il Porcellino Awards

il Porcellino Restaurant Review:

About the restaurant and décor: Chicago and Italian food go together like Chicago and steak. Capitalizing upon that comfort, add one more reliable trattoria in River North. Enter a wide dining room with wood tables, low-hanging lights and brick walls dressed in black and white photos. The illumination is romantic but the vibe is still very family-friendly.

Likes: Generous portions; attentive service.
Dislikes: None.

Food & Drinks: Lettuce Entertain You brings unfussy, solid Italian fare to an area with no shortage of trattorias. Il Porcellino’s additional TLC is evident; prime beef meatballs are extra hunky, pizzas are fired to an ideal crisp and house-made pastas would make mama go back for seconds. Start with a clean grilled calamari Siciliano and the clam toast served on crisp ciabatta. For mains, signatures such as the gnocchi Bolognese (layered with prime beef) and the three-meat ragù Pappardelle Alla Porcellino define heartiness. The baked burrata lasagna is worth a trip back. Parmesans warrant their own section on the menu. Desserts explode with flavor; the Prosecco and grapefruit sorbetto is a bright departure after the heavy meal. Make room for plenty of Italian wine and cocktails to sip and savor (our vote: the Multiple Choice Negroni, made four ways).