(Up from No. 12) The 35-year-old (the anniversary celebration was in April) Spiaggia is as fine an Italian experience as you'll ever find, presented in a glorious tiered dining room overlooking Oak Street Beach. ("Spiaggia" means "beach" in Italian.) The formidable cooking team is led by chef/partner Tony Mantuano, joined by executive chef (and Season 15 "Top Chef" winner) Joe Flamm and top sommelier (per Food & Wine magazine) Rachael Lowe, whose work is a James Beard Foundation nominee (Outstanding Wine Program) this year.
MORE: Phil Vettel's full review of Spiaggia
Tribune rating: ★ ★ ★ ★
Address: 980 N. Michigan Ave.
Phone: 312-280-2750
Website: www.spiaggiarestaurant.com
Open: Dinner daily
Prices: Secondi piatti $18-$125; seven-course menu $95; 13-course menu $160
Credit cards: A, DC, DS, M, V
Reservations: Strongly recommended.
Noise: Hushed
Other: Wheelchair accessible; valet parking
Ratings key: ★ ★ ★ ★ outstanding; ★ ★ ★ excellent; ★ ★ very good; ★ good; no stars: unsatisfactory. The reviewer makes every effort to remain anonymous. Meals are paid for by the Tribune.