The 10 Hottest Restaurants in Chicago Right NowLynette Smithon July 22, 2021 at 6:55 pm

1 Venteux

What:A glitzy French brasserie and all-day café from chef Donald Young lands in the new hotel Pendry Chicago.
Why:Swing by for tuna niçoise for lunch, then head back for steak tartare, Dover sole meunière, and some bubbly after dark.
Where:224 N. Michigan Ave., Loop Website

2 Apolonia

What:An airy Mediterranean endeavor from the S.K.Y. team
Why:It’s the ideal spot to dig into roasted mussel toast or a cucumber and watermelon salad with feta and hazelnuts.
Where:2201 S. Michigan Ave., South Loop Website

3 Dr. Bird’s Jamaican Patty Shack

What:A new iteration of a long-ago family spot in Buffalo offers fresh takes on Jamaican fare.
Why:Where else can you eat jerk chicken shawarma poutine?
Where:1215 N. Milwaukee Ave., Noble Square Website

4 Yamma

What:A Palestinian pop-up from a trio of industry vets at Wicker Park’s Pint
Why:Chill on the patio with lentil fritters with creamy harissa, feta fattoush, and mushroom shawarma wraps.
Where:1547 N. Milwaukee Ave. Website

5 Dom’s Kitchen & Market

What:A grocery store and food hall from Mariano’s founder Bob Mariano
Why:Snag Tortello pasta for home, then grab customizable salads or Bonci pizza slices for lunch.
Where:2730 N. Halsted St., Lincoln Park Website

6 Sochi Saigonese Kitchen

What:A husband-and-wife duo serve up their memories of Saigon.
Why:Order family recipes like My Grandma’s Short Rib Soup, with meat, veggies, and macaroni.
Where:1358 W. Belmont Ave., Lake View Website

7 Shmuel’s Schmears and Bagels

What:Pizzeria Portofino chef Sam Dickstein slings newfangled bagels.
Why:Try the cacio e pepe one with ranch cream cheese.
Where:Order on Instagram at @shmuelschmearsandbagels.

8 Avli on the Park

What:A breezy new location of the modern Greek favorite
Why:Nikolaos Kapernaros reimagines Greek cuisine with dishes like avocado tartare with marinated figs and grilled Halloumi.
Where:180 N. Field Blvd., Loop Website

9 Prequel

What:The Damn Fine Coffee crew brings Four Letter Word joe and pastry pro Danielle Snow’s treats to West Town.
Why:Expect scones like cherry tomato and goat cheese — and, sometime next year, a full-service bar and café.
Where: 1957 W. Chicago Ave. Website

10 Nobody’s Darling

What:Andersonville’s approachable new cocktail bar is all about twists on the classics.
Why:Order a round of mezcal old-fashioneds or hibiscus mimosas, plus dinner from the nightly pop-up.
Where:1744 W. Balmoral Ave. Website

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