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Chicago Italian Restaurants

Author: Sarah Hyde

Categories: Restaurants At the Table At the Table



Chicago Italian restaurants have perfected the art of Italian cuisine, from strictly old-fashioned to inventive and contemporary. Dig into a heaping mound of meatballs over linguine marinara, just like Grandma used to make, or partake in something a little more sophisticated, like a duck breast glazed with asfodelo honey, served with rapini and creamy yellow polenta. No matter your preference, there's a Chicago Italian restaurant where we know you'll feel at home.


Chicago Italian Restaurants

Chicago is a city of neighborhoods where new racial identities are formed while Old World identities are passed down, usually through the universal cultural identifier: food. Nowhere is this more apparent than in Chicago Italian restaurants.

Upscale Chicago Italian Restaurants

If you don't mind splurging, some of the higher-end Chicago Italian restaurants are well worth the expense. Any exploration of Italian cuisine in Chicago must begin Spiaggia, Oak Street's culinary behemoth overlooking Lake Michigan. In 2006, Phil Vettel named Spiaggia as the only four-star Chicago Italian restaurant.

Executive chef Tony Mantuano and his team exhibit a deft touch when it comes to presenting complex Italian cuisine while still allowing the inherent flavors of superior ingredients to come through plainly on the palate.

Another upscale choice is Coco Pazzo, a well-regarded purveyor of Italian cuisine in River North. Freshness is a guarantee at this Chicago Italian restaurant: every dish features only the highest quality and most flavorful ingredients. They hand-make their pasta and bread each day and combine classic techniques with modern touches in their well-rounded menu of Tuscan delights.

Classic Chicago Italian Restaurants

Executive chef Federico Comacchio, of Milan, serves consistent, masterfully prepared steaks and seafood at Phil Stefani's 437 Rush, set just off Chicago's Mag Mile. The pastas here each stand out in their own right, especially Comacchio's risotto. Stop by anytime; open for lunch and dinner, or sample the varied and customizable bar menu. Enjoy your experience here, then consider other Phil Stefani's Signature Restaurants. Various celebs definitely filter through 437 Rush, so keep your paparazzi-like eyes open.

Baseball fan or no, any trip to Chicago is incomplete without a stop at Harry Caray's Restaurant, a classic Chicago Italian restaurant and steakhouse, all in one. In addition to a critically-acclaimed wine list, they serve steaks and chops alongside classic Italian cuisine, surrounded by mahogany paneling and plenty o' paraphernalia. Harry Caray's is the perfect place to soak up Chicago history and do some celebrity watching.

If you're looking for a classic Chicago Italian restaurant, head to the Gold Coast, where you'll find Mario's Gold Coast Ristorante. This neighborhood hideaway has become a local hangout with at-home warmth and a wine list worth reading. Their expansive menu of pizza, pasta, chicken, veal, and steak features appetizers like grilled calamari and their signature steak vesuvio.

Another hidden gem, rusty sign over the door and all, is La Scarola. The traditional Italian cuisine served here includes eggplant Parmigiana and a Chicago Italian restaurant favorite, peppers and sausage.

The service is as intimate as the seating, and the noise level allows for good conversation. The casual, low-key ambiance and classic Italian cuisine prompted one reviewer to note that he half-expected grandma to saunter out of the kitchen and pinch his cheeks.  

Fusion Chicago Italian Restaurants

Each Chicago Italian restaurant offers up its own brand of Italian favorites, old and new.  Italiasia is taking this to a whole new level with their Italian-Asian fusion, featuring menu items like veal osso buco, cooked with sake.

Italiasia is the perfect compromise, featuring regional classics like pasta bolognese or grilled chicken teryaki. Looking to pair something with your Asian-Italian cuisine? They have a full bar of sakes (including an organic sake and a sampler), international wines, cognacs, scotches, and more. Check it out on the 15th floor in the lobby of the Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza.

Modern Chicago Italian Restaurants

A number of Chicago Italian restaurants have proven themselves to be pioneers in the Chicago culinary scene. Follia on Fulton Avenue was an early entrant into the currently booming market for thin-crust pizza.

This Chicago Italian restaurant mirrors the cultures of the husband-and-wife team who owns it (he's from Milan, she's American), creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a chic Milan eatery, complete with tranquil blue-green mosaics and a window full of mannequins in haute couture. Pizza and pasta are the favorites on the menu, as well as seafood and meat dishes. 

If you're looking for an exquisite Chicago Italian restaurant for lunch in the Loop, there's always Trattoria No. 10. Head down the steps and take a seat amidst arched walkways and original art, and try one of their always-fresh daily specials, their signature house-made ravioli and pasta, or a variety of other Italian classics with contemporary flair.

Nestled in the trendy Wicker Park neighborhood, Francesca Forno has taken to Chicago's small plate revolution by offering a wide range of shareable Italian specialties, letting diners sample a variety of dishes at each meal. This Chicago Italian restaurant is anything but old-fashioned, thanks to their innovative sharing style and edgy atmosphere of tin-paneled ceilings and mismatched chairs.

Chicago Italian Restaurants for Families

If you prefer piled-high plates of pasta at fair prices over elaborate fine dining, visit Maggiano's Little Italy. This chain of Chicago Italian restaurants features a massive menu of Italian staples, plus other crowd-pleasers like onion strings and crab cakes. The red sauce-heavy food here is consistent, as is the service, and nobody leaves hungry.

Three Chicago Italian Restaurants in One

At one of Chicago's oldest restaurants, The Italian Village, you can choose from three Chicago Italian restaurants. If you're craving traditional food in a cozy, small town atmosphere, we suggest you settle in at The Village.

If you're looking for a Chicago Italian restaurant where steak is king, sink into the wine cellar-inspired atmosphere at La Cantina. For a more contemporary Chicago Italian restaurant, head to Vivere, where you'll find an award-winning wine list and highlights of regional Italian cuisine. No matter where you choose, you'll do well to order a glass of wine with your meal (they're known for their extensive, on-premise wine cellar).

Tags

Culinaryfamily friendlyRomanceon a budgetEthnic

nearby places of interest

312 Chicago
136 N. LaSalle St., Chicago, IL 60602

This seasonally influenced Italian-inspired American eatery buzzes by day with politicians (City Hall is across the street), and buzzes with diners heading to the nearby Cadillac Theater at night.Make a Reservation

A Mano
335 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60610

Rustic Italian is on the menu at A Mano, brought to you by the folks behind Bin 36. Menu items include house-made pastas and pizzas, with an emphasis on organic ingredients.

Anteprima
5316 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60640

At this Andersonville Italian eatery, home-style dishes with twists will make you feel like family. 

Ballo Restaurant
451 N. Dearborn, Chicago, IL 60610

Bice Ristorante
158 E. Ontario St, Chicago, IL 60611

Bice Ristorante is a great choice for menu items like veal osso buco or penne arrabbiata in an elegant-but-cozy setting. Check out their seasonally open sidewalk cafe seating for a little dolce vita in Streeterville.

Buca di Beppo
521 N. Rush St., Chicago, IL 60611

Both Chicago outposts of this national chain feature family-style service of gigantic portions of Southern Italian dishes, like the two-and-a-half pound platter of spaghetti and meatballs. 

Buca di Beppo
604 N. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling, IL 60090

Cafe Bionda
1924 S. State St., Chicago, IL 60616

The bottom line is comforting at Cafe Bionda, when it comes to both the menu and the ambience.  

Cafe Spiaggia
980 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611

If you love class, wine, and many courses, then head to Café Spiaggia, one of the finest Chicago Italian restaurants. Indulge in their renowned selection of artisan cheeses and dessert options. 

Caliterra
633 N. St. Clair St., Chicago, IL 60611

Located in the Wyndham Hotel, Caliterra features a warm dining room, a seasonal menu of cuisine of from North California and Tuscany, and an artisan cheese collection of about 40 domestic and imported choices. 

Capi's Italian Kitchen
700 E Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60611

For wide-ranging, authentic Italian food served at Navy Pier in Chicago, Capi's Italian Kitchen gives families the chance to fine-dine without reservations. Menu items include wood-stone cooked pizzas and fresh panini sandwiches.

Carlucci
1801 Butterfield Rd., Downers Grove, IL 60515

Carlucci is an authentic, Chicago-based Italian restaurant owned by brothers Joe and Charlie Carlucci. Fresh, plentiful Italian cuisine, comfortable atmosphere, and gracious service remind one of an evening at home with family and friends.   

Carlucci
6111 N. River Rd., Rosemont, IL 60018

Carlucci is an authentic, Chicago-based Italian restaurant owned by brothers Joe and Charlie Carlucci. Fresh, plentiful Italian cuisine, comfortable atmosphere, and gracious service remind one of an evening at home with family and friends.  

Carmine's
1043 N. Rush St., Chicago, IL 60611

The two-story Rosebud restaurant is always hopping, perhaps due to their great location, massive portions of steaks, chops and seafood, plus house-made pastas like cavatelli al forno.

Chicago's Pizza and Pasta
3114 N. Lincoln, Chicago , IL 60657

Chicago's Pizza and Pasta offers a wide array of pizza and pasta items for lunch, dinner and dessert.   

Club Lucky
1824 W. Wabansia Ave., Chicago, IL 60622

This neighborhood spot is a throwback to the 1940-era supper club and cocktail lounge, right down to the antique martini shaker collection behind the retro bar.  

Coco Pazzo
300 W. Hubbard St., Chicago, IL 60610

Fresh vegetables, rich sauces, and homemade pasta keep customers returning to this Tuscan-inspired restaurant called Coco Pazzo.  

Coco Pazzo Cafe
636 N. St. Clair St., Chicago, IL 60611

The more casual sibling to River North's popular Coco Pazzo, this Chicago Italian restaurant features Tuscan-inspired seasonal menu items.

Dinotto Ristorante
215 W. North Ave., Chicago, IL 60610

For 16 years this intimate spot has been serving up Italian favorites like chicken Vesuvio and spaghetti Bolognese; its location makes it a popular pre-movie or Second City dining destination.

Erie Cafe
536 W. Erie St. (old), Chicago, IL 60610

Located on the north branch of the Chicago River, this clubby Italian steakhouse serves a mean bone-in strip steak, in addition to traditional Italian dishes.

Erie Cafe
536 W. Erie St., Chicago, IL 60610

This Italian steakhouse has a club-like atmosphere with large windows, oil paintings, and an elegant yet casual ambiance.

Extra Virgin
741 W. Randolph, Chicago, IL 60661

Follia
953 W. Fulton Ave, Chicago, IL 60607

The restaurant displays art and fashions by local college students, that you can purchase, or admire while you wait for a table. 

Fornetto Mei
107 E. Delaware Pl., Chicago, IL 60611

Located adjacent to the Whitehall Hotel, Fornetto Mei has a wood-burning oven where they bake artisan thin crust pizzas. The menu features Italian fare with a sprinkling of Asian dishes.  

Francesca's Bryn Mawr
1039 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., Chicago, IL 60660

This outpost of the hugely popular chain of Francesca restaurants features oversized portions of Northern Italian food with an emphasis on Rome and the surrounding regions.

Francesca's on Taylor
1400 W. Taylor St., Chicago, IL 60607

Italian eatery in Little Italy, featuring oversized portions of Northern Italian food, thin crust pizzas, and plenty of pasta choices.

Gabriel's Restaurant
310 Greenbay Road, Highwood, IL 60040

French and Italian cuisine fill the menu of this fine-dining restaurant in one of Chicago's suburbs.

Harry Caray's
33 W. Kinzie St., Chicago, IL 60610

Harry Caray's Chicago Italian restaurants are named for Chicago's beloved baseball announcer and known for their steak.

Harry Caray's
10233 W. Higgins Rd., Rosemont, IL 60018

This is the suburban outpost of the popular Chicago eatery, which is named after Chicago's beloved baseball announcer, Harry Caray.

Harry Caray's
70 Yorktown Shopping Center, Lombard, IL 60148

The third installment into the Harry Caray's Italian Steakhouse family.

Harry Caray's Tavern
3551 N. Sheffield Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60657

Located across from Wrigley Field, Harry Caray's Tavern is a great place to stop before or after the game for classic American bar snacks and delightful italian entrees.  

Il Mulino
1150 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, IL 60610

This high-level Italian fine-dining spot isn't cheap, but you get what you pay for. Set in the Gold Coast neighborhood a couple blocks away from the Rush Street nightlife scene, it's impressive for a date or a business dinner.

Italian Village
71 W. Monroe St., Chicago, IL 60603

One of Chicago's oldest and most venerated restaurants, Italian Village has been doing it right for more than 80 years.

La Madia
59 W. Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60610

This pizzeria boasts it brings a modern American take on an ancient Italian concept.  

La Mediterranee
941 W. Randolph St. , Chicago, IL 60607

This West Loop neighborhood restaurant serves all the classics you'd expect from Chicago Italian restaurants and all the cuisine of an authentic, French bistro. They offfer a variety of pasta, meat, and seafood entrees, and an extensive wine list.

Mado
1647 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago, IL 60647

Mado gives diners a fresh taste of the Mediterranean without breaking the bank; expect simple, high quality dishes, friendly service, small portions and a cozy atmosphere.

Maggiano's Little Italy
516 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60610

This home-style Italian concept looks like Little Italy with red-checked tablecloths, leather banquettes, a mahogany bar and faux "family" portraits.

Marios Gold Coast Ristorante
21 W. Goethe St, Chicago, IL 60610

Although Mario's is located in the heart of the Gold Coast, its relaxed neighborhood charm overrides its swank address, making it a favorite of Chicago Italian restaurants.

Phil Stefani's 437 Rush
437 N. Rush Street, Chicago, IL 60611

Part of Phil Stefani's legacy of Chicago Italian restaurants, 437 Rush is known for its high quality Italian cuisine and vibrant decor, making it especially popular among Chicago visitors and busy shoppers. 

Piccolo Sogno
464 N. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60642

The restaurant focuses on fresh, seasonal Italian cuisine and offers favorites like hand-tossed pastas cooked in a wood-burning stove, Roman-style pork, Mediterranean sea bass, and homemade gelato. 

Pompei Pizza
2955 N. Sheffield Ave., Chicago, IL 60657

Pompeii Pizza offers a variety of pizzas, pastas, and desserts.  

Quartino
626 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60610

Pizza, small plates and affordable wine dominate the menu at this Italian hotspot located right off Michigan Avenue.

Red Ivy
3526 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60657

This trendy sports bar is named after the ivy that grows along historic Wrigley Field in autumn. Located just south of Wrigley, you'll find hearty Italian fare at a reasonable prices, with pizzas being their specialty.

RoSal's Cucina
1154 W. Taylor St., Chicago, IL 60607

This contemporary Chicago Italian restaurant features dishes like broccoli and shells, chicken cacciatore, eggplant Parmesan and spinach lasagna.

Rosebud Theater District
70 W. Madison St. , Chicago , IL 60602

Rosebud Theater District serves all of your Rosebud favorites, making it the perfect choice for a pre-theater dinner or a quick-but-delicious lunch.

Salute Wine Bar
46 E. Superior St., Chicago , IL 60611

This Italian wine bar and bistro, offers wine from 20 different regions of Italy Italian comfort food for lunch and dinner. Salute Wine Bar is sophisticated, but rustic.

Scoozi
410 W. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60610

This affordable Italian restaurant is a local favorite and keeps it fresh with special events and deals on a regular basis.

Spiaggia
980 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, IL 60611

This elegant Italian eatery has fantastic views of the lakefront, as well as a la carte menu offerings such as wood-roasted Colorado lamb chops and charcoal-grilled veal chops. 

Tavern on Rush
1031 N. Rush St., Chicago, IL 60611

This upscale, two-story lounge and steakhouse features a dramatic lower-level lounge with a gorgeous bar and a clubby restaurant upstairs.

The Village
71 W. Monroe, Chicago, IL 60603

Part of the Italian Village family, The Village is located on the 2nd floor and serves up pasta, chicken, veal, pizza, beef, panina, and salads.

Tuscany
1014 W. Taylor St., Chicago, IL 60607

This is the original location of Tuscany, a member of the Phil Stefani Signature Restaurant family, and a great place to find one-of-a-kind pasta dishes and all the Tuscan flavors you love.

Tuscany
1415 W. 22nd St., Oakbrook, IL 60521

A glimpse into Tuscany is a showing of proper Italian, prepared perfectly to be the focus of attention with a tasteful bottle of wine.

Tuscany
550 S. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling, IL 60090

The Wheeling incarnation of Tuscany serves Northern Italian cuisine and wines, all in a cheerful, homey atmosphere just north of Chicago.

Tuscany Cafe
77 W. Wacker Dr., Chicago, IL 60601

Tuscany Cafe is a relaxing lunch stop for light Northern Italian. In Chicago's Loop, guests can enjoy the stylish cafeteria or be catered in the office.  

Va Pensiero
1566 Oak Ave., Evanston, IL 60201

This is an award-winning Italian restaurant in Evanston that serves up authentic cuisine.

Vines on Clark
3554 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60657

Don't have tickets to the game? Vines on Clark is the place to be. With views of Wrigley Field from the rooftop, beer garden, and a few select seats in the main dining room, along with high-def TVs and the sound of the roaring crowd, it's like you're at the game.   

312 Chicago
136 N. LaSalle St., Chicago, IL 60602

This seasonally influenced Italian-inspired American eatery buzzes by day with politicians (City Hall is across the street), and buzzes with diners heading to the nearby Cadillac Theater at night.Make a Reservation

Harry Caray's Tavern
3551 N. Sheffield Ave., Chicago, Illinois 60657

Located across from Wrigley Field, Harry Caray's Tavern is a great place to stop before or after the game for classic American bar snacks and delightful italian entrees.  

Italian Village
71 W. Monroe St., Chicago, IL 60603

One of Chicago's oldest and most venerated restaurants, Italian Village has been doing it right for more than 80 years.

Red Ivy
3526 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60657

This trendy sports bar is named after the ivy that grows along historic Wrigley Field in autumn. Located just south of Wrigley, you'll find hearty Italian fare at a reasonable prices, with pizzas being their specialty.

Vines on Clark
3554 N. Clark St., Chicago, IL 60657

Don't have tickets to the game? Vines on Clark is the place to be. With views of Wrigley Field from the rooftop, beer garden, and a few select seats in the main dining room, along with high-def TVs and the sound of the roaring crowd, it's like you're at the game.   

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