River West, part of the West Loop community, is located on the west bank of the Chicago River South Branch. Once a booming market area, River West is still home to locally-owned restaurants, boutiques, and bakeries.

Among the community’s impressive dining options, the River West Italian restaurants have made quite an impression on residents and visitors alike.

Why River West has the Best Italian food

The River West neighborhood boasts an incredible selection of Italian restaurants.  

Many of these restaurants were opened by Itallian immigrant families, who wanted to bring a taste of Italy to the Windy City’s River West community. That’s why the neighborhood guarantees authentic Italian recipes, often passed down over generations.

While all of the River West Italian restaurants feature delicious homemade dishes, each spot has its own unique feel and atmosphere.

Best spots for Any Occasion

La Scarola is one of the city’s classic Italian restaurants, perfect for any family meal. From the moment you step inside this ‘hole in the wall’ restaurant to your first bite, you’ll feel transported back into time and into another country. The homemade Italian dishes are as authentic as you can get.

For a quaint Italian dining experience, spend a meal with friends at Mart Anthony’s. This family-owned neighborhood restaurant carries on their Sicilian family’s recipes and legacy. Here you can find simple but delicious Italian meals, incredible steak, and hand-crafted cocktails.

Piccolo Sogno guarantees the perfect date night. The restaurant’s Italian name translates to ‘little dream’ in English, and the romantic ambiance proves that the name holds true. If you’re booking reservations in the summertime, be sure to request a table on the charming, lush patio. 

Which Restaurant has the Best Signature Dish or Pizza

If you’re looking for unrivaled pizza, check out D’Agostino’s Pizza and Pub. For over 50 years, this family-operated restaurant has served some of the city’s favorite thin crust and deep-dish pizza. Stop by on a Monday for incredible food and their infamous trivia night!

Oggi Trattoria is another beloved family-owned Italian restaurant in River West. For the signature Oggi dish, choose between their classic pizza or pasta. The Oggi pizza features homemade tomato sauce, sausage, pepperoni, green pepper, onions, and mushrooms, while the Oggi pasta is an angel hair pasta dish topped with special Matarocco sauce.

Don’t miss out on the mouth-watering River West Italian restaurants and make a reservation today!