizza complements the experience with a menu that’s equally dazzling—Caesar salad is prepared tableside, squid ink pasta arrives topped with a whole lobster and the beefy steaks are grilled on a wood and charcoal hearth. The wine list boasts dozens of Italian bottles, while dessert is headlined by decadent chocolate cake.

When temperatures drop, many feel the urge to escape to somewhere remote and exotic. After some boozy slushies in this hidden oasis under Green Street Smoked Meats, you can almost pretend you’ve been transported to a gritty basement ramen shop in Tokyo. Reminiscent of the cautioning one might find from a buffalo wing-centric sports bar, the menu features a stern warning of how spicy the soup can be—and spicy it is, but worth the momentary pain. If you can’t take the heat, you can still get the classic High Five Ramen with half or even no spice or you can opt for one of the milder bowls like the shoyu ramen.

Be forewarned: A trip to Proxi will undoubtedly leave you wanting more. It’s not that the menu is lacking; on the contrary, it’s rife with so many tough decisions that you’ll have to book a second visit to try it all. Tempura elotes or heirloom tomato chaat? Foie gras steamed buns or wagyu beef cheeks? Lobster biryani or adobo grilled octopus? It’s not for the indecisive, but Proxi has officially landed on the short list of restaurants we’d gladly frequent every weekend if we could.

At this cavernous West Loop steakhouse, chef Chris Pandel blends old-school Midwestern charm with forward-thinking sensibilities. On the steak front, there are a handful of cuts to choose from, ranging from a ruby-red filet mignon to a splurge-worthy Japanese A5 wagyu strip loin. But you're here for the beef Wellington, with mushrooms, foie gras and spinach wrapped up into a perfectly flaky pastry crust. Finish it off with some petite sweets, which are presented in a dessert trolley.

Sepia has become a bona fide West Loop stalwart for elegant dining. The warm and sophisticated room is a destination for dishes like duck breast with sweet corn salsa matcha, and smoked vanilla bean pavlova—not to mention a cocktail and wine program that sets the bar for Chicago. Combine the best of both by attending a four-course dinner featuring pairings from guest wine and spirit makers.

Situated just off of one of Chicago's busiest intersections, Piccolo Sogno is a tucked-away oasis offering tried-and-true Italian delicacies. If you visit just once this year, make your reservation during the warmer months and request a table on the greenery-lined, fenced-off patio out back. In the sunshine, the prosciutto and fresh melon taste sweeter, the gnocchi softer and the pizzas fresher. We can't explain it.

Hogsalt Hospitality's barbecue concept looks to Texas for inspiration. Hop in the line that snakes around the bar and grab a cocktail while you wait for your turn at the counter. Guests can choose from prime brisket, juicy chicken legs, saucy pulled pork and ruby-red pastrami. Load your tray with classic sides—like baked beans studded with pork belly and macaroni salad—before you snag a picnic table on the covered patio.

This omakase concept from husband and wife Phillip Frankland Lee and Margarita Kallas-Lee arrived with much acclaim in 2023. Tucked away below West Loop bar The Drop In, the 10-seat concept dishes out 17 courses across three seatings each night. You can expect plenty of luxe ingredients to be featured, as well as inventive nigiri—like a piece with unagi and roasted bone marrow drippings.

A family-owned Tennessee fried chicken restaurant dating back to 1973 has grown into a franchise with dozens of locations across the country. Head to Fulton Market for a plate of hormone-free, never frozen chicken fried in peanut oil and served with baked beans, slaw and white bread to help you handle the heat. The tasty Southern fare doesn't end there—make sure to try fried green tomatoes and sweet potato pie with a bottomless cup of sweet tea.

We know, we know. You have a hot and cold relationship with Au Cheval. The West Loop spot is known for its award-winning double-decker burger and its hours-long wait. Truthfully, a trip to Au Cheval is an ordeal, but that won't stop us from commending its signature item. Whether you order a single (two patties) or a double (three), the meat here is topped with Kraft singles, Dijonnaise and house-made pickles. If the wait has left you ravenous, opt to add a fried egg or thick cut bacon.

Stephanie Izard helms this shiny rooftop restaurant inside the Hoxton, a hotel located in the heart of the West Loop. Here she specializes in light, bright Peruvian fare that's ideal for the sunny space. Dig into an order of salmon ceviche by the pool, dip grilled shishitos into a pepper-forward aioli and tuck into a plate of smoked goat empanadas.

This project from the Boka Restaurant Group and chef Lee Wolen took over the former home of Bellemore, serving Italian dishes in an ornate space where diners sit under an arched pergola draped in greenery or flowing sheets of fabric that hang from the ceiling. You'll find crispy arancini, salads, homemade pastas, pizzas, meats and veggies on the menu—including Wolen's signature chicken parmigiana, topped with fire roasted tomato sauce and buffalo mozzarella. Lesser known Italian and West Coast Italian wineries are the focus of Alla Vita's bottle list—and there are cocktails (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) for those who don't need a glass of red or white with their meal.

The sister restaurant to Ēma in River North, Aba showcases chef CJ Jacobson's lighter style of Mediterranean cooking. The Lettuce Entertain You restaurant features spreads and cold and hot mezze options, including crispy short rib hummus, housemade stracciatella and crispy potatoes. Diners looking for substantive fare can enjoy char-grilled lamb chops or a selection of kebabs. On the beverage front, expect summer-ready sippers like the Aloe? It's Me, a tantalizing blend of mezcal, aloe, green juice, lime and jalapeño.

Chef Joe Flamm pays tribute to classic steakhouses of the 1950s while also offering some new twists on old indulgences with a menu including steak tartare with sriracha aioli, shrimp cocktail with horseradish snow and steak frites with beef fat fries. The stunning dining room also embodies the classic Hollywood vibe with chandeliers hanging over silvery pod-like booths perfect for a celebratory meal, while the all-season patio is a summer hotspot.

The name Leña Brava means “ferocious firewood,” a nod to the restaurant’s focus on classic wood-fired dishes such as the signature whole grilled striped bass. You can also get your fix of tacos with a lamb neck birria that will become your new standard. Pair your meal with beer from sibling spot Cruz Blanca for an impeccable time.

Though it's best known for vodka, Malört and other spirits, CH Distillery is also home to a sushi restaurant in the back of its building. Jinsei Motto, originally conceived as a pop-up project during the pandemic by owners Andrew Choi and Patrick Bouaphanh, offers diners a curated assortment of quality seafood to pair with their Malört cocktails. While the omakase menu is the recommended course of action, the a la carte options are equally noteworthy. From rich pieces of soy-marinated salmon and uni-and-toro nigiri to a vegetarian-friendly 1Up roll filled with truffle mayo and shiitake and enoki mushrooms, even the most seasoned sushi eaters will be wowed.

Half the joy of eating at this Greektown stalwart is seeing how many times you can get your server to say “Opa!” The other half comes in the form of the savory saganaki and the keftedakia—small, luscious meatballs simmered in tomato sauce. For mains, choose the rich and flaky spinach-cheese pie or the fantastic kokkinsto braised lamb instead. Honey-laden desserts are solid across the board, so order with confidence. But for maximum “Opa!” make sure you finish with a cup of potent coffee.

The first Chicago restaurant devoted to okonomiyaki, Gaijin features both a 12-foot griddle at the chef’s counter and individual griddles on its tables to keep the savory cabbage pancakes warm. Start with a rotating selection of Japanese-inspired pickles from chef Paul Virant before digging into an Osaka-style okonomiyaki featuring shrimp tempura and corn, or a Hiroshima-style layered pancake, which incorporates yakisoba noodles. Just be sure to leave room for a crispy-on-the-outside, chewy-on-the-inside mochi doughnut with a matcha-citrus or pandan-coconut glaze. 

A large wood and coal-burning oven in the open kitchen above LÝRA’s dining room fills the restaurant with the smells of cooking meat, building anticipation for the modern spins on Greek fare before they hit your table. While carnivores will delight in slow-roasted lamb gyros carved tableside and the deconstructed pastitsio with short rib ragu and black truffle bechamel, there are plenty of great vegan and vegetarian options like the hummus with charred beets. The restaurant hosts DJs and serves large format cocktails after 11pm on weekends.

Thinking of spending your Sunday morning at this classic Chicago diner? Better check the weather: The line snakes out the door and onto Lou Mitchell Way well into the afternoon. Customers are treated to fresh, sugar-dusted doughnut holes (and, if you’re a woman, Milk Duds) while they wait, but the real feast starts when you sit down. Stacks of “meltaway” pancakes are perfectly browned, omelettes come in hot skillets (try the sweet, rich apple-and-cheese variety) and juicy, gooey patty melts seem too big to finish. But as with the rest of the irresistible dishes, you’ll find room.

Situated below The Publishing House B&B, the Press Room is a dimly-lit wine bar offering a seasonal menu of top-notch eats, including a Nashville hot chicken sandwich and seared scallops, to pair with its lengthy vino list,  Those looking to chit-chat the night away over bottles should order a cheese and charcuterie board that includes jambon de Paris, gorgonzola and housemade pickles.

Hailing from Lodi, Italy, Federico Comacchio helms the kitchen at Gioia, showcasing a rotating menu of regional Italian dishes and housemade pastas including paccheri prepared tableside with fresh tomato sauce and aged parmesan. Especially hungry diners can order the Pollo Patate Rosmarino for two, a bone-in chicken roasted with fresh rosemary. Just make sure that you'll have enough room to sample the frozen tiramisu souffle paired with a glass of limoncello.

Executive chef Saúl Román draws on his experience cooking in Mexico City and at Lincoln Square’s Artango Bar & Steakhouse for a menu of playful dishes including Korean sticky mushroom tacos, grilled skirt steak with chipotle chimichurri and lobster flautas. The bar offers a massive collection of mezcal and tequila you can try in a flight or as part of a cocktail like the Tijuana Unicorn Show (mezcal, lemon and prickly pear). Finish with the Churroulette, an assortment of housemade churros, one of which is laced with habanero.

Sure, this Lettuce Entertain You concept has locations all over the city, but if you're ever in the West Loop over the lunch hour, you'll find that the masses flock to Beatrix and the adjacent Beatrix Market for fresh, feel-good eats that actually taste good. Take a seat inside Beatrix proper for blackened fish tacos, a mushroom and quinoa burger or the Straight "A" salad, with arugula, avocado, Asian pear, almonds and asiago.