Best Italian Restaurants in Chinatown & Bridgeport (60616)
6 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: January 2026
Our Top Pick
Ricobene's
Legendary Bridgeport counter known citywide for its saucy breaded steak sandwiches.
Notable Picks
#1
Ricobene's
8.7
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Late Night Legends
A Bridgeport institution dating back to the 1940s, Ricobene's is famous for its overstuffed breaded steak sandwich, Italian beef, and pizza in a cafeteria-style space under the viaduct. Thousands of multi-platform reviews and national shout-outs cement it as a must-stop for Chicago-style Italian-American comfort.
Must-Try Dishes:
King-Size Breaded Steak Sandwich, Chicken Vesuvio Sandwich, Deep-Dish Pizza Slice
What makes it special: Legendary Bridgeport counter known citywide for its saucy breaded steak sandwiches.
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
Family Friendly Favorites
Quick Bites Champions
Fabulous Freddies is a counter-service Italian-American spot in Bridgeport known for Italian beef, massive sandwiches, pizza slices, and Italian ice at budget-friendly prices. Sox fans, families, and neighborhood regulars pack the picnic tables for quick, filling meals before and after games.
Must-Try Dishes:
Italian Beef Sandwich, Breaded Steak Sandwich, Homemade Italian Ice
What makes it special: High-volume Italian beef and sandwich counter with big portions and low prices.
8.3
A Bridgeport standby since the late 1980s, Franco's turns out hearty red-sauce Italian plates, housemade pastas, and chicken Vesuvio in a cozy, white-tablecloth dining room. Locals use it for family celebrations and relaxed date nights when they want classic Italian without heading downtown.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicken Vesuvio, Eggplant Parmigiana, Rigatoni with Sunday Gravy
What makes it special: Long-running Bridgeport red-sauce spot with housemade pasta and classic comforts.
#4
Il Culaccino
8.0
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Group Dining Gatherings
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Trendy Table Hotspots
Opened in 2019 near McCormick Place, Il Culaccino offers modern Italian plates, a large wine list, and an outdoor patio steps from Wintrust Arena. It’s used for pre- and post-game dinners, business meals, and nicer nights out when you want polished service without downtown formality.
Must-Try Dishes:
Whipped Ricotta Tuffo, Linguine with Clam Sauce, Bone-In Berkshire Pork Chop
What makes it special: Modern Italian near McCormick Square with a serious wine list and patio.
Worthy Picks
7.9
This South Loop outpost of the Chicago-based Pizano's group serves deep-dish and thin-crust pies, pastas, and salads a short walk from McCormick Place and Wintrust Arena. It’s a go-to for groups and travelers who want recognizable Chicago-style pizza with full bar service near the convention center.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rudy's Special Deep-Dish Pizza, Thin-Crust Sausage and Pepperoni, House Salad
What makes it special: Convention-area pizzeria offering deep-dish and thin-crust with full bar and TVs.
#6
Cafe Bionda
7.8
Cafe Bionda is a South Loop Italian restaurant and bar known for old-school recipes, martinis, and a lively dining room a short ride from McCormick Place. Guests lean on hearty pastas, chicken dishes, and tiramisu before or after conventions, games, and downtown events.
Must-Try Dishes:
Joe's Mama's Meatball Salad, Short Rib Ravioli, Tiramisu
What makes it special: South Loop martini-and-red-sauce spot blending classic Italian with bar energy.