Boka is a contemporary American restaurant at 1729 N. Halsted St. in Lincoln Park, just north of North Avenue. It holds one Michelin star and is the flagship of chef and partner Lee Wolen.
What it’s known for
Boka was founded in 2003 by Kevin Boehm and Rob Katz, whose surnames give the restaurant its name; it is part of Boka Restaurant Group. The Michelin Guide awarded it one star in the 2025 MICHELIN Guide USA and lists it in its top price category ($$$$). The guide describes a relaxed dining room with banquettes and mirrored light bulbs and a seasonal, modern menu with bold preparations.
Michelin singles out brown butter-toasted Hokkaido scallops with green garlic purée and sabayon, and house-made ricotta gnocchetti topped with crispy chicken skin, and notes a highly regarded cocktail program. The restaurant offers both à la carte dishes and a seasonal tasting menu.
Good to know
- Hours: Sunday to Thursday 5 to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 5 to 10 p.m., per the official site, October 2026.
- Reservations: Booked through bokachicago.com; phone (312) 337-6070. Private events: events@bokachicago.com.
- Parking: Valet at the Halsted Street entrance is $19 for the first four hours.
- Tip: Boka and Steppenwolf Theatre (1650 N. Halsted) are on the same stretch of Halsted, about a block apart, which makes dinner before a show simple.
See Lincoln Park restaurants by cuisine and the Lincoln Park theater and live music guide.
Sources: bokachicago.com, bokachicago.com/contact, guide.michelin.com/en/illinois/chicago/restaurant/boka
