The favorite restaurants on THE CHICAGO COLLECTION’s list, which combines winners from a poll of 200 elite concierges with editors’ picks, continue to accumulate accolades that confirm the place of the Windy City at the summit of American culinary acumen. StarChefs.com, the prestigious award-winning online magazine, recently named Chicago chefs Giuseppe Tentori (BOKA), Kendal Duque (Sepia), Michael Sheerin (Blackbird), Bill Kim (Le Lan), Christopher Nugent (Les Nomades) and Kristine Subido (Wave) and pastry chefs Elissa Narow (Custom House and Spring) and Tim Dahl (Blackbird and avec) with the Rising Stars Chef Award that honors them as leaders of the vanguard of innovative cuisine in Chicago. Shawn McClain (Custom House, Green Zebra and Spring) received an award in the “Restaurateur” category. McClain was also recognized by Health magazine for his vegetarian-focused Green Zebra, which was named one of the top six healthiest independent restaurants in the country. BOKA’s Tentori and Koren Grievson of avec found a place on Food & Wine magazine's 10 Best New Chefs of 2008. They are the latest in a line of luminaries that include Grant Achatz (Alinea), Michael Carlson (Schwa), Rick Bayless (Frontera Grill, Topolobambo) and Gale Gand (Tru). But Chicago isn't just about fine dining, it's about fun dining, too, as epitomized best by Harry Carey's, where Cubs fans hope against hope for a World Series win, and the legendary Billy Goat Tavern, which is always ready to add a little comic relief to the haute cuisine scene. —Compiled and edited by Nancy Maes
Note: Listings which appear in green denote a concierge selection.
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Aigre Doux, 230 W. Kinzie, 312.329.9400. Contemporary American. Lunch Mon.–Fri., dinner daily. Married couple Mohammad Islam and Malika Ameen raised the cuisine to star status in the restaurant in West Hollywood’s Chateau Marmont, a 1920s hideaway for the movie celebrities. They now join forces again at this casually elegant place whose name means sour and sweet. Islam, prepares the savory dishes on the changing menu, which might include a braised rabbit pizza or glazed duck with huckleberry compote. Ameen creates sweets such as a sticky toffee pudding.
A La Turka, 3134 N. Lincoln, 773.935.6101. Turkish. Dinner daily. The menu offers the delights of Turkish dishes created centuries ago to please the Ottoman sultans ranging from zucchini pancakes to shish kebobs redolent with herbs and spices. The exotic décor includes a canopy of draped fabric that allows diners to enjoy culinary pleasures under a romantic tent, and belly dancers add a sultry touch on Friday and Saturday.
Alhambra Palace, 1240 W. Randolph, 312.666.9555. Middle Eastern. Lunch and dinner daily.This ornate, sprawling 7-room space, decorated with mosaics, marble arches and other adornments imported from the Middle East, seems to be vying to be one of the wonders of the world. Diners come early to enjoy tagines, kebabs and other Moroccan dishes, and stay late to listen to live music, to dance and to watch voluptuous belly dancers.
Alinea, 1723 N. Halsted, 312.867.0110. Progressive American. Dinner Wed.–Sun. Highly acclaimed avant-garde chef Grant Achatz scours the sciences to discover new ways of preparing ingredients. The dishes on his tasting menus read like haiku. Many of them are theatrically presented on playful serving pieces in a serene setting, where Achatz wants diners to experience an emotional, multisensual response to his gastronomic innovations.
A Mano, 335 N. Dearborn, 312.629.3500. Italian. Lunch Mon.-Fri. dinner daily. Chef John Caputo traveled around Italy to soak up the atmosphere and savor the food of the country's trattorias and then recreated the simplicity and authenticity of the experience in this warm 150-seat spot. Meals kick off with cured meats and light fare from the antipasti bar. Pasta is hand-made, pizzas, meats and fish, prepared with traditional and contemporary touches, come from the wood-burning oven and grill.
Ann Sather, 909 W. Belmont, 773.348.2378. Swedish/American. Breakfast and lunch daily. This longtime favorite is known for traditional duck with sauerkraut, Swedish meatballs, pancakes with lingonberries and irresistible cinnamon rolls. More contemporary additions include tilapia with lime sauce and Bloody Mary-marinated flank steak. Other locations include Andersonville at 5207 N. Clark, 773.271.6677.
Anteprima, 5316 N. Clark, 773.506.9990. Italian Cuisine. Dinner daily. This cozy, popular neighborhood spot offers rustic, honest-to-goodness Italian cuisine made with seasonal ingredients that are often organic. The extensive menu offers dishes prepared from traditional recipes such as braised lamb shank with polenta, grilled quail marinated in honey and balsamic and Roman-style tripe. The wines are Italian too with a selection served in quartino carafes.
Aria, Fairmont Hotel Chicago, 200 N. Columbus, 312.444.9494. Global Cuisine. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Diners can watch Indian-style naan bread being baked as they choose from the dishes of chef Brad Parsons who accents his cuisine with global flavors and contemporary touches: a curried soup, a Moroccan-style chicken, a Caribbean inspired fish, an Italian risotto, a French bouillabaisse, an Italian risotto, char-grilled steaks, a Thai lemongrass crème brulée.
A Tavola, 2148 W. Chicago, 773.276.7567. Northern Italian. Dinner Mon.–Sat. Fresh flowers adorn white-topped tables at this romantic hidden gem located in a vintage red-brick two-flat. The changing array of dishes on chef/owner Daniel Bocik’s small menu ranges from potato gnocci in a browned butter and sage sauce to braised beef short ribs over saffron risotto.
Atwood Cafe, Hotel Burnham, 1 W. Washington, 312.368.1900. American. Breakfast, lunch, dinner daily, brunch Sunday. This elegant space is ensconced in a beautifully restored 1895 building in the heart of the business, shopping and theater district. The menu pays tribute to the past with classic comfort foods such as chicken potpie and roasted-banana white-chocolate bread pudding and to contemporary tastes with dishes such as the pistachio-crusted goat cheese salad.
avec, 615 W. Randolph, 312.377.2002. Mediterranean. Dinner daily. Friends share small and large plates and carafes of wine, chosen from a selection of 30, “avec” (the French word for “with”) each other and perhaps even with their neighbors at communal tables. Honey-colored cedar and the scent from a wood-burning oven add visual and olfactory touches to the convivial spot, where chef Koren Grieveson offers rustic dishes.
Avenues, Peninsula Hotel, 108 E. Superior, 312.573.6754. Contemporary. Dinner daily. An exhibition kitchen and a view of the historic Water Tower add excitement to the sophisticated and subdued fifth-floor dining room, decorated in shades of gold. Curtis Duffy, who recently took over the helm of the kitchen, calls his style “thoughtful progressive cuisine.” His 4, 8 and 15 course seasonal menus offer dishes such as lobster paired with jasmine, cashews and cilantro and Wagyu beef complemented by smoked coconut, delicate white shoyu sauce and sweet blue basil.
BB’s, 22 E. Hubbard, 312.755.0007. Global. Lunch, dinner Mon.–Sat. One of the co-owners of this lively gastropub is a member of the Bud Binyon family that started in the restaurant business in Chicago in 1932. Global-inspired comfort foods, including classics from the legendary former Binyon’s, pair well with a large selection of beers and wines.
Ben Pao, 52 W. Illinois, 312.222.1888. Chinese. Lunch Mon.–Fri., dinner daily. The sounds of waterfalls are a soothing backdrop to an elegant décor in gleaming gold and bold red. Classics from the four regional cuisines of China, such as black-peppered sea scallops and seven-flavor beef, are prepared with contemporary flair.
Bice Ristorante, 158 E. Ontario, 312.664.1474. Northern Italian. Lunch, dinner daily. The stylish décor is Art Deco, the menu is inspired by the restaurant’s sibling located in Milan, and diners can brush up on their Italian with the staff. Preparations of risottos and homemade pastas may change with the seasons, but osso bucco, a pounded, breaded veal chop Milanese and chocolate truffle ice cream are staples.
Bijan’s Bistro, 663 N. State, 312.202.1904. Contemporary American. Brunch Sat.–Sun., lunch and dinner daily. A setting of dark wood and low lights welcomes a late-night crowd that finds familiar fare to keep their energy high until the wee small hours. They can enjoy roast chicken and burgers and reminisce about their childhoods with a root beer float for dessert, all served until the un-childlike hour of 3:15 a.m.
Billy Goat's Tavern, 430 N. Michigan Ave at Lower Level, 312.222.1525. Traditional American. Lunch and dinner daily. People go to this iconic diner in a dreary location on the lower level of Michigan Ave. not for the food, but for the folklore. This hang-out for journalists, opened in the 1930s by a Greek immigrant, is believed to be responsible for the curse of the Chicago Cubs. It was the inspiration for a Saturday Night Live skit where John Belushi coined the phrase "Cheeseborger, cheeseborger, cheeseborger." Regulars know that they get chips, not fries with their burgers.
Bin 36, 339 N. Dearborn, 312.755.9463. Contemporary American. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. Chef John Caputo offers small plates in the casual Tavern under a
35-foot atrium and a tasting menu and creative dishes that change with the seasons in the intimate Cellar. The menu offers suggestions for the wines that pair well with them. The 50 selections at the Cheese Bar provide yet another way to enjoy the wide array of wines.
Bistro Campagne, 4518 N. Lincoln, 312.271.6100. French. Dinner daily. This may be a neighborhood spot with a Prairie-style décor, but it has the feel of a restaurant located in the French countryside. Chef/owner Michael Altenberg is known for his insistence on organic ingredients and recently hired chef Dan Jacobs (Spring, Green Zebra) adds his own take on bistro classics.
Bistro 110, 110 E. Pearson, 312.266.3110. French/American. Lunch and dinner daily, Sunday New Orleans jazz brunch. This big, bustling place presents the best of two worlds: simple fare from a wood-burning oven and plentiful traditional French dishes by chef Dominique Tougne such as a spice-rubbed lamb shank cooked for 18 hours.
Bistrot Margot, 1437 N. Wells, 312.587.3660. French. Lunch and dinner daily. Dark wood and burgundy banquettes and the hustle and bustle let diners feel like they are in Paris. Chef/owner Joe Doppes turns out tried-and-true bistro classics: escargots, steak frites and chocolate mousse. Bon appetit!
Blackbird, 619 W. Randolph, 312.715.0708. Contemporary American. Lunch, Mon.–Fri., dinner, Mon.–Sat. Less is more in the sleek white room at which chic diners sit elbow to elbow to savor the refined dishes of award-winning chef Mike Sheerin. His magic touch marries seasonal ingredients to create an American cuisine with French influences that will appeal to sophisticated palates
Brasserie Jo, 59 W. Hubbard, 312.595.0800. French. Dinner daily. The
décor of this big, bustling brasserie transports diners back to Paris in the 1940s. Jean Joho, the highly regarded chef of Everest, creates hearty dishes from his native Alsace, such as a tarte
flambée, and simple French classics including steak frites.
Brasserie Ruhlmann, 500 W. Superior, 312.494.1900. French. Lunch Sun.-Fri. and dinner daily. The name of this import from New York City is a tribute to a French Art Deco designer and the decor in plush red velvet and rich wood recalls the glamour of the 1920s. Diners can enjoy a raw bar and cuisine by Christian Delouvrier a top toque in the Big Apple who personalizes the classics by preparing duck with an orange gastrique or topping an Angus burger with a sour cherry marmalade
Brazzaz, 539 N. Dearborn, 312.595.9000. Brazilian steakhouse. Lunch Mon.–Fri., dinner daily. An abundance of food is served in this modern-chic space accented with vibrant touches of orange and blue. The extensive salad bar offers a tribute to the bounty of Mother Nature. Carvers arrive tableside to slice a wide variety of meats grilled on skewers in the tradition of Brazilian gauchos.
Broadway Cellars, 5900 N. Broadway, 773.944.1208. American. Dinner daily, brunch Sun. While wine racks line the walls of this friendly neighborhood bistro in a nod to Napa and Sonoma valleys, floor-to-ceiling windows give a view of urban life. Items on the small menu, such as a Nosh Platter and duck lasagna, are designed to pair well with the wines.
Cafe Absinthe, 1954 W. North, 773.278.4488. Contemporary American. Dinner daily. The entrance is hidden away in the alley, but it is worth the search because candlelight and softly draped fabric create a romantic setting for couples and a convivial place for groups. Ostrich wing fillet is a favorite on the menu inspired by the changing seasons.
Café Ba-Ba-Reeba!, 2024 N. Halsted, 773.935.5000. Spanish tapas. Brunch and lunch Sat.–Sun., dinner daily. The setting evokes the spirit of Flamenco dancers and guitarists. The tapas are small enough to sample several, or try the ample portions of marinated shrimp, chicken, pork or beef on skewers, each complemented with its own dipping sauce. Or share paella, accompanied by a glass of sherry, to savor the flavors of Spain.
Caffe De Luca, 1721 N. Damen Ave., 773.342.6000. Italian. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. This Italian classic has been serving panini, salads and desserts in Wicker Park and Bucktown since 1999. The walls of this charming coffeehouse are painted to resemble the centuries-old buildings of an Italian streetscape. Forest Park location, 7427 W. Madison, 708.366.9200. Lunch Tue.–Fri., brunch Sat.–Sun., dinner Tues.–Sun. This upscale suburban cousin features a full menu of pastas, fish and veal in a Venetian setting. Features a second floor for private dining and an outdoor patio.
Caliterra Bar & Grille, Wyndham Hotel, 633 N. St. Clair, 312.274.4444. Californian/Italian. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. In a décor inspired by the landscapes of the wine country, this second-floor spot offers a view of the cityscape and the open kitchen, which turns out food that marries the best ingredients of California and Italy and creative dishes such as espresso crusted day-boat scallops. The cheese cart finishes the meal with a savory flourish.
Cape Cod Room, Drake Hotel, 140 E. Walton, 312.932.4625. Seafood. Dinner daily. This grande dame of seafood restaurants, opened in 1933, sports a jaunty nautical theme. Today the classics—bookbinder soup and lobster thermidor—rub elbows on the menu with prawns in a curry sauce, sea scallops served with a spring roll and other global newcomers.
Carnivale, 702 W. Fulton Market, 312.850.5005. Nuevo Latino. Lunch Mon.–Fri., dinner daily. Life is a nonstop party that moves to a salsa beat at this big, bi-level space that sizzles with flamboyant colors. The multinational menu of executive chef Mark Mendez keeps up the pace, with stopovers in Cuba and Puerto Rico down to Mexico, Argentina and other Latin American countries. Ceviche and guacamole are prepared in an open kitchen.
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