The word trattoria means intimate and casual neighborhood bistro in Italian. This theater district favorite lives up to its billing with warm terra cotta colored walls and fresh flowers. The food is classic Italian and, according to Fodor's, "Handmade ravioli is the kitchen's specialty; those filled with lobster or squash are particularly renowned." Other menu options include farfalle pasta with duck confit, or a grilled veal chop with parmesan, roasted asparagus, organic cherry tomatoes and basil reductions. The dessert menu includes an inventive deconstructed tiramisu. The vibe is elegant casual.
Trattoria No. 10
10 N Dearborn St
Chicago IL 60602
312-984-1718
trattoriaten.com
This theater district restaurant is bent on educating its theatergoers about wine. It holds regular tastings with experts in the expansive white and red dining room. The cheese tasting, with 50 choices, goes nicely with the wine. But if you are in the mood for a more traditional, even wine-free meal, there are plenty of choices from the a la carte menu. The dishes are contemporary American, with selections like strip steak and surf and turf. Bin 36 is also open for lunch and serves high-end hamburgers, sandwiches, soups and salads.
Bin 36
339 N Dearborn St
Chicago IL 60610
312-755-9463
bin36.com
This seafood restaurant is all decked out in bright blue lights and murals. Local newspapers have nominated it for best seafood in the city time and again. Selections include oysters on the half shell and tempura softshell crab to start. Then you can move on to traditional items like haddock fish and chips with vinegar or more outlandish items like sea bass in Hawaiian ginger-scallion sauce. On Tuesday nights the restaurant features live jazz. Dress is elegant casual.
Catch 35
35 W Wacker Drive
Chicago IL 60601
312-346-3500
catch35.com
