Avec

Owned by Paul Kahan, Avec is a local favorite for its creative cuisine. It’s also tiny, narrow and cramped, with wooden tables packed together and a communal atmosphere (and, due to its no-reservations policy, a reliably lengthy wait list). Open for weekday lunch, Sunday brunch and until late for dinner, it offers a choice of mouthwatering small plates (burrata with smoked persimmon and a walnut-anchovy vinaigrette; chorizo-stuffed Medjool dates) or large ones (braised lamb neck with charred brussels sprouts; roasted mushroom pizza with butternut-squash pesto and arugula) prepared by chef Perry Hendrix. There’s also a wide selection of wines and eight artisanal cheeses.

For larger groups, check out Avec's sister restaurant in the River North neighborhood.