Best Italian Restaurants in South Loop

Price: Moderate (387)Price: Expensive (230)Price: Very Expensive (71)

126 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Lou Malnati's - South Loop restaurant

1. Lou Malnati's - South Loop

4.6

Exceptional(82)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • South Loop

Booked 26 times today

No true Chicago experience is complete without a visit to one of the oldest names in Deep Dish Pizza: Lou Malnati’s. Located on South State Street in the South Loop of Chicago, Lou’s South Loop is convenient to the McCormick Center, Soldier Field and Grant Park. Enjoy Legendary Chicago Deep Dish and thin crust at the place that’s been perfecting it for 50+ years. A cozy experience awaits ... whether you’ve been at a sporting event, sightseeing, or out for a night of jazz, Lou Malnati’s South Avenue is the perfect spot to satiate your deep dish cravings.

A photo of Pizzeria Portofino restaurant

2. Pizzeria Portofino

4.7

Exceptional(1264)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 242 times today

Pizzeria Portofino has been revered as an Italian haven in Chicago, bringing a burst of Mediterranean flavor to the Windy City. Patrons have likened the experience to having a piece of Italy in the heart of Chicago, attesting to its authentic and delectable Italian cuisine. Celebrated for its ambient charm, Pizzeria Portofino offers an irresistible combination of mouthwatering food, excellent service, and stunning Riverwalk views. Words like "amazing", "fantastic" and "exquisite" frequently occur in praise of the food, service, and atmosphere. The restaurant particularly shines in the summer with its picturesque views, making it a must-visit spot for an Italian culinary experience.

3. Tre Dita

4.7

Exceptional(535)

Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 100 times today

Led by Chef Evan Funke, Tre Dita, Italian for "three fingers", pays homage to the precise measurement of bistecca Fiorentina. If booking in the dining room at Tre Dita, you will enjoy a menu of antipasti, handmade pastas, signature entrees and steaks. If booking in the Bar Tre Dita, you will enjoy a smaller menu of stuzzi, antipasti, handmade pastas and entrees. The full cocktail, wine list and dessert menu is available in both locations.

4. Alla Vita

4.8

Exceptional(2138)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • West Loop

Booked 187 times today

Alla Vita is an acclaimed Italian restaurant recognized for its innovative blend of classic Italian and modern cuisine. The warm, welcoming ambiance adds to its appeal, a detail notably appreciated by reviewers. The restaurant is celebrated for its homemade pasta dishes like the Rigatoni and Ricotta Dumplings, as well as its expertly curated drink menu featuring an array of Italian and international wines. From the delectable lunch set menus to the house-made gelato, every dish is thoughtfully crafted. Customers highlight the attentive service, praising the staff for their hospitality. Reviewers also particularly recommend the Kale Caesar Salad, touting it as "the best Caesar ever." The top-notch food and service, combined with the unique and vibrant decor, have earned Alla Vita accolades on the Michelin guide, making it highly recommended for a memorable dining experience in the heart of Chicago.

5. Rose Mary

4.8

Exceptional(3112)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • West Loop

Booked 181 times today

Located in the historic Fulton Market district of Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood, Rose Mary is Chef/Owner Joe Flamm’s debut restaurant inspired by his Italian heritage and the bold, bright flavors of Croatian cuisine. The boisterous space—named for Flamm’s grandmothers, Mary and Mary Rose, and the herb rosemary, which grows natively along the Italian and Croatian coastlines—offers a seasonal menu of rustic yet refined dishes that encapsulate what Flamm has coined “Adriatic drinking food”.

6. Gibsons Italia

4.8

Exceptional(3624)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 244 times today

Gibsons Italia, located a block away from the OTC Metra station, is a renowned restaurant offering exquisite Italian cuisine in Chicago. The restaurant is highly-rated for its excellent meals, attentive service, and splendid city views, highlighted by patrons' reviews. Diners offer rave reviews for the delicious Grilled Octopus, Italian Grain Bowl, Branzino, Caccio de Pepe, and the house Manhattan. Crowning their meals with the banana Gelato has proved to be a delightful experience for most guests. The restaurant has also garnered recognition for its Cacio e Pepe with black truffles and its prime steak cuts. Its location overlooking the Riverwalk also adds to the unique dining experience, making it worth every trip.

A photo of RPM Italian - Chicago restaurant

7. RPM Italian - Chicago

4.7

Exceptional(12048)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 134 times today

RPM Italian - Chicago is praised for its remarkable fusion of traditional and contemporary Italian dishes. Reviews effusively attest to the restaurant's remarkable offerings, with notable commendation given to their succulent house-made pasta dishes, exquisite Caesar salad, and tantalizing desserts like tiramisu and a diverse array of gelatos. The restaurant also stands out due to its expansive wine list and exceptional service, described as being attentive and knowledgeable, particularly in the realm of wine pairings. Patrons also share the memorable experiences they had while celebrating special occasions. However, a reservation is recommended due to its popularity. The proof of RPM Italian - Chicago’s dedication to elevating Italian cuisine is in its consistently excellent reviews.

8. Siena Tavern

4.7

Exceptional(5902)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 130 times today

Rooted in Italy. Raised in Chicago. Made From-Scratch. Siena Tavern has brought the sophistication and charisma of Top Chef Fabio Viviani’s cuisine to the epicenter of Chicago’s culinary scene. Combining Fabio’s crowd-pleasing made-from-scratch menu with DineAmic’s success in the hospitality sphere, Siena Tavern offers diners an experience that is simultaneously comfortable, vibrant, social and polished.

A photo of Robert's Pizza and Dough Company restaurant

9. Robert's Pizza and Dough Company

4.7

Exceptional(1864)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Gold Coast / Streeterville

Booked 152 times today

Robert's Pizza and Dough Company is a renowned pizzeria located in the heart of Chicago, offering delicious meals with impeccable service. Apart from offering a large selection of pizzas, the restaurant also serves salads, appetizers, and pasta dishes. As one reviewer said, it is "more than a pizzeria - it's an establishment for friends and family to come together over great food and friendly service." Providing not just the best pizza in town, the restaurant offers an amazing outdoor patio flooded with natural shade overlooking the river, which makes for a relaxing dining experience. The seafood pizza is highly recommended by customers and the crust is deemed worthy of a visit on its own. Many customers have expressed their delight over the wholesome experience as Robert's Pizza and Dough Company continually provides excellent food at reasonable prices.

10. Sofi Restaurant

4.6

Exceptional(1621)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • South Loop

Booked 12 times today

Sofi Restaurant is widely recognized as a prime Italian dining spot in Chicago. Patrons have been consistently dazzled by the authenticity of its dishes, the range of its menu, and its impressive wine selection. The restaurant has been praised by various critics for its fantastic service, with many customers highlighting the exceptional attention they receive while dining there. Signature dishes such as the veal ravioli, chicken Emiliana, and tiramisu have received overwhelming approval. An Italian native even affirmed it as the best traditional Italian restaurant in Chicago, and their go-to place while in the city. Whether it's the classic Italian ambiance or the high-quality cuisine, Sofi Restaurant leaves an indelible mark.

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Discover best Italian restaurants in South Loop

Discover the rich flavors of Italian cuisine in Chicago's vibrant South Loop neighborhood. This area boasts a diverse range of Italian restaurants, each offering unique dishes that highlight the traditions of Italy, from hearty pastas to exquisite pizzas and sophisticated wines. Whether you're seeking a casual dining experience or an upscale meal, the South Loop has an Italian restaurant to satisfy every palate. The dining scene here is characterized by a blend of authentic recipes and innovative culinary techniques, providing a true taste of Italy amidst the urban chic of Chicago. Reviewers consistently praise the high quality of food, exceptional service, and inviting atmospheres found in these establishments. Enjoy a meal crafted by experienced chefs who use fresh, quality ingredients to bring the essence of Italian cuisine to the heart of Chicago. Perfect for both intimate dinners and group gatherings, the Italian restaurants in the South Loop are a culinary delight not to be missed.

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