Petite Edith
Bistro · Near North Side ·
Midwestern French bistro with seafood, local ingredients, and French wines
Midwestern French bistro with seafood, local ingredients, and French wines
"From Michelin-starred chef Jenner Tomaska and partner Katrina Bravo, this relaxed, neighborhood-minded French bistro with Midwestern sensibilities melds classic French technique with local, seasonal ingredients and an approachable price point that invites repeat visits. Expect fresh breads, including a fougasse with olives, rosemary, lavender, and white anchovy, and a cheese-stuffed baguette finished with sumac and pomegranate molasses; house brochettes span vegetables, seafood, and meats. Larger plates range from Midwestern trout with sunchoke and anchovy sauce to razor clams casino-style with Champagne butter, pork sausage, and breadcrumbs, plus a 45-day dry-aged rib-eye from retired Illinois dairy cows with a backyard, “we’re-out-grilling” feel. Daily specials skew adventurous (think pig’s trotters stuffed with sweetbreads), and a limited, off-menu smash burger appears only at the bar, where they’ll take your name if it sells out and make it for you next time. The 25-seat wraparound bar anchors a darkly lit, intimate room that still feels lofty, fun, and buzzing, set beneath a chandelier-like art piece and surrounded by artwork from Meghan Borah and a floral mural. The wine list favors coastal French producers; cocktails nod to Chicago history (try the Lagrange with whiskey, apple brandy, Bonal bitters, and maple syrup), alongside tableside Champagne cocktails and nonalcoholic options like the Cherry Chile Jam with Michigan cherries and guajillo chiles. Housed in a new building between River North and Old Town with garage doors that open to the street in warm weather (and a patio planned), it currently serves dinner Wednesday through Sunday from 5 to 10 p.m., with brunch and seven-day service on the horizon." - Jeffy Mai
"The chef behindEsméis on a French restaurant streak. After opening up one of the summer’s most highly anticipated French-influenced steakhouses,The Alston, they’re now getting into the bistro game with Petite Edith. This River North spot plans to be heavy on the seafood while highlighting local Midwest produce." - John Ringor
"Opening:NovemberThe chef behindEsméis on a French restaurant streak. After opening up one of the summer’s most highly anticipated French-influenced steakhouses,The Alston, they’re now getting into the bistro game with Petite Edith. This River North spot plans to be heavy on the seafood while highlighting local Midwest produce." - John Ringor
"In River North, husband-and-wife team Jenner Tomaska and Katrina Bravo debut a French bistro this fall that spotlights approachable, seafood-focused dishes, a more casual counterpoint within a portfolio that also includes Michelin-starred Esmé and the Alston, their swanky steakhouse collaboration with the Fifty/50 Group." - Jeffy Mai
"A downtown French restaurant being opened by Jenner Tomaska and his wife Katrina Bravo as a separate project from Tomaska’s oversight role with the larger Fifty/50-led steakhouse; mentioned as a distinct forthcoming concept while Tomaska remains active across projects." - Ashok Selvam