Gioco

Frommer's Review

The South Loop was officially gentrified with the opening of this funky Italian restaurant. The cozy, convivial ambience -- with exposed brick, mahogany accents, an open kitchen, stacks of wine bottles, and hip music -- is par for the course in other restaurant-rich neighborhoods, but it's a welcome oasis of good food in this area. While Gioco's nouveau Italian dishes include a few standard appetizers (such as fried calamari), you'll also find some creative new options: octopus carpaccio, steamed mussels with white wine, and truffle-scented scallops with white polenta and wild mushroom sauce. The fine selection of pastas includes ricotta and spinach tortelloni and pappardelle with braised wild boar. Seafood shows up in various preparations, along with heartier dishes such as filet of beef in Barolo wine sauce, or the massive Bistecca all Fiorentina, a porterhouse steak served in a portion for two. Even if you're loath to order tiramisu for the umpteenth time, try this heavenly version -- light as air and easy on the rum. The lunch menu also has a few panini and pizza selections.

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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