8 Authentic Italian Pasta Houses In Illinois That Still Cook The Traditional Way
Illinois might be famous for deep-dish pizza, but its Italian pasta scene is equally impressive.
Across the state, a handful of restaurants honor old-world traditions, crafting pasta by hand and simmering sauces for hours just like nonna used to do.
These spots serve up plates that transport you straight to the cobblestone streets of Italy, where every bite tells a story of heritage and passion.
1. Monteverde Restaurant & Pastificio
Chef Sarah Grueneberg turned this West Loop gem into a pasta lover’s paradise where dough gets rolled and cut right before your eyes. The open kitchen design lets you watch skilled hands transform simple flour and eggs into ribbons of silky goodness.
Their cacio e pepe has become legendary among Chicago foodies, balancing creamy cheese with a peppery kick that dances on your tongue. Every dish celebrates Italian craftsmanship while adding a modern twist that keeps regulars coming back weekly.
Reservations fill up fast, so plan ahead if you want to snag a seat at this bustling hotspot.
2. Tortello
Located in Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood, Tortello brings Bologna’s culinary magic to Chicago with recipes passed down through generations of Italian families. Owners Dario Monni and Jill Gray source ingredients directly from Italy, ensuring every plate tastes like you’re sitting in a Roman trattoria.
Their namesake tortello pasta arrives stuffed with ricotta and parmigiano, swimming in butter sauce that glistens under soft lighting. The cozy atmosphere makes you feel like you’ve stumbled into someone’s Italian grandmother’s dining room during Sunday supper.
Portions are generous without being overwhelming, leaving just enough room for their heavenly tiramisu.
3. Sapori Trattoria
Chicago’s Lincoln Park Sapori Trattoria has been serving up authentic Southern Italian cuisine since 2004, earning a devoted following among suburban pasta enthusiasts. Chef-owner Anthony Barbanente grew up in Puglia, where he learned to cook from his mother and grandmother in their family kitchen.
His orecchiette with broccoli rabe and sausage captures the rustic flavors of Italy’s heel, with perfectly al dente pasta that holds onto every bit of garlicky sauce. The restaurant’s warm brick walls and checkered tablecloths create an inviting space that feels both elegant and comfortable.
Weekend evenings buzz with energy as families gather for celebrations.
4. Piccolo Sogno
Step through the doors of Piccolo Sogno and you’ll swear you’ve been transported to a countryside villa somewhere between Florence and Venice. Their outdoor patio, draped in twinkling lights and flowering vines, ranks among Chicago’s most romantic dining spots for good reason.
Chef Tony Priolo crafts pasta dishes that honor his Sicilian roots, including a squid ink spaghetti that’s as dramatic to look at as it is delicious to eat. Fresh seafood arrives daily, getting tossed with handmade noodles in preparations that would make any Italian grandmother nod with approval.
5. Volare Ristorante Italiano
Since 1997, Volare has been dishing out classic Italian-American favorites in Streeterville with recipes that haven’t changed in decades. The family-run establishment maintains traditions that bigger chains have long abandoned, including making their marinara sauce fresh every single morning.
Their lasagna arrives at your table bubbling hot, layered with homemade pasta sheets, rich meat sauce, and enough cheese to satisfy even the pickiest eater. Frank Sinatra croons from speakers while servers who’ve worked here for years greet regulars by name.
The prices remain surprisingly reasonable considering the prime downtown location and generous portion sizes.
6. Peanut Park Trattoria
Located in Chicago’s Little Italy (Taylor Street), Peanut Park Trattoria occupies a charming corner spot where neighborhood locals gather for honest Italian cooking without pretension or fuss. Chef Bill Cochran trained in Italy and brings back techniques he learned from nonnas in small Tuscan villages.
His pappardelle with wild boar ragu simmers for hours until the meat becomes fork-tender and the sauce develops deep, earthy flavors that coat each wide noodle perfectly.
7. Pasta D’Arte Trattoria Italiana
Situated in Chicago’s Norwood Park neighborhood, Pasta D’Arte proves that authentic cooking can thrive anywhere passion exists. Owner and chef Mark Giannini operates this family spot with the same dedication his ancestors showed in their Naples kitchens.
Every pasta shape gets made in-house using bronze dies that create the rough texture needed to grab sauce properly. Their Sunday gravy, loaded with meatballs, sausage, and braciole, tastes exactly like what Italian-American families have been making for Sunday dinners since the early 1900s.
Takeout orders are always packed with care.
8. Trattoria D.O.C.
Evanston’s Trattoria D.O.C. takes its name seriously, focusing on authentic Italian ingredients and traditional recipes, though not every item is exclusively PDO-certified.
This commitment to authenticity means every component, from the San Marzano tomatoes to the Parmigiano-Reggiano, comes directly from specific Italian regions.
Their carbonara follows the Roman recipe precisely, using only guanciale, eggs, pecorino, and black pepper to create a creamy sauce without a drop of cream. The restaurant is owned and operated by sisters Lucia and Giuliana, who bring a genuine Italian family touch to the experience.