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The rhythmic words ‘Terra e Mare’ directly translates from the beautiful Italian language to “land and sea”. The menu at this laid back, Mediterranean restaurant reflects just that: a passionate ode to the sea’s delicious delicacies comes crashing into shore, meeting the bounty of flavors the land has to offer. Chef Noah Zamler’s heritage inspires every dish while using ingredients sourced right here in the Midwest.  

Begin by filling your table with an array of Small Plates before moving on to the main courses. You can’t go wrong with any of the shareable selections which include signature burrata or focaccia, salads and sprouts or bites of fresh seafood.  

Carbs are the name of the game at Terra e Mare and it all starts with indulgent bowls of pasta. Savor the surf-inspired Squid Ink Chitarra Terra e Mare with Manila clams, crab, n’duja, lemon, capers and breadcrumbs. Or keep your tastebuds on land with the turf-inspired Pappardelle Alla Coniglio that features stewed rabbit, carrot puree and parsnip crisps.  

The restaurant recently expanded their pizza menu with 100% sourdough pies (which is something that’s not common across the city!) All pizzas are made from scratch, and the mozzarella is also pulled and made in house. Terra e Mare has all the Classic Pizzas one could ever need. From Margherita to the Carnivore, there’s a pie for everyone. A T&M crew and new CFM favorite is the Italian Sausage and Peppers pizza, drenched in tomato sauce and bombed with crumbles of Italian sausage, roasted banana peppers and oregano. The quantity of tomato sauce is almost too heavy for the crust so each piece requires a fork and knife or the famous NY-style fold. The roasted banana peppers get lost amongst the simplicity and may be better as fresh toppings rather than baked in the wood-fired oven.  

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Among the specialty T&M Pizzas, guests can expect sourdough crusts with unorthodox toppings like purple sweet potato puree and duck prosciutto. Unnamed pizzas like the #10 feature more familiar garnishes like burrata, green garlic and balsamela (balsamic). It’s another staff (and CFM) favorite and each ingredient shines atop the tomato sauce-based pie.  

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Not in the mood for pizza or pasta? Terra e Mare has you covered with a quartet of large plates including Slagel Family Farm Half-Roasted Chicken served with rosemary potatoes, caramel jus and roasted lemon; a Braised Short Rib completed by chimichurri, romesco sauce and marcona almonds; Scallops nestled with a puree of peas and topped with a pancetta marmalade; and a rich Mushroom Risotto featuring black oyster mushrooms, creamy mascarpone and crispy leeks.  

While the dessert selections are limited at Terra e Mare, it’s a no-brainer to end the meal with the light and satisfying, Tiramisu. The restaurant does not skimp on the serving size either! Their brick-sized slice of pillowy indulgence is easily shareable between two people. Enjoy the quintessential chewy bites of ladyfingers soaked in espresso to give you the boast you need after carbo-loading on pasta and pizza. Terra e Mare’s version avoids the typical bitterness that you can get from the espresso and cocoa powder resulting in an ideal ending to dinner.   

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Terra e Mare is located in the South Loop at 404 N Wells St. Conveniently located right off the Qunicy or Lasalle/Van Buren “L” stops, Terra e Mare is open for weekday lunch Monday through Friday from 11am to 2:30pm before reopening for happy hour deals and dinner at 4pm. Those in the neighborhood on Saturdays can also enjoy dinner beginning at 4pm. The restaurant is closed on Sundays.  

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