Tucci Benucch Restaurant Chicago
 

Has anyone eaten at Tucci Benucch (900 N. Michigan Ave) in Chicago? If you have, what did you think about it?<BR>

It's a chain restaurant in malls and commercial areas, food similar quality to an Olive Garden with slightly better atmosphere in some locations.

Mark - thanks, this is what I needed to know. We will end one of our "sightseeing" days in Chicago near the Drake. I was looking for a simple (but good) Italian restaurant, can you make a recommendation in that area?

Here's the Metromix.com capsule review of Tucci Benuch (which is in a mall at 900 N. Michigan),(BTW, you can read several people's reviews of restaurants, incl this one, there):<BR><BR>Moderately priced Italian food served in a faux Italian country-house setting, a bit incongruous in the 900 N. Michigan building, but nevertheless a convenient spot for a meal after shopping or before a movie on the mall's lower level. In addition to pizzas, salads and pasta dishes, look for seasonally influenced daily specials.<BR>Hours: 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11:30 a.m.-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday; noon-8 p.m. Sunday<BR><BR>An alternative:<BR>Cafe Spiaggia:<BR>Cafe Spiaggia is the easygoing younger sibling of Spiaggia, the upscale Italian eatery down the hall on the second floor of the One Magnificent Mile building. In the Cafe, chef Tony Mantuano tones down the cost, but not the devotion to simple, seasonal food. There's no dress code, but the neighborhood regulars do radiate a certain ready refinement. The dining room glows with modern Italian furnishings, a marble floor and dramatic 15th Century frescoes reproduced from an Italian villa in Mantua, Italy. Hand-blown Venitian blue glass light fixtures complete the traditional yet modern vibe. Some tables also offer a dramatic lake view.<BR><BR>Hours: lunch 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday; dinner 5:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 5:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 5:30 p.m.-9:00 p.m. Sunday; brunch 12 p.m.-2:30 p.m. Sunday<BR>

Try Topo Gigio in Old Town, about 1500 North Wells Street. Neat neighborhood, very close to Second City.

Jeff & Patg, thanks for the suggestions. I looked at some reviews for Cafe Spiaggia, most said it was good, but someone spent $70 for salad, entree, wine, and dessert for one?? If that is the price range, it is more than I had planned on - I'll check further to see if there is a site that has a menu.<BR><BR>Topo Gigio had horrible reviews on Metromix.com - I was a little leery when I read they sell t-shirts (sounded touristy) but the reviews spoke of dirty dishes, mediocre food and rude wait staff. I think I might have to cross that one off the list, but thanks for making the suggestion - you must have hit them on a better night than the folks who left the review!<BR><BR>This has been helpful, and any other contributions are welcomed.