The 20 Best Spots For Italian In Chicago, Illinois
Chicago’s Italian food scene is one of the most exciting in the country, mixing traditional recipes with creative new ideas. From cozy neighborhood spots serving handmade pasta to elegant dining rooms with stunning views, there’s something for everyone who loves Italian cuisine.
Whether craving wood-fired pizza, rich risotto, or classic meatballs, the city offers countless delicious options. Here are amazing Italian restaurants worth visiting across Illinois’ diverse neighborhoods.
1. Ciccio Mio
Illinois hides this gem where Italian-American cooking gets a fresh, modern twist. The intimate space feels like a warm hug after a long day, with dim lighting and close-set tables that encourage conversation.
House-made pastas steal the show, alongside creative takes on classic dishes that respect tradition while adding unexpected flair. Reservations fill up quickly, especially on weekends, so planning ahead pays off for anyone seeking comfort food elevated.
2. Daisies
Logan Square’s culinary darling brings together two worlds: Italian tradition meets Midwestern farmland. Chef Joe Frillman sources ingredients locally, creating pastas that change with the seasons and reflect what’s freshest.
The vibe leans casual but thoughtful, with an open kitchen where diners can watch the magic happen. Expect inventive flavor combinations that surprise without overwhelming, perfect for adventurous eaters who appreciate simplicity done right.
3. Tre Dita
Perched inside the St. Regis Hotel, this Tuscan steakhouse offers central Italian cuisine with a side of breathtaking water views. The setting feels grand yet welcoming, ideal for special occasions or impressing out-of-town guests.
Prime cuts of meat share menu space with fresh seafood and handmade pastas, all prepared with authentic Italian techniques. The wine list runs deep, featuring bottles from Italy’s finest regions.
4. RPM Italian
Illinois’ see-and-be-seen crowd flocks to this sleek spot where Italian classics get polished presentation. The dining room buzzes with energy, making it equally suitable for business dinners or celebratory nights out.
Truffle garlic bread has achieved near-legendary status among regulars, while pasta dishes balance indulgence with refinement. Service moves efficiently even during peak hours, keeping the sophisticated atmosphere running smoothly throughout busy evenings.
5. Osteria Langhe
Illinois’ culinary traditions find a loving home in this Logan Square treasure. The husband-and-wife team behind the restaurant brings regional specialties rarely seen elsewhere in Chicago, focusing on Northern Italy’s rich flavors.
Handmade tajarin pasta practically melts on the tongue, while the wine list celebrates Piedmont’s stellar vineyards. The intimate space feels like dining in someone’s well-appointed home, warm and unpretentious.
6. Monteverde
West Loop’s pasta palace draws crowds for Chef Sarah Grueneberg’s masterful handmade creations. Watching pasta being rolled and shaped at the bar adds theater to the dining experience, building anticipation for what’s coming.
Each dish demonstrates technical skill wrapped in approachable flavors that appeal to both Italian food novices and experts. The bright, airy space encourages leisurely meals where pasta truly becomes the star attraction worth savoring.
7. Spacca Napoli
Neapolitan pizza purists consider this Illinois spot the gold standard for authentic pies. The wood-fired oven, imported from Italy, produces pizzas with leopard-spotted crusts that achieve the perfect balance of char and chew.
Simple toppings let quality ingredients shine, from San Marzano tomatoes to fresh mozzarella that pools creamily across each slice. Expect waits during prime hours, but pizza this authentic makes patience worthwhile.
8. Coda Di Volpe
Lakeview residents treat this neighborhood spot like their personal Italian kitchen, returning regularly for reliable comfort food. The menu covers familiar territory without feeling boring, offering well-executed classics that hit the spot every time.
Portions lean generous, and prices remain reasonable compared to flashier downtown options. The casual vibe welcomes families, couples, and solo diners equally, making everyone feel like valued regulars.
9. Pelago Ristorante
Streeterville’s seafood-focused Italian spot brings coastal flavors inland with impressive freshness. The menu emphasizes fish and shellfish prepared with Italian techniques, offering lighter alternatives to heavier meat-centric dishes found elsewhere.
Floor-to-ceiling windows flood the dining room with natural light, creating an airy atmosphere that matches the bright, clean flavors on plates. Business lunches transition smoothly into romantic dinners as daylight fades.
10. Nonna’s
Red sauce Italian-American cooking gets its due at this nostalgic Illinois spot that recalls Sunday dinners at grandma’s house. Generous portions of spaghetti and meatballs, chicken parmesan, and lasagna deliver exactly what comfort food cravings demand.
The old-school vibe extends from checkered tablecloths to warm, attentive service that makes solo diners and large groups feel equally welcome. Sometimes simple, familiar flavors satisfy more than culinary innovation.
11. Quartino Ristorante
Small plates encourage sharing and exploration at this perpetually busy River North fixture. The approach lets diners sample multiple dishes without committing to full entrees, perfect for indecisive groups or adventurous solo eaters.
Italian wines flow freely, with options available by the quartino to match the small-plate philosophy. The lively atmosphere and reasonable prices make it popular for both after-work gatherings and weekend celebrations.
12. Ēma
Mediterranean flavors with strong Italian leanings define this River North favorite from Lettuce Entertain You. The wood-fired grill imparts smoky depth to vegetables, meats, and seafood, creating dishes that feel healthy yet satisfying.
The bright, modern space appeals to health-conscious diners who still want bold flavors and generous portions. Brunch draws particularly strong crowds, with Italian-inspired egg dishes and pastries starting weekends right.
13. La Scarola
Old-school Italian-American dining thrives at this Illinois institution that’s been feeding Chicagoans for decades. The menu reads like a greatest hits collection of Italian classics, executed with consistency that keeps generations returning.
Waiters in white jackets provide service that feels refreshingly formal without being stuffy. The timeless atmosphere offers respite from trendy restaurant culture, proving some traditions deserve preservation and appreciation.
14. Nico Osteria
Gold Coast sophistication meets Italian coastal cuisine at this Thompson Hotel restaurant. Chef Paul Kahan’s team focuses on seafood preparations that let pristine ingredients speak for themselves, avoiding unnecessary embellishment.
The sleek dining room attracts a well-heeled crowd seeking refined flavors in polished surroundings. An impressive crudo selection showcases the kitchen’s commitment to sourcing exceptional raw materials and treating them with respect.
15. Forno Rosso Pizzeria
Multiple locations across Chicago make accessing quality pizza convenient for residents throughout the city. The casual, family-friendly atmosphere welcomes everyone from toddlers to grandparents, with a menu that pleases diverse palates.
Beyond pizza, the menu includes salads, pasta, and sandwiches that provide alternatives for less pizza-focused diners. Takeout and delivery options make it easy to enjoy their food at home during cozy nights in.
16. Volare Ristorante Italiano
Streeterville’s romantic hideaway transports diners to Italy through authentic preparations and Old World charm. The intimate space feels like discovering a secret spot known only to locals, despite its convenient downtown location.
Traditional dishes receive careful attention, from veal preparations to seafood specials that change with market availability. The wine list emphasizes Italian regions, with knowledgeable staff helping navigate selections that complement each meal perfectly.
17. Formento’s
Step back to 1950s Italian-American dining at this Illinois stunner that nails retro glamour. Red leather booths and dim lighting create an atmosphere perfect for date nights or celebrations that call for something special.
The kitchen balances nostalgia with modern technique, producing familiar dishes with subtle refinements that honor tradition while satisfying contemporary tastes. Brown butter-basted chicken remains a standout that regulars order repeatedly.
18. Piccolo Sogno
Romance blooms at this West Loop charmer, especially when the garden patio opens during warmer months. Twinkling lights and greenery create an enchanting backdrop for rustic Italian fare that tastes like a trip to the countryside.
Wood-fired pizzas emerge crispy and blistered, while pasta dishes showcase simple ingredients prepared with care. The atmosphere encourages lingering over wine and conversation long after plates are cleared.
19. Pizano’s Pizza
Deep dish pizza gets its due at this Chicago institution connected to the city’s pizza history. The buttery crust cradles layers of cheese, toppings, and chunky tomato sauce in proper Chicago style.
Multiple locations throughout the city and suburbs make it accessible whether downtown or in residential neighborhoods. Thin crust options cater to those seeking lighter alternatives, though the deep dish remains the signature draw worth experiencing.
20. Rose Mary
Chef’s debut restaurant blends his Italian heritage with Croatian influences in unexpected ways. Fulton Market’s energy pulses through the space, where an open kitchen and lively bar create constant buzz.
The menu ventures beyond typical Italian offerings, incorporating Adriatic flavors and techniques that feel both familiar and novel. Sharing plates work well here, letting groups sample diverse flavors while soaking up the neighborhood’s creative spirit.
