Two Illinois eateries made an appearance on Esquire’s 2025 list of Best New Restaurants in America.
Mirra and Pizz’Amici were among 33 restaurants to be recognized.
New Illinois restaurant proud of recognition
At Mirra, Esquire concluded: “One bite spans the globe.”
The restaurant melds Mexican and Indian cuisine. The online dinner menu lists dishes such as Tacos Arabe, Lamb Barbacoa Biryani, Rasul’s Roti Quesadillas and Rasmalai Tres Leches. Brunch is available on the weekends and on certain weeknights, customers can also take part in a chefs’ counter experience – which features a 7-course tasting menu.
The restaurant, located at 1954 W. Armitage Ave. in Chicago, shared news of the recognition in an Instagram post.
“This is such a proud moment for our restaurant and our hardworking team,” the restaurant wrote. “Thank you to everyone who has supported us, and thank you to Esquire for this recognition.”
Illinois eatery has ‘immaculate’ vibes and ‘perfect’ pies
Pizz’Amici described the recognition as “such an honor.”
Co-owners Billy and Cecily Federighi said, “Being named to Esquire’s Top Restaurants for 2025 was a moment of pure joy and disbelief.”
“It affirmed that every ounce of hard work over the past year truly mattered,” they said in a statement to the Journal Star. “We’ve always built this restaurant on our own terms, and this recognition is a powerful reminder that authenticity, risk, and heart still win.”
The thin-crust pizza place celebrated its one-year anniversary at 1215 W. Grand Ave., Chicago, in late November. Of the eatery, Esquire said: “the vibes are immaculate and the pies are perfect.”
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This article originally appeared on Journal Star: ‘Such an honor’: These Illinois eateries were recognized by Esquire
Reporting by Cassidy Waigand, Peoria Journal Star / Journal Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
