When you think of Italian cuisine, the dishes you think of are probably pasta and pizza. But there is so much more to Italian food than just that. Owing to its vibrant mixed community, Chicago has become the top spot for Italian food. The bread, cheese, exquisite toppings, and meat utterly infuses the rich culture of Italy. Therefore, let us get into this carefully detailed list without further ado, prepared Best Italian Restaurants in Chicago just for you.
Ciccio Mio
“The Best Restaurant in Chicago For Lasagna”
If you’ve ever dined at Gilt or Bavette’s, you would know how the chefs treat food. The same duo runs Ciccio Mio. They value and serve pasta with great honor and pride. They present Italian cuisine with a lot of respect. That is why it deserves to be on our list of the best Italian restaurants in Chicago.
Ciccio Mio has garnered a lot of attention and fame in a short time. Besides, the restaurant itself is not that big, and it is trendy among the locals. Therefore, yes! You will have to make a reservation far ahead of time. Even that might not be enough since the waiting period could be very long.
Its menu ranges from starters to lasagna and crispy fried chicken dipped in a tub of parmesan.
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La Scarola
“Where Food Transcends Dreams”
The diner is traditionally one of the best Italian restaurants in Chicago. This wonderful, old-school gem of a restaurant has a very loyal following. Hence, both locals and celebrities alike visit this restaurant time and again.
The food servings are massive and delicious. Not to forget, its staff and service are excellent.
Furthermore, the entree price range caters to a wide range of budgets. That too without losing portion size. Fabio live is a distinct idea by its chef Fabio Viviani. It is a live show led by the chef to give you a demo of the dinner experience.
The restaurant has earned its place among Chicago’s best Italian restaurants.
The restaurant has earned several awards. The list includes three Silver Platter Awards in 1998,2001, and 2002.
Therefore, locals and local celebrities find themselves coming back to this restaurant time and again.
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Nonnina
“Best Pasta Restaurant in Chicago”
It was previously known as Piccolo Sogno Due. Nonnina has marked itself among the best Italian restaurants in Chicago. It is famous for its warm ambiance and excellent food, coupled with great service.
If you plan for a calm evening with your loved ones, this diner will meet your expectations.
At Nonnina, you have the choice to either dine inside or outside on the patio. Whatever you choose, an unforgettable dining experience is guaranteed. Also, it has a wide range of wine choices at its disposal. A bottle of Valpolicella costs around $36. Also, this particular wine has a rich taste with an aroma that lingers around.
The diner also offers delivery and takeaway services. Such as their Catered lunch service.
Words are not enough to express how good the Seafood Spaghetti Nero is. It is the most sorted item of the restaurant, closely followed by Braised Beef Short Ribs. The secret is the ingredients that they source locally, fresh and organic.
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Formento’s
“Best Iconic Italian Food Restaurant in Chicago”
Opened in January 2015, Formento’s is among the best Italian restaurants in Chicago. It serves an array of dishes with flavors deeply rooted in classic Italian recipes with a modern twist.
The interior has a classic feel to it, with large leather booths and white tablecloths. Also, the kitchen pays perfect homage to Italian-American essence with the details.
Formento’s is specifically known for its red sauce. The customers always come back for its pasta dipped in this secret sauce.
If you do not mind the attention, then go ahead and order the juicy veal tomahawk. The dish has a bone sticking out of one end! It is sure to turn some head in your direction.
The menu changes according to what is in season and always from local framers. Also, it has a wide variety of wines from more than 600 labels.
Hence, Formento truly creates an experience that makes their guests feel like family.
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Siena Tavern
“Serving the Best Food with the Best View in Chicago”
A culmination of the restaurant’s chefs and their dreams, Siena Tavern serves authentic Italian food. As you enjoy the diner’s fantastic atmosphere, you also get a great view of the River North. It sets you off on a journey of melancholy as you take a sip from a glass of wine. While we are at it, the restaurant boasts of an extensive collection of wine. The bar itself is very spacious and lively. It has a maximum capacity of 200, giving it an open and roomy feel.
Fabio live is a distinct idea by its chef Fabio Viviani. It is a live show led by the chef to give you a demo of the dinner experience.
Moreover, the diner is known for its cuisines, made from scratch. Its menu ranges from their famed mozzarella and pizza to freshly made pasta and desserts.
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Riccardo Trattoria
“The Family Restaurant in Chicago”
The restaurant is a family-run restaurant in Boston’s North End neighborhood. It is known as one of the best Italian restaurants in Chicago by local and national food critics.
Now owned by Richie Jr., the diner maintains the same quality of food. This family restaurant has been serving food for more than a decade. The staff is known to be famous for its cuisine and for serving large portions of food.
If you’re a seafood fan, then you must visit Riccardo’s. Try their famous lobster and crab-filled ravioli in saffron and lobster bisque sauce. Also, the flavor is as impressive as it sounds.
With a classy interior that does not feel showy, great staff, and delicious food. It’s easy to see why people return to Riccardo’s time and time again.
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Prosecco
“Best Venetian Food in Chicago”
This particular restaurant made its appearance in 2008. Back then, the restaurant bar used to be very well known for its bubbles. Prosecco was extremely popular for its Venetian food. Although in 2018, its owners thought it was time for a total revamp of the restaurant. But now they are back on the circuit. It is ready to serve some of the best Italian food in the entire Chicago.
Its cuisine menu went through a revamp too. Although, the chefs made that the favorite items stay as they are. By doing so, chef Mark Sparacino wanted his customers to know that the restaurant cares.
The revamped menu includes a lot of new items on the cuisine and drinks menu. Like the Gamberi Primavera, a new edition to the already rich cuisine selection. And cocktail drinks such as the Blackberry, which is Chardonnay in muddled Blackberries.
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Il Porcellino
“Best Traditional Italian Food in Chicago”
The eatery is a neighborhood restaurant in downtown Chicago’s River North neighborhood. It serves traditional Italian-American comfort food at its finest.
The restaurant interior has dark walls and wooden furniture with caged lights hanging from the ceiling. Vintage ads and antique photographs adorn the walls. It is welcoming, warm, and focused on families. It specializes in cuisines, especially from Central and Southern Italy.
The menu is a combination of Italian staples and LEY’s designs. To complement the dishes, the restaurant also serves cocktails created by Julian Cox. That is what earns Il Porcellino a spot in this list of the best restaurants in Chicago.
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Osteria Del Pastaio
“Best Italian Pizza Restaurants in Chicago”
The chefs at this diner believe that food tastes the best when you serve it fresh. It is evident in how they function as they pay detailed attention to each order. They prepare each dish new, and the pasta is handmade. It truly is amongst the best restaurants in Chicago.
Osteria Del Pastaio dishes out the best traditional Italian food. The chefs make sure they only make use of fresh ingredients. As mentioned earlier, from the bread to each element, freshness is what drives the diner.
The diner has a wide variety to choose from. For example, starters such as shrimp and black mussels to pasta in truffle oil are complete packages. They also specialize in traditional Italian pizzas. What makes the pizza so good is the usage of the brick oven. It provides optimal char and balanced heat throughout for a perfect pizza.
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Viaggio Restaurant Chicago
“Most Ambiant Service in Chicago”
The term “Viaggio” means “journey.” The restaurant has a menu that changes regularly to reflect the seasons and quality of local produce.
The wired lamps that light up the dining room are both welcoming and classy. The outstanding service gives you a sense of familiarity. In a relaxed atmosphere, it offers an elegant dining experience.
You can also order a special bottle of fine wine from one of the world’s most famed wineries. Its special menu includes pasta appetizers, meat, and seafood entrees. The restaurant showcases fine Italian cuisine.
We recommend that you try their signature meatball salad. Also, its pork chop parmesan with marinara sauce is to die for.
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Conclusion
Italian cuisine has a distinct allure and is known for its delicacies and elegance. They are also known to be the comfort food for many.
So, if you’re in the mood for classic Italian fare, check out these hotspots. These restaurants are the perfect blend of old and new creations.
Whether it’s seafood pasta or grilled lamb, these restaurants will not leave you disappointed.
