One of the city’s top toques, James Beard Award-winning chef Sarah Grueneberg heads up the kitchen at buzzy, much-lauded hot spot Monteverde—and with a slate of fresh pastas, delectable sides and decadent desserts, the accolades are more than deserved. 1020 W. Madison St.
Piemonte cuisine is the focus of intimate Logan Square gem Osteria Langhe, where executive chef Cameron Grant crafts tempting plates of daily risotto; house-made fettuccine with a Northern-style meat ragu and toothsome prosciutto-wrapped rabbit with pork belly. 2824 W. Armitage Ave.
One of the city’s most respected chefs Tony Priolo along with partner and wine expert Ciro Longobardo helm beloved River West spot Piccolo Sogno, which boasts consistently excellent rustic Italian fare and, weather permitting, one of the best outdoor dining areas in the city. 464 N. Halsted St.
This DineAmic Hospitality collab with Top Chef fave Fabio Viviani is still going strong. The sleek 10,000-square-foot space is a people-watcher’s delight, and there’s just as much entertainment happening on Siena Tavern’s plates with toothsome fare that ranges from grilled octopus with crispy fingerling potatoes to pizza with roasted wild mushrooms and truffle oil and brick chicken diavolo. 51 W. Kinzie St.
You want fresh pasta? Tortello is the place, where Venice-raised Dario Monni and team have raised the bar with mouthwatering burrata-filled tortelli; cacao e pepe; pappardelle all’anatra with braised duck; and tempting nibbles like focaccia with ricotta and honey, marinated Castelvetrano olives with fennel, red pepper, lemon and Sicilian olive oil. 1746 W. Division St.
This St. Regis-based Italian fine dining destination, led by Los Angeles-based chef Evan Funke, has made a name for itself with its 60-day dry aged bistecca alla Fiorentina, braised beef short rib meatballs, seasonal antipasti, handmade pasta and gelati made in-house. Swing by the bar for an extensive list of more than 700 Italian wine offerings—including heritage selections and offerings sourced from Tuscan vintners. 401 E. Wacker Drive, Lakeshore East
See also: The 9 Most Extravagant Dining And Drinking Experiences In Chicago
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