Old and New Favorites at Terzo Piano

Situated in the heart of Grant Park on the edge of the Loop and in the midst of tourist Mecca in Chicago, Terzo Piano is a prime destination for summertime dining and drinking. As the season amps up, the restaurant inside the Art Institute of Chicago’s Modern Wing is filled with specials, additions, and returning seasonal goodies for visitors and locals alike.

This year marks Terzo Piano’s fifth anniversary, and in honor of the occasion, the restaurant is bringing back several of its most revered dishes over the years. Think of it as a “Best Of” album compilation, only instead of songs, it’s mizuna salad and Crescenza cheese-filled ravioletti and za’atar-spiced eggplant fries. These and other dishes – grilled lamb burgers, chocolate semi-freddo among them – are rolling out as specials to celebrate the anniversary.

Making its seasonal return is Terzo Piano’s casual little sister, Piano Terra. Located at the Art Institute’s North Garden, the al fresco cafe features a smattering of seasonal dishes throughout the summer. One perpetual mainstay is the chocolate peanut butter semi-freddo on a stick.

Along with some revisited favorites, something new this season at Terzo Piano is a Thursday evening dining option at McKinlock Court, the ambient outdoor garden within the museum. Wine Bar Food is the name of the game, featuring a weekly roster of dishes derived from Tony and Cathy Mantuano’s cookbook of the same name. Get hungry for smoked whitefish with grilled sourdough, Burrata cheese, ouzo shrimp, affogato, and more.

Terzo Piano
159 E. Monroe Street, Chicago
(312) 443-8650
Website