The 100 top-rated appetizers in Chicago, ranked by flavor score.
Crispy, flaky layers envelop a flavorful spinach and cheese filling, making this spanakopita a standout favorite among patrons.
Fresh and flavorful ceviche features a perfect balance of citrus, sweetness from mango, and just the right amount of heat.
Crispy and fresh samosas filled with flavorful spices and served with delicious chutney received high praise from everyone.
Creamy burrata paired with fresh pesto, sweet tomato jam, and perfectly toasted bread consistently impresses and keeps diners coming back.
Fresh, tender steak tartare with anchovy mayo and crunchy sourdough consistently impresses diners as the best in Chicago.
The tuna tartare impresses with its fresh flavors, beautiful presentation, and a delightful sauce that enhances the dish.
Crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, the arancini feature rich flavors and exceptional marinara sauce.
Crispy, airy puff bread topped with fragrant truffle sauce and Parmesan cheese is consistently described as a must-try delight.
Flaky, golden-brown pastry surrounds a generously filled, savory meat mixture, praised for its deliciousness and satisfying texture.
Steak empanadas are praised for their flaky dough, generous meat filling, and incredible flavor, making them a must-try.
The spinach pie features a perfect blend of spinach, onions, and rich cheeses wrapped in a deliciously portable crust.
Fluffy focaccia with a crispy crust, perfectly paired with creamy burrata and sweet honey, receives high praise from all.
Creative and high-quality appetizers impress guests with beautiful presentation and a wide variety of delicious options.
Unique and delicious appetizers, including creative options like poutine, received rave reviews for their flavor and presentation.
Creamy burrata served with fresh bread and aged balsamic is consistently praised for its rich flavor and luxurious texture.
Crispy truffle mozzarella sticks with a perfect cheese pull and flavorful marinara sauce consistently impress diners and keep them returning.
The duck liver mousse is praised for its rich, buttery texture and perfect pairing with warm, fresh bread.
Truffle mozzarella sticks are praised for their rich truffle flavor, gooey cheese, and perfect pairing with marinara sauce.
Creamy burrata with perfect seasoning and a delightful texture consistently impresses diners, making it a must-try appetizer.
Flaky, golden coxinha is filled with tender, well-seasoned chicken and creamy catupiry, earning rave reviews for its authentic taste.
Crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, the falafel is praised for its freshness and perfect seasoning.
Chorizo stuffed Medjool dates wrapped in bacon, served with a spicy piquillo pepper-tomato sauce, are praised for their perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
The burrata is praised for its creamy texture and freshness, often described as melt-in-your-mouth perfection paired with warm bread.
Garlic bread is praised for its crispy exterior, creamy mascarpone filling, and rich garlic flavor, making it a must-try.
The ceviche stands out for its fresh ingredients, balanced flavors, and perfect acidity, making it a must-try dish.
The flaming cheese impresses with its salty, gooey texture and exciting table-side presentation, making it a must-try appetizer.
Bacon wrapped dates are a standout favorite for their rich flavor and generous portions, often praised as a must-try dish.
Crispy pork atop rice and beans, fresh pico de gallo, and creamy avocado make the chifrijo a must-try dish.
The salmon tartare is praised for its fresh flavor, creamy yuja sauce, and delightful crunch from crispy rice pearls.
Warm, fluffy focaccia with a perfectly salted crust consistently impresses, often enjoyed with ricotta and honey for added flavor.
The burrata e ham features creamy burrata, savory prosciutto, and a sweet, peppery mostarda, all nestled in fluffy rosemary buns.
Crispy on the outside and filled with flavorful spiced salmon, the fataya is a standout appetizer that everyone loves.
Crispy potato borak with a soft filling and flavorful dipping sauce, often described as a must-try appetizer.
Warm, thickly sliced focaccia topped with creamy ricotta and drizzled honey creates a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors.
The chicken pastel features a crispy, flaky crust filled with well-seasoned, juicy chicken and a delightful blend of spices.
The elote is praised for its fresh flavor, creamy texture, and resemblance to authentic street corn on the cob.
Crispy tequeños with gooey cheese and flavorful dipping sauces receive rave reviews for their satisfying crunch and authentic taste.
The tuna tostada impresses with fresh, vibrant flavors, perfectly balanced black garlic, and a satisfying texture on a sturdy tortilla.
Crispy and flavorful saganaki topped with fresh lemon and served with warm pita consistently impresses diners at this cozy spot.
Crispy, beer-battered chicken tenders are praised for their moist meat and generous portions, served with delicious homemade dipping sauces.
Dolma stands out for its authentic flavor, tender grape leaves, and deliciously seasoned rice, earning high praise from many.
Homemade kimchi is incredibly fresh, perfectly crunchy, and bursting with flavor, making it a standout side dish.
The tuna tartare features fresh, savory tuna paired with a unique squid ink cracker, creating a delightful texture and presentation.
The bacon wrapped dates received rave reviews for their perfect balance of sweet, tender dates and crispy, salty bacon.
Crispy on the outside with gooey aged white cheddar and a hint of jalapeño, the black truffle croquettes are a must-try.
The buffalo cauliflower features a perfect crunch, bold buffalo flavor, and creamy blue cheese, making it a must-try dish.
Light and airy cheese curds with a unique tempura-style batter are consistently praised as the best in Chicago.
The bruschetta features soft, thick pita-like bread topped with fresh tomatoes, garlic olive oil, and creamy feta cheese.
Flaky and crispy empanadas filled with flavorful meats and sweet guava cheese consistently delight customers, especially when paired with hot sauce.
Crispy, flavorful samosas filled with spiced ground chicken and served with delicious chutneys received high praise for their generous portions.
Crispy on the outside and gooey inside, the mozzarella sticks shine with rich flavors and a perfect marinara dip.
Crispy, flaky fataya filled with juicy salmon and served with a spicy dipping sauce consistently impresses with its rich flavor.
Soft dough and flavorful potato and cheese filling receive praise, though some find them average or lacking in seasoning.
Escargot shines with its buttery garlic sauce, crispy puff pastry topping, and warm, crunchy bread for dipping.
Chorizo stuffed dates wrapped in bacon are praised for their perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors, enhanced by a rich piquillo pepper sauce.
Meatballs are praised for their tender texture, rich flavor, and generous portions, often served with a delicious sauce.
Crispy, juicy popcorn chicken with generous portions and savory flavor keeps customers returning for more.
Fresh and flavorful ceviche is consistently praised for its light, refreshing taste and perfect balance of ingredients.
Handmade pierogi with smooth dough and rich fillings like potato and cheese, brisket, and truffle receive outstanding praise.
Homemade mozzarella sticks with perfectly seasoned breading and an amazing cheese pull are consistently praised alongside delicious marinara sauce.
You can crown one per category, so choose wisely.