Best Italian restaurant in Chicago

Labriola is an Italian restaurant in downtown Chicago where flavors come alive. It offers a wide range of dishes, including mouthwatering pizzas, salads, homemade pastas, and warm ambiance. The restaurant is known for its award-winning pizza and Italian fare, and its menu includes traditional Chicago-style thin crust pizza with a perfect ratio of crust, sauce, and cheese. The restaurant is led by Rich Labriola, a successful baker and entrepreneur who has built a business empire around his passion for quality and authenticity. He founded the Labriola Baking Company in 1993, which eventually became a $30 million company that was later sold to strategic partners. Rich then expanded his business by opening a restaurant, the Labriola Bakery Café & Neapolitan Pizzeria in Oak Brook, IL, and later a new concept, Labriola Italian Specialties in Chicago's Fulton Market neighborhood. Labriola's menu offers a variety of options, including Chicago Thin Crust Pizza, Chicago Deep Dish, and Dessert. The restaurant is also known for its seasonal cocktails, specialty cocktails, sangria on tap, and a large wine selection. Labriola has received positive reviews from customers, with many praising the restaurant's food, service, and ambiance. The restaurant is a popular spot for both locals and tourists, and it has received recognition in various publications and media outlets.

La Storia is an Italian restaurant located in Chicago's Gold Coast neighborhood. It offers an authentic Italian dining experience with regional dishes, handmade pastas, and an extensive Italian wine list. The restaurant's mission is to celebrate Italy's rich culinary heritage through carefully crafted regional dishes and a warm, inviting atmosphere. La Storia's menu features a variety of regional Italian dishes, including handmade pastas, seafood, and meat options. The restaurant also offers a selection of Italian wines, which are carefully curated to complement the flavors of the dishes. The restaurant's ambiance is designed to evoke the warmth and elegance of a traditional Italian villa, with intricate details and charming decor. La Storia is suitable for special occasions, date nights, and business events. La Storia is a popular choice for dining in Chicago, with many reviewers praising the restaurant's attentive service, delicious food, and cozy atmosphere. The restaurant is located in a historic building and offers private party facilities, making it an ideal choice for corporate outings and special events. La Storia's commitment to using local ingredients and traditional Italian cooking methods ensures a truly authentic dining experience.

Il Porcellino is a neighborhood Italian-American restaurant located in the heart of River North in downtown Chicago. It offers classic comfort food in a casual setting, with a seasonal menu that focuses on house-made pastas, vegetable antipasti, and daily specials. The restaurant sources its ingredients from quality artisans, purveyors, and local farmers. Il Porcellino serves a variety of Italian dishes, including pastas, salads, and entrees. The restaurant is known for its house-made pastas, which are crafted with care and attention to detail. The menu also features a range of vegetarian and gluten-free options, making it a great choice for diners with dietary restrictions. Il Porcellino offers a welcoming atmosphere and attentive service, making it a great spot for date nights or family gatherings. Il Porcellino has received rave reviews from critics and diners alike, with many praising its delicious food, charming atmosphere, and excellent service. The restaurant has been featured in several publications, including the Chicago Tribune and TripAdvisor. Il Porcellino is a popular spot for both locals and visitors, and its menu offers something for everyone, whether you're in the mood for a classic Italian dish or something more adventurous.

Il Culaccino is a fine dining Italian restaurant located in the McCormick Square neighborhood of Chicago. It offers a range of traditional and modern Italian cuisine, including pasta dishes, pizzas, and a variety of homemade pasta. The restaurant has a full-service bar and outdoor patio, and provides carryout, private events, and catering services. Il Culaccino is known for its unique wines and delicious dishes, making it an ideal spot for food enthusiasts and event planners. The restaurant has a welcoming and inviting atmosphere, with friendly and superior service that has become a hallmark of Franco's Restaurant Group, a family-owned business since 1989. The menu features a variety of options, including Whipped Ricotta Tuffo, Linguini with Clam Sauce, Bone-In Berkshire Pork Chop, and Chicken Giardiniera, all of which can be paired with one of the restaurant's award-winning wines. Il Culaccino offers catering and private events, making it a great choice for corporate events, conferences, meetings, rehearsal dinners, anniversary parties, and holiday parties. The restaurant also has a loyalty program that rewards customers for their purchases, and offers gift cards for the perfect gift for Italian food lovers. With its delicious cuisine, welcoming atmosphere, and excellent service, Il Culaccino is a standout in Chicago's culinary scene.

Il Carciofo is a Roman Italian restaurant located in the historic Fulton Market district of Chicago's West Loop neighborhood. It is a premier destination for those seeking elevated yet familiar Italian fare, with a seasonal menu that includes traditional antipasti, Roman-style pizzas, and hand-rolled pastas produced daily in a dedicated pasta lab. Chef Joe Flamm, a Top Chef winner and James Beard-nominated chef, leads the culinary team in creating a menu that highlights the season's bounty. Il Carciofo's interior is designed to evoke the rich history of a Roman trattoria, with dark woods, plush fabrics, handmade tiles, and warm natural stones. The dining room features an open kitchen with an intimate chef's counter, providing an authentic Italian restaurant feel. The restaurant also boasts a cozy private event space, perfect for unique group gatherings. The outdoor patio area is beautifully designed, with lush perennials, romantic string lighting, and large overhead canopies that create a vibrant, bustling atmosphere reminiscent of Rome's storied piazzas. Il Carciofo has received numerous accolades, including being named one of the best new restaurants in the world by Conde Nast Traveler's 2025 Hot List. It has also received the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence in 2025 and 2026. The restaurant has been praised for its phenomenal food, amazing service, and beautiful ambiance. Reviewers have noted that the handcrafted pasta and pistachio gelato are must-tries, and the restaurant is perfect for group dinners and special occasions.

Harry Caray's Restaurant Group is a renowned restaurant management company that operates multiple dining concepts across Chicagoland. The company, founded in 1987, is led by Grant DePorter and has established itself as one of the most dynamic and successful restaurant management companies in the region. Harry Caray's Restaurant Group operates seven restaurants, an offsite catering company, and the Chicago Sports Museum. The company's flagship restaurant, Harry Caray's Italian Steakhouse, offers a unique dining experience that combines gourmet cuisine with timeless ambiance and unparalleled service. The restaurant serves the finest prime, aged steaks, chops, and Italian favorites, and its sophisticated, high-energy atmosphere pays tribute to the beloved Chicago Cubs sportscaster for whom the restaurant is named. The menu features a range of dishes, including USDA prime, aged steaks, cooked to perfection, and Italian favorites that combine old school techniques with the freshest ingredients. Harry Caray's Restaurant Group is a popular destination for both locals and visitors, offering a range of dining options, including private events, off-premises catering, and holiday parties. The company's commitment to excellence is evident in its dedication to providing a welcoming atmosphere for all guests, with a focus on exceptional service, high-quality food, and a unique dining experience that makes every visit a memorable one.

Gussie's Handmade Italian is a family-owned, authentic Italian restaurant that serves handmade pasta and fresh sauces in the Old Town neighborhood of Chicago. It is located across the street from Second City, making it a convenient spot for a pre-show dinner and drinks. The restaurant is inspired by the owner David's grandmother, who taught him the importance of love and care in cooking. The restaurant offers a range of traditional Italian dishes, including handmade pasta, seafood, and meat options. The menu is inspired by the owner's family and his travels to Italy, and the restaurant prides itself on using fresh, high-quality ingredients. The dishes are made from scratch daily, and the restaurant also offers a selection of handcrafted cocktails and carefully selected wines. The atmosphere is cozy and inviting, with a warm and welcoming ambiance that makes diners feel like they are sitting around a family dinner table. Gussie's Handmade Italian is a neighborhood restaurant that aims to provide a unique and authentic Italian dining experience. The owner's passion for cooking and his love for his grandmother's recipes are reflected in the dishes, which are made with care and attention to detail. The restaurant is a great spot for a night out with friends or family, and its convenient location makes it an ideal choice for those planning to catch a show at Second City.

Gibsons Italia is a modern Italian steakhouse in Chicago. The restaurant is built on a tradition and elegance that is relentless in the pursuit of the very best. Chef-driven tastes of Italy are paired with the superiority of Gibsons Steakhouse, creating a restaurant that makes the familiar, exceptional. Gibsons Italia offers a menu that features refined Italian dishes and American steakhouse classics, including a variety of meats, seafood, vegetables, risotto, and gold-extruded pasta. The restaurant features a world-class tour of beef, with options such as Gibsons Prime Angus, Gibsons Grassfed Australian, Japanese Kobe, and Carrara 640 Wagyu. The menu is designed to cater to both casual diners and special occasions, with private dining and events spaces available. The restaurant has received high praise from reviewers, who have noted the exceptional service, delicious food, and beautiful ambiance. Reviewers have highlighted the stunning views of the Chicago River and city skyline, as well as the exceptional service from the staff. The restaurant has been praised for its ability to elevate the dining experience, with a commitment to delivering exceptional service and quality.

Gene and Georgetti is Chicago's original Tuscan steakhouse, established in 1941. It is located in the heart of River North, making it the oldest steakhouse in the city. The restaurant is owned and operated by the Durpetti family, who have maintained the tradition of quality and service that has defined Gene & Georgetti for over 80 years. Gene and Georgetti offers an extensive menu of prime steaks, chops, seafood, and pasta dishes, as well as a curated selection of wines and a fully stocked bar. The restaurant is known for its classic dishes, such as the Garbage Salad and Chicken alla Joe, which were invented on-site. Gene and Georgetti has a long history of serving celebrities, politicians, and locals alike, and is proud to have received numerous awards and recognition, including the DiRōna award in 2001 and the TripAdvisor 2023 Travelers' Choice award. Gene and Georgetti is a family-owned business that has been serving the Chicago community for over 80 years. The current managing partner, Michelle Durpetti, is the third generation of the family to lead the restaurant, and has continued the legacy of leadership and hospitality that was started by her ancestors. Gene and Georgetti is committed to maintaining the traditions of quality and service that have defined the restaurant for generations, while also innovating and adapting to the changing needs of the community.

Franco's Ristorante is a family-owned and operated Italian restaurant located in the Bridgeport neighborhood of Southside Chicago. It has been serving authentic Italian cuisine since 1989, making it a staple in the community. The restaurant is known for its hearty, classic Italian dishes, and its menu features a variety of options, including fresh and quality ingredients, scratch-made offerings, and traditional Italian specialties. The restaurant's expertise is highlighted in its menu, which focuses on fresh and quality ingredients. Its scratch-made offerings include mouthwatering specialties such as whipped ricotta tuffo, traditional sausage and peppers, homemade gnocchi, and a family favorite, chicken giardiniera. Franco's Ristorante is a proud member of Franco's Restaurant Group, and it is committed to providing an exceptional dining experience for its guests. Whether you're looking for a great place to have a nice dinner or you want to host a private event, Franco's Ristorante is the perfect choice. Franco's Ristorante offers catering services, and it can help with hosting private events at either the restaurant or at your place. The restaurant's team is dedicated to taking care of all the hard work, so you can focus on enjoying your event. With its rich history and commitment to quality, Franco's Ristorante is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for authentic Italian cuisine in the Chicago area. Its family-friendly atmosphere and exceptional service make it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.