Discover Chicago’s Top 10 Filipino Restaurants: A Culinary Journey

The culinary landscape of Chicago has been significantly enriched over the past seven years with the emergence of contemporary Filipino restaurants. These establishments have built upon the foundation laid by family-owned pioneers such as Ruby’s Fast Food, Uncle Mike’s Place, and the now-closed Isla Pilipina, alongside the Filipino supermarket Seafood City. The new wave of Filipino dining in Chicago ranges from traditional to avant-garde, offering everything from handheld snacks to elaborate, multi-course meals. Here, we delve into ten standout restaurants that exemplify the vibrant and diverse nature of Filipino cuisine in the Windy City.

Boonie’s: A Michelin Guide Gem

Located at 4337 N. Western Ave., Boonie’s has transitioned from a pop-up to a Michelin Guide-recognized restaurant. Helmed by fine-dining veteran Joseph Fontelera, Boonie’s showcases some of the most innovative Filipino-influenced dishes in Chicago. Highlights include grilled Argentine prawns with bagoong brown butter and sugarcane juice chimichurri, as well as monkfish with preserved garlic chive and coconut water adobo. Fontelera’s commitment to serving the tangy, rich sizzling sisig—a pork and chicken liver hash with egg and lime—remains unwavering.

Cebu: Sibling-Owned Creativity

At 3120 N. Lincoln Ave., Cebu offers creative spins on regional Filipino classics. Sibling owners Marlon, Malvin, and Martin Tan have crafted a menu that includes adobo chilaquiles, short rib silog with garlic rice, and ube-tinged waffles with fried chicken. The restaurant, which opened in Wicker Park in 2018, continues to feature its beloved three-hour lechon belly with crackly skin.

Kasama: Michelin-Starred Excellence

Kasama, located at 1001 N. Winchester Ave., is Chicago’s first Michelin-starred Filipino restaurant. The all-day eatery, run by husband-and-wife chefs Tim Flores and Genie Kwon, offers hearty Filipino-inspired breakfasts and a $285 tasting menu featuring small plates like lamb belly kare-kare with bagoong XO sauce. The restaurant’s innovative approach has earned it a loyal following and critical acclaim.

Del Sur Bakery: A Fusion of Flavors

At 4639 N. Damen Ave., Del Sur Bakery is a testament to the creative fusion of Midwestern and Filipino flavors. Owner Justin Lerias offers allergen-friendly treats such as ube-colored oat cookies, calamansi curd-infused morning buns, and longanisa sausage croissants. The bakery’s unique offerings are complemented by drinks like a salted pandan syrup-infused latte.

Bayan Ko: A Tasting Menu Delight

Husband-and-wife team Lawrence Letrero and Raquel Quadreny have transformed Bayan Ko at 1810 W. Montrose Ave. into one of the city’s best tasting menu experiences. Their Filipino-Cuban menu, priced at $119 for seven courses, includes dishes like whole-prawn kinilaw with yuzu juice-coconut vinaigrette. The vegetarian menu, at $99, is equally enticing with options like black arroz caldo with seared mushrooms.

Bayan Ko Diner: Comfort Food Central

Nearby at 1820 W. Montrose Ave., Bayan Ko Diner offers hearty midday and dinner fare. The diner’s sisig hash—featuring chopped pork belly, shishito peppers, and soy black vinegar aioli—has become a bestseller. The menu also includes empanadas, silog with garlic rice, and Filipino sweet bread with cinnamon glaze.

Side Practice Coffee: A Creative Hub

Located at 5139 N. Damen Ave., Side Practice Coffee is a warm, creative space offering Filipino-inspired coffee drinks like the Purple Haze and Sunog Lattes. The cafe also serves as a launchpad for local indie startups, hosting pop-ups that feature a variety of products, from art to Texas BBQ kolaches.

Novel Pizza Cafe: A Fusion of Cultures

At 1759 W. 19th St., Novel Pizza Cafe combines Filipino and Mexican influences in its menu. Known for its tavern and pan pizzas, the cafe offers unique creations like the longanisa and giardiniera tavern pie. Patrons are advised to arrive early, as the cafe’s offerings frequently sell out.

Kanin: Island-Inspired Bites

Kanin, located at 5131 N. Damen Ave., draws inspiration from Hawaiian bodegas. The grab-and-go spot offers nori-wrapped musubi and skewers with Filipino and Hawaiian flavors. Popular items include tocino chicken skewers and ube banana pudding, which often sell out quickly.

A Taste of the Philippines: From Truck to Table

At 5914 W. Lawrence Ave., A Taste of the Philippines is the realization of Kathy Vega Hardy’s dream. The Manila-born chef started with a food truck in Denver before opening her Chicago restaurant in 2018. The menu features traditional Filipino dishes like pancit and lechon, alongside modern creations such as ube cheesecake bites.

These ten establishments represent the dynamic and evolving nature of Filipino cuisine in Chicago. As these restaurants continue to innovate and delight diners, they contribute to the rich tapestry of the city’s culinary scene, offering a taste of the Philippines through a uniquely Chicagoan lens.

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