DineSpin

Best What's Hot in Chicago

Find the best what's hot restaurants in Chicago, IL. Scored on what actually matters.

By DineSpin Team·Updated February 2026·10 spots

Chicago's dining scene right now is split between places that have earned their hype through sheer consistency and places that are still figuring out if the hype is justified. The ten restaurants below represent what people are actually talking about—some are locked in, some are still working through growing pains, and a few are doing something genuinely distinctive. None of this is consensus.

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Best What's Hot in Chicago

1.

Gilt Bar

92/100

Hogsalt Group's speakeasy in River North where the cocktails are excellent, the bone marrow is standout, and the 1920s ambiance actually feels atmospheric instead of theme-park forced. Service has named staff like Trish who will remember your drink order. The trade-off is that 30 to 90 minute waits without a reservation are normal, and the burger costs $30. But happy hour cocktails hit at $6–$8 until 5:30pm, which is genuinely one of the best deals in the city for this neighborhood.

Pro tip: Reserve or go for happy hour only. Trying to walk in at 7pm on a Friday is a gamble you'll lose. The $6 cocktails, though, are a legitimate reason to clear your calendar at 5:15.

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its deliciousness, with many dishes highlighted as outstanding, particularly the bone marrow, burgers, pastas, and French dip.

Food was delicious

👋Service96

Service is frequently described as first-rate, attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable, with staff often going above and beyond for guests.

Service was top-notch

Vibe98

The atmosphere is a major draw, consistently lauded as dim, moody, intimate, sophisticated, and perfect for dates or special occasions, often compared to a speakeasy.

Moody, and very atmospheric

💰Value75

While generally well-regarded, a few diners noted that some items, particularly the burger, were slightly overpriced for the portion size.

Slightly overpriced

📍 230 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654, United States
4.6$$$ChicagoAmerican
Ideal for
Date nights — intimate and romantic atmosphereSpecial occasions — well-regarded for celebrationsCocktail enthusiasts — expertly crafted drinks
2.

Madame Puffs and Thai Bistro

92/100

Madame Puffs and Thai Bistro is a highly-regarded Thai restaurant in Chicago known for its excellent, artfully presented cuisine and elegant, warm ambiance. Well-regarded for the attentive service and unique flavor profiles, making it a standout destination for a special dining experience.

Pro tip: Amazing byob restaurant with great food and a wonderful staff.

🍽️Food95

The Thai cuisine is well-regarded for its outstanding flavor, authentic taste, and creative presentation, with many dishes described as delicious and beautifully crafted works of art.

Food was beyond flavorful

👋Service93

Service is frequently highlighted as attentive, friendly, polite, and professional, with specific servers like Toast and Barbie receiving multiple commendations for enhancing the dining experience.

Service was first-rate

Vibe96

The ambiance is a major draw, consistently described as beautiful, elegant, chic, modern, warm, and inviting, often enhanced by live music.

Ambiance is so nice and cute

💰Value75

While most diners find the food and experience worth the price, a few note that the restaurant is a bit pricey or that certain items, like sparkling water, are expensive.

Food was not overpriced

📍 4825 N Western Ave Unit B, Chicago, IL 60625, United States
4.9$$$ChicagoThai
Ideal for
Date nights and special occasionsDiners seeking elevated Thai cuisineThose who appreciate a sophisticated ambiance
3.

Avaspi

95/100

Anatolian tapas where every dish reads like someone picked it because it actually tastes good, not because it photographs well. Fresh ingredients, elegant plating, staff that remembers details—bone marrow comes with lentils because that's how it should be. The location is genuinely hard to find and there's no parking, which keeps it from being overrun. If you can navigate those logistics, this is a celebration restaurant that doesn't feel like you're paying for the name.

Pro tip: Street parking or nearby lots only—plan transportation before you go. The anonymity of the location is actually a feature, not a bug.

🍽️Food98

The food is well-regarded for its excellent flavor, freshness, and authentic Mediterranean and Turkish preparations, with many dishes highlighted as standouts.

Food was outstanding

👋Service96

Service is frequently described as attentive, friendly, kind, and professional, with staff often going above and beyond to enhance the dining experience.

Service was great

Vibe95

The atmosphere is consistently lauded as elegant, cozy, inviting, and beautifully designed, creating a sophisticated yet unpretentious ambiance.

Ambiance is lovely

💰Value85

While most reviews do not explicitly discuss price, the general feeling suggests good value, with some mentioning reasonable prices for the quality and portion sizes.

Very reasonable price

📍 1258 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657, United States
4.9$$ChicagoMediterranean
Ideal for
Special occasions and celebrationsDiners seeking authentic Mediterranean/Turkish flavorsGroups and couples
4.

The Omakase Room at Sushi-San

95/100

The Omakase Room at Sushi-San offers an excellent and intimate omakase experience, lauded for its high-quality, fresh ingredients, creative presentation, and professional service. While expensive, most diners find the unique atmosphere and culinary artistry well worth the price for special occasions.

Pro tip: Wow, what an amazing experience. This was my first Omakase experience, and the minute you arrive, you can tell how professional the staff is, and how wonderful of a time you will have.

🍽️Food98

The food is well-regarded for its outstanding quality, freshness, and creative presentation, with many diners calling it the best they've ever had.

Each course was a masterpiece

👋Service95

Service is described as professional, attentive, knowledgeable, and accommodating, significantly enhancing the overall dining experience.

The staff will walk you upstairs

Vibe95

The atmosphere is consistently lauded as intimate, luxurious, stunning, and well-designed, contributing to a special occasion feel.

Ambiance and interiors were stunning

💰Value85

While expensive, most diners feel the high quality of food, service, and experience justifies the cost for a special occasion.

Worth the price!

📍 63 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60654, United States
4.7$$$$ChicagoJapanese
Ideal for
Special occasions and celebrationsDiscerning sushi and omakase enthusiastsIntimate, high-end dining experiences
5.

Machos Tacos & Wings

95/100

Machos Tacos & Wings is a highly-regarded establishment known for its remarkably fresh, flavorful, and high-quality food, particularly its steak and signature loaded chip bags. The friendly and efficient service, combined with a vibrant atmosphere, creates a consistently positive dining experience.

Pro tip: The food was amazing, steak is very flavorful. 10/10 service

🍽️Food98

The food is well-regarded for its freshness, bold flavors, and high-quality ingredients, particularly the steak and wings. The signature 'Deebo style' loaded chip bags are a standout.

The meat was so soft and flavorful

👋Service95

Service is frequently described as friendly, welcoming, and excellent, with staff and owners often going out of their way to ensure a positive experience.

The service is spectacular

Vibe95

The atmosphere is consistently noted as positive, with good music and a welcoming, home-like feel.

The whole vibe is amazing

💰Value90

Portions are generous and prices are considered reasonable, offering good value for the quality and quantity of food.

The order was so big

📍 5663 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60639, United States
4.9$$ChicagoMexican
Ideal for
Casual dining with friendsQuick and flavorful mealsTrying unique loaded chip creations
6.

Oriole

95/100

A 2-Michelin-star restaurant in West Loop with excellent service and immersive presentation—the kind of place where staff knows who you are and the entire room feels deliberately designed. Most diners call it one of their best meals ever. Some don't. Recent reviews hint that the kitchen is either inconsistent or shifting direction; one returning diner's spring visit felt "objectively poorly cooked" compared to their memory. The saltiness issue appears. If you're a Michelin tourist, you should go. If you're paying $400 per person, know that excellence is promised but not guaranteed.

Pro tip: If you have dietary restrictions or a special occasion, mention it early—the team's capacity to accommodate with care is documented. But don't assume that accommodation means the food will taste like $400.

🍽️Food95

The food is consistently described as outstanding, creative, and flavorful, with many diners calling it the best meal of their lives. While most dishes are celebrated, a few instances of excessive saltiness and one mention of a bland overall taste have been noted.

Every bite was pure bliss.

👋Service95

Service is frequently highlighted as outstanding, attentive, and personalized, with staff going above and beyond to make guests feel welcome and cared for.

Service was amazing!

Vibe95

The atmosphere is well-regarded as unique, immersive, moody, serene, elegant, and warm, contributing significantly to the overall dining experience.

Atmosphere and ambience was amazing!

💰Value75

While the experience is widely considered first-rate, a few diners noted the high price point, with one mentioning it felt like 'overpriced status food' and another that the food was 'middle of the pack relative to other Michelin restaurants' for the cost.

Way too pricey :)

📍 661 W Walnut St, Chicago, IL 60661, United States
4.8$$$$ChicagoAmerican
Ideal for
Special occasionsFood enthusiasts seeking unique experiencesDiners appreciating meticulous service
7.

The Oakville Grill & Cellar

92/100

The Oakville Grill & Cellar is a highly-regarded Chicago establishment known for its excellent food, beautiful atmosphere, and outstanding service. While most experiences are positive, occasional inconsistencies and longer wait times during peak hours have been noted.

Pro tip: Everything was delish. The staff are so helpful too.

🍽️Food90

The food is well-regarded for its deliciousness, fresh ingredients, and well-executed dishes, with many items highlighted as outstanding.

Everything was delish.

👋Service92

Service is frequently described as first-rate, attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable, with specific staff members often receiving commendations.

Service is friendly and attentive

Vibe95

The atmosphere is consistently lauded as beautiful, elegant, and versatile, suitable for various occasions.

The place is spectacular

💰Value75

While generally well-received, some diners find the prices to be on the higher side for the portion sizes or perceived quality.

Very average food for very above average prices.

📍 163 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607, United States
4.8$$$ChicagoAmerican
Ideal for
Special occasions and celebrationsDate nightsBusiness lunches
8.

Acanto

92/100

Acanto offers a highly romantic and cozy dining experience with remarkably high-quality Italian cuisine, particularly noted for its pasta dishes. Service is frequently lauded as attentive and excellent, contributing to a memorable atmosphere ideal for special occasions.

Pro tip: Phenomenal, high-quality, and delicious food with a lovely romantic, cozy vibe.

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its high quality, fresh ingredients, and creative preparation, with many dishes described as phenomenal and outstanding. Pasta dishes, in particular, receive frequent recognition.

Phenomenal, high-quality, and delicious food

👋Service90

Service is frequently highlighted as attentive, friendly, and outstanding, with staff often going above and beyond to ensure a positive dining experience.

Phillip, our server, was attentive and really seemed to care

Vibe95

The atmosphere is consistently described as romantic, cozy, and elegant, with a strong emphasis on candlelit ambiance, making it ideal for special occasions.

Lovely romantic, cozy vibe

💰Value75

While the food and experience are well-regarded, a few diners noted that portions can be small and the restaurant is pricey, leading to some questioning the overall value.

Overall, it is a rip-off.

📍 18 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60603, United States
4.5$$$ChicagoItalian
Ideal for
Romantic dinnersSpecial occasionsDate nights
9.

Matilda Restaurant

92/100

Mexican-Peruvian fusion that doesn't feel like fusion—it feels like someone thought hard about what flavors belong together and then executed without hedging. The portions are small enough that you'll need to order more dishes than you expected, but the service (David's the kind of person who goes above and beyond without making it weird) and the speakeasy downstairs make it work for celebrations. One diner called it "among Chicago's very best restaurants in the city," which is hyperbole but not egregiously so.

Pro tip: Come hungry or come with people who want to share. The small-plate format only works if you're treating it as a tasting experience, not as a meal-in-a-dish.

🍽️Food95

The food is well-regarded for its excellent quality, creativity, and depth of flavor, often described as a masterful fusion of Mexican and Peruvian influences. Dishes are beautifully presented and frequently highlighted as memorable.

Each dish was 9/10 or higher

👋Service93

Service is overwhelmingly described as outstanding, attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable, with multiple servers, particularly David and Fernando, well-regarded for enhancing the dining experience.

Service was phenomenal (thanks David!)

Vibe95

The atmosphere is consistently lauded as stunning, lively, cool, and inviting, with a well-designed aesthetic that contributes significantly to the overall positive dining experience.

Effortlessly cool energy

💰Value85

While not explicitly detailed, the quality and experience suggest good value, with one diner comparing it favorably to a higher-priced establishment.

Without the crazy price

📍 535 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60654, United States
4.9$$$ChicagoMexican
Ideal for
Date nightsCelebratory dinnersFood enthusiasts
10.

Seville Chicago

92/100

Seville Chicago is a highly-regarded Mediterranean, Italian, and Spanish fusion restaurant known for its excellent food, attentive service, and vibrant atmosphere, particularly its rooftop views. While most experiences are overwhelmingly positive, a minor cleanliness concern was noted.

Pro tip: Incredible dining experience with outstanding food, service, and atmosphere.

🍽️Food90

The food is well-regarded for its deliciousness, unique flavors, and high-quality ingredients, with many dishes receiving specific accolades.

Food was amazing

👋Service90

Service is frequently described as first-rate, attentive, friendly, and knowledgeable, with staff often going above and beyond.

Service was amazing

Vibe95

The atmosphere is consistently lauded as charming, vibrant, chic, and inviting, with a notable rooftop view.

Great atmosphere

💰Value75

While generally well-received, one diner noted the paella was smaller than expected for its price.

Smaller than expected for $34

📍 243 S Franklin St, Chicago, IL 60606
4.6$$$ChicagoMixed/Fusion
Ideal for
Date nights — intimate atmosphere and great viewsSpecial occasions — well-regarded for top-notch experiencesCocktail enthusiasts — inventive and well-mixed drinks

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