Yelp’s Top 50 Places to Eat is a list unlike any other “best of” out there. Sure, you’ll see your obvious local favorites on the list, but it’s also chock full of hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path joints like Aloha Wagon tucked away just off the Pink Line’s Western stop. From fine dining to quaint coffee shops — find them all in Yelp’s Top 50 Places to Eat in Chicago.
Did your favorite restaurant make it into the top 50? Let us know on Twitter and Instagram. Remember, we only know how good a spot is if you take the time to review it. So share your thoughts on Yelp, and maybe your favorites will be on next year’s list!
Topping this year’s best places to eat list is Bistro 6050, a small bites cafe offering street food inspired from all over the globe.
Pro tip: You’re going to want to make a note of these spots, so we made it easy for you. For great businesses at your fingertips, get the Top 50 to-go. Follow this collection on Yelp.
- Bistro 6050 (Dunning)
Cuisine: Global
What they’re known for: Baked empanadas, bubble tea, and sweet crêpes
Yelpers say: “Absolutely delicious with an amazing array of unique empanada flavors. Our favorites were the barbacoa, the cheese, the corn, and the sweet corn. Gelato was rich and luxurious and the flavors were perfectly balanced. The owners are charming and kind. Worth the 30 minute drive! Will definitely be back.” -Courtney D.
- Bolivar & Lincoln Venezuelan Cafe (Lakeview)
Cuisine: Venezuelan
What they’re known for: Arepas
Yelpers say: “My friends and I had dinner at Bolivar & Lincoln this weekend and it was absolutely fantastic. The service is so friendly and helpful. We all ordered arepas and they are big and filling! The empanadas were some of the best we’ve ever had. Can’t wait to return! I ordered a veggie arepa and I’m still dreaming about it. I’m gluten free, so arepas are my favorite to indulge in!!” -Elise K.
- Cedar Place (Lincoln Park)
Cuisine: Lebanese, Falafel
What they’re known for: Lentil soup, dolma, and baklava
Yelpers say: “Friendly and attentive staff which made our dining experience wonderful. Appetizers were authentic tasting, lentil soup was so delicious and our kebab and shawarma plates we shared were amazing. We appreciate that it is a BYOB and cannot wait to go back in the summer to enjoy their patio!” -Kathy E.
- Penumbra (Logan Square)
Cuisine: Seafood and steakhouse
What they’re known for: Flat iron steak
Yelpers say: “Amazing ambience, food, drinks, and definitely the service! We went for our anniversary and struggled to think of a more romantic experience that we’ve had in the Chicago area.” -Sara L.
- The Crepe Shop (Lakeview)
Cuisine: Creperie
What they’re known for: Wild berry cheesecake crepe
Yelpers say: “What an oasis! It’s like a tropical escape in the middle of the city. The inside is so cute and there is plenty of seating. The food is absolutely incredible. We got the truffle crepe to split and I wish I had ordered 10 more. SO tasty.” – Ali M.
- Aloha Wagon (Little Village)
Cuisine: Hawaiian
What they’re known for: Juicy aloha burger
Yelpers say: “Cash only local spot – amazing home-cooked style food! The chicken adobo was on point. My friend loved the spicy pork plate. Will be going back for sure! Hidden Gem.” -Mihir G.
- Wonder Chop (Bucktown)
Cuisine: Chinese, Japanese, Sushi Bar
What they’re known for: Mongolian beef
Yelpers say: “I wish that we would have tried Wonder Chop sooner. It was absolutely delicious! We had the General Tso combination and Chicken with Garlic Sauce combination. Very flavorful with quality ingredients. It may be the best all around General Tso that I have had. The staff was super friendly as well.” -Anita S.
- Fons Empanadas (Lincoln Park)
Cuisine: Vegan empanadas
What they’re known for: Jackfruit Ropa Vieja
Yelpers say: “This is an entirely vegan empanada restaurant and coffee shop. I’m not vegan myself but these are still some amazing empanadas! The options are so unique and packed with flavor. The Tinga with jackfruit was my favorite, and the Margherita with vegan cheese tasted like the real thing. They also have super unique drink options like matcha lattes and lavender lemonades.” – Kendra M.
- Ciccio Mio (River North)
Cuisine: Italian
What they’re known for: Spicy vodka rigatoni
Yelpers say: “Magical beautiful inviting speakeasy-ish restaurant matched by superior customer service. Order the pinwheel lasagna and cannoli dessert: simply delicious.” -Abby I.
- Torteria San Lenchito (Albany Park)
Cuisine: Mexican
What they’re known for: Tortas
Yelpers say: “This place is well deserving of nothing but 5 star reviews. They have over 20 different torta sandwiches to serve! I ordered the Milanesa Pollo (breaded chicken) torta. It was amazing! It came with free soup (delicious) and chips. So much food for such a great price. I’ll definitely be coming back.” -Sue M.
11. XOchimilco Mexican Restaurant (Ravenswood)
12. Dulce De Leche Café (Albany Park)
13. Amaru (Wicker Park)
14. Oriole (West Loop)
15. 11 Degrees North (Lakeview)
16. Three Little Pigs Chi (Humboldt Park)
17. Edgewater Tacos (Edgewater)
18. The Gundis (Lakeview)
19. Sunset Pho Caffe (Lakeview)
20. VinnyD’s (West Town)
21. El Xangarrito (Lincoln Square)
22. Cairo Kebab (Lincoln Park)
23. Blue Food Company (Avondale)
24. Bhoomi Modern Indian Grill (The Loop)
25. Veggie House (Chinatown)
26. Tesfa Ethiopian Cuisine (Uptown)
27. Q Sushi Bar & Omakase (Ravenswood)
28. Take A Bao Eats (Avondale)
29. Dai Yee’s Asian Kitchen (North Center)
30. Offset BBQ (Humboldt Park)
31. Spinning J Bakery and Soda Fountain (Humboldt Park)
32. Bibim Town (Edgewater)
33. Hellas Pastry Shop (Lincoln Square)
34. Patino’s Grill (Irving Park)
35. Zazas Pizzeria (Lakeview)
36. Sabroso! Mexican Grill (West Town)
37. S.K.Y (Pilsen)
38. Doppio Coffee House (Lakeview)
39. Kai Zan (West Town)
40. Taste of Lebanon (Andersonville)
41. Cafe El Meson (Brighton Park)
42. Forastero (Old Town)
43. Milly’s Pizza In the Pan (Uptown)
44. Coffee Slasticarna Drina (Ravenswood)
45. Backlot Coffee (Irving Park)
46. En Hakkore 2.0 (Wicker Park)
47. Nori & Wasabi (Lakeview)
48. Carniceria Maribel (Pilsen)
49. Bob’s Pizza (Pilsen)
50. Goosefoot (Lincoln Square)
Methodology: This is an all-time list of the Top Places to Eat in the Chicago area according to Yelp. We identified businesses in the restaurant category on Yelp, then ranked those spots using a number of factors, including the total volume and ratings of reviews. This list looked at businesses in and around the Chicago area. All businesses were marked open on Yelp as of June 27th, 2022. When available, all businesses on this list have a passing health score as of June 27th, 2022.
