Sotto
Erika · 121 Google reviewsSotto — a quiet food spot in Loop with a growing reputation. Everything about the room says stay awhile. Strong bar program alongside the food. Erika: "The pesto pasta was also very delicious but the best part was the unique, deconstructed tiramisu we had"
What 50 diners keep saying
What 50 diners keep saying
verbatim, from Google
“We ended up here last minute and I’m glad we did. The food and atmosphere are amazing. The arancini is made with pasta instead of rice. The arancini and teramisu were the best I’ve ever had. #iraeats #iraeats1”
“We enjoyed our dinners very much. The atmosphere in the dining room is very good and the service exceptional. The on line reservation worked very well and was important to us because we had theater reservations at CIBC nearby.”
“Got the crispy artichokes and the short rib pasta dish, and both were excellent. Also ordered the smoking gun and got a special request for a smoked diet Pepsi, which was also glorious. Lovely people, great service, and an all around wonderful restaurant. Definitely recommended. (Thank you for such great service, Alex!)”
“We went there on a Saturday evening and the walk into the restaurant set the tone. After descending down a flight of stairs, there was a sense of walking through a charming Italian alley with tables along the right side and the host ready to greet us for our reservation. We were shown to our table near a large party who were already enjoying the space with conversation and cocktails. Our server Bailey walked us through the menu and confirmed our choices were great. The bar was a bit backed up but we took the time to admire the drawings on the wall. We ordered the cacio e pepe arancini and every bite was peppered perfection. Next up was the frutti di mare with squid ink bucatini, shrimp, scallop, and octopus. It was a saucy masterpiece. I had a grin across my face from the first bite. We finished with another drink from the mixologist and then headed home. This place should be on your radar and the rating should be on the rise as it gains more traction in the neighborhood.”
“We wanted to eat at The Village but they were full and said go downstairs. We headed to the basement to this quaint little restaurant with delicious, homemade Italian. Our waiter was wonderful and suggested the fish, which I tried. It was one of the best fish dishes I’ve ever had. The sauce was so flavorful and had a zing to it. The pesto pasta was also very delicious but the best part was the unique, deconstructed tiramisu we had! I think the best ever! If you are ok with a small, intimate menu, please stop down to Bar Sotto!”
“We dined here on NYE for our anniversary and it was fantastic! I've thought of the burrata many times since eating here, you need to order that as an appetizer. We loved both our entrees - my husband said the beef short rib is the best he has ever had. Tiramisu was delish!”
“Amazing spot in the Loop, tucked speakeasy-style beneath The Italian Village. My friends and I loved the relaxed yet lively atmosphere. It was perfect for our group dinner and will definitely be a go-to for future date nights with my girlfriend. The Hunter's Chicken was the standout dish of the night. We arrived early for our reservation and started with drinks at Bar Sotto. The Last Word cocktail was so good that I had to order another one to the table!”
“Loved our meal at Sotto. The ambiance is great, and the food is a great mix of Italian classics with a modern touch. The arancini is a must order.”
“Nestled under the historic Italian Village (Chicago’s oldest Italian restaurant!), Sotto is like stepping into the quaint, rustic wine cellars of Italy, only to be lured in further by a tastefully delicious menu of drinks, appetizers, and entrees. The exposed brick, arched ceilings, and dim lighting evoke a warm, intimate atmosphere, while an enthusiastic waitstaff with deep menu knowledge curate a most desirable experience! My new favorite is the Casper the Friendly Ghost cocktail…. 100000/10!!!!”
“This is THE spot to go for drinks and good eats. The atmosphere is incredible and their menu is so fun and delicious. Make sure to get the arancini!”
“Loved dining at Sotto!! The food was delicious and the intimate vibes of the restaurant were great, from the beautiful artwork on the walls to the fun music. Also as someone with dietary restrictions, I appreciated that the menu very clearly labeled which items were gluten free. The staff was also very knowledgeable and accommodating my dietary restrictions. Highly recommend the seafood risotto and the panna cotta! Also loved the Last Word cocktail.”
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