Chicago’s Top 10 : Ethnic Eats

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Unless stated, all restaurants accept credit cards, recommend reservations, and are open for lunch and dinner.



  1. Arun’s

    Distinct
    from other Thai restaurants in the city, Arun’s serves a gourmet
    version of the spice-and-vegetable driven Asian fare with high quality
    ingredients and careful presentation. Multi-course fixed-price menus
    change nightly, and dietary restrictions can be taken into consideration
    with advance notice. The quiet Thai art-trimmed rooms are conducive to
    conversation.

    • 4156 N. Kedzie Ave.

    • 1 773 539 1909

    • Closed Mon, lunch

  2. Pho Xe Tang-Tank

    This
    popular destination in Little Vietnam features several big, round
    tables for sociable, easy sharing of meals. A vast menu includes
    traditional dishes such as Bahn Xeo (Vietnamese crispy pancakes) and Pho
    (noodle soup garnished with heaps of fresh cilantro and basil, with
    oxtail as an optional extra). Bring your own alcohol.

    • 4953 N. Broadway

    • 1 773 878 2253

    • Closed Wed

  3. Phoenix

    Superior
    Chinese dim sum, served with a panoramic view of downtown Chicago,
    garner out-the-door lines for this Chinatown gem. Dishes emerging from
    the kitchen are quickly snatched by waiting diners, leading many to ask
    for a table near it.

    • 2131 S. Archer Ave.

    • 312 328 0848




    Dim Sum at Phoenix

  4. Mirai Sushi

    This
    hip, two-story eaterie carves some of the city’s best Japanese sushi.
    Options include the usual suspects such as tuna and salmon but for the
    most creative fare sit at the sushi bar, make a special request, and put
    yourself in the chef’s hands. An upstairs lounge serves up sake
    martinis.

    • 2020 W. Division St.

    • 1 773 862 8500

    • Closed Sun, lunch




    Sushi Bar at Mirai

  5. Ixcapuzalco

    This off-the-beaten path, regional Mexican specialist is operated by a protégé of Rick Bayless of Frontera Grill fame. Foodies head here for the outstanding mole sauces from Oaxaca, which change daily, and top fish, pork, chicken, or beef.

    • 2919 N. Milwaukee Ave.

    • 1 773 486 7340

    • Closed Tue

  6. Tiffin

    Locals debate which Indian restaurant along the eatery-and-sari-shop-lined Devon Avenue
    qualifies as the best. Among them, Tiffin impresses with tender
    tandoori oven specialties and subtly spiced lentils. More upscale than
    most of its neighboring competitors, it generates a warm welcome via the
    enthusiasm of its staff.

    • 2536 W. Devon Ave.

    • 1 773 338 2143




    Tiffin

  7. Ann Sather

    Locals
    line up on Sunday mornings at the original Belmont Avenue Ann Sather
    for plates of oversized, sticky cinnamon rolls. But the Swedish diner
    makes a more ethnic appeal at lunch and dinner with limpa (Swedish rye bread), zesty duck with lingonberries, and hearty Swedish meatballs .




    Ann Sather

  8. Marigold

    This
    Indian restaurant has a modern vibe and the menu reflects multiple
    regions of India, with vegetarian, seafood and meaty options such as samosas, South Indian seafood curry, coriander-crusted halibut with pakora-style vegetables, and lamb shank vindaloo. Knowledgeable waiters are on-hand to help curry-challenged diners navigate the menu.

    • 4832 N. Broadway

    • 773 293 4653

    • Dinner only, closed Mon

  9. Red Apple

    In
    the heart of Polish Avondale, Red Apple offers budget priced,
    all-you-can-eat buffets, including dessert and coffee. The diner draws a
    cross-section of immigrants, artists, students, and the just plain
    thrifty for authentic dishes such as pierogi, borscht, goulash, and stuffed cabbage.

    • 3121 N. Milwaukee Ave.

    • 1 773 588 5781

  10. Fogo de Chao

    The Sao Paulo owned Fogo de Chao specializes in the all-you-can-eat churrascaria
    tradition of Brazilian barbecue. At your table costumed “gauchos” will
    carve 15 different cuts of skewer-roasted meats, including filet,
    rumpsteak, leg of lamb, and pork loin. You can use a plate-side
    indicator to signal for more or “basta.” A lavish salad bar begins every
    meal.

    • 661 N. LaSalle St.

    • 312 932 9330

    • Closed Sat & Sun lunch