Chicago Hidden Gem Italian Restaurant｜Alpana 🍷

This week, I visited Alpana, a restaurant tucked away in Chicago's Gold Coast. The decor really caught my eye—surrounded by lush greenery and elegant lighting, with walls adorned with artwork celebrating iconic women, giving the space both charm and a sense of empowerment. The owner is the renowned sommelier and TV host Alpana Singh, a woman of great taste, which shows in everything from the interior to the thoughtful details. The wine list here is not only extensive but also comes with artistic tasting notes and quotes from famous figures—both professional and fun. The lighting is softly dim, making it perfect for dates or intimate gatherings with friends. Here’s what we ordered: Appetizers 🍞 BRUSSELS SPROUT CROSTINI The Brussels sprouts were a bit oily, but the sourdough underneath was nicely toasted and fragrant. 🐙 OCTOPUS BRAVAS The octopus legs were tender—highly recommend! 👍 Mains 🦑 SQUID INK CAMPANELLE A standout dish—all my friends loved it. 🍗 ROASTED HALF CHICKEN The chicken was juicy, though a friend joked there were too many potatoes underneath 😂. 🍖 RED WINE BRAISED SHORT RIBS Solid but not memorable—the short ribs were tender but lacked a wow factor. Desserts were just okay: 🍦 Vanilla Ice Cream – A friend said it tasted like a McDonald's sundae. 🍰 Basque Cheesecake – Not the gooey-centered version I imagined; a friend compared it to something from Cheesecake Factory. #Chicago #ChicagoFood #ChicagoRestaurants #RestaurantRecommendations #FoodieEats