The ever-popular Show Top Chef has become a staple of modern television. The show scours the earth for some of the best chefs and brings them into the spotlight; lucky for us, many of them call Chicago home! Finally the judges aren’t the only ones who get to taste. Check-in to one of these restaurants spearheaded by Top Chef favorites:
Aba
This uber-chic Mediterranean restaurant is led by Chef CJ Jacobson and boasts a menu focused on raw and cooked proteins. Sumac glazed Pork Belly with Orzo, Beef Carpaccio, and Big Eye Tuna are just a few of the beautifully curated dishes at Aba. Pair these with wine from their strong and varied wine program or a handmade cocktail. Make sure to top off your meal with a kebab and a spread for the full Mediterranean experience.
Girl and the Goat
The open kitchen and cozy ambience make Girl and the Goat a popular go-to for Chicago. Executive Chef Stephanie Izard has been cooking in Chicago since 2000, spinning culinary gold from straw. Izard has created a menu offering bold flavors like the Tempura Walleye, Smoked Apple Pierogis, and the Crispy Beef Short Ribs which pair beautifully with a rotating beer list chock-full of local Chicago brews.
Monteverde Restaurant and Pastifico
An Italian restaurant at heart, Monteverde Restaurant and Pastifico serves up cuisine inspired by Chef Sarah Grueneberg’s trips around the world. Small plates like the Smoked Fish Rillettes and homemade pasta like the Wok-Fried Arrabbiata coupled with a perfectly crafted cocktail like the Cherry Bomba make Monteverde a must on your next dining adventure.
Chicago spawns countless chefs each year. We look forward to seeing what familiar faces will pop up on Top Chef next.
