Chicago’s biggest restaurant group has unveiled more information on its massive multi-faceted riverside restaurant project in River North. The first phase, a pizza spot called Pizzeria Portofino, should debut in June. A private event space (RPM Events on the Water) should open in September and a seafood restaurant (RPM on the Water) is scheduled for a fall debut. The four-level space is one of Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises’s most ambitious projects.
LEYE had considered several names as the project evolved. The space is the former Bridge House Tavern space at 317 N. Clark Street — on the Northeast corner of the Chicago River and Clark. It has spaces for boats in front which customers can use to arrive. LEYE has invested $50 million on the renovation. The scale of the project made it one of Eater Chicago’s most anticipated restaurants of 2019.
Pizzeria Portofino will debut first. It’s the space directly on the Chicago Riverwalk with a 130-foot outdoor terrace. The company hopes the pizzeria will transport customers to the Italian Riviera; LEYE is even giving away a trip. Besides hand-stretched pies, the menu will include vegetable antipasti and pastas. The drink list will include spritzes — ideal for the patio — and “approachable coastal wines.” It will be open for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch.