Michelin announced 2022s recipients – check out which restaurants are in the West Loop
The Michelin Man was back this week awarding 68 Bib Gourmand’s across the city, who have not only held strong thru the past couple years but did so with style and flair.
Bib Gourmand is awarded to restaurants who exhibit good quality and good value cooking. I’ve covered West Loop two star recipient restaurants previously – and now wanted to highlight the eight the French company has noted in our neighborhoods – go check these gems out!
Perilla • 401 N Milwaukee Ave Chicago 60654
Contemporary Korean with urban vibes in the north west side of West Loop blocks from West Town and River North makes this the perfect meet up spot. Wagyu beef tartare, kimchi stew with glass noodles to fried chicken will delight and a thoughtful tea cellar menu will warm your heart.
Cira • 200 N. Green St., Chicago, 60607, United States
Welcome to West Loop Hoxton – the delightful lobby bar and restaurant on Green Street in Fulton Market. Chef Chris Pandel creates “bright, elegant and precisely seasoned” dishes from Avocado toast to slow-braised short ribs. Stop by anytime of day for light bites, full meal or just a coffee.
elephant latte
Proxi • 565 W. Randolph St., Chicago, 60661, United States
Get ready for a culinary adventure where Chef Andrew Zimmerman, who also helm’s one Michelin starred, sister/neighbor restaurant, will take you from Thai beef salad to duck dumplings simmered in a pho broth. Enjoy the sleek atmosphere whether you’re dining solo or want to impress your company’s team.
Joe’s Imports • 813 W. Fulton Market, Chicago, 60607, United States
Passion project of my former Sommelier and friend, late Jospeh Filey – who never stopped smiling, earning the name – Smiley Joe Filey; brings you his favorite dishes and wines /in a tres chic space/ that he discovered while traveling the world learning about wine. Scott and Joe are some of Chicago’s best restauranteurs and aim to delight you at every culinary turn. Come for the insane BTG (by-the-glass) wine list and stay for the delicious food. I may be biased, but there’s no better place to enjoy some bubbles or brunch in the West Loop!
Cabra • 200 N. Green St., Chicago, 60607, United States
A Peruvian restaurant in the style a la Stephanie Izard – Top Chef’s first female and Chicago winner and co-owner of quite a few other “goat” restaurants (FYI: Cabra means goat in Spanish / Izard is a type of Pyrenees mountain goat) which celebrates bright and bold cuisine in the form of ceviche, empanadas, chimichurri and crudos. Enjoy a Pisco Sour and the Chicago skyline from the 12th floor of the Hoxten Hotel.
Girl & The Goat • 809 W. Randolph St., Chicago, 60607, United States
Stephanie Izard’s first restaurant after winning Top Chef and partnering with BoKa group – continues to serve happy diners starting at 4:30pm every day. If you don’t have a reservation, don’t worry, just pop into the bar/lounge, they’re first come – first serve. This was my first restaurant job that I took on two weeks after it opened in 2010. Reservations have been booked months in advance since they opened (with a pause for the pandemic, of course) but continues to crank out happy guests.
Green beans, Shishito Peppers, Pig Face, Cauliflower & Pickled Peppers, Goat Liver mousse, crudo and pork shank and just a few of my favs. Bring friends (to share more) and prepare to be delighted with all the yummy and crunchy dishes
La Josie • 740 W. Randolph St., Chicago, 60661, United States
At the corner of Restaurant & Row – (Halsted and Randolph) enjoy delightful tacos filled with shredded achiote pork or Amish chicken where this family run kitchen stays on the traditional path. Enjoy your Mexican fare in a buzzy bar with lots of light and hand crafted cocktails.
Avec • 615 W. Randolph St., Chicago, 60661, United States
Arguably one of the best restaurants in Chicago (IMHO) – Avec started the shared plates craze way back in the early 2000s. Be prepared to love thy neighbor when you’re packed into a communal table, but don’t be surprised when they offer you a taste of theirs – It’s still Chicago, after all.
Come for the bacon wrapped dates (which can be spicy), brandade and the truffle focaccia (ask for honey if it’s near the end of your meal) and stay for the unique beverage menu. Tell them what you like about wine and ask them to help you pick an unusual varietal: there are many and you will be delighted!
We are lucky to have such wonderful restaurants in our fair West Loop! Check out the Michelin guide for more great restaurants around town and call me if I can help you buy, sell or rent Chicago real estate!
