Chicago’s Best Seafood Dishes for Spring
Seafood is the perfect light meal for warmer weather, whether you prefer it fried, broiled or served fresh caught and chilled. There are so many ways to enjoy all that the sea has to offer and Chicago chefs have prepared dishes that allow you to try almost all of them. With Passover coming up this weekend, and the Lenten season continuing into April, more Chicagoans than ever are looking for a delicious pescatarian meal. These choices are great picks for now, the upcoming summer and really all year long…
Ina Mae Tavern & Packaged Goods {1415 North Wood Street, Chicago; 773.360. 8320}: Ina Mae's seafood-focused menu is varied and delicious, making the toughest decision there just what to order! Choose from Chef Jupiter's signature Seafood Tower (Fried Shrimp, Oysters, Crawfish, Catfish, Hushpuppies, Crispy Potatoes), Boiled Shrimp, Fried Catfish Po' Boys, and more. It’s the perfect place to gather with friends for an extra fun Fish Friday.
RPM Seafood {317 North Clark Street, Chicago; 312.900.9035}: For the perfect seafood date night, start with RPM’s Chilled Maine Lobster and the RPM Prestige Oysters, then dig in to Grilled King Crab with Herb-Garlic Butter and Curry Aioli for your main. They do long-loved favorites with expertise, and sometimes a special twist you can only find in their kitchen, like no other location in the city.
Athena Greek Restaurant {212 South Halsted Street #1, Chicago; 312.655.000}: Seafood is a large part of any Mediterranean diet, and Athena carries on that tradition with meals like their Mediterranean Sea Bass or the Bakalao (pan-fried cod fish with skordalia). You can enjoy these and other plates with cocktails on their all-season patio for a little taste of Chicago summertime.
Osteria via Stato {620 North State Street, Chicago; 312.642.8450}: You can always dig into dishes like Pan-Roasted Faroe Island Salmon and other dishes at Osteria via Stato, but they’ve added several spring specials to their menu too. For the next few Fridays, but during Lent only, they’ll have a Seafood Stew with shrimp, scallops, and market fish in tomato broth. Plus, they’ll have a traditional Passover menu for the weekend as well! So there’s something for every diner here, whether you’re coming in to celebrate the holiday or just want a great meal.
Arami {1829 West Chicago Avenue, Chicago; 312.243.1535}: Real seafood lovers can take their favorite dishes to-go from Arami! Their team creates simple dishes that really let the fish shine, from their poke and maki to their signature specialty dishes like Zuke Maguro Kani (spicy King Crab over sushi rice with brushed tuna). Each bite will have you craving the next!
Formento's {925 West Randolph Street, Chicago; 312.690.7295}: Though this favorite West Loop destination is known for the pastas, their seafood dishes are just as strong. You could go classic with their Branzino served with fennel and Little Neck Clams or try something new with their Tempura Trout. Just plan on saving room to maybe get a side of pasta too ;)
Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House {1024 North Rush Street, Chicago; 312.640.0999}: With a name like theirs, you can bet that Hugo’s Frog Bar & Fish House knows their seafood. They have everything from raw bar bites like Oysters on the Half Shelf to mains like Planked Lake Superior Whitefish and Australian Lobster Tail so you can come back again and again for all your favorites!
Di Pescara {2124 Northbrook Court, Northbrook; 847.498.4321}: Di Pescara is offering a traditional Passover menu for both dine-in and carryout this coming weekend (Saturday, March 27 and Sunday, March 28).You can dig in to Gefilte Fish, Roasted Salmon with sautéed green beans, Potato Pancakes, and more family-style dishes throughout the weekend. The carryout menu is served cold with reheat instructions, and to enjoy the dine-in menu, everyone at the table needs to order the special holiday menu.
By Kaleigh Glaza | Market Editor