How Many Restaurants Are in Chicago? 2025 Update
Discover the Total Number of Restaurants in Chicago
Curious about how many restaurants are in Chicago? Whether you're a foodie, restaurant investor, or business owner, understanding the total number of restaurants in Chicago provides valuable insights into the local dining scene and market trends.
Restaurants in Chicago
Population
2,664,452
City Area
227.7 mi²
Int'l Tourists
1,410,000
With a population of 2,664,452, this translates to one restaurant for every 288.7 residents (or 0.0035 restaurant for every person that lives in Chicago).
If you're considering investing in the restaurant business, population size alone isn't enough to determine market potential. Factors like tourism, local dining trends, and neighborhood demographics play a crucial role in identifying the most profitable opportunities. In fact, with over 1,410,000 international tourists and a thriving internal tourism economy, Chicago presents a great investment opportunity.
Let's see some numbers.
Exploring Chicago's Food Scene
If you are considering investing in the Chicago food and beverage market, there are some key metrics to consider. Opening or acquiring a restaurant is a great opportunity, but without a proper market analysis , finding the right location is challenging.
Key Restaurant Insights for Chicago:
Restaurant Density Comparison
Restaurant Count Comparison
- Total Restaurants: 9,228
- City Area: 227.7 mi² (or 589.7 km²)
- Population: 2,664,452
- International Tourists (Annual): 1,410,000
- Restaurant Density per km²: 15.65 restaurants/km²
- Restaurant Density per mi²: 40.53 restaurants/mi²
- Restaurants per capita: 0.0035 per person (or 288.7 people per restaurant)
But these are not the only numbers to take into consideration.
When you open a new restaurant or invest in an existing establishment, selecting the right location is crucial for success.
That's why we created Foodylytics, a platform designed to provide data-driven insights for restaurant owners and investors. Our tools help analyze market trends, identify high-demand locations, and evaluate competitor landscapes to ensure strategic decision-making.
Why the Number of Restaurants in Chicago Matters
Understanding the total number of restaurants in Chicago is important for several reasons:
For food lovers
Discover new dining spots, hidden gems, and the hottest restaurant openings.
For business owners
Analyze market saturation and competition to make informed decisions about new restaurant ventures.
For investors
Get insights into tourism and hospitality trends that drive restaurant success.
For economic analysis
Understand how the restaurant industry contributes to Chicago's economy and job market.
Where Do We Get Our Data?
At Foodylytics, we gather data from a combination of official city records, tourism reports, restaurant listings, and proprietary analytics tools to provide the most accurate and up-to-date information. Learn more about our data sources here.
Need Market Insights for Chicago?
If you're planning to open a restaurant or invest in the industry, having a deep understanding of the competitive landscape is crucial. Our Foodylytics Restaurant Analysis Report provides a comprehensive breakdown of Chicago's restaurant scene, including:
- 📊 Top competitors by Popularity
- 📍 Closest Competitors
- 🍽️ Popular Cuisines and Demand
- 📈 Ratings and Pricing Analytics
- 🏙️ Area Insights to Understand Your Surroundings