Best Italian Restaurants in River West

Price: Moderate (395)Price: Expensive (235)Price: Very Expensive (68)

132 restaurants available nearby

1. Piccolo Sogno

4.7

Exceptional(6860)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • River West

Booked 112 times today

Located in the heart of Chicago, Piccolo Sogno has emerged as a connoisseur’s paradise for authentic Italian cuisine. The restaurant is exalted by reviewers as a must-visit, consistently recognized for its outstanding food and service, along with an inviting ambiance. Duplication of original Italian flavors is brought to life by dishes like the Branzino special, lauded as "out of this world." The exquisite dining experience is encapsulated in a stunning atmosphere, with the "best outdoor dining scene in the city" and a magical garden that makes diners feel they are in a "small Italian hideaway". Such high praise attests to Piccolo Sogno's exceptional impact on the culinary scene, making it a gem of Chicago.

2. Erie Cafe

4.8

Exceptional(140)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 16 times today

Erie Cafe in Chicago is hailed by many as a steakhouse par excellence, offering a delightful mix of traditional and innovative dishes. From sumptuous steaks to delicious pasta and seafood, this restaurant is widely recognized for its outstanding cuisine. Many of the reviews highlight a consistent dining experience, speaking fondly of the "old school" charm that the establishment embodies. The steaks were mentioned as being "the best and properly prepared" and complimented by excellent service. The ambience and service at Erie Cafe are continually praised, along with a range of dishes that also includes the best-in-town Cobb Salad for lunch, homemade ravioli, and the famed house cottage fries. Patrons unanimously agree - a visit to Erie Cafe is always an extraordinary and satisfying experience.

A photo of Pizzeria Portofino restaurant

3. Pizzeria Portofino

4.7

Exceptional(1283)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 235 times today

Pizzeria Portofino has been revered as an Italian haven in Chicago, bringing a burst of Mediterranean flavor to the Windy City. Patrons have likened the experience to having a piece of Italy in the heart of Chicago, attesting to its authentic and delectable Italian cuisine. Celebrated for its ambient charm, Pizzeria Portofino offers an irresistible combination of mouthwatering food, excellent service, and stunning Riverwalk views. Words like "amazing", "fantastic" and "exquisite" frequently occur in praise of the food, service, and atmosphere. The restaurant particularly shines in the summer with its picturesque views, making it a must-visit spot for an Italian culinary experience.

4. Rose Mary

4.8

Exceptional(3115)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • West Loop

Booked 142 times today

Located in the historic Fulton Market district of Chicago’s West Loop neighborhood, Rose Mary is Chef/Owner Joe Flamm’s debut restaurant inspired by his Italian heritage and the bold, bright flavors of Croatian cuisine. The boisterous space—named for Flamm’s grandmothers, Mary and Mary Rose, and the herb rosemary, which grows natively along the Italian and Croatian coastlines—offers a seasonal menu of rustic yet refined dishes that encapsulate what Flamm has coined “Adriatic drinking food”.

5. Alla Vita

4.8

Exceptional(2146)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • West Loop

Booked 116 times today

Alla Vita is an acclaimed Italian restaurant recognized for its innovative blend of classic Italian and modern cuisine. The warm, welcoming ambiance adds to its appeal, a detail notably appreciated by reviewers. The restaurant is celebrated for its homemade pasta dishes like the Rigatoni and Ricotta Dumplings, as well as its expertly curated drink menu featuring an array of Italian and international wines. From the delectable lunch set menus to the house-made gelato, every dish is thoughtfully crafted. Customers highlight the attentive service, praising the staff for their hospitality. Reviewers also particularly recommend the Kale Caesar Salad, touting it as "the best Caesar ever." The top-notch food and service, combined with the unique and vibrant decor, have earned Alla Vita accolades on the Michelin guide, making it highly recommended for a memorable dining experience in the heart of Chicago.

6. Gibsons Italia

4.8

Exceptional(3639)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 132 times today

Gibsons Italia, located a block away from the OTC Metra station, is a renowned restaurant offering exquisite Italian cuisine in Chicago. The restaurant is highly-rated for its excellent meals, attentive service, and splendid city views, highlighted by patrons' reviews. Diners offer rave reviews for the delicious Grilled Octopus, Italian Grain Bowl, Branzino, Caccio de Pepe, and the house Manhattan. Crowning their meals with the banana Gelato has proved to be a delightful experience for most guests. The restaurant has also garnered recognition for its Cacio e Pepe with black truffles and its prime steak cuts. Its location overlooking the Riverwalk also adds to the unique dining experience, making it worth every trip.

7. Tre Dita

4.7

Exceptional(548)

Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 103 times today

Led by Chef Evan Funke, Tre Dita, Italian for "three fingers", pays homage to the precise measurement of bistecca Fiorentina. If booking in the dining room at Tre Dita, you will enjoy a menu of antipasti, handmade pastas, signature entrees and steaks. If booking in the Bar Tre Dita, you will enjoy a smaller menu of stuzzi, antipasti, handmade pastas and entrees. The full cocktail, wine list and dessert menu is available in both locations.

8. Fioretta

4.7

Exceptional(724)

Price: Very Expensive

• Italian • West Loop

Booked 48 times today

Located in the vibrant West Loop of Chicago, Fioretta is quickly becoming a hot spot renowned for its steak cuisine. Customers are raving about its exceptional service and variety of succulent steak options. The tomahawk steak and the 24 oz dry-aged bone-in Ribeye are among the favorites, both praised as delicious and cooked to perfection. The restaurant's atmosphere is described as vibey and hip, with an inviting decor and live music on Saturdays, crafting a perfect setting for indulging in Fioretta's delectable dishes. With numerous positive reviews highlighting the attentive staff and outstanding food, it's clear Fioretta is a must-visit for steak lovers.

A photo of RPM Italian - Chicago restaurant

9. RPM Italian - Chicago

4.7

Exceptional(12059)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 110 times today

RPM Italian - Chicago is praised for its remarkable fusion of traditional and contemporary Italian dishes. Reviews effusively attest to the restaurant's remarkable offerings, with notable commendation given to their succulent house-made pasta dishes, exquisite Caesar salad, and tantalizing desserts like tiramisu and a diverse array of gelatos. The restaurant also stands out due to its expansive wine list and exceptional service, described as being attentive and knowledgeable, particularly in the realm of wine pairings. Patrons also share the memorable experiences they had while celebrating special occasions. However, a reservation is recommended due to its popularity. The proof of RPM Italian - Chicago’s dedication to elevating Italian cuisine is in its consistently excellent reviews.

A photo of Bar Siena - West Loop restaurant

10. Bar Siena - West Loop

4.5

Awesome(3220)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • West Loop

Booked 53 times today

Perfectly centralized in Chicago's West Loop 'Restaurant Row', the two-story, 8,000-square-foot restaurant is the sibling of DineAmic Hospitality's River North staple eatery, Siena Tavern. Bar Siena offers diners the perfect and approachable setting to enjoy brunch, lunch, dinner, late night, and weekend brunch. The menu features an expansive selection of Italian street food, pizza, and pasta, all served within the vibrant streets of Fulton Market. Whether you're joining us for a romantic date, a group gathering, birthdays, or just enjoying cocktails at the bar or happy hour, Bar Siena is ideal for any occasion. Our team of hospitality professionals are thrilled and dedicated to host your next dining experience, private event, or catering function! Indulge in Italian food, dessert, and drinks for a memorable time.

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Discover best Italian restaurants in River West

Discover the charm of Italian cuisine in Chicago's vibrant River West neighborhood. Our curated list of Italian restaurants offers an array of authentic and delightful dining experiences perfect for any aficionado of Italy's rich culinary traditions. From rustic, artisanal dishes that transport you straight to the Italian countryside to modern interpretations of classic favorites, each establishment provides a unique taste of Italy right in the heart of Chicago. River West itself is a bustling area known for its diverse dining scene, with Italian cuisine standing out as a particularly celebrated option. Whether you're looking for a cozy spot for a romantic dinner or a lively venue to enjoy with friends, you'll find establishments that perfectly match the ambiance you desire. Indulge in menus featuring everything from handcrafted pasta and wood-fired pizzas to exquisite seafood and fine wines sourced directly from Italy. Every restaurant in this selection not only promises delicious food but also a memorable dining experience, emphasizing quality, authenticity, and the warm hospitality Italy is known for. Ideal for both locals and visitors, these Italian culinary havens in River West are sure to satisfy your cravings and leave you eager for your next visit.

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