Fodor's Expert Review Balena

This place burst onto the scene with a prime location across from Steppenwolf Theatre and a sexy Italian-inspired design that draws a respectable crowd. Be prepared to order plenty, from airy house-made pastas and crispy wood-fired pizzas to Mediterranean coastal fare like wild mussels and finger chilis, or black tagliolini with crab and sea urchin. Dessert is not to be missed, particularly elevated classics like tiramisu with chocolate sauce and coffee streusel, and the spiked affogato (vanilla gelato with a shot of espresso) served with apple fritters for dipping.