These 3 Illinois Restaurants Made Yelp’s 2025 Top 25

Illinois is home to three of America's best new restaurants, according to one of the biggest foodie review sites on the planet.

Yelp just published its Best New Restaurants 2025 list, and the 25 joints featured all have plenty to give to their customers. Illinois' best new restaurant got a special mention from Yelp, saying "America's enthusiasm for high-quality meats has inspired this year's chefs to serve it in more creative ways."

Butcher and the Bear: Chicago’s Buzzy “Steak-Easy” in Lincoln Park

The 10th best new restaurant in America is Butcher and the Bear, located in Chicago.

This buzzy “steak-easy” is elevating the Lincoln Park food scene with steak flights and vintage-inspired cocktails served in a dark, sexy bar/dining room.

Located at 2721 North Halsted and rated a 4.5 on Yelp by reviewers, the restaurant features Wagyu Beef Cheek, Scallops, Sea Bass, and Brick Chicken.

La Serre: A French-Mediterranean Escape in Chicago’s West Loop

La Serre, the second restaurant in Illinois on the list of best new joints in America, is ranked 17th out of 25.

'Stunning' greenery sets the stage for French-Mediterranean fare at this popular Chicago bistro. The Provençal dishes are as lush as the photoworthy flora: hanging plants and a lavish jumble of faux flowers overhead (La Serre means “the greenhouse” in French).

At 307 North Green Street, also in Chicago, La Serre is rated 4.2 out of 5 on Yelp.

Stand-out offerings on the menu include French Onion Fondue, The Caviar Nest, Bruleed French Toast, and Tuna Crudo.

Daebak: Korean BBQ Brings Flavor and Fire to Wicker Park

The last of three Illinois restaurants to be included in Yelp's top 25 is called Daebak, rated 24th out of 25.

In classic Korean BBQ style, guests are provided with a menu of 'succulent' meats to cook family-style over a mini-grill in the center of the table (if you’re hesitant, the waitstaff will help or cook it for you) and share, along with a variety of 'fresh and tasty' banchan (side dishes like kimchi, bean sprouts, and purple rice).

Daebak, at 1266 North Milwaukee Avenue, is also located in Chicago.

A Korean barbecue restaurant, Daebak, is rated a 4.1 out of 5 on Yelp. Some highlights on the menu include Seafood Pancakes, Spicy Tofu Soup, Tteokbokki, and Fried Seaweed.

Should Yelp Recognize More Illinois Restaurants Beyond Chicago?

Were you surprised to see only Chicago restaurants on the list? Is there a bias toward bigger cities when it comes to lists like these, or do you think we need sites like Yelp to start recognizing that great food exists outside of Chicago city limits?