Chicago Restaurant Favorites + Bucket List from an Escort

You may be planning for our date or just deeply value my opinion. Both great reasons to consult me!

I've been in Chicago for several years and love. to. eat. And I've done a lot of it. That said, it's impossible to do it all, and it's certainly preferable to do it together.

Chicago is an interesting food city because the scene is definitely Michelin-worthy, and you notice some trends, good and bad. Farm-to-table continues to be a point of pride here with many restaurants highlighting the local/regional farmers and suppliers they source from. The industry is dominated by a handful of giant restaurant groups with scores of "concepts" across high-traffic areas of the city. We have our fair share of celebrity chefs. Craft NA and THC beverages have made their way onto menus so that everyone can partake with a full experience. And those pesky pandemic-era surcharges/fees that now seem ubiquitous on bills? It really seems like we originated the practice.

I'm here for all of it. Below I've listed restaurants across Chicago that I haven't tried but am simply I'm aching to enjoy with great company. Anywhere I've eaten has since been crossed out, but all of these are so lauded that if they sound great to you, I'm unlikely to protest. I've also included foolproof favorites that I can't get enough of.

Mangiamo!

North Side

• Alinea - New American

• Anelya - Ukrainian

• Asador Bastian - Basque Steak + Seafood

• Crying Tiger - Southeast Asian

• Esmé - Art-Driven Contemporary Fusion

• Galit - Middle Eastern

• Indienne - Progressive Indian

• Nadu - Indian

• Ox Bar & Hearth - Hearty American

• Prime & Provisions - Classic Steakhouse

• Shō Omakase - Japanese

• Siena Tavern - Italian

West Side

• Atsumeru - Japanese / Nordic

• Bonyeon - Korean Beef

• Jeong - Korean

• Jinesei Motto - Omakase

• Kasama - Filipino + pastries

• Kyōten / Kyōten Next Door - Omakase

• Living Water Tea House - Tea tasting

• Maxwells Trading - Asian Fusion

• Mirra - Indian / Mexican

• Oriole - Contemporary American

• Rose Mary - Italian / Croatian

• Smyth - Contemporary American

• SUGOi Sweets - Chocolatier

South Side

• Bronzeville Winery - American

• Moody Tongue - Beer + Contemporary Fusion

• Oliver's - Retro American

• Virtue - Southern

Elena's Forever Favorites

No matter how many times I've been to these special places, I'll go again and again.

• AO Hawaiian Hideout - Asian

• Bavette's Bar & Boeuf - French Steakhouse

• Cariño - Latin American

• Duck Sel - Duck

• Le Colonial - French / Vietnamese

• Obélix - French

• Piccolo Sogno - Italian

• Shaw's Crab House - Seafood

updated Winter 2026

© 2026 Elena Marchetti

Scappiamo insieme...

let's run away together...

Disclaimer: Compensation is for my time and companionship only. Anything else that may or may not occur is between two consenting adults and is not contracted. It will be understood that any persons contacting me understands and accepts these terms.

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