La Madia
photo: Steven Johnson
La Madia, a River North contemporary Italian from a longtime Maggiano’s vet, is all about pizza (innovative, crispy Neapolitan-style pies) and wine (over 50 global choices by the glass); striped banquettes and backlit mirrors freshen its modern setting, while custom glassed-in wine storage divides dining from the front lounge (59 W. Grand Ave.; 312-329-0400).
In other pizza-related news, last week, Osteria Via Stato gave birth to Pizzeria Via Stato; sharing a front door, yet separated from the main restaurant, it features thin-crust Roman-style pies in two categories – Rich Melman’s nostalgic, simple “tavern pizzas” (sausage, pepperoni, mushroom, etc.) and specialty “signature pizzas” (think elevated ingredients like free-range chicken, organic fingerling potatoes and artichokes); a limited beverage selection is supplemented by the osteria’s full wine list (620 N. State St.; 312-337-6634).