Monteverde — Chicago, USA

The latest character to appear in Chicago’s West Loop’s packed cast of eateries, Monteverde has quickly captivated audiences as the friendly Italian on the block.
Directing the spectacle is Sarah Grueneberg, former executive chef of the upscale Italian intuition Spiaggia and a 2012 ‘Top Chef’ contestant, along with managing partner Meg Sahs. Monteverde (the Italian translation of the chef’s last name) may be Grueneberg’s first restaurant, but she rises to the occasion with handmade fusilli, tortellini, and pappardelle rolled and cut on a stage behind the bar and perfectly cooked al dente. Bookending the entrees are memorable snacks and small plates, such as skewered grilled octopus and rich artichokes, and decadent desserts like a salted-butterscotch budino (think crème brulee, but better).
Thoughtful design choices by Studio K give Monteverde Italian kitchen authenticity. A sprawling butcher block bar, stocked with well-priced Italian wines and fresh cocktail ingredients, feels right at home amidst plasterwork from Northern Italy and wooden cutting boards adorned with artwork. For an at-home Monteverde experience, buy a bag of Grueneberg’s pasta on the way out.
INFORMATION
ADDRESS
1020 West Madison Street
Receive our daily digest of inspiration, escapism and design stories from around the world direct to your inbox.
Photography
Anthony Tahlier Photography
-
A nature-inspired Chinese art centre cuts a crisp figure in a Guiyang park
A new Chinese art centre by Atelier Xi in the country's Guizhou Province is designed to bring together nature, art and community
-
William Kentridge's fluid sculptures are a vivid addition to the Yorkshire landscape
William Kentridge has opened the first major exhibition to focus on his sculptures outside of South Africa at Yorkshire Sculpture Park
-
David Cronenberg’s ‘The Shrouds’ is the film for our post-truth digital age
The film director draws on his own experience of grief for this techno conspiracy thriller
-
Home is where Beethoven Market is – a joyful Italian restaurant in LA’s Mar Vista
In Mar Vista, a historic space is reborn as a modern-day gathering spot, an Italian-infused restaurant where rotisserie chicken, handmade pasta and tableside tiramisu welcome you like family
-
Aman New York unveils exclusive US Open-themed experience
Aman’s ‘Season of Champions’ pairs Grand Slam action with personalised recovery and performance treatments designed by Novak Djokovic and Maria Sharapova
-
Caribbean cool meets mid-century glamour at this new LA hotspot
From golden mirrored chambers to jerk-spiced tomahawk steaks, Lucia reimagines Afro-Caribbean dining and design
-
Classic New York restaurants for delicious food and inspired design
From Michelin-starred fine dining to reimagined retro diners, these are the most emblematic (and easy-on-the-eye) places to eat in the Big Apple
-
Inside Hotel Chelsea’s secret basement sushi restaurant
Teruko, a new Japanese restaurant and sushi bar in Hotel Chelsea, marks the final jewel in the hotel’s years-long transformation
-
Wallpaper* checks in at Fouquet’s New York: a lush, urban cocoon for the 21st century
Set in the heart of Tribeca, Fouquet’s New York balances French-inspired refinement and cosiness
-
This surreal new seafood restaurant in LA is the stuff of mermaid’s dreams
At Cento Raw Bar, delectable fare is complemented by playful, oceanic interiors by Brandon Miradi
-
At The Ned Nomad in New York, home comforts meet a lively atmosphere
This hotel and social club is a vibrant hub of hospitality that evokes 1920s glamour for members and visitors alike