Diners' Choice: Best Overall restaurants in Chicago / Illinois

OpenTable

Updated September 05, 2024

Looking for the best overall restaurants in Chicago / Illinois? You’re in the right place. Each month, OpenTable analyzes nearly 2 million global diner reviews from the past four months. We sort the results by location and category to help you discover new favorite restaurants. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

La Catedral Cafe & Restaurant - North Lawndale

5.0

5 (6)

$30 and under

Mexican

North Lawndale

About the restaurant

An award-winning, Mexican café serving up a Guadalajara-inspired, extensive menu

Top review

Aglaet

Dined on Aug 11, 2024

Beautiful decor, great customer service and delicious food!

Rollapalooza

4.9

4.9 (357)

$30 and under

Sushi

Lakeview / East Lakeview

About the restaurant

COZY AND WARM RESTAURANT. FRESH AND DELICIOUS RESTAURANT. WE ARE NOT NO.1 RESTAURANT. HOWEVER WE DO OUR BEST TO SERVE OUR CUSTOMERS.

Top review

`Andrew

Dined on Aug 31, 2024

If you like sushi this is the place to go! Excellent service and the food is fabulous!

AJI

4.9

4.9 (72)

$50 and over

Japanese Speciality

Lakeview / East Lakeview

About the restaurant

Discover an unforgettable dining experience at one of OpenTable's top restaurant destinations for ambiance, led by the talented Chef Kristian Cho. Recently named a 2024 Diner's Choice winner, our restaurant offers a 15-course omakase menu that pairs perfectly with our intimate, cozy setting—ideal for anniversaries, special occasions, or a memorable date night out. With over 30 years of collective expertise, our team is passionate about delivering exceptional service and a warm, inviting atmosphere, complete with a charming backyard for a unique evening. Join us and create lasting memories with those you love.

Top review

Jamesvip

Dined 5 days ago

It was excellent & the service was outstanding. Jim

The Alderman

4.9

4.9 (198)

$30 and under

Cocktail Bar

Pilsen

About the restaurant

Winner of the 2022 Jean Banchet Award for Best Bar, THE ALDERMAN is an intimate, 16-seat cocktail bar tucked away, behind closed doors, within Pilsen Yards. The cocktail list rotates some of its original cocktail features, while the twists on American classics are staples of the cocktail list.

With a plush velvet banquette and a 4-seat counter, it’s the perfect room for a night cap, a date, or a casual evening of one to several astonishingly good cocktails.

Top review

Nick

Dined on Aug 25, 2024

A Sip of Magic at The Alderman: Pilsen Yards’ Best Kept Secret My wife and I recently made a reservation for The Alderman, tucked away inside Pilsen Yards, and let me tell you—this place is pure magic! We’d heard through the grapevine (and various websites) that this was a top-notch, speakeasy-style spot, and it did not disappoint. We were on the hunt for a cool, secret entrance kind of place that served not just the classics but something truly unique. The Alderman is exactly that. Forget about your run-of-the-mill liquor selection—these folks are shaking things up, literally! They craft their own fabulous concoctions that are as creative as they are delicious. Shoutout to bartenders Charlie and Roger, who are like the new kids on the block, but with the swagger of the Beastie Boys. These guys know their stuff! My wife and I each tried a few different drinks, and every single one was a hit. You’ll be doing yourself a favor by letting these mixology wizards surprise you. Honestly, I wish I lived closer so I could make this my regular spot. But here's a pro tip: don’t wait to make your reservation! Space is limited, and they only let a select few in each day. Trust me, you don’t want to miss out on this hidden gem. Cheers! 🍸

NaKorn

4.9

4.9 (335)

$30 and under

Thai

Evanston

About the restaurant

NaKorn started with our belief that authentic Thai food should be found not only in Thailand—but here, as well.

Our menu offers a perfect blend of bold flavors with traditional, old-world recipes in a modern presentation. Using only the finest ingredients, we created unique dishes layered with flavors.

Top review

Shawn

Dined on Aug 29, 2024

Great overall experience for our Anniversay. Will come back again soon!

Sushi Suite 202 - Lincoln Park Chicago @ Hotel Lincoln

4.9

4.9 (488)

$50 and over

Sushi

Old Town

About the restaurant

Step into the secret world of Sushi Suite, located in Suite 202 of Hotel Lincoln and accessible only with a key from the front desk, this hidden gem combines privacy, luxury, and the art of Omakase, meaning "Chef's Choice,". Sushi Suite offers an opulent 'Bougie' Omakase, $140 for 17 pieces 75-minute experience. Elevate your experience with bespoke cocktails and premium sake, perfect for igniting passions. Whether it's an intimate Date Night, a lavish Birthday Celebration, or an exclusive private seating, let us whisk you away on a journey of decadent sushi and immaculate service. Visit all of our unique locations, each with its own culture-inspired vibe!. Reserve now to secure a coveted seat at Sushi By Bou.

Top review

OpenTable Dinervip

Dined on Sep 4, 2024

Such an awesome experience! Thank you Krit and Juan for showing us the best Omakase and mixology duo out there - we look forward to seeing you next time! - Jake & Sami

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4.9

4.9 (1384)

$31 to $50

Scottish

St. Charles

About the restaurant

A passion for authenticity. Nostalgia for heritage, and recipes that have been passed down and held dear. Ingredients sourced from the Isles, and from local farmers.

Welcome to Balmoral Restaurant. Grand Scottish Fare as you’ve never experienced before.

Lush, dark Scottish wood tones greet you upon entering Balmoral Restaurant. A deep-set coffered ceiling hides recessed lighting, designed to light your table elegantly, providing just the right mood. Scottish designs surround you, from the tartan carpet, to wrought iron fixtures, to the swords and shields of lore, to wall murals that evoke the placid Scottish countryside. At Balmoral, we bring the incomparable splendor of Scotland to you.

Top review

Robert

Dined 4 days ago

We had the best experience celebrating an 85th birthday with our friends. Babs was efficient and friendly. We have been to Balmoral numerous times and this was one of the best experiences yet. All of our meals were perfectly cooked and very tasty. We will surely be back again.

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Popular dish

Dalkeith's Pork Chop

Popular dish

Ye Auld Sticky Toffee Pudding

Geja's Cafe

4.9

4.9 (5483)

$31 to $50

Fondue

Lincoln Park

About the restaurant

For over 59 years, fondue dining at Geja’s Café has been a favorite indulgence for Chicagoans as well as out-of-towners. It’s a perfect way to kindle romance, celebrate a special occasion or simply join family and friends for a fun and unforgettable dining experience.
To start we offer a Swiss Gruyere cheese fondue, served with fresh breads, fruits and vegetables for dipping. Our crisp house salad, dressed with tangy Dijon vinaigrette, offers a counterpoint to the rich, warm cheese fondue appetizer.
Next, you’ll cook your choices of Australian lobster tail, Gulf shrimp, beef tenderloin, fresh sea scallops or boneless chicken breast in a pot of sizzling soybean oil or broth. The main course is served with fresh vegetables and eight gourmet dipping sauces.
Our famous chocolate fondue is flamed table-side, and presented with marshmallows for roasting and other delectable dippers.

A 4 % operational fee is added to all checks to work in concert with Chicago's One Fair Wage Ordinance.

Top review

janet

Dined 2 days ago

As always a wonderful evening. Can’t say enough about the quality of the food, drinks a and service. Amazing way to celebrate our anniversary!

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Popular dish

Belgian Chocolate Fondue

Popular dish

Prince Geja's Combination

Popular dish

Cheese and Chocolate Fondue

Komorebi

4.9

4.9 (237)

$30 and under

Sushi

Bucktown / Wicker Park

About the restaurant

Japanese restaurant with elegantly plated sushi, rolls & cooked fare in a rustic-chic storefront.

Top review

Omar

Dined on Aug 18, 2024

Amazing, great food and service. Shoutout to Miguel at the sushi bar who gave us a great sushi experience.

Les Nomades

4.9

4.9 (2216)

$50 and over

Contemporary French

Gold Coast / Streeterville

About the restaurant

One of Chicago’s finest dining experiences awaits you in this elegant town home setting that balances formality and friendliness. Your dinner may be paired with fine wines, as uncommon ingredients come together in perfect harmony. In operation since 1978, Les Nomades remains true to its distinctive character as an oasis of civilized tranquility amidst the bustling activity of its Streeterville location. Culinary creations delight the most discriminating palates. Savor Sautéed Foie Gras, or Lobster Ravioli with seared scallops; Roasted Breast and Confit Leg of Duck, or Duo of Roasted Partridge and Bison. Artisan cheeses are extraordinary and the pastries are sublime.
Please keep in mind that proper attire is required including a jacket for gentlemen.

Top review

Eileenvip

Dined 7 days ago

Les Nomades is simply wonderful. We chose the four course tasting option and selected the special dessert for that evening as well as a grand marnier souffle. Everything was exquisite! In addition to the excellence of the food, the very professional service was welcome as well as an atmosphere that enabled conversation without feeling one had to yell across the table.

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