Cappelletti at Daisies
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.
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2523 N. Milwaukee Ave. / Website
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 seasonal pasta ranging from pappardelle with mushroom ragu to addictive whole wheat tagliatelle with walnuts.
See also: The Hottest New Restaurants In Chicago
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233 N. Canal St. / Website
This sister to the long-standing 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.
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721 W. Grand Ave., / Website
For nearly 30 years, this Fulton River District spot has been winning over diners with hearty portions of timeless favorites, served in a cozy, celebrity-adorned setting. Relish classics like breaded calamari in a special seasoned batter and white fish broiled with lemon and garlic wine, set over sun-dried tomatoes and spinach.
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1020 W. Madison St. / Website
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.
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2824 W. Armitage Ave. / Website
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 and toothsome prosciutto-wrapped rabbit with pork belly.
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464 N. Halsted St. / Website
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.
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2119 N. Clark St. / Website
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, veal-filled ravioli, roasted au jus and veal scalloppine.
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51 W. Kinzie St. / Website
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.
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1746 W. Division St. / Website
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.
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401 E. Wacker Drive, Lakeshore East / Website
This newly debuted St. Regis-based Italian fine dining destination, led by Los Angeles-based chef Evan Funke, is already making a name for itself with its wood-fired bistecca Fiorentina, braised beef short rib meatballs, seasonal antipasti, handmade pasta and gelati made in-house. Swing by the bar for an extensive list of more than 700 Italian wine offerings—including heritage selections and offerings sourced from Tuscan vintners.
See also: The 9 Most Extravagant Dining And Drinking Experiences In Chicago
Photography by: By Neil John BURGER PHOTOGRAPHY; courtesy of Daisies
