Best Restaurants in Downtown Chicago
The Berghoff Restaurant street during daytime
After a day of exploring all the great exhibits, attractions, and destinations within the downtown area of Chicago, tourists and locals head to grab a bite to eat. Not sure which restaurants are locals-favorite? Keep these 10 places in mind, as they are some of the best restaurants in The Loop area.
Cherry Circle Room
This iconic restaurant offers fine dining at its best. Open daily for breakfast and dinner, plus brunch on the weekends, there is a meal for every appetite. The menu features butcher block meat selections, a cocktail cart, and an acclaimed wine list. Pair this with pre-theater dining options, and your night is sure to be spectacular.
The Dearborn
Whether you are craving lunch, dinner, or a weekend brunch, The Dearborn, located within The Loop, has something for every patron. Midwestern comfort food is on the menu, with sandwiches such as the Reuben, fried calamari BLT, or a juicy hamburger. If getting takeout is preferred, just order through the restaurant's website for a fee-free transaction. Private events are a possibility as well. After a long day of shopping in the downtown area, rest for a bit at this highly-acclaimed restaurant.
Prime & Provisions
This two-story steakhouse says they are 'raising the steaks' and patrons agree. Nestled in the heart of downtown, Prime & Provisions has a strong fan base, as patrons appreciate the feel of a 1920s supper club. Please note the dress code is a requested sophisticated-causal dinner attire. Ball caps and flip-flops are discouraged. Carryout and meal delivery are available options. This fine-dining establishment offers black truffle potato croquette, grilled king crab, and wagyu beef tartare. For steak lovers, consider a hand-cut filet mignon, a 34 oz. Tomahawk or the popular NY strip.
Cindy’s Rooftop
On the 13th floor, under a glass atrium, diners will be amazed by Cindy's rooftop dining. Situated within The Loop, this downtown Chicago restaurant differs from others and is thought to be the best rooftop dining experience within the area. With the background scenery of Millennium Park and Lake Michigan, this all-season terrace is the go-to destination for relaxation and amazing food options. While walk-ins are welcome, reservations are encouraged. Enjoy the fresh seafood platters along with seasonal produce and an extensive drink menu.
The Purple Pig Chicago
What is served at The Loop’s Purple Pig location? According to their website, cheese, swine, and wine. Join other patrons for lunch, dinner, or weekend brunch. Make a reservation or order takeout. Whether a snack of sardines, a veggie platter of broccolini, or the soup of the day, visitors can eat light. For a larger appetite, consider seafood options like halibut and mussels, plenty of pasta plates, or meat options such as pork belly or Spanish Chorizo.
312 Chicago
Enjoy authentic Italian cuisine in The Loop. For over 25 years, 312 Chicago has been a prime restaurant for scrumptious Italian food. Chef Marcello Florio serves up innovative spins on classic dishes, providing a new take on classic plates. This restaurant also features an impressive wine list. Stop by for breakfast, lunch, happy hour, and dinner.
The Berghoff
Considered an iconic Chicago Loop restaurant, The Berghoff has been completely family-owned and operated for over 125 years. The family of owners, along with some staff members, are tied to this restaurant, dating back multiple generations. With their high standard of excellence, patrons can be confident in receiving the best German-inspired meals with the highest quality of food used. Since the dining room tends to fill up quickly, reservations are recommended. From chicken schnitzel to a plate of game sausage, The Berghoff has a perfect German dish for every tastebud.
Ocean Prime
For a fine dining experience featuring seafood, steak, and cocktails, Ocean Prime is your prime destination. Located in the downtown area of Chicago, patrons can be seated in the main dining room or opt for one of four private dining rooms or the seasonal outdoor terrace. Be sure to save room for dessert options such as chocolate torte, sorbet, or warm butter cake with raspberry sauce.
The Capital Grille
Also located within The Loop, this downtown steakhouse is equally famous for its appetizers and soups. Lobster Bisque, Caramelized French Onion Soup, or a pan-fried Calamari with hot cherry peppers are a few options on the menu. Fresh seafood options are also plentiful, complementing the star of the menu, the steaks. Toss in an order of lobster and crab cakes or fresh oysters and you have a meal fit for a king.
Tanta Cocina Peruana
When you crave Peruvian cuisine, this downtown restaurant has the cure. Tanta serves brunch and dinner, along with happy hour. Catering and private events can also be secured. With a variety of empanadas, vegetarian plates such as broccolini chifero, and Choros Al Ajillo, otherwise known as Spanish octopus slices, there are plenty of Peruvian dishes to please every palate.
- Fine dining with daily breakfast, dinner, and weekend brunch, featuring butcher block meats, a cocktail cart, and pre-theater options.
- Midwestern comfort food with favorites like Reuben sandwiches and burgers, plus fee-free takeout and private event hosting.
- A 1920s-inspired steakhouse with dishes like truffle potato croquettes and hand-cut steaks, requesting sophisticated-casual attire.
- Rooftop dining under a glass atrium with views of Millennium Park, known for seafood platters and an extensive drink menu.
- Specializing in cheese, pork, and wine, with options from light bites to heartier seafood and pasta dishes.
- Italian cuisine with unique spins on classic dishes, and an impressive wine list, serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
- Historic family-owned German restaurant offering schnitzel, sausages, and a long legacy of high-quality meals.
- Fine dining with a focus on seafood, steaks, and cocktails, along with seasonal terrace seating and rich dessert options.
- Steakhouse renowned for appetizers like Lobster Bisque and fresh oysters, with a focus on premium steaks.
- Peruvian cuisine with brunch, dinner, and catering, featuring empanadas, vegetarian plates, and Spanish-style octopus.
