ILLINOIS and MISSOURI
Chicago and Suburbs
Bice Ristorante
www.bice.ws
158 E. Ontario St., Chicago, 312-664-1474
The original Bice is in Milan, “and the food tastes as if it were imported from that kitchen,” raves Centerstage Chicago of this elegant, bustling hotspot just steps from Magnificent Mile. Don’t miss the celebrated homemade pastas and desserts.
Carlucci Downers Grove
www.carluccirestaurant.com
1801 Butterfield Rd., Downers Grove, 630-512-0990
The sleek décor and open kitchen at chef John Coletta’s suburban eatery perfectly complement culinary masterpieces like pork osso buco with saffron risotto and crisp duck with sun-dried cherry sauce.
Carlucci Rosemont
www.carluccirestaurant.com
6111 N. River Rd., Rosemont, 847-518-0990
Vaulted ceilings and Renaissance-style murals set the stage for Tuscan fare that includes clever takes on pizza and pasta. “Creative food that speaks Italian with authority,” says the Chicago Sun-Times.
Carmine’s
www.rosebudrestaurants.com
1043 Rush St., Chicago, 312-988-7676
Huge portions, celebrity sightings, live music and perfectly cooked seafood make this Gold Coast supper club a local favorite.
Dinotto Ristorante
www.dinotto.com
215 W. North Ave., Chicago, 312-202-0302
This cozy pretheater hot spot in the heart of Old Town offers standout pastas and great people watching from the enclosed patio.
Gabriel’s
www.egabriels.com
310 Greenbay Rd., Highwood, 847-433-0031
Charming chef-owner Gabriel Viti serves sumptuous French and Italian food in a dining room that Chicago magazine calls “lovely as a royal salon, yet cozy as a neighborhood hangout.”
Il Mulino
1150 N Dearborn St., Chicago, 312-440-8888
“Stepping inside this restaurant, located in the historic Biggs Mansion, is like arriving at a 19th century dinner party,” says Citysearch of the elegant ambience at Il Mulino.
Merlo
www.merlochicago.com
2638 N. Lincoln Ave., Chicago, 773-529-0747
Merlo on Maple
www.merlochicago.com
16 W. Maple St., Chicago, 312-335-8200
Chef Silvia Marani’s exquisite Bolognese cuisine is based on her philosophy: “Never scrimp on the quality of the ingredients. Never!” Her flagship restaurant is decorated with furniture from her home in Italy and watercolors painted by Silvia’s father.
The Rosebud
www.rosebudrestaurants.com
1500 W. Taylor St., Chicago, 312-942-1117
Rosebud Highland Park
1850 Second St., Highland Park, 847-926-4800
Rosebud Naperville
48 W. Chicago Ave., Naperville, 630-548-9800
Rosebud Theatre District
70 W. Madison St., Three First National Plaza, Chicago, 312-332-9500
Chicagoans swear by this family of ristoranti, where the portions are as big as the names of famous patrons including Tony Bennett, Joe Pesci and Robert DeNiro. Regulars enjoy old-world Italian favorites such as fettucine alfredo and linguine with clams served with a smile.
Spacca Napoli
1769 W. Sunnyside Ave., Chicago, 773-878-2420
Jonathan Goldsmith, owner of this Neapolitan-style pizzeria, “takes his pizza seriously,” praises the Chicago Tribune. The pizza dough follows the strict standards of Naples—it is mixed in an Italian mixer, hand-shaped (not tossed), topped with fresh ingredients and cooked in a wood-burning oven.
Spiaggia
www.spiaggiarestaurant.com
980 N. Michigan Ave., Chicago, 312-280-2750
A Gold Coast institution for twenty years, Spiaggia’s superb food and opulent interior create a truly memorable dining experience. Chef Tony Mantuano was named “2005 Best Chef: Midwest” by the James Beard Society.
Trattoria No. 10
www.trattoriaten.com
10 N. Dearborn St., Chicago, 312-984-1718
“An intimate grotto straight from an Italian hill town,” says Fodor’s of this business district favorite featuring an award-winning, all-Italian wine list.
Tuscany
www.stefanis.com
1014 W. Taylor St., Chicago, 312-829-1990
Tuscany Oak Brook
1415 W. 22 St., Oak Brook, 630-990-1993
These intimate trattorias win raves for their homemade pastas, wood oven-baked pizzas and tender veal entrees. “Classic, impeccably rendered Northern Italian fare,” reports Chicagoreader.com.
Vinci
www.vincichicago.com
1732 N. Halstead St., Chicago, 312-266-1199
“The veteran staff feeds time-pressed playgoers both amiably and efficiently,” says Gourmet magazine of this theater-district favorite known for its rustic, seasonal fare.
Vincitori
www.vincitori.com
14 N. Cass Ave., Westmont, 630-663-9467
Homemade pastas, exquisite seafood and award-winning pizzas distinguish this cozy trattoria in downtown Westmont. If you want something off the menu, chef/owner Bob Airdo is happy to oblige.
Volare
www.volarerestaurant.com
201 E. Grand St., Chicago, 312-410-9900
Superbly presented traditional cuisine in an intimate, elegant setting. Patrons rave about specials like the garganelli with puttanesca and the grilled veal chop, distinguished by a light rosemary sauce.
Vivere
www.vivere-chicago.com
71 W. Monroe St., Chicago, 312-332-4040
The light, contemporary cuisine is as daring as the decor at this romantic downtown bistro decorated with theatrical copper and gold statues. Don’t miss the unbelievable wine list.
Kansas City
Jasper’s & Marco Polo’s Italian Market
www.jasperskc.com
1201 W. 103rd St., Kansas City, 861-941-6600
The Mirabile family opened Jasper’s restaurant in 1954 and thanks to specialties such as Shrimp Livornese and impeccable service, it’s been a Kansas City institution ever since. Since 1990, a trattoria and an Italian grocery create a trifecta of old-world excellence.
