Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Chicago

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Regions

Chicago

Neighborhoods

Bucktown / Wicker ParkDowntown / LoopGold Coast / StreetervilleLakeview / East LakeviewLincoln ParkLittle Italy / University Village

Top Rated

CharmingFancyGood for business mealsGood for groupsGood for special occasionsGreat for fine wines

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeout only

Seating Options

BarCounterStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Accessibility

Wheelchair access

15 restaurants available nearby

How are Featured results ranked

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1. Alla Vita

4.8

Exceptional(2986)

$$$$

• Contemporary italian • West Loop

Booked 108 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.

2. PIZZ'AMICI

4.7

Exceptional(247)

$$$$

• Contemporary italian • West Town

Booked 9 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.

3. Ummo

4.5

Awesome(711)

$$$$

• Contemporary italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 13 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.

4. Alpana

4.7

Exceptional(1072)

$$$$

• Contemporary italian • Gold Coast / Streeterville

Booked 55 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.

5. Gibsons Italia

4.9

Exceptional(5492)

$$$$

• Contemporary italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 127 times today

Gibsons Italia, nestled in the vibrant River North neighborhood of Chicago, is a beacon of exceptional Seafood cuisine. Renowned for its "out-of-this-world" culinary offerings, patrons rave about the delicious seabass and exquisite oyster selection that grace the menu. This restaurant seamlessly blends Italian-inspired flavors with the superior quality that Gibsons is known for. Guests consistently applaud the "beyond delicious food" and the "fantastic" dining experience that awaits them. The ambiance, paired with stunning city views, creates an unforgettable setting to enjoy seafood delicacies. With unmatched service and a commitment to excellence, Gibsons Italia is a must-visit for seafood lovers.

6. Prosecco

4.5

Awesome(2766)

$$$$

• Contemporary italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 8 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.

7. Figo Wine Bar

4.4

Awesome(489)

$$$$

• Contemporary italian • Lakeview / East Lakeview

Booked 26 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.

8. Mano a Mano

4.7

Exceptional(335)

$$$$

• Contemporary italian • Logan Square

Booked 7 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.

9. Sapori Trattoria

4.7

Exceptional(4561)

$$$$

• Contemporary italian • Lincoln Park

Booked 87 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.

10. Unico Restaurante

5.0

Exceptional(31)

$$$$

• Contemporary italian • Lower West Side

Booked 15 times today

Welcome to Unico Restaurante we look forward to serving you.

‘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

S
Steve
Chicago / Illinois •11 reviews
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
Was very worried that the new restaurant would not live up to the old Il Vincinato’s (previously in that location), but after a few minutes, my worries were put to bed. Food was great, service was great. A hidden gem that more people should know about. Skip the pretensions and the high prices you find elsewhere, and come enjoy a fabulous meal here at reasonable costs.
More info
Unico Restaurante$$$$• Italian• Lower West Side
•
5
A
AlexisGold
Chicago / Illinois •6 reviews
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
Wonderful time and great service would go back again
More info
Alla Vita$$$$• Contemporary Italian• West Loop
•
4.8
R
Romy
Chicago / Illinois •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 7 days ago
Great brunch and drinks! Fabulous service and great music..not too loud. Definitely will be back.
More info
Mano a Mano$$$$• Italian• Logan Square
•
4.7
M
Matt
Cincinnati / Dayton •3 reviews
5.0
Dined on May 2, 2026
Great dinner and pizza. Highly recommend going. $60 for two people is a steal in downtown Chicago
More info
PIZZ'AMICI$$$$• Pizza Bar• West Town
•
4.7
S
susan
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined on Mar 18, 2026
The food was absolutely delicious, fresh, flavorful & hot when appropriate. We ordered the happy hour specials and couldn’t be happier with the quality and the portion size. Not to mention our gluten free pasta choice, you’d never know it.
More info
Prosecco$$$$• Contemporary Italian• River North (Chicago)
•
4.5

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