Close Icon
Gear IconImportant Reminder:The City Guide app will be sunsetting on December 15, 2024, with the web version to follow in early 2025. Please visit our FAQ to learn more or to download our Swarm app.
Learn more
Classic red-sauce joints
Bruna's Ristorante is one of Classic red-sauce joints.

1. Bruna's Ristorante

7.1
2424 S Oakley Ave (24th Pl), Chicago, IL
Italian Restaurant · Pilsen · 9 tips and reviews

Time Out ChicagoTime 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.

Caponie's Trattoria is one of Classic red-sauce joints.

2. Caponie's Trattoria

7419 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL
Pizzeria · Northwest Side · 15 tips and reviews

Time Out ChicagoTime 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.

Club Lago is one of Classic red-sauce joints.

3. Club Lago

7.7
331 W Superior St (at N Orleans St), Chicago, IL
Italian Restaurant · River North · 29 tips and reviews

Time Out ChicagoTime 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.

Club Lucky is one of Classic red-sauce joints.

4. Club Lucky

9.0
1824 W Wabansia Ave (at N Honore St), Chicago, IL
Italian Restaurant · Bucktown · 62 tips and reviews

Time Out ChicagoTime 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.

Natalino's is one of Classic red-sauce joints.

5. Natalino's

1523 W Chicago Ave, Chicago, IL
Italian Restaurant · West Town · 7 tips and reviews

Time Out ChicagoTime 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.

Sabatino's Restaurant Chicago is one of Classic red-sauce joints.

6. Sabatino's Restaurant Chicago

4441 W Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL
Italian Restaurant · Old Irving Park · 42 tips and reviews

Time Out ChicagoTime 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.