restaurant recommendations

Will be spending a few days in Chicago and want to know of some Italian and Spanish restaurants that are favorites of some of you local Ferraristi--nothing overly fancy (no chains either!), just fresh authentic cuisine from Italy and Spain. Greek would also be good. I'll be staying at the Sheraton on E. North Water St.
thank you and Merry Christmas
Ricardo

 

One of my favorites when I visit:

La Gondola Ristorante
2914 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL
Tel: (773) 248-4433

 

Spanish/Cuban go to Carnival, fun load and great Mojitos.

If your into big portions and the "be seen" crowd go to Carmines on Rush. If you want quality Italian try Francescas on Taylor Street. If you come back into town in the Spring please come to my place...it opens in April.

J

 

I love the "Italian Village" on a about 70W Monroe street. 3 different restaurants on 3 floors. Any one of them is good. Top floor is most fun, ground floor is most elegant.

At 215 E Ohio is Tapas, just went there for the holidays. Great Spanish food all around in a lovely place. Another good one is Iberia on La Salle street (about 600 N.).

Greek is easy as we have an entire "Greek town". Basically all on Halsted, just West of the downtown area. Go West on Madison until you hit Halsted, you can't miss it. Many good places there.

 

Andreas, I think you mean 'Cafe Iberico' at 737 N La Salle. Great place for Tapas.

 

Yup. I'm bad with any kind of names.

 

Italian/American (Great Steakhouse)

Erie Cafe
536 West Erie
Chicago

 

After sampling personally some of the recommended eateries, I concur with those of you who suggested Cafe Iberico (Spanish from Spain) and Parthenon (Greek). Both turned out to be fun and very authentic, very good value. Sadly, Emilio's was a huge disappointment.
Still, 2 out of 3 ain't bad.
many thanks to all and to all a happy new year.