312 Chicago

Frommer's Review

This in-house restaurant of the flashy Hotel Allegro has proven itself by serving the Italian-inspired specialties of chef Dean Zanella. The restaurant has a clubby Jazz Age feel, with mahogany, antiques, and an earthy color scheme. Because this is a hotel restaurant, the hours are more extensive than those of other dining spots in the area (including breakfast and lunch every day of the week), and the crowd is as eclectic as the guests who patronize the Allegro. 312 Chicago isn't the sort of place that sends food critics into a frenzy, but it serves consistently dependable meals at prices that are quite reasonable for downtown.

The seared day-boat scallops appetizer with wild mushrooms and truffle oil is one of the restaurant's signature dishes. The entree list is filled with familiar pasta and meat favorites, plus there are always at least a couple seafood dishes, but most dishes have subtly creative touches (bucatini filled with ahi tuna or roasted pheasant with chestnut purée). Zanella draws on his family heritage for dishes such as Grandma Anna's veal meatballs, which are topped with tomato sauce and ricotta. On weekends the restaurant has simple brunch offerings distinguished by home-baked breads.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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