note: NOW CLOSED (alas!)

There are so many places to eat in Chicago that your head can spin. We've found the BEST place to eat, though - a Chicago Deli - Panozzo's Italian Market. Located on South Michigan Avenue, several blocks from downtown, it is close enough to the action to be considered for any meal when you're downtown. It is on the south end of Grant Park, 2 blocks in from the Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium.

Their motto?
Eat. Drink. Live. Italian.

YEP.

We were lucky enough to get food there several times - they currently have no tables and only serve takeout. BUT! you can head to Grant Park, or walk over to the many picnic areas at Shedd Aquarium. Or, take it back to your hotel room. Once, we ate it in the car and had to go back for more. It is THAT GOOD...

Panozzo's has daily specials, including salads, sandwiches, and interesting combinations of fresh pasta. The deli has meat, fresh foods, meals to be warmed up at home, sandwiches, delicious bread, and more. The freezer stocks gelato, larger dinners, and much, much more!

And, the store has all sorts of Italian groceries, bread, olives, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, cookies, imported chocolates...need I go on? Head there and peruse the shelves yourself! Just set aside some time, because although the storefront is small, the offerings are large.

"Panozzo's Italian Market is a collaborative labor of love for owners Mike and Ellen Panozzo, Tony Gierczyk and John Asbaty. Operating a small, family Italian food market similar to the ones he grew up with in Chicago's Pullman neighborhood on the South Side had long been one of Mike's dreams. Upon relocating from Oak Park to the vibrant, booming South Loop, Mike & Ellen immediately saw an opportunity to bring a classic Italian market their new neighborhood, a vision that was eagerly adopted by Tony and John.

Tony, whose E. Anthony, Inc. construction company builds top quality food establishments, car dealerships and banks throughout the south suburbs, brought a love of people and Italian food and the skills to make Panozzo's Italian Market the sleek-yet-inviting store that it is.

In John Asbaty, Panozzo's is blessed to have a chef whose talent and creativity produce amazing flavors from even the simplest Italian foods. A skilled chef whose training ground was in the kitchens of both Trio and Alinea, John brings unmatched passion and precision to the art of Italian cooking.

In the end, Panozzo's Italian Market strives only to offer carefully prepared quality foods at reasonable prices, and in a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere.

Our goal is to make everyone at least a little Italian."

If you're in Chicago, you owe it to yourself to stop - and eat at - Panozzo's. You'll be glad you did!

Panozzo's Italian Market.
1303 S Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60605
312-356-9966