Star bites: Chicago Star’s top picks for local dining delights

In the vibrant and diverse culinary landscape of Chicago, where every neighborhood tells a unique gastronomic tale, the members of the Chicago Star Media team are more than just experts in their respective fields. Beyond their thorough and positive coverage of the Windy City, these individuals are also connoisseurs of the city's rich food scene.

In this exclusive insight into their off-duty lives, join us as we uncover a few favorite local haunts of Chicago Star team members. From iconic eateries to hidden gems tucked away in various corners of the city, get ready to embark on a flavorful journey guided by the discerning tastes of our very own Chicago Stars.

Top picks from Elaine Hyde, Chicago Star Media Publisher/Editor

Roka Akor: This sushi spot brings robata and the sushi seamlessly to the table making for an extra exotic experience. Attentive service that works like clockwork, clean and classy this restaurant is a staple for locals. Try their ramen (only at lunchtime) or their soft shell crab maki roll. Don't forget to finish the meal off with a yummy purple colored ube pot-de-creme.

Rosebud Restaurant for business and for pleasure. The atmosphere and excellent service are always on point. Nothing can beat their mac and cheese. Somehow, they make traditional dishes taste uniquely their own, differentiating themselves from all the many Chicago steakhouses that keeps me going back. The location on Randolph is my go-to for the lovely light-filled rooms. Colleagues and friends always have a good time. (Read more info here with a recipe included.)

Lao Sze Chuan: There was a time, about 10 years ago, when Chicago was a Chinese food desert, but the oasis of Lao Sze Chuan opened in Nordstrom building on Mag Mile in 2014 and ended the drought. For years now, many Asian food aficionados, far and wide, have convened around piping hot Peking duck and soupy xiao long bao dumplings, setting their senses alight with the traditional fiery chili chicken that the Sze Chuan region is famous for.

Top picks from ‘Candid’ Candace Jordan – Chicago Star Media Associate Publisher

Gibsons Steakhouse is not only a great restaurant but, for us, it’s filled with memories too. We announced our engagement there when it first opened, celebrated birthdays and so many special occasions and, of yes of course, there’s the food. An excellent menu filled with a variety of perfectly cooked steaks and seafood served by waiters who know your name. Located at Rush and Bellevue, it’s in the heart of the Viagra Triangle, as locals call it, and was honored as one of the top 10 steakhouses in the U.S. by GAYOT, an international guide to the good life.

La Scarola: Besides being a wonderful, authentic Italian restaurant, La Scarola is a hotspot too. It’s a rare night you don’t see a celebrity or well-known local in the crowd as you spool tasty, house made pasta. Even the menus are works of art, lovingly drawn by co-owner Armando Vasquez. On a recent night, Jerry Seinfeld and Jim Gaffigan made it their late-night spot for dinner following their appearance at the United Center. Owners Joey Mondelli and Armando welcome every guest as if they’re family. The restaurant, celebrating 25 years, is filled with photos of customers, celebrities and friends making the atmosphere as wonderful as the food. (Read more here, with a recipe included.) 

Tufano’s Vernon Park Tap, 1073 W. Vernon Park, has been family owned since its humble beginnings in 1930 when dishes were cooked in the original owner’s (Theresa Tufano DiBuono) home next door and passed through a window to the restaurant. Now run by grandson Joey DiBuono and his daughter Darci, the restaurant is still located in the heart of Little Italy. It is a recipient of the Classics Award from the James Beard Foundation and, recently, was featured on Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-Ins, & Dives” show in a “just like yesterday” episode. And that it truly is, from top to bottom, you will feel like you’ve walked into the past with a delicious, authentic menu to match. You still order off the chalkboard with Tufano’s lemon chicken and chicken picante with pine nuts and angel hair being at the top of our favorites list. (Read more here with a recipe included.)

Gene and Georgetti, 500 N. Franklin, is an institution in Chicago. Celebrating over 80 years of serving great Italian food, this award-winning Tuscan steakhouse is still in the same family, now run by grand-daughter Michelle Durpetti and husband Collin Pierson. A favorite of Sinatra’s and many other celebs, the restaurant is famous for its steaks but also boasts creating the original garbage salad. Other favorites include the La Bistecca Fiorentina (a prime, dry-aged T-bone steak, sausage and peppers), Greek style chicken, Colorado lamb chops and Chicken Joe (a signature dish of roasted chicken breast with sweet and hot peppers.) (Read more here with a recipe included.)

Top picks from Ashlea Hearn, Chicago Star Media Associate Editor

Ralph Lauren Restaurant: The Ralph Lauren Restaurant in Chicago is an upscale and swanky bistro that fully encompasses the timeless classic brand in every aspect. I loved it because of three things: 

1. The service is incredible — truly impeccable, white-glove treatment. The staff were so attentive to our needs from the moment my guest and I stepped through the door. And without me even requesting anything extra, they put a cloth on the floor so my purse wouldn't get dirty! We honestly felt like royalty.

2. Their escargot was perfectly marinated in garlic butter with a side of toasted brioche. The garlic butter wasn’t overpowering the way I’ve experienced this French delicacy in places like Alaska, which is known for its seafood. And the brioche was actually light and enjoyable, rather than too doughy and filling. I paired this with a crisp glass of Riesling, which was just refreshing and dry enough.

3. An exquisite experience at RL ends in the most ideal way for fashion lovers: shopping next door at Ralph Lauren! The designer store is almost like a museum of poshness, so my friend and I had so much fun going through each level and trying things on. Read my full review on my blog.

Bazaar Meat by Chef José Andrés:  Another upscale favorite by Michelin-starred Chef José Andrés, this steakhouse truly transcends the idea of sophisticated dining with colorful and inventive dishes that makes for a rather intriguing dining experience. The food at this restaurant is so different than anything else you've tried, which is great if you're in a fun mood to try cuisine you haven't tasted before. I tried the most interesting taco I've ever had. A layer of seaweed is topped with a Spanish ham called jamón ibérico de bellota. A dollop of Ossetra caviar is then laid on top with a sprinkle of gold leaf to create this taco. This was perhaps my favorite dish, as it was both chewy and tangy. My friend tried the Cotton Candy Foie Gras three times! This fluffy candy comes with crispy amaranth in the center, which is a grain or seed like quinoa. We also enjoyed the Bagels and Lox Cone with salmon roe (fish eggs) and dill cream cheese. Each bite at Bazaar Meat is so unique and tasty! And what's even better is this gem of a restaurant is just right next door to the Lyric Opera of Chicago, making it a perfect pre-opera dining option. The restaurant also has such a romantic vibe, so I definitely plan to come back with my boyfriend on a date and actually try the steak next time. Read my full review on my blog.

I|O Godfrey Rooftop Lounge:  I|O Godfrey Rooftop Lounge is a must-visit, swanky, year-round oasis in River North atop The Godfrey. Not only does this rooftop have a great view, but it also has so much variety on its menu for all tastebuds! I loved all the items I tried on their new happy hour menu, but they had the most succulent lamb lollipops and mouth-watering steak tacos. The meat and cheese plate were also fantastic, along with the octopus sushi roll. Their drinks were also so refreshing and tasty! We tried the popular purple gold-trimmed Amethyst Destiny, which comes with Grey Goose vodka, St. Germain, butterfly pea flower, gold powder, fresh lemon juice and “magic" (yes, that's actually listed on the menu!) And for dessert, I had the Raspberry Sorbetto, a sweet pink cocktail that comes with Bombay Sapphire Premier Cru, Starlino Rosé, Coastal Watermelon Rosé Spritz, raspberry sorbet, with the rim lined with pink pop rocks. They do have actual dessert too, like their Trés Leches Cake which was so fluffy and tastes like heaven! I definitely prefer this rooftop on a warm summer or late fall day, but in the colder months they have igloos that can be reserved to stay warm and cozy all-year round. Read my full review on my blog.

Top picks from Jon Cohn, Chicago Star Media contributor

Victory Tap Chicago:  Classic Italian in the South Loop. Neighborhood restaurant with a cozy, but sometimes crowded, atmosphere. Pure quality food, with Chicken Parmigiana an absolute must try.  Service is great, and the " feel" of the restaurant is vintage Italian—like right out of “The Sopranos” TV show. 

The Drunken Bean Coffee & Wine Bar  : Right smack in the heart of the LakeShore East neighborhood, this coffeehouse/restaurant is as authentic as they come.  A real throwback, with a true local coffee house feel. The breakfast burrito is a killer, and some unique flatbreads are available for lunch and dinner.  Oh, and the gelato offerings are both plentiful and pleasurable!

The Dearborn: Best lunch spot in the loop. Wide variety of offerings, and everything is top quality.  Service makes you feel like a king (or queen), and many times local celebrities or politicians can be seen dining there. Never was a big Brussels sprouts fan till I tried their version of the roasted kind. Wow! Classy decor and nice atmosphere as well.

Top picks from Elena Smentkowski, Chicago Star Media contributor

Staropolska:  Staropolska has some of my favorite Polish cuisine in the city, in the heart of Avondale, one of Chicago's historically Polish neighborhoods. Growing up in a Polish American family, the cooking reminds me of home, my childhood, and my own family's cultural recipes. The vegetarian plate is a must, with potato dumplings, pierogi, stuffed cabbage, and zucchini pancakes. They have a wide list of Polish beers and wines to accompany your meal. Staropolska also features warm, old-world decor which heightens the experience.

Ciccio Mio:  Ciccio Mio is one of my favorite date night restaurants with its romantic atmosphere and exceptional food. Tucked away behind the Merchandise Mart, the old-world Italian restaurant has an absolutely beautiful interior with dim lighting, atmospheric music, red velvet booths, and antique wall fixtures. The food is wonderfully authentic, I always enjoy the burrata, asparagus, and black truffle bucatini. They make a mean Aperol Spritz as well!

Mothers Ruin:  Another north-side spot, Mother's Ruin has some of my favorite comfort food and cocktails in the city. A laidback gastropub, Mother's is a fun place to unwind after a long work week and enjoy some elevated bar fare. My favorites are the French onion grilled cheese, waffle fries, and pimento cheese dip. They also do a great brunch with a killer breakfast burrito and bloody mary. Mothers has a creative rotating cocktail menu too with something for everybody.

Michaela Wilson, Chicago Star Media contributor

Koi Sushi: Koi Sushi has become my go-to date night spot. With their all-you-can-eat menu, they serve up fresh fish and handmade crab rangoons that are to die for. My favorite part of Koi is the presentation of their plates. Every meal is served on boats with dry ice engulfing the tasty fish favorites.

Jam n' Honey: Right in the heart of Lincoln Park, this breakfast place serves up classic breakfasts with creative twists. With its cute homey environment, Jam and Honey never fails to bring the freshest ingredients in every dish they make, with my personal favorite being the Pork Belly Hash. 

Homeslice: Located on DePaul University’s campus, Homeslice is one of the cutest pizza places I have ever visited. Every inch of this establishment is picturesque with their walls decorated with lights and cute and trendy signs. They also have the most creative menu, from street corn pizza to chicken ranch pizza. No matter how outlandish the flavors sound, Homeslice always serves up something delicious.