Three Chicago steakhouses have been listed among the top 101 in the world, highlighting the city’s culinary prominence. The World’s Best Steak 2025 list includes three restaurants from the city, which are among only 19 that have made it to the list from the US.
Highlights
- Asador Bastian, Swift & Sons, and Bavette’s Steak House are the three Chicago restaurants featured in the list of the World’s Best Steaks 2025.
- The recognition of its steakhouses has reinforced Chicago’s place on the world culinary map for steak.
- A total of 19 steakhouses from across the US made it to the list, with New York leading, followed by Chicago.
Chicago Joins the World’s Elite Steak Cities
Chicago is establishing itself as a prominent location in the global steakhouse scene. The city is now being recognized alongside the most famous steak cities of the world, like Buenos Aires, Tokyo, and New York. With the three restaurants making the list, it has become one of the hotspots for steak lovers worldwide.
Asador Bastian At No. 13
Asador Bastian was ranked 13th in the World’s Best Steak Top 101 List 2025, and is the second-highest ranked restaurant in North America. The restaurant is run by chef-owner Doug Psaltis and chef-partner Christian Eckmann and features the best cuts of beef from around the world.
The restaurant was praised for redefining Midwestern steak restaurants by drawing inspiration from the Basque Country. The restaurant’s centerpiece, Txuletón, which is prepared in traditional Basque style, is “ a bold, deeply flavoured beef with complex marbling and an earthy depth that speaks of both animal and fire,” the review said.
The blend of warmth and sophistication, the beautiful but grounded space, and the outstanding wine programme at the restaurant also received a mention in the review. It concluded by saying, “In 2025, it stands not just as one of the finest restaurants in Chicago, but as one of the most important steak destinations in the world.”
Swift & Sons At No. 71
Swift & Sons, located at the historic Fulton Market District, landed at No. 71 in the list. The “Meat Master” at the restaurant is Chef Chris Pandel, who uses US Prime Beef, Australian & Japanese Wagyu for his preparations.
The review said that the restaurant “bridges the gap between past and present, honoring the city’s culinary roots while redefining the art of steakhouse dining with confidence and style.” When it comes to the menu, the bone-in ribeye, New York strip, and 48 oz porterhouse for two remain the signature favorites.
The grand and cinematic atmosphere, along with an expansive menu that goes beyond beef and the impressive wine programme, were all matters of appreciation for the restaurant. The Service is “sharp and polished,” and the restaurant creates a sense of belonging for its guests, no matter the occasion.
Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf At No. 77
Taking up the No. 77 position on the list was Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf. Chef Brad Skougard is in charge of creating the acclaimed steaks using USDA Prime cut meat at the restaurant.
Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf offers masterfully created steaks that include mainly self-dry-aged beef. Chicago Cut ribeye and filet mignon are part of the steak offerings at the establishment. Beyond the steaks, it also offers a short rib stroganoff and crab cakes with remoulade. A variety of sides and starters are also part of the menu, and the beverage menu includes offerings that complement the dishes beautifully.
Its lively and intimate ambience makes entering the restaurant an experience “like being transported to a bygone era.” The service is “attentive and knowledgeable,” and “the team strives to provide a memorable dining experience,” the review said.
Judging Criteria Used for the Ranking
“Steak ambassadors” from London’s Upper Cut Media House judged the restaurants on 28 parameters to determine the ranking. Factors such as meat quality, ambiance, and service were among the evaluation criteria.
