A New Look at Cafe Spiaggia

Heading to Chicago? I have long been a fan of Spiaggia’s smaller, more casual, and less expensive sister Café Spiaggia. Located at 1 Magnificent Mile on the second floor of an office building and overlooking Michigan Ave and the lake, it has always had a cozy atmosphere and outstanding service with memorable Italian food. They closed for a bit this winter to refresh and update the space and the menu. When I visited last week, at first I was a bit taken aback. Gone were the murals and the warm Italian look. What had happened? Well, what had happened was a fresh look that is more uptown, and a fresh menu that kept some favorites but brought on wonderful new takes in all sections. The new look is marble top tables and a clean light airy space. The Café is divided into three sections so there is always a feeling of intimacy in your section, and all three have tables overlooking the avenue. It is bright and light and cheerful. Much more modern in concept. And the food. Well, fortunately they kept my favorite the gnocchi with wild boar ragu remains. This is a deep richly sauced pasta that warms the heart. New for me at lunch was “Emilia Romagna on a Plate… described as gnocco fritto, prosciutto di Parma, fonduta, balsamico” These gnocco are a whole new item with a puffed light texture topped with wonderful prosciutto and just the right touch of saucing… For my salad “Crispy Cauliflower”…plenty to share with the table and perfectly textured with just a hint of paprika and garlic sauce…yum. And then there are the breads. In an era when warm fresh bread is no longer the norm, the bread and its accompanying olive oil are perfect. There are small warm squares of focaccia bread and then there is the exquisitely thin and crisp parmesan toast/bread. Not even sure how to define it. I always wish for more. By the way, the parmesan is only available at lunch! Wines here are always especially chosen and served at perfect temperature. Waiters know the menu and the wines and ensure perfect pairings. My only disappointment? I was entirely to full to consider dessert…but I understand the apricot panna cotta is to die for. Even better. If you are a user of Open Table, you will often find 1000 point option here. What could be better…fabulous food, gracious service, and points toward the next meal here! By the way, Spiaggia/Café Spiaggia also has excellent space for private functions where you can mix and match from the menus of both restaurants. The space is one floor above the restaurants and enjoys the same wonderful views. Buon Appetito!