15 Best Italian Restaurants to Try in Chicago

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When you think of food that fills you up, comforts you, and nourishes you, what do you think of? For many people, it’s Italian food. An instantly-recognizable cuisine that comprises intriguing regional specialties and seemingly infinite permutations of tried-and-true traditional flavors, Italian food is a favorite among many who consider themselves foodies. To satisfy your cravings for the perfect pasta or traditional seafood dishes, check out the best Italian restaurants in Chicago.

 

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Best Italian Food

3638 N Pulaski Rd, Chicago IL 60641

This family-owned restaurant started as a carry-out Italian place in 1972 and has since grown into the popular spot at Pulaski and Addison that it is today. Offering pizza, pasta, and a whole host of other entrees, La Villa has something for everyone.

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Best Italian

721 W Grand Ave, Chicago IL 60654

Open for over two decades, La Scarola has garnered rave reviews from food critics and everyday diners alike. The menu at this Italian restaurant in Chicago features classic dishes like Pasta Fagioli, Penne al la Vodka, and Veal Chop al la Armani.Best Italian Food

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2824 W Armitage Ave, Chicago IL 60647

Established in 2014, Osteria Langhe is a more recent addition to the Italian cuisine available in Chicago. This Logan Square restaurant specializes in cuisine that embodies the traditions of the Piemonte region, which is then “paired with the incomparable heritage of Northern Italian wines.”

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Best Italian Food

2119 N Clark St, Chicago IL 60614

With a restaurant-ing lineage that dates back to 1940s Milan, Riccardo Trattoria’s owners Riccardo and Veronica opened their Italian restaurant in Chicago in 2006. The restaurant boasts a “unique Tuscan wood-burning oven” and Michelin recognition in 2011, 2012, and 2013.

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Best Italian Food

925 W Randolph St, Chicago IL 60607

In Fulton Market, you can visit Formento’s for a unique blend of new and old culinary creations. Along with an expansive wine menu, diners can find “an array of dishes steeped from traditional family recipes alongside new-age dishes.”

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Read: How to Make a Fancy Martini: Steps & Tips

Best Italian Food

1015 N Rush St, Chicago IL 60611

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If you’re in the mood for Italian seafood in particular, this Gold Coast spot may have what you’re looking for. Nico Osteria doesn’t only offer seafood, but they do it right, offering the Grilled Salmon Salad with farm greens and asparagus, as well as the Seared Scallops, accompanied by sweet peppers, cauliflower, kale, and a corn-cucumber dressing.

Best Italian Food

5101 N Clark St, Chicago IL 60640

If you’re searching for the best Italian restaurants in Andersonville of Chicago, Bar Roma offers delicious house-made pasta dishes, paired with great wines and craft cocktails. As Bar Roma’s website says, “Times are tough. Eat pasta.”

2413 S Oakley Ave, Chicago IL 60608

Opened in 1979 by husband-and-wife team Belfonte and Noemi, Bacchanalia has brought Tuscan family recipes to Chicago for over 40 years. While the couple has since left the day-to-day operation of the business to their children, Noemi still makes the restaurant’s ravioli by hand.

 

Best Italian Food

1020 W Madison St, Chicago IL 60607

This West Loop restaurant combines Italian traditions with influences from around the world. Try the Campanelle with spring pea, Mangalitsa prosciutto, pecorino fonduta, and lemon; or the Potato-Filled Žlikrofi with roasted spring onion, Montasio cheese, brown butter, and Mieli Thun honey.

Read More: 6 Popular Pasta Restaurants to Visit in Chicago

 

Best Italian Food

2701 N Halsted St, Chicago IL 60614

This “cozy” Italian restaurant started in 2001 and has since graced the Lincoln Park and Lakeview areas with its delicious menu items, which include Lobster Ravioli, Gnocchi al Brivido, Seafood Risotto, and more.

 

Best Italian Food

1516 N Wells St, Chicago IL 60610

This Old Town ristorante has been offering Tuscan-style dishes to Chicagoans for more than a quarter-century. Among those dishes are Tortellini al la Panna and Farfalle ai due Salmoni.

Read More: 7 Places to Order Ice Cream Near You in Rockford, IL 

 

Best Italian Food

800 Hillgrove Ave, Western Springs IL 60558

Davanti Enoteca is an Italian restaurant that is located in the southwestern suburbs of Chicago. This restaurant offers a streamlined menu with dishes that pack a punch— from the Truffle Egg Toast to the Della Terra pizza, diners can expect interesting flavor combinations here.

Best Italian Food

300 W Hubbard St, Chicago IL 60654

Opened in 1992, Coco Pazzo has been delivering on traditional Tuscan flavors for over 25 years. With items like Tagliolini Neri (squid ink pasta, mixed seafood, rapini, and herbed bread crumbs) and Cacciucco Livornese (spicy Tuscan seafood stew and crostini), you can expect a true Italian experience at this restaurant.

Best Italian Food

71 W Monroe St, Chicago IL 60603

This is actually three restaurants in one building: The Village, Vivere, and La Cantina. Supported also by a full wine cellar, these three different dining experiences are sure to accommodate any craving for Italian food.

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Best Italian Food

1073 W Vernon Park Pl, Chicago IL 60607

Tufano’s was established in 1930 and has stayed in-family ever since. Served in a casual, unassuming atmosphere, the dishes at Tufano’s include familiar pasta favorites as well as more special items like Tilapia Vesuvio and Lobster Ravioli.

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Featured Image Credit: Bar Roma Chicago Facebook Page