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To continue the tradition of asking Chicago’s food writers and critics to sum up their year in dining, they named their favorite new restaurants in 2019.
Chandra Ram, Plate: Thattu, Galit, Jeong, Kikko, Superkhana and Wherewithall shook the dust off of Chicago’s restaurant scene. Kostali has enough of the great Naha flavors and vibe. And I want to add an honorable mention to Virtue, which opened in late 2018 but rightfully dominated my dining recommendations to visiting chefs and food writers.
Titus Ruscitti, ChiBBQKing: Gaijin, Jeong, Tzuco, Tortello, Politan Row, Ali Baba Doner, Barbaro Taqueria, Torchio Pasta Bar, Lola’s Coney Island, Middlebrow Bungalow, Carnitas Uruapan Restaurant, Tacos de Canasta Don Rossy.
Ji Suk Yi, WGN Radio, Sun-Times: Galit, Wherewithall.
Michael Nagrant, michaelnagrant.com: Funkenhausen, Bar Kumiko/Kikko, Bayan Ko, Jeong, Galit, Cafe Cancale
Ariel Cheung, Plate, Chicago, Time Out Chicago, Block Club: My personal favorites — the food that really excited me — were Wherewithall, Jeong and Kumiko.
Morgan Olsen, Time Out Chicago: I’m admittedly quite proud of Time Out Market Chicago — where else can you find eats from Abe Conlon (Fat Rice), Thai Dang (Hai Sous), John Manion (El Che Steakhouse and Bar) and Lost Larson under one roof? I also loved Kumiko, Wherewithall, Tzuco and Thattu.