Your Search for the Best Italian Restaurant Chicago IL Ends Here!
Select From 80+ Italian Restaurants in Chicago IL
by Lu, OTL City Guides & Seat Fillers
Chicago is known for its rich culture, deep-dish pizza, and the Cubs (White Sox?). That deep dish pizza doesn’t stand alone, though. The Windy City also has some of the best restaurants in America, and that’s why thousands of people are searching “Italian restaurant Chicago IL.”
With so many options to choose from, it’s hard to narrow down which ones are worth your time. So, I decided to feature four delicious restaurant options. But that’s not all, as you can review a list of more than 80 more Italian hotspots with a Chicago address.
Before I get to the good stuff, though, just a little personal note. It’s not as simple anymore to search for “Italian restaurant Chicago IL.” That’s because we’ve lost some of the best over the past few years. So, if you’re heading out for some pizza, pasta, or parm and you’re using the list at the bottom, double-check the website, just to be sure.
As they recently closed, I had to weed out some of my initial restaurant selections, prompting my second piece of advice. Support local dining establishments whenever possible, tip generously, and stick to posting positive feedback (unless it’s something really horrendous!).
Mia Francesca
This Lakeview restaurant is perfect for any Italian food lover thanks to its diverse menu covering pasta, pizza, and entrees like Salmone Con Bruxelles. The entrée includes pan-roasted Atlantic salmon accompanied by Calabrian chilies, pancetta, roasted Brussels sprouts, and an herb salad.
In the mood for pasta? We recommend the Farfalle Con Prosciutto E Piselli. It’s yummy bow tie pasta, cremini mushrooms, peas, prosciutto di Parma, and fresh tomatoes, all sauteed in a parmesan cream sauce.
Mia Francesca also has a gluten-free menu, extending to its pasta dishes. And, be sure to save room for dessert. How about a strawberry mousse tart with white chocolate sauce – the Crostata Di Fragola.
Website: Mia Francesca
3311 N Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60657
Riccardo Trattoria
If you’re a connoisseur of Italian food, specifically Northern-style, then Riccardo Trattoria is already on your list.
And, if Riccardo Trattoria is new to you, with specialties like Pappardelle Fiorentina, a pasta topped with beef short ribs ragu and porcini mushrooms, it won’t be for long. A few other pasta options start with Ravioli Di Aragosta E Granchio – lobster and crab-filled ravioli in a saffron cream sauce. If you’re vegetarian and not in the mood for seafood, then Tortelloni Di Ricotta E Spinaci should do the trick. It’s spinach, parmesan, and ricotta-filled ravioli prepared in broken butter and sage.
Are you looking for meat and potatoes with that Northern Italian flair? Then, you’re in luck with the Flat Iron Steak with Cognac dijon sauce and Tuscan fries. You could also try the very hearty Ossobuco Alla Milanese Con Risotto. You’ll enjoy saffron risotto Milanese topped with a wine and tomato sauce-braised veal shank.
Riccardo Trattoria accepts reservations through Open Table.
Website: Riccardo Trattoria
2119 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60614
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Anna Maria Pasteria
This particular restaurant has pretty much everything you want when you search “Italian restaurant Chicago IL.”. This hometown favorite features a cozy atmosphere with dim lighting, brick walls, and unique chandeliers complementing the comfort food dominating the menu.
Pollo Cannelloni is a specialty at Anna Maria Pasteria. The pasta is stuffed with chicken and cheeses, crowned with mushrooms and creamy balsamic sauce. Is your mouth watering yet? Stick to the house dishes to satisfy your meat craving as well. The Pork Chops Alle Noci are grilled then simmered in a gorgonzola cream sauce.
Start with Stracciatella
You might forego appetizers or starters, but don’t bypass the soup. If you’re a fan of Stracciatella, you’ll appreciate Anna Maria’s version with cheese tortellini accompanying spinach and egg in chicken broth.
Entrees are in the 20 to 25.00 range, or you can order a personal pizza for about 15.00. Takeout and delivery are also available, but this Italian restaurant Chicago IL has an ambiance, so get out of the house and give it a try.
Website: Anna Maria Pasteria
4400 N Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60640
La Scarola
We’ve been focusing on four words: Italian restaurant Chicago Il. But, when it comes to La Scarola, it’s more about two words: Pasta Fagioli.
It’s challenging to find the best of the best Pasta Fagioli, but La Scarola claims to serve up the best. You be the judge. It’s both light and hearty with the beans, pasta, and cheese topped with wine and basil. Yum!
You’re in Chicago, Go for the Giardiniera
La Scarola is serving up comfort from soup to nuts (well, dessert anyway). You could opt for some standard fare like Veal Marsala, Lasagna, Eggplant Parm, or Ravioli, but why not try something new? The Pollo Alla Pasquinelli is a chicken breast with tomatoes, artichoke hearts, hot giardiniera, and onions. If that’s not enough, it’s topped with prosciutto and gorgonzola.
You could make up your own meal, though, especially if you’re visiting La Scarola for the Pasta Fagioli. Combine it with an Asparagus Salad or Chicken Alla Johny salad, and you’re not leaving hungry.
Website: La Scarola
721 West Grand Ave, Chicago, IL 60610
The Best Italian Restaurant Chicago IL? Here’s 80+!
When you type “Italian restaurant Chicago IL,” you typically come up with five possibilities here or 10 there. But, in addition to the four delicious and mood-setting dining establishments that I detailed, I pulled together a list of more than 80 other possibilities. All of these Italian restaurants have websites and are located right in the city. So, bookmark this page, and some of the best linguini, escarole, pizza, and cannoli are all at your fingertips.
After You’ve Had Your Fill of Italian Food
Are you curious about why these city guides are called “OTL?” Well, that’s because it’s short for On the List and a sister site to OTL Seat Fillers. OTL has been THE local seat filler across the US and in London for more than seven years.
When you get a chance, check out OTL Seat Fillers. You can fill up on chicken parm and then pick up your pair of comp tickets to a play, musical, comedy show, or another Chicago-area event.
