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New Yorkers 1st Choice
River North's best

Italian Food

You are looking for a meal that respects the traditions of Italian cooking without any unnecessary fuss.

Based on 616 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Charlie Martin's image 1
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Cozy spot with Hollywood regency decor sets a speakeasy mood. Bartenders serve exceptional cocktails like Old Fashioneds and martinis. Italian dishes shine with vodka rigatoni and fresh seafood like mussels and linguine, perfect for jazzy date nights.

Vodka rigatoni stands out with its flavorful and slightly spicy sauce. Plump mussels and al dente linguine with a cheesy sauce highlight the seafood options, while dishes like steak tartare, crab cake, and shrimp scampi add variety to the Italian offerings.

People are saying

"The seafood, especially the oysters, was super fresh and amazing."

"The French food here is phenomenal, with bold, refined flavors."

"The vodka rigatoni and steak frites were phenomenal."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially during busy weekend nights.

2

The restaurant closes early at 11 pm, so plan your visit accordingly.

3

They often run out of popular menu items by 8 pm on weekends.

02
Ila's Chicago image 1
Restaurant

Beautiful design and warm lighting create a relaxed vibe with unique cocktails and sweet corn pasta featuring an Indian twist. Comfortable furniture makes it feel like a home away from home. Music adds to the chill, inviting energy throughout the evening.

Sweet corn pasta stands out with its slightly sweet flavor and a subtle Indian fusion twist. Burrata and Sweet Corn Agnolotti offer perfectly prepared, flavorful Italian dishes alongside duck and spaghetti.

People are saying

"The dinner here was incredible, especially the short rib chilaquiles."

"The cocktails here are unique, refined, and delicious."

"The sweet corn pasta is a unique, unforgettable Italian dish."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers great deals on drinks and appetizers from 4-6pm.

2

The menu features a variety of unique dishes, including gluten-free options.

3

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially on weekends.

03
Toast It IZ image 1
Restaurant

Offers a classy atmosphere with elegant decor and lively music. Pasta dishes shine with jerk chicken pasta and unique twists like jambalaya Alfredo. Space suits a younger crowd with a private room and varied seating.

Pasta dishes stand out with options like jerk chicken pasta and crab lobster trio. Unique twists appear in items such as jambalaya Alfredo and oxtail egg rolls.

People are saying

"The food and service here are genuinely wonderful and attentive."

"The owner's hands-on presence makes this brunch place feel so well managed."

"The Italian food here is delicious with amazing flavor."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended for brunch, especially on weekends due to high demand.

2

A $200 deposit is required for large party reservations, which is deducted from the final bill.

3

Expect a 20% automatic gratuity added to your bill for all dining services.

04
The Franklin Room image 1
New American restaurant

Underground space with rich fabrics and carved woodwork sets a cozy, intimate vibe. Truffled Ricotta Tortellini shines with creamy, earthy flavor, while steak and pasta come perfectly cooked. Specialty whiskey and unique cocktails offer a refined drinking experience.

Truffled Ricotta Tortellini offers a luxuriously creamy texture with an earthy truffle flavor. Steak and pasta dishes come cooked to perfection.

People are saying

"The Date Spots here have amazing cocktails and flavorful dishes."

"I found their whiskey selection to be extensive and impressive."

"The Italian food, especially the truffled ricotta tortellini, is luxuriously creamy."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended as the restaurant fills up quickly, especially on weekends.

2

Expect a wait time of 30-60 minutes during peak dining hours.

3

The bread basket costs $15 and is not listed on the menu.

05
Bongiorno's Cucina Italiana & Pizzeria image 1

Cozy, family-owned spot serves authentic Italian pizza and best pasta in North America. Cannolis and burrata salad shine with bold flavors. Small, lively space with a pleasant outdoor patio offers a fun, energetic vibe.

Cannolis stand out as a highlight worth traveling for. The pasta ranks among the best found across North America. The burrata salad and bruschetta deliver strong flavors that rival those in Italy.

People are saying

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

"The Italian food here is served by the friendliest, most attentive staff."

"I highly recommend the homemade gelato; it's the perfect finish."

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
Coco Pazzo Restaurant & Bar image 1
Italian restaurant

Open wood-fired grill and rustic decor create an elegant, cozy atmosphere with candlelit tables and heavy velvet curtains that reduce noise. Penne All Arrabbiata offers a spicy kick while Rigatoni Alla Buttera is rich and flavorful, paired with fresh salad and olive oil. Lovely city views add to the upscale, professional feel.

Penne All Arrabbiata offers a spicy kick for lovers of heat. Pastas like Rigatoni Alla Buttera come out rich and flavorful, paired well with fresh salad, bread, and olive oil.

People are saying

"The Italian food here, especially the pasta, is outstanding and delicious."

"The squid ink pasta here is perfectly cooked with incredible flavor."

"The food here is delicious, classy, and romantic."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended during busy times, especially on weekends.

2

Happy hour offers discounted drinks and appetizers from 4-6pm daily.

3

The average meal cost is around $150 for two, including drinks.

07
Lizzano Focacceria & Spritzeria image 1

Enjoy traditional focaccia sandwiches with fresh ingredients and large portions in a quaint atmosphere filled with lively music and bright decor. Outdoor patio seating enhances the welcoming vibe while happy hour offers specials on meats, cheeses, and spritzes, plus panna cotta samples.

Specializes in traditional Italian focaccia with sandwiches like prosciutto and mozzarella or roast beef with pecorino and truffles. Offers happy hour specials on meats, cheeses, focaccia, and spritzes, plus panna cotta samples.

People are saying

"I found the sandwiches to be delicious and amazing."

"I found the food here to be amazing and full of Italian flavors."

"I loved the Italian focaccia sandwiches, especially the Modena."

Good to know

1

Happy hour is available from Wednesday to Friday between 4pm and 6pm.

2

During happy hour, spirits and wine are $9, and Italian boards are 50% off.

3

The restaurant offers a variety of vegetarian options on the menu.

08
Nic + Junior's image 1
Restaurant

Bright, stylish space offers front-row kitchen views and classy seating. Homemade pasta like al dente tagliatelle shines alongside flavorful pork ragu. Creative cocktails such as Negroni and martinis complete the refined yet welcoming vibe.

Homemade pasta shines with al dente tagliatelle and spicy rigatoni standing out. Dishes like pork ragu and grilled short rib pack full flavor, while burrata and tuna crudo add fresh, bright touches.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the tuna crudo."

"The homemade pasta here is amazing and cooked to perfection."

"The cocktails here are excellent and hit the mark."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends to avoid long waits.

3

The restaurant features a unique fusion of Brazilian and Italian cuisines.

09
Pizzeria Ora Chicago image 1
Pizza restaurant

Offers authentic deep dish and thin crust pizzas with fresh ingredients and real cheese. Features a relaxed atmosphere with a beautiful bar and multiple TVs showing games. Large tables and a private party area make it great for group events.

Deep dish pizzas feature fresh ingredients and a pesto/garlic mix with real cheese. Pasta dishes include a shrimp fettuccine praised for its flavor, alongside tasty vegetarian pizza and marinara sauce.

People are saying

"I found the deep dish pizza to be delicious and fire."

"It's a great late night spot when other places have closed."

"The Italian food here, especially the pizza, is the best I've ever had."

Good to know

1

Breakfast service ends at 11:30am.

2

Expect a 45-minute wait for pizza preparation.

3

The restaurant is located inside a Best Western hotel.

10
LIA Tavern image 1
Restaurant

Space blends modern art and dining with a gallery-like atmosphere and cozy rustic touches. Truffle whipped ricotta and spicy vodka pasta offer bold Italian flavors. Music plays softly, creating a relaxed vibe perfect for conversation.

Truffle whipped ricotta and spicy vodka pasta stand out with rich and bold flavors. The menu also features lobster linguine, crab fritters, and a pork loin with dark chocolate mushroom sauce that adds unique depth.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are creative and visually impressive."

"The art throughout the space made it feel like a cool gallery dinner party."

"I thought the pizza was THAT good, I visited twice."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily from 5-6:30pm with $10 cocktails.

2

The restaurant recently transitioned to a new pizza and tavern menu on 9/23.

3

There is a 3.5% surcharge on all bills.

11
UMMO image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian dishes like ravioli and burrata e avocado shine with rich, balanced flavors. Modern jazz-inspired design and quirky records create a warm, upbeat vibe. Upstairs loft hosts live music and a pool table, making it lively and fun.

Ravioli leaves a lasting impression with its rich flavor. Burrata e avocado stands out for its creamy, savory, and acidic balance, while cacio e Pepe offers a rich and satisfying twist on Italian macaroni and cheese.

People are saying

"You honestly canโ€™t go wrong with the outrageously good pasta here."

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

"The service here makes for a great date night."

Good to know

1

Reservations are recommended, especially for larger groups, to ensure seating.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with discounted drinks and appetizers.

3

The loft space converts into a club after 10pm with a DJ and dancing.

12
Around The World Coffee image 1

Bright, modern cafe offers cozy seating perfect for work or chat. Enjoy chicken alfredo and other Italian dishes alongside a global coffee selection. Smoothie bar adds fresh, unique flavors to the warm, chic atmosphere.

Chicken alfredo with mushroom scallops stands out as a rich, creamy dish. The menu also includes fettuccine alfredo, pizza, and sandwiches offering variety in Italian flavors.

People are saying

"The coffee here is amazing, rich, and smooth."

"Their dairy-free options, like the vegan chicken, are amazing."

"The chicken alfredo with mushroom scallops was soooo bomb!"

Good to know

1

The coffee shop offers a variety of vegan and vegetarian options.

2

Expect potential delays as the shop may not open on time.

3

The coffee shop features a cozy atmosphere suitable for meetings.

13
Barnelli's Pasta Bowl image 1
Italian restaurant

Old-school vibe meets homemade pasta and classic Italian sauces. Affordable meals like baked mostaccioli keep energy casual and fun. Perfect for quick, satisfying dinners with a touch of Italian grandma charm.

Classic Italian pasta dishes come with homemade-tasting sauces and perfectly cooked noodles. Options like baked mostaccioli with meat sauce and Rigatoni alla Vodka offer comforting, affordable meals with sides like garlic bread.

People are saying

"The Italian food here is comforting, with creamy tomato sauce and perfectly cooked pasta."

"The food here is delicious, especially the creamy vodka sauce."

"The pasta's sauces are perfectly creamy and balanced."

Good to know

1

Barnelli's Pasta Bowl offers takeout and dine-in options.

2

Expect to spend around $25 for a meal.

3

The restaurant is known for its affordable prices.

14
Marshall's Landing image 1
American restaurant

Enjoy river views and a wrap-around bar with cozy seats. Spicy pasta and cauliflower risotto shine on the Italian menu. Warm vibe suits quiet work or casual meetings despite loud music.

A little spicy pasta stands out among the dishes. The cauliflower risotto is a popular choice but sometimes runs out or gets lost in orders. Chicken dishes also appear on the menu.

People are saying

"The food here is delicious and amazing."

"The river views here are absolutely stunning."

"The Italian food here is crazy good, especially the cauliflower risotto."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-7pm on weekdays with great drink specials.

2

Marshall's Landing is a popular spot for hosting corporate events and parties.

3

The venue offers a spacious area suitable for networking events.

15
Cafe L'Appetito image 1
Italian restaurant

Small space with a true deli vibe and dog-friendly patio creates a calm, family-friendly spot. Italian offerings shine with tiramisu and rich meatballs in marinara. Affordable menu suits quick bites and casual meals, perfect for a relaxed, tasty experience.

Tiramisu stands out as an outstanding dessert here. The meatballs and marinara impress with rich flavor, while the tortellini salad and shell pasta offer tasty options. Traditional dishes like spaghetti and meatballs are not available.

People are saying

"I found the coffee here to be excellent."

"I got the diavolo sandwich; it was amazing."

"The Italian food here is delicious, especially the gelato."

Good to know

1

Expect long lines during lunch hours; arrive early for full service.

2

The cafe closes at 6:20 pm, so plan your visit accordingly.

3

Affordable meals are available, typically around $10.

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