Diners' Choice: Contemporary Italian restaurants in Chicago / Illinois

OpenTable

Updated July 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Contemporary Italian cuisine in Chicago / Illinois? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyzes more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favorites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Nonna Silvias Trattoria and Pizzeria

4.8

4.8 (1847)

$30 and under

Contemporary Italian

Park Ridge

About the restaurant

Nonna Silvia's is a popular neighborhood restaurant nestled between Park Ridge and Edison Park. Family owned for 25 years, Chefs Steve Marti & John Giannini have been cooking authentic, regional Italian cuisine (from central Italy) since opening the restaurant. Inspired by and named after their grandmother, Silvia Giannini, Nonna Silvia's offers homemade hand crafted pastas, fresh seafood, specialty pizzas, and a choice selection of local, Midwestern meats. We feature a collection of more than 60 wines (many of our wines are award-winning, Wine Spectator rated) from all over the world as well as craft beer and signature craft cocktails. Our restaurant has a warm and intimate Tuscan ambiance and a popular outdoor patio. Come and join us for a memorable meal and experience!

Top review

Nadine

Dined 3 days ago

We sat on the patio. It was very loud in the restaurant. Patio is nice, but could use more flowers instead of looking at the street. Both of us had special pastas of the night which were excellent. The grilled calamari appetizer was very large and absolutely fantastic. Wine was good as well as service. Enjoyable evening!

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Popular dish

Grilled Calamari

Alla Vita

4.8

4.8 (2596)

$31 to $50

Contemporary Italian

West Loop

About the restaurant

Serving a casual, family-style menu, Alla Vita is a place to gather and enjoy comfortable Italian cuisine. Alla Vita means “to life” in Italian which recognizes overcoming life's challenges and creating a space for shared meals and memorable experiences. Executive Chef Lee Wolen shares his passion for fresh, delicious Italian food made simply with the best ingredients.

Follow @allavitachicago to stay up-to-date with the latest happenings.

Top review

Tenisha

Dined 2 days ago

Great atmosphere. Great service. Manage Joe was amazing and our server Gal.

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Forno Mauri Italian Pizzeria

4.7

4.7 (15)

$30 and under

Contemporary Italian

South Loop

About the restaurant

Northern Italian pizzeria, Forno Mauri, brings the oldest traditions of Milano bakeries to the heart of Printer’s Row with its 14’’ thin crust Tonda Classica and all-Italian imported ingredients, including the best Fiordilatte mozzarella from Agerola.
Owner of Sofi Italian in Chicago, Maurizio Michi is a Milanese and NYC restaurateur who has catered to the world’s most high profile clientele from fashion designers, film stars, musicians, and artists to business executives and royals.

Top review

JyotiVIP

Dined on Jul 5, 2025

The pizza was outstanding. So, too were the two appetizers we had: zucchini flowers and arancini. Our waiter was attentive and very friendly. Unfortunately, the pizza place lives up to its name: Forno Mauri is a forno (oven). Because the pizza ovens are situated in the dining room and don't have a hood system to ventilate the space properly, the place was unbearably hot. Furthermore, there is a state-of-the-art espresso machine that the waitstaff did not know how to operate. The waiter tried his best to make an espresso, but without training, he couldn't do it. He was apologetic, but it wasn't his fault. Thank goodness the food was excellent; however, go prepared to be uncomfortably warm in there.

Prosecco

4.6

4.6 (2800)

$31 to $50

Contemporary Italian

River North (Chicago)

About the restaurant

PROSECCO, in the heart of the River North Gallery District, is a chic, yet welcoming restaurant serving comfort foods from all 20 regions of Italy and Chicago's largest selection of sparkling wine.

Enjoy classic comfort foods -- from house-made pasta to nightly beef, fish and game menu additions.

Prices are moderate, but those wishing to indulge in an evening of culinary mischief will not be disappointed!

Top review

GreggVIP

Dined 3 days ago

Outstanding Will be back next time in Chicago!! Service food and wine great !! Owners are friendly and persinable !!

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Experience

Happy Hour at Prosecco in the Bar

Blue Fire Restaurant

4.5

4.5 (73)

$31 to $50

Contemporary Italian

Oak Park

About the restaurant

Blue Fire is located in Elmwood Park, Illinois, and specializes in serving authentic European cuisine. This restaurant offers catering services and is perfect for family dinners, business meetings, or meeting with friends. Blue Fire also offers packages for private events.

The menu at Blue Fire includes main dishes, salads, pastas, seafood, burgers, shawarma, pizzas, desserts, and much more. We also have a children's menu and vegetarian dishes. Popular dishes include rigatoni alla vodka, Alfredo pasta, pork medallions, steak, beef stroganoff, dark side of the sea, arugula fusion roast beef, and fried calamari. Offered desserts include tiramisu, cheesecake, medovik, and mille-feuille.

Top review

Sarah

Dined 4 days ago

The is one of the best places I have been. Our waiter was amazing. He went above and beyond. We came for my birthday. And he surprised me with a desert and sparkler on it and sang happy birthday! The food was outstanding. The atmosphere was amazing. 10 stars!!

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Experience

FREE PIZZA On Your First Visit

etta Bucktown

4.5

4.5 (41)

$50 and over

Contemporary Italian

Bucktown / Wicker Park

About the restaurant

At etta Bucktown, we’re proud to be a local favorite for neighborhood Italian dining. Known for our wood-fired dishes and relaxed, welcoming vibe, we’re open daily for lunch and dinner, plus we offer a lively brunch every Saturday and Sunday. Whether you're here for a casual meal or a celebratory gathering, Etta is where Bucktown comes to eat, drink, and connect.
To book parties of 9 or more, please visit our website at https://www.ettarestaurant.com/bucktown/about

Top review

Brian

Dined on Jul 18, 2025

Great service, excellent food, and an enjoyable atmosphere. A great place for friends, family, business, or a date.

Passero

4.5

4.5 (1064)

$30 and under

Contemporary Italian

Arlington Heights

About the restaurant

Passero is a trattoria-inspired American restaurant located in downtown Arlington Heights. It is the collaboration of Italian-American heritage over many generations and the culinary interpretations of Chef Matt Peota. By sourcing ingredients from the surrounding areas the dishes also reflect the seasonality of the Midwest.

Passero translates to “sparrow” in Italian, and like the sparrow this neighborhood eatery symbolizes joy, creativity and hard work. Passero serves as a reminder that busy hands and minds promote a happy and full life.

Top review

Gary

Dined 2 days ago

We had lunch and all the food was outstanding! And specialty cocktails were as well. Highly recommended Service was prompt as well

Fiamme

4.4

4.4 (1996)

$30 and under

Contemporary Italian

Naperville

About the restaurant

Fiamme Pizzeria Napoletana pulls inspiration from the flames of its blazing hot pizza oven, producing exquisite Italian dishes influenced by the traditions of Naples. Our true star of the show is the new kid on the block Detroit, pan style pizza that takes your tastes buds on a trip to remember from the caramelized cheese crown to the cloud like crust. Far more spirited than the average pizzeria, Fiamme provides an excellent and unique selection of wines and craft beers to go along with its impassioned cuisine.In addition to offering imported ingredients to ensure the most authentic Italian dishes, you will also find dairy-free and gluten-free options to meet the needs of any guest. Baked at 900 to 1000 degrees in an oak-fired brick oven, this pizza is sure to please anyone who loves a good slice. Make your next night out a special experience with a trip to Fiamme Pizzeria Napoletana in Naperville, Illinois.

Top review

Jenny

Dined 2 days ago

Fiamme is one of our favorite places because of all the gluten sensitive options on the menu. First time bringing my dad and sister. They enjoyed everything about the experience. We loved each ordering a pizza and then sharing slices across the table, with plenty of left overs for later.

Figo Wine Bar

4.6

4.6 (456)

$31 to $50

Contemporary Italian

Lakeview / East Lakeview

About the restaurant

Figo Wine Bar invigorates the best qualities of an Italian wine bar. A menu incorporating foreign cuisines into a traditional Italian menu and a sommelier-selected wine list encourage a new and exciting experience.

Our beverage menu includes an extensive wine list and beautiful craft/classic cocktail selection, all pastas are made in house and we source all of our ingredients locally.

Top review

maddie

Dined on Jul 20, 2025

Figo Wine Bar NEVER disappoints- will continue coming back here and recommending to family and friends from the city, and visiting.

North Shore Bistro

4.4

4.4 (152)

$31 to $50

Contemporary Italian

Northbrook

About the restaurant

A fun and exciting new addition to the North Shore! Located at 250 Skokie Blvd. in Northbrook, North Shore Bistro is a mix of modern Italian Cuisine and high end handcrafted cocktails! Open until 2 AM Friday and Saturday we are bringing the night life back to Northbrook! But don't forget the food! We have all of Chef Marciano's specials that made the place so special in the past! Come in today, see all the new decor, and try an amazing meal paired with some delicious drinks or a bottle of wine from our handpicked wine list!

Top review

Mark

Dined 2 days ago

Always great food and the restaurant’s vibe is “lively”……. Cocktails are a nice pour and the meals are usually enough food for two….. A Northshore gem!!!

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