Il Porcellino Now Open in River North

Il Porcellino, a trattoria from partners R.J., Jerrod & Molly Melman and chef / partner Doug Psaltis, opened Thursday, March 17, at 59 W. Hubbard Street. The rustic Italian menu focuses on housemade pastas, vegetable antipasti, focaccia pizzas and the signature dish, il porcellino, with heritage Berkshire pork and wild Umbrian cicerchia beans.

“We’ve had a long-time vision of opening a casual trattoria with dishes that showcase the more rustic side of Italian cuisine which pays respect to the great Italian home cooks around the world,” adds Psaltis. “These dishes are a culmination of our entire teams’ travels and serve as inspiration for the spirit of il Porcellino.”

The menu is a collaboration between Psaltis and chef de cuisine Aaron Martinez—formerly of San Francisco’s Quince restaurant and Intro’s third visiting chef.

Mixologist Julian Cox rounds out the il Porcellino team. His cocktail philosophy is simple—a blend of classic old-style bartending mixed with modern technique. One aspect of the menu highlights bespoke cocktails, giving guests the opportunity to “create” a unique drink with the bartenders based on their individual tastes.The wine program is Italian-driven and features small producers handpicked by sommelier Richard Hanauer. It encourages sharing and offers different sizes and styles of bottlings, including a reintroduction to great table wine with fiasco del giorno selections presented in those familiar Italian wicker baskets.

Il Porcellino, named for the 17^th-century Florentine bronze statue that is thought to bring good luck and a return visit to the medieval city, will be an all-day trattoria. The restaurant is open for dinner Sunday through Thursday, 4 p.m. – 12 a.m.; Friday, 4 p.m. – 1 a.m.; and Saturday, 4 p.m. – 2 a.m. Reservations will be available starting Wednesday, March 16. For more information, please visit ilporcellinochicago.com or call 312-595-0800