There are many Michelin-rated eateries in Chicago that define their business on a miniscule clientele of nightly tasting menus often open but four or five nights in the week. Spiaggia is a different breed of equally worthy, equally stellar but also commercially lucrative restaurant located at the heart of the Miracle Mile and a culinary pilgrimage of Italian lovers. Opened since 1984, Spiaggia is modeled after the waterfront dining rooms of Italy where menus are defined by the daily catch and what’s been harvested at the local produce markets. It’s name literally means beach in Italian, inspired by the eateries of Forti di Marni in particular at a beloved downtown dining space that feels anything but small or even charming with its big city styling facing Oak Street Beach along Lake Michigan. The space sprawls from a glassy street front location with lounge and bar, main dining room ignited by natural light and spiffy staff as well as a more casual bistro with lighter, lunchier menu.
The Food
A star of the world culinary stage, Chef Tony Mantuano caters to an all-day business and local foodie clientele that crave olive and almond crudo, heartier focaccia with mozzarella and olives, smoked trout on crostini and boards of imported cheese and meats. Salads include a peach and prosciutto, buffalo mozzarella and caprese with homegrown arugala from the chef’s herb garden. Pasta course of wild boar gnocchi, spaghetti with clam sauce, shrimp tagliatelle with artichokes and Paccheri with calamari and peppers could rival any anywhere in America or Italy for that matter. Main course is a hearty display of trattoria-style steak with pepper and onions, golden trout with Tuscan beans and rare octopus dish with artichokes and olives.
Last Word
Dazzling Italian eatery with Michelin and James Beard awards galore over its 25-year history also offers drinking lounge and café for lighter, more causal Italian food affairs.
