Formerly: Located in the former home of Alibi (and before that, the G & G Diner), Bella Rosa does something that many Chicago pizzerias don't: It delivers on the promise of true New York Pizza. Yes, it's difficult for many Chicagoans to accept that not every foray into pizza consumption calls for four inches of cheese under a hearty sauce—but even hard-core Gino's patrons will admit that sometimes a thin slice is nice. Bella serves up some killer pasta dishes, but it's the pizza that'll keep you coming back. The pies here separate into floppy, foldable slices that will satiate the memories of Neopolitans and Brooklynites alike.

The aura of this charming little bistro would be a dead ringer for old-world Italy, if not for the modern vibe permeating from the impressive gallery of art adorning the walls, to say nothing of the uber-hip crowd that congregates here. The perfect meeting spot before an evening of River North debauchery, Bella Rosa also serves as a post-club refuge for the dressed-to-the-nines set. In a sweep of brilliant entrepreneurship, the folks behind Bella Rosa decided to do the hands that feed them a solid: For a delicious bite on the go, just stumble up to the pizza truck parked in front of the restaurant on Friday and Saturday nights. Open from 11 p.m.-3 a.m., the truck dishes out steaming slices of cheese, pepperoni or sausage without the wait.

Centerstage Reviewer: K. Tighe