Italian

( January 10, 2013 )

Italian

Known for his charming Italian accent and waxing philosophical about gnocchi, "Top Chef" fan favorite Fabio Viviani has teamed up with Bull & Bear and Public House owners Luke Stoioff and David Rekhson (of newly named Dineamic Group) to open Siena Tavern (51 W. Kinzie St.). Come mid-February, you'll be able to taste his gnocchi (with pancetta, fried sage and truffle cream) along with lasagna inspired by his mother's recipe and a bar dedicated to churning out pizza and crudo. Any lingering cravings will surely be squashed when the Italian market/restaurant/playland that is Eataly takes over the space vacated years ago by ESPN Zone (43 E. Ohio St.).

Photos: Chicago's top Italian restaurants.