12 Best Places for Lunch in Chicago | Chicago Lunch Guide
If there is one city that knows how to make lunch delicious, it has to be Chicago! From iconic Italian beef sandwiches and legendary deep dish pizza to creative vegetarian food, fresh salads and stylish restaurants, there is something for every appetite in the Windy City.
One of my favourite things about lunch in Chicago is that it can be completely different every day. You can grab a quick bite between sightseeing stops, discover a neighbourhood favourite, settle down for a long Italian lunch or treat yourself to something a little more special.
And of course, Chicago has some seriously iconic foods. If you are visiting for the first time, trying an Italian beef sandwich or a slice of deep dish pizza should definitely be on your food itinerary. But the city’s lunch scene goes far beyond these famous favourites, with plenty of international flavours and modern restaurants to discover along the way.
So, if you are searching for the best places for lunch in Chicago, I have put together 12 restaurants that cover a little bit of everything. From affordable local classics to relaxed cafés, pizza restaurants and more upscale dining, these are the spots I would add to my Chicago food guide.
Lunch in Chicago
1. Al's #1 Italian Beef
If you want to try one of Chicago’s most iconic foods, Al’s #1 Italian Beef is a brilliant place to start.
An Italian beef sandwich is a Chicago classic, made with thinly sliced seasoned beef piled into a roll and served with delicious juices and your choice of toppings. It is hearty, satisfying and wonderfully messy in the best possible way.
Al’s is a great option when you want a quick and casual lunch without spending too much time away from exploring the city. Order your sandwich, find a spot to enjoy it and get ready for a proper taste of Chicago.
You can choose how you want your sandwich served, including adding sweet peppers or spicy giardiniera for an extra kick. If you love a little heat, the spicy topping is definitely worth considering.
This is not the kind of lunch that needs fancy surroundings or a long menu. The sandwich is the star, and that is exactly the point.
I would put Al’s on the list for anyone visiting Chicago who wants to experience the city’s food culture beyond the usual restaurant recommendations.
Price: $10-20 | Address: Multiple locations (see map below) | Website: alsbeef.com
2. Portillo's & Barnelli's Chicago
When it comes to classic Chicago comfort food, Portillo’s is another name worth knowing.
This is a fun choice if you want to try some of the dishes Chicago is famous for, including Chicago style hot dogs, Italian beef sandwiches and other American favourites. The atmosphere is casual and lively, making it a convenient stop during a busy day of sightseeing.
One of the best things about a place like Portillo’s is that you can try several Chicago classics without having to visit lots of different restaurants. It is especially useful if you are travelling with friends or family and everyone is craving something different.
Barnelli’s is associated with the Portillo’s family of restaurants and offers a different menu focus, including pasta and other Italian American favourites at participating locations. If you are considering this option, check the specific location’s current menu before visiting.
For a relaxed lunch, Portillo’s is an easy choice when you want generous portions, familiar flavours and a little taste of Chicago’s fast casual food scene.
Price: $10-20 | Address: Multiple locations (see map below) | Website: portillos.com
3. The Chicago Diner, Lakeview
Looking for a lunch spot that does things a little differently? The Chicago Diner in Lakeview is a fantastic option for vegetarian and vegan food.
Chicago is famous for its meat heavy comfort food, so it is lovely to have places that offer a completely different approach while still delivering plenty of flavour.
The Chicago Diner has built a reputation for creative plant based comfort food, with dishes inspired by classic diner favourites. This makes it a great choice even if you are not vegetarian or vegan. Sometimes a burger, sandwich or indulgent diner style dish made with plant based ingredients is exactly what you need.
I also love the idea of exploring Lakeview as part of a food focused afternoon. Instead of staying around downtown for every meal, you can head into a neighbourhood, enjoy lunch and spend some time discovering a different side of the city.
If you are travelling with someone who eats plant based, this is an especially useful restaurant to have on your list.
Price: $20-30 | Address: 3411 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60657, United States | Website: veggiediner.com
4. Just Salad Chicago
After a few hearty Chicago classics, you might be in the mood for something fresh and colourful.
That is where Just Salad comes in.
If you are looking for a quick lunch in Chicago that fits easily into a busy sightseeing day, this is a practical option. The menu focuses on salads, bowls and other fresh meals that can be customised to suit your tastes.
I like including a lighter option in a city food guide because not every lunch needs to be a huge plate of comfort food. Sometimes a fresh salad or a nourishing bowl is exactly what you want, especially when you have a big dinner planned.
Just Salad is also useful when you are exploring downtown and do not want to spend too much time sitting down for lunch. Grab something fresh, recharge for a bit and get back to discovering Chicago.
It is a good option for travellers who want flexibility, convenience and plenty of fresh ingredients.
Price: $10-20 | Address: Multiple locations (see map below) | Website: justsalad.com
5. Cupitol Coffee & Eatery
If your ideal lunch is relaxed, casual and accompanied by a really good coffee, Cupitol Coffee & Eatery is worth adding to your Chicago itinerary.
Cupitol combines the atmosphere of a café with a broader menu, making it a handy option when you want something more substantial than a pastry but do not necessarily want a formal restaurant meal.
It is the kind of place that works well for a slower lunch, a casual catch up with friends or a break from exploring the city.
I always appreciate cafés that offer a little bit of everything. One person can order something light, someone else can go for a more filling dish and everyone can finish with a coffee.
Cupitol is particularly convenient if your plans take you around Streeterville and the lakefront. You can enjoy lunch before continuing towards nearby attractions or taking a walk along the water.
Price: $10-20 | Address: Multiple locations (see map below) | Website: cupitol.com
6. Lou Malnati's Pizzeria
You cannot visit Chicago without discussing deep dish pizza, and Lou Malnati’s is one of the names that belongs on any Chicago food list.
Chicago style deep dish is quite different from a thin New York slice. It has a deep, buttery crust, generous layers of cheese and toppings, and a rich tomato sauce. It is filling, comforting and definitely not a meal to rush.
Lou Malnati’s is a great choice when you want to sit down for a classic Chicago pizza lunch. It is especially fun if this is your first visit to the city and you want to try the dish that Chicago is so famous for.
One thing to remember is that deep dish pizza can take longer to prepare than a regular pizza, so it is best suited to a lunch when you have time to relax rather than a very quick stop between attractions.
And if you are travelling with someone else, sharing a pizza can be a great way to try it without ordering more than you can comfortably eat.
Price: $20-30 | Address: Multiple locations (see map below) | Website: lepetitdep.com
7. Happy Camper Pizza
If you want your lunch to feel a little more playful, Happy Camper Pizza is a fun addition to your Chicago food itinerary.
The restaurant is known for its lively atmosphere and creative pizza options, making it a great place for a casual meal with friends.
Unlike a traditional pizza lunch focused on keeping things simple, Happy Camper brings a more energetic feel to the experience. It is the sort of restaurant where you can sit down, order a pizza for the table and enjoy a relaxed afternoon.
This is a good choice if you are exploring Old Town or nearby neighbourhoods and want somewhere that feels social rather than formal.
I also love including restaurants like this in a travel guide because lunch is not always about finding the most famous dish in town. Sometimes you simply want a fun place, good food and an excuse to sit down for a while.
If pizza is one of your favourite foods, Happy Camper is worth considering alongside Chicago’s more traditional pizzerias.
Price: $20-30 | Address: 1209 N Wells St, Chicago, IL 60610, United States | Website: happycamper.pizza
8. Dove's Luncheonette
Dove’s Luncheonette brings a distinctive twist to the classic American diner.
Located in Wicker Park, this neighbourhood favourite combines the relaxed feel of a luncheonette with Mexican inspired flavours. The result is a menu that feels familiar in some ways but offers plenty of interesting choices for anyone who wants something a little different.
This is a lovely option when you are exploring beyond downtown Chicago and want to discover a restaurant with its own personality.
I love places that take a classic idea and give it a fresh direction. You still get the friendly, casual atmosphere of a diner, but the food brings in different flavours and influences.
Dove’s is especially appealing if you enjoy brunch style dishes, bold flavours and restaurants that feel connected to the neighbourhood around them.
It is also a good reminder that Chicago’s food scene is much more varied than deep dish pizza and hot dogs, even if those classics absolutely deserve their moment.
Price: $20-30 | Address: 1545 N Damen Ave, Chicago, IL 60622, United States | Website: doveschicago.com
9. Doc B's Restaurant, Gold Coast
If you are looking for a lunch spot that feels a little more polished while still remaining relaxed, Doc B’s Restaurant in the Gold Coast is a great option.
The menu focuses on fresh, contemporary American food, with a range of dishes that can work for different appetites. It is a nice middle ground between a quick casual lunch and a more formal restaurant experience.
This is the kind of place I would choose when I want a proper sit down meal but do not want lunch to feel like a big occasion.
It also works well if you are exploring the Gold Coast or nearby parts of downtown. You can take a break from shopping and sightseeing, enjoy a good meal and then continue with the rest of your day.
Doc B’s is a particularly useful option for groups because a varied menu makes it easier for everyone to find something they enjoy.
Price: $20-40 | Address: 100 E Walton St, Chicago, IL 60611, United States
10. Quartino Ristorante
Sometimes lunch calls for Italian food, and Quartino Ristorante is a lovely choice when you want a meal that feels social and relaxed.
The restaurant is known for its Italian inspired menu and sharing style approach, which makes it especially appealing when you are dining with friends or family.
There is something wonderful about ordering several dishes for the table instead of everyone choosing just one thing. You can try different flavours, share a few favourites and turn lunch into a little food adventure of its own.
Quartino is a good option if you are exploring River North and want a restaurant that feels lively without being overly formal.
It is also a great choice for anyone who loves Italian food but wants more variety than a single plate of pasta. With several dishes to explore, you can build a lunch that suits the whole table.
And of course, Italian food always leaves room for the very important question of dessert.
Price: $20-60 | Address: 626 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654, United States | Website: quartinoristorante.com
11. Cira
If you are in the mood for a more stylish lunch, Cira in the West Loop is a restaurant to consider.
Cira focuses on Mediterranean inspired cooking in a contemporary setting, making it a lovely choice when you want lunch to feel a little more special.
The West Loop has become a popular destination for people exploring Chicago’s restaurant scene, and Cira fits nicely into an afternoon spent discovering the neighbourhood.
This is the sort of place where I would plan a slower lunch, especially if I were meeting friends or wanted a break from a busy sightseeing schedule.
Mediterranean flavours are also a great choice when you want something different from traditional American comfort food. There is plenty of room to explore fresh ingredients, bold flavours and dishes that work well for sharing.
If you are looking for a restaurant that feels modern and polished without being too formal, Cira is a lovely addition to your Chicago lunch list.
Price: $20-60 | Address: 200 N Green St, Chicago, IL 60607, United States | Website: cirachicago.com
12. Leña Brava
For a lunch that feels more like a destination in itself, Leña Brava is a wonderful final addition to this list.
Located in the West Loop, Leña Brava offers a more elevated take on Mexican cuisine, with a focus on wood fired cooking and bold flavours. It is a great choice when you want to move beyond a quick lunch and enjoy a proper restaurant experience.
The West Loop is an excellent area to explore if food is one of the main reasons for your Chicago trip. You can spend time wandering around the neighbourhood before settling in for lunch, then continue exploring afterwards.
Leña Brava is especially appealing if you enjoy restaurants that take familiar flavours and turn them into something more creative. It feels like a good choice for a longer lunch with friends or a meal that you want to remember.
Compared with a quick Italian beef sandwich or a slice of pizza, this is more of a sit down experience. But that is part of the fun of eating your way around Chicago. Some days call for a fast bite, and others deserve a little more time.
Price: $50-100 + | Address: 900 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607, United States | Website: lenabrava.com
Final Thoughts on the Best Places for Lunch in Chicago
Chicago is a fantastic city for food lovers, and lunch is the perfect opportunity to discover just how varied its restaurant scene can be.
From the iconic Italian beef at Al’s #1 Italian Beef to deep dish pizza at Lou Malnati’s, creative vegetarian food at The Chicago Diner, fresh bowls at Just Salad and Mediterranean inspired dishes at Cira, there is something for almost every mood and budget.
The best part is that you do not have to choose just one style of lunch. Keep things affordable and casual one day, try a Chicago classic the next and treat yourself to a longer restaurant lunch when the mood strikes.
Whether you are visiting Chicago for a weekend or planning a longer stay, I hope this list helps you discover a few new favourites.
Bring your appetite, leave a little room in your itinerary and enjoy exploring the city’s delicious lunch scene. : )
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