Best Upscale Pasta in Chicago | Top 2 Upscale Spots

27 restaurants in Best Upscale Pasta in Chicago | Top 2 Upscale Spots

• Capri Lounge & Grill — Italian · rated 5/5: Capri Lounge & Grill invites guests into a vibrant, social atmosphere where the comforting aroma of slow-baked lasagna and rich, velvety vodka sauce sets the stage for a soulful Italian feast. From the crisp snap of calamari fritti to the delicate tenderness of expertly prepared veal and fresh catches of the day, every dish celebrates bold Mediterranean flavors in a space that seamlessly blends upscale lounging with the heart of a traditional grill.
• Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio — Italian · rated 5/5: Sunlight dances across flour-dusted counters where the art of the pastificio comes to life, inviting guests into a vibrant space that hums with the energy of handmade pasta production. The air is rich with the aroma of simmering Amatriciana and spiced lamb merguez, as plates of delicate gnocchetti and herb-brightened pasta fredda showcase a masterful blend of rustic Italian soul and contemporary culinary imagination.
• Nonna's Goodlife Pizza — Italian · rated 4/5: Stepping into Nonna's Goodlife Pizza feels like a warm homecoming, where the irresistible aroma of toasted garlic and melted mozzarella drifts from a bustling kitchen. Diners gather over overflowing baskets of pillowy parmesan bites and glistening, jumbo wings, creating a vibrant atmosphere centered on the joy of shared comfort food. From the savory depth of slow-simmered meatballs to the satisfying crunch of golden, cheesy taters, every dish celebrates the simple, soulful pleasures of a meal made for indulgence.
• Medici Bakery — Italian · rated 4/5: Medici Bakery serves as a vibrant crossroads of global comfort, where the inviting scent of bubbling goat cheese and spiced Moroccan ragout draws guests into a warm, communal atmosphere. The kitchen artfully balances zesty, hand-mashed guacamole and crispy calamari with soul-warming bowls of beef chili and fresh, crisp salads, creating an eclectic dining experience that feels both familiar and adventurous.
• Di'vino — Italian · rated 4/5: Di'vino invites guests into a spirited, sun-drenched space where the clinking of wine glasses harmonizes with the lively hum of a Mediterranean-inspired bistro. The air is rich with the scent of garlic-infused sautéed clams and spicy arrabbiata, while vibrant plates of citrus-bright ceviche and creamy burrata encourage a communal journey through bold, coastal flavors. Whether lingering over golden patatas bravas or sharing a platter of artisanal antipasto, diners find a sophisticated retreat that celebrates the art of the perfect pairing and the joy of shared small plates.
• Pizza 750 — Italian · rated 2/5: The sizzle of stone-fired ovens and the intoxicating aroma of melting mozzarella define the high-energy atmosphere at Pizza 750, where classic comfort is reimagined with a bold, creative spirit. Hand-stretched dough serves as a vibrant canvas for everything from the peppery bite of fresh arugula and salty prosciutto to the decadent, golden swirls of buffalo mac and cheese. Each visit offers a lively communal experience where every slice celebrates the perfect marriage of crispy, fire-kissed edges and inventive, soul-warming toppings.
• Pizano's Pizza & Pasta — Italian: Pizano’s Pizza & Pasta captures the lively spirit of a classic Italian-American eatery, where the air is thick with the irresistible scent of toasted garlic and bubbling cheese. Guests gather around shared platters of golden-fried calamari and crispy toasted ravioli, diving into vibrant, family-style salads that bring a fresh, garden-crisp crunch to the table. It is a place where the comfort of tradition meets a high-energy dining room, making every meal feel like a spirited celebration of hearty flavors and shared moments.
• Bar Siena — Italian: Bar Siena pulses with a stylish, high-energy spirit where the rustic warmth of an Italian kitchen meets the vibrant, sophisticated pulse of the city. Guests linger over artfully charred octopus and golden truffle potato skins, sharing crusty loaves of garlic parmesan bread and velvety burrata in a space designed for spirited conversation and communal indulgence.
• Siena Tavern — Italian: This high-energy urban sanctuary pulses with a sophisticated buzz, blending rustic Italian charm with a sleek, modern edge that invites long, spirited evenings. The air carries the scent of charred octopus and savory wagyu, while tables are laden with pillowy coccoli and creamy burrata that celebrate the art of the shared plate. From the delicate brightness of ahi tuna crudo to the earthy warmth of spiced squash soup, every dish captures a vibrant, artisanal spirit designed to be savored in good company.
• Gibsons Italia — Italian: This sophisticated sanctuary of culinary indulgence seamlessly bridges the gap between a premier American steakhouse and an elegant Italian villa, where the air is perfumed with the savory aroma of signature-seasoned cuts. Guests are treated to a masterclass in texture and flavor, from the buttery richness of rare Miyazaki and Carrara Wagyu to the delicate, artisanal bite of gold-extruded pastas and velvet-smooth risottos. Every meal unfolds as a celebration of heritage and craft, offering an atmosphere of refined luxury where old-world tradition meets the pinnacle of contemporary dining.
• 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.
• Litehouse Whole Food Grill — American: Vibrant aromas of smoky jerk spices and zesty Cajun seasonings fill the air at this lively grill, where wholesome ingredients are transformed into hearty, flavor-packed fettuccine bowls. Guests enjoy a soulful fusion of textures and tastes, from the sweet heat of mango-infused salmon to the savory char of grilled steak, all nestled atop ribbons of pasta for a dining experience that feels both nourishing and indulgent.
• Alla Vita — Italian: Step into a sun-drenched, high-energy sanctuary where the conviviality of Italian dining comes alive through the irresistible aroma of wood-fired dough and bubbling mozzarella. Artisanal pizzas arrive at the table with perfectly blistered crusts and decadent toppings like salty San Daniele prosciutto or savory fennel sausage, while the golden-crusted chicken parmigiana serves as a soulful, comforting anchor for a spirited lunch or a leisurely evening feast.
• Gene & Georgetti — Steakhouse: Stepping into this iconic landmark feels like a journey back in time, where white-tablecloth elegance meets the warm, storied charm of a classic mid-century steakhouse. The air is thick with the savory aroma of prime, char-broiled steaks and rich, simmering Italian sauces, served alongside glistening fresh catches in a space that hums with the clink of cocktail glasses and spirited conversation. Whether sharing a generous family-style feast or sipping a purposeful craft cocktail, diners are treated to a legacy of hospitality that transforms every meal into a timeless celebration.
• Club Lago — Italian: Stepping into Club Lago feels like a journey back to the golden age of the neighborhood supper club, where the air is thick with the savory perfume of toasted garlic bread and bubbling baked mostaccioli. Guests gather around tables laden with golden-fried calamari and steaming bowls of minestrone, savoring the timeless comfort of rich carbonara and classic red-sauce pastas served with unpretentious warmth.
• Lou Malnati's Pizzeria — Italian: Step into a bustling, high-energy atmosphere where the irresistible aroma of buttery, toasted dough and bubbling cheese signals a quintessential Chicago dining tradition. Guests gather over vibrant platters of golden-fried ravioli crisps and gooey mozzarella bites, while wings glazed in the addictive sweet heat of Mike’s Hot Honey offer a bold, sticky contrast to the savory crunch of garlic-rubbed bruschetta. This lively neighborhood staple brings people together over indulgent, cheese-laden starters and a shared love for the timeless, comforting flavors of the pizzeria.
• Sarpino's Pizzeria — Italian. *: Sarpino’s Pizzeria elevates the casual dining experience with a focus on abundance and variety, where the scent of bubbling specialty pizzas and herb-dusted breadsticks creates an immediate sense of home-cooked comfort. The kitchen masterfully balances hearty classics like savory baked pastas and toasted Italian sandwiches with vibrant garden salads and thoughtful vegan options, ensuring every guest finds a flavorful favorite. Each meal feels like a celebration of indulgence, culminating in the sweet, velvety layers of a traditional tiramisu that provides the perfect, elegant finish.
• Beggars Pizza — Italian: This lively neighborhood haunt hums with the energy of shared laughter and the savory aroma of golden-fried treasures emerging hot from the kitchen. Guests dive into overflowing baskets of molten mozzarella sticks and seasoned curly fries, where every bite offers a satisfying, salty crunch and a melt-in-your-mouth center. It is a sanctuary of pure comfort, where the simple joy of gooey cheese curds and toasted ravioli turns a casual gathering into a nostalgic, indulgent celebration.
• Arturo Express — Italian: A bustling neighborhood cornerstone where the comforting aroma of toasted bagels and stone-baked pizzas fills the air, Arturo Express invites guests into a space of quick, flavorful indulgence. Savory Italian beef sandwiches and creamy, golden mac n cheese are served alongside crisp salads and warm rolls, offering a diverse palette of hearty comfort food crafted for the modern pace. The experience is perfectly punctuated by the sweet scent of fresh-baked cookies, making every visit a vibrant and satisfying retreat from the daily rush.
• Flo & Santos — Italian: This vibrant neighborhood haunt seamlessly blends the hearty soul of a Polish tavern with the rustic warmth of an Italian kitchen, creating an energetic atmosphere perfect for spirited gatherings. Communal tables overflow with golden-brown pierogi samplers and towering stacks of crispy rings, while the air carries the enticing aroma of bubbling baked goat cheese and zesty, spice-flecked calamari. It is a place where comfort food is celebrated with flair, offering a soulful dining experience that feels both nostalgic and wonderfully indulgent.
• 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.
• Sofi Restaurant — Mediterranean: Sofi Restaurant invites diners into a world of refined Italian comfort, where the air is thick with the scent of warm, house-made focaccia and the rich, savory depth of slow-braised Ossobuco alla Milanese. From the delicate sear on a Mediterranean branzino to the melt-in-your-mouth tenderness of veal chops and short ribs, every plate celebrates the artistry of traditional techniques and premium ingredients. The evening unfolds with effortless grace, concluding with a silky panna cotta that perfectly mirrors the restaurant’s blend of sophisticated elegance and soulful, hearth-warmed hospitality.
• 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.
• Pizzeria Portofino — Italian: Sun-drenched and spirited, this waterfront-inspired escape captures the breezy elegance of the Italian Riviera through its vibrant atmosphere and chic, coastal-inspired decor. The table overflows with golden calamari fritti and creamy imported burrata, while the aroma of roasted garlic bread and sizzling prime beef meatballs invites guests to linger over shared plates and chilled wine. It is a place where the casual joy of a seaside holiday meets refined culinary artistry, making every meal feel like a celebratory afternoon spent under the Mediterranean sun.
• 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.
• 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.