The Neighborhood That Never Does Small

Order the soppressata and mortadella tavern squares first. Wisconsin-sourced meats, good lace, and a Calabrian chile honey oil that makes every bite slightly addictive. The mozzarella sticks have an extraordinary stretch and a fry that holds — get them. Pastas are solid across the board. Bar program is strong with real NA options. Gluten-free pizza and pasta both available. Multiple distinct spaces inside: a nostalgic dining area, a lively bar, and a hidden downstairs taverna. Choose based on the night you're having.

Naia is the most dramatic room on the Chicago River right now, and the mezze section gives it something the view alone can't. Start with the spread plate. The smoked eggplant is the best thing on the table, the truffle honey labneh is the second best, and the handmade pitas are how you get through both. The skewers are uneven and the fish is skippable. None of that makes you regret going. Reservations open 14 days out at midnight on OpenTable. The bar works too.

The only Palestinian coffee shop in the downtown area, in River North, named for the traditional Middle Eastern string instrument. Turkish coffee is strong, specialty drinks are barista-dependent, and the pastry program is the reason to come back. The chocolate knafeh is the move — get a spoon and share it. Consistently packed, consistently worth the stop.

Croatian-inspired all-day cafe serving breakfast and lunch alongside Croatian classics like ćevapi with ajvar. The thick Croatian yogurt bowl with compote and Balkan olive oil is the move and genuinely one of the better things you can eat at a Chicago cafe. Coffee is 4LW, executed well by baristas who actually know what they're doing. Worth going out of your way for.

Gorgeously curated River North coffee shop built around ethical sourcing, small-batch artisanship, and a mission supporting women. The space is stunning, the fairly traded goods are worth browsing, and the soft serve ice cream is a summer reason to visit. The coffee is uneven and runs too hot, which keeps this from being the slam dunk the rest of the place deserves. Worth supporting. Worth visiting. Worth hoping they tighten up the bar.

Avec's River North location is brighter, more spacious, and more occasion-friendly than the West Loop original, with a menu that goes its own direction. Handmade pasta and hearth-baked pizza are the additions worth noting. The ravioli is good enough to order twice. The chorizo stuffed dates remain. The apple endive salad will surprise you. A solid choice for a work dinner, happy hour, or anyone who wants the Avec kitchen in a room that actually has space in it.

Avec's rooftop sibling lives on the 8th floor of a River North building with views of Chicago's best architecture and an entrance that still feels like a secret. The food is fresh, seasonal Mediterranean done cleanly. The chorizo stuffed dates are a non-negotiable. Charcuterie comes from the Publican. The burger holds up. A reliable spot for out of town guests or anyone who wants a drink with a genuinely good view.