The Most Talked-About Dishes in Chicago – April 2026

One of the most exciting new restaurants to open in Chicago in recent memory, Mirra blends Mexican and Indian ingredients, techniques, and flavors with confidence. The cooking from chef-partners Rishi Kumar and Zubair Mohajir is precise and layered, from lion’s mane mushroom in mole blanco to roti quesadillas and lamb barbacoa biryani with a crisp shell. Still, it’s the two-bite crispy Hudson Bay scallop tacos that stand out. Served with green Mexican curry, charred cauliflower salad, and a drizzle of yogurt-agave dressing, they deliver a concentrated hit of flavor in each bite. It’s the kind of dish meant to be shared, though not without hesitation.

A great Caesar salad has a way of sticking with you, especially when it reworks the classic without losing what makes it so appealing in the first place. At Zarella, the kale cesar does exactly that. The greens are massaged just enough to keep a clean snap without tipping into bitterness, while a lighter vinaigrette carries a balanced hit of anchovy. Garlic breadcrumbs add crunch and depth, pushing it firmly into standout territory.

The salad could easily hold its own as a meal, but skipping the tavern-style pizza would be a mistake. The thin, crackly crust delivers a satisfying crunch, topped simply with fior di latte, basil, and pomodoro sauce. It’s a combination that makes a strong case for ordering both.