Best Restaurants for Foodies in Lower West Side

71 restaurants available nearby

1. il Carciofo

new

4.6

Exceptional(126)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • West Loop

Booked 140 times today

Located in the historic Fulton Market district of Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood, il Carciofo is a Roman Italian restaurant drawing inspiration from the restaurants and markets in one of Chef Joe's favorite cities, Rome. The restaurant offers a seasonal menu of elevated yet familiar Italian fare with traditional antipasti, Roman-style pizzas, hand-rolled pastas produced daily in a dedicated pasta lab and market-driven mains that highlight the season's bounty.

2. Girl & the Goat

4.8

Exceptional(14956)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary American • West Loop

Booked 224 times today

Girl & the Goat opened in 2010 with the goal of offering a menu of bold, flavorful dishes designed to share in a fun and lively atmosphere. To complement the experience, we offer a curated selection of wines from around the world, focusing on small producers, along with a rotating list of craft beers and a playful cocktail menu crafted by our bartenders. The ever-changing menu, driven by locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, features favorites like sautéed green beans, roasted oysters, crispy short ribs, and confit goat belly. While reservations are encouraged for the dining room, our bar welcomes walk-ins, adventurers, and those who prefer spontaneity.

3. Momotaro

4.6

Exceptional(3889)

Price: Expensive

• Japanese • West Loop

Booked 133 times today

Momotaro is a multi-level Japanese restaurant located in the West Loop. Led by Executive Chef Gene Kato, Momotaro has had the honor of being named Restaurant of the Year in both Chicago Magazine and Chicago Social. Under Kato’s leadership the restaurant has come to define the balance between traditional values and modern technique, blending the two in a science and art that has resulted in an authentic, innovative menu. The restaurant, designed by the world renowned AvroKO, also contains the subterranean Izakaya at Momotaro (a laid back, lively lower-level bar and restaurant reminiscent of the neon-lit haunts of trendy Tokyo neighborhoods) and an elegant second floor private space that overlooks the main dining room.

A photo of Bazaar Meat Chicago restaurant

4. Bazaar Meat Chicago

4.8

Exceptional(510)

Price: Very Expensive

• Spanish • River North (Chicago)

Booked 38 times today

STEAKHOUSE, REDEFINEDA carefully curated theater of shared plates, The Bazaar consistently wows its guests with ingeniously innovative cuisine, thoughtfully created cocktails, theatrical presentations, and attentive yet unfussy service. The Bazaar takes guests on a wild sensory adventure born of José’s Spanish roots, both traditional and avant-garde, in a bold, playful atmosphere where anything is possible. Each location is completely unique, adding a fresh, ever-evolving intrigue to the world of The Bazaar.Underneath sparkling crimson chandeliers designed to mimic the flames of a volcano, sit for a curated tasting menu that weaves from raw preparations to the prized vaca vieja, or ribeye aged to perfection. As the flames in the fire kitchen flicker, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind meal, from inventive takes on carpaccio to the most tender rotisserie-style meat. Beautiful private dining and events spaces available.

5. Duck Duck Goat

4.8

Exceptional(5614)

Price: Expensive

• Chinese • West Loop

Booked 186 times today

Chef Stephanie Izard brings her take on Chinese-American cuisine to Chicago's Fulton Market District with Duck Duck Goat, her third venture with Boka Restaurant Group. The menu features hand-pulled noodles, house-made dumplings, wontons, fried rice, and more, ensuring no diner leaves hungry. On weekends, Duck Duck Goat also offers a delightful dim sum brunch menu, perfect for starting the day with a creative twist on classic favorites.

A photo of Mercadito - River North restaurant

6. Mercadito - River North

4.6

Exceptional(6305)

Price: Expensive

• Mexican • River North (Chicago)

Booked 64 times today

We are the city’s top Mexican restaurant for authentic modern cuisine, specialty tequila and mezcal cocktails, located in the heart of River North. Our culinary team features popular Mexican dishes, including our signature tacos, as well as fresh salsa and guacamole, ceviche, esquites and more.Mercadito's lounge is nestled in the lower level of Mercadito. It offers a speakeasy-style experience with a chic and exclusive ambiance. The space features banquet-style booths and dim lighting that enhances the elegant wood furniture, creating an inviting and intimate atmosphere. Once inside, guests can enjoy the full Mercadito menu, with the same delectable cuisine and beverages that our restaurant is known for.

A photo of Le Colonial - Chicago restaurant

7. Le Colonial - Chicago

4.8

Exceptional(7925)

Price: Very Expensive

• Vietnamese • Gold Coast / Streeterville

Booked 99 times today

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. Celebrated restaurateurs Rick Wahlstedt and Joe King deliver exquisite attention to detail in the luxurious, classic, and romantic atmosphere Perched on Oak Street in Chicago’s Gold Coast. For special occasions, our private dining space provides a bespoke setting for unforgettable celebrations.

8. Bar Mar

4.5

Awesome(994)

Price: Expensive

• Spanish • River North (Chicago)

Booked 74 times today

Fresh oysters piled on mounds of sparkling ice. Ceviches that taste of the ocean. Chef José Andrés’ brilliant renditions of iconic seafood classics like fried calamari and lobster rolls. Located at the Bank of America Tower in Chicago, Bar Mar is a true celebration of the bounty of the sea, with modern takes on classics you know and love, festive cocktails, and a bright, beautiful space that interweaves the nautical with the elegant. Beautiful private dining and events spaces available.

9. River Roast

4.5

Awesome(3329)

Price: Expensive

• American • River North (Chicago)

Booked 39 times today

Situated on the iconic Chicago River with stunning views of downtown, River Roast is a lively social house and gathering place. The menu features contemporary American tavern fare with dramatic presentations of whole roasted chicken, whole roasted fish and slow roasted beef; all carved table-side. The food is handcrafted, yet rustic, with many plates designed for sharing. The bar offers a large selection of local beer, craft cocktails, beer, and wine. With one of the best patios in Chicago, River Roast is a great place to enjoy dining outside on a hot summer afternoon or a crisp fall evening. River Roast Private Events offers six spaces, all with spectacular views, for parties from 10 to 1,000. Saturday and Sunday features our Brunch menu from 11:00AM-3PM. We are open Mon-Fri for lunch and daily for dinner.

10. Boka

4.8

Exceptional(7188)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary American • Lincoln Park

Booked 110 times today

Michelin-starred Boka Restaurant has been a cornerstone of Chicago’s dining scene since 2003. In 2014, following a major renovation, Chef Lee Wolen joined as Executive Chef and Partner, quickly gaining critical acclaim. Named “Chef of the Year” by both Phil Vettel of the Chicago Tribune and Eater Chicago in 2014, and again in 2015, Lee has helped elevate Boka to new heights. The restaurant offers contemporary American cuisine that highlights seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms. The sophisticated yet inviting ambiance sets the stage for an exceptional dining experience, with daily-changing tasting menus that showcase timeless and seasonal American flavors.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

J
Jennie
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
One of the best meals and food experiences I've ever had. Everything was prepared to perfection, servers were knowledgeable and friendly, and the vibe was on point.
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Bazaar Meat ChicagoPrice: Very Expensive• Spanish• River North (Chicago)
•
4.8
J
JamesVIP
Chicago / Illinois •8 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Great dinner. The food and wine were sooooooo good and the wine was a great value. We got the artichoke, a zucchini pizza and two pastas. All were unreal. Our server was super attentive and not overbearing. We were originally seated near a door that was drafty and it was a cold night, I said something and we were immediately seated somewhere else that I wasn’t cold. Great service. Great restaurant. Will be back.
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il CarciofoPrice: Expensive• Italian• West Loop
•
4.6
OT
OpenTable DinerVIP
Canberra •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
I really enjoyed dining at girl & the goat. Their menu selections were spectacular, and they were able to accommodate those with dairy intolerance (which most restaurants are unable to do). Their food selections were great and flavorful, and their staff was friendly. I would definitely recommend the chicken or steak dishes.
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Girl & the GoatPrice: Moderate• Contemporary American• West Loop
•
4.8
J
JulieVIP
Chicago / Illinois •10 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Loved the many tasty vegetarian options. Everything our table had was excellent. Will definitely return.
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MomotaroPrice: Expensive• Japanese• West Loop
•
4.6
M
MerinVIP
Los Angeles •37 reviews
5.0
Dined on Jan 3, 2025
Service was great. They got us in early when we arrive too early before our reservation. Food was outstanding. We would go back again. love the vibe of this restaurant.
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Duck Duck GoatPrice: Expensive• Chinese• West Loop
•
4.8

Best Restaurants for Foodies in Lower West Side

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71 restaurants available nearby

1. il Carciofo

2. Girl & the Goat

3. Momotaro

4. Bazaar Meat Chicago

5. Duck Duck Goat

6. Mercadito - River North

7. Le Colonial - Chicago

8. Bar Mar

9. River Roast

10. Boka

See what locals rave about

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