Chicago's Italian roots run deep, from the historic Taylor Street neighborhood to today's ambitious restaurants. The city offers everything from immigrant family red sauce joints to contemporary tasting menus.
Taylor Street & Classic
Tufano's Vernon Park Tap
$$ • Taylor Street
Cash only, no menu—they tell you what's good. Old school.
Rosebud
$$$ • Taylor Street
The original location. Generous portions, classic recipes.
Gene & Georgetti
$$$$ • River North
Chicago steakhouse legend with excellent Italian dishes.
Modern Italian
Monteverde
$$$$ • West Loop
Sarah Grueneberg's pasta-focused masterpiece. Book ahead.
RPM Italian
$$$$ • River North
Celebrity-backed, high-energy Italian. Great scene.
Oriole
$$$$ • West Loop
Two Michelin stars. Modern tasting menu with Italian influence.
Neighborhood Gems
Avec
$$$ • West Loop
Mediterranean with Italian leanings. Chorizo-stuffed dates are famous.
Formento's
$$$ • West Loop
Retro Italian-American supper club vibes.
Piccolo Sogno
$$$ • River West
Beautiful patio, authentic Italian. Summer essential.
Pro Tip: Taylor Street is Chicago's Little Italy—start at Tufano's for the authentic experience, then explore the neighborhood's bakeries and delis.