Originally Posted by travelnutz
Go to Todai! It's a great deal for lunch. $15.95 for lunch buffet
includes all-you-can-eat sushi and other great chinese/japanese fare. I try to go there everytime I hit Chicago.

It's 20-30 minutes from downtown at the Woodfield mall in Schaumburg.
Todai
5 Woodfield Mall, Schaumburg, IL 60173
E109 Woodfield Shopping Center, Schaumburg, IL 60173
Tel: (847) 619-1088
You can also hit the Cheesecake factory at the bottom of the John Hancock tower or if you like the top, I heard the Signature Room is pretty good too.
If you want to try unique restaurants in a city, why go to a chain? Cheesecake Factories are everywhere as are Todai. As others on here have said, pizza is definitely Giordanos. One place I have not seen mentioned, and is always a place I go, is "Mon Ami Gabi" near Lincoln Park. French steak place with amazing steaks and unbelievable desserts. Check it out:
http://monamigabi.com/