Best Italian Restaurants in South Side

Price: Moderate (365)Price: Expensive (215)Price: Very Expensive (70)

116 restaurants available nearby

1. Alla Vita

4.8

Exceptional(2138)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • West Loop

Booked 172 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.

A photo of Franco's Ristorante restaurant

2. Franco's Ristorante

4.8

Exceptional(638)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Bridgeport

Booked 9 times today

Franco's Ristorante is widely recognized as a haven for outstanding Italian cuisine in the city. With rave reviews describing it as "the best Italian restaurant in the city," the restaurant boasts high-quality service and excellent Italian dishes. Its loyal customers frequently describe the food as "absolutely delicious," "fantastic," and "outstanding." The "small but comfortable" establishment not only offers an authentic Italian atmosphere, but also ensures a clean and friendly environment. Whether you're stopping by before a White Sox game or indulging in a leisurely lunch, Franco's Ristorante promises an exceptional dining experience with its attentive staff and diverse, flawlessly-prepared menu.

A photo of Dolce Arte - The Art of Food restaurant

3. Dolce Arte - The Art of Food

5.0

Exceptional(3)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Bridgeport

Embark on a culinary journey to Italy at Dolce Arte - The Art of Food, where freshly baked Italian pastries meet exquisite LavAzza coffee. Indulge in our delectable breakfast and weekend brunch menu, savor our locally crafted lunch, and delight in our tantalizing dinner options. Enjoy locally sourced finds from our lunch menu in our spacious and cozy dining room. Have a glass of wine straight from Antinori vineyards paired with a seasonal pasta for dinner. Stop by for weekend brunch or late night cocktails! Don't forget to explore all the wonders that the eclectic Morgan Arts Complex has to offer before you go. We are so happy you’re here!

4. Il Culaccino

4.3

Awesome(1047)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • South Loop

Booked 41 times today

Il Culaccino, located conveniently close to Chicago's downtown and McCormick Center, has garnered rave reviews for its excellent and authentic Italian cuisine. Patrons have praised the restaurant's food as "the best Italian food" they've had, going as far as comparing the culinary creations favourably to those available in Italy. The service is also lauded as exceptional, with servers like Bobby and Marissa receiving special mentions for their professionalism. The ambience is described as a mix of retro and Italian, apt for business, casual dining, or dates. The daily specials, excellent presentation, and sizable portions extend the variety of the Italian fare, making Il Culaccino a recommended destination for both personal and business dining.

A photo of Connie's Pizza in Bridgeport restaurant

5. Connie's Pizza in Bridgeport

4.7

Exceptional(718)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • South Loop

Booked 5 times today

Connie's Pizza in Bridgeport is highly acclaimed for its authentic Italian cuisine, particularly its delicious pizza. According to numerous customer reviews, the restaurant's food is not only enjoyable, but the experience is also enhanced by the friendly and attentive staff, who offer excellent service. Reviews emphasize the consistency of the delectable food, whether it's a "pan sausage and pepperoni pizza", or "gluten-free 14 inch thin crust pizza". The restaurant's inviting atmosphere makes it ideal for family gatherings, making every visit a "nostalgic special treat". Moreover, customers' loyalty is evident, with one patron stating, "Every time I visit Chicago, I always arrange to go there." The overall experience at Connie's Pizza leaves customers satisfied and longing to return.

A photo of Miss Ricky's Trattoria restaurant

6. Miss Ricky's Trattoria

4.5

Awesome(726)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Downtown / Loop

Booked 17 times today

Miss Ricky's offers an extraordinary Italian dining experience, as evident from the raving reviews. This restaurant boasts dishes like salmon pappardelle that customers describe as "fabulous," and the "ridiculously good" pasta, indicating their commitment to authentic Italian cuisine. It also serves amazing pizzas, adding variety to their menu. Besides the high-quality food, patrons appreciated the attentive service by various staff members, contributing to the overall great dining experience. The location, nestled in the heart of the city, adds to its appeal. Free drinks during Happy Hour, reasonable pricing, and the ability to accommodate large parties, are other highlights mentioned by the customers. The consistent praise in the reviews indicates a dedication to quality food and service and a promise for returning visits.

7. Acanto

4.7

Exceptional(3744)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Downtown / Loop

Booked 65 times today

Acanto has been praised for its exceptional authentic Italian cuisine. Reviews showcase the impressive quality, highlighting the "great authentic food, impressive wine list and terrific service" as key features that make dining at Acanto an amazing experience. Many patrons, including those of Italian descent, hold the restaurant in high esteem, applauding it for consistently exceeding expectations. The authenticity of Acanto's Italian cuisine is further emphasized by the presence of Italian-based cocktails and the in-house preparation of fresh pasta. The squid ink pasta has been described as the "best pasta ever had" by a satisfied customer. Overall, Acanto's gastronomic excellence, coupled with attentive service and a pleasant atmosphere, solidifies its status as a "cut above Italian cuisine."

A photo of Lou Malnati's - South Loop restaurant

8. Lou Malnati's - South Loop

4.6

Exceptional(82)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • South Loop

Booked 25 times today

No true Chicago experience is complete without a visit to one of the oldest names in Deep Dish Pizza: Lou Malnati’s. Located on South State Street in the South Loop of Chicago, Lou’s South Loop is convenient to the McCormick Center, Soldier Field and Grant Park. Enjoy Legendary Chicago Deep Dish and thin crust at the place that’s been perfecting it for 50+ years. A cozy experience awaits ... whether you’ve been at a sporting event, sightseeing, or out for a night of jazz, Lou Malnati’s South Avenue is the perfect spot to satiate your deep dish cravings.

9. Sofi Restaurant

4.6

Exceptional(1621)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • South Loop

Booked 10 times today

Sofi Restaurant is widely recognized as a prime Italian dining spot in Chicago. Patrons have been consistently dazzled by the authenticity of its dishes, the range of its menu, and its impressive wine selection. The restaurant has been praised by various critics for its fantastic service, with many customers highlighting the exceptional attention they receive while dining there. Signature dishes such as the veal ravioli, chicken Emiliana, and tiramisu have received overwhelming approval. An Italian native even affirmed it as the best traditional Italian restaurant in Chicago, and their go-to place while in the city. Whether it's the classic Italian ambiance or the high-quality cuisine, Sofi Restaurant leaves an indelible mark.

10. Tuscany on Taylor

4.9

Exceptional(2169)

Price: Moderate

• Italian • Little Italy / University Village

Booked 10 times today

Tuscany on Taylor is touted as the best Italian restaurant in Chicago, delivering an impeccable dining experience with an authentic Italian ambiance. From its consistently outstanding service to its diverse and delicious menu that covers many regions of Italy, this restaurant has left a strong impression on many food lovers. Customers commend not only the quality of food--from the perfectly done scallops to the fresh pasta and amazing pear ravioli--but also the notably excellent service. Sizeable portions, often enough for a second meal, and the best cannolis ever according to a diner, affirm it as a go-to place for Italian cuisine. The restaurant offers an outdoor dining experience, maintaining its charm and quality service regardless of the setting.

‘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.

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