Chicago is indeed one of the most famous cities and actually the third-largest in the United States of America. Dubbed the “Windy City”, Chicago attracts a lot of tourists because of its cool and breezy weather. But hey, the city is also home to wonderful people with a rich history and vibrant culture, making it a haven for visiting artists, sports enthusiasts, food gurus, and a whole lot more!
The unique vibe of Chicago is truly an experience worth having, it is also the base of several successful business conglomerates in the world, which is the main reason why a lot of immigrant workers choose to live in Chicago. Not only will you enjoy a thriving culture, but you will also have the opportunity to build a stable future!
Well, like in almost every part of the world, there’s always a beautiful Filipino community somewhere. Here in Chicago, the majority of Filipinos live in the North Side and the Northwest Side. There are approximately more than 150,000 Filipinos living in Chicago, making it one of the largest Filipino populations in US metropolitan areas. See? If you’re a Filipino and you just recently migrated or simply visited Chicago, you will instantly feel at home. Oh, and there’s also the Rizal Center, which is considered by many Filipinos as their “home away from home” here in the city of Chicago. It is where a lot of Filipino restaurants, shops, and boutiques are located, reminding them of the energy and hospitality of our beloved country.
So, whether you’re missing the Philippines or simply want to taste our lovely Filipino cuisine in Chicago, this is the perfect content for you! Join me as we both eat and explore the 15 Best Filipino Restaurants in Chicago, IL!
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1. Kubo Chicago
Of course, nothing beats the “Kamayan Dining” or “Boodle Fight” tradition of Filipinos. It’s the popular practice of eating with your bare hands, usually with delicious Filipino meals served on top of banana leaves. Well, it is said that eating with your bare hands makes the experience a whole lot better, and this is exactly the specialty of Kubo Chicago!
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Christine Ledesma and Yalcin Cemal, the proud owners of this amazing Filipino restaurant, made sure that their customers will enjoy and feel the Filipino spirit through their dishes. Some of Kubo Chicago’s best sellers are Fried Pampano, Pork Adobo Ribs, Crispy Chicken Inasal, and Lechon Sisig. Kubo Chicago is located at 1232 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL.
2. Uncle Mike’s Place
Uncle Mike’s Place is also a gem where you can score a tasty combination of both Filipino and American breakfasts and snacks. It’s open from 6 AM to 2 PM, so if you’re looking for the perfect place to eat brunch, make sure to drop by Uncle Mike’s Place! Heart portions of nostalgic Filipino breakfasts are available such as the all-time favorite Longganisa, Tocino, and Big Bangus Breakfasts. Oh, and if you’re in the mood to go Western, then I suggest you order The Classic American Breakfast. And finally, for steak lovers out there, Uncle Mike’s Marinated Skirt Steak is definitely a must-try!
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Uncle Mike’s Place was founded in 1991, so it’s already more than 30 years in the business! It’s actually a staple and comfort food destination in Chicago already according to its co-owner, Lucie Grajewski. So be sure to drop by 1700 West Grand Avenue Chicago, Illinois!
3. Boonie Foods
When we talk about the best Filipino cuisine, it’s impossible to not include the iconic Chicken Adobo. And if you’re in Chicago, the best place to score this delicious classic is at Boonie Foods also known as Boonie’s Filipino Restaurant. Boonie’s Foods is actually a young restaurant that recently debuted in 2020. After its success at the Revival Food Hall, it will now transfer to the Crab Pad at 4337 N, Western Avenue, Chicago, IL.
Some of the restaurant’s most popular dishes are the iconic Lumpiang Shanghai, Adobong Baboy, Sizzling Sisig, and of course, the Silog Meals. Oh, and you also shouldn’t miss upcoming favorites, especially the Dinuguan!
4. Isla Filipino
Another gem in Chicago Illinois for Filipino cuisine lovers out there is Isla Filipino. It’s at 15 W Washington Street #105. This restaurant specializes in Filipino main dishes that will make you want to order more and more extra rice! Some of its best-sellers are Longganisa, Tapa, Chicken BBQ, and of course, Chicken Adobo.
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All of these irresistible treats are best served with a cup of freshly-cooked Garlic Rice! Well, don’t forget to also order their Lumpiang Shanghai for appetizers and the classic BBK Ice Candy that’s available in Mango, Ube, Cookies, and Cream, or Avocado flavors. Dining at Isla Filipino definitely gives you a chance to feel what it’s like to live in the tropical paradise of the Philippines!
5. Kasama
Kasama, in Tagalog, means “companion”. So if you’re searching for one of the best companions to satisfy your cravings in Chicago, I’d say you give Kasama a try! It’s a bakery and modern Filipino restaurant founded by chefs Genie Kwon and Timothy Flores. Located in the East Ukrainian Village neighborhood, specifically at 1001 N Winchester Avenue.
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Of course, you can never go wrong with their fan-favorite breakfast meals such as the Mushroom Adobo, Corned Beef Breakfast, and the classic Filipino Breakfast which includes a fried egg, garlic rice, and a choice of either longganisa sausage or tocino, or both! Ah, and don’t forget to try Kasama’s delicious take on Lumpiang Shanghai as well!
And while you’re at it, make sure to also try Kasama’s finely baked pastries like Almond Croissant, Salmon Danish, and Boston Crème Brioche.
6. Ruby’s Fast Food
Serving delicious and authentic Filipino favorites for more than 25 years already in Chicago is Ruby’s Fast Food. It is owned and founded by Ruby and Florante Rodica in 1997 and is known for Filipino specialties like Lumpiang Shanghai, All-Day Silogs, Pancit, Kare-Kare Oxtail, Sisig, Dinuguan, and the heavenly goodness of Crispy Pata!
Ruby’s is now located at 4551 N. Pulaski Road and features a full-service dine-in area. Their menu is very extensive so you’ll definitely get to have a complete gastronomical experience during your stay! Oh, and another amazing trivia about Ruby’s Fast Food is that it was featured by Food Network and Travel Channel’s celebrity chef Andrew Zimmern in 2011. Well, that alone is already a testament to Ruby’s excellence in cooking!
7. Bayan Ko
Ah, this one is definitely perfect for everyone who misses the beautiful country of the Philippines, and Cuba as well. This is because Bayan Ko is founded by Filipino Chef Lawrence Letrero and his partner Raquel Quadreny, a Cuban. Since Bayan Ko means “Our Home” in Tagalog, expect to taste the best of both worlds! Some of Bayan Ko’s best-sellers are Pork Belly Adobo, Adobo Chicken Wings, Bistek, Cubano Fried Rice, Pancit Canton Noodles, and Bayan Ko Paella.
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These recipes are a combination of Lawrence’s and Raquel’s family heritage, inspirations, and contemporary American cooking. Make sure to check out Bayan Ko at 1810 W Montrose Avenue!
8. Pinoy Grill Chicago
Ah, some of the most addicting comfort foods of Filipinos are the grilled street foods that you can find in almost every corner of the country. Well, the good news is you can also taste one here at Pinoy Grill Chicago! It’s located at 2324 E. Rand Road, Arlington Heights. Of course, make sure that you don’t miss trying out their grilled favorites like Pork Isaw, Veal Isaw, Chicken Gizzard, Pork BBQ, and Chicken BBQ.
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The good thing is that they’re offering meals that are perfect for everyone whether you’re dining alone, with friends, barkada, or with family. They have Combo Meals, Platter Meals, Merienda, and Chef’s Specials including Lechon Kawali, Pork Sinigang, and Sisig!
9. A Taste of the Philippines
Absolutely. If you’re missing the Philippines or simply want to have a taste of the delightful Filipino cuisine, then dining at A Taste of the Philippines will surely make you come back over and over again. This amazing Filipino restaurant is founded by Kathy Vega Hardy and has been operating the business in Chicago since 2018.
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For starters, you definitely shouldn’t miss the chance to try their Longganiza Scotch Eggs and Lumpia. Then, proceed to order their best-selling Cebu Lechon, Kaldereta, Pork Belly Fried Rice, and the all-time favorite Pancit. And to top it all off, a little bit of Ube Cheesecake Bites will definitely be a perfect ending!
A Taste of the Philippines is located inside the Chicago French Market at 131 N Clinton Street. Come and have a taste!
10. Cebu Chicago
You know you’re gonna have a wonderful time having a gastronomic feast when the specialty of the cuisine is Cebu, the Queen City of the South itself. Well, here at Cebu Chicago, that is exactly what you should expect! This is actually a modern Filipino fusion restaurant that also serves wines and cocktails in Wicker Park, Chicago. Some of their best-sellers are Lumpia, Tuna Kinilaw, Wagyu Sisig, Chicken Inasal, and of course, the iconic Cebu Lechon. In the Philippines, probably the best place to order Lechon is in Cebu, so if you want to have yourself some authentic Cebuano Lechon goodness, then have a visit to Cebu Chicago!
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This restaurant is founded by a collection of young Filipino talents Marlon Tan, Cybill Tan, and Malvin Tan, who were all born and raised in the Philippines. Cebu Chicago is located at 2211 West North Avenue, Chicago, Illinois.
11. Subo Filipino Kitchen
If breakfast is your thing then dining at Subo Filipino Kitchen will surely surprise you with their solid breakfast meals! They serve all-day breakfast from Tuesdays to Sundays featuring a lot of Filipino classics you should never miss.
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For their breakfast bowls which all come served with garlic rice and two (2) eggs, you can choose from Tocino, Bangus, Tortang Talong, Longanisa, and of course, the classic Tapa. Oh and also try out their Noodle Bowls consisting of Bihon, Palabok, Canton, and Bami! And if you’re really hungry, the Combo Chibugan Bowl is definitely the perfect choice. It comes with 2 entrées and 2 scoops of rice where you can choose from an extensive list of Filipino all-time favorites like Pork Adobo, Menudo, Lechon Kawali, Munggo, Kare-Kare, Caldereta, and a whole lot more. Subo Filipino Kitchen is located at 4712 N Kimball Avenue, so be sure to drop by anytime!
12. Merla’s Kitchen
Ah, Merla’s Kitchen is the perfect embodiment of the traditional Filipino carinderia in Chicago, where you can happily sense the Filipino vibe and definitely feel at home while you eat. You can score delightful Filipino classics here such as Dinuguan, Beef Caldereta, Kare-Kare, Pork Adobo, and more here at Merla’s Kitchen.
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But if you’re really hungry and in the mood for an amazing feast, then I suggest you order Merla’s Signature Platter. It comes with the iconic Chicken Adobo, Pancit Bihon, Rice, and a choice of either Siopao or Empanada. Finally, to satisfy your sweet tooth, make sure to have some Halo Halo Special!
If you’re craving deliciously authentic Filipino foods in Chicago, make sure to visit Merla’s Kitchen only here at 5207 N Kimball Avenue!
13. Bacolod Chicken House
Have you ever tried Bacolod Chicken Inasal? Ah, I’m telling you, it will be one of the best eating experiences you’ll have in your life. Here at Bacolod Chicken House, get the chance to taste some of the best-tasting Filipino delicacies of all time.
This is the only restaurant in Chicago serving the original La Paz Batchoy as well as other must-try favorites like Lechon Kawali, Fried Chicken, Calderetang Kambing, and of course the heavenly Bacolod Chicken Inasal. With the smoky and flavorful grilled chicken, freshly cooked white rice with toasted garlic on top, a dipping sauce of toyomansi with chili, and finally a drizzle of chicken oil, I’m sure that every bite will make you want to come back over and over again!
Bacolod Chicken House is located at 6320 N, Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, Illinois. Watch out for their Buy One Get One promo!
14. Loyola’s Asian Cuisine and Lounge
One of the most popular hangout and get-together places for Filipinos in Chicago is Loyola’s Asian Cuisine and Lounge. It’s a nice place to order some Filipino classic delicacies like Lechon Kawali, Sisig, Crispy Pata, Kare-Kare, Longganisa, and other snacks like Chicken Wings, Fries, and Nachos to pair with a good ol’ bottle of beer. They also have karaoke available so expect to immediately feel the lively Filipino spirit as soon as you enter the lounge! If you’re suddenly missing home and want to have a great time, then Loyola’s Asian Cuisine and Lounge is definitely the perfect place you’re looking for. It’s located at 3506 W Irving Park Road, Chicago, Illinois.
15. Ysabel’s Grill Asian Cuisine
Finally, another hidden gem located at 4908 W Irving Park Road for Filipinos is Ysabel’s Grill Asian Cuisine. It’s a family-friendly restaurant that features a relaxed and laid-back vibe that’s perfect for family bonding, reunions, and small get-togethers. It’s a BYOB or Bring Your Own Beer type of place where you can sing your heart out at the karaoke while enjoying delicious Filipino classic meals! Some of their best-selling pulutan or appetizers are Lumpia Shanghai, Calamari, Pork Sisig, and the god-tier Chicharon Bulaklak which you should definitely give a try. Oh, and if you’re in for a hearty meal, try to order their Crispy Pata, Kare-Kare, Fried Pampano, Pancit Canton, and more!
Ysabel’s Grill Asian Cuisine is a family-owned Filipino restaurant that is founded in the year 2010.
One Comment
JM
September 5, 2025 at 3:54 pmThis is a good curation right here. I love the photos too! Very clean shots. Anyway, there are a few more Filipino restaurants in Chicago in this list. Maybe you could also check out some of these too, or add to it those that aren’t there yet. https://filipinorestaurants.net/filipino-restaurants-in-chicago/