Chicago is well-known for its vibrant restaurant industry, and now, people in Italy will have the opportunity to enjoy a taste of the city’s iconic cuisine.
This initiative was originally envisioned by Pope Francis before his passing, as he wished to bring the Stefani Restaurant Group to Italy. Today, this vision is being realized as Chicago’s own Pope Leo XIV will enjoy familiar flavors close to the Vatican.
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Phil Stefani and Chef Art Smith of Chicago’s Stefani Restaurant Group are set to transform a 135-acre location in Castel Gandolfo into a restaurant and catering venue, as was announced on Friday.
“Our main goal, alongside Art, is to showcase Chicago to a global audience,” stated Phil Stefani from the Stefani Restaurant Group.
Pope Leo XIV made the official announcement as well in Rome with a moment of prayer in front of a couple hundred people in attendance on Friday.
Stefani says fate brought them into this situation as they were in discussions to open this restaurant before Pope Francis passed away.
Stefani and Smith auditioned in front of Pope Francis and a group of people at the Vatican, where they served fried chicken and biscuits.
Pope Leo XIV was present at the initial dinner and will now witness the fruition of this project, which will bring his preferred dishes to a scenic location near the Vatican.
“Pope Francis envisioned creating this establishment, focusing on sustainability. Our ingredients will be sourced from the site itself, and the initiative will support migrants by teaching them our trade,” explained Stefani.
Mayor Brandon Johnson also attended Friday’s announcement, sharing a few words about what this means to Chicago.
“I think about the soul of Chicago, and it’s our restaurant industry and our families who really define who we are, and those of us who live and breathe Chicago know how amazing the food industry is,” Johnson said.
The restaurant is set to open next April and they say that menu will offer some of Chicago’s favorite traditions.
“Seventy percent will be Italian. Then, another 20% will be our Chicago program. We’re going to do, obviously, the hot dog. We’ll do items that we’re known for,” Stefani said.
Stefani says the other 10% of the menu will offer Peruvian meals in honor of where Pope Leo XIV spent several years.
He said deep dish pizza may be a little too much for that restaurant but has not officially decided yet.
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