Lincoln Park is that neighborhood in the North Side of Chicago, with myriads of lifestyles and cultures converging into a restaurant spectrum that’s filled with all the flavors you can think of.
From critically acclaimed spots and interesting bistros and bars to chic cafes and affordable diners, here are some of the best Lincoln Park restaurants you don’t dare miss!
1. Alinea
Touched by the godly hands of head chef and co-owner Grant Achatz, famous for his creative use of molecular gastronomy, Alinea stands atop the pantheon of Michelin-starred restaurants in the city (highly recommend his Netflix Chef’s Table episode).
Opened in 2005, this multi-award-winning fine dining restaurant continues to attract individuals with a penchant for modernist cuisine.
I mean, who doesn’t want to try the Grande Dame of Chicago’s haute cuisine?
Enjoy a tasting menu experience like no other, whether you’re at the Kitchen Table, The Gallery, or The Salon — three Alinea dining rooms offering distinct experiences of both fine dining and performance art.
Here, you have classics such as the perfectly marbled A5 wagyu procured straight from Japan, the Charred or arctic char made out-of-this-world by modern techniques, and the infamous edible helium balloon.
The line-up changes, of course, but what remains is Alinea’s nearly 2 decades of 3-star excellence, evident in how even one visit is more than enough to make your time one for the books…unforgettable.
Be sure to book in advance; you are basically competing with the rest of the world for a much-coveted seat inside this mecca where inventive recklessness is laced with culinary prowess.
What to order: Multi-Course Tasting Menu, Wine Pairing
Address: 1723 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614, United States
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2. North Pond
North Pond is a unique fine dining restaurant that highlights a soulful experience as you sit in tranquility in the heart of Lincoln Park — owning the majestic views of the dramatic Chicago skyline and the sanctuary all to yourself.
You are basically sitting on an important piece of history as the building was established in 1912 as a shelter for ice skaters before it was redesigned into the renowned restaurant.
The main dining room is highlighted by earthy hues of brown and cream, from floors to ceiling and anything in between. The colors perfectly preserve the cozy vibes befitting of a safe space.
North Pond takes the artistic and crafty approach to preparing their food, so prepare to be mind-blown at the quality of what they offer.
Surrender yourself to their Seasonal Tasting menu, featuring the best of local produce and the freshest ingredients at the height of their season, on top of impeccable service from friendly staff.
Some outstanding dishes include the Golden Gazpacho with Busan crab salad and tempura crab leg, the Foie Gras with kale, Cahokia “dirty” brown rice, and spinach aioli, and a Wagyu with bruleed bone marrow, radish, and Vietnamese herbs. Divine!
What to order: Seasonal Tasting Menu, Wine Pairing, Brunch Tasting
Address: 2610 N Cannon Dr, Chicago, IL 60614, United States
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3. Riccardo Trattoria
As a Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient for three years in a row, Riccardo Trattoria is the kind of Italian place where you will leave with a sense of satisfaction, of having eaten such good food at such a reasonable price.
This cozy and casual place offers authentic Northern Italian food inspired by regional ingredients.
The Fried Calamari & Red Prawns is a delightful starter dish. The calamari rings and prawns are fried to golden and have a nice crunch to them without being chewy or rubbery.
The puttanesca sauce on the side is both sweet and salty and makes the perfect pairing.
Riccardo Trattoria serves top-class veal dishes, and two of our favorites are the Milk Fed Veal Chop and the Veal Shank Ossobuco.
The veal chop is simple, juicy, and to die for. You can choose from three different sauces – roast au jus, milanese, and emilana.
We recommend the roast au jus to make your veal rich and full of flavor.
To end your night on a sweet note, go with the Panna Cotta.
Simple, delicate, light, and creamy, with an acidic touch from the passion fruit coulis, this dessert is ethereal, to say the least.
What to order: Fried Calamari & Red Prawns, Milk Fed Veal Chop, Gnocchi, Veal Shank Ossobuco, Panna Cotta
Address: 2119 N Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60614
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4. Mon Ami Gabi
If you’re looking for the perfect venue for anniversaries, birthdays, corporate dinners, and other special events, look no further than Mon Ami Gabi.
Everything here screams sophistication and charm, from the fancy lighting to the elegant bar and intricately decorated interior.
Now, you might think you need to come in a dress or suit, but you’re wrong. Here, you can be yourself and get comfortable with elegance!
Plus, an outside patio with all the exciting decorations and a facade that screams Parisian — it’s as if you are looking at a restaurant front in France!
Mon Ami brings you closer to French cuisine, particularly with their French Onion Soup elevated to the next level perfection by the Gruyere cheese and the Steak Frites, a savory thinly cut steak with classic herb butter. Exceptionally good!
Nothing beats a good sip of wine as an ender to this fantastic night…cheers!
What to order: Onion Soup Au Gratin, Escargots de Bourgogne, Caviar, Steak Frites Classique, Filet Mignon, Wine
Address: 2300 N Lincoln Park W, Chicago, IL 60614, United States
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5. Sapori Trattoria
Italian cuisine never fails to amaze. Sapori Trattoria holds a special place in Lincoln Park as one of the go-to places if you’re craving authentic Italian dishes in Chicago.
Inside is a show of beautiful lights and intricate design that blends perfectly with the ambiance of warmth and cozy. Of course, you can’t help but look at the beautiful silver ceiling from time to time.
I highly suggest you try their Vitello Meatballs in marinara and ricotta, that’s light and packed with flavor, and the Bucatini Carbonara tossed with pancetta, egg yolk, and cream that enhances the taste of the homemade pasta.
Finish your Sapori experience with their Vanilla Mascarpone with honey-poached mangoes, candied walnuts, and mint… leaving your taste buds in great awe!
What to order: Vitello Meatballs, Bucatini Carbonara, Cappellacci di Zucca, Vanilla Mascarpone
Address: 2701 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614, United States
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6. Boka
Boka sets the bar high; it would be an understatement to say that they are one of those restaurants you should never miss in your entire life.
This critically acclaimed restaurant has several awards under their belt. I mean, with a trifecta of phenomenally executed food, impeccable service, and beyond aesthetically tasteful vibes, Boka checks all the boxes!
Feel the classy and cozy atmosphere as you become mesmerized in their interior design that goes away with one choice over the other. Here, you have candles and lights, brick walls and smooth surfaces, black and white — all in a peacefully inviting ensemble.
There’s no question that food at Boka is transcendence.
The Hokkaido Scallops are melt-in-your-mouth bliss that brings out the flavors blessed by the gods of the sea.
Boka’s Beef Tartare will make you believe that the beef marries the vegetables with how well they go together.
Or, you could go all out with their tasting menu featuring 7 courses highlighting seasonal American fare. You’ll understand how they got 6 consecutive Michelin stars. Wow.
What to order: Beef Tartare, Scallops, Whipped Cheesecake
Address: 1729 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614, United States
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7. Del Seoul
Korean food alone is enough to trap you in its grasp; what more if you have a Korean restaurant that fuses with other flavors of the world — and they are damn good at it?
Del Seoul is a tiny gem with limited space, but the quality of their food is more than enough to compensate for the number of seats — take-outs are very serious here.
So, don’t pass up on their Korean tacos, particularly the one with shrimp. It’s outrageously good, with all the right flavors of tasty marinade and fresh ingredients.
Their Chicken Wings is a step ahead of everyone else in the game — an outburst of flavor in every bite.
It’s a bit spicy, but not so much that you’ll curse the spice gods. If any, you’ll be thankful instead!
Take the wings with the Seoul-Style Street Dumpling, and you will be reborn. What did they put in those little white pieces of heavenly bliss?
What to order: Shrimp Tacos, K-Town Chicken Wings, Seoul-Style Street Dumplings, Bulgogi Bento
Address: 2568 N Clark St, Chicago, IL, United States
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8. Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba!
Not many restaurants can live up to the hype surrounding them, but Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba makes sure to go beyond what’s expected.
One thing is for sure, Cafe Ba-Ba-Reeba shifted the air in Chicago — everyone now loves Spanish small plates and tapas!
Outside is as simple as you get, but inside are different rooms to choose from. The sun room is an array of dining tables set in bricked walls and a huge circular mirror, all looking up to a white roof.
Then, you have the bar area with all different kinds of drinks and hanging slabs of meat.
The cafe also features Spanish-inspired artwork and charcuterie boards surrounding an open kitchen where you can see the action in real time.
All menu items are winning pieces, but I highly suggest you try their Roasted Dates Wrapped in Bacon – surrender yourself to the mercy of apple cider vinaigrette working magical wonders to the flavors of dates and bacon!
Other must-orders include the Handmade Beef Empanada and the Paella de Mariscos — both have amassed loyal fans of their own.
Lastly, cap everything off with a sip of Passion Fruit Sangria…heaven!
What to order: Roasted Dates Wrapped In Bacon, Handmade Beef Empanada, Paella de Mariscos Passion Fruit Sangria
Address: 2024 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL, United States
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9. Evette’s Lincoln Park
Evette’s is a grandson’s way of showing off his Teta’s hospitality and love for food.
Simple in teal, the small restaurant is unpretentious. But don’t let this simplicity lead you to think the same can be said for their food. Because you’re entirely wrong.
With that said, it’s a grave mistake to miss their Super Garlic Feta Fries, Steak Shawarma, and Halloumi Tacos!
The fries are the epitome of the ideal crispness, and the feta adds an interesting layer of flavor.
The Steak Shawarma Wrap needs no introduction, to be honest. Savory union of meat, condiments, and sauce wrapped in a Lebanese Pita’s tight embrace.
Or, you may try Evette’s Plate: a choice of shawarma served with couscous, fries, and salad. Yum!
Then you have the Halloumi Tacos dressed with jalapeno tabouli and whipped feta. I couldn’t agree more with The New York Times on this one — ”ingenious!”
What to order: Steak Shawarma Wrap, Gyro Shawarma Wrap, Super Garlic Feta Fries
Address: 350 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60614, United States
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10. Toro Sushi
Who says good sushi can only be found in Japan when you have a whole Toro Sushi in Lincoln Park?
This popular sushi spot may be small, but incredibly renowned due to its high-quality sushi featuring fresh fish, traditional techniques, and interesting naming.
The interior encapsulates the whole sushi vibes, no frills, just pure comfort while enjoying your food over BYOB drinks and laughter.
Their extensive menu offers many good choices, but I’ve fallen head over heels for their signature rolls, including El Fuego with tuna, yellow tail, tobiko, and jalapeno,
So Fresh, So Clean with salmon, white tuna, and cilantro, and the Oh My God with mango, cucumber, avocado, and cream cheese.
The Lunch Bento is pieces of heaven in a box with the classic miso soup, salad, and rice.
Whether you dine inside or take out, there’s no doubt everything from Toro is exceptionally delish!
What to order: El Fuego, Oh My God, So Fresh So Clean, Spicy Salmon Skin Hand Roll, Beef Teriyaki
Address: 2546 N Clark St, Chicago, IL, United States
11. Range
To dine at Range is to appreciate contrasts: the setting is low-key yet upscale, the service is attentive but not intrusive, and the food is portion sizes yet reasonably priced.
The ambiance is intimate, with the right choice of music and warm candlelight to set up the mood. The tables are ideally arranged to preserve privacy in a room filled with people.
The restaurant’s commitment to the farm-to-table approach allows them to help local farmers and suppliers and ensures only the freshest ingredients are used in all items on the menu.
With that said, the menu depends on the best catch and harvests of the season, so some favorites are limited editions.
But whatever the Range puts on the table is off the charts!
For instance, the Range Platter is a must-order charcuterie with hard and soft cheeses and meats with baguette toast. The Buffalo Cauliflower is flavorsome and light, the perfect appetizer if you will.
Another can’t-miss is the Range Burger — grass-fed beef patty, caramelized onions, 6yr yellow cheddar, and burger sauce hugged in a toasted bun. You thought all burgers were created equal until this one!
What to order: Range Platter, Range Burger, Buffalo Cauliflower
Address: 1119 W Webster Ave, Chicago, IL, United States
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12. D Cuisine
You might think it’s hard to find a no-fail Chinese restaurant outside Chinatown, but D Cuisine is living proof you’re wrong.
This small restaurant serves dim sum all day, whether you’re craving some siu mai at 3PM or early morning chow mein. Chef Fang Yu makes all the dim sum in-house daily, executing every dish with great mastery.
They have a limited number of seats, but it doesn’t really get crowded all the time, so you can still enjoy your food without being pressed for time.
D Cuisine has a wide array of delicious items, ranging from classic Cantonese fare to Ameri-Chinese selections.
But what stands out are their Dim sum, particularly Siu Mai and Shrimp Dumpling, as well as General Tso’s Chicken and Yang Chow Fried Rice.
General Tso’s Chicken is an orange chicken plus a secret ingredient and preparation technique only Chef Yu knows. The fried rice is perfectly cooked and extremely flavorful — everything is just so savory!
What to order: Siu Mai, Shrimp Dumpling, General Tso’s Chicken, Yang Chow Fried Rice
Address: 2723 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60614, United States
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13. MEDI
A modern yet eclectic restaurant, Medi is the brainchild of the team behind Ken Zaman.
In wanting to bring a more authentic feeling, they envision the restaurant showcasing what they eat in their hometown.
The Tuscan-style villa was home to the Italian Bice for more than 20 years before it was revamped in 2010 to give way to Medi.
An ode to Lebanese and Mediterranean classics, the restaurant leans on the side of tradition, but the interior space embraces contemporary decor and pop culture.
Vibrant colors from plant ornaments, intricate patterns on tiled walls, various paintings, and decorative lighting make the best place to chill and enjoy food, drinks, and music.
Artistic is to Medi’s interior, while delectable is to their food. Start with the Hummus and the Baba Ghanoush for a mindblowing entrance into the Middle Eastern realm of flavors.
The Falafel Benni has smashed falafel with two eggs and parsley tahini sauce, the best way to set the day’s mood.
If you’re visiting for lunch or dinner, don’t pass up on Medi’s Shawerma, featuring skirt steak from a vertical rotisserie and the Beef Kabob with prime quality aged tenderloin marinated in the best-kept-secret family recipe.
What to order: Baba Ghanoush, Beef Shawerma, Hummus, Beef Kabob, Shish Tawook, Fairouz Cocktail
Address: 2138 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL, United States
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That ends this essential list of Lincoln Park restaurants to visit. We know you can’t wait to try them out soon! See you, yeah?
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How We Create Our “Best” Lists
All Noms Magazine’s “best” lists are created using multiple factors and signals to help readers find the best restaurants, things to do, and places to stay at. Some of these factors and signs include personal experiences, correspondence with locals, and compiling experiences from review sites.
Each list is also created to be balanced (in terms of price, cuisine type, ambiance, and more) as possible. This means that the lists are not specifically created in ranking order. You should be comfortable picking from any of the spots on the list and generally have a good time. But of course, YMMV (your mileage may vary) and everyone may have different experiences/palates.