Introduction to Chicago’s Culinary Scene
Chicago’s culinary scene beamed on the worldwide stage in 2025 as several restaurants received coveted honors. The awards covered a range of cuisines, neighborhoods, and price points, highlighting the diversity of the city’s dining landscape.
Award-Winning Restaurants
Here’s a roundup of several establishments that captured awards and what set them apart from others:
In September, the New York Times released its list of "America’s Best Restaurants" for 2025, and two Chicago establishments made the cut. Sanders BBQ Supply, at 1742 W. 99th St. in Beverly, and Latin restaurant Cariño, at 4662 N. Broadway Ave. in Uptown, scored spots on the list.
A Chicago steakhouse received coveted honors in a separate ranking; Asador Bastian, at 214 W. Erie St. in River North, was named the top North American establishment on the list of "101 World’s Best Steak Restaurants," a London-based organization that ranks global chophouses.
New Establishments in the Spotlight
Some of the city’s newer establishments also gained places in the national spotlight.
In early December, two Chicago restaurants were deemed among the "Best New Restaurants in America" for 2025 by popular magazine Esquire.
Not all states saw restaurants make the list, but Illinois did — and they were both in Chicago.
The annual list, which is made up of 33 restaurants, includes Mirra in Bucktown and Pizz’Amici in West Town.
Mirra combines Indian and Mexican cooking, with dishes like barbacoa lamb birayni and hamachi aguachile. For Pizz’Amici, editors wrote the "vibes are immaculate and the pies are perfect," and typically has a lined out the door.
Fine Dining Establishments
Late this year, a famous fine-dining establishment received a special nod.
Alinea placed at No. 1 on the Robb Report’s rankings of the 100 Greatest American Restaurants of the 21st Century, which were released in mid-November.
The esteemed spot garnered high praise from reviewers, including one who said, "“Alinea didn’t just serve dinner; it rewrote the playbook."
"Few restaurants have ever achieved that rare combination of intellectual ambition and emotional resonance—and sustained it for nearly two decades…" chef and reviewer Chintan Pandya said. "…At its best, the kitchen felt like a symphony—every element meticulously placed, every gesture intentional. It reminded us that technique only matters if it serves emotion.”
Eight other Chicago restaurants also made the Robb Report’s list.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Chicago’s culinary scene has proven to be a force to be reckoned with, boasting a diverse range of award-winning restaurants that cater to various tastes and preferences. From fine dining establishments like Alinea to newer restaurants like Mirra and Pizz’Amici, the city has something to offer for every food enthusiast.
FAQs
Q: Which Chicago restaurants were named among the "Best New Restaurants in America" for 2025?
A: Mirra in Bucktown and Pizz’Amici in West Town were named among the "Best New Restaurants in America" for 2025 by Esquire.
Q: What ranking did Alinea receive on the Robb Report’s list of the 100 Greatest American Restaurants of the 21st Century?
A: Alinea placed at No. 1 on the Robb Report’s rankings of the 100 Greatest American Restaurants of the 21st Century.
Q: How many Chicago restaurants made the Robb Report’s list of the 100 Greatest American Restaurants of the 21st Century?
A: Nine Chicago restaurants, including Alinea, made the Robb Report’s list of the 100 Greatest American Restaurants of the 21st Century.
