Tzuco

The story

Tzuco Chicago: Carlos Gaytán's French-Mexican Restaurant in River North

Tzuco is the deeply personal project of Chef Carlos Gaytán, the first Latin American chef to earn a Michelin star. Born in Huitzuco, Guerrero, he moved to Chicago at twenty and started washing dishes at a hotel. Through years of dedication, he opened Mexique, earning a Michelin star in 2013 and 2014. Now, at Tzuco—named after his hometown—he presents the best of Mexico through his own vision, infused with French haute cuisine techniques.

The restaurant describes itself as “an austere experience, where richness is lived through the purity of ingredients, the combination of extraordinary flavors, and the story of their origin.” That philosophy is evident in every dish on the menu, which blends French and Mexican cuisines in unexpected ways. The Tzuco Burger, for example, combines a beef sirloin patty with black truffle sauce, gruyère, and serrano peppers on a brioche bun. The Tlayuda Cecina layers crispy corn tortilla with asiento, castacán (crispy pork belly), black beans, and creamy salsa verde. For brunch, the Duck Waffle pairs a Belgian waffle with duck leg carnitas, chipotle and hibiscus glaze, and poached eggs.

The dining room, located on North State Street in Chicago’s Gold Coast, is described as a “unique and poetic space.” Tzuco also offers a full bar with cocktails like the Tzuco Margarita (tequila, cucumber, St. Germain) and spirit-free options, plus a weekend brunch and happy hour. The restaurant earned a Michelin Recommended distinction in 2026, a testament to Gaytán’s continued mastery of French-Mexican cooking.

Guests can choose from a menu that includes starters like Heirloom Tomatoes with huitlacoche fondue, mains like Lobster Tacos with sweet corn porridge, and desserts like Tres Leches Horchata. Every plate reflects Gaytán’s journey—from dishwasher to Michelin-starred chef—and the flavors of his Guerrero roots.