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1 / 10
The first rule of eating ramen at the communal table: Do not spill on the person next to you. 1571 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-687-8445, Website
Photo: Hilary Higgins -
2 / 10
Where cooking over fire is the hottest thing since, uh, fire. Loews Hotel, 455 N. Park Dr., 312-840-6605 Website
Photo: Anthony Souffle/Chicago Tribune -
3 / 10
An alum of the French Laundry and Nashville’s Catbird Seat, Erik Anderson is next up in Intro’s kitchen. Woo-hoo! 2300 N. Lincoln Park West, 773-868-0002, Website
Related: See why Intro is one of this year’s Best New Restaurants.
Photo: Anna Knott -
4 / 10
Steakanista alert: Locally sourced prime beef is now in Portage Park. 4038 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-283-6080, Website
Related: Find out why Community Tavern is one of this year’s Best New Restaurants.
Photo: Hilary Higgins -
5 / 10
Should you favor Jeni's in Wicker Park over Jeni's in Lake View? Yes, if it's closer to your house. 1505 N. Milwaukee Ave., 872-802-4668 Website
Photo: Hilary Higging -
6 / 10
No stools, plates, or credit cards: No matter at the new king of no-frills counter service. 1009 W. Lake St., 312-666-2535
Photo: Michael Tercha/Chicago Tribune -
7 / 10
The name makes you think of tomato paste, which makes you hungry for Italian food. That’s the whole idea. 1146 Wilmette Ave., Wilmette, 847-920-5962 Website
Photo: Hilary Higgins -
8 / 10
Just when you think Kristine Subido (Pecking Order) has gone underground, she pops up making nifty salads in a cycle shop in West Town. 688 N. Milwaukee Ave., 312-888-3048 Website
Photo: Hilary Higgins -
9 / 10
Roscoe Village’s favorite seasonal custard shop has a much better grasp on global warming than does the average politician. 1658 W. Belmont Ave., 773-244-6415 Website
Photo: Hilary Higgins -
10 / 10
No one can resist a meatball recipe that’s three generations old. 1467 N. Milwaukee Ave., 773-278-5959 Website
Photo: Hilary Higgins