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The Best Italian Restaurants in Chicago

The OpenTable Team

Chicago’s passion for Italian food dates back to the early 20th-century, when immigrants from Italy settled in the city and shared their recipes. Flash forward to today, and Chicago has the third-largest Italian population in America, with hundreds of restaurants to prove it. But where are the smartest, savviest diners eating out? We’ve pulled data from thousands of restaurants to find the top spots among OpenTable's most expert, seasoned diners. You'll find everything from historic spots with treasured family recipes to new restaurants with creative takes on old favorites—all vetted by the types of tastemakers who know the best spots around the city. Book a table, and start eating!

19 Restaurants

Updated February 26, 2020

Restaurants:	Pelago, RPM Italian, Tarantino's…
Price Range:	$$ - $$$
Cuisines:	Italian…
Neighborhoods:	Gold Coast / Streeterville, Chicago, Lincoln Park…

Pelago

$$$$·Italian·

Gold Coast / Streeterville

1,640 reviews

Romantic
Notable Wine List
Good for a Date

Located in the luxurious Raffaello Hotel in the heart of the city, Pelago is a hidden gem. It puts a modern twist on traditional Northern and Southern Italian pasta and seafood dis…Read more

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RPM Italian

$$$$·Italian·

Chicago

11,498 reviews

Good for Anniversaries
Special Occasion
Fit for Foodies

RPM Italian is the real deal. It offers made-from-scratch pasta and authentic dishes that transport patrons to the Old Country. Some aficionados might even say that the food is the…Read more

100% recommended

Not available on OpenTable

Tarantino's

$$$$·Italian·

Lincoln Park

521 reviews

Good for Anniversaries
Bar Seating
Casual

A small restaurant in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, Tarantino's exudes a sophisticated vibe and provides unique variations of classic Italian fare. Portions are huge, but they als…Read more

100% recommended

Not available on OpenTable

Nonnina

$$$$·Italian·

River North (Chicago)

1,703 reviews

Neighborhood Gem
Romantic
Good for a Date

The friendly, attentive wait staff at Nonnina doesn’t rush diners, so the eatery is an appropriate selection for a leisurely, relaxing meal. Patrons may choose indoor seating or ou…Read more

96% recommended

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Via Carducci - Wicker Park

$$$$·Italian·

Bucktown / Wicker Park

322 reviews

Romantic
Comfort Food
Neighborhood Gem

A lively restaurant in the Wicker Park neighborhood, Via Carducci provides a menu filled with rustic Southern Italian classics and some of the best Italian in Chicago. It’s small a…Read more

91% recommended

Notable Wine List in Chicago

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il Porcellino

$$$$·Italian·

River North (Chicago)

2,351 reviews

Good for a Date
Romantic
Special Occasion

A casual restaurant in the River North neighborhood of downtown Chicago, il Porcellino gets high marks on all aspects of the dining experience, including service, ambiance, price, …Read more

93% recommended

Table for 2 today

The Florentine

$$$$·Italian·

Downtown / Loop

967 reviews

Business Meals
Cozy
Good for a Date

The Florentine, housed in the JW Marriot Hotel, is inviting and beautiful, with Italian photographs, dark furniture, and views of the bustling city. It serves traditional breakfast…Read more

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Trattoria Gianni

$$$$·Italian·

Lincoln Park

1,420 reviews

Neighborhood Gem
Great for Outdoor Dining
Special Occasion

Found in the Lincoln Park Theater District, Trattoria Gianni is a place for a meal before or after a play. It takes pride in impeccable, slow-paced service that doesn’t rush diners…Read more

93% recommended

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Francesca's on Chestnut

$$$$·Italian·

Gold Coast / Streeterville

2,284 reviews

Neighborhood Gem
Special Occasion
Good for a Date

Francesca’s is one of the treasures of the Gold Coast Historic District and a contender for the best Italian in Chicago. It’s elegant and sophisticated, with dark wood paneling; ye…Read more

95% recommended

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Café Bionda

$$$$·Italian·

South Loop

1,241 reviews

Good for a Date
Good for Anniversaries
Authentic

A neighborhood restaurant close to McCormick Place, Café Bionda has a welcoming atmosphere and serves portions so huge that diners frequently go home with a doggie bag. Meals start…Read more

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Mia Francesca

$$$$·Italian·

Lakeview / East Lakeview

2,472 reviews

Neighborhood Gem
Great for Outdoor Dining
Authentic

With a quaint, comfortable setting, Mia Francesca serves creative seasonal food that rivals that of pricier restaurants. It’s a favorite spot in the neighborhood surrounding Wrigle…Read more

97% recommended

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Carmine's Chicago

$$$$·Italian·

Gold Coast / Streeterville

5,026 reviews

Great for Outdoor Dining
Special Occasion
Neighborhood Gem

Carmine’s is a classy restaurant with romantic terrace seating that is in a prime area for people-watching. It serves enormous portions, making it ideal for diners who like to shar…Read more

95% recommended

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Quartino

$$$$·Italian·

River North (Chicago)

9,598 reviews

Good for Groups
Good for a Date
Great for Outdoor Dining

Where does a Chicago diner go for a slice of paradise? According to an enthusiastic reviewer, this is found at Quartino, a casual, kid-friendly eatery with a festive bistro feel. T…Read more

92% recommended

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Vivere

$$$$·Italian·

Downtown / Loop

1,906 reviews

Special Occasion
Romantic
Notable Wine List

Another option in the theater district, Vivere is a historic eatery with baroque gold velvet curtains and stained glass, evoking the intoxicating old-world ambiance of Naples or Mi…Read more

90% recommended

Not available on OpenTable

The Rosebud

$$$$·Italian·

Little Italy / University Village

2,806 reviews

Special Occasion
Neighborhood Gem
Good for Birthdays

Little Italy is home to this longstanding staple of Italian dining in Chicago that has been in business since the 1970s. The best Italian in Chicago is reflected here in large port…Read more

91% recommended

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Saranello's

$$$$·Italian·

Wheeling

4,069 reviews

Special Occasion
Good for a Date
Great for Lunch

It’s worth the drive to Wheeling to dine at Saranello’s because of the exceptional food quality. While the eatery touts itself as Italian, the menu includes other cuisines. Meals s…Read more

87% recommended

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Disotto

$$$$·Italian·

Highwood

1,051 reviews

Great for Outdoor Dining
Neighborhood Gem
Special Occasion

A small Italian cove in the Magnificent Mile neighborhood, Disotto has a warm, cozy environment that makes diners want to linger. The tranquil candle-lit setting enables them to im…Read more

98% recommended

Best Value in North Suburbs

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Riccardo Osteria

$$$$·Italian·

West Loop

241 reviews

Neighborhood Gem
Good for a Date
Great for Outdoor Dining

Our perspective is coming soon. In the meantime, please enjoy the restaurant’s description: Riccardo started his career at a very young age in Milan's prestigious GIRARROSTO which …Read more

95% recommended

Italian in Chicago

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Davanti Enoteca - Taylor Street

$$$$·Italian·

Little Italy / University Village

1,220 reviews

Neighborhood Gem
Casual
Creative Cuisine

The staff at Davanti Enoteca on Taylor Street blows diners away with their hospitality and warmth. Highlights of this casual eatery that serves family-style meals include fresh pas…Read more

96% recommended

Not available on OpenTable

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