If it’s culture at the heart of a sundry, sprawling dining scene that you crave, then Chicago’s got you covered. From Randolph Street mainstays and sun-drenched rooftops to hidden neighborhood gems and buzzed-about springtime openings, this fair city’s culinary community is embraced across the country. With celebrity chefs and industry vets descending on the Windy City this weekend for the National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show, the vibrant food culture will no doubt be celebrated. But where are these culinary luminaries eating while they’re in town?

 We caught up with a few to find out where they’ll be getting their grub on.



Barton Seaver
“I won't be in Chicago long this time around, so I won't get to visit as many restaurants as I’d like to.  But Mercat by Jose Garces is probably going to be my dinner of choice. I always try to get a drink at RitzCarlton Water Tower where I did my culinary externship. And on the way out of town, Tortas Frontera at O'Hare—I like layovers in Chicago just for this reason.






Maneet Chauhan
“The Commons Club, Miku Sushi Lounge, Formento’s, Good Stuff Eatery and Dove's Luncheonette.”







Jeff Mauro

“I live here, so I’ll be dining at my house in Elmwood Park—and maybe Johnnie’s Beef for a Combo.  But currently, my favorite restaurants in the city are Boka, Momotaro, Bohemian House, Gaetanos in Forest Park, and Katy’s Dumpling House.”



Robert Irvine
“Rarely do I have much time to enjoy the Windy City, but if I get a chance I always try to visit local favorites or the establishments of chefs I’ve had a chance to meet at other events.”








Geoffrey Zakarian
“Girl & The Goat, Siena Tavern , Avec, Drumbar, Gibson's Steakhouse, Frontera Grill.”









Pat Neely
“Big Bricks barbecue, and Michael Jordan’s—because I’m a huge fan. A great pizza place, Luella’s Southern Kitchen, and Good Stuff Eatery.”








G. Garvin
“The Purple Pig, Girl & the Goat, 
Blackbird and Japonais.”









Fabio Viviani
“Although I live in Chicago, I’ll only be in town for the NRA show and won’t have a chance to visit restaurants while I’m there. However, I heard that Siena Tavern is pretty good. And the new Prime & Provisions is opening—looking forward to checking that out… haha :-)”

Hey, we’ll always encourage a shameless Dineamic Group plug, Chef Viviani.