The 10 Hottest Restaurants in Chicago Right Now: June-July 2025
The city’s most buzzed-about restaurants this month, in order of heat
Custom Placements: Front Page Lead
An Artful River North Restaurant Is Coming Next Month
LIA, which stands for Life Imitates Art, will serve dishes directly inspired by artwork.
Ep. 2: A Review of Thalaiva’s and a Dining Lightning Round
Hosts John Kessler and Amy Cavanaugh offer their short (but hot) takes on places they’ve been eating and drinking lately. Plus, John discusses his latest review, for Thalaiva’s Indian Kitchen in Park Ridge.
Can You Get More Progressive Than Pilsen?
Two of the neighborhood’s bookstores — one employee-owned and one pay-what-you-wish — encapsulate its spirit.
Summer’s Required Reading
From stories steeped in the rhythms of the city to a lighthearted romance, these new novels by Chicago-connected authors provide ample beach-chair fodder.
Indienne Is Precise and Articulated Fine Dining
What our dining critic found less lovable? The $60 tasting menu at nearby Sifr.