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Via Carducci La Sorella
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Via Carducci La Sorella
7.9
Named for the owner's hometown street in Calabria, this Southern Italian gem delivers rustic dishes from Italy's toe with house-made gnocchi, fresh-baked bread, and regional wines. The cozy white-tablecloth setting and family hospitality transport diners straight to Southern Italy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spaghetti Carbonara, Gnocchi Marinara, Grilled Calamari Calabrese
Scores:
Value: 8.2
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Authentic Calabrian Southern Italian cuisine with family recipes from the owner's hometown
Who should go: Those seeking rustic Southern Italian beyond the typical red sauce
When to visit: Weeknight dinner for relaxed neighborhood vibe
What to order: Grilled calamari Calabrese, peperone ripieno, thin crust pizza
Insider tip: Meet owner Boris for warm Italian hospitality and wine recommendations
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet parking available daily. Street parking on Division St challenging after 6pm; SpotHero reservations available nearby
Dress code: Casual - neighborhood Italian vibe, jeans perfectly fine, no need to dress up
Noise level: Moderate to lively - described as 'noisy but vivacious' on busy nights, can hear your date but expect bustling energy
Weekend wait: 15-20 min even with reservation on busy Saturdays; book ahead
Weekday lunch: Walk-ins welcome, minimal wait typically
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple pasta dishes, veggie pizza, eggplant involtini, grilled vegetables
Vegan options: Limited - approximately 4 options; veggie pizza without cheese, pasta with olive oil preparations
Gluten-free options: Yes - GF pizza crust (+$2) and GF penne substitution (+$3), cooked in separate pot. Avoid meatballs (contain breadcrumbs)
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - white tablecloths and candlelit ambiance feel romantic without being stuffy. Cozy enough for conversation, owner Boris often stops by tables adding warmth. The outdoor patio with flowers is especially charming in warm weather.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weeknights, yes - walk-ins usually accommodated. Friday/Saturday dinner, make OpenTable reservations. Even with a booking, expect 15-20 minutes on peak Saturdays.
Is it kid-friendly? Very - this is a family-run spot with a welcoming vibe for all ages. Pizza and pasta please kids, complimentary bread arrives immediately, and portions are generous. Outdoor patio works well for families who want space.
Best For
Better for: Authentic Southern Italian (Calabrian) cuisine you won't find elsewhere in Wicker Park - house-made gnocchi, regional wines, and genuine family hospitality versus generic red sauce joints
Skip if: You want trendy/modern Italian or need extensive vegan options; try Monteverde or RPM Italian instead
Via Carducci La Sorella
8.2
Via Carducci La Sorella brings Calabrian-leaning Italian cooking, deep-dish and thin-crust pizzas, and a long wine list to a warmly lit Division Street dining room. It’s the kind of relaxed, slightly old-school spot where date night can be as simple as sharing a pizza, a bottle of red, and tiramisu.
Must-Try Dishes:
Calamari grigliati in lemon-garlic white wine, Traditional thin-crust pizza, Lasagna di mia mamma
Scores:
Value: 6.1
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Casual Calabrian pizzeria-ristorante that feels like a neighborhood living room.
Who should go: Couples wanting cozy, unpretentious pasta and pizza nights.
When to visit: Weeknights or early weekends before peak family and group crowds.
What to order: Calamari grigliati, thin-crust pizza, house lasagna.
Insider tip: Portion sizes are generous—split a starter and one pizza or pasta.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking on Division and nearby side streets; can be tight during peak dinner hours
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but many guests lean slightly dressy for date night
Noise level: Moderate — generally quiet enough for conversation except during peak weekend dinner rush
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait (limited lunch hours; check ahead)
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good selection — several pasta, pizza, and appetizer options
Vegan options: Limited — some dishes can be modified, but not a dedicated vegan menu
Gluten-free options: Some modifications may be available; best to call ahead for pasta or pizza substitutions
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the warm lighting, relaxed service, and classic Italian comfort dishes make it an easy place to talk and get to know someone.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights or early evenings, but weekend prime time fills up quickly — reservations are strongly recommended.
Is it kid-friendly? Kids are welcome and familiar dishes make it approachable, though the ambiance leans more adult-friendly during later evening hours.
Best For
Better for: Cozy, relaxed Italian date nights where the goal is classic comfort food, wine, and conversation without pretense.
Skip if: You’re looking for ultra-modern Italian, tasting-menu dining, or a scene-heavy restaurant environment.