I will be in Chicago this weekend for a meeting. Some colleagues and I have reservations at Gioco, an Italian restaurant on the south side. It was recommended highly by Bon Appetit magazine.
Does anyone else recommend it too--or not??
Many thanks, kk

I surveyed my restaurant-fanatic friends and no one has ventured down to Gioco's yet. Phil Vettel, the Tribune's main food critic, gives Gioco two stars (worth visiting, in his rating system). If you are venturing south of Roosevelt to the restaurant, be aware that this is a neighborhood in the midst of revitilization. If I find any first-hand eaters, I'll post it.

My friends and I love to eat out, so if you need any suggestions or feedback (so to speak), feel free to drop me at email.

Are you the same "kk" from the Europe forum? If so, I like your posts ... always interesting & thoughtful.

Well, gee, thanks, Heather. I am the same "kk", wandered over from the Europe forum.
How careful do you think we need to be, visiting Gioco? I am persuaded that the restaurant is a good one, pretty much persuaded, BUT was a little worried about the area. And we are going around 9 p.m. Do you think we should change plans? My friends and I are staying at the Hyatt Regency on Wacker so if you've got any favs around there, perhaps I can persuade my fellow eaters to change!

hello, again! the area is fine if you're going to and from by cab (which is what i'm sure you're doing). again, i don't want to steer you away from giordo's, but here are some of my (and my friends') favorites in the downtown area (all within a 10-minute cab ride of the hyatt) ... the ratings are from the Tribune on a four-star scale:

blackbird (3*), (http://www.tribads.com/blackbird/), 619 west randolph, 312-715-0708, the chef was picked a top 10 best new chef by food & wine last year. make reservations (you can even do that thru their web site) if you want to go as it's a tiny, very popular place.

crofton on wells (3*), 535 north wells, 312-755-1790. the chef is also the owner and has been at many of chicago's top restaurants before opening her own place. great american food with french influence & good wine selection.

tru (4 out of 4*), 676 north saint clair, 312-202-0001. very $$$$ (Prix-fixe dinner: $65-$115), but absolutely fabulous cooking.

mk (3*), 868 north franklin street, 312-482-9179, eclectic menu. i believe it was picked best new restaurant in 98 or 99. could be wrong, but it's still delicious food. prices range from $16-28 (according to the write-up), but this is one of the best upscale dining bargains in the city (IMHO).

frontera grill/topolobampo, 445 north clark street, 312-661-1434, two adjoing restaurants with delicious food, fun atmosphere, award-winning chef. 'nuf said? the chef also has a new cooking program on pbs (who doesn't?). frontera is the more casual of the two and (again, IMHO) topolobampo is the better.

blackhawk lodge (3*), 41 east superior street, 312-280-4080. popular place with natives. hearty, delicious regional american food. the meats are usually delicious (chicken dishes a bit boring). sunday brunch is very good, if you're still around.

if you're hungry for italian, "little italy" is a stretch of restaurants and cafes along taylor street. many good choices here ... most popular with visitors to the city is rosebud (there is a second rosebud on rush, which i find not as good). i also like tuscany.

before other chicagoans jump in with all the places i missed ... yes, this is just a touch on all of the terrific places to eat in chicago. it's just a short list of places that are "can't miss".

have a wonderful trip!

Thanks, Heather! That's a huge help!

The food is good at Gioco, but not exceptional and it is quite loud. I agree that while the neighborhood is marginal but not dangerous, cabbing to and from is smart. Also, while Heather's suggestions are great ones, be advised that they are quite expensive (with the exception of Frontera Grill which is more moderately priced and an excellent restaurant). If you want to leave the hotel area, I'd recommend Marco! at ~2400 N. Clybourn as my favorite Italian restaurant in Chicago.