July 2008

RESTAURANTS EXTRAORDINAIRE
Restaurant Review for Spiaggia
By Joe Dotoli
Forensic Insight – July 2008

When in Chicago…

While it is not Rome, there is still reason to do what Romans do and oft times that’s eating. When visiting Chicago for business or pleasure, if you are looking for a great Italian restaurant, I would recommend Spiaggia’s, owned by Levy Restaurants.

Spiaggia’s Chef Tony Mantuano ensures that the restaurant has great food (mostly Northern Italian), a great wine list and location, location, location.  It is in a part of the city known as “The Magnificent Mile” with a nice view of Lake Michigan.

While the pasta dishes are wonderful, the meat and fish entrées are made with delicious sauces to tempt most any palate.  The wine list is excellent with selections from around the world, especially Italy.  The Masi Amarone is a personal favorite.  As with the wine list, the dining experience is a bit on the expensive side, so make sure it is an important customer or a special occasion.

For the price conscious, there is the Spiaggia Café next door which has many of the same dishes, is a little less formal and is much less expensive.  Most of the locals frequent the café.

Public parking is right around the corner, and you get a discount if you dine at the restaurant.  They have a dress code at the main restaurant which includes jackets for gentlemen and no denim.  It may not be Rome, but I’m certain it will be a memorable dining experience.

Spiaggia
980 North Michigan Avenue at Oak Street
Chicago, IL 60611
312-664-8200
Web Site

Joe Dotoli is the Chairman of VeriClaim, Inc., a provider of claims services to the insurance industry.  For more information, please visit www.vericlaiminc.com.

Editor’s Note