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Volare Ristorante Italiano
ZipPicks Awards
Best Italian in Magnificent Mile & Streeterville
Best Hidden Gem Restaurants in Magnificent Mile & Streeterville
Master Critic Review
Volare Ristorante Italiano
8.8
Volare is a Streeterville standby for old-world Italian cooking, tightly packed tables, and big plates of pasta served in a room that’s been humming since 1997. Guests come for house classics like gnocchi alla vodka and seafood pastas, plus a deep Italian wine list that keeps the space buzzing night after night.
Must-Try Dishes:
Gnocchi alla Vodka, Spaghetti Neri al Pesce, Fettuccine alla Bolognese
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 9.2
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: High-volume, classic Streeterville trattoria serving hearty pastas since 1997.
Who should go: Classic-Italian fans craving busy, old-school downtown energy.
When to visit: Prime weekend dinners for full dining room buzz and energy.
What to order: Gnocchi alla Vodka, Spaghetti Neri al Pesce, veal chop.
Insider tip: Bar seats can snag you a table faster than the book on busy nights.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No dedicated lot — street parking is limited in Streeterville; most guests use nearby paid garages along Grand Ave & St. Clair. Valet is occasionally offered during peak evenings, but availability varies by night.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most diners lean polished (button-downs, dresses, sweaters).
Noise level: Lively and conversational but busy — you can talk across the table, though peak hours can feel loud.
Weekend wait: 45–75 minutes without a reservation during prime hours.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait; reservations rarely required.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several pastas, salads, and starters can be ordered vegetarian.
Vegan options: Limited — some dishes can be modified, but expect 1–2 viable options with guidance from the staff.
Gluten-free options: Good accommodation — many sauces are naturally GF and some pastas can be prepared gluten-free on request.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if you want classic, high-energy Italian — the room is lively and romantic in an old-school way, but it’s not quiet or intimate during peak hours.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, but expect a wait on weekends — walk-ins are seated at the bar or on a waitlist; arriving early or closer to late dinner improves your odds.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for well-behaved kids and families — staff is accommodating and portions are shareable, but the space is tightly packed and best for ages 8+ during busy evenings.
Best For
Better for: Classic red-sauce Italian, generous portions, and a bustling downtown trattoria vibe with long-running consistency.
Skip if: You prefer quiet, minimalist, or modern Italian — or you want a spacious dining room with wide table spacing.