Diners' Choice: Contemporary Italian restaurants in Chicago / Illinois

OpenTable

Updated July 05, 2025

Looking for restaurants with the best overall Contemporary Italian cuisine in Chicago / Illinois? You’re in the right place. Each month OpenTable analyses more than 400,000 new diner reviews. We sort the results by category to help you discover new favourites. It's a great partnership: you reserve, eat, and review. We listen...and deliver the results for all to benefit. Enjoy!

Nonna Silvias Trattoria and Pizzeria

4.8

4.8 (1843)

$30 and under

Contemporary Italian

Park Ridge

About the restaurant

Nonna Silvia's is a popular neighborhood restaurant nestled between Park Ridge and Edison Park. Family owned for 25 years, Chefs Steve Marti & John Giannini have been cooking authentic, regional Italian cuisine (from central Italy) since opening the restaurant. Inspired by and named after their grandmother, Silvia Giannini, Nonna Silvia's offers homemade hand crafted pastas, fresh seafood, specialty pizzas, and a choice selection of local, Midwestern meats. We feature a collection of more than 60 wines (many of our wines are award-winning, Wine Spectator rated) from all over the world as well as craft beer and signature craft cocktails. Our restaurant has a warm and intimate Tuscan ambiance and a popular outdoor patio. Come and join us for a memorable meal and experience!

Top review

beccaVIP

Dined 7 days ago

Always a great meal. Outside was delightful Bob & Becca

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Popular dish

Grilled Calamari

Alla Vita

4.8

4.8 (2583)

$31 to $50

Contemporary Italian

West Loop

About the restaurant

Serving a casual, family-style menu, Alla Vita is a place to gather and enjoy comfortable Italian cuisine. Alla Vita means “to life” in Italian which recognizes overcoming life's challenges and creating a space for shared meals and memorable experiences. Executive Chef Lee Wolen shares his passion for fresh, delicious Italian food made simply with the best ingredients.

From July 23 to July 26, we’ll be hosting a multi-night experience exclusively for Chase Sapphire Reserve® cardmembers. Book now: https://www.opentable.com/r/alla-vita-chi/sapphire-summer-reserved

Follow @allavitachicago to stay up-to-date with the latest happenings.

Top review

JeffreyB

Dined 4 days ago

Great experience.....food,.setting, service, beverages, all top notch

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Forno Mauri Italian Pizzeria

4.7

4.7 (15)

$30 and under

Contemporary Italian

South Loop

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

JyotiVIP

Dined on Jul 5, 2025

The pizza was outstanding. So, too were the two appetizers we had: zucchini flowers and arancini. Our waiter was attentive and very friendly. Unfortunately, the pizza place lives up to its name: Forno Mauri is a forno (oven). Because the pizza ovens are situated in the dining room and don't have a hood system to ventilate the space properly, the place was unbearably hot. Furthermore, there is a state-of-the-art espresso machine that the waitstaff did not know how to operate. The waiter tried his best to make an espresso, but without training, he couldn't do it. He was apologetic, but it wasn't his fault. Thank goodness the food was excellent; however, go prepared to be uncomfortably warm in there.

Prosecco

4.7

4.7 (2797)

$31 to $50

Contemporary Italian

River North (Chicago)

About the restaurant

PROSECCO, in the heart of the River North Gallery District, is a chic, yet welcoming restaurant serving comfort foods from all 20 regions of Italy and Chicago's largest selection of sparkling wine.

Enjoy classic comfort foods -- from house-made pasta to nightly beef, fish and game menu additions.

Prices are moderate, but those wishing to indulge in an evening of culinary mischief will not be disappointed!

Top review

SteveVIP

Dined 6 days ago

We took my in laws from Seattle there for dinner, the food and service were all excellent. We have been here a number of times over the years and food and service are always good. Highly Recommend.

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Experience

Happy Hour at Prosecco in the Bar

Blue Fire Restaurant

4.6

4.6 (70)

$31 to $50

Contemporary Italian

Oak Park

About the restaurant

Blue Fire is located in Elmwood Park, Illinois, and specializes in serving authentic European cuisine. This restaurant offers catering services and is perfect for family dinners, business meetings, or meeting with friends. Blue Fire also offers packages for private events.

The menu at Blue Fire includes main dishes, salads, pastas, seafood, burgers, shawarma, pizzas, desserts, and much more. We also have a children's menu and vegetarian dishes. Popular dishes include rigatoni alla vodka, Alfredo pasta, pork medallions, steak, beef stroganoff, dark side of the sea, arugula fusion roast beef, and fried calamari. Offered desserts include tiramisu, cheesecake, medovik, and mille-feuille.

Top review

Raquel

Dined 2 days ago

I’ve visited Blue Fire in Elmwood Park a few times now, and it’s quickly become one of my favorite local spots. During a previous lunch visit, I had a vegetarian meal with hot tea—everything was fresh, flavorful, and honestly excellent. My most recent visit was this past Saturday, and the atmosphere was just as great—live jazz, ice-cold beer in a frosty mug, and that relaxed, welcoming vibe that makes you want to stay a while. I ordered the chicken limone, which had good flavor, but a few pieces were a bit rubbery—possibly slightly undercooked. I didn’t say anything at the time because everything else was so enjoyable, and I didn’t want to wait for a new dish. That said, the service was fantastic as always, and I truly appreciate how consistent the staff is in making guests feel welcome. I’ll absolutely be back again soon. Blue Fire is a gem in Elmwood Park—highly recommend!

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Experience

FREE PIZZA On Your First Visit

etta Bucktown

4.6

4.6 (36)

$50 and over

Contemporary Italian

Bucktown / Wicker Park

About the restaurant

At etta Bucktown, we’re proud to be a local favorite for neighborhood Italian dining. Known for our wood-fired dishes and relaxed, welcoming vibe, we’re open daily for lunch and dinner, plus we offer a lively brunch every Saturday and Sunday. Whether you're here for a casual meal or a celebratory gathering, Etta is where Bucktown comes to eat, drink, and connect.
To book parties of 9 or more, please visit our website at https://www.ettarestaurant.com/bucktown/about

Top review

Lauren

Dined on Jul 6, 2025

Etta was a lovely experience. The wait staff was very helpful in choosing items that were gluten free. Food portions were appropriate and the food was delicious. Good value.

Passero

4.5

4.5 (1050)

$30 and under

Contemporary Italian

Arlington Heights

About the restaurant

Passero is a trattoria-inspired American restaurant located in downtown Arlington Heights. It is the collaboration of Italian-American heritage over many generations and the culinary interpretations of Chef Matt Peota. By sourcing ingredients from the surrounding areas the dishes also reflect the seasonality of the Midwest.

Passero translates to “sparrow” in Italian, and like the sparrow this neighborhood eatery symbolizes joy, creativity and hard work. Passero serves as a reminder that busy hands and minds promote a happy and full life.

Top review

Nikki

Dined 2 days ago

Haven’t been here in a while and it was amazing!! They redid the menu and everything we ordered was perfect!

Fiamme

4.4

4.4 (1992)

$30 and under

Contemporary Italian

Naperville

About the restaurant

Fiamme Pizzeria Napoletana pulls inspiration from the flames of its blazing hot pizza oven, producing exquisite Italian dishes influenced by the traditions of Naples. Our true star of the show is the new kid on the block Detroit, pan style pizza that takes your tastes buds on a trip to remember from the caramelized cheese crown to the cloud like crust. Far more spirited than the average pizzeria, Fiamme provides an excellent and unique selection of wines and craft beers to go along with its impassioned cuisine.In addition to offering imported ingredients to ensure the most authentic Italian dishes, you will also find dairy-free and gluten-free options to meet the needs of any guest. Baked at 900 to 1000 degrees in an oak-fired brick oven, this pizza is sure to please anyone who loves a good slice. Make your next night out a special experience with a trip to Fiamme Pizzeria Napoletana in Naperville, Illinois.

Top review

kathy

Dined 4 days ago

Always a nice time at Fiammé, good food, atmosphere and staff. Highly recommend.

Figo Wine Bar

4.6

4.6 (455)

$31 to $50

Contemporary Italian

Lakeview / East Lakeview

About the restaurant

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.

Top review

Bradley

Dined on Jun 28, 2025

Bartender, Host, and the entire staff were attentive, knowledgeable, and helpful with our bags as we came straight from the airport to Figo.

North Shore Bistro

4.4

4.4 (144)

$31 to $50

Contemporary Italian

Highland Park

About the restaurant

A fun and exciting new addition to the North Shore! Located at 250 Skokie Blvd. in Northbrook, North Shore Bistro is a mix of modern Italian Cuisine and high end handcrafted cocktails! Open until 2 AM Friday and Saturday we are bringing the night life back to Northbrook! But don't forget the food! We have all of Chef Marciano's specials that made the place so special in the past! Come in today, see all the new decor, and try an amazing meal paired with some delicious drinks or a bottle of wine from our handpicked wine list!

Top review

LisaVIP

Dined 5 days ago

We enjoyed our delicious dinner of chicken and whitefish. Our drinks were very good and our service was excellent. Thanks

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