I’ll start by saying, if you are looking for a traditional Italian restaurant, with spaghetti and meatballs, this is probably not the place you want to go. However, if you want good Italian food, with some very unusual combinations, I would highly recommend Davanti! The concept is small plates, meant for sharing, similar to Spainsh Tapas. If you don’t like to share your food, also not the place you want to go! The atmosphere is very nice and the the menu is varied, with something for all tastes. I’d recommend Davanti for anything from a date to a casual group dinner.
The menu is divided into sections – Vasi (mini mason jars with toast), antipasti, boards salads, fromaggi + salumi (cheeses and meats), flatbreads, pizza, pasta, mains and daily specials. I’d recommend staring with an antipasti, maybe a jar, one of the boards or some meat & cheese selections and a salad, or two. Then I’d move on to a flatbread and a couple of mains. How many choices you’ll need to make will depend on the size of the group. The waitstaff can help you figure out the right amount of food.
We started with the Focaccia di Recco, which is a focaccia bread with soft cow’s milk cheese, be sure to add the local honey as it makes for a delectable starter.
My favorite pasta was the Caramelle di Zucca – butternut squash filled pasta pockets with brown butter, sage and hazel nuts. It is a bit rich however very creamy with a hint of sweetness.
I’d also recommend the Bistecca on Patate e Cipollini – hanger steak with cipollini onion and fingerling potatoes. The steak was perfectly cook and we were able to be cut without a knife. The Capesante e Fregola – seared scallops with chantrelle mushrooms – was also excellent.
The wine list includes a good selection of mostly Italian wines.
Davanti Enoteca is owned by the same group that created the Purple Pig, so if you have been there, you will see some similarities which in my opinion, is a good thing!
foodiegirlchicago 