Winter in Chicago is the perfect time to explore new restaurants and return to old favorites. After summer’s lingering sunsets and welcoming al fresco dining wind down, local residents can embrace the warmth and cozy ambiance of city staples like Mia Francesca, successful chains like Texas de Brazil and Roka Akor or relative newcomers like Margeaux Brasserie.
For a quarter century, Mia Francesca has served Northern Italian classics from its now-familiar Chicago storefront. Rich wood trim accentuates the clean lines and simple tablescapes reminiscent of an Old World Italian trattoria, while diners enjoy handmade pizzas, risotto, and pasta dishes, as well as chicken, veal, and seafood standards like Pollo alla Diavola and Salmon con Lenticchie.
For a more cosmopolitan feel, diners at Texas de Brazil get a taste of all things Brazilian churrasco, Texas-style. The waitstaff circulates the room offering the freshest cuts of meat served tableside, and the expansive salad bar is stocked with so much more than just salad. Can’t decide? Texas de Brazil’s dining style encourages guests to try it all, from braised beef ribs to pork loin, lamb chops, Brazilian sausage, and filet mignon, and parmesan chicken drumettes.
Enjoy steak and sushi at Roka Akor, a steakhouse that’s been recognized by local and national publications alike for its Robota Japanese menu. The central grill adds a layer of visual interest to upscale menu items like prime steaks served with specialty sauces and Kobe beef, as well as cold and hot plates like Tuna Tataki and Shrimp and Lobster Dumplings. Go all out for the chef’s tasting menu for an amazing wonderland of classic Asian dishes and modern flavors.
There’s no mistaking the French influence on the dishes served by Margeaux Brasserie in the Waldorf Astoria, one of the newer restaurants on the Chicago dining scene. In addition to its art deco style that recalls the European elegance of times gone by, Margeaux Brasserie’s menu items reflect traditional cafe comfort food like French onion soup, tartines, and roasted chicken.
The falling temperatures and blustery winds that chill Chicago in winter make warm and hearty meals even more satisfying. Whether it’s Italian, Brazilian, Asian or French-inspired cuisine, these local restaurants serve up creative new flavors and familiar favorites worth the trek outside.
