Balena

The first joint partnership by The Bristol and Boka Restaurant Group, Balena features Italian-inspired cuisine, sourced from Midwest farms by Executive Chef/Partner Chris Pandel. From the seasonal menu to the elegantly worn-in d‚cor designed by 555 International (Girl & The Goat, GT Fish & Oyster), Balena offers artisanal brick-oven pizzas, hand-made pastas and spit-roasted meats, fish and vegetables prepared in a wood-fired oven and grill on the savory menu; while twists on Italian classics are the crux of the dessert program. Opened in February 2012, in Chicago's Lincoln Park at 1633 N. Halsted, the 165-seat eatery is open seven days a week, from 4:30 pm on Saturday and Sunday, and from 5:00 pm Monday through Friday, with seating until 10:00 pm, Sunday through Thursday, and until 11:00 pm on Friday and Saturday. Hours are subject to change. For more information, please visit www.balenachicago.com.