Diners' Choice: Hot spot restaurants in Chicago / Illinois

OpenTable

Updated January 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants that are the best hot spots 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!

Komorebi

4.9

4.9 (249)

$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

JeffVIP

Dined 4 days ago

This was my 2nd time and everything was delicious. The fish was out of this world. Highly suggest checking them out!

Tanoshii - West Loop

4.8

4.8 (784)

$31 to $50

Sushi

West Loop

About the restaurant

Est. 2014 - family owned & operated

Try our unique omakase where our chefs will work around your restrictions to course out a mix of traditional, and non-traditional, fare. With signature dishes like our fish & chips and bluefin truffle sashimi, dressed nigiri pieces, and our off menu "special rolls" (including vegetarian options). Otherwise, order from the menu with many small-bite options, nigiri/sashimi, maki, entrees, or order the special rolls à la carte. We pride ourselves on our fish quality.

We have a full bar, which features a full selection of Japanese whisky, sake, cocktails, and more.

(We have no affiliation with any other Tanoshii and Sushi Mike, and are completely separate)

Top review

ElanaVIP

Dined 4 days ago

I can’t believe I have never been here before. The reviews said the sushi was some of the best or best and I completely agree. Everything we ordered gyoza, blue fin sashimi appetizer ( superb), the ebi tempura rolls, the omakase rolls, which they are known for everything was quality and delicious. Our server was terrific, she was so personable and accommodating. Will add this to my top favorites.

Grapes & Grains

4.8

4.8 (35)

$31 to $50

Bar / Lounge / Bottle Service

West Loop

About the restaurant

GG, as it is affectionately referred to in the neighborhood, is a piano bar located in the heart of West Loop, featuring Chicago's top talent.

Exposed brick, vintage chandeliers, chesterfield couches, and intimate lighting pay sexy homage to Old Chicago. The main floor boasts 2,500 square feet of gorgeous lounge space complete with a baby grand piano and sabrage room providing the most lively of atmospheres. Guests can reserve a live music experience on select evenings or learn the nuances of whiskeys and wines at one of our monthly masterclass events.

Experience live music performances at GG Wednesday through Sunday. Be entertained on Wednesday and Thursday from 8:30 PM to 11:30 PM, Fridays 7:00PM-1:30AM, Saturdays 7:00PM-2:30AM, and Sundays 6:00-9:00PM, with no minimums and no live music fee. First come first serve seating and standing room available after 9pm on Fridays & Saturdays.

Top review

OpenTable DinerVIP

Dined on Dec 28, 2024

Always a fabulous time at GG! Our go to spot for a post-dinner drink.

Jonny Cab's

4.8

4.8 (240)

$50 and over

American

Burr Ridge

About the restaurant

Jonny Cab’s is a VIP dinner experience in a premiere, modern setting. With live entertainment 5 nights a week, we strive to provide an environment where guests can unwind & enjoy the moment.

We were recently featured by Peter Wren for Hinsdale Magazine who wrote, "I think it's the sum of all these parts - the wine, the food, the friendly service, and all that great sound pouring forth from the stage - that's bound to win people over. As my wife said, 'I don't think there's any place like this in Chicago.' She's right, but thanks to this plucky group of wine-lovers and entertainers, there's now one sitting right in the heart of Burr Ridge."

Our delicious menu by Executive Chef Jeff Stahulak is a modern take on the traditional American supper club. As one diner recently put it, "we expected good music in a vegas-like atmosphere, but the food is your secret weapon."

Come see what all the buzz is about & join the party!

Top review

Judy

Dined 3 days ago

We had an Amazing Time, Great memories were made. Leslie was amazing Thank you

No Manches Mexican Grill - Vernon Hills

4.8

4.8 (66)

$31 to $50

Mexican

Vernon Hills

About the restaurant

No Manches Mexican Grill is a modern Mexican concept that brings Dia de los Muertos culture to life, with vibrant murals, traditional Mexican cuisines, innovative handcrafted cocktails, and a great ambiance. Whether you get the Tocho Morocho Parillada for the whole family, or sip on our signature margarita 'LA COLORADA', we will make sure to satisfy your taste buds each and every time!!! See you soon!!!

Top review

Jeremy

Dined on Jan 6, 2025

Good food. They have music cranked up making it difficult to converse.

Maple & Ash

4.7

4.7 (4338)

$31 to $50

Steakhouse

Gold Coast / Streeterville

About the restaurant

Maple & Ash is an innovative take on the traditional steakhouse – mixing a modern aesthetic with authentic service to deliver classic wood-fired dishes. With a sumptuous menu crafted by two-Michelin-star chef, Danny Grant and a wine program named one of "America's Best" by Wine Spectator, Maple & Ash finds a way to celebrate every moment. It’s more than a restaurant, it’s an experience.

Visit us online for additional reservation availability - www.mapleandash.com

Top review

ELDARVIP

Dined 6 days ago

The meal began with the Wagyu Beef Carpaccio—delicate, melt-in-your-mouth slices bursting with rich flavor and perfectly balanced seasoning. The Foie Gras followed, decadently smooth and expertly prepared. For the main course, the Dry-Aged Ribeye was exceptional. Cooked to perfection, it boasted deep, robust flavors and a buttery texture that showcased the quality of the cut. The accompanying pastas were equally impressive, crafted with care and full of bold, comforting flavors. Dessert was a standout with the Chocolate Mousse Cake, a rich yet airy creation that was the perfect sweet finish to the evening. Complementing the meal, Maple & Ash’s expertly crafted cocktails elevated the experience even further. Each drink was thoughtfully prepared, balancing creativity with classic elegance. Throughout the evening, the attentive service ensured a seamless dining experience—every detail was handled with care, from knowledgeable recommendations to perfectly timed courses.

Donny G's Ristorante

4.7

4.7 (153)

$30 and under

Italian

Elmwood Park

About the restaurant

Welcome to Donny G's Ristorante! At Donny G's Ristorante & Bar in Elmwood Park we refuse to compromise on quality in our restaurant. That's why we source our fresh ingredients from local farmers' markets to prepare our menu offerings for you and your loved ones. We have a main restaurant as well as a banquet and entertainment space which holds up to 125 people. We have unique lunch, dinner, catering and banquet menus.

Top review

Sonia

Dined on Dec 27, 2024

I just love everything about Donny G’s, the food, the service and the wonderful singer, show man Antonio Duca👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

Matisse Tavern & Grill

4.6

4.6 (169)

$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

SusanVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Excellent service and a lovely fireplace. I went Saturday night, which was very busy. Normally I go early evening during the week when it is quieter. The food is superior, not bar food at all. Just delicious. The wait staff is always pleasant and quick. This is a wonderful local spot.

Capri by Gigi Zitt e Zitt/Are We Live

4.6

4.6 (39)

$31 to $50

Italian

Burr Ridge

About the restaurant

Family owned, providing the best homemade Italian food with recipes by Mama Capri. The dining experience is warm and enhanced by the charming personality of Gigi Capri, son of Mama Capri. The restaurant caters and has private dining space for up to 100 guests. Our guests are family!
As well as creative craft cocktails. Feel embraced with the Italian Culture not only with the food but with the ambiance & same hospitality found in Italy
Featuring entertainment & dancing Thursday, Friday & Saturday nights.

Top review

Cindy

Dined on Dec 29, 2024

The food at Capri by Gigi never disappoints! This was our first time eating at the Zitt e Zitt next door to the restaurant. The sea bass was outstanding as was the meatball appetizer! Everyone enjoyed their food. The vibe was fun and the DJ played great music. Best of all was our server. She was fantastic as were the bussers who made sure our water was full at all times. Highly recommend!

Timothy O'Tooles Pub Chicago

4.5

4.5 (43)

$30 and under

Grill

Gold Coast / Streeterville

About the restaurant

Timothy O'Toole's Pub, in Chicago, celebrates delectable pub food and Chicago sports culture in its welcoming, classic bar and restaurant. The hummus of-the-day platter with vegetables and pita and the award-winning chicken wings slathered in garlic ginger sauce make ideal starters to your meal. Some of Timothy O'Toole's Pub specialty entrées include the full slab of Wichita baby back ribs in Chicago-style barbecue sauce, the grilled wild boar meatloaf in a mushroom demi-glace and the lemon herb butter jail island salmon. Handhelds like the Chicago-style Italian beef dipped sandwich with hot or sweet peppers and the spice rubbed grilled chicken tacos with cilantro lime crema are perfect with a craft beer. For a sweet end to your meal, indulge in the pretzel bread pudding with Jameson whisky caramel sauce.Timothy O'Toole's Pub also has dozens of fresh beers on tap, the perfect accompaniment to your meal.

Top review

Thomas

Dined on Dec 21, 2024

Great place to catch a game while in Chicago. It a bad seat in the place. TV’s are everywhere. Solid bar food. The pickle fries were awesome….glad we tried them. Service was timely and excellent.

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