The Best Places in South Loop

1. The Banchets Nominee · Best Heritage Restaurant

1. AAA Three Diamonds

1. AAA Three Diamonds

The glass-enclosed kitchen at the front is the first thing you notice, and if you can grab a table facing it, you'll watch the whole operation. This Sichuan spot in Chinatown is named for its signature dish, a fiery pickled fish with sour greens that comes in sizes running up to a platter for six. The wontons in chili oil are a foregone conclusion. A long list of cold sides fills out the table without much effort.

1. Michelin Guide Selected Restaurant

1. AAA Approved

1. AAA Approved

This is an old-school Chinatown bakery on Wentworth where the pastry case does all the talking and the register takes only cash, so bring some. The baked BBQ pork buns are soft and fluffy, the sesame balls and egg tarts are the other usual suspects, and the egg tart crust flakes enough that you should check a mirror before rejoining society. Everything is made fresh daily, and a few dollars buys a bag.

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1. Time Out #24 · The 25 best restaurants in Chicago

1. Eater Chicago’s Best Korean Restaurants

1. Eater Chicago’s Best Thai Food

1. Eater Chicago’s Best Lunch Options