One reviewer called this 'life-altering.' The bone is split lengthwise, revealing the marrow inside, which is roasted until soft and buttery. Diners use small spoons to scoop it out and spread it on toasted bread, then finish with fleur de sel. The richness is profound, and the simplicity of preparation lets the quality of the bone shine. This is the signature Purple Pig dish.
Tips from diners
Order this — reviewers consistently call it the reason to visit Purple Pig.
A traditional Italian preparation where pork shoulder is braised in milk, which tenderizes the meat and creates a silky sauce. The milk curdles slightly and caramelizes around the pork, creating a unique, rich sauce. Multiple reviewers praised how 'so tender' the meat is, and the mashed potatoes provide the perfect vehicle for the braising liquid.
Tips from diners
This dish is comfort food refined — order it if you want something rich and satisfying.
Purple Pig's eggplant balls are 'several orders of magnitude better than fried mozzarella at many Italian restaurants,' according to reviewers. The eggplant is breaded and fried until golden, then filled with a creamy cheese and served with light tomato sauce. They're vegetarian, but reviewers note they're popular with everyone at the table, not just vegetable lovers.
Tips from diners
These are vegetarian and delicious — order them alongside meat dishes to balance the meal.
A nose-to-tail classic executed perfectly. Pig ears are cleaned, cooked, and fried until they're simultaneously crispy on the outside and tender inside. The kale adds bitterness, the runny egg yolk adds creaminess, and the pickled banana peppers provide tartness. Reviewers note the balance of textures and flavors — it's refined preparation of an ingredient most restaurants discard.
Tips from diners
Don't be intimidated by 'pig ears' — the preparation is so good that meat skeptics often become fans.
When tomatoes are in season (summer), this simple salad is magic. Purple Pig sources the best heirloom tomatoes available and lets them speak for themselves with just olive oil, salt, basil, and creamy fresh mozzarella. The menu changes with seasons — in winter, you might find roasted beets or other root vegetables. This is what menu seasonality looks like.
Tips from diners
If you visit in summer and tomatoes are available, order this — it's the restaurant's philosophy in one plate.
The Purple Pig is a Mediterranean restaurant that celebrates seasonal ingredients, wine, and the philosophy of nose-to-tail cooking. Opened in Chicago's Magnificent Mile, it has become a destination for lovers of Italian, Greek, and Spanish cuisine, offering an accessible wine list and a menu that shifts with availability of premium ingredients.
Walk-ins are welcome, but the restaurant is very popular, especially during peak hours (6-8pm). Arrive early or be prepared to wait.
The wine program is specifically curated to pair with Mediterranean small plates — ask the staff for recommendations rather than ordering by price.
Order 4-5 dishes per person for a full meal — small plates are meant to be shared and sampled.
Lunch (11am-3pm) has lower prices than dinner, but the menu quality is identical.
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