It’s difficult to believe that the Modern Wing of the Art Institute of Chicago is turning eight this May. And while the Renzo Piano-designed white aerie continues to beguile with its unrivalled collection, the powers-that-be felt it was time to spruce up its third-floor restaurant, Terzo Piano.
The original architect Dirk Denison was drafted for the task, adding a new reception area anchored by a white marble bar top that’s lit with an Eileen Gray ‘Tube Light’, while introducing a grey swatch of walls and leather paired with Patricia Urquiola chairs, Arne Jacobson stools and white benches. And just to remind you of where you are, a clutch of sculptures by Nairy Baghramian hold court in vitrines.
The restaurant’s owner and chef Tony Mantuano recently recruited Carolina Diaz to direct the kitchen. Here, the focus may be Mediterranean by way of Italy, but the ingredients are resolutely sourced from the Midwest. Think Wisconsin Parmesan shaved over truffle-scented mozzarella, smoked grapes, spaghetti with bottarga and tuna crudo, and a triumphant lamb ragu sauced with saffron butter.
During the long drab winter months especially, Diaz’s menu is best savoured at tables lining the long stretch of high windows that look out over Michigan Avenue and Millennium Park. In the summer, it will be all about al fresco dining on the Bluhm Family Terrace, which will also mark the debut of British architect David Adjaye’s ‘Washington Skeleton’ chairs for Knoll.
INFORMATION
Website
ADDRESS
The Art Institute of Chicago
3rd Floor Modern Wing
159 East Monroe
PHOTOGRAPHY
Anthony Tahlier
-
The world’s best swimwear brands, according to Wallpaper*From architectural precision to a sense of ease and luxury, our comprehensive guide to the world’s best swimwear brands – for both men and women – will help you find the perfect beach attire this summer
-
Aesop’s Queer Library bookmarks brilliant literature, no purchase requiredReturning to London’s Soho, 3-6 July 2025, the Queer Library pop-up offers complimentary books by LGBTQIA+ authors and allies
-
Wangechi Mutu's powerful sculptures take over the palatial interiors of Rome's Galleria BorgheseThe Kenyan-born artist is the first living woman to have a solo exhibition at the villa
-
A local architect’s guide to Joshua TreeMirtilla Alliata di Montereale shares her favourite things to do to slow down, look closely, and discover Joshua Tree through a more intentional lens
-
Meet artist Michael McGregor, using hotel stationery as his canvasMichael McGregor unveils an exclusive postcard set made with notepads from The Luxury Collection properties in Minneapolis, San Francisco and Savannah
-
Home is where Beethoven Market is – a joyful Italian restaurant in LA’s Mar VistaIn 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 experienceAman’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 hotspotFrom golden mirrored chambers to jerk-spiced tomahawk steaks, Lucia reimagines Afro-Caribbean dining and design
-
Classic New York restaurants for delicious food and inspired designFrom 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 restaurantTeruko, 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 centurySet in the heart of Tribeca, Fouquet’s New York balances French-inspired refinement and cosiness
