4 Best Restaurants in Illinois, USA

The Lyonnais comfort food at this charming, cozy bistro in Bucktown, family-run for three decades and counting, is in a league of its own thanks to pitch-perfect classics along with some light twists on favorite dishes. Evenings can get busy so reservations are recommended; note that Mondays mean half-price bottles of wine, while the raclette smash burger is only served at lunch.

We don't know if the sardine reference was meant to telegraph the seating arrangements, but, yes, it's snug here. Still, the solid menu of traditional French bistro favorites—including steak frites, bouillabaisse, and beef Bourguignon—seems to put everyone in a convivial mood. Save room for decadent desserts like crème brûlée and warm apple tart, which are bound to evoke envious looks from adjacent diners.

Although there are now satellite restaurants in the Chicago suburbs and across the country, the original Mon Ami Gabi has not lost its charm. This little piece of Paris re-creates a classic bistro with views of Lincoln Park that could pass—with the help of a couple of glasses of vin from the wine cart—for the Tuileries. Park-front windows let in ample natural light, warming the wood-trimmed interior. Best bites include several versions of steak frites, as well as bistro essentials such as steamed mussels and skate with crispy garlic chips. The menu features a rotating list of specials, such as cassoulet and pan-seared sea bass.