In a neighborhood full of Italian options, chef Joe Farina is giving River North another with Victory Italian, a spinoff of his South Loop restaurant, Armand’s Victory Tap. Farina’s new restaurant opens on Monday at 434 W. Ontario Street. The former Rosebud chef described it as a neighborhood restaurant that gives River North a refreshing change of pace from an over-hyped scene.

“I’m doing a lot of the stuff I grew up with,” Farina said. “I’ve put in the years and it’s finally coming together — it’s exciting.” Farina described the second-wave of Italian-American immigrants as providing his inspiration. They’ll serve fresh pastas, Farina’s signature meatballs, and specialty pizzas from Armand’s Pizzeria, including a 3-foot long pie. Armand’s is the 65-year-old suburban Chicago chain that’s partnering with Farina to open new restaurants. Farina helped reboot their first restaurant in Elmwood Park.