When this Italian seafood restaurant hit the ground running in late 2013, it quickly became one of the hottest reservations in town, and it's still one of my top picks for dining in the Gold Coast. The array of fresh fish on ice are line-caught and flown in from across the world, giving the restaurant a rather unique selection (branzino, turbot, and Dover sole were all on the menu on my visit), which changes seasonally. Also delicious: the house-made pasta and house-made bread. Food is prepared in traditional Italian style: fresh and simple, using the best ingredients available. You can’t choose wrong here, but it’s bruschetta with stracciatella and crispy Brussels sprouts that has my heart. Everything is shareable, so plan on sampling.
Chicago› Restaurant
Nico Osteria
1015 N Rush St. (at E. Lake Shore Dr.), Chicago, IL 60611
Our Rating
Neighborhood
The Magnificent Mile & the Gold Coast
Hours
Breakfast: Mon–Fri 7am–11am; Lunch: Mon-Fri 11:30am–3pm; Dinner: Mon-Thurs 5:30pm–10pm; Fri-Sat 5pm–10:30pm; Sun 5pm–10pm; Brunch: Sat–Sun 8:30am–3pm; Salone Nico (bar) Sun-Thurs 10:30am to midnight; Fri–Sat 10:30am–1am
Transportation
Subway/El: Red Line to Clark/Division
Phone
312/994-7100
Prices
Main courses $12–$50
Cuisine Type
Italian
Web site
Nico Osteria

Map
1015 N Rush St. ChicagoNote: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.