I'm a sucker for fabulous food and try to always go to the 'must-visit' restaurant if there is one where I happen to visit.

I have heard many good things about food in Chicago so am looking forward to a 2 1/2 day stay in July.

Is there a particularly oustanding restaurant in Chicago that people here feel I should visit?

I also hear that there are lots of good, small eateries all over the place. Any particular area you would recommend?

Thanks for your tips!

Chicago has some of the best restaurants in the world. It depends what you have a taste for. Club Lucky on Wabanisa (sp?) has the best lamb chops in the city. They also make a great martini but the best martini is made at the Matchbox a very very small bar on Ogden and chicago. The best sushi is at Coast on Division (i think its division) its a byob. there is a liquor store at the end of the block. The coast roll is great. Some would argue that Bob San's sushi is the best. I think that is also on division further west. If you are up for French, just a block or so west of Coast is Le Bouchen (sp?). However, the best cheese plate at a french place is at Cyrano's on Well. 8 kinds of cheese, its fabulous. Geja's on Armitage (I can't spell) is the fondue place. Great place for a romantic dinner. If its breakfast you are looking for, Twisted Spoke on Ogden and Grand has the best fried egg sandwich in the city. They also have the best bloody mary served with a beer back. Last one - Flo on Chicago ave has a great breakfast with a mexican influence. I can't spell but I can eat.

Welcome to FT, cloudsbelowme! Most people ask questions in their first posts, you answer them ^

So many places to choose from, so little time! Chicago is really a great city for great dining.

Not knowing your budget, a few places that come to mind.

Tru: http://www.trurestaurant.com/welcome.html

Pasteur (Vietnamese): http://metromix.chicagotribune.com/d...mx-dating_heds

Pasteur is up in Uptown/Edgewater. On the pricier/fancier side. Plenty of other Vietnamese restaurants in that area too where you can grab a great bowl of Pho or Bahn Mi.

Spring: http://metromix.chicagotribune.com/s...,7966851.venue Asian influenced and heavier on the seafood. Interesting space. Great bar. And in a good neighborhood (Bucktown/Wicker Park) to walk around and check out. Lots of other great places to choose from to eat. Also nearby is Le Bouchon which was mentioned in the prior post http://www.lebouchonofchicago.com/

Ann Sather: http://www.annsather.com/ Especially known for their Cinnamon Rolls. Several locations, though I like the one up on Belmont near Boystown

Also in Boystown is Yoshi's Cafe: http://metromix.chicagotribune.com/s...,2981529.venue Interesting mix of different cuisines. Higher end food but in a great relaxed and very casual environment.

You might want to check out the Chicago forum too. Sweet Willie posts restaurant reviews all the time.

Woaw, thanks! For a 'student' you sure do a lot of 'exploring' ;-)

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.

mmmmm Pasteur is delicious! However, if you are staying closer to downtown, Le Colonial is of the same genre and on Rush st. Also, for bar-style food, try Gaslight grill on Racine by Wrightwood.

Great recommendations everyone, many thanks! Someone asked about budget. I'm planning to do a splash-out one night (no set budget) and a something more low-key the next.

Gino's East for great Chicago-style (deep dish) pizza. (Prepare to take in enough calories for a week).

http://www.ginoseast.com/

Two others from my old neighborhood.

Cafe 28: http://metromix.chicagotribune.com/s...,1998485.venue

Cuban/Mexican. Very busy on weekend nights.

Deleece: http://metromix.chicagotribune.com/s...0,425613.venue

Interesting and varied menu. Brunch is also supposed to be a speciality, but I've never been.

Both of these, though, aren't so close if you are staying downtown or along North Michigan. But if you do want to wander further afield, worth considering.

Also walking south along Southport by Deleece can be nice if the weather is good. Cute shops along the way. Music Box Theater is up there as well - http://www.musicboxtheatre.com/ Fun place to catch a movie, especially when the organist is playing!

Another splurge might be Charlie Trotter's

http://www.charlietrotters.com/restaurant/cuisine/

I can't personally recommend it though as I've never been. I just know that in terms of "must go" Chicago restaurants, most would probably think of this place. Some think it's overrated. Maybe check around for reviews?

Oh, and don't forget Chicago's steakhouses. There are *definitely* threads on here listing the favorites.

You may also want to check out Chowhound's Chicago board: http://www.chowhound.com/midwest/boa...o/chicago.html That site (like this one) is addicting to read!

Oh! I almost forgot, Chicago has some pretty good Tapas. The two most popular are Cafe Iberico http://www.cafeiberico.com/ and Cafe Ba-Ba-Reba http://metromix.chicagotribune.com/s...,1212042.venue

I personally prefer the latter, but if you are downtown, Iberico will be closer.

Best cheap sushi--house of noodles and sushi.
http://www.houseofsushiandnoodles.com/
Although from what OP said money isn't the problem :>

The buffet is $12, and servings are huge. Paying $8 for the lunch special is enuff, and its not far from downtown.

Other than this I can't think of anything nice to eat in Chicago, hehe

I have heard very good reviews of:

Everest

Arun's

Topolobampo

Dining Room at the Ritz-Carlton, a Four Seasons Hotel

and for a good cheap meal/snack, Wow Bao....

For Italian Beef: Portillos on Ontario (kind of touristy, make sure you get the big beef!)

For Pizza: Giordano's (many locations, probably spelled wrong)

Went to Sullivan's (a nice steakhouse) one time, stayed in the bar area, had drinks, appetizer, and they have a humidor with some overpriced yet fine cigars. They had live jazz (very smooth) and a nice, dark atmosphere. Don't remember where it is, but these are my favorites from a trip in early April.


Harry Carey's is supposed to be great also.

Re: Topolobampo . . . this is Rick Bayless' place. Right next door, he also has Frontera Grill which is more casual. Personally, I prefer Frontera.