Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in North Lawndale

Best staff. Best food. Best vibes. Will return over and over.

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.

Excellent pizza. Meatballs and salad were also very good! Can’t wait to go back when they have a liquor license.

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:)

If you're looking for a restaurant that combines incredible food with a cozy, welcoming atmosphere, Unico Restaurante is the place to be. The ambiance is perfect for any occasion—whether you're planning a romantic date night, a relaxed family dinner, or a fun group outing. It's intimate, yet lively, creating the perfect setting for enjoying a great meal with loved ones. We started with the appetizers, and both the fried calamari and patatas bravas were standouts. The calamari was light and crispy, served with a sweet chili sauce that was the perfect compliment. The patatas bravas were packed with flavor—crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a smoky, spicy kick. For our entrees, the skirt steak with yuca fries was absolutely out of this world. The steak was cooked to perfection—tender, juicy, and full of flavor—while the yuca fries added a unique and delicious twist. We also tried the gnocchi in red pepper cream sauce, and it was heavenly. The gnocchi was soft and pillowy, and the creamy sauce was rich and satisfying. But the real showstopper? The desserts. Each one was not only beautifully presented but tasted even better than we expected. From the first bite, we knew they were the star of the meal. The flavors were exceptional—sweet, balanced, and decadent without being overly indulgent. Everything on the menu sounded amazing, and we’re already planning our next visit to try even more dishes. Unico Restaurante has certainly earned a spot on our list of favorites, and we can’t wait to return for another memorable dining experience. Highly recommend!