0 Followers
Daisies
Master Critic Reviews (6 Lists)
Daisies
8.6
Daisies is a Michelin-recognized Midwestern-Italian restaurant where house-made pastas and vegetable-forward plates lead, with the kitchen able to accommodate gluten-free needs on many dishes. The newer, larger Logan Square space adds daytime coffee and pastries while keeping dinner firmly in special-occasion territory.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carrot bolognese tagliatelle, Strawberry panna cotta, Warm rhubarb crostata
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Michelin Bib Gourmand pasta spot where seasonal produce, careful technique, and a willingness to accommodate gluten-free guests make it a neighborhood benchmark.
Who should go: Gluten-sensitive diners seeking polished, chef-driven pasta and produce.
When to visit: Early-evening reservations on weeknights for calmer pacing.
What to order: Carrot bolognese tagliatelle, a seasonal vegetable starter, strawberry panna cotta.
Insider tip: If gluten is a concern, flag it early—staff can steer you toward naturally gluten-free plates and adjust some pastas when available.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Primarily street parking on Milwaukee and nearby residential blocks; can be competitive after 6pm, especially on weekends. No valet.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most guests lean slightly polished for dinner.
Noise level: Moderate to lively; conversation is doable at smaller tables, but peak weekend hours can feel energetic.
Weekend wait: Expect a wait of 45–90 minutes for walk-ins; reservations are strongly recommended.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait, especially in the café/daytime service window.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple vegetable-forward plates and pastas are naturally vegetarian or easily adapted.
Vegan options: Limited — 2–3 items may work with modifications; confirm details with the server.
Gluten-free options: Yes — staff can guide to naturally gluten-free dishes and some pasta substitutions when available, but the kitchen is not a dedicated gluten-free environment.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the room feels warm, design-forward, and slightly upscale without being stiff, making it strong for conversation-focused dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly — the bar and limited walk-in tables are sometimes available, but expect a wait during dinner rush; arriving early evening improves your chances.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat — earlier seatings and brunch are the best fit; the dinner crowd skews adult and there are no kid-specific menus or amenities.
Best For
Better for: Seasonal, produce-driven pasta and thoughtful gluten-free accommodation in a polished but neighborhood-feeling setting.
Skip if: You need a very quiet dining room, budget-friendly casual plates, or strict celiac-level gluten controls with zero cross-contact risk.
Daisies
8.8
Daisies is a seasonal pasta restaurant in Logan Square where vegetable-driven antipasti and handmade pastas anchor a polished but still approachable dining room. Families tend to come early for carefully made plates and pastas that still feel comforting, while later seatings skew more date-night and group outings.
Must-Try Dishes:
Potted Carrots with duck fat and gnocco fritto, Bucatini with heirloom peppers, guanciale, and neonata, Mushroom Pappardelle with chanterelle ragu
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 9.2
What makes it special: Seasonal, chef-driven pasta house where produce-focused plates still work for families.
Who should go: Families who want serious pasta without white-tablecloth formality.
When to visit: Earlier evening or weekend brunch before the room gets buzzy.
What to order: Potted carrots, mushroom pappardelle, spicy bucatini.
Insider tip: Book earlier time slots and share pastas family-style to maximize variety.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Primarily street parking in the surrounding residential blocks; availability tight after 6pm — plan a few extra minutes to circle. No dedicated lot or valet.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans and sweaters are fine, but many guests lean slightly dressy on weekends.
Noise level: Moderate-to-buzzy — early seatings are conversation-friendly; later evenings can get lively but you can still hold a conversation at most tables.
Weekend wait: Often 45–75 minutes without a reservation during peak hours; early arrivals have the best chance of walk-in seating.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait when open for daytime service; short waits possible on nicer-weather days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong selection — several antipasti and pastas are naturally vegetarian or easily adapted.
Vegan options: Limited — a small number of dishes can be modified; confirm with the server as many plates rely on dairy or egg pasta.
Gluten-free options: Selective options — some dishes can be prepared gluten-free and staff can guide substitutions, but cross-contact is possible in a pasta-focused kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the polished dining room and thoughtful, seasonal menu feel special without being formal. Earlier seatings are calmer if you prefer easier conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — walk-ins are most successful early in the evening or near opening; peak weekend times usually require a reservation or a quoted wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for well-behaved kids and family dining earlier in the evening — staff is accommodating and portions work well for sharing, but the room trends more adult-focused later at night.
Best For
Better for: Families who want chef-driven, seasonal pasta in a room that still feels approachable — especially early evening or brunch when the vibe is calmer.
Skip if: You want very large portions, ultra-casual pricing, or a loud, late-night scene — or if you require extensive vegan or strictly gluten-free options.
Daisies
9.0
Daisies is a Midwestern-Italian pasta restaurant in Logan Square where chef-owner Joe Frillman channels his family farm into intensely seasonal pastas and vegetable dishes. With a Michelin Green Star, Bib Gourmand, and a spot on the New York Times 50 Best list, it functions as both a neighborhood café by day and one of the city’s most acclaimed Italian-leaning kitchens at night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pappardelle with mushroom ragu, Black truffle ravioli, Potted carrots with duck fat and seeded crackers
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 7.3
Cultural Relevance: 9.3
What makes it special: A Michelin-recognized, farm-driven pasta house where Midwestern produce meets Italian technique.
Who should go: Din ers who treat pasta and vegetables like main events.
When to visit: Prime dinner hours or weekday lunch for peak energy.
What to order: Onion dip and chips, pappardelle with mushroom ragu, tiramisu or butterscotch budino.
Insider tip: Use the café hours for laptop work, pastries, and a slower intro before returning for a full pasta dinner.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on surrounding Logan Square side streets; availability tight during peak dinner hours and weekends; no dedicated lot or valet.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans and sneakers are fine, but many guests lean polished due to the restaurant’s reputation.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively — you can generally hold a conversation at a two-top, but peak dinner hours run buzzy.
Weekend wait: Often fully booked; without a reservation expect potential waits of 45–90 minutes depending on time and party size.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait, with occasional short queues at peak midday hours.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — many vegetable-driven dishes and pastas are naturally vegetarian or easily adapted; staff is knowledgeable about substitutions.
Vegan options: Limited but present — a few dishes can be made vegan depending on the season; ask about components like butter, cheese, and egg pasta.
Gluten-free options: Some flexibility — certain dishes can be modified and there are naturally gluten-free plates, but not all pastas have gluten-free equivalents.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it balances a warm, design-forward room with thoughtful service and seasonal dishes that feel special without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — there may be limited bar or walk-in availability, but your best chance is early evening on weekdays or arriving right at opening on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Occasionally suitable for older kids or early seatings, but it skews more adult and date-night oriented; there isn’t a dedicated kids menu.
Best For
Better for: Seasonal vegetable cookery and pasta that highlight Midwestern produce with Italian technique — especially appealing to diners who value sustainability and chef-driven menus.
Skip if: You’re looking for red-sauce classics, very large portions, or a quiet, low-key meal; consider alternatives with more traditional menus or calmer dining rooms.
Daisies
8.9
Daisies is a vegetable-forward, pasta-focused spot where chef Joe Frillman turns Midwestern produce into richly sauced pastas and smart small plates in a bright, plant-filled room. A Michelin Bib Gourmand and Green Star recipient, it draws constant buzz for seasonal menus, an all-day cafe, and cocktails that feel as considered as the food.
Must-Try Dishes:
Onion dip with house-made ruffles, Pappardelle with mushroom ragu, Beet agnolotti
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 9.1
Cultural Relevance: 9.3
What makes it special: Produce-driven, pasta-centric cooking with Michelin-recognized sustainability and buzz.
Who should go: Diners chasing seasonal pastas and serious cocktail energy.
When to visit: Prime weekend dinners or Sunday brunch for full buzz.
What to order: Onion dip, seasonal pasta, a vegetable-led small plate.
Insider tip: Use the cafe by day for pastries and a lighter spin.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on nearby residential blocks; meters on Milwaukee Ave — can be tight after 6pm, no valet
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine but most guests lean stylish and slightly dressy
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively — conversation is possible but can rise during peak dinner service
Weekend wait: 45–75 min without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait outside of prime brunch crossover
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — strong selection given the produce-forward menu
Vegan options: Limited — some dishes can be adapted but not the core pastas
Gluten-free options: Partial — some gluten-free options and modifications, but pasta menu is wheat-focused
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the bright room, seasonal menu, and cocktail program make it feel special without being formal. It’s best for dates who enjoy creative, vegetable-driven food.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possibly — the cafe bar and limited walk-in slots fill quickly. Arrive early or be ready to wait during peak dinner and brunch windows.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat — daytime cafe visits are easier with kids; dinner service skews adult, with limited kid-specific menu flexibility.
Best For
Better for: Seasonal produce-driven pastas, thoughtful cocktails, and a buzzy, design-forward dining room with Michelin-recognized sustainability credentials
Skip if: You want large portions, traditional red-sauce Italian, or a quiet dining room — choose a classic trattoria instead
Daisies
9.0
Daisies is a vegetable-focused, pasta-driven Logan Square restaurant where chef-owner Joe Frillman turns Midwestern produce into Italian-leaning tasting experiences, from multi-course pasta spreads to collaborative dinners. A Michelin Green Star and national accolades signal how seriously it takes sustainability, but locals love it just as much for the lively room and farm-linked cooking.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal pickles plate, Handmade tagliatelle with mushroom ragù, Sunflower seed cacio e pepe
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.4
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 9.3
What makes it special: Michelin Green Star pasta house where Midwestern produce drives Italian-leaning tasting experiences.
Who should go: Diners who want serious pasta with sustainability credentials.
When to visit: Prime weekend dinners or special-occasion nights with time to linger.
What to order: Seasonal pickles, a couple of pastas, and a shared dessert.
Insider tip: Book later seatings for longer, more relaxed tasting-style pacing around the pastas.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Primarily street parking; metered spots nearby and neighborhood side streets — expect competition after 6pm
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are fine but most guests lean polished and date-night dressy
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively — conversation is doable at two-tops, but the room gets energetic during peak hours
Weekend wait: Often fully booked; walk-ins may face 45–90 minutes or may be waitlisted for bar seating only
Weekday lunch: No regular weekday lunch service — confirm hours before planning a visit
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — many courses are vegetable-forward and can be curated into a vegetarian progression
Vegan options: Limited — some courses can be adapted, but advance notice is recommended
Gluten-free options: Partial accommodation — some non-pasta courses can be adjusted; gluten-heavy pastas are core to the experience
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it’s intimate but lively, with thoughtful pacing that encourages conversation and shared tasting-style decision making.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — there are occasional bar or late-evening walk-in spots, but serious diners should book ahead for tasting-style dinners.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly — the menu and pacing are geared toward adults and special-occasion diners; older teens may do fine, but there are no kid-specific offerings.
Best For
Better for: Seasonal, produce-driven pasta tasting experiences with sustainability credentials and a stronger sense of place than most Italian-leaning spots.
Skip if: You want a quick, à-la-carte pasta meal, large portions, or a fully gluten-free experience — choose a more casual trattoria instead.
Daisies
8.6
Daisies is chef Joe Frillman’s vegetable-focused, pasta-driven Logan Square restaurant, combining a daytime café with a dinner menu that often reads like a de facto chef’s tasting if you follow the kitchen’s seasonal path. Multiple Michelin Green Stars, Bib Gourmand recognition, and heavy local demand make its bar seats and kitchen-facing spots feel like an informal chef’s table.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seasonal handmade pasta (like carrot agnolotti or mushroom tagliatelle), Peak-season vegetable starter built around squash or tomatoes, Warm rhubarb crostata with chamomile anglaise
Scores:
Value: 8.9
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Midwestern farm-to-table cooking where pastas and vegetables lead the experience.
Who should go: Diners who prioritize seasonal produce and thoughtful handmade pasta.
When to visit: Evenings for full pasta lineup; weekends for café-to-dinner experience.
What to order: One seasonal pasta, a vegetable starter, and a shared dessert.
Insider tip: Sit at the bar for the best view of the kitchen and quickest seats.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking in Logan Square; metered and residential spots nearby, can be tight during peak dinner hours
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans and casual wear are fine, but many diners lean slightly polished for dinner
Noise level: Moderate — conversational at most tables, but bar and peak hours can feel lively
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes at the bar without a reservation; prime-time tables often book out in advance
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait during café hours
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent — many dishes are vegetable-forward and can serve as mains
Vegan options: Limited but thoughtful — a few items can be adapted; best to confirm with the server
Gluten-free options: Some options and pasta swaps available on select dishes; cross-contamination not fully avoidable
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the space feels warm and intimate without being formal, and the seasonal tasting-style ordering encourages shared conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often — bar and counter seats are your best bet, especially earlier in the evening or closer to closing; peak weekend hours are tough without a booking.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes in earlier hours — the café side and early dinner seatings work well for families, but later evenings skew adult and busy.
Best For
Better for: Seasonal vegetable-forward cooking, handmade pastas, and a chef-adjacent bar experience that feels like an informal tasting menu
Skip if: You’re looking for steakhouse-style entrées, very quiet dining rooms, or large-format group meals with predictable classics