Salute

This wine bar and Italian small plates spot is located on the ground level of a 19th Century River North building, lending it a romantic Victorian-era feel. The main room is done up in warm golds and reds, with dark woodwork, an original marble fireplace and a mix of tables and more intimate couch seating adding to the romance. In warmer months, a front patio provides a breezier option. The wine list, which includes selections from each of Italy’s 20 regions, features about 70 bottles and a dozen by-the-glass options (though wine director Kevin Halminiak says he’ll pour almost anything he has on hand by the glass). The Italian beer list is also worth a look, featuring some hard-to-find options such as Xyauyu, which is doled out in gentle 2-ounce pours. The kitchen focuses on sharable Italian piatti (plates) such as truffle oil-kissed mushroom tapenade on Belgian endive and filet mignon carpaccio, as well as salads, panini and tramezzini (open-faced toasted sandwiches). Artisanal cheeses and cured meats are available a la carte for pairing with wines, and there’s a small lineup of house-made desserts and gelato.