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Best Authentic Restaurants in South Loop

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222 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Lou Malnati's - South Loop restaurant
4.5
Awesome(118)
Price: Moderate
• Pizzeria • South Loop
Booked 63 times today
No true Chicago experience is complete without a visit to one of the oldest names in Deep Dish Pizza: Lou Malnati’s. Located on South State Street in the South Loop of Chicago, Lou’s South Loop is convenient to the McCormick Center, Soldier Field and Grant Park. Enjoy Legendary Chicago Deep Dish and thin crust at the place that’s been perfecting it for 50+ years. A cozy experience awaits ... whether you’ve been at a sporting event, sightseeing, or out for a night of jazz, Lou Malnati’s South Avenue is the perfect spot to satiate your deep dish cravings.
A photo of TAK Korean Bistro restaurant
4.4
Awesome(40)
Price: Moderate
• Korean • South Loop
Booked 3 times today
A Korean pocha restaurant in South Loop Chicago is a lively and casual eatery that serves up traditional Korean street food dishes and drinks. Pocha, which translates to "street food tent," refers to the popular outdoor food stalls found in South Korea, and this type of restaurant aims to recreate that experience in an indoor setting.At a Korean pocha restaurant, you can expect to find a variety of small plates, or "anju," that are meant to be shared among friends while drinking soju or beer. These dishes can include popular Korean bar snacks like fried chicken, spicy rice cakes, and seafood pancakes.The atmosphere at a Korean pocha restaurant is usually laid-back and social, with a focus on hanging out with friends and enjoying good food and drinks.Overall, if you're looking for a fun and flavorful dining experience in South Loop Chicago, a Korean pocha restaurant is a great choice. With its vibrant atmosphere and delicious street food, it's sure to be a memorable meal.
A photo of il Carciofo restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(83)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • West Loop
Booked 124 times today
Located in the historic Fulton Market district of Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood, il Carciofo is a Roman Italian restaurant drawing inspiration from the restaurants and markets in one of Chef Joe's favorite cities, Rome. The restaurant offers a seasonal menu of elevated yet familiar Italian fare with traditional antipasti, Roman-style pizzas, hand-rolled pastas produced daily in a dedicated pasta lab and market-driven mains that highlight the season's bounty.
A photo of Quartino - Chicago restaurant
4.5
Awesome(10997)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 147 times today
Quartino Ristorante is a lively, authentic Italian restaurant and wine bar in Chicago's River North neighborhood. Our menu features Italy's regional specialties including artisanal salumi, Neapolitan thin-crust pizza, house-made pasta, and seasonal dishes. Menu items, served in moderate portions and meant to be shared, are perfect for adventurous diners ready for a unique experience.
A photo of La Grande Boucherie - Chicago restaurant
4.5
Awesome(962)
Price: Very Expensive
• French • River North (Chicago)
Booked 99 times today
Housed in Chicago’s Belle Époque building, the unique Art Nouveau-inspired space honors the iconic building’s legacy while providing guests with a one-of-a-kind atmosphere and menu. La Grande Boucherie blends the ambiance of an indulgent steakhouse with a refined Parisian brasserie charm, and fuses traditional French cuisine with Chicago’s River North culinary heritage. The two-story restaurant boasts custom curved stained-glass windows overlooking the bustling streets of Chicago. The interior features custom mosaic marble floors, authentic fixtures, and a racetrack bar sourced from France. Guests can lean into the view and take in all that Chicago has to offer.
A photo of Mercadito - River North restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(6292)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • River North (Chicago)
Booked 130 times today
We are the city’s top Mexican restaurant for authentic modern cuisine, specialty tequila and mezcal cocktails, located in the heart of River North. Our culinary team features popular Mexican dishes, including our signature tacos, as well as fresh salsa and guacamole, ceviche, esquites and more.Mercadito's lounge is nestled in the lower level of Mercadito. It offers a speakeasy-style experience with a chic and exclusive ambiance. The space features banquet-style booths and dim lighting that enhances the elegant wood furniture, creating an inviting and intimate atmosphere. Once inside, guests can enjoy the full Mercadito menu, with the same delectable cuisine and beverages that our restaurant is known for.
A photo of Asador Bastian restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(186)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • River North (Chicago)
Booked 12 times today
Asador Bastian is a Chicago chophouse with Basque influences from acclaimed ChefDoug Psaltis. Located in the iconic “Flair House” originally built in 1883, this historictownhouse has been revived and brought back to life with culinary inspiration from thegreat asadors of San Sebastián, Spain to serve the world’s best boutique beef withoutcompromise. The most remarkable dining experience comes from the purest ingredientsdelivered in the supremely thoughtful, welcoming and hospitable manner. This ethoshas directed every aspect of the experience at Asador Bastian, whether you’re joiningus for small bites and libations in our Bar Room or for a more intimate experience in ourDining Room.
A photo of RPM Italian - Chicago restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(12263)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 145 times today
Located in Chicago’s River North neighborhood, RPM Italian is modern in approach and Italian in spirit, featuring a contemporary menu with dishes meant to be shared. The sister restaurant to RPM Steak and RPM Seafood, RPM Italian marks the first collaboration between partners RJ, Jerrod and Molly Melman of Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises and celebrity couple Giuliana & Bill Rancic.
A photo of Acanto restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(3855)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown / Loop
Booked 37 times today
Across from Millennium park and along Chicago’s Cultural Mile, Acanto Restaurant + Wine Bar is a treasured destination for those who appreciate authentic and approachable Italian food in a conversation-friendly atmosphere. Acanto serves seasonally-driven Italian cuisine from both regions of Italy utilizing artisanal ingredients from Midwest farmers and producers. Acanto boasts one of the most lauded wine programs in the US, including a 3-star rating by World of Fine Wine and a two-glass “Best of Excellence” rating by Wine Spectator. The libations menu is rounded out by Italian classics including spritzes and negronis along with craft cocktails, beer, and spirits. The word Acanto is the Italian translation of Acanthus, the flowery leaf featured prominently in Roman architecture. Famed architect Louis Sullivan used Acanthus in his distinctive terra cotta ornamentation found on the facade of the historically-landmarked building that houses Acanto.
A photo of Duck Duck Goat restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(5595)
Price: Expensive
• Chinese • West Loop
Booked 120 times today
Chef Stephanie Izard brings her unique twist on Chinese-American cuisine at Duck Duck Goat. Reviews rave about the flavorful food, with one saying, 'The food is very good and sophisticated'. The ambiance is also highly praised, with one review describing it as a 'unique and flavourful' experience. While not all reviews explicitly mention the authenticity of the food, the high ratings suggest a genuine and enjoyable dining experience.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • DianaVIP
    Chicago / Illinois •89 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    As fans of Rose Mary we were eager to try El Carciofi and willing to take a 4:45 reservation. This is as fun and as delicious as Rose Mary and shares the same approach to dining—shareable small plates. Interesting craft cocktails, sufficient wines by the glass, exceptionally well trained wait staff and very flavorful food. Gus menu was all Rome inspired so it was a little less diverse than Rose Mary. The artichokes were spectacular crisply Rome style. Every inch was edible. Two to an order but they bring you a serrated knife if you want to have them. We had one other appetizer (calamari), one pasta and one seafood main. The portions are great for two to share but if three or four order another something or two and expect to get just a couple bites not full servings. They have $8 servings of gelato and sorbet and a couple amazing deserts they offered to checkout coats.a nice touch in Chicago’s winter. It’s easy to spend $100 per person if you gave two drinks each and desert. We found street parking but forgot to feed the meter since the sign wasn’t obvious so double check
    More info
    il CarciofoPrice: Expensive• Italian• West Loop
    4.8
  • Richard
    Pittsburgh / Western PA •5 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Our server was awesome! Food was great too, best place to try the famous Chicago style pizza
    More info
    Lou Malnati's - South LoopPrice: Moderate• Pizzeria• South Loop
    4.5
  • MarybethVIP
    Grand Rapids / Western Michigan •43 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    The food was fabulous. We had the veal meatballs, the arugula salad and our wood fired pizza was 1/2 the specialty Kale and 1/2 the Funghi - which was exceptional. The ambiance was so Italian Restaurant. Perfect. And the service, the service was EXTRAORDINARY!! Pam served us and from the recommendations to her personality to the timing - wonderful. And her table attendant - Denny - was incredibly prompt and didn't miss a thing. We will be back.
    More info
    Quartino - ChicagoPrice: Moderate• Italian• River North (Chicago)
    4.5
  • Tim
    Chicago / Illinois •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Amazing place. The food, ambience, and vibe were all perfect. Will be back soon. Oooooooo
    More info
    TAK Korean BistroPrice: Moderate• Korean• South Loop
    4.4
  • bonnie
    Chicago / Illinois •20 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 5 days ago
    Everyone and everything? Fabulous! This was our first time in, and after a challenging year, it was the perfect Christmas Eve dinner! The bar service was lovely and Dimitri was especially attentive. The French Onion Soup was brilliant. and it was a very generous portion. My pasta and my dh's burger were divine. The creme brulee = YES. Honestly, it's SO about the vibe–cathedral ceilings and belle epoque design gave the impression of grandeur we love (NEED) when dining out! Happy New Year to all! 🍾🥂🪩
    More info
    La Grande Boucherie - ChicagoPrice: Very Expensive• French• River North (Chicago)
    4.5

Discover best authentic restaurants in South Loop

Experience the essence of authenticity with our curated selection of restaurants in Chicago's vibrant South Loop neighborhood. Each dining spot has been carefully chosen for its genuine representation of culinary traditions, ensuring a truly authentic taste experience. Whether you're craving robust Italian pastas, traditional American fare, or other global flavors, these restaurants deliver with an emphasis on originality and quality. The South Loop itself is a bustling hub of culinary diversity, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of Chicago. Here, the dining scene is dynamic and inviting, with eateries that are celebrated not only for their food but also for their atmosphere and service. Patrons can expect a memorable dining experience, where each meal is served with a slice of the locale's heritage and a dash of personal touch. Our selection emphasizes restaurants that are beloved for their dedication to authenticity, offering dishes prepared with respect to traditional methods and ingredients. This focus ensures that each visit provides not only a meal but an enriching cultural experience. Dive into the heart of Chicago's culinary scene with confidence, knowing that each recommended spot stands out for its genuine flavors and exceptional dining environments.

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