After Work Delight: New Bar Menu at Piccolo Sogno Due Brings Italian Coastal Fare to River North

by Nicholas Kinports

February 6, 2015

Simple, flavorful menu combines aptly priced seafood, prosciutto and pizza

The upscale Italian fare at Piccolo Sogno Due has been a River North favorite since opening in 2012. Heck, even President Obama gives the dining room at the restaurant the official seal of approval. Now Piccolo Sogno Due is launching a new bar menu focused on reasonably priced Italian fare perfect for sharing. Join us for dinner at the bar, won't you?

We start with three crostini misti, or toasted bruschetta with black truffle pesto and mushroom, salmon tar tare and Prosciutto with mozzarella. The crispy balls are hearty and easy to share.

Piccolo Sogno Due crostini misti — Careful, these crostini misti are hot!

Next up a large plate of sliced prosciutto di Parma, pecorino, assorted vegetables, olives and beans. It's perfect to share and enough for 3-4 hungry patrons to chow down.

Piccolo Sogno Due antipasto due — The signature antipasto due

"Prosciutto di Parma has a slightly nutty flavour from the Parmigiano Reggiano whey that is sometimes added to the pigs' diet."

Piccolo Sogno Due prosciutto di Parma and pecorino — A close-up of the prosciutto di Parma and pecorino

The frittura features fried, floured calamari and shrimp with lemon. Despite being fried, it's deceptively light and flaky.

Piccolo Sogno Due frittura — Calamari and shrimp frittura

The grilled octopus comes with a bed of roasted peppers, fingerling potatoes, grilled frisee and tuna sauce. It's a classic mediterranean dish that we can't turn down.

Piccolo Sogno Due polpo — We can't say no to polpo

Piccolo Sogno Due — Showcasing the grill marks on the perfectly-done polpo

A night at the bar just isn't complete without pizza. The simple yet well-portioned margherita pizza helps us cross the finish line with San Marzano tomato sauce, basil and mozzarella.