Top Best Italian Restaurants in Medinah

"There are three floors to explore at this modern riverfront steakhouse, which deals in premium cuts, decadent handmade pastas and classic Italian eats. The handsome dining room is hard to forget, but as soon as you see the views—an eyeful of the Chicago River and world-class architecture—you might have trouble concentrating on your date. Center the conversation with a bottle of bubbly and an order of tiramisu."

"The glorious cityscape-river view from the outdoor deck at Gibson’s Italia is worth the price of admission. The setting sun reflected in the downtown skyscraper windows is truly breathtaking. So kick back with your Market Oysters with San Giacomo mignonette sauce, your Spaghettini & Charred Octopus with cherry tomatoes and Calabrian chili oil, or even a Wagyu Tomahawk Steak with Black Truffle Butter."

"Gibsons Italia, one of the top Italian restaurants in Chicago, is like nothing you've ever experienced. Run by chef Jose Sosa, and one of the best steakhouses in Chicago, Gibsons I..."

"A chic, brick-accented spot inspired by red-sauce joints of the 1950s The B. Hospitality guys (The Bristol, Balena, and Nonna's) opened the doors to their sprawling Randolph Street restaurant back in 2015 and have been serving up well-executed takes on mid-century, southern Italian cuisine ever since -- even with a menu overhaul leaning toward lighter, seafood- and veggie-focused fare a year later. The dining room's old-school vibe -- complete with crimson banquette seating, white tablecloths, and black-and-white photos -- invites diners to try pasta dishes inspired by the classics like rigatoni, in which the ricotta-topped pasta covered in a pork neck gravy is accompanied by spicy fennel sausage and fluffy meatballs."

"Restaurants Italian West Loop. When summer rolls around, the plant-lined sidewalk patio in front of this West Loop restaurant is populated by neighborhood folk sipping prosecco and piling prosciutto atop country bread. The interior of Formento's offers a different vibe entirely, with dim lighting, leather banquettes and tons of exposed brick."

"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."

"Il Culaccino – Chicago Italian Restaurant has a full-service restaurant, bar, outdoor patio, and offer carryout, private events, and catering. A part of Franco’s Restaurant Group, IL Culaccino’s idea includes a luxurious casual dining restaurant, full-service bar, outdoor patio, and a vast list of fine and award-winning wines. Il Culaccino offers catering and private events."

"If a pizza met a sandwich and had a baby," is how co-owner Anthony Pinello describes this Sicilian staple at Rex Italian Foods House-made dough is topped with mozzarella cheese, cooked prosciutto, pepperoni and deep-fried peppers, heated in the oven and crisped on a panini press. "It's like a real-deal Italian style ham and cheese," guy says. Watch the Video: Sicilian Schiaccata"

"The family-owned Il Vicinato Ristorante has welcomed Chicagoland diners since 1983 and has changed little on its menu of Italian classics since its early days. The nostalgic neighb..."

"Forget a Tiffany necklace, this massive stained-glass masterpiece at the Chicago Cultural Center is thought to be the largest Tiffany dome in existence."

"Originally built as the South Shore Country Club, this South Side icon was penned by architects Marshall and Fox in 1905. Purchased by the Chicago Park District in 1975 and renamed as the South Shore Cultural Center, the landmarked Mediterranean Revival building features painstakingly restored historic details, a grandiose ballroom, and golf course. It remains a popular venue for weddings and other large events."

"The South Shore Cultural Center is a great example of what the South Side has to offer. The sprawling landscape surrounding the center features manicured gardens, a golf course, nature paths, a butterfly garden, and picnic areas. Next to the former country club is a wild, overgrown nature preserve with a fire circle and views of Lake Michigan and the city."

"Located only a few minutes south from Hyde Park's Museum of Science & Industry, the South Shore Cultural Center has been an iconic structure in the neighborhood since 1905. Throughout the summer it focuses on rich programming that is free to all. Entertainment ranges from West African dance performances to live jazz or classical music."

"Burgers: Stand in line for Au Cheval, or visit its siblings at Small Cheval if that griddled Sysco patty is a must. But explore the the essential burger map for more variety such as Mini Mott and Red Hot Ranch’s sublime burger for under $6. Coffee: Chicago is home to an exciting and diverse local coffee scene that’s free of the stereotypical pretension too often associated with the industry."

"The Dawson (sit on the patio in the Summer), Eden, WHISK, Lula Cafe (only been once – must go back), Little Goat, True Food Kitchen (only been for lunch/dinner), and Luella’s Southern Kitchen (we hear the shrimp and grits are amazing!). Did I miss any of your favorites?!. Which ones do I need to try next!"

"Fulton Market , West Loop"

"High up there on the other end of the Chicago spectrum, Old Irving resides just east of Portage Park and offers plenty of beers for all kinds of hops lovers. Favorites include the Being Ernest, a Hemingway-inspired Belgian tripel made in collaboration with Forbidden Fruit, Marz, Maplewood, and Off Color, and ‘Til Death, a Pilsner worthy of wedding bells. It’s homey and delightful and a perfect hideaway spot."

"Bars Breweries Portage Park. While you're munching on shishito peppers and charcuterie, the kids will be tucking into crispy chicken tenders, a cheeseburger or buttered noodles at this Irving Park brewery. All kids' meals are just $8 and include a drink and your choice of fries or fresh fruit."

"The food is often very kid-friendly, and parents can kick back with a few craft beers. Old Irving is no exception. It’s bright and spacious with plenty of room for squirmy little ones."

"Upton’s Breakroom is a casual café that serves light vegan fare in a bright, modern setting. Located next to Upton's Naturals seitan factory, the charming little restaurant offers a small menu with a variety of seitan-based dishes such as chick seitan Korean tacos, pastrami seitan sandwiches, bowls of rice, kale, warm seitan chunks, and bright-green nut pesto, and vegan soft serve. Blending natural textures and flavors to create an innovative and satisfying menu, Upton’s Breakroom is the ideal spot for a quick lunch or a languid dinner of exotic vegan fare."

"Restaurants Vegan River West/West Town. House-made seitan is the base for most menu items at Upton’s Breakroom, a bright little café attached to Upton’s Naturals, a company that makes seitan and sells it in stores across the country. The café has a plentiful menu, including a tofu-seitan banh mi, a BBQ jackfruit sandwich and Korean tacos with housemade kimchi."

"Head on down to Seitanville and grab some vegan comfort food and the famous soy-based ice-cream!. Upton’s Breakroom is an unassuming little shop where you can not only sit down for a bite, but you can shop their products as well. You’ve almost definitely seen their products as you wander the health food store – check out the packaging below!"

"The Tempo Café is a family-friendly 24-hour diner that serves an all-day breakfast that is packed with favorites such as fluffy omelets, egg scramblers, gourmet sandwiches, fresh salads, hamburgers, and more. Established over three decades ago, the warm and welcoming neighborhood diner has been providing locals with delicious comfort food for more than 30 years and continues to do so today. Breakfasts are wholesome and hearty, with dishes such as huevos rancheros, continental chicken livers, steak & eggs, corned beef hash & eggs, eggs Florentine, poached eggs and eggs Benedict."

"Chicago’s my kinda town with bars generally open until 4 a.m. That means late night grubbing is an essential part of the going out experience – the greasier the better. Also Try: Hollywood Grill, Melrose Cafe"