Café Spiaggia unveils contemporary new look

Chef Tony Mantuano has been on a mission to reinvent his North Michigan Avenue restaurants in Chicago.

VIDEO: Introducing the new Spiaggia Prix Fixe Menu

Mantuano recently unveiled a new look for the casual Café Spiaggia. Sleek marble, futuristic light fixtures and lighter walls bring the space more in line with Mantuano’s upscale Spiaggia next door.

During a seven-week closure, a crew stripped away much of the intimate property's Old World character, including the checkerboard floor tiles, wainscoting, murals, dark banquettes and track lighting. In their place are simple wood floors, neutral paint colors, black chairs and white banquettes and industrial lighting.

Last year Mantuano closed Spiagga for four months to complete a massive redo that added a new lounge. Two things that disappeared in the latter renovation: tablecloths and mandatory jackets for men.

To go along with the physical transformation, Café Spiaggia’s menu also has a new look, as do the wine list and dessert choices.