Warm, inviting and trendy, this Italian restaurant draws a hipster crowd to the growing South Loop.

The Scene
Once deserted, this stretch of Wabash Street now positively pulses with activity. Gioco can take some credit, having opened up shop in this 'hood back in late '99. The space is stylish, comfortable and loud with the buzz of conversation from a hip, all-ages crowd.

The Food
Gioco's still got it, serving simple, excellent Italian fare with a contemporary twist. Nearly every dish scores: paper-thin octopus carpaccio, savory steamed mussels with white wine, seared sea scallops with crispy artichokes ... who needs entrees when you can choose from starters like these? A salad of buffalo mozzarella and tomato sprinkled with fresh basil is basic, and perfect. Pasta-lovers will swoon over the hand-rolled penne, light as air and bathing in a delicate cream sauce studded with peas and prosciutto. Or skip noodles and go for flaky, tender grilled salmon or whole bass with rapini, mouth-watering seafood options both.