If you’re in the mood for delicious Italian food while visiting downtown Chicago, you may get overwhelmed with the dozens of options. The following Italian restaurants feature authentic, delicious Italian dishes served by friendly, attentive waitstaff. There are other high-quality Italian restaurants in Chicago, but you can’t go wrong with the ones below.
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Enjoy a plate of pasta downtown Chicago. |
This high-end, classic Italian restaurant features a beautiful, romantic dining room and fantastic service. Diners especially love the grilled avocado stuffed with lobster, truffle pasta, and risotto crab cakes, and pistachio gelato. The overall ambiance, amazing wine list, and delicious food make Prosecco one of the best Italian restaurants downtown Chicago.
Mario's Table, 21 W Goethe St
Located in the Gold Coast, Mario’s Table offers delicious, authentic Italian dishes in a welcoming environment. Customers rave over the fresh pasta dishes, which are served in large portions, and friendly service. Favorite dishes include the tortellini jambalaya, linguine with chopped clams, and tiramisu.
Nico Osteria, 1015 N Rush St
Also located in the Gold Coast neighborhood, Nico Osteria offers a memorable dining experience ideal for a date night. They have outdoor dining, perfect for enjoying the scenery, and serve fresh Italian dishes like sweet onion tortelloni, squid ink pasta, and roasted cauliflower. Customers recommend the chocolate torte and pavlova for dessert.
Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio, 1020 W Madison St
A West Loop favorite, Monteverde Restaurant incorporates traditional Italian culture and family heritage into every dish. The chef, an avid world traveler, also adds many cultural influences to her dishes for a unique, contemporary twist. Diners love the octopus, ragu, and spaghetti pomodoro. But essentially everything on the menu is amazing here.
For old-school Italian flavors in a welcoming atmosphere, look no further than Nonnina. Stop here for lunch or dinner and try one (or more) of their popular dishes such as ravioli stuffed with cheese, savory meatballs, and chicken vesuvio. Customers rave over the attentive wait-staff and fantastic wine list, too.
Come to Disotto Enoteca for the romantic cave-like ambiance, if nothing else. This cozy wine bar is tucked away in the Gold Coast, transporting you to an old-world Italian wine cellar. Sip on wine while tasting small bites of authentic Italian fare such as the sweet potato bruschetta, pork ribs, or squid ink pasta.
La Scarola is another traditional-style Italian restaurant with old-world values and flavors. Their service is top-notch and you’re sure to walk away satisfied. Customers recommend the risotto, penne Sinatra, eggplant parmigiana, and penne alla vodka. La Scarola is simply one of the best Italian restaurants you’ll find in Illinois.
Located in the West Loop, Formento’s offers a world-class wine menu and a variety of both traditional and new-age Italian dishes. The staff is always friendly and attentive, enhancing the already excellent dining experience. Favorite dishes at Formento’s include the squid ink pasta, rigatoni, and steak.
Bombacigno's J & C Inn, 558 W Van Buren St
If you’re looking for a casual spot to indulge in excellent Italian beef, look no further than Bombacigno's. This family-owned restaurant offers prompt, courteous service and tasty Italian comfort food. Their loyal customers recommend the chicken parm with angel hair and Italian beef sandwich.
Recognized as one of the best restaurants for thin-crust pizza in downtown Chicago, Bongiorno’s Cucina Italiana is a family-owned joint with a casual, homey vibe. It’s an inexpensive place perfect for a lunch break. They serve fresh, authentic-style pizzas, tiramisu, gelato, lentil soup, pasta, and other Italian favorites.
What are your favorite Italian restaurants downtown Chicago?
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