This is the kind of trattoria that remembers why you go out in the first place: a glass of something Italian, a plate that makes sense, and a staff that looks like they’ve done this a thousand times. Mano a Mano calls itself a neighborhood pasta project; it reads that way—casual, confident, and built for a Tuesday as much as a Saturday.
Who’s Behind It
Eat Well Hospitality—the team behind Andros Taverna and Asador Bastian—opened Mano a Mano as chef Doug Psaltis’s Italian lane: regional classics, house pastas, and an all-Italian wine list that’s more friendly than fussy. The through-line is operational polish with a cook’s appetite.
The Pastas (Order Like You Mean It)
The menu swings from Roman staples to Northern comforts and a few throwback hits:
Tagliatelle al ragù — a straight-ahead Bolognese that sticks the landing.
Cacio e Pepe and Carbonara — Roman crowd-pleasers with proper pecorino bite and guanciale salt.
Amatriciana (rigatoni) — tomato and cured pork doing what they do.
Limone (spaghetti) — lemon, cream, parmesan; bright enough to reset the night.
Alla Gricia (bucatini) — fat, pepper, cheese—no sauce games.
Ravioletti w/ short rib & robiola — lush and savory.
Ravioli in lobster brodo — clean, aromatic, quietly showy.
Stuffed Pappardelle, braised rabbit & Taggiasca olives — Tuscan rustic turned date-night luxe.
Agnolotti, sweet corn & calabrian chili — peak-summer energy when it’s on.
Tip: they run weekly specials—from Spaghetti Sunday to $1 spaghetti with a bottle on Wednesdays. If you’re a planner, anchor your visit around one of those.
The Meatballs (Polpette Worth A Detour)
Meatball Napoletana comes four to a plate: grass-fed beef, parmesan, pomodoro. It’s the sort of simple that only works when you don’t cut corners—good fat, friendly acid, basil doing its job. You could call it a starter; you could also call it dinner with a glass of sangiovese and be right both ways.
What We’d Order Next Time
Start with the Meatball Napoletana, split a focaccia di Recco, then run carbonara + stuffed pappardelle (rabbit) and share a side of Very Verde for crunch. If it’s Sunday, add the Spaghetti special and worry about the gym later.
Details
Address: 2534 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL (Logan Square).
Visit the website for reservations.
Wine: 100% Italian grapes, quarter- and half-liter pours for the table sharers.
