Our Team’s Top Meals of 2025

via Tre Dita

It’s a tough job, but someone has to eat all the amazing meals in Chicago! We are out and about in the Chicago food world all year long, visiting new restaurants and trying the latest in food and drink across the city and suburbs. And though we rarely have a bad meal in our outstanding food city, there are always those that stand out from the crowd. After a lot of reminiscing and laying claim to favorites, these are the 2025 meals that we’re still talking about in throughout 2026…

Kaleigh Glaza, Co-Founder

Good Time, Great Food Pick: Omakase On Me

I will never shut up about this place! Omakase On Me is a speakeasy style dining experience like no other - From the creative and delicious sushi presentations to the enthusiastic team who makes you feel like you’re at the best house party ever! Each course is presented with joy and expertise and their team is just the kindest, best group of industry people around.

Chicago Classic Pick: Sun Wah BBQ

I’ve had this Hong Kong style Chinese barbecue spot in Uptown on my list for YEARS and finally went for a birthday Peking Duck feast! Their duck dishes have been famous for 40 years thanks to very reasonable prices on authentically delicious cuisine. Bring a group and get ready to DIG. IN.

via Modern Bird

New Opening Pick: Cerdito Muerto

Though the restaurant itself is new, the building where you’ll find Cerdito Muerto has been a part of Pilsen since the 1850’s. Once the owner’s childhood home, it’s now his chance to showcase creative cocktails and unique twists on classic Mexican dishes (think Duck Nachos, Roasted Carrot Tacos and a double patty Hamburguesa Aplastada) in an intimate space that welcomes one and all. Absolutely a must-visit!

Out of Office Pick: Modern Bird in Traverse City

If you have a Traverse City trip coming up, you need to make a visit to Modern Bird! The brain child of two former Chicago chefs with Michelin experience, this restaurant feels unpretentious and tastes out of this world. They take simple dishes like house bread and Fried Chicken but add exciting elements and tasteful plating that really make the menu stand out.

via Monteverde

Laura Goodman, Co-Founder

New Opening Pick: Creepies

I love, love, LOVE Anna and David Posey’s food and have been a huge fan of Elske since it opened. So, when I heard Creepies was opening, I know I had to check it out! Everything was deliciously rich, but the French Fries were unreal and the Meringue Cake was to die for.

Forever Favorite: Monteverde

I always order the pastas at Monteverde, but on a cold night last year, I decided to order the Bistecca Alla Fiorentina. It was one of the best steaks I have ever had! It’s proof that it pays to step out of your comfort zone. 

Meal with a View Pick: Tre Dita

I know, I know… Tre Dita made it on my list last year, but this year, on a recent visit, I tried the Lemon Pasta and still can’t stop thinking about it. It was so simple and delicious and the pasta itself was cooked to perfection.

Out of Office Pick: Mawn in Philadelphia

Philly is such an underrated food city, and every bite I tried here was incredible. I loved their head-on shrimp. Just go for lunch, wait in line, and order the whole menu!

Robyn Glaza, Social Media Manager

Not So Basic Beer-Lovers Pick: Moody Tongue

The South Loop’s Moody Tongue is the first brewery to earn not one but TWO Michelin stars, which is reason enough to visit. Their huge space features a bar and taproom area where you can enjoy seasonal taps and a la carte menu items, but it’s their 10-course tasting menu with beer pairings that truly provides a one of a kind experience. As a non-beer drinker, I was still blown away by every single eclectic pour - perfectly complementing each tasting menu course. The staff is extremely knowledgeable and helpful, with each course and pour perfectly timed and explained. I mean, how many people can say they had a 10-course, Michelin-starred tasting menu at a brewery?!

via Crying Tiger

Nostalgic, Family Vibes Pick: Ila’s

I love a menu that takes classic dishes then adds their own flair, and you can find a lot of those dishes on Ila’s menu. They took Chicago favorites and put their own spin on it, all while keeping the pricing extremely fair. The Tokyo Street Dog pays homage to the Chicago-dog but includes lavish additions like spicy wasabi mustard and pickled veggies and the Italian Beef with braised short rib and house-made giardiniera could put Portillos to shame. Yeah, I said it!

New Opening Pick: Crying Tiger

Newly opened this year, Crying Tiger needs to be on every Chicagoans ‘must visit’ list for the food, cocktails, and immaculate vibes. The whole restaurant is an experience for the senses, including opulent + colorful decor and design, bold + flavorful South Asian fare and crisp hand-crafted cocktails. Their menu is meant for sharing, which means you get to try a LOT in just one meal, and my “must try” recommendations are the Hamachi Crudo starter which will literally melt in your mouth and the Crispy Confit Duck + Roasted Panang Curry, which is packed with rich flavors and sultry notes. (Also, pro tip… Ladies, make sure you go to the bathroom at least once because the design is cooler than most restaurants…)

via Wolf in the Woods

Out of Office Pick: Wolf in the Woods in San Diego

I cannot say enough amazing things about San Diego’s Wolf in the Woods. It was rated ‘Best Restaurant in San Diego’ last year and truly lived up to the hype. Its small, intimate space tucked right in the heart of a suburban neighborhood gave off a lovely unpretentious vibe which I loved. The menu focuses on shared plates, each one absolutely packed with creativity and bold flavors. My favorite dishes were the Sweet Corn + Pinon Soup which was comfort in a bowl and the Steak Tartare which was equal parts fresh and spicy thanks to an amazing horseradish cream.

Emma Watson, Designer

New Opening Pick: KAMA West Loop

Bold flavors, sultry lighting, and one of the best Gin & Tonics I’ve ever had—this is date night done right. Kama brings excitement to the table in a way that feels playful but still polished. Do not, under any circumstances, skip the stuffed naan with fenugreek butter (it disappears fast), and the coconut risotto with jumbo lump crab, harissa, and tamarind is the kind of dish you keep talking about long after the check arrives.

via Spinning J

Family Favorite Pick: Spinning J Bakery

There’s a reason we go every other Saturday. Spinning J is one of those places that becomes part of your routine—and your personality. From the city’s best quiche and cinnamon rolls to award-winning pie and craveable breakfast and lunch sandwiches, every baked good hits. The soda-fountain charm, the loveliest staff, and pastries so good my three-year-old will happily stand in line rain or shine.

Date Night Pick: Le Sud

A longtime neighborhood favorite for very good reason. Tucked away in Roscoe Village, Le Sud feels like stepping into a cozy hideaway—without leaving Chicago. The French Onion Soup is deeply comforting, and the Pan-Seared Duck might just be one of the best I’ve ever had. Award-winning French-Mediterranean cooking that feels warm, familiar, and effortlessly special.

Out of Office Pick: Locoz Tacoz Taqueria in St. Louis

If tacos are your love language, consider this destination required. Locoz Tacoz serves up Mexican favorites—street tacos, tortas, burritos, fresh juices, and margaritas, but it’s the al pastor that steals the show. Juicy but with just the right amount of kick, all wrapped in homemade tortillas. This spot is proof that the best food is often found where you’d least expect it.