Trattoria del Merlo

Completing a trifecta of excellent Italian restaurants, Trattoria del Merlo is the third in the mini-culinary empire begun by Silvia Marani and Giampaolo Sassi back in the 90s. While the trattoria's menu still manages to rise high above many of the city's subpar Italian restaurants, the prices better match today's dwindling economy. Fresh, housemade pastas like papardelle and gnocchi are cooked perfectly and entrees like organic Amish chicken with San Marzano tomatoes are flavorful and surprisingly affordable. The two-story spot offers views of bustling Halsted and a glassed-in wine cellar.