Well he loves Italian and really we LOVE all food. Since it is a special ocassion money is no object-we would like it to be somewhat fancy in fact. But we are also food snobs so it is tough. I saw Sixteen and the ambiance is perfect but sounds like the food is mediocre? Does anyone have an opinion on the food there? Thanks for the reccomendations.

Sixteen - the room, view, service and desserts are amazing, the food is average

Look at moto, alinea, everest, l20 and spiaggia

Take a look at Spiaggia for Italian. L2O has its problems right now, Trotters is kind of past its prime, Alinea is the best we have but can sometimes be a bit spotty with service but I would pick it before Everest. Moto is kind of way out there and not equal to the dining quality of Alinea. You should also look at Avenues and Les Nomades. Topolobampo is Obama's fave, but it does not have the atmosphere of the others. I would pick Alinea.

ZB

Spiaggia

Real high end Italian is Spiaggia--but I was there recently and I had slight "server" issues. But it's probably the best Italian in the city. Another nice spot is Table 52--it's in an old coach house so it's kind of different. Le Colonial is French Vietnamese--again, period decor, good food, nice. Alinea is not a restaurant inasmuch as it's theatre. So, if you like good, solid food, like angel hair pasta with shrimp--or a nice steak, that is not what Alinea is about. Look at this link with photos of Alinea food. http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,2036155,00.html

Thanks! I think I will check out the old coach house. You know we are looking for special-solid food but excellent. Spaggia looks good but we just can't enjoy ourselves if we are spending over 300.00 on dinner-their prix-fix meal is 160.00 and that is before the wine, taxes and tip, oh my. So, I want cspecial but I can't leave the table unless I have paid-max 200.00 for an incredible meal. Looks like there are plenty of Italian places that fit this criteria but I can't find one that is also not loud and crowded. Hmm. But I bet this is isn't such a huge problem-it is Chicago and it looks like it s bursting with fabulous places!

I just noticed you are coming in June and one of the most beautiful gardens in the city to eat an italian dinner is Piccolo Sogno. It's a quick cab ride from downtown. http://piccolosognorestaurant.com/

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