Balena

1633 N Halsted St ChicagoIL60610
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Description

Balena has been executing honest, Italian cooking in Lincoln Park since 2012. Led by Executive Chef/Partner Chris Pandel, the restaurant is the first collaboration between Boka Restaurant Group and B Hospitality. Balena's many accolades include Best New Restaurants in America by Gayot and Bon Appetit, 3 stars by the Chicago Tribune, and a James Beard semi-finalist nomination for Best New...
by opentable on February 18, 2017 from opentable

Tips

Go early, make reservations - but get there. The collab between the Bristol crew and boka group is stellar.
by Citysearch on October 31, 2013 from Citysearch
A striking room sets the scene for a seriously tasty Italian meal. Can't go wrong with the pastas, and the pizzas will haunt your dreams. Great date spot!
by Citysearch on October 31, 2013 from Citysearch

Editorial Reviews

Three-Michelin-Starred Chef Heading to Balena; Gemini Bistro's Fifth Anniversary Specials; More:
LINCOLN PARK—Chef Massimo Bottura of Italy's three-Michelin-starred Osteria Francescana will hold a book signing at Balena on October 15. The $145 ticket cost includes a dinner by chef Chris Pandel; optional wine pairings cost $50 more. Call Balena to reserve. [EaterWire]

LINCOLN PARK—Gemini Bistro is celebrating its fifth anniversary with six days of deals incorporating the number five...
by eater on September 08, 2014 from eater
Balena Now Delivers; More Roots of American Food Conference Details; More:
LINCOLN PARK—You can now get Chris Pandel's Italian dishes and pizzas delivered to your door. Balena's full food and wine menus are available within a two mile radius via Grub Hub. [EaterWire]

LOOP—The Roots of American Food, the epic chef and food conference coming September 7 and 8 to the Wyndham Grand Hotel, will also the first appearance of Brooks Headley's Superiority Burger outside of...
by eater on August 18, 2014 from eater
Ferran Adria Book Signing on March 15; avec's 'Friends' Brunch Series; More:
LINCOLN PARK/RIVER NORTH—Look out Chicago, legendary Spanish chef Ferran Adria will soon be here to promote the release of his seven-volume elBulli catalog, elBulli 2005-2011 (which arrives March 3). Adria will be in town on Saturday, March 15, starting his day at 8:30 a.m. at the International Association of Culinary Professionals Conference. From there he will head to Balena at 11:30 a.m. for...
by eater on February 17, 2014 from eater
Between the "consistently impressive" pizzas, "must-have" pastas, "delicious" cocktails and "oustanding wine list", fans find lots to like at this Lincoln Park ‘in' spot where chef Chris Pandel's "inventive" dishes offer an "original" take on Italian cuisine; the "sprawling", earth-toned space includes a brown leather and steel bar and can be a "bit of a scene", but service remains "helpful",...
by zagat on January 21, 2014 from zagat

Information from the business

From OpenTable:

Balena is first collobaration between Boka Restaurant Group and The Bristol Group. Led by Execeutive Chef/Partner Chris Pandel, the restaurant serves what he calls "Honest, Italian cooking." Balena's many accolades include Best New Restaurants in America by Gayot and Bon Appetit, 3 stars by the Chicago Tribune, and a James Beard semi-fnailist position for Best New Rstaurant at...
by menuism on February 27, 2015 from menuism