Chicago Food Guide
Hi I’m Sydney! I’m 20-years-old and was born and raised in Chicago, specifically Lakeview. I love to eat and I heavily enjoy spending my free time exploring Chicago’s best restaurants. Below is a list of my favorite spots! I hope you get the chance to try them some day!!
Aba. This is the perfect spot if you’re looking for unique, sophisticated, and delicious Mediterranean food. You can dine inside or outside on their fabulous rooftop that has an excellent view of the Chicago skyline. Aba is in the heart of Chicago’s Fulton Market District. You must spend time exploring the area. I recommend their crispy short rib hummus to start along with their village salad. They also have an amazing selection of different meals to choose from that taste great with their hummus. The menu is never ending with exquisite drinks and even better desserts. It’s a must especially during the summer months.
Athenian Room. This is my all time favorite Greek restaurant in the city of Chicago. It’s authentic to say the least and never disappoints. Not to mention, it has huge portions, so you’ll never leave feeling hungry! I definitely recommend getting a greek salad with gyros, the skirt steak, or the kalamata chicken. It’s always nice to dine outside there. They don’t take reservations, so make sure to call ahead of time if you want to go. It’s in the heart of Lincoln Park, so make sure you spend some time walking around before or after. I will say make sure to have cash on you because they don’t take card. Other than that, you’re in for a treat. It’s pretty casual, so no need to dress to impress.
La Josie. This restaurant is in Chicago’s West Loop. It’s a gorgeous area and I definitely suggest taking the time to wander around. It is an upscale Mexican restaurant with three agave bars, including one on the rooftop. It’s a very fun atmosphere and has several options to choose from. I recommend an assortment of plates to share because you’re going to want to try everything! A great place to have a girl’s night out because their cocktails are spectacular.
Maple & Ash. A gorgeous restaurant that sits on the second floor of a building in the heart of Chicago’s Gold Coast. It is a luxurious steak house lit up by large white candles and enormous sparkling chandeliers. It is a must if you’re a steak or seafood lover. While it is on the pricey side, it will not disappoint. This is the perfect spot for a special occasion or date-night. They book up pretty fast, so I’d make sure to make a reservation far in advance! I also recommend taking the time to shop or walk around the Gold Coast before dinner because what’s better than shopping and dinner?
Piccolo Sogno. If you crave authentic Italian, this is the spot for you. Piccolo Sogno means “little dream” in Italian, and to say the least, their patio is a little dream. The outdoor scene transports you to the streets of Florence and the food is prepared with local ingredients, how could you pass that up? Their dishes are displayed in an elegant way, which makes it clear that they value the presentation of their food. I recommend sitting outside because it’s quiet, romantic, and fabulous.
Sushi San. I don’t know about you, but I crave sushi all the time. This restaurant is located in the heart of River North in downtown Chicago. River North is an excellent place to go if you’re looking to have a fun night out clubbing. They have a large selection of all the fish and sushi rolls you could ever imagine. Not to mention, their ingredients are the freshest of the fresh. It’s casual, but classy. You can’t miss out on this spot!
by Sydney Garelick, University of Wisconsin ‘23