RPM Italian, Chicago

An army of stylish waiters marches through RPM Italian, stopping at tables to pour [vintage wines](http://gr.pn/1vTDkRU) and drop off plates of Italian cuisine. As they move, their sharp white blazers stand out brightly against the black-and-white decor. The overall effect is quite glamorous, which should come as no surprise to those familiar with the restaurant's history: celebrity couple and reality-show mainstays Giuliana and Bill Rancic opened the place, working alongside culinary heavyweights R.J., Jerrod, and Molly Melman. Together, the team has created a fitting tribute to Italy's greatest edible hits with modern flair. Housemade pastas take up the center of the [menu](http://gr.pn/1k2wmjL), including Mama Depandi's bucatini and spaghetti made with squid ink, the tastier yet rarer alternative to cow's ink. The chefs also work wonders with steak—their 38-ounce sliced, dry-aged porterhouse is typically enough for two to four people. On a given night, tables share traditional Italian cichetti and wood-oven pizzettes while an array of cold and hot antpasti dishes delight. Wood-grilled octopus with chickpeas and celery offer an exotic departure from traditionally saucy dishes and pair well with the slow-roasted tenderness of classic meats. Guests cap meals with decadent spoonfuls of Bill's chocolate budino with salted caramel and cocao nibs. Look to the bar for a selection of [cocktails and imported Italian beers](http://gr.pn/S0UT2v). Servers slink into the cellars to peruse more than 100 American and Italian wines to complement the stunning modernity of an Italian meal. Even the bartenders might seem familiar—Giuliana herself has been spotted pouring a beverage or two.