HUNTER’S NEIGHBORHOOD SPOTLIGHT: ELIZABETH RESTAURANT

4835 N. Western Ave, Unit D
Chicago, IL 60625
www.elizabeth-restaurant.com

Nestled quietly north of Lincoln Square’s most bustling intersection is an unassuming storefront. If you blink, you’d miss it—but if you were looking for a whimsical gem of a restaurant with a Michelin star, then you would know to find Elizabeth Restaurant. It’s been no secret to food critics, as the intimate restaurant has been collecting accolades since its opening in 2012, but as Lincoln Square continues to shine as one of Chicago’s top neighborhoods, new patrons are continually finding its way through Elizabeth’s indistinguishable doors.

Chef Iliana Regan, a self-trained chef from the Midwest, focuses her seasonally inspired cuisine on regional ingredients, rotating the menu as the freshest ingredients become available. For some farm-to-table restaurants of similar caliber, that would mean a meat-heavy service, but not so for Elizabeth. Elizabeth is the delicate counterpart, offering thoughtful and intricately delicious dishes, with fruit and vegetables at the front and center of each menu. Run with a playful spirit, many of the seasonal menus are themed, often inspired by fantasy or nostalgia—past and current themes include Game of Thrones, Alice in Wonderland, and Dr. Seuss.

To visit Elizabeth, booking a table in advance through their website is highly recommended. They are currently accepting reservations through the early summer for a number of fine dining experiences, including the spring’s featured menu, based on Wes Anderson films. Elizabeth Restaurant gives every reason to pursue—and enjoy—the quest of uncovering neighborhood gems.

Planning your visit: metered street parking is available. If traveling via public transportation, the restaurant is accessible from the Western Brown line stop, the #49 Western bus, and #81 Lawrence Ave. bus.