Best Trendy Restaurants in Rogers Park
5 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Khmai
Cambodian fine dining pacing with standout skewers and bright, layered soups.
Notable Picks
#1
Khmai
8.7
A reservation-forward Cambodian dining room where skewers, curries, and noodle builds land with polish and real intensity. For a special occasion, order across textures—crispy starters, grilled meats, and a bright, tart soup—so the meal reads like a full arc, not a single lane.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef skewers, Tamarind short rib soup, Curry noodle bowl
What Makes it Special: Cambodian fine dining pacing with standout skewers and bright, layered soups.
8.4
An Italian neighborhood room with a chef-driven streak—Roman-style pizzas and pasta cones that skew richer than they look. It’s at its best when you split one pizza and commit to one signature pasta build, letting the kitchen’s comfort instincts carry the meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tortellini vodka pasta cone, Squid ink pasta, Roman-style pizza
What Makes it Special: Roman-style pizza plus playful, rich pasta cones.
8.3
A seafood-leaning Mexican spot where the kitchen’s comfort zone is ocean-forward: grilled shrimp, fish, and octopus preparations that feel built for sharing. Bring a group, order one ceviche-style starter plus a hot platter, and let the proteins carry the meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ceviche, Camarones a la diabla, Pulpo (octopus) plate
What Makes it Special: Mexican seafood focus with strong neighborhood traction.
#4
AKAY Tacos
8
A modern-leaning Rogers Park taqueria where the best hits are built around richer, dunk-ready tacos and careful meat prep. Order with intention—one standout specialty plus one classic taco—so the meal stays focused and the flavors don’t blur together.
Must-Try Dishes:
Quesabirria tacos, Lengua tacos, Al pastor tacos
What Makes it Special: Specialty tacos (especially quesabirria) with a newer-school polish.
Worthy Picks
7.8
A newer-school counter spot near Loyola that’s all-in on soft-scrambled egg builds—brioche sandwiches and rice bowls that eat like brunch without the sit-down time. It’s strongest when you pick one signature lane (sandwich or bowl), add hash browns, and keep the rest minimal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak & egg sandwich, Bacon egg brioche sandwich, Japanese curry bowl
What Makes it Special: Soft-scrambled egg sandwiches and bowls built for fast brunch.