If you can’t visit Italy, then visit Chicago! Here is a list of 33 Italian restaurants in Chicago that serve a variety of traditional pizzas, pastas, dessert and so much more!
Antico
Since 2011, Antico has served Chicago with house-made ingredients, fresh house roasted/ grounded coffee, and a curated list of wine. They treat their guests like an extended part of their family in hopes to create a relaxing and entertaining setting. You have the option to dine in on their special of pappardelle with sauteed mushrooms or take their filet mignon with roasted marrow bone and garlic crostini to go. Whichever way you choose to spend your night, they will promise a delightful meal.
Bar Siena & Siena Tavern
Fabio Viviani’s Bar Siena is a contemporary Italian restaurant featuring wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas, and a lively bar scene in a chic and trendy setting.
Siena Tavern is a stylish and modern Italian eatery featuring wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas, and contemporary dishes, as well as a lively bar scene.
Bongiorno’s Cucina
If you happen to be near the Mag Mile and have a taste for authentic Italian pizza, stop by Bongiorno’s. This family run Italian eatery specializes in thin crust pizza. Open for lunch and dinner, you are always welcome to stop by for pizza or a traditional Italian entree such as lasagne or spaghetti or even an Italian beef sandwich to go. Either way, this is a great, casual Italian eatery in a convenient location.
Cafe Bionda
Love a good martini to compliment your pasta? Then you must check out Cafe Bionda as they serve their signature martini list, hold not one, but two mahogany bars, and a kitchen that allows you to order the most traditional Italian cuisine. Visit this traditional italian eatery, and enjoy a meal that will leave you stuffed, and possibly a little tipsy.
Carlucci
Carlucci is famous for providing his guests with a true immersive Italian dining experience. From the restaurant design to the Italian inspired food and wine, Joe Carlucci’s Italian heritage shines through in his passion for everything Italian. Carlucci Chicago showcases Italian culture at its finest, and no detail was spared in creating the new downtown restaurant.
Casati’s Modern Italian
A neighborhood gem is what Casati’s modern italian is known for and it can soon be your go to place! Their menu is light and fresh with traditional dishes of Florence. An exciting twist to the restaurant is their monthly wine dinner which is taking place on Mar. 21 at 7 p.m. The event offers a wine pairing with a 3-course menu, and a wine ambassador to introduce every wine note to you. Entertainment and engagement with your meal makes this restaurant a special treat.
Ciccio Mio
For a romantic dining experience like no other, visit Ciccio Mio in River North. From the restaurant’s walls, to their plates, and even their glasses are decorated in a unique creative style that instantly welcomes any guest! Check Ciccio Mio out for a fun twist on traditional italian pizza, pasta, salads and so much more to try from!
Club Lago
Club Lago, a Northern Italian restaurant in Chicago, was opened by Gus and Ida Lazzerini in 1952 with a vision to serve local printers and paper salesmen. The restaurant quickly became popular and developed a loyal following, becoming a cornerstone of the neighborhood.
The third generation of the family, GianCarlo and Guido, now run the restaurant, which remains the same 50s joint devoted to simple food and good service, and is located in the River North area. Despite the changes in the area, Club Lago continues to thrive and is a beloved retro restaurant.
Coco Pazzo
Sophisticated and upscale Italian restaurant featuring classic dishes, handmade pastas, and an impressive wine list.
Davanti Enoteca
Rustic and cozy Italian wine bar and restaurant featuring small plates, wood-fired pizzas, and an extensive wine and cocktail list.
Eataly Chicago
Italian marketplace and dining destination featuring several restaurants and counters serving authentic Italian cuisine and ingredients.
Francesca’s On Chestnut
Opened in 2009, Francesca’s on Chestnut is located in the Gold Coast are of Chicago. Serving Italian favorites such as pasta, salad, and traditional Italian entrees, this restaurant is perfect for anyone who loves Italian cuisine in a rustic Italian environment. With seating for 150 people, there is plenty of room, but feel free to make reservations. Perfect for a romantic evening or a night out with friends, Francesca’s on Chestnut is the place to go!
Italian Village
Visit Chicago’s oldest Italian restaurant at Italian Village. Explore a variety of northern Italian cuisine with a choice of three restaurants, kitchens and menus all at one location! Italian Village creates a welcoming experience through their familial hospitality and warm ambiance – just the place you want to share with someone special. The restaurant even holds an award-winning wine cellar that promotes over 1,000 selections from around the world.
La Gondola
On Ashland Ave, La Gondola has Chicago-style pizza and homemade Italian food that has been Zagat-rated since 1991. Their service runs 7 days a week and never fails to bring hand-tossed pizza dough to the table. Their fresh ingredients can be found in options like their black mussels or stuffed gnocchi, but there are plenty of options to satisfy your cravings.
La Scarola
Charming and family-friendly Italian restaurant serving classic dishes, handmade pastas, and an extensive wine list in a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.
Monteverde
Monteverde is just the spot you want to dine in if you are looking for an aesthetic, stylish, yet welcoming environment. Monteverde serves refined Italian cuisine, imported wines as well as freshly made pastas. The restaurant is rooted in traditional cuisine and is influenced by Chef Sarah Grueneberg as she shares and infuses her heritage into every meal. Check out Monteverde for Italian food unlike others.
Osteria Langhe
A beautiful mix of Northern Italian wines and locally-sourced ingredients will meet at Osteria Langhe as their restaurant embraces the feeling of Italy’s Piemonte region. The taste of Piemonte is offered every Wednesday that starts at $55 for 4 courses of delectable food. Celebrated age-old traditions brought by Executive Chef-Partner Cameron Grant and enjoy a hearty meal.
Osteria Via Stato
Cozy and welcoming Italian restaurant serving classic dishes, wood-fired pizzas, and an extensive wine list in a relaxed atmosphere.
Piccolo Sogno
Charming and romantic Italian restaurant featuring seasonal and classic dishes, handmade pastas, and an impressive wine list.
Quartino
Known for their Italian small plates menu, Quartino is just the bustling restaurant that you want to experience while in Chicago. Known for their beautifully decorated environment, hospital staff and a variety of meals to choose from. From neapolitan thin crust pizza to house made pasta, to a variety of seasonal dishes, Quartino is bound to have you visiting again. Quartino’s meals are meant to be shared, so grab a loved one and make a reservation today!
Riccardo Trattoria
Riccardo Trattoria, an emerging family business, holds a variety of fresh dishes, desserts and tastes taking you right to Milan. From a variety of pasta, antipasta, desserts and shareables, Riccardo Trattoria’s environment is distinctly warm and welcoming, especially with their incredibly amicable crew serving you “dish in seconds”!
Rosebud
With various Chicago locations, Rosebud is definitely a restaurant you need to visit when exploring the city. Serving its public with smiles and good tastes since 1967, the restaurant continues to stand as a staple in the city. Proudly serving a variety of pastas, meats and desserts, Rosebud quickly becomes a restaurant with repeating, satisfied customers.
RPM Italian
Upscale Italian restaurant featuring handmade pastas, wood-fired pizzas, and an extensive wine list in a chic and modern setting.
RPM Seafood
Upscale Italian seafood restaurant featuring fresh seafood, handmade pastas, and an extensive wine list in a chic and modern setting.
Sal’s Trattoria
An authentic taste of Italy is what you can expect when you dine at Sal’s Trattoria. In West Lakeview, this family-friendly spot has a menu for all diets and ages. They serve a variety of gluten-free pasta and vegetarian plates. A great option is to start with grilled calamari and move onto a fettucini carbonara. To satisfy a sweet tooth, you can indulge in a gelato, chocolate terrine, or tiramisu. Explore your food palate and try something new at this inviting spot.
Sapori Trattoria
Since 2001, Sapori Trattoria has been serving Lincoln Park classic Italian food. Sapori is a casual fine dining restaurant that serves fresh pasta and traditional appetizers such as burrata, calamari, and clams. For lovers of fish, they serve an excellent roast salmon as well as steak if you’re in the mood for something less traditional. Sapori Trattoria is perfect for private events, a date night, or a nice dinner with friends.
Spacca Napoli
A great place for dinner with friends, Spacca Napoli is a casual pizzeria in Ravenswood. Open six days a week, enjoy the rustic Italian interior in the cooler months and the seasonal patio in the warmer months. Try Spacca Napoli’s handmade Napolean style pizzas.Their menu boasts a large wine list and daily specials. Spacca Napoli offers take out and delivery and gluten free options. Finish your lunch or dinner with one of their traditional Italian desserts like spumoni or tiramisu.
The Florentine
Modern Italian restaurant and bar featuring wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas, and contemporary dishes in a stylish and sophisticated atmosphere.
Topo Gigio Ristorante
For over 25 years Topo Gigio has been serving the Chicago area. Located in Old Town, Topo Gigio is a must for fine Italian cuisine. They have an extensive wine list. If you’re not in the mood for pasta, try their steaks or chops. Relax and enjoy your meal in their cozy dining area. When the weather gets warm, eat outside in Topo Gigio’s outdoor garden. Whether you’re in the mood for steak or classic Italian food, Topo Gigio’s Ristorante is the place for you!
Trattoria Gianni
The Chicago Tribune has claimed Trattoria Gianni “as close to Italy as one can get in Chicago.” Their menu has recently completed 30 years of consistent delicious meals that have won the vote of best outdoor dining area and Diner’s Choice 2023. They are a great option to explore the varieties of pasta and to try what Chicago is raving about.
Tuscany on Taylor
Classic and family-friendly Italian restaurant serving pasta, pizza, and meat dishes, as well as an extensive wine and cocktail list.
Tutto Fresco
If you’re looking to take a step back from pasta, head over to Tutto Fresco and share a pizza with friends and family. As one of Chicago’s most popular pizzerias, residents have proclaimed the caprese pizza as a local favorite that you must try! They also have a pasta brunch to switch up the regular of pasta for dinner. Their brunch includes spaghetti carbonara and conchiglie al sugo di salsiccia that are available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Viaggio
Experience authentic Italian dining at Viaggio’s. With their abundant menu offering a meal for any mood, Viagios carries a variety of pastas, pizzas, meats and fish! If that’s not enough, Viaggio’s also accompanies your meals with salads, soups and desserts. So check out Viaggio, and dine in as if you were in Rome! And don’t forget that Viaggio’s offers catering options!
Volare
Since 1997, Volare has been serving authentic Italian cuisine to the Chicagoland area. Whether you’re in the mood for a classic Italian cocktail, such as a Bellini or Bacciello, and an appetizer or a traditional Italian entree, Volare is the place for you. Located in Streeterville, Volare was awarded the 2021 Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice award. If you are looking for an intimate, romantic Italian restaurant, or a place to meet a friend for a drink and appetizer, Volare is a must!