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
Chicago’s Booming Food-Hall Scene, Decoded

Chicago’s Booming Food-Hall Scene, Decoded

There at least 5 new options, and 4 more on the way

SX Sky Bar

The 8 Best Restaurants That Opened in Chicago This April

Peruvian. Mediterranean. Craft-beer-ian. Let’s review.

Table Stakes: March

The 6 best restaurants that opened their doors this month

Table Stakes: February

The 8 best restaurants that opened their doors this month

10 Chefs Share Their Best Tips for Eating Like a King While You Travel

From hacking airplane food to finding a city's best eats

The 6 Best Restaurants That Opened in Chicago This January

From a cocktail-paired omakase joint to a colorful new taproom

5 Chicago Pizzerias That Double As Excellent Date Spots

Pinkies out. No folding.

6 Michelin-Starred Chefs Name Their Favorite Meals in Chicago

From dosas on Devon to Vietnamese fare in Pilsen

The 10 Best Chicago Restaurant Openings of 2018

From gastropubs to omakase to a pair of exotic mashups

10 Chicago Wine Pros Pick Their Go-to Bottle Under $20

Or, how to be a great holiday house guest on a budget

We Hereby Declare These the 7 Best Pasta Dishes in Chicago

This is pasta porn at its finest

Table Stakes: November

The 9 best restaurants that opened doors in Chicago this month

Table Stakes: October

The 7 best restaurants that opened their doors this month

Table Stakes: September

The 8 best restaurants that opened their doors this month

These 5 Chicago Chef’s Tables Are Refreshingly Casual

Where unbelievable eats meet unpretentious environs

Table Stakes: August

The 8 best restaurants that opened their doors this month