Mentioned by Thrillist
The Best Italian Restaurants in Chicago
"Gibsons Restaurant Group goes Italian with this ritzy waterfront property that's ideal for those nights when someone else is picking up the tab. Because it's Gibsons, the menu is crowded with steaks and seafood, but there are also some fantastic antipasti offerings (we daydream about the arancini) and pasta courses to be had. Though it's a splurge, the 7-year aged risotto with mushrooms and black truffles is worth every penny."
"Soak in riverfront and skyline views from three different levels at this West Loop steakhouse, which serves house-made pastas, high-quality cuts of meat and other Italian delicacies. The second and third floors of the restaurant feature tables spread across on spacious patios, while the fourth rooftop is available for private events (in case you've been looking to plan a waterfront soiree in the near future)."
"Curved silver booths and vibrant artwork on the walls greet diners at this River West Italian eatery. It’s the sibling restaurant of Gibson’s Bar & Steakhouse, a Chicago icon and c..."
"Formento’s is an old-school Italian with a classic look with white tablecloths and big leather booths. The menu reflects the look of the restaurant as it serves Italian-American staples. Some typical examples of the dishes on this menu include bone-in veal parmesan, bucatini carbonara, and canestri in pork neck gravy."
"Located in Fulton Market District within Chicago’s bustling West Loop, Formento’s is an Italian restaurant steeped with the bright and fresh flavors of Italy. Created as a nod to the owner’s grandmother, guests will experience an array of dishes from house-made pastas, seasonal antipasti and...See More"
"Opened in January 2015, Formento’s is among the best Italian restaurants in Chicago. It serves an array of dishes with flavors deeply rooted in classic Italian recipes with a modern twist. The interior has a classic feel to it, with large leather booths and white tablecloths."
"Mirabella Italian Cuisine in Avondale is an upscale Italian steakhouse with a warm ambiance. The white-tablecloth dining room with romantic lighting sets the scene for indulgent pa..."
"Fat Rice creates dishes with bold flavors from the around the world|© Hugh Galdones. Fat Rice’s unique blend of Chinese, Portuguese, and South Asian flavors has earned it critical acclaim and numerous awards. Among its most popular dishes are the potstickers, which arrive both hot and crispy, and its namesake rice dish layered with Chinese sausage, Portuguese chicken, prawns, clams, tea eggs, and croutons."
"So come here for the pancakes, but stay for the Gallagher flashbacks. Plus the friendly staff is awesome, and will instantly make you feel like a regular. View this post on Instagram"
"Sticking with the theme of escaping the cold, another option if you’ve landed in Chicago at the wrong time is to go to Summer House Santa Monica, where the plants and California vibes will make you forget (albeit temporarily) where you are. The glass ceilings provide the perfect amount of lighting for the perfect #nofilter photos."
"Normally this place will make you feel like you’re in California, but now they are only offering breakfast delivery options near you on the weekends. You can get drink kits to make Bloody Marys and also their silver dollar pancake party, which is basically a charcuterie board for pancakes."
"American , Bakery/Cafe"
"I have been going here for as long as I can remember; it may be my original first favorite restaurant in Chicago. Fun fact, I posted that first picture to my feed back when I started my account back in 2014!. Eataly can only be described as an Italian food mecca… With several different restaurants, markets, wine bars, even a nutella bar, this place is a true destination and SO much fun."
"Description: Nutella® and Eataly are iconic Italian brands that share a common belief in amazing food. The Nutella Bar at Eataly Chicago is unreal. Be sure to try their all-natural gelato served in a crunchy waffle cup."
"Well, Eataly’s takeout pies are purposefully under baked so that, once you throw one in the oven for a couple of minutes, it’ll taste just like you’re at the restaurant. You can order Eataly today off Caviar."