Ignotz's Ristorante
Italian restaurant · Heart of Chicago ·

Ignotz's Ristorante

Italian restaurant · Heart of Chicago ·

Classic Italian cuisine with roasted garlic bread and stuffed gnocchi

owner friendly
old school italian
roasted garlic bread
chicken parmigiana
lasagna
friendly staff
large portions
cozy atmosphere
Ignotz's Ristorante by null
Ignotz's Ristorante by Sandy Noto
Ignotz's Ristorante by Sandy Noto
Ignotz's Ristorante by @TheInfatuation
Ignotz's Ristorante by Sandy Noto
Ignotz's Ristorante by null
Ignotz's Ristorante by null
Ignotz's Ristorante by null
Ignotz's Ristorante by null
Ignotz's Ristorante by null
Ignotz's Ristorante by null
Ignotz's Ristorante by null
Ignotz's Ristorante by null
Ignotz's Ristorante by null
Ignotz's Ristorante by null
Ignotz's Ristorante by null
Ignotz's Ristorante by null
Ignotz's Ristorante by null
Ignotz's Ristorante by null
Ignotz's Ristorante by null
Ignotz's Ristorante by null
Ignotz's Ristorante by null
Ignotz's Ristorante by null
Ignotz's Ristorante by null
Ignotz's Ristorante by null
Ignotz's Ristorante by null
Ignotz's Ristorante by null
Ignotz's Ristorante by null
Ignotz's Ristorante by null
Ignotz's Ristorante by null
Ignotz's Ristorante by null
Ignotz's Ristorante by null
Ignotz's Ristorante by null
Ignotz's Ristorante by null
Ignotz's Ristorante by null
Ignotz's Ristorante by null
Ignotz's Ristorante by null
Ignotz's Ristorante by null
Ignotz's Ristorante by null
Ignotz's Ristorante by null
Ignotz's Ristorante by null
Ignotz's Ristorante by null
Ignotz's Ristorante by null
Ignotz's Ristorante by null
Ignotz's Ristorante by null
Ignotz's Ristorante by null

Information

2421 S Oakley Ave, Chicago, IL 60608 Get directions

$$

Order delivery
See Menu
Restroom
Accepts reservations
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Dinner reservations recommended

Information

Static Map

2421 S Oakley Ave, Chicago, IL 60608 Get directions

+1 773 579 0300
ignotzristorante.com
@ignotzristorante

$$ · Menu

Features

•Restroom
•Accepts reservations
•Popular for lunch
•Popular for dinner
•Dinner reservations recommended
•Cozy
•Romantic
•Trendy

Last updated

Dec 30, 2025

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@infatuation
132,817 Postcards · 3,235 Cities

14 Excellent Old-School Italian Restaurants In Chicago, Ranked From Oldest To Newest - Chicago - The Infatuation

"Like a bonus level in a video game, there’s a pocket neighborhood inside Pilsen called the Heart Of Italy. It’s just one street with a number of old-school Italian restaurants, and food-wise, Ignotz is the best. The chicken parmigiana is worth traveling for, and the lasagna is really good, too. Not to mention that they win the award for best table bread setup, since it comes with a roasted bulb of garlic for spreading, plus some breadsticks you’ll only wish were unlimited. The whole restaurant is in a refurbished house, and you’ll be eating in a living room complete with a fireplace, and family photos on the mantel." - adrian kane

https://www.theinfatuation.com/chicago/guides/classic-italian-restaurants-chicago
Ignotz's Ristorante
@infatuation
132,817 Postcards · 3,235 Cities

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

"Like a bonus level in a video game, there’s a pocket neighborhood inside Pilsen called the Heart Of Italy. It’s just one street with a number of old-school Italian restaurants, and food-wise, Ignotz is the best. The chicken parmigiana is worth traveling for, and the lasagna is really good, too. Not to mention that they win the award for best table bread setup, since it comes with a roasted bulb of garlic for spreading, plus some breadsticks you’ll only wish were unlimited. The whole restaurant is in a refurbished house, and you’ll be eating in a living room complete with a fireplace, and family photos on the mantel." - sam faye, adrian kane, veda kilaru

https://www.theinfatuation.com/chicago/guides/chicago-italian-restaurants
Sandy Noto
Ignotz's Ristorante
@infatuation
132,817 Postcards · 3,235 Cities

Where To Eat When You’re Sick Of Being Told To Order 2-3 Small Plates Each - Chicago - The Infatuation

"This Italian restaurant in the Heart of Italy (a pocket neighborhood in Pilsen) also begins the meal with bread, and it’s one of our favorite setups. It comes with a roasted bulb of garlic for spreading, plus breadsticks that will remind you why, deep down, you still love Olive Garden. The portions here are huge, and the food is great. The chicken parmigiana is worth traveling for, and the lasagna is really good, too. The whole restaurant is in a refurbished house, and you’ll be eating in a living room complete with a fireplace and family photos on the mantel." - adrian kane

https://www.theinfatuation.com/chicago/guides/where-to-eat-when-youre-sick-of-being-told-to-order-2-3-small-plates-each-2
Sandy Noto
Ignotz's Ristorante
@infatuation
132,817 Postcards · 3,235 Cities

The Best Chicken Parmesan In Chicago - Chicago - The Infatuation

"There’s a pocket neighborhood inside Pilsen called the Heart Of Chicago. That’s where you’ll find Ignotz, located next to a bunch of other old-school Italian restaurants with chicken parm on the menu. But Ignotz’s is the one you want. The chicken parmigiana includes tender chicken, light breading, a rich tomato sauce, and a satisfying (but not overwhelming) amount of cheese. And as the cutlet absorbs the sauce, the breading evolves from light and crispy to soft and billowy, which is a texture you never knew you needed until now." - adrian kane

https://www.theinfatuation.com/chicago/guides/best-chicken-parmesan-chicago
@TheInfatuation
Ignotz's Ristorante
@infatuation
132,817 Postcards · 3,235 Cities

Ignotz Ristorante - Review - Pilsen - Chicago - The Infatuation

"Ignotz is a very good Italian restaurant in a pocket neighborhood inside Pilsen called the Heart Of Chicago. The chicken parmigiana is worth traveling for, and the lasagna is really good, too. Not to mention that they win the award for best table bread setup, since it comes with a roasted bulb of garlic for spreading, plus some breadsticks you’ll only wish were unlimited. The whole restaurant is in a refurbished house, and you’ll be eating in a living room complete with a fireplace, and family photos on the mantel." - Adrian Kane

https://www.theinfatuation.com/chicago/reviews/ignotz-ristorante
Sandy Noto
Ignotz's Ristorante

Claudia

Google
We were a little nervous to try this place for the first time, but the staff immediately made us feel welcome—friendly, attentive, and helpful. Our server was fantastic, offering great recommendations that we really appreciated. I ordered the Chicken Mama Maria special, which was delicious and a nice change from my usual chicken parm. My boyfriend loved the pizza, it was a thin-crust pizza with sausage and jalapeños, great sauce and crunchy cracker thin crust 😋. We also tried the arancini (phenomenal!), enjoyed the fresh roasted garlic with bread, and I loved the sangria since it wasn’t overly sweet. We finished with tiramisu, which was amazing. Overall, everything from the food to the service was excellent. We’ll definitely be back to try more food!

Martha M.

Google
This review is long overdue! I’ve lived in Chicago for over 25 years, and I can’t believe I had never heard of this restaurant until recently. We met up with another couple, and to our surprise, the main dining area was completely full. They also have a beautiful outdoor patio, but since it was raining, that wasn’t an option. We didn’t realize reservations were needed, but the staff kindly asked us to wait a bit and quickly found us a table in the adjacent building. Three of us ordered pasta, and one had the baked chicken. Every dish looked delicious and came with either a small salad or the soup of the day. I had the basil pasta, and it was absolutely wonderful. They also serve pizzas, which I wish I had tried! What stood out the most was the warm hospitality. The owner personally came out to greet every guest—shaking hands and making sure everyone felt welcome. The waitstaff was attentive and friendly throughout the evening. It was clear that many of the patrons were regulars, and I can definitely see why. This place is a true hidden gem in Chicago’s Little Italy.

Melissa F.

Google
Wow. This is hands down the BEST Italian food in the city. Incredible flavors all cooked to perfection. We stuffed ourselves silly because we just had to have a few more bites. Atmosphere and staff make you feel like family. We’ll be back. Don’t skip the pork shank.

Jeannette R.

Google
We were visiting out of town and boy are we glad we chose this establishment to dine out! This truly was an amazing experience. My husband and I dined outside on the patio, the food and the ambience was exceptional. We ordered the fried calamari and Vodka Rigatoni, both delicious. Our server, Jacob was very attentive to our needs and the owner, Roger even treated us to limoncellos and chocolate covered cherries!

Sal P.

Google
Ok, so, Its not common to find a 5 star restaurant but, this place is surely one of them. The staff was great. Friendly, professional, on key with orders and suggestions. The food was very tasty and full of life in flavors and presentation. The overall atmosphere was great. A small intimate place with a big family openness and kindness. Parking is a beast but, worth the walk of you have to walk from a parking space. I am looking forward to eating other dishes here. Also, deserts are fabulous as well.

Ashley S.

Google
It felt like we were transported to Europe! A wonderful and delicious experience. A truly warm, welcoming, family friendly restaurant. The food is incredible and the service was extremely attentive! The owner stopped by our table multiple times and even gave my parents from California souvenir shirts! Highly recommend. We will be back!!

Zac R

Google
I went on a Sunday, and its a great choice to have a reservation. We got to sit outside and enjoy the weather. The dining in the street was so fun and the food was phenomenal. It was a little pricey, but you get what you pay for for sure. From the second I showed up it felt like just was a part of a big Italian family. The owner was chatting with me, and introduced me to his wife and daughter and stopped by several times to see if we were happy with our food. Absolutely incredible experience and I would go back time and time again

Chicago I.

Google
Busy busy busy!! Make reservations! We always go to Bruna's right next door but we decided to give this place a try. Came on a Thursday evening and it was max capacity. The wait time was 15 minutes for a table but we didn't want to wait so we opted to eat at the bar. The bartender informed us that you need to call in to reserve bc I stated that I did not see reservations on the website and she said they don't have it online it's call in only. A suggestion for management would be to make that obvious on the website bc I checked online to see if I could make a RSVP and it wasn't listed. Had I known I would have called in to reserve a table. The bartender was very professional and provided us with drinks right away and took our order promptly. We ordered an ice tea and lemonade ($3 each and free refills). The ice tea was unsweetened and was just okay kind of just tasted like water but the lemonade was good and not overly sweet. We received a loaf of warm bread with butter and roasted garlic to start off with and the roasted garlic with the warm soft bread was chefs kiss!!! I will say though I do prefer the crunchier harder bread at Bruna's but I do like that this bread was warm and came with that gooey roasted garlic which was sooo good slathered on the bread!! It's a matter of preference really, I prefer my Italian bread crunchier than softer. But it was still yummy. For our appetizer we got baked clams, they were just okay but I actually prefer the baked clams at Bruna's ristorante which is right next door. Bruna's are more moist and flavored with lemon, butter, and Parm and have so much flavor! The baked clams here were sort of dry and I say sort of bc only the bread crumbs were moist but they lacked flavor overall. Didnt taste like butter, garlic, or lemon or anything really. I had to squeeze so much lemon on them and Parm cheese to get some flavor. I wouldn't order the baked clams again. They were okay but Bruna's are better. For our main dish we ordered the chefs special which is the seafood linguini in a white wine sauce. It came with an option of soup or salad and we got the sausage lentil soup which was a smaller portion than expected it came in a small tea cup but it was very good. In terms of the actual linguini the white wine sauce was light and delicious and the seafood was perfectly cooked! I ordered the fettuccine Alfredo and added shrimp ($6 extra) and had a Cesar salad on the side. The fettuccine was way better than Bruna's next door! This Alfredo has the perfect amount of flavor and was not overly salty or under seasoned. The sauce was extremely creamy and delicious! My shrimp were a bit chewy I think they overcooked in the sauce bc the dish was piping hott which I appreciated but the shrimp overcooked in the sauce making them have a firmer bite than I expected. I compared the shrimp from the seafood linguini to mine and it was the perfect texture. Mine for the fettuccine dish were too chewy which was disappointing given that I paid extra for it. Definitely overcooked. A suggestion for the chef would be to add the shrimp at the very end when the dish is cooked and right before serving since shrimp only take a min to cook. Overall, I would come back, the service was excellent and the food is great quality except for the overcooked shrimp I paid an extra $6 for which is why I could not give 5 stars otherwise I would have. Bummer. We had one appetizer, a mini soup, small side salad, two large entrees, and two drinks all for $100 what a great value! I would come back again but I'll probably check out the other Italian restaurants next door before I do. I recommend this place but suggest making reservations!
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Gina S.

Yelp
Staff and service was an A+ They started us with the roasted garlic clove and beautiful bread, which was a nice touch and tasty. I had the Minestrone to start which was delicious. The consistency of their soup was thicker than I'm used to, but delicious nonetheless. And I went with stuffed shells for dinner. They were very good, basically what I was expecting. We were able to eat outside, enjoying both their food and wine selection. I'm looking forward to going back and trying their gnocchi.
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Bill W.

Yelp
The last time I reviewed Igontz's was over a decade ago. Sadly I live a 4 hour flight away. I give very few places 5 stars but this is one of them. The decor and quality as well as the recipes haven't changed in that decade. And that's a good thing. As far as I'm concerned this is probably the place with the best Chicken Vesuvio in the city if not the Country. I think the staff is as old as the restaurant Very friendly and very knowledgeable service from folks who've worked there for years. While I highly recommend the Vesuvio the other dishes are as good and I don't think there's a thing on the menu they don't do extremely well. If I still lived in Chicago I'd be there at least once a week.
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Kaitlyn C.

Yelp
My friend and I came here for her birthday dinner and we were very happy with our dinner. The service is a bit slow as we had to wait a bit to get seated, order, and even receive our food. But overall, the staff were all friendly and the owner came to check in on everyone at least twice. We were able to receive more bread and roasted garlic as it took awhile for them to get our order and for our food to come. I really enjoyed how the bread comes with roasted garlic which is delicious. We decided that we'd rather order three main pastas instead of ordering two pastas and one appetizer. This also let us try more of the menu. We ordered the Baked Mostaciolli ($23.95), Stuffed Gnocchi with pesto (25.95 + $4), and the Vodka Rigatoni ($25.95). We enjoyed all three pastas as they were all delicious with different sauces. We just didn't realize when we were asked what sauce to have the stuffed gnocchi that when we chose pesto out of the options, it was $4 extra. The portions are very big and the pastas come with a soup or salad which we didn't realize. Out of the three, my favorite was the Vodka Rigatoni as the sauce was very flavorful. I enjoyed the Stuffed Gnocchi and it was very filling. I normally am hesitant when I see raviolis or gnocchi's as I feel like I won't be full. But because these were stuffed and they give a big portion, we were very full. We had plenty of leftovers. They ran out of the tiramisu so we hope to try that next time as it's the most popular dessert. We enjoyed our dinner very much.
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Melissa S.

Yelp
This place is GREAT! So glad I came here for the first time. My party and I enjoyed drinks at the bar before being seated, and everything was great, including my French martini. We enjoyed the calamari appetizer and the arancini appetizer special: so good! For my entree, I had the gnocchi with a meatball and a sausage side: SO GOOD! We enjoyed tiramisu and pistachio gelato for dessert. We had wine and limoncello and everything was AMAZING! Karen and Roger were awesome and made us feel so welcome. The value was amazing and I can't wait to come back.
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Clarissa C.

Yelp
My friend introduced this place to me as one of her Chicago family secrets... and now I'm putting it on blast on Yelp! Wow - it's been so long since I've been to an authentic Italian place where it feels like a mini family when you dine in. The owner was so cheerful and kept coming by to check in on every table, and when there was a birthday at the table next to us, the owner asked EVERYONE in the restaurant to sing together. That was so adorbs!! That being said, this place is a bit pricey! They start you off with complimentary bread with butter, olive oil, parm, salt, pepper, and the best of all... a roasted head of GARLIC!! I got the vodka rigatoni (added $8 for meatballs) and it only came with two meatballs sadly. Meatballs were meh nothing special and a bit too firm for me, but the vodka sauce was unlike anything I've ever had. It was so creamy yet a bit tangy yet had just a nice hint of red pepper as well? Idk how to describe but I loveddd it! Such great sauce to pasta ratio too. Also tried the linguini and clam sauce (white sauce) and risked my life because I didn't realize I was also allergic to clams and started having trouble breathing lol. But a very generous amount of clam, and the sauce is genuinely so light and refreshing. Which is RARE!!! The bill also comes with a chocolate covered cherry dipped in whipped cream - what a pleasant surprise!! This place just had the best vibes!! But I'd recommend calling to make a resy - the space itself is quite small and homey.
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Daniel S.

Yelp
Cool old school Italian restaurant located on the stretch of Oakley with a few other similar restaurants. We went on Father's Day and they had the street blocked off with extra tables out on the street which is where we sat. All the classic Italian dishes are available, I just did the meat tortellini. Nothing crazy but simple and got the job done. The owner would walk around and talk with people, he was very friendly. They still had plenty of seating inside, it was just a busy holiday. Worth going to if you're looking for that old school vibe. Parking is hard on that street, but they offer valet, that's pretty much your best option.
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Melanie B.

Yelp
Okay I tried this place before a couple of years ago and wasn't impressed. Now that I've moved closer, I'm eating my words. The food is here amazing and I've only had take out. They make, in my opinion, thee best fettuccine Alfredo I've ever had. I would order it more but they cut off delivery during peak hours, but it is in normal rotation for me. The chicken à la tippi is great too and I've ordered that a ton. I will say I've had the shrimp agnes a couple of times and I'm not a fan of it for the price point, but it still doesn't take away from the quality of the food. One day, I'll make my way in to try everything in-person, but it this is an excellent food spot.
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Nancy P.

Yelp
This is hands down my favorite restaurant!!! They bring a roasted garlic and bread to the table to start off and it is so amazing. We ordered the fried calamari as an appetizer and it did not disappoint. I had the chicken a la tippi and it was better than I expected! The vodka rigatoni was so flavorful. The portion sizes are great and the chicken was so good. I will definitely be back. Our server was very attentive, always coming by to check on us. My favorite is the chocolate covered cherry you get at the end of your dinner.
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Oscar C.

Yelp
Such a friendly environment. We went on a Wednesday because it was my sister's birthday around 6 PM and it was packed inside and a lot of people were sitting outside. Our reservation was at six and we arrived at 5:15 because we were very hungry. They accommodated us and gave us free desserts for being my sister's birthday. We were very pleased and I will definitely be back. Everything was made up with so much love and care. Thanks for helping us celebrate my sister's birthday.

Mark D.

Yelp
The food (shrimp and pasta) was just good, but the service was wonderful! The servers, the host, and even the bartender were all so enthusiastic and warm. I will be going back for the service. I have to try something new.
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Cynthia N.

Yelp
We went to Ignotz's for dinner a few months ago. It's a cute restaurant, kind of a homey feel and there are a lot of tables in a small space. The owner even came out to say hi. We had the pork chop, gnocchi, and ravioli. The pork chop was huge, very thick... and extremely dry. The accompanying sauce was good, but it was still really hard to eat. The gnocchi was good, but the inside was ice cold when it came out. We had to send it back, they warmed it up and it was fine. The meat ravioli was our favorite dish and the tiramisu was good - admittedly better than some other restaurants on that block. Overall, it was a fine experience but we probably won't come back.
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L G.

Yelp
Went there for an early birthday dinner with my husband and a friend last Sunday. Greeting by an older gentleman and host staff was super sweet and took us to our table right away (we had reservations). Hubby had lamb friend had pork I had linguini in white clam sauce. All was delicious! The gentleman arranged a birthday ice cream and song (I know they do it for all) but the way the gentleman presented it felt personal and sweet :D I went outside after with my cappuccino while the guys finished the wine and I have to say it was peaceful and a perfect end to a great evening ;D
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Ken F.

Yelp
Amazing ambiance, fantastic food, and attentive service with the owner there in person. Vodkka rigatoni, chicken parmigiana, veal scallopini - all were amazing
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Kristi P.

Yelp
Charming neighborhood atmosphere. I felt like I was going home to see the grandparents. Cozy indoor/outdoor dining. Food delicious. The chocolate covered cherries in whip cream will curl your toes! Can't wait to go back n try another restaurant on the block!
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Jazz S.

Yelp
Absolutely a hidden gem and now one of my favorite Italian spots in the city! This place nails the Italian and Chicago classic ambience and everyone (including the owner) was very friendly. Service was slow-paced but there were special touches like complimentary bread with roasted garlic and chocolate cherries for dessert. The food portion sizes were large and we will have leftovers for days. Tiramisu was one of the best I've ever had. I like that the place is not pretentious and although prices are a little high there is a lot of value. Highly recommend for a night out (but make sure you have a lot of time)!
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Leo P.

Yelp
Lasagna... Yes, it is amazing. The service is also amazing. It is Old School Chicago. The staff is friendly and it has that feel of old school Chicago family restaurant.
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Denrba J.

Yelp
Ordered the spaghetti with meatballs and it totally hit the spot. The sauce tasted homemade, rich with tomato flavor and just a hint of herbs. The meatballs were big and flavorful, not dry at all. It came with garlic bread, which was a nice surprise. Service was friendly and they brought everything out pretty quickly. The place had a warm, relaxed vibe. Great comfort food.
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Terry C.

Yelp
I had the linguine and clam sauce with the red sauce and it was a wonderful meal to have in a very nice night outside for some friend's birthday . Also, The buttered roasted garlic that comes with the bread was from phenomenal.

Marissa M.

Yelp
I've been going to Ignotz for many years and it is one of my favorite restaurants for many reasons - unbelievable food, fantastic service, lovely ambiance (indoor and outdoor) and the owners are the sweetest people ever! I've taken many people here and they've all loved it and gone back since. Can't wait to go back soon!

John K.

Yelp
Hands-down, one of the worst pizzas I've ever had. I knew I didn't love the pizza here, because I had never been back since first trying it a couple years ago. But I was right around the corner for something else and wanted pizza and all the super high reviews started playing tricks on my memory. To be fair, I couldn't remember why I hadn't loved it and I thought maybe I liked it or maybe last time was a fluke and it's actually as good as many of the reviews seem to suggest. As soon as he handed me the pizza, I remembered one thing I hadn't liked about it:the toppings are way too much for the crust. He handed me the pizza and it felt like he was handing me. A dumbbell at the gym. No way for me to know, of course but I'm guessing this pizza weighs about four times what a pizza from Vito and Nick's or flo and Santos would weigh. Then as soon as I bid into the first slice, I remembered the other reasons why I don't like this pizza: way way, way too much sauce and since I don't love the flavor of the sauce, that's even more annoying, and too much cheese, something I don't think I've ever said Before about any other pizza. I got half pepperoni and half sausage; I vastly prefer pepperoni, but every once in a while when someone claims, for example, to be "known" for their sausage, I'll do half-and-half. I definitely do not like their sausage, but since the pepperoni is nothing to write home about it, didn't really matter today. I may forget in another two or three years why I hate this pizza, but this time hopefully I will remember to look for my own review rather than falling. Pray to all the others on here. Admittedly, most people seem to love this place, so don't take my word for it; go give it a shot. But if you want my advice, order the pasta. I haven't tried it, but it's got to be better than the pizza.

Lorena P.

Yelp
IGNOTZ'S is a great place to go for dinner or lunch. The food is absolutely delicious. We had the white fish vesuvio and the pork chop vesuvio and the two of them were incredible. Nick our server was very attentive and joyful without being overwhelming, make sure to ask for him when you go, he'll give you great recommendations. Also the owner came to greet us wich I think is a nice gesture, something that you don't see anymore. To finish we ordered the tiramisu with a coffe and it was really good.
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Mona T.

Yelp
Overall Thoughts: The service, hospitality, and personalized attentiveness in this spacious family-owned Italian restaurant are incredible. The owner Roger came out to greet each guest, our server was super sweet, and the whole experience came with complimentary bread and a small dessert. For just the warmth of the service and pleasant experience, I'd be down to come back. Food-wise, though some things were pretty good, there were overall more misses than hits. I'm more than willing to give other dishes on the menu a try though, as they look promising. The prices are reasonable, especially for the large, filling portion sizes. For a Friday night, there were a good amount of people, but there were still many empty tables in the restaurant. Food I tried: - Fried Calamari (3/5): Wasn't a huge fan of this one. The calamari didn't taste very fresh, and they were soggy. - 3 Topping Pizza with spinach, mushrooms, and sausage (4.1/5): Overall solid thin crust pizza, though I felt it was a little lacking in flavor. - Rope Pasta Special (4.2/5): This dish was one of the specials of the day-- it was a bit overcooked / mushy and I wish the flavors popped out more (it was mostly just salty). The sausage and chicken were cooked really nicely and flavorfully though. Overall, it was not bad, but I would want to try a different (perhaps more sauce/cream-based) pasta dish next time. - Clam Chowder Soup (4.9/5): This was the soup of the day that came with our pasta order. The small bowl was delicious-- rich, creamy, and full of flavor. Definitely a highlight. - Free bread service and frozen cherry treat (5/5): Always love to see complimentary bread and dessert. The bread was pretty fresh and tasty, and I especially enjoyed the full garlic head spread that came with it. The chocolate covered frozen cherry was a nice simple closing touch. -- Price (relative to peers): 4.3/5 Food: 4.1/5 Ambience: 4.8/5 Service: 5/5 Overall Value: 4.3/5
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Frank M.

Yelp
When you enter ignotz Ristorante you feel like you're being transported back in time to a better place. The Wrobleski family have created a welcoming environment perfect for family dining. The food is great! First we had while ordering our wine some bread and roasted garlic. Soft and warm to be spread on warm bread it's amazing! The menu is extensive. I had a special being offered that night. Sausage, chicken, pasta and tomatoes, covered in ricotta! The taste was beyond great! We also had gnocchi perfectly cooked! The sauce was prepared perfectly! For desert with coffee we had tiramisu! Light, flavorful! All in all we had one of our best meals as a family! Roger and Joan ( owners who make you feel like family) have created a place where great food is served and a great night is had! Five stars !
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Tommy M.

Yelp
If you're looking for some of the best Italian food in Chicago, Ignotz's is the place to be! From the moment you walk in, you can feel the warm, old-school vibe that makes you want to settle in and stay a while. The food? Absolutely amazing. Their pasta dishes are perfectly cooked, full of flavor, and taste like they're straight out of a kitchen in Italy. On top of that, the portions are super generous, so you'll definitely be taking some home (or eating yourself into a glorious food coma). The service is friendly and laid-back, making you feel like a regular even if it's your first time. If you're a fan of great Italian comfort food in a cozy, setting, Ignotz's won't disappoint. Can't wait to go back!
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Elvira G.

Yelp
We sat in the best seat in the house OH! fogett about it !! Classic all the way , in my old school neighborhood even better , safe clean environment , lasagna to drool over , old fashioned hit the spot , service was fantastic, professional with a warm welcoming ! Thank you for a great experience , we will be back .

Liz S.

Yelp
Arancini was huge and cold for the appetizer. The other restaurants with outpost seating had citronella candles for the mosquitos and that would have helped. Some patrons were offered a salad or soup with their entrees yet we were not. The meat ravioli tasted reheated and the vodka sauce was overwhelming. More sauce doesn't always mean better. The bread basket was very stale, has if it had been sitting out for a bit. Zero refills on water, I was never asked if I wanted another refill on my soda or if I wanted a coffee or dessert. Sadly, this will be my last visit here. Owner is very friendly but unfortunately, the food is terrible.
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Mr-ALEX-LitreBeer C.

Yelp
Food is excellent large portions and if you sit at the bar the patrons are so friendly but Karen the bartender is the best I can't wait to go back and shoot the $#!+ With her again
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Norman M.

Yelp
I arrived at 11:40 am. I had the ravioli with meat sauce and an extra meat ball. The food was excellent. A Coke too. My only issue was the bread. It tasted like yesterday's bread. It was flat and not fresh. I know quality cuisine and the bread was off.

Eugenia M.

Yelp
Just what we were looking for. Neighborhood authentic Italian. Excellent food, service and drinks. Everything is fresh, not too over seasoned and served piping hot.
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Adam B.

Yelp
Very good food and pleasant service. The atmosphere was cozy, and most dishes were flavorful. One appetizer missed the mark, but overall, a strong option I'd visit again.
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Chadd T.

Yelp
This restaurant is a hidden gem in Chicago. While chatting with my wife and friends for a pasta place within a 3 mile radius, one of our friends recommended because of the variety of options. Not only were we impressed but the owner greeted us multiple times to make sure we enjoyed our options since this was our first time visiting. Ordering 3 different dishes to share, I've never been more impressed. This deserves a monthly visit.
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Michael B.

Yelp
Basically, Ignotz way too good to share on Yelp, but, it's the holiday season and I'm feeling charitable and benevolent to my fellow humans so here you go... I grew up in an Italian working class neighborhood in New York (Queens) and grew up eating authentic family style Italian food both at home, at my many relatives homes (and they all could cook!) and in the hood. I've been living in Chicago for 24 years and have yet to find a better, more authentic, perfectly prepared traditional Italian place than here. Everything, and I mean everything, is perfectly prepared in a family style traditional manner. The ingredients used are as authentic as they come. The venue is a charming home with a fireplace in a charming neighborhood. The staff are terrific, friendly, efficient and professional. The owner is often there and makes his way around the restaurant welcoming guests. Best-of-the-best! Can't wait to go back!
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Melanie R.

Yelp
It was my first time at this restaurant and I will be going back time and time again! The staff were very friendly. The restaurant is small but definitely gives cozy vibes which makes it more intimate. The food was excellent and the fettuccine Alfredo is a must for me!
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Elizabeth X.

Yelp
We are from California and this is a hidden gem. The food was excellent and the servers were friendly and attentive. The portions are very good and you don't leave there hungry. The owner greets everyone who walks in the door.
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Robert K.

Yelp
From the moment we valeted our car, to moment we left. Our experience was fabulous! The host greeted and treated us as if we were regulars. Our waitress, Pat, went above and beyond providing exceptional service and making our dinner a night to remember. The drinks were expertly crafted by Sasha which got us started. The appetizer came out promptly and the entrees were delicious! We throughly enjoyed our dinner at Ignotz's and will be back soon!
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Patrick S.

Yelp
The food is subpar at best. We were also denied service at the end of our meal because the manager thought we had too much to drink and were asked to leave. We had been there for almost four hours, the only people in that restaurant the entire time, and had three drinks each. All four of us are professionals and were completely offended. Our office went there regularly but we have now spread the word and will no longer be visiting this establishment. There are too many eateries in this awesome city to go back to a place that offends their guests.
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Meg G.

Yelp
It was a wonderful experience. It was wonderful food. The waiter was awesome and personable. I could not express how great my experience was. It is a must to come down here. The ambience is so cozy and so warm and inviting.
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L C.

Yelp
Wonderful experience. Great food. Interesting place. Super nice people. Chocolate cherries & cream for dessert!
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Alexander W.

Yelp
For our last family vacation day, in Chicago, my spouse picked this place for lunch. It is located in a small neighborhood, in basically "restaurant row" (6 or 7 eateries here on the same block). We had a cheese pizza, chicken parm, and eggplant parm. Everything was great! The parms were perfectly cooked, with a generous amount of cheese as well. The pizza, a thin crust type and cut in squares, the kids loved. It was just "ok" to us adults. The owner was there, came over, and talked a bit. H8ghly recommend!!!
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Lamont E.

Yelp
Amazing place from start to finish. Once we arrived, it immediately felt like home. The staff was very friendly. Amazing service, even better food. Very nice homecooked Italian meal. The chicken and shrimp with pasta was great. My lady had chicken Parmesan, everything was great. 10 out of 10.
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Sydney M.

Yelp
This place was by far the best italian I've ever had! I saw this place on Yelp and saw the stuffed gnocchi and I really wanted to try it. When we got there, we were served with bread and roasted garlic which was delicious. These stuffed gnocchis were huge and are amazing. The servers were super friendly as well. Definitely recommend this place!
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Tiffany K.

Yelp
They give you bread and a roasted head of garlic in olive oil in a little bowl. WHO DOES THAT??? WHO IS DOING IT LIKE IGNOTZ??? NO ONE, I TELL YOU. you tired of those silly trendy hip Italian spots and ready for a REAL family Italian spot? Come to ignotz's ristorante, a place rightfully crowded on an early Sunday evening with families and couples and friends. They have a lovely indoor space and outdoor patio and they were popping even though we got there at 430! The owner himself greeted us and checked in on all the tables! He apologized for the wait on the food as the kitchen was slammed but honestly it did not take long at all for us to get our food. The portions are generous and sharable so expect that two dishes could easily feed 3 if not 4 people depending on the dish!

Michael B.

Yelp
Food was awesome! Service was amazing Ambiance was great Owner introduced himself and his wife.
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Jesus G.

Yelp
If you're looking for a good pizza and beer what a better placer than this. Food was great
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Adrian M.

Yelp
This is one of my favorite Italian restaurants in Chicago. Very homie feel as soon as you walk in. Feels like I'm in the dining room having family dinner. The service is great. Waiters always give great recommendations and are able to break down everything on the menu. My absolute favorite dish on the menu is the lasagna. I normally order something completely different from my husband so that I can try his food as well, but we both have to get the lasagna. It's saucy, cheesy, robust, and a great portion size. You can't go wrong with this dish! Street parking is available and I never have issues finding a spot.

Luke H.

Yelp
If I could give this place 6 stars, I would. From the kind welcome, to the fantastic food, Ignotz's went above and beyond.
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Licet R.

Yelp
Great atmosphere, server was very attentive and our food was fantastic! I highly recommend. The only down side is parking so be sure to get there a bit early so you can find a spot but other than that the restaurant was wonderful
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Mary M.

Yelp
Fabulous food, great drinks, and possibly the nicest owner and staff I have ever encountered! Roger and his team are the best! Even if it is your first time there, Roger makes you feel like a regular! If you have never had stuffed gnocchi before, or even if you have, this is a must at Ignotz! The most tender and light gnocchi ever, filled like little pillows of ricotta! Regulars like lasagna and chicken parm are fabulous as well!! Don't be nervous when you arrive, the entrance is down a narrow alley to the side of the building!
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Al K.

Yelp
Awesome food and service. Loved everything about it. Fresh bread with baked garlic, great dinner salad, I had the steak Isabella and loved every bite. My wife had the chicken a la tippi.