7 Hottest Chefs in Chicago Right NowAudrey Snyderon March 18, 2021 at 7:44 pm

One of the best things about Chicago (claimed by residents and visitors alike) is its food. Not only is the quality of so many items offered by local restaurants great, but the breadth and variety of Chicago’s food landscape is unparalleled by most other cities. Who are the heroes responsible for these tongue-tickling creations? Who are the wizards whipping up these masterpieces? These are seven of the hottest chefs in Chicago right now and the restaurants they bless their talents with. 

Margaret Pak, Thattu

Though Thattu’s Food Hall location is currently closed, Pak’s intriguing and delicious “Indian street food concept,” inspired by the Kerala region of India, continues through pop-up events. Subscribe to Thattu’s newsletter for a chance to taste Kerala Fried Chicken, Kadala Curry, and more.

Erick Williams, Virtue

Williams’ restaurant Virtue, which “melds his background in fine dining and his love of southern cuisine,” serves delectable dinner menu items including BBQ pork steak, lemon chicken, and catfish. Every Friday, Virtue’s Black Expression Series invites patrons to enjoy dinner and wine during a Zoom discussion hosted by Black community leaders and innovators.

Sarah Grueneberg, Monteverde

A chef and partner at the West Loop Italian restaurant, Grueneberg has been the driving culinary force behind the pastificio as it has received a growing list of awards and accolades since its opening in 2015. Try fresh, housemade Spaghetti, or some Tortelloni di Zucca.

Darnell Reed, Luella’s Southern Kitchen

Reed has traveled the world to expand his culinary horizons, but his “first love is food of the south.” Inspired by the recipes and methods of his great-grandmother Luella (who moved from Mississippi to Chicago in the 1940s), Reed created an amazing menu that is true to its southern roots, and includes items such as Chicken Gumbo, Shrimp and Grits, and Chicken and Waffles.

Carlos Gaytán, Tzuco

With a name inspired by Gaytán’s Mexican hometown Huitzuco, the French-technique-infused Mexican restaurant serves items like the Tzuco Burger— beef, Gruyère, Serrano peppers, and black truffle aioli are key ingredients in this culinary concoction of epic proportions. The inventive and hard-working Gaytán became the first Mexican chef to receive a Michelin star in 2013.

Gene Kato, Momotaro

The chef of seasonal Japanese restaurant Momotaro grew up in a Japanese household in North Carolina, and in his practice remains “devoted to elevating Japanese cuisine while remaining authentically respectful of tradition.” Visit the Fulton Market District, where Momotaro’s menu includes Beef “Tsukune” Sliders, Mapo Tofu, and a vast selection of sushi and sashimi.

Thai Dang, HaiSous

Born in Vietnam and raised just outside Washington, D.C., Dang brings a combination of true Vietnamese flavors and well-practiced, modern culinary techniques to his restaurant HaiSous. Those hungry for these lauded creations can visit HaiSous in Pilsen, where they can order such items as Chả Giò (an egg roll lettuce wrap), Cá Nướng Xả (roasted bass with lemongrass), and Vietnamese Rice Pudding.

Hottest Chefs Chicago Featured Image Credit: Luella’s Chef on Instagram

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