My Five Favorite Restaurants Right Now

Summer dining season is (finally!) upon us and we are lucky enough to live in a city full of culinary greats. In celebration of the season, I've rounded up my five favorite restaurants right now with personal reviews below. Seems timely, especially given the JBF Awards Gala making its annual appearance in our city last month. Hope you enjoy the list and be sure to let me know your thoughts or share your personal list below! 

My apologies in advance that very few of these take full advantage of patio season - but life's all about compromise, right?

Image via Eater

PARACHUTE: If you are willing to make the trek out to Avondale, I cannot speak more highly of this eclectic, Korean fusion restaurant. The flavors in each dish are complex and pack a serious punch. Not to mention, my favorite cocktail I've tried this year - be sure to try cocktail #3 for a beautifully balanced (and fragrant) drink. Reservations go quickly so you need to book in advance or be flexible on the day - we snagged a late Wednesday night spot and the place was still packed. Be sure to try the to-go bing bread, house pickles with kimchi, braised nettle mandu and the slow-cooked beef short ribs. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Image via Eater

DOS URBAN CANTINA: Created by husband and wife chef-team (and former Frontera/Topolobampo alums), Brian and Jennifer Enyart, this modern Mexican restaurant features bold flavors mixed with a casual, neighborhood vibe. Known for their seafood dishes, the ceviche is fresh and bright but grounded with a guacamole base. Their mussels are another favorite and be sure to try their interpretation of street-style, sweet corn. Major plus, they have 1/2 gallon pitchers of their classic cocktails that are perfect for sharing.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Images via Sink|Swim

SINK|SWIM: Looking for a nautical vibe to boost your summer mentality? Then look no further than Logan Square for a coastal-inspired menu with an interior to match. Created by the Scofflaw group, this is the first restaurant-focused enterprise under their belt. Although we only stayed for a post-dinner drink, the playful vibe and seafood-rich menu is unlike anything Chicago has to offer. The classic fish sandwich, smoked octopus and roasted sweet potato are all on my list for our next visit. 

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Image via marketwatchmag.com

MOMOTARO: Confession - I haven't actually tried this restaurant myself yet, it's been on my must-try list for quite some time now. However, Marco has been lucky enough to come here numerous times for work and has raved post-meal each and every time. Supposedly it's enormous menu can be tricky to navigate but the allstars really shine through...specially, the katsuo tataki (to start), Miyazaki wagyu, and any one of the skewers in the "From the Coals" section. This Japanese powerhouse is definitely a spectacle and knows how to break the rules, in a good way.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Images via Cellar Door Provisions

CELLAR DOOR PROVISIONS: Although this restaurant has been around for a couple years now, I haven't had an excuse to go until my friend suggested lunch there a couple months ago. This bright, rustic, no-frill space (menus for the day are posted on a scroll of brown paper) highlights the craft behind this farm-to-table lunch and breakfast mecca. Their mission is to "remind us all that food is really worth gathering around" and they certainly achieve this through a commitment to technique and fresh ingredients. Make sure to try their unbeatable cannele and a trip there is not complete without the homemade bread. 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------