La Scarola
Red sauce and chianti ow freely at this inviting little storefront that serves up simple and satisfying fare. A favorite of concierge and locals alike, snag a table and dive into plates of sautéed scarole, escarole and beans, veal chops, eggplant parm, pasta e fagioli, and more.
Volare Ristorante Italiano
An intimate Italian eatery offering signature dishes like chicken Vesuvio alongside customizable pasta options. A favorite of Ruben Caraballo, chef concierge at the Radisson Blu Aqua Hotel, he recommends their house-made ricotta gnocchi, or fresh pappardelle noodles with ricotta and a light tomato sauce.
Siena Tavern
The Italian dishes at this splashy haven for Italian fare in River North are made from scratch every day, so don’t miss out on their farro risotto with duck confit, carbonara in a jar, short rib ravioli, and 12-hour braised ossobuco. Make sure to save room for the pillowy and delicious bomboloni.
Monteverde Restaurant & Pastifico
A favorite destination for handmade pasta, the vibe at this West Loop restaurant is casual but the food makes the evening feel special. Take note of the cooking demo-style mirror angled above the bar that reflects the pasta-making magic going on below. Make sure to try the skate wing schnitzel and the cacio e pepe, it’s pasta perfection.
Armand’s Victory Tap
What looks like a classic Chicago tavern on the outside is actually a cozy Italian joint offering up a hearty menu of classic Italian-American plates and appetizer- sized pizzas in the South Loop.
iL Porcellino
A cozy Italian-American comfort food haven in River North. Nosh on house-made pastas, antipasti, Italian entrees and daily specials, and wash it all down with negronis and traditional wicker-clad carafes of wine.