Chicago, a city renowned for its deep-dish pizza and hot dogs, also boasts a surprisingly vibrant pasta scene. Beyond the casual Italian-American joints, a wealth of restaurants offer elevated pasta dishes, showcasing fresh ingredients and innovative techniques. This guide dives deep into 18 of the best pasta restaurants in Chicago, catering to various tastes and budgets. Whether you crave classic spaghetti carbonara or a modern take on cacio e pepe, this list has something for every pasta lover.
Classic Chicago Pasta Experiences
These restaurants represent the heart of Chicago's Italian-American culinary heritage, offering comforting classics executed with skill and passion.
1. Rosebud on Taylor Street
Rosebud is a Chicago institution, known for its warm atmosphere and traditional Italian-American fare. Their pasta dishes are simple yet satisfying, highlighting fresh, high-quality ingredients. The spaghetti with meat sauce is a must-try, a testament to the restaurant’s long-standing commitment to quality.
2. Monteverde
Monteverde, helmed by Chef Sarah Grueneberg, elevates classic Italian-American dishes with a modern touch. Their pasta is handmade daily, ensuring a delightful texture and freshness. The butter-sage pasta is a delicate masterpiece, showcasing the chef's skill in balancing simple flavors. Their constantly evolving menu keeps things interesting, so expect delightful surprises on each visit.
3. Pequod's Pizza
While famous for its deep-dish pizza, Pequod's also serves up surprisingly excellent pasta dishes. Their Italian sausage pasta is a hearty and flavorful option, perfect for a casual meal. This is a great choice for those who want a classic Chicago experience with a pasta twist.
Modern & Innovative Pasta in Chicago
These establishments push culinary boundaries, experimenting with unique pasta shapes, sauces, and ingredient combinations.
4. Osteria Langhe
Osteria Langhe offers a taste of the Piedmont region of Italy, specializing in handmade pasta and regional wines. Their Tajarin al tartufo bianco (thin egg noodles with white truffle) is an indulgent treat, showcasing the delicate aroma and earthy flavor of the truffle.
5. Siena Tavern
Siena Tavern, with its bustling atmosphere and stylish ambiance, offers a refined take on Italian-American cuisine. Their pasta dishes are beautifully presented and demonstrate a sophisticated approach to flavor combinations. The Lobster ravioli is a luxurious choice, perfectly balancing rich seafood with subtle creamy sauces.
6. RPM Italian
RPM Italian is a popular spot known for its upscale ambiance and modern take on Italian classics. Their pasta selection features creative twists on traditional dishes. The Rigatoni with spicy sausage is a crowd-pleaser, balancing heat and richness.
Hidden Gems & Neighborhood Favorites
These lesser-known spots offer exceptional pasta experiences in unique settings.
7. La Scarola
La Scarola is a family-run restaurant with a cozy atmosphere, serving traditional Italian-American food. Their homemade gnocchi is a highlight, light and fluffy, with various flavorful sauce options.
8. Tufano's Vernon Park Tap
This neighborhood gem offers a casual setting with surprisingly delicious pasta. Their spaghetti carbonara is a classic done right, rich and creamy with perfectly cooked pasta.
9. Andros Taverna
While primarily a Greek restaurant, Andros Taverna offers a surprisingly good shrimp scampi pasta, showcasing fresh seafood and bright Mediterranean flavors. This is a great option for those looking for something a little different.
Upscale & Special Occasion Pasta Destinations
These restaurants provide luxurious pasta experiences perfect for special occasions.
10. Boka
Boka is a Michelin-starred restaurant known for its elegant ambiance and sophisticated tasting menus. Their pasta courses are often highlights, showcasing inventive techniques and high-quality ingredients.
11. Oriole
Oriole, another Michelin-starred gem, provides an exceptional fine-dining experience. Their pasta dishes are works of art, showcasing incredible attention to detail and innovative flavors.
12. Ever
Ever, a critically acclaimed restaurant, offers an innovative tasting menu featuring seasonal ingredients. Their pasta courses often incorporate unique techniques and unexpected flavor combinations.
Pasta with a Twist: Beyond the Traditional
These restaurants offer creative and unique approaches to pasta dishes.
13. Girl & the Goat
Stephanie Izard’s Girl & the Goat offers globally inspired cuisine, including some outstanding pasta dishes. Their menu changes frequently, but expect inventive flavor pairings and exciting presentations.
14. Bavette's Bar & Boeuf
Bavette's, known for its steakhouse ambiance, also features a refined pasta selection. Their cavatappi with short rib ragu is a decadent and rich dish, perfect for meat-lovers.
15. Formento's
Formento's provides a sophisticated Italian-American experience, with a pasta menu that balances classic dishes with modern interpretations.
Casual & Quick Bites: Great Pasta on the Go
16. Pasta Palazzo
This casual eatery offers a quick and easy way to enjoy high-quality pasta dishes without breaking the bank.
17. Pazzo's
Pazzo's is a popular spot for both lunch and dinner, serving up a wide variety of pasta choices.
18. Lou Malnati's Pizzeria (Pasta)
While primarily known for its deep-dish pizza, Lou Malnati's also offers several pasta options, which often receive glowing customer reviews. This provides a good casual backup for a Chicago pizza experience.
This list provides a wide-ranging view of Chicago's pasta scene. Remember to check restaurant websites for menus, reservations, and hours of operation, especially for the more popular or upscale establishments. Enjoy your pasta journey through the Windy City!
