Diners' Choice: Contemporary American restaurants in Chicago

OpenTable

Updated May 05, 2026

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Contemporary American cuisine in Chicago? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyzes more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favorites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Charlie Trotter's

5.0

5 (905)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Lincoln Park

About the restaurant

Behind an elegant Lincoln Park façade lies one of the most storied addresses in American gastronomy. Charlie Trotter’s defined an era—not just through visionary cuisine, but through its relentless pursuit of excellence and hospitality. Revered as the birthplace of the vegetarian tasting menu and the pioneering kitchen table, Trotter’s was never just a restaurant—it was a philosophy. Now, the spirit of 816 W Armitage quietly returns. Led by Dylan Trotter, the Guest Chef Dinner Series invites acclaimed chefs to interpret the legacy in their own voice. Each evening is singular. Each menu ephemeral. Every detail, intentional. For those who remember, it’s a return. For those who never knew, an invitation. Welcome to Charlie Trotter’s—once again.

Top review

EthanGold

Dined on Mar 1, 2026

The best meal I’ve had in this city. Perfect food, service, and ambiance. Thank you to Dylan for coming to our table and chatting with us!

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Experience

Guest Chef Series Vol 14: Honoring James Beard

Sepia

4.8

4.8 (5636)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

West Loop

About the restaurant

Located in Chicago’s West Loop, Sepia offers a dining experience defined by warmth, refinement, and quiet sophistication. Wooden walls, exposed brick, and thoughtfully curated vintage décor create a space that feels cozy and familiar, inviting guests to dine as though welcomed into someone’s home.

That same sense of care extends to the cuisine. Sepia’s ingredient-driven menu is guided by respect for integrity and seasonality, allowing quality to lead. Under the direction of Chef Kyle Cottle, the kitchen presents inventive American cooking rooted in tradition, where technique enhances, rather than overshadows, the natural character of each ingredient.

Together, the space and the food reflect Sepia’s enduring philosophy: thoughtful craftsmanship, genuine hospitality, and an experience that feels both elevated and deeply personal.

To book reservations of 7 or larger, please email info@sepiachicago.com

Top review

LindaGold

Dined 3 days ago

The restaurant was very welcoming, service excellent, had the tasting menu with 4 choices, was surprised at the number of choices, each had 4 each!! I ate things I never had, omelette with truffle and cheese, stuffed chicken wing stuffed with tasty sausage in Korean sauce, that was fabulous, pierogi in amazing sauce, and dessert was a very light and delicious bun with sea salt and caramel and side of ice cream, what a meal! My husband ate more traditional choices, uni and scallop, Japanese style, smoked trout with morels, beef short rib, and the most amazing carrot cake, perfect and light! Met some sweet couple recently engaged, nice evening!

schwa

4.9

4.9 (67)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Bucktown / Wicker Park

About the restaurant

Located on the fringe of Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood, it’s easy to miss but hard to forget.

Stepping through the storefront entrance, the city dissolves into an intimate world where the artistry of fine cuisine unfolds throughout the evening. The barrier between patron and chef fades. Dinner becomes a night to explore and fully engage the senses.

A fluid menu of vivid courses, crafted by a crew of culinary artists under the direction of Chef Michael Carlson, who work to their own rhythm to re-imagine the possibilities of global, seasonal ingredients. A kitchen where every ingredient is respected and every choice is intentional.

Top review

ChuckGold

Dined on May 23, 2026

Absolutely loved it. Memorable, charming staff, great energy, inventive food, just really exactly what I want in fine dining. Come as you are.

Valhalla

4.9

4.9 (87)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

Bucktown / Wicker Park

About the restaurant

Valhalla is a culinary gem in Chicago's Wicker Park, offering a unique gastronomic journey where modern elegance meets global flavors. The minimalist Scandinavian decor creates an intimate atmosphere, with warm woods and soft lighting that enhance your dining experience. Chef Stephen Gillanders' tasting menu showcases his creativity, featuring seasonal ingredients and diverse influences. Each course, from ocean trout lumpia to vibrant seafood ceviche, highlights his mastery of flavor and technique. Desserts by Pastry Chef Tatum Sinclair are a revelation, with each creation a stunning masterpiece that delights the senses. Valhalla is not just a restaurant; it's an unforgettable experience that invites you to savor every moment.

Top review

Alexia

Dined on May 22, 2026

Valhalla was an ✨experience✨ starting with the outside, we were like??? Whaaaaa? Then we came in and immediately began with a gin tasting with an incredible bartender who hooked us up throughout our entire meal. Food was spectacular and daring and beautifully presented, not once lacking in flavor or balance. Our night was personalized and unforgettable.

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Experience

Valhalla Tasting Menu at The Chef's Counter

Lula Cafe

4.9

4.9 (533)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Logan Square

About the restaurant

Since 1999, Lula Cafe has been serving guests in Logan Square with seasonally inspired dishes, locally sourced beverages, and the warm hospitality that embodies what every good neighborhood restaurant should. Whether you are brunching with friends, celebrating your birthday with a special dinner, or just need a home away from home. We got you covered. Unless it is Tuesday, because we are closed that day.

Top review

MikeGold

Dined on May 22, 2026

As always, Lula delivered. The food, ambiance, and staff are second to none. I will keep coming back… over and over and over.

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Experience

Ammazza! x Lula Cafe

Slightly Toasted

4.9

4.9 (31)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

West Loop

About the restaurant

Award-winning cocktail and bourbon bar that is home to one of largest whiskey collections in Chicago with over 900 selections, 30+ private barrels, and 200+ vintage and rare bottles. Also home to 18 taps & 80+ cans of craft beer, and chef-driven comfort food.

Top review

David

Dined on Apr 18, 2026

This is one of the best casual whiskey bars in Chicago .friendly, reasonably priced with a great selection including the hard to find. Plenty of tasting events

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Experience

EH Taylor Single Barrel Release Party Townbranch

Tala House

4.8

4.8 (522)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Andersonville

About the restaurant

We pride ourselves in offering only the best ingredients with an impeccable service. Whether you're joining us for dinner or weekend brunch, our dishes reflect a modern take on Chicago's melting pot of cultures where we celebrate our diversity and embrace flavors from around the globe. From locally sourced ingredients to unique flavor combinations, be ready to discover Tala’s story: cooking with no boundaries!

Top review

CarolGold

Dined 3 days ago

We loved everything about this restaurant. Service was outstanding and the food was wonderful!! Can’t wait to go back. Good price point, too!

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Experience

Father's Day at Tala House

Matisse Tavern & Grill

4.7

4.7 (188)

$30 and under

Contemporary American

Lakeview / East Lakeview

About the restaurant

Matisse Tavern and Grill is a neighborhood tavern with an eclectic Gastropub menu including made-from-scratch items and the best quality meats (Late-night kitchen).
Check out the cozy lounge with TVs, fireplace, Full-service bar including our martinis, craft and specialty cocktails (we use homemade ginger beer and just fresh juices) you won't find anywhere else. Relax with friends all summer long on the outdoor patio with a copper mug of our famous Moscow Mule or a Cold Craft Beer. Our hand-picked wine list changes seasonally so you'll always find a new grape discovery to sample.

Late-nighters welcome for cocktails till close!!!

Top review

Sylvia

Dined on May 22, 2026

It’s a hidden gem. Amazing food and great service. We will definitely be back!

Boka

4.8

4.8 (7706)

$31 to $50

Contemporary American

Lincoln Park

About the restaurant

Michelin-starred Boka Restaurant has been a cornerstone of Chicago’s dining scene since 2003. In 2014, following a major renovation, Chef Lee Wolen joined as Executive Chef and Partner, quickly gaining critical acclaim. Named “Chef of the Year” by both Phil Vettel of the Chicago Tribune and Eater Chicago in 2014, and again in 2015, Lee has helped elevate Boka to new heights. The restaurant offers contemporary American cuisine that highlights seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms. The sophisticated yet inviting ambiance sets the stage for an exceptional dining experience, with daily-changing tasting menus that showcase timeless and seasonal American flavors.

Top review

Dannie

Dined 3 days ago

We celebrated our 15th wedding anniversary at Boka, they really took care of us. Top notch service, excellent food and drinks, the interior of the restaurant was beautiful and has great ambiance. Will definitely return for another amazing meal and experience.

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Popular dish

Dry Aged Beef Tartare

Popular dish

Chicken Liver Mousse

Popular dish

Roasted Dry Aged Duck Breast

Gingie

4.9

4.9 (11)

$50 and over

Contemporary American

River North (Chicago)

About the restaurant

Gingie is temporarily closed due to a minor kitchen fire that occurred the evening of Sunday, March 29. We look forward to opening as soon as possible and will share updates as they become available.

Gingie is a contemporary restaurant by Chef Partner Brian Lockwood and Boka Restaurant Group in River North. Marrying seasonal ingredients, live-fire cooking, and classical techniques, Gingie is a culmination of Chef Lockwood’s diverse experiences at the world’s most celebrated restaurants, translating into a dining experience that feels familiar but never predictable.

Top review

BeaGold

Dined on Mar 27, 2026

Awesome experience the desserts were so good as well as the ny strip and sablefish.

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