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Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in Lower West Side

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17 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Alla Vita restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(2267)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • West Loop
Booked 137 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 Unico Restaurante restaurant
5.0
Exceptional(2)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Lower West Side
Welcome to Unico Restaurante we look forward to serving you.
A photo of PIZZ'AMICI restaurant
5.0
Exceptional(3)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • West Town
Booked 6 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 Ummo restaurant
4.3
Awesome(478)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 29 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 Prosecco restaurant
4.5
Awesome(2754)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • River North (Chicago)
Booked 8 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 The Florentine restaurant
4.4
Awesome(1297)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Downtown / Loop
Booked 36 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 Peanut Park Trattoria restaurant
4.8
Exceptional(231)
Price: Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Little Italy / University Village
Booked 7 times today
Nestled in the vibrant heart of Little Italy in Chicago, Peanut Park Trattoria has quickly become a beacon of contemporary Italian cuisine. Celebrated by Chicago Magazine as one of the Top Restaurants in February 2022 and hailed by Tasting Table as "One of the Absolute Best Italian Restaurants in Chicago," this gem offers a culinary experience that skillfully blends Italian traditions with modern flair. Patrons rave about the handmade pastas and inventive pizzas, describing them as "absolutely delicious" and lauding the friendly and welcoming atmosphere. With its commitment to quality, authenticity, and excellent service, Peanut Park Trattoria is a must-visit for anyone seeking a truly exceptional Italian dining experience in Chicago.
A photo of etta Bucktown restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(5)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary italian • Belmont Central / Cragin
Booked 31 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 Chop Shop restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(416)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Bucktown / Wicker Park
Booked 2 times today
Chop Shop, nestled in the vibrant Bucktown / Wicker Park area of Chicago, stands out as a beacon of Contemporary American cuisine. This unique establishment combines an authentic salumeria with a gourmet butcher shop, offering high-quality meats and cheeses sourced from around the world and local farms. Diners rave about the evolving menu that draws from seasonal items, ensuring a fresh and innovative dining experience. Highlights include the "delicious" dry-aged steak and "fantastic" burger, complemented by a craft beverage program. Guests consistently praise the "great ambiance" and "top-notch" service, making Chop Shop a must-visit for those seeking a truly remarkable American culinary adventure.
A photo of Exchequer Restaurant & Pub restaurant
4.4
Awesome(49)
Price: Moderate
• Contemporary italian • Downtown / Loop
Booked 17 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.
‘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
From verified diners like you
  • Chelsea
    Chicago / Illinois •4 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Absolute best thin crust pizza and Caesar salad we have ever had. Our server was incredible. Very chill, old school vibe. We plan to go back asap!
    More info
    PIZZ'AMICIPrice: Expensive• Pizza Bar• West Town
    5
  • Kasey
    Chicago / Illinois •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    The check-in host (a gentleman) was so friendly and had such great communication skills with directing the crowd at sucha busy time! Our waitress was so smiley and attentive! Food was amazing 🫶 we had a blast!
    More info
    Alla VitaPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• West Loop
    4.8
  • Jetzarelyvip
    Chicago / Illinois •2 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 24 Nov 2024
    If you're looking for a restaurant that combines incredible food with a cozy, welcoming atmosphere, Unico Restaurante is the place to be. The ambiance is perfect for any occasion—whether you're planning a romantic date night, a relaxed family dinner, or a fun group outing. It's intimate, yet lively, creating the perfect setting for enjoying a great meal with loved ones. We started with the appetizers, and both the fried calamari and patatas bravas were standouts. The calamari was light and crispy, served with a sweet chili sauce that was the perfect compliment. The patatas bravas were packed with flavor—crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, with a smoky, spicy kick. For our entrees, the skirt steak with yuca fries was absolutely out of this world. The steak was cooked to perfection—tender, juicy, and full of flavor—while the yuca fries added a unique and delicious twist. We also tried the gnocchi in red pepper cream sauce, and it was heavenly. The gnocchi was soft and pillowy, and the creamy sauce was rich and satisfying. But the real showstopper? The desserts. Each one was not only beautifully presented but tasted even better than we expected. From the first bite, we knew they were the star of the meal. The flavors were exceptional—sweet, balanced, and decadent without being overly indulgent. Everything on the menu sounded amazing, and we’re already planning our next visit to try even more dishes. Unico Restaurante has certainly earned a spot on our list of favorites, and we can’t wait to return for another memorable dining experience. Highly recommend!
    More info
    Unico RestaurantePrice: Moderate• Contemporary Italian• Lower West Side
    5
  • MAJ Erikvip
    Chicago / Illinois •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 21 Nov 2024
    Always an amazing experience. Been coming here for more than 10yrs. Never disappointed! Thank you!
    More info
    The FlorentinePrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown / Loop
    4.4
  • Mehwishvip
    Chicago / Illinois •26 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 20 Nov 2024
    Great restaurant, great atmosphere, friendly service and excellent food. We look forward to coming back very soon.
    More info
    ProseccoPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• River North (Chicago)
    4.5
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