Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Chicago / Illinois

Best Authentic Restaurants in South Loop

Price
Cuisine
Regions
Areas
Top Rated
Dining Options
Seating options
Award-winning
Accessibility

213 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Lou Malnati's - South Loop restaurant
4.5
Awesome(108)
Price: Moderate
• Pizzeria • South Loop
Booked 74 times today
No true Chicago experience is complete without a visit to one of the oldest names in Deep Dish Pizza: Lou Malnati’s. Located on South State Street in the South Loop of Chicago, Lou’s South Loop is convenient to the McCormick Center, Soldier Field and Grant Park. Enjoy Legendary Chicago Deep Dish and thin crust at the place that’s been perfecting it for 50+ years. A cozy experience awaits ... whether you’ve been at a sporting event, sightseeing, or out for a night of jazz, Lou Malnati’s South Avenue is the perfect spot to satiate your deep dish cravings.
A photo of TAK Korean Bistro restaurant
4.5
Awesome(36)
Price: Moderate
• Korean • South Loop
Booked 7 times today
A Korean pocha restaurant in South Loop Chicago is a lively and casual eatery that serves up traditional Korean street food dishes and drinks. Pocha, which translates to "street food tent," refers to the popular outdoor food stalls found in South Korea, and this type of restaurant aims to recreate that experience in an indoor setting.At a Korean pocha restaurant, you can expect to find a variety of small plates, or "anju," that are meant to be shared among friends while drinking soju or beer. These dishes can include popular Korean bar snacks like fried chicken, spicy rice cakes, and seafood pancakes.The atmosphere at a Korean pocha restaurant is usually laid-back and social, with a focus on hanging out with friends and enjoying good food and drinks.Overall, if you're looking for a fun and flavorful dining experience in South Loop Chicago, a Korean pocha restaurant is a great choice. With its vibrant atmosphere and delicious street food, it's sure to be a memorable meal.
A photo of Tre Dita restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(722)
Price: Very Expensive
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 130 times today
Led by Chef Evan Funke, Tre Dita, Italian for "three fingers", pays homage to the precise measurement of bistecca Fiorentina. If booking in the dining room at Tre Dita, you will enjoy a menu of antipasti, handmade pastas, signature entrees and steaks. If booking in the Bar Tre Dita, you will enjoy a smaller menu of stuzzi, antipasti, handmade pastas and entrees. The full cocktail, wine list and dessert menu is available in both locations.Please note that Tre Dita only accepts reservations 7 days in advance.
A photo of Quartino - Chicago restaurant
4.5
Awesome(10917)
Price: Moderate
• Italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 118 times today
Quartino Ristorante is a lively, authentic Italian restaurant and wine bar in Chicago's River North neighborhood. Our menu features Italy's regional specialties including artisanal salumi, Neapolitan thin-crust pizza, house-made pasta, and seasonal dishes. Menu items, served in moderate portions and meant to be shared, are perfect for adventurous diners ready for a unique experience.
A photo of La Grande Boucherie - Chicago restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(863)
Price: Very Expensive
• French • River North (Chicago)
Booked 61 times today
Housed in Chicago’s Belle Époque building, the unique Art Nouveau-inspired space honors the iconic building’s legacy while providing guests with a one-of-a-kind atmosphere and menu. La Grande Boucherie blends the ambiance of an indulgent steakhouse with a refined Parisian brasserie charm, and fuses traditional French cuisine with Chicago’s River North culinary heritage. The two-story restaurant boasts custom curved stained-glass windows overlooking the bustling streets of Chicago. The interior features custom mosaic marble floors, authentic fixtures, and a racetrack bar sourced from France. Guests can lean into the view and take in all that Chicago has to offer.
A photo of Mercadito - River North restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(6256)
Price: Expensive
• Mexican • River North (Chicago)
Booked 75 times today
We are the city’s top Mexican restaurant for authentic modern cuisine, specialty tequila and mezcal cocktails, located in the heart of River North. Our culinary team features popular Mexican dishes, including our signature tacos, as well as fresh salsa and guacamole, ceviche, esquites and more.Mercadito's lounge is nestled in the lower level of Mercadito. It offers a speakeasy-style experience with a chic and exclusive ambiance. The space features banquet-style booths and dim lighting that enhances the elegant wood furniture, creating an inviting and intimate atmosphere. Once inside, guests can enjoy the full Mercadito menu, with the same delectable cuisine and beverages that our restaurant is known for.
A photo of Asador Bastian restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(173)
Price: Very Expensive
• Steakhouse • River North (Chicago)
Booked 21 times today
NOW ACCEPTING RESERVATIONS FOR CHRISTMAS EVE!Asador Bastian is a Chicago chophouse with Basque influences from acclaimed ChefDoug Psaltis. Located in the iconic “Flair House” originally built in 1883, this historictownhouse has been revived and brought back to life with culinary inspiration from thegreat asadors of San Sebastián, Spain to serve the world’s best boutique beef withoutcompromise. The most remarkable dining experience comes from the purest ingredientsdelivered in the supremely thoughtful, welcoming and hospitable manner. This ethoshas directed every aspect of the experience at Asador Bastian, whether you’re joiningus for small bites and libations in our Bar Room or for a more intimate experience in ourDining Room.
A photo of Duck Duck Goat restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(5559)
Price: Expensive
• Chinese • West Loop
Booked 103 times today
Chef Stephanie Izard brings her unique twist on Chinese-American cuisine at Duck Duck Goat. Reviews rave about the flavorful food, with one saying, 'The food is very good and sophisticated'. The ambiance is also highly praised, with one review describing it as a 'unique and flavourful' experience. While not all reviews explicitly mention the authenticity of the food, the high ratings suggest a genuine and enjoyable dining experience.
A photo of Cabra - Chicago restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(3034)
Price: Expensive
• Peruvian • West Loop
Booked 50 times today
Perched atop the Hoxton Hotel in the heart of Chicago’s Fulton Market, Cabra Chicago is a lively rooftop escape, inspired by the bold and vibrant flavors of Peruvian cuisine. Led by James Beard Award and Top Chef winner Stephanie Izard, alongside longtime partners Rob Katz and Kevin Boehm of Boka Restaurant Group, Cabra serves up crave-worthy dishes in a colorful and energetic setting. The restaurant’s airy, plant-filled ambiance, paired with its open kitchen and sweeping city views, creates a dynamic dining experience. Guests can savor a variety of shareable plates, from ceviches to savory meats, all bursting with the rich, fresh flavors of Peru.
A photo of Acanto restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(3829)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Downtown / Loop
Booked 40 times today
Across from Millennium park and along Chicago’s Cultural Mile, Acanto Restaurant + Wine Bar is a treasured destination for those who appreciate authentic and approachable Italian food in a conversation-friendly atmosphere. Acanto serves seasonally-driven Italian cuisine from both regions of Italy utilizing artisanal ingredients from Midwest farmers and producers. Acanto boasts one of the most lauded wine programs in the US, including a 3-star rating by World of Fine Wine and a two-glass “Best of Excellence” rating by Wine Spectator. The libations menu is rounded out by Italian classics including spritzes and negronis along with craft cocktails, beer, and spirits. The word Acanto is the Italian translation of Acanthus, the flowery leaf featured prominently in Roman architecture. Famed architect Louis Sullivan used Acanthus in his distinctive terra cotta ornamentation found on the facade of the historically-landmarked building that houses Acanto.

How is content generated

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Agnese
    Chicago / Illinois •10 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    There were a few things that didn’t go well for the price tag. 1) We were 3 people dining. 2 of us received their main course and we had to wait more than 5 min for the 3rd person to receive their main course . Unacceptable. 2) When I ordered coffee along with the desert order- we received our coffees while before our desert arrived while my lemonchello arrived while after our desert. No consistency 3) My experience with truffle season.. Usually the places that offer truffles - they offer a special dish.. truffle pasta or truffle rissotto.. here it was- add to one of the dishes..so, I picked the most delicate/simple- pasta limone which is also not perfect as the flavor loses to catch the taste of the truffle - especially if you charge $59 fur the truffle shaving (black.. not white truffle )..
    More info
    Tre DitaPrice: Very Expensive• Italian• River North (Chicago)
    4.7
  • Penny
    Charlotte •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    My husband and I have moved to the Asheville, NC area and only come back to the Chicago area once a year to see family. We have been missing Quartino, especially because they can accommodate my lactose intolerance. This year, we decided that we had to go to downtown Chicago just so we could go the Quartino and Eataly. It was even worth the horrible traffic getting downtown!
    More info
    Quartino - ChicagoPrice: Moderate• Italian• River North (Chicago)
    4.5
  • Jennifer
    Detroit / Eastern Michigan •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    What a true and absolute delight! My daughters and I loved La Grande Boucherie! It was one of the highlights of our recent Chicago visit. The food was wonderful, as were the wine selections (and mocktails!) and the beautiful holiday decor. We had oysters, the fromage board, a beautiful salmon, French Onion soup, salads and more. I had a lovely Sancerre, and we topped everything off with profiteroles. But the best part of the experience was the impeccable service. From the moment we left our coats at the front hosted stand to the last moments after dessert and a quick personal tour of the gorgeous second level, we were enchanted. A special thank you to Rachid from Paris for his terrific recommendations, allowing us to practice French and being a bright spot of our entire trip. Attentive, funny, kind! A server can make or break a restaurant experience, and in this case, the service shined bright! We would love to come back when we’re in the city again! Highly enjoyed!
    More info
    La Grande Boucherie - ChicagoPrice: Very Expensive• French• River North (Chicago)
    4.6
  • Paul
    San Francisco Bay Area •9 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Met another family group of 4 on a busy Saturday evening period and whilst we had to wait for our table due to straggling diners (and in a busy front of house section), from there food and service was attentive and prompt. Our server in particular had a few busy tables on her plate never missed a beat with ours and seemed not with others too. Plenty of pizza options in Chicago and this is one of the classics i will revisit.
    More info
    Lou Malnati's - South LoopPrice: Moderate• Pizzeria• South Loop
    4.5
  • Melissa
    Chicago / Illinois •1 review
    5.0
    Dined on 15 Nov 2024
    Delicious food and great staff! Can’t wait to come back and karaoke next time.
    More info
    TAK Korean BistroPrice: Moderate• Korean• South Loop
    4.5

Discover best authentic restaurants in South Loop

Experience the essence of authenticity with our curated selection of restaurants in Chicago's vibrant South Loop neighborhood. Each dining spot has been carefully chosen for its genuine representation of culinary traditions, ensuring a truly authentic taste experience. Whether you're craving robust Italian pastas, traditional American fare, or other global flavors, these restaurants deliver with an emphasis on originality and quality. The South Loop itself is a bustling hub of culinary diversity, reflecting the rich cultural tapestry of Chicago. Here, the dining scene is dynamic and inviting, with eateries that are celebrated not only for their food but also for their atmosphere and service. Patrons can expect a memorable dining experience, where each meal is served with a slice of the locale's heritage and a dash of personal touch. Our selection emphasizes restaurants that are beloved for their dedication to authenticity, offering dishes prepared with respect to traditional methods and ingredients. This focus ensures that each visit provides not only a meal but an enriching cultural experience. Dive into the heart of Chicago's culinary scene with confidence, knowing that each recommended spot stands out for its genuine flavors and exceptional dining environments.

  • Privacy policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Impressum
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable International Ltd. Alphabeta Building, 14-18 Finsbury Square, London EC2A 1AH - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo