Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
VERY EXPENSIVE
Arun's THAI It has been called the best Thai restaurant in the city—
possibly the country. Here, chef/owner Arun Sampanthavivat prepares a refined
version of traditional Thai cuisine, authentic and flavorful but not palate-scorch-
ing. The only downside is its out-of-the-way location—you can get here by pub-
lic transportation, but I recommend a taxi at night when the bus schedules are
less reliable.
The 12-course chef 's menu is your only option here, and different tables receive
different dishes on a given night. This sequential banquet begins with degustation-
style appetizers, followed by four family-style entrees and two desserts. You might
see courses of various delicate dumplings accented with edible, carved dough flow-
ers; an alchemist's Thai salad of bitter greens and peanuts with green papaya, toma-
toes, chiles, and sticky rice; and a medley of clever curries, including a surprisingly
delightful sea-bass-and-cabbage sour curry. When classic dishes appear, such as pad
thai, they're always above the norm. Hope your dessert selections include the sticky
rice with papaya (don't tell them if you're celebrating an occasion or they may serve
you chocolate cake). The menu is paired with an award-winning wine list, and the
restaurant provides a smoke-free environment.
4156 N. Kedzie Ave. (at Irving Park Rd.). & 773/539-1909. Reservations required with credit card. 12-course
chef's menu $85. AE, DC, DISC, MC, V. Tues-Sun 5-10pm. Subway/El and bus: Blue Line to Irving Park, and then
transfer to eastbound no. 80 bus; or Brown Line to Irving Park, and then transfer to westbound no. 80 bus.
EXPENSIVE
Yoshi's Café ECLECTIC/FRENCH/BISTRO Yoshi Katsumura has been a
familiar name on the Chicago restaurant scene thanks to the intimate, refined
restaurant he operated for years. But when he found the demand for special-
occasion dining falling off, Yoshi shifted gears and reinvented his restaurant as a
casual bistro. The result has proven a hit with the neighborhood; in fact, week-
ends can be chaotic. The new Yoshi's is comfortable and casual (even if the pas-
tel decor does remind some of a hotel coffee shop), with an intriguing menu that
reflects both Yoshi's native Japan and his French training. Spring rolls come filled
with chicken, mushrooms, and goat cheese, while a leek-and-brie tart is livened
up with shiitake mushrooms. Vegetable and shrimp tempura show up on the
entree list side by side with steak frites au poivre and Dover sole meunière. There
are always a number of vegetarian options, ranging from pasta to grilled tofu
with brie and basil topped with sweet-sesame paste and miso sauce.
3257 N. Halsted St. (at Aldine St.). & 773/248-6160. Reservations recommended. Main courses $13-$27.
AE, DC, MC, V. Tues-Thurs 5-10:30pm; Fri-Sat 5-11pm; Sun 11am-2:30pm and 5-9:30pm. Subway/El: Red
Line to Belmont.
MODERATE
Mia Francesca ITALIAN It has been open since 1992, but Mia Francesca
remains a hot dining spot—one that has spawned more than 10 sister restau-
rants throughout the city and suburbs. Its strict no-reservations policy used to
mean weekend waits of up to 3 hours, but that's eased now that the reservation
policy has been changed (that said, definitely call in advance for a table). The
restaurant's clean, modern take on the Italian trattoria concept attracts lots of
local singles and couples, and the affordable prices keep them coming back. The
food—unpretentious but never dull—includes a range of homemade pastas,
thin-crust pizzas, chicken and veal, and standout seafood (even if you don't usu-
ally order fish in an Italian restaurant, it's worth trying here). Tables are packed
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