You may think of Otto Phan’s side-by-side omakase bars as distinct restaurants; we like to think of them as two sides of the same coin. Maybe that’s because we often dream of the intricately constructed small plates and rare wild fish that make up the menu at Kyoten, but the cost of a meal ($1,000 … Read more
This tiny Cambodian fine-dining BYOB offers one of the greatest and one of the most confounding dining options in Chicago. For years the choice has been between a very good carryout chicken sandwich at lunch, or a tour de force “family meal” at night ($2,600 for up to eight people), when Ethan Eang Lim (pictured) … Read more
Few places in town have the sheer warmth that Elske offers, and it’s a testament to owners David and Anna Posey that they’ve filled their restaurant with not only lovely things, but also people who offer lovely service. Whether you’re sitting at Monica Casillas-Rios’s bar for an herbal martini and a plate of the best … Read more
Even though it’s been around since the fall of 2023, we’re still feeling that new-crush love for this sophisticated fast-casual neighborhood café. At lunch it’s a hard choice between the smoky pulled pork sandwich with assorted herbs and Thai chile vinaigrette and the crispy fried branzino sandwich. For happy hour, there’s no question: The “Chicago … Read more
John Manion’s (pictured) Argentine steakhouse was always great, but it came back from its pandemic closure even better. What changed? The team leaned more into seafood, and the result has been nothing short of a revelation. While the steak is still an anchor of the menu, and we love the steak frites, served with tangy, … Read more
It did not surprise us in the slightest that when Richie wanted to learn the art of hospitality on The Bear, the fictional restaurant he went to stage at was actually Curtis Duffy (pictured) and Michael Muser’s Ever. This two-Michelin-starred spot sets the bar for service in this city, and from the moment you walk … Read more
Oliver and Nicolas Poilevey (pictured) cut their teeth in their parents’ classic French bistro Le Bouchon. At Obélix, they marry these classics with global influences and inspirations for a fresh take on the genre. In the packed, boisterous dining room, Oliver and chef de cuisine Nathan Kim serve fun plates like tacos with foie gras … Read more
For 25 years, Jason Hammel’s (pictured) Lula Cafe has been the standard-bearer for Logan Square dining, and his success is all about simplicity and seasonality. You could stick to Lula signatures for dinner — baked French feta, Caesar salad, Pasta Yiayia, carrot cake — and leave full and happy, but take time to try the seasonal plates on offer. … Read more
When patio season arrives, there’s no place we’d rather be than at one of the picnic benches alongside this multifaceted spot that manages to be an all-day café, brewery, bakery, pizzeria, and overall celebration of delicious things made with yeast. If you’re in the mood for an early dinner, then feast on a half-price sausage … Read more
Iliana Regan’s Elizabeth was such a hothouse flower that when general manager Tim Lacey bought the business and announced he’d keep it going under a new name, it didn’t seem like anything could take its place. Lucky for him (and us) his search for a chef led him to Christian Hunter (pictured), who has established … Read more
