803 W. Randolph St., West Town
This comfortable tapas spot focuses on the flavors of the Mediterranean, with influences from Italy, Spain, Greece and Morocco. Specialties include red pepper gnocchi, balsamic glazed pork tenderloin and lamb and feta meatballs, and dishes are made with fresh and seasonal ingredients when possible. With a specialty cocktail list and a laid back vibe, Nia makes a good choice for a quick bite after work or a casual date. READ MORE
3404 N. Southport Ave., Lake View
The husband-and-wife team that oversees this earthy coffee house is focused on sharing a taste of Africa with Lakeview. They bring a discerning eye for coffee, selecting beans directly from African farmers then roasting them on site before they make their way into coffee drinks such as chai lattes, iced coffees and straight-up Joe. African sandwiches and meat pies are made from scratch daily and served up alongside a wide selection of homemade muffins, croissants, cinnamon rolls and other pastries. Neighborhood lunchers come for sandwiches and panini. Combined with handmade reclaimed furniture from Zimbabwe and African artwork on the walls, we’d say this duo does their roots justice. READ MORE
1551 N. Wells St., Old Town
This Old Town restaurant and wine bar offers a low-key neighborhood hang for those looking to step off the bustle of Wells Street nightlife. A wine inventory of 50-plus options by the glass will featuring varietals from the U.S. and around the world. If you're in the mood for socializing, take in the expansive half-circle wooden bar in the back of the room, or pull up a chair at one of the cozy tables lining the long, narrow space. On the menu are American small plates, thin-crust pizza and salads, with nibbling options such as mini-desserts, flights of cheese and flights of chocolates. Owner Jeff Bersh (also of Fresh Choice) envisions it as a spot where women will come to relax, and plans to bring some of the favorites of Fresh Choice over to this spot. READ MORE
5308 N. Clark St., Andersonville
Through a separate entrance in the same building as farm-driven Acre is this Andersonville spot, focusing on Italian classics and an all-Italian wine list. Ombra is modeled off of an Italian cicchetteria, a neighborhood place to grab a drink or snack. The menu may be influenced by various regions of Italy, but you won’t find pasta here; instead look for dishes such as bagna cauda, a sort of fondue with anchovy, butter and garlic served in terra cotta dishes with a candle underneath. Or go for the calamari cooked in its ink with polenta. A featured item will be tramezzini, which are crustless Venetian sandwiches with fillings such as truffled egg or shrimp and radicchio. In the morning, look for grab-and-go items such as Italian pastries, coffee and espresso, along with wifi for those who want to camp out. The space itself was conceptualized by the team behind Ruxbin, so look for similar reclaimed and recycled touches throughout. READ MORE
