BESTof 2018
(cont’d.)
BEST FARMERS MARKET (Suburbs)
Evanston
We love the Evanston market for the free parking, the great selection of fresh, local produce, and all the yummy ready-toeat treats (looking at you, crêpes and tamales). BEST FINE DINING (City)
Oriole
With two shiny Michelin stars right out of the gate, Chef Noah Sandoval and his team have much to crow about. BEST FINE DINING (Suburbs)
Restaurant Michael
WINNETK A Fine dining
is not dead; look no further than the enduring Restaurant Michael and the ambitious George Trois within for proof. BEST FROZEN YOGURT/ICE CREAM/ GELATO (City)
Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams
You’ll find this Ohiobased ice cream in local supermarkets, but the scoop shops have all the flavors, and with four Chicago locations, there must be one nearby!
BEST FROZEN YOGURT/ICE CREAM/ GELATO (Suburbs)
FRÍO Gelato
EVANSTON Evanston
is the proud home of this artisanal Argentine gelato store, where people line up year-round for flavors like Malbec & Berries and Dulce de Leche. BEST GROCERY STORE (City)
Mariano’s
Everyone loves Mariano’s, with its fresh juice bar, amazing wine and cheese selection and jaw-dropping bakery department. BEST GROCERY STORE (Suburbs)
Grand Food Center
GLENCOE AND WINNETK A This locally
owned mini chain is truly your favorite North Shore market. BEST HIGH TEA (City)
The Drake
You picked a classic! The Drake has been doing high tea right for decades.
BEST HIGH TEA (Suburbs)
waves with its modern take on Italian cucina.
Deer Path Inn
BEST JAPANESE (City)
LAKE FOREST Refined
service and delectable tea sandwiches and mini pastries are hallmarks of this hotel. BEST INDIAN (City)
Vermilion
Owner/chef/tastemaker Rohini Dey keeps the spice coming at this River North spot; cocktails are also on point. BEST INDIAN (Suburbs)
Mt. Everest
EVANSTON Of course
there’s an extensive lunch buffet at this Evanston stalwart, but the a la carte menu of Nepalese and Indian specialties is what sets it apart. BEST ITALIAN (City)
Riccardo Trattoria
Although it may be located in the heart of Lincoln Park, the cuisine at this Italian ristorante reminds us most of Florence. BEST ITALIAN (Suburbs) BEST NEW RESTAURANT (OPENED SINCE SEPTEMBER 2017) (Suburbs)
Mino’s
WINNETK A This new-
comer is already making
Kitsune
Chef Iliana Regan is really about honoring the techniques and flavor profiles of Japanese cuisine, rather than turning out a carbon copy, and the results are often spectacular. BEST JAPANESE (Suburbs)
Torino Ramen WILMETTE Chicago’s
best ramen may well be in… Wilmette?!? The broths here are simply luscious, and they’re making the tender ramen noodles in house. BEST MEXICAN (City)
Dos Urban Cantina
Frontera Grill vets Brian and Jennifer Enyart are reinventing Mexican dishes at their colorful Logan Square restaurant, and we are here for it. BEST MEXICAN (Suburbs)
Depot Nuevo
WILMETTE They’ve
brought the crown back to Wilmette with their enormous margaritas, deep bench of tequilas, and a menu filled with crowd-pleasers.
Bar Biscay
BEST NEW RESTAURANT (OPENED SINCE SEPTEMBER 2017) (City)
BEST ROMANTIC DINING (City)
Bar Biscay
Dark and clubby, with gorgeous woodwork and killer cocktails, this stunning spot in the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel has got it all going on.
This West Town newbie is named for part of Spain’s Atlantic coastline and features Spanish seafood preparations and Basque-influenced dishes. BEST PIZZA (City, Tie)
Coalfire and Piece
Thin-crust pie is the best pie! Especially when it’s the blistered, charcoal oven-fired pizza at Coalfire in West Town or Wrigleyville, or the New Haven-style apizz (not a typo!) at Piece in Wicker Park. BEST PIZZA (Suburbs)
Lou Malnati’s
This is your favorite deep-dish pizza, so you probably already know you can ship one directly to your family and friends who’ve moved away! BEST PLACE TO BRING A GROUP (City)
Eden
Your group will be spoiled for choice at this West Loop farm-to-table restaurant with its emphasis on fresh and flavorful. BEST PLACE TO BRING A GROUP (Suburbs) BEST SERVICE (Suburbs)
Nick’s Neighborhood Bar and Grill WILMETTE They’ve just
Eden
46 J U LY/AU G US T 2018 M A K E IT B E T T E R
Depot Nuevo
celebrated their fifth anniversary in Wilmette with an updated menu, so now there are even more yummy options for you and your guests.
Cherry Circle Room
BEST ROMANTIC DINING (Suburbs)
Hearth
EVANSTON You know
what’s romantic? Hearing your loved one speak without shouting over the music and the general din. Hearth is a welcome respite from sensory overload. BEST SANDWICHES (City)
Steingold’s
It’s all about fast-casual service at this North Center Jewish deli (and its new outpost in Ravenswood manor) with a fine selection of smoked meats and fish. BEST SANDWICHES (Suburbs)
Stacked & Folded
WINNETK A Fresh,
locally sourced ingredients help elevate the sandwiches at this Winnetka storefront. BEST SEAFOOD (City)
Portsmith
The Fifty/50 Group hits another one out of the park at this beautiful fish-centric spot in the Dana Hotel. BEST SEAFOOD (Suburbs)
Oceanique
EVANSTON Chef Mark
Grosz continues to
EDEN: HALLIE DUESENBERG PHOTOGRAPHY; BAR BISCAY: GALDONES PHOTOGRAPHY
Dining