By WorldClubDirectory Team | Updated January 23, 2026

The 10 Best Restaurants in Chicago IL 2026: The Culinary Crown Jewels

Chicago in 2026 is the undisputed dining capital of the Midwest. Following the 2025 Michelin ceremony and the fresh 2026 James Beard nominations, the "Second City" is second to none. From Filipino fine dining to wood-fired Middle Eastern feasts, these are the 10 unmissable addresses this year.

1. Galit – Middle Eastern Masterpiece

Location: 2429 N Lincoln Ave, Lincoln Park

2026 Status: Chef Zachary Engel is a 2026 James Beard semifinalist for "Outstanding Chef". Galit continues to set the standard for modern Middle Eastern cuisine with its wood-fired pita and legendary hummus. The 4-course prix-fixe remains the city's most coveted reservation.

Average Spend: $150–$250 pp

Highlight: The wood-fired lamb neck and the award-winning Middle Eastern wine list.

2. Kasama – The Filipino Powerhouse

Location: 1001 N Winchester Ave, Ukrainian Village

2026 Status: A 2026 James Beard semifinalist for "Outstanding Restaurant". Kasama is the world's first Michelin-starred Filipino restaurant and has officially reached "legend" status. Whether for the morning pastries or the evening tasting menu, it is a Chicago essential.

Average Spend: $100–$280 pp (Tasting menu is higher)

Highlight: Longganisa breakfast sandwich and the mushroom kinilaw.

3. Rose Mary – Croatian-Italian Fusion

Location: 932 W Fulton Market, West Loop

2026 Status: Joe Flamm’s "Adriatic-Italian" concept is more popular than ever. The Day Off Group (Rose Mary) is a 2026 James Beard semifinalist for "Outstanding Restaurateur". The atmosphere is electric, and the food is consistently brilliant.

Average Spend: $120–$180 pp

Highlight: Tortellini Djuvec and the charcoal-grilled lamb.

4. Cariño – The Uptown Sensation

Location: 4662 N Broadway, Uptown

2026 Status: The breakout star of the year. Chef Norman Fenton is a 2026 James Beard semifinalist for "Best Chef: Great Lakes". Cariño offers an intimate, upscale Latin American tasting experience that has taken the city by storm.

Average Spend: $180–$300 pp

Highlight: The 12-course tasting menu and the specialized masa program.

5. Petit Pomeroy – River North’s French Soul

Location: 748 N State St, River North

2026 Status: This intimate bistro has become the neighborhood’s favorite escape. It captures the essence of Paris with perfect execution and a cozy, second-floor bar overlooking State Street.

Average Spend: $110–$170 pp

Highlight: Steak Diane and the French Onion Soup Gratinee.

6–10 Essential Chicago Dining Stops

  • 6. Daisies (Logan Square): 2026 James Beard semifinalist for "Outstanding Hospitality"; incredible house-made pastas and midwestern veggies ($90+).
  • 7. Obélix (River North): Modern French perfection; Courtney Kenyon-Snider is a 2026 James Beard semifinalist for "Outstanding Pastry Chef" ($130+).
  • 8. Maxwells Trading (West Town): Where global techniques meet local ingredients; Erling Wu-Bower is a 2026 James Beard semifinalist ($120+).
  • 9. Lao Der (Irving Park): Chicago's premier sit-down Laotian destination; authentic, spicy, and deeply flavorful ($60+).
  • 10. Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf (River North): Still the gold standard for the modern Chicago steakhouse experience ($140+).

2026 Chicago Dining Comparison

Restaurant Vibe Best For Galit Warm/Lively The Foodie Elite Rose Mary Energetic West Loop Buzz Cariño Intimate/Lux Special Occasions

Plan Your Stay: Looking for a luxury bed after your feast? Check out our Chicago 2026 Hotel Guide .

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