A Food-Focused Getaway in the Midwest

The Best Midwest Restaurants, by State

If you haven’t experienced much in the way of restaurants in the Midwest, at first thought, you might think these eateries will offer little more than heavy meat and potatoes. You’d be wrong, though. Sure – you can find plenty of delicious meat and potato dishes out there, and let’s not forget about Friday fish fry’s or classic prime beef and Brandy Old-Fashioned’s at Wisconsin Supper Clubs. They are essential staples linking us to the Midwest’s diverse history – a history at the heart of our nation’s transportation and trade industry.  

But today’s modern Midwest restaurants offer something more than tradition. Rather, what you’ll find at some of the most exemplary Midwest restaurants is a range of dynamic dining experiences ranging from Michelin-starred establishments to local joints serving innovative fusion cuisine. But the Midwest isn’t just about what you’ll find in the cities — head into smaller towns in Wisconsin, Iowa, and Illinois, and you’ll discover some of the best-hidden gems offering everything from farm-to-table cuisine to Midwestern classics with a modern twist.

Whether enjoying an upscale dinner or digging into local comfort food, the Midwest has something to satisfy every palate. Below, we’ve broken out some of the best Midwest restaurants by state—including a healthy mix of what you’ll find in our region’s leading cities and the best of the best in small towns across the region.

Illinois Restaurants

There’s no doubt that, of all the fantastic places to eat in the Midwest, Chicago is at the pioneering forefront. With big-name restaurants that have won coveted awards and Michelin Stars, like Alinea, Kasama, and North Pond, to newcomers on the food scene like Esmé and The Duck Inn, Chicago most certainly won’t disappoint. But Chicago isn’t the only great city in Illinois with award-winning food.

Best Restaurants in Illinois

1. Alinea, in Chicago, is one of the most acclaimed restaurants in the world. It is known for its avant-garde, multi-course tasting menu, which is as much an artistic experience as a culinary one. 
2. Esmé, a Michelin-starred gem in Lincoln Park, offers an ever-evolving experience that is second to none. The tasting menu changes every 12 weeks and is a rotating collaboration meant to highlight Chicago’s diverse art and culture, bringing an always-fresh dining experience to Midwest restaurants.
3. The Duck Inn, located on the border of Chicago’s Bridgeport neighborhood, is a truly inviting gastropub that will leave you immensely satisfied. From its well-executed dishes and exquisite cocktails to its pre-prohibition-era space, you’ll love the entire dining experience at this Illinois restaurant.
4. Don’t miss the chance to savor Chicago’s exquisite Mexican cuisine, like that found at Mi Tocaya Antojeria. With one of the country’s largest Mexican-American populations, Chicago is perhaps a surprising spot to find some of the country’s best tacos, tortas, and traditional specialties. 
5. For some farm-to-table cuisine outside of Chicago, head to Bloomington. Here, you’ll find Epiphany Farms Restaurant, which just so happens to be connected to its own farm for the freshest meal possible. You’ll find a bit of everything here, too, from classic French Technique served with a healthy side of small-town American roots and even a nod to Korean cuisine. 
6. Discover a meat-heavy (but delicious!) Irish regional specialty in Springfield, at a local Irish gem called Darcy’s Pint. 
7. Want the best hot dogs in the state (and maybe the country)? You might want to head to Gene and Jude’s in River Grove. 
8. Finally, we can’t mention Midwest restaurants in Illinois without including at least one spot for deep-dish pizza. Though there are plenty of world-famous spots in Chicago, we think you should head out into the ‘burbs to a place like Burt’s Place. 

Minnesota Restaurants

Just as many of the top restaurants in Illinois are found in Chicago, many of the top Minnesota restaurants are found in the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul. While the Twin Cities offer a fantastic place to start your food-focused journey in the Midwest, there are just as many fantastic Midwest restaurants in the quaint communities across the Land of 10,000 Lakes. We’ve listed a few places to try below.

Best Restaurants in Minnesota

1. Spoon and Stable, a North Loop favorite in Minneapolis, is a French-inspired, New American restaurant led by James Beard Award-winning chef Gavin Kaysen. The menu offers elegant, seasonal dishes in a modern yet comfortable setting.
2. Meritage, a French brasserie in the heart of downtown St. Paul, offers a traditional French menu with oysters, steak frites, and escargot paired with an extensive wine list. The bistro-style setting adds to its charm.
3. Young Joni in Minneapolis is a chic spot whose Chef specializes in wood-fired pizzas and creative small plates. The back bar offers a cozy spot for craft cocktails before or after dinner.
4. You can’t leave Minneapolis without trying at least one “Jucy Lucy” Burger – and one fantastic place to do that is Matt’s Bar, a classic dive bar that is unassuming and will satisfy every burger urge you’ve ever had. OF course, you may also want to try the Juicy Lucy at the 5-8 Club – there’s a bit of controversy as to which spot had the actual original version of this Minnesota classic. 
5. Oro by Nixta was nominated for Best New Restaurant by the James Beard Association this year, earning it a spot on your must-try list of Midwest restaurants. This unique restaurant is dedicated to a single ingredient: Corn. Don’t let that fool you, though. Their menu is sensational. 
6. One of the state’s best-regarded farm-to-table dining spots, especially if you’re in search of fantastically fresh seafood, is the Angry Trout Cafe in Grand Marais. You’ll find a broad range of dishes on their menu, including Lake Superior whitefish and grilled bison tenderloin, alongside regional staples like fish and chips. Much of their seafood is sourced for their neighboring Dockside Fish Market for the freshest experience.
7. Enjoy unbeatable views of Lake Superior and a taste of Minnesota’s Nordic Heritage, head to Duluth’s New Scenic Cafe. To start, enjoy a smörgåsbord with pickled herring, smoked salmon, pickled beets, and more, or a Nordic plate starter with shrimp, beet gravlax, and pickled beets.
8. With elevated and unobstructed views of the Mississippi River, don’t miss a stop at Reads Landing Brewery. Not only will you enjoy fantastic craft brews and unmatched views of the river, but their menu is diverse and exceptional, an authentic taste of small-town Minnesota.