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Macello Cucina di Puglia
Master Critic Review
Macello Cucina di Puglia
8.5
Since 2007, this Pugliese specialist has transported diners to Italy's coastal south with two wood-burning ovens and a floor-to-ceiling wine wall. Named one of Chicago's Best Pizzas by Chicago Magazine, the orecchiette cime di rapa and seafood risotto showcase authentic regional cooking from owners with deep ties to the Puglia region.
Must-Try Dishes:
Orecchiette Cime di Rapa, Wood-Fired Pizza with Burrata, Grilled Octopus with Rapini
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: 17+ years of authentic Pugliese cuisine with twin wood-burning ovens
Who should go: Those seeking regional Italian beyond red sauce standards
When to visit: Happy hour Tue-Thu 3-6pm for half-price appetizers
What to order: Any seafood dish, wood-fired pizza, cavatelli al forno
Insider tip: Wednesday brings half-price select bottles of wine
Logistics & Planning
Parking: $12 valet Fri-Sat starting at 4:30pm; street parking only otherwise (no lot). Book nearby via ParkChirp app for guaranteed spot
Dress code: Casual - relaxed neighborhood vibe. Come as you are; this is comfortable Italian dining, not formal
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively - cozy and welcoming most nights, but gets louder on weekends. Occasional EL train noise adds urban character
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation on busy Saturdays; book via OpenTable or Tock
Weekday lunch: Opens at 3pm (no lunch service); happy hour 3-6pm rarely has waits
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - strong options across salads, pastas, and wood-fired pizzas. Staff happy to suggest
Vegan options: Limited - few naturally vegan options; staff can modify some dishes. Not a vegan destination
Gluten-free options: Yes - dedicated GF menu with gluten-free pasta available. Seafood dishes from the wood oven are standouts for GF diners. Note: shared kitchen, so alert server to severity
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice. The colorful orb lighting creates intimate ambiance, the floor-to-ceiling wine wall impresses, and the cozy space feels romantic without being stuffy. Request a corner table for more privacy. Wednesday's half-price wine makes it budget-friendly too.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes on weeknights - the 17-year-old neighborhood gem doesn't draw the same crowds as newer West Loop spots. Weekends are busier; call ahead or arrive early (3pm opening). Happy hour (Tue-Thu 3-6pm) is reliably easy to walk into.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - they explicitly describe themselves as 'family-friendly fine dining.' Wood-fired pizzas are crowd-pleasers for kids, and the casual vibe means nobody minds some noise. Early dinner works best; private tasting room available for larger family gatherings.
Best For
Better for: Authentic regional Italian without the hype. While West Loop neighbors chase trends, Macello has quietly served Pugliese specialties for 17+ years. The twin wood-burning ovens and seafood focus distinguish it from red-sauce competitors. Great value for the quality.
Skip if: You want the scene - this is a neighborhood regular spot, not a see-and-be-seen destination. Also skip if you need strictly vegan options or are highly sensitive to occasional train noise.
Hours
MondayClosed
Tuesday3pm - 10pm
Wednesday3pm - 10pm
Thursday3pm - 10pm
Friday3pm - 11pm
Saturday3pm - 11pm
Sunday3pm - 8pm