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1. Gilda

WHAT: A lively Basque newbie from some industry vets.
WHY: With a name that nods to the famous pintxo, Gilda offers twists on classics, like tortilla española with hollandaise.
WHERE: 1421 W. Chicago Ave., West Town Website

Dishes at Noema, one of the 10 hottest restaurants in Chicago for October 2016. (Kristen Mendiola/Noema)
(Kristen Mendiola/Noema)

2. Noema

WHAT: A modern Mediterranean spot to bookmark for the chilly season.
WHY: Konstantinos Kvasilava serves transportive plates and Greek and Macedonian wines.
WHERE: 1443 W. Fullerton Ave., Lincoln Park Website

A handroll from Midōsuji, located in the Chicago Athletic Association, one of the 10 hottest restaurants in Chicago for October 2016. (Nick Podraza/Midōsuji)
(Nick Podraza/Midōsuji)

3. Midōsuji

WHAT: A reconsidered approach for the tiny bar in the Chicago Athletic Association.
WHY: Out is the omakase, in are appealing small plates and creative hand rolls.
WHERE: 12 S. Michigan Ave., Loop Website

 

4. Good Ambler

WHAT: A new location of the bustling West Loop bakery.
WHY: Set in the lobby, it’s an easy spot for downtown workers to grab double chocolate croissants on the way in.
WHERE: 2 N. Riverside Plaza, West Loop Website

 

A sandwich, fries, and beer at Soccer House in West Town, one of the 10 hottest restaurants in Chicago for October 2016. (Leigha Wondergem/Soccer House)
(Leigha Wondergem/Soccer House)

5. Soccer House

WHAT: If you caught World Cup fever, here’s a bar to indulge your passion.
WHY: With its rooftop bar and coffee program, you can find the right vibe no matter when the match airs.
WHERE: 501 N. Ogden Ave., West Town Website

 

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6. Jomon Sushi & Izakaya

WHAT: Sushi and skewers from the Mammoth Poke team.
WHY: You’ll find unexpected bites like sweet corn skewers glazed with soy and nori.
WHERE: 1858 N. Western Ave., Logan Square Website

 

Bulgogi at Yu-Yubu, a fast-casual spot on the Magnificent Mile, one of the 10 hottest restaurants in Chicago for October 2016. (Yu-Yubu)
(Yu-Yubu)

7. Yu-Yubu

WHAT: Fast-casual inari (sushi in fried tofu pouches).
WHY: Tasty fillings such as creamy crab.
WHERE: 520 N. Michigan Ave., Magnificent Mile Website

 

8. Cafe Gimme

WHAT: A Euro-style café with city and North Shore locations.
WHY: You can start your day with espresso, then close things out with a Hugo spritz.
WHERE: 2115 N. Damen Ave., Bucktown; 647 N. Bank Ln., Lake Forest Website

 

9. Kashgar Uyghur Dining

WHAT: Sample the cuisine of the Uyghur people from Central Asia.
WHY: We’re talking grilled lamb kebabs and hand-pulled noodles.
WHERE: 4830 N. Pulaski Rd., North Mayfair Website

 

10. Paper Tiger Cafe

WHAT: A café near Oz Park slinging frozen matcha.
WHY: Snag a cup, go for a stroll.
WHERE: 628 W. Webster Ave., Lincoln Park Website