Restaurants

35 Best Italian Restaurants In Chicago

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If you're craving the flavors of Italy in the heart of Chicago, you're in for a treat. The city is home to diverse Italian restaurants, from cozy red sauce joints to upscale trattorias. 

Whether you're in the mood for a classic plate of pasta or a contemporary twist on Italian cuisine, the city has something to offer every palate. So, let's check out some of the finest Italian restaurants in Chicago.

1. Quartino Ristorante

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Quartino Ristorante & Wine Bar offers a vibrant taste of Italy with its authentic dishes like artisanal salumi, thin-crust pizza, and house-made pasta. 

This place is perfect for adventurous diners ready for a unique venture. Quartino is also a bi-level space where groups go for small & large plates, cocktails & carafes of wine.

Address: 626 N State St, North Side

2. Il Porcellino

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This casual-chic gem is known for its housemade pastas, Italian specials, and a delightful selection of wines in charming wicker-wrapped bottles. In Il Porcellino, you can indulge in classic Italian-American comfort food in a laid-back atmosphere. 

Don't forget to savor Lettuce Entertain You’s Julian Cox cocktail for a perfect dining experience.

Address: 59 W Hubbard St #2, River North

3. Piccolo Sogno

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It's a great spot to indulge in wood-fired oven pizza and an extensive wine selection within the cozy garden setting. Savor the flavors of Italy at Piccolo Sogno, where rustic cuisine meets perfection.

Opt for an outdoor patio experience and complete your evening with a pasta dish, seafood delight, and a bottle of fine wine to have a memorable night out.

Address: 464 N Halsted St, Fulton River District

4. Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio

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Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio is a place to be. This stylish gem offers contemporary Italian delights, featuring fresh pasta and a global selection of wines.

The dining experience is unique, promising a culinary adventure that should not be overlooked with exceptional food, attentive service, and a trendy atmosphere.

Address: 1020 W Madison St, West Side

5. RPM Italian

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RPM Italian is among the best Italian restaurants in Chicago, offering a welcoming atmosphere and a menu featuring homemade pasta, steaks, and seafood.

Their menu features a variety of mouthwatering dishes, including Carbonara, Mama DePandi's Bucatini, Prime Beef Meatballs, and Rigatoni Alla Vodka. Whether you're a local or just visiting, this is one restaurant you won't want to miss.

Address: 52 W Illinois St, River North

6. Francesca's On Chestnut

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Francesca's on Chestnut offers an intimate and elegant dining experience, with its cozy trattoria setting featuring dark wood paneling and an antique Brunswick bar.

It also has a wide selection of wines from Italy and worldwide, ensuring a perfect pairing for every meal. Whether it's a cozy dinner for two or a spirited gathering with friends, this place is the ultimate destination.

Address: 200 E Chestnut St, North Side

7. Sapori Trattoria

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Sapori Trattoria is a charming Italian restaurant that offers a variety of authentic Italian dishes, including fresh pasta. 

Located in the Lincoln Park and Lakeview neighborhoods of Chicago, this cozy eatery provides a relaxed and intimate atmosphere, making it the perfect place for a casual dinner or meal.

Address: 2701 N Halsted St, Lincoln Park

8. Adalina

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Elevate your evening at Adalina, a sophisticated Italian restaurant in Chicago. This refined establishment offers a modern and captivating Italian menu in a timeless, enticing setting. 

Delight in specialties such as gnocco fritto with prosciutto, whipped ricotta, and honey, housemade pasta like ravioli with corn, truffle, and balsamic drizzle, and entrees like a tender bone-in veal parmigiana.

Address: 912 N State St, Gold Coast / Streeterville

9. Rosebud on Rush

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Whether for a professional event or a family gathering, Rosebud on Rush offers the ideal venue. Their private dining rooms provide a comfortable setting for business lunches, cocktail parties, baby showers, or wedding receptions.

Renowned for generous hospitality and quality Italian cuisine, this Italian restaurant in Chicago ensures memorable occasions with ample servings of hospitality and delicious fare.

Address: 720 N Rush St, North Side

10. Ciccio Mio

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Ciccio Mio, located in the luxurious River North area, is perfect for a romantic date night. The cozy and dimly-lit ambiance, adorned with ornate chandeliers and old-timey artwork, will make you feel like you are in a mansion.

The menu features delicious dishes such as Prosciutto Di Parma, Robiola, Lasagna Bolognese Rotolo, Spicy Vodka Rigatoni, and Chicken Parmesan.

Address: 226 W Kinzie St, River North

11. Coco Pazzo

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Nestled in a century-old loft building, Coco Pazzo boasts a captivating ambiance. Antique bars, timber beams, brick walls, and cypress floors exude warmth. 

Similarly, its blue velvet drapes add a rustic, urban touch, offering privacy for large gatherings and a cozy winter atmosphere. Its outdoor alfresco dining is perfect for basking in the sun and savoring a glass of wine.

Address: 300 W Hubbard St, River North

12. Eataly

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Eataly is a well-known Italian marketplace that has become a sensation in Chicago. You will feel like you are in Italy without leaving the Windy City. 

The lively ambiance, enticing aromas, and friendly hospitality will instantly charm you. Embark on a culinary journey as you explore the various eateries, each offering an authentic taste of Italian cuisine.

Address: 43 E Ohio St, North Side

13. Club Lago

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Club Lago is a retro tavern-style restaurant serving traditional Northern Italian cuisine and a full bar since 1952. They offer classic Northern Italian dishes from the Garfagnana Valley in Tuscany, steaks, chops, and signature sandwiches.

Club Lago is the perfect spot for your first date, looking for a pre-theater or pre-game meal, or relax with great food in a family-friendly atmosphere, 

Address: 331 W Superior St, North Side

14. Gibsons Italia

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Elevate your special day with the sky-high magic of Gibsons Italia's private rooftop. This High-style Italian steak and pasta spot offers delicious food while enjoying the stunning river view.

The interior is bright and modern, with three floors, a retractable roof, and giant windows overlooking the river. The menu features antipasti, pasta, and entrees like veal Milanese and pork Fiorentina.

Address: 233 N Canal St, Fulton River District

15. Osteria Via Stato

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You can visit Osteria Via Stato for a classic Italian meal in a beautiful archway-enhanced setting. Even, you can enjoy half-priced pizza during their happy hour. 

The restaurant offers a menu of local and seasonally-driven Roman-style pizzas, antipasti, pasta, and other Italian specialties. You can dine in a romantic candlelit dining room, a casual pizzeria, or on the patio, viewing one of the liveliest corners of Chicago.

Address: 620 N State St, River North

16. Nonnina

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Nonnina is an upscale Italian restaurant in the River North neighborhood of Chicago. The restaurant offers classic Italian specialties, small plates, pizza, and takeaway options.

Its welcoming atmosphere creates a warm and inviting dining experience, while its menu features various fresh and seasonal ingredients. It is also a perfect spot for spending time with friends and family.

Address: 340 N Clark St, River North

17. Provare Chicago

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If you're a fan of pasta, then Provare Chicago is the perfect place for you. They offer pasta dishes, from classic favorites like spaghetti carbonara to creative seasonal creations. 

In addition to pasta, this Chicago restaurant's Italian has other delicious options, such as fried lobster tails, chicken parmesan bucatini, and juicy lamb chops paired with spicy charred corn.

Address: 1523 W Chicago Ave, West Town

18. Mario's Table

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Mario's Table is a renowned Italian restaurant in Chicago, well-known for its traditional, home-style Italian dishes and longstanding presence in the neighborhood. 

The restaurant boasts a fantastic ambiance, with a calm and welcoming atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for diners to enjoy their meals. It also has received positive feedback for its scrumptious food and prompt, attentive service.

Address: 21 W Goethe St, North Side

19. Bar Roma

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Nestled in Chicago's Andersonville neighborhood, Bar Roma stands out for its warm ambiance, exceptional cuisine, and fine wine selection.

 Specializing in meatballs, house-made pasta, and wood-fired dishes, it brings the flavors of Rome to life. Also, you can indulge in Italian delicacies like tortellini Jambalaya and Cacio E Pepe. 

Address: 5101 N Clark St, Uptown

20. Antico

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Discover the charm of Antico, a renowned Italian gem in Chicago's Bucktown neighborhood. Since 2011, it has delighted patrons with seasonal Italian dining and a curated wine selection. 

Nestled in a chic storefront with a garden patio, Antico's menu showcases hand-crafted cured meats, roasted beets, blood oranges, sautéed wild mushrooms, and authentic brick-oven pizzas.

Address: 1946 N Leavitt St, Bucktown

21. Segnatore

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Segnatore is an Italian restaurant situated in Chicago's Humboldt Park neighborhood. The restaurant draws inspiration from the rich history of folk healers in Italy and stays true to the traditional Italian cooking style.

Likewise, it is advisable to make dinner reservations, even on a weeknight, as Segnatore is typically bustling with couples, small groups, and occasional celebrations.

Address: 1001 N California Ave, Humboldt Park

22. The Pasta Bowl - Wicker Park

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Experience culinary creation at The Pasta Bowl in Wicker Park, a trendy Italian eatery redefining pasta. You might want to arrive early for weekly specials, as they sell out fast. 

Besides, in-house specialties like the farfalle pollo pasta, featuring chicken, tomato, mushroom, and Parmesan bathed in Pasta Bowl cream sauce. It also has vegetarian pastas and a variety of salads, such as the cranberry gorgonzola salad.

Address: 1852 W North Ave, West Town

23. SABA Italian Bar + Kitchen

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Saba Italian Bar + Kitchen offers a casual dining experience with a modern twist on traditional Italian cuisine. The menu features house-made pizzas, pasta, small plates, and desserts, all designed to be shared family-style. 

This restaurant Italian Chicago also boasts an extensive wine list with international selections, unique and creative cocktails, and even boozy Italian cream sodas.

Address: 2715 N Milwaukee Ave, North Side

24. La Storia, Italian Restaurant

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Nestled in Chicago's vibrant Gold Coast, La Storia is an enchanting Italian bistro featuring al fresco dining in a delightful courtyard. Savor exquisite dishes such as Wagyu Carpaccio, Roasted Cauliflower, Meatballs, Gnocchi, Lasagna, Rigatoni, and Diavolo Pizza.

With its outdoor dining allure, the restaurant delivers both value and a pleasurable experience, ensuring patrons enjoy the ambiance and culinary delights.

Address: 1154 N Dearborn St, North Side

25. Rose Mary

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Rose Mary is an Italian-Croatian restaurant in the West Loop neighborhood. The restaurant offers a blend of Italian and Croatian cuisine in an industrial-chic setting with a bar. 

Some popular dishes include Stracciatella, Lamb Mafaldine Abruzzi, Gnocchi, Cevapi, Crni, Baby Octopus Peka Style, and Pork Ribs Pampanella. Its culinary excellence and pleasant atmosphere make it a must-visit eatery.

Address: 932 W Fulton St, Fulton Market

26. Olive Garden Italian Restaurant

Olive Garden is a lively, family-friendly restaurant chain that offers a variety of Italian dishes, such as pasta and salads. You can't go wrong with their irresistible Chicken Parmigiana and Fettuccine Alfredo, both cooked to perfection.

One of their famous signature items is the freshly baked breadsticks, served as a never-ending first course with your choice of homemade soup or garden-fresh salad.

Address: 3555 W Addison St, North Side

27. Bruna's Ristorante

Bruna's Ristorante is a quaint Italian restaurant in the heart of Little Italy, Chicago. It has been serving traditional Italian cuisine, wine, and tiramisu since 1933. 

The restaurant's Italian food is commendable, with the sausage and peppers being particularly noteworthy. Though the pasta is not housemade, they are well-cooked and served with flavorful sauces.

Address: 2424 S Oakley Ave, West Side

28. Bacchanalia

Located just minutes from downtown Chicago, Bacchanalia offers an authentic Italian culinary experience. Since 1979, the restaurant has faithfully prepared dishes from the Pieri family's Tuscan heritage.

Here, you can enjoy generous portions of excellent quality at reasonable prices. It also has a cozy and quaint atmosphere and friendly and accommodating service.

Address: 2413 S Oakley Ave, West Side

29. Harry Caray's Italian Steakhouse

If you are in search of an Italian restaurant in Chicago Illinois, Look no further than Harry Caray’s. It is renowned for serving the finest prime, aged steaks, chops, and Italian favorites and offers a warm and casual ambiance.

With dark mahogany, mosaic floors, white-jacketed servers, and a baseball history museum, the experience at Harry Caray’s is a perfect blend of sophistication and comfort.

Address: 33 W Kinzie St, River North

30. Osteria Langhe

Osteria Langhe spotlights the flavors of Piedmontese cuisine, featuring ingredients like truffles and creamy, eggy pasta. The warm, cozy ambiance sets the stage for a delightful dining experience.

For a different perspective, consider reserving a table at one of Chicago's rooftop restaurants. Dine amidst a stunning cityscape, adding a touch of scenic beauty to your meal.

Address: 2824 W Armitage Ave, North Side

31. Maggiano's Little Italy

This semi-upscale chain is renowned for its relaxed, polished atmosphere and family-style servings of classic Italian dishes at reasonable prices. 

You'll love their delicious gnocchi, eggplant parmesan, and chicken marsala, all served in generously sized family platters. Come and enjoy a fantastic dining experience that won't break the bank.

Address: 516 N Clark St, North Side

32. La Scarola

Tucked away in a cozy setting in Chicago, La Scarola is a small, cozy dinner spot with framed photos covering the walls serving classic Italian food.

Indulge in a range of classics, from antipastos and calamari to veal marsala or linguini with clams. Among the favorites are the Sauteed Scarole, Grilled Calamari, Pasta & Fagioli, Penne alla Vodka, and Chicken Vesuvio.

Address: 721 W Grand Ave, West Loop

33. The Village

Discover tranquility away from the Loop at The Village, a Chicago staple since 1927. Beneath the 'twinkling lights,' relish Northern Italian specialties and Italian-American classics. 

For a cozy, romantic date night, this spot is perfect. Enjoy delectable dishes and a curated wine list, creating a delightful experience that ensures a great time for you and your partner.

Address: 71 W Monroe St, Theater District

34. Siena Tavern

Renowned for Neapolitan pizzas, homemade pasta, and a tempting mozzarella bar, the restaurant boasts an expansive wine selection and a roomy bar area. 

Customize your pizza with half-and-half options and treat your taste buds to delights like gnocchi or squid ink linguine with lobster. Savor the culinary excellence of Siena Tavern's diverse menu.

Address: 51 W Kinzie St, North Side

35. Volare Ristorante Italiano

You can dine at Volare Ristorante for a delicious Italian fare and explore Italian flavors in Chicago. Since 1997, it has delighted patrons with a blend of traditional Italian cuisine and modern twists. 

Enjoy the inviting atmosphere, delicious food, and excellent service. Volare goes the extra mile with outside seating, valet parking, delivery, take-out, gift certificates, and catering services.

Address: 201 E Grand Ave, North Side