PROVINCE
Designer: Sara Hurand, Iris Design
Executive Chef: Randy Zweiban
Neighborhood: Fulton River District
Cuisine: Modern American
161 N Jefferson St
312-669-9900
www.provincerestaurant.com
The warmth of Spain and Latin America suffuse the Province experience. Simple rich flavors meet a natural interior for a focused meal that hits all the notes. From the building to the menus, every aspect of Province takes the healthiness and plea-sure of sustainability to heart. Located in the Chicago Transit Authority’s LEED-EB Gold building, the restaurant makes full use of natural light, recycled materials, and PVC-free menu covers. It’s decorated with dried manzanita branches and semi-permanent moss installations to curtail the water intensity fresh flowers would require.
SUNDA
Designer: Tony Chi
Executive Chef: Rodelio Aglibot
Neighborhood: River North
Cuisine: New Asian
110 W Illinois St
312-644-0500
www.sundachicago.com
To tackle the multifaceted flavors of a diverse Asia, Rockit Ranch Productions teamed up with acclaimed hospitality designer Tony Chi and traveled together to the continent for inspiration. Sunda is named for an ancient landmass that became a melting pot of cultures and flavors; the design touches on elements from Chinese courtyards, street markets, and temples. Materials like red travertine and French-polished black bamboo make a rich backdrop for dishes based on traditional Asian foods with surprising twists.
THE PUBLICAN
Designer: Thomas Schlesser
Executive Chef: Paul Kahan
Neighborhood: Fulton Market
Cuisine: Eclectic
837 W Fulton Market
312-733-9555
www.thepublicanrestaurant.com
The latest from the creators of Chicago’s popular restaurants Avec and Blackbird, this pork- and fish-centric dining establishment offers over 70 beer choices by the bottle, plus 12 on tap. The 90-seat great communal table brings everyone together in the spirit of the banquets of yore. The restaurant’s design reflects the rich history of the watering hole throughout the ages, with extra-tall chairs, ornate embossed surfaces, and historic curiosities.
EVE
Designer: Lori Mukoyama
Executive Chef: Troy Graves
Neighborhood: Gold Coast
Cuisine: New American
840 N Wabash Ave
312-266-3383
www.evechicago.com
The refined dining experience with a vintage feel brings together New American with Asian, Indian, and Continental influences, in this jewel box on Chicago’s Gold Coast. The colors are understated. Every surface shimmers. The paint is iridescent and the wall paper over the bar is fashioned with small opal beads. A large glamorous mirror assembled
from small off-the-shelf materials anchors the space, and metallic shades on the chandeliers bathe the rooms in light.
C-HOUSE FISH & CHOPS
Designer: Arthur Casas
Executive Chef: Seth Siegel-Gardner
Neighborhood: Gold Coast
Cuisine: American Seafood
166 E Superior St
312-523-0923
www.c-houserestaurant.com
The new restaurant is a first in Chicago from Marcus Samuelsson (of New York’s Aquavit fame) and sets a nautical dining stage in the Affinia Chicago hotel. Chefs are on view in an open kitchen; the raw bar serves classic clams and sashimi-style delicacies. Brazilian architect Arthur Casas’s design evokes the ocean, and the restaurant’s hotel loca-tion invites interaction between travelers. Photographs by Brazil’s Ancar Barcalla, wood sculptures by Etel Carmona, and cozy book-shelves complete the scene.
HUB 51
Designer: R.J. & Jerrod Melman
Executive Chef: Mike Bellovich
Neighborhood: River North
Cuisine: American
51 W Hubbard St
312-828-0051
www.hub51chicago.com
Here’s the fun side of Chicago dining, designed from the ground up, complete with garage doors that open onto the busy street in nice weather.
If it’s crowded enough to wait for a table but you need a drink tout de suite don’t fret—there’s a built-in beer tap at the host stand. Another amusing touch is the closed-circuit TVs in the ladies’ restrooms for spying on your tablemates. The eclectic menu has some-thing for everyone including burgers, tacos, and even sushi.
PICCOLO SOGNO
Designer: Kim Ohms And Joseph Novelli
Executive Chef: Tony Priolo
Neighborhood: River West
Cuisine: Italian
464 N Halsted St
312-421-0077
www.piccolosognorestaurant.com
Rustic Italian is pitch perfect at this restaurant whose name translates as “little dream.” Signature dishes like Porchetta alla Romana (slow-roasted pork seasoned with rosemary potatoes) and a host of house-made pastas will make you feel as if you’re in the Italian countryside, especially when eaten outdoors on the beautiful patio. Piccolo Sogno is designed by friends of the chef to give a simple modern twist to the traditional Italian restaurant using warm colors such as chocolate, wheat, and blue.
DOWNTOWN CHICAGO SPECIALTIES: STEAKHOUSES
A trip to the Midwest would not be complete without a juicy steak. Chicago is known for its prime meats and has a number of choice restaurants to enjoy—featuring classic preparations as well as more worldly flavors.
AJASTEAK
Designer: Andre Landon, Edi Architecture
Executive Chef: Joshua Linton
Neighborhood: River North
Cuisine : Asian Steakhouse
660 N State St
312-202-6050
www.ajasteak.com
The new restaurant at the Dana Hotel has a meat-centric meme with an Asian flair, featuring touches like fresh grated wasabi butter served alongside dry-aged natural beef. Sushi and an extensive sake list are also available.
CUSTOM HOUSE
Designer: François Genève
Executive Chef: Shawn Mcclain
Neighborhood: Printers Row
Cuisine: Regional American
51 Hubbard St
312-828-0051
www.customhouse.cc
This artisanal take on the classic steakhouse completes the restaurant troika of Spring (fish) and Green Zebra (vegetarian) from chef Shawn McClain, known for his fresh seasonal ingredients.
DAVID BURKE PRIMEHOUSE
Designer: Deborah Berke
Executive Chef: Rick Gresh
Neighborhood: River North
Cuisine: Steakhouse
616 N Rush St
312-660-6000
www.brguestrestaurants.com
/restaurants/primehouse
Carnivores who care that their meat was handpicked from a farm in Kentucky and has been dry aged for a month in a Himalayan salt-tiled aging room can top off those perfect steaks with the signature baked-to-order Cake in a Can.
GIBSONS BAR & STEAKHOUSE
Designer: Knauer Inc
Executive Chef: Randy Waidner
Neighborhood: Gold Coast
Cuisine: Steakhouse
1028 N Rush St
312-266-8999
www.gibsonssteakhouse.com
The classic Chicago steakhouse, known for sating appetites in the Windy City for nearly two decades, shows off its history in the photographs on the walls and by the recurring visits of loyal locals.
MORE EATS
A Mano
ITALIAN
335 N Dearborn St
312-629-3500
amanochicago.com
With a menu that focuses on seasonal organic foods, this restaurant in the heart of Chicago captures the essence of Italy.
Alinea
PROGRESSIVE AMERICAN
1723 N Halsted St
312-867-0110
alinearestaurant.com
Creative culinary mastery from chef Grant Achatz.
Aria
GLOBAL COMFORT FOOD
200 N Columbus Dr
312-444-9494
ariachicago.com
Equal parts restaurant and bar, Aria offers comfort food with a contemporary twist, as well as a full sushi bar.
Army & Lou’s
SOUL FOOD/SOUTHERN
422 E 75th St
773-483-3100
armyandlous.com
A Southside institution since 1945, Army and Lou’s is still one of the best soul-food restaurants in the Windy City.
Avec
MEDITERRANEAN
615 W Randolph St
312-377-2002
avecrestaurant.com
They offer a convivial atmosphere for enjoying food and wine inspired by the cultures of Spain.
Blackbird
CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN
619 W Randolph St
312-715-0708
blackbirdrestaurant.com
Stylish seasonal fare from chef Paul Kahan at the sister restaurant to Avec.
Blue 13
CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN
416 W Ontario St
312-787-1400
blue13chicago.com
The cuisine of a fine dining establishment with a rockin’ vibe and signature dishes like Steak and Egg on Acid.
Bluprint
AMERICAN/MEDITERRANEAN
222 Merchandise Mart Plaza
312-410-9800
bluprintchicago.com
Casual dining for lovers of design.
Boka
CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN
1729 N Halsted St
312-337-6070
bokachicago.com
Ambitious menu and wine list from noted chef Giuseppe Tentori.
Brasserie Jo
FRENCH BRASSERIE
59 W Hubbard St
312-595-0800
brasseriejo.com
Check out the zinc bar imported from France, or lounge outside at the café.
Carmine’s
ITALIAN/SEAFOOD
1043 N Rush St
312-988-7676
rosebudrestaurants.com
Huge portions and an outdoor café make this a great spot for lunch or dinner.
Carnivale
LATIN FUSION
702 W Fulton Market
312-850-5005
carnivalechicago.com
Revel in an extravaganza of color and flavors.
Charlie Trotter’s
CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN
816 W Armitage Ave
773-248-6228
charlietrotters.com
The ultimate indulgence in fine food and wine.
Club Lago
ITALIAN
331 W Superior St
312-337-9444
clublago.com
A Chicago institution that has served traditional Northern Italian cuisine since 1952.
Cyrano Bistro
FRENCH
546 N Wells St
312-467-0546
cyranosbistro.com
A modern French restaurant with a cabaret club downstairs that features live jazz.
Farmerie 58
CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN
58 E Ontario St
312-440-1818
farmerie58.com
Newcomer with a farm-centric menu plus sushi, designed for a soft atmosphere and modern country feel.
Flatwater
GLOBAL
321 N Clark St
312-644-0283
flatwater.us
Experience gorgeous views at this sophisticated river-level restaurant.
Fulton’s on the River
SEAFOOD/STEAKHOUSE
315 N LaSalle St
312-822-0100
fultonsontheriver.com
Alfresco dining at its best.
Fogo de Chão
BRAZILIAN STEAKHOUSE
661 N La Salle Dr
312-932-9330
fogodechao.com
At this churrascaria, chefs carve skewered slow-roasted meat tableside on request.
The Gage
RUSTIC AMERICAN
24 S Michigan Ave
312-372-4243
thegagechicago.com
An updated Irish pub with excellent food and a vintage industrial look.
Gene & Georgetti
STEAKHOUSE
500 N Franklin St
312-527-3718
geneandgeorgetti.com
Chicago’s first steakhouse has been serving 32-ounce T-bones since 1941.
Graham Elliot
NEW AMERICAN
217 W Huron St
312-624-9975
grahamelliot.com
Bold new effort featuring upscale takes on lowbrow foods from the eponymous tattooed chef.
Green Zebra
NEW AMERICAN
1460 W Chicago Ave
312-243-7100
greenzebrachicago.com
The organic and contemporary design matches the seasonal ingredients at
this upscale veggie-focused restaurant.
Harry Caray’s
ITALIAN STEAKHOUSE
33 W Kinzie St
312-828-0966
harrycarays.com
Named for the late Hall of Fame baseball announcer.
Karyn’s Cooked
VEGAN
738 N Wells St
312-587-1050
karynraw.com
Herbivore heaven!
Kinzie Chophouse
STEAKHOUSE
400 N Wells St
312-822-0191
kinziechophouse.com
Sit in the cozy, sophisticated dining room or on the sidewalk patio as you enjoy top-notch steaks.
Kitsch’n River North
COMFORT FOOD
600 W Chicago Ave
312-644-1500
Bask in kitschy ’70s décor and enjoy comfort food such as fried chicken and waffles and Tang martinis.
Mercat A La Planxa
SPANISH
638 S Michigan Ave
312-765-0524
mercatchicago.com
With an extensive menu of grilled-to-order meats and seafood, there is sure to be something for everyone at this Catalan tapas spot.
mk the restaurant
CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN
868 N Franklin St
312-482-9179
mkchicago.com
Dishes are made with fresh seasonal ingredients in a beautiful refurbished paint factory.
Moto
GLOBAL INTERACTIVE
945 W Fulton Market
312-491-0058
motorestaurant.com
Chef Homaro Cantu’s futuristic eatery.
Nacional 27
MODERN LATIN
325 W Huron St
312-664-2727
n27chicago.com
Culinary influences from 27 countries come together with a fantastic drink menu at this high-energy restaurant.
Naha
CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN/
MEDITERRANEAN
500 N Clark St
312-321-6242
naha-chicago.com
World-renowned wine list in a clean, contemporary setting.
NoMI
CONTEMPORARY FRENCH
800 N Michigan Ave, 7th Fl
312-239-4030
nomirestaurant.com
World-class cuisine can be found in their elegant dining room, lush garden, or über chic lounge.
Otom
CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN
951 W Fulton Market
312-491-5804
otomrestaurant.com
Creative comfort food served in a stylish, contemporary décor.
Powerhouse
CLASSIC AMERICAN
215 North Clinton St
312-928-0800
powerhouserestaurant.com
Chef Jeff Mauro and his team deliver delicious food at this former Chicago North Western Railway power plant.
Reza’s
PERSIAN
432 W Ontario St
312-664-4500
rezasrestaurant.com
High ceilings and a mahogany bar add character to this Persian restaurant. Outdoor seating is available in warmer weather.
Roof
SMALL PLATES AND COCKTAILS
201 N State St
312-467-0200
thewithotel.com
New 7,000 square foot rooftop restaurant and bar at the Wit Hotel, featuring both indoor and outdoor space, fire pits, a living plant wall, and telescopes.
Sepia
CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN
123 N Jefferson St
312-441-1920
sepiachicago.com
The menu for this former print shop is seasonal and locally sourced.
Shikago
ASIAN MODERN
190 S LaSalle Street
312-781-7300
shikagorestaurant.com
Located in Chicago’s only Philip Johnson-designed building, this restaurant offers simple yet extravagant flavors.
Sixteen
MODERN AMERICAN
401 N Wabash Ave, 16th Fl
312-588-8030
trumpchicagohotel.com
Dishes focused on local and seasonal foods employ European and Asian techniques in this ultralux restaurant.
Sushisamba Rio
JAPANESE/BRAZILIAN FUSION
504 N Wells St
312-595-2300
sushisamba.com
An exciting menu in a theatrical space designed by David Rockwell.
Tavern at the Park
NEW AMERICAN
130 E Randolph St
312-552-0070
tavernatthepark.com
Casual dining with views of Millennium Park; designed by Aria Group Architects.
Vermilion
INDIAN/LATIN AMERICAN
10 W Hubbard St
312-527-4060
thevermilionrestaurant.com
Inventions such as chipotle con vadas are served in a room with crisp hot design.
ZED451
UNCONVENTIONAL STEAKHOUSE
739 Clark St
312-266-6691
zed451.com
Chefs personally serve dinner from skewers of tasty fish, beef, chicken, lamb, pork, pork, and game.
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