Best Contemporary Italian Restaurants in River West

Price

$$
$$$
$$$$

Regions

ChicagoNear West

Areas

AvondaleBerwynBucktown / Wicker ParkDowntown / LoopGold Coast / StreetervilleLakeview / East Lakeview

Dining Options

All dining options

Delivery only

Takeaway only

Seating Options

BarStandardHigh TopOutdoor

Award-winning

MICHELIN

Accessibility

Gender-neutral restroomWheelchair access

18 restaurants available nearby

1. Alla Vita

4.8

Exceptional(2428)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • West Loop

Booked 171 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

4.8

Exceptional(59)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • West Town

Booked 33 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. Prosecco

4.4

Awesome(2781)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 15 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.

4. Alpana

4.8

Exceptional(489)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Gold Coast / Streeterville

Booked 59 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. Ummo

4.4

Awesome(553)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • River North (Chicago)

Booked 15 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.

6. Sapori Trattoria

4.7

Exceptional(4474)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • Lincoln Park

Booked 53 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.

7. The Florentine

4.4

Awesome(1313)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Downtown / Loop

Booked 24 times today

The Florentine, nestled in the heart of Chicago's vibrant Loop Financial district at the JW Marriott, is a hidden gem for Contemporary Italian cuisine. With a menu that artfully balances simplicity and quality, it features top-notch imported Italian pastas, cheeses, and meats alongside local farm ingredients. Diners rave about the "fantastic grilled octopus appetizer" and the "wonderfully fresh, delicious, and well-seasoned entrees." The restaurant's ambiance is both elegant and warm, providing an ideal setting for intimate dinners or lively group gatherings. The Florentine's attentive service and culinary excellence make it a must-visit destination for Italian food enthusiasts.

8. Mano a Mano

4.7

Exceptional(164)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Logan Square

Booked 32 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. Figo Wine Bar

4.4

Awesome(437)

$$$$Price: Expensive

• Contemporary italian • Lakeview / East Lakeview

Booked 23 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.

A photo of Forno Mauri Italian Pizzeria restaurant

10. Forno Mauri Italian Pizzeria

4.7

Exceptional(7)

$$$$Price: Moderate

• Contemporary italian • South Loop

Booked 6 times today

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.

‘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

H
Haley
Chicago / Illinois •2 reviews
5.0
Dined 1 day ago
A friend & I came here for lunch. We sat at the bar & the bartender was the perfect host. Personable, kind, knowledgeable & funny. He made the perfect wine & meal recommendation. The fish was cooked to perfection & had a sauce that was divine. We were celebrating & he surprised us with a special dessert!
More info
Alla VitaPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• West Loop
•
4.8
OT
OpenTable Diner
Minneapolis - St. Paul •1 review
5.0
Dined 3 days ago
This was my first time at Sapori and I went to celebrate my birthday. This was such a perfect dinner! Liv was my waitress and she was so helpful with menu recommendations, drink options, and even helped me celebrate by taking a photo for me with dessert. ☺️ the food was incredible, and the sides are family-style so you can definitely get them to share with the table - I ended up taking half of my sides home! If you are looking for a place to celebrate your next special occasion, I definitely recommend Sapori!
More info
Sapori TrattoriaPrice: Moderate• Italian• Lincoln Park
•
4.7
A
Alex
New York City •1 review
5.0
Dined 5 days ago
I had the scallops and they were cooked and seasoned to perfection.
More info
ProseccoPrice: Expensive• Contemporary Italian• River North (Chicago)
•
4.4
OT
OpenTable Diner
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined 6 days ago
The food was absolutely amazing! Would go back again
More info
PIZZ'AMICIPrice: Expensive• Pizza Bar• West Town
•
4.8
M
Marek
Chicago / Illinois •1 review
5.0
Dined on 21 Feb 2025
The service was really professional . Food very tasty.
More info
The FlorentinePrice: Expensive• Italian• Downtown / Loop
•
4.4

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