There is probably a new restaurant popping up every night of the year. With your busy schedule, there’s not enough time in the day or days in the year to check out every single one. So here’s your cliff notes version. These five are new on the scene and already making big headlines.
Flo & Santos
This South Loop spot from the co-owners of Zapatista is named after one of the owner’s childhood neighbors on the South Side, an Italian-Polish couple who clearly influenced the mix of bar nosh. The culturally diverse menu is an interesting mix of pizzas and pierogis in a chill neighborhood setting.
Flo & Santos is located at 1310 S. Wabash in Chicago.
Floriole Cafe & Bakery
Floriole Bakery specializes in rustic pastries that highlight the bounty of fruits, vegetables, eggs, meats and cheeses found in the midwest. Formerly a small stand in the popular Green City Market, this haute bakery is finally breaking out on it’s own to offer seasonal baked goods, salads and sandwiches in a bright, bi-level Lincoln Park location.
Floriole Cafe and Bakery is located at 1220 W. Webster Ave. in Chicago.
Accanto
After importing the Milan-born chef all the way from the Four Seasons Dubai (he also had a stint at Cirque in NYC), this Italian BYO spot is making waves with hand-made pasta in Logan Square. First-time restaurateur Maria Rubino is behind the contemporary Italian spot with a South Beach feel. A fish out of water? Maybe. But the food is so good you won’t care.
Accanto is located at 2171 N Milwaukee Ave. in Chicago.
Masu Izakaya
Taking over the former Minnie’s (R.I.P.) spot in Lincoln Park, this Japanese gastro-pub is the brainchild of former Tsunami owner Steven Song. They offer authentic izakaya, aka Japanese tapas-style small plates. Think sushi meets rice bowls meets skewers. The wood paneled interior was designed by Bravo’s “Top Design” winner Matt Lorenz. BYO for now, bring your own sake. Kampai!
Masu Izakaya is located at 1969 N. Halsted St. in Chicago.
Marrakech
Claiming to offer the most authentic Moroccan food in Chicago, North African cuisine is characterized by rich spices like cumin, coriander, saffron, chiles, dried ginger, cinnamon, and paprika. The menu is rich in Mediterranean flair with variations of couscous, lamb dishes and savory foods enhanced with dried nuts and fresh fruit that make for one memorable meal.
Marrakech, 1413 N. Ashland Ave. in Chicago.
