Amanda Topper

Amanda Topper is a food and drink writer born and raised in Chicago. She has written about all things food, drink and dining for more than 15 years for publications including Thrillist and InsideHook. She is also the founder and writer for The Ghost Guest, a dining blog she started in 2009 where she shares unbiased restaurant reviews from the U.S. and beyond. You can also find her sharing her favorite places to dine around town on her popular Instagram account (@amandatopper). Amanda also works full time in the market research industry, helping food and drink and restaurant brands better understand their consumers and stay on top of the latest industry trends. Her insights have appeared in publications including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal and The Washington Post. Her interests include al fresco dining, food tourism, wine education and the pursuit of the best doughnuts and almond croissants in existence.

All Articles From Amanda Topper

The Best Date Night Restaurants in Chicago

Seven perfect spots, from casual to classy

The Best Rooftop Bars in Chicago

Where to enjoy scenic views, open-air vibes and plenty of inventive drinks and bites

The 10 Best Mexican Restaurants in Chicago Right Now

There’s more than tacos and tlayudas to be found around town

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