After decades of taking a back seat to New York and Los Angeles, Chicago has emerged the belle of the restaurant ball with dozens of Michelin stars and James Beard Awards to its name, not to mention accolades from top publications recognizing the Third Coast as the most exciting dining city in America. The latest batch of eateries, many from a number of husband-and-wife teams, pay homage to the Midwest with wildly creative, seasonally inspired flavors, and offer the opportunity to experience eclectic pockets of the city, from Logan Square to the West Loop and Pilsen, a lesser-known neighborhood quickly evolving into a dynamic hub. These are the spots to add to your list now.

Daisies, Logan Square 2523 N. Milwaukee Avenue

At Daisies, Chef Joe Frillman’s “fruit to root” riffs on classics reflect his locavore-meets-Abruzzo point of view. Though house-made pastas get top billing, vegetables are the true stars: An appetizer of carrot rillettes sings with fennel and coriander, a coating of duck fat, and dollop of house-fermented horseradish crème fraîche. Fried mushrooms (first dehydrated for maximum crispness) and cheese curds are refined and almost delicate. A raw butternut squash salad dressed with pecans, pumpkin, and sunflower seeds with Parmigiano-Reggiano is crunchy and surprisingly satisfying, thanks to a luxurious brown-butter vinaigrette. The 70-seat space is as inviting as the flavors: It’s got a decorative tin ceiling, exposed-brick walls, and a warm neighborhood vibe with just enough edge to keep things exciting.