Marisol Restaurant and Bar

"Let’s get this out of the way: Yes, Marisol is in the Museum of Contemporary Art. Yes, the last time we got excited about museum food it was astronaut ice cream from the Museum of Science and Industry gift shop, and we were 10 years old. But Marisol serves such delicious and interesting dishes that its location is irrelevant. You should come here even if you’re not interested in looking at art or stocking up at the gift shop. Marisol doesn’t have its own separate entrance. So you’ll pass art installations and a help desk on your way to the restaurant - just like a group of eighth graders on a field trip probably did a couple of hours earlier. Like the rest of the MCA, the restaurant feels sleek and modern, and there’s a big, colorful mural, plus some line drawings on the walls. But despite these reminders of where you are, Marisol still feels like its own entity. photo credit: Sandy Noto The American food here is seasonal, with dishes and their preparations changing often. But some things are so good we hope they never leave the menu. For example, the sunflower hummus. This version succeeds where other non-chickpea hummuses we’ve tried lately - made with things like beets, peas, and avocados - have failed. It’s creamy, and blended with oregano and artichokes for a unique and complex flavor. The shrimp and octopus small plates are hits, too. Both look simple, but have components that keep them interesting: the shrimp is served with bits of apple and walnut that add texture and sweetness, and the charred octopus comes with housemade saffron potato chips we’d be happy to eat on our couches at home. While the small plates and appetizers keep things on the lighter side, the pastas and entrees here are heavier - but not excessively so. The bucatini with bresaola, truffles, and butter is rich, and the roasted half chicken that comes with masa dumplings and pâté-topped toast isn’t exactly light. But both dishes taste balanced and delicious, and ultimately, neither of them really weighs you down. The average Midwesterner will certainly be unfazed. The fact that Marisol is in the MCA, and in a neighborhood typically filled with tourists, might discourage you from coming here. Don’t let it. Marisol is a great restaurant in its own right - not just great by museum-restaurant standards - and absolutely worth a visit. Permission slip not required. Food Rundown photo credit: Sandy Noto Sunflower Hummus Bad sunflower hummus can be grainy, but this hummus is incredibly creamy and smooth. It also comes with flax seed crackers that look like stained glass when you hold them up to the light. So, it’s art. photo credit: Sandy Noto Octopus Ignore the fact that this dish looks a little like an octopus crime scene. The charred octopus is tender, and served with aioli and housemade saffron potato chips. We wish we could take those chips home with us. Marisol Salad If you’re looking for a light salad, this is it. It has apple, dill, macadamia nuts, pecorino, and (according to the menu) a dressing from the 1977 MoMA Artists’ Cookbook. So, more art. photo credit: Sandy Noto Rockaway Sweet Red Shrimp Walnuts and apples enhance the sweetness of the shrimp. This is a delicious and light small plate. photo credit: Sandy Noto Bucatini There are three pastas on the menu, and you need to order at least one. The bucatini with butter, bresaola, and truffle is a good choice. photo credit: Sandy Noto Fried Quail This quail is crispy and juicy, and it’s served with a date honey that adds sweetness. It tastes a little like a fancier version of chicken and waffles. photo credit: Sandy Noto Roasted Half Chicken We really like this dish. Not only is the chicken roasted perfectly, but it comes with tasty masa dumplings and chicken jus. The toast and pâté make it even better. Order this. Miso Butterscotch Pudding The desserts here change frequently, but are worth your time. We like the miso butterscotch pudding, which has macadamia nuts that add a nice texture, plus citrus zest to brighten it up. If you’re here during the day, make sure to get a cookie from the coffee counter. They’re awesome." - Adrian Kane

"After spending time at Chicago’s version of the Mall of America, it might be nice to balance everything out with some culture. Do so at Marisol in the MCA. It’s the spot on this list that’s the furthest from Navy Pier (an 18-minute walk, or six-minute drive), but it’s an excellent restaurant, and it’s still close enough that you should know about it. You’ll find things like sunflower seed hummus, steamed mussels, and housemade pastas. Plus, Marisol is right next to Water Tower Place, just in case you (or the people you’re with) haven’t had enough of Chicago malls for one day." - adrian kane

"Technically this place is on the border of the Gold Coast and Streeterville, but it’s worth crossing that busy part of Michigan Avenue for. Marisol is located in the MCA, and it serves food you want to eat even if you’re not here looking at art installations featuring a singular cotton ball under black light. You’ll find dishes like sunflower seed hummus, housemade pastas, and fried quail with date honey that tastes like fancy chicken and waffles. Plus, the versatile space has a bar area that’s casual enough for a bite with a few friends, and a separate section perfect for dinner with someone who wants to talk about how cotton balls represent consumerism. Or something." - adrian kane

"Marisol is located in the MCA, and it serves food you want to eat even if you’re not just here to look at an installation of cotton balls under black light. You’ll find dishes like sunflower seed hummus, housemade pastas, and bass with saffron polenta. Plus, the versatile space has a bar area that’s casual enough for a bite with a few friends, and a separate section perfect for dinner with someone who wants to talk about how cotton balls represent consumerism. Or something." - adrian kane, veda kilaru, john ringor

"Despite its location in the Museum of Contemporary Art, Marisol is so much more than a museum food court. This restaurant takes its name from the late French pop art sculptor, whose work was the museum’s first acquisition. The local, seasonal, and sensible cooking appeals to all palates, though much of the menu focuses on vegetables. Start with the burrata, a ubiquitous dish ramped up here with blood orange segments, almond crumble, and vanilla oil. This kitchen grills a perfect steak sided by cauliflower in a bright and flavorful huckleberry vinaigrette. The earthy buttermilk rye cake is expertly balanced by creamy pumpkin mousse and a quenelle of Mexican hot chocolate ice cream. Hit the Counter for coffee, pastries and quick bites on the go." - Michelin Inspector