Pelago is a hidden gem located in the luxurious Raffaello Hotel in the heart of the city. It takes traditional Northern and Southern Italian pasta and seafood dishes and modernizes them. The interior is distinguished by crisp white tablecloths and solid white background on the walls and ceiling, providing patrons with a memorable setting for a fine dining experience. The setting is ideal for a quiet, romantic evening or special occasion, with soft lighting and an outdoor courtyard. Desserts such as Sicilian cannolis or apple tart with apricot sauce are a delicious way to end any meal here.

This restaurant's cuisine is inspired by the Piemonte region of Italy, with key dishes such as snail confit with Arneis, leeks, carrots, herbs, and garlic bread. Pelago's other specialties include prosciutto-wrapped rabbit loin and plin tossed with thyme, butter, and parmesan. You should start your meal with a selection from the fantastic wine list and end it on a sweet note with citrus and vanilla fritters with tequila budino.

Location: 209 E Delaware Pl, Chicago, IL 60611

Website: www.pelagorestaurant.com

Nonnina continues the family tradition. Within the warm hospitality of a neighborhood trattoria, they serve authentic Italian classics made with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, as well as elevated cooking inspired by Italian family dinners. Their team has worked hard to provide exceptional experiences in a clean environment, implementing the most recent CDC recommendations such as contactless menus, protective gear, and socially distanced tables, as well as rigorous cleaning and sanitizing protocols. Nonnina To-Go, located directly off the restaurant's entrance, serves lunch. Nonnina To-Go is open daily at 10:30 a.m. from Monday to Friday.

Nonnina's friendly, attentive wait staff does not rush diners, making the restaurant an ideal choice for a leisurely, relaxing meal. Customers can choose between indoor and outdoor seating in the garden room. The ambiance is such that diners will feel at ease whether they are dressed for a special occasion or dressed casually. The entrees are generous, the pasta is homemade, and the prices are reasonable. With all of its advantages, this old-school Italian restaurant is well worth a visit. The cappuccino gelato, as well as a large selection of drinks in the bar and lounge area, is a must-try.

Location: 340 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60654

Website: nonninachicago.com

Il Porcellino is a neighborhood restaurant in downtown Chicago's River North neighborhood that serves classic Italian-American comfort food in a relaxed atmosphere. Their seasonal menu features housemade pasta, vegetable antipasti, and daily specials made with ingredients sourced from quality artisans, purveyors, and local farmers.

il Porcellino receives high marks for all aspects of the dining experience, including service, ambiance, price, and food. Despite the fact that the sound system is blasting delightful oldies, the interior is deafeningly quiet. The dishes are made with ingredients imported directly from Italy rather than locally, which accounts for the richly authentic flavor. The Chicken Joey, which is pounded chicken breast in a vinegar pepper sauce, is a must-order. Be forewarned: the garlic loaf is seriously addicting!

Location: 59 W Hubbard St, Chicago, IL 60654

Website: ilporcellinochicago.com

The Florentine, located in the JW Marriott Hotel, is warm and inviting, with Italian photographs, dark furniture, and views of the city. It serves tasty traditional breakfasts, but it's at lunch and dinner that it really shines. Many of the signature dishes here are topped with fresh mozzarella. The chef will occasionally come into the dining room to chat with customers. The trout dish is the best bet for an entrée, and the dessert of mini donuts is reminiscent of the confections served in Venice during Carnevale.

The Florentine serves seasonal Italian cuisine in an elegant yet approachable manner. The menu, which emphasizes simplicity and quality ingredients, features top imported Italian pasta, cheeses, salts, and meats, as well as ingredients from local farms. The Florentine has semi-private and private dining rooms that can accommodate anything from a small dinner for six to a cocktail reception for 130. Their large private dining room can seat 60 people or be divided into two smaller rooms that can hold 20-30 people each. Large groups can also enjoy semi-private dining.

Location: 151 W Adams St, Chicago, IL 60603

Website: https://www.the-florentine.net

Trattoria Gianni, located in the Lincoln Park Theater District, is a great place to eat before or after a show. It prides itself on providing impeccable, slow-paced service that does not rush diners, making it ideal for a family gathering. In nice weather, the restaurant has patio seating where customers can dine under the stars. The flavor of the traditional dishes is so authentic that dining at the restaurant has been compared to taking a short trip to Italy. Customers rave about the gnocchi with ricotta filling.

The exposed brick walls, white tablecloths, wood trim, and floors create a rustic yet elegant setting in which to enjoy Gianni's fantastic Italian cuisine. The restaurant itself has a private dining room for up to 50 people, as well as al fresco dining (weather permitting). By reserving the entire restaurant, Trattoria Gianni's can accommodate private parties of up to 100 people.

Location: 1711 N Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60614

Website: www.trattoriagianni.com

Carmine's is a sophisticated restaurant with romantic terrace seating in a prime location for people-watching. It serves massive portions, making it ideal for diners who enjoy sharing a plate. Those who don't have big appetites will probably be satisfied with an appetizer-sized portion. Oysters, veal, and grilled steak are all favorites. To make the experience unforgettable, you should finish with a Gevalia chocolate mousse cake—five layers of bliss.

Carmine's Chicago is a fun and spirited nightlife destination that serves delicious signature cocktails, celebrity sightings, and an inviting canopied patio for the best people-watching in the city. Inside the restaurant, there are two levels of seating, with the upper level providing conversation-friendly dining and the lower level hosting live entertainment. You can also relax at a cozy table downstairs or take a seat at the spacious bar to get a good view of the pianist. Music will begin at 6:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings and continue until 11:00 p.m.

Location: 1043 N Rush St, Chicago, IL 60611

Website: https://www.carmineschicago.com

Quartino is a bustling downtown Chicago restaurant and wine bar known for its unique Italian small-plates menu, vintage decor, and attentive, personable service staff. Their menu highlights regional specialties from Italy, such as artisanal salumi, Neapolitan thin-crust pizza, house-made pasta, and seasonal dishes. Menu items served in moderate portions and meant to be shared are ideal for adventurous diners looking for a one-of-a-kind experience.

Where does a Chicago diner go for a taste of heaven? This is found, according to one enthusiastic reviewer, at Quartino, a casual, kid-friendly eatery with a festive bistro feel. The lively atmosphere makes it ideal for a family gathering. The restaurant employs a small-plate concept, allowing customers to sample a variety of dishes. This works well with classic dishes like pasta and salads. A winning strategy is to try one of the ravioli or rigatoni dishes and finish with fried donuts.

Location: 626 N State St, Chicago, IL 60654

Website: www.quartinochicago.com

Executive Chef Mychael Bonner has created a broad menu of Italian-fare inspired by his travels and passion for Italy's culture, utilizing the freshest ingredients to create the fullest flavors to bring homemade, hand-crafted pizzas and pasta, as well as prime steaks and fresh fish dishes, to the table. A perfect choice is to dine at natural reclaimed wood tables with seating for 175, which are surrounded by inviting darker woods, exposed brick and beams, subtle filament lighting, and accented with muted chocolate and caramel tones throughout.

Because of the exceptional food quality, it's worth the drive to Wheeling to dine at Saranello's. While the restaurant bills itself as Italian, the menu includes items from other cuisines. Meals begin with a bang, with fresh bread delivered to the tables. Classic dishes such as spinach chicken gnocchi and desserts such as apple crostata or caramel Tartufo will entice diners to return. For customers celebrating a special occasion, desserts are complimentary.

Location: 601 N. Milwaukee Avenue, First Floor, Wheeling, IL 60090

Website: https://www.saranellos.com

Osteria Langhe, located in the buzzing dining and drinking district of Logan Square, specializes in Piemonte cuisine. Plus, the restaurant's signature pasta is a hand-pinched ravioli simply dressed in parmesan, thyme, and butter. Rosa's Lounge, one of Chicago's top blues lounges, is only a few blocks away from Osteria Langhe.

Some dishes that are particularly well-liked include the pork-stuffed ravioli, veal meatball sliders, and penne alla vodka. Of course, a bestseller like the fried calamari is a no-brainer, while the Nutella panino and house-made biscotti are a perfect way to end an already glorious meal. Guests can order the Italian classic Negroni three ways (traditional, with club soda, or with sparkling wine), as well as a variety of other classic and unique drinks. The wine list is dominated by Italian varietals.

Location: 2824 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 60647

Website: https://www.osterialanghe.com

Monteverde, located in Chicago's trendy West Loop neighborhood, provides guests with a new way to experience Italian cuisine. Chef Sara Grueneberg combines Italian cooking traditions with influences from her travels around the world. Her family's heritage also plays an important role in Monteverde's culinary offerings, resulting in daring new flavors.

Monteverde easily makes an impression on its guests and raises the bar for restaurant standards in the city with simple yet global ingredients and cooking methods not typically seen in Italian kitchens. You should not pass up their fresh, handmade pasta, which comes in a variety of shapes, sizes, and textures to suit a variety of tastes. Monteverde's dessert menu is also impressive, with favorites like house-made gelato and crowd-pleasers like panna cotta with huckleberry sauce and caramelized citrus zests. One bite of any of Monteverde's dishes will transport you to the Tuscan countryside.

Location: 1020 W Madison St, Chicago, IL 60607

Website: monteverdechicago.com