Meet + Eat: Chicago Does Power Lunch

When scheduling a meeting or taking clients out of the office in the middle of the day, the last thing you want to worry about is picking a restaurant that will impress with both a nice atmosphere and a delectable lunch menu. We've researched the best restaurants to add to your list-whose dining options go beyond the ordinary. These power lunch spots offer reasonably timed sit-down meals that are sure to satisfy your appetite and hopefully your business needs.

Eve
At 840 North Wabash, Eve is conveniently situated north of the Loop but south of Lincoln Park, near major hotels and public transportation. Eve's interior is neutral but bold, and their friendly staff can accommodate diners who are in a time crunch, as well as those who prefer a long and leisurely lunch. Chef Troy Graves invites guests to experiment with innovative and contemporary versions of American classics like the buttermilk fried oysters made with Tasso waffle and pickled okra. Any burger fan would surely be bowled over by one of their 10-ounce prime beef burgers with interesting toppings such as foie gras, bacon, port onions or stone ground mustard. On the lighter side Eve offers a variety of salads. The restaurant offers private dining space for 14 people with its own entrance and flat-screen monitor. Another semi-private space can accommodate up to 35 people. Both dining rooms have private sound systems.

Aria
Located adjacent to the Aon Center and across the street from the Prudential Plaza and Illinois Center at 200 North Columbus Drive, Aria is right in the middle of the power lunch action. Offering New World Asian cuisine, Aria's menu includes favorites from the middle to the far east and everything in between. Try Aria's signature dish, hot and sour rock shrimp, a lunchtime favorite. Other popular lunch items include lobster and barbecue duck chow mein and grilled steak salad. "Aria is a great place to bring prospective clients because it is more intimate and one-on-one," says planner Jim Hirsch, executive director of Chicago Sinfonietta. "And you never need to shout because the tables are nicely spaced apart," Hirsch adds. Aria's private dining room is available for up to 12 guests and is surrounded by glass doors for a see-and-be-seen effect. An alternative option is the semi-private chef's table with sheer curtains for more privacy. Prix fixe menus of two or three courses can be arranged.

312 Chicago
312 Chicago is perfectly poised at 136 N. LaSalle, one of the busy intersections of Chicago's Loop. The restaurant boasts loyal clientele who return time after time for its consistent service and delectable menu. Many of 312 Chicago's lunch guests are greeted by name and shown to their favorite table. For first timers, the regulars recommend 312 Chicago's fish selections, brought in fresh each day. Try the roasted Alaskan halibut or Arctic char or request the daily special. 312 Chicago also offers a variety of paninis and other entrees which pride themselves on minimalism to showcase the natural flavors of fresh foods. Hailed as some of the best private dining in the city, 312 Chicago has a tasting room that accommodates up to 30 diners. Larger groups are hosted in the entire mezzanine level with panoramic views of City Hall and the Cadillac Theatre. 312 Chicago offers full audio-visual capabilities and complimentary Wi-Fi.

Trattoria No. 10
Trattoria No. 10 attracts an impressive 700 to 900 lunch-goers per week and creates a huge draw from its location in Chicago's financial district. The popular power lunch spot puts a contemporary flair on Italian staples, while still offering comfortfood favorites such as homemade gourmet ravioli. Gerry Sims, program associate for the MacArthur Foundation, says Trattoria No.10 is one of his vice president's favorite places to dine because "the food is top-notch with a number of really great selections, even when using a "fixed" menu. The cost is very reasonable, especially for what you get." Customer favorites include the homemade butternut squash ravioli; guests looking for lighter fare that won't put them to sleep after lunch can opt for the fresh trout or whitefish. Private parties can be arranged for up to 300 guests or on a smaller scale, two adjacent dining rooms can be used together or separately for private parties between 30 and 60 guests. The private dining rooms feature a warm color palette and traditional Tuscan décor. Judie Moore Green, chief marketing and development officer for Roosevelt University's Auditorium Theatre, has used Trattoria No. 10 for everything from small lunches for two to six guests, up to cast parties for 50 to 60 guests. "The menu is exquisite and there are so many choices for health conscious individuals and vegetarians," says Green.

Get Connected:

Eve // 312.266.3383

Aria // 312.444.9494

312 Chicago // 312.696.2420

Trattoria No. 10 // 312.984.1718