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Lizzano Focacceria & Spritzeria
Master Critic Review
Lizzano Focacceria & Spritzeria
7.7
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Hidden Gems Heaven
Opened in 2025, Lizzano focuses on Italian-style focaccia sandwiches, spritzes, and snacks on the quieter north end of Wells. Portions and prices lean higher than a typical sub shop, but the house-baked bread and Napoli-leaning fillings make it a useful under-$30 sit-down option in an otherwise pricey corridor.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lizzano Classic Focaccia Sandwich, Napoli Focaccia Sandwich, Sicilian Focaccia Sandwich
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.6
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 6
Cultural Relevance: 6.8
What makes it special: Focaccia-focused Italian sandwich bar offering a sit-down lunch just off the main strip.
Who should go: Sandwich lovers wanting something nicer than a grab-and-go sub.
When to visit: Weekday lunch or early evening when it’s quietest.
What to order: Lizzano classic, Napoli sandwich, and a spritz.
Insider tip: Use it as an earlier, lighter dinner before shows or cocktails nearby.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited along Wells and nearby side streets; most guests rely on nearby paid garages or rideshare, especially during peak evening hours.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual — daytime lunch attire and jeans are perfectly fine.
Noise level: Low to moderate — generally quiet enough for easy conversation, especially outside of peak lunch.
Weekend wait: Typically little to no wait — traffic is lighter in the evenings compared to lunch.
Weekday lunch: Minimal to short wait at peak lunch hours; most visits have no wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several sandwiches and snacks can be made vegetarian, though offerings are limited compared with meat options.
Vegan options: Very limited — most items rely on dairy, focaccia, and cured meats; expect only 1–2 improvable options depending on daily ingredients.
Gluten-free options: Limited — the concept centers on house-baked focaccia; gluten-free substitutions are generally not available.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a casual, low-key first date — it’s relaxed, counter-service, and conversation-friendly, best suited to an informal lunch or light early dinner rather than a long, romantic meal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — it operates more like a casual sandwich bar than a reservation-driven restaurant, and walk-ins are the norm.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally kid-friendly for older kids or simple meals — portions and pricing skew more adult-leaning, and there are no dedicated children’s amenities.
Best For
Better for: A sit-down sandwich experience with higher-quality bread, Italian-leaning fillings, and a calmer environment than most quick-serve sub shops in River North.
Skip if: You want large, budget takeout portions, extensive vegan or gluten-free options, or a high-energy, full-service dinner environment.