Lizzano Focacceria & Spritzeria — Restaurant in Chicago

As a lover of both eating and making focaccia, I was having high hopes coming into this place. I sort of got drawn in as I was walking by and figured I’d give it a shot. The space had a really warm atmosphere, and I loved the overall design from the layout to the tables and chairs. I must mention the staff were also excellent! However, I found the food to be a big letdown. I'm not someone who focuses a lot on the price if the food is delicious, but I was disappointed I paid 20 bucks for this kind of quality.

I ordered the Roma and had something else sort of envisioned in mind compared to what I got. Unfortunately, there was nothing I actually liked about the sandwich. It was supposed to come with arugula, but I noticed they had forgotten it after the first couple bites. The lemon aioli was barely spread on the sandwich and impossible to distinguish. There also wasn’t much meat on the sandwich. I felt like the ratios were off and I was mostly eating bread. I also found the bread to taste old and stale. It would've helped if I had thinner or fresh bread, but the staleness sort of just overtook everything else. I personally wouldn't come back here as it was not a good...

I live nearby and was excited to see Lizzano was coming to the neighborhood! I visited during the grand opening and it was very busy (great to see!). I ordered the Lizzano sandwich which was prosciutto, mozzarella, basil and tomato on foccacia bread and it was delicious - fresh, flavorful and just the right amount. Very reminiscent of the sandwiches I love to get when I visit Italy. I waited quite a while for my sandwich but was expecting it and the staff were so friendly and attentive. They checked in a couple times with me to let me know the food was on its way and gave out samples of panna cotta. It is also cool that the owner went to college in Chicago and I enjoy supporting local establishments. I highly recommend and...

I have just ordered a Roma focaccia sandwich and I did enjoy it. Full disclosure: I am Italian (yes, born and raised) so culinary expectations were pretty high on the products proposed, which I have been eating all my life back in Italy. Granted I had my sandwich delivered on a rainy summer night, so I understand that food temperature can not be like eating in-store.. however the focaccia was quite dry and and completely cold. Maybe not the freshest focaccia today. Good portion though. I am intrigued by their menu and will definitely try to eat in and have a Spritz at their shop next time.. would love to have found “my aperitivo spot” in the neighborhood. We’ll see. Overall, it was tasty and porchetta...