Enable JavaScript to run this app.
Skip to main content
OpenTable logo
  1. Home
  2. United States
  3. Chicago / Illinois

Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Downtown / Loop

Price
Regions
Neighborhoods
Dining Options
Seating Options
Award-winning
Accessibility

18 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Alla Vita restaurant
1. Alla Vita
4.8
Exceptional(2428)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • West Loop
Booked 174 times today
Alla Vita, located in the vibrant West Loop of Chicago, offers an exceptional Italian dining experience that truly stands out. Executive Chef Lee Wolen masterfully creates dishes using the finest ingredients, delivering "fresh, flavorful, and every bite better than the last." Guests rave about the delicious ricotta dumplings and vodka pasta, describing the food as "absolutely fabulous." The wood-fired table bread is a must-try, providing a "pillowy and delicious" start to any meal. The restaurant's warm, inviting atmosphere and attentive service make it a perfect spot for any occasion, ensuring Alla Vita "never fails to impress" its diners.
A photo of Alpana restaurant
2. Alpana
4.8
Exceptional(489)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Gold Coast / Streeterville
Booked 59 times today
Alpana, located in Chicago's vibrant Gold Coast district, is a haven for Italian cuisine enthusiasts seeking authentic flavors and exceptional dining experiences. Guided by the esteemed Alpana Singh, a Master Sommelier, the restaurant offers a menu that perfectly marries food and wine, creating "a symphony of balance, texture, and flavor." Diners consistently rave about the "outstanding food and attentive, friendly service," highlighting must-try dishes like the wild mushroom ravioli and the meticulously cooked salmon. With a cozy ambiance that feels like "the best dinner party ever," Alpana is truly a standout spot for both locals and visitors alike.
A photo of Prosecco restaurant
3. Prosecco
4.4
Awesome(2781)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 14 times today
Prosecco, nestled in the vibrant River North district of Chicago, is a haven for seafood aficionados seeking authentic Italian flavors. Renowned for its exquisite seafood dishes, guests rave about the "fresh and flavorful" offerings, with many praising the "excellent fish" and delightful seafood pasta. The restaurant's commitment to quality is evident in the "superb service" and "impeccable atmosphere" that complement its culinary delights. Diners are consistently impressed by the "top-notch service" and the way each seafood dish transports them to coastal Italy. Prosecco's seafood is a must-try for anyone looking to indulge in a genuine Italian dining experience.
A photo of PIZZ'AMICI restaurant
4. PIZZ'AMICI
4.8
Exceptional(59)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • West Town
Booked 33 times today
Nothing brings people together more than pizza. Serving up the best Chicago thin crust pizza and classic American Italian dishes for sit down or carry-out, PIZZ'AMICI is the perfect spot for a date night, special celebration or a fine glass of wine. No matter where you come from or who you come with, we guarantee you'll feel at home here and leave with few more friends.
A photo of Ummo restaurant
5. Ummo
4.4
Awesome(553)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 16 times today
UMMO is a contemporary Italian restaurant that unlocks the vibrant flavors of regional Italian cuisine in a colorful, beautifully imagined space.At UMMO, we present contemporary Italian cuisine that seamlessly combines his passion for Italian and American cultures. With a focus on simplicity and quality ingredients sourced from around the globe, UMMO offers fine, house-made pastas, decadent cheese and meat selections, vibrant vegetables, hearty proteins, delicate seafood, and more. As the menu changes frequently to reflect seasonal and new discoveries, guests can experience the full breadth of what Italy has to offer.Join us at UMMO for an unforgettable culinary journey.
A photo of The Florentine restaurant
6. The Florentine
4.4
Awesome(1313)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Downtown / Loop
Booked 27 times today
The Florentine, nestled in the heart of Chicago's vibrant Loop Financial district at the JW Marriott, is a hidden gem for Contemporary Italian cuisine. With a menu that artfully balances simplicity and quality, it features top-notch imported Italian pastas, cheeses, and meats alongside local farm ingredients. Diners rave about the "fantastic grilled octopus appetizer" and the "wonderfully fresh, delicious, and well-seasoned entrees." The restaurant's ambiance is both elegant and warm, providing an ideal setting for intimate dinners or lively group gatherings. The Florentine's attentive service and culinary excellence make it a must-visit destination for Italian food enthusiasts.
A photo of Forno Mauri Italian Pizzeria restaurant
7. Forno Mauri Italian Pizzeria
4.7
Exceptional(7)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • South Loop
Booked 6 times today
Northern Italian pizzeria, Forno Mauri, brings the oldest traditions of Milano bakeries to the heart of Printer’s Row with its 14’’ thin crust Tonda Classica and all-Italian imported ingredients, including the best Fiordilatte mozzarella from Agerola. Owner of Sofi Italian in Chicago, Maurizio Michi is a Milanese and NYC restaurateur who has catered to the world’s most high profile clientele from fashion designers, film stars, musicians, and artists to business executives and royals.
A photo of Sapori Trattoria restaurant
8. Sapori Trattoria
4.7
Exceptional(4474)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Lincoln Park
Booked 51 times today
Sapori Trattoria in Chicago's Lincoln Park is a gem for seafood lovers seeking quality and authenticity. Diners rave about the "phenomenal seafood dishes," which truly set this cozy Italian spot apart. The charred octopus is described as "a must," and the Calabrian clams are a "go-to if you love spice!" The restaurant's commitment to fresh, well-prepared dishes shines through every meal, offering a delightful escape into the flavors of the sea. Combined with a warm, welcoming atmosphere and attentive service, Sapori Trattoria promises a memorable dining experience that keeps patrons returning for more of its exquisite seafood offerings.
A photo of Exchequer Restaurant & Pub restaurant
9. Exchequer Restaurant & Pub
4.4
Awesome(73)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Downtown / Loop
Booked 18 times today
Exchequer Restaurant & Pub, affectionately known as "The Ex," is a hidden gem in downtown Chicago, renowned for its authentic Pizzeria cuisine. With a legacy spanning over 50 years, this family-owned establishment has become a beloved staple for locals and visitors alike. "Best deep dish pizza I've had, no joke," raves one satisfied patron, echoing the sentiment of many who frequent this cozy spot. Rated #1 for Deep Dish Pizza by the Chicago Tribune, Exchequer continues to impress with its "phenomenal food" and "great atmosphere." It's an ideal destination for those seeking the perfect blend of flavor, history, and Chicago charm.
A photo of Mano a Mano restaurant
10. Mano a Mano
4.7
Exceptional(164)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Logan Square
Booked 32 times today
Mano a Mano in Logan Square, Chicago, is a shining star of Contemporary Italian cuisine, offering a dining experience that beautifully marries traditional recipes with modern flair. This restaurant has captivated diners with its "phenomenal" in-house pasta dishes and a "well-thought-out" wine list featuring 100% Italian grapes. The cozy ambiance, enhanced by warm lighting and walnut paneling, creates an inviting atmosphere that complements the "fantastic, friendly service." Guests rave about the "creative and well-executed" dishes, often describing meals as "some of the best pasta dishes in the city." Whether it's the exquisite food or personal service, Mano a Mano truly stands out.

How is content generated

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you

Discover best Contemporary Italian restaurants in Downtown / Loop

Discover the essence of contemporary Italian cuisine in the vibrant Downtown / Loop area of Chicago. This district, known for its dynamic dining scene, offers a selection of restaurants that beautifully blend traditional Italian techniques with modern culinary innovations. Patrons can expect menus rich with top-quality imported Italian ingredients like pastas, cheeses, and meats, alongside locally sourced produce ensuring freshness in every dish. Each restaurant in this locale is celebrated for its unique atmosphere, ranging from casual chic to sophisticated elegance, catering to a variety of dining preferences. The service across these establishments is consistently praised for being attentive and exemplary, enhancing the overall dining experience. Whether you're a local food enthusiast or a visitor looking to indulge in authentic, yet contemporary Italian dishes, the Downtown / Loop area promises an unforgettable culinary journey. Dive into the heart of Chicago's Italian dining excellence where every meal is a testament to the rich culinary heritage and innovative spirit of Italy.

Explore OpenTable

Discover
OpenTable
  • About Us
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Press
More
Our sites
Businesses
  • Delight more diners
Join us on
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
Copyright © 2024 OpenTable, Inc. 1 Montgomery St Ste 500, San Francisco CA 94104 - All rights reserved.
OpenTable is part of Booking Holdings, the world leader in online travel and related services.
Booking Logo
Priceline Logo
KAYAK Logo
Agoda Logo
OpenTable Logo