Over the last few weeks, I have discovered a handful of great dining options in the downtown area of Chicago. Some are new, and some are just new to me. Either way, I will be revisiting and recommending these restaurants.

In the heart of the loop, 312 Chicago serves robust Italian cuisine. The seared scallops with mango pineapple relish was my absolute favorite, but the group of us had about 15 dishes, including appetizers, and I tried most of them. Other favorites were the calamari, salmon, baby octopus and stuffed chicken.

One subtitle on Kaiser Tiger’s website reads “Sausage, Bacon and Beer,” but this place goes well beyond that simple description. Located in the West Loop near the United Center, Kaiser Tiger has two floors, several rooms and an outside dining area. Bacon is definitely a main feature of the menu but not the only star. The fries were my favorite. This is the perfect place to watch sports, unwind after work or just hang out with friends.

I love a great breakfast, and I found one at Waffles Café in the South Loop. The red velvet waffle was the first thing I saw, first thing I ate and first thing I ordered again. They are also known as the home of the wonut, a waffle donut. They are as savory as they sound. Flavors vary, but so far all have been winners.

Tradition Gastro Pub and Kitchen is also located in the heart of the Loop. The menu is a decent upgrade over standard pub menus, but the food itself is a major upgrade. The turkey burger with avocado on a pretzel bun is light and bursting with flavor. With a sizable beer list, Tradition has something for everyone. It is another great place for an after-work get-together.

Chicago presents so many dining options. I love discovering different places, tastes and atmospheres. I am also glad to share them right here.

— John Wroblewski, online contributor