Kostali and Gaijin score positive reviews from Tribune and Crain’s | Eater Chicago

"Opened at The Gwen hotel by chefs Carrie Nahabedian and her cousin Michael Nahabedian, this Mediterranean-coast–inspired spot—drawing on the duo’s shuttered Michelin-starred restaurant—offers dishes that longtime fans of their previous work will likely embrace. Small bites include phyllo triangles stuffed with cheeses and dusted with zaatar, while a light, velvety hummus arrives with a ragout of spiced ground lamb, raisins, currants, and onion. The seafood selections are notable: a beautifully bronzed skate wing accented by gently sweet Afghani raisins and a well-balanced black cod served over flageolet beans with fennel and citrus. The dessert standout is a Basque cake resting on mascarpone and finished with halvah ice cream and sugar-cookie ribbons." - Jeffy Mai