Sandy's Eats

Riccardo's

Somewhere around 2100 N. Clark
Don't know the exact address, but it's next to the Chicago Pizza Oven and Grinder that I hate (see 9/25/06 review)

Riccardo's is a relatively new Italian restaurant in Lincoln Park - at first, you could get a table anytime, now, I'd say make a reservation no matter what night you are going. The word is out - this place is phenomenal. I'm Italian, so I feel like I should know what I'm talking about here. The pasta tastes like it was made that morning. The vegetables are al dente, as they should be. I've known many people who have eaten here and they are all satisfied customers. Risotto - awesome. I think I saw a waiter shaving fresh truffle on someone's plate - wish I would have had that! The arribiatta sauce is spicy, but not too much. There is an Italian meatloaf, no joke, that is outta this world. For sure, order a bottle of Multipulciano

- it's reasonably priced and the perfect pair to whatever you order.

Price: $20/meal; $26 for bottle of Multipulciano

Dress: Nice jeans, or dressy casual

Clientele: Older couples, large Italian families