Italian
Zaza's
A white-tablecloth dining room serving Northern Italian classics alongside prime and wagyu steaks. Owner Dino Sisto opened the restaurant in 1995 as a tribute to his mother Dottie's home cooking, updating the menu on the first Friday of every month to reflect seasonal ingredients. Snag a table on the outdoor patio along the First Street Plaza during the summer months to pair your meal with live music.
★ The Legend
Penne Abruzzese
This signature pasta features penne tossed with house-made crumbled Italian sausage and pancetta in a fiery, slow-simmered tomato sauce. It is the restaurant's undisputed number-one seller, crafted from a treasured recipe passed down by the owner's mother.
◆ Fan Favorite
Calamari Griglia
Tender grilled squid is tossed with fresh diced tomatoes and sweet basil in a bright lemon-olive oil dressing, then finished with a rich balsamic glaze. Regulars bypass the fried version entirely for this lighter, smoky preparation that is perfect for sharing.
● Chef's Pick
Pesce Bianco alla Spinaci
Fresh Lake Superior whitefish is pan-roasted to a delicate flake, then finished in the oven with baby capers, shallots, and a velvety lemon butter sauce. Owner Dino Sisto publicly champions this dish as a personal favorite, noting that the sauce is so good you could eat it on an old boot.
◇ Hidden Gem
Carciofo Bianco
First-timers usually head straight for the bruschetta, but regulars know to start with this whole fresh artichoke stuffed with seasoned breadcrumbs and baked until tender. It is served swimming in a decadent lemon butter sauce that demands to be mopped up with the complimentary table bread.
Insider Tip
When the weather is warm, ask specifically for a table on the outdoor patio facing the Fox River. Pair your meal with a bottle of Harken Chardonnay—the velvety texture cuts through the heat of the spicy red sauces beautifully.
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