Province
(161 N. Jefferson, 312.669.9900, provincerestaurant.com. Contemporary American. Lunch Mon.–Fri. and dinner Mon.–Sat.) Randy Zweiban, former executive chef at Nacional 27, introduced Chicago to signature south-of-the-border dishes. Upon beginning his new endeavor, Province, he revealed an unexpected side of culinary expertise: American cuisine. An extensive menu—think bites, raw bar and salads, along with small, big and bigger plates—enables diners to customize their experience. Our advice: Try as many dishes as possible. Savory sautéed shrimp atop a bed of warm grits reestablishes southern comfort in Chicago. The
ten-hour braised lamb, served with organic eggplant and cornbread, suggests that
there was never a meat more tender. Beyond organic produce and wine, the entire
venture is green without compromising an ounce of style. In this effortlessly chic space, the dark, polished floors are constructed from sustainably harvested cork, and the soft billowy curtains draping the floor-to-ceiling windows are regenerated cotton sheers. Housed in the CTA building, which was awarded gold-level LEED certification, Province pleases your environmental conscience and your palate.

Sepia
(123 N. Jefferson, 312.441.1920, sepiachicago.com. Contemporary American. Lunch Mon.–Fri., dinner Mon.–Sat.) Built in a former print shop dating back to the 1890s, Sepia’s ambience is almost unparalleled. Charming Windy City memorabilia pays homage to decades past, while scores of antique- and vintage-style details—such as the custom Art Nouveau tile floor—create an experience that’s nostalgic, yet still modern. The food, too, seamlessly marries traditional and contemporary. Executive chef Kendal Duque, who has also enjoyed stints at Everest and NoMI, approaches his highly seasonal cuisine with both an emphasis on creativity and a deep respect for tradition. Light, delicate sea scallops benefit from a rich pairing of pork belly, while deeply savory veal short ribs topped with truffle butter get a much-appreciated breath of fresh air from mint noodles. Even the flatbread starters, topped with subtly gourmet ingredients such as wild mushrooms, lamb shoulder and caramelized onions, maintain this spot’s elegantly familiar vibe.


South Loop

Aria
(200 N. Columbus, 312.444.9494, ariachicago.com. Contemporary Asian. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily) This posh yet approachable eatery located in the Fairmont Hotel launched a new menu this April, refining its focus to produce a brand of New World Asian cuisine (encompassing India, Thailand, Malaysia and more) that dazzles with American twists. Executive chef Brad Parsons nixes the usual bread basket, for example, in favor of a fluffy pile of naan, served with a trio of dipping sauces. And the restaurant’s fresh culinary focus shines brightly in the hot-and-sour rock shrimp appetizer, where quintessentially North American seafood finds new appeal in spicy Asian flavors. Looking for an experience that’s a bit more hands-on? On the fourth Wednesday of every month, patrons can “shop with the chef” and accompany Parsons to the Green City Market, where they’ll learn about how to choose the best produce, meats and cheeses. Afterwards, the group will return to Aria to prepare lunch based on what they’ve purchased.

Custom House
(500 S. Dearborn, 312.523.0200,
customhouse.cc. American. Lunch Mon.–Fri., dinner daily) Critically acclaimed chef Shawn McClain, who also heads up seafood-savvy Spring and veggie-friendly Green Zebra, lends his expertise to artisanal meats and fresh ingredients at Custom House. Located in the city’s Printer’s Row neighborhood, the restaurant’s design reflects the mood and the architecture of the surrounding community, which is both comfortable and sophisticated. The menu, divided by category and preparation (e.g., roasted meats, braised meats), offers regional American fare skillfully infused with Mediterranean influences. The dishes change daily, but dinner offerings may include baby octopus and squid in a blood-orange vinaigrette; bone-in short ribs with horseradish cream puffs; or a prime flat-iron steak with salt and vinegar chips. An extensive selection of seasonal sides and boutique wines rounds out any meal.

Eleven City Diner
(1112 S. Wabash, 312.212.1112, elevencitydiner.com. Jewish. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily) Amidst the hustle and bustle of Chicago’s busy streets—packed to the brim with BlackBerrys, iPods and modern architecture—lies this truly unique 1940s-inspired diner and Jewish delicatessen. The space fits about 175 people, and even though it opened just three short years ago, the diner is regularly packed. Breakfast is served all day, so signature items such as fluffy omelets and Eleven City-style French toast are plated whenever you’re ready to eat them. But the real attraction is the sandwiches: Classic pastrami, corned beef and brisket are piled high and served tall, just like the good old days. And don’t miss other cultural favorites; Bubbie’s chicken soup with matzoh ball and crispy potato latkes with lox are nothing short of mouth-watering. An authentic soda fountain and real milk shakes make it easy to wash it all down.

Lockwood
(17 E. Monroe, 312.917.3404, lockwoodrestaurant.com. Contemporary American. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily) French and Italian influences weave their way through the modern cuisine at this popular Loop eatery, which opened in the historic Palmer House Hilton last year. Headed by executive chef Phillip Foss, the kitchen turns out dishes that blend time-honed tradition with bold innovation: Foie gras is served up in sliders topped with rhubarb compote, and fresh barramundi comes alongside braised potatoes, onion purée, braised Bibb lettuce and prosciutto au jus. A particular summer favorite is the famous Chicago-style lobster dog, a luxe version of the Windy City favorite that features saffron-ginger sauce, cucumbers, leeks and teardrop tomatoes. Or, try the Lockwood’s relaxing afternoon teas. With separate adult and children’s menus, the elegant service is perfect for both refined, ladies-only occasions and cozy family affairs.

Opera
(1301 S. Wabash, 312.461.0161, opera-chicago.com. Chinese. Lunch Mon.–Fri., dinner daily) Opera executive chef Beverly Kim creates what is sometimes referred to as “new Chinese,” a moniker that denotes her transformation of classic cultural cuisine into innovative, contemporary dishes. Lunch and dinner options are diverse, divided appropriately between “the land,” “the sky” and “the sea.” House specialties include the Peking Duck Service, which offers three different preparations of the classic dish, and the beef and broccoli, which is made with filet mignon, shiitake mushrooms and a burgundy red- wine sauce. And veggie lovers, take note: If meat isn’t an option for you, Opera offers a separate vegan menu. Though the list isn’t extensive, alternative options such as the spring vegetable muushu and the Hainanese-style kaipong are undeniably delicious. Rich in color and texture, the restaurant’s décor is as modern as its menu, boasting warm reds, high ceilings and abstract artwork that form a truly unique space.

Old Town

Adobo Grill
(1610 N. Wells, 312.266.7999, adobogrill.com. Mexican. Lunch Sat.–Sun., dinner daily) Classic, rustic Mexican fare dominates the menu at this Old Town spot, whose offerings change with the seasons. Focusing on simple, straightforward dishes, such as tacos and whole-roasted fish, the cuisine celebrates the essential flavors of the culture’s traditional ingredients. Old brick walls donning authentic Mexican art ranging from canvases to sculptures helps create the restaurant’s homestyle atmosphere, and bright colors add a festive air. Guacamole and margaritas, both made tableside, are favorites with customers, as is the large selection of tequilas. For newbies and experts alike, tequila flights offer a small taste of three different complementary brands. Tequila dinners are also offered once a month, featuring a special menu created by the chef to pair with particular types of this quintessential Mexican spirit.

Salpicon
(1252 N. Wells, 312.988.7811, salpicon.com. Mexican. Dinner daily, brunch Sun.) Putting a contemporary spin on Mexican cuisine, husband-and-wife team Priscila and Vincent Satkoff has made Salpicon a family affair. With Vincent running the front of the house, Priscila focuses on creating a selection of unique, thoughtful dishes. This Mexico City native and Topolobampo alum has perfected balancing spicy, savory, sweet and smoky on her lengthy tri-fold menu. Highlights include mole and grilled shrimp in a sweet avocado- and chile-infused garlic sauce. Tequila lovers will find over 90 types of 100 percent blue agave, available in flights that are meant to be sipped. Margaritas are not frozen but are instead authentically mixed with lime juice and orange liqueur, served shaken or on the rocks. Adding to the festive atmosphere are the dining room’s sunny yellow walls, which are adorned with large landscape paintings that are almost as colorful as the food.

Topo Gigio
(1516 N Wells, 312.266.9355,
topogigiochicago.com. Italian. Lunch Mon.–Sat., dinner daily) Located in the heart of Old Town, this traditional Italian restaurant is the next-best thing to visiting Rome. Jerry Seinfeld, Madonna and Robert De Niro are a few of the distinguished guests who have enjoyed its authentic experience. Long wooden tables splashed with colorful plates of antipasta take center stage in the softly lit dining room, whose red clay walls are peppered with photos from Rome. In warmer months, the outdoor eating area spills onto the sidewalk, and the full bar is always busy. To kick off a meal, try the antipasta spread of house-cured meats, cheeses and vegetables prepared simply in olive oil. Moving on, sample the seashell pasta in a tomato-cream sauce with ground sausage and Pecorino cheese. No matter what dish you choose, Topo Gigio is one of the best ways to satisfy a craving for authentic Italian—without a 13-hour flight.

Lincoln Park/ Lakeview

Alinea
(1723 N. Halsted, 312.867.0110, alinea-restaurant.com. Contemporary American. Dinner Wed.–Sun.) Any good foodie knows the name Grant Achatz by heart. A multiple James Beard award winner, the chef/co-owner of Alinea garnered much national buzz when his restaurant was named “Best Restaurant in America” by Gourmet magazine, and he has received accolades from around the world for his innovative cuisine. Using an array of high-tech equipment, Achatz and his crew craft dishes that showcase experimental flavors and textures and sensory details, making it as much a science experiment as a delicious dinner. In the Alinea dining experience, guests are treated to either a 12-course tasting menu or a 20-course tour. While the menu is listed simply (the lamb dish is listed as “lamb—lemon, fennel, coffee aroma”) the preparation is complex, with artful presentations designed to enhance each flavor. The restaurant itself is as intimate as the meal with warm, rich colors, minimal décor and comfortable seating. After all, with a 20-course tasting tour, you’re going to be there for a while.

Café Ba Ba Reeba!
(2024 N. Halsted, 773.935.5000, cafebabareeba.com. Spanish. Brunch and lunch Sat.–Sun., dinner daily) Boasting a long red-and-white vintage “TAPAS” sign, Café Ba Ba Reeba doesn’t need to do much to stand out. Operating since 1985, the restaurant was the first tapas bar in Chicago. Its tone is rich, featuring authentic Spanish colors and tiles, and its character is nothing short of comfortable. Serving up cold and hot tapas alongside traditional paellas, the dining room is generally packed with guests sipping on sangria. From their cold selection, try the mixed greens salad; goat cheese, beets and oranges combine with a tangy vinaigrette to make a pleasantly light introduction to your meal. The abundance of hot tapas can be overwhelming, so don’t be afraid to try a little of everything. The baked goat cheese with tomato sauce is an excellent start, and dishes such as garlic shrimp and skirt steak will give you a taste of the restaurant’s savory side. Desserts are not lacking either; don’t miss the goat cheese flan with blueberries or the marcona almond tart.

L2O
(2300 Lincoln Park West, 773.868.0002, l2orestaurant.com. Modern seafood. Dinner Wed.–Mon.) Bold architecture and contemporary aesthetics—think floor-to-ceiling ebony columns and shimmering, stainless-steel cable screens—echo this modern seafood restaurant’s simple yet striking cuisine. Executive Chef Laurent Gras, a French native who has also garnered fame in New York and San Francisco, prepares fish and shellfish with high-quality ingredients that enhance the fish’s innate flavors: Shimaaji shines when paired with red miso and soy salt, while octopus cozies up to coconut, sea bean and olive oil. An à la carte menu is served in the lounge; a four-course prix-fixe menu, as well as a variety of tasting menus, is available in the elegant
dining room. No matter where patrons dine, the food’s quality is matched with a similarly spectacular selection of wines, thanks to star sommelier Chantelle Pabros. Structured specifically to enhance Gras’ modern fare, the list focuses on artisanal wines sourced from small producers.

Mia Francesca
(3311 N. Clark, 773.281.3310, miafrancesca.com. Italian. Lunch Sat.–Sun., dinner daily) Located in Chicago’s popular Lakeview neighborhood, Mia Francesca has become a staple for Northern Italian cuisine. Decorated in a rustic fashion with natural wood elements and black-and-white photos of Italian scenes, the restaurant evokes comfort and authenticity while still maintaining its fine dining atmosphere. What makes this restaurant really special, however, is its ever-changing, handwritten menu, always ready to keep you on your toes. Tender pastas pair with fresh, seasonal ingredients such as shrimp, scallops, Italian sausage and zucchini, all of which are prepared with traditional techniques. Signature specialties include the pollo arrosto alla Romano (a roasted half chicken with garlic, shallots, rosemary, lemon and olive oil), the bruschette alla Romana (a traditional-style appetizer), homemade desserts and an extensive martini and wine list.

North Pond
(2610 N. Cannon, 773.477.5845, northpondrestaurant.com. American. Dinner Tues.–Sun, brunch Sun.) Nestled at water’s edge, North Pond is one of Chicago’s hidden gems. No formal driveway leads to the restaurant; instead, diners stroll along a path through the park that winds toward the front door. Built in 1912, the structure was originally a warming hut for ice skaters. Arts & Crafts-style décor keeps the integrity of the building, and nine-foot glass French doors showcase a bird’s-eye view of the park from three sides. The menu celebrates fresh, organically grown ingredients. A member of the board of the Green City Market, chef Bruce Sherman is committed to using local produce and works with regional and sustainable farms whenever possible. The signature farm egg has become a menu staple, always appearing in some incarnation. Currently featured as starter, a poached farm egg is served atop a bed of maple-cinnamon–glazed mushrooms with an enticing parmesan emulsion. Other entrées include such savory dishes as smoked red wine short ribs alongside roasted beets, rutabaga and cavolo nero and consommé. An extensive wine list offers nearly 100 selections, primarily from boutique wineries, chosen to accent North Pond’s serenity.

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