Where to Eat in Chicago: A Shortlist of Our Favorite Food Spots 🍽️

Looking for delicious food in Chicago that hits all the right vibes—from cozy Thanksgiving classics to celebrity chef creations and dreamy design-forward brunch spots? Whether you’re planning a trip or already in the city, here’s your go-to list of must-try restaurants in Chicago, straight from our time exploring the Windy City.

🦃 Chicago Q: Our First-Ever American Thanksgiving

Tucked just 10–15 minutes outside the city center by car, Chicago Q is a charming barbecue restaurant known for its cozy Southern vibe. We had our first-ever Thanksgiving dinner here and—wow—now we finally understand all the jokes about how ridiculously much people eat that day.

The menu included:

• Roasted turkey

• Creamy mac and cheese

• Stuffing (basically a savory bread pudding with herbs)

• Fluffy mashed potatoes

• Tart cranberry sauce

It was festive, rich, comforting, and unforgettable. (And no, we didn't manage to take a photo before diving in—oops.)

📍 Location: 1160 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL
🌐 chicagoqrestaurant.com

🍕 Siena Tavern: Truffle Pizza & Jar Carbonara

This stylish Italian restaurant comes from Top Chef alum Fabio Viviani, once named one of the most talented chefs in the world by Forbes. Located just a 15-minute walk from Millennium Park (yes, the Bean), Siena Tavern is a foodie’s dream.

What to order:

• The truffle pizza—rich, indulgent, aromatic

• The carbonara served in a jar—yes, literally, and yes, it’s amazing

The surrounding area is also one of our favorite parts of Chicago to wander around before or after your meal.

📍 Location: 51 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL
🌐 sienatavern.com

🥑 Summer House Santa Monica: California Vibes in the Midwest

If there’s one place in Chicago that feels like a slice of California, it’s Summer House Santa Monica. Think white walls, beachy accents, and a fresh, laid-back atmosphere. It’s basically a brunch dream.

⚠️ Note: Brunch is only served on weekends, but we went on a weekday and still managed to get:

• A super satisfying avocado toast

• A selection of fresh starters from the regular menu

Whether you’re there for the food or the ambiance, don’t skip this spot.

📍 Location: 1954 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL
🌐 summerhousesm.com

🛋️ 3 Arts Club Café: Where Design Meets Dining

If we could recommend just one place in Chicago, this would be it.

Located inside the RH (Restoration Hardware) Gallery, the 3 Arts Club Café is unlike anywhere else we’ve been. The café sits at the heart of a beautifully restored mansion—surrounded by luxury furniture you can actually sit on while you wait for your table.

Things we loved:

• The lush atmosphere, filled with light and design inspiration

• The fact that no reservations are accepted, so you can explore and relax as you wait

• The insanely soft sofas (seriously a highlight!)

• The food: elegant, elevated, and well worth the wait

We waited just over an hour—but it was an hour of comfort, drinks, and conversation. Once seated, the entire dining experience felt like something out of a dream.

📍 Location: 1300 N Dearborn St, Chicago, IL
🌐 rh.com

Final Tip 💡

Always check hours and reservations before heading out—especially for brunches or holiday meals. And if you’re into food, interiors, or just love a good city wander, save this list and tag @studio.vesper when you go!

Which of these would be your first stop in Chicago? Drop your must-eat recs in the comments—we’re always hungry for more. 🍴