Alla Vita

The 18 Best Italian Restaurants In Chicago - Chicago - The Infatuation

"This West Loop Italian spot is from the same chef as Boka, which means the food is great. And while the menu isn’t going to blow your mind with creativity (it’s mainly pizza, pasta, and a handful of entrees), it is delicious. The cacio e pepe ricotta dumplings are now our reigning definition of “decadent.” The pizza has a chewy crust, and the chicken parmesan stays crispy even while sitting in a rich tomato sauce. It’s in the former Bellemore space (which is huge), and it’s decorated with hanging plants and a very cool fabric wave ceiling. The bar is full of people dining solo, and the restaurant is buzzing with staff and everyone from couples to large groups. Reservations are released on Opentable 60 days in advance at 12:01am. Options for prime dinner times are few and far between, so plan on booking a month or so ahead of time. Or grab a seat at the bar or on the patio right when they open. Get access to exclusive reservations at this spot with Chase Sapphire Reserve. New cardmembers get $300 in annual dining statement credits." - adrian kane, veda kilaru, john ringor, nick allen