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Bongiorno's Italian Deli & Pizzeria
ZipPicks Awards
Best Pizza in Magnificent Mile & Streeterville
Best Late Night Pizza in Magnificent Mile & Streeterville
Master Critic Review
Bongiorno's Italian Deli & Pizzeria
8.2
This family-run gem between the Wrigley Building and Trump Tower serves authentic Italian thin-crust pizzas with traditional toppings in a relaxed, no-frills atmosphere. Italian-born chef takes pride in scratch-made preparations since 2011.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita Pizza, Dee-Lish Pizza, Prosciutto & Mushroom Pizza
Scores:
Value: 8.5
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Authentic family-run Italian with a Bongiorno always in the house
Who should go: Locals seeking no-fuss quality, tourists avoiding crowds
When to visit: Great for lunch with riverwalk patio seating when weather permits
What to order: Margherita pizza, sausage and lentil soup, finish with gelato
Insider tip: Ask for Dee—she'll guide you to the best items on the menu
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated lot; use nearby garages (SpotHero recommended) or street parking. Grand Red Line stop is 5-minute walk. Hard-to-find entrance in River Plaza Condo building—go up the steps between Wabash and Hubbard
Dress code: Casual - relaxed neighborhood Italian vibe, come as you are from shopping the Mag Mile
Noise level: Quiet and intimate - small unpretentious bistro setting, easy conversation even on the patio
Weekend wait: 10-20 min without reservation; reservations accepted and recommended for patio
Weekday lunch: Usually seated immediately - popular with office crowd but turns quickly
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - veggie pizzas, eggplant parm, caprese, multiple pasta options like penne pomodoro
Vegan options: Limited - marinara-based pizzas, salads, bruschetta (confirm cheese-free preparation)
Gluten-free options: Limited - salads and some entrees can be modified, but no dedicated GF pizza crust
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes - actually ideal. Cozy trattoria vibe, intimate seating, extensive wine list, and riverfront patio for sunset drinks. Way more romantic than the tourist pizza joints. The family owners make you feel welcome without hovering.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes for parties under 4, but seating is limited. Reservations are accepted and smart for weekend dinner or patio seating. Walk-ins work fine at lunch. Closed Mondays.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - relaxed atmosphere, simple pizza and pasta that kids love, and large portions mean easy sharing. The patio is great for antsy kids who need to move around. Gelato bar seals the deal for dessert.
Best For
Better for: Authentic thin-crust Italian pizza when you want quality over spectacle. No tourist chaos, no 45-minute waits for deep dish. The Sardinian-born chef delivers scratch-made dishes with real Italian technique, plus a riverwalk patio that beats any deep dish joint's ambiance.
Skip if: You're specifically after Chicago-style deep dish—this is traditional Italian thin crust. Also skip if your group is larger than 6-8; the intimate space doesn't accommodate big parties well. Closed Mondays.
Hours
MondayClosed
Tuesday11am - 9pm
Wednesday11am - 9pm
Thursday11am - 9pm
Friday11am - 10pm
Saturday11am - 10pm
Sunday12pm - 9pm