Stefani’s Bottega Italiana plates up the pasta

Phil Stefani Signature Restaurants are a pillar in Chicago's Italian culinary scene. This restaurant group has reaped the rewards of successful ventures with Bar Cargo, Stefani Prime and Tuscany Stefani Restaurant. The company's newest endeavor Stefani's Bottega Italiana, 6075 North Milwaukee Avenue, travels toward a new concept for Italian lovers. This time things are kept casual and carryout is encouraged. A pasta-making machine greets guests to the left as they enter the establishment allowing spectators to see the early rollout of pasta for all the locations across Illinois.

Chef Vincenzo Vottero brings his Bologna backstory to the table and works around the clock to serve up the best of Bottega. His dough rises anywhere from 48 to 72 hours to present the light crust found across the board in various menu items.

Start with a Caesar salad and sip from a glass of Italian red wine to unwind.

After that move into the delicious Roman-style pizzas offered on the menu and savor the fresh tomato sauce, mozzarella cheese and basil atop the Margherita.

The Schiacciata sandwiches pair well with the salads and are built inside two pieces of housemade Tuscan bread. The homage to Chicago option contains spicy pork salami, provolone cheese and giardiniera.

Vottero has taken home trophies for his tortellini so try the Tortelloni di Ricotta in a rich cream sauce. Don't sleep on the Lasagne Verdi Bolognese, a standout dish from the team, with seven layers of green spinach pasta topped with ragu sauce.

Finish off the experience with an espresso and the Italian custard dessert Panna Cotta.

Make a stop at this deluxe salad and sandwich shop. The pizza and pasta options will give patrons much to explore and they will be in good hands with the Stefani family along the way.

Visit stefanisbottega.com to take home a taste of Italy today!