Pork cheek ragù over polenta at Davanti Enoteca
GIRL & THE GOAT We may as well rename this list “Girl & the Goat Plus Nine Other Places.” 809 W. Randolph St.; 312-492-6262 Read our review »
DAVANTI ENOTECA Little Italy is scorching hot, with Davanti’s great grub, engaging prices, and happy vibe leading the way. 1359 W. Taylor St.; 312-226-5550 Read our mini-review »
LILLIE’S Q If LQ’s ribs weren’t so damned good, we’d ask Bucktown to wipe that smug grin off its face. 1856 W. North Ave.; 773-772-5500
CHICAGO CUT STEAKHOUSE Proving once again that macho luxe and skimpy black dresses are de rigueur for Chicago steak houses. 300 N. LaSalle St.; 312-329-1800. Read Penny Pollack’s first impression of Chicago Cut »
DEL SEOUL If we were to name one can’t-miss business plan, it would be this: Korean tacos in the heart of Lincoln Park. 2568 N. Clark St.; 773-248-4227. Read our preview of Del Seoul’s arrival »
OWEN & ENGINE Who knew that what Fat Willy’s Korean-born rib mistress wanted all along was a British gastropub? 2700 N. Western Ave.; 773-235-2930. Check out photos Owen & Engine in our nightlife photoblog, Seen on the Scene »
VINCENT Educating Chicago on the joys of Dutch cuisine, one zaansemosterdsoep at a time. 1475 W. Balmoral Ave.; 773-334-7168
CHIZAKAYA Slowly, surely, we’re finally understanding the tremendous breadth of Japanese cuisine. 3056 N. Lincoln Ave.; 773-697-4725
NABUKI Last year, downtown Hinsdale hit the trendy Italian jackpot with Il Poggiolo. With this hip new Asian spot, looks like lightning strikes twice. 18 E. First St., Hinsdale; 630-654-8880
M. HENRIETTA M. Henry’s younger sister lives farther north and stays up later. Of course, she also loves brunch. 1133 W. Granville Ave.; 773-761-9700. Check out M. Henrietta’s fried-egg sandwich in our gallery of 40 great dishes in 40 neighborhoods »
Photograph: Anna Knott