The Story
Spiaggia opened in 1984 and spent nearly four decades defining what Italian fine dining could be in America. Under the leadership of chef Tony Mantuano, who helmed the kitchen for 35 years, it became the only Four-Star Italian restaurant in Chicago and earned the James Beard Award for Best Chef in 2005.
The restaurant's Michigan Avenue address, with sweeping views of Oak Street Beach and Lake Michigan, made it the backdrop for Chicago's most important celebrations. When Barack and Michelle Obama celebrated his 2008 presidential election victory, they chose Spiaggia. Generations of chefs trained in its kitchen, including Sarah Grueneberg (Monteverde) and Joe Flamm (Top Chef winner).
Spiaggia closed in March 2020 for the pandemic and never reopened. In July 2021, ownership announced they couldn't reach an agreement with their landlord on a new lease. The Michelin Guide called it 'one of Chicago's most beloved Italian restaurants.' Now it's just a memory.
🍽 Signature Dishes
Legendary pasta program featuring seasonal creations that inspired a generation of Chicago Italian restaurants
Multi-course celebrations of regional Italian cuisine with impeccable wine pairings
💡 Did You Know?
- Spiaggia held a Michelin star for 12 consecutive years
- Tony Mantuano and his wife Cathy moved to Italy in late 2019, just before the pandemic
- The restaurant trained numerous chefs who went on to open their own acclaimed restaurants
👤 Notable People
🏙 What's There Now
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Original Address: 980 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611