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Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in River North (Chicago)

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17 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Ummo restaurant
1. Ummo
4.3
Awesome(497)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 23 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.
A photo of Alla Vita restaurant
2. Alla Vita
4.8
Exceptional(2300)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • West Loop
Booked 133 times today
Alla Vita, nestled in Chicago's vibrant West Loop, is a beacon of contemporary Italian cuisine that delights with its casual, family-style dining. Celebrating life's triumphs, Alla Vita offers a menu bursting with authenticity and flavor. Executive Chef Lee Wolen's passion is evident in every dish, from the heavenly Whipped Ricotta with orange blossom honey to the exquisite burrata with hazelnuts. Patrons rave about the unforgettable "burrata app with toasted bread," and the "rigatoni alla vodka," describing them as "mouth-watering" and "incredible." The ambiance, described as "vibrant and beautiful," complements the culinary experience, making Alla Vita a must-visit for anyone seeking the finest in contemporary Italian fare in Chicago.
A photo of Prosecco restaurant
3. Prosecco
4.5
Awesome(2762)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 13 times today
Prosecco, nestled in Chicago's vibrant River North Gallery District, is a culinary gem renowned for its exceptional seafood offerings. Diners consistently rave about the freshness and quality of dishes, with one patron describing the seafood pasta as "full of flavor" and another exclaiming that they had the "best cooked scallops of my life." The authenticity of Prosecco's seafood cuisine shines through in every dish, from the seared halibut to the frutti di mare pasta, all masterfully prepared to highlight the natural tastes and textures. Seafood lovers looking for an unforgettable dining experience will find Prosecco the perfect spot to indulge in the true flavors of the ocean.
A photo of PIZZ'AMICI restaurant
4. PIZZ'AMICI
new
4.8
Exceptional(12)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • West Town
Booked 17 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.
A photo of The Florentine restaurant
5. The Florentine
4.4
Awesome(1304)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Downtown / Loop
Booked 28 times today
Nestled in the heart of Chicago's vibrant Loop Financial district within the JW Marriott, The Florentine stands out as a paragon of Contemporary Italian cuisine. Its menu, celebrated for its simplicity and emphasis on superior ingredients, features top-notch imported Italian pastas, cheeses, salts, and meats alongside finely sourced local farm produce. Patrons consistently praise its offerings, with one noting, “The grilled octopus appetizer was FANTASTIC!” and another lauding the “absolute quality service, food, and libations.” Whether it's for an intimate dinner or a large gathering, The Florentine delivers an exquisite dining experience that captures the essence of authentic Italian fare with a modern twist.
A photo of Sapori Trattoria restaurant
6. Sapori Trattoria
4.7
Exceptional(4434)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Lincoln Park
Booked 43 times today
Sapori Trattoria, nestled in the vibrant neighborhoods of Lincoln Park and Lakeview in Chicago, is your go-to destination for exceptional seafood. This cozy Italian restaurant is renowned for its authentic dishes, including the must-try Lobster Ravioli and the exquisite seafood risotto. Patrons rave about the quality, with one diner mentioning, "The fried branzino special was delicious, and the seafood risotto was perfect." The attention to freshness and quality shines through in every dish, making it a beloved spot for seafood lovers. As one reviewer put it, "Best Italian food I have had in a long time. Fresh and very good flavor combos." At Sapori Trattoria, every seafood dish is a celebration of Italian culinary excellence right in the heart of Chicago.
A photo of Mano a Mano restaurant
7. Mano a Mano
4.7
Exceptional(101)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Logan Square
Booked 25 times today
Mano a Mano in Logan Square, Chicago, is a beacon of Contemporary Italian cuisine that has captivated the neighborhood with its exceptional culinary offerings. Celebrated for its "perfectly balanced" dishes that make flavors "play a concert on your tastebuds," this restaurant stands out for its commitment to quality and authenticity. The rave reviews highlight the "delightful" prosciutto ravioli and the "divine" zucchini flowers, underscoring the restaurant's ability to turn classic Italian ingredients into contemporary masterpieces. The ambiance, described as a "sexy Porto Fino bar from the 70s," complements the dining experience, making Mano a Mano not just a meal, but a memorable event. With a wine list exclusively featuring Italian grapes and a menu that promises an "absolute home run," this spot is a must-visit for anyone seeking the best of Italian dining in Chicago.
A photo of Exchequer Restaurant & Pub restaurant
8. Exchequer Restaurant & Pub
4.5
Awesome(58)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Downtown / Loop
Booked 28 times today
Nestled in the heart of downtown Chicago, Exchequer Restaurant & Pub, affectionately known as "The Ex," is a true gem for Pizzeria enthusiasts. Celebrated for its #1 Deep Dish Pizza by the Chicago Tribune, the restaurant offers a slice of authentic Chicago with every bite. Regulars rave about the perfect crust and rich flavors, describing the pizza as "definitely the best value meal I’ve had in this area of Chicago" and "the best pizza I’ve had no joke." With its cozy pub ambiance and a history of satisfying diners since 1969, Exchequer stands out as a must-visit for anyone craving a genuine taste of Chicago's famed deep-dish pizza. Whether it's your first visit or you're a returning aficionado, Exchequer promises a delightful dining experience with its top-notch service and a hearty, flavorful menu.
A photo of etta Bucktown restaurant
9. etta Bucktown
new
4.5
Awesome(6)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Belmont Central / Cragin
Booked 15 times today
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.
A photo of Figo Wine Bar restaurant
10. Figo Wine Bar
new
4.5
Awesome(426)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Lakeview / East Lakeview
Booked 5 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.

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From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • RyanVIP
    Chicago / Illinois •58 reviews
    4.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    Great fresh pasta, but the overall taste was missing something. Dessert was very tasty. Service was polite and attentive.
    More info
    Sapori TrattoriaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Lincoln Park
    •
    4.7
  • Christine
    Seattle / Eastern Washington •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    The table bread is a must. The Cacio e Pepe pillows (so fluffy) and Rigatoni (just a little spicy in a good way) were delicious! Fried potatoes and delicate squash were excellent. Roasted chicken was just a little crispy and so flavorful. Soppressata pizza was sweet and salty. So good. Can’t wait for leftovers. Tossed salad was just ok IMO.
    More info
    Alla VitaPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• West Loop
    •
    4.8
  • Shellie
    Chicago / Illinois •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    A Culinary Experience! I went for a pre theater holiday dinner with family. The food was truly amazing with every bite! Every dish was perfectly presented and had layers of texture and taste to please every palate. The waiter, Scott was knowledgeable, funny and accommodated our every request. The bartender made one of the best Old Fashion I've ever tasted and served with a beautiful twist! The ambience is intimate, elegant and warm. But even as I entered the restaurant, Andrew (Beverage Manager) made me feel welcomed and told me the incredible journey that led to the Impeccable Floretine. This is a must try and try again spot for Chicago foodies! Try the gnocchi or the orecchiette, you won't be disappointed!
    More info
    The FlorentinePrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown / Loop
    •
    4.4
  • HannahVIP
    Chicago / Illinois •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Excellent pizza. Meatballs and salad were also very good! Can’t wait to go back when they have a liquor license.
    More info
    PIZZ'AMICIPrice: Expensive• Pizza Bar• West Town
    •
    4.8
  • Annalise
    Tampa / Central Florida West •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on Dec 9, 2024
    Read this twice…This is the best Italian restaurant in the city. Been coming here for 5+ years and never a miss. Not just that, but every single time our experience is absolutely memorable. Mark and the team prioritize quality food with impeccable hospitality. It always feels like you are stepping into the home of your family, which can be hard to imagine in the bustle of river north. There are plenty of more lavish or expensive spots to do Italian food, but I promise you that few hold a candle to this establishment. Last night we celebrated my mom’s birthday and her and my dad requested Prosecco for the celebration. The team here made it incredibly special for her and we were able to share a wonderful meal. They ask to come here every time they visit from Florida! We always look forward to returning:)
    More info
    ProseccoPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• River North (Chicago)
    •
    4.5

Discover best Contemporary Italian restaurants in River North (Chicago)

Discover the vibrant flavors of contemporary Italian cuisine right in the bustling River North neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois. This area, known for its dynamic dining scene, is a hotspot for those seeking innovative and upscale Italian dining experiences. Each restaurant in River North offers a unique twist on traditional Italian dishes, often incorporating local ingredients and modern culinary techniques to create memorable meals. From expertly crafted pasta to exquisite seafood dishes, the menus reflect a deep respect for Italian culinary traditions while embracing a modern aesthetic. The atmosphere in these establishments typically combines chic, contemporary designs with warm, inviting ambiances, making them perfect for both casual lunches and sophisticated dinners. Whether you're a local foodie or a visitor exploring Chicago's culinary delights, the River North district promises an exceptional Italian dining experience that caters to refined palates and aesthetic appreciations alike.

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