Matt Dicker: Chocolate and passionfruit is one of life’s most underrated flavor combinations, and the Passionfruit Chocolate Hazelnut Caramel Tart at Lost Larson is proof of that. Absolutely outstanding.
Phoenix Jimenez: Try the Kale and Cheddar scone
Zoe: You can’t go wrong with their fresh breads & scones. Stick with the plain croissant or almond croissant. The chocolate lacks the melty chocolate center we ALL love.
3. Firecakes
8.6
2453 N Clark St, Chicago, IL
Donut Shop · Park West · 15 tips and reviews
Zak Hill: Not cheap, but the winning combo of a chocolate hazelnut long john and a cold brew coffee was amazing
Katie Milliken: Favorite place to get donuts in the city! Try the classic buttermilk or the orange poppyseed.
Lizzy Izzi: Very good. Not as sweet as other donuts, which lets the other flavors come forward. I usually go for raised donuts, but the cake donuts are very light and delicious.
4. Firecakes Donuts
9.2
68 W Hubbard St (at N Clark St), Chicago, IL
Donut Shop · Near North Side · 165 tips and reviews
Chicagoist: The chocolate hazelnut long john is like shoving a jar of Nutella into your mouth and the peanut butter cup is the Reese’s of our dreams. Read more.
trillateezy: Heaven is a chocolate donut dipped in a latte made with La Colombe espresso.
Thrillist: Firecakes' donut ice cream sandwich is held together with chocolate espresso or vanilla bean gelato, and adorned with rich chocolate, caramel sauces, and cocoa nibs. Hell to the yes. Read more.
6. Intelligentsia Coffee
9.1
3123 N Broadway St (at W Barry Ave), Chicago, IL
Coffee Shop · Lake View East · 112 tips and reviews
A SF: Chocolate hazelnut vegan cookie, Emerald Spring green tea.
Redeye Chicago: Espresso purists, pour-over nerds and latte lovers alike can find their caffeine fix at this coffee shop, which works directly with growers to develop its coffees and roasts its own beans locally. Read more.
Serious Eats: Gone are the extra-large drinks and blender mochas, and in are a constantly rotating series of seasonal single origin coffees for the manual brew bar, or feature single origin and blended espressos.
Veezworld: Get the panna cotta or chocolate hazelnut tart if available that day!
Serious Eats: Sandra Holl's macarons are perfectly at home in Floriole's elegant pastry case alongside seasonal baked treats. They're light, airy, and full of delicate flavor, leagues beyond usual sugary versions.
Time Out Chicago: The pizza at Floriole Cafe & Bakery is one of the 100 best things we ate this year. http://tmout.us/rLOtk Read more.
8. Wisma - Chicago
8.6
131 N Clinton St, Chicago, IL
Gourmet Store · West Loop · 4 tips and reviews
Time Out Chicago: Wisma has des Rosiers’s silky soups, hearty sandwiches and sensible entrées (salmon with quinoa), all of it delicious, all of it made with sustainably, and priced as if it were in the suburbs. Read more.
Jordan Bouvier: The soups will blow your mind.
Rosemary M: You've got to try their butternut squash soup; so good!
9. Osteria Langhe
8.7
2824 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL
Italian Restaurant · Logan Square · 24 tips and reviews
Eater: Castello di Santa Vittoria Rosa Vittoria ($13). "Intense bouquet of violets, roses, and jasmine supported by a great depth and structure on the palate," says owner and wine director Aldo Zaninotto. Read more.
Allyson ⚡: The panna cotta is fantastic!
Kevin M. McNally, CMP: I love this place. Great wine offerings, excellent service, atmosphere is spot on and the food-one word: WOW. Definitely a restaurant to visit often in a great neighborhood.
Melissa E: Cash only. Always amazing ice cream. The Italian ice is great. I love to combine the mango Italian ice with the vanilla soft serve!
Rebecca Thalhofer: Eskimo Kisses is to die for..... coconut ice cream w/ chocolate chunks.
Daniel Meza: This place is great!! Need a place to cool down from the summer heat or humidity? Come here and get refreshing Italian Ice in over 15 different flavors. My combo is Lychee, Blood Orange & Grapefruit!
14. Noon O Kabab
9.0
4661 N Kedzie Ave, Chicago, IL
Middle Eastern Restaurant · Albany Park · 46 tips and reviews
Arielle India: What can I say that hasn't been said? Go to NOK. It can get pretty busy at peak times, so plan accordingly. The wait staff is excellent and always friendly. Food is phenomenal. Need I say more. 9.5/10
Sharif Nassr: You can't go wrong with the: beef koubideh, lamb koubideh, or chicken skewers. Order medium. The dill rice with saffron is moist as always. Love the cheese and bread amuse. Ask for their spicy sauce.
Adisak Pochanayon: Come for lunch and get the lamb plate with dill rice.
15. Magnolia Bakery
8.1
108 N State St (btwn W Randolph St & W Washington St), Chicago, IL
Bakery · The Loop · 157 tips and reviews
Reuoof 🌬: Their banana pudding is heavenly, both regular and chocolate hazelnut
👑 Pink Bee: Banana pudding is a must. I can't pass this place without getting the urge.
Serious Eats: The ultra-creamy texture of the banana pudding is interrupted with small chunks of banana and, best of all, Nilla Wafers that turn to tender cake after bathing in the pudding for a day or two.