{"id":13612,"date":"2024-06-26T14:39:52","date_gmt":"2024-06-26T20:39:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.virginexperiencegifts.com\/blog\/?p=13612"},"modified":"2026-03-20T08:51:42","modified_gmt":"2026-03-20T14:51:42","slug":"best-dining-in-chicago","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.virgingifts.com\/blog\/best-dining-in-chicago","title":{"rendered":"From Pizza to Brunch: Your Guide to the Best Dining in Chicago"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ah, Chicago: The Windy City, the City of Big Shoulders, and most importantly, a foodie\u2019s paradise! With over 8,000 restaurants to choose from, there\u2019s a mouthwatering option around every corner. And beyond that, there\u2019s even more unique dining experiences. We\u2019re talking about dinner cruises, food tours, mystery picnics \u2013 just to name a few.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

However, with so many tasty options, deciding on where to eat is easier said than done. That\u2019s where we come in! In this comprehensive guide, you\u2019ll discover all the best eats in the Windy City \u2013 from iconic dishes to the best <\/span>dining experiences<\/span><\/a> in town. We\u2019ve even included a list of our favorite Chicago activities, so you can work up an appetite while exploring the city!\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

What Food Is Chicago Known For?<\/b><\/a><\/h2>\n

Simply put, Chicago\u2019s food is as legendary as its landmarks. Here\u2019s just a few of their most famous bites:<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Deep-Dish Pizza<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"Best<\/p>\n

Unlike its thinner-crust cousins, Chicago-style deep-dish pizza is thick, buttery, and brimming with layers of ooey-gooey goodness. The pizza dough is placed in a deep pan and pressed onto the sides, creating a basin for mozzarella cheese, chunky tomato sauce, and all your favorite toppings.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Chicago-Style Hot Dog<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"Best<\/p>\n

A true Windy City staple! It starts with an all-beef frank nestled in a soft poppy seed bun. The dog is then topped with yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, chopped onions, juicy tomato wedges, a pickle spear, sport peppers, and a sprinkle of celery salt.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Italian Beef Sandwich<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"Best<\/p>\n

Another Chicago classic, the Italian beef sandwich features thinly sliced roast beef that\u2019s been slow cooked in a seasoned broth. It\u2019s often topped with peppers or giardiniera, a tangy pickled vegetable mix, adding a spicy kick to the rich beefy goodness.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Jibarito Sandwich<\/b><\/h3>\n

Pronounced hee-bah-ree-toh, Jibarito sandwiches are a Chicago original that use fried green plantains instead of bread. They\u2019re typically filled with thinly sliced steak, chicken, pork, or vegetables, along with lettuce, tomato, garlic-flavored mayonnaise, and cheese.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

5. The Rainbow Cone<\/b><\/h3>\n

\"Best<\/p>\n

This iconic ice cream treat features layers of chocolate, strawberry, Palmer House (vanilla with cherries and walnuts), pistachio, and orange sherbet all stacked on a single waffle cone. It\u2019s a colorful and flavorful way to cool off during the city\u2019s hot summers!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Best Dining Experiences in Chicago<\/b><\/a><\/h2>\n

From guided food tours to breathtaking dinners on Lake Michigan, here are some of the best dining experiences you can\u2019t miss in the Windy City:<\/span><\/p>\n

1. <\/b>Dinner With a View at Skydeck Chicago<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\n

\"Best<\/p>\n

What could be better than enjoying a 3-course meal from Giordano\u2019s Pizza? Enjoying it from the top of Willis Tower, of course! During this <\/span>VIP experience<\/span><\/a>, you\u2019ll indulge in an exclusive pizza dinner at Skydeck Chicago. With tables perched at an astounding 1,353 feet in the air, this experience redefines dinner with a view.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. <\/b>Chicago Pizza Tours<\/b><\/a><\/h3>\n

Speaking of pizza, there are plenty of other ways to find the perfect pie. On a guided <\/span>pizza tour<\/span><\/a>, you\u2019ll explore Chicago one slice at a time. You\u2019ll taste the best of both worlds \u2013 Chicago\u2019s signature deep-dish and traditional thin crust. By the end, you\u2019ll join the city\u2019s greatest debate: which slice is best?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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