Best Upscale Kosher Restaurants in Chicago | Upscale & Kosher

22 restaurants in Best Upscale Kosher Restaurants in Chicago | Upscale & Kosher

• Paulina Meat Market — American · rated 5/5: Step into a carnivore’s sanctuary where the savory perfume of slow-braised lamb and zesty BBQ brisket fills the air, signaling a deep-rooted commitment to artisanal butchery and soulful comfort. The kitchen bridges the gap between playful snacks and elegant classics, offering everything from crispy pork lumpia and golden mac-and-cheese bites to the refined, flaky decadence of a beef Wellington pie. Each visit delivers a rustic warmth that celebrates the craft of the market, turning hearty staples like velvety beef stroganoff into a truly indulgent and nostalgic dining experience.
• Love & Light Cafe — American · rated 5/5: Sunlight streams through the windows of this vibrant neighborhood sanctuary, where the comforting aroma of griddled French toast and golden, caramelized pearl waffles fills the air. Guests find a perfect balance of indulgence and wellness, lingering over buttery croissant sandwiches and hearty breakfast platters or opting for nourishing avocado toast and light, protein-packed eggwiches.
• Stussy's Diner — American · rated 4/5: Stussy’s Diner captures the soul of morning comfort, where the rhythmic sizzle of the griddle and the aroma of buttery, house-made biscuits create a warm sanctuary for breakfast lovers. Guests can dive into hearty plates of spice-kissed Cajun grits and savory salmon or indulge in decadent French toast bites swirled with Nutella and cream. It is a vibrant neighborhood hub where classic, stick-to-your-ribs staples meet sweet, creative whimsy, ensuring every guest leaves with a full heart and a satisfied palate.
• Meli — Greek · rated 4/5: Sunlight streams into this vibrant morning sanctuary, where the comforting aroma of golden biscuits and savory gravy mingles with the sizzle of farm-fresh eggs. The kitchen transforms the breakfast table into a soulful journey, offering everything from the zesty heat of a Flamenco omelet to the sun-drenched Mediterranean flavors of the Sunrise in Cyprus bowl. Each plate celebrates the art of the morning meal, inviting guests to linger over hearty, wholesome fare in a space that feels like a warm, rustic embrace.
• Just Salads — American · rated 4/5: This bright, energetic destination celebrates the art of the fresh bowl, where the snap of crisp greens and the vibrant colors of seasonal produce create a canvas for wholesome, revitalizing dining. Zesty harissa-spiced chicken and maple-glazed crunch mingle with creamy avocado and plant-based proteins, offering a symphony of textures that range from the warmth of a savory market plate to the refreshing chill of a fruit-forward smoothie. Every custom wrap and steaming seasonal soup is crafted to provide a burst of clean, bold flavor that fuels the modern urban lifestyle.
• Delightful Pastries — French · rated 4/5: This charming haven welcomes guests with the irresistible aroma of buttery, golden-brown crusts and a vibrant mosaic of artisanal hors d'oeuvres. Crispy, spinach-filled phyllo and earthy mushroom turnovers share the stage with velvety truffled deviled eggs and bright caprese bites, each morsel meticulously crafted to deliver a burst of sophisticated flavor. Whether savoring a delicate mini latke or a slice of rich, savory quiche, every bite celebrates the timeless art of the perfect pastry in a warm and inviting atmosphere.
• Medici Bakery — Italian · rated 4/5: Medici Bakery serves as a vibrant crossroads of global comfort, where the inviting scent of bubbling goat cheese and spiced Moroccan ragout draws guests into a warm, communal atmosphere. The kitchen artfully balances zesty, hand-mashed guacamole and crispy calamari with soul-warming bowls of beef chili and fresh, crisp salads, creating an eclectic dining experience that feels both familiar and adventurous.
• Sicilian Bakery — Italian · rated 4/5: Step into a sun-drenched corner of Italy where the air is perfumed with sweet citrus and toasted flour, and glass cases overflow with a golden bounty of hand-crafted treasures. From the shatteringly crisp shells of hand-piped cannoli to the intricate, buttery layers of sfogliatelle, every pastry celebrates the art of the Sicilian baker through velvety ricotta fillings and delicate, sugar-dusted creams. It is a place where time slows down over a decadent Iris or a slice of airy cheesecake, offering a true taste of Mediterranean tradition in every indulgent bite.
• North Shore Kosher Bakery — American · rated 4/5: This warm neighborhood sanctuary envelops guests in the intoxicating aroma of freshly baked bread, from the glossy, golden braids of traditional challah to the hearty, seed-dusted crusts of artisanal bagels and rolls. Beyond the savory staples, the bakery shines with nostalgic charm through its display of whimsically decorated cakes and buttery coffee cakes, where swirls of rich chocolate and velvety vanilla frosting promise a sweet, celebratory finish to any gathering.
• Cake Bros. — American · rated 4/5: Step into a whimsical world of edible artistry where vibrant fondant boards and custom-sculpted letters transform simple celebrations into personalized masterpieces. The studio hums with creative energy as artisans meticulously craft bespoke confections, blending bold colors and intricate textures to ensure every sweet creation serves as a stunning, handcrafted centerpiece.
• Di'vino — Italian · rated 4/5: Di'vino invites guests into a spirited, sun-drenched space where the clinking of wine glasses harmonizes with the lively hum of a Mediterranean-inspired bistro. The air is rich with the scent of garlic-infused sautéed clams and spicy arrabbiata, while vibrant plates of citrus-bright ceviche and creamy burrata encourage a communal journey through bold, coastal flavors. Whether lingering over golden patatas bravas or sharing a platter of artisanal antipasto, diners find a sophisticated retreat that celebrates the art of the perfect pairing and the joy of shared small plates.
• Pete's Fresh Market — American · rated 4/5: This bustling culinary destination feels like a vibrant global bazaar, where the air is alive with the scents of simmering dals and the bright, citrusy notes of fresh tamarind juice. Guests navigate a kaleidoscope of international flavors, discovering everything from smoky baba ghanoush and tender nopales to the delicate crunch of traditional pizzelle and the exotic sweetness of rambutan. It is a sensory celebration of the world’s pantry, inviting adventurous palates to explore a truly borderless dining experience.
• AndySunflower Café — American · rated 4/5: Sunlight streams into this cheerful neighborhood sanctuary, where the comforting hum of the espresso machine mingles with the sweet, nostalgic aromas of toasted maple and caramelized fruit. Each cup is a canvas for liquid artistry, offering whimsical creations like the floral-kissed Rosy Rose or the decadent, buttery warmth of a Bananas Foster latte that turns a simple coffee break into a vibrant sensory escape.
• Ideal Pastry — French · rated 3/5: This artisanal bakery serves as a fragrant homage to European tradition, where the air is thick with the comforting scent of toasted caraway and hearth-baked grains. Masterfully crafted loaves like the dense Slavyansky and sunflower-studded ryes showcase crackling, flour-dusted crusts and rich, complex crumb, offering a soulful journey through the heart of authentic Polish bread-making.
• The Spice House — Indian · rated 3/5: Step into a sensory sanctuary where the air is thick with the intoxicating perfume of hand-blended aromatics, from the peppery bite of Back of the Yards garlic to the deep, smoldering notes of Milwaukee Avenue smokehouse rubs. This culinary destination celebrates the alchemy of flavor, offering a journey that spans from the sun-drenched heat of Jamaican jerk to the earthy, salt-free depth of Oaxacan ancho coffee blends. Every visit promises a vibrant exploration of global spices and local heritage, finished perhaps with the nostalgic, velvety warmth of a spiced Mexican hot cocoa.
• Terry's Toffee — American · rated 3/5: The air here is thick with the intoxicating scent of slow-simmered butter and toasted nuts, drawing visitors into a boutique haven of artisanal confectionery. Each handcrafted shard offers a perfect, buttery snap, whether it’s the timeless McCall’s Classic or adventurous infusions like zesty lemon macadamia and aromatic Chai-Cago spice. Finished with velvety chocolate and premium toppings, these golden treats transform simple ingredients into an elegant sensory experience that redefines the classic sweet.
• Cork and Bean — American · rated 1/5: This sun-drenched neighborhood retreat invites guests to linger over the comforting aroma of freshly toasted bagels and the sweet, caramelized scent of golden pearl sugar waffles. From vibrant avocado toasts topped with smoky bacon to decadent bowls brimming with fresh berries, every dish offers a harmonious blend of wholesome ingredients and morning indulgence in a space that feels like a warm embrace.
• Meli Cafe — Greek: Sunlight streams into this vibrant morning haunt, where the comforting aroma of golden biscuits and savory gravy mingles with the lively energy of a neighborhood gathering spot. The kitchen transforms farm-fresh eggs into everything from zesty, spice-laden omelets to the Mediterranean-inspired Sunrise in Cyprus, offering a soulful start to the day that feels both familiar and adventurous. Whether you are tucking into a hearty steak and eggs or a vegetable-packed scramble, every plate captures the warmth of home-style cooking elevated by creative, global touches.
• Half Sour — American: This neighborhood haunt reimagines the classic deli experience, where the comforting steam of house-made matzo ball soup meets the irresistible crunch of golden latkes and savory cheese curds. The atmosphere hums with a casual, welcoming energy, inviting guests to linger over smoky salmon dip and charred wings in a space that feels like a vibrant community living room. It is a soulful destination where traditional flavors are elevated with a contemporary twist, creating a dining experience that is as heartwarming as it is modern.
• Meli Cafe — Greek: Meli Cafe is a sun-drenched morning retreat where the comforting scent of buttery biscuits and savory gravy fills the air, inviting guests to linger over vibrant, farm-fresh plates. The kitchen transforms the humble egg into an art form, offering everything from the zesty kick of a Spicy Flamenco omelet to the Mediterranean-inspired warmth of the Sunrise in Cyprus. Every dish feels like a soulful, home-cooked embrace, blending hearty traditional staples with bright, creative flavors that celebrate the start of a new day.
• Fontano's Pizza and Subs — Italian: The morning air at this bustling neighborhood staple is thick with the aroma of toasted bagels and buttery croissants, transitioning seamlessly into the savory perfume of sliced meats and crusty Italian bread as the day unfolds. Mornings begin with vibrant fruit bowls and flaky pastries, while the lunch crowd gathers for legendary, overstuffed subs like the towering Blockbuster and the zesty Italian Special, each a masterclass in balanced flavors and generous portions. Whether you’re grabbing a quick breakfast sandwich on the go or settling in for a hearty, hand-crafted sub, every bite captures the timeless charm of a true local deli.
• Manny's Cafeteria and Delicatessen — American: This iconic institution hums with the vibrant energy of a classic cafeteria, where the air is thick with the inviting scents of sizzling matzah brei and golden-brown corned beef hash. Guests find comfort in generous portions of decadent chocolate bobka French toast and savory breakfast Reubens, savoring a rich tapestry of deli traditions that feel both deeply nostalgic and wonderfully indulgent.