Inovasi's dry-aged sirloin on Anson Mills grits
In the past year, we have seen a four-star chef peddling tortas (Rick Bayless at Xoco), a three-star chef turning tacos (Paul Kahan, Big Star), and a two-star chef doing Korean meatball sandwiches (Bill Kim, Belly Shack). Meanwhile, kitchen soldiers you’ve never heard of, like Jason McLeod (Ria) and Todd Stein (Cibo Matto), shoot for the stars—and reach them—in new upscale hotels. Has everything turned upside down? If so, we’re all for it. The year’s 21 best new restaurants may represent our most diverse roster yet, including establishments that produce everything from a grilled dry-aged sirloin on Anson Mills grits in Lake Bluff (Inovasi) to pork kebabs in Pilsen (DeColores). The takeaway? In Chicago, good food comes in all shapes, sizes, and tax brackets.
PLUS: Check out the best new bites, including the juiciest Korean short ribs and the most comforting fried chicken
|
Abigail's American Bistro »
Belly Shack »
Big Star »
Bistro Bordeaux »
Branch 27 »
Browntrout »
Ceres' Table »
Chilam Balam » |
Cibo Matto »
DeColores »
Gemini Bistro »
Inovasi »
Macku Sushi »
Nella Pizzeria Napoletana »
Prairie Fire » |
The Purple Pig »
Ria »
Sprout »
Taxim »
TerzoPiano »
Xoco » |
Photography: Anna Knott