Dine
A N I N S I D E R ’ S G U I D E TO T H E V E RY B E S T E AT S I N C H I C AG O A N D B E YO N D
EDITED BY JULIE CHERNOFF
TERZO PIANO Italian The restaurant’s design is right at home in the Art Institute’s Modern Wing. Chef/owner Tony Mantuano’s seasonal pastas, salads and shared plates are stunning, too. 159 E. Monroe St., 312-4438650, terzopiano chicago.com L, Br
LINCOLN PARK/ LAKEVIEW
Scallop à la Acadia.
• ACADIA The Tasting Menu dinner is always a wow at this Michelin Guide two-star stunner. Chef Ryan McCaskey plays with the classics in inspiring, beautiful and supremely flavorful ways. 1639 S. Wabash Ave., 312-360-9500, acadiachicago.com D
CHICAGO ANDERSONVILLE BIG JONES Southern Just off a renovation, this is chef Paul Fehribach’s love letter to the South, inspired by its people and history. The cornbread! The fried chicken! The gumbo! All stellar. 5347 N. Clark St., 773275-5725, bigjones chicago.com LD, Br HOPLEAF Gastropub For 25 years, this has been THE place for mussels and frites, washed down with one of more than 60 different craft beers.
If you can, save some room for charcuterie or maybe the Duck Reuben. 5148 N. Clark St., Chicago, 773-334-9851, hopleafbar.com LD
BUCKTOWN/ WICKER PARK HOT CHOCOLATE American Comfort Food James Beard Award-winning pastry chef Mindy Segal is so much more than a dessert queen; witness the brilliance of her mac and cheese, the perfect hamburger, or her Crispy Chicken with Grits. But if you decide to leave
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without slurping down her Malted Coffee Cocoa Nib Milkshake, you are clearly insane. 1747 N. Damen Ave., 773-489-1747, hotchocolate chicago.com LD, Br PIECE Pizza/Brewery This is New Havenstyle pizza at its finest (if you want to be taken seriously, order the house specialty, clam with bacon), especially when accompanied by a growler of their award-winning brew. 1927 W. North Ave., 773-772-4422, piecechicago.com LD
DOWNTOWN/ LOOP ACANTO Italian Terrific rustic Italian food is just within reach of Millennium Park and Chicago’s Cultural Mile. Order one of chef Christopher Gawronski’s thin-crust pizzas or tender pastas, a glass of wine, and relax. 18 S. Michigan Ave., 312-578-0763, acantochicago.com LD, Br CINDY’S Mediterranean Shared Plates The panoramic rooftop patio views overlooking Millennium Park and Lake Michigan are
worth it alone, but happily chef Christian Ragano turns out food both delicious and Instagrammable. The craft cocktails are on point as well. 12 S. Michigan Ave., 312-792-3502, cindysrooftop.com LD, Br THE GAGE Gastropub Oh, the poutine! There’s no better use of fries and cheese curds. Plenty to love at this Britishinfluenced stalwart across from Millennium Park. Top-notch steaks, craft beers, and housemade sausages. 24 S. Michigan Ave., 312-372-4243, thegage chicago.com LD, Br
ALINEA Tasting Menu James Beard Award winner and three-star Michelin chef Grant Achatz has the world on a string. Reservations are rare, and the price is steep, but if you can, this is an experience you should have at least once. 1723 N. Halsted St., 312-867-0110, alinearestaurant.com D BOKA Contemporary American Chef Lee Wolen ably helms the BOKA Group’s flagship restaurant. Clubby, sleek interiors are the perfect backdrop for his lovely, seasonal American cuisine and pastry chef Meg Galus’ outstanding creations. 1729 N. Halsted St., 312-337-6070, bokachicago.com D MON AMI GABI French Bistro You’ll find all the bistro classics on Chef Nelli Maltezos’ menu— Steak Frites, Frisée Salad, Onion Soup au Gratin — and they’re delightful every time. This longtime LEYE favorite has terrific service and an approachable wine list. 2300 N. Lincoln Park