Where we love to eat in Chicago

by The OpenTable team

Updated 05 October 2021

Chicago's a city that loves its restaurants, and OpenTable loves food. So there was no shortage of suggestions when we asked employees to name their favorite spots to book around the Windy City. Check out the list below for Japanese in Lincoln Park, Mexican in the South Loop, barbecue in Berwyn, and more.

Willow Room

4.8

4.8 (1905)

$31 to $50

American

Lincoln Park

About the restaurant

Willow Room is located in Lincoln park, serving European/American bistro food set in a classic yet unique atmosphere.

Top review

Anneka

Dined 1 day ago

Wonderful service and incredible food! Willow Room's ambiance is second to none.

Juno

4.6

4.6 (1526)

$50 and over

Japanese

Lincoln Park

About the restaurant

Now offering a signature Omakase menu with a selection of seasonal ingredients crafted by Chef BK Park.

The Omakase experience will include approximately 20 bite size pieces including sashimi, appetizers, warm plates, nigiri, and dessert. Price is $125 per person, plus tax and a mandatory 20% gratuity will be added to the final bill. Cancellations within 24 hours will be subject to $25.00 fee per person. Please alert our team of any allergies or dietary restrictions when booking.

Juno is an intimate Japanese restaurant in the heart of Lincoln Park. Led by the expertise of Executive Chef/Owner BK Park, Juno strives to perfect a combination of quality and consistency in food and service. Juno offers a variety of traditional & non-traditional Japanese dishes as well as an extensive list of sashimi, nigiri and premium sake.

Top review

JasonVIP

Dined 6 days ago

We chose omakase at the counter. It was a nice, relaxed pace. I don't remember how many courses, but we were very happy at the end. Each bite was delicious. The Spanish mackerel was the winner. All of the fish was extremely fresh and delicate.

Brindille

4.6

4.6 (1146)

$50 and over

French

River North (Chicago)

About the restaurant

Brindille, named "Best New Restaurant in 2013" by Chicago Tribune, offers a glimpse into refined Parisian cuisine and atmosphere from the James Beard-award winning team that brought you NAHA. Enjoy classic French fare in a refined, sexy dining room with fine china and French linens. Let the wine list walk you through all the regions of France and the Old World. Tasting menus available upon request.

Top review

eloisep

Dined on 25 Aug 2023

Excellent dinner in every way. The food was fabulous---including the watermelon tomato gazpacho, the tarte Tatin (savory) and the duck. And great cocktails too! And I can't say enough about our server, Evan. He was wonderful, gracious, helpful--just perfect in every way. He helped my 90+ year old mom into her uber to go home--what a gracious man. The ambience is lovely---not too loud, but not too quiet--just a fabulous experience in every way.

Coco Pazzo

4.7

4.7 (3868)

$31 to $50

Italian

River North (Chicago)

About the restaurant

Since 1992, Coco Pazzo has been an award-winning, Tuscan-inspired Chicago favorite. Menu items include the Porterhouse Bistecca alla Fiorentina and whole Mediterranean Sea Bass filleted tableside. Additionally, find housemade pasta, hand-tossed pizza and daily risotto and seafood specials. Enjoy the wood-burning oven while you sit and eat at the bar. As close to Italy as you can get, you'll enjoy dining in this 1905 former warehouse loft space.

Soaring ceilings with theatrical lighting, blue velvet drapes surround the dining room. Sit near an open window and enjoy passersby in this vibrant River North neighborhood. Steps from the Merchandise Mart and a short walk over the river from the Loop. Feel the welcoming and warm hospitality of this Gambero Rosso Top Italian Restaurant & Best Italian Wine List recipient and Wine Spectator award winner. Outdoor patio open weather permitting. Whether you join us for a romantic date night or corporate event, we look forward to hosting you soon!

Top review

AlisonVIP

Dined 2 days ago

Great atmosphere. Wonderful food and service. Go! Very satisfying.

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