Downtown Chicago Italian Restaurants

Introduction by Lu, OTL City Guides & Seat Fillers

When I need information that’s out of my realm of expertise, I turn to the experts. In this case, I asked a Chicago writer to provide seven of the best downtown Chicago Italian restaurants.

All are exceptional, but I think you’ll consider a few to be more downtown adjacent. Regardless, you can satisfy your craving for anything from shrimp risotto to homemade pasta to some of the best cannoli in the US.

So, we’ll start this post by sharing recommendations for the seven downtown Chicago Italian restaurants that you’ve just got to try. But I’ve got another treat for you. Scroll down, and you’ll find an entire directory of Italian dining options throughout the Windy City. Our list is 700 restaurants long!

A Chicago Local’s Picks for Seven of the Best Downtown Chicago Area Italian Restaurants

It doesn’t matter if you live in or have come to Chicago to ponder your reflection in The Bean, catch a game at Wrigley Field, or wander Little Italy. At some point along the way, you’re sure to get a whiff of some fantastic Italian food.

Despite its reputation, Chicago is more than pizza, though. There are scores of delicious Italian restaurants in downtown Chicago serving up homemade pasta, seafood with a Sicilian twist, and Instagram-worthy cannoli.

Il Porcellino

Located just a stone’s throw from the Chicago Riverwalk as it meets West Kinzie Street is Il Porcellino.

This gourmet Italian restaurant is one of the highest-rated around, with over one thousand positive reviews on Google. The casual-chic spot offers mouth-watering house-made pasta, iconic lasagne, and a weekly Happy Hour Monday-Friday 4-6 pm.

If you’ve worked up a hearty appetite strolling through downtown Chicago, make sure you have a reservation, so you’re sure to snag a table!

Menu Tip: Don’t leave without trying the bomboloni (Italian doughnuts)!

Ciccio Mio

Also located on West Kinzie Street is Ciccio Mio. It’s a fashionable Italian restaurant pushing the limits of Happy Hour from opening through 5:00 pm every day of the week. Not bad, if you’re passing by around lunchtime!

Whether you choose to indulge in buttery Sicilian-style swordfish or porcini mushroom Bolognese, there’s something scrumptious everywhere you look on Ciccio Mio’s menu!

Menu Tip: Meat eaters, go for the beef cheek!

Quartino Ristorante

Known as “Chicago’s Italian Restaurant,” for a good reason, Quartino Ristorante is a crowd favorite. It specializes in seasonal dishes made with hand-crafted pasta, Neapolitan thin-crust pizza, and artisanal salumi.

This downtown Chicago Italian restaurant is located on North State Street and even offers valet parking for those who aren’t on foot.

Menu Tip: Try a sampler plate of formaggi and salumi before your main course!

Torchio Pasta Bar

Torchio Pasta Bar is located on North Wells Street, a few blocks from the Riverwalk. The pasta bar excels at crafting hand-made plates of pasta, risotto, salads, offering a simple selection of entrees.

It’s wise to call ahead and reserve a spot or wait at the bar and explore their innovative cocktail menu!

Menu Tip: Sensitive to gluten? Try the risotto with the flourless chocolate cake for dessert!

Victory Italian Restaurant

Victory Italian is more competitively priced than some of the surrounding Italian restaurants. Nonetheless, it still has a generous menu and an even more extensive wine list.

Founded by Chef Joe Farina, this restaurant on West Ontario opened in 2018. It’s known for “Joe’s Mama’s Meatballs”—but even the pickiest eater will surely find something to delight them here.

Menu Tip: When in doubt, go for the Elmwood Park Pizza for a very satisfying thin-crust ‘za!

Topo Gigio Ristorante

Nestled in historic Old Town Chicago (we’ll call it “downtown Chicago adjacent”) Topo Gigio Ristorante is an iconic Italian eatery. The restaurant (or ristorante!) is consistently voted as one of the best of its kind in the Windy City!

Whether you are a fanatic local or a traveler looking for a warm meal, Topo Gigio’s extensive menu will surely tempt you with one dish or another.

Menu Tip: Select from their playful menu of house-made pasta for an authentic treat!

D’Amato’s Bakery and Subs

Looking for something you can pick up on the go that still has that authentic Italian flavor?

Well, D’Amato’s Bakery and Subs is a family-run business with plenty of tasty treats. D’Amato’s offers an assortment of bread, focaccia, pizza, cannoli, and more baked fresh daily in their coal-fired oven.

Menu Tip: Don’t leave without tasting their cannoli!

Beyond Downtown Chicago Italian Restaurants

It doesn’t matter where you live in the Windy City, fresh-baked pizza and homemade pasta are within reach. We’ve got a pocket guide to more than 700 Chicago-area Italian dining options. Try one, try ’em all!

More Things To Do and Things To Eat in Chicago

it doesn’t matter if you’re a Chicago native, there’s always something new to experience. Whether it’s a new restaurant, show, or activity, we’ve got you covered.

• Visit OTL Seat Fillers to find out how you can receive free pairs of tickets as a Chicago Seat Filler
• Check out the Chicago-area events calendar – it updates daily
• Chicago Wineries – tastings and tours
• Looking for someplace new for Sunday Brunch in Chicago?

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