Best Italian Restaurants in South Side

123 restaurants available nearby

1. Alla Vita

4.8

Exceptional(2311)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • West Loop

Booked 115 times today

Alla Vita, nestled in Chicago's vibrant West Loop, is a beacon of contemporary Italian cuisine that delights with its casual, family-style dining. Celebrating life's triumphs, Alla Vita offers a menu bursting with authenticity and flavor. Executive Chef Lee Wolen's passion is evident in every dish, from the heavenly Whipped Ricotta with orange blossom honey to the exquisite burrata with hazelnuts. Patrons rave about the unforgettable "burrata app with toasted bread," and the "rigatoni alla vodka," describing them as "mouth-watering" and "incredible." The ambiance, described as "vibrant and beautiful," complements the culinary experience, making Alla Vita a must-visit for anyone seeking the finest in contemporary Italian fare in Chicago.

A photo of Franco's Ristorante restaurant

2. Franco's Ristorante

4.8

Exceptional(653)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Bridgeport

Booked 11 times today

If your preferred time is unavailable please call for possible openings. Franco's Ristorante is the perfect combination of old world Italian classics and your new favorite pasta dishes. We've been around for over 27 years and have perfected our craft. Some of our most famous dishes include whipped ricotta tuffo, sausage and peppers, eggplant parmigiana and gnocchi. Our great food and atmosphere helped us earn the honor of being named the Chicago Reader's 2016 "best place for a cheap date" and "best local restaurant." You will be wowed when you step inside our bright, airy and modern restaurant. You can enjoy a drink at our new marble-topped bar or cozy up to tables with bright red-leather chairs and banquettes in the dining room. In the summer we are happy to offer outdoor seating that allows dogs.

A photo of Dolce Arte - The Art of Food restaurant

3. Dolce Arte - The Art of Food

4.7

Exceptional(14)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Bridgeport

Booked 2 times today

Dolce Arte - The Art of Food in Bridgeport, Chicago, is a beacon of café culture, offering a delightful experience with its authentic Italian pastries and world-renowned LavAzza coffee. Patrons rave about the "amazing food" and the "excellent coffee," which stand as testaments to the café's commitment to quality and authenticity. One reviewer exclaimed, "Latte was amazing and the pastries were phenomenal!!!" The café's ambiance is equally praised, with its spacious, sunny setting that invites guests to relax and enjoy their visit. Whether it's grabbing a quick coffee or indulging in a leisurely brunch, Dolce Arte provides a perfect blend of superb cuisine, welcoming service, and a vibrant atmosphere, making it a must-visit destination in Bridgeport.

4. Il Culaccino

4.1

Excellent(1089)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • South Loop

Booked 9 times today

If your preferred time is unavailable please call for possible openings. Il Culaccino, the new fine Italian dining restaurant presented by the Franco’s Restaurant Group, comes to McCormick Square in Spring 2019. Anchored in the Arrive Lex Apartment Tower, 2134 South Indiana, Il Culaccino is just steps away from Wintrust Arena and a short walk from McCormick Place. At Il Culaccino, you’ll enjoy unique wines and delicious plates accompanied by the friendly and superior service that has become the hallmark of Franco’s Restaurant Group, family-owned since 1989.Be prepared to have your senses thrilled at Il Culaccino, before or after exploring McCormick Square, Chicago’s most exciting and vibrant new entertainment district.

5. Acanto

4.8

Exceptional(3855)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown / Loop

Booked 37 times today

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Downtown Chicago's Loop, Acanto Restaurant + Wine Bar offers an exceptional Wine Bar experience that is a cut above the rest. Celebrated for its "dynamic wine program" that has earned a 3-star rating from World of Fine Wine and a two-glass “Best of Excellence” rating by Wine Spectator, Acanto is the go-to destination for wine aficionados. Patrons rave about the extensive selection, with one guest praising "the best pasta sauce imaginable," and another emphasizing the "perfect pairing" of their wine choice with the delectable Italian dishes. The ambiance is described as "perfect for a date night," making Acanto a must-visit for those seeking an authentic and sophisticated dining experience right across from Millennium Park. Whether it's for a casual happy hour or a refined dinner, the combination of exquisite wines and seasonally-driven Italian cuisine ensures a memorable outing.

A photo of Connie's Pizza in Bridgeport restaurant

6. Connie's Pizza in Bridgeport

4.7

Exceptional(741)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • South Loop

Booked 27 times today

Connie's Pizza in Bridgeport, nestled in Chicago's South Loop, is a true gem for authentic Pizza Bar cuisine. Renowned for its mouthwatering deep dish pizza, Connie's has been hailed as "the best pizza in Chicago" by avid diners. Each pizza, praised for its "divine" taste, is crafted from age-old recipes and baked to perfection, offering a true slice of Chicago right on your plate. The atmosphere is consistently described as great for families and large groups, with a warm, inviting vibe perfect for any gathering. As one reviewer raved, it's a place where the service is as excellent as the food, making every dining experience memorable. Whether it's the iconic deep dish or the innovative Italian Beef pizza, Connie's Pizza promises an unbeatable combination of delicious food and a welcoming environment, making it a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Chicago pizza.

7. The Florentine

4.4

Awesome(1307)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown / Loop

Booked 22 times today

Nestled in the heart of Chicago's vibrant Loop Financial district within the JW Marriott, The Florentine stands out as a paragon of Contemporary Italian cuisine. Its menu, celebrated for its simplicity and emphasis on superior ingredients, features top-notch imported Italian pastas, cheeses, salts, and meats alongside finely sourced local farm produce. Patrons consistently praise its offerings, with one noting, “The grilled octopus appetizer was FANTASTIC!” and another lauding the “absolute quality service, food, and libations.” Whether it's for an intimate dinner or a large gathering, The Florentine delivers an exquisite dining experience that captures the essence of authentic Italian fare with a modern twist.

A photo of Viaggio Ristorante and Lounge restaurant

8. Viaggio Ristorante and Lounge

4.9

Exceptional(2552)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • West Loop

Booked 31 times today

*PLEASE CALL TO SEE OTHER AVAILABLE RESERVATION TIMES*An authentic Italian dining experience in the heart of Chicago's lively West Loop neighborhoodWe offer an elegant and charming dining experience that keeps guests coming back again and again. Our large menu of regional Italian pastas, meats and fishes is rounded out by a selection of salads, soups, and decadent desserts. Popular staples like Rigatoni with Braised Pork Gravy and Eggplant Parmesan are served alongside Executive Chef Nicolas Biscaglio’s signature interpretations of classic Italian dishes. We use only the highest quality ingredients to ensure a deliciously memorable experience!As a hospitality-driven establishment, it’s our goal to make every guest that walks through the door feel like family. At Viaggio, we invite you to sit back, relax and enjoy!

A photo of Miss Ricky's Trattoria restaurant

9. Miss Ricky's Trattoria

4.6

Exceptional(815)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Downtown / Loop

Booked 51 times today

Miss Ricky's Trattoria in Downtown Chicago stands out as a beacon of authentic Pizzeria cuisine. Nestled in a historic building on N. Wabash, this vibrant eatery delights with its fresh, from-scratch Italian dishes crafted by Executive Chef Mike Alaridi. Diners consistently rave about the "top-notch" Italian sausage pizza and the "incredible" prosciutto and mushroom pizza, highlighting the quality and authenticity that Miss Ricky's brings to the table. One reviewer exclaimed, "The food was absolutely delicious! We had the lasagna, seafood pasta, and prosciutto and mushroom pizza and every dish was incredible." Whether you're seeking a casual brunch or a lively dinner, Miss Ricky's Trattoria promises an exceptional dining experience with fantastic service in the heart of Chicago.

A photo of Lou Malnati's - South Loop restaurant

10. Lou Malnati's - South Loop

4.5

Awesome(118)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • South Loop

Booked 56 times today

Lou Malnati's in South Loop, Chicago, is a treasure trove of authentic Italian cuisine, celebrated for its iconic deep-dish pizza. Celebrating over 50 years of culinary excellence, this establishment has mastered a menu that keeps patrons coming back for more. Diners rave about their experiences, noting the "buttery crust" and how the "service was outstanding." From the irresistible 'Lou' with its lush toppings to a heartwarming bruschetta, every dish is a testament to authentic Italian flavors. The ambiance, coupled with attentive service, makes it the go-to spot in Chicago for an Italian feast that's both genuine and delightful. As one reviewer puts it, "Best pizza I’ve ever eaten. Amazing family time in the center of chaos," Lou Malnati's stands as a hallmark of quality Italian dining in the heart of Chicago.

‘About the restaurant’ descriptions have been generated using an artificial intelligence model comprised of OpenTable proprietary data that has not been independently verified by OpenTable. The content is presented as-is, for informational purposes only.

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you

Z
Zhenni
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
I always love coming here! I brought my brother who was visiting. We tried their Carbonara Pizza. It’s a heavier pizza but delicious!! Definitely had to order the ricotta pillows for my brother to try. I had their $25 lunch and ordered the Arancini to start, Campanelle for my main and lastly ended with tiramisu. We shared all of that as well. It was amaazzzingggg per usual.
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Alla VitaPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• West Loop
•
4.8
M
Mary Jo
Chicago / Illinois •8 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
I would give this 5 stars except for the price - a bit steep for lunch -,but the food was amazing except for the risotto which was too sweet for a main course. I have just returned from Italy and I would say this food was very authentic. The calamari was exceptional and I’ve ordered it in a lot of places. I loved the ambiance and appreciated the quietness of the restaurant especially given that so many places thrive on a high noise level. We also enjoyed the music selection.
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AcantoPrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown / Loop
•
4.8
R
Richard
Chicago / Illinois •5 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Service was awesome. Food was very good. Meatball app a must.
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Dolce Arte - The Art of FoodPrice: Moderate• Italian• Bridgeport
•
4.7
T
Travis
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
4.0
Dined on 19 Dec 2024
Wish they could split a check at the register.. would have helped!
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Il CulaccinoPrice: Moderate• Italian• South Loop
•
4.1
C
CindyVIP
Chicago / Illinois •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on 17 Dec 2024
We loved Franco’s. Small neighborhood place with great food. We’ll be back!
More info
Franco's RistorantePrice: Moderate• Italian• Bridgeport
•
4.8

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Best Italian Restaurants in South Side

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123 restaurants available nearby

1. Alla Vita

2. Franco's Ristorante

3. Dolce Arte - The Art of Food

4. Il Culaccino

5. Acanto

6. Connie's Pizza in Bridgeport

7. The Florentine

8. Viaggio Ristorante and Lounge

9. Miss Ricky's Trattoria

10. Lou Malnati's - South Loop

See what locals rave about

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