FDM's sauteed squid tastes as good as it looks.
Stuck in a rut when it comes to eating out? Good thing the Chicago restaurant scene gets an injection of new life almost every week. Whether you want to know where to go tonight or what opening to mark on your calendar, our guide to fresh feasting spots has all the details you crave.
Visit a new restaurant lately? Tell us what you think. Want to wash it all down? Check out our list of brand-new bars.
Ready to Digest
Who doesn't love breakfast at Yolk?
Start your day off right at this River North outpost of the popular South Loop breakfast spot.
Browntrout rules the waters on the North Side
You expect two things from a restaurant named Browntrout: fish and lack of pretense. Indeed, that's just what you get at this North Center eatery. The menu features a line-caught Canadian walleye-pike and Wisconsin golden trout, among others.
Nightwood always keeps you guessing (in a good way)
The sibling to Logan Square's popular Lula Cafe opens in Pilsen. If the lack of a fixed menu makes you nervous, count on staple chicken dishes and fresh baked cookies. Plus, the 120-bottle wine list that includes mostly biodynamic and small-batch selections guarantees an enjoyable meal.
Fritz Pastry keeps it sweet and simple
There may not be anything flashy or eye-catching about this Lakeview bakery, but that also means it's a quiet, unassuming cafe, where the ills of the city can't disturb you. Also, there are cheap pastries - nothing wrong with that.
Tutto Fresco: No flash, just good food
If you're tired of eating Italian comfort food in a setting that just ain't comfortable, Lakeview's casual trattoria may be just what you want. Highlights of the decor include burgundy tablecloths and fresh flowers. But aside from these simple touches, the main emphasis is on the food.
Can't cook? Zebda's got you covered
This Mediterranean restaurant on the Northwest Side focuses on flatbreads and couscous dishes, as well as take-out and catering options.
Have a toast to Salute Wine Bar
Not to stereotype, but if there's one thing Italians know, it's food and wine (okay, so that's two things). Salute capitalizes on this fact, pairing an array of piatti piccoli, insalate, panini and dolce with more than 50 wines representing all 20 of Italy's regions.
Birchwood Kitchen is where the heart is
Home-made is the name of the game at this Wicker Park cafe, including in-house roasted meats.
Soak up the past at Ristorante Al Teatro
Pilsen's newest upscale restaurant, in the beautiful and historic Thalia Hall, features a number of different pizza concoctions, as well as a gelato bar for dessert.
Frida's honors all things Kahlo
The menu at Frida's (named after Mexican artist Frida Kahlo and a sibling to Andersonville's La Cocina de Frida) is still being tinkered with, but the menu offers simple, decent, slightly overpriced Mexican food such as tamales and enchiladas.
Take pride in your town at Chicago's Dog House
Even if it's just hot dogs, they're some of the best around. Try the "Mayor Daley," topped with Irish cheddar and caramelized onions. Or the "Snoop Dog," complete with homemade chili, onion and Colby cheese. Meals go for $4.99-$8.50 and include a dog, fries and a drink.
Kin Sushi and Thai Cuisine is the best of both worlds
Foodies who love mixing their sushi and Thai food ordering options will go crazy for this laid-back, dual-cuisine dining joint in West Town.
Drop on in to State and Lake
State and Lake may not have the jaw-dropping views that the Wit Hotel's 27th floor Roof lounge offers, or the ultra-modern living room-style seating. However, because it's usually far less crowded, chances are you'll be able to get a seat - and that's reason enough to stop by for a stiff drink.
The original Buona makes a triumphant return
In the ongoing debate as to where to find the best Italian beef in Chicago, there's a select group of suburbanites who'll insist you have to venture outside of the city limits - they've pledged their allegiance to this Berwyn staple. As the sleek renovation of this location will attest, the design of the Buona storefronts have evolved with the times, but the beef, thankfully, has remained the same.
Wally & Agador's Gourmet Cafe not just for the dogs
Get fresh sandwiches and pastries in this new Boystown cafe, which also caters much of the menu from Winnetka's Restaurant Michael and is named after the owner's favorite pets.
FDM: Even better than the original
Luis Montero and Angel Hernandez – who brought the city decidedly non Tex-Mex, seafood-heavy fare with Logan Square's Fonda Del Mar open a new place to further their mission of transforming American conceptions about real deal Mexican. Mole verde (served on adobo-marinated pork chop) and creamy walnut-goat-cheese (covering grilled tilapia) are among the new sauces to go ga-ga over.
Art is on the menu at Terzo Piano
Location is everything for Terzo Piano, on the third floor of the new Modern Wing of the Art Institute of Chicago. The fancy Italian lunch spot offers views of Michigan Avenue, the park and the Bluhm Sculpture Garden from its outdoor piazza. The food's not too bad, either.
Family first at La Fonda Del Gusto
Inspired by the cuisine of the Mexican state of Michoacan, Jose Palomino and his wife, Lisa Lee, have set out to provide Wicker Park with home cooked, comfortable and inexpensive meals.
Andersonville gets a little sweeter at George's
Occupying the space of former Sweet Occasions, George's pays homage to late Andersonville resident George Stotis. His kids preside as owners, whilst manager Jim Veikos adds a Greek touch (European-like decor and spanikopita) to the mix.
Hot Off the Grill
Hot Woks Cool Sushi (Loop)
The popular sushi spot opens a second location on Michigan Avenue.
Istanbul Restaurant
Turkish dishes rule the menu at this Lakeview BYOB, featuring traditional kebabs and gyros, plus fresh-baked Turkish breads.
Il Poggiolo
Fine Italian dining from Jerry Kleiner comes to Hinsdale.
Little Bucharest Bistro
Find Eastern European favorites in Albany Park.
Felony Franks
The motto of this hot-dog stand: "Food so good, it's criminal." If that doesn't say it all ... then there's this: the place will be staffed by ex-prisoners.
Fogo 2 Go
Get Brazilian pizza and other South American dishes at this casual BYOB Lincoln Park cafe.
Fianco
This intimate Italian restaurant (taking the place of the former Winston's Market on Southport) serves relatively affordable (mostly under 20 bucks) pasta dishes along with entrees like "chicken under a brick" and milk-braised pork. Pair it up with an equally affordable wine list.
I Dream of Falafel
Build your own falafel in the Loop.
90 Miles Cuban Cafe (Logan Square)
Second outpost of the popular Cuban cafe opens in Logan Square.
Mod Pizza
Enjoy family friendly dining at this West Loop pizza place.
Branch 27
American bistro takes root on Chicago Avenue.
Falafill
Make your own falafels in this Boystown cafe.
Fuego Mexican Grill & Margarita Bar (Logan Square)
Satisfy your Mexican cravings at this offshoot of the Arlington Heights hot spot.
Johnny D's
West Loopers (and UIC students) get an inexpensive new pizza place.
Still Cooking
La Farine
Find pastries, baguettes and other sweet sensations at this West Town bakery, which opens in late June.
Red Mango (Lakeview)
The second area location of popular fro-yo chain (the first is in Evanston) opens sometime in June.
Five Guys Burgers and Fries
The popular burger chain opens two more Chicago locations, in Rogers Park (July 6) and another in Lincoln Park (July 20).
My Pie
Northbrook gets the reincarnation of the popular Lincoln Park pizzeria, which closed in June 2008. Expect it to open in summer.
Chicago's Home of Chicken and Waffles (West Loop)
The unique restaurant's second location is set to open in fall 2009.
Masada
The owners of Sultan's Market open this Logan Square Middle Eastern sit-down eatery sometime in 2009.
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