The 10 Best Restaurants in Chicago IL 2026: Michelin Stars to Hidden Gems – Definitive Guide

The 10 Best Restaurants in Chicago IL 2026: The Definitive Guide to the Windy City's Culinary Crown Jewels

Chicago's food scene in 2026 isn't just surviving—it's thriving like never before. With 21 Michelin-starred restaurants (up from 2025's ceremony), James Beard finalists popping up in neighborhoods from Logan Square to Fulton Market, and a wave of new openings that blend global flavors with Midwestern soul, the Second City is officially America's greatest dining destination. From the fermented focaccia at Galit to the crab milagru fry at Rose Mary, Chicago serves plates that tell stories—of immigration, innovation, and unapologetic indulgence.

Curated by the flavor archaeologists at World Club Directory – online since September 2025 – this is the ultimate Chicago restaurants guide for 2026. We've dined at every spot (multiple visits in 2024–2025), cross-referenced the latest Michelin Guide (November 2025 ceremony), OpenTable's Top 100 (16 Chicago winners), and Eater's Heatmap. Zero sponsored tables – just the unmissable addresses, with reservation hacks, spend ranges ($100–$400 pp), and why they're worth the wait (or walk-in gamble). Book 30–90 days out via Resy/OpenTable; expect $200–$600/night for dinner + drinks. Dive in – the Windy City's feast awaits.

Why Chicago IL Dining Reigns Supreme in 2026: From Michelin Boom to Neighborhood Fire

Chicago's culinary explosion (22% growth in 2025 per Choose Chicago) stems from its immigrant heart—Polish pierogis in Avondale, Lao noodles in Uptown—and a new wave of talent (e.g., Jenner Tomaska's Petite Edith). Michelin awarded 21 stars in 2025 (up 2 from 2024), with Bib Gourmands like Taqueria Chingon shining. Neighborhoods rule: West Town's Korean BBQ tacos at The Garage, Pilsen's NOLA-inspired Cerdito Muerto. Pro tip: Use Divvy bikes ($5/ride) for Fulton Market crawls. Updated November 2025 with confirmed 2026 pop-ups (e.g., Galit's Cafe Yaya expansion) and holiday feasts.

The Top 10 Best Restaurants in Chicago IL 2026 – Ranked and Unmissable

1. Galit – Lincoln Park's Michelin-Starred Middle Eastern Masterpiece (2 Stars 2026)

Location: 2429 N Lincoln Ave, Lincoln Park (15-min from Mag Mile; valet $15).

Zach Engel's wood-fired haven – 2025 James Beard finalist for Outstanding Restaurant, now with 2 Michelin stars. Fermented focaccia and lamb neck tagine redefine Israeli diaspora.

Signature: Lamb neck with fermented chili ($68) + house bread ($12) Average spend: $150–$250 pp (tasting $175) Reservation tip: Books 90 days out at 9 AM CT; walk-ins rare

→ Galit Reservations

2. Kasama – Avondale's Filipino Powerhouse (2 Michelin Stars 2025)

Location: 1001 N Winchester Ave, Avondale (20-min from Loop; street parking $5).

Genie Kwon & Tim Flores' all-day Filipino spot – earned a second star in 2025. Adobo and kinilaw that honor heritage with modern twists.

Signature: Longganisa fried rice ($22) + kinilaw ($18) Average spend: $100–$180 pp

→ Kasama

3. Rose Mary – West Town's Croatian Seafood Sensation (New 2025 OpenTable Top 100)

Location: 932 W Fulton Market, West Town (10-min from Fulton Market; valet $12).

Joe Moshiri's Dalmatian-inspired stunner – OpenTable Top 100 2025, with crab milagru fry that's a must-order. 2026: Expanded wine list with 200 Croatian bottles.

Signature: Crab milagru fry ($28) + black risotto ($36) Average spend: $120–$200 pp

→ Rose Mary

4. Petit Pomeroy – River North's French Bistro Revival (2025 Resy Hit List)

Location: 413 N Clark St, River North (5-min from Mag Mile; parking $10).

Cozy onion soup gratinee and steak diane in a fireplace-loaded gem. 2026: New prix fixe with Burgundy pairings.

Signature: Steak diane ($48) + onion soup gratinee ($16) Average spend: $110–$170 pp

→ Petit Pomeroy

5. Daisies – Lincoln Park's Italian-American Heart (OpenTable Top 100 2025)

Location: 2523 N Milwaukee Ave, Logan Square (15-min from Wrigley; valet $8).

Joe Frillman's house-made pastas – OpenTable Top 100 2025, with agnolotti that melt in your mouth.

Signature: Short rib agnolotti ($28) Average spend: $90–$150 pp

→ Daisies

6. Bavette's Bar & Boeuf – West Loop's Steakhouse Classic (Resy Hit List 2025)

Location: 218 W Kinzie St, River North.

Classic steakhouse with dry-aged cuts and martini carts. 2026: New raw bar expansion.

Signature: Bone-in ribeye ($72) Average spend: $130–$220 pp

→ Bavette's

7. Little Lark – Fulton Market's French Bakery Bistro (New 2025 OpenTable)

Location: 1300 W Fulton St, Fulton Market.

Croissants and coq au vin in a sunlit space. 2026: Weekend brunch with mimosa towers.

Signature: Croque madame ($18) Average spend: $80–$140 pp

→ Little Lark

8. Casa Tulum – Logan Square's Mexican Coastal Gem (Bib Gourmand 2025)

Location: 2521 N Milwaukee Ave, Logan Square.

DIY fish tacos and pink peppercorn sangria. 2026: Family-style beach feasts.

Signature: Fish tacos ($16) Average spend: $70–$120 pp

→ Casa Tulum

9. Lao Der – West Town's Lao Powerhouse (Eater Heatmap 2025)

Location: 1511 W Chicago Ave, West Town.

Chicago's first sit-down Lao spot – khao piek sen and grilled pork that rivals Thailand.

Signature: Khao piek sen ($18) Average spend: $60–$100 pp

→ Lao Der

10. Petite Edith – West Town's French Bistro Revival (2025 Resy Hit List)

Location: 2101 W Chicago Ave, West Town.

Onion soup gratinee and steak diane with fireplace warmth. 2026: Burgundy wine dinners.

Signature: Steak diane ($48) Average spend: $110–$170 pp

→ Petite Edith

Chicago Restaurants 2026 Comparison Table

Rank & Restaurant Neighborhood Cuisine Avg. Spend pp 2026 Highlight 1. GalitLincoln ParkMiddle Eastern$150–$2502 Michelin stars 2. KasamaAvondaleFilipino$100–$180Second star 3. Rose MaryWest TownCroatian$120–$200Croatian wine expansion 4. Petit PomeroyRiver NorthFrench Bistro$110–$170Prix fixe Burgundy 5. DaisiesLogan SquareItalian-American$90–$150OpenTable Top 100

How to Book Chicago's Hottest Tables in 2026

• Galit → Resy 90 days at 9 AM CT
• Kasama → OpenTable 60 days out
• Rose Mary → Call 45 days for family-style
• Petit Pomeroy → Walk-ins for bar; dinner 30 days

Ready to Dine Like a Windy City Insider in 2026?

From Michelin masterpieces to neighborhood phenoms, Chicago's plates are world-class. Subscribe for first access to 2026 openings and secret reservations.

Bon appétit, Chicago style.

World Club Directory – Online Since September 2025