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Il Porcellino
ZipPicks Awards
Best Italian in River North
Best Restaurants With Private Dining Rooms in River North
Master Critic Review
Il Porcellino
8.5
Il Porcellino delivers red-sauce Italian comfort in a cozy, wood-and-checkered-tablecloth space just off Hubbard’s bar row. Large-format salads, chicken parm, and spaghetti plates make it a reliable pick for family-style carb nights before or after downtown events.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spaghetti and meatballs, Roasted chicken penne, Whipped ricotta bruschetta
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A modern red-sauce joint that balances cozy design with big, shareable plates.
Who should go: Dinors craving classic, hearty Italian favorites downtown.
When to visit: Evenings before shows or games when you want comfort.
What to order: Whipped ricotta bruschetta, chicken parm, spaghetti and meatballs.
Insider tip: Portions run large, so split a salad and a pasta before committing to mains.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Valet typically available during dinner hours; nearby paid garages on Hubbard/State; street parking is limited, especially on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans and sweaters are fine, but many guests lean slightly dressy for downtown evenings.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversation is doable at most tables, but peak weekend hours can get energetic.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours; bar seating sometimes opens sooner.
Weekday lunch: Usually no wait or short wait outside of convention/show traffic.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage — several salads, pastas, and appetizers can be ordered vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — a small number of items can be modified, but expect 1–2 viable options.
Gluten-free options: Some pastas and mains can be prepared gluten-free on request; no dedicated GF kitchen or prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the cozy room, warm lighting, and shareable plates make it comfortable and low-pressure, especially for a classic dinner date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights or early seatings; on weekends, expect a wait and consider bar or high-top seating if you walk in.
Is it kid-friendly? Reasonably — staff is accommodating and the menu is familiar for older kids; best for families during earlier dinner hours rather than late weekends.
Best For
Better for: Large, shareable red-sauce classics, reliable group dinners, and comfort-first Italian in a polished but relaxed setting.
Skip if: You’re looking for avant-garde Italian, a quiet white-tablecloth experience, or a quick, budget-minded meal.