Quartino Ristorante - Chicago, IL Review

While I'm recommending this restaurant, I would be somewhat hesitant to go back (just given the extensive number of dining choices in Chicago). 

My favorite aspect of this restaurant was definitely the decor.  Quartino is reminiscent of a traditional Italian cafe and I found the ambiance very comfortable.  The interior design is somewhat in conflict with the exterior (from the outside it just looks like a large, chain-y restaurant). The location is in tourist central, making it quite convenient for visitors.

The concept is smaller plates to share.  I typically like that, but some of the prepared foods were just not meant to be shared on smaller plates (risotto, gnocchi).  I found the process of choosing foods to share a little painful, taxing.  The service suggests that 1-2 plates per person works, but because there are so many different food sub-categories - pizza, carpaccio, salads, pasta & risotto, fondue, soups, specials, deserts - and the antipasti listing - it's a very stressful undertaking to chose dishes.  I sampled a bit of everything and there wasn't anything I found 'to die for.'  However, I'm not typically a desert lover, and I quite enjoyed the sorbet trio.  

Net/Net - Quartino is a nice addition to the area and suggested for tourists due to convenience, but by no means a must for locals.