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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Loved by locals

Unique Italian Food Spots in River North

Italian food that breaks away from the standard menu tropes without losing the soul of the kitchen.

Based on 690 Opinions
+687
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Updated May 2026
01
Ila's Chicago image 1
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Restaurant

Beautiful design and warm lighting create a relaxed, vibey atmosphere with unique cocktails that stand out. The space feels like a home away from home with comfortable furniture and a welcoming vibe. 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.

Sweet corn pasta stands out with its slightly sweet flavor and subtle Indian fusion twist. Cocktails like Midnight in Mumbai and Ube Pisco Sour offer refined, balanced tastes. The overall concept and atmosphere feel unique and welcoming.

People are saying

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

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

"The service here is uniquely warm and friendly."

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.

02
Charlie Martin's image 1

Cozy space with Hollywood regency decor and mood lighting creates a speakeasy vibe. Bartenders craft exceptional cocktails, including standout Old Fashioneds and martinis. Atmosphere suits jazzy date nights and sophisticated dining with white tablecloths.

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.

Burgers come with unique flavor and freshness that stand out. The spot offers unique cocktails and a speakeasy vibe that adds to the experience.

People are saying

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

"The vodka rigatoni and steak frites were phenomenal."

"The staff here is so attentive and genuinely helpful."

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.

03
Nic + Junior's image 1
Restaurant

Bright, stylish space offers front-row kitchen views and classy indoor and outdoor seating. Atmosphere shifts from relaxed up front to more refined in the back dining room, creating a welcoming vibe for drinks or meals. Cocktails stand out with creative, well-crafted options like Negroni and martinis.

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.

A unique mix of Italian and Brazilian fare shapes the menu. Salads offer distinctive flavors unlike typical dishes, creating an interesting taste experience.

People are saying

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

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

"The flavors here are so unique and interesting."

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.

04
LIA Tavern image 1
Restaurant

Space blends modern art and dining with Jackson Pollock-inspired decor and a gallery-like atmosphere. Music plays at a perfect volume to support conversation, creating a relaxed yet stylish vibe. Guests enjoy a cozy setting with tasteful rustic details that balance the artistic design.

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.

Cocktails come with unique flavor profiles and artistic presentation. Dishes feature original presentations and some include a bit of show.

People are saying

"The cocktails here are creative and visually impressive."

"The cocktails here have unique flavor profiles and are works of art."

"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.

05
Around The World Coffee image 1

Bright, modern cafe space with cozy intimate seating invites both work and relaxation. Atmosphere blends warmth and chic design, supporting quiet study or lively conversation. Conjoined smoothie bar and global coffee selections add unique flavor to the experience.

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.

Selection of beans comes from around the globe and gets meticulously roasted to highlight unique flavors. Warm, welcoming atmosphere adds a unique charm that creates a whole vibe for relaxing or catching up.

People are saying

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

"Their coffee selection is unique, with global beans and meticulous roasting."

"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.

06
UMMO image 1
Italian restaurant

Italian restaurant offers a modern jazz inspired design with upstairs loft featuring live music and pool table. Atmosphere shifts from quiet and intimate dining to a lively late-night hangout with DJs and bands. Decor includes quirky records and stylish interiors creating a warm, upbeat vibe.

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.

Dishes feature unique presentations like tiramisu shaped as a coffee bean and chicken wrapped instead of stuffed. The menu blends Italian flavors with Mexican roots, creating distinctive appetizers and entrees.

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 food here has unique spins on staple dishes and incredible flavors."

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.

07
Lizzano Focacceria & Spritzeria image 1

Italian restaurant offers traditional focaccia sandwiches with fresh ingredients and large portions. Atmosphere feels authentic and quaint, with lively music and bright, cute decor featuring Aperol and Campari bottles. Outdoor patio seating adds to the welcoming vibe.

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.

Sandwiches feature a unique combination of ingredients not common in Chicago. Meat and cheese boards also stand out for their distinctive selections.

People are saying

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

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

"I loved their unique meat and cheese boards."

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
TARY image 1
Cafe

Cozy, minimal cafรฉ with authentic Kazakh decor and subtle cultural elements creates a calm, pleasant atmosphere. Plenty of seating and strong WiFi support work or socializing, while unique Central Asian pastries and dishes offer a distinct culinary experience.

Tiramisu stands out as a perfect dessert. Pasta dishes like the Nan Salman arrive overcooked, with a texture that suggests long boiling. Burrata Salad accompanies the meal, adding a fresh touch.

Coffee infused with tary adds a distinct flavor and richness not found elsewhere. The menu features unique Kazakh dishes and a sweet cheese latte that stands out for its unusual and delicious taste.

People are saying

"I thought the coffee here was super good."

"You have to try the unique Kazakh food here; it's so authentic."

"The Italian food here is delicious and made fresh."

Good to know

1

Parking is reserved for commercial vehicles only, leading to potential tickets.

2

TARY serves unique Central Asian pastries and drinks not found elsewhere.

3

The cafe gets packed, making tables hard to get at times.

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River North, Chicago

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