Chicago, the third-largest city in North America after New York and Los Angeles. As the birthplace of the skyscraper, its atmosphere bears a certain resemblance to New York. Though only a fraction of New York's size in population and area, this compact city is densely packed with attractions comparable to its larger counterpart, including art, architecture, entertainment, and gastronomy. This short series introduces Chicago's charms by theme. The fifth installment explores the city's culinary hotspots, renowned for its gastronomy.

For any traveler, dining is undoubtedly a significant part of the experience. As a major hub for commerce in the United States, Chicago is also known as a city of gastronomy, thanks to its abundant supply of fresh ingredients. Here, we present a few of Chicago's culinary destinations.

Steak is arguably Chicago's signature dish. As a center for meat distribution, the city boasts over 40 steak houses, ranging from establishments serving the highest grade of American beef, USDA Prime, to specialists in aged meats. We introduce "STK Chicago," where you can enjoy premium steaks in an unconventional setting, akin to a lounge with a DJ spinning hip tunes. The menu also features fresh seafood, such as Alaskan king crab and seared scallops, allowing for a delightful progression from seafood appetizers to a hearty steak main course.

STK Chicago
9 West Kinzie Street Chicago, Illinois 60654
https://stksteakhouse.com/venues/chicago/

Deep-dish pizza, originating from Chicago and often called Chicago pizza, has recently gained attention in Japan. More akin to a pie than a traditional pizza, its crust is baked in a deep dish, topped generously with cheese, abundant ingredients, and tomato sauce. With a thickness of 4 to 5 centimeters, it's a substantial local delicacy.

We visited "Gino's East Magnificent Mile," a long-standing establishment that opened in 1966 and has been serving Chicago-style pizza to locals and tourists alike for 53 years. This is the place to savor the quintessential Chicago pizza.

Gino's East Magnificent Mile
162 East Superior Street Chicago, Illinois 60611
https://www.ginoseast.com/magnificent-mile

Nestled in Chicago's central Loop district, "Bellyard" offers a dining experience where meticulously designed interiors complement visually stunning and palate-pleasing refined cuisine.

Chef Jimmy Papadopoulos, who describes his cooking as "Artistic American," is a recognized talent, having been named Eater Chicago's Chef of the Year in 2015. Upon its opening in 2017, the restaurant was ranked number one in "America's Best New Restaurants" by Robb Report, a prestigious American lifestyle magazine. It's an ideal destination for those seeking a slightly more indulgent and special experience.

Bellyard
564 West Randolph Street Chicago, Illinois 60661
https://www.bellemorechicago.com/

When time is short for a leisurely lunch during sightseeing, but fast food feels too mundane, "Latincity" in Chicago's central Loop area is the perfect alternative. This food court, curated by Mexican chef Richard Sandoval, features 12 stalls offering a variety of cuisines, from tacos and hamburgers to sushi and desserts. Its appeal lies in the freedom to choose and enjoy different dishes according to your mood.

Latincity
108 North State Street Chicago, Illinois 60602
http://latinicity.com

"Offshore Rooftop & Bar," located on the third floor of Navy Pier, a complex on the shores of Lake Michigan previously mentioned in our article on the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, offers a dining experience where you can savor exquisite views of Chicago's skyscrapers and the majestic Lake Michigan from an open-air setting.

In this airy, glass-enclosed space, guests can enjoy modern American cuisine crafted by Chef Michael Schroeder, who trained under Jeremiah Tower, a pioneer of California cuisine. The menu is complemented by an extensive beverage selection, including wines, champagnes, original cocktails, and local craft beers. Dining is available in the indoor area or the outdoor lounge, offering views of the city skyline to the west and Lake Michigan to the east.

We recommend visiting at dusk. The silhouette of the skyline, formed by the skyscrapers, is dramatically outlined against the crimson western sky, creating a breathtakingly beautiful scene.

Offshore Rooftop & Bar
1000 East Grand Avenue Chicago, Illinois 60611
https://www.drinkoffshore.com/