Looking for a Restaurant in Downtown Chicago?

Every year Chicago stakes a new claim on America’s dining map. In repurposed architectural spaces, indoors and out, large plates and small, the Windy City just keeps getting tastier. Check out our listings online and be sure to pick up your own copy of Taste of the Town at NeoCon.

Shikago
ASIAN MODERN
190 S LaSalle St
312-781-7300
shikagorestaurant.com

Shikago is the new culinary effort in the Loop from brothers Alan and Kevin Shikami. On a block better known for business deals than chef-driven dining, Alan has created a meticulous and serene interior for Kevin’s modern Asian flavors.

When word got out that Alan had procured ancient-wood tabletops, wrought-iron artisans Charleston Forge came clambering to be let in on the project, resulting in uniquely crafted table legs. Other aesthetic elements include local artist Lacey Pipher’s dancing abstract wall sculpture and Korean photographer Junjin Lee’s prints on rice paper.

The restaurant is located in Chicago’s only Philip Johnson–designed building, which used to house a law firm. For private parties, Shikago serves in the original Johnson-designed library on the top floor.

ZED451
UNCONVENTIONAL STEAKHOUSE
739 N Clark St
888-493-3451
zed451.com

Taking the popular trend of the open kitchen one step further, the chefs personally serve diners from skewers of tasty fish, beef, chicken, lamb, pork, and game, all grilled over an open charcoal fire. Get the lowdown on specialty rubs and marinades straight from the source.

The royal service begins in a swank setting. A two-story atrium anchors the corner. A staircase leads up to the roof garden, which the architect says feels like an outdoor room surrounded by 50-story skyscrapers. In the main dining room, you can sit at the chefs’ table, closest to the action, or at communal tables pinwheeled around a fire pit.

A MANO
ITALIAN
335 N Dearborn St
312-629-3500
amanochicago.com

What happens when a chef, a wine director, a proprietor, and a designer travel together to Italy? The crew that runs the successful BIN 36 went on a mission to find out what makes an Italian restaurant authentic, and they came back to create the recently opened A MANO.

The menu is focused on seasonal organic Italian foods. An open kitchen lends an air of drama to the experience. Hand-cured meats, an antipasti selection, and Neapolitan-style pizzas round out the offerings.

The restaurant is set in Chicago’s famous Marina City, which features Bertrand Goldberg’s corncob-like towers, built in 1964. A MANO’s designers took to the challenge of creating a warm, inviting space in a concrete landmark. Using materials such as recycled oak floorboards, exposed bricks, blackened steel, and other matte finishes, they successfully captured the essence of Italy in the heart of Chicago.

Sixteen
MODERN AMERICAN
401 N Wabash AVE, 16th Fl
312-588-8030
trumpchicagohotel.com

Prepare for a view that will knock your socks off on the 16th floor of the Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago. A dedicated elevator in the lobby whisks you to the ultralux restaurant on its eponymous floor. You’re greeted by a glass-ceilinged entry area that leads through a wine gallery to the bar. Then, to the main event: a beautiful dining room with double-tall glass windows gazing out over Chicago.

Opened this past winter, Sixteen is designed for long and leisurely dining, and the chairs are appropriately comfortable. Dishes, focused on local and seasonal foods, employ European and Asian techniques.

Bluprint
CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN
222 Merchandise Mart Plaza
312-410-9800
bluprintchicago.com

Sophisticated dining for lovers of design can be found at Bluprint, which is located in the Merchandise Mart. The one-year-old restaurant replaces the chain eatery that previously occupied the space. Sleek materials and tailored lines offer a luxurious respite from a day spent at the world’s largest wholesale furnishings center.

Tapping into the international style of the 1920s and ’30s, and the modernism of the 1950s and ’60s, Bluprint’s design gets its energy from light. The 3-D puzzle effect of tables that seem to fall out of the wall and the blue modular screens that diffuse daylight are just two elements of this idea. Lighter woods help warm up the crisp style to a comfortable dining temperature.

The eclectic dinner menu includes dishes such as New Zealand barramundi. Lunch and cocktails are served. There’s also a handy carryout menu.

OUTDOOR DINING

Fulton’s on the River
SEAFOOD/STEAKHOUSE
315 N LaSalle St
312-822-0100
levyrestaurants.com

Alfresco dining is at its best on Fulton’s patio right on the Chicago River,
where the water reflects stunning views of the city. The steaks are prime-aged, and the seafood selection includes a raw bar and sushi.

NoMI
CONTEMPORARY
800 N Michigan Ave, 7th Fl
312-239-4030
nomirestaurant.com

The NoMI Garden offers a more casual take on NoMI’s elegant cuisine. The serene restaurant, perched on the seventh floor of the Park Hyatt Chicago, is beautifully landscaped and provides exciting views of the city below.

Avenue M
CONTEMPORARY STEAKHOUSE
695 N Milwaukee Ave
312-243-1133
avenue-m.com

Slip away from the hubbub of the city at Avenue M’s garden. It is surrounded by ivy-covered walls, and its extensive menu has everything from steak to sushi, pasta, and salads.

Kinzie Chophouse
STEAKHOUSE
400 N Wells St
312-822-0191
kinziechophouse.com

This classic neighborhood restaurant, in close proximity to the Merchandise Mart, offers top-notch steaks among other American favorites. Sit in the cozy, sophisticated dining room or on the sidewalk patio.

SMALL PLATES

Mercat a la Planxa
SPANISH
638 S Michigan Ave
312-765-0524
mercatchicago.com

The newest spot for modern Catalan tapas buzzes with the excitement of Barcelona’s markets and takes a design cue from Antoni Gaudí. With an extensive menu emphasizing grilled-to-order meats and seafood, there’s sure to be something for everyone.

Avec
MEDITERRANEAN
615 W Randolph St
312-377-2002
avecrestaurant.com

The Danish Modern design and communal tables at Avec present a convivial atmosphere for enjoying food and wine, inspired by the cultures of Spain, Portugal, Italy, and France. This restaurant-row favorite, and sister restaurant to Blackbird, features both small and large plates for appetites of every size.

Vermilion
INDIAN/LATIN AMERICAN
10 W Hubbard St
312-527-4060
thevermilionrestaurant.com

Flavors heat up when India and Latin America come together on the plate. Inventions such as chipotle corn vadas are served in a room with crisp, hot design that’s accented with the colors vermilion and silver. Photographs by Indian fashion photographer Farrokh Chothia add a sexy flair.

Nacional 27
MODERN LATIN
325 W Huron St
312-664-2727
nacional27.net

The newest spot for modern Catalan tapas buzzes with the excitement of Barcelona’s markets and takes a design cue from Antoni Gaudí. With an extensive menu emphasizing grilled-to-order meats and seafood, there’s sure to be something for everyone.

REPURPOSED SPACES

Sepia
CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN
123 N Jefferson
312-441-1920
sepiachicago.com

There’s an elegant underground feeling in this former print shop. Charming touches such as a vintage door, white marble tabletops in the lounge, and antique mirrors are updated with Knoll’s Stephens chairs and Sottsass chairs with new couture slipcovers.

Otom
CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN
951 W Fulton Market
312-491-5804
otomrestaurant.com

The Meatpacking District is full of converted warehouse spaces like the
one that houses Otom (pronounced like the season). Designed to be a
colorful and elegant setting for elevated familiar dishes such as salmon ceviche topped with citrus bubbles, Otom is a sister to Moto, the
restaurant right next door.

Powerhouse
CLASSIC AMERICAN
215 N Clinton St
312-928-0800
powerhouserestaurant.com

In the early 20th century, the building was home to a coal-fired power station for the Chicago Northwestern Railway. Today, its sooty past is concealed by champagne-colored tablecloths and delectable fine dining.

MORE DOWNTOWN RESTAURANTS

676 Restaurant & Bar
NEW AMERICAN BRASSERIE
Omni Chicago Hotel
676 N Michigan Ave, 4th Fl
312-944-7676
676restaurant.com
Art deco accoutrements and a view of bustling Michigan Avenue.

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.

Avenues
CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN
108 E Superior St
312-573-6754
chicago.peninsula.com
Corporate high rollers and affluent out-of-towners are checking in to this swank hotel spot.

Bandera
AMERICAN WITH A SOUTHERN FLAIR
535 N Michigan Ave
312-644-3524
Black vinyl booths line the walls. Live jazz nightly.

Bistro 110
FRENCH
110 E Pearson St
312-266-3110
bistro110restaurant.com
A bustling atmosphere and a savory menu. The Sunday brunch is très magnifique.

Bistro Campagne
FRENCH BISTRO
4518 N Lincoln Ave
773-271-6100
bistrocampagne.com
Seasonal menu from organics guru Michael Altenberg.

Blackbird
CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN
619 W Randolph St
312-715-0708
blackbirdrestaurant.com
Stylish seasonal fare from chef Paul Kahan and sister restaurant to Avec.

Blue Water Grill
NEW AMERICAN/SEAFOOD/SUSHI
520 N Dearborn St
312-777-1400
brguestrestaurants.com
Designed by Yabu Pushelberg to echo the rich architectural texture of Chicago.

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.

Butter
NEW AMERICAN
130 S Green St
312-666-9813
butterchicago.com
Gourmet dishes in a space designed by local artisans.

Café Iberico
SPANISH SMALL PLATES
737 N La Salle Dr
312- 573-1510
cafeiberico.com
A great selection of hot and cold Spanish tapas is offered alongside more than 60 Spanish wines.

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.

Chicago Chop House
STEAKHOUSE
60 W Ontario St
312-787-7100
chicagochophouse.com
Steaks, steaks, and more steaks in a restored Victorian brownstone.

China Grill
PAN-ASIAN
230 N Michigan Ave
312-334-6700
chinagrillmgt.com
Stylish dining in a space designed by Yabu Pushelberg. The restaurant is located in the landmark Hard Rock Hotel.

Club Lago
ITALIAN
331 W Superior St
312-337-9444
clublago.com
A Chicago institution that has served traditional Northern Italian cuisine since 1952.

Copperblue
FRENCH MEDITERRANEAN
580 E Illinois St
312-527-1200
copperbluechicago.com
Mediterranean-inspired restaurant offering the flavors of Southern France, Northern Italy, and Spain, with murals by Paul Schuster.

Cru Café & Wine Bar
WINE BAR
25 E Delaware Pl
312-337-4001
cruwinebar.com
A charming lounge with light meals and an extensive wine list.

Custom House
REGIONAL AMERICAN
500 S Dearborn St
312-523-0200
customhouse.cc
François Genève designed Custom House to feel like a 1950s gentlemen’s club.

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.

David Burke’s Primehouse
MODERN AMERICAN
616 N Rush St
312-660-6000
brguestrestaurants.com
Located in the James Hotel, dry-aged steaks come from cattle sired by a Kentucky bull named Prime.

Emerald Loop
BAR & GRILL
American
216 N Wabash Ave
312-263-0200
vaughanhospitality.com
A lively Irish Pub with a full menu.

Flatwater
GLOBAL
321 N Clark St
312-644-0283
flatwater.us
Experience gorgeous views of Chicago at this sophisticated river-level restaurant.

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
PUB
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.

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.

Haro
SPANISH TAPAS
2436 S Oakley Ave
773-847-2400
Serving up Basque food with Spanish techno.

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!

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.

Meiji
JAPANESE/SUSHI
623 W Randolph St
312-887-9999
Fish flown in from Japan guarantee the authenticity of the cuisine.

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
AVANT-GARDE ASIAN/INTERNATIONAL
945 W Fulton Market
312-491-0058
motorestaurant.com
Chef Homaro Cantu’s futuristic eatery.

Naha
CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN
500 N Clark St
312-321-6242
naha-chicago.com
World-renowned wine list in a clean, contemporary setting.

Oysy
JAPANESE/SUSHI
888 S Michigan Ave
312-922-1127
oysysushi.com
The word oysy means “delicious.”

Park Grill
AMERICAN
11 N Michigan Ave
312-521-7275
parkgrillchicago.com
The first restaurant in Millennium Park.

Patty Burger
AMERICAN
72 E Adam St
312-987-0900
pattyburger.com
Mouthwatering burgers rule the menu at this restaurant reminiscent of a classic diner.

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.

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.

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