Best Restaurants, Must Try Places in Rogers Park

"Alinea’s website is clear: “Alinea is not a restaurant.” On top of delicious food, Alinea promises a performance, a spectacle of modern cuisine, and “a serving of emotions” over a modest three- to five-hour dinner of 18 to 22 courses. And ever since Head Chef Grant Achatz was featured on Netflix’s Chef’s Table, the restaurant’s notoriety has exploded. Alinea plays with the presentation (driftwood topped with seaweed), sensory experience (an edible helium balloon made of green apple taffy), and sound."

"Alinea is probably the most important restaurant on this list!. It’s one of only a handful of restaurants in the U.S. to hold the coveted Michelin 3-Star rating. It’s been named ‘Best Restaurant in America’ three times."

"Believe the hype and secure tickets—yes, tickets—well in advance. Chicago's most exciting restaurant demands an adventurous spirit and a serious...Read More"

"West LoopWhen this West Loop pioneer opened back in 2003, the elegant yet approachable eatery quickly made a name for itself thanks to sleek communal tables, a forward-thinking wine list, and, most importantly, the juiciest medjool date dish the Midwest had ever encountered. Plump dates undergo the full hog treatment here, plied with spiced chorizo sausage before being wrapped in a thick slab of bacon, fired until crisp and crackling, and doused in a warm piquillo pepper tomato sauce that practically demands a hunk of good, freshly baked bread. Don’t think, just order.How to book: Reserve via Tock or order take-out and delivery via DoorDash, GrubHub, and Caviar."

"West LoopThis long-revered Mediterranean-influenced fixture from One Off Hospitality has held it down as one of the area’s go-to date night spots since opening its minimalist doors back in 2003, well before many of us could even define romance. And not much has changed -- the wine list is still spectacular, the chorizo-stuffed medjool dates are still iconic, and a reservation for the intimate front patio is still highly coveted."

"Like your mom and Wrigley Field, just because they've been around for a while, it doesn't mean they've lost a bit of luster. The Mediterranean-meets-the-Midwest avec has been a Chicago favorite for 16 years despite the hundreds of upstarts that come and go in the West Loop. And with good reason."

"This veggie-centric stir fry spot has locations in River North and the Loop. Guests can order bowls like “Everyday Eat Right” (Thai basil, brown rice, onions, broccoli, peppers, carrots, choice of protein) and “Earth, Curry and Fire” (chili coconut curry, white rice, kale, onions, carrots, peppers, crispy egg, choice of protein). For those who prefer to cook at home, Brightwok also sells five-minute meal kits for two or four people."

"I've had to come into the office once a week and have had lunch at BrightWok on Adams each time. The food is always so ..."

"Toro Sushi, located in Lincoln Park, is one of the few BYOB sushi restaurants in the city. Owner and sushi chef Mitch greets every customer at this small, intimate space, and if you sit at the counter, he just might make you a few custom rolls based on your preferences. Rolls range from the familiar (California, spider) to the unusual (bbq chicken or tuna with mozzarella cheese) but all are delicious and made with only the freshest, highest quality fish."

"Toro sushi is the place to be if you love Sushi but don’t enjoy paying a premium price at a top eatery. Their assortment of very high-quality Sushi will make you come back for more. The sushi rolls are as varied as it gets in addition to their great taste."

"Take your patience and a six pack of Sapporo to Toro Sushi in Lincoln Park. The small BYOB sushi spot frequently has a line waiting outside, and for good reason. Toro is not your typical Clark St sushi spot."

"I really like S.K.Y. in Pilsen, so I’m not too surprised that I really like the food at Apolonia - a new mostly Mediterranean restaurant in the South Loop that’s from the same team. Like its sibling, the menu is wide-ranging with a bunch of influences. I ate everything from mussels on toast (wonderful) to truffle puff bread (also wonderful, but a little hard to tear apart and share) to larger dishes like grilled prawns with corn relish and hibiscus romesco (guess what? Wonderful again.) Also, this place has some truly delicious pastas - like the fiorentini topped with a rich pork sugo."

"Apolonia’s menu collects flavors from Europe and the Mediterranean, from grilled branzino with olives and fennel to delicate scallop tagliatelle (with pasta made in-house, of course). This South Loop spot also brings a thoughtful approach to its bar stocked with more than 75 wines, a selection of vermouths by the glass, and showstopping cocktails, such as the creme de violette-tinged Fight or Flight, whose coupe is rimmed with beautiful edible flowers. 2201 S Michigan Ave.; (312) 363-2431 or apoloniachicago.com"

"Stephen Gillanders’s much-anticipated new restaurant near McCormick Place debuted in April and the results have been impressive. The bright and airy space centers on European-Mediterranean cuisine and hosts brunch service on weekends. Enjoy refined versions of bucatini carbonara, frittata Florentine, salade Lyonnaise, and more."

"Holy Trinity is on the National Register of Historic Places and is a Chicago Landmark and is the oldest Orthodox parish in Chicago. Its unique style is typical of Slavic provincial architecture. Designed by Louis Sullivan, it is the famous architect’s only remaining church in Chicago and one of just two in the world."

"The Roman Catholic Parish on West Adam Street is one of the few buildings that survived the Great Chicago Fire of 1871. This church is considered a cornerstone of Irish Culture in Chicago, where God’s grace is demonstrated- amidst the bustle. It is also an important landmark that preserves history."

"Address: 700 W Adams StSaturday Mass Times: 11:00am, 1:00pm, 3:00pm, and 5:00pmA/C: YesCost: $1,500.00Parishioner?. NoTime for photos after: 20 minutesCan you bring your own priest?. Yes, they suggest you reach out to a priest you think of first."

"This sophisticated cake shop in Chicago claims to be the only company in the city using organic butter & eggs. Their cakes are guaranteed to taste as good as they look!. Choose from a variety of flavors, buttercream, and fillings including Belgium Chocolate, White Chocolate Italian Buttercream, or Creme Brulee."

"Based on Navy Pier, this adored non-profit theatre company has done as much as anyone to help keep Chicago on the cultural map over the last 30 years. In short order the theatre has earned three Laurence Olivier Awards, as well as a regional Tony in 2008. Its main aim is to introduce people to the works of William Shakespeare, through school tours, summer plays in parks and productions at its own majestic venue, adding up to 600 performances a year."

"With attractions as varied as the Chicago Children’s Museum and the Chicago Shakespeare Theater to a massive concert venue, you can practically spend the entire day here! One of the most popular attractions on Navy Pier is its iconic Ferris wheel, visible from many vantage points across the city."