ZipPicks Awards
Best Mediterranean in Chinatown & Bridgeport
Best Restaurants for Special Occasions in Chinatown & Bridgeport
Best Farm to Table Restaurants in Chinatown & Bridgeport
Best Tasting Menus in Chinatown & Bridgeport
Best Chef's Table Restaurants in Chinatown & Bridgeport
Best Restaurants With Private Dining Rooms in Chinatown & Bridgeport
Master Critic Review
Apolonia
8.6
Apolonia is chef Stephen Gillanders' contemporary Mediterranean dining room at the edge of McCormick Place, blending Northern Mediterranean flavors with a European-leaning small-plates menu and a focused wine list. Guests come for dishes like black truffle puff bread, branzino, and pastas, plus a Bib Gourmand–recognized experience that works for both conventions and date nights. The minimalist, high-ceilinged room can run loud, but it feels like one of the South Loop's most polished Mediterranean options.
Must-Try Dishes:
Black Truffle Puff Bread, Mediterranean Branzino, Fiorentini al Sugo
Scores:
Value: 8.1
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 8.9
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Bib Gourmand Mediterranean restaurant balancing ambitious small plates with convention-friendly polish.
Who should go: Couples and groups seeking polished Mediterranean near McCormick Place.
When to visit: Weekend evenings before or after events at McCormick Place.
What to order: Black Truffle Puff Bread, Mediterranean Branzino, Fiorentini al Sugo pasta.
Insider tip: Book the chef’s tasting menu to sample greatest hits without over-ordering a la carte.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in Motor Row, especially during conventions; most guests use nearby paid garages along Cermak/Indiana. Valet availability may vary by event schedule.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine if styled neatly; many diners lean dressy for date nights.
Noise level: Moderate to loud during peak hours — conversation is possible but the high-ceilinged room can echo when full.
Weekend wait: Typically 30–60 minutes without a reservation; longer on major convention or event nights.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait, except during large conference traffic.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several small plates and pastas can be ordered vegetarian or are naturally meat-free.
Vegan options: Limited — a few items can be adapted, but options are better with advance notice to the server.
Gluten-free options: Good accommodation — staff can guide gluten-free choices and adjust select dishes, but cross-contact is possible in a shared kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the polished room, shareable plates, and strong wine list make it a good first-date pick, though the space can be lively rather than intimate during peak hours.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — walk-ins are easiest early or late in the evening or on non-event nights; on convention weekends, reservations are strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Occasionally suitable for older kids or teens, but it skews adult — no dedicated kids’ menu and the atmosphere is designed more for date nights and business dining.
Best For
Better for: Polished, chef-driven Mediterranean plates near McCormick Place with a Bib Gourmand pedigree — stronger for date nights and convention dinners than casual neighborhood meals.
Skip if: You want a quiet dining room, budget-focused portions, or a menu with extensive vegan or family-focused options — consider alternatives in those cases.