When you turn onto Taylor Street on Chicago’s near West Side, you’ll be greeted by green, white, and red banners wrapped around vintage double-pronged light poles. This marks the start, and the heart, of the city’s famed Little Italy neighborhood.
Originally settled by Italian immigrants in the late 19th century, Little Italy has managed to preserve its cultural heritage thanks largely to the family-owned shops, restaurants, and cafés that have kept diners coming back for over a century. Of course, there are plenty of neighborhood newcomers. But for anyone looking to get a taste of the old Little Italy, there are still quite a few sandwich shops, bakeries, and classic red sauce joints standing strong.
Old-school Italian restaurants
Take Pompei, for example — you can’t miss it. It features a huge pointed dome at the center and is the very next thing you’ll notice on Taylor Street. This fourth-generation, family-owned restaurant has grown from a simple bakery into one of the city’s oldest and most beloved Italian eateries, serving up hearty portions of classic Italian-American fare since 1909.
Other old-school spots in the neighborhood suitable for a seriously indulgent family dinner include Tufano’s Vernon Park Tap, open since 1930 and a recipient of a James Beard ‘America’s Classics’ distinction. And Tuscany on Taylor, whose wood-fired oven has been firing up pizzas and pasta for over 35 years.
Honorable mention to one modern red sauce joint, Peanut Park Trattoria. A collaborative effort from the people behind popular Chicago-area restaurants Tempesta Market, Ristorante Agostino, and Coalfire Pizzeria.
Bakeries and sandwich shops
For all things pastry, bread, and dough, both sweet and savory, check out Scafuri Bakery or Original Ferrara Bakery. Both have been providing the neighborhood with fresh-baked bread, cookies, and pastries — plus, in Ferrara’s case, sandwiches — since 1904 and 1908, respectively.
Grocer and sandwich shop Conte Di Savoia has been importing gourmet Italian goods and offering fresh sandwiches and take-away dinners since as far back as the ’40s.
If you detour two blocks off Taylor Street’s main thoroughfare, you’ll find a few more classic sandwich shops: Carm’s and Fontano’s, where locals have been getting Chicago-style hot dogs and hot and cold sandwiches for decades.
And while I’m almost positive Italian beef doesn’t count as classic Italian fare, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention it. Traditionally Italian or not, it’s a Chicago staple (and plays a starring role on hit show The Bear). Of course, Little Italy lives up to its name with a few notable standouts. In addition to Carm’s and Fontano’s, Al’s Italian Beef has a spot in Little Italy and is well known throughout the city.
International cuisine
Over time, the nearby University of Illinois Chicago and the hospital system have brought a wealth of local and global tastes to the area. Now, you’ll find a variety of restaurants featuring foods from all over, representative of the many multicultural residents and visitors who have helped shape Little Italy into the neighborhood we know and love today.
The neighborhood’s best patio is hidden from the hustle and bustle of Taylor Street and belongs to the loveliest little French bistro, Chez Joël. This is an IYKYK kinda spot: A favorite among locals and critics with an excellent wine list and a rotating menu of seasonal French classics.
There’s no shortage of delicious dining options from the Asian diaspora: Vietnamese classics like pho and bánh mì from Lotus Cafe & Bánh Mì; traditional Szechuan and Chinese-American fare at ML Kitchen and Hana Dragon; and tons of great Indian food: Adda Indian and Tuk Tuk Indian Street Food, to name a few. One Nepalese standout is Momo World, serving up signature stuffed and steamed dumplings.
As for Mexican cuisine, try MiMi’s Craft Kitchen and Chilango Mexican Street Food for authentic bites in a casual atmosphere.
Casual spots
No campus-adjacent neighborhood is complete without a solid variety of cafés and bars. Try Hawkeyes Bar & Grill, Vintage Bar, or Little Joe’s — which has been around since 1946, but in a nod to modernity now features menu items adorned in Flaming Hot Cheetos.
For breakfast, Sweet Maple Café and Stax Café offer great breakfast plates and coffee creations. Other spots serving up coffee, tea, boba, and light bites include Two Shades Café, The OverLay, and Gathers Tea Bar.
Desserts
To wrap up your visit with a sweet treat, head to soft-serve from Japanese ice cream shop Kurimu. But when it comes to dessert — if you listen to nothing else in this foodie’s guide to Little Italy — make it your mission to get some Italian ice. The line at Mario’s Italian Ice is daunting, but the reward is so worth it!
