1. Aba The Spot
Perch on the West Loop restaurant's spacious rooftop patio for a meal so summery, the Mediterranean feels just a breeze away.
The Starter
Restaurants are elevating hummus with an ever-expanding range of goodies, but Aba does it particularly well with mouthwatering short rib topped hummus.
The Bottle
With a decades-spanning suite of wines by Lebanon's acclaimed Chateau Musar, guests have their pick of the litter in the 1981 red, blooming with notes of sweet currant and spice .
No. 1 On the Menu
Chargrilled lamb chops on a bed of garlicky freekeh are a delightful example of how chef CJ Jacobson fuses his California roots with Mediterranean fare. 302 N. Green St., abarestaurantchicago.com
2. Brass Heart
Who to Ask for
You might not even have to ask before Beverage Director Sarah Traynor arrives to gracefully guide you through the night .
The Bottle
Traynor's top pick for a special occasion is the Jacques Selosse Initial Champagne.
Why We Like It
Chef Matt Kerney's down-to-earth style, honed at Longman & Eagle, is refined and his creativity put to the test with all-vegan tasting menus (plus meat-friendly counterparts).
No. 1 On the Menu
The single constant on the menu is a universal dish of rice and beans, but even that is subject to Kerney's whims, shifting from a Mexican-leaning version with salsa verde to a sturdy take touting paprika gravy and cornbread crumble. 4662 N. Broadway, brassheartrestaurant.com
3. Cabra the Table
Pull up a chair at the ceviche bar, and you might just find Stephanie Izard chatting with diners as she serves up thick cuts of Peruvian-style ceviche and other tantalizing dishes.
What the Chef Likes
Izard particularly loves the pork shank, cooked sous vide and then fried for a perfectly crisp skin. Fold it into sweet potato flatbread with pickled sides for an ideal bite.
The Cocktail
There isn't a clunker in the bunch, but the Selva Baja is a particularly tasty blend of Knob Creek rye whiskey, pineapple and manzanilla sherry.
Why Foodies Like It
Izard is persistently one of Chicago's top chefs, and Cabra marks her delightful delve into Peruvianinspired bites with the detailed, funloving flare she is known for. 200 N. Green St., cabrachicago.com
4. ETTA
No. 1 On the Menu
Nothing bests the Pig Picnic, a delectable pairing of crispy pork belly and fire-roasted shoulder with marinated cucumbers and serrano peppers.
The Secret Special
For those in the know, Etta's bone marrow is a delicious starter that comes overflowing with oxtail and bacon jam—and the off-menu shot of bourbon doesn't hurt, either.
Why We Like It
There's something to be said about the way Etta produces tasty dishes with upscale ingredients in a setting that is familiar and comforting.
Why Foodies Like It
Maple & Ash chef Danny Grant proves he can do neighborhood casual just as smoothly as glitzy steakhouse fare—all while putting that wood-fired oven to great use. 1840 W. North Ave., ettarestaurant.com
