17 Mouthwatering Italian Restaurants In Chicago To Make Your Next Reservation At

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Don’t we all envision a vacation on the Italian Riviera? Sipping a glass of wine along the rugged cliffs of Cinque Terre or Portofinowaiting on crumbly stone steps outside a restaurant while your taste buds get high from the scents of an Italian dish simmering a few steps away. While that dream may be far-fetchedit shouldn’t curb your high expectations regarding Italian cuisine. Mind-blowing pasta and pizza are spread out over this cityand these are the best Italian restaurants in Chicago you need to try.

Our team has carefully selected each Italian restaurant on this list. Our editors and the Secret Chicago team depend on personal experiencesrecommendationseditorial reviewscustomer feedbackand thorough research to bring you the most delicious Italian spots in Chicago. This list is regularly updated as we discover new openings and revisit established favorites.

1. Adalina

First on our list is the omnipresent Adalina. We’re sure you’ve heard of this sportbut the allure of Adalina begins at the grand entrance that leads you up a circular staircase into the modern yet decadent romantic dining room. This upscale Italian restaurant in Chicago is on the edge of the Gold Coastand the sophisticated menu is filled with handmade pastahand-selected beefand a curated selection of meats and cheese. A harmony between Northern and Southern cuisinethe standout items include the Campanellethe Mafaldineand the Waygu.

🍽️ Service options: Dine-in · Takeout · No delivery

📍Address: 912 N State StChicagoIL 6061

2. Monteverde

When you head up the few stairs to Monteverdeit’s more of a delightful surprise that the restaurant leans away from heavy Italian decoration. Insteadthe atmosphere has a bucolicrustyand otherwise Midwestern feel. This comes as no surprise because while the menu has some dishes that are intrinsically Italianthey each have an intimate spin that presents as homey yet carefully crafted.

🍽️ Service options: Dine-in · Curbside pickup · No-contact delivery

📍Address: 1020 W Madison StChicagoIL 60607

3. Ummo

You may have heard of Jose Sosathe renowned chef who has gained prominence for his artisan execution and culinary creativity. One of the best Italian restaurants in Chicago also happens to be the newest. His latest vision is Ummoan Italian and American-influenced restaurant with the pendulum swinging first to opulence and then amusement. The standout Italian dishes include the Buratta E Prosciutto and the 7-year-aged Risotto Milanese & Braised Oxtail Ragù.

4. Sapori Trattoria

This two-storylaid-back restaurant is in the heart of Lincoln Park and is quintessential if you want a lowkey night with high-quality Italian dishes. The portions are hefty hereand one serving is enough to feed you and the person you’re with or to be devoured the next day as a leftover. Our favorite dishes include the creamy Pennette Cardinale and the Italian classicBucatini Carbonara. This is one of the best Italian restaurants in Chicago if you want to get the most out of your money.

🍽️ Service options: Dine-in · Takeout · No-contact delivery

📍Address: 2701 N Halsted StChicagoIL 60614

5. Riccardo’s Trattoria

Another Italian restaurant spot in Lincoln ParkRiccardo’s Trattoriathe menu paints an authentic Northern Italian-inspired cuisine. When you walkthe atmosphere reflects a casual osteria that feels like your family is back in the kitchen. If you want to gather with friends and go through bottles of wine laughingthis is the place to do it.

🍽️ Service options: Dine-in · Curbside pickup · No-contact delivery

📍Address: 2119 N Clark StChicagoIL 60614

6. Tortello

This charming neighborhood pasta shop was conceptualized by a husband and wife who wanted to transport Italy’s culinary simplicity and cultural traditions to Chicago. Born and raised in Italythe menu visualizes the husbandDario Monnis’ Nonna’s recipes that reflect the very best ingredientsartisanal hand craftsmanshipand Italian hospitality. Some popular menu items include Tagliatelle Tina and FocacciaRicotta& Honey.

🍽️ Service options: Dine-in · Curbside pickup · Delivery

📍Address: 1746 W Division StChicagoIL 60622

7. Daisies

This contemporary spot intertwined Italian cuisine with a Midwestern flair. The space is elongated with ample room for seatingand the decorations of a brick bar wall and wooden table resemble a rustic spot to enjoy with friends. Our favorites right now include Pappardelle and the Agnolotti. Howeversince the menu constantly rotates each seasonit will be a reason to return and try something new. Daises also happened to win a Michelin star award this yearso how could it not make the list of best Italian restaurants?

🍽️ Service options: Dine-in · Takeout · Delivery

📍Address: 2375 N Milwaukee AveChicagoIL 60647

8. Franco’s Ristorante

This picturesque and cozy neighborhood staple has served authentic Italian cuisine since 1989. Franco’s Ristorante is a family-owned jewel of Southside Chicago in Bridgeport. As you step through the dooryou’re overcome with familial warmthand it’s extended throughout their menu. From a selection of pastathe Jumbo Rigatoni and Pipette “Little Pipes” Alla Vodka are on the top of our list to try; the atmosphere and delicious pasta make it one of the best Italian restaurants in Chicago in our book.

🍽️ Service options: Dine-in · Curbside pickup · No-contact delivery

📍Address: 300 W 31st StChicagoIL 60616

9. Club Lucky

This old-school Chicago Italian restaurant spot still reverberates with easy yet elegant sparks of a 1940s supper club. This homeharmonized with traditional Italian favoritesis served family-. Whether it’s just you and someone else or a 10-person crewthis easy spot highlights a party-esque feel. Even betterthe setting is complimented with a cocktail lounge to quench your dirty or expresso martini thirst.

🍽️ Service options: Dine-in · Curbside pickup · No-contact delivery

📍Address: 1824 W Wabansia AveChicagoIL 60622

10. Alla Vita

This romantic restaurant is hidden in the corner of a quiet part of Randolph Street and is reminiscent of an eatery on the sidestreet of Cinque Terre. As soon as the air is warmhead to the back of Alla Vita’s patioenclosed with a breathtaking arched pergola interior and draped with luminary lights above. The menu features authentic Italian home dishes such as Campanelle and Bucatini—paired with a bottle of wineand you’ll never want to go home.

🍽️ Service options: Dine-in · Takeout · Delivery

📍Address: 564 W Randolph StChicagoIL 60661

11. Piccolo Sogno

This Italian oasis is the perfect backdrop for a romantic eveningwith ivy-covered wallstwinkling lights, a spacious patioand delicious Italian food and wine. The options are masterfully made classics for an extravagant yet effortless experience. Order a melty margarita pizza or the finest prosciutto di Parma pizza; you can’t go wrong. The Italian wine list features 400+ wine selections at affordable pricesso you can enjoy this Italian escape without breaking the bank.

🍽️ Service options: Dine-in · Curbside pickup · No-contact delivery

📍Address: 464 N Halsted StChicagoIL 60642

12. RPM Italian

Backed by Giuliana and Bill Rancicthis Italian restaurant will cure all your Italian cravings. This sleekmodern hot spot features contemporary dishes meant to be shared—you can never go wrong with Mama DePandi’s Bucatini or the Cremini Mushroom pizza. As for why it made our best Italian restaurants in Chicago listthey also have an essential happy hour menu that includes $8 cicchetti and signature cocktailsbeerand wine by the glass starting at $8. This is the place to either start your night or end it.

🍽️ Service options: Dine-in · Curbside pickup · No-contact delivery

📍Address: 52 W Illinois StChicagoIL 60654

13. Trivoli Tavern

Hidden down an old cobblestone courtyard alleyTrivoli Tavern is a lush American tavern with a beautifulcaptivating interior that transports you from Chicago to a quaint town with a prominent plaza everyone congregates to. Whether your stomach is set on steakpastaor both—the menu caters to what you fancyfrom a famous prime rib to handmade pasta prepared to be blown away by Trivoli Tavern. Of courseit’s on our list of best Italian restaurants in Chicago.

🍽️ Service options: Dine-in · Takeout · No-contact delivery

📍Address: 114 N Green StChicagoIL 60607

14. DeNucci’s Italian

DeNucci’s has quickly become a favorite Italian-American restaurant in the Chicago areabeginning with its original Lincoln Park location and expanding to Highland Park with a menu of classic appetizerspastaspizzasand more. Nowthe spot has opened its third location in downtown Hinsdale, bringing comforting dishes like veal marsalalasagna bologneseand New York- pizzas to the luxe suburb just outside the city. – Melissa Maynard

🍽️ Service options: Dine-in · Takeout

📍Addresses: DeNucci’s Lincoln Park: 503 W. Dickens Ave.ChicagoIL 60614

DeNucci’s Highland Park: 1850 2nd St. Ste 110Highland ParkIL 60035

DeNucci’s Hinsdale: 8 E. 1st StreetHinsdaleIL 60521

15. A Tavola

If you’re looking for a romantic restaurant in Chicago that also happens to create divine gnocchi—this is the place. Tavola is a secluded spot in West Town that reminds you of a celebrity’s elegant Manhattan brownstone. You’ll probably be unaware of the restaurant altogether if you’re not carefully examining it.

Howeveronce you’re insidethe fragrance of the smallseasonal menu of Italian fare will greet youfrom the portobello mushroom to the short rib to the notable Gnocchi. This hidden gem and one of the best Italian restaurants in Chicago is something quite different from most Chicago restaurants—the quietromanticand thoughtful charm.

🍽️ Service options: Dine-in · Takeout

📍Address: 2148 W Chicago AveChicagoIL 60622

16. Ciccio Mio

🍽️ Service options: Dine-in · Takeout

📍Address: 226 W Kinzie StChicagoIL 60654

17. Tre Dita

Helmed by two-time James Beard-nominated Chef Evan FunkeTre Dita is now the most sizzling new restaurant. Italian for “three fingers” is a nod to the precise thickness of a properly cut bistecca Fiorentinawhich the “cucina Toscana” serves from its open-hearthwood-fired grillhandmade pastaand more. Besides the delectable menuat the heart of Tre Ditawhich Vetrina Toscana has designated as the first certified Tuscan restaurant in the United Statesis Funke’s renowned temperature—and humidity–controlled “pasta lab.” It is quite a breathtaking scene to pass by—and specificallywhy it’s one of the best Italian restaurants in Chicago.

🍽️ Service options: Dine-in

📍Address: The St Regis Hotel401 E Wacker DrChicagoIL 60601