Top Must-Try Dishes in Chicago

Chicago is renowned for its amazing culinary scene, which boasts multiple Michelin stars and James Beard Awards. However, the city maintains its authentic charm with a diverse, affordable dining landscape that reflects its cultural richness. Dive into the vibrant flavors with these top 10 dishes you must try in the city.

Get Your Goat at Birrieria Zaragoza

At the humble Birrieria Zaragoza, the focus is solely on birria, a savory stew crafted with tender, adobo-marinated goat, a traditional dish from Jalisco, Mexico. With a streamlined menu offering plates or bowls, opt for the bone-in version. Pair it with a handmade corn tortilla topped with birria, chopped onions, cilantro, and fresh salsa, and dip it into the rich consommé served on the side. This establishment has rightfully earned praise for crafting Chicago’s best tacos.

Heft a Slice of Pepperoni Deep-Dish at Pequod’s Pizza

Deep-dish pizza originated in Chicago, with debates surrounding the best version raging on. However, many locals believe that Pequod’s Pizza reigns supreme. Their pepperoni pizza, baked in a cast-iron pan lined with mozzarella, produces a caramelized cheese crust that crackles with each bite, setting a standard for this iconic dish.

Delicious Pasta Yiayia from Lula Cafe — Eat food as good as your grandmother would make it – the signature dish at Lula Cafe is named after the Greek word for grandma.

Twirl Your Fork in the Pasta Yiayia at Lula Cafe

Lula Cafe has been serving farm-to-table delicacies for over 25 years and received a James Beard Award for Outstanding Hospitality. The menu changes seasonally, but the pasta yiayia remains a beloved staple. This rich dish features thick noodles tossed in nutty browned butter, garlic, salty feta, and a hint of cinnamon, inspired by the owner’s grandmother.

Fork into a Towering Slice of Caramel Cake at Brown Sugar Bakery

Chef Stephanie Hart pays homage to her Southern grandmother with her indulgent caramel cake. Each massive slice features four layers of soft yellow cake slathered in gooey caramel—truly a labor of love. Alongside this gem, options like red velvet, German chocolate, and carrot cake await dessert enthusiasts.

Delicious Kerala Fried Chicken at Thattu — Try the spicy and crisp Kerala fried chicken in a smartly renovated warehouse at Thattu.

Feel the Heat of the Kerala Fried Chicken Sandwich at Thattu

Thattu, a rising star in Chicago’s dining scene, specializes in dishes inspired by South Indian coastal cuisine. Their fried chicken sandwich showcases crispy, spiced thigh meat, crunchy pickles, and curry leaf aioli, all piled high on a soft brioche bun, delivering a bold punch of flavor.

Savor a Bowl of Filipino Lugaw at Uncle Mike’s Place

At Uncle Mike’s Place, you’ll find more than just a typical breakfast menu. Thanks to Mike’s Filipina chef wife, the offerings include Filipino comfort fare like sweet longanisa sausage and hearty fried rice, topped off with warming lugaw, a rice porridge bursting with flavor from chicken, fried garlic, scallions, and citrus.

Crispy Arancini Balls from Sfera Sicilian Street Food — The arancini at Sfera Sicilian Street Food keep patrons coming back for more.

Bite into Gooey Arancini at Sfera Sicilian Street Food

Sfera Sicilian Street Food began by offering their delightful arancini at farmers markets, quickly leading to the opening of a cozy café. Diners can choose from a variety of delicious types, including arancini classico filled with beef ragu, or options bursting with mushroom and fontina cheese. Don’t hesitate to try them all!

Slurp the Rich Tom Kha Kai at Me Dee Cafe

Chicago’s Thai dining landscape is expansive, however, Me Dee Cafe stands out with its exceptional tom kha kai. This comforting chicken coconut milk soup, rich with galangal and lime leaves, is perfect for cozy meals and sure to satisfy every craving.

Smoky Gumbo at Virtue Restaurant — Traditional Southern cooking is celebrated at Virtue, with dishes including smoky gumbo.

Taste-Travel South by Eating the Gumbo at Virtue

Chef Erick Williams carries forward the legacy of Southern cooking at Virtue. His award-winning gumbo is a standout, with chunks of chicken and andouille sausage resting in a thick, smoky stew topped with buttery Carolina gold rice, creating a delightful experience for the palate.

Sweeten Your Day with at Tary Coffee House

Tary Coffee House offers a unique take on breakfast with maisok, a delicious oatmeal-like porridge made from millet. Sweetened with condensed milk, this energizing dish makes for a delightful breakfast treat or afternoon pick-me-up.

Vegetarians and Vegans

Fortunately, Chicago caters well to vegetarians, with most restaurants offering meat-free options, such as veggie burgers or pasta dishes. Vegans will need to be discerning, with places like Bloom Plant Based Kitchen, Liberation Kitchen, Native Foods, and Chicago Diner providing reliable choices.