Best Italian Restaurants in Uptown
6 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Spacca Napoli Pizzeria
Neapolitan technique that stays consistent at very high volume.
Notable Picks
8.9
A Neapolitan-focused pizzeria where the crust is the headline—soft center, blistered edge, and toppings that stay disciplined. Locals come for classic pies and a steady rotation of Italian imports, and it’s one of the most reliable “pizza night, no regrets” rooms in this part of town.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita pizza, Prosciutto e rucola pizza, Tiramisu
What Makes it Special: Neapolitan technique that stays consistent at very high volume.
#2
Munno
8.4
A laid-back room with serious execution—Roman-leaning pizzas plus house-made pastas that keep it from being a one-trick pizzeria. It’s strongest when you split one oblong pizza and add one pasta, letting the kitchen show range without over-ordering.
Must-Try Dishes:
Diavola-style pizza, Mezze maniche alla carbonara, Squid ink spaghetti with clams
What Makes it Special: Bib Gourmand-caliber pizza and pasta in an unfussy neighborhood room.
#3
Bar Roma
8.3
A lively Andersonville Italian spot where the move is pasta plus a cocktail—big flavors, bold plating, and a room that runs energetic rather than hushed. It’s a strong pick when you want a modern date-night vibe with comfort-forward classics like cacio e pepe and lasagna.
Must-Try Dishes:
Cacio e pepe, Pappardelle, Tiramisu
What Makes it Special: High-energy Italian with pasta hits and a cocktail-forward bar program.
A big, sports-bar-style Italian spot that’s built around tavern-cut pizza with a loyal local following. The best play is to keep it simple—one classic pie plus one side—so the kitchen stays in its most repeatable lane.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tavern-style thin crust (square-cut), Buffalo wings, Sausage pizza
What Makes it Special: Tavern-cut pizza in a high-TV, neighborhood tavern setting.
Worthy Picks
7.8
A newer Uptown Italian dining room built around approachable antipasti, classic pastas, and comfort mains. It’s best when you keep the order focused—one raw or cold starter, one pasta, then a shareable entrée like short ribs over saffron risotto.
Must-Try Dishes:
Beef carpaccio, Braised short ribs over saffron risotto, Saltimbocca di pollo
What Makes it Special: A fresh Uptown Italian option with a menu that reads classic and clear.
7.7
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Comfort Food Classics
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
A classic neighborhood pizza shop that leans into fast service, big slices, and familiar Chicago-area comfort. It shines when you order simply—thin crust or a slice-and-salad combo—so the value stays the headline.
Must-Try Dishes:
Thin-crust sausage pizza, Pepperoni slice, Stuffed pizza
What Makes it Special: Big-slice, fast-service pizza that’s built for everyday cravings.