Kayao

A meal at Kayao—a Peruvian restaurant in Old Town with River North energy—is worth shout-talking at your friends when figuring out what to order. The small space gets loud at peak dinner times, full of celebratory groups and couples drinking pisco sours while shazamming the (even louder) clubby music. So forgo any discussion and just point to as much as you can handle on the short menu of zippy ceviches, perfectly cooked seafood, and a smattering of Nikkei dishes. Everything is a hit, whether it’s the tangy tuna tiradito with pops of crunchy quinoa, tender slices of octopus and pickled potatoes in romesco, or short rib so luscious you could eat it with a spoon. Food comes out fast as it’s ready, and right after the smoked duck breast rice hits the table, everyone will be too fixated on its creamy richness to talk anyway.