Dining in Chicago

The secret is out: As Saveur Magazine reports, “the Windy City is America’s new culinary star.” And with good reason. Chicago’s ever-evolving culinary scene reaches tantalizing new heights every day!

In fact, Chicago is such a food lovers’ paradise that diners face just one dilemma: How to choose from so many delicious options?

One way to narrow your dining choices is by type of food. Eager for an ethnic meal? Along with the many restaurants serving outstanding Italian, Latin, and Asian foods, countless others offer excellent French, Greek, Indian, Mediterranean, Polish, German, or Ethiopian menus. Want seafood or soul food or barbeque? Find it downtown or in the city’s 77 neighborhoods.

Chicago’s contemporary dining scene is stunning. While the world takes notice, innovative chefs - many emphasizing foods from America’s Heartland – are fusing flavor and excitement in delectable ways.

Chicagoans are famous for taking two classics very seriously: pizza and hot dogs. Sample these two favorites during your visit so you can officially join in the debate.

Or let restaurant atmosphere help you decide where to eat. Match your mood to one of the city’s elegant dining spots, charming cafes, intimate bistros, convivial eateries, pizza palaces, or another of the endless alternatives.

Location will never limit your food choices. Great options for satisfying your hunger are always nearby. The following are among Chicago's best dining options:

Odyssey Cruises
Navy Pier 600 E. Grand Ave., Chicago, IL, 60611
866 391-8439
Unique brunch, lunch, dinner and moonlight cruises departing year round from Navy Pier. Dine on appetizers, entrees and sumptuous desserts prepared fresh onboard daily. Enjoy live music entertainment. Experience the spectacular Chicago skyline from a new perspective.

Brasserie Ruhlmann
500 W. Superior St., Chicago, IL, 60610
312 494-1900
A French Steakhouse featuring master chef Christian Delouvier's cuisine in an elegant art deco setting. Three stars by the Chicago Tribune. Brasserie fare includes steaks, raw bar and French classics.

Blue Water Grill
520 N. Dearborn, Chicago, IL, 60654
312 777-1400
"Sea" and be seen at Blue Water Grill, a 20,000 sq. ft. restaurant serving fresh seafood and savory steaks. Our Executive Chef grills up tasty dishes like seared scallops and ribeyes, while the sushi bar rolls out items like our sesame shrimp rolls.

Benihana
150 N. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling, IL, 60090
847 465-6021
Hibachi-style cooking and Japanese-style surroundings where chefs prepare dinner at your table. Steak, chicken, scallops, lobster tail, shrimp, and sushi.

Cafe at the Ritz-Carlton Chicago
160 E Pearson Street, Chicago, IL, 60611
312 573-5160
The Cafe features sophisticated seasonal specialties and classic Ritz-Carlton favorites. Experience Chef Mark Payne's "Up Market" dinner menu offering shared plates, local and organic produce, pastas, wild fish, grass-fed beef, artisan cheeses and breads and an exquisite wine list.