What to Eat at Chicago’s New Restaurant Atelier in Lincoln Square

Ashok Selvam is the editor of Eater Chicago and a native Chicagoan armed with more than two decades of award-winning journalism. Now covering the world of restaurants and food, his nut graphs are super nutty.

It’s been a few weeks since Atelier debuted in Lincoln Square as Chicago newcomer Christian Hunter shows off the skill that garnered the attention of the James Beard Foundation.

A chef posing near a shelf with glasses. — Christian Hunter is ready to impress.

Atelier is the restaurant that replaced Michelin-starred Elizabeth, the renowned restaurant founded by Iliana Regan. While Regan has moved to Michigan to focus on writing and other endeavors, restaurant owner Tim Lacey has remodeled the space wanting a fresh start. He’s a restaurant veteran who worked at Trio Atelier, an Evanston restaurant space that saw major culinary talents like Grant Achatz (Alinea), Curtis Duffy (Grace, Ever), and Michael Carlson (Schwa).

Hunter has prepared a 10-course tasting menu with dishes like rutabaga pappardrelle Caesar (bagna cauda, miso) and beet harissa (feta, masabacha, duqqa granola). Take a look at some of Hunter’s dishes below. Atelier has just released reservations for April, but March openings remain.

Altelier, 4835 N. Western Avenue, reservations via Tock.