Trattoria Ultimo - Chicago

My senses are still in happy land after a multi-course extravaganza at Trattoria Ultimo. I have multiple favorites from our meal this evening, so it is really hard to advise on what is a must have.,if you can...bring a big group and taste it all. We did exactly that tonight...ordered a little of everything then shared family style. I don't think it is what they intended when they designed the menu, but you would be doing yourself a disservice to only order one thing. Highlights were the risotto with fig, braised short rib gnocchi and the pan seared branzino fish. Then, oh.,there is dessert. A plate of handmade Italian cookies and pastries. We also had the tiramisu dessert. Now I'm actually a purest, and traditonally frown upon getting too creative with the classics..however the owners uses their classically French trained techniques to reinvent tiramisu with almost Southern Provence perfection...like an impeccable French/Italian hybrid. Delish!

I had the Braised short beef rib special tonight. The sides include Brussel sprouts potatos and cauliflower. The whole dish was very well prepared and I left nothing on the plate.

The tiramisu is simply the best I've ever had! The owners are fantastic too!

Trattoria Ultimo is undoubtedly my favorite restaurant in Chicago. The food is consistently prepared to perfection, and the menu is always evolving. Dining there transports me to Europe. My boyfriend and I have visited Trattoria Ultimo at least ten times, and we always take our out-of-town guests there as well. This restaurant is truly a hidden gem.

Delicious food and a fantastic atmosphere! It was the perfect girls' night out! I will definitely be coming back for more. I absolutely love this place!