Stefani's Bottega Italiana - Chicago
From the people behind the legendary Tave
rn on Rush, Stefani's Bottega Italiana delivers classic Italian cuisine, prepared right. Stefani's Bottega Italian is the place to go for first-rate, traditional Italian food served in a casual atmosphere.
Phil Stefani's name is well-known to Chicagoans; he and his family have been behind some of the city's most iconic restaurants. Now, at Stefani's Bottega Italiana, Chicagoans have a chance to sample old school Italian cuisine, prepared by people who know what they're doing, served by hospitality professionals.
The kitchen is under the direction of Chef Vicenzo Vottero, who was born and became a chef in Bologna, the gastronomic capital of Italy. Vottero was the winner of the 2016 "Best Tortellini in Bologna Award," and he is widely recognized for his updated take on centuries-old Italian classics.
As reported in Block Club Chicago, "'Having a place where customers can not only watch pasta being made but also view the restaurant’s collection of antique Italian pasta machines has been in the works for a while,'" Stefani said. "The original Stefani’s restaurant in Lincoln Park featured an adjoining pasta shop that became the hub for its other restaurants’ pastas until it closed in 2004. The pasta-making operation moved to Stefani Group’s catering commissary, where it’s been since. 'This is a concept we’ve been talking about doing for so long,' Stefani said. 'Every year when we go to Italy and visit these pasta shops, we’ve wanted to offer that kind of experience in Chicago. I’m excited this concept is finally taking shape.'”
The doughs for the Roman style pizzas undergo a 72-hour fermentation, which yields a luscious, hugely flavorful crust. Long ferments are also used for the sizable array of sandwiches with tantalizing ingredients like Chianti-roasted sliced beef, spicy soppressata as well as a vegetarian version with grilled zucchini, endive and Italian brie.
Stefani's Bottega Italiana doesn't put on airs; it simply puts out some of the best Italian food in Chicago.