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Dining Guide

By Allison Beatrice and Yvonne M. Chan -- Interior Design, 6/15/2009 12:00:00 AM

Eve

Roaming the Mart sure works up an appetite. Here's our annual roundup of Chicago's hottest dining spots, organized by cuisine. [$] Expensive. [¢] Moderate.

Asian Fusion

Sunda [¢]

This new Asian hot spot, whose name refers to the Sunda Shelf, a Southeast Asian landmass, offers modern takes on dishes from throughout that region. For the best flavor-per-price-point ratio, skip the entrees and make a meal out of small plates. Choose from creative signatures such as watermelon blocks topped with unagi "bacon" and tender strip steak formed into "lollipops" around lemongrass skewers. Just opened in April, Sunda flaunts red travertine marble, French-polished black bamboo, and a glowing sushi bar stationed below floating fish forms, all from notable designer Tony Chi.

110 West Illinois Street; 312-644-0500.

French

Bistro Campagne [¢]

Chef Michael Altenberg's organic restaurant feels like a piece of Paris dropped into Chicago's north side. The food is classic French bistro fare, from the soupe à l'oignon gratinée to the cassoulet to the crème brûlée. On a sunny day, enjoy outdoor seating in the garden.

4518 North Lincoln Avenue; 773-271-6100.

Café des Architectes [$]

The menu at this restaurant, located in the Sofitel Chicago Water Tower, is praised as the most inspired French food in the city. Chef Martial Noguier, longtime chef at one sixtyblue, expertly adds intricate flavors and textural details to dishes such as delicate hamachi carpaccio, sumptuous short ribs, and peppery tenderloin au poivre. Remember to save room for dessert, especially the platter of mini-desserts offered at lunch—a creative selection of two-bite confections at the sweet price of $1.50 each.

20 East Chestnut Street; 312-324-4063.

Indian

Veerasway [¢]

The modern design matches the cuisine at Veerasway, which showcases a blend of traditional Indian classics and distinct Indo-American dishes. Familiar American ingredients and cooking techniques are creatively fused with Indian flavors. The glass-enclosed tandoor oven lets you watch the chefs in action.

844 West Randolph Street; 312-491-0844.

New American

Eve [$]

Though both restaurants are owned by Matt Fisher and helmed by chef Troy Graves, this Gold Coast spot features more sophisticated fare than its little sister, Tallulah. Enjoy Graves's talent for sweet-and-savory pairings as you sip clever concoctions such as the fig-infused, vodka-based Fig Leaf. Customers dine on white leather chairs surrounded by modern chandeliers and reflective glass mosaics.

840 North Wabash Avenue; 312-266-3383.

Lula Café [¢]

If you go organic or are looking for good vegan options, visit Lula. The décor is an interesting and eclectic display of artwork, ranging from paintings to hangers. The brunches and the Monday Farm Dinner are not to be missed, and the artisanal cheese plate and trio of ice creams will round out any meal.

2537 North Kedzie Boulevard; 773-489-9554.

Uncommon Ground [¢]

This unique restaurant, part of the Slow Food Movement, has a rooftop garden that provides fresh ingredients for its dishes. A popular eatery with a friendly wait staff, good beer, even better French press coffee, and organic cuisine, it is an unusual and lucky find. Favorites include the duo of duck, prairie pure macaroni and cheese, and pumpkin ravioli. To feed your soul, live music is available almost every night.

3800 North Clark Street; 773-929-3680.

Uncommon Ground

Seafood

L2O [$]

Debuting this May, celebrated chef Laurent Gras's modern seafood restaurant breathes new life into the dining experience with an elegant and memorable cuisine. L2O offers a luxurious tactile experience—from Gras's affinity for infusing texture into all his fare to the pure, effortless design of the polished wood tables and cool ivory marble. Each ingredient is manipulated to its most pleasurable consistency in dishes such as the geoduck, sparkled with bright citrus notes and the occasional bite of fresh wasabi. Don't miss out on the flaky brioche stuffed with anchovy, and pistachio macaroons with a sugary crust and creamy, chewy middle.

Belden-Stratford Hotel, 2300 Lincoln Park West; 773-868-0002.

Tapas

Tapas Valencia [¢]

For good South American wine and tantalizing tapas, check out Tapas Valencia. Diners start with olives in spiced oil, a customer favorite. Follow up with any of a number of delicious dishes, most notably the bacon-wrapped dates, the cheese plate, or artichoke dip. Try a Spicy Bloody Mary, martini, or red sangria to wash it all down.

1530 South State Street; 312-842-4444.

Meet for A Drink

The Whistler [¢]

Conceived as a meeting place for creative minds, the Whistler is much more than a watering hole. The space doubles as an art gallery with live music, film screenings, poetry readings, and other arts events to entertain patrons almost every night. Mixologist Paul McGee crafts excellent seasonal cocktails such as the Long-Faced Dove (tequila and Campari with fresh grapefruit and ginger beer) and the Cardinal's Blessing (rum, cherry brandy, and yellow chartreuse).

2421 North Milwaukee Avenue; 773-227-3530.

Sweet Tooth

Weber's Bakery [¢]

For an inexpensive way to satisfy your sweet tooth, this Garfield Ridge bakery is just the place. Loyal customers declare that it is home to the best cakes around, and it has become a staple for many families. As a result, expect a long line at checkout that will be well worth the wait.

7055 West Archer Avenue; 773-586-1234.