Nestled on the Magnificent Mile, The Purple Pig serves up a lively Mediterranean feast of pork and regional wines amid a chic atmosphere, perfect for sharing.
"This downtown Mediterranean restaurant is a constantly bustling small plate bonanza even though it moved from its original location. Recently, founding chef Jimmy Bannos Jr. left the restaurant, so 2025 will be a year of transition." - Eater Staff, Ashok Selvam
"A Mediterranean restaurant offering a menu of Mediterranean-inspired dishes." - MICHELIN Guide
"Jimmy Bannos Jr.'s last day at The Purple Pig ended with little fanfare as the chef sold his stake in the Loop restaurant. As of Wednesday, October 23, Bannos Jr. is no longer involved in the restaurant he co-founded 15 years ago. The Purple Pig will continue without Bannos Jr., who says this was his choice and “it was time to move on,” and that he needs to concentrate on his new Greek restaurant in Northwest Suburban Niles." - Ashok Selvam
"The very best strategy for handling hunger at Navy Pier is to leave. Take a five-minute walk to The Purple Pig, which is still in a tourist-heavy area, but serves Mediterranean small plates so good they’re even worth a trip across town. If your cousin is still trying to find his way through The Amazing Maze when you get hungry, know that the bar at The Purple Pig is great for dining alone, too. You’ll be back before he’s done—hopefully." - adrian kane
"The Mag Mile’s “cheese, swine, and wine” spot isn’t just popular because of its location. Its success can be largely attributed to Rising Star Chef winner Jimmy Bannos Jr., who comes from a long line of restaurateurs and was mentored by his father Jimmy Bannos (Heaven on Seven). His approachable and inventive shareable plates evoke the Mediterranean region and guests often wait hours for a table. In 2019, the restaurant relocated down the street from its original home, but its reputation remains: Tourist trap, the Purple Pig is certainly not." - Naomi Waxman, Eater Staff