15 Chicago, Illinois Italian Spots Still Making Red Sauce Just Like Grandma
In Chicago, Illinois, some Italian restaurants have perfected the art of red sauce that tastes just like grandma used to make.
Rich, slow-simmered flavors fill the air, drawing diners in for hearty pasta, meatballs, and comfort on a plate.
Locals flock to these spots for the nostalgia and the unforgettable taste.
In Illinois, these Italian kitchens keep tradition alive, proving that the right sauce can turn any meal into a warm, flavorful experience.
1. La Scarola – Chicago, Illinois
Walking into La Scarola feels like stepping into your Italian aunt’s dining room, minus the plastic-covered furniture.
Located at 721 W Grand Ave in the River West neighborhood, this family-run gem has been slinging authentic red sauce since 1998.
The marinara here doesn’t mess around. It’s got that slow-cooked depth that only comes from simmering San Marzano tomatoes with garlic, basil, and a whole lot of patience.
Order the chicken vesuvio and watch how that sauce clings to everything like it’s got somewhere to be.
2. Tufano’s Vernon Park Tap – Chicago, Illinois
Forget fancy tablecloths and sommeliers with attitude. Tufano’s at 1073 W Vernon Park Pl in Little Italy is where locals go when they want red sauce that tastes like Sunday supper, not a culinary experiment.
This no-frills spot has been family-owned since 1930, and the recipes haven’t changed much since then.
Their lemon chicken swimming in that tangy tomato sauce will make you want to lick the plate, and honestly, nobody here would judge you for it. Cash only, so hit the ATM first.
3. Rosebud on Taylor – Chicago, Illinois
Rosebud on Taylor sits at 1500 W Taylor St, smack in the heart of Little Italy, serving portions that could feed a small village.
This place understands that red sauce isn’t just a condiment; it’s a lifestyle choice.
Their Sunday gravy is legendary around these parts, loaded with meatballs, sausage, and braciole that’s been simmering since before you woke up.
The waitstaff treats you like family, which means they’ll absolutely guilt you into ordering dessert.
Pro tip: come hungry or bring reinforcements for the leftovers.
4. Volare Ristorante Italiano – Chicago, Illinois
Tucked away at 201 E Grand Ave in Streeterville, Volare brings that old-world Italian charm without the transatlantic flight.
The name means to fly, but you’ll be too stuffed to get airborne after eating here.
Their pomodoro sauce is simple perfection: ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and garlic that doesn’t overpower.
Sometimes the best recipes are the ones that don’t try too hard.
Pair it with their handmade gnocchi, and you’ll understand why nonnas everywhere nod approvingly at this place.
5. RPM Italian – Chicago, Illinois
RPM Italian at 52 W Illinois St brings a modern spin to classic red sauce, proving grandma’s recipes can rock designer jeans.
This River North hotspot is co-owned by Giuliana and Bill Rancic, so expect some celebrity sightings with your spaghetti.
Sure, it’s fancier than nonna’s kitchen, but the marinara still respects tradition.
They use imported Italian tomatoes and let that sauce reduce until it’s thick enough to coat a spoon.
The atmosphere screams upscale, but the flavors whisper Sunday dinner at home.
6. Quartino Ristorante & Wine Bar – Chicago, Illinois
Quartino at 626 N State St in River North does Italian tapas-style, which means you can try multiple red sauce dishes without committing to one massive plate. Genius or dangerous? You decide.
Their pomodoro is bright and fresh, perfect for coating those small-portion pastas that somehow add up to a full meal.
The communal vibe here encourages sharing, just like at nonna’s table, except everyone’s dressed better and nobody’s pinching your cheeks.
Weekend brunch includes bottomless mimosas, because red sauce pairs surprisingly well with bubbly.
7. Sapori Trattoria – Chicago, Illinois
Sapori Trattoria at 2701 N Halsted St in Lincoln Park keeps things refreshingly unpretentious.
The name means flavors, and boy, do they deliver on that promise with every ladleful of sauce.
This family-owned spot makes everything from scratch, including the red sauce that’s been perfected over generations.
Their bucatini all’amatriciana features a tomato sauce with just enough heat to keep things interesting without making you reach for the water glass.
Outdoor patio seating in summer makes you feel like you’re dining in a Roman piazza, minus the Vespas.
8. Mart Anthony’s Italian Restaurant – Chicago, Illinois
Mart Anthony’s at 1200 W Hubbard St in West Town has been a Chicago staple since 1981, which means they’ve had plenty of time to perfect their red sauce game. Consistency is key here, and they’ve nailed it.
The marinara tastes exactly how you remember it should: rich, garlicky, and clinging to pasta like a warm hug.
Their chicken parmigiana gets smothered in enough sauce to make you question if you need a bib, and the answer is probably yes.
Dimly lit booths make this perfect for date night or plotting world domination.
9. Il Porcellino – Chicago, Illinois
Il Porcellino at 59 W Hubbard Ave in River North channels rustic Italian countryside vibes right in downtown Chicago.
The name means little pig, but the red sauce here is anything but small-time.
They simmer their pomodoro with San Marzano tomatoes imported straight from Italy, because some things are worth the shipping costs.
The wood-fired oven adds a subtle smokiness to dishes that makes you wonder why everyone doesn’t cook this way.
Pair your pasta with their extensive wine list, and suddenly you’re fluent in Italian, or at least you think you are.
10. DeNucci’s Italian – Chicago, Illinois
Over at 503 W Dickens Ave in Lincoln Park, DeNucci’s keeps the neighborhood fed with red sauce that tastes like someone’s nonna is back in the kitchen. Spoiler alert: she probably is.
This family-run spot doesn’t bother with trends or fusion experiments.
They stick to what works: slow-cooked tomato sauce, fresh ingredients, and portions that require strategic planning.
The meatballs here are the size of baseballs and swimming in enough marinara to make you wonder if you should’ve worn elastic waistband pants. Always choose the elastic waistband.
11. Topo Gigio Ristorante – Chicago, Illinois
Topo Gigio at 1516 N Wells St in Old Town has been dishing out authentic Italian since 1988.
Named after an Italian mouse puppet (seriously), this place doesn’t take itself too seriously but takes its red sauce very seriously.
The marinara here is smooth, balanced, and tastes like it came straight from someone’s kitchen in Naples.
Their lasagna layers that sauce between sheets of pasta and cheese in a way that should probably be illegal.
Outdoor seating lets you people-watch while twirling spaghetti, which is basically the Chicago version of la dolce vita.
12. Club Lucky – Chicago, Illinois
Club Lucky at 1824 W Wabansia Ave in Bucktown nails that vintage supper club vibe with red leather booths and martinis strong enough to make you confess secrets. The red sauce is just as bold.
Their Sunday gravy simmers all day with meatballs, sausage, and pork that falls apart if you look at it wrong. It’s the kind of sauce that stains your shirt and your memory in the best possible way.
Frank Sinatra croons from the speakers while you eat, because apparently time travel is possible through pasta. Make reservations or prepare to wait at the bar.
13. Club Lago – Chicago, Illinois
Hidden at 331 W Superior St in River North, Club Lago has been serving old-school Italian since 1954. This place looks like a movie set for every mob film ever made, but the real star is the red sauce.
Their marinara is thick, rich, and refuses to be rushed, just like the service here. Waiters have been working these tables for decades, and they’ll steer you toward the chicken vesuvio if you let them.
The portions are generous enough to share, but honestly, why would you?
Take the leftovers home and enjoy tomorrow’s lunch like a champion.
14. Buona Terra Italian Ristorante – Chicago, Illinois
Until its closure in 2023, Buona Terra at 2535 N California Ave in Logan Square brought a touch of elegance to the red sauce game.
The name means good earth, and they treated their ingredients like they came from blessed soil.
Their pomodoro sauce highlighted the natural sweetness of tomatoes without drowning them in garlic or herbs.
It was minimalist in the best way, letting quality ingredients shine through.
The intimate atmosphere made you feel like you were dining at a secret Italian villa, except this villa had excellent parking and accepted credit cards.
Their homemade pasta practically melted in your mouth before you even chewed.
15. The Village at Italian Village – Chicago, Illinois
The Village at 71 W Monroe St in the Loop is part of the iconic Italian Village complex that’s been feeding Chicago since 1927.
That’s nearly a century of perfecting red sauce, which is basically a PhD in marinara.
Their traditional sauce recipe hasn’t changed much over the decades, because when you’ve got it right, why mess with success?
The rustic village atmosphere complete with a painted sky ceiling makes you forget you’re in a downtown basement.
Order the spaghetti and meatballs for a taste of history that won’t require a museum ticket. Cash and cards accepted, time machine not included.