Initially opened in 2017, Daisies moved to its spacious new home on Milwaukee Avenue in 2023, a relocation that quadrupled its size. The revamped space boasts a bright dining room seating 100, a cozy cocktail bar, a chef’s counter, and private dining areas, creating a setting equally suited for casual dinners and celebratory events. The airy, inviting atmosphere reflects the restaurant’s fresh, local, and approachable ethos.
At the heart of Daisies is a menu that reimagines Italian cuisine through a distinctly Midwest lens. Housemade pasta and inventive vegetable-forward dishes take center stage. Standouts include beet agnolotti, potato pierogi with mussels, and pappardelle with a rich mushroom ragu. The rigatoni with pork ragu and potted carrots in duck fat delivers thoughtful, big flavors for meat lovers.
Desserts are where Omilinsky truly shines. A Chicago native, Omilinsky joined the Daisies team in 2023, bringing her a resume filled with accolades, including Zagat’s 30 Under 30 and multiple Jean Banchet nominations for Pastry Chef of the Year.
Her dessert program at Daisies has quickly become a highlight. The crème brûlée tart, a Midwest twist on a French classic, features toasted rye, popped grains, and wildflower honey. Another viral favorite is the sweet corn panna cotta, topped with maple gelée, caramel corn, candied sunflower seeds, and popcorn ice cream—a playful nod to Midwest nostalgia elevated to fine dining.
The restaurant’s commitment to quality and sustainability has not gone unnoticed. Daisies has been showered with accolades since its relocation, including a spot on The New York Times’ 50 Most Exciting Places to Eat in the US in 2023. It was named Chicago’s Best Restaurant by critic Michael Nagrant, earned 3.5 stars from the Chicago Tribune, and was crowned Eater Chicago’s 2023 Restaurant of the Year. A Michelin Bib Gourmand distinction further solidifies its reputation for delivering exceptional value with a sustainable edge.
Daisies thrives at the intersection of creativity, sustainability, and hospitality. Its thoughtful approach to reimagining Italian dishes with a Midwest perspective and its warm and inviting atmosphere make it one of Chicago’s most exciting dining destinations. Whether you’re there for the perfectly executed pasta, the innovative desserts, or the heartfelt hospitality, Daisies captures everything that makes Chicago’s dining scene thrive.