Chicago Beautiful: Our picks for some of Chicago’s Best Italian Restaurants
Italian cuisine – an enduring love letter etched in my heart. Raised alongside my three brothers under the tender care of our grandparents, Italian immigrants who brought their culinary heritage with them to Chicago, we bore witness to a symphony of gastronomy. Our grandfather, the diligent caretaker of a vibrant garden, worked in harmony with nature, reaping an abundant yield of fresh vegetables. Our grandmother, an artisan of the kitchen, spun this bounty into the fabric of traditional Italian dishes. Our childhood was enrobed in the comforting fragrance of thyme and basil, permeating every corner of our home, underpinned by the immeasurable love our grandparents showered upon us. That’s why a pang of nostalgia sweeps over me each time I stumble upon an authentic Italian eatery in Chicago, one where every dish whispers stories of the homeland, cooked with the same affectionate attention. My team and I, frequent patrons of several such establishments, are eager to share these culinary discoveries with you.
Debra
A Few of Our Favorite Italian Restaurants
La Scarola
721 W Grand Ave
(312) 243-1740
www.lascarola.com
Years ago Zagat said, “You feel like Grandma is going to walk out of the kitchen and pinch your cheeks.” I love trying the new hot spots that open, but nothing beats tried and true. Fact or myth: back in the days of prohibition there was a secret passage between La Scarola and Richard’s bar?
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
Piccolo Sogno
464 N Halsted St
(312) 421-0077
www.piccolosognorestaurant.com
Truly a ‘little dream’ with fresh, seasonal rustic Italian cuisine and an impressive all-Italian wine list. Dining al fresco in their lush garden is garden is heavenly!
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
Osteria Langhe
2824 W Armitage Ave
(773) 661-1582
www.osterialanghe.com
This intimate, rustic Italian spot sits in the heart of Logan Square. My fav dishes… Plin and the Pappardelle.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
Club Lucky
1824 W Wabansia Ave
(773) 227-2300
www.clubluckychicago.com
Old-school Italian cooking & martinis in a mid-century-themed supper-club setting with a lounge. Cozy neighborhood spot in Wicker Park that has been frequented by my daughter and me for decades!
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
Volare
201 E Grand Ave
(312) 410-9900
www.volarerestaurant.com
Born in 1997, same year as my daughter and have been coming here ever since! I love the Malloreddus alla Sarda and their Pesce Bianco Limone e Capperi is sublime!
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
Sapori Trattoria
2701 N Halsted St
(773) 832-9999
www.saporitrattoria.net
One of my favorite neighborhood spots at the north end of Lincoln Park. Two of my favorites: Burrata Pugliese and the Bucatini Carbonara – divine!
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
Spacca Napoli Pizzeria
1769 W Sunnyside Ave
(773) 878-2420
www.spaccanapolipizzeria.com
Spacca Napoli has a story as rich and beautiful as their pizza, which is made faithful to the authentic Neapolitan style. Dough is tended daily as a blend of love and craft and baked in an oven built by third and fourth- generation artisans from Napoli. Ingredients are carefully sourced from trusted vendors, many of which are unavailable anywhere else in Chicago. Wines and music are selected to create just the right experience and mood. We love this place!
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
Angelina Ristorante
3561 North Broadway
(773) 935-5933
www.angelinaristorante.com
Josh: Admittedly I first loved this place because it is half a block from my house, but they also have AMAZING food. This is a tiny little neighborhood storefront located at 3561 N. Broadway, right beside Jewel Osco. The owner/chef is a long-haired hippie-looking guy that looks like he should be selling art during the Old Town Art Fair, and he is amazing. Angelina offers a great assortment of fresh Italian/pasta dishes with ever-changing weekly specials. They also have a nice assortment of wines. I have been going here for 20 years, my favorite Italian food has always been lasagna, but by now I have had everything on the menu and have never had a bad meal.
– – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – – –
Bacchanalia
2413 S Oakley Ave
(773) 254-6555
In the heart of Chicago’s original ‘Little Italy’, this family owned gem has been serving authentic Italian food for 43+ years, with recipes that go all the way back to the ‘Old Country.’ Their Shrimp Vesuvio is divine!
Are you looking for tips on other great spots in Chicago, the city’s finest artisans, and other local resources? Request my Debra’s Little Black Book, it’s free and available in both electronic and printed versions.
