In a city that boasts its own Little Italy, there’s no shortage of Italian “ristorantes” to keep your tummy full and your wine glass filled with Chianti. In fact, narrowing down this list was more difficult than choosing between tiramisu and cannoli. But these particular spots all have something extra special, like an inventive young chef or a creamy risotto that brings you to your knees. So kick it old school or go all out Dolce Vita glam – these Chicago restaurants will have you singing “Volare” all the way from Taylor Street to Bucktown. Mangia Bene.
SPIAGGIA 980 N. Michigan Ave., 2nd floor, 606011, 312-280-2750 Dinner: Monday – Thursday, 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm. Friday – Saturday, 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm. Sunday, 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Lounge: 5:30 pm to 11:00 pm.
Expect nothing short of first-class fare and service at this glorious Gold Coast destination helmed by James Beard Best Chef Midwest Tony Mantuano. His menu combines the most elegant Italian culinary traditions with the freshest local products – and it has been honed to perfection. For the ultimate dining experience, favor the chef’s seven-course tasting menu over ordering a la carte. It features such gastronomical delights as Carpaccio all Norcina (thin slices of raw prime aged strip steak with black truffles, trumpet royale mushrooms and Parmigiano Reggiano) and Agnello al Forno con Polenta e Indiva (slow-roasted crisp lamb shoulder with creamy polenta, caramelized endive and rosemary olive oil). Please note there is a dress code: jackets are required for men (ties optional) and jeans and gym shoes are not permitted.
The average cost per person for dinner is $80.
Reservations are a must.
Spiaggia is closed on most major holidays, but is open for New Year’s Eve.
LA SCAROLA 721 W. Grand Ave., 60610, 312-243-1740 Monday – Friday, 11:00 am to 11:00 pm. Saturday, 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Sunday, 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm.
You’ll feel like a member of the family at this low-key storefront location in Chicago’s West Loop. Here the air is filled with notes of Frank Sinatra and aromas of your favorite Italian comfort foods. (Think Pasta & Fagiole, Veal Marsala and pastas piled high on plates, just like Mama used to make.) Friendly service and just-right prices make La Scarola a favorite of families and local celebrities alike, but regulars assure the Sausage & Peppers and ricotta-filled Cannolis (voted best in Chicago) are definitely worth any crowd or wait. Who knows – maybe you’ll bump elbows with the mayor while twirling your Linguini & Clams.
The average cost per person for dinner is $30.
Reservations are a must.
Please call La Scarola for information about holiday hours.
LA VITA 1359 W. Taylor St., 60607, 312-491-1414 Monday –Thursday, 11:00 am to 10:00 pm. Friday, 11:00 am to 11:00 pm. Saturday, 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Sunday, 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
A sophisticated choice for late night dining and socializing, this Little Italy hot spot shines with fanciful lighting, polished chrome accents and a sexy curved bar. But the modern décor does not take away from its Taylor Street charm – the restaurant is after all the creation of three young neighborhood guys, Mickey Carioscia, Joe DeVito and Michael Garcia. An exposed kitchen gives diners a more personal experience with the chef, whose signature dishes include Risotto Quattro Fromaggi (Arborio rice tossed with spinach, gorgonzola, mascarpone, parmesan and Romano cheeses) and Pesce al Forno (Chilean sea bass sautéed in white wine sauce with cherry tomatoes and spinach). Enjoy half price wine bottles on Monday and Tuesday nights, and in warmer weather, opt for dining out on the beautiful rooftop terrace.
The average cost per person for dinner is $30.
Reservations are highly recommended.
Please call La Vita for information about holiday hours.
BELLA NOTTE 1374 W. Grand Ave., 60622, 312-733-5136 Monday – Thursday, 11:00 am to 10:30 pm. Friday, 11:00 am to 11:30 pm. Saturday, 5:00 pm to 11:30 pm. Sunday, 4:00 pm to 9:30 pm.
It’s always a “beautiful night” at this romantic restaurant located just west of downtown Chicago. A refreshing combination of friendliness and fine dining, the family-run favorite has an expansive menu of Southern Italian specialties prepared by Chef Ramon Aguirre. Regulars swear by the seafood pasta dishes (Lobster Fradiavolo over Linguine, Zuppa de Pesce over Cappellini) and the stuffed bone-in filet. The portions are some of the most generous you’ll ever see, so entrees are worth every penny and then some. For those watching their wallets (or their waists), half-orders are also available. You still might have leftovers.
The average cost per person for dinner is $40.
Reservations are recommended.
Bella Notte is closed on most major holidays but is open for New Year’s Eve.
THINK CAFÉ 2235 N. Western Ave., 60647, 773-394-0537 Sunday – Thursday, 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Friday – Saturday, 5:00 pm. to 11:00 pm.
Called the greatest value in Chicago, this charming Bucktown BYOB serves upscale fare in a simple, but welcoming atmosphere. The blond wood tables are topped with white linen tablecloths and butcher paper, and in the corner you’ll find a cozy two-seater bar. The real magic comes from the kitchen, where chef/owner Omar Rodriguez (Carlucci restaurants) prepares Italian-based dishes with a few surprising hints of American, Asian, and Latin flavors. Inventive house specialties include the Prince Edward Island Mussels, Maple Leaf Roasted Duck Risotto and Spinach Ravioli with Sweet Red Pepper Cream Sauce. For a romantic date, come after 10 pm when the overhead lights are turned down and replaced by the warm glow of tabletop candles. And don’t miss the rich espresso flan for dessert – it’s perfect with two spoons.
The average cost per person for dinner is $30.
Reservations are highly recommended on weekends.
Think is closed most major holidays, but is open for New Year’s Eve.
BICE RISTORANTE 158 E. Ontario St., 60611, 312-664-1474 Lunch: Monday – Sunday, 11:30 am to 4:00 pm. Dinner: Monday – Thursday, 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Friday – Saturday, 4:00 pm to 10:30 pm. Sunday, 4:00 pm to 9:30 pm.
Sleek, stylish, and brimming with Italian glam, Bice is right at home at this Gold Coast location just steps away from the Magnificent Mile. With an all Italian-born staff that aims to recreate the ambiance of the original Bice restaurant in Milan, this might be as close to Italy as you can get without leaving the country. A simple glance at the menu might have you lingering for hours, with a never-ending list of northern Italian antipasti, insalate, risotto, pesci and carne, all prepared with an urban contemporary twist. The Tiramisu della Bice is arguably the best served in the city and the outdoor patio is one of the prettiest places to dine. For a quick lunch or more casual fare, try the Bice Grill next door.
The average cost per person for dinner is $45.
Reservations are a highly recommended.
Bice is closed on most major holidays.
VOLARE 201 E. Grand Ave., 60611, 312-410-9900 Lunch: Monday – Friday, 11:00 am to 3:00 pm. Dinner: Monday – Friday, 3:00 pm to 10:30 pm. Saturday, 4:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Sunday, 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
This Streeterville classic combines the old-school ambiance of an Italian supper club with the relaxed, friendly service of a mom-and-pop operation. Here generous portions of Italian favorites are prepared and plated in a bustling open kitchen, right before your eyes. What’s best? The menu is lined with the most-loved dishes of the north, south, and everywhere in between. Be forewarned – the Bruschetta alla Romana, Risotto di Mare, and Astice all Griglia (broiled lobster tail) all attract crowds. Expect a wait and tightly spaced tables, even with a reservation.
The average cost per person for dinner is $30.
Reservations are recommended.
Volare is closed on Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
A TAVOLA 2148 W. Chicago Ave., 60622, 773-276-7567 Monday – Thursday, 5:30 pm to 10:00 pm. Friday – Saturday, 5:30 pm to 10:30 pm.
Favored by connoisseurs of northern Italian cuisine, this gem is somewhat of a secret with its location in Ukrainian Village. A quiet, romantic, fine dining experience, the tables are adorned with white china, heavy silver cutlery and fresh flowers. Young chef/owner Daniel Bocik is a true Chicagoan, using only the freshest ingredients from local organic farmers and markets, along with the finest Italian imports. His menu is small, selective and focused on preparing very few items and preparing them very well. Sophisticated fall selections include the Gnocchi with Brown Sage Butter and Parmesan and the Risotto with Roast Chicken and Mixed Vegetables. On Monday evenings, guests can sign up for cooking school and join Chef Bocik in preparing and enjoying a four-course meal.
The average cost per person for dinner is $40.
Reservations are recommended.
A Tavola is closed on most major holidays.
LUNA CAPRESE 2239 N. Clybourn, 60614, 773-281-4825 Tuesday – Sunday, 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
They say if you’ve been to Luna Caprese, you’ve been to Naples. And that’s just how 30-something chef Pietro Cristillo intended it. A native of the island of Capri, Cristillo began his culinary apprenticeship at the age of 14. Now his passion and respect for the rich traditions of Napoli are evident with every dish. To the delight of the true Italians in this city, you won’t find entrees drenched with heavy sauces and melted mozzarella here. This charming trattoria makes the most of simple, fresh ingredients and just a touch of spice. Care and craftsmanship are required to make the seven fresh pastas rolled out by hand daily. Just one bite of the Gnocchi al Pomodoro (homemade potato dumplings in fresh marinara sauce) and you’ll know it was prepared with love.
The average cost per person for dinner is $30.
Reservations are recommended.
Luna Caprese is closed on most major holidays, but is open for New Year’s Eve.
PIZZA D.O.C. 2251 W. Lawrence Ave., 60625, 773-784-8777 Monday – Friday, 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm. Saturday – Sunday, 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm.
If you’ve had your fill of Chicago-style pizza, take a trip to this neighborhood spot where pies fly out of wood-burning ovens the Italian way – with thin, crispy, cracker-like crusts. As for toppings, there are 37 authentic incarnations, with everything from simple Pizza Margherita (tomato, fresh mozzarella and basil leaf) to sensational Pizza Ortolana (mozzarella, mushrooms, zucchini, artichokes, eggplant and arugula). You’ll also find a nice selection of traditional appetizers, pastas and meat and seafood entrees like Pollo al Braccio de Ferro (chicken breast rolled with spinach, tomatoes, mozzarella and pine nuts). For dessert, make like a true paisano and order the pistachio-flavored gelato.
The average cost per person for dinner is $20.
Reservations are highly recommended.
Pizza D.O.C. is closed on most major holidays, but is open for New Year’s Eve and Day.
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