Chicago’s Hot 50 picks
Chicago Magazine’s Hot 50 list puts Nadu at No. 3 for its deep 'Indian regional cooking 101' approach, and Cafe Yaya sits at No. 4 with lamb burgers and dips like butternut baba ghanoush — both spots are getting serious local buzz. The posts registered strong social engagement (Nadu ~1K+ views; Cafe Yaya ~700+ views), so these are trending reservation targets. (x.com) (x.com)
Nadu is led by chef Sujan Sarkar, the chef behind Indienne, Sifr and Swadesi and a recognized figure in Chicago’s fine-dining scene. (chicago.eater.com) Chicago Magazine’s review lists Nadu at 2518 N. Lincoln Ave. and notes a dinner-for-two price range of roughly $150–$200 in its Feb. 9, 2026 review. (chicagomag.com) Nadu advertises a $55 four-course tasting option on opening coverage, is indexed on Resy and SevenRooms for reservations, and is listed with a Bib Gourmand entry in the Michelin Guide. (enprimeurclub.com) (resy.com) (guide.michelin.com) Cafe Yaya was launched by the team behind Michelin-recognized Galit, with chef Zachary Engel and restaurateur Andrés Clavero tied to the project. (resy.com) (chicago.eater.com) The cafe lists its address as 2431 N. Lincoln Ave., markets an all-day pastry-and-bistro concept, and carries a Resy listing that shows a 4.7 rating with several hundred reviews. (cafeyaya.com) (resy.com) Chicago Magazine’s pieces on both spots were written by critic John Kessler, with the Nadu review published Feb. 9, 2026 and the Cafe Yaya piece published July 9, 2025 as part of the outlet’s Hot List coverage. (chicagomag.com 1) (chicagomag.com 2)
