Chicago, a city celebrated for its diverse culinary landscape, boasts a vibrant Italian food scene. From cozy trattorias to upscale dining establishments, the options for savoring authentic Italian flavors are endless. Let’s embark on a delicious journey through a menu that exemplifies the rich tapestry of Italian cuisine you can find in Chicago.
To begin your Italian dining experience in Chicago, consider the Cold Antipasti. These starters are perfect for awakening your palate. Imagine the freshness of Stracciatella Bruschetta, where roasted heirloom tomatoes meet creamy stracciatella on house-made ciabatta.
For a more adventurous start, the Steak Tartare offers a sophisticated blend of shaved parmesan and capers, while the Yellowfin Tuna Crudo provides a zesty kick with blood orange, pistachio, and Controne pepper. Seafood lovers might be tempted by the luxurious Maine Lobster Caprese, a delightful combination of bufala mozzarella and basil. Alternatively, the Imported Burrata, with its Sicilian pistachio pesto and agrumeto lemon oil, is a testament to the simple yet exquisite nature of Italian ingredients.
Moving to Hot Antipasti, the culinary exploration continues. Crispy Roman Artichokes, served with caper vinaigrette and pecorino romano, offer a delightful crunch and tangy flavor.
Arancini, with their smoked scamorza and pomodoro filling, are a comforting and savory choice. Meat lovers will appreciate the classic Prime Beef Meatballs, enhanced with roasted garlic, pomodoro, and shaved parmesan. For a taste of the Mediterranean, the Mediterranean Octopus with chickpea purée and celery presents a flavorful and tender option.
No Italian meal in Chicago is complete without considering Salads. The Shredded Brussels Sprouts Salad, with avocado and Mama Lil Peppers, offers a modern twist, while the RPM Caesar Salad provides a familiar favorite with a parmesan frico. For a more traditional Italian salad, Giuliana’s Italian Salad, packed with salumi, provolone, pepperoncini, and ricotta salata, is a hearty and satisfying choice.
Italian cuisine in Chicago also embraces the warmth of Wood Oven Pizzettes. The Charred Pepperoni Pizzette delivers a spicy tomato kick, while the Cremini Mushroom Pizzette, with truffle-fontina fonduta, offers an earthy and rich flavor profile.
The importance of Bread Service in Italian dining is undeniable. Indulge in Rosemary & Sea Salt Focaccia with whipped lardo, or the sweeter Whipped Ricotta & Wild Blossom Honey Focaccia. Truffled Garlic Bread, a classic circa 1963, is always a welcome addition. For a truly Italian experience, the Devodier 30-Month Prosciutto di Parma, served with Parmigiano Reggiano, gnoccho frito, and 12 year aged balsamico Reggio Emilia, is a must-try.
Housemade Pasta is at the heart of Italian food in Chicago. From the simple yet flavorful Mama DePandi’s Bucatini, with pomodoro and Genovese basil, to the rich and creamy Carbonara, with black pepper pancetta and egg yolk, pasta dishes are a highlight.
The Lemon Burrata Cappelletti, with Bruna Alpina and Controne pepper, offers a delicate and cheesy option. Seafood pasta enthusiasts will be drawn to the Spicy Dungeness Crab with squid ink spaghetti and Fresno chili, or the Shrimp Fra Diavolo with linguine and Calabrian chili. For a comforting and classic choice, Rigatoni alla Vodka with imported burrata and Calabrian chili is always satisfying. Meat lovers can savor the Short Rib Bolognese with papperdelle and rosemary. Don’t miss the Mafaldine Cacio e Pepe, a simple yet flavorful dish with toasted pepper and cacio di Roma. For a luxurious pasta experience, consider the Black Truffle Tortelli or the Maine Lobster Ravioli, with sweet basil and lobster marsala.
Italian Classics extend beyond pasta in Chicago. Chicken Parmesan, with aged Parmigiano Reggiano and Fontina, is a beloved comfort food. Spaghetti & Meatball offers another familiar and satisfying choice. Vegetarians can enjoy the Eggplant Parmesan alla Billi, prepared with seasoned breadcrumbs and mozzarella. For a unique and flavorful chicken dish, the Black Truffle Chicken Vesuvio, with charred lemon and crispy potato, is an excellent option.
For those seeking heartier fare, Steaks & Chops with an Italian twist are available. The Bone-In Veal Chop Parmesan, with mozzarella di bufala and cappelletti parmigiano, is a decadent choice. Steak lovers can select from the Center Cut Filet Mignon, Grass Fed Bone-In Ribeye, Gorgonzola-Cured Waygu, or the impressive Prime Dry-Aged Bistecca Fiorentina, perfect for sharing.
Seafood also plays a significant role in Italian cuisine in Chicago. Grilled Giant Prawns with pesto trapanese and Sicilian olive oil offer a taste of the Mediterranean coast. Mediterranean Branzino with watercress and lemon condiment is a light and flavorful option. Roasted Ora King Salmon with spigarello and Yukon gold potato provides a healthy and delicious choice. Atlantic Swordfish with red pepper tapenade and Dover Sole Piccata with capers and brown butter round out the seafood selections.
To complement your Italian meal in Chicago, choose from a selection of Sides. Spicy Broccolini, Roasted Wild Mushrooms, Crispy Brussels Sprouts, Garlic Whipped Potatoes, and Parmesan Spinach offer a variety of flavors and textures to enhance your dining experience.
Exploring Italian food in Chicago is a journey of flavors, textures, and traditions. From antipasti to dolci, the city’s Italian restaurants offer a rich and diverse culinary landscape waiting to be discovered.
