Securing a table at Ciccio Mio requires planning three to four weeks ahead with reservations disappearing within minutes of becoming available at 9 AM.
The Hogsalt Restaurant Group creators of Au Cheval Bavette’s and Gilt Bar opened this Italian-American looker in 2019 at 226 West Kinzie Street.
Michelin Guide awarded a Bib Gourmand distinction for delivering exceptional cuisine at remarkable value cementing its status as perhaps Chicago’s best Italian restaurant.
What Makes Ciccio Mio Special
The restaurant group earned its reputation by going full-speed ahead with bold flavors and generous portions creating Chicago’s hardest reservation for good reason.
The charming throwback setting features vintage chandeliers, rich velvet drapery, ornate wallpaper, and antique mirrors that transport diners to old-world trattorias.
The 51-seat capacity means intimate dining where conversations flow without shouting over neighboring tables creating romantic ambiance perfect for date nights.
The Story Behind the Restaurant
Hogsalt Restaurant Group brought their proven formula of bold flavors and hearty portions to Italian cuisine creating immediate buzz in River North.
The handmade pasta program launched with meticulous attention to traditional techniques where every pasta gets rolled in-house ensuring quality dried pasta cannot match.
The restaurant has built reputation through consistent execution and genuine Italian hospitality creating experiences that linger in memory earning critical acclaim and neighborhood loyalty.
Food Highlights
- Lasagna Bolognese Rotolo – The creative riff on the classic reimagines traditional lasagna into something lighter that first-timers absolutely must sample. 🍝
- Coal-Roasted Half Chicken – The slow-roasted garlic, fried oregano, and jus create the restaurant’s most popular entree earning consistent rave reviews. 🍗
- Tiramisu – The booze-heavy decadent dessert that Michelin specifically calls out as mandatory finishing every meal on high note. 🍰
- Olive Focaccia – The olives with garlic, fennel pollen, and whipped ricotta set the tone for the meal ahead. 🫒
- Caesar Salad – The romaine hearts with potato chips and parmesan offer a crunchy twist on the classic preparation. 🥗
- Wine List – The big bottle selection with a few wines by the glass plus nice cocktail menu worth exploring throughout the meal. 🍷
Atmosphere
The 226 West Kinzie Street location in River North features low lighting from candlelight creating ambiance that is simultaneously romantic and inviting.
The intimate 51-seat space means personal rather than transactional experiences rare in tourist-heavy River North earning praise for consistency.
Service remains well-timed with knowledgeable recommendations and attentiveness without hovering making every course flow seamlessly from appetizers to dessert.
Bottom Line
Ciccio Mio operates in that rare space where critical acclaim, neighborhood loyalty, and tourist demand converge into something special earning Michelin Bib Gourmand recognition.
The lasagna rotolo and coal-roasted chicken prove the dedication to classic Italian flavors executed with meticulous attention separates this from trendy competitors.
Since opening in 2019 as part of Hogsalt Restaurant Group the restaurant accepts reservations three weeks ahead at 9 AM through Resy with $5 per-person fee where slacks and shirt or nice dress jeans qualify as appropriate for this upscale casual spot that first-timers should trust staff recommendations for appetizers and wine pairings creating handmade pasta experiences worth every minute of planning. 🌟
Address: Ciccio Mio, 226 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654 (River North)
Phone: (312) 796-3316
Hours: Mon-Thu: 4-10:30 PM | Fri-Sat: 4-11 PM | Sun: 4-10:30 PM
Features: Michelin Bib Gourmand | Hogsalt Restaurant Group | Handmade pasta | 51 seats only | Reservations required | $5 per person fee | Valet available | Smart casual dress
Links: Website | Resy Reservations | Michelin Guide | TripAdvisor | Instagram