A Culinary Journey to the Philippines: Exploring Chicago’s Vibrant Filipino Food Scene

/ WOW LIST - TOP Restaurants Guide / By

The Chicago area boasts a thriving Filipino food scene, a vibrant tapestry of flavors reflecting the rich heritage of Filipino immigrants who call the city home. From traditional comfort food to modern takes on classic dishes, Chicago offers a delightful exploration for adventurous eaters.


This list highlights some of the top Filipino restaurants in the region, catering to various cravings, budgets, and dining styles. So, grab your sense of discovery and get ready to embark on a delicious Filipino food adventure in Chicago!


Unveiling Culinary Gems: Top Filipino Restaurants in the Chicago Area

1. Uncle Mike’s Place (Google Map – West Town)

  • Star Rating & Reviews: A stellar 4.7 rating on Google with an impressive 1326 reviews, consistently praising the delicious food, generous portions, and friendly service.

  • Cuisine: Filipino Comfort Food

  • Must-Try Dishes:

    • Silog (various versions): Filipino breakfast staples featuring garlic rice and a protein like longganisa (sausage), tocino (sweet cured pork), or tapa (cured beef). Uncle Mike’s Place offers a delightful selection to start your day.

    • Adobo (various versions): Choose from classic chicken or pork adobo, or explore other protein options like seafood or vegetables.

    • Kare-kare: Oxtail stew simmered in a rich peanut sauce with vegetables.

    • Sinigang (various versions): Explore the world of Filipino sour soup with options like pork, seafood, or vegetables.

    • Pancit (various styles): This noodle dish comes in many variations. Uncle Mike’s Place likely offers a variety to tantalize your taste buds.

  • Vibe: Casual and family-friendly. Perfect for a relaxed and enjoyable Filipino dining experience.

  • Service: Friendly and attentive service ensures a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

  • Price: Budget-friendly. Meals likely fall under $16.10, reflecting the generous portions and focus on comfort food.

2. Kasama (Google map – West Town)

  • Star Rating & Reviews: A very good 4.6 rating on Google with over 1194 reviews, highlighting the innovative dishes and upscale ambiance.

  • Cuisine: Modern Filipino

  • Must-Try Dishes:

    • Kare-kare Short Rib: A modern take on kare-kare, featuring short rib instead of oxtail.

    • Crispy Adobo Flakes: A creative reimagining of adobo, featuring crispy flakes perfect for appetizers or sharing.

    • Bistek Tagalog: A Filipino dish featuring marinated and tenderized beef.

    • Lumpia (various fillings): Enjoy these savory Filipino spring rolls with different fillings.

  • Vibe: Modern and stylish. Perfect for a special occasion or a trendy Filipino dining experience.

  • Service: Attentive and professional service ensures a memorable dining experience.

  • Price: Moderate to upscale. Meals likely range from $13 and up, reflecting the modern ambiance and creative takes on Filipino cuisine.

  • Link: Kasama website https://kasamachicago.com/

3. Ruby’s Fast Food (Google Map – Pulaski Rd. Chicago, IL)

  • Star Rating & Reviews: A well-liked 4.6 rating on Google with over 585 reviews, praising the delicious and affordable Filipino fast food.

  • Cuisine: Filipino Fast Food

  • Must-Try Dishes:

    • Lumpiang Shanghai, BBQ Chicken, Dinuguan, Crispy Pata

    • Lechon Macau: Macau-style roast pork belly, a savory and flavorful dish.

    • Longsilog: Silog dish featuring Filipino sausage, perfect for a quick and satisfying breakfast.

    • Halo-Halo: A refreshing dessert beverage made with shaved ice, sweetened beans, fruit, and leche flan.

  • Vibe: Casual and fast-food. Perfect for a quick and satisfying Filipino food fix.

  • Service: Efficient counter service ensures a speedy dining experience.

  • Price: Budget-friendly. Meals likely fall under $13.20.

4. Jollibee (Google Map Link – Elston Ave. Chicago)

  • Star Rating & Reviews: A respectable 4.1 rating on Google with over 888 reviews, praising the delicious and affordable Filipino fast food.
  • Cuisine: Filipino Fast Food
  • Must-Try Dishes:
    • Chickenjoy: Jollibee’s signature dish of crispy, juicy fried chicken.
    • Yumburger: A Filipino twist on the classic hamburger, featuring a sweet and savory Yum sauce.
    • Peach Mango Pie: A delightful and unique dessert option.
  • Vibe: Casual and fast-food. Perfect for a quick and satisfying Filipino food fix.
  • Service: Efficient counter service ensures a speedy dining experience.
  • Price: Budget-friendly. Meals likely fall under $13.00.
  • Link: Jollibee website https://www.jollibeefoods.com/

5. Hong Ning Filipino Restaurant & Grill (Google map link – Carol Stream)

  • Star Rating & Reviews: A very good 4.4 rating on Google with over 649 reviews, praising the authentic flavors and generous portions.
  • Cuisine: Filipino Specialties
  • Must-Try Dishes:
    • Lechon: Roasted whole pig, a staple of Filipino celebrations. Be sure to call ahead to pre-order, as this dish is often prepared for special occasions.
    • Sisig: A sizzling dish made with chopped pork face and ears, seasoned with chilies and onions. Don’t be intimidated by the description – it’s surprisingly delicious!
    • Barbecue (various meats): Sample a variety of Filipino-style grilled meats like pork barbecue, chicken skewers, and maybe even some inihaw (grilled offal) for the adventurous eater.
    • Pancit (various styles): This noodle dish comes in many variations. Hong Ning likely offers a variety to tantalize your taste buds.
  • Vibe: Casual and family-friendly. Perfect for a relaxed and enjoyable Filipino dining experience with a focus on generous portions.
  • Service: Friendly and attentive service ensures a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
  • Price: Budget-friendly. Meals likely fall under $12.90, reflecting the focus on large portions and classic dishes.
  • Link: Google Maps link to Hong Ning Filipino Restaurant & Grill

6. Pinoy Grill Authentic Filipino Street Foods (Arlington Heights)

  • Star Rating & Reviews: A stellar 4.6 rating on Google with over 362 reviews, praising the delicious and authentic street food experience.
  • Cuisine: Filipino Street Food
  • Must-Try Dishes:
    • Isaw: Grilled chicken intestines, a popular Filipino street food for the adventurous eater!
    • Kwek-kwek: Deep-fried quail eggs, a delightful and flavorful snack.
    • Banana Cue: Skewered bananas coated in caramel and deep-fried, a sweet and satisfying treat.
    • Lumpia (various fillings): Enjoy these savory Filipino spring rolls with different fillings.
    • Barbecue (various meats): Sample a variety of Filipino-style grilled meats on skewers.
  • Vibe: Casual and lively. Perfect for a fun and flavorful Filipino street food adventure.
  • Service: Counter service ensures a casual dining experience.
  • Price: Budget-friendly. Meals likely fall under $12.30, reflecting the focus on street food portions and affordability.
  • Link: Google Maps link to Pinoy Grill Authentic Filipino Street Foods

6 (tie). Bayan Ko (Chicago)

  • Star Rating & Reviews: A stellar 4.6 rating on Google with 359 reviews, praising the delicious and authentic Filipino cuisine, with a focus on dishes from the Visayan region of the Philippines.
  • Cuisine: Regional Filipino (Visayan)
  • Must-Try Dishes:
    • Lechon Cebu: Lechon (roasted whole pig) prepared in the Visayan style, known for its lemongrass and garlic marinade.
    • Kinilaw: Fresh seafood ceviche cured in vinegar and citrus juices.
    • Sinigang (various versions): Explore the world of Filipino sour soup, with a possible focus on seafood options in the Visayan tradition.
    • Lumpia (various fillings): Enjoy these savory Filipino spring rolls with different fillings.
  • Vibe: Casual and family-friendly. Perfect for a relaxed and enjoyable Filipino dining experience with a focus on regional specialties.
  • Service: Friendly and attentive service ensures a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
  • Price: Budget-friendly. Meals likely fall under $12.30, reflecting the focus on comfort food and affordability.
  • Link: Google Maps link to Bayan Ko

6 (tie). Boonie’s Filipino Restaurant (Google map link – Chicago)

  • Star Rating & Reviews: A top rating of 4.7 on Google with 276 reviews, praising the delicious and affordable Filipino comfort food.
  • Cuisine: Filipino Comfort Food
  • Must-Try Dishes:
    • Silog (various versions): Filipino breakfast staples featuring garlic rice and a protein like longganisa (sausage), tocino (sweet cured pork), or tapa (cured beef). Boonie’s likely offers a delightful selection.
    • Adobo (various versions): Choose from classic chicken or pork adobo, or explore other protein options like seafood or vegetables.
    • Kare-kare: Oxtail stew simmered in a rich peanut sauce with vegetables.
    • Pancit (various styles): This noodle dish comes in many variations. Boonie’s likely offers a variety to tantalize your taste buds.
  • Vibe: Casual and no-nonsense. Perfect for a quick and satisfying Filipino comfort food fix.
  • Service: Counter service ensures a casual dining experience.
  • Price: Budget-friendly. Meals likely fall under $12.30, reflecting the focus on affordability and classic dishes.
  • Link: Boonie’s Filipino Restaurant website http://www.booniefoods.com/

7. Stix & Noodles (Lake in the Hills, IL)

  • Star Rating & Reviews: A perfect 5-star rating on Google with a limited but very positive reviews praising the delicious food and friendly service.
  • Cuisine: Filipino
  • Must-Try Dishes: (Limited information available due to few reviews).
    • Reviews mention delicious noodles and skewers, but explore their menu for a wider variety.
  • Vibe: Information not available. Based on the name, likely casual and possibly focused on noodle and skewer dishes.
  • Service: Reviews mention friendly service.
  • Price: Budget-friendly. Meals likely fall under $12.20 based on the limited information available.
  • Link: Google Maps link to Stix & Noodles

Please note: With a limited number of reviews for Stix & Noodles, it might be wise to check out their social media presence (if they have one) or look for additional reviews on other platforms to get a better understanding of their offerings before your visit.


7. Marciana’s Kitchen (Villa Heights)

  • Star Rating & Reviews: A perfect 5-star rating on Google with a limited number of reviews (42), but all reviews are very positive, highlighting the delicious and home-cooked quality of the food.
  • Cuisine: Filipino Comfort Food
  • Must-Try Dishes: (Limited information available due to few reviews).
    • Given the focus on home-cooked flavors, expect dishes like stews, noodle soups, and classic Filipino favorites.
  • Vibe: Information not available. Based on the limited reviews and name, likely casual and family-friendly.
  • Service: Information not available, but the positive reviews suggest a welcoming atmosphere.
  • Price: Budget-friendly. Meals likely fall under $12.20 based on the limited information available.
  • Link: Google Maps link to Marciana’s Kitchen

8 (tie). Kubo Chicago (Google Map Link – Chicago)

  • Star Rating & Reviews: A very good 4.5 rating on Google with over 363 reviews, praising the delicious food, relaxed ambiance, and option for outdoor seating.
  • Cuisine: Filipino & American Fusion
  • Must-Try Dishes:
    • Kare-kare: Oxtail stew simmered in a rich peanut sauce with vegetables.
    • Sisig: A sizzling dish made with chopped pork face and ears, seasoned with chilies and onions.
    • Adobo Flakes: A creative reimagining of adobo, featuring crispy flakes perfect for appetizers or sharing.
    • Burgers: Explore their selection of Filipino and American fusion burgers for a unique twist.
  • Vibe: Relaxed and casual. Perfect for a casual Filipino dining experience with an option for outdoor seating in nice weather.
  • Service: Friendly service ensures a comfortable dining experience.
  • Price: Moderate. Meals likely range from $12 and up, reflecting the fusion cuisine and relaxed ambiance.
  • Link: Kubo Chicago website https://www.kubochicago.com/

8 (tie). Merienda Café (Google Map Link – Grayslake, IL)

  • Star Rating & Reviews: A near-perfect 4.9 rating on Google with a limited number of reviews (84), but all reviews are very positive, praising the delicious pastries and Filipino snacks.
  • Cuisine: Filipino Bakery & Cafe
  • Must-Try Dishes:
    • Ube Cheese Pandesal: A popular Filipino bread with purple yam and cheese filling.
    • Ensaymada: A rich and buttery Filipino pastry, often topped with cheese or other sweet options.
    • Silog (various versions): Filipino breakfast staples featuring garlic rice and a protein like longganisa (sausage), tocino (sweet cured pork), or tapa (cured beef). Merienda likely offers a delightful selection.
    • Halo-Halo: A refreshing dessert beverage made with shaved ice, sweetened beans, fruit, and leche flan.
  • Vibe: Casual and bakery-like. Perfect for a quick coffee and pastry break or a light Filipino breakfast or snack.
  • Service: Counter service ensures a casual dining experience.
  • Price: Budget-friendly. Meals likely fall under $12.10, reflecting the focus on pastries, snacks, and breakfast fare.
  • Link: Google Maps link to Merienda Café

Please note: With a limited number of reviews for Marciana’s Kitchen and Merienda Cafe, it might be wise to check out their social media presence (if they have one) or look for additional reviews on other platforms to get a better understanding of their offerings before your visit.


Concluding Our Culinary Journey: Unveiling the Final Gems in Chicago’s Filipino Food Scene

As we reach the final leg of our exploration, let’s discover three more hidden gems and a crowd-pleasing favorite in Chicago’s vibrant Filipino food scene:


9 (tie). Bistro Manila of Naperville (Naperville)

  • Star Rating & Reviews: A near-perfect 4.9 rating on Google with a limited number of reviews (70), but all reviews are very positive, highlighting the upscale ambiance and delicious food.
  • Cuisine: Upscale Filipino
  • Must-Try Dishes:
    • Sofrito Seafood: A seafood medley in a savory and flavorful sauce.
    • Kare-kare Short Rib: A modern take on kare-kare, featuring short rib instead of oxtail.
    • Lechon Belly: Crispy and melt-in-your-mouth roasted pork belly.
    • Pancit (various styles): This noodle dish comes in many variations. Bistro Manila likely offers a variety to tantalize your taste buds.
  • Vibe: Upscale and stylish. Perfect for a special occasion or a refined Filipino dining experience.
  • Service: Attentive and professional service ensures a memorable dining experience.
  • Price: Moderate to upscale. Meals likely range from $12 and up, reflecting the upscale ambiance and refined cuisine.
  • Link: Google Maps link to Bistro Manila of Naperville

9 (tie). Chibogan Filipino Cuisine (Mt Prospect, IL)

  • Star Rating & Reviews: A near-perfect 4.9 rating on Google with a limited number of reviews (62), but all reviews are very positive, praising the delicious and authentic Filipino cuisine.
  • Cuisine: Filipino Specialties
  • Must-Try Dishes: (Limited information available due to few reviews).
    • Explore the menu for a wide variety of Filipino specialties, likely including classics like adobo, sisig, and various noodle dishes.
  • Vibe: Information not available. Based on the limited reviews and name, likely casual and family-friendly.
  • Service: Information not available, but the positive reviews suggest a welcoming atmosphere.
  • Price: Budget-friendly. Meals likely fall under $12.00 based on the limited information available.
  • Link: Google Maps link to Chibogan Filipino Cuisine

9 (tie). Max’s Restaurant Chicago (Google Map Link – Chicago, IL)

  • Star Rating & Reviews: A respectable 4.3 rating on Google with a substantial number of reviews (460). Reviews praise the reliability, familiar comfort food, and large portions.
  • Cuisine: Filipino Comfort Food
  • Must-Try Dishes:
    • Max’s Fried Chicken: A Filipino classic, known for its crispy exterior and juicy meat.
    • Sisig: A sizzling dish made with chopped pork face and ears, seasoned with chilies and onions.
    • Kare-kare: Oxtail stew simmered in a rich peanut sauce with vegetables.
    • Pancit (various styles): This noodle dish comes in many variations. Max’s likely offers a variety to tantalize your taste buds.
  • Vibe: Casual and family-friendly. Perfect for a familiar and enjoyable Filipino dining experience with a focus on comfort food.
  • Service: Efficient and friendly service ensures a comfortable dining experience.
  • Price: Budget-friendly. Meals likely fall under $12.00, reflecting the focus on comfort food and affordability.

10. SMC Pampanga Express (Waukegan, IL)

  • Star Rating & Reviews: A very good 4.6 rating on Google with over 235 reviews, praising the delicious and authentic Filipino cuisine from the Pampanga region.
  • Cuisine: Regional Filipino (Pampanga)
  • Must-Try Dishes:
    • Sisig: Pampanga is known for its unique take on sisig, which may include additional offal or vegetables.
    • Kare-kareng Hipon: A seafood variation of kare-kare, featuring shrimp instead of oxtail.
    • Tokwa’t Baboy: A savory stew featuring tofu, pork, and vegetables.
  • Vibe: Casual and family-friendly. Perfect for a relaxed and enjoyable Filipino dining experience with a focus on regional specialties.
  • Service: Friendly and attentive service ensures a warm and welcoming atmosphere.
  • Price: Budget-friendly. Meals likely fall under $11.90, reflecting the focus on comfort food and affordability.
  • Link: Google Maps link to SMC Pampanga Express

    Additional Notes:

    • With a limited number of reviews for Chibogan Filipino Cuisine, it might be wise to check out their social media presence (if they have one) or look for additional reviews on other platforms to get a better understanding of their offerings before your visit.
    • While Max’s Restaurant Chicago has a lower rating than some other restaurants on this list, its large number of reviews suggests it’s a reliable and popular option for Filipino comfort food.

    This comprehensive list provides a delicious starting point for your Filipino food adventure in the Chicago area. From budget-friendly comfort food to unique regional specialties and modern takes on classics, Chicago offers a delightful exploration for every craving. So grab your adventurous spirit and start savoring the diverse flavors of Filipino cuisine!