Celebrity Chef Fabio Viviani was personally on hand to unveil his latest creation, Alto Italian Steakhouse at Wind Creek Chicago Southland. “Alto means high above, and that’s exactly what we intend to do here, to create a find dining experience that is far above anything experienced here in Chicago Southland.
Located 17 stories above Wine Creek Chicago Southland Casino, the restaurant not only features Chef Viviani’s imaginative takes on Italian and Steakhouse Classics, but a commanding view of the surrounding Chicago Southland. On a clear evening, the Chicago Skyline is the crowning jewel of the restaurant’s unparalleled ambiance.
Besides its panoramic views, the restaurant takes diners on a whirlwind excursion of Chef Viviani’s reimagination of modern Italian cuisine. Among Chef Fabio’s personal favorites is Spicy Creste di Gallo, a zesty handmade pasta dish featuring San Marzano tomatoes, Grana Padano cheese, vodka and a delicious sauce enhanced by Calabrian peppers from Southern Italy.
“My personal feeling is that nothing says Italian Steakhouse more than a nice house made pasta dish. Here we take the traditional Creste di Gallo pasta, and add some succulent San Marzano tomatoes, which are imported from Italy and flavor it with some zesty Calabrian peppers to give it a really unique flavor. This is a dish that truly reflects Italian heritage. Creste Di Gallo, means rooster crest in Italian. It’s a curved crescent shaped pasta with a ruffled edge, that sort of resembles a rooster. The shape is perfect for absorbing all the delicious flavors or our recipe creation.”
Steaks, of course, are the headline inherent in Alto’s name. “All of our steaks are Wet Aged for a least 28 days, right here in the restaurant. We do everything here by hand, including aging and trimming. All of our sauces are created in house, as are our signature desserts.”
Steaks range from the Petite Filet at a modest 7oz to the Tomahawk Linz Heritage Angus that is 30 days dry-aged and weighs in at a hefty 36oz.
Opulent additions include King Crab, Lobster Tail, Jumbo Shrimp and Lump Crab. A choice of house made sauces includes Classic Bearnaise, Au-Poivre, Barolo Demi-Glaze and Garlic Cilantro among others.
Desserts are also crafted in-house. One of the house specialties is a Carrot Cake Cheesecake that is topped with a decadent Caramel sauce infused with carrot puree and Chantilly cream/ Another specialty (and my personal favorite) is the Chocolate Peanut Butter Tart made with chocolate, peanut butter mousse and topped with a rich chocolate sauce. It’s all nestled in a chocolate-flavored crust, what could be more heavenly!
Wind Creek Chicago Southland opened its state-of-the-art casino in November, luxury hotel, the spa in April and now, Alto. This highly anticipated signature restaurant provides an exceptional high-end dining experience—offering stunning skyline views, bold Italian flavors, and world-class hospitality, bringing a Chicago-caliber culinary destination to the Southland region.
“With Alto, we’re elevating guests’ dining experience by delivering refined flavors and exceptional hospitality in one of the most dynamic dining rooms in Chicagoland,” said Chef Fabio Viviani. “It’s approachable elegance with vibrant character—exactly what the Southland deserves.” Alto, seats 214 guest.
Viviani, a Top Chef alum and longtime Chicago favorite, entered a multi-concept partnership with Wind Creek Hospitality in 2023. In addition to Alto, Viviani’s team oversees several on-property restaurants including Shuck It, a seafood and oyster bar, and contributes to the resort’s food hall, banquets, and in-room dining programs.
Alto by Fabio Viviani at Wind Creek Chicago Southland Casino & Resort is a complete hit. Reservations are a must. Visit windcreek.com for more.
