Chicago offers a rich, diverse Italian dining scene—from Michelin‑starred fine‑dining to beloved neighborhood trattorias. If you’re wondering what is the most famous Italian restaurant in Chicago, seeking 5‑star Italian restaurants in Chicago, or hunting for popular Italian restaurant in Chicago hotspots, this list of the #1 Italian restaurant in Chicago to the top 10 Italian restaurants in Chicago covers it all.
List of Top 10 Italian Restaurants in Chicago
1. Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio – Rustic West Loop Gem
Monteverde, a James Beard winner led by Sarah Grueneberg, is one of the best Italian restaurants in Chicago. Its menu highlights hand‑cut pappardelle with lamb sugo, asparagus‑stuffed ravioli, and spiedino shrimp—most popular dishes in Italian restaurants lovers praise. With open kitchen pasta stations and lively communal tables, it’s perfect for date nights or celebrations. Frequently ranked in the top 10 Italian restaurants in Chicago, Monteverde embodies Italian authenticity with Midwestern flair and earns rave reviews as a 5‑star Italian restaurant in Chicago.
2. Spiaggia (closed) – Legendary Fine Dining Legacy
Spiaggia was once the most famous Italian restaurant in Chicago, holding a Michelin star for 12 years and garnering James Beard recognition. Though it closed in 2021, it retains legendary status for upscale coastal Italian dishes and elegant service. Its legacy continues to influence the city’s Italian culinary scene, shaping what we now consider best Italian restaurants in Chicago. Think of Spiaggia as the standard-bearer that set the bar for 5‑star Italian restaurants in Chicago and remains the answer to “what was the #1 Italian restaurant in Chicago.”
3. Piccolo Sogno – Romantic River West Oasis
Piccolo Sogno captures hearts with a serene patio, rustic pasta, and wood-fired pizzas. Frequently celebrated among the top 10 Italian restaurants in Chicago, it’s a popular Italian restaurant in Chicago for date nights and celebrations. Seasonal risottos, burrata, and classic tiramisù are among the most popular dishes in Italian restaurants at this charming River West eatery. With wine pairings and alfresco dining, Piccolo Sogno hits the sweet spot of casual luxury.
4. Il Porcellino – Casual River North Comfort
Il Porcellino delivers classic Italian favorites in a friendly setting, making it one of the best Italian restaurants in Chicago for everyday indulgence. Spaghetti and meatballs, chicken parmigiana, and wood-fired pizza shine among the most popular dishes in Italian restaurants. Often included in top 10 Italian restaurants in Chicago roundups, this casual spot is ideal for family dinners or cozy gatherings—an authentic neighborhood gem known for generous portions and warm hospitality.
5. La Scarola – Old‑World Fulton River Classic
La Scarola, a Fulton River staple since 1998, is considered by many the most famous Italian restaurant in Chicago among locals. Its buzzy, celebrity‑adorned dining room sets the scene for hearty red‑sauce cooking—eggplant parmigiana, veal scallopini, baked rigatoni—most popular dishes in Italian restaurants. A fixture on best Italian restaurants in Chicago lists, this 5‑star classic offers festive group dining and nostalgic charm.
6. Tortello – Pasta Lover’s Paradise
Tortello in West Town is a rising star among the top 10 Italian restaurants in Chicago, celebrated for its fresh‑made pasta . Burrata-filled tortelli, cacao-pepe bucatini, and artichoke bruschetta are among its most popular dishes in Italian restaurants. For those who cherish craftsmanship, Tortello is a 5‑star Italian restaurant in Chicago and a popular Italian restaurant in Chicago for serious pasta fans seeking a true culinary experience.
7. Osteria Langhe – Piedmont‑Style Intimacy
This Logan Square gem is among the best Italian restaurants in Chicago for lovers of Northern Italian cuisine. With dishes like agnolotti del plin, vitello tonnato, and daily risotto, Osteria Langhe serves most popular dishes in Italian restaurants with flair. Cozy and intimate, it stands out among top 10 Italian restaurants in Chicago, offering regional authenticity and a refined, heartfelt ambiance.
8. Spacca Napoli – Wood‑Fired Neapolitan Excellence
Spacca Napoli delivers stellar Neapolitan-style pizza in Ravenswood, earning praise as one of Chicago’s best Italian restaurants. Its blistered margherita pizza, burrata, and eggplant parmigiana are among the most popular dishes in Italian restaurants. A neighborhood staple turned citywide favorite, Spacca Napoli is both a popular Italian restaurant in Chicago and a shining example of authentic, wood-fired Italian fare.
9. The Village (Italian Village complex) – Historic Red‑Sauce Haven
The Village—part of Chicago’s iconic Italian Village—transports diners back in time with classic red-sauce dishes. Its rustic pastoral setting and kitchen-hosted hospitality earned it acclaim as one of the top 10 Italian restaurants in Chicago. Guests savor family‑style pastas, osso buco, and creamy risottos—most popular dishes in Italian restaurants with old‑school appeal. It remains a popular Italian restaurant in Chicago for communal dining and timeless flavor.
10. Coco Pazzo – River North Contemporary Classic
Coco Pazzo, a River North mainstay, blends classic and modern Italian fare. Frequently highlighted among best Italian restaurants in Chicago, its menu includes refined pastas, rustled pizzas, and ample wine offerings. With seasonal ingredients and sleek design, Coco Pazzo offers a polished yet welcoming experience, ideal for both business dinners and family celebrations—one of the city’s respected 5‑star Italian restaurants in Chicago.
🍝 Conclusion: Celebrate Italian in Chicago
From award-winning Monteverde and historic La Scarola to artisanal pasta houses like Tortello and Spacca Napoli, Chicago’s Italian restaurants offer rich textures of flavor and atmosphere. Whether you seek the most famous Italian restaurant in Chicago, crave the most popular dishes in Italian restaurants, or want to explore the #1 Italian restaurant in Chicago, this curated list of top 10 Italian restaurants in Chicago covers all bases. Buon appetito!
