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Best Restaurants that are Worth The Drive in Chicago

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67 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Alla Vita restaurant
1. Alla Vita
4.8
Exceptional(2331)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary Italian • West Loop
Booked 265 times today
Serving a casual, family-style menu, Alla Vita is a place to gather and enjoy comfortable Italian cuisine. Alla Vita means “to life” in Italian which recognizes overcoming life's challenges and creating a space for shared meals and memorable experiences. Executive Chef Lee Wolen shares his passion for fresh, delicious Italian food made simply with the best ingredients. Follow @allavitachicago to stay up-to-date with the latest happenings.
A photo of Summer House - Chicago restaurant
2. Summer House - Chicago
4.6
Exceptional(7926)
Price: Moderate
• American • Lincoln Park
Booked 197 times today
Located in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood, Summer House is the place for sunshine all year round. Enjoy seasonal specialties, market-driven pasta, artisan pizzas, and fresh antipasti from Chef Ben Goodnick’s California-inspired menu. Reserve your table today and be transported to the West Coast by the beach house decor, retractable glass ceiling, and all-season courtyard. For parties of 9 or more, email shsbparties@lettuce.com. Carryout and delivery are available, or visit The Cookie Bar for a selection of fresh-baked goods, sourdough English muffins, Summer House's renowned oversized cookies, small-batch coffee, and specialty espresso drinks.
A photo of il Porcellino restaurant
3. il Porcellino
4.7
Exceptional(4268)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 105 times today
Il Porcellino, located in the heart of River North in downtown Chicago, is a neighborhood restaurant offering classic Italian-American comfort food in a casual setting. Our seasonal menu focuses on housemate pastas, vegetable antipasti and daily specials, all crafted with ingredients sourced from quality artisans, purveyors, and local farmers. The fun and approachable wine program encourages sharing with selections primarily from Italy. As a way to offset rising costs associated with the restaurant (food, beverage, labor, benefits, supplies), we have added a 3% surcharge to all checks. We do this in lieu of increased menu prices. You may request to have this taken off your check, should you choose.
A photo of Mon Ami Gabi restaurant
4. Mon Ami Gabi
4.9
Exceptional(8113)
Price: Moderate
• French • Lincoln Park
Booked 138 times today
Honoring classic French cuisine, Mon Ami Gabi is a traditional French bistro located in the heart of Lincoln Park. Our menu features simple French food including Steak Frites, fresh seafood, exquisite bites, and French rolling wine carts. Valet is located at the corner of Lincoln Park West and Belden for $17 cash or Zelle. During the holiday season, for all parties of 9 or more, we ask our guests to call the restaurant directly to book a reservation.Did you know that you can use Lettuce gift cards for carryout and delivery? Just place your order through Lettuce website, the LettuceEats app or any Lettuce restaurant website.
A photo of Guinness Open Gate Brewery - Chicago restaurant
5. Guinness Open Gate Brewery - Chicago
4.5
Awesome(113)
Price: Expensive
• Brewery • West Loop
Booked 33 times today
Where 260 years of Irish Brewing expertise meets American beer creativity. Inspired by Chicago, crafted by Guinness. Look out, Chicago.The Guinness Open Gate Brewery Chicago features a Taproom, Restaurant, and the first ever Guinness Bakery, all located right in the heart of Chicago's West Loop. Come indulge both your curiosity and your tastebuds, while experimenting with a new world of flavor.
A photo of Tzuco restaurant
6. Tzuco
4.7
Exceptional(833)
Price: Moderate
• Mexican • River North (Chicago)
Booked 80 times today
Located in the bustling River North neighborhood of Chicago, Tzuco, helmed by the Michelin-starred Chef Carlos Gaytán, offers a blend of authentic Mexican flavors and sophisticated French techniques. Named after Chef Gaytán’s hometown, Huitzuco, the restaurant boasts a menu rich in ceviche, seafood, and traditional Mexican dishes, served in a spacious dining room, lively bar, lounge, and an all-weather outdoor terrace.Tzuco’s captivating interiors, designed by the acclaimed Cadena + Asociados Concept Design, tell a story of Chef Gaytán's heritage with preserved materials from Mexico and handcrafted furnishings, ensuring guests not only savor exquisite dishes but also relish an immersive cultural experience.
A photo of Mart Anthony's restaurant
7. Mart Anthony's
4.8
Exceptional(1688)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • West Loop
Booked 25 times today
A third generation, old-school Italian restaurant serving classic family recipes like Braciole, Stuffed Artichoke, Tortellini Romano and more. A hidden gem of Chicago, but once you know... you know.
A photo of Lil' Ba-Ba-Reeba! restaurant
8. Lil' Ba-Ba-Reeba!
4.8
Exceptional(402)
Price: Expensive
• Tapas / Small Plates • River North (Chicago)
Booked 56 times today
Welcome to Lil' Ba-Ba-Reeba! in River North. The little sister of Cafe-Ba-Ba-Reeba! in Lincoln Park, Lil’ Ba-Ba-Reeba! stays true to its Spanish roots serving a wide variety of iconic small plates like Patatas Bravas, Bacon-Wrapped Dates, and our signature Beef Tenderloin Toro Skewer. Of course, no celebration would be complete without our classic Sangria. ¡Salud!
A photo of Dearly Beloved restaurant
9. Dearly Beloved
4.5
Awesome(91)
Price: Expensive
• Dining Bar • River North (Chicago)
Booked 16 times today
Dearly Beloved is a beautiful mixture of cocktail bar, restaurant and journey of the senses. The new venture from Machine Hospitality Group aims to challenge your taste buds through textures, scents, and a symphony of flavors with unconventional, globally inspired ingredients. With a beverage program curated by master mixologist, Aneka Saxon and a vegetable-forward menu from Executive Chef Kristofer Lohraff, Dearly Beloved is ideal for an intimate evening with friends or a unique date night spot. The stylistically sinister ambience puts the guest experience at the forefront for a memorable night.
A photo of Vela restaurant
10. Vela
4.6
Exceptional(143)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • River North (Chicago)
Booked 34 times today
Vela Bar y Cocina, located in the heart of River North, Chicago, brings the vibrant flavors of Mexico City to life. Our menu showcases authentic Mexican cuisine with a modern twist, from flavorful tacos to traditional dishes crafted by Chef Jorge Angulo. Sip on expertly curated cocktails featuring a vast selection of tequila and mezcal, including rare pours. Vela offers the perfect venue for private dining and events, with intimate spaces like our Private Dining Room and the stylish Zona Rosa. Whether you're enjoying a casual night out or hosting a private event, Vela delivers a warm and cosmopolitan experience infused with Mexican spirit. Join us for an unforgettable evening of food, drinks, and culture in one of Chicago's most energetic neighborhoods.

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Discover best worth the drive restaurants in Chicago

Discover exceptional dining experiences in Chicago that are truly "worth the drive" with our curated selection of exclusive restaurants. Each venue stands out with its unique blend of ambiance, innovative cuisine, and impeccable service, ensuring a memorable meal that justifies the journey. Whether you're seeking a spot with a sophisticated vibe, gourmet menus, or a breathtaking view, these restaurants cater to those special occasions that demand something out of the ordinary. The dining scene in Chicago is vibrant and diverse, offering a mixture of traditional favorites and cutting-edge culinary adventures that attract food lovers from near and far. Perfect for both discerning foodies and casual diners looking for an extraordinary outing, these establishments promise an experience that is not only satisfying but also distinctively Chicagoan. So, if you're up for a culinary adventure and eager to discover what makes these spots truly exclusive, a visit to one of these destinations is a must.

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