I'll admit it: I had high expectations when I went to Viaggio at the Park (401 W. Fullerton Pkwy.; www.viaggiochicago.com ).
Fortunately, those expectations were met.
Two words that spring to mind regarding Viaggio are "warm" and "inviting." Manager Dave Flanzbaum makes everyone feel welcome in a restaurant that accommodates families and romantic couples. There's definitely an old-school Italian vibe, as reflected in everything from the cuisine to the wall photos of Dean Martin.
As for the food, it is as good as the hype. The meatball salad is more than satisfying, thanks to the gigantic ball that more than makes an impression. My friend Noel and I also tried the grilled seafood platter (with calamari, baby octopus and shrimp accompanied with house dressing), which hit a high note as well. Other appetizers include baked clams, beef carpaccio and shrimp scampi.
There's practically a surfeit of entree choices. Prices on the standard pasta selections vary, depending on sauce choice and what meats people what added. The specialties include penne in the Park, eggplant parmesan, eight-finger cavatelli, cheese ravioli and veal Ragu (with house-made sauce, not the item you see at Jewel).
The remainder of the entrees are divided by the featured meat: seafood, chicken, veal and chops. I tried the branzino (sea bass filet topped with crab meat sautéed in a lemon and white-wine sauce)and it was simply divine, with the flavors lightly playing off each other. Moreover, it was a huge portion, adding to the allure. Noel had the chicken Saltimbocca (chicken breast prepared with imported prosciutto, fresh sage and Provolone cheese, served in a white-wine sauce), and she absolutely loved it.
If it's possible, save room for dessert, as the tempting offerings include tiramisu and bread pudding. They're just as tasty as the rest of the menu items.
Viaggio doesn't do too much that's innovative with its menunot that it's a problem. It takes traditional dishes and makes them worth revisiting.
Note: There is another Viaggio at 1330 W. Madison St. It reportedly has a different (read: party) vibe, as it's near the United Center. I'm hopeful the food is just as good, but the Fullerton Park location has set the bar pretty high.