Restaurants in Chicago, Illinois: where to eat

How do I choose a good restaurant in Chicago?

Use the official inspection record first, then reviews and the menu.

1. Check the latest inspection result on the listing (the date matters - a result from years ago says little).
2. Look at what kind of place it is.
3. Call or open the website to check today's hours and menu; public records do not include opening hours.
4. Read recent reviews from people who went, and leave one yourself after you go.
5. Short on time? Tap "Book a table" and Pludor will find a table that fits.

How do I check a restaurant's health inspection in Chicago?

Chicago records a result for every inspection: Pass, Pass w/ Conditions (serious or critical violations corrected during the inspection) or Fail. Restaurants are also given a risk level (1 = high, 3 = low) that sets how often they are inspected.

1. Open the official lookup: Chicago Department of Public Health.
2. Search the restaurant by name or address.
3. Read the date, the result and the violations listed for the latest inspection.
4. Compare with the result shown on this page - ours is refreshed from the same public data.

How do I add or claim my business in Chicago?

Owners can claim a listing to fix details and answer reviews, or add a business that is missing - both are free.

1. Find your business below and tap "Claim" - we email you a code to confirm it is yours.
2. Not listed? Tap "Add your business free" - you get a free Pludor page, booking and online ordering, and you show up here.
3. Want it removed? Tap "Remove or correct" on the listing and answer a few questions.

What are the best restaurants in Chicago?

It depends on what you feel like. Start with the places at the top of this list - they have the most complete records and the cleanest recent inspections - then check reviews from Pludor members on each listing.

What restaurants near me in Chicago are open now?

Opening hours change often, so call before you go - every listing with a phone number has a call button. Or ask Pludor ("find me somewhere open now near me") and it checks for you.

Which restaurants in Chicago deliver?

Many do through their own phone line or delivery apps. Tap "Book a table" or ask Pludor to order from a place near you and have it delivered.

Where can I find cheap eats in Chicago?

Look for counter-service spots, food trucks and take-out places in the list (the kind of place shows on each listing). Lunch menus are usually the cheapest way into a pricier restaurant.

How do I check a restaurant's health inspection in Chicago?

Each listing shows the latest result from the Chicago Department of Public Health - tap the "?" for the date, score and what it means. The official lookup is linked in the sources at the bottom of this page.

Which restaurants in Chicago take reservations?

Most sit-down restaurants do by phone. Tap "Book a table" on a listing and Pludor books the table for you - free.

Are there dog-friendly restaurants or places with outdoor seating in Chicago?

Many places with patios welcome dogs outside. Call ahead to check, or ask Pludor for dog-friendly places near you.

Can Pludor find a restaurant for me in Chicago?

Yes, for free. Pludor can call around for you: tap "Book a table" on any listing, or ask in the Pludor app, and we come back with who can do it and when.

How many restaurants are in Chicago, IL?

11,856 in our directory as of 10 October 2026, from the Chicago Department of Public Health. Places that closed may still appear until the record is updated - tell us with "Remove or correct".

Which part of Chicago has the most restaurants?

By ZIP code: 60657 (526), 60614 (509), 60647 (482), 60618 (433). The table below lists more.

How often are restaurants in Chicago inspected?

2,963 of 11,856 (25%) have an inspection in the last 12 months on record; the newest is from 5 October 2026. Higher-risk kitchens are inspected more often.

Are these businesses on Pludor?

Not unless their listing says "Owner verified". Listings come from public records and open map data; owners can claim theirs for free.