It is said that the three most important factors in real estate are location, location and location. For some restaurants, that’s a busy thoroughfare. For Boka, it’s a quiet side street — across from Chicago’s legendary Steppenwolf Theatre. However, Boka doesn’t rely solely on its famous neighbor to draw customers. It’s a terrific place, named best new restaurant in 2004 by Chicago magazine. The décor is an eye-catching contemporary, which is also a pretty good description of the food. The menu is seasonal and imaginative. You might want to start with lush lobster risotto, seared Maine scallops, potato gnocchi with duck confit and caramelized onions, or a wild greens and goat cheese salad. For your entrée, try grilled ahi tuna with chanterelle mushrooms, spinach, parsnip puree, and red wine sauce with pistachio oil; or the seared duck breast with pomegranate sauce, spiced butternut squash, and Brussels sprouts. If that’s not enough, you can order thyme mascarpone polenta, bleu cheese potato gratin, sautéed spinach with garlic and shallots, or wild mushroom ragout on the side. Desserts might include rhubarb crisp or chocolate mousse cake. The wine list is as interesting as the food. In nice weather, arriving early might win you a seat on the attractive brick patio.