The Best Restaurants in Old Town Chicago

Cousins Carrie and Michael Nahabedian opened this sophisticated restaurant with the intention of adding a Mediterranean twist to American cuisine. Enjoy delectable appetizers such as roasted Maine scallops with vanilla bean and citrus, and wild crafted pea vine soup with candied lemon. Dinner selections include Copper River salmon with porcini mushrooms, roasted quail with kurobuta pork belly and Chesapeake Bay soft shell crabs served with a delicate salad. Partake in Naha's internationally acclaimed wine selection with more than 30 wines to choose from. "Innovative fine dining, consistently among the best," says Zagat Guide. "Chicago's reputation for stellar food has been immeasurably enhanced by the opening of this ... Mediterranean-scented fusion restaurant." Naha is located at 500 N. Clark Street. For reservations for private parties of five or more guests, call 312-321-6242.

This scrumptious steakhouse was founded in 1941 by Gene Michelotti and Alfredo "Georgetti" Federighi. In 2001, the establishment was the first steakhouse in Chicago to win the esteemed DiRona (Distinguished Restaurants of North America) Award. Their menu includes tender steaks and chops, mouth-watering seafood and decadent Italian cuisine. Enjoy tasty shrimp cocktail and baked clam appetizers, followed by entrees such as broiled veal chops, Chicken alla Joe or eggplant parmigiana. Dennis Ray Wheaton of Chicago Magazine says, "The [George and Georgetti] t-bone ... is simply the best wet-aged steak in the city." Gene and Georgetti also features a prominent wine list which includes a selection of more than 50 wines. Gene and Georgetti is located at 500 N. Franklin Street. Dress is business casual. For reservations, call 312-527-3718.

This contemporary restaurant offers distinctive American cuisine with international influences. New York architect William Leeds created a spacious environment out of a converted warehouse, characterized by muted earth tones and an urban loft appearance. Chef and owner Michael Taus opened Zealous in 1994 to "...offer patrons an adventurous foray into a world of tastes, textures and appearances," says the restaurant's website. Experience delicious appetizers like braised oxtail and blue goat cheese, a short stack of mango pancakes or yellowfin tuna tar-tare served with white sturgeon caviar. Entrees include sesame-crusted Chilean sea bass, crispy chicken breast with Moroccan spiced pot pie and prime 16 ounce ribeye with creamed spinach gratin. "The wine list is a marvel," claims Chicago Magazine. Zagat Guide says of Zealous: "Brilliant cooking without a safety net." Zealous is located at 419 W. Superior Street. For reservations, call 312-475-9112.

Mambo Grill was opened in 1998, the vision of Susan Frasca. Frasca created a colorful, rich environment with teal, yellow, maroon and purple surroundings for an exotic dining stage. She says, "We celebrate the tradition and culture of Latin cuisine from all around the world." The menu includes sultry Latin dishes such as Cuban steak tortas, Caribbean-style, slow-roasted chicken and grilled filet mignon with sauted red onions. The wine list is extensive, with wines from Brazil, Chile, Spain, France and Italy. Mambo Grill also boasts the country's largest rum and tequila selection with more than 60 international rums and 37 blue agave tequilas. Pat Bruno of the Chicago Sun-Times says Frasca is one of "Chicago's most creative restaurateurs." Mambo Grill is located at 412 N. Clark Street. For reservations, call 312-467-9797.