Tanta

Is there a requirement that the soundtrack at each River North restaurant change at a specific time? "My eating partner questioned me as club-like beats began playing in the background at Tanta at precisely nine o'clock that evening.

The new Peruvian restaurant, one of the Rooftop Restaurants in Chicago, initially gives off the impression of being another River North eatery. A large, vibrant mural on the wall creates a celebratory atmosphere, there is a long bar where businessmen in suits are sipping vodka on the rocks, and the restrooms are located downstairs. However, things at Tanta feel different once you start dining and ordering drinks from the cocktail menu rather than staying at the bar. The atmosphere is more somber and wonderful, and the population is older on average, with many generations seated at most tables.

Gastón Acurio, a well-known chef from Peru, opened Tanta, his first restaurant in Chicago, as his third American establishment. There are more than 30 Acurio eateries worldwide, including La Mar in San Francisco (a New York location of La Mar closed last month). He also owns Astrid y Gaston, one of the top 50 restaurants in the world, which is located in Lima. Additionally, it's his third Tanta; there are already branches in Barcelona and Lima.

It may be as a result of this that Tanta is successful right away; timely and knowledgeable service is provided, and despite a few small issues, chef Jesus Delgado's kitchen is producing meals that are complex and thoughtful. Tanta's menu incorporates ingredients and cooking methods from Japan and China, two nations that have had a significant influence on Peruvian cuisine.

Google Rating: 4.6/5.0
Address: 118 W Grand AveChicago
Phone: 312-222-9700
Price: N/a
Opening hours: Mon 5pm-9pm; Tues-Thurs 5pm-11pm; Fri, Sat 5pm-midnight; Sun 11am-2:30pm, 5pm-9pm
Website: Tanta Chicago