Nonnina opens its doors Monday in River North, Chicago, paying homage to Italian grandmothers everywhere. The talented team behind Chicago’s beloved Piccolo Sogno brings classic and modernized takes on beloved family recipes. Partners Tony Priolo and Ciro Longobardo enter an exciting new chapter bringing in Executive Chef/Partner Chris Macchia and longtime Piccolo Sogno team member Ricardo Brizuela as General Manager/Partner. Nonnina echoes old school cooking techniques inspired by the four partners’ “nonnas,” offering an upscale, yet approachable experience with a retro vibe. The focal point of the restaurant, a hand-painted mural of the partners’ “nonnas,” watches over diners as heartfelt food is served all around.
An ode to an Italian grandmother’s cooking, Nonnina features a dinner menu with regionally inspired items embracing the theme of simplicity, paying homage to the flavors of timeless Italy. All pastas are made in-house, including extruded pastas, and other specialties are carefully crafted to perfection. Diners are transported to days in their grandmothers’ kitchens with Baked Artichokes, Braciole alla Nonnina, Bucatini Carbonara, and more.
An expansive bar presents a hip yet welcoming space inviting guests for a bite and drink. The bar menu features homey soups, pizza, sandwiches, and plates with a global wine list and cocktail list paying homage to classics, and collaborated on with some of the city’s most well-respected mixologists.
Appealing to the hustle and bustle of the neighborhood, Nonnina also features an adjacent grab-and-go counter service, “Nonnina To Go,” welcoming diners on the move with casual and affordable specialties for lunch and dinner during the week.
