What is the best Italian restaurant in River North?

Quartino Ristorante is our top pick for Italian restaurants in River North, scoring 8.9/10. High-volume Italian small-plates house with hand-cut pasta and late hours.

Any insider tips for Quartino Ristorante?

Order several half-portion pastas so the table can sample widely.

What should I order at Quartino Ristorante?

Margherita pizza, tagliatelle bolognese, salumi board.

When should I visit Quartino Ristorante?

Evenings before peak to avoid the loudest rush.

Who should go to Quartino Ristorante?

Groups wanting lively, shareable Italian with wine.

Any insider tips for RPM Italian?

Sit at the pasta bar for a more interactive but still polished experience.

What should I order at RPM Italian?

Mama DePandi's Bucatini, cacio e pepe, lobster ravioli.

When should I visit RPM Italian?

Prime weekend slots or late weeknights with reservations.

Who should go to RPM Italian?

Guests wanting upscale Italian with scene-y energy.

Any insider tips for Siena Tavern?

Book earlier in the evening if you want conversation-friendly noise levels.

What should I order at Siena Tavern?

Wagyu meatball, rigatoni alla vodka, truffle gnocchi.

When should I visit Siena Tavern?

Weekend evenings for peak scene and DJ energy.

Who should go to Siena Tavern?

Groups wanting buzzy Italian with strong drinks.

Any insider tips for Ciccio Mio?

Bar seats can be easier to snag last-minute and still feel special.

What should I order at Ciccio Mio?

Spicy vodka rigatoni, lasagna rotolo, antipasti platter.

When should I visit Ciccio Mio?

Later weeknights if you want a bit more breathing room.

Who should go to Ciccio Mio?

Couples wanting plush, throwback Italian with cocktails.

Any insider tips for Osteria Via Stato?

Ask to sit on the osteria side if you want a quieter, more romantic feel.

What should I order at Osteria Via Stato?

Margherita pizza, short rib rigatoni, seasonal antipasti.

When should I visit Osteria Via Stato?

Weeknights before theater or after downtown shopping.

Who should go to Osteria Via Stato?

Diners wanting dependable Italian near hotels and offices.

Best Date Night Italian Restaurants in River North (60654)

5 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked

Last Updated: January 2026

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Our Top Pick

Quartino Ristorante

High-volume Italian small-plates house with hand-cut pasta and late hours.

Notable Picks

#1 Quartino Ristorante

8.9

$$ River North

Vibes: Group Dining Gatherings Happy Hour Hotspots Business Lunch Power Players Trendy Table Hotspots

Since 2005, Quartino has operated as River North’s all-purpose Italian enoteca, turning out housemade pastas, Neapolitan-style pizzas, and antipasti in a loud, always-busy room. Enormous multi-platform review volume and steady crowds at nearly all hours make it a default choice for groups wanting shareable Italian without formality.

Must-Try Dishes: Margherita pizza, Tagliatelle bolognese, Salumi and cheese board

What makes it special: High-volume Italian small-plates house with hand-cut pasta and late hours.

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#2 RPM Italian

8.7

$$$ River North

Vibes: Date Night Magic Trendy Table Hotspots Business Lunch Power Players Birthday & Celebration Central

RPM Italian delivers a polished, celeb-adjacent version of modern Italian with housemade pastas, crudo, and steaks in a sleek, reservation-heavy room. It functions as both a destination date-night spot and a go-to for corporate dinners where consistent execution and presentation matter.

Must-Try Dishes: Mama DePandi's Bucatini, Mafaldine cacio e pepe, Maine lobster ravioli

What makes it special: Glossy, high-service Italian where housemade pasta shares space with steak and crudo.

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#3 Siena Tavern

8.6

$$$ River North

Vibes: Trendy Table Hotspots Girls Night Out Approved Birthday & Celebration Central Business Lunch Power Players

Siena Tavern leans into a loud, party-friendly take on modern Italian, pairing housemade pastas and pizzas with big-format cocktails and a DJ-adjacent vibe. Since 2013 it has anchored Kinzie’s going-out strip for groups who want sharable plates and a social scene in one stop.

Must-Try Dishes: Wagyu beef meatball, Rigatoni alla vodka, Gnocchi with truffle cream

What makes it special: High-energy Italian spot where big meatballs, pizzas, and cocktails drive the night.

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#4 Ciccio Mio

8.4

$$$ River North

Vibes: Date Night Magic Trendy Table Hotspots Instagram Worthy Wonders Birthday & Celebration Central

Ciccio Mio is an intimate, reservation-booked room styled like a vintage Italian supper club, known for rich pastas, antipasti platters, and thoughtful cocktails. Since opening in 2019 it has become one of River North’s most sought-after Italian date spots, with a heavy emphasis on indulgent, sauce-driven dishes.

Must-Try Dishes: Spicy vodka rigatoni, Lasagna bolognese rotolo, Orecchiette pugliese

What makes it special: A small, softly lit Italian room focused on luxurious pastas and classic antipasti.

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#5 Osteria Via Stato

8.3

$$$ River North

Vibes: Date Night Magic Group Dining Gatherings Business Lunch Power Players

Osteria Via Stato is a Roman-inspired Italian spot led by Chef David DiGregorio, known for candlelit rooms, Roman-style thin-crust pizzas and handmade pastas like housemade ricotta gnocchi. Its long-running presence and flexible setup—pizzeria, osteria and patio—make it a reliable choice for classic-feeling Italian dates that can be either casual or more celebratory. Regulars appreciate the combination of warm service, shareable antipasti and a thoughtful wine list.

Must-Try Dishes: Roman-style margherita pizza, Rigatoni with short rib ragu, Angel hair aglio e olio with shrimp

What makes it special: Dual-concept osteria and pizzeria serving Roman-style pies and classic pastas.

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