Click thumbnails to launch gallery. ALSO SEE: Best New Restaurants 2011 »
-
1 / 10
ROKA AKOR
Start with a crispy prawn roll and a Kudachi Cooler? Sure. Robata? Hell, may as well stay and try it. 111 W. Illinois St.; 312-477-7652. See pictures of Roka Akor's wagyu gunkan and other dishes in What Penny Eats »
Photograph: Anna Knott -
2 / 10
NEXT
Escoffier is history, Thailand is now, and the future beckons with whispers of an El Bulli menu.. 953 W. Fulton Market; 312-226-0858. Read our review—or rather, that of Auguste Escoffier, the father of modern French cuisine » PLUS: Jeff Ruby's thoughts on the new menu » | Penny Pollack on why Ruby's wrong »
Photograph: Anna Knott -
3 / 10
PERENNIAL VIRANT
For the first time in history, “Closed for Remodeling” meant “closed for remodeling.” Remodeled, renamed, reopened. Bravo.. 1800 N. Lincoln Ave.; 312-981-7070. Read our review »
Photograph: Anthony Tahlier -
4 / 10
NoMI KITCHEN
The new, inclusive NoMI welcomes people in everything from Armani suits to Captain America T-shirts. Park Hyatt Chicago, 800 N. Michigan Ave.; 312-239-4030
Photograph: Courtesy of NoMi -
5 / 10
LOU MALNATI’S
Even along the heavily trafficked Rush Street corridor, we rarely see people hanging from the rafters like this. 1120 N. State St.; 312-725-7777
Photograph: Alex Goykham/Goykphoto -
6 / 10
GT FISH & OYSTER
More stylish than Shaw’s, more personal than Joe’s, more fun than either. 531 N. Wells St.; 312-929-3501. Read our review » PLUS: Photos of GT's clam chowder, gnocchi with prawns, and more in our dining editor's photo-blog, What Penny Eats »
Photograph: Anna Knott -
7 / 10
FISH BAR
If your idea of a good night out is fried clams and Pabst Blue Ribbon with friends, get in line. 2956 N. Sheffield Ave.; 773-687-8177
Photograph: Allison Clark -
8 / 10
BITE CAFE
Open five months and the menus are already splattered—just makes this fab-food BYO joint more lovable. 1039 N. Western Ave.; 773-395-2483 Bite Cafe is our pick for our favorite new BYO in the Best of Chicago 2011 list. See other winners in dining here » PLUS: Browse photos of Bite Cafe's garlic chicken and other delicious dishes in What Penny Eats »
Photograph: Anna Knott -
9 / 10
AUTRE MONDE
What do you get when four former protégés of Tony Mantuano open a place in Berwyn? A foodie carpool. 6727 W. Roosevelt Rd., Berwyn; 708-775-8122
Photograph: Jeff Kauck -
10 / 10
TELEGRAPH
Smart address: a laid-back wine bar plopped down between Logan Square’s hipster hangouts Lula and Longman. 2601 N. Milwaukee Ave.; 773-292-9463
Photograph: Katrina Wittkamp