Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Near North

Price

$$
$$$
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Regions

ChicagoNear WestNorthwest Suburbs

Neighborhoods

AvondaleBelmont Central / CraginBerwynBucktown / Wicker ParkDowntown / LoopGold Coast / Streeterville

Top Rated

CharmingGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for craft beerGreat for fine wines

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

19 restaurants available nearby

1. Ummo

4.4

Awesome(545)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 25 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.

2. Alla Vita

4.8

Exceptional(2390)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • West Loop

Booked 169 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.

3. Alpana

4.8

Exceptional(467)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Gold Coast / Streeterville

Booked 66 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.

4. Prosecco

4.4

Awesome(2777)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 13 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.

5. PIZZ'AMICI

4.8

Exceptional(42)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • West Town

Booked 31 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.

6. The Florentine

4.4

Awesome(1314)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Downtown / Loop

Booked 16 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.

7. Sapori Trattoria

4.7

Exceptional(4467)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Lincoln Park

Booked 54 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 Forno Mauri Italian Pizzeria restaurant

8. Forno Mauri Italian Pizzeria

4.7

Exceptional(6)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • South Loop

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.

9. Mano a Mano

4.7

Exceptional(153)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Logan Square

Booked 46 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.

10. Figo Wine Bar

4.4

Awesome(436)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Lakeview / East Lakeview

Booked 24 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.

‘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

K
KristinVIP
Kansas City / Kansas •3 reviews
5.0
Dined today
The only part that wasn't great was being seated at one of the two tables directly across from the entrance on a very cold night. Everything was perfect other than that 1 small thing.
More info
Alla VitaPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• West Loop
•
4.8
I
Isabella
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Server was really nice and the food was immaculate. 10/10 would recommend.
More info
The FlorentinePrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown / Loop
•
4.4
D
David
Cleveland / Akron / Canton •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Everything was fantastic about our experience! We loved Ken and meeting the two owners. We will be back!
More info
ProseccoPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• River North (Chicago)
•
4.4
A
Alex
Chicago / Illinois •26 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
The pizza is exquisite! This is what’s been missing in the neighborhood. Love the thin Italian-style pizza. Service was excellent as well.
More info
Forno Mauri Italian PizzeriaPrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• South Loop
•
4.7
M
Monika
Chicago / Illinois •3 reviews
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
So glad I was finally able to get in. We had an 8:45 reservation but they were able to seat us at 7:30 because of some no shows (snow storm, lucky us!). I was a fan of when they were slinging pizzas out of Pizza, Fried Chicken, Ice Cream in Bridgeport and I’m glad they have a storefront now, it’s still my favorite tavern style pizza in Chicago. It has a true cracker crust, one that no one else in Chicago has and it makes such a difference!
More info
PIZZ'AMICIPrice: Expensive• Pizza Bar• West Town
•
4.8

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