Click thumbnails to launch the gallery.
MORE HOT LISTS: April | March | February | January | December 2011 | November 2011
SEE ALSO: Best New Restaurants 2012 »
-
1 / 10
TAVERNITA The menu: crudos and platos. The vibe: throbbing. The gals: spandex and bustiers. The guys: Nobody cares. 151 W. Erie St.; 312-274-1111
RELATED: Ryan Poli visits Spain for Tavernita ideas
Photograph: Drew Templeton -
2 / 10
NELLCÔTE It’s got something to do with “rock ’n’ roll bohemian chic,” a French Riviera mansion, and the Rolling Stones. Of course the whole world wants in. 833 W. Randolph St.; 312-432-0500
RELATED: Best New Restaurant 2012: Nellcôte
Photograph: Potluck Creative -
3 / 10
RPM ITALIAN The new Lettuce formula: a gorgeous room full of gorgeous food and gorgeous people gorging. 52 W. Illinois St.; 312-222-1888
Photograph: Anjali Pinto -
4 / 10
AU CHEVAL Randolph Street groupies pig out on fried bologna sandwiches; Brendan Sodikoff deletes “diner” from his to-do list. 800 W. Randolph St.; 312-929-4580
RELATED: Best New Restaurants 2012: Au Cheval
Photograph: Kari Skaflen -
5 / 10
ADA STREET Everyone is begging everyone not to tell anyone about Ada Street. Too late. 1664 N. Ada St.; 773-697-7069
RELATED: Best New Restaurants 2012: Ada Street
Photograph: Ellen Schor -
6 / 10
STOREFRONT COMPANY A currency exchange sign across the street beams pink neon over the entire scene in this slick spot, like a ghost of Wicker Park past. 1941 W. North Ave.; 773-661-2609
Photograph: Brian Willette -
7 / 10
PUBLICAN QUALITY MEATS Another first for Paul Kahan: a butcher shop with communal tables and a liquor license. 825 W. Fulton Market; 312-445-8977
Photograph: Courtesy of Publican Quality Meats -
8 / 10
GOOSEFOOT We read on Yelp that it’s easy to get a rez at Goosefoot. Was that for next May? 2656 W. Lawrence Ave.; 773-942-7547
RELATED: Read our review; Best New Restaurants 2012: Goosefoot
Photograph: Jessica Pierotti -
9 / 10
BALENA Boka boys (Rob Katz and Kevin Boehm) and Bristol guy (Chris Pandel) swamp Halsted Street with rustic Italian. Pizza-and-pasta mania ensues. 1633 N. Halsted St.; 312-867-3888
RELATED: Check out photos of Balena’s Peter’s breads, orecchiette, and other goodies on our photo blog, What Penny Eats »
Photograph: Eric Kleinberg -
10 / 10
OMBRA How is Ombra different from all other Italian wine bars? It keeps everyone in Andersonville in Andersonville. 5310 N. Clark St.; 773-506-8600
RELATED: Best New Restaurants 2012: Ombra
Photograph: Alex Janowski