Mentioned by A Taste of Koko
13 Best Chicago Restaurants You Have To Eat At
"The Publican's focus on bringing a sense of delicacy to farmhouse fare shines through in each of its menus but brunch here is especially charming. You'll find plenty of sausage and other iterations of pork on the menu, but vegetarians will never leave hungry either."
"Serving some of the city's best sushi, this warm, cozy room in West Town seems to encourage you to stay for hours, sipping sake and Japanese whisky. Start with appetizers like the chrunchy chicken karaage or the decadent roasted bone marrow served with ribeye tarare before moving on to sashimi, nagiri and maki selections. You'll find everything from bluefin tuna to Alaskan king crab on the menu, along with speciality items that can be accompanited by optional caviar supplements."
"Description: Arami, which just reopened after a kitchen fire, is a great spot for both their sushi and hot dishes. Be sure to try the Maguro Spicy Sake under "Speciality Roll," which contains "tuna, torched spicy salmon, jalapeño, cilantro, avocado, ikura, fried shallots and yuzu.". #SpoonFunFact: The restaurant has earned Bib Gourmand designations from the Michelin Guide."
"Arami is the rare Japanese restaurant that offers a wide ranging menu, yet somehow, expertly maintains the quality of their food. There are sushi, ramen and even robata (charcoal) grilled items on the menu to choose from. Thanks to having two executive chefs, Arami is able to focus both sushi and hot food from the kitchen."
"Since 1928, Calumet Fisheries has been smoking the tastiest fish on the South Side. Sitting above the banks of the Calumet River, the no frills shack has used the same natural wood-burning practices for over 60 years. There's no seating—except for the car or bicycle you rode up on—for the goods are usually consumed as soon as they're served."
"Calumet Fisheries gives customers a glimpse at a long-forgotten piece of Chicago on the city’s South Side, just seven minutes from the Indiana border and east of the Chicago Skyway. Enjoy precious smoked salmon, trout, and shrimp — the small smokehouse is right outside the restaurant. Each morsel is delicate and sweet."
"When you think of the South Side, quality seafood probably isn't the first thing that comes to mind. However, Calumet is one of only a few authentic smokehouses in Illinois. Make the trek for one of their fried fish or shrimp dinners, and pick up some smoked seafood while you're at it."
"The LoopWhat you’re getting: Blackened daily catch Powerbox (quinoa and wild rice blend over chopped fresh spinach with herbs and lemon) with spicy peanut cilantro slawThe premise at this fast-casual fish shack with outdoor seating across from Millennium Park is simple: pick your fish (like the rotating blackened fish of the day, or salmon and whitefish staples) then pick your style. Straight up, on a "subbie," or in tacos, a salad, or a Powerbox loaded with quinoa, the menu options are fresh, well-prepared, and some of the healthiest quick meals around (lest you dig into a pile of its tasty tots). Like the fish, you’ve got decisions to make for your tots: Classic, Truffle Parmesan, and Buffalo Bleu."
"Whether you want your fish blacked or broiled, this seafood shop specializes in all things aquatic. Its mix-and-match menu allows guests to pick a surf or turf, including teriyaki salmon and grilled chicken, and have it served on a salad, sandwich, taco, or straight up."
"This fast casual spot is serving up delicious and even occasionally *insert gasp here* healthy dining options for the Chicagoan on the go. Which, let’s face it, is all of us. Featured Image Credit: Brown Bag Seafood Co."
"Our parents love the laid-back atmosphere at The Madison Bar & Kitchen. Its fast-paced service is perfect for when you have a hungry crew to feed. They have a large and super affordable children’s menu, with a separate gluten-free menu for kiddos with wheat allergies or sensitivities."
"The final restaurant on the list of the best places to get Seafood in Chicago is Truluck’s Chicago. Truluck’s Chicago specializes in seafood and prime steaks. The seafood is always fresh as well."
"Restaurants Indian West Ridge. Carnivores seem to think that without meat on their plates they’d starve. But this 100 percent vegetarian South Indian spot puts an end to that theory with its famous dosa—a gigantic cumin-, potato- and onion-filled rice and lentil crêpe that comes in a dozen varieties."
"Yuzu Sushi & Robata Grill was established in 2011 in Chicago, with now two locations. Both locations were set by their adoring owner Yut Vong. Upon his coming into America and being at the food industry for over a decade, Yut’s passions and livelihood turned one hundred and eighty degrees to the foodservice business, making the first group of beef rolls and robata emphasizing the young urban diners of all Chicago."
"Yuzu Sushi & Robata Grill was established in 2011 in Chicago, with now two locations. Both locations were set by their adoring owner Yut Vong. Upon his coming into America and being in the food industry for over a decade, Yut’s passions and livelihood turned one hundred and eighty degrees to the foodservice business, making the first group of beef rolls and robata emphasizing the young urban diners of all Chicago."
"Restaurants Japanese River West/West Town. This BYOB-friendly West Town sushi joint serves monstrous rolls with a side of art. Some of the Yuzu jumbo rolls are served on platters that are decorated with colorful sauces in Instagram-worthy patterns and shapes."
"With five stars out of 246 reviews on Yelp, the sushi bar, Japanese and Korean spot has proved to be a local favorite."
"Description: Sunda is by far the most amazing Asian fusion restaurants — EVER. Along with the unbelievable sushi (and all the other food, for that matter), there is always fun music bumping and great people watching. It is the perfect spot to go with your family, and an even better place to pregame a night out in the city!"