"Top Chef" star and "Top Chef: Duels" winner CJ Jacobson modern take on Mediterranean cooking at Aba has earned numerous accolades, including being named the Best New Restaurant by both Chicago Tribune and Eater readers. To understand why, start with spreads like smoky garlic hummus or muhummara before moving on to simple but savory dishes like wood-fired lamb chops with broccolini. A drink list that highlights lesser-known producers and “ancient civilization” wines rounds out the experience.