I used to pass Trattoria No. 10, an Italian restaurant in Chicago’s theater district, every day on my way to work. Located below street level, this charming place has a cozy and comfortable vibe, just as appealing for a business dinner as it would be girls’ night out.
Because the white linens and fresh flowers seemed a little too classy and elegant for my freshly-graduated budget, I brought my family when they came for a visit (how convenient for me).
The small plates or “piattini” menu features fresh salads and mostly-organic produce, but the the rustic Italian specialties are what keep Trattoria No. 10’s tables bustling. Look for seasonal gnocchi and gnudi, grilled scallops in a blood orange butter sauce and veal scaloppine drizzled with a delectable porcini-sage-veal reduction.
My main dish, the house-made ravioli with butternut and acorn squash, did not disappoint. Like many Italian restaurants in Chicago, Trattoria No. 10 makes its own pasta. The signature ravioli consists of delicious butternut and acorn squash wrapped in hearty pasta, topped with sweet and savory walnut butter that complements the squash.
If you’re a repeat visitor, you’ll be hard pressed to tire of Trattoria No. 10’s homemade ravioli. Your options aren’t limited to squash. The kitchen serves up several other varieties, made with asparagus, spicy sausage or ricotta with squash blossom.
Now, I have one more thing to look forward to when family comes to the city again.
Trattoria No. 10, 10 North Dearborn. For more information call 312-984-1718 or visit online.
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