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2 / 10
NICO OSTERIA Rumor has it that when Eataly ran out of food, Batali and Bastianich took refuge at Paul Kahan’s latest megahit. Thompson Hotel, 1015 N. Rush St., 312-994-7100
Related: Read more about one of Chicago’s best new bars.
Photo: John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune -
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5 / 10
TANTA The single place in town with aji and ahi on the menu. The waitstaff knows the difference, but does the pisco-happy crowd? 118 W. Grand Ave., 312-222-9700
Related: Read our review.
Photo: Anjali M. Pinto -
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7 / 10
SUMMER HOUSE SANTA MONICA Rich Melman: the one guy who could get away with opening a summery spot just in time for a Chicago winter.1954 N. Halsted St., 773-634-4100
Related: Read more about Summer House Santa Monica here.
Photo: Anjali M. Pinto -
8 / 10
STELLA BARRA PIZZERIA Melman built a pizza joint adjacent to his own Summer House. Maybe he needs a noncompete agreement with himself. 1954 N. Halsted St., 773-634-4101
Photo: Anjali M. Pinto -
9 / 10
AZZURRA Crispy Brussels sprouts duke it out with Gorgonzola-stuffed dates in this buzzy trattoria. 1467 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-278-5959
Related: Read our dining critic’s first impressions of Azzurra on our photo blog, What Penny Eats.
Photo: Kaitlyn McQuaid -
10 / 10
ASIAN OUTPOST When the owner’s Grandma Lee made her “famous steak,” everyone showed up for dinner. And the beat goes on. 1315 S. Wabash Ave., 312-662-1100
Photo: Courtesy of Asian Outpost