Heading to Chicago after a long time, but a quick visit.
Likely based in Hyde Park.
One vegetarian and one almost-pescatarian to consider (Mexican and Italian are usually easy for them).
Short list so far:
Mexican: 5 Rabanitos, La Esperanza, La Catedral, BarCocina, Frontera
Italian: Elina’s (looks like Carbone-light and not the most veg-friendly, but the mozz and vodka are faves so it could work), Ciccio Mio, Nella
Indian / Modern / Fusion: Thattu, Sifr, Mirra, Mazala Pizza
Asian: Gin Khao, Xian cuisine
Other: Ema, Pleasant House Pub, Pequod or Lou M
TIA
3 Likes
Just a consistent tourist here, who’s mostly done fine dining there, but I’d say:
Indienne for a modern Indian tasting menu
Pizz’amici for tavern style (or Vito & Nicks, but quite outside the city)
Warlord for upscale casual, live fire a la carte (also a tasting menu available) - great burger
Best Intentions for $5 draft angostura shots and solid bar food
Obelix is nice if you’re like me who can’t get foie gras at home and have an unholy desire for it
2 Likes
A bunch of twists and turns later, we had good meals at Bar Siena and Ema.
The food at Bar Siena was tasty (but generally over-salted). I might have enjoyed it more without an advert from the server about Top Chef Fabio at the outset 
The mezze at Ema were very good, and better than the kebabs, but they get a shout-out for going above and beyond to accommodate one of our group who is celiac – they provided every mezze topping with gluten (fried shallots, dukkah, croutons, etc) on the side instead of telling us things had gluten and couldn’t be ordered. They also had gluten free flatbread. The desserts were also quite good (and again, they have us the birthday frozen yogurt option without the crisps with gluten so the celiac kid could have some too). Very attentive and thoughtful, I was touched.
2 Likes