Piccolo Mondo

Specialties

classic pasta dishes, chicken vesuvio, veal scaloppini, house Italian bread with olive oil and parmesan, extensive wine list, gourmet deep-dish pizza slices, homemade meatballs and Italian deli items, Spanish tapas, Argentine bakery items, catering services, outdoor patio dining

Piccolo Mondo, a long‑standing Italian restaurant and bakery in Hyde Park, closed on November 27, 2022, after 37 years in business. Owner Norberto Zas announced the closure in a Facebook post, explaining that he is retiring.

Founded in 1985 as Piccolo Mondo Café and located on the ground floor of the Windermere House building, the restaurant became a neighborhood fixture for Hyde Park residents, University of Chicago visitors, and families stopping by after the Museum of Science and Industry. Known for its sunlit dining room, white tablecloths, extensive wine list, and classic Italian dishes, it also offered an Italian deli, Spanish tapas, an Argentine bakery, and catering services over the years.

Zas first joined as general manager in 1999 and became owner in 2007. The restaurant previously operated a second location in Lincoln Park. Following the closure announcement, longtime patrons shared memories and appreciation on social media.

Piccolo Mondo sat on the first floor of one of Hyde Park’s grand old residences, the Windemere. Looking out over the Museum of Science and Industry and towards Lake Michigan, it was a sunny Italian eaterie filled with business and academic types, many of whom walk over from nearby University of Chicago. All the pasta was made fresh in-house, and they had daily specials. In the front of the restaurant was a take-out deli offering Italian sausages, pasta, bread, and gourmet salads.

Lunch Monday - Saturday $8

Dinner Monday - Saturday $13

What about reservations? Reservations accepted

Credit cards? Visa, Master Card, Discover

What to wear? Dockers

Where to park? Parking on premises

Other information:

• Smoking allowed in separate section
• Wheelchair access available
• Seating capacity is 80
• Take-out service available
• Delivery service available
• Full bar

Further reading

• Piccolo Mondo on CBS News