Pizzeria Portofino

Pizzeria Portofino is as hot as its ovens, busy from open to close. Is it the sun-drenched and airy location on the Chicago riverfront and incredible views from the patio? Yes, but the hand-stretched pizzas made with stone-ground Midwestern grains have much to do with its popularity, too. Even if you're attracted to menu items like antipasti and salads, spaghetti limone or grilled Mediterranean Branzino, you must try cup and charred pepperoni pizza or an earthy black truffle and three cheese; spicy salami with hot honey; or a Pugliese pizza that features spicy fennel sausage from a local purveyor, Calabrian chili flake, rapini, Parmesan and green fennel seed. Count on high quality ingredients like imported tomatoes and hand made burrata of Famiglia Andreotti in Monee, Illinois. Finish with dark chocolate espresso cake and a Limoncello or linger with a glass of coastal wine or a refreshing spritz and you have an easy entry in your gratitude journal.