7 Amazing Places To Eat In Chicago

I ❤️  Chicago.

If not for the beautiful city streets, the incredible architecture or the picturesque waterfront, then for ALL the mouthwatering food.

From deep dish pizza and Chicago-style hot dogs to magical donuts and dreamy cake shakes, here are all the things you need to eat next time you visit Chicago.

To be honest, we didn’t quite know what to expect when we went to Chicago. But I can tell you that we were completely blown away by the city’s beauty. From the Magnificent Mile and Navy Pier to Millennium Park and the Chicago Riverwalk, we fell head over heels for this city.

But aside from the big name attractions, you need to make sure you carve out some time for Chicago’s enviable food scene. Starting with these seven amazing restaurants 👇🏻  Because FOOD is the best kind of travel right?

Here are 7 amazing places to eat in Chicago ->

Three Arts Club

1300 N Dearborn Street, Chicago
Tip: We were lucky enough to be staying in the Gold Coast area of Chicago, just around the corner from the Three Arts Club. While the meals here are a little on the pricey side, the restaurant offers a truly spectacular setting. It’s the perfect place for a lovely breakfast ❤️

Bang Bang Pie Shop

2051 N California Ave, Chicago
Various locations
Tip: I don’t remember where I first heard about Bang Bang but it’s been on my radar for years. So when we booked our holiday, Bang Bang Pie Shop was at the top of our food list. It took a train ride to get here but if you love pie, you need to go. We ordered three different slices but our pick was the key lime pie #yes

Eataly

43 E Ohio Street, Chicago
Tip: We first went to Eataly in New York a few years ago and LOVED it. I had a melt-in-your-mouth burnt butter ravioli that was truly magical. So when we saw there was one in Chicago, we knew we had to go. The pasta here is delicious, all made from scratch. I highly recommend stopping for dinner, plus they have all kinds of gourmet Italian goods to browse. Oh and don’t miss the gelato!

Portillos

100 W Ontario Street, Chicago
Various locations
Tip: I absolutely LOVED Portillos. This classic American restaurant will give you cheap eats until your heart’s content. I loved their hot dogs, hubby loved their Italian beef and we both loved their cake shake – yes there’s a piece of cake IN this milkshake 👊🏻  #yolo

Au Cheval

800 W Randolph St, Chicago
Tip: It took a train trip and a walk across a highway to make it to Au Cheval, but boy were we glad we made it. We had read a few weeks before our trip that Au Cheval was named one of the top cheeseburgers in the whole of the United States. And they weren’t wrong. Their cheeseburger was amazing – doesn’t the photo say it all? That’s with bacon added. *Drools*

Fire Cakes

68 W Hubbard Street, Chicago
Tip: If donuts are your thing, don’t miss Fire Cakes. This gorgeous shop has a mouthwatering cabinet full of colourful donut creations. My favourite was their classic honey glazed donut – it was unbelievably soft and fluffy, not to mention HUGE! I wish I could have one right now!!!

Lou Malnatis

1120 N State Street, Chicago
Various locations
Tip: When I went back to work after our 3 week America adventure, my colleagues asked me for my favourite food memory. I immediately told them about Lou Malnatis. This was where I had my first taste of deep dish pizza and fell madly in love. Buttery crust, rich tomato sauce, way too much cheese and a glorious sausage filling – I cannot recommend this place highly enough. If I ever make it back to Chicago, I’ll be going straight to Lou Malnatis.

Tell me, what are your Chicago food recommendations?