The Purple Pig Restaurant
Mediterranean restaurant · Near North Side
444 Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
![The Purple Pig Restaurant by The Purple Pig [Official Photo]](https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/62593453/purple_pig.164.jpeg "The Purple Pig Restaurant by The Purple Pig [Official Photo]")
Highlights
Mediterranean small plates featuring pork, cheese, and wine
Mediterranean small plates featuring pork, cheese, and wine
"The Mag Mile’s “cheese, swine, and wine” spot isn’t just popular because of its location. Its success can be largely attributed to Rising Star Chef winner Jimmy Bannos Jr. (Rising Star Chef, 2014), who comes from a long line of restaurateurs and was mentored by his father, Jimmy Bannos (Heaven on Seven). His approachable and inventive shareable plates evoke the Mediterranean region, and guests often wait hours for a table. In 2019, the restaurant relocated down the street from its original home, but its reputation remains: Tourist trap, the Purple Pig is certainly not. Bannos Jr. has left the restaurant, and co-founder Tony Mantuano has since returned." - Naomi Waxman
"A lively Chicago eatery with Mediterranean inspirations from Greece, Italy, and Spain, featuring dishes like salt-roasted beets and whipped feta." - Ty Gaskins
"This downtown Mediterranean restaurant is a constantly bustling small plate bonanza even though it moved from its original location. Recently, founding chef Jimmy Bannos Jr. left the restaurant, so 2025 will be a year of transition." - Eater Staff
"A Mediterranean restaurant offering a menu of Mediterranean-inspired dishes." - MICHELIN Guide
"Jimmy Bannos Jr.'s last day at The Purple Pig ended with little fanfare as the chef sold his stake in the Loop restaurant. As of Wednesday, October 23, Bannos Jr. is no longer involved in the restaurant he co-founded 15 years ago. The Purple Pig will continue without Bannos Jr., who says this was his choice and “it was time to move on,” and that he needs to concentrate on his new Greek restaurant in Northwest Suburban Niles." - Ashok Selvam
