Piccolo Sogno Unpacks Nonnina, An Italian Sandwich Shop/Lounge Hybrid In River North

It opened today in the former Piccolo Sogno Due space

by Daniel Gerzina Jun 27, 2016, 1:20pm CDT

Photography by Daniel Gerzina | Via All Nonnina Coverage [ECHI] and Nonnina [Official Site]

Today's the day to say ciao to Nonnina. The Piccolo Sogno crew opened their throwback revamp in River North this fine summer Monday, bringing their new concept that's part sandwich shop, part lounge, and part white-tablecloth dining to the former Piccolo Sogno Due space on Clark Street in River North.

As previously reported, the space has been broken up into multiple rooms for the different facets of the new restaurant. The streetside sandwich shop Nonnina To Go serves four types of 12-inch subs, including a breaded steak, for $8.50 - $9.50 each. There's also grab-and-go salads, Italian pastries, and more. Check out the menu here.

The bar and dining room still have a sophisticated feel. But the lounge is now much larger and central, with tufted crimson booths, making it much more conducive to spending time and with draw of its own. Eight simple cocktails named for Italian grandmothers are available to drink, while smaller bar bites, such as meatballs and fried pizza dough, are available for snacks.

The lunch and dinner offerings are inspired by chef Chris Macchia's researching of decades-old menus. Daytime features six house-made pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and larger plates including pork chop peperonata. The menu expands in the evening with braciole, swordfish, sole, and wood-fired langostines.

The sandwich shop and lounge alone should be a welcome addition to the office and nightlife-driven neighborhood. Say ciao beginning today.

Nonnina, 340 N. Clark St., (312) 822-0077, open 11 a.m. until 10:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. Friday, 4 p.m. until 11 p.m. Saturday, and 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. Sunday.