Cafe Spiaggia

Reviews

• Jeffrey C.

  star star star star star 16 July 2026

  Lunch was the highlight of my recent visit to Chicago, the service, setting and food were flawless, flawless.
  
  From the moment you walk in you are transported to a wonderful place and the feeling is overwhelming!
  
  I ate everything and can not wait to return.
  
  Go and enjoy !

• Brett B.

  star star star_border star_border star_border 13 July 2026

  Great reviews but I left disappointed (and bloated - you'll see why in a minute)
  
  Positive:
  -waiter was amiable and engaged upon arrival
  -server introduced the dishes perfectly
  -order was prompt
  -nice presentation, looked fabulous (see photo)
  
  Negative:
  -oh, the salt. Wayyyy too much SALT. Ordered a chicken parmigiana sandwich, and it was apparent that they had brined the chicken breast for much too long. The meat was crumbly and so so salty.
  -also ordered pappardelle pasta with duck confit. TOO MUCH SALT. Looked great. Too much salt.
  -Manager was busy doing nothing and didn't bother coming to check, even though there were two tables including ours.
  -Suddenly we were rushed out the door without a word. But...but... the salt!
  -The price!!!! $20 for a salt sandwich cannot be justified.
  
  To be fair, I was so hungry I shoveled the food down, battling through the wall of salt. I don't think a refund or a second order would have helped.
  
  I'm sorry, everything was on point except the food. And for this location and price, I cannot give a better review.

• Teresa H.

  star star star star star 11 July 2026

  I was on a work trip staying near by at the Westin when I stumbled upon an ad featuring Joe Flamm winner of season 15 on Top Chef. Apparently this is the sister restaurant to the real deal Spiaggia. The inside decor is adorable. I sat at a tiny table by the window overlooking Chicago and order a glass of sparkling rose. It was the perfect drink to celebrate my success on a conference panel.
  
  The waiter was most helpful since I love getting input on menu favorites. I or the waiter chose for me the seasonal burrata with asparagus and fennel. And the cavatelli with mushroom. Both were so fresh and delicious. The burrata was bursting with citrus and pepper flavors and the cavatelli was al dente and creamy with an earthy punch from the mushrooms.
  
  I'm so happy with my decision to break away from the group and treat my self to a meal meant for the stars!

• Johanna K.

  star star star star star 8 July 2026

  Holy delicious! Ordered carry out charcuterie while in town for work.  It was pretty reasonably-priced for the amount of food, too!
  
  The to-go order was so adorable.  Everything was packaged up with such care.  There were a variety of meats, a fig spread, warm crusty focaccia, amazing cheese crisps, pickled asparagus, brie, and olive oil.  
  
  I ordered a San Pelegrino Italian soda, but they did not have the flavor I requested when I arrived to pick up my order.  I am really not that picky so this was fine, but to make up for it they gave me some Italian cookies.  So sweet of them!
  
  The cafe itself was a tiny bit tricky to find inside the building where it is located, especially as it is separate from the Spiaggia Restaurant.  However, I figured it out and I'm so glad I did!  I'd love to come back and dine in at the cafe or the restaurant the next time I'm in Chicago.  And if you're staying at The Drake Hotel, you can't beat how close this place is!

• Rachelle K.

  star star star star_border star_border 25 June 2026

  I'm trying to base my review solely on the experience and not the expectation, but it's difficult.
  
  It's a very cute space and we were greeted very warmly and led to an excellent table for two in a  window facing the street.  Service was very attentive to start.  
  
  We ordered the burrata with berries and the tomato salad.   The burrata was excellent although I did not care for the thyme.  The tomato salad was disappointing with unripe peaches and bland tomatoes.  
  
  For entrees we ordered Cacio e Pepe and the pork chop.  They delivered the wrong pasta and the pork chop literally SECONDS after they took away our appetizer plates.  We didn't have time to breathe let alone digest.  We sent everything back and only a couple of minutes later they delivered new plates with the correct pasta.  We were a 7:45 pm seating so I have no idea what the big rush was.  
  
  The cacio e Pepe was good but not elevated in any way and there were clumps of cheese all through.  Just ok.  The pork chop was quite good. Again, they rushed us once we were done to order dessert.   We declined and said we would sit with our wine for a bit.  At which point they ignored us for a long time and we had to flag down the bus boy to order dessert.  
  
  My husband thinks this should be four stars for food and three for service but I disagree.  The food was not up to par and I hate being rushed.  This will not be on my list to visit again.  Disappointing.