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These old-fashioned Italian-American joints have that certain bada-bing: a little swagger, a little home-cooked charm. Many of these long-standing family restaurants make their pasta in-house.
Time Out Chicago: They specialize in rustic dishes from Siena. Tucked between the chicken Vesuvio and the stuffed shells are a ravioli filled with porcini mushrooms and a spirited rendition of penne alla puttanesca.
Time Out Chicago: While it may not be doing anything new, its brand of Italian classics is impeccably executed. Thin-crust Margherita pizzas explode with the flavors of basil, garlic and fresh mozzarella.
Italian Restaurant · River North · 29 tips and reviews
Time Out Chicago: Despite a renovation, it's still the same. Regress to old habits: massive portions of lasagna, soft roast beef, carafes of watery Chianti and—this is crucial—some pasta with Lago’s meat sauce.
Italian Restaurant · Bucktown · 62 tips and reviews
Time Out Chicago: The place is always packed, thanks to a dependable Italian menu with standouts like grilled calamari and escarole with sausage and beans. If you’re kidphobic, go late for signature martinis.
Italian Restaurant · West Town · 7 tips and reviews
Time Out Chicago: Try the thin eggplant rolled around a mound of tri-color ravioli pocket filled with lobster. For dessert: an enormous pile of mascarpone that’s dotted with broken cannoli shells to scoop it all up.
Italian Restaurant · Old Irving Park · 42 tips and reviews
Time Out Chicago: Couples should snag a booth, the perfect spot for sipping a bottle of Chianti and enjoying signature cheesy garlic bread. Ricotta-filled manicotti and gnocchi in meat sauce won’t disappoint.