Best Italian Restaurants in South Loop

Wonderful service, only one dish we didn't absolutely love (the octopus could have used some lemon or something). But the only real problem is the cold air - the vestibule, it does nothing to keep the wind out.

A life changing meal. I came here with a group of 6 as a work holiday celebration meal. Every dish was delicious, misticanza del campo salad, the gnocchi appetizer, focaccia, braised beef short rib meatballs, we ordered 4 pasta, steaks, and a couple desserts. Our waiter (Matt) was extremely helpful in recommending the perfect amount of food and each dish was timed perfectly. My recommendation is go with a larger group and try as much as you can.

The restaurant was fantastic, and the food was phenomenal. We started with the wood-fired table bread, which was incredibly pillowy and delicious, along with the roasted octopus. The calamari was prepared in the standard way, and it was cooked perfectly. The sauce for the calamari reminded me of a chipotle aioli. For my entrée, I ordered the orecchiette. The minced lamb was flavorful and very filling, but I will mention that the dish was quite oily, which was the only downside. Throughout the meal, I enjoyed the Black Lotus drink, which was my favorite.

I have been eagerly trying to secure a reservation at Pizza Portofino for quite some time, and I was absolutely thrilled when I finally had the opportunity to dine there. From the moment I walked in, the restaurant's coastal ambiance immediately set the tone for a truly exceptional experience. The drinks were superb, and the food was nothing short of extraordinary. I highly recommend the whipped ricotta and fig bruschetta, the crispy parmesan fries, the meatballs, the black truffle and three cheese pizza, and the sausage and fennel pizza – though honestly, I believe you can't go wrong with any dish on the menu. While the food and drinks were phenomenal, what truly set this experience apart was the exceptional service. From the bartenders, who were so welcoming as we enjoyed a few cocktails while waiting for our table, to our attentive server, every member of the team exceeded expectations. However, it was the manager, Heather, who truly stood out. Her warmth and hospitality made us feel incredibly special, and she went above and beyond to ensure our experience was memorable.

Classy and iconic spot to get deep dish pizza. Personal and customizable options are perfect for trying new combinations