Best Restaurants for Creative Cuisine in Bucktown / Wicker Park

10 restaurants available nearby

1. Taxim

4.5

Price: Moderate

• Greek • Bucktown / Wicker Park

Booked 8 times today

Taxim, which is located in Chicago's Wicker Park neighborhood, features regionally-inspired Greek dishes paired with an all-Greek wine list. The stunning dining room is fitted with soaring 16-foot ceilings, travertine marble floors, dramatic Byzantine-style lamps and artwork, and the rooftop dining area lined with Greek flowering herbs.The restaurant was chosen as one of of Chicago's Best New Restaurants in 2009/2010 by the Chicago Tribune, Chicago Magazine and the Chicago Reader. Additionally, Taxim's housemade yogurt with young favas and lamb confit was selected as one of the Best Bites of 2009 by the Chicago Reader, the house-cured sardines were mentioned in Time Out Chicago's 2009 "100 Best Things We Ate (and drank) This Year" feature, and the wood-grilled octopus was selected as 2010's "Best New Dish" by Chicago magazine. Additionally, chef-owner David Schneider appeared on the Food Network's "Iron Chef America" in April 2011 going head-to-head with Iron Chef Cat Cora.

2. Enso Sushi & Bar

4.8

Exceptional(336)

Price: Moderate

• Sushi • Bucktown / Wicker Park

Booked 3 times today

Explore mouthwatering seafood dishes at Enso Sushi & Bar. This restaurant serves creative Japanese fusion cuisine in spacious surrounds that include a sleek bar. The extensive menu runs the gamut, featuring hot plate dishes, teriyaki, sashimi, ramen and maki sushi. Visit for lunch and indulge in some donburi, served with miso and your choice of salmon, escolar, tuna and albacore. The menu at Enso sushi & bar also features beef-, pork-, and chicken-based dishes for guests who prefer an alternative to seafood cuisine.With its friendly service and warm ambiance, Enso Sushi & Bar is an ideal pick for everything from a leisurely casual meal to a fun outing with a date. The drink menu comes with an extensive selection of liquor, wine, sake and Japanese beers. This restaurant is open Mondays through Sundays.

3. Bar Mar

4.6

Exceptional(926)

Price: Expensive

• Spanish • River North (Chicago)

Booked 103 times today

Fresh oysters piled on mounds of sparkling ice. Ceviches that taste of the ocean. Chef José Andrés’ brilliant renditions of iconic seafood classics like fried calamari and lobster rolls. Located at the Bank of America Tower in Chicago, Bar Mar is a true celebration of the bounty of the sea, with modern takes on classics you know and love, festive cocktails, and a bright, beautiful space that interweaves the nautical with the elegant. Beautiful private dining and events spaces available.

A photo of Sunda New Asian – River North restaurant

4. Sunda New Asian – River North

4.6

Exceptional(7398)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary Asian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 63 times today

Located in the bustling River North dining scene, Sunda offers a vibrant Southeast Asian dining experience, blending the flavors of Japan, China, the Philippines, Thailand, and beyond. We elevate culturally significant dishes using high-quality ingredients and modern techniques. Our beverage program includes signature handcrafted cocktails, a robust sake and wine selection, and Asian whiskies and beers. Join us for weekend brunch every Saturday and Sunday from 11am to 2pm, or stop by during happy hour Monday to Friday from 4-6pm featuring $6 bar bites, handrolls, and beer, $9 cocktails and wine, and $10 sake. Our venue hosts private events for occasions from corporate outings to rehearsal dinners, and we also offer catering services.

5. Bar Goa-Chicago

4.2

Awesome(121)

Price: Moderate

• Indian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 20 times today

Bar Goa is a clubby Indian Restaurant and Cocktail bar in the heart of Chicago's River North neighborhood. Located in the party district on Hubbard Street, Bar Goa transports Chicagoans year-round to India's sunny southwest coast, a region known for electronic music, and beautiful beaches. Diners can expect incredible seafood dishes, delicious Indian favorites & a robust vegan and gluten free menu.

6. Les Nomades

4.8

Exceptional(2240)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary French • Gold Coast / Streeterville

Booked 4 times today

One of Chicago’s finest dining experiences awaits you in this elegant town home setting that balances formality and friendliness. Your dinner may be paired with fine wines, as uncommon ingredients come together in perfect harmony. In operation since 1978, Les Nomades remains true to its distinctive character as an oasis of civilized tranquility amidst the bustling activity of its Streeterville location. Culinary creations delight the most discriminating palates. Savor Sautéed Foie Gras, or Lobster Ravioli with seared scallops; Roasted Breast and Confit Leg of Duck, or Duo of Roasted Partridge and Bison. Artisan cheeses are extraordinary and the pastries are sublime.Please keep in mind that proper attire is required including a jacket for gentlemen.

7. Miki's Park

4.7

Exceptional(126)

Price: Moderate

• Korean • River North (Chicago)

Booked 2 times today

Miki’s Park is a Korean-inspired bar concept located in the heart of River North. Unlike anything Chicago has seen before, the Hubbard St. spot combines an enticing menu of casual fare, original craft cocktails and genuine hospitality that can only come from true industry veterans. Whether you are looking for a place for Happy Hour, a night out with friends, or to grab a quick bite, Miki’s Park and Miki’s Tiger Bar is the new type neighborhood destination you’ve been waiting for.

A photo of Francesca - Lincolnwood restaurant

8. Francesca - Lincolnwood

4.6

Exceptional(326)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Lincolnwood

Booked 29 times today

Mia Francesca features the zesty, earthy cuisine of Rome and the surrounding areas of Tuscany, Umbria, and Lazio. It was one of the first restaurants in Chicago to encourage the lively art of dining with a contemporary, casually sophisticated trattoria ambiance, simple, rustic cooking, friendly service, and fair prices.Waiting for a table at the beautiful antique bar is part of the charm of Mia Francesca. The plush upstairs dining room and lounge can be reserved for private events, as can the more intimate coach house tucked away behind the restaurant. In the summer, al fresco dining is also available on a charming cobblestone terrace.

9. Hoja Santa

4.8

Exceptional(89)

Price: Expensive

• Latin / Spanish • Oak Park

Booked 9 times today

We're Hoja Santa, your culinary adventure in Oak Park. Inspired by the Hoja Santa leaf, we blend tradition and innovation to serve up unforgettable Mexican flavors. Join us for great food, crafted cocktails, and a warm welcome

10. Simply Pasteur

4.5

Awesome(717)

Price: Expensive

• Vietnamese • Edgewater

Booked 4 times today

Coming Soon! Heat covered patio seating. Opening 11/25/2020 High quality does not have to be pretentiousUnlike other south-east asian cuisines, Vietnamese food has influences from France. Given this influence, cooking is definitely a culmination of East meets West where meals are prepared and cooked for hours rather than flash fried.With fresh herbs, meats and vegetables, Simply Pasteur goes one step further than other Vietnamese restaurants by crafting our plates to be for a modern-american palette. That is, our cuisine is not only designed to be elegant, but also to be flavorful and to take experience into account.Come relax and enjoy an elegant pairing of Vietnamese pho, noodles, rice dishes and more with our in-house cocktails, wines and full bar.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

M
Margaret
Southwest Florida •1 review
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
This is my second time going here this year and I will recommend it to anyone. The food and cocktails are excellent and unique. The environment is quite loud but really beautifully decorated.
More info
Sunda New Asian – River NorthPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Asian• River North (Chicago)
•
4.6
A
Akhil
Philadelphia County •14 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Incredible Greek food with an amazing staff! Highly recommend. My wife is vegetarian and there are so many delicious items that are unique and not just rule cookie cutter Greek food.
More info
TaximPrice: Moderate• Greek• Bucktown / Wicker Park
•
4.5
M
Maureen
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
4.0
Dined 4 days ago
The cocktails were a bit too sweet for me. The food is solid. The service was great. Overall, it was a good experience.
More info
Bar Goa-ChicagoPrice: Moderate• Indian• River North (Chicago)
•
4.2
J
Jeffrey
New York City •10 reviews
5.0
Dined on 19 Nov 2024
Beautiful restaurant with very good food and creative drinks. While the smash burger looks unassuming when placed in front of you the second you pick it up you know it's something special. It has some serious weight to it and it tastes really and I mean really good. My wife had the steak salad and loved it. The sangria was very good as well. Overall a great dinning experience.
More info
Bar MarPrice: Expensive• Spanish• River North (Chicago)
•
4.6
E
Erik
Chicago / Illinois •2 reviews
4.0
Dined on 7 Sept 2024
Great sushi, atmosphere and service. Unlike others who had a loud music experience at Enso that wasn’t an issue for us.
More info
Enso Sushi & BarPrice: Moderate• Sushi• Bucktown / Wicker Park
•
4.8

Best Restaurants for Creative Cuisine in Bucktown / Wicker Park

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10 restaurants available nearby

1. Taxim

2. Enso Sushi & Bar

3. Bar Mar

4. Sunda New Asian – River North

5. Bar Goa-Chicago

6. Les Nomades

7. Miki's Park

8. Francesca - Lincolnwood

9. Hoja Santa

10. Simply Pasteur

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