New spots I tried: 2022

I keep a running list of coffee shops, cocktail bars, and restaurants on my phone and add places as I hear about them or they open. Then I make reservations and see who out of my family and friends is free and open to trying a new place. Here are some of the places I tried this year that I really enjoyed!

Pizzeria Portofino

At some point someone told me this place was overhyped so I never made a huge effort to try it. Whoever it was was wrong! I finally made it here this summer for a happy hour and early dinner, and the food and wine selection were phenomenal. Since it is located along the river, we got a beautiful view and summer breeze. If you have friends with boats they can also pull up alongside the restaurant, seems to make for a great photo op!

Armitage Alehouse

I’m pretty sure this has been open for a while but recently became popular. I tried it for brunch this fall with a friend, and we both would say the food was good but probably not spectacular. The whole place is dimly lit with wood carved furniture giving it the cozy pub energy. Even the entire staff is dressed up in uniforms (costumes?). I would definitely go back again and still want to try the dinner menu since it seems to have more of the Indian-inspired dishes they are known for than the brunch menu. Apparently the pot pie is a must, which we did not order. Overall, 6/10, but would give it another go.

Andros Taverna

My family members all have somewhat different preferences when it comes to food, so Mediterranean and Greek restaurants are usually a safe bet to find something that works for everyone. I tried Andros Taverna’s dinner menu and thought everything was spectacular to the point where I couldn’t name a favorite dish and would suggest asking the staff for their opinions. I would definitely come back for dinner anytime and have moved trying brunch higher up on my list! Overall 10/10.

Yuzu Sushi

Not only is the sushi here incredibly aesthetic, but it is also amazing and extremely affordable! The restaurant itself is somewhat small and been around for a bit but of course went viral on TikTok this year so I was reminded I wanted to try it. Now I can’t wait to go back! 10/10.

PLANTA Queen

I wanted to try this restaurant the last time I was in Miami but never had a chance. Luckily for me, they opened a location in River North. I eat almost everything but definitely am intrigued by fully vegan restaurants because it can be hard to pull of good vegan dishes. I tried this restaurant for brunch specifically but the all day menu was available as well. Let me just say, it definitely lives up to the hype. My favorite dish was the dragon roll. Highly recommend, an overall 10/10.

Aikana

Aikana’s food is Central and South American fusion. The cocktails here were too sweet for my taste but are definitely pretty. Everything we had was great, including the cod wings and tiradito. I went with a friend but would probably be a great date spot based on the ambiance! Overall, 7.5/10.

Rose Mary

The menu here is Italian-Croatian fusion. Most dishes definitely are not vegetarian friendly but cocktails and food are still great! My favorite dish was the duck-stuffed peppers, but those aren’t the easiest to photograph so below is the tortellini instead. Overall, 7/10.

Alla Vita

Chicago has a huge Italian food scene and since I try to eat relatively healthy I tend to not pick Italian spots first, but even I would definitely take any chance to go back to Alla Vita. When I went, the restaurant was newer and pretty hard to get a reservation, so we went to celebrate one of my girlfriend’s birthdays. The food is phenomenal, and if you like octopus the roasted octopus is definitely a must. Overall 10/10.

Lyra

I might upset some people and say that while Lyra is good, it’s not my first choice for a Mediterranean restaurant in Chicago. I would give the dinner another shot and maybe try the brunch, but overall felt that it was hyped up more than was delivered. The large bar area makes it best for a weekday-night-out for drinks and an appetizer in West Loop. Overall, 6/10.

Piccolo Sogno

I might be biased since this was one of the places I celebrated my birthday this year, but this Italian spot is popular for a good reason. The pastas were all AMAZING, along with the tiramisu and wine selection. I still haven’t been in the summer when the outdoor patio terrace is open but will definitely be going back. Overall, 9/10.

Bambola

This is my most recent find! The dumplings and baklava croissant were amazing. I need to try everything else on the menu too. Great service and ambiance, would definitely recommend for a special occasion. Overall, 9.5/10.