The Purple Pig Restaurant
Mediterranean restaurant · Near North Side ·
Mediterranean pork & wine palace with shareable plates
![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]")
Mediterranean pork & wine palace with shareable plates
"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
"No matter the time of day, this is a fave among groups craving first-rate Mediterranean cooking with drinks and a setting to match. Everything is tasty, fun and great for sharing, so go with a posse and get a communal table all to yourselves. The bar is just as nice for solo dining, thanks to the chatty staff.The menu covers a range of specialties from this region, including panini to a la plancha; and the kitchen turns out flavor-forward dishes that turn simple into spectacular. Need proof? Try the grilled broccoli dressed with an anchovy vinaigrette, roasted garlic and crunchy breadcrumbs. Smoked pork tongue has a noticeable smokiness with just a tinge of sweetness and is served alongside a crunchy Olivier salad with a macaroni twist." - Michelin Inspector