Best Authentic Restaurants in South Side

193 restaurants available nearby

1. Athena Restaurant

4.6

Exceptional(2808)

Price: Moderate

• Greek • Greektown

Booked 41 times today

Athena Restaurant is widely recognized for its authentic Greek cuisine. Reviews consistently mention its 'authentic' and 'traditional Greek' food. Customers even compare it to the home-cooked meals of Greek heritage. The restaurant's ambience, with its fine Greek architecture, adds to the authenticity. The high ratings for food, ambience, and service further reinforce the authenticity of the restaurant.

2. Acanto

4.8

Exceptional(3822)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown / Loop

Booked 38 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.

A photo of El Che Steakhouse & Bar restaurant

3. El Che Steakhouse & Bar

4.7

Exceptional(2061)

Price: Very Expensive

• Steakhouse • West Loop

Booked 66 times today

Located just beyond the West Loop’s famed “restaurant row,” El Che Steakhouse & Bar is Chicago's go-to destination for steak, seafood, and live-fire cooking. The restaurant is modeled after Executive Chef/Partner John Manion’s fascination with Argentinean asados: traditional backyard barbecues surrounding the flame. A 12-foot custom-built grill serves as the centerpiece for this downtown asado which embraces South American-tinged meats, seasonal vegetables, fresh seafood, and of course, steak. The hearth also serves as the heart of the restaurant’s experiences such as dining at the Hearth Table. Join us for happy hour at our cocktail bar, featuring signature cocktails and fiery bar bites or indulge in a glass of wine from the country’s only South American wine list. No matter what you choose, El Che brings the heat seven nights a week.For large groups, private events, birthdays, or celebrations, email us info@elchechicago.com.

A photo of HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen restaurant

4. HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen

4.7

Exceptional(392)

Price: Expensive

• Vietnamese • Pilsen

Booked 48 times today

Experience elevated Vietnamese Cuisine in a an atmosphere that is chic, approachable, warm & inviting. Chef Thai & Danielle Dang’s critically acclaimed restaurant celebrates Vietnamese cuisine in the heart of a vibrant Chicago neighborhood, Pilsen. Five times recognized MICHELIN Bibb Gourmand & four James Beard nominations.Enjoy Chef Thai's famous Caramelized Fish Sauce Wings, his signature Whole Fried Fluke and one of the New York Times favorite dishes, HaiSous' Grilled Oysters ! Guests may also enjoy a special and seasonal Grand Tasting Tour, 3 curated courses with the option of an optional wine pairing or join us at the bar for Happy Hour.The more guests you bring, the more dishes you get to try! Great for groups.

A photo of CH Distillery | Jinsei Motto restaurant

5. CH Distillery | Jinsei Motto

4.8

Exceptional(288)

Price: Very Expensive

• Sushi • West Loop

Booked 39 times today

CH Distillery | Jinsei Motto in Chicago's West Loop – where expertly distilled spirits meet exquisite sushi. Enjoy our seasonal cocktails and a standout Omakase experience featuring dry-aged fish from Japan. Choose your ambiance: the lively front lounge with a beautifully lit bar and historic distilling tanks, or the serene back dining room with eclectic décor and an Omakase bar. Daily happy hour, whiskey/sake flights, and a patio setting provide diverse experiences. Open for lunch and Sundays, we cater to all occasions. Join us for unmatched culinary excellence and spirited adventures.

6. Bar Mar

4.6

Exceptional(923)

Price: Expensive

• Spanish • River North (Chicago)

Booked 91 times today

Fresh oysters piled on mounds of sparkling ice. Ceviches that taste of the ocean. Chef José Andrés’ brilliant renditions of iconic seafood classics like fried calamari and lobster rolls. Located at the Bank of America Tower in Chicago, Bar Mar is a true celebration of the bounty of the sea, with modern takes on classics you know and love, festive cocktails, and a bright, beautiful space that interweaves the nautical with the elegant. Beautiful private dining and events spaces available.

A photo of Lou Malnati's - South Loop restaurant

7. Lou Malnati's - South Loop

4.5

Awesome(107)

Price: Moderate

• Pizzeria • South Loop

Booked 56 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 PERILLA steakhouse - Riverwalk restaurant

8. PERILLA steakhouse - Riverwalk

4.5

Awesome(123)

Price: Very Expensive

• Korean • Downtown / Loop

Booked 38 times today

A modern interpretation of the classic Chicago steakhouse inspired by traditional Korean flavors. The MICHELIN-recognized PERILLA brand pays homage to the city’s iconic steakhouse roots while introducing a new iteration of the classic dining concept. Designed to be an energetic and explorative dining experience, the restaurant features custom grill tables and a one of a kind tasting menu featured on the Chef Counter.

A photo of The Berghoff Restaurant restaurant

9. The Berghoff Restaurant

4.5

Awesome(2480)

Price: Moderate

• German • Downtown / Loop

Booked 61 times today

---The Berghoff Restaurant is a Chicago landmark, serving German-style cuisine and culture since 1898. One of the oldest family-run businesses in the nation, now run by the fourth generation, Pete Berghoff. Today's Berghoff menus have evolved to add newer, lighter, and more contemporary dishes, but it's still the same old Berghoff, down to the famous root beer. In December 2018, the Berghoff family opened Adams Street Brewery, aptly named after the street they have called home for over a century, to nod to their brewing roots and commemorate the restaurant's 120th anniversary.

A photo of Mercat a la Planxa - Located in The Blackstone Hotel, Chicago restaurant

10. Mercat a la Planxa - Located in The Blackstone Hotel, Chicago

4.2

Awesome(4911)

Price: Expensive

• Unspecified • South Loop

Booked 23 times today

Mercat offers an authentic dining experience that combines fresh meats and produces with the energetic spirit of a Barcelona market.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

OT
OpenTable Diner
Las Vegas •1 review
5.0
Dined today
Everything was delicious. Authentic with a twist. A great experience overall!
More info
HaiSous Vietnamese KitchenPrice: Expensive• Vietnamese• Pilsen
•
4.7
W
Wendyvip
Philadelphia County •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
The food was amazing and the service was great. We were a party of 8 and changed to 14 and they were very accommodating.
More info
Athena RestaurantPrice: Moderate• Greek• Greektown
•
4.6
R
Russvip
Chicago / Illinois •26 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
One of our top meals of the year. Make no mistake, Jinsei is a fine dining establishment that just happens to be in the fun and casual confines of CH distillery. Best of both worlds. Zoe is a master of the menu so we let her guide our group (including my vegetarian wife) through the menu. Apps included oysters, lions mane mushrooms, crudo, tuna w crispy rice. The rolls were fantastic and their special vege roll was a standout to the whole table. Even the edamame was unique and savory. Then came the nigiri which included selections from their onsite fish aging lockers. Think medium fatty tuna with shaved truffles and marinated salmon. Pair this with drinks from one of the best cocktail and sake bars in the city and a shot of Malort to end the meal and it was a fantastic evening with friends. Thanks so much to the spectacular team!
More info
CH Distillery | Jinsei MottoPrice: Very Expensive• Sushi• West Loop
•
4.8
JK
JennK
Nashville •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
Acanto on Michigan Ave was the perfect choice for dinner before a concert at the Auditorium Theater. Within walking distance to the venue. Acanto had many gluten free options that were necessary for our visit. Food was fresh and so flavorful. Service was outstanding. Highly recommend.
More info
AcantoPrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown / Loop
•
4.8
T
tonyvip
Chicago / Illinois •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on 13 Nov 2024
Great experience. The food was delicious and server was great. He kept checking on us and was very nice. Top tier restaurant.
More info
El Che Steakhouse & BarPrice: Very Expensive• Steakhouse• West Loop
•
4.7

Best Authentic Restaurants in South Side

Price

Cuisine

Regions

Areas

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating options

Award-winning

Accessibility

193 restaurants available nearby

1. Athena Restaurant

2. Acanto

3. El Che Steakhouse & Bar

4. HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen

5. CH Distillery | Jinsei Motto

6. Bar Mar

7. Lou Malnati's - South Loop

8. PERILLA steakhouse - Riverwalk

9. The Berghoff Restaurant

10. Mercat a la Planxa - Located in The Blackstone Hotel, Chicago

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable