Best Affordable Italian Restaurants in Streeterville | Affordable Italian Food

28 restaurants in Best Affordable Italian Restaurants in Streeterville | Affordable Italian Food

• Rossi's Liquors — Italian · rated 5/5: Stepping into this storied neighborhood haunt feels like uncovering a well-kept secret, where the dim glow of neon and the rhythmic pop of bottle caps set the stage for a relaxed, unpretentious evening. The bar celebrates the crisp and the refreshing, pouring everything from timeless domestic lagers to an adventurous array of craft ciders infused with botanical herbs and sun-ripened tropical fruits. It is a sanctuary for those seeking a cold glass and a warm atmosphere, where the simple pleasure of a perfectly chilled pour takes center stage.
• Aster Hall — American · rated 4/5: Sunlight streams through expansive windows into a sophisticated sanctuary where the vibrant energy of a modern marketplace meets the polished charm of a high-end lounge. The air is thick with the inviting scent of bubbling, thin-crust pizzas and the zesty aroma of slow-simmered barbacoa and al pastor tacos, each hand-pressed and bursting with authentic, vibrant spice. It is a stylish culinary crossroads that invites guests to linger over artisanal comfort food, offering a seamless blend of casual elegance and diverse, chef-driven flavors perfect for an urban escape.
• Quartino Ristorante — Italian: Quartino Ristorante pulses with the high-octane energy of a bustling Italian piazza, where the rhythmic clinking of wine carafes and the aroma of wood-fired specialties fill the vibrant, multi-level space. Guests gather around communal tables to share an endless parade of artisanal salumi and hand-stretched pastas, embracing a spirited dining experience that celebrates the simple, rustic joy of authentic Mediterranean flavors.
• Cafe L'Appetito — Italian: This sun-drenched corner cafe hums with the rhythmic hiss of the espresso machine and the enticing aroma of freshly baked focaccia and toasted panini. Guests gather at marble-topped tables to savor artisanal sandwiches layered with premium cured meats and vibrant pestos, or to indulge in delicate, cream-filled pastries that pair perfectly with a robust, velvety latte. It is a spirited neighborhood hub where the charm of an Italian piazza meets modern urban energy, offering a soulful retreat for a quick morning caffeine fix or a lingering midday escape.
• Rosebud on Rush — Italian: This iconic Gold Coast destination pulses with the vibrant energy of classic Chicago, where white-clothed tables and walls lined with history set the stage for a quintessential urban feast. The air is thick with the savory perfume of slow-simmered marinara and sizzling steaks, inviting guests to indulge in generous, soul-warming plates of handmade pasta and prime cuts. Whether tucked into a plush booth or watching the bustle of Rush Street through the windows, diners are immersed in a timeless atmosphere where every meal feels like a grand, celebratory occasion.
• Dough Bros Pizzeria & Sub Shop — Italian: The air at Dough Bros Pizzeria & Sub Shop is thick with the irresistible aroma of golden, blistered crusts and simmering tomato sauce, drawing guests into a vibrant space where artisanal craft meets neighborhood comfort. Hand-stretched pizzas like the meat-heavy Carnevoro and the delicate, herb-brightened Caprese share the stage with overstuffed subs layered with salty prosciutto and creamy mozzarella, creating a symphony of bold Italian flavors in every bite.
• Osteria Via Stato — Italian: The air is thick with the irresistible aroma of warm ciabatta and golden roasted garlic, drawing guests into a convivial space that celebrates the soulful heart of Italian hospitality. Plates of crispy Calabrian potatoes and tender meatballs arrive at bustling tables, where the bright crunch of fresh arugula and the creamy indulgence of roasted tomato caprese create a symphony of rustic flavors meant for lingering over and sharing.
• Francesca's on Chestnut — Italian: Nestled in the heart of the city, this sophisticated retreat blends urban elegance with the soulful warmth of a traditional Italian trattoria, featuring crisp white linens and an inviting, sun-drenched dining room. The air carries the enticing scent of simmering sauces and toasted focaccia, drawing guests into a culinary journey defined by vibrant, seasonal ingredients and expertly tossed pastas. Every meal feels like a graceful celebration of timeless flavors and effortless hospitality, making it an ideal escape for a romantic evening or a refined midday gathering.
• Labriola — Italian: Labriola serves as a vibrant urban sanctuary where the midday hum of a refined lunch gives way to the spirited, social glow of an evening well spent. Guests linger over artfully crafted small bites and jewel-toned glasses of sangria, finding a sophisticated retreat that celebrates the joy of shared plates and perfectly shaken cocktails.
• Spiaggia — Italian: Overlooking the azure expanse of Lake Michigan through soaring windows, this bastion of Italian elegance pairs breathtaking waterfront views with a sophisticated, white-tablecloth atmosphere. Every plate is a vibrant canvas of seasonal artistry, where the delicate textures of hand-rolled pasta and the briny brightness of coastal flavors come together in a celebration of refined culinary tradition.
• Lavazza — Italian: Step into a polished Italian haven where the rich, nutty aroma of slow-roasted beans fills the air, inviting you to linger over a perfectly pulled espresso crowned with velvet crema. This sophisticated space blends sleek modern design with the timeless ritual of the café, offering a refined escape where every sip celebrates a storied legacy of coffee artistry.
• Pinstripes — Italian: This polished social destination reimagines the classic bistro experience by blending the rhythmic energy of bowling and bocce with the sophisticated flavors of an Italian-American kitchen. Guests gather around flickering outdoor fire pits or settle into plush leather booths to enjoy hand-stretched wood-fired pizzas and seasonal pastas, creating a vibrant atmosphere where upscale leisure and culinary craft seamlessly meet.
• Carmine's — Italian: Step into a boisterous, high-energy hall where the air is thick with the intoxicating scent of roasted garlic and the joyful clamor of shared celebrations. Massive platters of classic Italian-American comfort food are passed around crowded tables, inviting guests to dive into towering mounds of saucy pasta and golden-crusted chicken parmigiana. It is a place where the spirit of the Sunday family dinner is elevated to a grand scale, turning every meal into a festive and communal feast.
• Lou Malnati's Pizzeria — Italian: Step into a bustling Chicago landmark where the irresistible aroma of golden, buttery crust and simmering tomato sauce fills the air. Each legendary deep-dish pizza is a masterpiece of layers, featuring a flaky, hand-pressed base topped with savory sausage and vine-ripened tomatoes that melt into a rich, gooey center of Wisconsin mozzarella. The lively, unpretentious atmosphere invites friends and families to gather around seasoned pans for a quintessential taste of the Windy City that feels both nostalgic and timeless.
• Devil Dawgs — American: This high-energy haunt captures the gritty, neon-lit soul of Chicago street food, where the air is thick with the savory steam of slow-simmered Italian beef and the irresistible snap of perfectly grilled sausages. Whether you’re craving a classic dog "dragged through the garden" or a bold creation loaded with spicy green chiles and melted cheddar, every bite delivers a punch of nostalgic flavor and urban energy. It is a vibrant destination where traditional Maxwell Street polishes and organic vegan options coexist, inviting diners to experience the city's boldest flavors in a fast-paced, authentic atmosphere.
• Bongiorno's Cucina Italiana & Pizzeria — Italian: Golden light spills across flour-dusted tables at this spirited neighborhood haunt, where the crackle of a stone oven and the intoxicating aroma of slow-simmered pomodoro set the stage for a true Italian feast. Hand-tossed pizzas with perfectly blistered crusts share the spotlight with bowls of velvety, sauce-drenched pasta, creating a convivial sanctuary where every meal feels like a celebratory Sunday dinner.
• Bongiorno's Italian Deli & Pizzeria — Italian: This vibrant neighborhood haunt hums with the energy of a classic Italian market, where the intoxicating aroma of simmering red sauce and toasted garlic greets you at the door. Masterfully crafted pizzas boast perfectly blistered crusts and molten cheese, while the deli counter overflows with crusty rolls packed high with premium cured meats and zesty, hand-cut giardiniera. Every bite captures the soul of a traditional family kitchen, offering a comforting escape where the simple joy of a well-made meal takes center stage.
• Friends Ramen — Japanese: This welcoming neighborhood retreat invites guests into a space where the comforting scents of toasted granola and savory pumpkin sauce mingle in the air. The kitchen crafts an eclectic tapestry of flavors, from creamy mushroom pastas and golden-crusted shrimp shells to tender grilled octopus accented by the smoky heat of ancho chile, creating a soulful dining experience that feels both familiar and adventurous.
• Giordano's Pizzeria — Italian: Step into a bustling haven of Chicago tradition where the air is thick with the savory aroma of slow-baked dough and rich, bubbling mozzarella. Each legendary deep-dish masterpiece arrives in a seasoned pan, boasting a buttery, flaky crust that gives way to a decadent mountain of melted cheese and vibrant, chunky tomato sauce. It is a place where the dramatic "cheese pull" becomes a shared ritual, inviting diners to slow down and savor every hearty, soul-warming bite in a warm and lively atmosphere.
• Volare Ristorante Italiano — Italian: Volare Ristorante Italiano invites guests into a world of timeless Mediterranean charm, where the intoxicating aroma of wood-fired Tartufo and Margherita pizzas drifts through a warm, spirited dining room. Lively tables are anchored by abundant shared platters and delicate beef carpaccio, while signature seafood salads and golden baked clams bring the bright, briny flavors of the Italian coast to every meal.
• The Albert — Italian: Towering bookshelves and laboratory-inspired accents create a scholarly yet soulful backdrop where culinary curiosity takes center stage. The open kitchen hums with energy as chefs transform seasonal harvests into artful, globally-influenced plates, inviting diners to linger over inventive cocktails in a space that feels like a sophisticated private library.
• Miss Ricky's — American: Miss Ricky’s pulses with the vibrant energy of downtown Chicago, blending the nostalgic charm of a classic diner with a sleek, modern edge defined by bold red accents and plush, inviting booths. The kitchen breathes new life into beloved comfort food, turning out golden, syrup-drenched stacks and savory Italian-American staples that fill the air with the soul-warming scents of a neighborhood kitchen. It is a playful urban sanctuary where the sizzle of the griddle and the hum of city life converge, offering a dining experience that feels both refreshingly sophisticated and endearingly familiar.
• Mozzarella Store, Pizza & Caffè — Italian: Sun-drenched and inviting, this vibrant eatery celebrates the art of the Italian pantry, where the creamy indulgence of hand-stretched mozzarella meets the charred, blistered perfection of artisanal wood-fired pizzas. Guests can linger over a robust espresso in the airy, modern space or watch as skilled hands transform fresh curds and seasonal ingredients into soulful Mediterranean plates. It is a welcoming neighborhood hub that bridges the gap between a bustling morning coffee stop and a leisurely afternoon feast, all centered around the simple beauty of authentic flavors.
• Eataly — Italian: This bustling culinary sanctuary captures the vibrant spirit of an Italian marketplace, where the scent of slow-simmered sauces and the sight of handcrafted pasta shapes invite guests to linger. From the delicate earthiness of truffle-infused linguine to the bold kick of spicy marinara draped over perfectly al dente paccheri, each dish celebrates the timeless harmony of premium ingredients and traditional craft.
• Ummo — Italian: Ummo invites guests into a vibrant, contemporary sanctuary where the comforting scent of golden, house-baked focaccia and the smoky allure of fire-roasted oysters set the stage for a soulful Italian-inspired feast. The kitchen masterfully balances rustic tradition with modern elegance, serving up velvety burrata paired with delicate prosciutto alongside golden arancini and savory meatballs that evoke the warmth of a Mediterranean kitchen. Every plate celebrates bold flavors and shared moments in an atmosphere that feels both sophisticated and deeply welcoming.
• Pizzeria Due — Italian: Stepping into this historic Chicago landmark feels like a journey into the heart of deep-dish tradition, where the air is thick with the savory scent of slow-baked dough and bubbling tomato sauce. Golden, buttery crusts cradle layers of molten cheese and premium toppings to create decadent masterpieces, while the warm glow of the dining room invites guests to linger over crisp salads and gooey, pan-baked chocolate chip cookies. It is a quintessential Windy City experience where every heavy, flavorful slice celebrates the art of the indulgent, slow-cooked pizza.
• Gino's East — Italian: Step into a vibrant Chicago institution where the air is thick with the aroma of baking dough and the anticipation of their iconic, golden-crusted deep dish pizzas. The experience begins with indulgent, hand-rolled mozzarella sticks that pull apart in ribbons of melted cheese and charred brussels sprouts that offer a smoky, savory crunch. Whether diving into a bubbling crock of spinach artichoke dip or tackling the formidable Meaty Legend, every bite celebrates a legacy of bold, hearty flavors served in an atmosphere brimming with urban energy.
• Pizzeria Uno — Italian: The legendary birthplace of the deep dish welcomes guests with the comforting scent of buttery crusts and rich, herb-flecked tomato sauce caramelizing in seasoned pans. Each slice is a towering masterpiece of molten cheese and savory meats, followed by indulgent finales like velvet-smooth Chicago cheesecake or a warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie served straight from the oven. It is a quintessential urban retreat where the hearty flavors of the Windy City are celebrated in every decadent, slow-baked bite.