Best Italian Restaurants in Chinatown
10 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
AltoVino
Region-hopping Italian menu anchored by a serious wine list.
Notable Picks
#1
AltoVino
8.5
Wine-driven Italian dining on the Nob Hill/North Beach slope with seasonal pastas and thoughtful pairings. Intimate room and a list that roams Italy’s regions.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pappardelle al Ragù, Spaghettoni all’Amatriciana, Stuffed Fried Olives
What Makes it Special: Region-hopping Italian menu anchored by a serious wine list.
8.4
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Trendy Table Hotspots
Birthday & Celebration Central
Group Dining Gatherings
Speakeasy-styled room focused on Chicago traditions—deep-dish, stuffed, and cracker-thin—with an American whiskey program. Pies arrive with sturdy crusts, layered cheese, and slow-simmered sauces that reward a patient bake.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chicago Deep Dish Sausage, Cracker-Thin Pepperoni, Stuffed Spinach & Ricotta
What Makes it Special: Dedicated Chicago-style program with multiple crust formats.
#3
Palio
8.3
FiDi institution (est. 1990) serving wood-oven Roman-style pizzas alongside pastas in a polished dining room. Families appreciate the roomy seating, shareable pies, and kid-friendly classics at lunch or early dinner.
Must-Try Dishes:
Margherita, Funghi (wild mushrooms, fontina), Siciliana (fennel sausage)
What Makes it Special: Wood-oven pies in a spacious FiDi classic dating to 1990.
8.2
Vibes:
Business Lunch Power Players
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Solo Dining Sanctuaries
Historic Italian deli (since 1896) known for stacked, made-to-order sandwiches on fresh local bread. Ideal for a quick, high-quality takeaway lunch that still reads as thoughtful.
Must-Try Dishes:
Italian Combo on Dutch Crunch, Turkey, Mozzarella & Pesto, Prosciutto with Fresh Mozzarella
What Makes it Special: Legacy deli with premium meats, fast assembly, and iconic sandwiches.
8.2
Neighborhood stalwart since 1984 serving hearty, red-sauce favorites in a warm, compact corner space. The room hums with old-school hospitality and portions that encourage sharing.
Must-Try Dishes:
Lasagna al Forno, Gnocchi Gorgonzola, Chicken Parmigiana
What Makes it Special: Family-run warmth with generous, classic Italian plates.
8
Compact, chef-owned Neapolitan spot at the Jackson Square edge with a cozy, old-school feel. Simple southern Italian favorites are cooked with care and priced fairly.
Must-Try Dishes:
Gnocchi alla Sorrentina, Spaghetti alle vongole, Eggplant parmigiana
What Makes it Special: Chef-run Neapolitan cooking in an intimate, personal setting.
Modern Roman pinseria with a lively bar program and sleek lighting. Airy, crisp-edged pinsa and seasonal antipasti make it a stylish yet approachable date option.
Must-Try Dishes:
Pinsa Margherita, Supplì al Telefono, Cacio e Pepe
What Makes it Special: Roman-style pinsa and cocktails in a contemporary room.
Worthy Picks
7.9
Cozy, family-run spot since the late ’90s turning out homespun red-sauce favorites; the baked lasagna is hearty, saucy, and priced fairly for FiDi. Ideal for a comforting pasta lunch or a low-key dinner near Montgomery.
Must-Try Dishes:
Baked Lasagna al Forno, Gnocchi al Gorgonzola, Chicken Parmigiana
What Makes it Special: Classic, budget-friendly lasagna in a long-standing FiDi trattoria.
7.7
Francis Ford Coppola’s European-style café in the Sentinel Building serving Italian staples, salads, and Coppola wines. Great for a glass and a light pasta or pizza.
Must-Try Dishes:
Rigatoni alla Norma, Prosciutto e Burrata, Margherita Pizza
What Makes it Special: Historic flatiron café with Italian plates and house wines.
#10
Il Pollaio
7.6
Compact grill house known for charcoal-roasted chicken and simple Italian-Argentine plates. No-frills setup; big flavors and steady crowds.
Must-Try Dishes:
Half Charcoal Chicken, Polenta with Sausage, Mixed Grill Plate
What Makes it Special: Charcoal-grilled chicken with a cult local following.