A Taste Of Chicago

Chicago is a city rich with immigrant culture — and therefore it has a wealth of restaurants representing cuisines from across the globe. An emerging trend of fusion food — cuisines that combine elements of different traditions — is taking over many of the latest “best restaurants” lists. Also, an increasing amount of chefs and restaurateurs are committing to the use of locally grown, organic food and the practice of supporting sustainable farming, so look for fresh, local or regional ingredients in dishes at the more progressive restaurants.

Because of the economy, many Chicago restaurants have introduced fixed-price menus, usually a three-course meal with limited menu choices, for a set price. Check online or call to take advantage of such deals.

LOCAL CLASSICS & HOT SPOTS

Charlie Trotter’s
816 W. Armitage
773-248-6228
www.charlietrotters.com

Chicago’s own celebrity chef, Charlie Trotter, has turned his restaurant into a world-famous fine dining institution, offering two fixed-price menu options only: the vegetable or grand degustation menus. The eclectic courses are made with organic and free-range products, and an extensive wine list provides perfect pairings. Dress code is formal, with jackets required and ties requested. Reservations are required. Price: $135-$155.

Giordano’s
730 N. Rush St.
312-951-0747
www.giordanos.com

If Chicago-style deep-dish pizza is what you’re after, try Giordano’s, which helped put the local favorite on the map. This local chain has plenty of locations, so check the Web for the closest one. Patrons can find Italian staples such as pastas, sandwiches, salads and appetizers, and thin-crust pizzas are also popular — but the stuffed pizzas, thick with cheese and a choice of vegetables and meats, are a must-try in Chicago. Reservations are recommended, and the wait can be long. Prices: $8-$22.

Harry Caray’s Italian Steakhouse
33 W. Kinzie St.
312-828-0966
www.harrycarays.com

This restaurant, named for the late Harry Carey, a former Chicago Cubs announcer, is a local institution. Patrons flock here as much for the fun atmosphere as for the food. Look for quality, signature prime steaks, from a 9 oz. Filet mignon to a 16 oz. New York Strip to a 23 oz. Porterhouse — or choose Italian-style veal and pork chops. In addition to steak, this restaurant also serves traditional Italian food, including favorites such as a renowned bone-in chicken vesuvio as well as pasta dishes. Reservations recommended. Prices: $20-$45.

Lula Cafe
2537 N. Kedzie Blvd.
773-489-9554
www.lulacafe.com

This neighborhood restaurant is known for its delicious, eclectic dishes and hip vibe. From very affordable fare such as a Moroccan cinnamon chickpea soup over couscous, to the more expensive side of the menu, featuring roast leg of lamb, grilled pork chops and ocean trout, there is something for all tastes and budgets. For something unusual, try the Monday Night Farm Dinner, a fixed price three-course meal for $28. Reservations are not taken. Prices: $7-$28.

May Street Market
1132 W. Grand Ave.
312-421-5547
www.maystreetmarket.com

This restaurant and lounge features menu items made with regionally and locally grown ingredients in a category known as New American. Choose from three menu options: the market, fixed price or bistro. Start with the renowned lemongrass carrot soup, gazpacho or fried green tomatoes, and move on to the tamarind braised beef short rib from the market list or grilled brook trout filet on the lighter bistro menu. Reservations are recommended. Price: $14-$28.

The Publican
837 W. Fulton Market
312-733-9555
www.thepublicanrestaurant.com

The Publican offers something a little different — but highly acclaimed by fans of gastropubs — for hungry patrons: it specializes in beer, pork and oysters. Beer-lovers will find an extensive selection of Belgian and American brews. Fish is also a big menu item, and half a dozen oyster varieties are available daily. Non-pork entrees include beef heart, steak tartare and farm chicken. But from pork rinds to potee and cassoulet entrees, this place is all about the pork. Reservations are accepted. Price: $11-$37.

FUSION

Mana Food Bar
1742 W. Division St.
773-342-1742
www.manafoodbar.com

Vegetarian food is not only for vegetarians, as Mana Food Bar proves with a globally influenced menu. Simple, healthy dishes such as squash and Thai watermelon salads, artichoke ravioli, baked goat cheese and sweet potato pancakes can be enjoyed with a selection of wines, sake cocktails, smoothies and fresh-squeezed juices. The restaurant is small and casual, and does not take reservations. Price: $5-$16.

Mexique
1529 W. Chicago Ave.
312-850-0288
www.mexiquechicago.com

In another interesting twist on fusion food, Mexique’s menu tweaks classic French and Mexican dishes to incorporate the other — such as infusing Prince Edward Island mussels in white wine sauce with dried chorizo, or adding a mole sauce to roasted chicken. Desserts and appetizers here get rave reviews as well. Reservations recommended. Price: $20-$25.

Takashi
1952 N. Damen Ave.
773-772-6170
www.takashichicago.com

Fusion cuisine takes on a whole new meaning at Takashi, which features French-American food with Japanese culinary influences. Hot and cold small plates include thin-sliced young Japanese yellowtail kampachi monk fish foie gras or savoy cabbage and gobo soup lobster sausage; large plate dinners such as roasted New York strip steak with wasabi show off this unique fusion. Reservations accepted. Price: $31-$50.

Vermilion
10 W. Hubbard
312-527-4060
www.thevermilionrestaurant.com

At Vermilion, which also has a New York City location, Latin American fuses with Indian cuisine, creating spicy Indian tapas, herb and spice cocktails and a menu full of interesting, savory entrees. With rave reviews and on many “best restaurants” lists, this stylish restaurant is casual, but expect to be impressed by the food. With Latin-Indian small plate items such as coconut chili mussels, artichoke pakoras and cilantro tamarind shrimp, and entrees like chimichurri New York Strip and chili-glazed blackened tamarind ribs, patrons are taken on a unique culinary adventure. Reservations are recommended. Prices: $9-$55.

STEAKHOUSES

Custom House
500 S. Dearborn St.
312-523-0200
www.customhouse.com

Restaurateur and chef Shawn McClain’s newest restaurant in the Printers’ Row neighborhood features locally sourced, seasonal regional American cuisine with a Mediterranean influence and an emphasis on meat. Main course items include Maine Scallops and Alaskan Halibut, braised short ribs with horseradish cream puffs, bacon-wrapped rabbit loin, and roasted prime New York Strip or Wagyu sirloin. Reservations are recommended. Price: $27-$38.

Ditka’s
100 E. Chestnut
312-587-8989
www.mikeditkaschicago.com

The former Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka has made a pretty good name for himself as restaurateur, with three steakhouse locations in the Chicago area. His downtown flagship restaurant features big steaks and chops — try “Da Pork Chop” or the “Tomahawk” Steak, a 30-ounce bone-in dry aged Angus ribeye. The restaurant also serves seafood and shellfish, such as twin South African lobster tails or Hawaiian Bigeye Tuna, from 100 percent sustainable and environmentally friendly sources. Reservations are recommended. Prices: $11-49.

Fulton’s on the River
315 N. LaSalle St.
312-822-0100
www.fultonsontheriver.com

Spectacular views of the city, delectable prime beef steaks, and a fresh selection of seafood and seasonal oysters make this restaurant a fine dining classic in Chicago. The restaurant offers seven different spaces, including the dining room and an exclusive wine room, to fit the mood of any group. Filet mignon, New York sirloin, bone-in ribeye and a “big shoulders” porterhouse are just a few of the steak menu offerings; on the seafood side of things, Australian cold water lobster tails, grilled swordfish and Tasmanian king salmon are standouts. Reservations are recommended, and a credit card is required for parties of 10 or more. Prices: $31-50.

Gibson’s Steakhouse
1028 N. Rush St.
312-266-8999
www.gibsonssteakhouse.com

This popular steakhouse features prime steaks, London broil, lamb and pork chops, and lobster tails. Also known for its martinis and atmosphere (full of politicos and local trendsetters), Gibson’s serves up everything in large portions. From the small bone-in sirloin to the big porterhouse, diners rave about the steak selection — but the simple hamburger is also a popular choice. Fresh fish selections change daily, and the Jumbo Florida stone crab claws are an example of the uncommon menu options. Reservations are recommended. Price: $10-$94.

 

SEAFOOD

Catch 35
35 W. Wacker Drive
312-346-3500
www.catch35.com

This restaurant has one of Chicago’s more innovative seafood menus, featuring half-shell oysters, steamed mussels and wok-fried calamari rings appetizers, a crab bisque, lobster and crab choices, and a wide selection of grilled and pan-seared fish including mahi-mahi, yellow fin tuna, Florida red grouper, Scottish salmon and Chilean sea bass. Catch 35 specializes in steaks as well, and a number of items are on a wok menu, bringing an Asian fusion feel to shrimp, crab and even beef tenderloin dishes. Reservations recommended. Prices: $20-$65.

Flatwater
321 N. Clark
312-644-0283
www.flatwater.us

This downtown hot spot is located at the river level for a great view of the city by day or by night — and Flatwater does feature a late-night menu in addition to its dinner fare. A casual global feel lends itself to menu options such as seared scallops, mussels, braised pork tacos, guacamole, pan-seared tuna and halibut, and grilled New York strip steak. An extensive cocktail menu rounds out the experience. Reservations are recommended. Prices: $14-32.

Nick’s Fishmarket
51 S. Clark
312-621-0200
www.nicksfishmarketchicago.com

Seafood lovers will have a field day at Nick’s, a casual but trendy restaurant in the Loop. Appetizers include smoked salmon, oysters Rockefeller, escargot, crab cakes, sashimi and lobster bisque. For entrees, try shrimp and scallops tagliatelle; a mixed grill with shrimp, scallops, tuna, seasonal fish, rice pilaf and a saffron cream sauce; California farm-raised abalone; Dover sole; or shrimp and lobster risotto. Reservations are recommended. Prices: $16-$58.

FRENCH

Brasserie Jo
59 W. Hubbard St.
312-595-0800
www.brasseriejo.com

For a more casual but authentic French brewery/café type experience, Brasserie Jo features regional Alsatian cuisine, including classic French pizzas. The restaurant offers an impressive cold and hot appetizer menu as well as canned sardines, quiche lorraine and a large selection of imported beers. Entrees range from salade nicoise and filet of Sole Grenobloise to steak au poivre, baked French macaroni and spinach Florentine crepe. Reservations are recommended. Prices: $20-$36.

Kiki’s Bistro
900 N. Franklin St.
312-335-5454
www.kikisbistro.com

This French country-reminiscent bistro in River North has been a neighborhood standby for more than a decade, with a consistent menu of classics such as French onion soup, frog legs provencale, Escargot de Bourgnone, traditional lamb stew, duck confit, sautéed calf’s liver and steak pommes frites. Don’t skip dessert — try the chocolate mousse, crème brulee, crepes suzette or the traditional lemon tart. Reservations are recommended. Prices: $19-$32.

Les Nomades
222 E. Ontario St.
312-649-9010
www.lesnomades.net

Consistently rated one of the best restaurants in Chicago, this formal establishment takes its French food seriously. Start with an assortment of house-prepared pates or roasted veal sweetbreads, with main courses of sautéed arctic char or kona kampachi, rack and loin of lamb, beef filet, duck breast, veal tenderloin and roasted venison loin. Prix-Fixe options include a four-course for $115, five-course for $130 and the Chef’s Tasting Menu for $165. Classic soufflés, a crème brulee trio, a pastry assortment and warm flourless chocolate cake are just a few of the delicious desserts. Reservations are required. Price: $50 and up.

ITALIAN

Francesca’s Forno
1576 N. Milwaukee Avenue
773-770-0184
www.miafrancesca.com

This restaurant is one of many of the Family of Francesca Restaurants in the Chicago area; located in the Wicker Park neighborhood, it features the cuisine of Northern Italy in a small plate dining format. This cozy restaurant features an antipasti bar and woodburning oven in the dining room. The menu includes a gluten-free entrees and desserts as well as standard pizza and pasta dishes. Reservations are recommended. Prices: $10-$24.

Gioco
1312 S. Wabash Ave.
312-939-3870
www.gioco-chicago.com

A bit off the beaten path otherwise known as downtown Chicago, this rustic Italian eatery in the South Loop (a neighborhood that was historically dominated by speakeasies and Al Capone’s headquarters) is known for its seafood. Featuring Tuscan and Umbrian cuisines, the menu boasts homemade pastas and wood-fired thin-crust pizzas as well as many vegetarian options. Reservations are recommended — and sit in the speakeasy for a true Chicago experience. Prices: $15-$36.

Volare
201 E. Grand Ave.
312-410-9900
www.volarerestaurant.com

This old-school Italian restaurant delivers authentic, traditional fare in a casual environment at decent prices. Starters include raw clams and raw oysters, mussels in a white wine and garlic sauce and rice balls filled with ground sirloin, peas and fontina cheese. Pick from a variety of pastas and sauces to create your own traditional pasta dish, choose from one of the many chicken, veal, fish, lamb or steak dishes. For something more unique, try the risotto volare, a squid ink risotto with tomato, sea scallops, clams, mussels, shrimp and calamari. Reservations are recommended. Prices: $13-$34.

MEXICAN & LATIN

Carnivale
702 W. Fulton Market
312-850-5005
www.carnivalechicago.com

Nueva Latino, or New Latin, food is featured at this colorful restaurant, which provides a festive atmosphere for one of its specialty mojitos, margaritas and sangrias. To start, choose from a variety of artisinal ham and cheese plates, appetizers such as beef empanadas and mini whitefish tacos, and a number of seafood and shellfish ceviches. Main dishes include Guatemalan style chicken with jalapeno parsley mojo, Nicaraguan style wood-grilled beef tenderloin with goat cheese puree, and a seared rare ahi tuna in coconut habanero vinaigrette. Reservations recommended. Prices: $16-$38.

Cuatro
2030 S. Wabash Ave.
312-842-8856
www.cuatro-chicago.com

More Nueva Latino cuisine is showcased at Cuatro, a lively restaurant in the South Loop. Mouth-watering appetizers pave the way for delicious entrees such as salmon entamaldo (grilled salmon over coconut rice with sautéed baby spinach and cherry tomatoes) or the Cuatro burger, a white-truffle infused kobe beef patty with jalapeño jack cheese, applewood smoked bacon, caramelized onions and avocado aioli, served with purple Peruvian fries and banana jerk ketchup. Reservations are taken. Prices: $16-$36.

Mercat a la Planxa
Blackstone Hotel, 638 S. Michigan Ave.
312-765-0524
www.mercatchicago.com

A taste of Catalan, the Barcelona region of Spain, has transplanted to Michigan Avenue, where patrons enjoy traditional tapas such as olives, shellfish croquettes, Spanish octopus, and bacon-wrapped almond-stuffed dates — as well as a selection of cured meats, cheeses, soups and salads, flatbreads, pastas and meals made to be shared by four or more people. The homemade pork and apple sausage, slow-cooked shortribs and diver scallops, or Australian sea bass with smoked pine nuts, celery root and basil emulsion are just a few of the mouth-watering entrees. Reservations recommended. Prices: $11-$75.

CONTINENTAL

Berghoff Café
17 W. Adams St.
312-427-7399
www.theberghoff.com

The German influence is strong in Chicago, and this downtown restaurant captures its essence. Appetizers include an onion and apple soup topped with melted muenster cheese crouton, mini brat and knockwurst and potato pierogies. For traditional entrees, try the weiner schnitzel, sauerbraten or sausage trio. Dinner specials such as almond crusted halibut, bacon-wrapped beef medallions and nicoise salad offer choices for those not looking for such a traditional meal. Reservations are taken. Prices: $11-$19.

Mrs. Murphy and Sons Irish Bistro
3905 N. Lincoln Ave.
773-248-3905
www.irishbistro.com

Irish cuisine is turned contemporary at Mrs. Murphy and Sons, housed in a former funeral parlor. Starters include an Irish and British cheese plate, grilled lamb sausage and grilled mussels, with Guinness and onion as well as potato leek with bacon soups. A fish and chips salad, with battered cod and shoestring potatoes over romaine lettuce is a twist on an old Irish favorite. For entrees, try the shepherd’s pie, grilled lamb and figs, oat-crusted rainbow trout or potato and wild mushroom lasagna. Don’t forget about the selection of imported beer. Reservations are recommended. Prices: $13-$29.

Pegasus Restaurant and Taverna
130 S. Halsted St.
312-226-3377 · 888-558-2637
www.pegasuschicago.com

This casual restaurant in Greektown offers a great view of the city skyline and tasty Greek and Mediterranean food. An extensive list of cold and hot appetizers will start you off, from the tiropitakia, or baked triangles of filo dough stuffed with feta cheese and spices, to dolmades, or stuffed vine leaves. Soups, salads and greek pastas follow the rules of traditional cuisine. For specialty entrees, try: the kotopuolo fournou, chicken baked with olive oil, lemon and oregano; the gyros plate; mousakas, or layered eggplant and zucchini with ground beef and lamb; or spanakopita, a spinach cheese pie. There is also an extensive Greek wine list. Reservations not necessary. Prices: $13-$30.

ASIAN

Kaze Sushi
2032 W. Roscoe St.
773-327-4860
www.kazesushi.com

This renowned sushi restaurant in Roscoe Village offers a variety of options, whether you’re eating sushi or not, with a seasonal menu in addition to it’s year-round fare. A variety of soups add to the basic Japanese appetizers such as edamame and gomae, and choose from a quality menu of sashimi, or sliced raw fish, nigiri, which is sashimi with hand-formed clumps of rice, or rolls known as maki. The bluefin otoro sashimi is made from a prized cut from the fattest part of the fish belly, and in addition to fish and shellfish from the Atlantic and East and West coasts, there are also Japanese whitefish, eel, roe, octopus and scallop options. Reservations are recommended. Prices: $15-$25.

Meiji
623 W. Randolph St.
312-887-9999
www.meijirestaurant.com

Named for the period in Japanese history during which the government sought to unify eastern and western traditions, the restaurant aims to bring together the traditional and contemporary culinary worlds. At the sushi bar or the kitchen, the seafood — flown in from Japan — has become famous for its delicious creations. Makimono, or sushi rolls, include the futago (spicy salmon, spicy tuna, massago and cucumber topped with tuna and salmon), kilro (avocado, cucumber, cilantro, jalapeno and kampyo wrapped in a soybean sheet) and white dragon (unagi, toasted almonds topped with super white tuna, avacado and jalapeño). Reservations are recommended. Prices: $15-$25.

Sunda
110 W. Illinois St.
312-644-0500
www.sundachicago.com

Sunda specializes in New Asian, or contemporary interpretations of traditional Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Indian, Cambodian, Indonesian, Thai and Filipino dishes. The modern, beautiful interior, including communal tables and a large sushi bar, sets the stage for a wonderful dining experience. Try the crab-crusted ahi tuna with Japanese hot mustard soy glaze or the Food Buddha’s Crispy Rice with Toppings, which includes hand-cut spicy tuna, seared Kobe beef tartare and spicy shrimp tempura. Patrons can order a variety of sashimi, nigiri and sushi items at the sushi bar. A full list of sakes, Asian beer and wines rounds out the dining experience. Reservations are recommended. Prices: $14-$46.