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Coda Di Volpe
Master Critic Reviews (7 Lists)
Coda Di Volpe
8.9
Coda Di Volpe is a Southern Italian restaurant on the Southport Corridor known for VPN-certified Neapolitan pizzas, housemade pastas, and a polished but relaxed dining room. With strong Google and Yelp ratings across thousands of reviews and frequent praise from local guides, it functions as Lakeview’s destination for wood-fired Italian with room for both families and dates.
Must-Try Dishes:
Super Diavola pizza, Bucatini Bianco, Burrata with seasonal accompaniments
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Southern Italian cooking with serious wood-fired pizzas and housemade pastas backed by high-volume, high-rating review data.
Who should go: Southport Corridor diners wanting upscale Italian without formality.
When to visit: Prime weekend dinners; early weeknights for calmer pacing.
What to order: Super Diavola pizza, Bucatini Bianco, burrata starter.
Insider tip: Ask to sit near the open windows or big booths for the best mix of buzz and comfort.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Primarily neighborhood street parking and metered spots along Southport; can be competitive after 6pm on weekends, with occasional nearby paid garages as a fallback.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most guests lean slightly dressy for date nights and celebrations.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively — you can hold a conversation at normal volume, but the room buzzes during peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours; bar and patio seats may open faster.
Weekday lunch: Service is typically dinner-focused; on days when lunch or brunch is offered, waits are minimal outside peak holiday periods.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage — multiple pizzas, pastas, salads, and starters can be ordered fully vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — a few items can be modified, but most dishes rely on cheese or dairy; best to confirm with the server.
Gluten-free options: Accommodation-friendly — select dishes and some pizzas/pastas can be prepared gluten-free on request, though cross-contact is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the polished room, warm lighting, and shareable pizzas and pastas make it comfortable and conversational without feeling formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes on early weeknights or off-peak times; on weekends, walk-ins should expect a wait or plan for bar seating while a table opens.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes during earlier seatings — families are common, high chairs are typically available, and pizzas and simpler pastas work well for younger diners; later evenings skew more date-night oriented.
Best For
Better for: Wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas, polished-but-relaxed service, and a space that works equally well for dates, groups, and family dinners.
Skip if: You want ultra-quiet fine dining, fully vegan menus, or strictly gluten-free kitchens with zero cross-contact.
Coda Di Volpe
8.2
Coda di Volpe is a Southern Italian restaurant anchored by a Stefano Ferrara wood-fired oven turning out VPN-certified Neapolitan pizzas alongside handmade pastas and a serious Italian wine list. The warm, brick-lined room and Southport sidewalk seating make it a go-to for date nights that want polished food and energy without feeling stiff.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita Neapolitan Pizza, Tartufo Pizza, Maccheroni Cacio e Pepe
Scores:
Value: 6.7
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Southern Italian cooking, VPN-certified pizza, and a focused wine list in a warm, brick-and-wood space.
Who should go: Pizza-and-pasta lovers wanting lively but still dateable energy.
When to visit: Prime evening slots before or after a Southport show or game.
What to order: Tartufo pizza, Margherita, maccheroni cacio e pepe.
Insider tip: Split one pizza and one pasta so you can still share dessert without over-ordering.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Southport and nearby residential streets; metered spots near the corridor and competition increases after 6pm; no dedicated lot, occasional valet on peak weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most guests lean slightly dressy for date night.
Noise level: Moderate–lively — you can hold a conversation at a two-top, but peak weekend hours run louder.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes for walk-ins during peak hours; bar and patio seats may open sooner.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait when lunch/brunch service is offered; lunch availability may be limited or seasonal.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage — several pizzas, pastas, salads, and antipasti can be ordered vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable dishes and pizza customizations without cheese; confirm ingredients with the server.
Gluten-free options: Accommodations available — gluten-free pasta and crust options on request, but cross-contact is possible in a shared kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the warm lighting, polished service, and wood-fired pizza aroma create an intimate feel without being overly formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes if you arrive early or are flexible with bar or patio seating, but expect a wait during prime weekend dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Suitable for families earlier in the evening; staff can accommodate boosters/high chairs, but later hours skew louder and are better for older kids or teens.
Best For
Better for: Romantic but energetic date nights, authentic wood-fired pizza with a strong Italian wine list, and shareable pizza-plus-pasta meals.
Skip if: You want a very quiet, formal dining room, cutting-edge tasting menus, or guaranteed large-group seating at peak times.
Coda Di Volpe
8.8
Coda di Volpe is a southern Italian restaurant anchoring the Southport Corridor with handmade pastas, one of Chicago’s only VPN-certified Neapolitan pizza programs, and a serious Italian-leaning wine list. Since 2016 it’s evolved into a reservation-worthy neighborhood fixture, balancing date-night polish with family-friendly energy and a seasonal patio that swells the room in warm weather.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tartufo pizza, Spicy mafaldine di granchio, Classic tiramisu
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: VPN-certified Neapolitan pizzas and southern Italian pastas in a polished Southport Corridor setting.
Who should go: Couples and groups craving serious pizza, pasta, and wine.
When to visit: Prime weekend evenings or warm nights when the patio’s open.
What to order: Start with focaccia and whipped ricotta, share the Tartufo pizza, finish with tiramisu.
Insider tip: On Cubs home-game nights, book an early patio reservation and treat it as a pregame dinner before walking up to Wrigley.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated lot; mostly metered and residential street parking — can be tight during peak hours and Cubs home games
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine but most diners lean slightly dressy for date night
Noise level: Moderate — lively room but you can generally hold a conversation at a normal volume
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, longer on peak Saturdays or game nights
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait (service is primarily dinner-focused on some weekdays)
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage — several pizzas, pastas, and starters can be ordered vegetarian
Vegan options: Limited — a few items can be modified, but the menu skews dairy-forward
Gluten-free options: Select accommodations — some dishes can be prepared gluten-free; pizzas are generally not offered GF
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — it strikes a strong balance of polish and warmth, with lighting, pacing, and a wine-forward menu that feels special without being formal.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — early evenings and weekdays are your best bet. On busy weekends or Cubs game nights, expect a wait or bar seating only.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for well-behaved kids — earlier seatings and patio tables work best; the vibe shifts more adult-leaning later in the evening.
Best For
Better for: Southern Italian pastas, VPN-certified Neapolitan pizza, and a serious Italian wine list in a polished yet neighborhood-friendly setting
Skip if: You want ultra-quiet fine dining, tasting-menu precision, or a strictly budget-casual pizza night
Coda Di Volpe
8.9
Coda di Volpe is a Southport Corridor Italian spot opened in 2016, known for VPN-certified Neapolitan pizzas, handmade pastas, and a serious Southern Italian wine list. The room balances neighborhood energy with special-occasion polish, making it a go-to for birthdays, anniversaries, and dinners with visiting parents.
Must-Try Dishes:
VPN Margherita pizza, Bucatini with meatballs, Tiramisu
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: VPN-certified pizzas and handmade Southern Italian pastas in a polished Southport Corridor dining room.
Who should go: Couples and groups planning celebratory Italian dinners.
When to visit: Prime weekend evenings for full energy and buzz.
What to order: Margherita pizza, bucatini with meatballs, tiramisu.
Insider tip: If you want pizzas and pastas hot and paced, split both courses for the table and ask your server to stagger them.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated lot — street and metered parking along Southport and nearby residential blocks; can be competitive after 6pm and during Cubs games or weekend dinner hours.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most guests lean slightly dressy for celebrations.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversation is doable at smaller tables, but it can get buzzy during peak hours.
Weekend wait: Often fully booked — walk-ins may wait 45–75 minutes depending on time and party size.
Weekday lunch: N/A — primarily a dinner restaurant; when open for daytime or brunch service, waits are typically minimal with a reservation recommended.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage — several pizzas, pastas, and starters can be ordered vegetarian or adjusted by request.
Vegan options: Limited — a few vegetable dishes and pizzas can be modified, but options are not extensive.
Gluten-free options: Partial accommodation — some dishes can be prepared gluten-free; pizzas typically are not GF. Ask your server for current safe options.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the polished but comfortable dining room, strong service pacing, and shareable pizzas and pastas make it a warm, low-stress first-date setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — the bar and limited walk-in slots are occasionally available, but weekends book out quickly. Arrive early or be ready for a wait if you don’t reserve.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for older kids and family celebrations — approachable pizzas and pastas work well, though the room feels more adult-leaning during peak dinner hours.
Best For
Better for: Special-occasion Italian with polished service, well-executed Neapolitan pizza, and a Southern Italian wine list that feels more elevated than casual neighborhood spots.
Skip if: You want a quiet, low-key meal, late-night dining, or extensive vegan/gluten-free options — a more casual pizzeria or modern Italian spot may be a better fit.
Coda Di Volpe
8.8
Coda Di Volpe is a Southport Corridor standout for VPN-certified Neapolitan pizzas, Southern Italian pastas, and spritzes poured in a subtly glamorous room. A serious wood-fired oven, handmade pastas, and a steady local following make it a reliable choice for carb-focused date nights and group dinners.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mortadella e Pistachio pizza, Tartufo pizza, Bucatini Bianco
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Southern Italian cooking, VPN-certified pizza, and a polished Southport setting under one roof.
Who should go: Pasta-and-pizza obsessives planning a slightly upscale neighborhood night.
When to visit: Later weekend evenings for buzzy energy; early weeknights for quieter conversation.
What to order: Mortadella e Pistachio pizza, Bucatini Bianco, Tartufo pizza.
Insider tip: If you care most about the pizza oven, request a table with a view of the open kitchen when you book.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Southport and side streets; metered spots fill quickly on weekends, no valet.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most diners lean slightly dressy for date nights.
Noise level: Moderate — lively during peak hours but you can generally hold a normal conversation.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait — limited daytime traffic outside weekends and events.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Strong coverage — multiple pizzas, pastas, and starters can be ordered meat-free.
Vegan options: Limited — a few items can be modified, but the menu leans dairy-forward.
Gluten-free options: Partial coverage — gluten-free pizza crust available; cross-contact possible due to shared ovens.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the room feels polished and romantic without being formal, and shareable pizzas and pastas make for easy, low-pressure ordering.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes on early weeknights or before 6pm; on weekends you’ll likely wait at the bar or join the list unless you book ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably — early evening seatings work fine for families, but the vibe skews adult and buzzy later at night; no dedicated kids menu.
Best For
Better for: Neapolitan-style pizza, handmade pastas, and a stylish Southport date-night atmosphere with a serious wood-fired oven.
Skip if: You want ultra-quiet fine dining, strictly vegan options, or fully gluten-free preparation without any cross-contact risk.
Coda Di Volpe
8.8
Coda Di Volpe is a VPN-certified Southport Corridor Italian restaurant known for wood-fired Neapolitan pizzas, handmade pastas, and a polished but relaxed room. For gluten-free diners, the kitchen offers gluten-free pasta substitutions, gluten-free versions of several pizzas, and even a gluten-free cacio e pepe, making it one of Chicago’s rare date-night spots that still works for strict GF eaters.
Must-Try Dishes:
Gluten-Free Cacio e Pepe pasta, Rigatoni con Ragu with gluten-free pasta substitution, Gluten-free Neapolitan pizza such as Margherita or Super Diavola
Scores:
Value: 7
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 8.7
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: VPN-certified Neapolitan pizzas and handmade pastas offered with thoughtful gluten-free options, including GF pasta and pizzas.
Who should go: Gluten-free diners seeking serious Italian cooking in a date-night setting.
When to visit: Prime-time weekend evenings with reservations or earlier weeknights for a calmer room.
What to order: Gluten-free cacio e pepe, a GF pizza, and a seasonal salad or antipasti.
Insider tip: Note gluten-free needs when booking so the kitchen can plan GF pasta and pizza prep with extra care.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Southport and nearby side streets; can be competitive during evenings and weekends — plan extra time. No dedicated lot.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most guests lean slightly dressy for date night.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversation is doable at a two-top, but it can feel buzzy during peak dinner hours.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation during peak hours; reservations are strongly recommended.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or short wait when open for daytime service.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several pastas, pizzas, salads, and antipasti can be ordered vegetarian or easily adjusted.
Vegan options: Limited — a few salads and vegetable dishes may be adaptable; confirm ingredients with the server.
Gluten-free options: Strong program — gluten-free pasta and GF versions of select pizzas are available. Not a dedicated gluten-free kitchen, so cross-contact is possible; inform the team if sensitivity is strict.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the room is polished but relaxed, with a warm, neighborhood-date vibe and a menu that’s easy to share. It works especially well if one person needs gluten-free options.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — early weeknights are your best chance. On weekends, walk-ins may face long waits; add your name early or book ahead.
Is it kid-friendly? Occasionally — well-behaved older kids are fine earlier in the evening, but the space and menu skew adult, date-night, and group-dinner oriented.
Best For
Better for: Gluten-free diners seeking serious Italian cooking in a true date-night setting, with thoughtful GF pasta and pizza execution.
Skip if: You require a fully dedicated gluten-free kitchen with zero cross-contact risk, or you’re looking for a loud bar-energy Italian spot.
Coda Di Volpe
8.8
Coda Di Volpe is a Southern Italian spot on Southport Corridor where VPN-style Neapolitan pizzas and housemade pastas meet a polished, date-friendly room. A serious Italian-leaning wine list, Michelin inspector recognition, and a lively bar and patio make it one of the neighborhood's most reliable choices for couples who still want energy in the room.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita D.O.P. pizza, Bucatini arrabbiata, Fig and ricotta bruschetta
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 8.5
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 9.3
Atmosphere: 8.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.6
What makes it special: Wood-fired Neapolitan pies and Southern Italian pastas delivered at scale with Michelin-level attention.
Who should go: Couples wanting upscale Italian without white-tablecloth formality.
When to visit: Prime 7–9pm on weekends for full date-night buzz.
What to order: Share a Margherita D.O.P., bucatini arrabbiata, and arancini to start.
Insider tip: Request a booth or patio table when booking; both feel more intimate than the bar-adjacent tables.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Southport and nearby side streets; spaces can be scarce after 6pm on weekends. No dedicated lot. Occasional valet may be offered during peak periods — confirm when booking.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most guests lean slightly dressy for date night.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively — conversation is possible at booths and patio tables, but bar-adjacent areas can get loud during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation during prime time (7–9pm).
Weekday lunch: Not typically a lunch-focused restaurant; when open for daytime service, waits are uncommon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage — multiple pizzas, pastas, and starters can be made or ordered vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — a few items can be adapted, but the menu skews dairy-forward; ask staff for guidance.
Gluten-free options: Selective accommodations available (including modifications on some pizzas and pastas), but not a dedicated gluten-free kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the polished room, warm lighting, and steady buzz create an energetic but comfortable setting where conversation still feels natural, especially at booths or patio tables.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes — the bar and limited walk-in tables may open up early or late evening, but prime weekend hours usually require a reservation to avoid a long wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Occasionally — early evening and patio seating can work for older kids, but the vibe is primarily date-night and adult-leaning with later, louder peak hours.
Best For
Better for: Polished date nights with authentic, wood-fired Neapolitan pizza, housemade pastas, and a serious Italian-leaning wine list in a lively neighborhood setting.
Skip if: You want a very quiet, white-tablecloth experience, late-night walk-in certainty, or a budget-priced casual meal.