The Best Breakfast Restaurants in Chicago

Chicago has always been a food city. In fact, the city and its wealth were built on food. Since its incorporation, Chicago acted as the shipment hub for the Midwest’s agricultural trade, later becoming a leader in food processing throughout the United States. Like many booming cities, industry attracted immigrants, eager to work—and they brought their cuisines with them. To this day, Chicago continues to be one of the country's most beloved food cities. But where are the smartest, savviest diners eating out? Welcome to our Tastemaker List. We’ve pulled data from thousands of restaurants to find the top spots among OpenTable's most expert, seasoned diners. Whether you're in the mood for a fluffy cinnamon roll or a hearty corned-beef hash, when it comes to breakfast in the Windy City, there are countless choices. From funky diners to five-star restaurants, the following spots serve up the best breakfast in Chicago.

The OpenTable Team

13 Restaurants

Updated February 25, 2020

Restaurants:	Mon Ami Gabi, Quartino, Le Colonial - Chicago…
Price Range:	$$ - $$$
Cuisines:	French, Italian, Vietnamese…
Neighborhoods:	Lincoln Park, River North (Chicago), Gold Coast / Streeterville…

Mon Ami Gabi

$$$$

French

Lincoln Park

4.8

6748 reviews

"Sundays are for relaxing and, after a hard week, indulging. Mon Ami Gabi is known for their French classics, but diners come back time and time again for their Sunday brunch. To start, this bistro offers freshly squeezed juice and brunch cocktails (including a bloody mary garnished with smoked bacon and gruyère cheese), as well as a variety of specialty teas and coffees. Diners that have a sweet tooth can’t get enough of their creme brulee french toast or banana foster waffle. For savory fans, the duck confit and brussels sprouts with red cabbage, sunny-side-up eggs, and hash browns is a must-try dish. From their artichoke and spinach eggs benedict to their “not breakfast” items, including a truffle and brie burger, there’s something for everyone. There’s also a kid's Sunday brunch menu offered."

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Quartino

$$$$

Italian

River North (Chicago)

4.7

9500 reviews

While diners typically flock to this bustling establishment to enjoy small plates, carafes of wine, and unique cocktails, their weekend brunch menu selections take breakfast to a whole other level. Offering the perfect combination of dishes for vegetarians and meat lovers, it will be tough to choose a favorite. Their house-made spicy sausage and pepper frittata is a well-loved dish, as is their Tuscan skillet, complete with potatoes, pancetta, kale, poached eggs, and a rich roasted tomato basil hollandaise. During this time, guests can also order their sandwich specials, such as their Italian sub, paired with one of their featured brunch cocktails.

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Le Colonial - Chicago

$$$$

Vietnamese

Gold Coast / Streeterville

4.8

6653 reviews

Combining upscale French and Vietnamese fare, Le Colonial has a stunning interior, balcony seating, and a seasonal patio. Although they do not offer classic breakfast items, many diners can’t recommend this restaurant enough. In fact, many suggest that diners skip brunch and come straight here for “breakfast” which will technically be ordered off the lunch menu. Their much-loved Tom Cuon Ram dish features crisp beignets, which is essentially a fried fritter stuffed with vegetables, shrimp, and chicken. Their protein-rich salads are also a great choice, including their artichoke and crabmeat salad.

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Café Ba-Ba-Reeba

$$$$

Tapas / Small Plates

Lincoln Park

4.8

8007 reviews

This classic Chicago eatery is known for their lively atmosphere, Spanish tapas, paella, sangria, and of course, their Spanish-inspired brunch menu. Bloody mary fans love their “make your own” bar, featuring vodkas, bourbon, tequila, gin, and a range of unique condiments. The brunch menu is full of incredible tapas, including a spinach and artichoke crepe, sausage-fried paella rice with a poached egg, and shrimp and grits. No matter what diners are in the mood for, they’ll get their fill at Café Ba-Ba-Reeba.

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Shaw's Crab House & Oyster Bar - Chicago

$$$$

Seafood

River North (Chicago)

4.8

13057 reviews

Sure, Shaw’s Crab House is known as Chicago’s premier seafood restaurant, but they also serve an irresistible brunch. For a set price, diners are let loose on their five-station buffet, featuring their grand hot buffet, chilled seafood & salad station, omelet and waffle bar, and carving station. Those who have room can finish off their meal at the sweets table, which features homemade pastries and desserts. For diners that love variety, this is the only place in the city where they can enjoy country breakfast sausage links and steamed king crab legs during the same meal.

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Brass Tack

$$$$

American

Gold Coast / Streeterville

4.5

403 reviews

Serving up traditional French fine dining, Margeaux Brasserie is inspired by the 1920s. Owned by James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Mina, this stylish restaurant offers traditional brasserie dishes, in addition to warm hospitality. Located on the third floor of the Waldorf Astoria, the Margeaux Brasserie is proud to serve what could be the best breakfast in Chicago. Taking guests on a journey to Paris, some of the most raved-about dishes include their chef's daily quiche, grapefruit brûlée, and croque madame. They also offer three croissant egg benedicts to choose from, featuring Maine lobster, smoked salmon, or Paris ham.

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Summer House Santa Monica

$$$$

American

Lincoln Park

4.7

6475 reviews

Each weekend, Summer House Santa Monica serves up a brunch that is sure to please. This open, bright, and airy restaurant is a joy to dine in, especially on a sunny day—thanks to their retractable glass ceiling. Although their menu is inspired by California, they are proud to support local farmers, artisans, and producers. Diners in the mood for something light have options such as a smoked salmon platter, fresh fruit plate, or an almond crunch granola and greek yogurt dish. Their egg sandwiches are always a hit, featuring options such as the Jalapeno Cruncher, which consists of a fried egg, tomato, avocado, mayo, and jalapeno kettle chips on a brioche bun. From their fresh berry waffle to their breakfast tostadas, their menu is vibrant and unique.

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Chicago Cut Steakhouse

$$$$

Steakhouse

River North (Chicago)

4.8

8908 reviews

For those looking for the best breakfast in Chicago, a steakhouse may not come to mind. However, at Chicago Cut Steakhouse, their breakfast menu hits all the right notes. Best of all, when the weather is nice, diners can sit on their patio overlooking the river. Kickstart breakfast with an organic rishi iced tea or their smoothie of the day, both of which will awaken any foodie's taste buds. Their "from the farm" selection includes a corned beef hash, Chicago cut prime filet eggs benedict, and an organic egg white omelet. For those who have a sweet tooth, their vanilla challah french toast with banana and caramel is an easy choice.

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North Pond

$$$$

American

Lincoln Park

4.9

4144 reviews

Located inside Lincoln Park, North Pond offers modern American fare, highlighting locally sourced ingredients. Diners will appreciate the views as they take in Chicago's breathtaking skyline. The structure that now houses this restaurant was first built in 1912, acting as a warming shelter for skaters. Although everyone should try their seasonal tasting menu at least once, their brunch is a weekly tradition for many locals. Where else can hungry guests find cheddar cheese cauliflower served with a sunnyside egg, pheasant sausage, fresh grapes, and rainbow cauliflower? Serving each diner three courses, North Pond offers a unique brunch experience with an artistic spin.

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HUB 51

$$$$

American

River North (Chicago)

4.6

5284 reviews

A self-proclaimed social dining hub, this contemporary restaurant is located in Chicago's River North neighborhood. Known for their diverse dishes and lively atmosphere, their brunch could easily be named the best breakfast in Chicago. For meat lovers, their short ribs benedict is sure to please, and for those looking to truly fuel up, their day-breaker omelet is as hearty as they come. Their breakfast tacos are always a crowd-pleaser and for those who want a healthier option, their avocado toasted is served with poached eggs, a basil-ricotta spread, crispy kale, and puffed rice.

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Maya Del Sol

$$$$

Latin American

Oak Park

4.8

3284 reviews

If diners desire a hip, lively experience, Maya Del Sol may be the place, with its unique Latin American fare and patio dining. Known for their vibrant dishes and creative cocktails, this is a must-try spot for those who loved bold, flavorful dishes. Their mouth-watering steak skillet features skirt steak, broccolini, potato, red onion, chipotle red pepper sauce, and two eggs any style. For diners who appreciate the perfect balance between sweet and spicy, the pork belly eggs benedict consists of celery, carrot, maple glaze, and an orange-habanero hollandaise.

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The Florentine

$$$$

Italian

Downtown / Loop

4.5

1133 reviews

Located in the beautiful JW Marriott Chicago, the Florentine is an Italian restaurant with plenty of character and charm. Their chef-driven menu features seasonal, modern Italian cuisine served in a warm, welcoming environment. Breakfast is served daily and during weekend brunch, guests can enjoy bottomless mimosas and bloody marys. Lighter breakfast options include their housemade granola and ricotta doughnuts, as well as a burrata dish served with strawberry compote and polenta bread. Their specialties include an egg white frittata, almond brioche french toast, and petite filet accompanied by sunny side up eggs, roasted tomatoes, and watercress.

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Beatrix - River North

$$$$

American

River North (Chicago)

4.6

4614 reviews

A funky, elegant restaurant, Beatrix is known for their healthy, delicious menu items, iconic coffee, and pastry counter. No matter what diners are in the mood for, this neighborhood eatery will hit the spot. The exposed wood beams add a rustic, warm vibe and each dish is beautifully presented. Their fresh-squeezed juice is a must, including their pure blueberry juice with white grape and basil. For vegetarians, their quinoa cakes dish with poached eggs and a tomato-basil sauce is both delicious and memorable. From steak chimichurri and eggs to their cauliflower grits, Beatrix serves breakfast unlike any other.

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