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Chicago's best

Cannoli lunch spots

Made for those who consider a crisp, cream-filled cannoli the only acceptable conclusion to a midday meal.

Based on 604 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Tuscan Hen Market image 1
Tuscan Hen Market image 2
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Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers a cozy interior with an airy, clean atmosphere and a well-maintained patio playing oldies music. The vibe is casual and inviting, attracting those seeking fresh, flavorful meals and standout sandwiches. Local ingredients and homemade touches create a neighborhood gem feel.

Lunch here offers outstanding food with reasonably priced options. The spot features a cute outdoor balcony perfect for groups or casual hangouts.

Cannolis come as a fill your own dessert with a perfectly delicious shell and filling. They disappear quickly because of their unbelievable taste.

People are saying

"The fresh pasta here is delicious and made with great care."

"The sandwiches at this Lunch Spot are fantastic."

"You should not sleep on these cannolis; they were perfect."

Good to know

1

Street parking is limited, but I found a spot right in front.

2

The pickup time for orders is between 11am and 3pm on April 30.

3

Expect a wait of about 5 minutes for sandwiches during busy hours.

02
Chef Ciccio, Beef-Balls-Beer image 1

Italian-style restaurant offers authentic Italian vibes with busy, lively atmosphere and entertaining chefs. Located in a quieter corner, it provides a family-like dining experience with views of Lake Michigan nearby.

Quick lunches come with friendly service and a happy vibe from the chef. Options stay under $15, making it a solid choice on the pier.

Cannolis here have a fantastic finish with a rich, creamy filling. The chef often offers an extra cannoli as a kind gesture.

People are saying

"The Italian Beef sandwich here is absolutely delicious."

"Uncle Gus made our lunch spot visit great with his smile."

"I found the cannoli to be the best I ever had."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required but recommended during peak hours.

2

The restaurant is open on Christmas Day for those looking to dine.

3

Expect a quick service with orders completed in 5-7 minutes.

03
J.P. Graziano Grocery image 1
Italian grocery store

Italian grocery store with old school Chicago deli vibe and family-run charm creates a warm, bustling atmosphere. Simple, no-frills interior complements the hectic but friendly energy during busy times. Small outdoor seating offers a casual spot to enjoy hearty, flavorful sandwiches.

Lunch draws a buzzy crowd including local detectives and postal workers. Patio seating offers a casual spot for a simple Chicago neighborhood meal that reflects local roots.

Creamy filling with a cherry on the ends makes the cannoli stand out. It tastes not too sweet and balances well with the shell, offering a perfectly sweet treat.

People are saying

"I found their sandwiches to be outstanding."

"This is a great lunch spot with fantastic, high-quality sandwiches."

"The cannoli here is perfection, not overly sweet."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not accepted; expect a wait during peak hours.

2

The deli is closed on Mondays, so plan your visit accordingly.

3

Sandwiches are prepared quickly, usually within 10 minutes of ordering.

04
Pasta Via image 1
Italian restaurant

Open kitchen reveals fresh pasta made daily, with staff rolling dough and finishing plates in view. Warm, inviting atmosphere combines simmering sauce aromas with upbeat music and art murals that add character. Ordering happens via kiosks, and tables come with oil and Parmesan cheese, creating a casual yet sophisticated vibe.

Warm, inviting atmosphere suits a quick lunch or casual meal. Catering handles groups of 10-15 with excellent results, making it a reliable lunch spot.

Freshly made cannolis arrive quickly, within four minutes of sitting down. The delicious cannoli comes with a generous presentation, sometimes even offered for free by the owner.

People are saying

"The Italian food here is made from scratch and tastes incredibly fresh."

"The food here is fresh, homemade, and tastes like authentic Italian cuisine."

"I recommend the cannoli; they were delicious."

Good to know

1

All their pasta is made fresh daily.

2

They do not use any seed oils in their pasta.

3

Pasta Via offers great pasta at a wildly affordable price.

05
Bongiorno's Cucina Italiana & Pizzeria image 1

Cozy, family-owned Italian restaurant with small, crowded space and loud atmosphere. Outdoor patio offers a pleasant seating option. Known for authentic Italian pizza and pasta with a lively, energetic vibe.

Lunch features Italian beef sandwich with mozzarella and sausage pizza. Pizza stands out as very good during midday meals.

Rich and sweet, these cannolis come made to order with crispy shells. They stand out as a favorite dessert and a highlight of the meal.

People are saying

"The pizza here is amazing; the staff makes you feel so welcome."

"This lunch spot's Italian beef sandwich is delicious."

"The cannoli here are rich, sweet, and absolutely incredible."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is located behind the Trump Tower in downtown Chicago.

2

Expect long wait times during peak hours, especially on weekends.

3

Reservations are recommended during busy dinner hours.

06
Conte Di Savoia image 1

Italian deli with classic checkerboard floors and a tin pan ceiling creates an old school cool vibe. Atmosphere feels like a step back in time to a neighborhood shop with rich, authentic character. Sandwiches stand out as some of the best, complementing the genuine, nostalgic setting.

Lines form during lunch hour but move steadily. Offers quick bites and authentic Italian groceries for a convenient midday stop.

Made fresh on the spot, the cannolis have a rich filling and a crispy shell. They stand out among other baked goods like focaccia and cookies for their authentic taste.

People are saying

"I found the sandwiches here to be amazing and really good."

"It's an old school Italian deli with a classic vibe."

"I found the sandwiches here to be incredible, loaded with fresh ingredients."

Good to know

1

Prices are very reasonable compared to other sandwich shops in the area.

2

The deli has about four tables available for dining.

3

Expect a busy atmosphere during peak lunch hours.

07
Ferrara Bakery image 1

Cozy bakery with a clean, inviting atmosphere and generations of family ownership. Offers exceptional cannoli and classic Italian pastries alongside a small, focused selection. Seating allows for a relaxed experience in a well-run, venerable space.

Lunch offers flavorful sandwiches with great bread and an amazing menu full of appetizing options. Meals come at a very reasonable price and the spot is often packed during lunch hours.

Exceptional cannoli stand out for their firm texture and rich flavor. The fill-your-own option with pumpkin icing adds a fun twist to the classic treat.

People are saying

"The service at this bakery is always friendly and prompt."

"I love going to this lunch spot for a great, reasonable meal."

"I thought the cannoli here were great and tasty."

Good to know

1

Expect a busy lunch crowd, especially on weekends.

2

Parking is limited; consider arriving early or using public transport.

3

Credit cards are accepted, but cash is preferred for small purchases.

08
Rosie's Sidekick Sandwich Shop image 1

Tiny counter with limited seating creates an intimate setting. Warm music plays, adding to a relaxed atmosphere. Sandwiches stand out for their bold flavors and hot serving temperature, making the experience distinctive despite simple surroundings.

Lunch options include Italian, ham & cheese, turkey & Swiss, chicken parm, and Al Pacino sandwiches. Meals come with bread, tomatoes, and lettuce, and the spot delivers for office or party lunches.

Cannolis here have a good flavor but lack the full authenticity of Sicilian versions. They pair well with other items like the giardiniera pasta salad and are a popular choice alongside Italian sandwiches.

People are saying

"These sandwiches are packed with great ingredients and taste incredible."

"I found the cannoli here to be good and phenomenal."

"The sandwiches here are fresh and packed with great ingredients."

Good to know

1

Rosie's Sidekick Sandwich Shop is no longer cash only and now accepts card payments.

2

Parking might be difficult at certain times, so plan accordingly.

3

The shop has limited seating, making it less ideal for large groups.

09
New Paradise Bakery image 1

Old school Italian bakery with a 21st century vibe offers authentic Italian goods and top quality ingredients. Atmosphere feels warm and inviting with a clean, modern layout and beautifully decorated exterior. Known for outstanding gelato and pastries, it attracts those seeking genuine flavors.

Lunch features made-to-order sandwiches with deli meats and lunch subs that stand out for their quality and flavor.

Shells fill at order to keep them crispy with a crunchy crust and luxuriously creamy filling. Pistachio cream stands out, made with ingredients imported from Italy using traditional methods.

People are saying

"Their custom cakes are works of art, truly stunning."

"I found the cannoli to be phenomenal and the best I've ever had."

"I got a delicious and beautiful cake from this Lunch Spot."

Good to know

1

The bakery offers a variety of authentic Italian baked goods and gelato.

2

Parking is easy and convenient near the bakery.

3

All baked goods are made fresh daily with high-quality ingredients.

10
D'Amato's Bakery image 1

Small bakery with old-school charm and narrow aisles creates a cozy but sometimes crowded atmosphere. Friendly staff and great tunes add to the inviting vibe, while a covered outdoor patio offers extra seating for a quick bite.

Quality food makes the wait during lunch worthwhile. Grab arancini with sauce or other items for a perfect lunch on the go.

Crispy shells hold rich, creamy filling in these cannolis. Chocolate variety stands out as a recommended choice. Mini-cannolis come in trays suitable for gatherings.

People are saying

"This bread is the best sandwich bread I've ever had."

"You have to try the arancini; they're a must-try lunch spot."

"I was warned about allergens in the cannolis because they contain peanuts."

Good to know

1

D'Amato's Bakery only accepts cash payments.

2

The bakery has limited seating inside but offers outdoor seating with tables.

3

Expect longer wait times during peak hours due to a small kitchen.

11
Avanti Caffe image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers genuine Italian cafe vibe with fast, no-nonsense service in a clean, upscale setting. It gets very busy at lunchtime and attracts a mix of locals and workers from nearby areas. Prices remain reasonable for the city, supporting a family-owned, consistent experience.

Offers a Chicago Italian sandwich, salad, and pasta for lunch. The hot sub called The Godfather stands out. Food is worth the wait during busy hours and proves dependable for midday meals.

Cannolis come with a crispy shell that sometimes lacks the right crunch. The filling flavor can be off, often masked by super sweet chocolate sprinkles that overpower the taste.

People are saying

"I found the food here amazing, especially the lasagna."

"This Lunch Spot's food tasted great and delicious."

"I grabbed a cannoli to go on my trip back home."

Good to know

1

Expect a busy lunch crowd, especially during weekdays.

2

Pizza prices start at $14 for three pieces, which is reasonable for the area.

3

The restaurant has a rewards program for frequent customers.

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