From cozy, family-style neighborhood standbys to stunning waterfront destinations that transport diners to the romantic Italian Riviera, the best Italian restaurants in Chicago offer memorable meals for every occasion.
Cut into a richly marbled steak at a celebrity chef’s swanky hotspot in River North. Feast on refined pastas from a Top Chef alum in a glam Gold Coast dining room. Dig into classic red sauce MVPs at a laid-back River North staple.
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Read on for a guide to the top 10 Italian restaurants in Chicago.
For Italian Riviera vibes at one of the top Italian restaurants in Chicago: Pizzeria Portofino (River North)
Located on the Chicago riverfront, Pizzeria Portofino recreates the casual elegance of seaside restaurants on Italy’s Ligurian Coast. Grab a seat on the all-weather patio or in the open dining area with wicker chairs and hanging vines to feast on an elegant menu of hand-stretched pizza and charcoal-grilled seafood. Refreshing Italian spritzes and pitch-perfect Italian wines add to the coastal ambiance.
For family-style dining at one of the best Italian restaurants in Chicago: Quartino (River North)
Enjoy family-style dining at Quartino, a lively Italian spot in River North. Come with a group and snag one of the large tables for a shareable Italian feast—think tapas-like plates, half-sized pasta portions, and regional specialties like Neapolitan-style pizza. Several gluten-free dishes, housemade Italian sodas, and a charming patio make this a destination for groups and celebrations.
For classic American steakhouse fare and refined Italian cuisine: Gibsons Italia (River North)
Take in sweeping views of the Chicago River at Gibsons Italia, a glam, tri-level West Loop destination outfitted with sleek marble tables and rich leather chairs. Start with caviar or a raw seafood platter before moving on to one of the gold-extruded pastas or massive high-end steaks—think a 34-ounce wagyu tomahawk with optional black truffle butter or foie gras wine sauce. Extend the celebration with a nightcap on the scenic rooftop deck.
For group-friendly dining in a stylish setting: RPM Italian (River North)
Packed since it opened in 2012, this stylish spot from celebrity duo Giuliana and Bill Rancic and hospitality giant Lettuce Entertain You is what celebratory dreams are made of. Grab a seat at the lively bar for a round of cocktails and starters or settle into one of the cozy leather booths to dig into made-for-sharing modern Italian hits. Start with the bread service (get the rosemary sea salt focaccia) before moving on to housemade pastas and luxe steaks like a gorgonzola-cured wagyu.
For relaxed Italian fare from an award-winning restaurant group: Alla Vita (West Loop)
Alla Vita is where you go for approachable Italian dishes from chef Lee Wolen of MICHELIN-Starred Boka. With a plant-draped arched wooden pergola and elegant fabric drapery, the stylish space is a destination for wood-fired meats and pizzas as well as refined pastas like standout pillowy ricotta dumplings. An Italian-forward wine list and charming sidewalk patio add to the relaxed, neighborhood vibe.
For Italian comfort foods and a chill neighborhood vibe: il Porcellino (River North)
With cozy leather booths, walls lined with historic photos, and red-and-white checkered tablecloths, Lettuce Entertain You’s il Porcellino screams classic Italian restaurant. The menu is equally old-school. Expect Italian comfort fare like whole-loaf garlic bread along with MVPs like chicken parmesan and burrata lasagna. Come early on weekdays for happy hour specials, including cocktails like a house negroni and crowd-pleasing snacks like spinach and artichoke aranchini.
For Tuscan-inspired dishes and breathtaking views at one of the best Italian restaurants in Chicago: Tre Dita (River North)
This swanky Tuscan steakhouse inside The St. Regis is the brainchild of celebrity chef Evan Funke and Chicago restaurant giant Lettuce Entertain You. It’s the ultimate special-occasion destination, thanks to high-end steaks, silky handmade pastas, and a knockout 700-plus bottle, all-Italian wine list. Enjoy stunning views of Lake Michigan and the Chicago River through dramatic 40-foot windows in the glam dining room with arched portals and walnut timber paneling.
For sophisticated Italian dining from a celebrity chef: Siena Tavern (River North)
One of the best Italian restaurants in Chicago, Siena Tavern is a stylish spot from Top Chef alum Fabio Viviani. With rich leather seating and dark wood tones, the space is as sophisticated as the food. Choose from standouts like squid ink linguine with grilled lobster and truffle gnocchi, or try the chef’s tasting menu with optional wine pairings from the Italian-forward list. For special occasions, dial up the wow factor by booking a group dinner in the restaurant’s private wine cellar.
For sophisticated Italian dining from a Top Chef alum at one of the best Italian restaurants in Chicago: Adalina (Gold Coast/Streeterville)
Impress out-of-towners (or anyone, really) with a meal at this buzzy Gold Coast spot. Soo Ahn, a vet of Top Chef and MICHELIN-Starred Band of Bohemia, leads the kitchen, which turns out refined pastas and wood-fired meats like a rack of lamb and a tomahawk with optional shaved black or white truffle, all served by attentive, tuxedo-clad servers. A stunning dining room decked with dramatic chandeliers and plush seating completes the celebratory vibe.
For seasonally inspired Italian dining: Piccolo Sogno (River West)
A River West staple and one of the top Italian restaurants in Chicago, Piccolo Sogno is a go-to for its ever-evolving menu of rustic-meets-elegant Italian fare. Share appetizer portions of chef Tony Priolo’s stellar pastas, which could include pappardelle with wild boar ragu or seafood-topped black spaghetti. Linger over a glass of wine from the 400-bottle all-Italian list in the elegant brick-walled dining room or on the lush back patio with bright yellow umbrellas and romantic string lights.
From luxe steaks with fancy toppings to red sauce staples and wood-fired pizzas, the best Italian restaurants in Chicago serve up top-notch food for every taste and occasion. Whether looking for a laid-back neighborhood destination with classic Italian fare or a swanky special-occasion steakhouse with sweet river and lake views, these top spots are sure to book up quickly.
