Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Old Town

17 restaurants available nearby

1. Alla Vita

4.8

Exceptional(2301)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • West Loop

Booked 133 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.

2. Prosecco

4.5

Awesome(2762)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 12 times today

Prosecco, nestled in Chicago's vibrant River North Gallery District, is a culinary gem renowned for its exceptional seafood offerings. Diners consistently rave about the freshness and quality of dishes, with one patron describing the seafood pasta as "full of flavor" and another exclaiming that they had the "best cooked scallops of my life." The authenticity of Prosecco's seafood cuisine shines through in every dish, from the seared halibut to the frutti di mare pasta, all masterfully prepared to highlight the natural tastes and textures. Seafood lovers looking for an unforgettable dining experience will find Prosecco the perfect spot to indulge in the true flavors of the ocean.

3. PIZZ'AMICI

new

4.8

Exceptional(12)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • West Town

Booked 15 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.

4. Sapori Trattoria

4.7

Exceptional(4434)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Lincoln Park

Booked 48 times today

Sapori Trattoria, nestled in the vibrant neighborhoods of Lincoln Park and Lakeview in Chicago, is your go-to destination for exceptional seafood. This cozy Italian restaurant is renowned for its authentic dishes, including the must-try Lobster Ravioli and the exquisite seafood risotto. Patrons rave about the quality, with one diner mentioning, "The fried branzino special was delicious, and the seafood risotto was perfect." The attention to freshness and quality shines through in every dish, making it a beloved spot for seafood lovers. As one reviewer put it, "Best Italian food I have had in a long time. Fresh and very good flavor combos." At Sapori Trattoria, every seafood dish is a celebration of Italian culinary excellence right in the heart of Chicago.

5. Ummo

4.3

Awesome(497)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 23 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.

6. Mano a Mano

4.7

Exceptional(102)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Logan Square

Booked 19 times today

Mano a Mano in Logan Square, Chicago, is a beacon of Contemporary Italian cuisine that has captivated the neighborhood with its exceptional culinary offerings. Celebrated for its "perfectly balanced" dishes that make flavors "play a concert on your tastebuds," this restaurant stands out for its commitment to quality and authenticity. The rave reviews highlight the "delightful" prosciutto ravioli and the "divine" zucchini flowers, underscoring the restaurant's ability to turn classic Italian ingredients into contemporary masterpieces. The ambiance, described as a "sexy Porto Fino bar from the 70s," complements the dining experience, making Mano a Mano not just a meal, but a memorable event. With a wine list exclusively featuring Italian grapes and a menu that promises an "absolute home run," this spot is a must-visit for anyone seeking the best of Italian dining in Chicago.

7. The Florentine

4.4

Awesome(1304)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary 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.

8. etta Bucktown

new

4.5

Awesome(6)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Belmont Central / Cragin

Booked 17 times today

At etta Bucktown, we’re proud to be a local favorite for neighborhood Italian dining. Known for our wood-fired dishes and relaxed, welcoming vibe, we’re open daily for lunch and dinner, plus we offer a lively brunch every Saturday and Sunday. Whether you're here for a casual meal or a celebratory gathering, Etta is where Bucktown comes to eat, drink, and connect.

9. Figo Wine Bar

new

4.5

Awesome(426)

Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Lakeview / East Lakeview

Booked 8 times today

Figo Wine Bar invigorates the best qualities of an Italian wine bar. A menu incorporating foreign cuisines into a traditional Italian menu and a sommelier-selected wine list encourage a new and exciting experience. Our beverage menu includes an extensive wine list and beautiful craft/classic cocktail selection, all pastas are made in house and we source all of our ingredients locally.

10. Chop Shop

4.7

Exceptional(416)

Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Bucktown / Wicker Park

Chop Shop, nestled in the vibrant Bucktown / Wicker Park area of Chicago, stands out as a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine. This unique establishment combines an authentic salumeria with a gourmet butcher shop, offering high-quality meats and cheeses sourced from around the world and local farms. Diners rave about the evolving menu that draws from seasonal items, ensuring a fresh and innovative dining experience. Highlights include the "delicious" dry-aged steak and "fantastic" burger, complemented by a craft beverage program. Guests consistently praise the "great ambiance" and "top-notch" service, making Chop Shop a must-visit for those seeking a truly remarkable American culinary adventure.

‘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

C
Carrie
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
Best staff. Best food. Best vibes. Will return over and over.
More info
Mano a ManoPrice: Expensive• Italian• Logan Square
•
4.7
R
RyanVIP
Chicago / Illinois •58 reviews
4.0
Dined 2 days ago
Great fresh pasta, but the overall taste was missing something. Dessert was very tasty. Service was polite and attentive.
More info
Sapori TrattoriaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Lincoln Park
•
4.7
C
Christine
Seattle / Eastern Washington •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
The table bread is a must. The Cacio e Pepe pillows (so fluffy) and Rigatoni (just a little spicy in a good way) were delicious! Fried potatoes and delicate squash were excellent. Roasted chicken was just a little crispy and so flavorful. Soppressata pizza was sweet and salty. So good. Can’t wait for leftovers. Tossed salad was just ok IMO.
More info
Alla VitaPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• West Loop
•
4.8
H
HannahVIP
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Excellent pizza. Meatballs and salad were also very good! Can’t wait to go back when they have a liquor license.
More info
PIZZ'AMICIPrice: Expensive• Pizza Bar• West Town
•
4.8
A
Annalise
Tampa / Central Florida West •4 reviews
5.0
Dined on Dec 9, 2024
Read this twice…This is the best Italian restaurant in the city. Been coming here for 5+ years and never a miss. Not just that, but every single time our experience is absolutely memorable. Mark and the team prioritize quality food with impeccable hospitality. It always feels like you are stepping into the home of your family, which can be hard to imagine in the bustle of river north. There are plenty of more lavish or expensive spots to do Italian food, but I promise you that few hold a candle to this establishment. Last night we celebrated my mom’s birthday and her and my dad requested Prosecco for the celebration. The team here made it incredibly special for her and we were able to share a wonderful meal. They ask to come here every time they visit from Florida! We always look forward to returning:)
More info
ProseccoPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• River North (Chicago)
•
4.5

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Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Old Town

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17 restaurants available nearby

1. Alla Vita

2. Prosecco

3. PIZZ'AMICI

4. Sapori Trattoria

5. Ummo

6. Mano a Mano

7. The Florentine

8. etta Bucktown

9. Figo Wine Bar

10. Chop Shop

See what locals rave about

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