Mentioned by Thrillist
The Best Italian Restaurants in Chicago
"Take in panoramic views of the Chicago River and the city’s famed architecture from Gibson’s Italia’s multiple outdoor options, located right on the city’s famed Loop. Steak and Italian food come together here for an extensive menu full of pasta, many meats, seafood, and sides. Warmer weather pairs perfectly with the restaurant’s spritz selection, which includes a classic negroni and a non-alcoholic melon option."
"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)."
"Fancy housemade pasta is always a treat, but it's even nicer when enjoyed with a vista—and you'll find views in spades at the riverfront digs at Gibsons Italia, which features three levels of dining areas with floor-to-ceiling windows facing the water. Plus, you can book a table for Friday or Saturday night for seats on the rooftop, a space formerly reserved for private events."
"925 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607 Situated in Chicago’s West Loop, Formento’s dons a classic look complete with white interiors and leather boots combined with an intimate kitchen filled with Italian American staples. The aromatic scents that fill the air near Formento’s attract many diners who find this spot becomes a new favorite."
"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"
"The gist: Former Spiaggia executive chef and Top Chef champ Joe Flamm’s first restaurant is an homage to Italian and Croatian coastal cuisine—lovingly dubbed “Adriatic drinking food.” Named after his two grandmothers, Rose Mary’s inviting space sparkles thanks to glossy azure tilework and the bustling open kitchen’s eye-catching charcoal hearth. The food: The seasonally-driven menu showcases Flamm’s mastery with pasta (think: tagliatelle with duck sausage, cavatelli cacio e pepe). But that hearth also churns out stunning roasted vegetables like coal roasted beets with honey and pistachio, not to mention show-stopping seafood dishes (OMG grilled clams with ramp butter!)."
"Restaurants Italian West Loop. Named for both of his grandmothers and combining elements of Italian and Croatian cooking, Top Chef winner Joe Flamm's Rose Mary brings seasonal dishes to a cozy Fulton Market space lined with hanging plants. Flamm describes the menu as "Adriatic drinking food," packed with heart dishes like Gnocchi with beef cheek pašticada (a wine-soaking process) and pork ribs served with a cabbage and yogurt relish."
"Joe Flamm’s dream is finally here, as the the former Spiaggia chef and Top Chef winner opened his first restaurant alongside the owners of flashy West Loop steakhouse BLVD. Flamm merges his prowess of handmade Italian pastas with Croatian techniques blending Old and New Worlds to creating something unique. Reservations are recommended because this might the most difficult table in town."
"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..."
"On Chicago's Gold Coast is Pelago: a modern Italian restaurant that is stylish and upscale. Pelago serves a delicious lunch of contemporary takes on Italian classics, like minestro..."
"Located in the luxurious Raffaello Hotel in the heart of the city, Pelago is a hidden gem. It puts a modern twist on traditional Northern and Southern Italian pasta and seafood dis..."
"They combine to create a modern dining experience at Pelago. Simple yet soft colors and refined elements, highlighted by the..."
"Ranalli's has heaters for its patio in Lincoln Park, but the pizza and pasta restaurant's website still advises, "Dress warm, Chicago." (Ranalli's/Ranalli's). The famed large patio in Lincoln Park is equipped with heaters for outdoor dining. The hot pizzas should also help."
"Barbacoa, al pastor, carnitas and even cauliflower tacos paired with your favorite Cruz Blanca beer–what's not to love, right?. Right now the dining room is open by reservations only and pick-up and delivery orders are also available."
"Tacos , Mexican"
"925 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607 Situated in Chicago’s West Loop, Formento’s dons a classic look complete with white interiors and leather boots combined with an intimate kitchen filled with Italian American staples. The aromatic scents that fill the air near Formento’s attract many diners who find this spot becomes a new favorite."
"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"
"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."
"Description: Summer House Santa Monica will transport you to the warmth of California. Try the Avocado Toast with perfectly poached eggs & house made bread!. Location: 1954 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614"
"The extra-light macarons served at Pierrot Gourmet can only be described as very moreish. The European-style bakery and cafe found on East Superior Street inside the Peninsula Hotel, which also boasts a terrace eatery, just like theseother great bars and restaurants with rooftops in Chicago. Pierrot Gourmet is home to a range of fabulous baked goods, including macarons, which are said to pair perfectly with a specialty coffee or a glass of wine."
"Fancy and intricate French dishes are always a pleasure but sometimes all you need is a cup of coffee, a croissant, and prime views. This all-day café inside the Peninsula offers a casual setting that’s ripe for people-watching in the heart of downtown. Though the menu includes items like tarte flambée, boeuf bourguignon, and duck cassoulet, the restaurant’s bakery is its biggest standout."
"It’s part of the Chicago Peninsula hotel and offers authentic Parisian vibes. They have both indoor seating as well as an outdoor patio, adorned with flowers, located in a prime people watching spot in the city. It is incredibly charming."
"The wildly over-the-top ice cream confections at BomboBar are Chicago’s answer to Black Tap’s milkshakes. These colorful creations are topped with all manner of sprinkles, mini bomboloni, and candy, and the dozen or so flavors of gelato on rotation are all made fresh from scratch daily. Flavors like birthday cake, banana split, and cookie monster dough are especially kid-friendly."
"Bombo, short for bombolone, is an Italian doughnut filled with jelly or cream. With their cookies and cream bombo, you get the best of both worlds."
"Stop in to try our orange poppyseed old fashioned, Boston Cream long... Nothing says classic like a cuppa coffee paired with a simple doughnut. Head to this fairly inexpensive place if you find yourself in a doughnut fix while in Chicago."
"Firecakes Donuts was one of Rose’s go-to donut shops and turned out to be one of my favorites. I’m not sure if it’s just underrated in the online community or what, but these donuts are INCREDIBLE."
"For theatre lovers, check out a performance at The Chicago Theatre. If you feel like doing an activity, head to 10pin Bowling Lounge under the Marina Towers north of the Chicago River. They offer a selection of beers and upscale snacks."