"Althea is from celebrity chef Matthew Kenney and is probably Chicago’s No. 1 choice for upscale food for vegans who want a restaurant that doesn’t cook meat (other restaurants, notably Ever and Brass Heart, offer terrific vegan options, but they also cater to omnivores). Of course, Althea sits inside Saks Fifth Avenue, and that retailer sells leather and other goods strict vegans would avoid, so diners will have the pick their comfort levels. Vegan cacio e pepe (made with kelp noodles), barbacoa tacos (with oyster mushroom), and coconut and mango ceviche are some of the highlights." - Naomi Waxman