Lakeside luxury and lusciousness

Bucktown outpost of the Lincoln Park Ukrainian coffee shop with what might be the best croissants in Chicago. Baked in house daily. Pistachio and strawberry are the standouts, but the cinnamon roll has its own claim to greatness. Beans roasted in Ukraine and shipped over. Coffee is solid, not the star. Walk-up window for grab and go. Note: this rating is based on the Lincoln Park location — haven't personally visited Bucktown yet.

Ukrainian coffee shop on one of Lincoln Park's best corners with what might be the best croissants in Chicago. Baked in house daily. Pistachio and strawberry are the standouts, but the cinnamon roll has its own claim to greatness. Beans roasted in Ukraine and shipped over. Coffee is solid, not the star. Walk-up window for grab and go. Seating is tight and always contested. Get there early.

Five locations around Chicago. The cappuccino is oversized, the milk runs too hot, and the espresso is over-extracted. When a barista asks what size you want for a cappuccino, that tells you what you need to know. The baristas are trying. The training isn't there. A local Starbucks, for better or worse. Spend your money somewhere else if you have the option.

Roman-style pizza sold by weight at three Chicago locations. The 48-hour fermented dough is light, airy, and perfectly crisped on the bottom. Toppings rotate hourly and run from traditional meatball to potato rosemary to lemon. Grab and go or eat there — either works. If you're reheating at home, get a cast iron screaming hot first. A couple of pieces is enough, which is both the appeal and the problem.

Small Cheval is the focused, casual offshoot of Au Cheval, and the burger might be better. Double patty, medium rare, house pickles, sauce, and a perfect bun. Order at the window, grab a patio seat, eat it immediately. The custard concretes are not optional. Oreo or peanut butter cup is a decision you'll need to make on your own.

Chef Sujan Sarkar of Michelin-starred Indienne built Nadu to be the less formal, more vibey version of regional Indian cooking he wanted to make. The $60 prix fixe tasting menu is one of the better deals in Chicago right now. Start with the rasam. Get the crispy barramundi. Don't skip the butter chicken. The room is clean and modern with a stunning original painting as its centerpiece. Service is slow — plan accordingly. Michelin Bib Gourmand and well deserved.

Boka is a Michelin-starred restaurant on Halsted with the pedigree of Eleven Madison Park and a room that manages to feel luxurious and genuinely warm at the same time. The ricotta dumplings are a pasta texture masterclass. The octopus, the sea bass with foie, and an exceptional pastry program round out a menu that doesn't miss. Tasting menu or à la carte, both are right. The place we got engaged. Still one of the best restaurants in Chicago on pure merit.