Baffo 44 E. Grand Ave. 312-521-8701 Italian $60 to $70 Chef: Eli Anderson Dining Guide listing Website If Eataly, with its clogged aisles of giddy tourists, is Disneyland for food fans, then Baffo, the 65-seat white-tableclothed pasteria downstairs, is the refined counterpart that Euro Disney was meant to be. You’re in for laid-back … Read more
A10 1462 E. 53rd St. 773-288-1010 Italian/French $30 to $40 Chef-owner: Matthias Merges Dining Guide listing Website Matthias Merges (Yusho, Billy Sunday), Charlie Trotter’s right-hand man for 14 years, opened A10 on November 5, the same day his mentor died. In doing so, he simultaneously paid tribute to Trotter and stepped outside the … Read more
Stella Barra Pizzeria 1954 N. Halsted St. 773-634-4101 Pizza $20 to $30 Dining Guide listing Website Jeff Mahin Jeff Mahin, the Lettuce Entertain You chef who practically perfected the doughnut at Do-Rite, works similar magic on crust at this sleek artisanal pizza parlor, a sibling of the two in Southern California. He and … Read more
Beatrix Aloft, 519 N. Clark St. 312-284-1377 American $35 to $45 Chef-partners: John Chiakulas, Rita Dever, Susan Weaver Dining Guide listing Website The current line on Lettuce Entertain You is that the restaurant group has recaptured the hip reputation it once enjoyed. Most attribute the renaissance to the offspring of its chairman, Rich … Read more
Five more to watch for
How many of this year’s best new restaurants have you been to? Use this checklist to count, then share your results on Twitter or Facebook. Or, print this PDF and take the list with you.
The L.A. favorite’s new Chicago shop has inviting seating, chic vintage décor, and doughnuts served fresh ’til 9 p.m.
Bored with the same old burger? Ditch the bread bun for mac-n-cheese, ramen, and more bizarre new ways to hold a patty.
Kabocha’s former chef de cuisine now heading up both spots. Expect rotisserie fish, oatmeal-crusted French toast, and fried chicken.
Spatzle, schnitzel, and strudel are coming your way starting in May.
