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Zarella Pizzeria & Taverna
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Zarella Pizzeria & Taverna
7.8
Vibes:
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Quick Bites Champions
Hidden Gems Heaven
Family Friendly Favorites
Opened in 2025 by Boka Restaurant Group, Zarella does both tavern-style squares and artisan round pies alongside starters and a few Italian American plates. Its grab-and-go window and relatively moderate pricing make it a newer, more casual entry into the River North Italian landscape.
Must-Try Dishes:
Soppressata & Mortadella specialty pie, Spicy vodka pizza, Sunday Salad with salami and ditalini
Scores:
Value: 8.4
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 7.7
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 7
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Chef-driven tavern and artisan pizzas with a grab-and-go window in the former GT Fish space.
Who should go: Pizza fans wanting modern tavern pies without white-tablecloth formality.
When to visit: Evenings for dine-in, or lunch for quick grab-and-go pies.
What to order: Soppressata & Mortadella pie, spicy vodka pizza, Sunday Salad.
Insider tip: Use the grab-and-go window on Grand when you want a whole pie fast.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Primarily paid garage and metered street parking in River North; street spots can be scarce during evenings and weekends, and no consistent valet presence is reported.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans and sneakers are fine, but many guests lean slightly dressy in the evenings.
Noise level: Moderate-lively — conversation is doable at smaller tables, but peak hours can feel energetic.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes at peak times without a reservation; faster for bar seats or takeout.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait, especially when using the grab-and-go window.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage — multiple meat-free pizzas and salads, with the ability to remove toppings on request.
Vegan options: Limited — some pizzas can be made cheeseless and salads can be adjusted, but there isn’t a dedicated vegan program.
Gluten-free options: Availability may be limited — ask about crust options and cross-contact risk if medically sensitive.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes for a casual, low-pressure first date — it’s relaxed, affordable, and easy to share a pizza, but it’s not ideal if you want a very quiet or formal setting.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes — walk-ins are common, especially early evenings and weekdays, but expect a wait during prime weekend dinner hours.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — the casual format, shareable pizzas, and quicker service make it workable for families, especially earlier in the evening.
Best For
Better for: Modern tavern-style and artisan pizzas at moderate prices in River North, plus the convenience of a grab-and-go window for quick meals.
Skip if: You want white-tablecloth Italian dining, a deep wine list, or a quieter, linger-longer experience.
Zarella Pizzeria & Taverna
8.7
Zarella Pizzeria & Taverna is Boka Restaurant Group’s chef-driven pizza room where Lee Wolen and Chris Pandel turn out tavern-style and artisan thin-crust pies alongside serious antipasti and pastas. Opened in 2025 in the former GT Fish & Oyster space, it’s already pulling in outstanding ratings for ultra-crisp tavern pies like the Spicy Vodka and Carbonara in a polished, TV-equipped taverna with both dine-in and a busy grab-and-go window.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Vodka pizza, Carbonara pizza, Soppressata & Mortadella pizza
Scores:
Value: 6.9
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.7
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Chef-driven tavern and artisan pizzas with a lively taverna and grab-and-go window.
Who should go: Pizza fans chasing crisp tavern pies and modern Italian plates.
When to visit: Prime dinner hours or weekends when the bar and dining room hum.
What to order: Spicy Vodka pizza, Carbonara pizza, Radiatore alla Vodka.
Insider tip: Use the Grand Street grab-and-go window for a whole pie without the wait.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: No on-site valet; metered street parking on Wells/Grand is limited during peak hours, with nearby paid garages usually available within a 1–2 block walk.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans and sneakers are fine, but the room leans polished if you’re sitting down for dinner.
Noise level: Moderate-to-lively during peak hours — conversation is possible at tables, but the bar and TVs add buzz.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak windows, shorter if you’re flexible with bar seating.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait, especially for grab-and-go orders.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage — several pizzas, antipasti, and pastas can be ordered vegetarian or are naturally so.
Vegan options: Limited — a few items can be modified, but most pizzas and pastas lean dairy-forward.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free needs are partially accommodated (salads and select plates), but there is not a dedicated gluten-free pizza program and cross-contact is likely.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the polished taverna vibe, strong cocktails, and shareable pizzas work well for a casual-but-upscale date, though it can feel lively during peak hours.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes — walk-ins are commonly seated at the bar or during off-peak windows, but expect a wait at prime dinner hours. The grab-and-go window is a strong fallback if the dining room is full.
Is it kid-friendly? Generally yes for families with older kids — the menu is approachable and seating is comfortable, but the energy skews adult and buzzy during evenings.
Best For
Better for: Ultra-crisp tavern-style pies with chef-driven toppings, a polished dining room, and the convenience of a dedicated grab-and-go window.
Skip if: You want deep-dish, very quiet dining, or an extensive vegan/gluten-free pizza program — other spots may fit those needs better.
Zarella Pizzeria & Taverna
8.4
Zarella is Boka Restaurant Group’s pizza-focused River North taverna, blending tavern-style thin crust and artisan pies with cocktails in a polished, vintage-inspired room. With strong multi-platform ratings and press attention, it’s become a go-to for shareable pizzas that feel chef-driven but still land around neighborhood prices per person.
Must-Try Dishes:
Tavern-Style Spicy Sopressata & Mortadella Pizza, Margherita Pizza, Radiatore alla Vodka
Scores:
Value: 6.8
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 9
Atmosphere: 8.9
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Chef-driven tavern and artisan pizzas from a major restaurant group in a stylish, lively space.
Who should go: Groups and couples wanting buzzy, modern pizza and drinks.
When to visit: Prime weekend evenings when the bar and dining room are full.
What to order: Spicy sopressata tavern pizza, Margherita, and radiatore alla vodka to share.
Insider tip: Book ahead and plan to split a couple of tavern pies plus one pasta instead of over-ordering.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is limited in River North; expect to use nearby paid garages. No reliable dedicated valet — plan extra time on weekends.
Dress code: Smart casual — jeans are fine, but most guests lean slightly dressy for evenings.
Noise level: Lively and buzzy during peak hours — conversation is possible but you may need to speak up.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak times; bar seats may open sooner.
Weekday lunch: Usually little to no wait, except on busy Fridays or convention weeks.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Good coverage — several pizzas and pastas can be ordered vegetarian or easily modified.
Vegan options: Limited — a few items can be modified; confirm with staff about cheese and dough ingredients.
Gluten-free options: Gluten-free diners have salads and some shared plates; ask about crust or cross-contact policies as availability may vary.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes — the room is stylish and energetic, with shareable pizzas that work well for a relaxed, slightly upscale first date. It’s best for couples who don’t mind a lively atmosphere.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often, yes — but expect a wait on weekends. Put your name in early or plan to start with drinks at the bar while you wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Casual enough for older kids and families earlier in the evening, but it trends louder and more adult-focused during prime weekend hours.
Best For
Better for: Groups that want modern, chef-driven tavern-style pizzas in a buzzy, design-forward space with cocktails.
Skip if: You want quiet conversation, ultra-budget slices, or a traditional neighborhood pizzeria without crowds.
Zarella Pizzeria & Taverna
8.5
Zarella is Boka’s chef-driven River North pizzeria where tavern-style squares, artisan thin-crust pies, and big salads meet a TV-lined, two-level space. Families come early for Spicy Vodka or Carbonara pizzas and Sunday Salad before the bar energy and game crowds pick up downstairs.
Must-Try Dishes:
Spicy Vodka Pizza, Carbonara Tavern-Style Pizza, Sunday Salad
Scores:
Value: 6.6
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.8
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: Chef-led pizzeria with both tavern squares and artisan pies in one room.
Who should go: Pizza-focused families who still want a buzzy setting.
When to visit: Weeknights or early weekends before big-game bar traffic.
What to order: Spicy Vodka pizza, Carbonara pizza, shared Sunday Salad.
Insider tip: Ask for a main-floor table away from most TVs if you want easier kid conversation.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking is scarce in River North; most guests use nearby paid garages or rideshare. No widely advertised valet — plan a few extra minutes for parking and drop-off.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual — jeans and sneakers are fine, but many guests lean slightly dressy on weekends.
Noise level: Moderate to loud — early seatings upstairs are conversation-friendly; it becomes louder near the bar and TVs during big games.
Weekend wait: Often 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak evenings or game nights.
Weekday lunch: Typically little to no wait, aside from occasional convention or office rushes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — several pies and salads can be ordered meat-free; confirm toppings and sauces with your server.
Vegan options: Limited — many pizzas are dairy-forward; some items may be made vegan by removing cheese, but options are narrow.
Gluten-free options: Limited — no clearly advertised gluten-free dough and cross-contact is likely; best to confirm suitability with the kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual dates than quiet, intimate ones — the room has energy and TVs, with the most comfortable conversation upstairs or earlier in the evening.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially early or on weeknights, but expect a wait during weekends and game times; adding your name early or arriving before the rush helps.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes — families are common earlier in the evening. Best for school-age kids and up; high-energy bar areas can feel loud later at night.
Best For
Better for: Families and groups who want chef-driven tavern squares and artisan pies in a lively, TV-friendly setting with both upstairs dining and bar energy.
Skip if: You want a quiet, romantic meal, deep-dish–only pizza, or strict vegan/gluten-free dining needs where cross-contact or substitutions aren’t workable.
Hours
Monday4pm - 10pm
Tuesday4pm - 10pm
Wednesday4pm - 10pm
Thursday4pm - 10pm
Friday11am - 11pm
Saturday11am - 11pm
Sunday11am - 9pm