Lizzano Focacceria and Spritzeria Brings Taste of Italy to River North
Italian Heritage Inspires New Restaurant Concept
RIVER NORTH — A casual Italian restaurant specializing in panini and spritzes has opened in River North, inspired by its 29-year-old owner’s travels in Italy.
A New Concept from the Owner of Deep Purpl
Owner Gabriel Fleury is no stranger to the food business. Born and raised in Brazil of Italian heritage, Fleury opened his first endeavor, a smoothie and acai bowl shop called Deep Purpl, in 2020 after studying economics at Loyola University. Since then, Deep Purpl has grown to 11 locations in Chicago and one in San Francisco, Fleury said.
Following the success of Deep Purpl, Fleury said he was eager to open another business. “I decided to combine both my Italian heritage as well as my expertise in fast-casual businesses,” Fleury said. “People can sit here and spend a long time hanging out, being with friends, take people on dates here. [It’s] really a cozy environment where people can share drinks as well as a panini, or even an Italian board.”
The Menu
The sandwiches at Lizzano Focacceria and Spritzeria in River North are built using focaccia as well as schiacciata, a thinner, chewier Tuscan bread. The menu offers 11 sandwiches, ranging from a Nutella and mascarpone sandwich ($14) on schiacciata to a ham, mozzarella, and pesto panini on focaccia ($15). Schiacciata is a Tuscan bread that’s typically thinner and chewier than focaccia.
The menu also offers three taglieri — boards with assorted meats, cheeses, jams, olives, and focaccia ($23-$27). Aperol, Campari, Limoncello, and Hugo spritzes are all $14.
Design and Ambiance
Fleury spent the first seven months of 2024 working and traveling in Italy to create the concept and sophisticated but limited menu for Lizzano. The 28-seat restaurant, with its orange walls, “Ciao Bella” sign, Champagne bottles, and faux greenery, reflects Fleury’s time in Trastevere, a bohemian neighborhood in Rome, he said. He worked remotely with an architect in Brazil to bring his vision for Lizzano to life, adding design touches like a bicycle.
Employee Feedback
Lizzano employee Yohanna Fortuna, who previously worked at Deep Purpl, said the month-old restaurant already has regular customers from nearby high-rise apartment buildings. The Lizzano panini, featuring prosciutto di Parma, mozzarella, tomatoes, and fresh basil on focaccia, has emerged as the most popular menu item, Fortuna said.
Customer Feedback
River North resident Alyssa Holme, who lives two blocks away from Lizzano, said she began frequenting the restaurant after her building advertised its opening. Holme’s regular order is the Lombardia sandwich, with Brie cheese, fig jam, walnuts, and arugula on focaccia.
Conclusion
Lizzano Focacceria and Spritzeria is open 10 a.m.-10 p.m. daily. Happy hour is 4-6 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, featuring $9 spritzes and wines and half off Italian boards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Lizzano Focacceria and Spritzeria?
A: A casual Italian restaurant specializing in panini and spritzes.
Q: What inspired the concept?
A: Owner Gabriel Fleury’s travels in Italy and his Italian heritage.
Q: What are some popular menu items?
A: The Lizzano panini, featuring prosciutto di Parma, mozzarella, tomatoes, and fresh basil on focaccia, and the Lombardia sandwich, with Brie cheese, fig jam, walnuts, and arugula on focaccia.
Q: Is Lizzano open for happy hour?
A: Yes, from 4-6 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, featuring $9 spritzes and wines and half off Italian boards.
