Bongiorno's Cucina Italiana & Pizzeria in River North reopens under new ownership

CHICAGO (WLS) -- ABC7 Chicago meteorologist Tracy Butler was Cooking up a Storm Thursday with a restaurant where customers can feel like home, in the heart of the city.

Bongiorno's Cucina Italiana & Pizzeria has a new owner, with some of the same well-loved Italian recipes.

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It can be a little tricky to find, nestled into 405 N. Wabash Ave., just north of the river.

But the Google reviews say this is not a place to miss.

Nick Ramos, who's the owner, and Giovanni Morales, the general manager, joined Butler to talk more about it.

They brought a lot of food, including Rollatini di Melanzane, thin ribbons of eggplant rolled around creamy ricotta, nestled in bright tomato sauce, and oven-baked until the mozzarella melts into a golden, bubbly blanket.

They also showed off bruschetta, with juicy heirloom tomatoes, tossed with basil, extra-virgin olive oil, grated Grana Padano and a gloss of balsamic reduction, heaped over warm torpedo garlic bread with a satisfying crunch.

There was Pollo alla Parmigiana Crisp: breaded chicken breast under a rich layer of tomato sauce and molten mozzarella, served alongside al dente penne to catch every last bit of sauce.

And there were pizzas, including a Stuffed Gnocchi Plump: pillowy gnocchi with a tender, cheesy center, finished in a house pesto so each bite is coated in a silky, fragrant green sheen.

There was the Deelish Pizza, with a bubbly crust, spread with tangy tomato sauce and plenty of mozzarella, crowned with pepperoni and basil, then kissed with truffle oil for an aromatic finish.

And they had the Prosciutto e Funghi, with tangy tomato sauce and stretchy mozzarella over a blistered crust, finished with delicate slices of prosciutto cotto and tender mushrooms for a savory, woodsy bite.

Visit www.bongiornospizzaitaliandeli.com for more information.