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La Pizza & La Pasta at Eataly Chicago
Master Critic Review
La Pizza & La Pasta at Eataly Chicago
7.8
Authentic Neapolitan-style pizza crafted by Rossopomodoro-trained pizzaioli inside the 64,000 square foot Italian marketplace. Wood-fired 900°F ovens produce charred, elastic crusts with San Marzano tomatoes and creamy mozzarella.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita DOC, Diavola, Cacio e Pepe Pasta
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Authentic Neapolitan pizza with imported Italian ingredients in a marketplace setting
Who should go: Italian food enthusiasts, shoppers wanting quality sit-down
When to visit: Quick Lunch menu (11:30am-3pm weekdays) offers prix fixe value
What to order: Margherita DOC, any housemade pasta, finish with gelato downstairs
Insider tip: Grab pizza alla pala by the slice from the counter for quick bites
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validated parking at 10 E Grand Ave (one block west)—free first hour with $20 Eataly purchase, $12 for 1-3 hours; get validation at Guest Relations desk
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans and nice tops fit right in; slightly elevated from typical pizza joints but still relaxed marketplace vibe
Noise level: Loud—open marketplace setting with bustling energy; expect conversation effort during peak hours but adds to the lively atmosphere
Weekend wait: 30-60 min without reservation; book via OpenTable or browse marketplace while waiting
Weekday lunch: 10-20 min typical; Quick Lunch prix fixe (11:30am-3pm) moves faster
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—extensive options including Margherita, Quattro Formaggi pizza, mushroom ravioli, gnocchi pomodoro, multiple pasta dishes marked on menu
Vegan options: Moderate—pizza dough is vegan (marinara sauce works), rapini arrostiti, custom flatbreads; ask server for modifications
Gluten-free options: Yes—GF pasta (corn/rice/buckwheat blend) and pizza crust available; NOT celiac-safe—shared ovens and cross-contamination risk clearly disclosed
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Great for casual, energetic dates—watching pizzaioli work the 900°F ovens is entertaining, the food photographs beautifully, and you can browse the marketplace after. Skip it for quiet romantic conversations; the bustling marketplace vibe doesn't allow for intimate moments.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect waits during dinner and weekends. Smart hack: check in at the host stand, then shop the marketplace—staff will text when your table is ready. Weekday lunch and early dinner (before 6pm) are usually manageable without reservations.
Is it kid-friendly? Excellent for families—the 'Eataly Loves Kids' program offers shaped pizzas (hearts, butterflies, fish, bunnies) for around $9. The loud, bustling environment means nobody notices your kids being kids. Watch the pizzaioli together, then grab gelato downstairs. Available Sunday-Thursday.
What's the difference between this and Chicago deep dish? Completely different pizza styles. This is authentic Neapolitan—thin, charred, elastic crust from 900°F wood-fired ovens, finished in 90 seconds. If you want the thick, cheesy Chicago experience, this isn't it. Come here for what pizza tastes like in Naples.
Can I just grab a quick slice? Yes—skip the sit-down restaurant and hit the pizza alla pala counter for Roman-style slices by weight. Quick, delicious, no wait. Perfect for shoppers who want quality without commitment.
Best For
Better for: Authentic Neapolitan pizza with imported Italian ingredients (San Marzano DOP tomatoes, buffalo mozzarella, Caputo flour). The marketplace experience—shop, eat, get gelato—makes it a full Italian immersion. Best thin-crust pizza option on Mag Mile. Great Instagram content with the wood-fired ovens.
Skip if: You want Chicago deep dish (go Lou Malnati's or Giordano's), need celiac-safe dining, prefer intimate/quiet atmosphere, or want quick in-and-out service. The marketplace bustle isn't for everyone.