Daisies Review

Isabel Alia-Arias

In a city known for its Italian spots, with acclaimed restaurants like Trivoli Tavern, Monteverde, and more, it is difficult to find a truly unique Italian restaurant. However, Daisies manages to fill that niche. Nestled in Logan Square, Daisies is a Midwest-inspired, vegetable-focused restaurant that has become a favorite of Chicago natives (and Bite bloggers). Daisies has a strong farm-to-table philosophy, creating a dynamic menu that spotlights the freshest seasonal ingredients. Because of this philosophy, every Daisies dining experience is unique. As someone who appreciates dishes where ingredients take the center stage, I was eager to make the trek to Logan Square and experience it for myself. 

The interior of Daisies

After militantly stalking OpenTable, my friends and I were able to get a late reservation at 9:30pm on a Sunday night. Despite the late time, Daisies was bustling with energy with people enjoying the lively yet relaxing atmosphere. The restaurant's simple, classic decor combined with the welcoming staff made it feel like a cozy neighborhood gem. Our waiter wasted no time in recommending the classic chips and onion dip as a starter, which was a suggestion that we were more than happy to take.

Chips & Onion Dip

The chips were crispy, golden-brown and seasoned with the right amount of salt to enhance the flavor without overpowering it. Paired with the rich, creamy onion dip which was packed with garlic, it created a perfectly balanced bite. We finished it in minutes and it was an irresistible starter that set the stage for the rest of the meal.

For the rest of our starters, we tried the fried brussel sprouts, the smoked beets and the shaved squash salad. The fried Brussels sprouts were the definite standout, with a satisfying crunch perfectly complemented by garlicky croutons and a creamy Caesar dressing. The flavors blended seamlessly and created a rich and savory bite that was hard to resist. The squash salad, on the other hand, was light and refreshing. The shaved parmesan added a rich depth, while the brown butter vinaigrette provided a warm balance to the natural sweetness of the squash. It was a simple dish that truly let the ingredients shine. While I would recommend these two starters, I personally would not order the smoked beets again. The beets were mashed and paired with gorgonzola and a seeded cracker and it resembled a vegetable take on a tuna tartare. Unlike the squash dish, which highlighted its star ingredient, I found the beet starter somewhat underwhelming. That being said, this may be due to my general indifference toward beets—so if you’re a fan, it might be worth a try!

Pappardelle and stracci

For our mains, we triedd the Stracci and Pappardelle. The Stracci was a rich dish featuring ribbon-shaped pasta covered in braised lamb sugo. The lamb was melt-in-your-mouth and paired well with the salty pecorino di parco cheese, creating a balanced flavor. This mild yet slightly nutty cheese allowed the lamb to remain the star of the dish which  enhanced rather than overpowered its richness. On the other hand, the Pappardelle was a hearty mushroom ragu with the restaurant’s signature house cheese.  The ragù was earthy with the mushrooms adding an interesting depth of flavor that  made the dish comforting yet sophisticated. The creamy, slightly tangy house cheese added an extra layer of indulgence, tying everything together beautifully. I would definitely recommend both of these pasta dishes. 

We were full from the starters and mains, but our waiter insisted that we try dessert so we ordered both the butterscotch budino and the tiramisu. The tiramisu was a classic, but nothing particularly memorable. However, the butterscotch budino was a standout. This luscious pudding had a rich butterscotch flavor that was  perfectly balanced by a creamy milk crumb and an unexpected crunchy topping of caramel corn. The combination of textures, smooth custard and crunchy corn, made it an unforgettable and indulgent way to end the meal. 

Overall, I  recommend trying Daisies for a whimsical take on classic Italian cuisine that combines classic nostalgic Midwest flavors with quality ingredients and techniques. The restaurant’s commitment to fresh, seasonal ingredients makes for an ever-changing menu that keeps things exciting. I would love to go again and see what new dishes every season brings. 

Budino