Fontana Grill, Chicago IL
The Uptown neighborhood of Chicago, a vibrant and diverse neighborhood on the north side, was as recently as a few years ago considered an area to avoid entirely and indeed there were not many places to visit anyway. Rising housing prices and its proximity to Lake Michigan have drawn more people to the neighborhood and Uptown now represents an area in mid gentrification- Starbucks on one block, a homeless person on the next.
That being said, recently opened Fontana Grill is an atypical addition to the neighborhood. Drawing inspiration from the cuisines of Italy and Bosnia, Fontana offers a plethora of interesting and delectable entrees- authentic Italian thin crust pizzas, homemade pappardelle pasta dishes as well as more substantial meat and poultry entrees. Homemade cevapi (from the owner’s grandmother’s recipe) offered as an appetizer or an entrée is a particular treat. The appetizer offers an appealing taste of perfectly spiced sausage served on a bed of polenta but the entrée offers a larger portion nestled within warm pita bread and a rich yogurt sauce. Another stand out is the pappardelle pasta with garlic and parsley topped with butter and white truffle oil- simple, yet so delectable. Most pasta dishes top out at $15 while other entrees can range up to $25 and the pizzas (definitely big enough for two to share if accompanied by an appetizer or two) stay in the range of $12.
One of the most unique aspects of Fontana is its wine line up. A relatively small wine list, lovingly and expertly chosen by the resident bartender, offers reds and whites from around the world available for purchase by the ounce- $1 or $2 for a taste, a half glass (3 oz. for $3-6) or a whole glass (6 oz. for $6-12). Of course, all wines are offered by the bottle as well (all for around $22 each), but where else could you enjoy a white wine aperitif, a full bodied Rioja with dinner and a glass of sparkling wine after dinner all for about the same as it would cost to order only one bottle? In addition, this method neatly eliminates any hint of disquiet when you want to order gnocchi with Bolognese and your companion is leaning toward chicken with lemon and white wine sauce.
The ambiance is cozy and intimate, with a definite wine bar feel. Dark walls enclose a few inviting booths while the rest of the tables are populated with angular chairs. The outdoor patio (which has yet to officially open, due to Chicago’s fickle spring weather) is pleasant and open and features a large fountain (fontana means fountain in both Italian and Bosnian). In my experience, service has been more attentive when sitting at the bar (as well as offering more opportunities for expert wine recommendations from the bartender) but the restaurant is sure to add to their staff as they gain the popularity they so deserve.
All in all, Fontana Grill is a great addition to the area. It highlights the diversity already present in the neighborhood while being noteworthy in its own right as a lovely venue for great food and wine.
BridgetA // Other posts by BridgetA
Tags: best chicago restaurants, Chicago, restaurant, wine bar