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SEE ALSO: Best New Restaurants 2012 »
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1 / 10
BALENA In the resto biz, a name like Landmark doesn’t mean forever. Balena could be another story. 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 and read our review »
Photograph: Eric Kleinberg -
2 / 10
NELLCÔTE The best surprise in this small-plate glitz factory is how reasonable the prices are. 833 W. Randolph St.; 312-432-0500
RELATED: Best New Restaurant 2012: Nellcôte and read our review »
Photograph: Potluck Creative -
3 / 10
TAVERNITA After dinner here, Girl & the Goat won’t seem so noisy, and escalivada will be your new favorite food. 151 W. Erie St.; 312-274-1111
RELATED: Best New Restaurant 2012: Tavernita and read Ryan Poli Visits Spain for Tavernita ideas
Photograph: Drew Templeton -
4 / 10
The pomodoro at:
RPM ITALIAN The one thing longer than the wait for seven o’clock reservations at RPM is Paul McGee’s beard. 52 W. Illinois St.; 312-222-1888
RELATED: Read our review »
Photograph: Anjali Pinto -
5 / 10
The chicharron sopes at:
A TODA MADRE Instead of money, this ATM dispenses crispy pig ear chilaquiles. 416 W. State St., Geneva; 630-845-3015
RELATED: Read our review »
Photograph: Rodrigo Cano -
6 / 10
RED DOOR A red door says welcome, but this pubby spot could have a black door and a guard dog and Bucktowners would find a way in. 2118 N. Damen Ave.; 773-697-7221
RELATED: Check out photos of the Memorial Day Party at Red Door on our nightlife photo blog, Seen on the Scene » -
7 / 10
AU CHEVAL Kosher dills, General Tso’s fried chicken, chilaquiles, pork porterhouse. And the diner diversity award goes to . . . 800 W. Randolph St.; 312-929-4580
RELATED: Best New Restaurants 2012: Au Cheval
Photograph: Kari Skaflen -
8 / 10
THE PEASANTRY When Alex Brunacci said “global street food with a twist,” we never guessed octopus gyros and barbecued frog’s legs. Silly us. 2723 N. Clark St.; 773-868-4888
RELATED: Check out photos of The Peasantry’s rabbit pasta, shrimp & lobster roll, and other goodies on our photo blog, What Penny Eats » -
9 / 10
PREMISE In Fine Spirits got ambitious in the kitchen, raised prices. Call it In Finer Spirits. 5420 N. Clark St.; 773-334-9463
Photograph: Brendan Lekan -
10 / 10
MODERNO A neon sign in John des Rosiers’s new Italian spot reads “Noitulover.” HP has embraced the backward revolution. 1850 Second St., Highland Park; 847-433-8600
Photograph: Melissa James of Aimless Olive