Best Trendy Restaurants in West Loop (60607)
8 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: January 2026
Our Top Pick
Monteverde
In-house pastificio with handmade pasta made to order by James Beard-winning chef
Essential Picks
#1
Monteverde
9.3
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Birthday & Celebration Central
Trendy Table Hotspots
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
James Beard Award-winning Chef Sarah Grueneberg's handmade pasta destination where sheets are rolled, cut, and hung to dry in the open pastificio. Her signature cacio whey pepe and seasonal tortellini exemplify the tipica and atipica Italian traditions that have made this West Loop gem a MICHELIN-recognized institution since 2015.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cacio Whey Pepe, Pork Shank Ragu alla Napoletana, Stuffed Cabbage with Porcini Bolognese
What makes it special: In-house pastificio with handmade pasta made to order by James Beard-winning chef
#2
Smyth
9.2
Smyth is a three-Michelin-star tasting menu restaurant in the West Loop where John Shields and Karen Urie Shields build seasonally driven courses around Midwestern farms. The intimate dining room and highly choreographed service make it one of Chicago’s most serious destination dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Dungeness crab with kani miso and foie gras, Slow-cooked lamb shoulder with kelp marmite, Frozen tomato mousse dessert course
What makes it special: Three-Michelin-star tasting menu built around Midwestern farm relationships.
Notable Picks
#3
Rose Mary
8.9
Top Chef winner Joe Flamm's MICHELIN-recognized tribute to his Italian heritage and Croatian coastal cuisine creates what he calls 'Adriatic drinking food.' The charcoal hearth delivers smoky lamb and grilled meats while housemade tortellini djuvec and burek showcase the unique fusion that earned multiple 'Best New Restaurant' accolades.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tortellini Djuvec, Lamb with Blitva, Burek with Beef and Mozzarella
What makes it special: Unique Italian-Croatian fusion from a Top Chef winner with centerpiece charcoal hearth
#4
Aba
8.9
Aba is a high-energy rooftop spot in Fulton Market where modern Middle Eastern–leaning mezze, shawarma-spiced proteins, and a deep cocktail list are matched by one of the most polished patios in the city. Locals treat it as a go-to for celebratory dinners, brunch with out-of-towners, and nights where food and scene both matter.
Must-Try Dishes:
Whipped Feta with charred pita, Short Rib Hummus, Shawarma-Spiced Skirt Steak
What makes it special: Destination rooftop Mediterranean spot where polished mezze meets a lush, scene-y patio.
8.7
Stephanie Izard’s flagship packs a constantly busy dining room with shareable New American plates and a strong wine and cocktail program. The menu leans bold and playful, making it an all-purpose spot for groups, dates, and out-of-town visitors.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wood oven roasted pig face with sunny side egg, Goat empanadas with bright sauces, Sautéed green beans with fish sauce vinaigrette
What makes it special: High-energy pioneer of Randolph Street’s small-plates scene with big, gutsy flavors.
#6
Cabra
8.4
Perched atop The Hoxton, Cabra is Stephanie Izard’s Peruvian-inspired rooftop restaurant with skyline views and a bright, indoor-outdoor dining room. The menu leans into ceviches, anticuchos, and shareable plates that pair naturally with pisco cocktails and a South America-focused wine list.
Must-Try Dishes:
Duck Ceviche, Goat Empanadas, Chicken Thigh Anticucho
What makes it special: Colorful Peruvian rooftop with panoramic skyline views and shareable plates.
8.0
Time Out Market Chicago is a 50,000-square-foot food hall bringing together many of the city’s chefs and vendors under one roof, from burger counters to sushi, fried chicken, and global street food. Its dog-friendly front patio lets you sample multiple stands in one visit while your dog settles in at a sidewalk table.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mott Burger from Mini Mott, Duck Inn Dogs Chicago-Style Hot Dog, QXY Dumplings Soup Dumplings
What makes it special: Editorially curated food hall with multiple top Chicago vendors and a dog-friendly patio.
Worthy Picks
#8
Bar Siena
7.9
The two-story, 8,000-square-foot sibling to River North's Siena Tavern delivers approachable Italian street food on Restaurant Row. Custom pizza oven 'Bella' fires out solid pies while the expansive menu covers everything from burrata salads to short rib lasagna, making it the go-to for boozy brunch and late-night bites.
Must-Try Dishes:
Coppa Pizza, Burrata Stuffed Agnolotti, Short Rib Lasagna
What makes it special: Two-story Italian street food destination open until 3am weekends