Nourish more than your aesthetic inspiration at Terzo Piano, an elegant Italian ristorante situated in the Modern Wing of the Art Institute of Chicago. Overlooking the city skyline, al fresco terrace seating affords a view nearly as enticing as the culinary compositions created by celebrated Chicagoan chef Tony Mantuano, recent recipient of the James Beard Foundation’s Best Chef in the Midwest award.

Terzo Piano’s approach to Italian cuisine makes the quality and origins of ingredients paramount. Locally sourced from sustainable organic farms and ranches, the fresh meats and produce are prepared in the old-world fashion, maximizing flavor and healthfulness while preserving the artistry of culinary craft. Apparently simple entrees such as the spaghetti—from-scratch pasta with grilled calamari, three-herb pesto, orange, arugula, and pine nuts—contain complex nuances of flavor inherent in the carefully selected ingredients. The secret is in the no-shortcuts philosophy behind Terzo Piano’s entire operation—from the farm all the way to your table.

Savor house-made Italian sodas with your meal, mixed with all natural juices and herbs for a surprisingly grown-up drink, or pair a glass of wine with finely aged artisan cheeses from the cava di stagionatura. Every facet of this experience reflects the grand combination of traditional techniques with innovative composition.

• Due Piccole | flatbread with Tamworth bacon, goat cheese, roasted beet, and arugula salad
• Grilled Lamb Burger | pasture-raised lamb with whipped goat cheese, summer squash, and almonds
• Roasted Perch | with mussels, clams, and shrimp in tomato broth with chili flakes
• See full menu.

3.5 stars and 109 reviews on Yelp

"And then the view. And what a view! It's no secret that I love rooftops, and this is no exception. Call me sappy, but there's nothing that makes me more fuzzy and tingly than the Smurfit-Stone/Prudential/Aon skyline." - Yelp Reviewer Vin P., Chicago, IL, 8/12/2011
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"I enjoyed my entire experience at Terzo Piano for lunch. My bf and I sat on the patio with a great view of the skyline. Our server was awesome. He was very knowledgeable and so helpful. " - Yelp Reviewer Arlene F., Chicago, IL, 6/27/2012
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"You get what you pay for: creative dishes, sensible portions, attentive staff, and seriously, one of the most amazing Chicago views out there." - Yelp Reviewer Heather H., Chicago, IL, 5/15/2011
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"My first impression of Terzo Piano was that it is gorgeous. It's very modern and gets fantastic natural light. I spied a beautiful patio I'd like to revisit in warmer months. The restaurant is a perfect continuance of the design of the Modern Wing. " - Yelp Reviewer Megan G., Chicago, IL, 2/28/2011
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