Dominique Leach is one of the country’s biggest names in barbecue. A classically trained chef turned pitmaster, Chef Dominique worked in some of Chicago’s most prestigious kitchens before opening the beloved Lexington Betty Smokehouse in Chicago’s historic Pullman neighborhood.
Her Chicago-style barbecue has brought her national acclaim, including earning her a spot on The Food Network’s show Chopped and recognition as the “Best Barbecue in Chicago” by Good Morning America.
We asked Chef Dominique where she eats when she’s not the one in the kitchen. Here are just a few of her can’t-miss restaurants throughout Chicago.
Demera Ethiopian Restaurant
“Demera Ethiopian Restaurant in Uptown is a must-try,” says Chef Dominique. The signature messobs, colorful tasting platters of meat and veggie options, are perfect to share with a group. Enjoy it with traditional accompaniments like fried dumplings, timatim soup, and African honey wine.
The Publican
The Publican is a long-running establishment in the West Loop with an eclectic menu. “One of my favorite dishes on their menu is the porchetta with grits — it’s out-of-this-world delicious,” says Chef Dominique. Other highlights include the beef carpaccio with bone marrow aioli, baked stone clams, and glazed pork belly with charred cabbage.
Justice of the Pies
One of Chef Dominique’s recent favorites is Justice of the Pies, an acclaimed bakery in the city’s Avalon Park neighborhood. Chef and owner Maya-Camille Broussard, a James Beard Award finalist for Outstanding Baker, specializes in anything with a crust. The salted caramel peach pie is a bestseller, along with creative options like miso honey and lemon basil. Or choose from savory offerings like quiches and pot pies.
Luella’s Southern Kitchen
Chef Dominique never goes to the Lincoln Square neighborhood without stopping at Luella’s Southern Kitchen. “The salmon croquettes are the best you will find in the city. And the shrimp and andouille sausage macaroni and cheese will literally rock you to sleep and tuck you in like a baby,” says Chef Dominique.
Other must-try dishes include the hushpuppies, Mississippi pot roast, and apple cobbler with cinnamon roll ice cream.
Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio
“Monteverde is one of the best woman-owned restaurants in Chicago,” according to Chef Dominique. The lauded Italian restaurant in the West Loop serves up handmade pasta by a Top Chef alum.
Chef Dominque’s favorite dishes include the lamb meatballs and the burrata with prosciutto (the little rosemary pancakes served with the burrata are “life-changing”).
CheSa’s Bistro & Bar
CheSa’s Bistro & Bar is a 100% gluten-free establishment in Avondale with Creole and contemporary American flair. If you’re there for brunch, the fried chicken and beignet waffle is sweet, savory, and delicious. Or try the slow-cooked oxtail and risotto entree on the dinner menu.
HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen
A Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient, HaiSous Vietnamese Kitchen in Pilsen specializes in authentic home-cooked Vietnamese cuisine. One of Chef Dominique’s must-order dishes is the Vietnamese chicken curry with coconut milk, sweet potato, and crispy chicken skin.
Virtue Restaurant & Bar
A fine-dining soul food restaurant on the city’s South Side, Virtue Restaurant & Bar is helmed by James Beard Award-winning chef Erick Williams.
“Not only is Chef Erick Williams a huge influence on me, but he’s clearly a master at what he does,” says Chef Dominique. Top bites from the Southern-inspired menu include comforting dishes like shrimp and crawfish, jambalaya with andouille sausage, and red velvet cake.
Frontier
Frontier is one of Chief Dominique’s top recommendations for restaurants in Chicago with a great vibe. “The food is creative and unique, and they have an unbelievable dessert menu,” she says.
The meat-focused menu includes unique dishes like gator sausage and wild boar sliders. When you go, don’t miss the lamb empanadas, smoked Wagyu ribs, and peach pie jar.
Rose Mary
In the West Loop neighborhood, Rose Mary specializes in Italian and Croatian-inspired cuisine like burek, cevapi, and seasonal pastas. The kitchen is led by acclaimed local chef Joe Flamm, winner of season 15 of Top Chef. “I can eat the tuna crudo with crispy capers for breakfast, lunch, and dinner,” says Chef Dominique.
Daisy’s Po’Boy & Tavern
“Daisy’s Po’Boy & Tavern in Hyde Park makes me feel like I just teleported to New Orleans,” says Chef Dominique. Her favorite items at this casual spot include red beans and rice, fried green tomatoes, and fried alligator. Make sure to order a hurricane or the rum punch for the full NOLA experience.
