Every city we visit has its flavors, but Chicago stands out for its delicious mix of comfort food, creativity, and culture. From deep-dish pizza to Nutella-filled breakfasts, our days exploring the city were often planned around where to eat next.
Here’s a recap of the places we loved eating in Chicago — from cozy cafés to classic Chicago bites that turned into unforgettable family memories.
☕ Starbucks Reserve Roastery Chicago – Coffee Paradise on Every Floor
Our first must-visit was the Starbucks Reserve Roastery Chicago — the largest Starbucks in the world.
Spread over five floors, it’s not just a coffee shop; it’s a coffee experience. Each floor offers something new: from signature drinks to freshly baked pastries, gelato, and even cocktails. The kids loved watching the coffee beans travel through the copper tubes, while we enjoyed taking in the city views with handcrafted lattes in hand.
Travel tip: Go early in the morning or right before closing to avoid lines, and don’t miss the signature affogato — espresso poured over ice cream!
🍫 Nutella Café Chicago – The Sweetest Breakfast on Michigan Avenue
No Chicago morning was complete without a visit to the Nutella Café Chicago.
Located on Michigan Avenue, it’s a dream for chocolate and hazelnut lovers. We tried the Nutella crêpes, pancakes, and the signature Nutella latte — all beautifully served and bursting with flavor.
It’s a cozy place for breakfast or brunch, especially with kids. The décor, warm tones, and the smell of freshly baked pastries make it one of the most family-friendly stops in downtown Chicago.
🍕 Giordano’s – The Deep-Dish Legend
Our trip wouldn’t have been complete without trying the Chicago-style deep-dish pizza at Giordano’s.
We’d heard about it for years, and it lived up to every expectation. Each slice was cheesy, thick, and flavorful — a real comfort food experience. The kids were amazed by how tall the pizza was, and we all agreed that sharing one large pizza was more than enough for a family meal.
Insider tip: It takes around 40 minutes to bake, so order ahead or use that time to relax and take photos — the restaurant ambiance is perfect for content!
🍔 Portillo’s – The Chicago Classic We Finally Tried
After missing it during our first three days, we finally made it to Portillo’s — a Chicago favorite known for its Italian beef sandwiches, Chicago-style hot dogs, and the unforgettable chocolate cake shake.
The atmosphere is lively and nostalgic, filled with vintage signs and friendly staff. It’s casual, quick, and a must-visit for any first-time traveler to Chicago.
🏪 7-Eleven & Whole Foods – Our Everyday Go-To Spots
While exploring the city, we often grabbed quick bites or snacks from 7-Eleven — perfect for keeping kids happy during long walks. From fresh fruit to mini pizzas and drinks, it was our quick, budget-friendly solution for on-the-go family travel days.
On quieter evenings, we stopped by Whole Foods Market. Their prepared food section was a lifesaver — fresh salads, sushi, soups, and hot meals made it easy to have dinner without fuss. It’s perfect when traveling with kids and wanting healthy, ready-to-eat options.
🍕 Lou Malnati’s in Brookfield, Wisconsin – Our Comparison Stop
We’d also tried Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria in Brookfield earlier during our trip, and it was fun comparing the two deep-dish styles.
Lou Malnati’s crust felt lighter and crispier, while Giordano’s had a richer, cheesier filling. Both were amazing in their own way — a true Chicago (and Midwest) pizza rivalry that’s worth tasting for yourself!
Final Thoughts
Eating in Chicago was one of our favorite parts of the trip. Each place told a different story — from the aroma of fresh espresso at Starbucks Reserve to the cheesy perfection of Giordano’s and the sweetness of Nutella Café.
We balanced iconic Chicago foods with easy family-friendly options like Whole Foods and 7-Eleven, proving that great food experiences don’t always need a reservation.
If you’re planning your Chicago itinerary, save these spots — they’ll make your trip as tasty as it is memorable.
| Place | Best For | Must-Try Dish | Family-Friendly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starbucks Reserve Roastery | Coffee & desserts | Affogato or signature latte | ✅ |
| Nutella Café | Breakfast | Crêpes & Nutella latte | ✅ |
| Giordano’s | Lunch/Dinner | Deep-dish pizza | ✅ |
| Portillo’s | Local classic | Italian beef sandwich | ✅ |
| 7-Eleven | Quick snacks | Hot snacks & drinks | ✅ |
| Whole Foods | Healthy dinner | Salad bar, sushi | ✅ |
FAQ – Where We Ate in Chicago
- What are the must-try foods in Chicago?
- Chicago is famous for deep-dish pizza, Italian beef sandwiches, and Chicago-style hot dogs — all of which we tried at Giordano’s and Portillo’s.
- Where can I have breakfast in Chicago?
- Nutella Café Chicago is perfect for breakfast or brunch with kids, while Starbucks Reserve Roastery offers premium coffee and pastries.
- Is Portillo’s family-friendly?
- Yes, Portillo’s has a casual and vibrant atmosphere, great for families visiting Chicago.
- What’s the difference between Giordano’s and Lou Malnati’s pizza?
- Giordano’s has a thicker, cheesier style, while Lou Malnati’s crust is lighter and crispier. Both are delicious deep-dish experiences.
- Can you eat healthy in Chicago?
- Yes! Whole Foods Market’s prepared food section offers plenty of healthy meals, salads, and snacks for families.
- Where can I grab something quick on-the-go?
- 7-Eleven stores across Chicago are great for quick snacks, coffee, and fruit while sightseeing.
