Best Neighborhood Gem Restaurants in Near North

Great environment and staff. Quality and freshness of food is fantastic. The environment and menu is great for an elevated relaxing brunch. The brunch menu is in keeping with the Mediterranean theme, but offers a wide variety of options for dietary preferences. The staff took great care to handle food allergies and label servings in an obvious manner. Looking forward to a second visit.

I was here a few years ago and remembered how fantastic it was, so I suggested it for a group lunch for some people coming out of town!

We took two friends here for Thanksgiving dinner and had an excellent time. The decor is pleasingly dark and polished but with plenty of light. The food was very good. My husband has a filet of sole, which was filleted right at the table and was delicious, according to him. Two of us had the prix fixe Thanksgiving dinner, which was traditional (turkey, etc.); it was substantial and well-presented. Our fourth had the seafood grill, which he enjoyed. Service was exceptional from Matt (although I think he was a little disappointed we were all from Chicago) and the others helping him. We had an early reservation (11:00 am), arriving when there was hardly anyone there. By the time we left the restaurant was full but the noise level was still low and it was easy to carry on a conversation during the meal. It was our first visit and I think we may come back. A very enjoyable time.

We thought this place was so cool since it is on the second floor of an Italian market. The ambiance, the service, and the food were outstanding!

My husband and I have moved to the Asheville, NC area and only come back to the Chicago area once a year to see family. We have been missing Quartino, especially because they can accommodate my lactose intolerance. This year, we decided that we had to go to downtown Chicago just so we could go the Quartino and Eataly. It was even worth the horrible traffic getting downtown!