A renovated loft with velvet swagged curtains and rustic wood floors sets an aptly dramatic stage for the robust Italian cooking on offer at Coco Pazzo. Chef Tony Priolo mans the stoves, turning out recipes that range from the sophisticated but uncomplicated beef carpaccio with black truffle oil to the crowd-pleasing rigatoni with sausage and cream. Pastas come in appetizer portions, allowing you to save room for the traditional Italian “second plate” of Florentine steak or wood-fired salmon. A longtime River North resident, Coco Pazzo draws dealmakers among the ad and art world types working nearby.

Coco Pazzo Information:

• Italian menu. Lunch, dinner. Closed Thanksgiving, Dec 25. Bar. Casual attire. Valet parking. Outdoor seating.