Bar Siena Chef Fabio Viviani's Guide To Chicago

Having been born and raised in Florence, Italy, Chef Fabio Viviani is no stranger to first-rate cuisine. In fact, the mastermind behind Chicago's Siena Tavern, Bar Siena and Prime & Provisions has harbored a passion for food ever since his childhood — which explains his illustrious job titles of celebrity chef, restaurateur and New York Times best-selling cookbook author.

Viviani also acts as a spokesperson for several international brands including Bertolli Olive Oils and Johnsonville Sausage and owns a line of cookware and culinary gadgets. However, one of his most impressive accomplishments to date is his induction into the Chicago Culinary Museum and Chefs Hall of Fame in 2017.

The culinary expert is constantly finding inspiration around Chicago, and he considers the city to be a chef's dream. "There are so many opportunities to do what you want to do in this city," explains Viviani. "Chicago has literally given me everything I could ever ask for — my wife, my son, my business and career. It is endless"

On the off chance that he's not cooking up mouthwatering meals at one of his restaurants or claiming victory on Food Network's " Cutthroat Kitchen: All-Star Tournament," you can sometimes find Viviani on a romantic date night with his wife at La Scarola or exploring the Museum of Science and Industry with his son.

And in case you were wondering where else this successful chef spends his time, he gave us the inside scoop on all his favorite places around Chicago. Check out his must-visit destinations below:

What neighborhood do you live in? South Barrington

What’s your occupation? Celebrity chef, restaurateur, cookbook author

Describe Chicago in three words: Inspiring, opportunistic, and a chef’s dream (okay, that’s five words)

What’s your favorite overall Chicago restaurant? My absolute favorite restaurant in Chicago, well… it’s mine, of course, Siena Tavern. That is if you are in the mood for Italian. However, if you want Mexican, go to Barrio. If you want a good steak, Prime & Provisions is the place to dine. That’s the great thing about Chicago: There are so many options that you can have more than one favorite restaurant.

Best sushi: I love to go to Momotaro with my wife for sushi. The atmosphere is classy, and the food is nothing short of amazing.

Best Italian food: Bar Siena is one of my spots with DineAmic Group, which serves great Italian food.

Best dessert: Of course I have to say our very own BomboBar, which you should check out along with Bar Siena. Go there and get an Italian bomboloni. You will not regret it.

Best pizza: Lou Malnati’s is the best when I’m craving deep-dish pizza.

Best spot for a quick lunch: When I get some free time to grab a bite to eat, I have to stop by my friend Jeff Mauro’s spot, Pork & Mindy’s, where I order the Bao to the Pork sandwich.

Best spot for a romantic date: La Scarola is an old-school eatery with Italian-inspired dishes. I love to take my wife here for date night. Everyone famous worth being mentioned before 2000 has had dinner there.

Best glass of wine: I have to say, if you are looking for a good selection of wine in the city then you need to go to Prime & Provisions. The steakhouse offers more than 200 different wines, making it hard for the steakhouse not to have what you are craving.

Best Sunday brunch: My family and I love to go to Walker Bros. the Original Pancake House in the suburbs. I get the potato pancake every time with extra sour cream. And even though my son is only 1 years old, he loves the corned beef hash.

Best spot for a business meeting: If you want to have a private business meeting but also a great lunch, grab a table in the PDR at Siena Tavern or the casita at Barrio. Both rooms are completely closed off and give you the privacy you need to close a major deal or just relax with your colleagues.

Best cup of coffee: One of my absolute favorite brands of coffee is Limitless. If you are in Chicago, I know La Bodega at 355 North Clark Street serves Limitless coffee. It’s another spot where you can drop in and get an iced coffee or latte during your morning commute.

Best steak: When I want a great steak dinner, I go to Prime & Provisions, another one of my spots with DineAmic Group.

Best craft cocktail: Try the The Violet Hour. My wife and I love this hidden Wicker Park spot. The speakeasy-type bar is a great escape to go to for a date night and a good place to relax while enjoying a handcrafted cocktail with great company, of course.

What hotel would you recommend for your out of town guests? I love The Langham Hotel. If a boutique hotel in Chicago is your preference, go there. Trust me, you will not be disappointed.

Favorite shopping venue or boutique: When I’m shopping for a custom suit, I’m loyal to BALANI Custom Clothiers. If you ever make it there, ask for Sonny or Ricardo — they’ll make sure you are taken care of!

Best gym or fitness studio: Besides chasing after my son for exercise, when I get the chance I like to go to East Bank Club in the River North neighborhood. The gym has everything: a pool, top-of-the-line gym equipment and a salon. It even has a car wash if you want to get that done while you are working out.

Best spa: If you know me, then you know relaxing is hard to do. However, if I had to recommend a spa in Chicago I would say Chuan Spa at The Langham. I have only been there a few times but after leaving it I have to say, they accomplished what I needed them to accomplish, which was for me to relax.

Favorite charity event or organization: One of my favorite events to participate in is Chicago Gourmet. You get some of the biggest name chefs from all over the country to come to this event where we provide a cooking demonstration and showcase our best dishes. Last year I was lucky enough to be one of the chefs that did a demonstration and everything there was on point. From the crowd to the food, it was a true food event that I enjoy participating in every year.

Favorite cultural event: This may not be the answer you are looking for, but if you are looking for culture then go see Hamilton. The musical is an entertaining way of explaining America’s history, which, being from Italy, I clearly wanted to learn.

What’s the best museum or current exhibit in Chicago? It’s tough being able to grab a toddler’s attention. However, whenever my wife and I take my son to a museum we go to the Museum of Science and Industry. I think he might actually have more interest in science than food, unlike his dad.

Best historic or iconic Chicago landmark to see or explore: I love the Board of Trade building. When I stand outside of Prime & Provisions and look south down LaSalle Street it always catches my eye.

What’s your all-time favorite spot in Chicago? I just love the River North neighborhood, in general. It’s where a majority of my restaurants are; including Siena Tavern, and the neighborhood is very accessible to other great restaurants.

The best aspect of Chicago is: You know the saying "the world is your oyster"? Well, "Chicago is your oyster." When I initially said a word to describe Chicago is “opportunistic,” I meant it. There are so many opportunities to do what you want to do in this city. Chicago has literally given me everything I could ever ask for — my wife, my son, my business and career. It is endless.

Image Credit: Matt Armendariz