Scott Manley hits the sweet spot with striking plates of pheasant galantine, duck liver mousse, and pork sausage, all of which are lighter than they sound (even when pork fat pretzel rolls are involved). Read more
Gene Kato grills bite-size morsels so flavorful you’ll likely want to double up—and it becomes clear that the ancient Japanese were, in fact, onto something sensational. Read more
Bill Kim’s slick 200-seat ode to sizzling Korean barbecue, savory pancakes, and rich hot pots throbs day and night. Read more
Dominique Tougne’s signature coq au vin is a one-way ticket to your favorite boîte in your favorite arrondissement. Read more
Trenchermen is the right restaurant at the right time for Wicker Park: equal parts geniality and trickery. Read more
If you’re interested in nuanced flavors, look to dishes such as quail stuffed with a black pepper dumpling, Vidalia soubise, and a mirepoix pickle relish. Otherwise, snag a place at the communal table, order a Miller High Life, roll up your sleeves, and get dirty. Read more
At Kai Zan, the savviest diners let the brothers Vizconde guide their feast with one of the best deals in town: a $50 omakase menu showcasing their finesse with piquant oyster shooters, truffle-oil-soaked escolar pearls (delicate seared escolar atop rice spheres), ultrafresh madai (snapper) carpaccio, and maki cloaked in creamy avocado. Read more
Elizabeth stands on the shoulders of giants: Alinea and Next for online ticketing; Schwa and EL Ideas for the communal dinner party vibe. But Iliana Regan’s creations would be shockingly original even without the glorious view up there. Read more
Amy Morton spent years planning her socially conscious American bistro, and she nailed pretty much every detail. Read more