Mentioned by Condé Nast Traveler
Where to Eat in Chicago Right Now
"With a large statement chandelier made of sticks and bold and bright lights, the décor of Sunda almost looks like you’re walking through a Southeast Asian night market. Although they’re known for sushi, the menu is more Asian-fusion, with dishes like adobo braised pork belly, garlic crab noodles, and Chinese inspired dim-sum. Their signature sushi is a can’t miss — try the rainbow with king crab, tuna, salmon, or escolar, the “spicy tail of two tunas” made with yellowfin and escolar, or the crunchy pig, hidden lobster, made with soy paper, lobster, tempura crispies, and bacon."
"If you’re craving for sushi but also want food specifically from the Southeast Asian region, then you should look no further than Sunda. Their huge menu has a selection of dishes from Thailand (Pad Thai), Malaysia (Panang Chicken), Vietnam (Pho) and the Philippines (Pancit Canton). They also have a good range of Asian beers should you feel the need for an alcoholic beverage."
"Not only does Sunda offer a dedicated vegetarian menu, but its sushi also pairs quite well with a pescatarian diet. With items like beets gunkan maki and veggie fried rice, you'll have something to enjoy and so will your meat-loving friends!"
"Description: Kai Zan is a sushi bar with an omakase menu in a small, BYOB space (woohoo!). Be sure to try the "Kai Zan Favorites," such as the Fiesta Maki, a roll consisting of tuna, salmon, jalapeño, avocado, cilantro, masago, chili oil and lime juice. It is a literal ~party in your mouth.~"
"Humboldt Park’s Kai Zan is another spot where it’s best to order the omakase menu and trust the sushi chef. This is one of the best places to order uni (sea urchin) which is flown in fresh. Be sure to snag a wooden booth which is designed for ultimate privacy during your meal."
"Chicago Ave. (between Rockwell Street and Maplewood Avenue), is another top choice, with Yelpers giving the sushi bar, Asian fusion and Japanese spot 4.5 stars out of 1,030 reviews."
"After recouping from a recent fire, Arami is back in business serving fine sashimi, nigiri, and maki, as well as tasty ramen, and other large and small plates. Presentation is not an afterthought here; each dish is beautifully plated. They recently received a Michelin Bib Gourmand nomination for the fifth year in a row."
"Always a contender for the top sushi spot in the city, Arami consistently presents what's surely among the best sushi in Chicago. Chef Nelson Vinansaca has garnered acclaim for his..."
"A post shared by Table for Two (@table__for__two) on Jan 16, 2019 at 7:25am PST. Be prepared to be blown away from the moment you step foot into this two-level 300-seater restaurant. A grand staircase connects both levels, allowing guests a magnificent full view of its chic dining space."
"WOW. And that’s exactly what you’ll get in this high-end, posh Asian nightclub. Dance the night away in this 1000-capacity dance club in Chicago featuring a 10-foot Japanese bell, world-famous DJ sets, and funky lights. Make your VIP request here."
"The New York outpost of this trendy Asian fusion restaurant made a splash because of their gorgeous interior and their incredible food..."
"From Business: Yummy Buffet is a Buffet Restaurant located in Chicago, IL. We offer Sushi, Chinese, Hibachi, All You Can Eat, Seafood, Catering, Carry Out, and Dessert!"
"P.F. Chang’s is one of the most popular Chinese restaurants in Northbrook thanks to its from-scratch pan-Asian-influenced cuisine prepared with fresh ingredients. Signature dishes ..."
"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."
"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."
"A post shared by Eater Chicago (@eater_chicago) on Mar 16, 2018 at 4:04pm PDT. Yut Vong led a team in establishing the Yuzu Sushi & Robata Grill after first having a robust presence in the food industry for over 15 years. It was meant to attract both the young and middle-aged urban diners of Chicago and the rest is history."
"Indulge in some shopping, veer off a couple blocks to grab an espresso at the beloved Italian market Eataly, or continue to the DuSable Bridge for a fantastic photo-op of the emerald green Chicago River surrounded by sparkling skyscrapers. The most iconic spot in the entire city is just a couple blocks further: Millennium Park, a sprawling downtown green space that’s home to Cloud Gate, more commonly known as ‘The Bean.’ The stainless steel plates reflect the surrounding city skyline which makes for some epic shots–especially if you make it there first thing in the morning before the throngs of tourists arrive. Be sure to walk below Cloud Gate’s 12-foot-high arch to snap some cool perspective pics from underneath."
"Start off your morning with a beautiful cruise down the Chicago River. This cruise only runs during the warmer months (and can be a bit too chilly during the early spring and late fall, even if it is running), so we recommend reserving this attraction for the warmest times of year"
"Located at the north end of Lincoln Park Zoo, the Lincoln Park Conservatory features four serene greenhouses (Orchid House, Fern Room, Palm House and Show House) all displaying fantastic arrays of flora. During summer, venture outdoors to find a lush, French garden filled with a large variety of plants and flowers, and a beautiful fountain. Many Chicago residents utilize this space to sit and read, toss a football around, let their kids run freely or just take in the beauty of nature."
"For a big city, Chicago has a surprising number of places dedicated to all things green. For example, the Lincoln Park Conservatory, on the shores of Lake Michigan, has a botanical garden teeming with ferns, tropical flowers, and palms."
"Located in the Peninsula Hotel, The Peninsula Spa draws inspiration from Ayurvedic and Asian healing therapies, including a variety of Ayurvedic massage techniques and hot stone treatments. Check out the Sleep Support Therapy for help getting a good night’s rest when you’re experiencing Seasonal Affective Disorder.If you book two or more hours of treatments, you’re free to explore other hotel amenities – but leave your phone beyond, as this is a technology-free zone. Go for a swim in the spacious pool and enjoy a view from the surrounding city through floor to ceiling windows, relax by the fireplace in the lounge, or enjoy a yoga session in the fitness center."
"With an indoor swimming pool, hot tub, cozy lounge by the fireplace, fitness center, and yoga room, The Peninsula Spa offers a wide range of amenities. They even carry an extensive menu of both current and classic treatments, from Hot-Stone to Bamboo massages. And they’re highly skilled and attentive, making sure that you leave totally revived."
"Source: Photo by Flickr user Lou Stejskal used under CC BY 2.0. The Peninsula Spa is the epitome of urban luxury. If you need to de-stress, relax or just let loose then you must visit this spa."
"If you’ve ever read the ingredients label on your lotion and felt slightly freaked out, head to this green boutique spa. For hair removal, they do sugaring. Their nail services use only 5- to 10-free polishes (meaning they’re free of harsh chemicals)."
"If you’ve been making a to do list for Chicago, you’ve probably listed a few of Navy Pier‘s attractions already. It extends into Lake Michigan like a sort of overgrown boardwalk, and it’s absolutely packed with shops, restaurants, galleries, museums, movie theaters and other popular places for locals and tourists alike. There are rides, too."
"Take a ride on the Centennial Wheel, or check out the Navy Pier event calendar for the latest and greatest of what’s going on. Although I haven’t experienced this myself, I just saw that Navy Pier shows outdoor films during the summer months, which would be a really fun thing to do while visiting Chicago."
"Take pleasure in the Navy Pier atmosphere without spending money. Pack a lunch for the family to eat on the dock. As you stroll along the pier, people-watch and take pictures of your family in front of a beautiful Lake Michigan landscape."
"This museum and memorial tells the story of Khmer Rouge and the Killing Field through multimedia displays, archives, narratives, and a collection of monumental and authentic artifacts. Guided tours are available so you can learn more about what happened during the Cambodian Civil War. Hours are subject to change, so they advise that you call prior to visiting (773-878-7090)."