I have to say that I rather like Bistro 110 just off Water Tower Place.

I still adore Tru... their menu and presentation is just a delightful splurge.

My new "favorite" Chicago restaurant is Ra on Rush Street... fun sushi bar. Upscale but tasty. Trendy but fun. Loud but not obnoxious. Love their fishbowls and the infused sake bombers are a blast!

For "Lettuce" fun that is less pricey than Tru, I love all three of the Water Tower joints... Wow Bao!, Mity Nice Grill, and FoodLife. Three different experiences... three places I love to go.

Couldn't agree with you more here.

French: Les Nomades is probably the downtown white table cloth standout, I much prefer the bistro atmosphere such as Le Bouchon, mentioned here: http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=308613

American: For one of the finest in Chicago and it also combines terrific views (a rarity for a restaurant to have both IMO) North Pond, mentioned here: http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthrea...ght=North+Pond

If looking for a spot to dine on Sundays during the summer, Vinci has a roast Tuscany BBQ pig which is divine: http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=308602

Chicago also has some of the finest Mexican in the nation due to our HUGE (3rd largest in US I believe) Hispanic population. Nuevo Leon is a quick cab ride to the near s. side: http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=308648

SarahWest, I would also put Bistro 110 in my favorites (though I haven't been in a while).

Agree completely. I do miss passing a burrito place on every corner, as happens in Chicago.

(Here in New York, many convenient taquerias are either run by non-Mexican immigrants, i.e., Chinese - :confused: - or do these "weird" (IMHO) things with them, like stuff them half full of rice - :( - and undercooked, flatulent-producing black beans (no, if beans are prepared properly, they won't always give you gas).)

Thanks to all - have eaten at Les Nomades, (both when it was still a private club and also last November) will try the others. I appreciate the input -

A couple great places, I think, are Brasserie Jo and the Everest Room. Everest, in particular, does fantastic work pairing wine with food.

Both of Rick Bayliss's places are great -- Frontera Grill and Topolombompo.

I've got a serious soft spot for the Ritz Carlton Dining Room's Sunday brunch!

The original Morton's on State Street is my favorite steak place. Ever.

Gino's East, I'm sad to hear, has dropped off a bit on the pizza front. I've been doing Giordano's mostly of late.

I think Chicago is really underappreciated on the restaurant front ... there are so many fine places.

I've recently relocated to Chicago and am having fun trying out restaurants for the first time.

Heaven on Seven - pretty good spot with great gumbo. I like their cajun stir fry (although they could add more heat)

Bistro 110 - very good, already mentioned here

Sugar - excellent dessert spot. You won't regret it - although it is a little pricey

1492 - someone else mentioned Cafe Iberico, try this place for a little different atmosphere. The restaurant is located in an old house.

Mambo Grill - excellent barbecued salmon, great service, not too pricey.

Just a few that I would recommend. I'll have to follow sme of the other suggestions made here.

I completely agree with you on 1492. I dined there a few times last fall and on a couple occassions had quite a bit of chatting with the chef/owner. Thoroughly enjoyed the meal each time!


[Quote=gutt22] ...Both of Rick Bayliss's places are great -- Frontera Grill and Topolombompo...

I like both of Bayliss' places as well.

For steak, I'm still a Gibson's girl!!! (The one on Rush, NOT the one near ORD)

:-: Truth be known, I've been to so many great places in Chicago that I'd have a difficult time picking a favorite! :-:

Has anyone tried MK in Chicago?

I live right across the street from RA and also like the atmosphere and food. Just for clarity, it isn't actually on Rush but State Street.

My personal favorite is probably Ambria. Both the food and service were amazing.

Tuscany is a great italian restaurant! I usually eat there every time I go to Chicago. They have this great baked garlic and parmesan cheese bread spread they make for you at the table. FYI, there are two locations!

Which food items were most memorable?

Well whenever I visit I always go to Roy's on Superior & State at least once,
also Heaven on Seven (on Michigan) is enjoyable.

Agree with Techgirl on the Water Tower Place - Foodlife is great for lunch

I like Tuscany as well as Rosebud (Taylor St. only!)