J.P. Anderson J.P. Anderson | January 31, 2023 | Food & Drink Guides
Whether you're in search of an unforgettable plate of pasta or a fresh platter of seafood, enjoy our list of Chicago’s best Italian restaurants.
Vegetables play a leading role at chef-partner Joe Frillman’s charming 70-seat Logan Square spot, Daisies, but he also taps into his talent for pasta making, which he discovered working at Balena and The Bristol. Look for six seasonal pastas ranging from pappardelle with mushroom rage to addictive whole wheat tagliatelle with walnuts. 2523 N. Milwaukee Ave.
Loop restaurant Acanto masterfully explores the regional cuisines of Italy with dishes ranging from lobster spaghetti and margherita pizza to chicken piccata. Experience appetizers in the intimate lounge, plus the extensive wine list, which showcases more than 300 wines from Italy’s 20 regions. 18 S. Michigan Ave.
For more than 25 years, tlofty-chic River North institution Coco Pazzo has been a staple for refined, Tuscan-inspired fare brought to life using local and organic ingredients. Insider tip: Whether with wild mushrooms or saffron, the ever-changing saffron of the day is always a crowdpleaser. 300 W. Hubbard St.
Classic red-sauce Italian fare gets the sophisticated treatment at Randolph Street favorite Formento’s, where menu stars include Nonna’s meatballs, octopus with white beans and fennel sausage, and orecchiette with squid ink and rock shrimp. 925 W. Randolph St.
This sister to the longstanding Gibsons brings all the muscle of the flagship—think impeccable service and consistently excellent fare—but with a more sophisticated look. No Gibsons would be complete without steak, but look for tempting seafood and pasta as well. 233 N. Canal St.
This Italian steakhouse group immortalizes the late Cubs announcer with sports memorabilia and a friendly bar—the perfect spot to grab a bite and watch the game. Insider tip: Don’t miss Harry Caray’s chicken Vesuvio, a simple yet delicious Chicago original of roast chicken and potatoes in white wine sauce. Multiple locations
One of the city’s top toques, James Beard Award-winning chef Sarah Grueneberg heads up the kitchen at buzzy, much-lauded hot spot Monteverde—and with a slate of fresh pastas, delectable sides and decadent desserts, the accolades are more than deserved. 1020 W. Madison St.
Chicago’s oldest Italian restaurant is actually three different restaurants under one roof: The Village serves traditional Northern Italian fare; intimate La Cantina offers Italian classics plus delectable chops and seafood; and Vivere features contemporary regional Italian cuisine. A true classic, whichever room you choose. 71 W. Monroe St.
Piemonte cuisine is the focus of intimate Logan Square gem Osteria Langhe, where executive chef Cameron Grant crafts tempting plates of daily risotto; linguine with Northern-style meat ragu; toothsome prosciutto-wrapped rabbit with pork belly; and savory crepes stuffed with celery root puree, butternut squash and mushrooms. 2824 W. Armitage Ave.
This DineAmic Hospitality collab with Top Chef fave Fabio Viviani is still going strong. The sleek 10,000-square-foot space is a people-watcher’s delight, and there’s just as much entertainment happening on Siena Tavern's plates with toothsome fare that ranges from grilled octopus with crispy fingerling potatoes to pizza with roasted wild mushrooms and truffle oil and brick chicken diavolo. 51 W. Kinzie St.
One of the city’s most respected chefs Tony Priolo along with partner and wine expert Ciro Longobardo helm beloved River West spot Piccolo Sogno, which boasts consistently excellent rustic Italian fare and, weather permitting, one of the best outdoor dining areas in the city. 464 N. Halsted St.
Cozy and intimate, Lincoln Park mainstay Riccardo Trattoria showcases warming Tuscan fare from Milanese veteran chef Riccardo Michi. Tuck into signature dishes like prosciutto- and mozzarella-stuffed fried zucchini blossoms, pumpkin-filled ravioli, braised wild boar ragu and veal scalloppine. 2119 N. Clark St.
Celebrity-owned restaurants come and go, but this chic River North collab from star couple Bill and Giuliana Rancic and the Melmans (RJ, Jerrod and Molly) has demonstrated serious staying power since its 2012 debut. Among RPM Italian’s modern Italian plates don’t-miss dishes like truffle beef tartare and Mama DePandi’s bucatini. 52 W. Illinois St.
You want fresh pasta? Tortello is the place, where Venice-raised Dario Monni and team have raised the bar with mouthwatering burrata-filled tortelli; cacao e pepe; bucatini with braised squid; and tempting nibbles like focaccia with ricotta and honey, marinated chickpeas and and roasted eggplant with peppers and ricotta salata. 1746 W. Division St.
15. Ciccio Mio
With inviting red velvet booths, dim lighting and decadant pasta and chilled martinis, Ciccio Mio is an instant classic. Dine over rich ricotta gnocchi and Sicilian-style swordfish and pair with a glass of red for the full experience. 226 W. Kinzie Ave.
16. Gino & Marty's
One of Chicago's newer Italian eateries, Gino & Marty's has already made a major splash. A generous menu featuring dishes like cacio e pepe, smoked salmon bruschetta and unforgettable meatballs have the city's culinary crowd raving. 844 W. Randolph St.
Photography by: By Neil Burger; courtesy of Formento's; by Anthony Tahlier Photography; by Morgan Scofes; by John Stoffer; courtesy of Spiaggia
