ZipPicks Awards
Best Lasagna in Goose Island & River West
Master Critic Review
Mart Anthony's Italian Restaurant
8.1
A third-generation, old-school Italian dining room that feels like a neighborhood supper club—warm staff, big portions, and a menu that keeps you in the red-sauce comfort lane. The lasagna is the right call when you want something classic and filling, built to travel well as leftovers without losing its structure.
Must-Try Dishes:
Nana's Lasagna, Meat Lasagna, Braciole
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: A long-running West Town Italian spot where lasagna is a true comfort entrée, not an afterthought.
Who should go: Groups craving old-school Italian and big portions.
When to visit: Early dinner for easiest reservations and calmer room.
What to order: Nana's lasagna; meat lasagna; braciole for the classic move.
Insider tip: Order lasagna if you want guaranteed leftovers—plan for a second meal.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Mostly street parking on nearby side streets; meters and limited spots fill up fast during weekend dinner hours. Plan a short walk (2–6 minutes) if you arrive after 6:30pm, and avoid relying on a single block for a spot.
Dress code: Smart casual; jeans are totally fine. It’s an old-school neighborhood room, but you’ll feel best in a clean, slightly polished look (nice top, boots/sneakers, light jacket).
Noise level: Moderate - lively dining room energy, but you can still hold a full conversation at the table without leaning in constantly.
Weekend wait: 30–60 min without a reservation (longer for groups of 4+).
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait or 5–15 min; busiest around noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple red-sauce pastas and classic Italian staples can work; ask about cheese/egg in sauces and confirm vegetarian prep if you’re strict.
Vegan options: Limited - you’ll need to customize (marinara-based pasta, veggie sides, no cheese). Best for flexible vegans rather than fully strict dining.
Gluten-free options: Limited - some proteins and salads work, but pasta-heavy comfort food is the core. Call ahead if cross-contact sensitivity is a concern.
Best For
Better for: Old-school Italian comfort executed like a neighborhood institution—big portions, warm staff, and lasagna that eats like a main event (and holds up as leftovers). It’s a stronger pick than trendier spots when you want classic red-sauce satisfaction with group-friendly value-per-portion.
Consider Alternatives If: Skip if you want modern small plates, a sleek date-night ‘new Italian’ vibe, or lighter meals. Also not the move if you’re strictly vegan or need robust gluten-free pasta options—choose a more dietary-flexible kitchen instead.