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"There are a lot of just-fine Italian restaurants in Chicago that are inoffensive enough to be on this guide. But if you want to inject a teensy bit of fun into the long-awaited meeting of your undergrad roommate and your postgrad roommate, go to Segnatore in Humboldt Park. The food at this relaxed spot stands out because every dish has some kind of unexpected twist. The meatballs are filled with melted scamorza, offering the benefits of a Juicy Lucy without the risk of third-degree burns. The deconstructed lasagna is a pile of garlic mafaldine, whipped ricotta, and a mushroom bolognese that would win in a steel cage match against any meat version. And Segnatore has the kind of a relaxed vibe of a European cafe we want to sit in all day." - adrian kane