Opinions are, like … totally awesome. And thanks to insightful Metromix readers, you can check out a range of them on new restaurants.
Here are some of the latest and greatest. For even more Reader Reviews, check out metromix.com.
Mado
1647 N. Milwaukee Ave. 773-342-2340
We say: Husband-and-wife chef-owners Robert and Allison Levitt focus on locally sourced ingredients, especially proteins such as lamb and pork, at this stripped-down Bucktown spot. It’s BYOB for now.
Readers say: “I had the porchetta with salsa verde and arugula. The best pork I have ever had.”
“I ordered the sunchoke appetizer, guanciale crostini and the small portion of the tagliatelle with ramp pesto. The food was very plain, which I would understand if there were actual flavors that shone through. But that was not the case for me.”
ZED451
739 N. Clark St. 312-266-6691
We say: No gaucho uniforms here, but you’ll find the same single-price, all-you-can-eat premise of a Brazilian churrascaria.
Readers say: “The service in the beginning started great but fell short halfway through dinner. Our waiter disappeared and we were left ordering from a manager. We waited for certain cuts of meat that never arrived after we requested them. In the end, we gave up, and our waiter just assumed we were done and offered us dessert! There is some tweaking to be done in terms of service but otherwise it’s worth trying.”
L20
2300 N. Lincoln Park West
773-868-0002
We say: Celebrated chef Laurent Gras has partnered with the Lettuce Entertain You gang in taking over the former Ambria space with a high-end, seafood-focused restaurant.
Readers say: “I ate at L20 on a Sunday during opening week and had a fabulous meal. We had the four-course menu, which includes a ‘raw’ selection, a warm appetizer, an entree and dessert. The raw dishes and the amuses bouche may have been the highlight of the evening, although almost everything was outstanding. The room was a little stark, but lovely.”
Viaggio Ristorante
& Lounge
1330 W. Madison St. 312-829-3333
We say: Philly-born chef Anthony Risoli serves up classic Italian-American dishes at this unpretentious neighborhood spot in the West Loop. Don’t have tickets to the game at the nearby United Center? Catch it on one of 20 TVs in the dining room and bar.
Readers say: “Food was great (large portions, we ordered way too much); service great, really made you feel right at home. Will definitely become a regular.”
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Reader reviews compiled from postings on Metromix.com
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