My favorite season in Chicago is undoubtedly summer. The city is full of life, its bustling streets filled with people and excitement. Having spent nearly four weeks in Chicago this summer, I had the opportunity to explore numerous notable restaurants that you’ll definitely want to check out. Enjoy this list of restaurants that I’ve recently tried and fell in love with.
Aba
Located in Chicago’s historic Fulton Market District, Aba is a sceney Mediterranean restaurant with small plates and an exquisite rooftop patio. This is Chef CJ Jacobson’s second restaurant with Lettuce Entertain You, and is an extension of Ema, another one of my favorites, in River North.
Must Try: Crispy Short Rib Hummus, Whipped Feta, Charred Eggplant, Hamachi, Lamb Chops
Address: 302 N Green St 3rd Floor, Chicago, IL 60607
Hours: Monday-Thursday 4:00PM–10:00 PM / Friday 4:00PM-11:00PM / Saturday & Sunday 10:00 AM–11:00 PM
Alla Vita
From Boka Restaurant Group, Alla Vita offers a relaxed, family-friendly menu with the most savory and comforting Italian dishes. The exceptional design firm Kehoe Designs transformed the space into a breezy and modern garden showcased in our feature photo.
Must Try: Whipped Ricotta, Preserved Jimmy Nardello Peppers, Roasted Octopus, Tuna Crudo, Tagliatelle, San Daniele Prosciutto, Alla Vita’s Chicken Parmigiana
Address: 564 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60661
Hours: Monday-Friday 11 :00AM–2 :00PM, 4:30PM–10:00 PM / Saturday & Sunday 4:30PM–10:00 PM
Momotaro
Another one from Boka Restaurant Group! Led by Executive Chef Gene Kato, Momotaro is a multi-dimensional Japanese restaurant in the West Loop. I recommend going to The Izakaya, Momotaro’s lower level bar, for cheaper eats, but the flavors are equally as brilliant.
Must Try: Maguro, Tsukune Dango, Mishima Skirt Steak, Tuna Cheek, Una-Kyu Roll, Spicy Chicken Sando (Only at The Izakaya)
Address: 820 W Lake St, Chicago, IL 60607
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 5:00PM–10:00 PM / Friday & Saturday 4:30PM–11 :00PM
Galit
Galit is a family-style Middle Eastern restaurant in Lincoln Park with food sourced from local farmers and producers. Owned and operated by Andrés Clavero and James Beard Award-winning chef Zachary Engel, this Michelin star restaurant brings a whole new flare to the neighborhood.
Must Try: Tehina Hummus, Wood-Roasted Peaches, Carrots, Striped Bass, Pastrami
Address: 2429 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
Hours: Tuesday-Thursday 5:00PM–9 :00PM / Friday & Saturday 5:00PM–9 :30PM / Sunday & Monday Closed
Planta Queen
The entirely plant-based menu presents exciting reinterpretations of Chef David Lee’s beloved dishes from various Asian cuisines. It has a high energy and beautifully-designed space with an overflow of fun, late-night vibes. My favorite plant-based restaurant in Chicago!
Must Try: Dragon Roll, 1,000 Layer Crispy Potatoes, Bang Bang Broccoli, Truffle Fried Rice, Any of their dumplings
Address: 413 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654
Hours: Monday-Thursday 11:30 AM–10 :00PM / Friday 11:30 AM–11:00 PM / Saturday 11:00 AM–11:00 PM / Sunday 11 :00AM–10:00 PM
Armitage Alehouse
From the Bavette’s team and Hogsalt Hospitality, Armitage Alehouse is a British-inspired pub in Lincoln Park featuring dark, moody interior with a wood-burning fireplace, a piano player, and the yummiest select ales and cocktails. This place feels like an escape from reality.
Must Try: Spiced Lamb Samosa, Tandoori-Style Chicken, Truffle Bucatini, Peppercorn Steak Frites, Pub Style Cheeseburger
Address: 1000 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60614
Hours: Monday & Tuesday 4:30PM–10:00 PM / Wednesday & Thursday 12:00PM–10:00 PM / Friday 12:00PM–10:30 PM / Saturday 10:00 AM–10:30 PM / Sunday 10 :00AM–10:00 PM
Green Street Smoked Meats
Down an alley off Restaurant Row in the West Loop, Green Street is in a spacious, warehouse location with a charming outdoor patio. This nationally acclaimed Texas-style BBQ joint is not one to miss.
Must Try: Pulled Pork, Brisket, Spicy Pickles
Address: 112 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607
Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11 :00AM–10:30 PM / Friday & Saturday 11 :00AM–11:00 PM
THE WATERS EDIT 