Join us in Rotterdam for the 2026 IPDLN Conference!

Chicago’s Vibrant Food Scene

photo of deep dish pizza with a slice showing gooey cheese.

The calendar is nearing September, and it’s time to start making restaurant reservations for your time in Chicago! 

Our culinary scene is a vibrant tapestry that reflects the city’s cultural diversity. Whether you’re in the mood for a hot-dog “dragged through the garden,” deep-dish pizza, or a Michelin-starred meal, Chicago offers something for every palate. 

For pizza lovers, Pequod’s, Pat’s Pizza, and Lou Malnati’s are all frequent entries among the various “best pizza” lists. These iconic spots serve up some of the city’s most famous pies – just know that we’re more than a deep-dish city. Try our equally (if not, more) delicious tavern style pizza! 

In the mood for something more international? Many types of food are available in Chicago, including Italian cuisine, Mexican street food, Indian dishes, Chinese dim sum, Middle Eastern kebabs, and more. Some of those more high-profile spots include Chef Sarah Grueneberg’s Monteverde (Italian), and Chef Rick Bayless’s flagship Frontera Grill (Mexican). 

Looking for something upscale? Alinea, consistently ranked among the world’s best restaurants, offers a multi-sensory dining experience that’s nothing short of extraordinary. You have to see it (smell it, touch it, and taste it) to believe it. 

One could make an endless list of our culinary all-stars and it still wouldn’t be complete. From the American soul food at Virtue to the sushi at Nobu, the restaurant scene is as diverse as our neighborhoods, promising an unforgettable time and a cross-city experience.  

But if in the midst of the IPDLN conference hustle-and-bustle, you prefer to keep things close to home (AKA the Fairmont, Chicago), check out this list of recommendations for spots nearby! 

If you’d like to leave the planning to us, take advantage of IPDLN’s “Foodie Like a Local” tour.