Amanda Topper

Amanda is a food writer and restaurant industry analyst based in Chicago. She was named one of the "Best Local Bloggers in Chicago" by CBS Chicago for her blog, TheGhostGuest.com.

All Articles From Amanda Topper

The 10 Best Burgers in Chicago

The beefiest crave-worthy American classics around town

From Modern to Old-School, These Are the Best Italian Restaurants in Chicago

Whether it’s contemporary Italian or nonna’s cooking you’re after, we have you covered

Chicago’s 7 Best Wine Bars

From fancy bubbly bars to chill natural wine emporiums, there’s an experience for every occasion

Chicago’s 8 Best Hotel Restaurants

The city’s most spectacular restaurants come with an option for an overnight stay

A Guinness Paradise Leads Chicago's Best New Restaurants

Elsewhere, Indian and French influences are drawing in diners this fall

Try a Caprese Milk Punch and Deli Classics at Chicago’s Best New Restaurants

Modern takes on Italian and Persian fare should pique diners’ interests this month

The Best New Restaurants in Chicago Include a Standout Mexican Spot

Plus modern Middle Eastern, sushi and new American fare

The 11 Best Bars in Chicago, According to Bartenders

Where Chicago’s best go when they want someone else to call the shots

Chicago’s Best New Restaurants Include Your New Favorite Taco Place

Also: a standout French wine bar, fast-casual barbecue and a British pub right in the Loop

Chicago’s Best New Restaurants Include a Stunning Space Atop the St. Regis

Also on the books: a public restaurant in a private club, cocktails galore and more

The Four Best Restaurants That Opened in Chicago in April

From glamorous vibes to casual fare, these are the best new spots in the city

Dollar Oysters and Half-Pound Wagyu Steaks Are the Stars at Chicago’s Best New Restaurants

Also on tap: Southern coastal, more super-upscale sushi and dry-aged Holstein

The 6 Best Steakhouses in Chicago

A mix of the classics and new favorites

The 6 Best Restaurants That Opened in Chicago in January

Including live-fire cooking, rare whisky pours and a long-awaited collab

The 8 Best Restaurants That Opened in Chicago in 2022

The cuisine spans the globe from Japan and India to France and Greece