The Alston is one of the windy city’s swankiest hot spots, with Michelin-starred chef Jenner Tomaska at the helm. The menu of French-meets-steakhouse fare is as beautiful as the space where you’ll eat. Pro tip: Message ahead if you want to reserve the special duck á la presse.

Who doesn’t love Hello Kitty? This Sanrio-sanctioned cafe serves afternoon tea and themed baked goods to rival the best of ’em, all done in a cutesy pink space you’ll adore.

Escape that bitter Chicago wind with a bowl of steaming, slurpable ramen. Rudy’s makes theirs tonkatsu style.

Because it justifiably takes its name from the Italian word deliziosa, or, delicious. Bella would have worked too, since the dining room is one of this fair city’s most beautiful.

We’ll never say no to a stunning hotel bar, especially when it’s at a spot as gorgeous as The Ambassador. Their Library Room serves a list of craft cocktails and features a crackling fireplace.

You won’t want to miss the signature Thai hot pot, jeaw hon, which is best enjoyed with a group of your most treasured friends. Plus, they’re BYOB, so do so to your heart’s content.

You come here for the pies: Parisian silk, honey basil, strawberry rhubarb … whatever your fancy, the fresh-baked goods at Oak & Honey are always the main event.

The happy hour offers deals on shrimp, oysters, wine, and spritzes, but even if you can’t make it in time for those, Uvae is well worth the trip. Don’t overlook the wine list during normal hours, either.

Between the picnic tables, smoked brisket, and mac ‘n’ cheese, eating at Briny Swine feels like having a cookout, in the best way. We bet your childhood cookouts didn’t have strawberry basil margaritas, though.

Modern Indian cuisine is the main event at this West Loop restaurant. Menus focus on regional dishes, while also reflecting a global approach. Try the tacos with curry lamb and crumbled paneer, crispy potatoes with harissa soy tomato glaze, or tamarind barbecue-glazed short rib. Cocktails are just as exciting, with several incorporating Indian spices or chutneys.

A stunning space that’s always buzzing with energy, chef Carlos Gaytán and his team delight diners with his highly personal take on Mexican cuisine. Think heirloom tomatoes with huitlacoche fondue and pickled peaches, chile relleno served with couscous salad, and tacos filled with everything from roasted octopus to creamy lobster. Pro Tip: Book a seat at the kitchen counter if you can.

Watch whatever game happens to be on while you enjoy Rounders’ Juicy Lucy. We can’t promise you won’t miss most (or all) of the game once you start savoring, but it’s worth the risk.

Who could resist the beautifully aesthetic bento boxes of sushi at Zenzi Den? Not us, that’s for sure. Throw on some crab yakisoba and miso black cod and we’re happier than a clam.

It’s a speakeasy-esque spot with craft cocktails worthy of a trip (or two). The bites are elevated past your typical bar fare, as well. Here, fries get melted leek aioli and burgers are topped with onion jam.

Feast on freshly prepared fare like zucchini fries, fig and prosciutto pizzas, and nine (count ’em) different salads. Did we mention the wine?

What happens when you fuse the cuisines of the American south and southeast Asia? At DixiePura, you get black-eyed pea hummus, five-spice pork belly ends, and charred whole catfish with ponzu.

Take in the rooftop views at Ambassador Terrace, made better only when you get that espresso martini flight you ordered to your table around the fire pit.

Casual, family-friendly Mexican is the way at Americano’s. Do know that the nachos, queso fundido, and flautas are sure to please whatever crowd you come with (even if it’s a crowd of one).

It’s a reincarnation (and reinvention) of two prior restaurants, one French and one Italian. Dining options abound, from their market to takeout, but we’d recommend snagging a table at their cafe, where you can enjoy both French onion soup and spaghetti pomodoro.

It’s no wonder the crowds still flock to Soul & Smoke. Between the award-winning slow-smoked meats sold by the pound, Cajun dirty rice, and prickly pear margaritas, we’re just surprised anyone ever leaves.

It’s all right there in the name — here you’ll enjoy homemade Italian food done exceptionally well.