RPM Italian,: Chicago vegetarian pasta
RPM Italian Chicago: A Vegetarian Pasta Paradise
Welcome to RPM Italian, located in the heart of Chicago’s vibrant River North neighborhood! RPM Italian offers a modern and stylish dining experience. With its chic decor, lively atmosphere, and delectable menu, it’s the perfect spot for a memorable meal. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, a business lunch, or a night out with friends, RPM Italian provides the perfect backdrop for any occasion. The restaurant is located at 52 W Illinois St, Chicago, IL 60654 and open Monday to Sunday, with varying hours: Monday-Thursday from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM, Friday and Saturday from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM, and Sunday from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM. For reservations or inquiries, you can reach them at (312) 955-1470. Are you craving authentic Italian flavor with vegetarian options galore? Then, RPM Italian Chicago is the place to be! While known for their celebrity clientele and extensive menu, they also boast an impressive selection of vegetarian pasta dishes that will tantalize your taste buds.
Menu Highlights
Antipasti (Appetizers)
- Burrata & Heirloom Tomatoes: Creamy burrata cheese with fresh heirloom tomatoes and basil pesto.
- Grilled Artichokes: Tender grilled artichokes with lemon aioli, a flavorful start.
- Whipped Ricotta Crostini: Light and airy ricotta, drizzled with honey and toasted nuts.
- Arancini: Crispy risotto balls filled with cheese and served with marinara sauce.
- Olive Ascolane: Fried green olives stuffed with meat and spices, a savory treat.
- Focaccia Barese: Soft and chewy focaccia bread with tomatoes and oregano, divine.
Pasta
- Cacio e Pepe: A simple yet classic pasta with pecorino cheese and black pepper.
- Agnolotti with Brown Butter and Sage: Delicate pasta pillows filled with cheese.
- Spaghetti Pomodoro: A bright and fresh pasta dish with homemade tomato sauce.
- Ravioli with Spinach and Ricotta: Handmade ravioli filled with spinach and ricotta cheese.
- Gnocchi with Pesto Cream Sauce: Soft potato dumplings in a creamy pesto sauce, delicious.
- Tagliatelle with Mushroom Ragout: Wide ribbon pasta with a rich mushroom ragout, earthy notes.
- Cavatelli with Broccoli Rabe: Small shell-shaped pasta with broccoli rabe and garlic.
- Orecchiette with Rapini and Sausage: “Little ears” pasta with rapini and spicy sausage.
- Pappardelle with Wild Boar Ragu: Wide, flat pasta with a hearty wild boar ragu.
- Spaghetti Carbonara: Classic spaghetti with egg, pancetta, pecorino cheese, and black pepper.
- Rigatoni Alla Genovese: Rigatoni pasta with a slow-cooked onion and beef ragu.
- Bucatini Cacio e Pepe: Thick, spaghetti-like pasta with pecorino cheese and black pepper.
- Mezzaluna with Butternut Squash: Half-moon pasta filled with butternut squash and sage.
- Tortelloni with Truffle Cream Sauce: Ring-shaped pasta filled with cheese in truffle cream.
- Linguine with Clams: Long, flat pasta with fresh clams, garlic, and white wine.
- Seafood Risotto: Creamy risotto with mixed seafood, a taste of the sea.
- Lobster Ravioli: Handmade ravioli filled with succulent lobster meat, decadent.
Secondi (Main Courses)
- Eggplant Parmesan: Classic Italian dish with layers of eggplant, sauce, and cheese.
- Mushroom Risotto: Creamy risotto with mixed mushrooms, an earthy delight.
- Polenta with Wild Mushrooms: Creamy polenta topped with wild mushrooms and parmesan.
- Grilled Swordfish: Fresh grilled swordfish with lemon and herbs, light and flavorful.
- Roasted Chicken: Juicy roasted chicken with rosemary and garlic, comforting classic.
- Veal Chop Milanese: Breaded veal chop served with arugula and lemon, a crispy treat.
- Steak Florentine: Grilled porterhouse steak seasoned with salt and pepper, simple perfection.
Contorni (Sides)
- Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes with rosemary and garlic, simple side.
- Sautéed Spinach: Fresh spinach sautéed with garlic and olive oil, simple, healthy.
- Grilled Asparagus: Tender grilled asparagus with lemon and parmesan cheese.
- Broccolini with Garlic: Steamed broccolini with garlic and red pepper flakes.
Dolci (Desserts)
- Tiramisu: Classic Italian dessert with coffee-soaked ladyfingers and mascarpone cream.
- Panna Cotta: Creamy Italian pudding with berry sauce, a smooth and silky dessert.
- Chocolate Lava Cake: Warm chocolate cake with a molten chocolate center.
Ambiance, Service, and Pricing
RPM Italian boasts a chic and contemporary interior, featuring stylish décor and comfortable seating, creating a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere. The service is attentive and professional, with knowledgeable staff ready to guide you through the menu and offer recommendations. Expect prices to be in the upscale range, reflecting the high-quality ingredients and refined dining experience. The restaurant has a vibrant vibe, making it an ideal spot for special occasions or a memorable night out. Overall, RPM Italian offers a complete package of excellent food, attentive service, and a trendy ambiance.
Final Thoughts
RPM Italian is more than just a restaurant; it’s an experience. Their Cacio e Pepe is a must-try for pasta purists, while the truffle dishes offer a luxurious indulgence. Perfect for a romantic date night, a celebration with friends, or even a sophisticated business dinner, RPM Italian caters to discerning diners seeking quality and style. I’d give it a solid 4.5 out of 5 stars for the exceptional food, service, and atmosphere. It is definitely on the pricey side, but worth the occasional splurge!
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