Chicago is the largest city in Illinois and the third-largest in the United States, set on the southwest shore of Lake Michigan. It is known for its pioneering skyscraper architecture, deep-dish pizza, world-class museums, live blues and jazz, and a 26-mile lakefront of parks and beaches. Visitors can move between a dense downtown, the Chicago River and more than 70 distinct neighborhoods on the CTA 'L' train.
Chicago's food identity is built on hearty Midwestern appetites and immigrant neighborhoods. The signature dishes are deep dish pizza (credited to Pizzeria Uno in 1943), the Chicago-style hot dog 'dragged through the garden' on a poppy-seed bun with no ketchup, and the Italian beef sandwich dipped in jus with giardiniera. Beyond the icons, the city holds a major fine-dining scene with multiple Michelin stars, a famous Randolph Street restaurant row in the West Loop, and neighborhood cooking from Mexican Pilsen, Greektown, Chinatown and many other communities, along with a strong craft-beer culture.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Chicago.
Deep Dish Pizza
Thick buttery crust with cheese under the sauce, baked about 45 minutes
Where to try: Lou Malnati's / Pequod's / Gino's East / Pizzeria Uno
Price: $20-40 per pie
Chicago-Style Hot Dog
All-beef frank on a poppy-seed bun with mustard, relish, onion, tomato, pickle, sport peppers and celery salt; no ketchup
Where to try: Portillo's / Superdawg
Price: $4-8
Italian Beef Sandwich
Thin-sliced roast beef dipped in jus on a French roll, with sweet peppers or hot giardiniera
Where to try: Al's #1 Italian Beef / Portillo's
Price: $8-14
Corned Beef Sandwich
Hand-sliced corned beef piled on rye at a classic Jewish deli
Where to try: Manny's Cafeteria & Delicatessen
Price: $16-22
Chicago-Style Popcorn
A caramel and cheddar mix sold around the Loop and Magnificent Mile
Where to try: Garrett Popcorn Shops
Price: $6-15
Smoked Fish and Fried Shrimp
Smoked and fried seafood served from a counter at the 95th Street bridge
Where to try: Calumet Fisheries
Price: $10-20
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
American
Mexican
Chicago Hot Dogs
Farmhouse And Beer
Greek
Jewish Deli
Mediterranean
Midwest Pasta
Food tours & tastings in Chicago
Eat your way through Chicago with a guide.
Browse food experiences in ChicagoWe may earn a commission from bookings made through these links.
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Chicago-Style Hot Dog
The city's classic quick bite, eaten at counters and stands
Find it at: Portillo's / Superdawg / neighborhood stands
Italian Beef
Messy, jus-dipped beef sandwich eaten leaning over the wrapper
Find it at: Al's #1 Italian Beef, Taylor Street
Tacos and Tamales
Street-style tacos, tamales and churros in the Pilsen corridor
Find it at: 18th Street, Pilsen
Jibarito
Puerto Rican sandwich made with flattened fried plantains instead of bread
Find it at: Humboldt Park / Paseo Boricua
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Green City Market - Lincoln Park
Sustainable farmers market with Midwest growers, bakers and cheesemakers at 1817 N Clark St
Hours: Wed and Sat 7AM-1PM (outdoor season through November 21)
Green City Market - West Loop
Weekend farmers market with local producers at 900 W Monroe St
Hours: Sat 8AM-1PM (outdoor season through November 21)
French Market
Indoor market hall with specialty food vendors at 131 N Clinton St
Hours: Mon-Fri 7AM-7PM; Sat 9AM-4PM; closed Sun
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Book fine-dining tables weeks ahead on Tock, OpenTable or Resy; tasting-menu restaurants require reservations
Deep dish takes about 45 minutes to bake, so order as soon as seated or call ahead for a pickup pie
Chicago-style hot dogs are traditionally served without ketchup
Tipping at sit-down restaurants is typically 18-22% of the pre-tax bill
Many Randolph Street and Fulton Market restaurants are fully booked on Friday and Saturday evenings; reserve ahead
- Vegetarian
- Widely available; most restaurants offer vegetarian dishes
- Halal
- Available at restaurants in several neighborhoods; confirm preparation with the restaurant
- Gluten free
- Options are common; deep dish and Italian beef rolls contain wheat, so ask before ordering
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $8-18 per meal | Hot dogs, Italian beef, tacos and deli sandwiches from counters and stands |
| Mid-range | $25-60 per meal | Neighborhood restaurants, deep dish pizza and Randolph Street small plates |
| Upscale | $150+ per person | Michelin-starred tasting menus; Kasama's dinner tasting menu is $325 per person before beverages |