Small plates favor rustic flavors at this boisterous scenesters' trattoria in Wicker Park.
The Scene Anchored at the busy Six Corners intersection is this looser, hipper version of sister Mia Francesca on Clark. An L-shaped dining room features a bar and open kitchen to the left, with banquette seating, distressed wood tables and mismatched chairs to the right. Globular light fixtures hover over thrift-store chic hipsters who practically have to shout to be heard over the conversational din. Floor-to-ceiling windows looking onto North and Damen make gawking at passers an irresistible distraction.
The Food Shareable small plates plus pasta and meat entrees appeal to classic Italian palettes. Start with antipasti like tangy Sicillian tuna served puttanesca style or truffle-flavored sheep's milk cheese, honey-infused ricotta or prosciutto. Chilis spice up lump crab and tomato paired with black-colored squid ink linguine. Succulent chicken breast is topped with prosciutto, fontina, portabella and drizzled with white wine sauce. Star desserts include gelato sandwiches in chocolate, caramel and raspberry flavors.