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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks in Lincoln Park

Italian food spots

Italian food that honors traditional recipes instead of settling for the standard Americanized versions.

Based on 678 Opinions
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Updated April 2026
01
Serai Cafe & Deli image 1
Serai Cafe & Deli image 2
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Halal deli cafe combines cozy yet modern atmosphere with a clean and serene vibe. Space feels buzzing with energy while remaining inviting and welcoming. Decor balances sophisticated and relaxing elements, creating a unique hangout spot.

Food stands out as amazing and delicious with a unique halal deli sub style. Drinks complement the menu well, and service matches the high quality of the food.

Sandwiches feature crispy chicken parmesan and pesto panini with chicken. The caprese sandwich comes on incredible focaccia.

People are saying

"I loved the flavorful sandwiches with fresh ingredients and generous portions."

"The food here is delicious and fresh."

"The Italian food here is delicious and top-notch quality."

Good to know

1

The entire menu is 100% halal, catering to dietary restrictions.

2

Unique deli-style halal sandwiches and paninis are available.

3

Healthy options are prioritized, with no deep-fried items.

02
PastaFi image 1
Italian restaurant

Small, modern space with all seats facing large windows creates a bright, inviting atmosphere. Laid-back vibe suits quick meals or quiet meetings, enhanced by pasta-themed decor and barstool seating along the window. Fast service and fresh, flavorful pasta define the experience.

Food comes fast and tastes great with Alfredo and Bolognese sauces standing out. Prices stay reasonable while dishes deliver solid flavor.

Fresh, flavorful pasta stands out with dishes like spaghetti carbonara and tuna pasta. Sauces such as Alfredo, Bolognese, and arrabbiata bring rich, authentic Italian flavors to the table.

People are saying

"The Italian food here is so fresh and flavorful."

"It's a perfect late night spot for a midnight craving."

"The food here is fantastic and delicious."

Good to know

1

PastaFi is open until midnight on weekdays and 2 am on weekends.

2

PastaFi offers gluten-free pasta options for those with dietary restrictions.

3

All sauces at PastaFi are made with fresh ingredients every morning.

03
Bonci Pizza image 1
Italian restaurant

Roman-style pizza slices come by weight, letting people try various flavors without ordering whole pies. Casual indoor counter seating and a small, pet-friendly outdoor patio with games create a relaxed, mostly takeout vibe. The outdoor area offers shade coverage and a communal water bowl for dogs, making it welcoming for families and pets.

Food here is consistently well served and warm, with excellent timing from the staff. The dishes are genuinely great and underrated, making it a solid choice for a meal.

Salmon and burrata pizza stands out with fresh, creamy toppings. Cacio e pepe pizza gets a zing from added balsamic vinegar. Burrata basil, lemon ricotta zucchini, and spicy eggplant pizzas offer incredible flavors. Desserts include lemon cello cake and tiramisu.

People are saying

"I found their Roman-style pizza fresh, creative, and flavorful."

"The Italian food here, especially the pizza, has a delicious and crispy crust."

"I loved exploring the different food combinations and toppings available."

Good to know

1

Bonci Pizza sells pizza slices by weight, allowing customers to mix and match flavors.

2

There are plenty of vegetarian and vegan options available.

3

The pizzas are sold until theyโ€™re gone, which could be hours.

04
Strapoli Pizzeria image 1
Pizza restaurant

Small pizza spot with open kitchen and outdoor patio offers a cozy, family-run vibe and BYOB option. Music sets a lively tone while seating stays intimate with mostly two-person tables. Pizza features authentic Italian style with thin crust and balanced toppings.

Exquisite pizzas capture true Italian gourmet style with fantastic flavor and affordable prices. The cozy, warmly decorated dining area adds to the food experience.

Pistachio pesto stands out with its fresh and flavorful profile, shining on pizzas and sandwiches alike. Pizzas feature very fresh ingredients and great sauces, including combinations like pesto, pepperoni, and hot honey.

People are saying

"I found the pizza here to be genuinely very good."

"The Italian food's dough is light, thin, and crispy."

"This food was genuinely very good, standing out amongst Chicago pizza."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is BYOB with a small corkage fee.

2

Expect a 10-20 minute wait for dine-in orders.

3

The weekday $10 pizza deal is available for a limited time.

05
Butcher and the Bear image 1

Steakhouse offers a dark intimate atmosphere with sophisticated, elegant vibe and beautiful decor. Live singer performances add to the swanky bar area ambiance. High-quality steaks and expertly crafted cocktails define the experience.

Food here offers excellent quality with a cozy and elegant atmosphere. The dining experience combines superb service and drinks for a memorable meal.

Mezze rigatoni pasta stands out with rich flavors, paired well with a fresh butternut squash salad. The Wagyu cheek pasta offers a tender, deeply cooked taste that feels crafted with care.

People are saying

"The steak here is cooked perfectly and full of flavor."

"The food here is outstanding and full of flavor."

"The Italian food here is cooked to perfection."

Good to know

1

Expect a 15-20 minute wait for a table on Saturday nights.

2

Happy Hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers; don't miss it.

3

The 'Girl Dinner' special on Sundays includes two martinis and caviar fries for $29.

06
Bacino's image 1
Pizza restaurant

Neighborhood pizza spot with an old school charm and quiet, welcoming atmosphere. Seating is comfortable and the open-air vibe adds a fun touch. Known for authentic deep-dish pizza with a thick, crispy crust and fantastic tomato sauce.

Food features a human touch with exceptional quality and delicious flavors throughout the menu.

Bruschetta stands out with exceptional flavor. Handmade ravioli and lasagna also deliver strong Italian classics. Various pizzas and pasta dishes like penne al forno and spaghetti with meatballs round out the menu.

People are saying

"I thought this deep dish was the best I had ever eaten."

"This food, the bruschetta, was out of this world."

"The Italian food here, especially the bruschetta, is divine."

Good to know

1

Parking is tricky; try to park a block away and walk.

2

The menu has a note that no modifications are allowed on specialty pizzas.

3

Prices are relatively reasonable for deep-dish pizza.

07
La Crosta Woodfire Pizzeria Italiana image 1

Wood fire oven shapes the authentic Italian pizza with a distinct taste and aroma. Cozy, rustic setting offers a warm, inviting atmosphere suitable for casual or intimate dining. High-quality ingredients and fresh, flavorful crusts define the food experience.

Food features authentic flavors and fresh ingredients with a focus on woodfire cooking. Dishes come out delicious and very filling.

Pizza options include Chili Burrata Prosciutto and Fig & Prosciutto with goat cheese. Bruschetta features fresh toppings and delicious bread. Cannoli serves as a sweet finish.

People are saying

"I found the pizza to be delicious with amazing flavor."

"The Italian food, especially the pizza, is delicious and perfectly cooked."

"I found the food here to be delicious."

Good to know

1

There is very limited seating, so arrive early to secure a spot.

2

On Wednesday, the wine bottles are half price.

3

The total cost for three pizzas, one salad, and one Coke is around $106.

08
Soul Prime image 1
Soul food restaurant

Small space with modern contemporary design and soulful R&B music creates an intimate, joyful vibe. Music plays continuously, mixing gospel and 90s throwbacks, setting a family block party atmosphere. Spacious bar and warm hospitality add to the welcoming energy.

Soul food here stands out with delectable flavors and a heartwarming vibe. The dishes deliver an outstanding and divine taste that leaves a strong impression.

Chicken Alfredo stands out with rich, creamy sauce and bold Cajun flavors. The vegan Spaghetti offers a tasty alternative, and Fried Pork Chops add a hearty touch to the menu.

People are saying

"The fried chicken and mac and cheese are soul-warming American food."

"The food here is seasoned to perfection and so flavorful."

"The Italian food here is fantastic and perfectly seasoned."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for parties of three or more on weekends.

2

Happy Hour runs from Tuesday to Friday, 3-6 p.m., with $3-$9 food options.

3

The kitchen closes at 9:30 p.m., so arrive early for dinner.

09
Yaya Mas Greek Kuzina image 1
Greek restaurant

Small, colorful space with vibrant blue accents and a clean, cozy atmosphere evokes a Greek village feel. DJ mixes Greek and EDM music, creating a lively, friendly vibe. Indoor dining resembles a trendy Greek coffee shop, while outdoor seating offers a relaxed setting.

Food here offers authentic Greek flavors that closely match traditional cuisine from Greece. Dishes and desserts are consistently delicious and provide a casual yet intimate dining experience.

Pasta dishes show flavorful noodles and include options like seafood pasta and cheese rigatoni. Some baked pasta comes in plastic containers and tastes microwaved, lacking flavor on its own.

People are saying

"I thought the gyro meat was seasoned to perfection."

"I thought the Greek food here was great, especially the gyros."

"I'd never tasted pasta like this before; it was amazing."

Good to know

1

The restaurant is open from 7 AM to 5 AM, perfect for late-night bites.

2

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted; cash is also welcome.

3

Desserts are affordable, with sharable options priced at $6.

10
Trattoria Gianni image 1
Italian restaurant

Long, narrow space with open brick walls and a cozy, old-school Italian vibe creates an intimate atmosphere. Back patio garden offers a quiet, lovely setting for dining, while round tables accommodate larger groups. Staff includes Italian owners and waiters, enhancing the authentic feel.

Affordable prices pair with authentic Italian food made from high-quality ingredients. Fresh starters like bruschetta and Caesar salad bring flavorful freshness to the meal.

Pasta dishes shine with pillowy gnocchi and fresh Bolognese. Appetizers like crunchy arrancini and perfectly fried calamari stand out, while tiramisu finishes the meal on a sweet note.

People are saying

"I loved the cozy, old-school Italian vibe here."

"The outdoor seating here is gorgeous and quiet."

"I found the food here to be delicious and authentic."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

2

Expect a 20-30 minute wait during peak dinner hours.

3

Valet parking is available for $10, with street parking options nearby.

11
Esmรฉ image 1
Restaurant

Dining space resembles an art gallery with rotating exhibits integrated into plating and decor. Atmosphere stays comfortable and elegant, avoiding fine dining pretension while feeling welcoming and calm. Guests experience creative presentations alongside carefully crafted cocktails and dishes.

Fine dining here offers consistently excellent cuisine paired with attentive, fun service. The setting feels like dining inside an art gallery, creating a unique and lively atmosphere even on weekdays.

Unique presentation stands out with tiramisu featuring a small edible drawing of the restaurant. Complimentary glass of champagne and free pasta come as thanks for waiting.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are unique, artfully presented, and inspired by the gallery."

"The food here is delicious and beautifully plated."

"I loved their Italian Food, especially the flaming hot Cheeto."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during busy dining hours.

2

The tasting menu changes every 12 weeks, inspired by a local artist.

3

Expect to pay around $80 per person during Chicago Restaurant Week.

12
Sweet&Salt Cafe Bakery llc image 1

Bright, modern bakery space offers cozy atmosphere with fresh flowers and a quiet, chill vibe. Frequented by locals seeking a neighborhood spot to relax or catch up, it features homemade pastries that are flaky and flavorful.

Food features fresh ingredients and careful preparation. Breakfast sandwiches with salmon, avocado, and caviar stand out alongside a pulled pork sandwich and tasty drinks.

Lasagna stands out with its tasty flavor and consistent deliciousness. Other Italian options like pulled pork and salmon croissant complement the menu but lasagna remains the highlight.

People are saying

"The pastries here are fresh and tasty."

"I found the food here to be delicious and fresh."

"The Italian food, especially the lasagna, was so tasty."

Good to know

1

Reservations are not required, but expect a busy atmosphere on weekends.

2

The cafe offers a combo deal of coffee and quiche for $11.99.

3

Parking is limited; consider arriving early to secure a spot.

13
The Other Side Bar image 1

Dive bar with a quirky atmosphere and fun, lively vibe offers a cozy neighborhood spot with great prices. Music features a standout DJ, and multiple TVs cater to sports fans. The bar serves popular wings and pasta dishes, making it a solid choice for casual drinks and food.

Food here features bar food like pizza, burgers, and wings served in a cozy neighborhood spot. The dishes look good and taste phenomenal.

One side serves only pasta dishes with a focus on Pasta Bowls. Drinks complement the incredible pasta well, and seating at the bar allows for casual dining.

People are saying

"The bar staff here are genuinely the best, treating you like a friend."

"The staff here are so friendly and fun."

"The pasta dishes here are incredible."

Good to know

1

Prices are reasonable, making it a budget-friendly option.

2

Expect a lively crowd during happy hour from 5-7pm.

3

The bar features local craft beers on tap.

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Lincoln Park, Chicago

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