Best Solo Dining Restaurants in Chicago
50 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 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
9.1
A wood-smoke shack by the Calumet bridge that treats smoked seafood like the main event, not a side note. The move is to mix one smoked pick (shrimp or salmon) with a fried dinner so you get both the smokehouse depth and the just-dropped crunch in one haul.
Must-Try Dishes:
Smoked shrimp, Pepper & garlic smoked salmon, Fried catfish dinner
What Makes it Special: One of the city’s defining wood-smoked seafood counters.
9
Opened in 2014 in the heart of Chinatown, Strings Ramen Shop specializes in house-made noodles and a broad lineup of tonkotsu, shoyu, and miso ramen bowls. With thousands of multi-platform reviews and late hours, it’s the go-to Japanese noodle shop in 60616 for everything from Hell Ramen challenges to comforting bowls after a long day.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hell Ramen, Tonkotsu Ramen Super Premium, Kuro Buta Sausage
What Makes it Special: Flagship Chinatown ramen shop with house-made noodles and deep broth variety.
Notable Picks
#4
Au Cheval
8.9
Au Cheval is a dimly lit Randolph Street diner famous for one of Chicago’s most talked-about cheeseburgers, plus hearty plates and a deep beer list. Long waits are common, but locals still line up for rich, throwback comfort food in a bustling, bar-adjacent space.
Must-Try Dishes:
Single cheeseburger with egg and bacon, General Jane’s honey-fried chicken, Chopped chicken liver on toast
What Makes it Special: Burger-focused Chicago institution where diner classics get maximalist treatment.
Vibes:
Late Night Legends
Quick Bites Champions
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Carbon runs a late-hours counter-service taqueria where steak, barbacoa, and veggie tacos come off the grill fast for dine-in or takeout. Locals lean on it after games or late shifts for affordable plates, salsas with some heat, and reliable hours that stretch to 11 p.m. most nights.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak Taco, Barbacoa Taco, Veggie Taco
What Makes it Special: High-volume, late-night counter spot known for fire-grilled tacos at budget prices.
#6
Ramen Wasabi
8.9
Ramen Wasabi is a long-running Logan Square ramen shop where concentrated pork broths, springy noodles, and tightly edited toppings anchor some of the city’s most reliable bowls. The space is small, waits are common, and the focus stays squarely on rich, comforting ramen rather than a sprawling izakaya menu.
Must-Try Dishes:
Garlic Miso Ramen, Original Tonkotsu Ramen, Pork Buns
What Makes it Special: A ramen specialist where deep, porky broths have anchored the neighborhood for years.
8.8
Tucked on the second floor of 88 Marketplace in East Pilsen, 312 Fish Market is a sushi counter known for tuna flights, pristine nigiri, and a 17-course omakase that punches above its food-court surroundings. Opened in 2020 by Jackson Chiu and chef Joe Fung, it’s become one of the city’s most talked-about spots for higher-end fish without full fine-dining formality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tuna Flight, Chirashi Bowl, Spicy Octopus Hand Roll
What Makes it Special: Market-side sushi bar delivering near-omakase-quality flights inside 88 Marketplace.
8.8
Chicago Diplomat Cafe is a Georgian-focused spot on Lincoln where khachapuri, khinkali, and walnut-rich appetizers anchor long, share-heavy meals. With hundreds of strong reviews and a menu built for groups, it’s become the go-to hidden choice in Lakeview for anyone chasing serious khachapuri.
Must-Try Dishes:
Ajaruli khachapuri, Khinkali (meat dumplings), Cold appetizers mix
What Makes it Special: A rare Georgian kitchen in Chicago where bubbling khachapuri and dumplings headline a share-friendly menu.
8.8
Dirk’s is a long-running Lincoln Park seafood market and lunch counter where chef-owner Dirk Fucik has been sourcing pristine fish and shellfish since 2003. Regulars come for lobster rolls, bisques, and prepared seafood while stocking up on fillets and house-made marinades to cook at home.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lobster Roll, Lobster Bisque, New England Clam Chowder
What Makes it Special: A chef-driven fish market where impeccably fresh seafood and prepared plates sit side by side.
#10
Lula Cafe
8.8
Vibes:
Brunch Bliss Spots
Business Lunch Power Players
Trendy Table Hotspots
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Lula Cafe is Logan Square’s original market-driven cafe, long praised for seasonal plates, thoughtful brunch, and a menu with plenty of gluten-free-friendly options clearly marked. It’s a go-to for celiac-aware diners who still want creative cooking, strong coffee, and an always-busy neighborhood room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pasta Yiayia, Lula Breakfast Burrito, Baked French Feta
What Makes it Special: Pioneer Logan Square cafe with a deep track record of seasonal, often gluten-free-friendly cooking and an all-day neighborhood draw.
#11
Midōsuji
8.8
An eight-seat omakase tucked inside the Chicago Athletic Association, built around a chef’s-counter progression that blends Japanese ingredients with French technique. Expect a tightly paced, reservation-driven experience where composed hot and cold courses (plus rotating hand rolls) matter more than à la carte variety.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chickpea chawanmushi, Rock shrimp tempura, Rotating hand rolls
What Makes it Special: An intimate 8-seat omakase where Japanese ingredients meet French technique at a chef’s counter.
#12
Raisu Sushi
8.8
Raisu is an intimate Japanese restaurant in Irving Park/Albany Park where omakase and precise nigiri flights anchor a focused sushi menu. Fish is flown in regularly from Japan, and the room balances special-occasion polish with a relaxed neighborhood feel.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef’s Omakase Nigiri Flight, Raisu House Special Maki Roll, Spicy Tuna Maki Roll
What Makes it Special: Omakase-driven sushi with carefully sourced fish in a polished, intimate space.
#13
Akahoshi Ramen
8.7
Akahoshi Ramen is a reservation-driven noodle bar where Mike Satinover focuses on a short list of broths like Akahoshi miso and Midwest shoyu that feel engineered for balance and depth. The room is compact and minimalist, putting nearly all the attention on the bowls in front of you rather than on small plates or cocktails.
Must-Try Dishes:
Akahoshi Miso, Midwest Shoyu, Soupless Tantanmen
What Makes it Special: A tightly focused ramen shop where a handful of bowls receive near-laboratory precision.
#14
Friends Sushi
8.7
Friends Sushi is a long-running Near North sushi bar just off Michigan Avenue, known for generous special rolls, nigiri, and maki at prices that stay reasonable for the area. High review volume and steady crowds make it the default neighborhood choice for casual date nights and pre- or post-shopping sushi.
Must-Try Dishes:
FRIENDS roll, Yuzu Ceviche, Hamachi Carpaccio
What Makes it Special: High-volume sushi bar pairing creative special rolls with approachable pricing just off the Mag Mile.
8.7
Vibes:
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Trendy Table Hotspots
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Jimmy’s Pizza Cafe in Ravenswood is a New York–style slice shop where big, blistered pies and Sicilian squares fuel families, Little League teams, and neighborhood regulars. Lines move quickly, service is friendly at the counter, and the room stays casual enough for kids while still drawing serious pizza fans from around the city.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pepperoni slice with hot honey, Sicilian square cheese slice, Garlic knots
What Makes it Special: NY-style slices and Sicilian squares that stay kid-friendly but destination-worthy.
#16
Lao Peng You
8.7
Lao Peng You is a West Town Chinese noodle and dumpling shop founded in 2019 by brothers Daniel and Eric Wat, known for hand-made dough, deeply flavored broths, and long but worthwhile lines. The compact counter-service room works for casual dates or solo bowls when you want thoughtful takes on dan dan noodles and beef noodle soup. Expect a short menu focused on a few specialties rather than broad American-Chinese standards.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef Noodle Soup, Dan Dan Noodle, Pork & Chive Dumplings
What Makes it Special: Handmade noodles and dumplings in a small counter-service space with serious depth of flavor.
#17
mfk. Restaurant
8.7
An intimate, subterranean boîte earning eleven consecutive Michelin Bib Gourmand awards since 2014. Chef Alisha Elenz prepares refined Catalan and Basque coastal dishes with a seafood focus—think boquerones, fideos, and whole grilled prawns—in a 28-seat space with whitewashed brick and a devoted neighborhood following.
Must-Try Dishes:
Boquerones on Toast, Fideos with Mussels, Cataplana
What Makes it Special: Eleven consecutive Michelin Bib Gourmand awards with Jean Banchet Best Neighborhood Restaurant honors
#18
Omakase Yume
8.7
An intimate omakase counter that leans into precision, calm pacing, and thoughtful cooked accents alongside dressed nigiri. Best approached as a full chef-led progression—arrive hungry, stay present, and let the sequence build rather than trying to “optimize” with add-ons.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef’s omakase, Dressed nigiri progression (seasonal), Miso-marinated black cod (cooked course)
What Makes it Special: A small, reservation-first omakase built for focused, chef-led dining.
#19
Ramen-San
8.7
Ramen-San is a high-volume River North noodle joint from Lettuce Entertain You, serving tonkotsu, kimchi fried chicken ramen, and late-night fried rice alongside Japanese beer and whisky. Bowls lean rich and satisfying, and the hip-hop soundtrack and bar energy make it as much a casual night-out spot as a reliable ramen fix.
Must-Try Dishes:
10 Hour Tonkotsu, Kimchi & Fried Chicken Ramen, TanTan-San
What Makes it Special: High-energy ramen bar with late-night hours and serious volume-backed consistency.
8.7
Strings Ramen’s Lakeview outpost is a ramen-only specialist where handmade noodles, rich broths, and the city-famous Monster Hell challenge anchor the experience. DePaul and Lincoln Park regulars treat it as the default bowl for late-night cravings and delivery-friendly comfort.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tonkotsu Ramen with Kurobuta Pork, Monster Hell Ramen, Tokyo Shoyu Ramen
What Makes it Special: A ramen-only shop with house-made noodles and cult-favorite spicy bowls.
8.7
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
A North Center staple for more than three decades, Taqueria El Asadero focuses almost entirely on grilled skirt steak tacos, burritos, and other no-frills standards. The constantly sizzling plancha, fresh tortillas, and cash-only counter setup keep the line moving for both quick lunches and late-night takeout.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carne asada tacos, Lengua tacos, Steak burrito
What Makes it Special: Skirt steak is grilled nonstop for some of the area’s most beloved carne asada tacos.
8.7
The Bagelers Coffeehouse is a Lincoln Park staple for kettle-boiled bagels, house-made cream cheeses, and breakfast sandwiches that lean more craft café than corner deli. Locals use it as an all-day bagel and coffee stop, from work sessions at the communal tables to quick grab-and-go mornings.
Must-Try Dishes:
The Bageler breakfast sandwich, Sea salt bagel with giardiniera cream cheese, Cheddar jalapeño bagel with garlic chive spread
What Makes it Special: Kettle-boiled bagels with serious toppings and café-level coffee in one room.
8.6
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Late Night Legends
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Angela’s Burrito Style is a family-run counter spot famous for hulking California-style burritos, late-night hours, and fast-moving lines of bar-goers. It’s the move when you want a stuffed burrito or tacos at 2 or 3 a.m. without spending much or sitting down for a full service meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
California Burrito Grande, Carne Asada Burrito Grande, Steak Quesadilla with Meat
What Makes it Special: A late-night burrito counter turning out huge, California-style burritos until 5 a.m.
#24
Black Dog Gelato
8.6
Black Dog Gelato’s Damen Avenue shop is a small, always-busy counter turning out dense, chef-driven gelato in rotating flavors like goat cheese cashew caramel and seasonal dairy-free options. Locals treat it as the go-to scoop stop after dinner on Division or Damen, with a reputation for inventive combinations over endless toppings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Goat Cheese Cashew Caramel gelato, Mint Cookie gelato, Dairy Free Cranberry Orange Creamsicle
What Makes it Special: Chef-driven gelato with signature flavors like goat cheese cashew caramel in a compact neighborhood shop.
#25
Bonci
8.6
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
This Rome-born slice shop specializes in pizza al taglio, with trays of oblong, creatively topped pies cut to order and sold by weight. Locals use it for quick, high-flavor lunches or casual dinners when they want variety and crispy, airy crusts without a full sit-down experience.
Must-Try Dishes:
Potato & Mozzarella al taglio slice, Sausage & Mushrooms slice, Margherita al taglio slice
What Makes it Special: Roman-style pizza al taglio sliced by weight with ever-changing toppings.
#26
Bop N Grill
8.6
A Korean-inspired counter spot where the fries are a real ordering lane, not an afterthought—especially the kimchi fries that eat like a full dish. Come for the crisp-to-sauce balance and stay focused: one fry-forward item plus one grilled or fried protein keeps the meal tight and satisfying.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kimchi fries, Korean fried chicken, Bulgogi bowl
What Makes it Special: Kimchi fries that stay craveable instead of collapsing into mush.
#27
Del Seoul
8.6
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Del Seoul is a family-owned counter-service spot in Lincoln Park serving Korean street food staples like tacos, bibimbap, and kimchi fries at budget-friendly prices. Since 2010, it’s been the neighborhood’s go-to for quick Korean-inspired meals, heavy on flavor and light on formality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Kalbi Taco, Kimchi Fries, Dolsot Bibimbop (Hot Stone Bibimbap)
What Makes it Special: Family-run Korean street food counter known for tacos, kimchi fries, and fast, reliable service since 2010.
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Sweet Treats Escapes
Do-Rite’s West Loop outpost turns out small-batch, chef-driven donuts alongside fried chicken sandwiches in a compact counter-service space. Daily rotating flavors, strong coffee, and early hours make it a go-to for workers and locals chasing serious old fashioneds and fritters rather than novelty alone.
Must-Try Dishes:
Buttermilk Old Fashioned, Candied Maple Bacon donut, Michigan Apple Fritter
What Makes it Special: Small-batch donuts fried throughout the morning with serious attention to classics.
#29
Firecakes Donuts
8.6
Firecakes is a long-running River North donut shop turning out rich, creative donuts and ice cream sandwiches from early morning through late night. Lines move quickly at the walk-up counter, and the menu leans indulgent with flavors like pistachio old fashioneds and maple-glazed pineapple bacon rings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sicilian Pistachio Old Fashioned, Maple Glazed Pineapple Bacon Donut, Valrhona Chocolate Espresso Cake Donut
What Makes it Special: High-volume donut counter known for inventive flavors and late-night hours.
#30
goosefoot
8.6
A small, BYOB tasting-menu destination where the room stays intimate and the cooking runs seasonal, French-American, and detail-driven. It rewards diners who like long-form dining and are happy to let the kitchen steer, especially when the menu turns dessert-forward.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sunchoke soup, Duck breast, Pine bud custard
What Makes it Special: A true tasting-menu hideaway with BYOB flexibility and seasonal, chef-led progression.
#31
Gretel
8.6
Opened in 2020 by the team behind Little Bad Wolf, Gretel is a dark, whiskey-forward Logan Square gastropub where a heavily praised griddle burger shares space with pork belly nachos, oysters, and late-night snacks. The burger itself appears on multiple citywide best-of lists, and the room’s moody design makes it as viable for date night as for lingering bar dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Gretel Burger, Pork Belly Nachos, Oysters Rockefeller
What Makes it Special: A cocktail-and-whiskey-focused gastropub where one of the city’s most talked-about burgers lives in a cozy, late-night room.
#32
High Five Ramen
8.6
High Five is a basement-level ramen bar known for intense tonkotsu broths, slushy cocktails, and a tightly packed room that leans loud and lively. Long lines and limited seating keep it a destination for serious ramen fans and late-night industry crowds.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tonkotsu Bowl, Maitake Bowl, Shoyu Bowl
What Makes it Special: Subterranean ramen bar with big, porky broths and strong drinks.
#33
Oliver’s
8.6
Set in the former Acadia space, Oliver's is a 1930s Los Angeles–inspired supper club where a chef-driven cheeseburger shares the menu with roast chicken, seafood, and cocktails. Recent Michelin Guide attention and national coverage highlight a burger built on excellent beef, buttered sesame bun, and nuanced sauce.
Must-Try Dishes:
Oliver's Cheeseburger, Roast Chicken with pan jus, Truffle Gnocchi
What Makes it Special: A vintage-glam South Loop dining room where a meticulously built cheeseburger sits alongside Michelin-noticed cooking and cocktails.
8.6
Paulie Gee’s Wicker Park runs like a classic New York slice shop, slinging 20-inch pies and creative slices into the early-morning hours on weekends. It’s where neighborhood regulars and industry folks end the night with hot honey-drizzled pepperoni or crisp grandma squares.
Must-Try Dishes:
Hellboy Pepperoni Slice with Hot Honey, Vodka Roni White Pie, Garden Party Veggie Slice
What Makes it Special: NY-style slices and 20-inch pies served counter-style until bar close on weekends.
#35
Rudy’s Ramen
8.6
A focused ramen shop that wins on broth clarity and balance—rich enough to satisfy, but clean enough to finish without fatigue. Go classic tonkotsu (or the lighter version) and add one fried side; the kitchen’s best work is in that tight ramen-plus-bite rhythm.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy tonkotsu ramen, Tonkotsu lite ramen, Chicken karaage
What Makes it Special: Broth-driven ramen that stays balanced and finishable bowl after bowl.
8.6
Shang Noodle is a modern Streeterville spot where Taiwanese beef noodle soup, house-made hand-pulled noodles, and dim sum plates draw both hotel guests and locals. With cocktails, a long menu of stir-fries, and high-volume crowds, it functions as the neighborhood’s reliable all-purpose Chinese noodle house.
Must-Try Dishes:
Taiwan Beef Noodle Soup, Cumin Lamb, Mapo Tofu
What Makes it Special: High-volume noodle house where Taiwanese beef bowls and dim sum anchor the menu.
8.6
Silver Spoon Thai Restaurant is a compact, late-night Thai spot just off the Magnificent Mile, known for deeply flavored curries and noodle dishes served next to the Royal Thai Consulate. High-volume delivery traffic and steady dine-in business make it a reliable choice for pad thai, red curry, and other standards long after many neighboring kitchens close.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pad Thai, Red Curry with Chicken, Crab Rangoon
What Makes it Special: Authentic-feeling Thai cooking favored by consulate staff and locals with late-night hours.
8.6
A BYOB Andersonville sushi counter where chef-driven rolls and omakase-style pacing are the main draw, not a big dining-room production. Come with a plan—sit at the bar, let the chef guide the sequence, and treat the signature starter bites as part of the experience, not filler.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sushi Mike’s “Fish & Chips” (spicy tuna salsa chip), Chef’s choice omakase / tasting progression, Tuna truffle-style specials (ask what’s on)
What Makes it Special: BYOB sushi-bar energy with chef-led pacing and signature starter bites.
8.6
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Taqueria Tejupilco is a compact East Lakeview counter spot turning out street-style tacos, burritos, and sopes at genuinely budget-friendly prices. Delivery platforms show hundreds of 4.8-star ratings for its lengua, birria, and pastor, making it one of the most consistently praised cheap Mexican options in the neighborhood.
Must-Try Dishes:
Steak Taco, Pastor Burrito, Birria Taco
What Makes it Special: A tiny Broadway taqueria with 4.8-rated tacos and serious value.
#40
That's A Burger
8.6
A South Side classic with a menu that leans hard into turkey, salmon, and beef burgers cooked to order, plus fresh-cut fries that are part of the appeal. The best move is keeping it focused—one signature burger and fries—so you get the full hot-off-the-griddle payoff without a scattered order.
Must-Try Dishes:
Turkey Burger, Salmon Burger, Whammy Burger (Beef)
What Makes it Special: Turkey-and-salmon-forward burger lineup with fresh-cut fries as the standard side.
#41
Void
8.6
Void is a dimly lit Italian-American spot in Avondale where chef-owners rework red-sauce classics into playful plates like Spaghetti Un O’s and confit grilled octopus. The room feels equal parts neighborhood date-night and industry hang, backed by a sharp Lambrusco-heavy wine list and attentive service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spaghetti Un O’s with meatballs, Gnocchi in vodka sauce, Confit grilled octopus
What Makes it Special: Playful Italian-American cooking that turns comfort dishes into clever, chef-driven plates.
#42
A Tavola
8.5
Chef Daniel Bocik's converted house has delivered Northern Italian excellence since 1995, with his signature gnocchi in brown butter sage sauce earning a devoted following. The intimate candlelit rooms and ivy-covered patio create one of Chicago's most romantic Italian dining experiences.
Must-Try Dishes:
Gnocchi with Brown Butter Sage, Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe, Veal Saltimbocca
What Makes it Special: Nearly 30 years of Northern Italian excellence in a converted home with secluded garden patio
8.5
Au Levain Bakery & Cafe in North Center focuses on classic French laminated pastries, cakes, and a small cafe menu built around high-quality ingredients. Locals line up for croissants, kouign amann, and coffee in a bright counter-service space that works best for quick visits and small catch-ups.
Must-Try Dishes:
Plain croissant, Kouign amann, Breakfast sandwich on house English muffin
What Makes it Special: French-style laminated pastries with serious technique in a casual cafe.
8.5
Butcher & The Burger is a compact Lincoln Park burger counter where hand-cut Kennebec fries and cheese fries get the same attention as the custom patties. Regulars pair crisp fries (often with truffle mayo or cheese sauce) with build-your-own burgers in a casual, slightly cramped space that’s more about flavor than décor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Large Cheese Fry, Large Fries with Truffle Mayo, Custom Build-Your-Own Burger
What Makes it Special: Hand-cut Kennebec fries and cheese fries treated like headliners alongside custom burgers.
8.5
Flaco's Tacos is a fast-casual taco counter just off the Mag Mile, turning out house-marinated steak, al pastor, and chicken tacos with margaritas at student-friendly prices. Open since 2011 in this Gold Coast/Near North stretch, it’s the most broadly validated taco-specific stop in 60611 for a quick, satisfying plate.
Must-Try Dishes:
House-Marinated Steak Taco, Ancho Chicken Taco, Al Pastor Taco
What Makes it Special: Local mini-chain spot where the focus is straightforward, well-seasoned tacos and margaritas a block off Michigan Avenue.
#46
Longman & Eagle
8.5
A Logan Square gastropub with a six-room inn upstairs, Longman & Eagle helped usher in Chicago’s farm-to-table bar food era with meat-forward plates and serious whiskey. Brunch, late-night bites, and a Bib Gourmand history keep it relevant well over a decade after opening.
Must-Try Dishes:
Wild Boar Sloppy Joe, Fried Chicken and Waffles, Tongue Hash with Truffle Potatoes
What Makes it Special: A whiskey-focused inn and gastropub pairing serious cocktails with rich, creative bar fare.
8.5
A Scandinavian-leaning pastry counter where laminated dough and clean, not-too-sweet finishes are the main event. The move is to go bun-and-croissant first, then add one showpiece cake slice if you’re building a proper pastry run.
Must-Try Dishes:
Swedish princess cake, Cardamom bun, Ham and cheese croissant
What Makes it Special: Scandi-style pastries and cakes with meticulous lamination and balance.
#48
Nomonomo Sushi
8.5
Nomonomo Sushi is an intimate sushi bar off Milwaukee where a compact menu leans heavily on chef-driven nigiri, composed bites, and a more indulgent take on omakase. It reads as a quieter alternative to the city’s splashiest sushi counters while still bringing richer cuts, foie accents, and tightly plated rolls to the table.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chef’s Nigiri Omakase, Foie Gras Tuna Sushi, Kani Hotate Roll
What Makes it Special: A chef-run sushi room where omakase-style nigiri and richer cuts stay central.
8.5
A longtime Old Town standby since the 1970s, Old Jerusalem serves classic Palestinian and broader Middle Eastern staples in a compact, homey dining room. Locals come for plates of kebabs, shawarma, and vegetarian mezze that have stayed remarkably consistent over decades.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken shawarma plate, Falafel sandwich, Hummus with meat
What Makes it Special: Decades-old Old Town fixture for Palestinian and Middle Eastern comfort plates.
#50
Omakase Shoji
8.5
Omakase Shoji is an intimate omakase counter in Ukrainian Village where a small number of seats gather around the chef for a focused, seasonal progression of nigiri and composed bites. It’s a special-occasion destination for diners who want a slower, more deliberate sushi experience than neighborhood AYCE and roll-heavy spots.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal Omakase Nigiri Flight, Toro and Uni Course, Chef’s Daily Appetizer Trio
What Makes it Special: Tiny omakase counter focused on seasonal fish and a tightly choreographed tasting menu.