Categories: Restaurants
Chicago Italian Restaurants
Author: Jody Robbins
Chicago is a city of neighborhoods, where new racial identities are formed while the Old World identities are passed down, often through the universal cultural identifier that is food-in this case, Italian cuisine.
If you don't mind splurging on high-end restaurant fare that's worth the expense, any exploration of Italian cooking in Chicago must begin at the more-than-20-year-old Spiaggia, a four-star culinary behemoth with an Oak Street view overlooking Lake Michigan. Executive chef Tony Mantuano and chef de cuisine Missy Robbins both exhibit a deft touch when it comes to presenting skillful, complex Italian dishes while still allowing the flavors inherent in the stellar product used here to come plainly through on the palate. If fine-dining isn't your thing so much as heaping plates of pasta at a fair price, visit Maggiano's Little Italy. The red sauce-heavy food here is consistent, as is the service, and nobody leaves hungry.
A well-regarded purveyor of Tuscan cuisine in the River North neighborhood of Chicago , Coco Pazzo lets the quality of the ingredients they use do the talking. Fresh, flavorful dishes include their "Insalata Caprese," a time-honored combination of mozzarella with tomato and basil, and the "Insalata di Carciofini," lemon-marinated baby artichokes sliced over arugula and shaved parmesan. Baseball fan or no, it's a fact that any trip to Chicago is incomplete without a stop at Harry Caray's Restaurant. In addition to a critically-acclaimed wine list, this Italian steakhouse serves steaks and chops, as well as a very traditional Chicago Italian menu amidst mahogany paneling and plenty o' paraphernalia.
Mario's Gold Coast Ristorante is a great neighborhood hideaway in the ritzy Gold Coast. It has all the necessary tidings - great wine, warm atmosphere and really good food. From the grilled calamari appetizer to the steak vesuvio and multiple pasta choices, all the Italian favorites are well represented.
One can wait until the last minute to decide on what kind of Italian dining they would like to take advantage of on a given night when visiting The Italian Village Restaurants , as they can settle in at the casual, affordable operation known as The Village; the seafood-heavy La Cantina; or Vivere, a long-time Italian fine-dining operator. Italian Village , one of Chicago 's oldest restaurants with nearly 80 years under its belt, is also known for their stellar, on-premise wine cellar, which is managed by acclaimed wine director Ron Balter. On the other end of the age spectrum is the opened-this-year Francesca Forno , which has taken to Chicago's small plate revolution by offering a wide range of Italian specialties in a shareable format that allows diners to sample a large variety of the dishes offered here (must try dishes: the gnocchi-like "Naked Ravioli," or the prosciutto di Parma and truffle-flavored pecorino tartufato).
A hidden gem with a rusty sign over the door and all, La Scarola surprises first-timers with fairly traditional Italian-American cooking, including eggplant Parmigiana and Chicago favorite, peppers and sausage. The service is as intimate as the seating, and the noise level allows for polite, hushed, or downright steamy, conversational meanderings.
Follia ( has proven itself a pioneer in two ways: it was an early entrant into the currently booming market for thin-crust pizza, and by its location in the still-nascent Meat Market-like scene on Fulton Avenue . There's a strong fashion component here, from the Mediterranean-inflected décor to the fashion arts displayed in the window. Turning back to the old staples, for an exquisite Italian lunch in The Loop, there is always Trattoria No. 10. Head down the steps, take a seat, and enjoy one of the many specials of the day offered here if fresh is your thing.
Check out places of interest near Chicago Italian Restaurants:
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 this restaurant brought to you by the folks behind Bin 36, one of the city's most popular restaurants. It's situated close to the intersection of State Street and the Chicago River, next to the House of Blues.
Anteprima
5316 N. Clark St.,
Chicago, IL 60640
This new Andersonville Italian eatery is supposed to make you feel like family.
Ballo Restaurant
451 N. Dearborn,
Chicago, IL 60610
Bice Ristorante
158 E. Ontario St,
Chicago, IL 60611
Buca di Beppo
521 N. Rush St.,
Chicago, IL 60611
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 Café Spiaggia is for you. Be sure to indulge in their renowned selection of artisan cheeses and dessert options. Jackets are required for men, ties are optional. Jean and gym shoes are not permitted.
Caliterra
633 N. St. Clair St.,
Chicago, IL 60611
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. Wood-stone cooked pizzas (create your own!) and fresh panini sandwiches are offered here, along with salads, pasta, and seafood.
Carlucci
1801 Butterfield Rd.,
Downers Grove, IL 60515
Carlucci is an authentic, Chicago-based Italian restaurant owned by brothers Joe and Charlie Carlucci. There are two Chicago locations: Downers Grove and Rosemont. 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. There are two Chicago locations: Downers Grove and Rosemont. 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
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
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
Dinotto Ristorante
215 W. North Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60610
Erie Cafe
536 W. Erie St.,
Chicago, IL 60610
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
Francesca's Bryn Mawr
1039 W. Bryn Mawr Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60660
Francesca's on Taylor
1400 W. Taylor St.,
Chicago, IL 60607
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
This Italian steakhouse is named for Chicago's beloved baseball announcer, Harry Caray.
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 Tavern
3551 N. Sheffield Ave.,
Chicago, Illinois 60657
Harry Caray's Tavern is the premier pre- or post-Cubs game hang-out, located across from Wrigley Field on the corner of Addison Street and Sheffield Avenue. This is the newest Harry Caray-themed restaurant paying tribute to beloved Cubs announcer, Harry Caray. Harry Caray's Tavern serves 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.
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.
Phil Stefani's 437 Rush
437 N. Rush Street,
Chicago, IL 60611
A Italian steak and seafood restaurant popular among busy shoppers and tourists.
Pompei Pizza
2955 N. Sheffield Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60657
Pompeii Pizza offers a variety of pizzas, pastas, and desserts.
Red Ivy
3526 N. Clark St.,
Chicago, IL 60657
This trendy sports bar is named after the color of ivy that grows along the wall of historic Wrigley Field in autumn. Red Ivy is just south of Wrigley, on Clark Street. Hearty Italian fare at a reasonable price is what Red Ivy is all about, with pizzas being their specialty.
Spiaggia
980 N. Michigan Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60611
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
Harry Caray's Tavern is the premier pre- or post-Cubs game hang-out, located across from Wrigley Field on the corner of Addison Street and Sheffield Avenue. This is the newest Harry Caray-themed restaurant paying tribute to beloved Cubs announcer, Harry Caray. Harry Caray's Tavern serves 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 color of ivy that grows along the wall of historic Wrigley Field in autumn. Red Ivy is just south of Wrigley, on Clark Street. Hearty Italian fare at a reasonable price is what Red Ivy is all about, 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.
Blue Chicago
736 N. Clark St,
Chicago, IL 60610
Sample the sounds of the sultry saxophone, the bold bass, the thundering trumpet and the daring drum beats at Blue Chicago, one of Chicago's best blues clubs. Open seven nights a week, Blue Chicago features some of the best names in blues and jazz.
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Chicago Symphony Orchestra
220 S. Michigan Ave.,
Chicago, IL 60604
The Chicago Symphony Orchestra is the heartbeat of Chicago. The CSO has numerous concerts and special events throughout the year. See the full list at their website. Tickets range from $10 to $200.
