Vinci

1732 N. Halsted St. (Willow St.) Send to Phone

A fine take on Italian fare makes this rustic spot, for many, a regular haunt.

Cuisine

Italian

Open

Dinner Tues.-Sun., Brunch Sun.

Features

Kid-friendly
Private room(s)
Full bar
Reservations suggested
Valet parking
Casual

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Paul LoDuca’s first restaurant has expanded to several elegantly rustic rooms, and it’s easy to see why. The diverse menu has something for everyone, and almost everything turns out well. Start with a light appetizer like carpaccio, or roasted baby eggplant with tomato sauce, basil and goat cheese; then, go on to a memorable pasta or risotto, and consider such secondi as pounded, grilled pork chops with smashed Yukon potatoes or grilled duck breast with balsamic vinegar sauce, broccoli rabe and polenta. The thin-crust pizzas also get props, while the dome-shaped chocolate cake is worth the calories. The wine list is in tune with the food, and service tends to be friendly and professional. If you want to dine in relative quiet, arrive just after the curtains have gone up at the nearby theaters.