🇺🇸 Chicago's Italian Hidden Gem That Outshines Volare
📍 Nonnina 340 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654 Volare may be the hot spot (with reservations needed weeks ahead), but Nonnina is the real MVP—better flavors, better vibes, and way less pretentious! 🥖 Bread Service Comes with balsamic & olive oil. The bread was soft (not warm, sadly), but hey—it's free! Don't fill up though—portions here are massive. 🍞😅 🦑 Fritto Misto Crispy calamari, shrimp, and zucchini fries with zingy lemon slices to cut through the richness. That herby green sauce? Addictive. 🍤✨ 🧀 Chicken Parmesan A comfort food masterpiece—tender fried chicken smothered in molten mozzarella, served with tangy tomato pasta. The acidity balances the cheesiness perfectly. 🍝🐔💥 🦞 Lobster Pasta (Squid Ink Tagliolini) THE STAR OF THE SHOW 🌟! Loaded with lobster, shrimp, roasted peppers, tomatoes, and arugula. Unlike Volare’s one-note squid ink pasta, this one has layers—briny seafood, sweet peppers, and just a hint of tomato. Order this or regret forever. 🍝🦞🔥 We grossly overordered (three dishes for two people = next-day leftovers), but zero regrets. Nonnina delivers bold, balanced Italian without the hype—just pure deliciousness. #100PlacesToEat #NonninaChicago #ChicagoEats #ItalianFood #ChicagoFoodie #DateNightSpot #ChicagoRestaurants #HiddenGems #FoodieAdventure