You might recognize the chef-owner at this West Loop eatery: Sarah Grueneberg finished in second place on Top Chef's ninth season and has also won a James Beard Award. She's secured a top spot in pasta-loving Chicagoans' hearts, too, with her beautiful menu of Italian treats. You mustn't skip the ragu alla Napoletana, a huge plate of fusilli in red sauce with pork osso bucco, soppressata meatballs and Italian sausage. Add fresh-shaved black truffles to any dish for an additional but worth-it fee (when available).
Chicago has one of the largest Italian-American populations in the country, so locals know a good bowl of pasta when they see (and smell) it. There are remarkable trattorias in virtually every neighborhood of the city—some are newcomers while others date back almost a century.
Want to feel like family over a glass of wine and a bowl of red sauce? Then head to longtime stalwarts Tufano’s Vernon Park Tap and Bruna’s Ristorante. Or how about a place where you can shower truffle shavings on pasta to your heart’s content? Well, Monteverde and RPM Italian have got it covered on that front. The following spots also double as some of the most romantic restaurants in town and offer drool-inducing Italian beef sandwiches. So whether you’re carbo loading for a marathon or just looking for a perfect date night destination, check out our guide to the best Italian restaurants in Chicago.
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