Named for the 20th rione (town district) of Rome, Testaccio is an homage to the namesake neighborhood's history and blend of cultures spanning from all corners of the Mediterranean. Owner Aldo Zaninotto (Osteria Langhe) was inspired after visiting the area and discovering its melting pot of characteristics expressed through flavors, food, cooking techniques and art. Over a series of subsequent trips, Zaninotto began to notice many similarities to Logan Square, another artistic community within Chicago, and set out to recreate back home the same style of eatery like those found walking the streets of Testaccio.
Officially making its debut this February 2021 after a limited opening in summer 2020, Testaccio is an Italian restaurant and wine bar boasting a 75 seat dining room and classic al fresco patio at 2456 N California Ave. The venue provides a space to order Roman-style cuisine, wines, Italian-inspired craft cocktails and more. Aldo Zaninotto brought on his daughter Ariana Zaninotto to oversee operations after garnering her own industry experience in Chicago’s restaurant scene at places such as The Dearborn and Seven Lions. Helming the Testaccio's kitchen is Executive Chef Jacob Solomon (NoMi, Lettuce Entertain You, The Peninsula Chicago), who presents Italian staples such as freshly made orecchiette di cacio e pepe and bucatini carbonara pasta, Roman artichokes with preserved lemon and Sicilian olives, as well as Roman dishes cooked in a natural wood-burning oven— the heart of the restaurant. To complement Testaccio’s traditional fare, Aldo Zaninotto offers a portfolio of Mediterranean and amphora-made wines. In addition, Osteria Langhe’s Ashley Akers extends her experience to the space as Beverage Director with a craft cocktail list that calls forth Testaccio’s legacy as a trade hub with drinks like the Honey Refresher, a nod to Rome’s use of honey as a sweetener since ancient times.
Opening hours: Dinner service is offered Wednesday to Saturday 5:30 p.m. - 10 p.m. and Sundays 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. with Sunday Brunch Coming Soon.
Now, the team is sharing new details on two F&B projects in the works for spring/summer 2021.
SOIF WINE LOUNGE — Coming Spring 2021: Years in the wine industry allowed Osteria Langhe and Testaccio Owner Aldo Zaninotto to travel throughout Italy and France, leading to his inspiration for Soif Wine Lounge. “I was inspired by places like La Cave de Septime, Paul Bert and La Buvette in Paris, which today represent the best classic and more trendy wine bars of Paris,” says Zaninotto. Bringing together an atmosphere with ambient lighting and comfortable booths, the subterranean space will provide a neighborhood gathering space with the feel of a private club. The curated wine list will feature selections by Zaninotto. Guests can anticipate a variety of natural wines, grower champagnes, funky yet classic cocktails and small plates of wine-friendly bites.
PIZZICA — Coming Summer 2021: Named after a traditional Italian folklore dance, Pizzica will provide Italian street food menu for grab and go from the truck's walkup window or to order at the restaurant's outdoor picnic tables. Expect frozen cocktails of the Italian variety, wines on tap and more patio crushers alongside the must-have street eats of Rome. To coincide with the food truck’s formal debut, a chef series and other community-centric events are already in the works.
Named for the 20th rione (town district) of Rome, Testaccio is an homage to the namesake neighborhood's history and blend of cultures spanning from all corners of the Mediterranean. Owner Aldo Zaninotto (Osteria Langhe) was inspired after visiting the area and discovering its melting pot of characteristics expressed through flavors, food, cooking techniques and art. Over a series of subsequent trips, Zaninotto began to notice many similarities to Logan Square, another artistic community within Chicago, and set out to recreate back home the same style of eatery like those found walking the streets of Testaccio.
Officially making its debut this February 2021 after a limited opening in summer 2020, Testaccio is an Italian restaurant and wine bar boasting a 75 seat dining room and classic al fresco patio at 2456 N California Ave. The venue provides a space to order Roman-style cuisine, wines, Italian-inspired craft cocktails and more. Aldo Zaninotto brought on his daughter Ariana Zaninotto to oversee operations after garnering her own industry experience in Chicago’s restaurant scene at places such as The Dearborn and Seven Lions. Helming the Testaccio's kitchen is Executive Chef Jacob Solomon (NoMi, Lettuce Entertain You, The Peninsula Chicago), who presents Italian staples such as freshly made orecchiette di cacio e pepe and bucatini carbonara pasta, Roman artichokes with preserved lemon and Sicilian olives, as well as Roman dishes cooked in a natural wood-burning oven— the heart of the restaurant. To complement Testaccio’s traditional fare, Aldo Zaninotto offers a portfolio of Mediterranean and amphora-made wines. In addition, Osteria Langhe’s Ashley Akers extends her experience to the space as Beverage Director with a craft cocktail list that calls forth Testaccio’s legacy as a trade hub with drinks like the Honey Refresher, a nod to Rome’s use of honey as a sweetener since ancient times.
Opening hours: Dinner service is offered Wednesday to Saturday 5:30 p.m. - 10 p.m. and Sundays 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. with Sunday Brunch Coming Soon.
Now, the team is sharing new details on two F&B projects in the works for spring/summer 2021.
SOIF WINE LOUNGE — Coming Spring 2021: Years in the wine industry allowed Osteria Langhe and Testaccio Owner Aldo Zaninotto to travel throughout Italy and France, leading to his inspiration for Soif Wine Lounge. “I was inspired by places like La Cave de Septime, Paul Bert and La Buvette in Paris, which today represent the best classic and more trendy wine bars of Paris,” says Zaninotto. Bringing together an atmosphere with ambient lighting and comfortable booths, the subterranean space will provide a neighborhood gathering space with the feel of a private club. The curated wine list will feature selections by Zaninotto. Guests can anticipate a variety of natural wines, grower champagnes, funky yet classic cocktails and small plates of wine-friendly bites.
PIZZICA — Coming Summer 2021: Named after a traditional Italian folklore dance, Pizzica will provide Italian street food menu for grab and go from the truck's walkup window or to order at the restaurant's outdoor picnic tables. Expect frozen cocktails of the Italian variety, wines on tap and more patio crushers alongside the must-have street eats of Rome. To coincide with the food truck’s formal debut, a chef series and other community-centric events are already in the works.
Comments
View Comments (0 )
Never miss an eat.
Sign up for breaking news from the Chicago food scene.
Follow Us
Recommended Articles
Like us on Facebook for exclusive news and pictures from the Chicago Food Scene!