16 IL Restaurants Ranked Among America's Best, New Ranking Says

Sixteen restaurants in Illinois have earned bragging rights as among the best in America, according to a new ranking from the reservation platform OpenTable.

Unlike some lists decided by critics, OpenTable’s list of the 2025’s Best 100 Restaurants is based on diner reviews and the percentage of reservations made in advance, among other metrics.

Illinois restaurants include:

Akahoshi Ramen

2340 N California Ave, Chicago

The restaurant describes itself as a love letter to the Japanese cities of Sapporo and Hokkaido, offering ramen with ingredients all made in the restaurant. The ramen is influenced by the traditional past of the dish, but also its future potential.

"Each bowl is made with incredible attention to detail, showcasing just how nuanced ramen can be," OpenTable editors said.

Alla Vita

564 West Randolph St., Chicago

Alla Vita is known for its casual, family-style menu of Italian favorites. Alla Vita means “to life” in Italian which recognizes overcoming life's challenges and creating a space for shared meals and memorable experiences.

Daisies Chicago

2375 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago

This Italian restaurant focuses on house made pastas, utilizing vegetables from Chef Joe Frillman's family farm.

"Much of the produce at this Italian-by-way-of-the-Midwest restaurant comes from chef Joe Frillman's brother's farm outside Chicago. Find it in playful dishes like onion dip with housemade Ruffles, fritto misto with cheese curds, and pierogi with mussels and beer," OpenTable editors said.

Elina's

1202 W Grand Ave, Chicago

Guests at Elina's will enjoy fine Italian cooking served by two chefs in an intimate space.

"The inviting West Town joint serves these classics in a cozy, brick-walled dining room or on the lush, Amalfi Coast-inspired patio," OpenTable editors said.

Gibsons Italia

233 N Canal St, Chicago

Gibsons Italia prides itself on tradition and elegance in its pursuit of the very best. The chefs pair tastes of Italy with the superiority of Gibsons Steakhouse.

Joe's Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab

60 East Grand Avenue, Chicago

This restaurant is the culmination of a partnership between Lettuce Entertain You and legendary Miami Beach restaurant Joe's Stone Crab. Guests can expect an extensive selection of seafood, flown in fresh daily, to complement the world's finest Florida Stone Crab claws.

Le Colonial - Chicago

57 East Oak Street, Chicago

Le Colonial is a celebration of seductive spirit and vivid flavors reminiscent of Saigon in the 1920s.With locations in Atlanta, Denver, Delray Beach, Houston, Lake Forest, and Naples, the famed Vietnamese restaurant is designed to capture a bygone era of sophistication and opulence.

Mon Ami Gabi

2300 N. Lincoln Park West, Chicago

Honoring classic French cuisine, Mon Ami Gabi is a traditional French bistro located in the heart of Lincoln Park. The menu features simple French food including Steak Frites, fresh seafood, exquisite bites, and French rolling wine carts.

NORIKO

401 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago

NORIKO handroll bar is a new sushi restaurant concept specializing in handrolls that are prepared immediately in front of guests. Each unique handroll is packed with flavor and carefully crafted with high quality ingredients in this intimate underground space.

North Pond

2610 North Cannon Drive, Chicago

Inspired by the market, Chef César Murillo utilizes exceptional ingredients at the height of their season. Murillo's tasting menu reflects the Arts & Crafts approach of the dining room - complex layers of subtle craft beneath a simple decorative style.

PIZZ'AMICI

1215 W Grand Ave, Chicago

Serving up the best Chicago thin crust pizza and classic American Italian dishes for sit down or carry-out, PIZZ'AMICI is the perfect spot for a date night, special celebration or a fine glass of wine.

Pizzeria Portofino

317 N Clark St, Chicago

Pizzeria Portofino is a sun-drenched casual restaurant located directly on the Chicago riverfront
offering hand-stretched pizzas, coastal wines, an expansive patio and breezy decor that will
instantly transport you to the Italian Riviera.

RL Restaurant

115 E Chicago Ave, Chicago

Located adjacent to the Ralph Lauren Chicago flagship store on Michigan Avenue, RL Restaurant features the vision and décor of Ralph Lauren in a modern club atmosphere. RL Restaurant offers classic American cuisine inspired by Ralph Lauren’s personal favorites.

Rose Mary

932 W Fulton St, Chicago

Located in the historic Fulton Market district of Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood, Rose Mary is Chef/Owner Joe Flamm’s debut restaurant inspired by his Italian heritage and the bold, bright flavors of Croatian cuisine.

"Top Chef winner Joe Flamm's Midwest-meets-Mediterranean restaurant is a love letter to Adriatic soul food," OpenTable editors said.

Topo Gigio

1516 N Wells St, Chicago

This cozy, charming eatery has been a local favorite for over 35 years, topping "Best of" lists consistently. The menu at Topo Gigio is a feast for the senses, with fresh, flavorful food, expertly prepared and artfully plated. It includes fabulous antipasto plates and crispy calamari appetizers, fresh, hearty salads, soups, pastas and traditional Tuscan favorites with a modern flair.

Valhalla

2020 West Division Street, Chicago

Valhalla is a culinary gem in Chicago's Wicker Park, offering a unique gastronomic journey where modern elegance meets global flavors. Each course, from ocean trout lumpia to vibrant seafood ceviche, highlights his mastery of flavor and technique.