New Chicago spots for pizza, steak and Greek fare
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Pizza from Little Lark. Photo: Monica Eng/Axios
Late summer is bringing a tasty crop of new and upcoming spots for Roman pizza, Greek-inspired delights, omakase menus and, yes, more steak.
Just opened:
Little Lark in Avondale cooks up Neapolitan and Roman-style pizzas along with broccoli and radicchio salads for dinner visitors in the airy Guild Row co-working space with a lovely patio.
Ithaki Estiastorio marks a return to Greektown for partner Kosti Demos (Sapori Trattoria), whose family once operated neighborhood staple Costa's.
- On opening night, the room was deafeningly loud, and dishes like spanakopita and an eggplant dip were served undercooked and under-seasoned. Could just be growing pains, but we hope it improves.
The Bridge Kitchen and Cocktails in the Hyatt Centric Magnificent Mile has reimagined its 90-seat restaurant space with a new name and menu, including mozzarella arancini, a Korean fried chicken sandwich and Mediterranean sea bass.
Piccolo Buco in Naperville offers Roman pizzas, pasta and, of course, a wide selection of wine as this chain is operated by Cooper's Hawk Winery. Naperville joins an existing outpost in Oak Brook, with Schaumburg to open next.
Coming soon:
Midosuji, led by chef Brian Lockwood, will offer omakase tasting menus —with dishes like black truffle risotto and savory custardy chawanmushi — to two nightly seatings of eight people for $195 per person ($105 for drink pairings) in the Chicago Athletic Club. Expected to open Sept. 5.
Tre Denari in Bally's Casino by One of Hospitality chef Paul Kahan is tentatively expected to open Sept. 12 in the former casual Medinah Bistro spot. Expect "rustic Italian classics and inventive cocktails," in an "intimate 40-seat" space, representatives say.
Adalina Prime in Fulton Market leans into flame-kissed beef steaks, Lion's Mane mushroom steaks, a tableside salt library and caviar-topped chicken nuggets by former pro-golfer chef Soo Ahn. Scheduled to open Tuesday.
- On a recent media night visit, the cauliflower salad, prime rib sliders, chicken skewers and fresh oysters shined.
Kouklas in Niles promises a Greek-inspired eatery from father-and-son team, Jimmy Bannos Jr. (Purple Pig) and Jimmy Bannos Sr. (Heaven on Seven), featuring housemade pasta, meze, grilled fish, crudo and lots of Greek olive oil. Expected to open in late summer or early fall.
Del Sur Bakery in Ravenswood is planning to open an adjacent sit-down cafe next to the uber-busy bakery. Chef Justin Lerias tells Axios he hopes to open by the end of the year.
Common Decency chef Mark Steuer (Carriage House) is planning a small dining room with changing menus this year in the space next to his Logan Square bar.