(10 out of 5)
I ended up at Taxim during my Chicago trip and chose to sit on the rooftop -- which turned out to be the perfect choice. For us Californians who are spoiled by sunshine, Chicago's weather that weekend couldn't have been better: sunny, mid-70s, and just breezy enough to remind me I wasn't at home. The rooftop had heat lamps to soften the chill, and with music like O Askianos (Amanes) floating in the background, the whole vibe felt cozy and upscale without being pretentious. Compared to my evening at Virtue, the crowd here was smaller, conversations softer, and the whole experience more intimate -- almost like a hidden gem.
Being in Wicker Park only added to the charm. The neighborhood has this hipster-chic energy, with eclectic boutiques and cocktail bars that honestly gave me flashes of San Francisco. It felt creative, a little artsy, and like Taxim fit right in.
Food-wise, I started with the Saftalíes kai Maidanosaláta -- Cypriot lamb and pork sausage with parsley salad. The sausage was smoky, juicy, and gently spiced, but the Maidanosaláta stole the show. Fresh lemon and parsley gave it a brightness, with a little salty kick at the end that cut perfectly through the richness and spice of the meat. Balanced and layered -- I could've eaten a plate of just that salad.
Next came the Paidákia me Pligoúri -- lamb chops with bulgur wheat. The chops were grilled to tender perfection with just the right amount of char, and the nutty bulgur kept everything grounded. Simple, soulful, and beautifully done.
The staff suggested a glass of Porfyros, and wow -- what a pairing. The wine's structure and fruitiness worked so well with the parsley salad, and its subtle spice mirrored the smokiness of the lamb. It was one of those recommendations that makes the whole meal sing.
And just when I thought I was done, my waitress convinced me to try dessert: the Bougatsa. Imagine layers of crisp phyllo around a warm, creamy semolina custard, dusted with powdered sugar and cinnamon. Light yet indulgent, the pastry shattered with each bite. The real kicker? They paired it with a Greek version of a 20-year tawny port. Its caramel and dried fruit notes deepened every mouthful of the pastry -- an absolutely spot-on finish I didn't know I needed.
Service was friendly and attentive -- nothing over the top like my Virtue experience, but steady and reliable, which fit the laid-back rooftop vibe.
Overall, Taxim gave me something different than Virtue but equally special: a refined, intimate evening with food that felt both authentic and elevated. Between the hip Wicker Park setting, the spot-on wine and dessert pairings, and that unforgettable rooftop, Taxim is a place I'd gladly return to on my next trip. read more