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Monica Wang

14 of Chicago's Best and Boldest Fusion Restaurants to Try Now

Taco Bell's Naked Chicken Chalupa misses the cut

by Jeffy Mai
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Mott Street
| Monica Wang
by Jeffy Mai

Deciding on a restaurant to dine at can sometimes be an exasperating ordeal. Mexican or Indian? Barbecued meats or tacos? There's never a wrong choice but accommodating multiples palates, as well as your own, requires careful consideration. To make life easier, here's a map of 14 of the best fusion restaurants in Chicago, so people can have what they're craving.

As Chicago's culinary scene continues to expand, more and more chefs are thinking outside the box. Instead of always striving for authenticity, they're pushing forward with bold flavors that combine pieces of various cuisines. These spots eschew tradition and have only one goal in mind—to create delicious food.

Some of the city's most notable chefs, including Abe Conlon and Bill Kim, have made a mark with their restaurants. Other places, like Sunda and Carnivale, are consistently packed with crowds that just can't seem to get enough Asian and Latin fusion fare. Even seasoned diners will find new and exciting dishes to try. Sushi burritos, anyone?

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Altiro Latin Fusion

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Visit Roscoe Village for a taste of what suburbanites have been enjoying for years. Altiro Latin Fusion gained a following out in Geneva for its innovative fare bursting with bright flavors. In 2015, a Chicago outpost arrived and it has continued to build on the original’s success, delivering an array of tacos and South American-inspired small plates.

2116 W Roscoe St, Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 935-4000
(773) 935-4000
Facebook

bellyQ

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Korean barbecue gets taken to the next level at Bill Kim’s flagship spot on the edge of Restaurant Row. Expect fine-tuned variations on classic ‘Q meats—Korean short ribs, tea-smoked duck breast, sake-roasted chicken, baby back pork ribs—alongside Western staples such as Belly Mac featuring Japanese noodles and Thai curry. If that’s not enough, diners can head next door to Urbanbelly for their fill of noodles, rice and dumplings.

1400 W. Randolph St., Chicago, IL, 60607
(312) 563-1010
(312) 563-1010
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Carnivale

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The party never ends at Chicago’s liveliest Latin fusion destination. Colorful décor, a festive atmosphere and live entertainment ensure there’s never a dull moment but chef Rodolfo Cuadros’ cooking is the real attraction. He incorporates elements from South America, Spain and the Caribbean to create diverse offerings that include a selection of ceviches, ropa vieja, arroz con mariscos and even housemade cotton candy.

702 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL, 60661
(312) 850-5005
(312) 850-5005
Facebook

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de Quay Restaurant

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Dutch and Indonesian flavors in Chicago are in exceedingly short supply so it was a welcome sight when chef-owner David de Quay decided to embrace both cuisines at his eponymous concept. Some offerings are decidedly non-fusion—braised lamb shank with goat gouda mashed potatoes is hearty European comfort while nasi goreng, or Indonesian fried rice, is the country's national dish. But there are also many others that blur the line between cultures, such as braised short rib with rendang croquette and pea tendril; and mussels and shrimp luxuriating in coconut curry.

2470 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL, 60614
(872) 206-8820
(872) 206-8820
Marc Much

Also featured in:

Del Seoul

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Kalbi and tortillas may sound like an obvious pairing these days but that’s due in large part to Del Seoul. The restaurant helped popularize Korean-inspired street food, such as tacos filled with sesame-chili shrimp, tempura fish, grilled short rib, spicy barbecue pork and more. In addition, other delectable combos include Korean barbecue banh mi sandwiches, kalbi poutine and kimchi fries. Topping fries with fermented cabbage makes it healthier … right?

2568 N Clark St, Chicago, IL, 60614
(773) 248-4227
(773) 248-4227
Yelp

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En Hakkore 2.0

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Sometimes, that sushi craving comes calling and there’s no choice but to comply. Ordering multiple rolls for yourself can be excessive and cost prohibitive, though, so head to this Asian fusion eatery for a playful twist that brings two disparate foods together. The specialty sushi burritos are hulking wraps of rice packed with proteins like tempura shrimp, spicy tuna, tuna ceviche and Korean BBQ beef.

1467 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL, 60622
(773) 278-5959
(773) 278-5959
Yelp

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Fat Rice

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At this point little introduction is needed for Abe Conlon’s beloved Macanese restaurant. The food draws on the influences of Southeast Asia and Portugal, culminating in a signature dish dubbed arroz gordo, or “fat rice.” This paella-like bowl of jasmine rice comes packed with curried chicken thighs, char siu pork, linguica sausage, prawns, clams, tea eggs and more. It’s an assorted mix that hits all the right notes on the flavor spectrum.

2957 W Diversey Ave, Chicago, IL, 60647
(773) 661-9170
(773) 661-9170
Marc Much

Also featured in:

Kimski

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One of 2016’s boldest openings was as unique of a concept as there's been in recent times. The expansion of Maria’s Packaged Goods & Community Bar gave patrons a reliable dining option in the form of Korean-Polish street food. Chef Won Kim dishes out elevated bar snacks like sausages topped with “krautchi,” smoked wings, kimchi poutine, housemade meatballs over noodles and more. Lounge away on the patio when the weather’s nice or take the food next door and pair it with a craft beer.

960 W 31st St, Chicago, IL, 60608
(773) 890-0588
(773) 890-0588
Aron Gent

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Mexique

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Carlos Gaytan is an inspiring success who’s worked his way up the Chicago scene over the last two decades. At his restaurant Mexique, he presents the Mexican flavors of his homeland with French finesse. What seems like an improbable melding of cuisines produces hits such as chile relleno stuffed with ratatouille; seared duck breast and duck leg confit in chipotle tamarind glaze; and carne asada with roasted fingerling potato salad, cherry tomatoes and goat cheese fondue.

1529 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL, 60642
(312) 850-0288
(312) 850-0288
Facebook

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Mott Street

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Edward Kim’s North Side establishments, Ruxbin and Mott Street, have been two of Chicago’s must-visit dining destinations over the last several years. The street food-inspired dishes here put his team’s talents front and center as they elegantly refine flavors that one might find at an Asian night market. Guests enjoy a variety of bites including kimchi & Oaxaca empanadas; General Tso’s lamb sweetbreads; kimchi cabbage stuffed with pork butt and sticky rice; and udon noodles with spicy marinated cod roe, kimchi and seaweed.

1401 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL, 60622
(773) 687-9977
(773) 687-9977
Photo courtesy of Mott Street

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Rogue Fusion

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With a name that conjures images of Star Wars, it’s no surprise that the menu at this Rogers Park restaurant feels like it spans the entire galaxy. The kitchen plays by its own rules, cooking everything from Korean tacos and chicken wings to crab meat beignets and tagliatelle a la carbonara. So the next time your friends want to drag you to the Cheesecake Factory for the sake of “variety,” be a rebel and suggest Rogue Fusion instead.

7027 N Clark St, Chicago, IL, 60626
(773) 293-6966
(773) 293-6966
Facebook

Saucy Porka

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Spice up your lunch game with Asian-Latin fusion in the Loop. This popular daytime spot recreates the childhood memories of owner Amy Le and chef Rafael Lopez through blended dishes like bao tacos (“bacos”), pork carnitas banh mi sandwich, “Asian-style” paella, pork carnitas pho and more.

400 S Financial Pl, Chicago, IL, 60605
(312) 662-1351
(312) 662-1351
Yelp

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Sunda

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Rockit Ranch Productions’ pan-Asian spot in River North is always a rip-roaring scene. The good vibes are accompanied by an eclectic menu full of the continent’s greatest hits—lemongrass beef lollipops, tiger shrimp tempura, adobo-braised pork belly, a selection of signature sushi and more. Trendy and delicious, it’s a hot combination.

110 W Illinois St, Chicago, IL, 60654
(312) 644-0500
(312) 644-0500
Photo courtesy of Sunda

Also featured in:

Vermilion

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East meets West for an exotic global twist. The one-of-a-kind philosophy at Vermilion fuses Indian spices with Latin flavors to create intriguing mash-ups. The influence is prevalent on dishes like Brazilian seafood stew with Indian seasoning, and simple-yet-enticing tandoori skirt steak.

10 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL, 60654
(312) 527-4060
(312) 527-4060
Facebook

Also featured in:

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Altiro Latin Fusion

2116 W Roscoe St, Chicago, IL 60618

Visit Roscoe Village for a taste of what suburbanites have been enjoying for years. Altiro Latin Fusion gained a following out in Geneva for its innovative fare bursting with bright flavors. In 2015, a Chicago outpost arrived and it has continued to build on the original’s success, delivering an array of tacos and South American-inspired small plates.

2116 W Roscoe St, Chicago, IL 60618
(773) 935-4000
(773) 935-4000
Facebook

bellyQ

1400 W. Randolph St., Chicago, IL, 60607

Korean barbecue gets taken to the next level at Bill Kim’s flagship spot on the edge of Restaurant Row. Expect fine-tuned variations on classic ‘Q meats—Korean short ribs, tea-smoked duck breast, sake-roasted chicken, baby back pork ribs—alongside Western staples such as Belly Mac featuring Japanese noodles and Thai curry. If that’s not enough, diners can head next door to Urbanbelly for their fill of noodles, rice and dumplings.

1400 W. Randolph St., Chicago, IL, 60607
(312) 563-1010
(312) 563-1010
Facebook

Carnivale

702 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL, 60661

The party never ends at Chicago’s liveliest Latin fusion destination. Colorful décor, a festive atmosphere and live entertainment ensure there’s never a dull moment but chef Rodolfo Cuadros’ cooking is the real attraction. He incorporates elements from South America, Spain and the Caribbean to create diverse offerings that include a selection of ceviches, ropa vieja, arroz con mariscos and even housemade cotton candy.

702 W Fulton Market, Chicago, IL, 60661
(312) 850-5005
(312) 850-5005
Facebook

de Quay Restaurant

2470 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL, 60614

Dutch and Indonesian flavors in Chicago are in exceedingly short supply so it was a welcome sight when chef-owner David de Quay decided to embrace both cuisines at his eponymous concept. Some offerings are decidedly non-fusion—braised lamb shank with goat gouda mashed potatoes is hearty European comfort while nasi goreng, or Indonesian fried rice, is the country's national dish. But there are also many others that blur the line between cultures, such as braised short rib with rendang croquette and pea tendril; and mussels and shrimp luxuriating in coconut curry.

2470 N Lincoln Ave, Chicago, IL, 60614
(872) 206-8820
(872) 206-8820
Marc Much

Del Seoul

2568 N Clark St, Chicago, IL, 60614

Kalbi and tortillas may sound like an obvious pairing these days but that’s due in large part to Del Seoul. The restaurant helped popularize Korean-inspired street food, such as tacos filled with sesame-chili shrimp, tempura fish, grilled short rib, spicy barbecue pork and more. In addition, other delectable combos include Korean barbecue banh mi sandwiches, kalbi poutine and kimchi fries. Topping fries with fermented cabbage makes it healthier … right?

2568 N Clark St, Chicago, IL, 60614
(773) 248-4227
(773) 248-4227
Yelp

En Hakkore 2.0

1467 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL, 60622

Sometimes, that sushi craving comes calling and there’s no choice but to comply. Ordering multiple rolls for yourself can be excessive and cost prohibitive, though, so head to this Asian fusion eatery for a playful twist that brings two disparate foods together. The specialty sushi burritos are hulking wraps of rice packed with proteins like tempura shrimp, spicy tuna, tuna ceviche and Korean BBQ beef.

1467 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL, 60622
(773) 278-5959
(773) 278-5959
Yelp

Fat Rice

2957 W Diversey Ave, Chicago, IL, 60647

At this point little introduction is needed for Abe Conlon’s beloved Macanese restaurant. The food draws on the influences of Southeast Asia and Portugal, culminating in a signature dish dubbed arroz gordo, or “fat rice.” This paella-like bowl of jasmine rice comes packed with curried chicken thighs, char siu pork, linguica sausage, prawns, clams, tea eggs and more. It’s an assorted mix that hits all the right notes on the flavor spectrum.

2957 W Diversey Ave, Chicago, IL, 60647
(773) 661-9170
(773) 661-9170
Marc Much

Kimski

960 W 31st St, Chicago, IL, 60608

One of 2016’s boldest openings was as unique of a concept as there's been in recent times. The expansion of Maria’s Packaged Goods & Community Bar gave patrons a reliable dining option in the form of Korean-Polish street food. Chef Won Kim dishes out elevated bar snacks like sausages topped with “krautchi,” smoked wings, kimchi poutine, housemade meatballs over noodles and more. Lounge away on the patio when the weather’s nice or take the food next door and pair it with a craft beer.

960 W 31st St, Chicago, IL, 60608
(773) 890-0588
(773) 890-0588
Aron Gent

Mexique

1529 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL, 60642

Carlos Gaytan is an inspiring success who’s worked his way up the Chicago scene over the last two decades. At his restaurant Mexique, he presents the Mexican flavors of his homeland with French finesse. What seems like an improbable melding of cuisines produces hits such as chile relleno stuffed with ratatouille; seared duck breast and duck leg confit in chipotle tamarind glaze; and carne asada with roasted fingerling potato salad, cherry tomatoes and goat cheese fondue.

1529 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL, 60642
(312) 850-0288
(312) 850-0288
Facebook

Mott Street

1401 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL, 60622

Edward Kim’s North Side establishments, Ruxbin and Mott Street, have been two of Chicago’s must-visit dining destinations over the last several years. The street food-inspired dishes here put his team’s talents front and center as they elegantly refine flavors that one might find at an Asian night market. Guests enjoy a variety of bites including kimchi & Oaxaca empanadas; General Tso’s lamb sweetbreads; kimchi cabbage stuffed with pork butt and sticky rice; and udon noodles with spicy marinated cod roe, kimchi and seaweed.

1401 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL, 60622
(773) 687-9977
(773) 687-9977
Photo courtesy of Mott Street

Rogue Fusion

7027 N Clark St, Chicago, IL, 60626

With a name that conjures images of Star Wars, it’s no surprise that the menu at this Rogers Park restaurant feels like it spans the entire galaxy. The kitchen plays by its own rules, cooking everything from Korean tacos and chicken wings to crab meat beignets and tagliatelle a la carbonara. So the next time your friends want to drag you to the Cheesecake Factory for the sake of “variety,” be a rebel and suggest Rogue Fusion instead.

7027 N Clark St, Chicago, IL, 60626
(773) 293-6966
(773) 293-6966
Facebook

Saucy Porka

400 S Financial Pl, Chicago, IL, 60605

Spice up your lunch game with Asian-Latin fusion in the Loop. This popular daytime spot recreates the childhood memories of owner Amy Le and chef Rafael Lopez through blended dishes like bao tacos (“bacos”), pork carnitas banh mi sandwich, “Asian-style” paella, pork carnitas pho and more.

400 S Financial Pl, Chicago, IL, 60605
(312) 662-1351
(312) 662-1351
Yelp

Sunda

110 W Illinois St, Chicago, IL, 60654

Rockit Ranch Productions’ pan-Asian spot in River North is always a rip-roaring scene. The good vibes are accompanied by an eclectic menu full of the continent’s greatest hits—lemongrass beef lollipops, tiger shrimp tempura, adobo-braised pork belly, a selection of signature sushi and more. Trendy and delicious, it’s a hot combination.

110 W Illinois St, Chicago, IL, 60654
(312) 644-0500
(312) 644-0500
Photo courtesy of Sunda

Vermilion

10 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL, 60654

East meets West for an exotic global twist. The one-of-a-kind philosophy at Vermilion fuses Indian spices with Latin flavors to create intriguing mash-ups. The influence is prevalent on dishes like Brazilian seafood stew with Indian seasoning, and simple-yet-enticing tandoori skirt steak.

10 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL, 60654
(312) 527-4060
(312) 527-4060
Facebook

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