Eater Inside

Inside Kitsune, Michelin-Starred Iliana Regan’s Foray into Casual Japanese Dining

Regan unveils Kitsune on Jan. 20 in North Center

by Daniel Gerzina Jan 13, 2017, 12:45pm CST

Photography by Marc Much

Sixteen months in the making, famed chef Iliana Regan is nearly ready to unveil her highly-anticipated casual Japanese restaurant and pub at 4229 N. Lincoln Ave. in North Center. Kitsune, named for the mythical Japanese spirit fox, opens to the public for the first time on Jan. 20. But you can take your first look around right now.

Putting aside the short-lived and dearly departed Bunny The Micro Bakery, this is Regan’s first casual restaurant and follow-up to her highly-acclaimed Michelin-starred restaurant Elizabeth. And like Bunny, Kitsune is small and cozy — it holds just 20 seats inside, including four at a small bar. The triangular space has a stark modern feel, with dark gray wood floors and walls, light gray banquettes, and orange chairs and pillows providing a pop of color. Regan designed the space herself.

Are Chicagoans excited about the Jan. 20 opening of Iliana Regan’s long-awaited casual Japanese restaurant? If you had any doubts, consider that Kitsune’s initial round of reservations sold out within hours. Regan has now opened up reservations through mid-February, however, and you can take your first look inside the space below.