Chicago Italian — Quartino, Porcini Truffle Risotto 🍄🍝

Visited this Italian spot two years ago — left a good impression. Vintage vibe, relaxed atmosphere, plenty of tables, no lines. For its downtown location, prices are reasonable. They specialize in small plates — even though they’re “small,” the mains still fill you up to 70–80%. Menu is extensive, and you can order half portions of almost everything — perfect for indecisive eaters. 📝 One tip: seafood and specialità items like shellfish or steak? You can order half portions as sides/apps too! Last time I ordered some classics — tomato-based pastas were solid. Meatballs were just okay, from what I remember. This time, tried different dishes — overall recommend. 🌟 Porcini & Truffle Risotto Turns out porcini = fungi — which, as a Yunnanese, is super familiar! So many types of porcini — my absolute favorite mushroom, no contest. Was pleasantly surprised to find it here — probably rehydrated dried porcini, but still fragrant and chewy. White truffle aroma was rich. Not too salty either. My friend once said Italian and Yunnan cuisines are similar — so true… Sheep cheese, garlic, chili, dried peppers, mushrooms and fungi — so much in common. 🍷 Half portion seafood mussels Chose the white wine sauce. Would’ve been perfect if the mussels were a bit plumper. Comes with two slices of bread for dipping — delicious. 🌟🌟🌟 Linguine with Clams Similar flavor profile to the mussels. Generous amount of clams — not just a few shells, but chopped clams mixed into the pasta too. Simple, traditional seasoning. 🍨 Gelato — not recommended. Didn’t try other desserts. Next time friends visit downtown for a group dinner, this is the spot that omurice place. 📍 Quartino 626 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654 #ChicagoEats #ItalianFood #PorciniRisotto #SmallPlates #GroupDining 🍄