Top restaurants list
10 Best Italian Restaurants in Downtown Chicago
- 10 restaurants
- Chicago, Illinois
- Updated May 19, 2026
The 10 best Italian restaurants in Downtown Chicago are RPM Italian, The Rosebud, Spiaggia, Osteria Langhe, Eataly, Café Spiaggia, Il Porcellino, Pizzeria Portofino, Bar Siena, and Trattoria No. 10. Establishments specializing in Italian cuisine in downtown Chicago have everything from high-end, modern plates to classic red-sauce comfort food. These Italian dining spots serve menu options like handmade bucatini, wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas, and the city's own Chicken Vesuvio.
Many of these Italian eateries in downtown Chicago occupy bustling, high-energy spaces in the West Loop, sophisticated dining rooms in River North, and historic buildings in Little Italy. To maintain a focus on authentic flavor, local owners rely on imported ingredients, house-made pasta programs, and traditional wood-burning ovens. Guests encounter a range of settings, from the sprawling, multi-level marketplace at Eataly to the intimate, subterranean room at the former Trattoria No. 10. A meal at an Italian restaurant in Downtown Chicago averages $50 per person.
RPM Italian secures a top position with its modern, high-glamour atmosphere and meticulously crafted pasta dishes. Osteria Langhe provides a premier spot for those seeking the specific, authentic flavors of Italy's Piedmont region. The Rosebud serves as a dependable choice for classic, hearty Italian-American fare, while Bar Siena offers a unique, street-food-inspired menu in a lively West Loop environment.
The top Italian restaurants in Downtown Chicago are listed below.
-
1
ItalianRPM Italian presents a modern take on classic Italian dishes in the River North neighborhood. Sleek and sophisticated, this Italian restaurant serves as a premier destination for sharing plates in Downtown Chicago.- Item Prices
- 332
- Average Item Price
- $24.09
RPM Italian Menu PricesMore about RPM Italian
Type of Restaurant:
Fine Dining
Type of Food:
Modern Italian
Signature Dishes:
Rigatoni Alla Vodka
Chicken Parmesan
Spaghetti and Meatball
Location:
52 W Illinois St, Chicago, IL 60654
Special Feature:
The menu includes a large selection of house-made pastas and prime cuts of meat.
What Makes It Special:
Diners enjoy a high-energy atmosphere with a focus on contemporary, shareable Italian cuisine.
What Sets It Apart:
The combination of a chic, modern design and an extensive wine list creates a premier social destination.
Operating Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 4:00 PM - 9:30 PMFriday - Saturday: 3:00 PM - 10:30 PMSunday: 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Price:
$50 to $100 per person
-
2
Italian Steak PastaTraditional Italian-American comfort food is the hallmark of The Rosebud, located in the heart of Little Italy. This Downtown Chicago landmark is a favorite Italian dining spot famous for massive portions of red-sauce classics.- Item Prices
- 432
- Average Item Price
- $22.75
Rosebud Menu PricesMore about Rosebud
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
Italian-American
Signature Dishes:
10 oz Filleto Portobello
Lamb Chops Oreganato
Chicken Milanese
Location:
1500 W Taylor St, Chicago, IL 60607
Special Feature:
The restaurant maintains a long-standing reputation for serving family-style platters.
What Makes It Special:
Guests experience a nostalgic, welcoming environment that celebrates old-world hospitality.
What Sets It Apart:
The focus on hearty, traditional recipes makes the establishment a reliable choice for large family gatherings.
Operating Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PMFriday: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PMSaturday: 4:00 PM - 10:00 PMSunday: 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Price:
$30 to $50 per person
-
3
Specific flavors from the Piedmont region of Italy define the menu at Osteria Langhe. Located in Downtown Chicago, this Italian dining spot offers a cozy, rustic space for enjoying handmade pasta and regional wines.- Item Prices
- 12
- Average Item Price
- $16.50
Osteria Langhe Menu PricesMore about Osteria Langhe
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining, Fine Dining
Type of Food:
Northern Italian
Signature Dishes:
Ragu
Gnocchi
Panna Cotta
Location:
2824 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647
Special Feature:
The chef specializes in "Plin," a traditional pinched ravioli from the Piedmont area.
What Makes It Special:
Guests consume authentic, regional Italian dishes in a quiet, sophisticated environment.
What Sets It Apart:
The specific focus on the cuisine of Northern Italy provides a distinct alternative to standard Italian-American menus.
Operating Hours:
Monday - Tuesday: ClosedWednesday - Thursday: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PMFriday - Saturday: 5:00 PM - 10:00 PMSunday: 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Price:
$40 to $50 per person
-
4
Eataly functions as a massive marketplace and dining complex in the River North area. Guests at this Downtown Chicago hub can shop for imported goods and enjoy fresh pasta at various Italian restaurant stations.- Item Prices
- 448
- Average Item Price
- $18.11
Eataly Menu PricesMore about Eataly
Type of Restaurant:
Food Hall, Casual Dining
Type of Food:
Italian
Signature Dishes:
Margherita Tradizionale
Tagliatelle alla Bolognese
Lasagne Emiliane
Location:
43 E Ohio St, Chicago, IL 60611
Special Feature:
The venue houses multiple dedicated restaurants, a bakery, a wine shop, and a grocery store.
What Makes It Special:
Diners access a multitude of authentic Italian ingredients and prepared meals under one roof.
What Sets It Apart:
The immersive, market-style ordering system creates a unique and interactive dining event.
Operating Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 7:00 AM - 10:00 PMFriday - Saturday: 7:00 AM - 11:00 PMSunday: 7:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Price:
$30 to $50 per person
-
5
Approachable, daily-dining versions of classic recipes were the focus of Café Spiaggia. This Italian dining spot provided a bright, airy space in Downtown Chicago for enjoying seasonal pasta and salads before ceasing operations.- Item Prices
- 21
- Average Item Price
- $19.71
Cafe Spiaggia Menu PricesMore about Cafe Spiaggia
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
Italian
Signature Dishes:
Seasonal Risotto
Fresh Burrata
Handmade Tagliatelle
Location:
980 N Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60611
Special Feature:
The cafe offered a more approachable, daily-dining version of the famous Spiaggia menu.
What Makes It Special:
Guests enjoyed high-quality Italian flavors in a comfortable, sun-drenched setting.
What Sets It Apart:
The ability to offer premium Italian food in a relaxed, walk-in-friendly environment made it a popular lunch destination.
Operating Hours:
Permanently Closed
Price:
$30 to $50 per person
-
6
Salads Italian Healthy Family Friendly Pasta Group FriendlyRustic, casual plates are served at Il Porcellino in the River North neighborhood. This Italian restaurant provides a cozy, neighborhood-focused atmosphere in Downtown Chicago for enjoying handmade pasta and antipasti.- Item Prices
- 107
- Average Item Price
- $16.96
Il Porcellino Menu PricesMore about Il Porcellino
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining
Type of Food:
Italian
Signature Dishes:
Rigatoni alla Vodka
Baked Burrata Lasagna
Chicken Piccata
Location:
59 W Hubbard St #2, Chicago, IL 60654
Special Feature:
The menu features family-style portions designed for group sharing.
What Makes It Special:
Diners find reliable, flavorful meals in a warm, unpretentious setting.
What Sets It Apart:
The focus on high-quality, scratch-made pasta dishes provides a dependable choice for local residents.
Operating Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 4:00 PM - 9:30 PMFriday - Saturday: 4:00 PM - 10:30 PMSunday: 4:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Price:
$30 to $50 per person
-
7
Pizza American Italian AlcoholPizzeria Portofino offers wood-fired pizzas and fresh pasta on the banks of the Chicago River. Featuring an expansive outdoor patio, this Italian dining spot provides a scenic setting for waterfront meals in Downtown Chicago.- Item Prices
- 244
- Average Item Price
- $21.02
Pizzeria Portofino Menu PricesMore about Pizzeria Portofino
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining, Pizzeria
Type of Food:
Italian, Pizza
Signature Dishes:
Charred Pepperoni
Rigatoni Vodka
Margherita
Location:
317 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654
Special Feature:
The restaurant provides direct river views, making it a premier destination for outdoor dining.
What Makes It Special:
Guests consume light, coastal-inspired Italian dishes in a high-energy, scenic environment.
What Sets It Apart:
The combination of a premier waterfront location and a menu emphasizing fresh, wood-fired flavors creates a unique experience.
Operating Hours:
Monday - Thursday: 11:30 AM - 9:00 PMFriday - Sunday: 11:30 AM - 9:30 PM
Price:
$20 to $30 per person
-
8
Italian street food and wood-fired pizzas are the specialties at Bar Siena in the bustling West Loop. This Italian restaurant provides a lively, social atmosphere in Downtown Chicago perfect for late-night dining.- Item Prices
- 436
- Average Item Price
- $18.03
Bar Siena Menu PricesMore about Bar Siena
Type of Restaurant:
Casual Dining, Bar
Type of Food:
Italian
Signature Dishes:
The Randolph Package
Lobster Roll
Rigatoni alla Vodka
Location:
832 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
Special Feature:
The menu includes a dedicated "Bomboloni Bar" serving Italian donuts with various fillings.
What Makes It Special:
Diners experience a high-energy environment paired with inventive, shareable Italian plates.
What Sets It Apart:
The focus on street-food-inspired Italian dishes creates a distinct and modern flavor profile.
Operating Hours:
Monday - Wednesday: 11:30 AM - 12:00 AMThursday: 11:30 AM - 1:00 AMFriday: 11:30 AM - 2:00 AMSaturday: 11:00 AM - 3:00 AMSunday: 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Price:
$30 to $50 per person
-
9
Classic Northern Italian dishes are served at Trattoria No. 10 in a subterranean, mosaic-tiled dining room. This Italian dining spot formerly offered a refined, romantic setting in Downtown Chicago for special occasions.- Item Prices
- 42
- Average Item Price
- $17.70
Trattoria No. 10 Menu PricesMore about Trattoria No. 10
Type of Restaurant:
Fine Dining
Type of Food:
Italian
Signature Dishes:
Fettuccine with Wild Mushrooms
Veal Scaloppine
Tiramisu
Location:
10 N Dearborn St # 1, Chicago, IL 60602
Special Feature:
The dining room is located in a historic building with beautiful mosaic floors and vaulted ceilings.
What Makes It Special:
Guests enjoy a quiet, sophisticated atmosphere perfect for intimate conversations.
What Sets It Apart:
The dedication to traditional, Northern Italian recipes provides a distinct alternative to standard Italian-American fare.
Operating Hours:
Permanently Closed
Price:
$40 to $50 per person
-
10
10. Spiaggia
Spiaggia formerly provided a world-class experience for refined fine dining overlooking the Magnificent Mile. This Italian restaurant offered a sophisticated, Michelin-starred atmosphere in Downtown Chicago before closing its doors.More about Spiaggia
Type of Restaurant:
Fine Dining
Type of Food:
Italian
Signature Dishes:
Handmade Gnocchi
Tasting Menu
Artisan Cheese Plate
Location:
980 N Michigan Ave Suite 1, Chicago, IL 60611
Special Feature:
The dining room featured floor-to-ceiling windows with views of Lake Michigan.
What Makes It Special:
Diners enjoyed highly precise, ingredient-driven dishes in a formal, elegant setting.
What Sets It Apart:
The long-standing status as the city's premier Italian fine-dining destination defined the local luxury market.
Operating Hours:
Permanently Closed
Price:
Over $100 per person
On the map
Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes Italian Restaurants in Downtown Chicago Famous?
Italian restaurants in Downtown Chicago earn fame through the creation of Chicken Vesuvio and the pairing of multi-generational family recipes. Food lovers travel to the Windy City to experience everything from the red-sauce institutions of Little Italy to the glamorous, celebrity-backed hotspots of River North. Chefs also master regional Italian techniques, from the hand-pinched "plin" pasta of Piedmont to the thin, crispy pizzas of Rome. The city stands apart due to an extensive immigrant history that brought legitimate techniques to the Midwest, resulting in a unique Chicago-Italian style.
What Types of Italian Restaurants are Commonly Found in Downtown Chicago?
The types of Italian restaurants commonly found in Downtown Chicago include high-energy modern bistros, sprawling marketplaces, and long-standing red sauce joints. The following list discusses the different Downtown Chicago restaurants serving Italian meals.
- Sleek Modern Bistros: Contemporary, shareable plates fill the menu in chic environments. RPM Italian represents this category.
- Immersive Marketplaces: Retail shopping merges with multiple counter-service stations at this location. Eataly provides this interactive experience.
- Long-standing Red Sauce Joints: Massive portions of traditional comfort food fill the tables in nostalgic settings. The Rosebud is a prime example.
- Territorial Specialists: Specific flavors of a single Italian region define the menu here. Osteria Langhe specializes in Piedmontese cuisine.
- Waterfront Pizzerias: Wood-fired pies and fresh pasta are served with views of the Chicago River. Pizzeria Portofino fits this description.
Does Downtown Chicago Have an Authentic Italian Restaurant?
Yes, Downtown Chicago contains legitimate dining rooms that uphold specific territorial standards, including Osteria Langhe and Eataly. Osteria Langhe maintains a strict focus on the Piedmont region, preparing traditional "Plin" pasta and sourcing wines exclusively from Northern Italy. Eataly functions as a legitimate Italian hub by importing thousands of certified products directly from Italy and employing artisans to make fresh mozzarella and pasta daily. The Rosebud preserves the genuine feel of a mid-century Italian-American dining room by serving massive family-style portions on Taylor Street.
Do Downtown Chicago Italian Restaurants Offer Easy Online Reservations?
Yes, securing a table at premier Italian restaurants in Downtown Chicago is straightforward through digital platforms like OpenTable and Resy. High-demand venues such as RPM Italian and Bar Siena release bookings weeks in advance to manage the heavy foot traffic in the River North and West Loop areas. Digital services allow guests to plan special occasions or business dinners with precision. A few locations, particularly the counter-service stations inside Eataly, operate on a first-come, first-served basis to accommodate spontaneous diners.
What are the Signature Dishes of the Best Italian Restaurants in Downtown Chicago?
The signature dishes of the best Italian restaurants in Downtown Chicago consist of Chicken Vesuvio, Mama DePandi’s Bucatini, and handmade Plin. Provided below is a breakdown of popular food in Downtown Chicago crafted with Italian methods.
- Chicken Vesuvio: A Chicago original featuring roasted chicken with potato wedges, peas, garlic, and white wine. The Rosebud is famous for this dish.
- Mama DePandi’s Bucatini: Thick, hollow pasta noodles tossed in a simple yet flavorful tomato and basil sauce. RPM Italian prepares this signature entree.
- Plin: Small, hand-pinched ravioli filled with meat or cheese, typical of the Piedmont region. Osteria Langhe creates this genuine pasta.
- Bomboloni: Soft, sugar-coated Italian donuts filled with vanilla bean custard or chocolate. Bar Siena features a dedicated bar for these treats.
- Rigatoni alla Vodka: Large ribbed pasta tubes served in a creamy tomato and vodka sauce. Il Porcellino offers this comforting classic.
Does Downtown Chicago Enjoy Italian Food?
Yes, people in Downtown Chicago enjoy Italian food, which is observed from the consistently packed dining rooms in River North and the West Loop. Residents and travelers frequently choose these dining spots for everything from casual business lunches to elaborate celebratory dinners. The long-standing success of decades-old landmarks alongside the rapid growth of modern Italian concepts confirms a strong local appreciation for Italian flavors. Diners prioritize high-quality ingredients, house-made pastas, and energetic social environments when selecting a meal.
What is the Average Meal Price for Italian Restaurants in Downtown Chicago?
Patrons expect to spend an average of $50 per person at Italian restaurants in Downtown Chicago. A casual meal at a marketplace like Eataly or a pizzeria like Portofino costs between $20 and $40. Group dinners at established spots such as The Rosebud or Il Porcellino run from $120 to $250 total. A full evening experience at a high-end venue like RPM Italian or Osteria Langhe requires $60 to over $100 per individual.
Are There Vegan Options in Italian Restaurants in Downtown Chicago?
Yes, vegan diners find suitable plates at Italian restaurants in Downtown Chicago like RPM Italian and Bar Siena. These venues prepare fresh salads, vegetable-forward pastas, and pizzas that are customizable to exclude animal products. Eataly provides a broad selection of meatless ingredients and prepared dishes that cater to vegan preferences. The focus on fresh produce and simple olive oil-based sauces makes finding satisfying meat-free meals simple across these menus.
Do Italian Restaurants in Downtown Chicago Offer Gluten-free Options?
Yes, guests avoiding gluten find dishes at Italian restaurants in Downtown Chicago, including RPM Italian and Pizzeria Portofino. RPM Italian offers a dedicated menu featuring wheat-free pasta and modified entrees to ensure a secure experience for diners with sensitivities. Pizzeria Portofino provides alternative crust options for wood-fired pizzas, allowing guests to enjoy coastal flavors without wheat. The incorporation of fresh proteins, seafood, and rice-based substitutes ensures a secure dining experience for guests with specific dietary requirements.
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