Ciccio Mio
Italian restaurant · River North
226 W Kinzie St, Chicago, IL 60654
Highlights
Elegant Italian cooking in a dim, romantic setting with art.
Elegant Italian cooking in a dim, romantic setting with art.
"If you’ve eaten at Bavette’s or Gilt, you know they treat pasta with the honor and respect it deserves. Ciccio Mio in River North is an Italian spot from the same team, and the old-timey space looks like it could be a room in the mansion from Clue. The menu has antipasti, pasta, and mains, and everything from the lasagna with bolognese to the crispy chicken parmesan is delicious. Reservations are released online 21 days in advance at 9am, and they go fast. There are a couple of tables available for walk-ins, but if you don’t want to risk it, the waitlist is your friend." - adrian kane, veda kilaru, john ringor, nick allen
"Ciccio Mio is an Italian spot from the same team as Bavette’s and Gilt. In fact, it’s located right in between those two places, and also has consistently excellent food. You’ll find dishes like antipasti, pasta, and larger entrees—and everything from the simple burrata with housemade fougasse to the crispy chicken parmesan is delicious. Even better, the dining room (filled with old-timey pictures) feels a little like the setting for a murder mystery party, but here you can pick your own fake persona. Reservations are released online 21 days in advance at 9am, and they go fast. There are a couple of tables available for walk-ins, but if you don’t want to risk it, the waitlist is your friend." - adrian kane, john ringor, veda kilaru
"Verdict: This River North Italian restaurant is very small, so one reason it’s hard to get a table is basic supply and demand. But Ciccio Mio is also dim, cozy, and filled with all sorts of old-timey artwork and ornate chandeliers that will make you feel like you’re hanging out in the parlor of some old mansion. Everything about the windowless space seems designed to keep you there forever—like a haunted house (but, you know, charming). And the Italian food is great. We’ve never had anything here that we didn’t really like, including wonderful antipasti, handmade pasta, and an incredible chicken parm. Reservations are released online 21 days in advance at 9am, and they go fast. There are a couple of tables available for walk-ins, but if you don’t want to risk it, the waitlist is your friend." - adrian kane, veda kilaru, john ringor, nick allen
"Hogsalt Hospitality recreates the Italian American supper club experience at River North throwback Ciccio Mio. Guests are transported to a bygone era when they step into the cozy dining room decorated with vintage artwork, chandeliers, and plush banquettes. The kitchen deftly turns out excellent classics, such as black truffle bucatini, spicy vodka rigatoni, lasagna rolls, and chicken parm. And for indulgent desserts, get the cannocini or soft-serve gelato. Online ordering is available. Reservations can be made on Resy." - Ashok Selvam
"Widely known as one of the most touristy corners of Downtown Chicago, Navy Pier is also home to one of the newest, hottest Italian beefs in town. Longtime beef maker Mario Ferraro launched Ciccio Italian Beef in January 2023, stunning critics with tender meat cut slightly thicker than most and crusty rolls that hold up even when soaked in jus. In Ferraro’s telling, his father Sam Ferraro began selling Italian beef in 1935, which would make him one of the earliest documented Italian beef vendors in town." - Eater Staff
