Spiaggia

When it comes to a fancy Italian meal, no place does it better than Spiaggia. This upscale spot in Streeterville has been around for a long time - like patterned-carpeting-in-the-dining-room long. It’s gone through a lot of changes in the past 35 years (thankfully including a renovation), but one thing hasn’t - the fantastic food. This is definitely a special occasion place (it’s expensive - the eight-course tasting is $155 and there’s an $80 truffle gnocchi on the a la carte menu). This is an ideal place for a celebration, or when you have an overwhelming urge to eat some very good saffron risotto.