15 Best Chicago Restaurants to Visit in 2023 – Tasting Table (2023)

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Chicago is home to some of the best restaurantsin the world, and new ones are popping up all over the city left and right. There's no denying that the COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted the plans of many local restaurants, with some closing their doors for good. Fortunately, many fan favorites have managed to stay afloat, and now, in 2023, several new spots are opening up for restaurant fans more than ever looking to get out and enjoy new food.

From fine dining to casual pop-ups to casual dining and full menus to limited and select options, Chicago's newest dining scene has something for everyone. And, as many Chicagoans know, good food isn't limited to just one neighborhood, nor is it strictly confined to the north and south sides of the city — this list covers a wide variety of locations, and the cuisines are even broader. Though new to the Windy City, each of these restaurants (and by extension, the chefs behind them) has a story to tell and a palate to please. Whether you're looking for the latest and greatest in Frenchhaute cuisine restaurantsor more relaxed plant-based options, new Chicago restaurants in 2023 will serve it up like never before.

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As a restaurant specializing in fine Mediterranean and Afghan cuisine, Helmand offers an elevated approach to classic dishes such as hummus, kofta korma and a variety of beef, lamb, chicken and salmon skewers. Whichever kind of skewers you choose, expect a generous bowl of rice. Opt for dessert here too: the Afghani cream roll is light and airy, with a not too sweet filling. Or maybe firnee, an afghan pudding with warm notes of cardamom, will better satisfy your sweet tooth.

Helmand is certainly not the first place in town to offer Mediterranean food, but for the people of Albany Park and beyond, it certainly offers a fresh taste while being affordable. A family restaurant, Wahid Tanha and Maria Kharot have brought Helmand to life thanks to their shared expertise in Afghan food. Tanha also wears a chef's hat in Helmand and her passion for cooking can be found in every item on the menu.

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If you come to Chicago with a vision of fine dining and a well-thought-out menu to choose from, Atelier is definitely a place you should try. Longtime Chicago residents may recognize the Atelier space as the space recently owned by Michelin-starred Elizabeth; It's not easy to fill, but Chef Christian Hunter gracefully rises to the challenge. Some of Atelier's New American offerings included a pimento cheese appetizer, lamb bacon and caviar soup, and foie gras crème brûlée to cap off the meal.

Atelier is the place to go if you want a curated dining experience. Dinner is a fixed price, but you can add wine or soft drinks if you wish. The menu also changes regularly as Chef Hunter makes the most of the season. When you end up at Atelier, and whichever variation of the menu you choose, you're bound to be impressed by the latest and greatest in Lincoln Square.

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There's no such thing as too many pizzas, and besides, there's no such thing as too many pizzerias, especially in a city the size of Chicago. One of the newest pizzerias to emerge is Professor Pizza, located on the West Loop. Unsurprisingly, you'll find pizza on the menu here, and some really good ones. Play it safe with a nice pepperoni pie, or opt for the more divisive Humboldt pie, with vodka sauce, pepperoni, pineapple, red onion, pickled jalapeno, and ranch.

Professor Pizza also offers some leeway when it comes to the crust, with the default "cracker-thin" crust setting; however, for a little more money you can opt for oneNew York style, the Sicilian way, the Detroit way or even Grandma's way. Otherwise, don't expect too much frills from this place - it's a pizzeria through and through, but man, what's it supposed to be like.

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If you've never had brisket banh mi, you're missing out, and Umamicue, a pop-up operating out of Spilled Milk Tavern on Logan Square, is here to change that. Pitmaster and owner Charles Wong has perfectly incorporated fan favorites such as Chinese and Vietnamese dishes such as crab rangoon, spring rolls and of course the classic smoky banh mi,Meat inspired by Texas barbecueto create food that tastes as good as it sounds.

Umamicue offers a really refreshing take on barbecue, and for those purists who like plain brisket and the like, you can order them too (there are plate options), and perhaps crispy pork belly is more your thing. Whichever smoked meat you choose, be sure to stop by and get it while you still can: Umamicue only serves Split Milk three days a week: Tuesday through Thursday. It's a small window into barbecue with such big flavors, but it's worth the trip.

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We know that oysters are quite a polarizing food; some people like the wet and slimy texture, while others are repulsed. If you fall into the former category and love seafood delicacies, West Loop Dear Madison awaits. Unsurprisingly, Dear Madison offers plenty of oysters, but you can also order clams, ceviche, or even a fried chicken taco if seafood isn't your thing. And what better way to accompany fresh oysters than with a strong cocktail? Dear Madison offers a good selection of cocktails from margaritas to martinis and sangria.

Are you more of a morning person? No problem, you can also have brunch here and yes, oysters are also on the morning menu. However, if you're more of the traditional type, enjoy local favorites like chicken and waffles, steak and eggs, or chilaquiles.

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If you're looking for fresh Filipino food in the Chicago area, you're in luck: Boonie's Filipino is officially in its own space and serving up some pretty spectacular dishes. Those who visit the Revival Food Hall may recognize the name and perhaps even the kitchen; Boonie's has been serving the popular downtown dining room for nearly two years, and as of late 2022, that operation is looking to the future.

The future, of course, has turned out bright for Boonie's, as it now has a restaurant in Lincoln Square. Boonie's also has room for a much larger menu, with chefs making the most of small-plate offerings like lumpiang shanghai, a Filipino-Chinese fusion of pork spring rolls. If you're hungry for more than a small plate, perhaps opt for a plate for two, such as the classic sinigang, otherwise known as trout still swimming in a delicious, warm tomato broth.

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If you want to enjoy dining in a dark, moody and seductive environment, then you must visit Asador Bastian, a Basque-inspired eatery. Chef Doug Psaltis has created a beautifully curated menu for River North restaurant, and as you might guess from the description of the Basque-inspired steakhouse, premium cuts of meat are the stars of the show. According to the menu, the beef is "aged on the hoof for several years to develop a deeper, richer flavor." Aged and cut daily at the factory, Asador Bastian strives to "serve only the best-in-class and most authentic expression of Basque beef."

Of course, Asador Bastian does much more than just meat. Perhaps add them on a small plate, such as fungi y huevos (mushrooms and eggs) or dried sardines with salsa verde. And for an unforgettable evening, opt for a special selection from the menu, such as the royal red prawns, which have been flown all the way from Spain to make the menu.

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The folks at Fonda Cantina describe the restaurant as a "culinary memory of Mexico," and the simple yet sophisticated menu certainly proves it. Chefs Carlos Cahue and Miguel Escobar hail from small towns in Mexico and both got their start in the kitchen in the most organic way: watching family members cook. Fonda Cantina shows generations of recipes, methods and good cooking at its best. This, combined with the professional culinary skills both chefs have acquired throughout their lives, has proved a huge success for this Evanston Mexican restaurant, just outside the city limits.

When it comes to food specifically, expect classics like carne asada and shrimp tacos at their best. The meatloaf is a must: warm, tender beef meatballs cooked in tomato and chipotle broth and served with tortillas. And don't forget the cocktails, which range from classic margaritas to micheladas and a rum-infused version of the Moscow Mule.

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Sometimes it's not enough to enjoy a good meal. Maybe you want some fun, some excitement, a good laugh, and Shabu Plus Rotary is sure to deliver on all fronts. This Wicker Park hotspot does more than just eat; will offer a seemingly endless stream of vegetables on a spinning conveyor belt and deliver their fresh brisket in a little red truck.

This adventurous pick-your-own hotpot restaurant is especially great for the indecisive. Can't decide between egg noodles or ramen noodles? Don't worry, choose both! Do you hesitate between truffle sauce, soy sauce or chili sauce? No problem, you can make your own dressing at the dip bar. Sure, not everyone is a fan of artsy restaurants, but Shabu Plus also offers some seriously great food, from high-quality meats to fresh produce (and a huge selection of them). This hotpot spot is great for those who want food with a bit of fun and those who just want, well,here i can.

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How can we list the best new restaurants in Chicago without including a pasta restaurant? Sure, there's no shortage of Italian-inspired pasta restaurants in the city, country, or even the world, but that doesn't mean a new one shouldn't have time to shine. Veneta pasta stands out from the crowd for one simple reason: simplicity. Rather than relying on gimmicks or odd ingredients to attract a crowd, Pasta Veneta relies on fresh, tried and true ingredients. The classic dish of spaghetti and bolognese isn't broken, so this place isn't trying to fix it; instead, you serve him with all your heart and soul. Other worthy contenders include tortellini stuffed with spinach or the slightly more adventurous gnocchi with braised ribs.

Located in the West Loop, Fulton Market to be exact, Pasta Veneta is located in one of the most fashionable places in town. There are almost countless restaurants in the area, but if you are looking for a cozy place to go out or eat, then Pasta Veneta is definitely the place to be.

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There's a reason barbecuing is so popular in the US, it has surpassed backyard binges and entered the restaurant scene, because it really is that delicious! And when it comes to good barbecue, you can't go wrong with classics like buttermilk fried chicken. , tops of the brisket and ribs. Bell Heir's BBQ offers that and more; if you've ever wanted a cheese brisket, Bell Heir's has you covered. If you've been dreaming of pulled pork nachos, your dreams will come true, because Bell Heir's also offers that dish.

This barbeque restaurant not only offers great tasty food but approaches style with family in mind. Tyris Bell opened Bell Heir's BBQ after running another Chicago hot spot, Luella's Southern Kitchen, for several years with his brother and chef Darnell Reed. With Luella's recipes in mind, Bell preps for the barbecue in Canaryville, though anyone in Chicago should be smart enough to get their hands on this meal.

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Some restaurants have the "wow" factor when it comes to food, others when it comes to atmosphere, and Lost Reef Lounge has both. This new Lakeview East location is Chicago's first aquatic location, which means there are aquariums almost everywhere, so you can eat fish while eating fish. The food menu offers plenty of seafood options, from ahi tuna tartare to raw hamachi, but there are also grass-fed options. Whatever food you buy, don't expect a hot meal here; Lost Reef Lounge, a self-proclaimed cold kitchen, unsurprisingly offers cold and no-cook dishes.

I'd be remiss if I didn't mention Lost Reef Lounge's cocktails as the place has quite an extensive drinks list. Whether you want a classic cocktail like a gimlet or Manhattan, or want to stay on topic and opt for a Great Barrier or Last Splash, this cocktail lounge has something for everyone. Ideal for a night out, the Lost Reef Lounge completely immerses you in the aquatic atmosphere and you will love every second of it.

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If you're looking for the latest and greatest in French haute cuisine, you'd be remiss not to opt for the delicious Le Select. It's hard enough to reinvent the wheel when it comes to French cuisine, but luckily Le Select doesn't try to do that. Instead, Michelin-starred chef Daniel Rose wants to showcase the food in its full glory, and that means serving absolute classics like French onion soup, escargot, chips and duck in orange. The dining room is as luxurious as the dark red dining booths that dress the space.

Starters and main courses are important for a good meal, but at Le Select dessert is just as important. You may want a serving of cottage cheese (aka cheese) after dinner and before dessert, or jump straight into the sweet stuff without reservation. Once you get there, you won't be disappointed - pair that espresso with an eclair or flan for the perfect balance of bitter and sweet.

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Bridgeport residents and fans of Maria's Bar have known Kimski for years; However, Kimski 2.0 is back in place, offering an updated menu with a stronger Korean focus. You can still expect a Korean-Polish fusion with Kimski 2.0, with potato and cheese pierogis, Mary's standard Polish sausage, and fried chips remaining on the menu. For a more Korean approach, Chef Won Kim has added chili garlic pickles, a cheesesteak sandwich, a KBBQ platter, and more to the updated menu.

Kimski's was a hit from the start thanks to its unique crossover cuisine and the ideal balance of sublime yet pub food. While on vacation, Chef Kim tried out several new dishes at pop-up shops around town and beyond, eventually landing on the Kimski 2.0 card. However, with a set menu, Kim still embraces room for experimentation, so if you visit Kimski 2.0 expect weekly or monthly specials to keep things interesting.

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Rounding out our list is Logan Square-based taco shop Don Bucio's, which goes where few taco shops have gone before: the all-plant route. In fact, all of Don Bucio's menu items are vegan, and just one look at the menu will leave you amazed at the innovation. Don Bucio's doesn't throw Beyond Beef on a tortilla and throw it away; instead, it serves stewed jackfruit with guajilla, a soy-based steak and "al pastor" (which is actually made from legumes and root vegetables) fresh off the top.

While many people find a plant-based diet somewhat intimidating and unfamiliar, owner Rodolfo Cuadros and chef Gustavo Ocampo approach it with affordability in mind. With easily recognizable dishes like burritos, tortas, and even "steak" fajitas on the menu, even the staunchest of carnivores will find something to love at this spot. Don't skip dessert here: sweet treats like choco churros and coconut Arroz con leche contain cashew dulce de leche, making them the perfect plant-based dessert to end a delicious meal.